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Welcome back. In the news today: After a surge in border crossings, new migration patterns emerge in US cities; the Pentagon faces bipartisan criticism on its defense strategy briefing; and the U.S. Postal Service has stopped developing a controversial computer system tied to Trump’s effort to limit mail voting. Plus, another flip through our “American Objects” catalogue, this time it’s a look at apple pie.
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Mohamed, a Senegalese immigrant, pauses as he walks through the parking lot of Touba Tedoungal African Restaurant, July 31, in Lockland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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Millions of people have crossed into the United States over the past decade. But what happened after the border?
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Data obtained exclusively by The Associated Press paints a picture of who these migrants are and where they went. Cincinnati, for example, saw a large number of arrivals from West Africa, Uzbekistan and India. The suburbs south of Salt Lake City were listed as destinations for many Venezuelans. Chinese migrants were most often listed as heading to major metro areas. Explore our interactive map and look up your own zip code here.
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- It provides both a sweeping and an unusually granular look at how the immigration surge — one that peaked during President Joe Biden’s administration and was a major reason voters returned his predecessor, Donald Trump, to the White House — is playing out today. AP’s analysis is based on federal records giving the self-reported destinations of 4.5 million migrants released in the United States after crossing the Mexican border — both legally and illegally — between October 2018 and July 2025.
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Senators from both parties voice criticism about Pentagon briefing on US defense strategy
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Lawmakers said they were left deeply unsettled Thursday after the Pentagon's top policy adviser, Defense Undersecretary Elbridge Colby, failed to provide an expected update on the Trump administration’s National Defense Strategy at a classified briefing. Read more.
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Postal Service chief says work stopped on computer system key to Trump effort to limit mail voting
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After the Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s executive order this week, a memo sent to all postal service employees Wednesday said the agency will “not be enforcing any of these new rules in the 2026 federal election.” Read more.
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“There’s an injunction so we’re not doing anything,” postmaster general David Steiner told The Associated Press. While the postal service isn’t moving forward on Trump’s order, there are still concerns about postmark delays that could have an impact on this year’s elections. The number of ballots rejected for late postmarks has soared in the vote-by-mail states of Washington and Oregon, according to recently released data highlighting concerns about recent changes in postal service operations.
Steiner said there were no plans to alter those operations and encouraged voters who use mail to get their ballots in early. “We say seven days,” he said. “Everything is solved if people vote early.”
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A freshly baked apple pie sits on a tablecloth in Marlborough, Massachusetts, on June 26. (AP Photo/Bev Biller)
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Apple-picking season is here. So is America’s ultimate comfort food
Flaky, golden crust. The scent of cinnamon. Maybe it’s because in the Balkans where my family is from we take our pies very seriously, but I loved reading David Biller’s piece about how America became an apple pie nation. Never mind the delicacy didn’t originate in America; Colonists brought over apples, Johnny Appleseed spread them far afield. Somewhere along the way “Mom and apple pie” became shorthand for beloved, quintessential Americana. So I'd like to know, do you have a memorable apple pie recollection? Or perhaps more importantly, are you Team Apple or Team Cherry? Write in any pie thoughts here. We may feature your response, with your name, next week.
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That's all for today. Know someone who would enjoy Morning Wire? Forward this newsletter to them. They can also sign up here. - Nadja
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