Fewer abortions in 2009, and more

Fewer abortions in 2009

The number of abortions in the U.S. fell 5 percent in 2009, the most recent year for which statistics are available, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts said the decline was caused mostly by the growing use of effective contraception, including IUDs, hormone patches, and the pill.

Associated Press

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Americans weigh in and up

American men are weighing in at an average of 196 pounds—16 pounds more than in 1990, a new Gallup survey has found. The average weight for women jumped 14 pounds—to 156 pounds—over the same period. Gallup estimates 62 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese.

New York Post

Rolling Stones climb the age chart

The four members of the Rolling Stones, who launched their 50th anniversary tour in London last week, are now older on average than the nine members of the U.S. Supreme Court. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Wood have an average age of almost 69 years, while the justices’ average age is nearly 67 years.

Associated Press

Americans try their luck overseas

Americans are moving overseas to find work. Some 6.3 million U.S. citizens are now studying or working abroad, the highest number ever recorded.

The Washington Post

States legislatures and one party control

One political party now controls the state legislature of 47 states. Half of these legislatures have veto-proof super-majorities, meaning that either Republicans or Democrats can pass legislation without any compromise.

Salon.com