The March of Dimes is a nonprofit that focuses on improving the health of mothers and babies.
To make matters worse, it said that in much of the country OB/GYNs and family doctors who deliver babies are leaving the workforce. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists predicts the U.S. will face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 OB/GYNs by 2050.
The March of Dimes also found that in the past five years there’s been an uptick in hospitals closing their obstetrics units for a number of reasons — from staff shortages in the wake of the pandemic to low birth volumes.
The March of Dimes found 35% of counties in the U.S. are considered maternity care deserts. That means they don’t have a hospital or birth center offering obstetric care.
Furthermore, the nonprofit found 70% of birth centers in the U.S. are located within just 10 states.
In 2022 alone, more than 150,000 babies were born to people living in maternity care deserts. An additional 200,000 were born to people living in counties with limited maternity care access.
The March of Dimes found six states in particular had the highest percentage of maternity care deserts: North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, and Arkansas. However, the areas with the most need for maternity care are concentrated in the southern part of the U.S.
The new report also said the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022 is impacting how and where OB/GYNs train and treat patients. The March of Dimes said states where abortion is now prohibited had fewer OB/GYNs for every 10,000 births compared to states where abortion rights were upheld.
Father of 14-year-old Georgia school shooting suspect charged with murder
The father of the 14-year-old suspect in the shooting at a Georgia high school has been arrested and charged in connection to the deadly incident. And in a surprise move, Hunter Biden has pleaded guilty in his federal tax case. What’s next for the president’s son. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.
Father of 14-year-old Georgia school shooting suspect charged with murder
The 14-year-old arrested in connection to the Georgia school shooting is expected to appear in court Friday, Sept. 6. Colt Gray has been charged with murder as an adult.
He’s now not the only one charged in connection to the shooting. His father has been arrested by authorities and charged with second-degree murder.
Colin Gray, 54, is facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter, eight counts of cruelty to children, and two counts of second-degree murder.
Authorities said the charges stem from Colin Gray “knowingly allowing his son” to have a gun. According to investigators, he bought the AR-style gun used in the shooting as a gift for his son.
This comes as we’re getting a clearer picture of what happened inside the school as shots first rang out. An eyewitness says 53-year-old math teacher Christina Irimie died after jumping in front of a student to protect them from gunfire.
We’ve also learned more about an incident report from last year involving the suspect regarding anonymous posts threatening a school shooting. Those threats were made on the social media platform Discord under a username referring to the 2012 Sandy Hook gunman, according to the police file.
Colt and Colin Gray were interviewed at the time. Colin Gray told investigators there were guns in their home, but his son did not have access to them. Colin Gray denied making the threats and authorities say there was no probable cause at the time for an arrest.
Hunter Biden pleads guilty in federal tax case
In a surprise move, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to federal tax charges Thursday, Sept. 5. It was not part of any plea deal and sets up the possibility the president’s son could spend decades in prison.
The plea was a move to avoid a second criminal trial this year. He was after already found guilty in a federal gun case, which he’s set to be sentenced for in November.
The plea is related to charges alleging Hunter schemed to avoid paying more than a million dollars in income taxes. His attorneys acknowledged the evidence is “overwhelming” and offered a guilty plea — while keeping options open for an appeal.
“Hunter decided to enter his plea to protect those he loves from unnecessary hurt and cruel humiliation,” defense attorney Abbe Lowell said. “Hunter put his family first today, and it was a brave and loving thing for him to do.”
It’s considered an unorthodox and unexpected move in the federal court system. Guilty pleas often come with plenty of warning and after negotiations with prosecutors.
Last year when Hunter Biden was on the cusp of reaching a plea agreement that many critics called “a sweetheart deal” that would have spared him from any prison time. That deal was tossed out over concerns the president’s son was getting preferential treatment.
US announces new controls on chip-related exports to China
As China makes advances in the global chip industry, the U.S. is rolling out new export controls on certain crucial technologies like quantum computing and semiconductor goods.
The Commerce Department cited “national security and foreign policy reasons” for issuing the new rules over worldwide exports. It does, however, make exemptions for countries that adopt similar rules, like Japan and the Netherlands.
In the past, federal investigators have also subpoenaed cell phones belonging to the New York police commissioner and another one of the mayor’s close advisers, Tim Pearson, but it’s also not clear if that was related to the recent searches.
Federal probe targets airlines’ frequent flyer programs
Today, @SecretaryPete opened a probe into some of the big airline points programs. The inquiry seeks to better understand: – Rewards devaluation tactics – Hidden pricing and junk fees – Risks of reductions in competition and choice https://t.co/FQWTbY1Pjc
The Department of Transportation has ordered the CEOs of American, Delta, Southwest, and United airlines to answer detailed questions and provide records on their policies for how passengers can accrue and spend their miles. The probe is focused on how consumers could be affected by the devaluation of earned rewards, extra fees, hidden or dynamic pricing, and reduced competition and choice.
First NFL game of the season ends in dramatic fashion
We’ve heard of winning “by a nose” in horseracing. But last night, in the first NFL game of the season, it came down to winning “by a toe.”
With the seconds ticking down in the fourth quarter, it appeared Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson successfully threw a touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely, giving Baltimore a chance to win the game.
Georgia school shooting suspect was questioned over online threats: FBI
We have new details about the suspect and the victims in the deadly shooting at a Georgia high school. And Boeing’s troubled Starliner spacecraft is set to begin its trip back to Earth without its crew. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.
FBI: Suspect in Georgia school shooting was questioned over online threats
Authorities have released more details about the shooter who opened fire in a Georgia high school on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Two teachers and two students were killed, and nine others were wounded.
Just before 10:30 a.m. ET Wednesday, gunfire was reported at Apalachee High School in a small town about 45 miles from Atlanta. A sheriff’s deputy working as a school resource officer engaged with the shooter, who has been identified as Colt Gray, and the teen immediately surrendered.
Officials said Gray will be charged with murder and tried as an adult.
The victims were two 14-year-old students, a 53-year-old math teacher, and a second math teacher, a 39-year-old who also coached as the defensive coordinator for the school’s football team, according to the school’s website.
The school will remain closed for the remainder of the week and crisis counselors are on school campus as students grapple with the tragedy they have now experienced.
“I was listening, and you can hear gunshots just ringing out through the school and you’re just wondering which one of those is going to be somebody that you’re best friends with or somebody that you love,” said Landon Culver, a junior at the school. “You hear about this kind of stuff and you never think it’s going to happen to you until it’s happening. And then once you’re in that, it’s like this really happened. It’s like a surreal experience.”
Authorities said Gray, then 13, was a possible suspect in connection with threats made online last year using photos of guns and threatening to shoot up a school. They said he denied making the threats and there was no probable cause to arrest him, however, local schools were told to “continue monitoring the suspect.”
Gray’s father was also interviewed a year ago over the online threats. Investigators said his father told them he had hunting guns inside the home, but his son did not have unsupervised access to them.
Trump holds town hall in PA; Harris talks economy in NH
During the interview, Trump highlighted Harris’ stance on fracking, saying in 2019 she would ban it if elected but she would not ban it now.
Trump was in Pennsylvania and kept much of the focus on the battleground state. Hannity asked Trump how the 2024 election differs from the election he won in 2016.
“It’s not that different,” Trump said. “It’s still about the forgotten man and forgotten woman. People are being treated horribly in the country. We’re a country that’s being laughed at all over the world. It’s very simple and it starts with make America great again, that’s what we have to do.”
Meanwhile, Harris was in New Hampshire discussing more of her tax plan if elected in November.
“My plan will make our tax code more fair while also prioritizing investment and innovation,” Harris said. “So let us be clear: billionaires and big corporations must pay their fair share in taxes.”
Harris is proposing an increase to the long-term capital gains tax rate but not as high as what was in President Joe Biden’s reelection agenda. Harris said she wants to raise the tax rate to 28% from its current 20% rate. Biden had called for a 39.6% tax rate.
Trump is looking to cut the corporate tax rate to 15% if elected for a second term.
Trump, Harris agree on rules for debate
There’s less than a week now until the first debate between Trump and Harris and they’ve now agreed on the rules. The debate, hosted by ABC, will be moderated by World News Tonight anchor David Muir and ABC News anchor Linsey Davis.
Trump won a virtual coin flip held on Tuesday, Sept. 4, and chose to make the last closing statement. They’ll get two minutes each.
Each candidate will also get two minutes to answer each question with a two-minute rebuttal and one additional minute for a follow-up, clarification, or response.
Because Trump got to choose the closing statement order, Harris chose the podium placement. She’ll be at the right podium on the screen.
CPSC wants to investigate Shein and Temu kids’ products
They want the commission to investigate how the websites comply with U.S. safety laws, citing “recent media reports” that dangerous products meant for kids are easy to find on both sites.
This is just the latest probe into the companies, both of which have been under scrutiny for how they’re able to sell things for such low prices and how much environmental waste they create, as well as concerns over the potential use of forced labor.
Boeing’s Starliner to return to Earth empty on Friday
The return will mark the final phase of a test flight that did not go as planned.
Starliner’s first crewed trip to space was supposed to prove Boeing could reliably bring astronauts to and from the International Space Station so NASA could certify it to do so.
But issues that popped up just after launch have left astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams stuck on the space station since June. Their mission was only supposed to last about a week.
The game will start a weekend of football action, including the first NFL game to be played in Brazil when the Philadelphia Eagles meet the Green Bay Packers Friday night. That game will be a streaming exclusive available only on Peacock.
Then the first Sunday of the NFL calendar, Sept. 8, will see 13 games played, with another first: Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin will be starting during the team’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. This will be Hamlin’s first start since suffering a cardiac arrest on the field in January 2023.
Missouri now requiring proof of surgery to change gender on IDs
A quiet move just made it harder for Missouri residents to change their gender on their driver’s license. Previously, all residents had to do was fill out a gender designation change request form and get it approved by a physician, therapist or social worker — but that has changed.
Under the new Department of Revenue rule, residents will have to prove they’ve had transitioning surgery or they’ll have to get a court order to make the change.
The move comes after some Republican state lawmakers questioned the old policy on gender identifications. This follows protests and counterprotests in August over a transgender woman’s use of women’s changing rooms at a suburban St. Louis gym.
Harris introduces Walz; Vance speaks to supporters during Philly rallies
Vice President Kamala Harris introduced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate while Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance spoke to supporters during separate rallies in Philadelphia. And U.S. officials say a Pakistani national with ties to the Iranian government has been arrested in connection with a plot to kill American politicians. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024.
Harris introduces Walz; Vance speaks to supporters during Philly rallies
Both major political parties made a showing in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Vice President Kamala Harris and her newly picked running mate Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., held their first rally together. In a dueling rally nearby, former President Donald Trump’s running mate Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, made his first stop in the city since joining the Republican ticket.
Harris joined Walz on stage in front of thousands of people at a rally and in front of millions of voters across the country who tuned in.
Polls show 71% of Americans are not familiar with Walz. The Minnesota governor got the opportunity to introduce himself in battleground territory and took aim at the vice presidential pick on the other side.
“Like all regular people, I grew up with in the heartland,” Walz told supporters. “J.D. studied at Yale, had his career funded by Silicon Valley billionaires and then wrote a bestseller trashing that community. Come on. That’s not what middle America is. And I got to tell you, I can’t wait to debate the guy.”
At Vance’s rally, he responded to the news of Walz being Harris’ selection for vice president.
“Tim Walz’s record is a joke,” Vance said. “He’s been one of the most far left radicals in the entire United States government at any level. But I think that what Tim Walz’s selection says is that Kamala Harris has bent the knee to the far left of her party, which is what she always does.”
Vance also criticized Harris for not doing a sit-down interview with the media since becoming the presumptive nominee of the Democrat Party 17 days ago.
Harris will be hitting at least five battleground states in the days to come as the Democratic National Convention (DNC) approaches later in August.
Trump announces ‘major interview’ with Elon Musk
Former President Trump has announced he will be sitting down with Elon Musk for an interview on Monday, Aug. 12. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform Tuesday, Aug. 6, saying, “On Monday night [Aug. 12] I’ll be doing a major interview with Elon Musk — details to follow.”
In July, the tech mogul endorsed Trump following the assassination attempt on the former president during a rally in Pennsylvania.
Pakistani national with ties to Iran charged in Trump assassination plot
The Department of Justice says it’s arrested a Pakistani national with ties to the Iranian government in connection with a plot to kill American politicians and officials. Multiple sources said one of the main targets was former President Trump.
Asif Merchant, 46, is charged with murder for hire after DOJ officials said he flew from Pakistan to the U.S. to recruit hitmen for the plot. They said one of the so-called “hitmen” he contacted was a confidential informant for the FBI.
Trump’s security was increased in June after authorities learned of an Iranian plot to kill him. This was before the assassination attempt at a Butler, Pennsylvania rally and is not related to those events, according to the FBI.
Officials said there’s been dozens of aftershocks ranging in magnitude between 2.5 and 4.5 following the initial rumblings that began around 9 p.m. local time. Seismologists called it “a pretty active sequence in such a short amount of time.”
Hamas names Oct. 7 attack mastermind as new leader
Hamas has named its new leader following the assassination of former leader Ismail Haniyehin Iran. Yahyah Sinwar, known as the mastermind behind the Oct. 7 attack, is now leading the terror group.
The move is likely to provoke Israel, which has had Sinwar at the top of its most wanted list since that deadly attack ten months ago. The Israeli military responded to Sinwar’s appointment, vowing to take him out as well.
Cori Bush loses Missouri primary; Michigan Senate race is set
Media projections show Democratic congresswoman and “squad” member Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., lost her primary race in Missouri Tuesday, Aug. 6. Bush has been a vocal critic of Israel in its war against Hamas, and pro-Israel groups spent upwards of $10 million on efforts to unseat her.
In Michigan, a battleground territory, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers won the Republican nomination for a U.S. Senate seat, setting him up to face Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin in the November election.
Restaurant chain Buca di Beppo files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The restaurant chain Buca di Beppo has filed for bankruptcy protection. The privately owned company says revenue never fully recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of its bankruptcy, the three-decade-old business said it began closing underperforming restaurants this year, including a dozen locations in July alone.
It will also restructure the rest of its 44 locations, but said it will continue to serve its family-size portions that has been Buca’s staple.
Hocker, Thomas bring home gold for the US on the track
The U.S. took home two Olympic gold medals on the track in Paris on Tuesday. That brings the team’s gold medal count to 24 and the overall total to 86.
First, Cole Hocker won the men’s 1,500-meter relay, coming from behind in the final seconds to set an Olympic record at 3 minutes and 27.65 seconds.
Then Gabby Thomas earned her first Olympic gold medal, winning the women’s 200-meter final after taking the bronze back in Tokyo. Thomas crossed the finish line in 21.83 seconds to give the U.S. its first gold in the event in 12 years.
The additional training is set to begin in October. The Army said new units in Missouri and Oklahoma will train as many as 4,000 recruits a year.
Army leaders believe they’ll hit their target of gaining 55,000 recruits this year. According to the leaders, they’ve had to open more training sites to accommodate the recent influx of new soldiers.
The expanded training is part of a bigger effort to restructure the service branch so it’s better equipped to fight adversaries with access to high-tech weapons and equipment like Russia or China.
Straight Arrow News recently reported the chances of the U.S. getting involved in a major war with “near-peer competitors” are the highest they’ve been in 80 years, but the U.S. military is the smallest and most unprepared it has been since the end of the Cold War.
Treasury warns ‘anti-woke’ laws endanger national security
The U.S. Treasury Department is warning certain “anti-woke” state laws are a national security risk. The Treasury Department said state laws restricting banks from considering environmental, social and governance factors could negatively impact efforts to stop money laundering and terrorism financing.
According to The Associated Press, in a letter sent to lawmakers Thursday, July 18, the Treasury specifically pointed to a new Florida law signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in May. The law went into effect July 1, and it addresses climate change, dropping it down on Florida’s list of priorities.
The law also states it would be considered “unsafe and unsound practices” for businesses like banks to consider non-financial factors. In its letter, the Treasury Department said “such laws create uncertainty and may inhibit” national security efforts.
While Florida was singled out, it’s not the only state to make a move like this. Tennessee recently enacted a similar law and state legislatures in Georgia, Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana and South Dakota are currently considering measure along these same lines.
The Treasury’s letter was a response to a request earlier this month from Democratic Reps. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Brad Sherman of California, and Republican Missouri Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer.
After getting the letter, Rep. Gottheimer issued a statement saying, “To any states that are considering similar laws, I urge them to think twice before putting America’s national security at risk.”
Supreme Court rules in favor of White House on social media post removal
The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with the Biden administration in a lawsuit over pressure to take down social media posts deemed to contain misinformation, striking down a lower court’s ruling from Murthy v. Missouri. This case stems from critiques over the government’s handling of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lawsuit alleged the Biden administration went too far in asking platforms to moderate content. Challengers said the government wrongly pressured the companies to regulate posts.
In July 2023, a Louisiana-based U.S. district judge barred officials from “communication of any kind with social-media companies urging, encouraging, pressuring or inducing in any manner the removal, deletion, suppression or reduction of content containing protected free speech.”
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later narrowed the scope of the injunction, but still required the White House, FBI and top health officials not to “coerce or significantly encourage” social media companies to remove content the Biden administration considered misinformation.
In a 6-3 vote Wednesday, June 26, the justices ruled the individuals and the two states that brought the lawsuit — Louisiana and Missouri — did not have the legal standing to seek an injunction against the Biden administration. The court noted the “platforms had independent incentives to moderate content and often exercised their own judgment.”
Concerns about Dorsey’s health potentially complicating the execution led to a settlement to mitigate severe pain, though specifics weren’t disclosed.
Dorsey’s health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and past drug use, might have complicated finding a vein for the injection, potentially requiring a more invasive procedure to access a vein, possibly needing a procedure called a cut down.
A cutdown procedure involves making an incision to expose and access a vein using forceps.
Around 85 protesters rallied outside the prison in support of Dorsey. A Missouri Department of Corrections spokesperson confirmed the execution proceeded smoothly without the need for a cutdown procedure.
“To my family, friends, and all of those that tried to prevent this, I love you!” Dorsey said in a handwritten note that he left as his last words. “I am grateful for you. I have peace in my heart in large part because of you and I thank you. To all those on all sides of this sentence, I carry no ill will or anger, only acceptance and understanding.”
Dorsey was convicted of the 2006 murder of his relatives, Sarah and Ben Bonnie, in their home. Prosecutors said he had asked for financial help from Sarah earlier that day to settle a debt with two drug dealers. Later that night, according to prosecutors, Dorsey fatally shot the couple with a shotgun taken from their garage and then sexually assaulted Sarah Bonnie. Police said he then stole various items from their home in an attempt to pay off his drug debt. The couple left behind their 4-year-old daughter.
Dorsey surrendered to police a few days later.
Arizona Supreme Court rules 1864 near-total abortion ban can be enforced
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled a Civil War-era law banning nearly all abortions can be enforced. Toyota announced a major change to its 4Runner SUV. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Arizona Supreme Court rules near-total abortion ban is enforceable
The ruling subjects doctors or anyone assisting in an abortion to two to five years in prison, with additional sanctions possible for abortions performed after 15 weeks. Notably, the law lacks exceptions for rape or incest.
The Arizona Supreme Court has delayed the decision’s implementation for 14 days to allow a lower court to address “additional constitutional challenges.”
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, including Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes, who vowed not to enforce the law, and President Joe Biden, who labeled the ban “cruel.” Vice President Kamala Harris plans to visit Arizona on Friday, April 12. Following the ruling, a spokesperson for former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 election, reiterated Trump’s stance that abortion decisions should be left to the states.
Brian Dorsey, dubbed a “model inmate” by prison staff, was Missouri’s first execution this year, despite the Supreme Court rejecting his appeals. Concerns about Dorsey’s health potentially complicating the execution led to a settlement to mitigate severe pain, though specifics weren’t disclosed.
Around 85 protesters rallied outside the prison in support of Dorsey. A Missouri Department of Corrections spokesperson confirmed the execution proceeded smoothly without the need for a cutdown procedure.
Biden calls Netanyahu’s approach to war in Gaza a ‘mistake’
Biden described the attack on humanitarian vehicles as “outrageous” and advocated for a ceasefire to allow unhindered access to food and medicine for Gaza residents. Biden has previously described Israel’s actions as “over the top” and hinted at a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Israel if Israel does not minimize civilian harm in Gaza.
Following an internal review of the strike that killed aid workers, Israel acknowledged serious military errors, leading to the dismissal of two senior officers. World Central Kitchen has demanded an independent investigation into the incident.
Biden, Kishida hold summit to boost cross country alliance
Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are expected to announce an expanded defense and intelligence partnership this week, marking a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Japanese counterpart will detail the enhanced alliance in the upcoming months, with Japan anticipated to play a larger role in military and defense manufacturing.
The plan includes modernizing military bases in Japan for improved collaborative operations. Currently, Japan hosts about 50,000 U.S. troops, with the Japanese Self Defense Force moving toward a unified command for its services by March 2025.
Toyota selling 4Runner SUV with hybrid engine for first time
Toyota is revamping its 4Runner SUV for the first time in nearly 15 years and introducing a hybrid engine option for the first time ever. The 2025 model’s hybrid option reflects the growing popularity of hybrids, with their market share nearly doubling to almost 10% at the end of 2023, according to Edmunds.com.
Toyota’s U.S. auto sales surged 20% in the first quarter, with sales of electrified vehicles, including hybrids and EVs, jumping about 74%. The automaker has sold over 3 million 4Runners over the SUV’s 40-year history. Pricing for the 2025 4Runner will be revealed closer to its market launch later this year.
“This all-new 4Runner has incredible versatility and capability that nicely rounds out our truck family,” Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager, said in a release.
Starting prices for the 2024 model range from about $41,000 to more than $55,000.
As the college basketball season concludes, so does the career of a sports legend. Stanford’s head coach Tara VanDerveer is retiring after 45 years, including 38 at the helm of Stanford. VanDerveer, the NCAA’s all-time winningest basketball coach, boasts 1,216 victories.
Her illustrious tenure at Stanford includes three national championships and 14 Final Four appearances. VanDerveer’s retirement follows a historic women’s tournament, with the championship game attracting more viewers than the men’s title game for the first time, averaging 18.9 million viewers.
