The Backstory: America is divided, causing anxiety and gridlock. How USA TODAY will help.

I'm USA TODAY editor-in-chief Nicole Carroll and this is The Backstory, insights into our biggest stories of the week. If you'd like to get The Backstory in your inbox every week, subscribe here.

America is divided. And Americans are placing blame:

►On national politicians, who promote destructive public debate for personal gain.

►On social media, which has more to gain than lose from divisiveness.