Visionary Solutions Newsletter #10
- michaelbeattie8
- Aug 3
- 2 min read
Elton John's Eyesight Struggles Force Him Into New Way of Writing Songs (AOL, July 30 2026)
For the past five decades, Elton John has remained one of the most influential modern musicians, known for songs such as "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" and "Still Standing" as well as LGBTQ+ advocacy and AIDS prevention charities. However, while visiting France in 2024, the British pop star contracted a severe eye infection, resulting in complete blindness in his right eye and limited vision in his left. Elton John has opened up about his struggles with vision loss on Instagram, from not being able to see his sons play rugby, to not being able to read notes anymore.
His longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin reassures that John's passion for music remains strong, and that he has adapted his creative process for an upcoming album. Taupin explains he has been doing so by creating different instrumental track choices for his new collaboration with Pearl Jam producer, Andrew Watt. "You get emotional," Elton John admits, "but you have to get used to it because I'm lucky to have the life I have. I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here."
Read full story here: https://www.aol.com/articles/exclusive-elton-johns-eyesight-struggles-183652000.html
How Trump Accounts Could Put Future Disability Benefits at Risk (Newsweek, July 31 2026)
Back in May 28th, The U.S Department of Treasury announced a new type of IRA (or Individual Retirement Account) to help financially benefit American citizens born between 2025-2028, with children born within those years being eligible for $1,000 each. Similar to a regular retirement account, investment can be added overtime in order to help the child when they grow up. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities argues against these Trump Accounts, warning that they could potentially cross and hinder with future financial aid and benefits to low-income/disabled families or individuals.
In order to qualify for SSI aid (or Supplemental Security Income), an applicant must have less than $2,000 in countable assets; $3,000 if a married/civil union couple is applying. This shows that the applicant is actually in need of financial assistance. While Trump Accounts hold no asset limits, the entire value put into a Trump Account overtime will have to be included in SSI calculations when the holder becomes an adult. When interfering with SSI aid, it could also interfere with health care coverage, disability benefits, and community-based programs for those with disabled children or disabled applicants themselves. This becomes an issue when half of the disabled children in the United States continue to qualify for benefits after reaching adulthood.
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