U.S. births have fallen for the fourth year in a row, according to government officials who are calling it more proof that the weak economy is connected to having children.

The drop in 2011 was only 1 percent, which was not as sharp a fall-off as the 2 to 3 percent drop seen in previous years.

Most striking in the new report were steep declines in Hispanic birth rates and a new low in teen births. Hispanics have been disproportionately affected by the flagging economy, experts say, and teen birth rates have been falling for 20 years.

60 MILLION US VIEWERS EXPECTED. Romney prepares fresh salvos for Obama.
Lagging behind in polls in nearly every battleground state, the Republican presidential challenger has been preparing intensely for his extremely important TV debates.

NEW ERA FOR GEORGIA. Ivanishvili Faces Obstacles.
Georgia’s next Prime Minister will have to fulfill promises to rebuild agriculture, create jobs and improve relations with Moscow, while still working with the president.

SANCTIONS HURT IRAN. Ahmadi-Nejad Finds Trouble Ahead.

It is Superbowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, Olympics and a whole lot more for US Politics as the major US presidential candidates, Democrat and President Barack Obama and Republican Governor Mitt Romney, will finally hold their first campaign debate on Wednesday evening @9P in Denver, Colorado.

One of the first political debates in the U.S. took place in Illinois, in 1858. Senatorial candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas argued over slavery. Lincoln lost the race but went on to win the presidency two years later. Ten thousand people watched the debate.

GEORGIAN DREAM AWAKES. Georgian Election Rivals Claim Victory.
The opposition has won and the president concedes as the opposition alliance led by Bidzina Ivanishvili but the president’s ruling party may retain overall majority.

CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS HIGH HOPES. Remains Positive While Growth Decreases.