The Bulletin July 19, 2025
Why it matters: Newsweek spoke with the attorney of one detainee and the friend of another, both of whom described harrowing conditions inside the remote Everglades facility. Attorney Phillip Arroyo said his client, a longtime U.S. resident and DACA recipient, was transferred to the prison despite facing only a minor traffic infraction, and was then denied medical care after falling ill. Arroyo said that the food at the facility allegedly contained insects or maggots. One individual allegedly suffered food poisoning and required hospitalization, according to Arroyo's client. Other detainees have made similar allegations. They claim that several phones in the facility are broken, limiting communication with legal representatives and family.
Read more in-depth coverage:
Alligator Alcatraz Is a 'Huge Step Backward,' Native Tribal Leader Warns
TL/DR: Newsweek has heard several allegations of squalid, overcrowded, and inhumane conditions inside the facility from two people who spoke with detainees inside the facility.
What happens now? The remote detention facility is expected to cost Florida approximately $450 million annually to operate. The proposal comes as President Donald Trump's administration looks to conduct what they describe as the largest mass deportations operation in United States history.
Deeper reading Alligator Alcatraz Detainees Reveal Chaotic Conditions
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Associated Press
10 hours ago
- Associated Press
Dr. Seth Bernstein and Dr. Lisa Benham Recognized with the 2025 Healthcare Impact Award
Drs. Bernstein & Benham of B&B Optometry win the 2025 Healthcare Impact Award for advancing eye care, education, and community health in Southern California. 'We're passionate about helping patients understand their eye health and empowering them with the tools they need to protect their vision for life.'— Dr. Seth Bernstein YORBA LINDA , CA, UNITED STATES, August 4, 2025 / / -- Dr. Seth Bernstein and Dr. Lisa Benham, lead optometrists at B&B Optometry, have been named recipients of the 2025 Healthcare Impact Award. This prestigious recognition honors healthcare professionals who prioritize patient education and make a meaningful difference in their local communities and beyond. The Healthcare Impact Award celebrates doctors and providers who not only deliver exceptional care, but also empower patients with knowledge, elevate access to services, and improve overall public health. Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Benham were selected for their outstanding dedication to these values and their contributions to vision care in Southern California. As the driving force behind B&B Optometry, with locations in Yorba Linda and Corona, Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Benham have built a patient-first practice rooted in education, innovation, and accessibility. The clinic offers cutting-edge diagnostic tools such as the iCare retinal camera and collaborates with NVision for advanced refractive surgery care. They also provide pro bono vision services to individuals in financial need, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to equitable care. 'Receiving the Healthcare Impact Award is a true honor,' said Dr. Bernstein. 'We're passionate about helping patients understand their eye health and empowering them with the tools they need to protect their vision for life.' Dr. Benham added, 'Educating our patients and giving back to our community has always been at the heart of what we do. This award affirms our mission.' In addition to their clinical work, Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Benham are active in community outreach, offering educational seminars, back-to-school vision screenings, and local health initiatives. Their efforts have led to improved awareness of eye health and enhanced access to quality optometric services in the region. About Dr. Seth Bernstein & Dr. Lisa Benham: Dr. Seth Bernstein and Dr. Lisa Benham lead B&B Optometry, serving patients in Yorba Linda and Corona, California. They are known for delivering comprehensive, compassionate eye care through advanced diagnostics and a focus on patient education. Their mission is to make quality vision care accessible and understandable to all. About the Healthcare Impact Award: The Healthcare Impact Award recognizes outstanding doctors and healthcare providers who prioritize patient education and make a positive impact on their local community and beyond. It honors individuals who go beyond clinical excellence to serve, educate, and uplift the communities they serve. Dr. Seth Bernstein B&B Optometry +1 714-777-7867 email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
News24
12 hours ago
- News24
Executives leading foundations of change
In the demanding hands of the corporate space, the world needs more compassion now more than ever. More women are taking up space and making their voices heard in their fields of work and the initiatives they believe in. Take Vurhonga Rikhotso, chief financial officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, who is using her leadership position to champion affordable and quality healthcare for its members and be an encouraging force for future charted accountants. Others like Dr Criselda Kananda and Dr Mmatepeng 'Muda' Temane are using their platforms to inspire change in their communities and beyond. This Women's Month, we get to know these women who are not only claiming high-level positions in their industries but also taking the initiative to make a difference. Dr Mmatepeng 'Muda' Temane, founder of the Dr Muda Foundation and humanitarian leader Dr Muda is a Pretoria-born visionary with her sights set on transforming communities through youth empowerment, women's advocacy and social justice. With 27 years of strategic management experience across public and private sectors and an honorary doctorate in community development, she transitioned away from the corporate space to full-time mission work in January 2025 through her Dr Muda Foundation, expanding her two-decade commitment to community upliftment and youth empowerment. How has your career journey led you to put your best foot forward founding the Dr Muda Foundation and what are some impactful initiatives your foundation has championed? 'From the earliest days of my career, I was blessed to have mentors who saw my potential and urged me to dream boldly. They taught me to believe in the power within and never let circumstances define my future. This foundation of belief lit a fire in me — a calling to serve others and be a catalyst for change. That's how the Dr Muda Foundation was born. 'We've since championed two major programmes: Bold Mothers and Boys Leading Change. These initiatives aim to empower women and girls while also addressing the often-overlooked development of boys, restoring balance and building a generation rooted in hope, healing and leadership.' From mentoring inspiring young girls like Kea Temane and launching the Boys Leading Change initiative, how do you hope your mentorship efforts will inspire young women and girls to persevere through hardships and push for their dreams? 'As a teenager, I experienced divorce in my family, the absence of a father figure and sudden financial hardship — challenges that could have easily derailed my dreams. But I chose not to let adversity define me. I made it my mission to rewrite my story, to pursue education and to change the trajectory of my family. 'Through mentoring, I share these lessons of resilience and faith with young women like Kea and the boys we reach through Boys Leading Change. I want them to know that storms don't last forever. I teach them to trust God, believe in themselves, silence fear and understand that no one else gets to define their worth or future. That belief can carry them through anything.' How would you describe a day in your life now that you've transitioned from full-time corporate work to mission work? 'Every day in the mission field is purposeful and deeply personal. It's just as demanding as corporate life — but the difference is, I'm now driven by calling, not deadlines. My day is filled with people: listening to their stories, providing support, uplifting broken spirits, mentoring youth and advocating for change. 'It's not always easy but it is fulfilling beyond words. I end each day with peace, knowing I've been used as a vessel to bring hope, healing and direction to someone who needed it. That is the true reward of mission work.' Who were the role models who encouraged you to reach the level you're at now in your career? 'One of the most influential people in my journey was Mrs Ria Steinz — my first manager when I joined the public service in 1993. While I was juggling full-time work and furthering my studies, she not only recognised my leadership potential but also created space for me to grow. 'She supported my journey, believed in me and gave me permission to rise. That kind of mentorship — especially for a young Black woman at the time — was rare and I carry her example forward in how I mentor others today.' What is the best piece of advice you've received? 'Never settle for comfort. Growth lives on the other side of challenge. Always look for possibilities, not problems — and keep your eyes set high. That mindset has carried me through many seasons of change and it's what I try to pass on to every young person I mentor.' Dr Criselda Kananda, chairperson of the Malibongwe Arts Festival Foundation, global health advocate and social entrepreneur Dr Criselda Kananda has been a recognisable face in the world of changemaking. She holds an honorary doctorate in social work and is inspired by trailblazing women like former First Ladies Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Zanele Mbeki. What does it mean to you and for your legacy of uplifting women and the arts to be announced as the ambassador for the Tribute to Women concert and chairperson of the Malibongwe Arts Festival Foundation? 'Being announced as the ambassador for the Tribute to Women concert and chairperson of the Malibongwe Arts Festival Foundation is not just an honour, it is a profound responsibility that resonates deeply with my mission of uplifting women who deal with daily life challenges from high rates of gender based violence and femicide, persistent gender inequality, socio-economic exclusion, poverty and most of these issues are rooted in historical inequalities yet most families are the anchored by single women. READ MORE | Bringing life to brands through culture with Pato Inc. 'Celebrating women through the arts gives us the opportunity to highlight these challenges whilst drawing strength and wisdom from those who continue to inspire greatness. This role allows me to amplify the voices of women artists and creators, ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve. It is a platform to showcase the incredible talent within our communities and to inspire future generations of women to pursue their passions fearlessly. My legacy is intertwined with the belief that when women thrive, society flourishes and I am committed to fostering an environment where this becomes a reality.' Through your career journey as a broadcaster, inspirational speaker and serving on the boards of organisations like the South African AIDS Council and South African Women in Dialogue, how would you say your vision to uplift women through skills, visibility and economic opportunities has been or is being realised? 'Throughout my career as a broadcaster and inspirational speaker, I have always aimed to create pathways for women to gain skills, visibility and economic opportunities. Serving on boards like the South African AIDS Council, Council member for Africa Reach and South African Women in Dialogue has further solidified my commitment to this vision. 'I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and collaboration. By empowering women to share their stories and talents, we are not only uplifting individuals but also enriching our cultural landscape. The initiatives we've launched and the conversations we've sparked are steps toward realising a more equitable society where women are celebrated as leaders and innovators.' What is a piece of advice you wish young women in South Africa will always carry with them? 'To the young women of South Africa, my advice is simple yet profound: believe in your worth and never underestimate your potential. The world may present challenges but each obstacle is an opportunity for growth. Surround yourself with supportive networks, seek out mentors and don't be afraid to carve your own path. 'Know what you are passion about and create a career out of that passion as long as it solves a particular societal challenge. Your voice matters, and your dreams are valid. Lastly practice the three R's – Respect self, Respect others and be Responsible for your choices.' Who were the role models who encouraged you to reach the level you're at now in your career? 'Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to have role models who have inspired me to reach new heights. Women like my mother and Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who taught me resilience, and trailblazers in humanitarian aid and empowerment Mam Zanele Mbeki founder of SAWID and my Chairperson of Africa Reach former first lady of Namibia Mrs Monica Geingos, ordinary women who never give up no matter what they face, women in media and activism who have shown me the power of advocacy. 'Their courage and determination have instilled in me the belief that I, too, can make a difference. It is their legacy that I strive to honour as I continue on this path of empowerment and artistic celebration. My role as ambassador and chairperson is not just about recognition; it is about action. Together, we can uplift women, celebrate the arts and create a vibrant future for all.' Vurhonga Rikhotso, chief financial officer of Bonitas Medical Fund Vurhonga's 16 years of experience in charted accountancy, auditing and risk management has earned her the well deserved seat as a chief operating officer. How has your career journey led you to put your best foot forward as the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund? 'With over 16 years of experience as a qualified Chartered Accountant in both the public and private sectors, I have held leadership roles across risk, compliance, and financial management. My extensive background in external audit, working across diverse sectors such as financial services, transport, and tourism, has strengthened my commercial acumen and sharpened my ability to identify key business drivers and risks. 'In September 2022, I was elected to the Board of Bonitas Medical Fund and served as a member of both the Audit and Risk Committee and the Working and Strategy Committee, with my term ending in December 2024. Through these roles, I contributed to strategic oversight and supported the long-term sustainability of the Fund. 'My career progression and governance involvement have equipped me with the expertise required to carry out the duties of chief financial officer effectively and responsibly.' In what way have you used, or do you hope to use your role as CFO of Bonitas Medical to champion competitive advantages in medical aid schemes, while keeping in mind the cost of living and the right to healthcare for everyday South Africans? 'As CFO of Bonitas, I intend to contribute to the organisation's long-term financial sustainability by ensuring prudent management of solvency and reserves, thereby supporting continued access to affordable and quality healthcare for the members.' In what ways do you think claiming your prestigious position will inspire young women work to reach for such high-level roles in your field? 'Having spent a significant part of my career in external audit at the Auditor-General of South Africa, I hope it inspires young female chartered accountants, especially those in the public sector and still in training, to recognise the value of their audit experience. External audit cultivates essential leadership traits such as adaptability, the ability to lead diverse teams, agility in complex environments and strong problem-solving and collaboration skills. 'By seeing someone who has walked a similar path rise to a leadership role, I hope they are encouraged to aspire confidently toward senior positions in the profession.' What is your favourite part of your position and what is the most challenging part? 'My favourite aspect of this role is that each decision I undertake is instrumental in preserving the financial stability of the medical fund. This ensures that our members are able to access reliable, quality healthcare that remains affordable across all life stages from birth through to old age, providing consistent support for their health and well-being. 'A key challenge is navigating the impact of persistent macroeconomic pressures, particularly high unemployment and rising living costs, which adversely affect the affordability of medical scheme contributions for members. This poses a risk to both membership retention and equitable access to essential healthcare services, requiring proactive strategies to balance financial sustainability with inclusive healthcare coverage.' Who were the role models who encouraged you to reach the level you're at now in your career? 'My greatest role model has been my mother, her remarkable career deeply influenced my outlook on personal growth and leadership. She began her career as a registered nurse and steadily rose through the ranks to become the principal of Giyani College of Nursing, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of countless nurses. At the age of 60, she earned her master's degree in public administration. Upon graduating, she told my two younger sisters and I that she pursued the qualification to show us that with determination and effort, no goal is beyond reach, regardless of age. 'My late father was equally inspiring. He had a corporate career in Human Resources and retired at the age of 55, having held managerial positions at the Limpopo office of the Premier. Upon retiring, he made the bold decision to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations full-time. His success over the following years demonstrated that it is never too late to follow your dreams. He remained dedicated to his business until his passing just before his 70th birthday in August 2023. 'Their unwavering support and belief in my journey to becoming a chartered accountant, and their commitment to lifelong growth, continues to inspire and motivate me in my career today.' If you could tell yourself something you wish you knew when you were younger, what would it be? 'I would tell my younger self that every experience whether planned or unexpected is part of the journey leading you to where God has destined you to be. Even when things don't make sense or deviate from your own plans, trust that His plan is greater. True growth often emerges through discomfort and, at times, through failure. But neither fear nor failure should hold you back. 'Failure does not define your intellect or potential; rather, it provides meaningful lessons that shape your character and purpose. And always remember that great leadership is not measured by how intelligent you are, but by how you treat and uplift those you lead.'
Newsweek
12 hours ago
- Newsweek
Nearly 17 Million Young Americans Could Benefit From Ozempic-like Drugs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nearly 17 million young Americans could be eligible for GLP-1RAs—a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity—including Ozempic and Wegovy. This is based on estimations from Yale School of Medicine researchers who have assessed how many adolescents and young adults in the US are eligible for the drugs and how many can realistically access them. Despite millions being eligible, one in five young adults who meet the criteria are uninsured and one-third denied having a routine place for healthcare. The researchers describe this as "a barrier to identifying, treating, and preventing cardio-kidney-metabolic diseases". The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity continues to increase in youth across the country, hence the need for improved intervention. "Assuming that all individuals who were appropriate candidates for these medications could receive them after shared-decision making with their clinician, we could see substantial progress made in treating and preventing obesity-related diseases in US youth, such as dyslipidemia and hypertension," paper author Ashwin K. Chetty told Newsweek. This, he explained, "could lead to the prevention of severe complications of obesity into adulthood, such as strokes and heart attacks." Hand holding Ozempic-like injection pens on dark background. Hand holding Ozempic-like injection pens on dark said the GLP-1RA eligibility criteria they used covered indications for semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza), Bydureon BCise (exenatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide) and tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro). While some medications contain the same ingredient under a different brand name, the drugs are licensed in different ways. In the U.S., Ozempic, for example, is approved for use in people with type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for those with obesity or who are overweight and have related health problems. Wegovy and Ozempic mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1—hence 'GLP-1'—which targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite. "Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are approved to treat pediatric obesity and T2D, and a small but growing number of adolescents and young adults receive GLP-1RAs, which are largely covered through private insurance or Medicaid," the researchers wrote. "Insurance status, access to care and clinical profile of the broader population of youth eligible for GLP-1RAs are unclear but important for policy development. We characterized demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic characteristics of US adolescents and young adults eligible for any GLP-1RA." To inform the estimations, the cross-sectional study pooled publicly available data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) January 2017–March 2020 and August 2021–August 2023. They included US adolescents aged 12–17 and young adults aged 18–25 who met U.S. Food and Drug Administration criteria for GLP-1RA treatment. Over-the-shoulder view of a person in bed checking a smartphone. Over-the-shoulder view of a person in bed checking a adolescents, GLP-1RA indications included type 2 diabetes or obesity defined either as BMI in the 95th percentile or higher for age and sex or body weight greater than 60kg and BMI corresponding to 30 for adults by international cutoffs. For young adults, GLP-1RA indications included type 2 diabetes, obesity (a BMI greater than 30) or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition (dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or type 2 diabetes). The sample included 572 adolescents and 590 young adults eligible for GLP-1RA treatment, representing an estimated 5.8 million adolescents and 11.1 million young adults. Adolescents eligible for the drugs included 40.3 percent insured by Medicaid, 40.5 percent privately insured and 7.2 percent uninsured. Eligible young adults included 20.8 percent insured by Medicaid, 49 percent privately insured and 19.4 percent uninsured. While 92.2 percent of adolescents reported having a routine place for healthcare, 68.1 percent of young adults reported the same, according to the study. Among both groups, cardio-kidney-metabolic risk factors (dyslipidemia, impaired kidney function, hypertension and prediabetes) were prevalent. "Of note, some indications for young adults were fully encompassed by other indications and were not analyzed separately," said Chetty. For example, the indication of type 2 diabetes may include having also a cardiovascular disease. The analysis also did not include people aged 10–11 years with type 2 diabetes as there were too few participants in their sample in that age group with the condition. "While Medicare is not allowed to cover anti-obesity medications that are indicated only for obesity, Medicaid can cover anti-obesity medications, though only a fraction of state Medicaid programs do," said Chetty. The researchers say their findings indicate broad Medicaid coverage could increase access to GLP-1RAs for a large portion of U.S. youth who may benefit from them. "This could look like state-level formulary changes that include anti-obesity medications or federal policy changes that foster coverage for these therapies," said Chetty. "Beyond expanding insurance coverage, improving access also involves ensuring these individuals have access to general healthcare and clinician appointments, which we show in this study is a particularly significant concern for young adults." Why are we seeing rising rates of metabolic diseases in America's youth? Paper author and pediatric nephrologist Dr. James Nugent told Newsweek: "Changes in lifestyle behaviors and structural factors like increased screen time, decreased physical activity, poor sleep, and consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages are important contributors to obesity in youth. "The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the rise in obesity due to its effect on these lifestyle behaviors. Chronic stress, food insecurity, poverty, and adverse childhood experiences are also strongly associated with obesity in youth. Additionally, in utero exposure to maternal obesity and diabetes are risk factors for obesity and type 2 diabetes in childhood." The authors said study limitations include self-reported data subject to recall bias and potential misclassification of the type of diabetes. They also flagged GLP-1RAs should be considered alongside intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment (and surgery where applicable). And while expanded insurance coverage may substantially increase access, uninsurance and lack of routine care are barriers to this therapy. How can we ensure young people receive holistic care too? "Improving access to comprehensive obesity treatment will involve ensuring that individuals receive access to healthcare with regular follow-ups and support to engage in health behavior and lifestyle treatment, such as specific programs tailored to providing intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment," said Chetty. "As Dr. Mona Sharifi, a co-author of this paper, has shown, intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment programs can be cost-effective but inadequate funding is the main barrier to implementing and sustaining these programs." What's next? "Given the size and clinical characteristics of the U.S. youth population eligible for GLP-1RAs, there should be greater discussion of how to improve access to GLP-1RAs and other anti-obesity interventions among this population." Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about GLP-1 drugs? Let us know via health@ Reference Chetty, A. K., Sharifi, M., & Nugent, J. T. (2025). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist eligibility among US adolescents and young adults. JAMA Pediatrics.
