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Home | News | Time To Get Rid Of Daylight Saving Time Donald Trump Time to get rid of daylight saving time: Donald Trump President-elect Donald Trump vows to dispense with the system of daylight saving time in the United States By AP Published Date - 14 December 2024, 04:43 AM Donald Trump says day light saving time can be dispensed with New York: President-elect Donald Trump wants to turn the lights out on daylight saving time. In a post on his social media site Friday, Trump said his party would try to end the practice when he returns to office. “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” he wrote. Setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall is intended to maximise daylight during summer months, but has long been subject to scrutiny. Daylight saving time was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942. Lawmakers have occasionally proposed getting rid of the time change altogether. The most prominent recent attempt, a now-stalled bipartisan bill named the Sunshine Protection Act, had proposed making daylight saving time permanent. The measure was sponsored by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, whom Trump has tapped to helm the State Department. “Changing the clock twice a year is outdated and unnecessary,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said as the Senate voted in favour of the measure. Health experts have said that lawmakers have it backward and that standard time should be made permanent. Some health groups, including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said that it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology. Most countries do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do, the date that clocks are changed varies, creating a complicated tapestry of changing time differences. Arizona and Hawaii don’t change their clocks at all. Follow Us : Tags Donald Trump US election Related News Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund Trump says he can’t guarantee tariffs won’t raise US prices, promises swift immigration action Trump selects former soldier, Iraq War veteran to serve as Army secretary Editorial: Trump’s latest blusterjili ph646

NoneOTTAWA — With Donald Trump as president, the U.S. has an open strategy of creating economic uncertainty in other countries to discourage investment "anywhere other than the United States," Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said. "We have to be candid about the reality of the incoming U.S. administration," she said at a news conference in Toronto on Friday. Freeland described the Trump administration as proudly economic nationalist. She said there is a global fight for capital, investment and the jobs they bring, and Canada needs to be assertive in fighting for capital. "We need to own the podium and say Canada is a great place to invest," she said. Freeland promised to elaborate on those comments in the government's fall economic statement, which is scheduled to be released on Monday. The federal and provincial governments are working out how navigate Trump's threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all imports from Canada when he takes office in January. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met on Wednesday with Freeland, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and the country's premiers. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said after the meeting that Ottawa is preparing retaliatory tariffs. He also threatened to restrict electricity exports from Ontario, while an official in his government floated the idea of effectively barring sales of American alcohol. Not all provinces are planning a similar approach. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said that "under no circumstances will Alberta agree to cut off oil and gas exports." Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said his government isn't interested in stopping the export of energy to the U.S., while Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew would not directly say whether his province would threaten to withhold hydroelectric exports. Speaking earlier in the week, Freeland said the country would take a "Team Canada" approach to the threat of tariffs. "We know that this is a moment when Canada needs to be strong, smart and united," she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press

AI-generated deepfake videos are a rapidly growing security concern, with recent reports showing 75 percent of organisations have experienced at least one deepfake-related incident within the last 12 months. Digital PR Agency , which represents the types of sectors that might be affected, has provided some advice to Digital Journal on how to spot deepfake videos. Verify the source and context Fake news spread more rapidly than true news on X (previously Twitter), a concerning trend given that nearly 30 percent of Americans rely on social media as a regular news source. Always examine the credibility of the sources behind the content you consume. Is this information coming from a reputable news outlet or a verified official account? If the source is unfamiliar or looks dubious, cross-check the content’s authenticity using reliable news organisations or fact-checking platforms like Google Fact Check Tools. Misinformation often plays on emotional triggers like fear, anger, or outrage to cloud your judgement. When you encounter content that provokes strong emotions, pause and re-assess to ensure you are not being used as a pawn in someone’s game. Observe facial expressions and movements Deepfakes often falter when trying to replicate the intricate details of facial expressions and natural movements. Key areas to scrutinise include microexpressions around the eyes and mouth. Look out for unnatural blinking patterns, disjointed eye movements, or jerky head motions, and check whether the facial expressions align with the conveyed emotions. Details like the uniformity of teeth, hair texture, and facial structure can also reveal deepfakes. A key giveaway is the shape of the face and ears – deepfakes often have slightly off measurements in these areas, with ears being particularly difficult to replicate. Pausing the video and examining the facial features can help you spot these irregularities. Use reverse image and video search tools Leverage reverse image and video search tools to trace the origins of visual content. Uploading an image to Google Reverse Image Search can help identify if it’s AI-generated, manipulated, or being used out of context. For videos, tools like InVID can dissect footage and check for any modifications or previous appearances. These searches allow you to find other copies of the image online, helping you verify its authenticity and uncover potential misuses. Look for digital artefacts and inconsistencies Deepfakes often reveal themselves through subtle digital flaws like blurriness or unnatural pixelation, especially around the edges of faces or objects. Pay attention to inconsistencies in lighting, shadows, reflections, or even an extra finger, that might indicate manipulation. Check for audio-visual synchronisation Spotting a deepfake often comes down to watching the lips closely. Our mouths form specific shapes when pronouncing certain letters, and these movements are tricky for AI to replicate accurately – nearly a third of deepfake videos struggle to match sounds like M, B and P. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.AGNC Investment Corp. Declares Monthly Common Stock Dividend of $0.12 per Common Share for December 2024

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Love 'em or hate 'em, you can't deny how popular Crocs are. The iconic clog has been one of Amazon's top-selling shoes for years. And so what could be better than upgrading those comfy slides of yours with a deal you won't want to miss? Right now, you can snag a pair of faux fur-lined for $15 off. That means you can have this winterized version for just $45 on Just when you thought it wasn't possible for Crocs to get even more comfortable ... these lightweight lookers are lined to cradle your feet in cushy heaven. Stock up for holiday gifts! Like most name-brand shoes, Crocs are on the pricier side. These normally retail for $60, but right now they are down to $45. Just note that sale prices vary from color to color. On the fence about taking the leap? It’s not uncommon. The cult of Croc is made up largely of skeptics and converts who now swear by these shoes — especially when they're all warm and fuzzy with faux fur lining like these. The reasons for Crocs’ adoration are myriad. They’re designed with a shock-absorbing foam resin sole, which helps ward off foot pain, backaches, muscle strain and any other byproducts of standing and walking all day. They’re also ventilated, and their upper gently conforms to the curves of your feet. They’re slip-ons, but their gentle back strap provides adequate support without too much pressure. Simply put, they’re a dream. On top of that, the is special in that you can wear these to run errands but you can also use them as the most supportive house shoes imaginable. 90,000 Amazon shoppers love to keep their tootsies warm with the cuddly . Pros 👍 "I've ordered and worn all manner of faux-fur lined slippers, but never have I ever worn a pair as comfortable as these," explained . "Aside from the obvious factors that make these Crocs warm and comfy, they also compensate very well for the arthritis in my left big toe and the plantar fasciitis (heel pain) in my right foot." "Best all-around house shoe," proclaimed this : "I use these Crocs as comfortable sturdy house shoes, both indoors and outdoors. ... I have sensitive feet from diabetes and these do not cause any discomfort. ... My feet generally feel cold, so the lined Crocs also help with this. "I bought these Crocs for my sister who is a nurse," explained a . "She absolutely loves them. During her 12-hour shifts, specifically in the cool weather, they keep her feet warm and supported." Cons 👎 Shoppers really love these shoes — but a few fans had a quibble. "They are so warm," explained . "Only downside is washing; you can’t take the soles out, so they get dirty fast and you can’t do much about it." that sentiment, noting that the "inside liner can become soiled if worn outside with leaves and twigs, etc.." At this price, you may as well grab two pairs of these cozy clogs, one for indoors and one for out. If you have , you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. . (And by the way, those without still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)VICTORIA, Seychelles, Dec. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are honored to announce that JOC (Japan Open Chain) has been listed on XT . JOC/USDT trading pair is opened in Main Zone(web3.0). Please take note of the official go-live schedule: About JOC(Japan Open Chain) The Japan Open Chain (JOC) is a blockchain project designed to create an open, decentralized infrastructure to support a wide range of applications across various industries. The platform is focused on providing scalable and secure solutions that empower businesses and individuals, particularly in Japan, to develop and implement decentralized applications (dApps). By leveraging blockchain technology, JOC aims to enhance transparency, reduce reliance on traditional centralized systems, and offer users a secure and efficient environment for transactions and data management. The project is built to handle high transaction volumes quickly, addressing the scalability issues many blockchain networks face today. JOC's primary focus is on the Japanese market, where it seeks to foster blockchain adoption by providing businesses and startups with the tools needed to integrate blockchain into their operations. While the project is rooted in Japan, its open-source nature and emphasis on interoperability mean that it can easily connect with other blockchain ecosystems, enabling seamless collaboration across different platforms. The Japan Open Chain is driven by a community-focused approach, encouraging active participation from developers, businesses, and users to contribute to the platform's growth and evolution. The listing of JOC on XT is a key milestone for the Japan Open Chain project, enhancing its visibility and liquidity. This move provides global access to the project, opening up new opportunities for both institutional and retail investors. It also highlights XT's commitment to supporting innovative blockchain projects and expanding its offerings to meet diverse user needs. Website: https://www.japanopenchain.org/ Blockchain Browser: https://explorer.japanopenchain.org/ Whitepaper: https://www.jbfd.org/en/joc-whitepaper About XT.COM Founded in 2018, XT.COM now serves nearly 8 million registered users, over 1,000,000+ monthly active users, and 40+ million users in the ecosystem. Our platform supports 800+ high-quality tokens and 1000+ trading pairs, offering various trading options such as spot trading, margin trading, and futures trading. As the world's first social-infused digital asset trading platform, XT.COM is dedicated to providing a secure, trusted, and intuitive trading experience. Our mission is to empower users to explore the infinite potential of blockchain technology. Bella Wei [email protected] JOC(Japan Open Chain) [email protected] Disclaimer: This content is provided by XT exchange. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider.The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5431613-3e2d-434a-91af-23059d24667f

Megyn Kelly unleashed an attack against Caitlin Clark after the WNBA star talked about ways white privilege seeps into women’s basketball during an interview published in Time magazine this week. The former Fox News personality took to X, formerly Twitter, to spew inflammatory remarks about Clark’s comments. In the interview, Clark said that she recognized her privilege as a white person in the league and that it’s important to elevate Black players. The publication had named the Indiana Fever player its 2024 Athlete of the Year on Tuesday. “Look at this. She’s on the knee all but apologizing for being white and getting attention,” Kelly wrote on X . “The self-flagellation. The ‘oh pls pay attention to the black players who are REALY the ones you want to celebrate.’ Condescending. Fake. Transparent. Sad.” But Clark never apologized for being white. She acknowledged that Black WNBA players — who make up the majority of players in the league — haven’t received the same level of mainstream attention, opportunities or coverage that she has. When reports emerged in the spring that Clark was nearing a reported eight-figure Nike deal, many questioned why the league’s most valuable player, A’ja Wilson, who is Black, hadn’t gotten a signature shoe deal . (Wilson announced a shoe deal with Nike the following month.) People have also called attention to Clark’s growing list of endorsement deals and the rookie’s perceived marketability in a league that’s predominantly Black. But the Fever star doesn’t seem to be bothered by Kelly’s criticism. She told sportscaster Maria Taylor in an interview on Wednesday that she blocks out the “noise” and that she’s “comfortable in my own skin” when asked to address Kelly’s remarks. Here’s what Kelly’s missing with her social media comments. In the Time interview, Clark celebrated her own talents, accomplishments and influence in women’s basketball, as well as the accolades and opportunities that have followed. But she also recognized that two things can be true: She is an outstanding basketball player, and talented Black players who have built the league should get more recognition than they do. “I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” Clark said. “A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them.” “The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important,” she added. “I have to continue to try to change that.” “The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing,” Clark said in the interview. Clark has undeniably had an immense effect on women’s basketball. She became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division 1 basketball during her time playing college basketball with the Iowa Hawkeyes. And when South Carolina’s women’s basketball team defeated Iowa in the NCAA women’s championship game in April, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley credited Clark for “lifting up” women’s basketball. Clark, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, is also often credited for playing a significant role in the WNBA’s recent record-breaking attendance and TV ratings — dubbed the “Caitlin Clark effect.” But Black players have largely built and grown the league since the first WNBA game was played in 1997, with many groundbreaking moments since. In 2002, Lisa Leslie became the first WNBA player to dunk in a game . In 2008, Candace Parker was the first player to get MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. In 2017, Rebekkah Brunson set a WNBA record winning five titles. WNBA players have also been leaders in championing LBGTQ rights and bringing racial injustice protests to professional sports. In 2014, the WNBA became the first professional sports league to launch an official Pride campaign . Ajhanai “AJ” Keaton , an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst who studies race and gender marginalization, told the New Pittsburgh Courier in September that she believes the heightened coverage surrounding Clark has to do with race and gender politics. “I believe that race is a guiding politic,” she said. “But I think it’s also gender, and I think we can’t ignore the way race and gender politics play into this. Caitlin Clark being a white woman, right? Being a white woman from the Midwest, being heterosexual, representing something to white America, right?” People have also called out the fact that masculine-presenting WNBA players have been excluded from certain sponsorship opportunities. Victoria Jackson , a sports historian and clinical associate professor at Arizona State University, explained to The Associated Press in May that it’s important to dissect why Clark has been labeled a “generational talent.” “Whenever we’re making those cases, I immediately think, well, who are the other generational talents we’ve had? And I think too often the athletes that could be placed in that category who have been Black women have not had that sort of gushing attention,” Jackson said. “And especially the kind of general public, crossover saturation that Caitlin Clark has had.” “There are overlapping, intersecting reasons for why that is. But I think we can’t not think about it if the goal here is to have equitable treatment of the athletes in the sport,” Jackson said. Clark herself has recognized the impact Black WNBA players have made in the league. During her appearance on “Saturday Night Live” in April, she took a moment to honor five Black WNBA greats: Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley and Maya Moore, whom she called her “basketball hero.” And in recent years, Black WNBA players, such as Wilson, Chicago Sky player Angel Reese and Phoenix Mercury player Brittney Griner, have also notably helped popularize the sport. Black players say they’ve been receiving more racist abuse online — and it needs attention In September, Connecticut Sun player Alyssa Thomas and coach Stephanie White called out the unprecedented number of racist and homophobic comments they said players have faced since WNBA viewership increased this past season. Thomas, who is Black, said that the attacks had mostly come from the Fever fan base. “I think that in my 11-year career, I never experienced the racial comments like from the Indiana Fever fan base,” she said, adding “basketball is headed in a great direction, but we don’t want fans that are going to degrade us and call us racial things.” Reese, who has often been pitted against Clark and villainized in narratives about their sports rivalry , has similarly called out the racist vitriol over the past few years. She wrote in a post on X in September that she’s been told to “save the tears” and “stop playing victim” anytime she’s spoken out about the attacks. The WNBA released a statement at the time saying the league “will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments.” Clark has also previously condemned racist comments from WNBA fans. During a news conference in September, she called the situation “definitely upsetting.” Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. “Those aren’t fans; those are trolls,” she said. Related From Our PartnerYou Won’t Believe TSMC’s Transformation! Is It Still a Buy After Doubling in 2024?

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Facepalm: Sony planned to start shipping its enhanced PS5 Pro console this week, but it appears that Christmas has come early for some. Some retailers across Europe have already received PS5 Pro units, and a handful of lucky buyers have even managed to get theirs ahead of schedule. As a result, multiple hands-on impressions have already surfaced online. One notable snippet comes from videotechuk on X, possibly giving us the first real look at the PS5 Pro's specs and performance capabilities. So far, Sony has only provided vague figures like "up to 45 percent faster rendering," but an official instruction manual reveals the real specifications. The highlight is a robust 16.7 teraflops of GPU power – a substantial jump from the regular PS5's 10.28 teraflops. The PS5 Pro also doubles the storage capacity with a 2TB SSD and includes an additional 2GB of DDR5 RAM, boosting the previous models' 16GB of unified memory. This extra RAM is likely intended to add dedicated processing power for Sony's PSSR AI upscaling technology, enhancing visual quality for 4K displays. PS5 Pro specs are officially out thanks to early shipments arriving to buyers in foreign countries Has 16GB of RAM for developers, 2GB module for the system (18GB RAM) and a 16.7 teraflop GPU. Can't wait to see what Rockstar cooks with this hardware pic.twitter.com/XCGqhQc3GB Additional upgrades include Wi-Fi 7 support for ultra-fast wireless connectivity and an extra USB-C port, perfect for connecting accessories or external storage. Power consumption has increased as well, with the Pro drawing up to 390W compared to the base PS5's 350W. Beyond these specs, we already know quite a bit about the PS5 Pro's inner workings. The console retains the AMD Zen 2 architecture from its predecessor – likely a deliberate choice to ensure compatibility and simplify optimization for developers. However, the GPU has been upgraded from RDNA 2 to RDNA 4, which is expected to deliver a significant 2-3x performance boost on games labeled "PS5 Pro Enhanced." Adding a unique perspective, a video teardown from what seems to be a Portuguese repair shop reveals that the PS5 Pro's internals are quite similar to those of the PS5 Slim. The layouts are so similar that PS5 Slim faceplates would have been cross-compatible – if not for Sony modifying the interlocking mechanism to prevent that. All in all, the PS5 Pro is a significant release for Sony, especially as Microsoft has yet to announce a similar mid-generation refresh for Xbox. This could help solidify PlayStation's technical lead in the current generation. That said, we'll need to get our hands on final retail units to truly assess the PS5 Pro's performance in actual gameplay. While the 16.7 teraflops spec might suggest a 67 percent increase in frame rates over the standard PS5, teraflops are not always a reliable measure of real-world performance.Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) Sees Stock Surge: What’s Next? In an impressive turnaround, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has seen its stock value double in 2024. After navigating a challenging period in chipmaking, demand for TSMC’s production capabilities has skyrocketed. The company is benefiting not only from the ongoing AI wave, which is set to last for years, but also from the resurgence in smartphones and the tech-driven revolution in modern vehicles requiring numerous processors. Despite this success, TSMC’s stock is trading at remarkable valuation ratios, hovering near a market cap of a staggering $1 trillion. Given such high prices, potential investors may wonder if purchasing shares is still a wise decision. The high-tech nature of TSMC’s manufacturing might suggest promise, yet it remains a capital-intensive undertaking. In the past year, TSMC’s capital expenses have reached $24.6 billion—surpassing the combined spending of Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia. However, strong business outcomes support TSMC’s elevated valuation. After weathering supply issues, the company has seen its recent quarterly revenues and net income rise significantly—by 39% and 54%, respectively. Free cash flow surged by 172%, reaching approximately $5.7 billion U.S. dollars. For those drawn to growth, TSMC’s forward-looking metrics portray an appealing picture with a 23x price-to-earnings ratio and a PEG ratio of 1.1, suggesting the stock may be aptly valued. TSMC remains a strategic choice for tapping into the AI market without the need to bet on individual design players, but prospective investors must be comfortable with its growth-based pricing. For some, exploring alternatives in the chip or AI sectors could be more suitable. TSMC’s Explosive Growth: Is Now the Time to Invest? In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has experienced remarkable growth, seeing its stock value double in 2024. This surge is largely attributed to the company’s integral role in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, as well as significant demand from the smartphone industry and automotive sector’s increasing reliance on advanced processors. As TSMC continues to thrive, potential investors are eager to understand the implications of its current performance and future trajectory. TSMC’s Strategic Role in the AI Revolution TSMC’s prominence in the AI industry is built on its ability to meet the specialized demands of AI companies. The firm’s foundry services are crucial for producing high-performance chips that power AI applications, offering a stable gateway for investors interested in capitalizing on AI without the risk associated with individual tech startups. This positions TSMC as a cornerstone in the AI hardware supply chain, enabling companies focused on AI technology to achieve their potential. Financial Health and Market Valuation Recent financial data highlights TSMC’s robust health, with quarterly revenue and net income increasing by 39% and 54% respectively, and a 172% surge in free cash flow. Despite these impressive figures, TSMC’s current market valuation, nearing $1 trillion, raises questions about the sustainability of its stock price. With a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23 and a Price/Earnings to Growth (PEG) ratio of 1.1, TSMC balances high expectations with realistic growth potential. Evaluating Investment in TSMC Investors considering TSMC must weigh its growth-focused pricing against potential returns. Its capital expenditure, exceeding $24.6 billion, underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining its technological edge, but also reflects the inherent capital-intensive nature of the semiconductor industry. For those interested in broader chip or AI sectors, exploring diverse opportunities may provide a hedge against sector-specific volatility. Predictions for TSMC’s Future Looking ahead, industry trends suggest sustained demand for semiconductors, driven by AI and connectivity advancements in multiple industries. TSMC’s strategic investments in technology and infrastructure place it at the forefront of semiconductor manufacturing, positioning it well to capture ongoing market growth. However, investors should remain vigilant regarding valuation risks tied to rapid stock price appreciation. For more insights into TSMC and its industry-leading innovations in semiconductor manufacturing, visit TSMC .Efforts to reduce the nation’s persistently high maternal mortality rates involve state panels of experts that investigate and learn from each mother’s death. The panels — called maternal mortality review committees — usually work quietly out of the public eye, but that’s not been the case recently in three states with strict abortion laws. Georgia dismissed all members of its committee in November after information about deaths being reviewed leaked to the news organization ProPublica. Days later, The Washington Post reported that Texas’ committee won’t review cases from 2022 and 2023, the first two years after the state banned nearly all abortions. In Idaho, the state let its panel disband in 2023 only to reinstate it this year. “They’ve become more of a lightning rod than they were before,” said epidemiologist Michael Kramer, director of the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities at Mercer University in Georgia. Here’s what these committees do and what might happen next: “Maternal mortality review committees are important because they are the most comprehensive source of information about maternal mortality that we have,” said David Goodman, who leads the maternal mortality prevention team at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The panels review deaths that occur during pregnancy or within a year after it ends, whether related to the pregnancy or not. Causes of death can range from hemorrhage during childbirth to drug overdoses to traffic accidents. The goal, Kramer said, is to examine maternal deaths and help “decide what we can do about them.” All states, a few cities and Puerto Rico have these committees. Their membership varies and may include OB-GYNs, maternal-fetal medicine doctors, nurses, midwives, mental and public health experts and members of patient advocacy groups. Most have representatives from several areas of expertise, which the CDC recommends. How members are selected also varies; people may apply, submit letters of interest or be invited to serve. The selection shouldn’t be politically motivated, Kramer said, because “if there’s a systematic exclusion of certain data or certain perspectives” it’s difficult to truly understand what’s happening. The panels work with state vital statistics offices and epidemiologists to identify deaths associated with pregnancy by examining death certificates and looking for a pregnancy checkbox or a related cause of death. They also may search for links to birth and fetal death records, or delve into hospital discharge data, media reports and obituaries. Once they identify cases, they collect as much information as possible, such as prenatal care records, hospital and social service records, autopsy reports and interviews with family members. Professional “abstractors” distill all this into case narratives, which committee members pore over. Most use a standardized review process developed by the CDC — and all panels can get help and guidance from the agency. They consider questions such as: Was the death pregnancy- related? What was the underlying cause? Was it preventable? What factors contributed? States generally have privacy rules that protect committee members and people who provide information on the deaths. The groups then issue public reports that don’t name mothers or hospitals but include overall findings, trends and recommendations. Some come out a couple of years or more after the deaths. Across the nation in 2023, Goodman said, 151 recommendations from those reports were implemented by communities, hospitals, medical professionals and policymakers. Georgia will rebuild its committee through a new application process, the state public health commissioner said. Texas’ committee has been reviewing 2021 deaths and will start on 2024 cases at its next meeting, Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson Lara Anton said. “Reviewing cases is a lengthy process and legislators have asked for more recent data. Starting the next review cycle with 2024 cases will allow us to provide that in the next report,” Anton said, adding that maternal and child health epidemiologists will continue to analyze and publish data for 2022 and 2023. In Idaho, the reconstituted review committee now falls under the state board of medicine, which licenses doctors, instead of the state’s health and welfare department. It will operate like it always has, said Bob McLaughlin, spokesperson for the medical board. Members met for the first time in November and plan to issue a report by Jan. 31. Because the legislature wanted the most up-to-date information, McLaughlin said the first report will cover only 2023 cases, and the group will review 2022 deaths next. Get local news delivered to your inbox!HMDA sees increase in permissions given under TGbPass for real estate in 2024

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