Pessimism About Fiscal Cliff Deal, Republicans Still Get More Blame
With Washington making little apparent progress in efforts to avoid going over the “fiscal cliff,” most Americans are skeptical that the White House and Republicans will reach a deal. A majority would blame Republicans if talks fail.
The Best and Worst of Mobile Phones
Mobile phone owners like the convenience and ease of connectivity the devices offer, but rue that they can be interrupted more easily, have to pay the bills, and face bad connections.
U.S. Birth Rate Falls to a Record Low; Decline Is Greatest Among Immigrants
Even with the decline, foreign-born women, who make up 17% of all women of childbearing age in the United States, continue to account for a disproportionate share of U.S. births, 23% in 2010.
Arab-American Media Bring News to Diverse and Growing Community
Arab-American media face the same challenges as news media generally as they try to serve one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States.
Young Voters Supported Obama Less, But May Have Mattered More
Barack Obama won 60% of the vote among those younger than 30, down from 66% in 2008, but his youth support may have been an even more important factor in his victory this year.
Cell Phones: They’re For More Than Just Making Calls
Fully 85% of American adults own a cell phone, and the devices have become a portal for an ever-growing list of activities. Taking photos and texting top the list.
No Reversal in Decline of Marriage
In 2011, 4.2 million adults were newly married, about the same number as in 2010 and sharply lower than the 4.5 million newlyweds estimated in 2008.
Parents Concerned About Teens’ Online Activities and Privacy
Most parents of teenagers are concerned about what their teenage children do online and how their behavior could be monitored by others.
Positive Media Coverage of Obama Surged During Last Week of Campaign
Much of the surge in positive coverage was tied to Obama’s strategic position, including improving opinion polls and electoral math, rather than directly to positive assessments of his response to Superstorm Sandy.
Religious Makeup of the New Congress
The newly elected, 113th Congress includes the first Buddhist to serve in the Senate, the first Hindu and the first member of Congress to describe her religion as “none,” continuing a gradual increase in religious diversity that mirrors the country as a whole.
