New Study Reveals All States Fall Short in Supporting Immigrant Students

New Study Reveals All States Fall Short in Supporting Immigrant Students

M Hasan    5:30 PM   

A National Crisis in Supporting Newcomer Students

An analysis by a progressive think tank has revealed that no state in the United States adequately supports newcomer students, including immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations. The findings highlight a critical gap in how states define, track, and fund programs for these students, leaving many without the necessary resources to succeed in school.

The report, released by The Century Foundation and its offshoot Next 100, evaluated all 50 states and Washington, D.C., based on their policies and practices related to immigrant students. The results were alarming: none of the states received a grade higher than a C+, with 42 states scoring between a C- and D-, and five states—Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Montana, and West Virginia—earning an F.

This lack of support comes at a time when federal policies have increasingly targeted immigrant communities. Under the Trump administration, there have been reports of young people being arrested, detained, and even deported. Additionally, recent changes to federal rules have removed mandates for schools to accommodate English learners, further complicating the educational landscape for these students.

The Need for Better Data and Funding

The report emphasizes the importance of clear definitions for "newcomer" students, which include refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, and migratory children. It also calls for better data collection and reporting on key indicators such as years in the U.S., English proficiency, home language, prior schooling, and academic outcomes.

State education agencies should use this data to inform funding formulas and create specific funding structures that supplement federal resources. This additional aid should focus on supporting students during their first few critical years in the public school system, with transparent reporting on how the funds are used and their impact.

However, the current data collection efforts across the country are inconsistent. Only four states have clear definitions for the term "newcomer" and consistently collect robust data about these children. In contrast, 17 states collect no discernable data on immigrant students at all, while 22 compile information solely for compliance with federal Title III funds aimed at English learners.

State-Level Examples of Effective Practices

Despite the overall poor performance, some states have implemented effective strategies. Oregon requires all districts to submit what it calls "Recent Arrivers" data, which is used for federal reporting and to allocate Title III funds. Kentucky collects disaggregated immigrant student data annually and divides it by subgroup, while Washington state tracks all eligible English learners in student information systems and reports key data points like birth country and U.S. school enrollment date.

North Dakota stands out as a model for transparency and accountability. The state publicly reports disaggregated English learner data by year, including counts and percentages of immigrant, refugee, and migrant students. This data is broken down by district, home language, and ethnicity, allowing for targeted interventions and a clearer understanding of the diverse needs within the student population.

Challenges and the Path Forward

The report highlights the challenges faced by young immigrants who often move between districts in search of stable housing. When programs differ across district lines, these highly mobile students may not qualify for comparable services, and their new schools may not receive the necessary resources to support them effectively.

The quality of education for newcomer students will not only affect their opportunities but also the health and well-being of their communities. As Alejandra Vázquez Baur, a co-author of the report, stated, "Newcomer students are in our classrooms regardless of what our president says. They are valuable neighbors and students. They become valuable leaders in their communities."

With anti-immigrant sentiment growing, it is crucial for states to take the lead in protecting the rights and needs of these students. By developing consistent definitions, collecting comprehensive data, and allocating appropriate funding, states can ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to succeed.

Xi Hammers Home Message of Control Over Tibet in Rare Visit

Xi Hammers Home Message of Control Over Tibet in Rare Visit

M Hasan    5:26 PM   

(My Healthty Life) -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for his government to tighten its ethnic-assimilation campaign during a rare visit to Tibet, throwing a spotlight on a region that’s also been a source oftension with India even as the rivals improve ties. 

Xi made his second-ever visit to Tibet as president to mark the 60th anniversary of its founding as an autonomous region of China. While he didn’t speak at a ceremony Thursday in the provincial capital Lhasa, attended by some 20,000 people and televised to the nation, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that Xi told local officials maintaining political stability, social order, ethnic solidarity and religious harmony are key for Tibet’s development.

“It is necessary to actively create a national model zone for ethnic unity and progress,” Xi was cited as saying by Xinhua on Wednesday. In reference to Mandarin, he urged the popularization of the “national common language and script,” adding “we must guide Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to socialist society.”

His trip represents the first time a Chinese president has attended the ceremony to mark Tibet’s founding — an occasion usually frequented by lower-level officials — signaling Xi’s desire to further integrate ethnic groups under Communist Party control.

“It is very striking that Xi himself decided to attend what is in many ways a routine event,” said Robert Barnett, a professor at SOAS University of London. “The visit seems to suggest a serious anxiety about security there.”

During Xi’s more than decade-long rule, the Chinese government has steered away from its long-held policy of championing ethnic autonomy. Instead, it’s moved toward tighter integration and centralized control of minority groups, drawing a lesson from the Soviet Union’s collapse.

Xi arrived in Lhasa on Wednesday, hours after India and China agreed to explore demarcating their disputed border that runs along Tibet’s southern edge, a key move toward resolving decades-old territorial disputes. The decision came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrapped up a two-day visit to India — his first in three years.

The world’s two most-populous nations have clashed repeatedly over their disputed border in the past 70 years. Ties plunged sharply in 2020 after a deadly confrontation but have recently been on the mend, with efforts gaining urgency amid US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy.

China and India have also split in the past over choosing a successor to the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, who’s been hosted by India after fleeing the region in 1959, nine years after China took control.

While China’s government says it has the right to designate his successor, the Dalai Lama — who turned 90 last month — insists his office would be the sole authority on reincarnation.

The issue is a point of contention between China and India even as they try to repair ties, with Beijing last month lodging a complaint after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama. India has said it doesn’t interfere in religious matters.

Read more:

China, India Take Steps to Mark Border in Major Reset of TiesModi Hails Closer Ties With China as Trump’s Higher Tariffs LoomXi Ties His Legacy and China’s Economy to $167 Billion DamWhy a Struggle Is Brewing Over Dalai Lama Succession: QuickTake

Beijing has faced criticism for its policies in Tibet. It’s been subject to intense social, security and religious restrictions, much like its northern neighbor Xinjiang. 

Xi’s visit indicates Beijing attaches high importance to the region’s development, according to Xinhua, given the president is personally leading a central government delegation to Tibet for the first time. 

In a speech delivered at the ceremony in Tibet, Wang Huning, China’s No.4 official, called for ensuring border stability in the country’s fight against separatism. Cadres in the region should “strengthen innovative social governance, and form an iron wall for maintaining stability,” he said.

Xi previously made a trip to Tibet in 2021 — more than three decades after Jiang Zemin became the last Chinese leader to visit the region. 

It appears Xi flew directly into Lhasa, a city at an altitude of about 3,650 meters (12,000 feet), without first stopping along the way to acclimatize as he did during his last trip in 2021.

For the Chinese leader, who turned 72 in June, it was a “health flex,” Victor Shih, a professor at the University of California, San Diego, said on X.

As he met with local officials, Xi also called for progress on delivering key infrastructure projects in the region. Chief among these is the massive 1.2 trillion yuan ($167 billion) mega-dam, which is three times the size of the Three Gorges Dam.

The dam could also become a source of tension between China and India, as the river runs through the state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India and feeds into the Brahmaputra River, which then flows into Bangladesh. China has said it’s talked with countries downstream about the project.

During Wang’s visit, India reiterated its concern about the dam’s construction, which it said “will have implications for lower riparian states,” and called “for utmost transparency in this regard.”

Major ventures such as the Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower project and the Sichuan-Tibet railway must be advanced with “strength, order and efficiency,” Xinhua cited Xi as saying on Wednesday. 

The Chinese leader also urged Tibet to develop agriculture and clean energy, while promoting the integration of culture and tourism.

“The Chinese fear seems to be about inner Tibetan thinking — a fear that Tibetans are still disloyal in their hearts even after more than 70 years under Chinese rule,” said Barnett, who also headed Columbia University’s Modern Tibetan Studies Program until 2018 and writes extensively about the region.

“Exceptional degrees of pressure and persuasion must have been used by local officials to achieve that display of total unity,” he said. “So the signaling of Xi’s visit so far seems very mixed indeed.”

--With assistance from Colum Murphy and Sudhi Ranjan Sen.

(Updates with analyst comments starting in fifth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on My Healthty Life

©2025 My Healthty LifeL.P.

A Year at a $25K Wellness Club: What the Elite Know About Health

A Year at a $25K Wellness Club: What the Elite Know About Health

M Hasan    5:00 PM   

A New Approach to Wellness

Health is an investment, and at Love.Life, a new wellness center co-founded by former Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey, it’s a pricy one — between $7,500 and $25,000 per year. When I was invited to check out the facility and get a complimentary health assessment as part of a press visit, I felt like I was getting a taste of how the wealthy do wellness — all without spending a dime.

Love.Life is just one of many wellness-focused facilities popping up around the country, and it comes at a time when preventive care is a major health focus. You’ve probably seen celebrities like Kim Kardashian getting full-body MRIs and other concierge medical services. Data-driven approaches to wellness are all the rage, and places like Love.Life are answering the call.

What $25K Gets You

According to its website, Love.Life’s goal is to “inspire and empower individuals to retake control of their health and achieve transformative, lasting results through evidence-based care and personal accountability.” It boasts a “supportive community and compassionate care team that meets individuals where they are on their personal health journey.”

It’s part concierge doctor, part gym, part spa — designed to be a one-stop shop for meeting your holistic health needs. The space, located in an outdoor mall in El Segundo, Calif., is massive. In addition to its physician facilities, there’s a pickleball court and high-tech strength equipment on the gym floor. There’s also a slew of different longevity treatments for members to use, from red light therapy beds and lymphatic drainage suits to cold plunge tubs and individual infrared saunas. Not a member? There’s also a cafe that’s open to the public and serves up healthy food options. (Vegetarian alternative to bone broth, anyone?)

But forget cafes anyone can enter: I was there to cosplay as someone who could afford to drop thousands a year out of pocket on her health. After all, access to all Love.Life has to offer is expensive. While the fitness and recovery membership ($4,600 per year) offers gym and recovery treatment, it doesn’t come with medical care. The lowest-tiered level for that option — the $7,500 per year Silver membership — comes with credits for the above-mentioned longevity treatments, plus advanced lab panel testing, a DEXA bone density scan, a cardiac screening and a gut and oral microbiome test. Also included are five appointments with a physician per year, access to an accountability coach and a nutritional consultation.

The highest level — the $25,000 platinum membership — tacks on a Prenuvo full-body MRI, a 10-day wear of a glucose monitoring device, 10 practitioner appointments and something called “spiritual health programming,” which involves meeting with a spiritual intelligence coach for an hour to create a growth plan that aligns with your wellness goals. As part of my free visit, I’d have my blood drawn for a complete lab workup, do a DEXA scan and have a longevity assessment on the gym floor with a trainer.

22 Vials of Blood, a DEXA Scan and a Fitness Assessment

Love.Life believes the more you know about your health, the more equipped you are to tackle any challenges associated with it. I, too, love information — and as someone who writes about health and wellness for a living, I have more access to it than some. Earlier this year, I got a full-body MRI through SimonMED, hoping to learn more about what’s going on in my body. (I learned I should get a follow-up head MRI with contrast to follow up on some surprising findings; insurance is still pending.) I also wear an Oura ring and religiously track my steps, sleep and “readiness” via its metrics. Needless to say, I didn’t blink when Love.Life said they’d need 22 vials of my blood for the panel. I’d happily bleed for the sake of better health!

Love.Life’s holistic approach meant a half-day of assessments. First, a phlebotomist drew those 22 vials of blood from me (though lab results would take weeks). The DEXA body composition scan I did gave me more immediate results. Despite prioritizing my spin bike over weight training recently, the scan showed that I hadn’t lost a significant amount of muscle like I’d feared.

I was less thrilled by my lackluster results during the longevity assessment on the gym floor: While I hit the normal markers on almost every assessment (I wanted exceptional, obviously), I totally flubbed the farmer’s carry. Curse you, grip strength.

But the best part of the visit? After my bloodwork was done, I was handed a smoothie (to make sure I didn’t pass out) and sat down with Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino, the lead functional medicine doctor at Love.Life. For more than half an hour, Tolentino and I discussed my health concerns: What were some pressing issues I was facing physically and mentally? How was my nutrition? My sleep? Stress levels? Did I take supplements?

As a fairly healthy person, I didn’t have many issues to bring up, but I did note that I occasionally had headaches from low blood sugar and needed to keep my cholesterol in check, as I have a family history on that front. And I mentioned I was relieved to see my DEXA scan confirmed I was keeping muscle tone, given I had slacked a bit on resistance training lately.

Tolentino listened carefully and suggested how Love.Life might be able to help. Here, you don’t just have a doctor, you have a care team that’s as invested in your health as you are. My bloodwork would be sent to a range of experts who would come up with a holistic plan to address all my health needs. That blood sugar issue? Maybe I could consider trying a glucose monitor. Tolentino added that a personal trainer could help create a realistic, sustainable resistance training plan, which a nutritionist would ensure was properly fueled.

Putting All That Data to Use

When my bloodwork results came back weeks later, I did an hour-long video call with Tolentino to discuss them. Tolentino went through each significant finding and explained, in detail, what it meant. Hormonal levels that appeared elevated, she said, were a result of the birth control pill I’m on and nothing to worry about. My iron levels, however, were something that should be addressed. Tolentino recommended taking a daily supplement and checking these levels again in six months. She noted that a Love.Life nutritionist could also help make sure my diet has enough iron.

All of this is a far cry from how I experienced medicine in the past. I’ve been frustrated with doctor visits that only cover one issue at a time. I could bring up my sore throat during an appointment, but sorry, no mentioning that secondary ear issue without a follow-up visit, thanks to insurance billing issues and doctors on a time crunch. All I hear is: a second copay. Another hour off work. The sense that it might be easier and cheaper not to dive that deep into any health concerns. After all, there’s a reason I haven’t made that follow-up head MRI appointment.

But at Love.Life, I had the luxury of time, and I didn’t have to worry about insurance drama. I didn’t have to choose which medical issue was the most pressing to bring up. I felt heard by Tolentino, and encouraged to share as much as possible. The different parts of our bodies all function together. Shouldn’t they be treated as a whole?

The Catch

Yet it’s impossible to talk about Love.Life without acknowledging the so-called elephant in the room: the cost. Love.Life charges membership fees that are out of range for most Americans. Health care providers who have an hour to listen to your needs? That’s a luxury service.

It’s also worth noting that Love.Life can’t do everything, like, say, do a liver biopsy. Instead, its high cost comes with the pledge that it may (emphasis on may, of course) be able to prevent disease and allow you to live a happier, healthier existence. And while lifestyle interventions are crucial in order to protect against certain diseases — such as diabetes and heart disease — they’re certainly easier to achieve when you have the luxury of a care team at your beck and call.

That said, the information I received from Love.Life did help me make some significant lifestyle changes. I’m now taking an iron supplement, but also being far more diligent about getting iron from nutritional sources, like leafy greens, tofu and nuts. And I’m also back to taking mid-afternoon walks: Tolentino informed me that my vitamin D levels were down a bit, and said that getting some sunshine during that time of day can be a great way to boost them.

Overall, these changes are simple and low-cost — no membership fee required. Still, if I hadn’t gone to Love.Life, I may not have felt compelled to take these health markers quite so seriously. While I won’t be paying for a membership (in this economy?!), I do now feel more confident to tackle these challenges on my own.

7 Core-Boosting Resistance Band Ab Exercises

7 Core-Boosting Resistance Band Ab Exercises

M Hasan    5:00 PM   

7 Resistance Band Ab Exercises You Can Do Anywhere

Resistance bands are a versatile and effective tool for strengthening your core, even if you don’t have access to a gym. These exercises can be done in the comfort of your home or while traveling, making them ideal for anyone looking to build a stronger, more defined midsection. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, incorporating resistance bands into your routine can help you achieve your goals.

1. Banded Bicycle Crunches

This exercise targets your entire core, including your obliques and lower abs. To perform it:

• Loop the band around both of your feet.
• Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and knees bent.
• Extend one leg while bringing the opposite elbow toward the bent knee.
• Alternate sides with control.

Recommended sets and reps: 3 sets of 12–15 reps per side.

2. Resistance Band Plank Pulls

This variation of the plank adds resistance to engage your core and upper body.

• Anchor the band in front of you, low to the ground.
• Get into a forearm plank and grab the band with one hand.
• Pull the band toward your body in the same motion as a lat pulldown before extending your arm again.
• Switch arms after each set.

Recommended sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 reps per arm.

3. Seated Russian Twists

This exercise focuses on rotational strength and core stability.

• Sit with your knees bent and feet hovering an inch off the floor.
• Anchor the band on one side, and hold the band taut between your hands.
• Twist your torso to the opposing side, keeping the band under tension.
• After completing one set, flip your body around and work the other side.

Recommended sets and reps: 3 sets of 20 reps (10 per side).

4. Banded Dead Bugs

This movement is great for improving coordination and core stability.

• Lie on your back, and loop the band around both of your feet.
• Raise your arms straight above you, in line with your shoulders. Bring your legs up and have your knees at a 90-degree angle.
• Extend one leg while the opposite arm reaches overhead.
• Return to the starting position, and switch sides.

Recommended sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 reps per side.

5. Standing Oblique Crunch

This exercise targets the obliques and improves lateral core strength.

• Anchor a band under one foot and hold the other end overhead.
• Crunch your torso sideways, engaging your obliques.
• Return slowly to the starting position before repeating.
• Switch sides after each set.

Recommended sets and reps: 3 sets of 12–15 reps per side.

6. Banded Reverse Crunches

This move helps strengthen your lower abs and improve hip mobility.

• Secure the band to an anchor at floor level.
• Lie on your back and loop the band around your feet. Make sure you are far enough from the anchor that the band is slightly taut.
• Pull your knees toward your chest, going against the resistance of the band.
• Lift your hips off the floor, then lower with control.

Recommended sets and reps: 3 sets of 15 reps.

7. Banded Woodchoppers

This exercise targets the transverse abdominis and improves rotational strength.

• Anchor the band at a point above your head and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Hold the band with both hands.
• Pull it diagonally across and down your body, rotating your torso.
• Return your arms to the starting position, then switch sides after completing the predetermined number of reps.

Recommended sets and reps: 3 sets of 10–12 reps per side.

Can You Get Abs with Only a Resistance Band?

Yes, you can develop strong abs using only a resistance band—provided you remain consistent, gradually increase intensity, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Resistance bands are highly effective for core training and can offer similar benefits to traditional gym equipment.

Studies have shown that elastic resistance can contribute to better muscle definition and improved body composition. One study found that participants saw a decrease in fat mass and an increase in fat-free mass, which supports the idea that resistance bands can help build visible abs.

Another study noted that male athletes using resistance bands saw improvements in abdominal strength, power, and balance. This highlights the ability of bands to effectively target the core through functional movement.

However, it's important to remember that building visible abs also depends on reducing overall body fat through diet and regular cardio.

How Often Should You Train Your Abs for Results?

For visible and strong abs, aim to train your core two to four times per week. Like any other muscle group, your abdominal muscles need time to recover between sessions—especially if you’re using resistance. Focus on quality over quantity by incorporating progressive overload, such as adding resistance bands or increasing reps. Core workouts can be short, around 10 to 15 minutes, but consistency matters most.

Avoid training abs every single day, as overworking them can lead to fatigue and reduced performance. Pair your training with proper nutrition and strength and cardio workouts for the best results.

Other Tips for Achieving a Strong, Defined Core

• Focus on compound movements like squats and deadlifts, which naturally engage the core muscles during each rep.
• Maintain good posture throughout the day to keep your core activated and reduce lower back strain.
• Incorporate a mix of stability, strength, and rotational exercises to target all areas of the core, including the obliques and transverse abdominis.
• Stay consistent with your workouts and gradually increase intensity or resistance to keep making progress.
• Prioritize proper form to avoid injury and ensure you’re targeting the correct muscles.
• Combine core training with full-body strength training and cardio to reduce overall body fat.
• Get adequate sleep each night, as recovery and hormone balance play a role in muscle development.
• Stay hydrated and follow a balanced diet rich in whole foods to support energy levels and lean muscle growth.

Health Insurers Seek 20% Premium Increase in Texas under ACA

Health Insurers Seek 20% Premium Increase in Texas under ACA

M Hasan    5:00 PM   

Rising Premiums and Uncertain Future for Texas ACA Market

Health insurance companies in Texas have submitted proposals for an average 24% increase in premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans in 2026. This significant rise could destabilize the marketplace, potentially leading to more individuals opting for less or no coverage. The proposed hikes are far steeper than the 3.8% average increase seen last year, marking a major shift in the health insurance landscape.

The data from KFF indicates that this could be the largest rate hike since 2018, when premiums increased by 35%. That year, insurers considered Congress' attempts to repeal the ACA and President Donald Trump's executive order ending subsidies for low-income individuals. Since then, premium increases have remained relatively modest, with no more than a 4% rise in any given year.

Growth of the ACA Marketplace in Texas

Despite these challenges, the ACA has seen substantial growth in Texas. Nearly 4 million Texans enrolled in ACA plans for 2025, a record high in a state with the nation’s highest uninsured rate. Enrollment has tripled since 2020, largely due to expanded tax credits that helped lower monthly premiums for many users.

This expansion has had a measurable impact on health care trends in Texas. Enrollment grew from 1.3 million in 2021 to nearly 4 million in 2025. The average post-subsidy monthly premium paid by Texans dropped from $136 in 2018 to $50 in 2024. While the uninsured rate remains the highest in the country, it has decreased from 23% in 2012 to 16.3% in 2023.

The ACA marketplace in Texas now offers more options than ever. The number of insurers operating in the individual marketplace has increased from eight in 2020 to 15 today. This competition has led to more choices for consumers, with 114 counties now offering at least four insurance options. Only seven counties, all near the Oklahoma border, still have just one insurer.

Challenges Ahead: Expiring Tax Credits and Rising Costs

However, these gains may be at risk due to the expiration of key tax credits at the end of the year. Insurers have cited rising medical costs and increased use of health services as reasons for their proposed rate hikes. Blake Hutson, vice president of public affairs at the Texas Association of Health Plans, described the situation as a "perfect storm" involving increasing medical costs, the loss of tax credits, and a less healthy risk pool.

The premium tax credits, expanded through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, currently benefit 83% of Texans who purchase coverage through the ACA. These credits are based on income and help reduce monthly premiums. However, they will expire at the end of 2025, making those earning over $62,600 ineligible for subsidies. This change could significantly impact those earning under 150% of the federal poverty level, who currently pay little or nothing for coverage.

KFF projects that premiums for those using ACA tax credits could rise by an average of 115% or $456 per year. Insurance brokers like Michelle McLaren warn that this could lead to higher uninsured rates and a contraction of the ACA marketplace, particularly affecting rural areas, lower-income individuals, and the elderly.

Impact on Major Insurers

Several major insurers have already submitted rate requests for 2026. BlueCrossBlueShield, the largest insurer in Texas, is asking for an average 39% increase in individual plan premiums. United Healthcare is requesting a 23% average increase, while Celtic Insurance Company and Superior HealthPlan are proposing 41% and 36% increases, respectively.

These hikes are driven by factors such as rising medical costs, increased use of services, and the expiration of tax credits. For example, United Healthcare explicitly cited the loss of enhanced tax credits in its filing. The company also noted higher provider reimbursement rates and the use of expensive new technologies.

The Risk of a Shrinking Marketplace

Analysts worry that if subsidies expire, healthier individuals may drop their coverage, leaving a sicker and more expensive risk pool. This could lead to further premium increases and potentially force some insurers to exit the market, as happened in 2016 when premiums rose sharply and several insurers left Texas.

The average monthly premium for Texans with ACA coverage after subsidies is $57, while the benchmark silver plan costs around $489. Federal law requires insurers to spend at least 80% of premiums on medical costs and quality improvement efforts. If this ratio falls below 80%, rebates must be issued to enrollees.

Looking Ahead

With open enrollment approaching, time is running out to address these concerns. While Congress could extend the tax credits, the window for action is narrowing. As the ACA marketplace faces these challenges, the future of affordable health care in Texas remains uncertain.