A selection of the best photos from across the continent and beyond this week.
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Thursday, February 20, 2020
Admiral William McRaven to speak at MIT’s 2020 Commencement
Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral and the former chancellor of the University of Texas system, will deliver the address at MIT’s 2020 Commencement exercises on Friday, May 29.
McRaven is a recognized authority on U.S. foreign policy who advised presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama on defense issues. As the chancellor of the University of Texas system from 2015 to 2018, he led one of the nation’s largest systems of higher education, with 14 institutions that educated 220,000 students and employed 20,000 faculty and more than 80,000 health care professionals, researchers, and staff.
McRaven recently co-chaired an independent task force, charged by the Council on Foreign Relations, on innovation and national security. Among its recommendations, the task force encourages the U.S. government to invest in scholarships and modify immigration policies to enable the country’s universities to attract and educate the world’s most dynamic talent. A passionate advocate for freedom of the press, McRaven has authored prominent opinion pieces on current affairs — in 2018 in The Washington Post and in 2019 in The New York Times.
During his 37 years in the military, McRaven commanded special operations forces at every level, eventually serving as the ninth commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command from 2011 to 2014. He led the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, who was held hostage by Somali pirates after the 2009 hijacking of the MV Maersk Alabama in the Gulf of Aden. He is also credited with developing the plan and leading the mission that led to the 2011 death of Osama bin Laden. His honors include the Intrepid Freedom Award for distinguished service in defending the values of democracy, awarded in 2015, and the Judge William H. Webster Distinguished Service Award for a lifetime of service to the nation, awarded in 2018.
“From firsthand experience, I have come to admire Admiral McRaven’s integrity, intellectual curiosity, decency, humility, and self-discipline. A brilliant problem solver with deeply held values and the courage to speak boldly for his principles, he will fit right in at MIT,” MIT President L. Rafael Reif says. “We look forward to welcoming him.”
“I am so very honored to have the opportunity to address the MIT graduating class of 2020,” says McRaven. “More than ever before, the world today needs the great minds of the talented men and women that have learned so much from this magnificent institution. I hope that my experience, in both the military and academia, will be of some value to them as they head off to make their mark in the world.”
McRaven is the author of three books: “Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare” (1996), “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life … and Maybe the World” (2017), and “Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations” (2019).
He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1977 with a degree in journalism, and received his master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, in 1991. He is currently on the faculty of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.
“We are intrigued to hear what Admiral McRaven has to share with MIT’s graduates,” says Graduate Student Council President Peter Su. “His background in military service and university administration provides an interesting perspective.”
McRaven joins notable recent MIT Commencement speakers including three-term New York City mayor and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg (2019); Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg (2018); Apple CEO Tim Cook (2017); actor and filmmaker Matt Damon (2016); and U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith ’86 SM ’88 (2015).
“We are delighted to welcome Admiral McRaven to MIT as our Commencement speaker,” says Chancellor for Academic Advancement Eric Grimson, the longstanding chair of the Commencement Committee. “His record of vocal support for free speech, of seeking principled approaches to difficult situations, and of fostering effective teamwork should serve as a wonderful example to our graduates as they seek to make their own impact on the world.”
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TMZ under fire for leaking Black celebrity deaths before families are notified
Color of Change, a nonprofit civil rights advocacy group, is circulating a petition asking that advertisers pull support from TMZ until the gossip outlet agrees to consult with Black families before reporting on celebrity deaths.
READ MORE: Van Lathan reportedly FIRED from TMZ over issue with coworker
The petition was started last month after NBA legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash and TMZ reported the news before police could inform Bryant’s family of the tragedy. The petition was further updated yesterday after rapper Pop Smoke, whose birth name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, was slain and TMZ once again reported the news before his family learned of his death.
“Once again, in a rush to break the news, TMZ disregarded the effects its rush news reporting has on surviving family members or fans of the deceased— even releasing footage of paramedics working to resuscitate the 20-year old rapper,” the petition states. “TMZ has used Black celebrity deaths as a driver for website clicks and profit far too long. TMZ’s lack of journalistic integrity should have consequences.”
Color of Change, which has been around since 2005, first slammed the media outlet for its handling of Bryant’s death.
“Basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a horrific helicopter crash, and TMZ LEAKED the news before the authorities were even able to notify the family,” the initial petition reads. “That means that Vanessa Bryant found out about the death of her husband and child through TMZ, tweets, or comments.”
READ MORE: Cardi B buys daughter Kulture $100k in baby bling, and tears into TMZ for reporting felony charges
The petition added, “IT’S TIME FOR FOX TO CANCEL TMZ AFTER WHAT THEY DID TO KOBE BRYANT’S FAMILY.” It goes on to say TMZ’s actions were “beyond not ok” and hopes to “get TMZ taken down once and for all,” according to ABC’s WHAM 13.
Last month, the petition had garnered more than 100,000 signatures. It is unclear how many signatures the petition has secured to date after Pop Smoke’s death.
The post TMZ under fire for leaking Black celebrity deaths before families are notified appeared first on TheGrio.
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Aetna Medicare Plans for Your Healthcare Needs
Aetna Medicare Plans Go Beyond Original Medicare
Original Medicare is a federal health insurance plan that consists of Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). To qualify, you must be 65 or over, and in most cases, you’re automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B once you’re eligible. In addition, individuals under 65 who receive Social Security disability insurance may qualify for Medicare.
Original Medicare coverage includes many health care services, yet some enrollees find that the plan isn’t sufficient enough to meet their needs. As a result, they end up spending a lot of their own out-of-pocket money. Original Medicare doesn’t include a prescription drug plan, nor does it include coverage for many other healthcare services such as vision or dental. If you need more than what Original Medicare can offer, it’s time to explore Medicare plans offered through the private health insurance company Aetna.
To make sure you’re getting the most out of Medicare, here’s a look at some Aetna Medicare plans which could be a better fit for your needs.
What Is Aetna Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
If you’re looking for Medicare coverage outside the federal government, an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan could be what you’re looking for.
Medicare Advantage plans are also referred to as Medicare Part C. As a basic rule, any Medicare plan sold by a private insurance company must offer the same benefits as Original Medicare. For this reason, Medicare Part C automatically includes the benefits of Medicare Part A and Part B. In addition, you’ll receive benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t offer.
For example, several Medicare Advantage plans offered through Aetna also include prescription drug coverage. This is known as Medicare Part D. As people age, their healthcare needs change and certain medications might be needed on a regular basis.
Without prescription drug coverage, you would pay for many prescriptions yourself. Having a Medicare Part D plan, however, can reduce what you pay out of pocket for medication.
Keep in mind that some Medicare Advantage programs don’t include Part D as a benefit. So make sure you research plans carefully and then choose one that offers the coverage you need.
If you currently have Original Medicare, you may not pay a monthly premium for coverage. This isn’t the case with a Medicare Advantage program. Since Aetna is a private insurer, you may have a monthly premium, which can vary by plan and location.
Key points of an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan:
- Depending on the plan, you might be required to use doctors and hospitals within a specific network.
- These plans include additional healthcare benefits (dental, vision, hearing, non-emergency transportation, fitness programs).
- Coverage isn’t usually available outside the U.S.
- Some plans may have copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These are your out-of-pocket expenses for covered services.
You can enroll in Medicare Part C when you initially become eligible for Medicare. The Initial Enrollment Period is three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends three months after your 65th birthday.
You can enroll later if you don’t enroll at this time, but only during annual Open Enrollment Periods.
How Does Aetna Medicare Part D Work?
You don’t have to enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage program to get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
While Medicare Part D is included as a benefit in some Medicare Advantage plans, there’s also the option to purchase Part D coverage alone.
If you purchase Medicare Part D as a standalone policy, you may pay a monthly premium for coverage. In addition, your plan may include a deductible and copayments.
Purchasing a standalone policy is beneficial if you have Original Medicare, which doesn’t automatically include prescription drug coverage. Ignoring or thinking you don’t need this type of coverage can be a costly mistake. Some prescription medications are inexpensive, but others can cost hundreds of dollars each month. According to Aetna, it’s estimated that approximately “40% of people over the age of 65 take five or more medications per day.”
With regard to Medicare Part D enrollment, it’s always best (or rather cheaper) to enroll in a plan when you initially become eligible for Medicare. Your Initial Enrollment Period is also the three months before your 65th birthday and three months after your 65th birthday.
You can enroll after your Initial Enrollment Period during open enrollment but you may pay a higher premium for coverage.
How Do You Need Aetna Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Aetna also has Medicare options for people enrolled in Original Medicare.
Since Original Medicare doesn’t cover all healthcare expenses, many older adults end up paying a lot for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. The good news is that there is a way to save money and reduce some of your upfront costs.
To do so, though, you’ll have to purchase a Medicare Supplement insurance plan through Aetna. This is optional coverage, but well worth the cost because supplement insurance pays some of the healthcare costs that Medicare doesn’t.
Medicare Supplement insurance includes several plans with varying coverage amounts based on where you live. To learn about available plans in your area, search for Aetna Medicare supplement insurance in your state or speak with a licensed insurance agent to get a free, personalized Medicare Supplement quote.
An example of Medicare Supplement insurance plans offered through Aetna includes:
| Benefits | Plan A | Plan B | Plan F | Plan G | Plan N |
| Part A Coinsurance and Copay | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Part A Coinsurance and Copay | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Part B Coinsurance and Copay | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Part A Deductible | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
| Part B Deductible | 100% | ||||
| Blood (first 3 pints per year) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Part B Excess Charges | 100% | 100% |
When is Aetna Medicare Open Enrollment?
The best time to enroll in an Aetna Medicare plan is when you are first eligible. If you choose to enroll at a later time, you can only do so during open enrollment, which is every year from October 15 to December 7.
During open enrollment season, you can enroll in Medicare for the first time, switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage Part C, as well as switch to a different Medicare Advantage program. Open enrollment is also when you’re eligible to sign up for Medicare Part D and a Medicare Supplement insurance plan.
Understanding how Medicare works and its different parts is how you’re able to get the most out of your coverage. Medicare is not one size fits all, so a plan that works for someone else might not work for you. Do your homework, ask questions, and choose an Aetna Medicare plan that will meet your individual healthcare needs.
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Elizabeth Warren comes out swinging at Michael Bloomberg at Democratic debate
Elizabeth Warren did not come to play with Mike Bloomberg yesterday.
READ MORE: George Zimmerman sues Pete Buttigieg and Elizabeth Warren over Trayvon Martin tweets
As soon as the proverbial bell rang at the Las Vegas Democratic debate, the Massachusetts senator came out swinging at the billionaire former New York City mayor and she held no punches the entire night. She politely raised her hand to speak before plowing into a litany of Bloomberg’s past gender and racial offenses.
“I’d like to talk about who we are running against, a billionaire who calls women ‘fat broads’ and ‘horse-faced lesbians.’” Warren shot off. “And, no, I’m not talking about Donald Trump, I’m talking about Mayor Bloomberg.”
“Look, I’ll support whoever the Democratic nominee is but understand this: Democrats take a huge risk if we just substitute one arrogant billionaire for another,” Warren warned, comparing Bloomberg to Trump.
It was a powerful night for Warren, whose campaign had been dragging in recent weeks due to her poor showing in New Hampshire. One pollster this week even failed to include her, instead polling Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) as the only woman candidate with a chance to win the presidency, reported Rolling Stone.
Not only did Warren deliver a debate knockout to Bloomberg, but she also handed the other five Democratic candidates some smoke as well. She ended with a plea to Americans on why her candidacy is so important.
“This country has worked for the rich for a long time and left everyone else in the dirt,” Warren said at the debate. “It is time to have a president who will be on the side of working families and be willing to get out there and fight for them. That is why I am in this race and that is how I will defeat Donald Trump.”
Warren’s performance went over big with political pundits, former democratic rivals and social media users.
“Tonight was like watching Bloomberg’s first day in the prison yard and Warren immediately making him her bitch,” opined Larry Wilmore.
Tonight was like watching Bloomberg’s first day in the prison yard and Warren immediately making him her bitch. #DemDebate
— Larry Wilmore (@larrywilmore) February 20, 2020
“Look at what Elizabeth Warren did to Bloomberg within seconds. Tonight, she made it irrevocably clear that she would absolutely demolish Donald Trump – and win. Don’t let those cute cardigans fool you,” tweeted Ashlee Marie Preston.
Look at what Elizabeth Warren did to Bloomberg within seconds. Tonight, she made it irrevocably clear that she would absolutely demolish Donald Trump—and win. Don’t let those cute cardigans fool you. #DemDebate #PresidentWarren #WinWithWarren
— Ashlee Marie Preston (@AshleeMPreston) February 20, 2020
Julian Castro, former secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama and recent Democratic presidential candidate himself, also loved what he saw.
“Elizabeth Warren shows in debate after debate that she’s the candidate with the experience, plans, and vision to unite our country to beat Trump. The media may try to count her out. But she will keep persisting and showing why she’s the best person for the job,” tweeted Castro.
Elizabeth Warren shows in debate after debate that she’s the candidate with the experience, plans, and vision to unite our country to beat Trump.
The media may try to count her out. But she will keep persisting and showing why she’s the best person for the job. #DemDebate
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) February 20, 2020
The post Elizabeth Warren comes out swinging at Michael Bloomberg at Democratic debate appeared first on TheGrio.
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Fintech Exec Kahina Van Dyke Once Turned Down a Role to Make Her Manager Feel Better
Featuring a broad cross-section of women who have distinguished themselves across a rich variety of careers, our Portraits of Power series is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Black Enterprise, and of black women. It’s a place for today’s businesswomen to share their own favorite images and their own stories, in their own words. Today’s portrait is Kahina Van Dyke, who’s been a consumer finance and financial technology executive with Citi, Mastercard, and Facebook.
Kahina Van Dyke
Board Director, Progressive
My first job was a paper delivery girl at 14.
My big break came when I packed my bags, left everyone I knew, and moved overseas in my 20s.
I’ve had to work hardest at separating failing and failure.
I never imagined I would keep re-imagining my possible.
I wish I’d learned sooner to take bigger risks and ignore advice from people who will never “get” me.
The risk I regret not taking is in my first international assignment. I was offered a breakthrough CEO role and said no to make my manager feel better.
If I could design my fantasy self-care day, it would be spent moving (biking/hiking) through nature in the morning, lying on the beach in the afternoon, and eating dinner under the stars with my peeps.
Being a great mom while creating a new equitable, resilient and inclusive global leadership model keeps me up at night.
When I’m struggling, I say to myself, “One spoonful at a time. Fear will not keep you safe. You are descended from warriors.”
I am unapologetically different.
Portraits of Power is a yearlong series of candid insights from exceptional women leaders. It is brought to you by ADP.
Kahina Van Dyke will be a speaker at the 2020 Women of Power Summit, March 5-8 at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Register here to join us!
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Actress Tamala Jones chosen for new ABC series called ‘Rebel’
Actress Tamala Jones is gearing up to star in a new ABC series called Rebel, inspired by the true-life story of activist, Erin Brockovich.
Jones, who acted in Castle, will play opposite Katey Sagal in the drama that is being executive produced by Brockovich. Written and also executive produced by Krista Vernoff, Rebel is about Annie “Rebel” Bello (played by Sagal), a brilliant and fearless legal advocate who does not hold a law degree. Rebel takes up causes that she believes in and fights for blue-collar people who don’t often have a voice, according to Deadline.
READ MORE: Civil Rights movement anthology series backed by Jay-Z and Will Smith in the works at ABC
In the series, Jones plays Lana, Rebel’s former sister-in-law. Lana is wise and works as Rebel’s investigator. She is a recovering addict who sometimes scrutinizes Rebel’s direction. The cast also John Corbett, who plays Rebel’s third husband, Grady Bello, considered to a jack of all trades. On the pilot, Grady and Rebel have an adopted teenage girl named Ziggie.
In addition to Rebel, Jones will have a recurring role on Fox’s series 911: Lone Star, playing Det. Washington, who is investigating an unsolved case. Recently, Jones acted in L.A.’s Finest and SEAL Team for CBS. She has also starred in the film What Men Want. Jones is repped by APA and recently signed with Alchemy Entertainment.
READ MORE: Kerry Washington is bringing ‘Reasonable Doubt’ to ABC
Sagal starred in Married … with Children and Sons of Anarchy. Corbett previously starred in Northern Exposure and Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll.” He also won us over on Sex and the City and in the comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Other executive producers of Rebel include Alexandre Schmidt, John Davis, and John Fox. ABC Studios and Sony Pictures Television are producing.
The post Actress Tamala Jones chosen for new ABC series called ‘Rebel’ appeared first on TheGrio.
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Alabama Rep. Rolanda Hollis Proposes Mandatory Vasectomy Bill
According to The Grio, a state legislator in Alabama has introduced a bill that would require men to undergo a vasectomy, at his own expense, “within one month of his 50th birthday or the birth of his third biological child, whichever comes first.”
House Bill 238, which was introduced last week by Rep. Rolanda Hollis (D) states: “Under existing law, there are no restrictions on the reproductive rights of men. This bill would require a man to undergo a vasectomy within one month of his 50th birthday or the birth of his third biological child, whichever comes first.”
“The vasectomy bill is to help with the reproductive system, and yes, it is to neutralize the abortion ban bill … it always takes two to tango,” she tells AL.com. “We can’t put all the responsibility on women. Men need to be responsible also.” She also states that she is “both” pro-life and pro-choice.
In a statement to ABC News, Hollis says, “Many have seen HB-238 as an outrageous overstep; yet, year after year the majority party continues to introduce new legislation that tries to dictate a woman’s body and her reproductive rights. We should view this as the same outrageous overstep in authority,” she said.
“I do not believe that women should use abortion as a birth control, but I do believe that if a woman is raped or if it’s incest or anything like that, then she has the choice to do what she wants to do.”
She added, “Just as I would turn to my doctor over my state legislator to make recommendations when deciding whether or not to have a surgery, or whether or not to take a certain type of medicine, it is my doctor with whom I—or any of my loved ones—should consult when it comes to making the incredibly difficult decisions related to my personal reproductive rights.”
She stated that Alabama’s taxpayers have paid over $2.5 million in legal fees to the American Civil Liberties Union to fight the pending abortion ban.
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