Many Black and Asian Americans say they have experienced discrimination amid the COVID-19 outbreak

About four-in-ten Black and Asian adults say people have acted as if they were uncomfortable around them because of their race or ethnicity since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. Similar shares say they worry that other people might be suspicious of them if they wear a mask when out in public.

• Polling methods are changing, but reporting the views of Asian Americans remains a challenge
• See all of our research about race and ethnicity

Public’s mood turns grim; Trump trails Biden on most personal traits, major issues

The share of Americans who say they are satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S. has plummeted by 19 percentage points since April to just 12% today, and feelings of anger and fear are widespread. Donald Trump continues to engender strong loyalty and intense opposition. He trails Joe Biden on a variety of personal traits and in public confidence in his handling of most major issues.

• White evangelical approval of Trump slips, but eight-in-ten say they would vote for him
• Trump voters far more likely to see their vote as ‘for’ their candidate
• Majority of Americans say Trump has a responsibility to release his tax returns
• Black, Hispanic adults have grown more optimistic about life for future generations

Three months in, many Americans see exaggeration, conspiracy theories and partisanship in COVID-19 news

When it comes to getting the facts right about the COVID-19 outbreak, Americans give public health organizations the highest rating and Donald Trump and his administration the lowest of the five key information sources we asked about. Republicans and Democrats disagree sharply on how often sources for news and information get the facts about the outbreak rightright, and Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say it is now harder to tell what is true about COVID-19.

• Increasing shares of Americans, led by Republicans, believe the outbreak has been overblown
• Many say COVID-19 news is becoming more political
• Most Americans have heard of the conspiracy theory that the COVID-19 outbreak was planned, and about one-third of those aware of it say it might be true
• See all of our coronavirus research

Experts predict more digital innovation by 2030 aimed at enhancing democracy

We canvassed nearly 700 technology experts on their views about the likely changes and reforms that might occur in the coming decade. A large share worry that people’s technology use will mostly weaken core aspects of democracy and democratic representation. Yet they also foresee significant social and civic innovation to try to address emerging issues.

Unemployment rate is higher than officially recorded, more so for women and certain other groups

The official U.S. unemployment rate stood at 13% in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But the rate may have been as high as 16%. The extent to which the official rate may understate the actual state of unemployment is greater for women, Asian Americans, immigrants and workers without a bachelor’s degree.

Local news is playing an important role for Americans during COVID-19 outbreak

The COVID-19 outbreak has been a major national news story. But it is also an important local news story. In an April survey, about six-in-ten Americans (61%) said they were following news about the coronavirus outbreak at both the national and local level equally, and 23% said they were paying more attention to news at the local level.

Most Americans say climate change affects their local community, including 70% living near the coast

Sign up for our Election 2020 newsletter

From our research