U.S. births fewest in 35 years, CDC says
NEW YORK -- U.S. births continued to fall last year, leading to the fewest number of newborns in 35 years.
In a report released Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the number of births in 2019 fell about 1% from 2018, to about 3.7 million. Birthrates continued to fall for teen mothers and for women in their 20s. The report, which is considered preliminary, is based on a review of more than 99% of birth certificates issued last year.
The total fertility rate in 2019 was 1,705 births per 1,000 women -- well below the level at which a given generation can exactly replace itself (2,100 births per 1,000 women). The total fertility rate has been below the replacement since 2007.
Aside from a one-year uptick in 2014, U.S. births have been falling every year since 2007, when a recession hit the country. The drop continued even after the economy rebounded.
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Experts say there are a number of causes, but chief among them are shifting attitudes about motherhood: Many women and couples delay having children and have fewer children once they start.
The decline is the latest sign of a prolonged national "baby bust" that's been going on for more than a decade. And some experts believe the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the economy will suppress the numbers further.
"This unpredictable environment, and anxiety about the future, is going to make women think twice about having children," said Dr. Denise Jamieson, chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Emory University.
Fighter jet crashes in Florida; pilot hurt
TAMPA, Fla. -- A U.S. Air Force fighter jet crashed while landing at a Florida base, but the pilot was able to eject and survived.
The F-35A Lightning II crashed Tuesday night on the base as the pilot returned from a routine training flight, the public affairs office at Eglin Air Force Base said in a news release. Each F-35A costs about $90 million to produce.
The pilot, a member of the 58th Fighter Squadron, is hospitalized in stable condition, the base said. The pilot's name was not released.
The crash came four days after an F-22 fighter, which cost about $330 million each and are the most expensive aircraft in the U.S. arsenal, crashed 12 miles from the base, east of Pensacola on Florida's Panhandle. That pilot also ejected and survived.
On Wednesday, base commander Brig. Gen. Scott Cain said the base would pause its operations to conduct a "virtual safety day" today to remind airmen to focus on safety in the wake of the two crashes.
Fairfield in Alabama files for bankruptcy
FAIRFIELD, Ala. -- The Birmingham suburb of Fairfield has become the latest local government in Alabama to file for bankruptcy, citing liabilities of as much as $10 million.
After the city of about 11,000 people filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection Tuesday, Mayor Eddie Penny said the city needs a fresh start after struggling with finances for years. "It gives an opportunity to reorganize, reassess our finances," he said.
The pandemic only worsened the city's condition because several businesses have closed, he said, but officials have no plans to curtail municipal services or lay off employees. The city is home to U.S. Steel's Fairfield Works, which has shrunk its size.
Al.com reported that at least a dozen Alabama cities or counties have sought bankruptcy protection over the past three decades. Fairfield is in Jefferson County, which in 2011 filed what was at the time the nation's largest government bankruptcy ever, totaling more than $4 billion.
Fairfield's largest creditor was listed as US Bank, with an $18 million unsecured claim. The city owes more than $1.7 million to Jefferson County, which itself has emerged from bankruptcy court.
Pair arrested in ex-Nissan exec's escape
WASHINGTON -- A former U.S. Green Beret and his son, accused of helping aid former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan while awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges, were arrested Wednesday, the Justice Department said.
Justice Department spokeswoman Nicole Navas said Michael Taylor, 59, and Peter Taylor, 27, were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Harvard, Mass.
The Taylors are wanted by Japanese officials on allegations that they helped Ghosn escape the country in December.
Ghosn reappeared in Lebanon, saying he had fled to avoid "political persecution." Ghosn, who was charged with underreporting his future compensation and breach of trust, has repeatedly asserted his innocence.
Michael Taylor flew into Japan on a private jet from the United Arab Emirates with another man, George-Antoine Zayek. The two men took two large black boxes with them, claiming to be musicians carrying audio equipment, according to court papers. They then helped Ghosn escape to the airport by hiding him in one of the boxes, the documents said.
A Section on 05/21/2020