Egypt’s apparent coup would be first of 2013, as takeovers become less common worldwide
Wednesday’s apparent coup in Egypt, which seems to have ousted President Mohamed Morsi, would be the first of 2013. It is also a reminder that coups are less common methods of regime change than they used to be. According to the Vienna, Va.-based Center for Systemic Peace, which maintains extensive databases on various forms of armed […]
As it turns 6, a look at who uses the iPhone (no, not ’everybody’)
As Apple’s iPhone celebrates its sixth(!) birthday today, the pioneering smartphone has carved out a solid market position, and a demographically distinctive user base, within the ever-expanding world of smartphones (which, according to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, more than half of Americans now own). The iPhone is, along with Google’s Android, […]
Chart of the Week: Supreme Court justices — who agrees with whom?
It’s one thing to talk about voting blocs on the Supreme Court — four conservative justices, four moderate-to-liberal ones and Anthony Kennedy in between, swinging back and forth like a pendulum. It’s another to see the actual voting patterns at work.
Most Americans agree on immigration-reform approach, but differ on timing
Three-quarters of Americans believe any legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for legal status also should provide for increased border security.
How many same-sex marriages in the U.S.? At least 71,165, probably more
Today, the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act’s key section, which prohibited federal recognition of same-sex marriages and denied same-sex couples who were married under state law a panoply of federal benefits — from favorable tax treatment to the ability to be buried together in veterans’ cemeteries — that are available to […]
Supreme Court’s DOMA ruling comes as majority now supports same-sex marriage
Email Sign Up Receive our weekly newsletter featuring new analysis on politics, social trends, religion, the media and more. Sign Up Now The Supreme Court today struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), saying in a 5-4 ruling that the federal government can’t disparage marriages recognized by the states. The Court also declined […]
In closely watched case, Supreme Court strikes down key section of Voting Rights Act
The Supreme Court today voided a key provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, meaning several states and local jurisdictions no longer have to get federal approval for changes to their voting laws and procedures. The 5-4 opinion, written by Chief Justice Roberts, didn’t strike down the “preclearance” provision of the law itself, but rather the decades-old […]
As Supreme Court defers affirmative action ruling, deep divides persist
While Americans overwhelmingly agree that society should ensure equal opportunities for all, the divide over affirmative action programs remains as wide as ever.
Ahead of same-sex marriage decisions, what you need to know
The Supreme Court is expected to rule imminently on two laws seeking to block same-sex marriage — the federal Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8. Here’s a summary of major findings related to the issue.
Young Americans and privacy: ’It’s complicated’
Despite their “share everything” image, privacy still matters for young American adults. But they distinguish between information they voluntarily share on social-networking sites and systematic monitoring by government agencies of telephone and internet traffic. In response to revelations last week that the NSA is conducting such surveillance of Americans, government officials told Congress this week that […]
