Republicans now are more open to the idea of expanding presidential power

Most Americans continue to say it would be too risky to give U.S. presidents more power, but the share expressing this opinion has declined since last year. Most of the change has been among Republicans – especially conservative Republicans.

Young Americans are less trusting of other people – and key institutions – than their elders

Most U.S. adults under 30 see other people as selfish, exploitative and untrustworthy. They express less confidence than their elders in fellow citizens to act in certain civically minded ways. And they are less confident in key institutions such as the military, police and religious leaders.

Just one-third of U.S. Catholics agree with their church that Eucharist is body, blood of Christ

Transubstantiation – the idea that, during Mass, the bread and wine used for Communion become the body and blood of Jesus Christ – is central to the Catholic faith. Yet just one-third of U.S. Catholics believe in this core tenet.

7 facts about black Americans and the news media

The annual meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists is being held this week amid increased attention to the role of black journalists and black-oriented news media in America. Black adults stand out for their trust in local news organizations and are more likely to feel connected to their main source of news.

• Fact sheet: Black news media

Hispanic women no longer account for the majority of immigrant births in the U.S.

The demographic profile of women who give birth in the United States is changing. This is due in part to shifting immigration patterns, but also to notable changes in birth rates among some groups.

Mail-in DNA test results bring surprises about family history for many users

Many Americans who have used a mail-in DNA testing service from a company such as AncestryDNA or 23andMe did so to learn more about their family’s origins, and a substantial portion of these users say the results surprised them. In fact, 15% of mail-in test users say their results changed the way they think about their own racial or ethnic identity. 

46% of U.S. social media users say they are ‘worn out’ by political posts and discussions

Partisan gap widens in views of the Supreme Court

Democrats and Republicans differ over role and value of scientists in policy debates

People around the world express more support for taking in refugees than immigrants