The U.S. Border Patrol released a grand total of zero illegal migrants into the country during the month of May, demonstrating the rapid decline in illegal migration since President Donald Trump returned to office. In what the administration is describing as the “fastest improvement in American border security of all time,” not a single illegal migrant was released into the U.S. in May, according to newly-released data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The figure marks a...

Border Patrol did not release any undocumented migrants in May 2025, a decrease from over 62,000 in May 2024, according to a report from Customs and Border Protection. Border Patrol agents encountered 8,725 illegal migrants attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, marking a 93% decrease from May 2024. Acting Commissioner of CBP Pete Flores stated that this represents the fastest improvement in American border security in history, resulting in significant drops in illegal...

There’s nothing quite like spending a summer night surrounded by a moving constellation of fireflies. Suddenly, those fae realms in stories of old feel like they very well could take shape in front of our eyes. It’s one of Mother Nature's most miraculous gifts for the way that it ignites the inner child in us all. And yet, there have been recent claims that soon, the gentle twinkling of these universally loved insects—also known as lightning bugs for those of us from the South—might soon become a fairy tale in its own right. According to a 2024 study in Science of The Total Environment, firefly populations in North America are declining.There are four major reasons for this (and surprisingly, they all have to do with human interference): @ricoexplains Fireflies — those glowing icons of summer nights — are quietly vanishing. And artificial light might be their biggest threat. This short video explains the real science behind why fireflies are disappearing, and what we can do to help. Sources: – Lewis, S. et al. (2020). A global perspective on firefly extinction threats. BioScience, 70(2), 157–167. – Firefly Conservation & Research. Xerces Society. – International Dark-Sky Association. #fireflies #lightpollution #biodiversity #scienceexplained #shorts #ricoexplains ♬ original sound - ricoexplains Habitat loss: Paved streets and urban environments have replaced much of the moist environments like wetlands, marshes, and damp woodlands where fireflies thrive.Light pollution: This is an even bigger threat than habitat loss, studies have found. While the glow of fireflies delights human audiences, its main function is a mating ritual. However, the exposure to artificial light from streetlights, billboards, etc., disrupts not only the mating cycle, but also the larval stage. Pesticides: Certain commonly used chemicals kill not only fireflies directly, but snails and slugs, which firefly larvae consume. Not to mention they also contaminate their water source. Climate change: Warmer temperatures also disrupt mating cycles and changed precipitation levels further contributes to unstable habitats. Understandably, people are heartbroken to hear this news. Across social media, folks have noted that indeed, they see a lot less of these bioluminescent bugs compared to years prior, and shared their sadness that future generations might not get to experience such natural beauty. @aliyah.noels midsummer fireflies in Appalachia ?️#fireflies #midsummer #solctice #appalachia #appalachianmountains #fairycore #fairy ♬ A Quick One Before the Eternal Worm Devours Appalachia - Lizard in the Spring “I know that losing the bees would be the death of us all, but it would be somehow worse to lose the fireflies. Like killing the last trace of magic in the world.”“This explains a lot. I wondered what happened to them, used to see them all the time when I was a kid…now where I'm at, they're basically non-existent.”“I remember when I was little in the 90s fire flies would be EVERYWHERE at night and now you're lucky to see them at all. I miss that.”“I wondered why I didn’t see fireflies or salamanders as an adult. I had so many excuses and eventually learned it’s our fault they’re all dying. It was magical finding salamanders under logs with my mom and catching lightning bugs in a jar.. kids these days don’t get that. They get tablets.”“Fireflies bring me back to a time with less technology and more peace.”Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. Several also shared how they do their part to help revive firefly populations, particularly by removing toxic pesticides from their yard maintenance. As one person wrote, “a few years ago I stopped treating my yard. Last year I let part of it over grow and I had an abundance of fireflies and dragonflies. It's absolutely beautiful to watch at night.”According to the study, we can also mitigate light pollution by incorporating dark-sky-friendly lights. This of course doesn’t offset the light pollution brought by street lights and other city fixtures (as with most conversation efforts, it takes both individual contribution and systemic change) but regardless, small actions add up. One last helpful note: Ben Pfeiffer, founder of Firefly Conservation and Research and Texas-certified master naturalist shared that “while fireflies are disappearing in many areas, mainly due to habitat loss from residential, commercial, and industrial development. They are doing well in places [where] they are protected.”“We won’t be the last generation to see fireflies,” he affirmed. What is actually threatened, he noted, is the “biodiversity” of previous firefly generations. “What these species get replaced with is the common firefly Photinus pyralis [which] is more of a habitat generalist and can tolerate more habitat types.” Every child should get to experience this. Photo credit: CanvaSo, while we haven’t necessarily seen the last of these magical insects, it is nonetheless a wake up call if we want to continue basking in their glow.

Steve Carell has done it again, this time at Northwestern University. Although he's not officially an alum of the school (he's a Denison University man), he's connected by his kids: one is an alum and another is about to graduate.Introduced by the Dean of the School of Communications, Carell (in full university graduate regalia) takes the stage to give a nine-minute speech, which is truly hilarious and heartwarming in equal measure. He begins by telling everyone that it's an "honor, a privilege and an enormous pain in the a**" to be invited to speak. Steve Carell gives a speech at Northwestern University graduation. www.youtube.com, TLOCK1971 He then shares the topics he considered when writing the speech: "Things like finding the courage to be yourself. Or how do you leave the world a better place? And who the hell is Big X the Plug? Where does he get off dropping out of Dillo Day?" This gets a huge round of applause.Carell goes on to make brilliantly self-deprecating jokes, sprinkling in his trademark depth and kindness. Which also happens to be the topic he lands on: "My topic this morning is kindness. So please shut up and listen." Steve Carell dances as Michael Scott. Giphy Peacock, NBC He speaks for a while, captivating the audience: "Another stumbling block of kindness is the act of holding a grudge. We've all done it and it's an easy trap to fall into. Eighteen years ago, I attended the Academy Awards for the first time. As I walked down the red carpet, I was nervous, anxious and I felt terribly out of place. And then I stepped on the dress of a very famous actress, stopping her in her tracks. She turned around and was so mean to me, that I held a grudge against her for 17 years.And then a year ago, we ran into each other again." He pauses. "And you know what? I was right the first time. She is horrible. So I guess what I'm saying is that 99 percent of cases, grudge holding is completely a waste of time. But the other one percent–it can be extremely satisfying."As funny and uplifting as his words were, what happens next is where the true joy comes in. He asks the crowd to stand and after a few false starts with music, the DJ finally settles on The Ting Tings' "That's Not My Name." Steve begins dancing (complete with adorable "white man's overbite") and students and professors join in. But he actually kicks it up a notch when the Dean of the School of Communications (Dean Patrick Johnson) starts dancing too. They're so in sync, it almost feels choreographed. See on Instagram Carell then bounces down off the stage, waving his hands like he's in a gospel choir and begins high-fiving the extremely excited students in the crowd.To thunderous applause, he then returns to the podium for the rest of his speech, joking, "That was as invigorating as it was disturbing." He tries to earnestly continue speaking, but is understandably out of breath from the rigorous dancing. He is finally able to eke out, "I will forever be connected to Northwestern and to Chicago. My daughter is a Northwestern grad, and my son will graduate next year."Upworthy spoke to Lara Heimann, a proud mom to her Northwestern graduating daughter, Olivia. She was there that morning and tells us about Steve's ties with the school and Chicago, in general. "He did Second City and has ties with Northwestern grads like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert."Surprisingly, she shares, "I don't think the dance was choreographed at all. It looked very spontaneous. He started moving around and then went back to the dean who is the Dean of Communications. He introduced him and said some really funny things, like 'We've been asking him for a long time to give a speech, so this is a long time coming. That's what she said.'" (Of course, that's a little wink to Carell's infamous character from The Office, Michael Scott.) Michael Scott is awkward. Giphy, NBC Carell ends the second part of his speech with his personal words of wisdom. To name a few: "Hold the door for people, regardless of their gender, age or political affiliation. Be wary of those who use ChatGBT for personal emails. Never pick your nose in a car at a stoplight. Someone is watching you and it's grossing them out. Keep in touch with your friends that you've made here. Time goes by quickly. And as evidenced from before…just dance."Finally, he adds, "Remember the little things, like being kind. And that you're not alone. Take care of one another. Remember to laugh when you have the opportunity. And to cry when necessary. And keep in mind, that as badly as you feel about the state of the world, your parents probably feel worse. Use that, take advantage of that. Now is the perfect time to exploit your parents' guilt…they might even let you live in the basement for an extra six months."

Life is full of lessons learned, some of which come through our elders and some that we learn the hard way through our own experiences. The learning never stops, of course, and whether or not we hold onto what we learn depends a lot on how we commit it to our memory. Sayings, adages, quotes, aphorisms—all of these things help us keep what we've learned at the ready, like a toolbox of advice we can pull from as the need arises. Whether they're words of wisdom from famous thinkers or quippy phrases from a beloved grandparent, when we repeat them like a mantra, they can remind us of how to live our best lives on a daily basis. We asked our Upworthy audience "What's the best advice you've received to live a better life?" and over 1,000 responses later, we have a roundup of sage advice that we can all learn from.Here were some of the most popular answers:Communication"Ask these three questions before you speak:Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?""Stop talking and listen, and don’t just pause waiting to speak your turn, actually listen. Two ears, one mouth for a reason.""No is a full sentence!""Be careful what you say as it can never be undone." Money is something a lot of us struggle with.Photo credit: CanvaMoney"'Save your money' from my grandpa! Glad everyday that I learned to be frugal. I still spend money on things I want, but I don't care about having something just because others want it. (New cars, fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, etc!)""Buy lands, build houses, not cars.""This has to do with spending money, My husband was a public accountant, he always told me, if I really, really need it, buy it, if I just want it, think about it. After giving it some thought you don’t want half of what you buy or need it. A very wise man, my husband.""'Never pay retail and always have good insurance.' My mom"Work-life Balance"Don't kill yourself at work, they'll just replace you tomorrow. Advice from a hundred year old patient.""Don’t burn the candle at both ends.""Nobody on their deathbed will ever say, 'I wish I would have spent more time at work.'""Leave the job at the jobsite when you come home. It will still be there tomorrow." Health is wealth, as they say.Photo credit: Canva Health & Wellness"If you don't make time for your wellness, you'll be forced to make time for your illness.""Put down the anger. Carrying it with you doesn’t change anything except your stress levels and general mental load. Anger is fine if that’s what the emotion is in a moment, but take the time to acknowledge the feeling, let it all out and then let it go.""Take good care of yourself while you are young. You may live long enough to wish you had. I took that advice seriously. Im 77 and still going strong.""Get sober and stay sober."Perspective"Anytime something seems like the end of the world ask yourself 'will this even matter a year from now?'""The past is history the future is a mystery and now is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.""Don’t sweat the small stuff- P.S. everything is the small stuff.""People on their deathbeds, 'I wish I would have taken more chances and done the risky stuff, life is short, don't play it safe, have fun. Come sliding into home plate like, 'Wow, whatta ride!'" Relationships can be complicated.Photo credit: CanvaDating and Relationships"Leave the first time a guy says they don’t want you—believe them.""If you’re instantly attracted to a guy - RUN in the opposite direction""As a young adult and dating, my Mom told me to not tell everything about me, leave some mystery.""Also, when your spouse does something that upsets you, ask yourself, 'Am I going to divorce him over this?' It helps put things into perspective, enables you to let little things go, and not make mountains out of molehills."Self-Help"If you want people to stop walking all over you… you first have to learn to get up off the floor….""Don’t rent them space in your head.""Don’t open a can of worms unless you are prepared to eat them!""Nobody cares as much about you as you do. Nobody remembers your awkwardness, your spelling mistakes, your bad hair day, or that piece of spinach in your teeth to the level you think they do." Basic human kindness goes a long way in life.Photo credit: CanvaThe Golden Rule"Treat Others the way you want to be treated!!!""My Mum used to say 'Never judge anybody; you don't know what they are living through.'""My mother always told me …… do one nice thing for someone every day!! ……. I can honestly say I do! Makes it easier that I volunteer in a nursing home !!!""The platinum rule - treat others how THEY would like to be treated rather than how you would like to be treated."Classics"Never take criticism from someone you wouldn't ask for advice.""Everything in moderation, including moderation.""If you think you can, you’re right. If you think you can’t, you’re right.""If you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all.""Don't ask questions that you don't want to know the answer to.""The difference between a stepping stone and a stumbling block is how high you lift your foot.""If you want to keep getting what you’re getting, keep doing what you’re doing."Finds more words of wisdom on Upworthy's Facebook page.

Astrology is the pseudoscientific study of the patterns in the stars and their alleged influence over individuals and history. It has existed as long as humans first gazed into the night sky, and it continues to fascinate people to this day. Currently, it's experiencing a renaissance with younger people after becoming a popular topic on social media.“There’s some indication that cave art shows this idea that animals and things can be imbued with some kind of spirit form that then has an influence on you, and if you appease that spirit form, then you will have a successful hunt. That was taken over by the idea of divination, where you can actually look at things in nature and study them carefully, such as tea-leaf reading,” astronomer Sten Odenwald told Time. An astrological chart and divination dice.via Canva/PhotosEven though humanity’s understanding of the cosmos has made astrology appear rather crude and outdated, some people still swear by the power of Mercury in retrograde or the return of Saturn to determine the course of their lives. A recent YouGov poll found that 27% of Americans, including 37% of those under 30, believe that the position of the stars and planets influences their lives. Although there’s something magical about having one's fate intertwined with the movement of celestial objects, it’s not a very logical way to go through life. In fact, Carl Sagan quickly disproved astrology in a 1980 episode of Cosmos: A Personal Journey. Sagan, the “Showman of Science,” is one of the world's greatest science communicators. At the time, Cosmos was seen by over 500 million people, making it the most-watched show in public television history. - YouTube www.youtube.com Carl Sagan believed that astrology is dangerous.“[Astrology] seems to lend a cosmic significance to the routine of our daily lives. It pretends to satisfy our longing to feel personally connected with the universe. Astrology suggests a dangerous fatalism. If our lives are controlled by a set of traffic signals in the sky. Why try to change anything?” Sagan asked. How to disprove astrologySagan used two simple methods to disprove astrology. The first was by looking at competing astrological forecasts in two newspapers, the New York Post and the New York Daily News. The Post's forecast for Libra said that “compromise will help ease tension.” However, the forecast for Libra in the Daily News suggests the opposite: “Demand more of yourself.”“It's interesting that these predictions are not predictions, they tell you what to do, they don't say what's going to happen,” Sagan said. “They're consciously designed to be so vague that it could apply to anybody, and they disagree with each other.”Sagan shot more holes into astrology by noting that if he had a twin, born on the same day, nearly at the same time, with the exact same astrological sign, they could have very different destinies. In the case of twins, one may die at a very young age from a horseback accident, while another may live a long and prosperous life. Therefore, the astrological forecast would have to be incorrect for one of them. "If astrology were valid, how could we have such profoundly different fates?" Sagan asks. Carl Sagan with NASA technology.via NASA/Wikimedia CommonsUltimately, Sagan believes that looking towards the planets to find out where our lives are headed is a shallow way of connecting with the universe when our real connection goes right to the core of our being. “The desire to be connected with the cosmos reflects a profound reality, for we are connected not in the trivial ways that the pseudoscience of astrology promises but in the deep ways,” Sagan said. But what is this deeper connection Sagan is alluding to? He has shown that humans are made of the most incredible substance in the cosmos: starstuff.“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff,” Sagan famously said.

Millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996, are a generation with wide-ranging childhood experiences. Millennials born in the early 1980s, also known as 'Elder Millennials," had vastly different upbringings than those born in the 1990s.In a Reddit forum for Millennials, member @_NoleFan6 posed the question: "Elder millennials (81-84), what are some things that separate you from the core/late millennials?"They continued, "I’m just curious what makes my fellow elder millennials identify more with Gen X? Some things for me are: Being old enough to remember the tail end of the 80s, seeing Terminator 1 before Terminator 2, M.A.S.K. (iykyk), woodgrain VCRs, roller racer, going to see 1989 Batman at the theater, seeing Bo Jackson play, and not accessing the internet until ‘97 (I was 14). How about y’all?"Many Elder Millennials could relate. They offered up 16 of their childhood experiences and how they differ from younger Millennials. Teddy Bear 80S GIF Giphy "Teddy Ruxpin. I'm a 1982 baby, and the Teddy Ruxpin craze was big when I was around 3 years old in the mid-'80s. I had talking Teddy, his talking friend Grubby, his books, his cassette tapes, his toy air ship and figurines, pajamas, underwear... People who are a few years younger than me don't really know what I am talking about when I mention him." —@KevinTodd82"Being a latch key kid. And when young millennials don’t understand the turn it up to 11 phrase." —@geopimp1"I’m an elder and my sister who’s 10 years younger is a core so I see Millennials as her generation not mine really as far as how we grew up. She was in grade 4 when 9-11 happened and I owned my own home. She is who taught me to take a selfie and I still have never used a filter. There’s just so much difference." —@Trick-Coyote-9834 My Little Pony 80S GIF Giphy "We’re basically the in-between crew. We grew up like younger Gen X (80's Saturday cartoons and toys, landline phones, dial-up internet, tapes) but we hit our teenage and college years just as all the new techs exploded. So we remember life before smartphones and social media, but we adapted to it way faster than Gen X did. Basically, we were young enough to go through the whole switch from analog to digital, so we remember life before the internet but adapted to the online world pretty easily. We relate to Gen X and millennials in different ways, kind of the best of both. That’s why some of us like the term 'Xennials', which is those born between ’77 and ’83 or 84'." —@CedricBeaumont"Tv before ratings. It was a free for all." —@merylbouw"tamagotchi. pokemon. grunge." —@WOLFMAN_SPA"Patchouli oil smell." —@rollbackprices kurt cobain nirvana GIF Giphy "Grunge. We were a little too young for the breakout albums in 1990-91, but we were the perfect age for the follow-ups in 1993-94 and the broader explosion of 'alternative rock' music in the mid 90s. Sadly, people who are even a little bit younger did not share in this experience, and that’s a bad thing because the music industry took a turn for the worse in the late 90s." —@Appropriate-Topic618"Never had computer is or video games growing up. Literally grew up outside with no electronics." —@Humbly2022"Being aware in the 90's." —@DiskSalt4643 Alicia Silverstone Reaction GIF Giphy "Being an adult when I got my first email address, and 9-11 happened. (A very young one, but still.) Having a truly analog childhood." —@Wild-Sky-4807"Remembering Desert Storm and the USSR listed on maps in first grade textbooks. Princess Diana's death. MySpace top 8. Making your own websites on angelfire. AskJeeves. Dogpile." —@Ready-Player-Mom"Michael Jordan. Michael Jackson. Mike Tyson. Michelangelo." —@Due-Set5398 Chicago Bulls Dunk GIF by NBA Giphy "I’m (82) an elder married to a core (88). Music, pop culture and especially kids programming are the main difference. We remember the 90s very differently - I was already too old for the Disney 90s surge of Aladdin and Lion King while she was too young to follow Jordan and the Bulls. I outgrew TGIF by the time Boy Meets World went on the air but she was too young to understand why boys loved Step by Step." —@Quick-Angle9562"I think the biggest difference is cell phones/social media. Late millennials had smart phones in hs. We didn’t have text messages, and had to wait til after 9 to talk for free." —@walkhardd"Watching Jurassic Park in the movie theatre ?." —@organicbabykale1

When picturing a doctor’s office, you might imagine a less than warm atmosphere. Those oh-so-lovely fluorescent lights instantly come to my mind. Imagine if a doctor told you, “I want to design our visit in a way that makes you feel most comfortable.” Suddenly that annual check-up doesn’t sound so dreadful after all.Dr. Ryan Stewart, a urogynecologist at the Midwest Center for Pelvic Health, recently asked women to weigh in on the redesign of his office. Posting the question to X, he wrote: “I have the opportunity to design my office from scratch. I’m asking women. How would you design/optimize a visit to the gynecologist’s office? No detail is too small.” The gynecologist's office is a vulnerable place.Photo credit: CanvaHis tweet ended with “If I’ve ever had a tweet worthy of virality, it’s this one.”And boy was he right. His tweet nearly instantly received thousands of replies. Turns out, there are a lot of ways to improve a visit to the gyno.Including:Empathy toward sexual trauma — (@) This includes starting the exam off asking if a patient has any trauma, and not dismissing feelings of discomfort, according to commenters.Improved intimacy — (@) As part of improved privacy, many advocated to not be asked if an intern can observe while the intern is still in the room."It's hard to say no to them," one person wrote.Another added "I'm sitting on the table in the gown and [the gyno] brings in this young guy and says 'you don't mind him observing this do you?' I consented but have been pissed off ever since and never went back to her."One person mentioned that their current doctor recently swapped the thin, exposing paper gown for spa style robes, adding both privacy and a dash of luxury.Diverse posters — (@) This suggestion comes aptly timed, as the diagram (above) of a black fetus recently inspired a viral conversation. Many were noting that they had never seen one in medical imagery before.One person remarked, "I am 53 years old and have never seen myself represented in anything in a doctor's office, even pamphlets. Change that!"Mental health screenings — (@) Waiting until the clothes are ON to disclose important info"Don’t discuss care or diagnoses when people are naked," pleaded a commenter in a now-deleted tweet. "I remember how much more respected and comfortable I felt when a new gynaecologist introduced himself to me while I was clothed, did the exam, then had me get dressed and meet him in his office to discuss care! Much better!"Bottom line: It's already a vulnerable time. Let people have a moment to get comfortable.One person added "I have always had to specifically ask to be able to talk to my doctor clothed first. Even when I hadn't met that doctor yet. I feel like that should be default, not up to me to ask for. It's such a power imbalance already, don't add unnecessary vulnerability."Ditching the pink — (@) To some, it's mildly annoying. To others, it's even triggering.One person tweeted, "I went through a breast cancer scare, & EVERY women's medical office I went to–pink EVERYWHERE. I was at a really terrified moment in my life, & pink, pink, pink. I 100% can't stand it anymore."Offering pain meds — (@) Potentially painful procedures like IUD insertions or cervical biopsies typically only offer medication upon request. This Twitter user suggested offering them, making it clear that the patient has the option.More accessibility in the exam and waiting rooms — (@) Tables that lower for those with mobility issues as well as higher waiting room chairs were among the most frequently suggested items.And lastly … a variety of speculum sizes Speculums may be metal or plastic, but they're always cold.Photo credit: Canva""A wide variety of speculum sizes, and introduction to the exam room including a play by play of how the visit will go," wrote one person in a now-deleted tweet. "Most people never get this and the office staff never ask if it’s their first exam and most people wouldn’t disclose fear or stress if they have it."The general consensus: and while you're at it, warm them up too.Dr. Stewart’s tweet did receive constructive criticism asking for more inclusion — (@) Dr. Stewart welcomed the insight, sending a follow-up tweet that read:“Folks have [correctly] pointed out that I [incorrectly] said “women” when what I should have said was “folks who may need gynecologic care.” I named the practice with this in mind @midwestpelvis, but I find that I still have a lot of internalized/implicit bias.”This viral thread might have started a trend. Soon after another medical practitioner tweeted:“Love urogynecologist Dr. Stewart asking for input on ideal office design and wanted to ask the oncology community something similar: given that no one wants to come to a cancer doctor…what makes the experience MOST comfortable?”Though Dr. Stewart describes his philosophy online as “I want you to leave every appointment feeling as though you’ve learned more about yourself,” it’s lovely to see that he is equally invested in learning about his patients as well.This article originally appeared three years ago.

A dramatic near-miss.

"Talent to burn".