The rate of preterm births in the US is rising.

Preterm Births

The Story

The rate of preterm births in the US is rising.

Tell me more.

Yesterday, the CDC released new data showing the percentage of babies delivered preterm (before 37 weeks) jumped to nearly 8.7% in 2022. The 12% increase from 2014 represents hundreds of thousands of babies each year and poses a threat: Preterm birth is the leading cause of death and health conditions for infants and children. The study also found Black mothers were almost twice as likely as white mothers to give birth early.

Why is this happening?

It’s not always clear — but experts say giving birth later in life can raise risks. It comes as about one in five women in the US are having their first child after age 35. One expert also reportedly pointed to obesity as a potential factor in rising rates. Obesity doesn’t cause early births but complications associated with it, like preeclampsia, can. Stress can also play a role, and it’s possible other environmental factors can, too. Experts suggest pregnant people should see their doctor sooner if they’re experiencing headaches, changes in urination, and increased blood pressure.

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The US already has the worst maternal mortality rate of any developed nation. Now, this latest report points to another challenge some new mothers face as more than two million live in counties without access to maternity care.

Who was all over Congress’s FYP…

Big tech CEOs. Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee pelted social media CEOs with questions on the safety of their platforms. Social media use among teens has been tied to depression, cyberbullying, and drug use. In the line of fire: Meta, TikTok, X, Discord, and Snap. Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg faced some of the most intense scrutiny, with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) saying Zuckerberg has “blood on [his] hands.” At one point, Zuckerberg apologized to families in the room whose children have been harmed by social media. TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew fielded questions about the app’s connection to China. Still, Congress hasn’t passed meaningful legislation to address concerns over social media safety. By the end of the hearing, only two (Snap and X) of the CEOs said they support the Kids Online Safety Act. The others reportedly said they couldn’t back the act due to free speech concerns. 

…Oh and speaking of social media, Universal Music Group is cutting ties with TikTok, which means songs from popular artists like Drake and Taylor Swift will be pulled from the app. Were you silent or were you silenced?

What could be coming…

A child tax credit. Yesterday, the House voted 357 to 70 to pass a $78 billion bipartisan tax package that would temporarily expand the child tax credit. As it stands, families can get up to a $2,000 tax credit for each child, but some families with little to no income don't qualify for the full amount. The new proposal would adjust rates for inflation, reportedly bringing up the credit to $2,100 per child by 2025. Analysts say the payments could help pull nearly half a million children out of poverty and cut poverty for 5 million or more. Many families use the extra cash for food, child care, and to cover other basic expenses. Up next: The bill faces an uncertain fate in the Senate.

What the FCC won’t let be…

AI robocalls. Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission said it was working to make AI-cloned voice calls illegal. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act already bars robocalls but that left some wiggle room on whether that included AI-cloned voices. This proposed FCC rule would change that. It comes after New Hampshire voters received robocalls last week using an AI-generated voice of President Biden. The call encouraged people not to vote in the primary. Now, the FCC’s proposed rule could make it easier to go after people who use robocalls with AI-cloned voices in particular.

What’s not saying ‘new year, new me’...

Interest rates. Yesterday, the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates at current levels between 5.25% and 5.5% amid the ongoing fight against inflation. That means the borrowing cost on things like credit cards and personal loans is still high. But some relief could be on the way: The Fed could start cutting interest rates next month. Timber.

PS: If inflation has your wallet or credit card hurting, we have tips to bring your debt down.

Who’s feeling *NSYNC with his boys…

Justin Timberlake.

What’s all the rage among penguins…

Microsleeps.

While “Abbott Elementary” promises a new Ava…

Many are apparently questioning Emily Mariko’s totes.

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