Latest news with #Nachtwey
Boston Globe
12-03-2025
- Boston Globe
Good riddance to The Pit
Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up 'Anybody who went in there, regardless of their political persuasion, their race, their sexual persuasion, it didn't matter. Everybody was welcomed. Even kids that were a little bit odd and outside the mainstream felt welcomed there,' Denise Jillson, the executive director of the Harvard Square Business Association, Advertisement I don't mean to argue with people who have happy memories of their time in The Pit. And it's certainly true that The Pit in the daytime was a less menacing place than it was at night. But anyone tempted to romanticize The Pit and all it supposedly represented should read about Nachtwey's death. The Pit 'community' didn't welcome her. It quite literally killed her. Described as sweet and naive, Nachtwey was raped, stabbed by another Pit regular, finished off with a nunchuck blow to the head, and then dumped into the Charles River. Former Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley, who prosecuted hundreds of homicides in 17 years in office, said Nachtwey's killing was 'one of the most horrific, horrifying murders in my time as DA.' 'This young woman was truly an innocent kid,' he told me. Four people were Advertisement It was not the only crime associated with The Pit. As You think? There are, obviously, crimes in every setting. But the rose-tinted nostalgia for the era of The Pit kids strikes me as deeply misplaced, and a continuation of the willful indifference by many Cantabrigians to The Pit's 'dark side' that set the stage for Nachtwey's death in the first place. Many of the kids who slept in and around The Pit needed help, and maybe they would have received it if more people in Cambridge had viewed The Pit as a problem and not as a perverse source of pride. Cambridge wore its willingness to let Pit kids sleep on the street as some kind of badge of countercultural honor. Embracing The Pit flattered Cambridge's self-image as a Bohemian enclave; it also left the kids themselves in danger. 'The street is a very dangerous place, it's a dangerous environment for anybody,' Conley said. What does it matter? The Pit kids are long gone, and now so is The Pit itself. But there's still plenty of homelessness, and plenty of dispute over what to do about it. So mourn the end of an era if you must — you can even buy a brick salvaged from The Pit, with the proceeds going to a charity that supports homeless youth. But hopefully the next time some vulnerable young person like Nachtwey ends up here, there's no pit quite so deep waiting for them. Advertisement Alan Wirzbicki is Globe deputy editor for editorials. He can be reached at
Sharjah 24
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Photographers reflect on lifetime of capturing strife at Xposure
McCullin, 89, and Nachtwey, 76, have devoted their lives not just to capturing the tragedies of war, but to sparking global dialogues using the power of visual storytelling. Their haunting yet deeply human work goes beyond photojournalism, inspiring social change and reshaping public awareness. The veteran photographers peeled back layers of conflict, ethics, and their own personal sacrifices, starting on what drew them to war photography, McCullin set an emotional tone, speaking of humble beginnings in London's East End, often surrounded by 'gangsters, criminals, even murderers in a couple of cases'. 'Eventually, because of my love of photography... it just chose me,' McCullin said. 'And once you discover photography, you fall in love with it. It bosses you around, it makes you do things that normal people don't do, especially in war zones.' Nachtwey, who found his calling while studying political science during the Vietnam War and the US Civil Rights Movement, said, 'Photography wasn't in my background, but it was in the streets. It was showing us what the leaders weren't. Watching those images, I realised I wanted to be the one holding the camera. That kind of photography had so much power, and with it came great responsibility,' he recalled. After 10 years of self-teaching and perseverance, Nachtwey brought his camera to Northern Ireland in the early 1980s - a conflict that shaped his visual and moral foundation. Lives and lens defined by conflict The two veterans moved into the moral challenges of conflict photography, a recurring theme in their careers. McCullin reflected on a harrowing memory from his time in Beirut, where a distraught woman, grieving the loss of her family, attacked him. 'She was beating me with the most powerful fists. I deserved it - for my failure to consider her anguish. And later that day, I found out she was killed in another explosion. I thought 'what kind of life am I living?'' Nachtwey brought focus to the guilt that photographers like himself often carry. 'There's no escaping it. Every photograph you take in these conditions comes at someone else's worst moment. Guilt is simply something we have to live with, alongside shame. These are the realities of telling someone's story for the world, knowing you might only be showing a fraction of what they've suffered. But without these images, how do we understand the true cost of what's happening?' he asked poignantly. They also touched on the profession's ethical dilemmas. 'We don't ask people for permission when they're dying. We can't offer them freedom from pain. I am riddled with guilt for what I've done, and yet, I know these images had to be made,' McCullin said. This duality of purpose and burden was summarised by Nachtwey as he spoke of the necessity of their work. 'Imagine Gaza, imagine Ukraine, imagine the conflicts all around the world happening in the dark - where nobody sees, where there is no photograph to shine a light. The public needs to know, to see, because visual evidence is the only thing that transcends propaganda. War photography is a heavy weight to bear, but in some way, I believe it's the price we willingly pay for hoping to make even the smallest change.' McCullin, however, was more sceptical. Having been fired from The Sunday Times when Rupert Murdoch's leadership shifted the focus from hard news to lifestyle content, he lamented that 'most magazines today are showing the good life. They're hiding the kind of information we desperately need. The democracy of free speech is going to be eradicated if we don't fight.' Addressing the emotional toll of their work, McCullin – the first photojournalist to receive the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) - revealed, 'Having survived so many close calls, it's strange to think of it now. Bullets flew past my face, shrapnel struck, but nothing prepared me for realising, years later, that what I carried back wasn't physical. It was the people I photographed, their ghosts almost, who kept me awake at night.' Nachtwey revealed how humanity often overrides a journalist's objectivity. 'I've helped carry the wounded, stopped lynch mobs, guided families through dark streets during civil unrest. We don't park our humanity at the door because we're photographers. That idea of objectivity without involvement is a myth,' said Nachtwey. The World Press Photo Award winner concluded with a message to younger photographers: 'We start off with one idea of photography, and then we learn what it really is. It's not about adventure or travel, it's about responsibility. If you're not ready to care deeply about the people you photograph, don't do this work.'
Sharjah 24
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sir Don McCullin, James Nachtwey share stage at Xposure
Though both photographers have spent decades in war zones, their artistic approaches reveal striking contrasts. Live Aid , raising $127 million for relief, while McCullin's 1968 Biafra images spurred global aid and his coverage of Northern Ireland pressured British authorities to address sectarian violence. Having these two legendary voices share a stage for the first time is a rare convergence of visionaries whose work has defined photojournalism and stirred global conscience. A once-in-a-lifetime conversation The session, taking place on 26th February at 6:15 PM , will cover the most important moments of McCullin and Nachtwey's careers, reflecting on the images that have shaped global consciousness. They will discuss the ethical dilemmas of photographing war and suffering, the evolution of photojournalism in the digital age, and the role of imagery in holding power to account. Through personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes insights, the two masters of conflict photography will explore how their work has impacted international humanitarian efforts, influenced policymakers, and reshaped the narrative of global crises. Attendees will gain rare access to firsthand accounts of history's defining moments, from the Vietnam War and the conflict in Northern Ireland to Rwanda's genocide and the aftermath of 9/11. This historic discussion will be moderated by Aiden Sullivan, founder of Verbatim Photo and former Vice President of Photo Assignments at Getty Images, whose expertise in visual storytelling will guide this powerful conversation. Secure your place for this extraordinary session With two of the greatest photojournalists of all time sharing their untold stories and reflections, this session is an unmissable event for photographers, journalists, historians, and anyone passionate about visual storytelling. For more information and to secure your place at this once-in-a-lifetime session, register now at
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Changes to Medicare prescription drug coverage in 2025
The Brief As of Jan. 1, 2025, people with prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage Plan have a $2,000 spending cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions covered by their drug plan. Beneficiaries can opt into the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which allows them to spread out prescription drug costs throughout the year. The changes eliminate the "donut hole," a coverage gap between prescription costs that went beyond the initial coverage phase but didn't qualify for catastrophic coverage. MILWAUKEE - More than one million people in Wisconsin have prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D or the Medicare Advantage plan, according to KFF. As of Jan. 1, 2025, those people are now eligible for a spending cap on their plan's approved prescriptions. What we know At the Wilson Park Senior Center in Milwaukee, there are ways to stay fit and agile. In an advanced tap-dance class, Contact 6 met women ages 67 to 93. Tap-dancing is one way to stay healthy, but many seniors also rely on prescription drugs. Every woman in the tap dance class told Contact 6 they're on Medicare. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Sitting outside the class was Sharon Nachtwey, a diabetic on Medicare. Nachtwey says she struggles to afford her monthly medications. "It is expensive," said Nachtwey. "I don't have expenses for other things, like helping out with my grandchildren." What they're saying It's something Marwa Bakr, owner of Infinity Pharmacy in Milwaukee, says she sees firsthand. "(Customers) stop filling their prescriptions," said Bakr. Bakr says many common medications for diabetes, migraines, blood pressure, asthma and other chronic conditions can be expensive. "I have one patient who decided to take (her prescription) every other month, instead of every month," said Bakr. "She said, "I can't afford filling it every month." The backstory The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included significant changes to Medicare's prescription drug coverage. Among the biggest changes in 2025 is a $2,000 spending cap on out-of-pocket costs. Sadie Tuescher, a licensed health insurance agent, said she's assisted patients paying more than $2,000 in a single month. "It will make a really big difference for people with certain chronic conditions. People who take prescription medications that are more expensive," Tuescher said. "Anyone in a Medicare program, regardless of income or resources, has the $2,000 cap." The $2,000 cap does not include premiums associated with the Medicare drug plan. It applies only to prescriptions covered by the beneficiary's drug plan. Changes in 2025 also eliminate the so-called "donut hole," a coverage gap in-between drug costs that went beyond the initial coverage limit, but didn't yet qualify for the next phase of catastrophic coverage. Dig deeper "They're not going to see that fluxuation through the coverage gap phase that they've seen in the past," said Nick Lutes, supervisor of the Medigap Helpline Program. Lutes says beneficiaries must opt in to take advantage of the second big change in 2025: the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. Lutes says the plan allows them to spread out prescription drug costs throughout the year, rather than paying more in the beginning. Lutes calls the changes to Medicare prescription coverage in 2025 a "revamp." "It's an entire restructuring of how Medicare prescription drug coverage is structured for beneficiaries," said Lutes. Local perspective At the Wilson Senior Center, Nachtwey expressed concern about the future of Medicare's prescription drug coverage. "With the new government system, everything to me is unknown," said Nachtwey. One of President Trump's first executive orders reversed a Biden-era initiative aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for people on Medicare. Lutes says "at this point, the recent executive actions haven't had any effect on the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan or $2,000 out-of-pocket cap, as far as I'm aware." At the Kelly Senior Center in Cudahy, Contact 6 met Douglas Tadeyeske. Tadeyeske is a diabetic with a history of stroke and seizure. He says he'll easily meet the $2,000 prescription drug cap. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News "This will impact me majorly," said Tadeyeske. Tadeyeske showed Contact 6 the cards he carries in his wallet that list his emergency contacts and prescriptions. Those medications keep him healthy enough to volunteer at the center, signing in its visitors for lunch. "Lowering this max is going to help a lot of people," said Tadeyeske. There are critics of the changes who say the spending cap should be lower or more medications should be covered. Others say the changes will drive up Medicare premiums. If you have questions about Medicare prescription drug coverage, call the Medigap Helpline at 1-800-242-1060. What you can do To enroll in a Medicare prescription payment plan, call the number on the back of your membership card. Looking ahead to 2026, another major change scheduled for Medicare is the price negotiation of ten common prescription drugs taken by millions of people. The drugs selected include Eliquis, Jardiance and Xarelto. Lutes says those pricing provisions are not affected by the president's executive action, as of this report's air The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) says about 8,247,000 people with Medicare Part D coverage use the ten drugs selected for price negotiation to treat conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease and cancer. The Source Information for this report comes from Sadie Tuescher of WI Health Insurance Advocate, Nick Lutes of the Medigap Helpline Program, Marwa Bakr at Infinity Pharmacy, The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, CMS and KFF.
