Through immigration crackdowns and cultural purges, President Trump is wielding government power to enforce a more rigid, exclusionary definition of what it means to be American.
Why it matters: The MAGA movement's obsession with American identity and Western civilization is shaping federal policy far more than in Trump's first term — fueling a reckoning over who belongs and what history should be remembered.
Young adults are pushing back the big milestones Americans have historically associated with growing up — moving out of your parents' house, getting a job, getting married and having kids.
The big picture: In 1975, about half of America's 25– to 34–year–olds had done those things. Fifty years later, less than a quarter have, according to a census working paper out this month.
After years of feeling flush, states are now facing budget shortfalls — and that's before the cuts in the "one big, beautiful bill" kick in.
Why it matters: The blowback will be on everyday Americans. To make up for lost revenue, states can either raise taxes or cut services — on things like public education, healthcare and food assistance.
