IN MEMORIAM: Rock Legend

Tina Turner Dies at 83

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

With 340B ruling, corrupt hospitals get what they deserve...continued

off of 340B. BRG found that these "contract pharmacies" make an average profit of 72% on commonly dispensed drugs, compared to 22% for independent pharmacies.

The abuse doesn't stop with proliferating contract pharmacies. A number of new studies, including one from the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest, the organization I lead, reveal just how deep the 340B grift goes. CMPI found that the discounts on 340B drugs actually grew by 144% from 2015 to 2021, amounting to $49.7 billion in 2021. Almost none of those savings went to patients.

25 Tips to Stay Married 25+ Years

this court ruling is an important step. Two other appeals courts have decisions pending in similar cases. On the merits, they should reach the same conclusion. If they diverge, the Supreme Court should step in to clarify that blatant bureaucratic rewriting of the law on such a major question is out of bounds.

Congress intended the 340B program to help those in need. The courts are acting to return it to that purpose.

Tina Turner, the “Queen of Rock ‘n Roll’ whose legend grew after she overcame a bitter divorce to musician Ike Turner that was filled with violence, has died at the age of 83.

The superstar’s family confirmed her death in a statement on Wednesday, May 24, noting that Turner died “peacefully” at her home near Zurich, Switzerland.

“Starting with her performances with her exhusband Ike, Turner injected an uninhibited, volcanic stage presence into pop,” Rolling Stone’s Brittany Spanos declared in a tribute.

“Even with choreographed backup singers — both with Ike and during her own career — Turner never seemed to reign in,” Spanos, who co-authored the tribute with David Browne, asserted.

“Her influence on rock, R&B and soul singing and performance was also immeasurable.

“Her delivery influenced everyone from Mick Jagger to Mary J. Blige, and her highenergy stage presence (topped with an array of gravity-defying wigs) was passed down to Janet Jackson and Beyoncé.

“Turner’s message — one that resounded with generations of women — was that she could hold her own onstage against any man.”

Born Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee in 1939, Turner started her career in 1958 as the lead singer for Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm band.

Later, the couple changed the name to the Ike & Tina Revue and spun out hit after hit with songs like “Nutbush City Limits,” “River Deep,” and the seminal “Proud Mary.”

Following a tumultuous and abusive relationship, Tina escaped from Ike’s clutches in 1976 with no money and just the clothes on her back that reportedly were bloodied following Ike’s latest assault.

During divorce proceedings, Tina simply demanded that she keep her stage name which the judge granted.

With assistance from rock stars like Mick Jagger and David Bowie, Turner rebounded several years later and topped the pop music charts with her 1984 solo album, Private Dancer.

The album included a bevy of hit singles, including a remake of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” which became the title of her successful 1993 biopic starring Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne.

She then enjoyed the starring role alongside Mel Gibson in the 1995 movie, “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.” In 1986, Tina wrote her memoir, “I, Tina,” which writers used to create the film, What’s Love Got to Do With It.”

Over her career, Turner earned 11 Grammy Awards, and sold an estimated 180 million records globally.

In 2001, Turner earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and, in 2008, after having taken a hiatus from performing, toured the world for her 50th anniversary in show business.

“Heaven has gained an angel,” singer Ciara tweeted.

“Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all.”

The Defender Network’s Twitter account praised Turner as “an unstoppable musical force who exuded grace and resilience. “

And hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash said Turner would be missed.

“My condolences to the Turner family,” Flash said. “Rest in peace Tina Turner you will be missed.”

With 340B ruling, corrupt hospitals get what they deserve

By Peter Pitts

A federal appeals court just dealt a huge blow to hospitals that pad their bottom line with cash intended for needy patients.

Federal law requires drug makers to sell their medications at steep discounts to hospitals and clinics that serve poor communities. The court threw out regulations requiring drug makers to sell drugs at a discount to each and every pharmacy an eligible hospital contracts with, regardless of whether the drugs are for poor patients.

The ruling is great news for Americans who need care but have a hard time affording it. It's also a cautionary tale about how legislation intended to help the poor got twisted bureaucratically into a way for hospital administrators to get rich.

Congress created the system in question by enacting Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act of 1992. Under 340B, hospitals that serve needy patients, including the uninsured and underserved, can buy drugs from manufacturers at highly

In fact, 72% of nonprofit hospitals, many of which take 340B discounts, take $17 billion more in government tax breaks than they provide in charity care.

The runaway bureaucratic expansion of 340B must stop, and

Peter J. Pitts, a former FDA Associate Commissioner, is President of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest, a Visiting Scholar at the New York University School of Medicine (Division of Medical Ethics), and a Visiting Professor at the University of Paris School of Medicine. This piece originally ran in Townhall.

AARP Sounding Alarm on Fraud, Offering Helpful Resources to Victims

By Stacy M. Brown

Can we agree that all advice isn’t good advice? Sometimes your friends want to tell you how to do something even if they haven’t been through it (*shaking my head*). So, instead of boring you with tips that are just theories, here is some dating, marriage and relationship advice from couples who have been married for at least 25 years or more.

1. Don’t Go to Bed Angry

Even if you can’t resolve a disagreement before you hit the sheets, you can agree to let the anger go for the night. Remind each other how lucky you are — even as you disagree — to have each other to disagree with.

2. Give Compliments

To give a compliment, you’ve got to pay attention — really notice something about someone. If it’s been a while since you’ve doled out flattering praise, try it. It costs nothing to say, “You look good,” “You did a great job,” or “I like your shirt.” Compliments can really reassure and pump up your spouse.

3. Hold Hands constant soundtrack of discord. Current generations think that closeness comes from sharing everything, and letting each other know how miserable you are. But it doesn’t motivate me to treat you better. Relaying every annoyance is a bad idea. Instead, pick your battles. “Not everything needs to be addressed.”

8. Try Thoughtful Little Acts discounted rates. On average, 340B participants receive 59% off list prices.

Back in the day, with fewer stresses, limited technology and less multitasking, couples were more “present” in their relationships. The presence of little, daily thoughtful acts showed caring and appreciation for one another. This includes things like making breakfast for your spouse or packing their lunch, bringing them coffee in the morning or a drink or glass of wine at the end of the day, warming up their car or putting their keys and other personal effects on the hall table, ready to go. Sustaining a happy relationship requires careful thought, a generous spirit and hard work.

Unfortunately, 340B doesn't explicitly require hospitals to pass on discounts to needy patients or otherwise use the savings to provide free or discounted care. Instead, hospitals and pharmacies use 340B to buy cheap drugs for which they often charge full freight.

Even worse, a bureaucratic rule change in 2010 vastly expanded the scope for abuse. Until then, a hospital or clinic qualifying for 340B could contract with no more than one outside pharmacy to dispense 340B drugs.

The rule change, with no direct basis in the law, removed this limit, allowing hospitals to contract with as many outside pharmacies as they wish. The number of pharmacies exploded by 4,228% from 2010 to 2020, according to the Berkeley Research Group.

These pharmacies, and the hospitals they serve, get rich apps like Venmo, Zelle and CashApp are also used in scams.

Scams and fraud are significant problems in America, and AARP, in partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), has continued to sound the alarm.

Recent statistics in an AARP/ NNPA roundtable revealed that seven in 10 Black adults think scams and fraud have hit a crisis level, and 85% of Black adults agreed that victims should report the crime to law enforcement.

This crisis is especially fraught within the Black community, and AARP officials said it emphasizes the need for all to work together to reframe the discussion around fraud victimization.

“This is an issue that we highlighted last year as well,” said Kathy Stokes, AARP’s director of fraud prevention programs, who offered new insights into the impact of fraud and scams in the Black community and tips for protecting consumers.

One essential tool Stokes highlighted is the AARP Fraud Watch Network, a free resource where individuals could learn how to proactively spot scams, get guidance from our fraud specialists if targeted, and feel more secure knowing that we advocate at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law.

“Protecting consumers goes back to AARP’s founding,” Stokes said.

“There is a need to rethink fraud in America.”

AARP, an interest group focusing on issues affecting America’s over-50 population, noted that all should stay informed, find support, and have a voice in the fight against fraud.

The organization hopes to avoid the plight of victims like one woman who said fraud committed against her caused her to “see disappointment in my children’s eyes.”

“They see me as the person who gave away our family money,” said the unwitting victim, who has remained anonymous.

“I seriously contemplated suicide during this mess. I was devastated,” added the victim, who described herself as a happy but not rich wife, mother, and daughter.

She pleaded, “Please remember I am a person who failed her children, and that is what hurts me the most.”

But Stokes said it’s important that victims understand that it’s not their fault — unfortunately, many prey on the elderly, the poor, and the unsuspecting.

Among the keys to combating fraud and ensuring family relationships remain intact are more reporting, police officers viewing the crime more seriously, prosecutors taking on more fraud cases, and policymakers acting to protect the vulnerable.

If those steps are taken, billions of dollars will remain in America’s economy, Stokes said.

Additionally, an AARP Victim Support Program is available to those of all ages and provides 1-hour free virtual sessions.

It also supports and empowers victims, lowers stress, and allows for a safe space to discuss fraud.

“This gives me a much deeper understanding of the mental health impact of fraud,” added an AARP volunteer.

“Of course, I knew it was devastating – but nothing substitutes for hearing directly from victims.”

Back in our parents’ time, hand-holding and discreet pecks on the cheek were tasteful, chaste displays of affection. Although anything goes these days, it’s encouraged that couples simply hold hands in public. It somehow affirms to everyone your undying affection and love for each other, and it shows everyone that you are proud to be with each other and you want everyone to know it.

There’s an actual electrical connection that passes between us when we touch. You can use that electrical connection to provide juice in your marriage. Give each other little pats and gentle touches and hold hands frequently when you’re walking or driving and you’ll keep the energy — and the sweetness — flowing between you.

4. Be a Little Old-Fashioned

Once you are in love, ask questions like: Is this person likely to be a good provider? Can they manage money? Are they likely to be a good parent? Marriage is a financial arrangement in addition to a love one and one in which your economic future is entwined with somebody else’s. And as one husband eloquently said, “Making love is so much better when the bills are paid!”

5. Watch Your Partner While They Play

Watching someone play a game is “extremely diagnostic.” You get a chance to observe how someone behaves under stress, whether they’re honest and how they handle defeat. Small things can tell you very big things about a couple’s suitability.

6. Do a Sense of Humor Check

Observe what makes your partner laugh. If he thinks a whoopee cushion is funny and you don’t, it certainly won’t get funnier for you 30 years from now. It’s a simple test of whether your worldviews align.

7. Cut Back on Complaints

Yesteryear’s couples had a comic reputation for nagging — yet, in truth, many partners often held their tongues. A stumbling block in modern marriages is a

There’s a lot of wisdom to be gained from our parents or grandparents. They had companionship marriage, but we’ve raised the bar — we want romance, great sex, and more intimacy. We can reconcile these two approaches. With some of the gentleness and graciousness of previous generations with the technology and savvy of today’s marriages.

9. Maintain Same-Sex Friends — and Interests Women, don’t try to regulate your husband’s pleasures and don’t be jealous if they don’t include you. It’s only been during the past couple of decades that couples became expected to share the bulk of their free time together.

Retro couples didn’t necessarily want to participate in each others hobbies. Couples should keep close ties with their same-sex friends throughout marriage. This will give you both time to cultivate your own interests, and not be totally reliant on each other for their entertainment.

10. Still Dress to Impress You can inspire romance by dressing up for the occasion. With our hectic schedules, it’s tempting to resort to sweatpants all weekend or immediately change into a ratty T-shirt after work. Instead, dress up the next time you and your spouse have dinner or plan a night out. Wearing a beautiful dress or a button-down shirt and slacks will be unexpected and make your partner feel special that you took the extra time to look nice. Taking time with your appearance inspires romance and shows your partner you care. Never let yourself go. Look your best as often as possible — it will make your partner feel loved and proud.

11. Put Pen to Paper Back before cell phones and instant messaging, people wrote letters of affection to each other, often waiting weeks to receive them. Love letters exchanged between a couple can strengthen their relationship by helping