Six weeks into his second term, Americans have mixed feelings about President Trump's rapid-fire approach. While perceptions of the nation's direction have improved since 2023, majorities believe that Trump's deep cuts are causing more harm than good. We'll break down the numbers from our new NPR/PBS/Marist Poll survey.

Next, scent is the strongest trigger of memory, and for many, a single whiff can transport them back in time. Whether it's fresh-cut grass, crayons, or the aroma of bubblegum, we'll explore the science behind "scent-stalgia."

Finally, do The Beatles have the same appeal over 60 years later? Find out in the week's fun fact!

As Black History Month comes to an end, Marist University's Dr. Robyn Rosen joins us to discuss the shifting national conversation on race and politics. With federal rollbacks of DEI programs, corporate moves away from cultural recognition, and evolving public attitudes, what does the future of civil rights look like?

Then, while Americans seem to be increasingly rejecting the idea of toxic masculinity and embracing emotional openness in men, traditional hyper-masculine ideals continue to dominate the political landscape. We explore why these cultural shifts seem to butt heads.

Finally, scientists have long debated it, but would it change the way you act? Plants! Can they feel, and if they did, would you be a nicer owner?

President Trump's first month in office (Act II) has been a whirlwind of executive orders, controversial cabinet picks, and precedent-breaking calls to take over foreign countries. But since the most important issue to voters in 2024 was the economy, the team discusses why new polling suggests many Americans are questioning the administration's priorities.

Then, another Trump action -- calling for all remaining records of the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK be released -- got us thinking about how prevalent conspiracy theories are in America. So, we went back in the archives to see how Americans' beliefs in conspiracy theories have and haven't changed over the decades.

Finally, Trump's call for the US to take Greenland from Denmark is NOT unprecedented. Indeed, it was an idea in post-war America that gained enough traction to have a poll question asked about it!

Obesity and heart disease rates in America increased by almost 200% between 1999 and 2020. While obesity is one of several conditions linked to heart disease, it is the primary driver of this increase. Americans say they think it's a big problem, but far fewer think it's a problem for them personally.

Then, everyone knows that Valentines Day is full of romance... assuming everything goes right! From bad hygiene to dodging the check, what qualities do Americans seek in a partner... and which sends them running?

Finally, do people include their pets in their Valentine's Day plans? Find out in this week's lovable fun fact!

Many Americans feel unprepared when it comes to managing their money. Are schools not teaching enough, or do we all need to be doing a little more?

With Super Bowl Sunday approaching, our latest national poll takes a closer look at sports betting. Mobile betting is booming, but is it a win or a risk for Americans and the world of sports?

We wrap it all up with a fun fact that might sting for some fans. Do people actually watch football games outside of the playoffs and the Super Bowl?

In the 2024 federal elections, candidates spent a staggering $3 billion, but does all that money truly influence voter decisions? We talk with UCLA Law Professor Rick Hasen about the role of campaign cash in politics and examine whether public financing initiatives are making a positive difference.

Then, are we becoming too connected... or not connected enough? We explore the shifting attitudes surrounding global ties, national priorities, and how personal experiences, like travel, shape our views on interconnectedness and America's role on the world stage.

Finally, from cozy kitchens to comfy living rooms, we're uncovering America's favorite spot at home. Where does your go-to space stack up?

President Trump's recent tidal wave of Executive Orders has sparked a lot of debate among some in Washington, but will Americans care about his pardoning the January 6th insurrectionists or trying to end more than a century of birthright citizenship? There's mixed evidence.

Loyalty programs were once hailed as a win-win for businesses and consumers, but now they are facing increasing skepticism. While many people still rely on them for rewards and discounts, younger generations seem less interested in traditional loyalty models.

Finally, Beer Can Appreciation Day brings us back to a 1945 poll that captured a unique moment in American history.

As the Trump administration prepares to take office, Americans are (still) divided on key issues. From Trump's mass deportation plans to his possible pardons of convicted January 6th insurrectionists, we're going deep into the data from our latest poll with NPR and PBS News.

We're also exploring how America's relationship with alcohol is changing. Could Dry January signal a broader trend towards sobriety in America, and what is driving this trend?

And, we dug deep into our time capsule for this week's Fun Fact! What European country did Americans want to visit...in 1937?!?

Recently, The New York Times ran a feature "How Top Pollsters Grade 2024’s Polls" that included Lee's analysis (and a sweet cartoon drawing of the legend himself!) and reached the conclusion, the polls were pretty damn accurate in 2024 despite the fact that most had Kamala Harris winning by a narrow margin. We discuss whether that's just wishful thinking or whether expectations have far outstripped what polls can do in our deeply 50-50 political world.

We follow with a segment discussing our latest poll results on the state of American democracy. We've been asking Americans about this for a few years and, this time Americans are the most hopeful they've been since the January 6th insurrection. And yet, a large majority are still worried.

Finally, should any American make more money than the president? If that question seems odd, perhaps that's because it's from 1939!

So-called May-December romances have been a standard feature in literature and movies...and life...forever. There are plenty of reasons for this but recently data has shown the age gaps narrowing. What's behind the change? Cognitive psychologist Dr. Haley Moss Dillon joins us to help us figure it out.

Before we get to that, though, we always do an end-of-year poll with some fun holiday questions and a bit more serious ones about what Americans are thinking going into the next year.

And our final fun fact for 2024...and the last in our three-month stretch of themed fun facts...brings us the things we DON'T like about the holiday season. Because it's not all sweets, treats, and gifts!