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Maternal deaths in the U.S. more than doubled over two decades. Black mothers died at the highest rate

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:18:00 GMT

A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows maternal deaths across the U.S. more than doubled in two decades in unequal proportions. Black mothers died at the nation’s highest rates. American Indian and Native Alaskan mothers saw the biggest increases in deaths. And there was high maternal mortality in the Midwest, some northern Mountain states and the Southeast. The new study is a state-by-state analysis of maternal deaths from 1999 to 2019 across five racial ethnic groups.Maternal deaths across the U.S. more than doubled over the course of two decades, and the tragedy unfolded unequally.Black mothers died at the nation’s highest rates, while the largest increases in deaths were found in American Indian and Native Alaskan mothers. And some states — and racial or ethnic groups within them – fared worse than others.The findings were laid out in a new study published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers looke...

What will Biden’s new plan mean for borrowers set to begin paying back their student loans?

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:18:00 GMT

NEW YORK — Following the Supreme Court’s decision to effectively kill Biden’s earlier student debt forgiveness proposal, the White House is trying again to ease the burden on those carrying student loans using a different legal approach. Biden’s original plan would have canceled up to $20,000 in federal student loans for 43 million people. Of those, 20 million would have had their remaining student debt erased completely.With repayments set to begin in October, many borrowers are wondering if they still have to pay. Here’s what to know about where the new Biden plan stands.Under the proposed approach, the White House is now planning to use the Higher Education Act of 1965 — a sweeping federal law that governs the student loan program — to bring about relief for student borrowers. Biden said the authority of the act will provide “the best path that remains to provide as many borrowers as possible with debt relief.”The law includes a provision giving the education secretar...

From human ashes to cellphones, what’s going on with concert fans lately?

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:18:00 GMT

NEW YORK — From flinging bras to tossing flowers, concertgoers have long been a bit extra in showing adoration for their beloved artists — but a recent spate of artists being hit by weightier projectiles raises concerns about extreme fan culture and security.Country singer Kelsea Ballerini was the latest artist to be struck by a flying object, Wednesday evening at a Boise concert. In the moment caught on video, Ballerini is playing her guitar onstage when a bracelet hits her face and she takes a step back. Ballerini, clearly caught off guard, takes a moment before a brief intermission is called.“Hi, i’m fine,” she later said on Instagram. “Someone threw a bracelet, it hit me in the eye and it more so just scared me than hurt me.” Ashley Highfill, 30, was at the Idaho Botanical Garden show and said Ballerini seemed visibly upset. Highfill, who often attends concerts with her friends, said it’s become a normal occurrence to see fans throwing items onstage at concerts. “Stuff lik...

Orange County social media influencer who suffered aneurysm while pregnant improving

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:18:00 GMT

The family of an Orange County social media influencer who suffered an aneurysm while nine months pregnant is sharing an encouraging update.Jackie Miller James, a digital creator with nearly 85,000 Instagram followers, was about one week away from her due date when she suffered an aneurysm rupture that led to severe brain bleeding and injury in June.The new mom was rushed to the hospital by her husband, Austin, where doctors simultaneously performed an emergency C-section and brain surgery on her, and she was placed into a medically-induced coma.Her family provided an update on her condition through Instagram on Sunday.Jackie Miller James (GoFundMe)“We are beyond thrilled to share that your loving prayers for Jackie have been working. Jackie is awake and was recently transferred to one of the best neurological rehabilitation hospitals in the country,” a statement from the family said. “The doctors have been pleased with her latest tests, numbers and evaluations, noting that Jackie i...

Earlier spring could be 'catastrophic' for bird populations, UCLA researchers say

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:18:00 GMT

As the world braces for rising global temperatures due to climate change, researchers at UCLA have found that bird populations might be among the most affected by the ever-changing seasons.A new study of North American songbirds found that birds are struggling to keep up with the earlier arrival of spring, which has been gradually appearing earlier in the calendar year, driven by rising temperatures from global climate change. As a result of spring arriving earlier than it had previously, songbirds are raising fewer young, UCLA researchers discovered. Why are there so many parrots in Los Angeles? Birds typically breed during the spring when the first green plants and flowers begin to appear, researchers said. The change in temperatures is accelerating when those plants appear and making it harder for birds to know when it's time to begin breeding. If birds begin breeding too early or too late in the season, they are unable to raise as many young as the weather can damage their eg...

Kailey Saenz Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash on McCutchen Road [Bakersfield, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:18:00 GMT

10-Year-Old Girl Pronounced Dead in Traffic Collision Near Mountain Ridge DriveBAKERSFIELD, CA (July 3, 2023) – Friday afternoon, a two-vehicle crash in a Bakersfield intersection claimed the life of Kailey Saenz.Officers responded to the collision on May 12th, at around 4:19 p.m. between McCutchen Road and Mountain Ridge Drive.According to reports, a driver failed to stop at a stop sign while heading westbound on McCutchen Road. There, her vehicle crashed into another vehicle occupied by at least three people.Upon arrival, police discovered a female juvenile suffering from major injuries.The victim, identified later as 10-year-old Kailey Saenz, succumbed to her injuries a short while later, despite the life-saving efforts of the paramedics. Additionally, a young boy and a female driver from the same vehicle were hospitalized for treatment of moderate injuries.Meanwhile, a woman driving the first vehicle sustained minor injuries and declined medical transport. She also stayed ...

Driver Dies in Fiery Auto Collision on 101 Freeway [Studio City, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:18:00 GMT

One Pronounced Dead after Fiery 2-Car Accident on Tujunga AvenueSTUDIO CITY, CA (July 3, 2023) – Early Thursday morning, one driver was fatally injured in a fiery auto collision on 101 Freeway.Officers responded to the scene around 3:02 a.m., on the eastbound lanes of Ventura (101) Freeway, just west of Tujunga Avenue.For reasons under investigation, the driver of a vehicle struck a construction truck and caught fire. Upon impact, the driver became trapped inside their burning vehicle.Due to the extent of injuries sustained, medics pronounced the driver dead at the scene. Although, authorities have not yet released their identity.Emergency crews closed off the eastbound lanes of the freeway during cleanup and preliminary duties. Once available, further details will be provided. Those who witnessed the incident are encouraged to contact local authorities as soon as possible.Sincere sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased victim. Thoughts are with them during this v...

2 Killed, 5 Injured in 2-Car Accident on State Route 3 [Yreka, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:18:00 GMT

Two Pronounced Dead after Two-Vehicle Collision near Forest Mountain SummitYREKA, CA (July 3, 2023) – Saturday evening, two victims were killed and five were hurt in a 2-car accident on State Route 3.Police responded to the scene around 9:25 p.m., just south of Forest Mountain Summit.Officers say the driver of a Ford pickup-truck was traveling on a curve when they drifted onto the right gravel shoulder.As the driver attempted to swerve back onto the road, the vehicle spun out before eventually hitting the front of a passing Honda Pilot.The driver of the Honda and three juvenile passengers suffered major injuries, while a fourth child had minor injuries. They were immediately transported to Fairchild Medical Center for treatment.Meanwhile, crews pronounced the driver the passenger of the Ford dead at the scene. Although, authorities have not yet released their identities.At this time, officials withheld the names of all parties involved. Officers also continue to investigate th...

Photos: Tahiti Fete wraps up 4-day celebration in San Jose

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:18:00 GMT

Tahiti Fete of San Jose, said to be the biggest Tahitian dance competition in the U.S., just wrapped up its 26th celebration.This year’s event featured dancers from the United States, Europe and Mexico. Tahia Cambet School of Dance traveled from France, while Kawailehua Hula Ohana danced in their home city of San Jose. In total about 50 groups performed during the four-day event.Polynesian and Tahitian vendors were outside the auditorium selling arts and crafts, and Tahitian language and dance workshops were offered at San Jose Civic and the San Jose Marriott Hotel.Pua Tokumoto, who started the festival as a one-night celebration at the Civic Center, has seen it grow into a four-day affair.The festival​, which began​ in 1990 at San Jose Civic​,​ ​returned to its first home after moving to San Jose State, then being on hiatus for a few years. Tahiti Fete highlights Polynesian culture, primarily Tahitian, and helps build camaraderie among dance groups.Dancers from Makamae Melia ...

Senegal’s president says he won’t run for a third term

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:18:00 GMT

By Babacar Dione | Associatd PressDAKAR, Senegal — Senegalese President Macky Sall declared Monday evening that he will not run for a third term in next year’s elections, ending years of uncertainty over his political future that had helped fuel deadly opposition protests last month.Top opposition leader Ousmane Sonko already had called for more demonstrations around the West African country in the event Sall had instead announced his intention to run again in February.In a speech carried live on his official Facebook page, Sall maintained that Senegal’s constitution would have allowed his candidacy despite having already been elected to a second term in 2019.“Even if I have the right, I felt that my duty is not to contribute to destroying what I have built for this country,” Sall said. “I had said that the 2019 mandate was my last mandate. I know that this decision will come as a surprise to all those who have a friendship with me. Senegal is more than...