In 2023, the number of people in the U.S. illegally reached 14 million, according to a report by the Pew Research Center. This represents an increase from the previous year and is the highest number recorded by Pew. The rise was mostly due to people entering legally but losing protections later, as well as an increase in arrivals seeking asylum.
Key Facts
There were 14 million people in the U.S. illegally in 2023, an increase from 11.8 million in 2022.
This number is the highest recorded by the Pew Research Center since it began tracking in 1990.
Most of the increase came from countries other than Mexico, with major numbers from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and India.
The overall U.S. immigrant population reached a high of over 53 million in January 2025, making up 15.8% of the U.S. population.
President Joe Biden restricted asylum in June 2024, slowing the rate of increase.
Former President Donald Trump ended several policies that offered temporary protections for immigrants.
States with the largest populations of people in the country illegally included California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois.
Some states had fewer people in the country illegally in 2023 than in the previous peak year of 2007.
Hurricane Erin has led to dangerous surf conditions along the US East Coast, especially near North Carolina's Outer Banks. Although Erin is not expected to hit land directly, it has caused rip currents and high waves. The storm has strong winds reaching 105 mph.
Key Facts
Hurricane Erin is affecting the East Coast of the US.
The hurricane has brought dangerous rip currents to coastal areas.
It has not made landfall.
North Carolina's Outer Banks are particularly affected.
The hurricane has wind speeds of about 105 mph.
The National Hurricane Center describes Erin as a "large and growing hurricane."
The U.S. Justice Department issued subpoenas to doctors and clinics providing care to transgender youths, asking for details about individual patients. The administration of President Trump increased efforts to limit medical treatments for transgender minors. This action is part of broader political and legal battles over gender-affirming care in the United States.
Key Facts
The Justice Department sent over 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics.
Requested information included names and social security numbers of patients receiving treatments.
The subpoenas were part of investigations into healthcare fraud and other issues.
The actions have made it harder for some patients to get gender-affirming care.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was one of the subpoenaed facilities.
Gender-affirming care involves support services for a person's gender identity.
Since 2021, 27 U.S. states have laws limiting care for transgender minors.
Trump's administration has taken steps to define sex as unchangeable and limit federal funding for transgender care.
A Pew Research Center study found that the number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. rose to 14 million in 2023, the highest ever recorded. This increase continues amid changing immigration policies and global factors driving migration.
Key Facts
The number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. reached 14 million in 2023, according to Pew Research.
From 2021 to 2023, unauthorized immigrants from countries other than Mexico increased from 6.4 million to 9.7 million.
Over 12 million unauthorized immigrants either entered illegally or overstayed a visa in 2023.
Approximately 2 million immigrants entered legally but awaited court decisions on staying in the U.S.
The rise in migration happened after President Biden changed some of Trump's immigration restrictions.
82,000 migrants traveled through the Darién Gap from Colombia to Panama in August 2023.
Economic problems and violence in various regions, along with U.S. policy perceptions, contributed to the migration rise.
Around 6 million immigrants had some form of deportation protection in 2023, up from 2.7 million in 2021.
A Colorado county official, Tina Peters, was sentenced to nine years in prison for a scheme related to election data. Former President Donald Trump has spoken out in her defense, calling for her release and threatening unspecified "harsh measures" if she remains in jail.
Key Facts
Tina Peters received a nine-year prison sentence for an election data-breach scheme.
The accusations stem from false claims about voting machine fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
Donald Trump described Peters as "a brave and innocent Patriot" and demanded her release.
Trump threatened to take "harsh measures" if Peters is not freed.
Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, wants Peters moved to federal custody.
Peters was convicted of allowing unauthorized access to Mesa County's election system.
The unauthorized access involved someone linked to Mike Lindell, a supporter of claims that voting machines were tampered with during the 2020 election.
California Democrats are working on a new congressional map to create more seats for their party. This move comes in response to Texas Republicans making changes to favor conservative seats. The effort requires approval by California's legislature and voters.
Key Facts
California Democrats aim to create five winnable seats for their party with a new congressional map.
This action responds to Texas's new map, which adds more conservative seats.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is leading this strategy.
The new map needs a two-thirds legislative approval and a voter special election.
California has a voter-approved independent commission that normally manages maps.
Texas Democrats delayed their state's map approval by leaving the state.
Former President Barack Obama supports Newsom's redistricting effort.
The current makeup of districts puts Democrats close to a majority in the US House of Representatives.
A New York appeals court removed a large financial penalty against former President Donald Trump related to a civil fraud case. The court agreed that Trump exaggerated his wealth but found the monetary penalty too harsh, although it upheld a ban on Trump and his sons from holding corporate leadership roles for a few years.
Key Facts
A New York appeals court threw out a large financial penalty against Donald Trump.
The court agreed Trump engaged in fraud by exaggerating his wealth.
Trump is banned from serving in corporate leadership roles for a few years, along with his two eldest sons.
The original penalty was over $500 million, deemed excessive by the appeals court.
Trump's financial penalty stemmed from claims he inflated his wealth in financial statements.
The decision allows Trump to appeal to New York's highest court.
The case brought by New York's Attorney General focused on protecting the marketplace.
The court's ruling was divided, with multiple opinions among the judges.
U.S. President Donald Trump took control of Washington, DC's police force, using federal forces in the city. This move was controversial, especially affecting Black and minority communities. A local activist was arrested but later released, highlighting tensions about policing and civil rights.
Key Facts
President Trump took over the Washington, DC police force with federal help.
Activist Afeni Evans was arrested and then released after protesting this federal control.
The arrest of Evans led to public protests and the charges against her were dropped.
Trump's executive order claimed a rise in violent crime justified federal intervention.
Despite this claim, reports showed DC's violent crime rate had actually decreased.
Trump's actions particularly affected Black, Brown, and Queer residents of DC.
DC has a history of home rule, which usually keeps federal control limited.
The majority population in DC is Black, with over 90% voting against Trump in the 2024 election.
Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted of killing their parents in 1989, are up for separate parole hearings in California. They were originally sentenced to life without parole, but a recent court decision made them eligible for parole because they were under 26 at the time of their crimes. The hearings will determine if they can be released after nearly 30 years in prison.
Key Facts
Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of first-degree murder in 1995 for killing their parents in 1989.
They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996.
A judge reduced their sentences in May, making them eligible for parole based on their ages during the crime.
Parole hearings for the brothers will begin on a Thursday in California.
The hearings will be conducted via videoconference from a prison in San Diego.
The Menendez brothers' case has remained in the public eye, featuring in true crime shows and documentaries.
During their time in prison, the brothers continued their education and engaged in self-help and rehabilitation activities.
Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich expresses regret for not fighting harder during his time in office from 1993 to 1997 under President Clinton. In his new memoir, Reich apologizes on behalf of the Baby Boom generation for not creating a fairer society.
Key Facts
Robert Reich served as Labor Secretary from 1993 to 1997.
He worked under President Bill Clinton.
Reich has written a memoir titled "Coming Up Short."
In the memoir, Reich apologizes for the Baby Boom generation.
He believes they did not succeed in making society more just.
James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, passed away at the age of 89. A well-known conservative Christian leader, Dobson was influential in promoting traditional family values and played a significant role in shaping evangelical parenting through his books and radio show.
Key Facts
James Dobson founded Focus on the Family in 1977.
He also helped start the Family Research Council in the early 1980s.
Dobson was a prominent figure in conservative Christian circles, advocating for traditional family values.
He wrote many books and hosted a radio show about parenting and family issues.
Focus on the Family opposes abortion rights, the teaching of evolution in schools, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Dobson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1936.
He is survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren.
Some conservative Christians argue that empathy can be harmful when it supports actions or beliefs they consider sins, like abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights. Authors like Allie Beth Stuckey and Joe Rigney have written books arguing against certain forms of empathy from a Christian perspective. This idea has gained attention, especially among supporters of Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Some conservative Christians see empathy as potentially harmful when it backs actions they view as sinful.
Allie Beth Stuckey and Joe Rigney have both published books supporting this view.
The argument gained popularity during Donald Trump's presidency when empathy was seen as missing from certain policies.
Joe Rigney criticizes "untethered empathy," which he believes isn't connected to conservative biblical interpretations.
Historian Susan Lanzoni notes that empathy has historically been seen as positive but is now more criticized.
The idea of prioritizing family over the wider world is also discussed in religious terms by people like Vice President JD Vance.
Empathy, as a term, first appeared in English in 1908, derived from a German word.
The debate includes whether empathy is a core teaching of Jesus, as it involves caring for others.
An appeals court in New York has dismissed a large civil fraud penalty against Donald Trump related to accusations of inflating his wealth. The court found that the $515 million penalty was excessive and violated the Eighth Amendment, which deals with excessive fines. The decision leaves room for further appeals.
Key Facts
An appeals court in New York removed a civil fraud penalty against Donald Trump originally set at $515 million.
The penalty was based on claims that Trump exaggerated his wealth in financial documents sent to lenders and insurers.
The court found the penalty to be excessive and a violation of the Eighth Amendment, which protects against excessive fines.
The penalty also included restrictions on Trump and his sons from holding corporate leadership roles.
These restrictions were paused during the appeal process, and Trump posted a $175 million bond to temporarily halt payment.
New York Attorney General Letitia James initially brought the lawsuit, claiming Trump engaged in fraud.
Trump has denied the allegations, arguing that disclaimers on financial statements noted they were not audited and that lenders independently assessed the information.
The appeals court's decision allows for potential further appeals to the state's highest court.
Dr. James Dobson, a child psychologist known for founding the conservative Christian organization Focus on the Family, died at age 89. He was influential in American politics, particularly for his conservative views on family and social issues, and he continued to be active in media and advisory roles until his death.
Key Facts
James Dobson founded Focus on the Family in 1977.
At its peak, Focus on the Family had more than 1,000 employees.
Dobson was known for his stance against abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
He served on Donald Trump's Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.
Dobson interviewed President Ronald Reagan and discussed family issues.
His radio show, Family Talk, reached over half a million listeners weekly.
Dobson was involved in a controversial interview with serial killer Ted Bundy in 1989.
He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Texas and California are both working on changing their congressional maps. Texas aims to add more seats that favor Republicans, while California is trying to counter this move by creating more seats for Democrats. The process in each state involves legislative approval and, in California's case, voter approval due to an independent commission.
Key Facts
Texas plans to add up to five new seats in Congress that favor Republicans.
Texas Republicans passed a new district map in the state House with an 88-52 vote.
California is planning a new map to create more Democrat-leaning seats.
California requires a two-thirds vote in the state legislature and a special election for voter approval.
Former President Donald Trump has influenced several states to pursue redistricting that could benefit Republicans.
Former President Barack Obama supported California's efforts to counter the Texas map.
Texas Democrats delayed the map approval by 15 days through a protest action.
The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed drawing district lines for partisan purposes.
Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, are attending parole hearings this week. They became eligible for parole due to California's law for youth offenders. The final decision on their release will involve California's Governor, Gavin Newsom.
Key Facts
The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 for killing their parents in 1989.
They were sentenced to life in prison without parole initially.
Their sentences were reduced in May, allowing them to be eligible for parole.
Erik's parole hearing is on Thursday; Lyle's is on Friday.
Their lawyer presented new evidence supporting their claims of abuse by their father.
The California youthful offender law applies because they were under 26 at the time of the crime.
Governor Gavin Newsom will have the final say on their parole if approved by the parole board.
If parole is denied, they will have to wait 3 to 15 years for another hearing.
California plans to pass a new congressional map that favors Democrats, following a similar move by Texas to favor Republicans. Democrats in California need to pass the map with a supermajority and hold a special election for voter approval. This redistricting battle is part of a larger national struggle over congressional control.
Key Facts
California Democrats are set to pass a new congressional map to create five seats favorable to their party.
Texas recently approved a new map to create more seats leaning towards Republicans.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is leading the effort to counter Texas' redistricting.
Democrats in California must use a legislative supermajority to pass the map.
A special election is needed for California voters to approve the new map.
Former President Obama supports Newsom's redistricting efforts in California.
Redistricting control battles are ongoing in various states and could affect the U.S. House control.
Lucy Connolly, a woman from Northampton, was jailed for making a racially charged post online after a stabbing incident in Southport. She was sentenced to 31 months, required to serve 40% of this time in prison, and has now been released on licence.
Key Facts
Lucy Connolly posted a message online following a stabbing in Southport involving three girls.
The post included calls for mass deportation and urged violence towards hotels housing asylum seekers.
Connolly pleaded guilty to stirring racial hatred in September.
She received a 31-month prison sentence in October at Birmingham Crown Court.
She was required to serve 40% of her sentence in prison before being released.
Her husband serves on Northampton Town Council.
Connolly was released from HMP Peterborough.
The case raised issues about free speech and race-related posts online.
A group of Iranian students at the University of Texas at Austin asked the university to oppose President Trump's travel ban on Iran, but the university chose not to make a public statement against it. The students expressed concern about the impact of the ban on their education and the university's values.
Key Facts
Iranian students at the University of Texas at Austin requested the university to oppose Trump's travel ban on Iran.
The students sent a letter to the university's interim president in July 2023.
The university has not made public comments about the travel ban.
In 2023, 81 Iranian students were studying at the University of Texas at Austin.
Trump's travel ban affects citizens from 12 countries, including Iran.
Iranian students reported challenges in obtaining visas due to the ban.
More than 12,300 Iranian students studied in the US during the 2023-2024 academic year.
More than 750 federal health workers criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for spreading misleading information, which they believe has led to harassment and violence against government employees. These employees sent a letter demanding Kennedy stop sharing inaccurate claims and requested a response by September 2. HHS stated that the safety and well-being of employees are a top priority for Kennedy.
Key Facts
Over 750 Health and Human Services (HHS) employees wrote a letter to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Congress.
They accused Kennedy of spreading misinformation that contributed to violence against government employees.
Kennedy has criticized the CDC, calling it corrupt and questioning vaccine safety.
Kennedy toured the CDC's Atlanta headquarters after a shooting incident on August 8 where a police officer was killed.
HHS said ensuring CDC employees' safety is a priority, and they dissociated themselves from linking public health reforms with the shooting.
Kennedy previously initiated workforce cuts at HHS, which have faced legal challenges.
Medical groups outside the federal government also oppose Kennedy's policies.
