Americans divided on nation's history as 250th anniversary nears
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Americans remain divided over how to interpret and commemorate the nation's history as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches.
AI Summary
Americans are sharply divided over how to interpret and remember the nation's history as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches. PBS NewsHour's Judy Woodruff examines these fault lines in her "America at a Crossroads" series, exploring competing narratives about the country's founding and legacy. The disagreement reflects broader cultural tensions over whose version of American history should be taught, commemorated, and passed down to future generations. These divisions have intensified in recent years amid debates over education curricula, monument removals, and how institutions reckon with slavery and systemic racism. The upcoming milestone anniversary is sharpening focus on how Americans define their national identity and shared purpose.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
Government TransparencyKash Patel admits under oath FBI is buying location data on Americans
<p>Admission came during questioning at Senate intelligence committee worldwide threats hearing</p><p>The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/fbi">Federal Bureau of Investigation</a> has started buying location data on Americans, FBI director Kash Patel said under oath at the Senate intelligence committee worldwide threats hearing on Wednesday.</p><p>Patel’s admission came in response to a question from the senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat who is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwiUVUJmGjs&t=105s">a longtime opponent</a> of the warrantless surveillance of Americans. Wyden told Patel that his predecessor, Christopher Wray, testified in 2023 that the FBI did not at that time purchase location data derived from internet advertising, although he acknowledged that it had done so in the past.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/18/kash-patel-fbi-location-data">Continue reading...</a>
Politics48% of Americans blame Trump for high gas prices — more than any other factor
<p>Americans are growing increasingly concerned with <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/oil-gasoline-prices-trump-hormuz-russia" target="_blank">rising gas prices</a>, and about half are blaming President Trump, per flash polling conducted Wednesday night by Morning Consult and shared with Axios.</p><p><strong>Why it matters: </strong>The spike in oil prices caused by the war is fast becoming a political liability for the White House — and threatening economic growth in the U.S.</p><hr><p><strong>By the numbers:</strong> 74% of Americans say gas prices have increased this year, per the survey.</p><ul><li>That's up 30 points from six weeks ago, the last time the polling firm surveyed on this question. </li><li>Morning Consult surveyed 1,002 U.S. adults online, and weighted the data to reflect demographics. There's a margin of error of ±3 percentage points.</li></ul><p><strong>Friction point: </strong>When asked who is most responsible for current gas prices, 48% said the presi...
National SecurityNancy Mace says she flew to Middle East to get stranded Americans home
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said Thursday that a recent trip to rescue a South Carolina family who was stranded in the Middle East amid the war with Iran turned into a “full scale evacuation” of hundreds of Americans from the region. Mace, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor in her home state, wrote…
PoliticsThese 2 bills would erase income taxes for millions of Americans
Two Democratic lawmakers are proposing tax reforms that would eliminate federal income taxes for millions of Americans.
FinanceMillions of Americans may be owed a tax refund from COVID. How to get it. - USA Today
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitgFBVV95cUxPYUlndXVWaUhJVVJ5SnZwd1VOTlk3Tk9QeHVrNTBfUjRLOGRfYzRoWU9PLTdGTlFrUmJ6VFByT19PMV9HMkFTMWdtNzA0REVhN3R2Unp6OWdJbzVmNXlVdjdnRXpmRUtncWJtZFp4ZlI0eHE1REFQeElmVVNqTFlGY1FBN3ZPeWpQN3AxWE5YOVJIZ05QTUNQaFdfQVdHWFZocmowMko1UjVZMUVjWElRckRVWXdrQQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Millions of Americans may be owed a tax refund from COVID. How to get it.</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">USA Today</font>
PoliticsWATCH LIVE: Trump holds Women's History Month celebration at the White House
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will participate in a Women's History Month event on Thursday.

Cesar Chavez raped girls, fellow labor icon Dolores Huerta, newspaper investigation says - Los Angeles Times
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Race on to establish globally recognised 'AI-free' logo

Biggest wildfire in Nebraska history continues to burn out of control - abcnews.com

TikTok and Meta risked safety to win algorithm arms race, whistleblowers say

Defense official reveals how AI chatbots could be used for targeting decisions

Bank of America reaches proposed, non-binding settlement in Jeffrey Epstein suit


