Social Issues

There are now 8 billion people on Earth, according to a new U.N. report
The number of people on Earth reached 8 billion for the first time, according to the U.N. The world's population continues to grow, but it's slowing down as people live longer and have fewer kids.
Sandy Hook memorial opens nearly 10 years after 26 killed
A memorial to the 20 first graders and six educators killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting has opened to the public, a month before the 10th anniversary of the massacre.
Farmers and immigrant advocates hold out hope for compromise in lame duck session
Big plans to overhaul the immigration system have stalled yet again. So farmers and other groups are looking to the lame duck session and hoping that more modest proposals can find bipartisan support.
Election results improve prospects for legalized recreational marijuana in Minnesota
Advocates for legalizing recreational marijuana in Minnesota say the prospects of that happening have improved, in the wake of this week's election results that saw the DFL take control of both legislative chambers.
U.S. providing abortion access for detained migrant youths
The U.S. government took steps Thursday to ensure that pregnant migrant youths who are in its custody but not accompanied by parents can access abortion services by assigning them to shelters in states that still allow the procedure.
Report: Tweets with racial slurs soar since Musk takeover
Instances of racial slurs have soared on Twitter since Elon Musk purchased the influential platform, despite assurances from the platform that it had reduced hateful activity, a digital civil rights group reported Thursday.
Slavery, involuntary servitude rejected by 4 states' voters
Voters in four states have approved ballot measures that will change their state constitutions to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime, while those in a fifth state rejected a flawed version of the question.