The U.S. general fertility rate fell 1% in 2025, reaching its lowest recorded level and extending a two-decade decline. The drop was especially sharp among younger women: births among those ages 20 to 24 fell 6%, while the rate for teenagers fell 7%. In contrast, birth rates rose among women ages 30 to 45, partly tempering the overall decline. The shift reflects changing choices about when, or whether, to have children. Younger women are weighing career opportunities, personal priorities, financial pressures and concerns about maternal health; many are choosing to wait until they feel more established.
Women who delay motherhood describe both benefits and costs: greater experience and career stability, but less energy and continued uncertainty about work and family life. The expense of raising children, especially housing and child care, also leads some parents to have fewer children than they might otherwise want. Experts say affordable housing, daycare and health insurance could help families who feel unable to afford the children they desire. The long-term effects are visible in a shrinking population of children and a rapidly aging country: the U.S. median age reached 39.4 in 2025, and some states are losing population. In smaller communities, fewer children can also threaten the future of local schools.
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From August 2028, universities in England will pay £925 ($1,200) annually for each international student above an exemption threshold of 220, including current and new students. The government expects the levy to raise revenue for education, while university leaders warn it could strain finances and push up tuition fees. (africa.businessinsider.com)
The Pentagon is developing a plan for major U.S. bases to sustain essential operations independently for 90 days, including power, water, fuel, and communications. Separately, Britain is advising households to keep enough food, water, and cash for three days of disruption; officials say the efforts are not coordinated and do not signal an imminent war. (fortune.com)
“Buy, borrow and die” lets wealthy investors hold appreciating assets, borrow against them instead of selling, and pass them to heirs, who may receive a higher tax basis. The strategy can reduce capital-gains taxes while creating demand for loans secured by investments. (wsj.com)
The US fired an estimated 609 missile interceptors defending Israel from October 2023 through September 2026, including 186 SM-3s and 378 THAADs. The analysis estimates the interceptors cost $11 billion, exceeding Israel’s own use of ballistic-missile defenses. (stephensemler.com)
Microsoft is offering voluntary exits to 60,000 employees at level 70 or below in the U.S., India, Canada, and the UK. The program has prompted speculation that further layoffs are coming, but the post does not confirm that connection. (twitter.com)
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