Current Congress is looking a little more productive – so far
Legislative productivity may be on an upswing, as lawmakers enacted more bills before their August break than either of the two preceding Congresses.
Remembering Katrina: Wide racial divide over government’s response
Ten years ago this weekend, Hurricane Katrina roared ashore on the Gulf Coast, killing more than 1,000 people. From the start, the tragedy had a powerful racial component – images of poor, mostly black New Orleans residents stranded on rooftops and crowded amid fetid conditions in what was then the Louisiana Superdome.
5 facts about Social Security
Social Security has developed into one of the most popular federal programs, though that popularity is tempered by concern over its long-term financial outlook.
5 questions about the contraception mandate
The Obama administration has issued its final regulations governing how the Affordable Care Act’s mandate to provide contraception coverage applies to religiously affiliated nonprofits and businesses. But the announcement has done little to quell the objections of some religious groups. As the debate over the mandate continues, here are five questions and answers about the controversy.
Negative Views of Supreme Court at Record High, Driven by Republican Dissatisfaction
Following major, end-of-term rulings on the Affordable Care Act and same-sex marriage, unfavorable opinions of the Supreme Court have reached a 30-year high.
An Elaboration of AAAS Scientists’ Views
A deeper examination of views about key science topics by members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Some major U.S. religious groups differ from their members on the death penalty
Many large religious groups have taken positions in opposition to the death penalty even though that stance is sometimes at odds with the opinions of their adherents.
Major Gaps Between the Public, Scientists on Key Issues
Despite broadly similar views about the overall place of science in America, there are striking differences between the public and scientists’ views on a host of science-related issues, from whether genetically modified foods are safe to eat to whether the world’s growing population will be a major problem.
How the Supreme Court’s decision for gay marriage could affect religious institutions
Some legal scholars and others are trying to determine how a ruling granting same-sex couples a constitutional right to wed might affect religious institutions.
Same-Sex Marriage, State by State
In June of 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled all state bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry nationwide. This timeline highlights the changes in state policies leading up to that ruling.
