There are conflicting reports about the state of the middle class in the US, with some outlets suggesting it is growing and becoming wealthier, while others indicate it is shrinking. The definition of middle class and its requirements appear to vary, with some sources discussing the need for a certain income level to be considered part of this group. The relationship between the middle class and the upper middle class is also being examined, with some outlets implying that the upper middle class is expanding, while others focus on the disparities between the wealthy and the rest of the population.