Half in U.S. Feel Worse Off Financially Nearly half of U.S. adults, 49%, say their finances are worse than a year ago, a rate that is among the highest in four decades. At the same time, 56% predict improvement in their finances, creating a mixed picture of Americans’ financial mood. Go to USA Gallup

Americans’ Immigration Concerns Linger Nearly two out of three Americans (64%) are dissatisfied with the level of immigration into the country, down slightly from 72% in January 2008. Most of those who are dissatisfied want to see immigration levels decreased. Go to USA Gallup

Federal Government Jobs Disappearing at a Rapid Pace The U.S. federal government workforce appears to be shrinking at the most rapid pace since Gallup began tracking job creation by government sector in August 2008. State and local job creation show more moderate declines, while the private sector shows continued job growth. Go to USA Gallup

Fewer Americans "Thriving" in 2011 Than in 2010 Slightly fewer Americans, on average, were “thriving” in 2011 than in 2010, while more were “suffering.” Encouragingly, their life evaluation ratings improved in the last two months of 2011, as perceptions of standard of living, economic confidence, and unemployment improved. Go to USA Gallup

Conservatives Remain the Largest Ideological Group in U.S. Political ideology in the U.S. held steady in 2011, with 40% of Americans continuing to describe their views as conservative, 35% as moderate, and 21% as liberal. This marks the third straight year that conservatives have outnumbered moderates, making them the largest ideological group. Go to USA [...]

Americans’ Top Worries About the National Economy Gallup Editor-in-Chief Frank Newport discusses Americans’ top concerns about the national economy and explains how Democrats’ and Republicans’ worries differ. Go to USA Gallup

Slightly Fewer Americans Obese in 2011 The percentage of American adults who are obese declined slightly in 2011 to 26.1%, from 26.6% in 2010, but this percentage is still higher than it was in 2008. Blacks, low-income Americans, and those who are middle aged remain the most likely to be obese. Go to USA Gallup