Patients covered by UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans will no longer find their insurance accepted at Brown University Health’s hospitals in Rhode Island starting July 1.
The change comes after the insurer and Rhode Island’s largest health system failed to reach an agreement to renew their contract after months of negotiation.
“In addition to a modest reimbursement rate increase to cover the costs of caring for their members, we asked United to eliminate their administrative policies that deviate from traditional Medicare, such as unnecessary prior approval and utilization management, that cause frustration for patients and result in extra cost to our health care system,” a statement provided by Brown Health spokesperson Jessica Wharton said.
“Since both parties held firm in their positions, we mutually decided to end our Medicare Advantage hospital contract effective June 30, 2025,” the statement added.
UHC, however, disputes Brown Health’s version of events.
“We proposed extending our contract through the end of the year to provide Medicare Advantage members continued access to Brown University Health’s hospitals while we negotiate. Unfortunately, the health system refused and continues to seek price hikes that would make them significantly higher cost than any hospital in our Medicare Advantage network in Rhode Island,” said a statement provided by UHC spokesperson Cole Manbeck.
“We urge Brown University Health to share in our commitment toward reaching an agreement that is affordable so people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans have continued network access to its hospitals,” the statement continued.
UHC also stated it is still negotiating with Brown Health, but Wharton said negotiations had finished.
Starting July 1, patients covered by UHC Medicare Advantage plans, including Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP) and Group Retiree plans, coming to Brown Health’s hospitals in Rhode Island – which include Rhode Island Hospital, the Miriam Hospital, Newport Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital – will be considered out of network, which will likely result in greater charges for receiving health care services.
UHC stated that under 20,000 members will be impacted by the change.
One exception is people enrolled in UHC’s Group Retiree PPO plan, which will still consider Brown Health as an out-of-network provider, but their cost will be the same as if they were in network.
The change does not apply to Brown Health’s hospitals in Massachusetts – Morton Hospital in Taunton and Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River – which are under a separate agreement and where those patients will still be considered to be in network.
Brown Health physicians will also continue accepting UHC’s Medicare Advantage plans.
Both UHC and Brown Health stressed that patients who use the hospitals in Rhode Island for emergency services should still be covered by the insurer.
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Floods submerge town in Nigeria, killing over 100 people: "The number keeps rising" – CBS News
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/ CBS/AP
At least 111 people were confirmed dead in central Nigeria on Friday after floods submerged the market town of Mokwa in the country’s Niger State following torrential rains, officials said.
The heavy rains lasted for several hours Thursday, and media reports quoting local government officials said a dam collapse in a nearby town had worsened the situation. The flooding displaced large amounts of people, the reports said.
Rescuers continued to find more bodies into the afternoon Friday. Earlier reports said 88 people had died, but then at least 23 more bodies were found, Niger State emergency agency spokesman IIbrahim Audu Husseinit told The Associated Press in the afternoon.
That brought the toll to 111, but that could go higher as the search continued.
“More bodies have just been brought and are yet to be counted, but we have at least 111 confirmed already,” Husseini told AP by telephone.
“Downstream, bodies are still being recovered. So, the toll keeps rising,” he said earlier.
He said many were still missing, citing a family of 12 where only four members have been accounted for.
“Some bodies were recovered from the debris of collapsed homes,” he said, adding that his teams would need excavators to retrieve corpses from under the rubble.
Mokwa, about 140 miles west of Abuja, is a major meeting point where traders from the south buy food from growers in the north.
In a similar occurrence last September, torrential rains and a dam collapse in Nigeria’s northeastern Maiduguri caused severe flooding, leaving at least 30 people dead and displacing millions, worsening the humanitarian crisis caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Nigeria often faces seasonal floods, particularly impacting communities such as Mokwa along the banks of the Niger and Benue Rivers. Communities in the far north of the country, which experience prolonged dry spells worsened by climate change, also see excessive rainfall that leads to severe flooding during their brief wet season.
In 2022, more than 600 people died and over 82,000 houses were destroyed by flooding in Nigeria.
In videos and photos shared on social media platforms, floodwaters cover neighborhoods where homes are fully or partially submerged, with rooftops barely visible above the brown currents. Residents are also seen waist-deep in water, appearing to salvage what they can carry or rescue others.
The chairman of Mokwa local government area, Jibril Muregi, suggested that poor infrastructure worsened the impact of the flood. He appealed to the government to start “long overdue” construction of waterways in Mokwa under a climate resilience project.
© 2025 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright ©2025 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.
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See All the Lawsuits Filed Over Trump’s Education Policies – Education Week
President Donald Trump has set a dizzying pace with his rollout of education policies since returning to the White House—with his detractors frequently trying to stall his aggressive maneuvers through litigation.
As of June 10, Education Week has identified 41 lawsuits that challenge either Trump administration education policies or broader policies from the administration that affect education.
The chart below details each of those lawsuits and their status as they make their way through the courts. Click here for a glossary of the policies the lawsuits are challenging. Have we missed a lawsuit here or a development in one of these cases? Let us know by contacting library@educationweek.org.
For media or research inquiries about this data, contact library@educationweek.org.
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Fit After 50: Real Tips for Men To Build Strength and Stay Healthy – Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
Getting stronger, feeling better and staying active isn’t just possible — it’s doable
Let’s face it — your bounce-back isn’t what it used to be. Whether it’s a round of golf, wrangling grandkids or doing yard work, recovery takes longer as you age. But the good news? It’s not too late. You can get fit again after 50. And you don’t need a fancy gym or a personal trainer to do it.
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We asked a registered dietitian and an exercise physiologist to share their top tips for getting stronger, boosting energy and just generally feeling better — starting now.
Yes — and you don’t have to go all-in on day one.
“You naturally lose muscle mass as you age,” says exercise physiologist Chris Travers, MS. “But that just means it’s time to tweak your routine, not throw in the towel.”
“Think of your 50s as a reset,” adds Kate Patton, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD. “It’s a great time to make healthy changes and build habits that stick.”
Water helps everything — from digestion to prostate health. But as you age, your thirst queue may not be as noticeable.
“Sometimes, your body doesn’t signal thirst as clearly,” Patton explains. “That means you may need to schedule your water intake.”
Try this:
And skip soda. Sugary drinks can mess with your metabolism. They can also raise your risk of heart disease and prostate problems.
Too much sodium raises blood pressure and heart disease risk. And if you’re not getting enough potassium, your risk is even higher.
Here’s what helps:
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“Aim for a minimum of five to seven servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables a day,” Patton recommends.
The MIND diet — rich in whole grains, berries, leafy greens, fish and nuts — may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in later years. Studies also show the importance of eating healthy fats, particularly extra virgin olive oil.
“What’s good for your heart is good for your brain and vice versa,” Patton notes. “In addition to a plant-rich diet, substitute foods rich in animal fat with healthier fats.”
Try swapping:
Men lose bone density, too. “Your bones need calcium, vitamin D and protein to stay strong,” says Patton. After 50, you need to stay on top of:
Eating too much trans-fat can lower testosterone and lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).
What can you do?
“Belly fat causes inflammation. It also affects how your body handles insulin, which can lead to low testosterone,” explains Travers. The good news? It’s reversible — this can be a big motivator to stick to your healthy eating and exercise plan!
No need for extreme workouts. Just move.
Travers recommends:
“You should always talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine,“ he emphasizes. “And after that, start simple. Just get your heart pumping — it pays off.”
You lose lean muscle with age. “As a result, your metabolism slows down. This can cause weight gain — and not the good kind (muscle),” says Travers.
But you can build muscle back.
The key is consistency. Travers recommends just picking five or six exercises and doing them regularly to establish a routine. “Then, dumbbells can be your best friend,” he says. “Get a set of adjustable-weight dumbbells and slowly begin adding weight to the exercises that you’re already doing.”
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“It’s not a stretch to say that most men skip stretching,” Travers jokes.
But seriously, flexibility matters. Stress and aging tighten muscles, especially in your lower back and hamstrings. That can lead to injuries.
After workouts and long periods of sitting, try:
Getting fit after 50 isn’t about perfection. It’s about momentum.
“If you get moving, start lifting and stretching regularly, you’ll feel the change inside and out,” encourages Travers.
“Put in the work now, and you’ll be ready for whatever’s next — whether it’s the hiking trails or playing with your grandkids.”
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Italy Joins Greece, Ireland, France, and Poland in Offering Mental Health Support for Travelers in 2025 with New Wellness Programs and Initiatives Across Europe – Travel And Tour World
Monday, June 16, 2025
As the global tourism industry evolves, the focus on mental well-being has taken center stage in several European countries, reflecting a shift toward enhancing the overall experience for travelers. In 2025, European destinations are not just offering vacations but also providing tailored services to improve the mental health of tourists. These programs, initiatives, and events are aimed at creating more balanced, peaceful, and restorative travel experiences, reflecting the growing understanding of the vital connection between well-being and travel.
1. Italy: Wellness Retreats and Hotel-Based Mental Health Services
Italy has long been a leading destination for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, and in 2025, it takes a step further by incorporating mental health support into its tourism offerings. The country is known for its wellness retreats, which focus not only on physical health but also on the mental well-being of participants. Programs in Italy typically feature mindfulness, meditation, and traditional healing practices, offering guests the opportunity to disconnect from daily stresses and reconnect with themselves in serene environments.
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Furthermore, many luxury hotels in Italy have partnered with mental health organizations to offer on-site therapy services. These collaborations include the availability of in-house psychologists and access to virtual therapy platforms, ensuring that travelers have access to mental health resources throughout their stay. Such offerings are set to make Italy a go-to destination for travelers seeking both luxury and mental well-being.
2. Greece: Arts and Mental Health Festival
Greece is hosting the 3rd Arts and Mental Health Festival from May 22 to 24, 2025 on the picturesque Aegina Island. This event is a unique blend of mental health awareness and the arts, using creative expression to promote mental well-being. During the festival, attendees can participate in various workshops and performances designed to raise awareness about mental health while fostering a sense of community and connection. It is an exceptional example of how cultural activities can play a role in improving mental health and providing therapeutic experiences for travelers.
3. Ireland: Youth Mental Health Initiatives
Ireland is taking significant steps in focusing on youth mental health, organizing events like the “No Shame – Traveller Youth Mental Health Event” in Athlone, Co Roscommon. This initiative, which targets younger travelers and the youth population in general, provides workshops and panel discussions aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental health and promoting mental well-being. Ireland’s investment in such programs demonstrates a commitment to fostering a culture of openness and support, where young people can feel safe discussing their mental health challenges.
4. France: Nature-Based Wellness Activities
In 2025, France is offering a wide range of nature-based wellness activities, providing an ideal setting for travelers looking to rejuvenate their mental health. Floating yoga, surf retreats, and other water-based therapies are popular options for those seeking to restore their balance, with regions like Corsica being particularly sought after for their breathtaking coastlines and serene natural landscapes. These activities are designed to help travelers reduce stress, calm their minds, and reconnect with nature, offering a holistic approach to mental health that draws on the natural beauty of the country.
5. Poland: Rise in Wellness Travel
Poland has seen a notable increase in wellness travel in recent years, with wellness tourism growing significantly in 2025. According to Mastercard’s Experience Economy in Europe survey, Poland is becoming a key player in the mental health tourism sector. The country is increasingly catering to travelers who seek destinations focused on mental well-being, offering programs ranging from spa retreats to nature-based therapies. This growing trend reflects the wider European focus on integrating mental health into tourism, with Poland making wellness a key part of its appeal to visitors.
6. European Union: European Mental Health Week
The European Union is backing mental health awareness through initiatives like European Mental Health Week, scheduled for May 19-25, 2025. This event spans the entire continent, with various EU member states organizing activities to promote the importance of mental well-being and its connection to social rights. During this week, travelers and residents alike are encouraged to participate in activities and events that focus on reducing stigma, providing education, and fostering community support for mental health. The initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to ensuring mental health remains a top priority for both residents and visitors across Europe.
A Growing Focus on Mental Health in European Tourism
In 2025, European countries are leading the way in integrating mental health support into their tourism offerings. From wellness retreats in Italy to arts festivals in Greece and youth mental health initiatives in Ireland, travelers now have access to a wide array of programs designed to improve their mental well-being while traveling. These initiatives reflect a broader societal shift towards prioritizing mental health and well-being, showing how tourism can play a vital role in supporting individuals’ emotional and psychological needs.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, these efforts highlight how destinations are adapting to the changing demands of modern tourists, placing greater emphasis on holistic travel experiences that nurture both the body and mind. In the years to come, we can expect to see more destinations adopting similar approaches, making mental health support an integral part of the travel experience.
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Tags: Arts and Mental Health, EU Mental Health Week, European tourism, france, greece, Italy, mental health, mental health support, poland, Wellness Travel, Youth Mental Health
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Tags: Arts and Mental Health, EU Mental Health Week, European tourism, france, greece, Italy, mental health, mental health support, poland, Wellness Travel, Youth Mental Health
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LCCI pushes for value-based education to scuttle ponzi schemes in Nigeria – TheCable
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for continued public enlightenment and value education to prevent Nigerians from falling victim to Ponzi schemes.
Ponzi schemes are springing up despite warnings from regulators and efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to curb their activities.
In April 2025, reports emerged that Nigerians lost over $1 billion to CryptoBridge eXchange (CBEX) after the Ponzi scheme crashed.
Months after, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) warned citizens against transacting with CBEX.
This was in response to media reports indicating the Ponzi scheme’s possible return to the market with “new tricks”.
SEC also issued a series of fresh alerts against unregistered Ponzi platforms posing as listed companies in the capital market to deceive the public.
On June 5, the SEC issued a public warning against investing in Property World Africa Network (PWAN) and its affiliate PWAN MAX.
NAN reports that Gabriel Idahosa, the council chairman of the LCCI, spoke about these trends to the press in Lagos on Sunday.
Idahosa was on the sidelines of the hybrid Lagos Future Conference and Awards 2025, organised by DigiVation Global Network and convened in Victoria Island.
He emphasised that Nigerians were falling for Ponzi traps due to a combination of ignorance and greed.
The council chairman said that despite huge media advocacy on television, radio, and in newspapers, a lot of people do not get the information from these available access points.
He added that such a class of people who are not informed about societal happenings are usually easy prey.
The LCCI boss stated that another set of Nigerians were aware but got attracted because they had made money from previous Ponzi schemes.
He added that those who had made money from previous Ponzi schemes usually exploited the gullibility of new entrants to make money and exit before the scheme collapses.
Idahosa said some unfortunate ones usually do not escape a second time, and so they lose their investments.
He called for value reorientation in the nation to change the psyche of youths from seeking quick wealth to embracing the principle of hard work to grow investments.
Idahosa alleged that some Nigerians who might have made money through illegitimate means have become bad role models to the youths.
“So all of our young people, looking at these few people who made money by illegal means, believe that they can also make money,” he said.
“So, when they see an opportunity that seems too good to be true to make quick money, they jump into it, ” he noted.
Idzhosa said changing the narrative depended on how much effort is put into defining the national values.
He, therefore, called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify awareness campaigns.
The LCCI chair recommended that education sector regulators reintroduce curricula that will bring back certain basic values.
“There used to be what was called civic studies in the early days of Nigeria’s history, where children from primary and secondary school were taught basic values,” he said.
“Values of decency, of honesty, of the dignity of labour, and that easy money is not good.
“Also, all those values have been eroded over time because we stopped teaching them. The only examples young people can see now are those who made money mostly by illegal means.
“So, that is the value crisis we have in the country that needs to be addressed.”