Latest news with #Willow
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Baldwin hears from Medicaid recipients in Superior
May 29—SUPERIOR — The Lake Superior Community Health Center relies on Medicaid reimbursements to fund 60% to 70% of its budget in any given year, according to CEO Lee Homan. The health care facility in East End provided space Thursday, May 29, for U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., to hear from area residents about their concerns after House Republicans advanced a budget bill May 22 that would change Medicaid. Baldwin said the bill includes cuts that could potentially kick 14 million Americans, including 228,000 Wisconsinites, off their health insurance. However, U.S. Rep Tom Tiffany, R-Wisconsin, said "cuts" isn't the right word. It's about reforming the system that was designed to help people with disabilities, pregnant mothers and indigent people, he told the Telegram in a phone call. "We want to save the program, OK, because otherwise it's going to go broke," Tiffany said. Baldwin has a different view of the bill, which is still awaiting a vote in the Senate. "They used tricks in order to mask the cuts that they were making ... like work reporting requirements," she said. "Well, most people on Medicaid work, but these reporting requirements and having them more frequent are meant to trip you up so that you lose your eligibility even though you're eligible. There are all sorts of gimmicks, but most of it is more paperwork, more bureaucracy, and frankly more government to process that red tape." Barbara Sorensen, who has a 43-year-old son on Medicaid, told the congresswoman it takes about five weeks from receiving the first letter to recertification for Medicaid. "I can't imagine doing it twice a year, and who's going to pay for it?" Sorensen said. "It's an unfunded mandate." Her son has relied on Medicaid all of his life after being diagnosed with autism, low muscle tone and sensory integration problems, Sorensen said. She said he didn't walk until he was 34 months old but still managed to graduate from high school and has worked for the city of Ashland picking up litter since 2002. "Those people who are writing these bills don't know that they're already working," Sorensen said of many Medicaid recipients. Carla Becker said Medicaid has been instrumental in allowing her to advocate for her daughter, Willow. Adopted from foster care, Willow remains eligible for the medical portion of Forward Health, which Becker said has allowed her to get the care Willow needs to address multiple medical issues. "It seems like the amount of money being spent on something that's not health care, in my opinion, seems like waste, fraud and abuse," Becker said of the proposed reporting requirements. Brianna Pearson said her autistic son is on a children's waiver through children's long-term care, and she doesn't know what she would do if it was cut. She is also a peer support specialist with indiGO in Superior and talked about the potential impact on the people she serves. "It would not only affect their coverages," Pearson said. "It would affect the supports they get from long-term care like IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) and Inclusa, which are a lot of the consumers I work with." Baldwin said understanding Medicaid is a challenge because it goes by so many names, including BadgerCare, Katie Beckett for children, IRIS for adults and Family Care in Wisconsin, and MNCare in Minnesota. Dawn Becerra, 68, said many don't realize the "trickle down" supports provided by Medicaid. She has been caring for her mother with dementia for five years. She said without programs like Endeavors Adult Development Center in Balsam Lake, she and her husband wouldn't be able to get out together because someone has to be with her mother all the time. She said her mother's care at Endeavors is funded through the Aging and Disability Resource Center with Medicare and Medicaid funding. Baldwin noted that health care facilities in rural parts of the state have already been closing, leaving communities with little or no health care readily available. "We know that critical access hospitals that serve rural communities are on the brink," the congresswoman said. "They have very low margins. We know that skilled nursing facilities that serve out seniors, over half of which rely on Medicaid ... are on the brink." If Medicaid cuts do go through, Homan said Lake Superior Community Health Care would continue to provide care irrespective of ability to pay. But an increase in uninsured patients would have a financial impact on the organization, the CEO said. Tiffany said millions of Medicaid recipients are able-bodied adults but choose not to work. People who are in the U.S. illegally are also benefiting from the program, he argues. "There are hundreds of billions of dollars going out in Medicaid benefits to people like that — this is not how the program was originally created," he said.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Family of Newport girl with rare skin condition on pain of diagnosis
The family of a young girl from Newport diagnosed with a rare skin condition have spoken of their pain. Six-year-old Willow Gittins is one of 25,000 people in the UK with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. The genetic condition causes non-cancerous tumours to grow along nerves and in the skin. 6-year-old Willow Gittins who has Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (Image: Carys Gittins) It can lead to health complications later in life and increases the risk of other types of cancers, including brain tumours and leukaemia. Currently Willow is enjoying a relatively normal childhood, and the condition presents itself only in the form of cafe au lait spots. However, there is no cure for the condition and Willow's future is uncertain. Willow's café au lait spots typical of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (Image: Carys Gittins) Speaking about her diagnosis journey, Willow's mum Carys, 38, said: 'Back last July, Willow had an operation on her eyes. 'She had a turn in both eyes and a consultant said to us that she had lots of café au lait spots. 'They also saw she had lesions in her eyes and told us she had NF1. I was frantic on Facebook researching.' Willow's family at the top of the Skirrid. Mum Carys 38, Dad Louis 37, sister Grace 16, brother Finley 10, and Willow 6 (Image: Carys Gittins) While coming to terms with the shocking news Carys came across the charity Childhood Tumour Trust. She added: 'They've been an amazing support network for us any questions we've had they've come back to me. 'They do weekly craft packs and zoom sessions, cooking events, and for the teenager's summer camps in the UK.' She added: 'We are going to Alton Towers in July with them to meet other families. 'We can talk to see how it's affected them if it's affected them.' Willow climbing the Skirrid on World NF1 Awareness Day (Image: Carys Gittins) On May 17, Willow's family marked World NF1 Awareness Day by completing a hike of the Skirrid mountain near Abergavenny. The family set up a GoFundMe, with all proceeds going to Childhood Tumour Trust. Carys said: 'We wanted to give something back to them.' The GoFundMe reads: 'It's not a very common or well-known condition. 'The Childhood Tumour Trust have already done so much for us. The biggest part is the support they provide us.' A whopping £2,810 was raised in total.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Owner of Blind Dog Unsure About Adopting Puppy—but She Didn't Need To Worry
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. A video of a family's new puppy helping their blind senior dog walk immediately touched hearts. The dog owner was originally unsure about bringing home a new dog to their senior canine, Meisha. Meisha had glaucoma and to help relieve the pain, the owner had both her eyes removed. Her TikTok account, @meishatheprettygirl, has been documenting her journey as she learns a new normal. The owner's daughter wanted a new puppy, but she hesitated. She worried a puppy would disrupt Meisha's routine and that it wouldn't work out. However, she caved and the family welcomed home a Bernese Mountain dog. The result turned out better than she ever expected, as the puppy quickly stepped in to help Meisha. The family took Meisha and the puppy, Willow, on a walk in the May 9 TikTok video. Wanting to lend a helping paw, Willow picked up Meisha's leash with her mouth. She wanted to help her doggy sibling navigate around the fire hydrant, which she appeared to wrap herself around. The heartwarming moment is nothing new for this family. The owner told Newsweek via TikTok that Willow always tries to grab Meisha's dog leash. The pup will even pick up hers and attempt to walk herself. "Because she always keeps trying to get Meisha's leash, we had let them go to see what would happen, and we were amazed to see that happen," the owner said. Screenshots from a May 9 TikTok video of a Bernese Mountain dog helping a blind dog walk by pulling her leash around the fire hydrant. Screenshots from a May 9 TikTok video of a Bernese Mountain dog helping a blind dog walk by pulling her leash around the fire hydrant. @meishatheprettygirl/TikTok As precious as the video is, the owner said Meisha doesn't entirely enjoy Willow's help. "Meisha already does quite well walking, and she is more of an independent senior, so she doesn't always like it when Willow goes to grab her leash," she said. And yet, that hasn't stopped Willow. The owner added: "But Willow really, really wants to always take the leash, and sometimes we let it happen, but not all the time." Viewer Reactions As of Thursday, the TikTok clip amassed over 3.6 million views and 423,500 likes. People obsessed over the family getting Meisha her very own "guide dog." "Animals have the biggest hearts and widest set of smartness and emotional intelligence on this planet. This is funny and adorable at the same time," one viewer wrote. Another added: "Oh my God, how adorable and I'm sure your blind dog is teaching that puppy some stuff as well as that puppy is taking care of your dog. The owner replied that Meisha will tell Willow "when it's time to settle down." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Boden's 'retro' polka dot dress is an 'all-rounder' - and it's now 55% off
Boden's 'retro' polka dot dress is an 'all-rounder' - and it's now 55% off Boden are offering a huge bank holiday sale Boden has slashed the price of this popular dress (Image: Boden ) Iconic fashion house Boden has excited shoppers with a massive bank holiday sale, offering an extra 25% off items using an exclusive promo code. Shirt dresses, combining both fashion-forward aesthetics and practical versatility, pair delightfully with everything from boots to trainers or sandals to suit any style. For those quick on their feet, the chic Willow Frill Short Shirt Dress, previously priced at £86, is now just £38.70 for a limited time only. Available in petite, regular, and long sizes, the dress is both machine washable and designed with a fit-and-flare silhouette to enhance your figure. The dress includes a detachable self-fabric belt to accentuate the waist and features handy side seam pockets. Designed to gracefully drape to the knee, it's showcased on the model with stylish brown knee-high boots. The dress was originally £86 (Image: Boden ) Boden's own website describes it as follows: "Shirt dresses have become something of a signature for us, and we're not about to quit now. Willow is a shorter iteration with blousy sleeves, a frilled collar and a few other lovely details." The code 7N7G will get you an extra 25% off. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here . Meanwhile, for those seeking an elegant outfit for a memorable event, New Look is offering this Cream Polka Dot Ruffle Trim Chiffon Midi Dress at a bargain price of £18.74. The dress has been described as the ideal dress for special occasions with customers praising its "perfect details for spring and summer". One customer said: "A real all-rounder! As always, it fits perfectly!". Another review read: "This dress is absolutely gorgeous, but I could say that about every Boden dress I own." And yet another delighted fan said: "Love the retro look and feel, makes it unique! Beautiful choice of colours and pattern. "This dress is lovely-great quality fabric and a perfect fit. True to size!", remarked another buyer. Article continues below Despite the positive comments, some customers weren't as impressed with how the dress fitted. A particular review labelled it "frumpy". The full review said: "Purchased petite length. Unfortunately very frumpy looking-returned dress. Purchased petite length. Unfortunately very frumpy looking-returned dress."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
After Sinking Nearly 30%, This Top Dividend Stock's Yield Is Approaching 4%. Time to Buy?
ConocoPhillips' dividend yield has risen as its stock price sank. The oil company has one of the lowest-cost operations in the oil patch. It has a leading free cash flow growth profile through 2029. 10 stocks we like better than ConocoPhillips › Shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) have sunk almost 30% over the past year. The primary factor weighing on its stock has been falling oil prices. On a more positive note, the oil stock's slump has pushed its dividend yield up closer to 4%, well above the S&P 500's sub-1.5% yield. Here's a look at whether now's a good time to buy ConocoPhillips for dividend income. Oil prices have a major impact on the cash flows oil companies produce. However, some companies are in a better position to navigate oil price volatility than others. ConocoPhillips is one of those companies. On the first-quarter conference call, CEO Ryan Lance stated: ConocoPhillips is built for this [periods of market volatility], with clear competitive advantages. We have a deep, durable, and diverse portfolio. We have decades of inventory below our $40-per-barrel WTI [West Texas Intermediate] cost-to-supply threshold, both in the U.S. and internationally. He noted that in a world with "haves" and "have-nots," "we believe we are the clear leader of the 'haves,' and we have a disciplined capital allocation framework that is battle-tested through the cycles." The company's low-cost operations enable it to produce a lot of free cash flow. For example, it generated $5.5 billion in cash flow from operations and $2.1 billion in free cash flow in the first quarter. It also has a strong balance sheet, with $7.5 billion in cash at the end of the first quarter. The company's robust free cash flow and balance sheet strength enabled it to return $2.5 billion to investors during the first quarter, with $1 billion paid in dividends and a repurchase of $1.5 billion of its stock. ConocoPhillips tapped into its strong balance sheet to repurchase more shares in the quarter because it believes "our shares represent a very attractive investment at these prices," Lance said on the call. The company clearly believes its stock is a good buy right now. ConocoPhillips expects to produce even more free cash flow in the future. Lance stated on the call: "We are on the cusp of a compelling multiyear free cash flow growth trajectory, led by our high-quality longer-cycle investments in Alaska and LNG [liquefied natural gas]. This underlying improvement in our free cash flow will structurally lower our breakeven and increase our capacity to return capital to shareholders." The company estimates it will produce $6 billion in incremental free cash flow by 2029, assuming oil averages $70 a barrel, fueling sector-leading growth during that timeframe. A big driver is its $8 billion Willow project in Alaska, which will produce an average of 180,000 barrels of oil per day at its peak after it comes online in 2029. The company also has several LNG-related investments that will help fuel additional growth over the next few years, including projects in Qatar and along the U.S. Gulf Coast. The growing cash flows from these projects support the company's dividend growth strategy. ConocoPhillips aims to deliver dividend growth in the top 25% of companies in the S&P 500 in the future. It has been growing its payout at a more than 10% annual rate in recent years, including by 34% last year. The oil giant also plans to buy back more than $20 billion of its stock over the next few years. ConocoPhillips offers investors an attractive dividend that's approaching a 4% yield because of its sinking stock price. It expects to grow that dividend at a leading rate in the future, fueled by its robust cash flow growth profile. That combination of yield and growth makes it look like a top dividend stock to buy right now for those seeking an attractive and growing income stream and meaningful stock price upside potential. Before you buy stock in ConocoPhillips, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and ConocoPhillips wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $639,271!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $804,688!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 957% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 167% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of May 19, 2025 Matt DiLallo has positions in ConocoPhillips. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. After Sinking Nearly 30%, This Top Dividend Stock's Yield Is Approaching 4%. Time to Buy? was originally published by The Motley Fool
