As U.S. birth rate falls, Trump officials downplay contraception in family planning program

The number of babies born in the United States fell again last year. According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 3.6 million births in 2025, a 1% decline from 2024. The fertility rate dropped to 53.1 births per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44, down 23% since 2007. … Read more

3 killed in latest U.S. strike on alleged drug boat in eastern Pacific, Pentagon says

Three people were killed Wednesday in yet another U.S. strike on an alleged drug-carrying boat in the eastern Pacific, the Pentagon reported. U.S. Southern Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in Latin America, said in a social media post that the “lethal kinetic strike” in the eastern Pacific targeted “a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist … Read more

Longtime courtroom interpreter detained by ICE says she worked in U.S. legally for decades: “You can’t sleep because you’re afraid”

Brownsville, Texas — In the Batra family home near Brownsville, Texas, siblings Amrita, Lucas, Aaryan and Jasper are making lunch without their mother, 53-year-old Meenu Batra.  “It doesn’t feel right being in here without her,” Amrita told CBS News. Meenu Batra, a single mother of four adult U.S. citizens, was arrested March 17 by federal … Read more

Life-threatening virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea at high levels in the U.S., CDC says

It took just 48 hours for Ben Lopman’s 18-month-old son to go from being an energetic toddler to totally listless. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. Lopman’s son Ruben was suffering from severe dehydration from rotavirus, one of the most common causes of diarrhea and vomiting … Read more

Iran claims oil tanker transits Strait of Hormuz amid U.S. blockade on Iranian ports

Iran’s state media claimed Wednesday morning that a bulk carrier transporting food supplies and an Iranian crude oil tanker had entered Iranian waters after transiting the Strait of Hormuz, hours after a top U.S. military commander said a blockade of Iranian ports was “fully implemented.” Iran’s Fars News Agency said a supertanker capable of transporting 2 … Read more