Chart of the Week: The landscape of food assistance
A chart based on American Community Survey data shows how unevenly food stamp recipients are distributed across the country.
Both Sides See Gay Marriage as ‘Inevitable’
As support for gay marriage continues to increase, nearly three-quarters of Americans say that legal recognition of same-sex marriage is inevitable, including majorities on both sides of the issue.
Most Say Disaster Spending Does Not Require Offsetting Cuts
As Oklahoma recovers from last week’s tornado, a majority of Americans (59%) say federal spending in response to natural disasters is emergency aid that does not need to be offset by cuts to other programs, while 29% say it does.
New Background Check Bill Favored, Prospects in Doubt
Nearly three-quarters of Americans say that if the Senate background checks bill is reintroduced, Congress should pass it. But even gun control advocates are pessimistic about the bill’s chances.
Most Say Immigration Policy Needs Overhaul
While 73% say there should be a way for illegal immigrants already in the U.S. who meet certain requirements to stay, fewer than half (44%) favor allowing those here illegally to apply for U.S. citizenship and 25% think permanent legal status is more appropriate.
Public Undecided On New Immigration Bill
Much of the public has yet to form an opinion about the immigration bill and most Americans do not think the bill would have a major impact on the nation’s economy or security. Overall, the debate over immigration policy has drawn little public attention.
Political Blame for Flight Delays Spread Evenly
As Washington sprang into action late last week to end the furlough of federal air-traffic controllers and delays at airports across the country, the public blamed both sides for the situation.
Public Opinion and Marijuana: Shifting Attitudes, Events and Laws
For the first time, more Americans now favor legalizing marijuana than those who oppose it, according to a new Pew Research report. Pew Research explores events that have taken place over the last 40 years and the states’ legal actions on marijuana use.
Majority Now Supports Legalizing Marijuana
For the first time in more than four decades of polling on the issue, a majority of Americans favors legalizing the use of marijuana.
Broad Support for Keystone XL Pipeline
Two-thirds of Americans (66%) favor building the pipeline, which would transport oil from Canada’s oil sands region through the Midwest to refineries in Texas.
