Feds suspend ACA marketplace access to companies accused of falsely promising ‘cash cards’Oscar Fairs from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy to be told palliative care was the only option. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family raise £100,000 towards a treatment trial in France. It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer. Rest in peace, brave Oscar. — West Ham United (@WestHam) December 13, 2024 West Ham footballers donated £27,000, chairman David Sullivan donated £10,000 and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice gave £5,000, according to Ms Fairs. On Friday, West Ham announced that the 15-year-old had died. Sporting director Mark Noble said: “Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – (my son) Lenny and his teammates all loved him. “He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age. “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.” All scheduled Academy fixtures over the weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.
Google names UK executive as president for Europe, Middle East and AfricaPolice body-cam footage has captured the moment police arrested a man on suspicion of harassment and voyeurism following a series of viral ‘Manchester nightlife’ videos filming intoxicated women in Manchester city centre . Uniformed officers are seen smashing down the front door of a house in Bradford this morning (November 27) with a 'wham-ram' before arresting the suspect and escorting him into the rear of a waiting police van. The arrest follows a Manchester Evening News investigation into the videos which saw women filmed without their knowledge - often in vulnerable positions - on Peter Street and Deansgate . Investigations by the M.E.N exposed the trend and revealed how vloggers were posting more explicit videos behind paywalls . Footage that was posted for subscribers paying £13 per month zooms in on women's chests and bottoms as they walk, unaware they are being filmed. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now Information collected during our investigation was passed to Greater Manchester Police , who traced a suspect and conducted this morning’s arrest. It is understood to be the first arrest in the country linked with viral videos on social media platforms filming women on nights out. The videos, which have racked up millions of views, have also been taken in London, Liverpool, and Leeds. The 27-year-old suspect has been arrested and remains in police custody for questioning. In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “This morning (Wednesday 27 November 2024), we’ve arrested a 27-year-old man in Bradford on suspicion of stalking and harassment, in connection with several reports of women being followed, filmed, and harassed in Manchester City Centre. “This arrest is thought to be the first in the country linked with several viral videos on social media platforms appearing to have filmed women on nights out, some whilst in vulnerable positions. “As well as the widely viewed videos posted publicly, through further investigation, we found more content locked under paywalled accounts which included footage of suspected non-consensual nudity and upskirting. “After the issue was first brought to our attention, we made several appeals for anyone directly impacted by these videos to come forward. Many women did so, explaining the fear this had created for them, and the impact on their feeling of being safe whilst out at night. (Image: Greater Manchester Police) “Over the past few months, our neighbourhood team have worked in close consultation with the CPS to understand what next steps we could take with the reports received. “The videos in Manchester were primarily filmed around the Peter Street and Deansgate areas.” Chief Inspector Stephen Wiggins said, “We took the concerns of the public really seriously on this issue, and have worked hard with partners to assess the full circumstances and what courses of action were available to us. It is a very new and complex issue, but this is a significant development. “Everyone has the right to feel safe as they enjoy a night out, and these videos have made people, particularly women, not feel like that, which we can’t tolerate. “Filming in public is legal, however where this filming crosses the line into offences such as upskirting, stalking or harassment, it’s important that we don’t allow that behaviour. “Every Friday and Saturday there are approximately 60 officers on patrol around our city centre hotspots, also with support from partners, charities, and volunteers. Collectively, we are all on the look out for any behaviour that appears predatory in nature, proactively challenging that behaviour and safeguarding anyone who is vulnerable. (Image: MEN) “Particularly as we enter one of our busiest periods in the year, Christmas and New Year, I want to reassure the public that Manchester City Centre’s night life is safe, and they can expect us to take action against anyone who threatens that. “We would continue to encourage anyone who has personally been impacted by the content within these videos to come forward to us, so we can record these reports and assist with our ongoing investigations. This can be done via our online reporting tool (link) or by calling 101.”
Oscar Fairs from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy to be told palliative care was the only option. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family raise £100,000 towards a treatment trial in France. West Ham footballers donated £27,000, chairman David Sullivan donated £10,000 and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice gave £5,000, according to Ms Fairs. On Friday, West Ham announced that the 15-year-old had died. Sporting director Mark Noble said: “Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – (my son) Lenny and his teammates all loved him. “He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age. “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.” All scheduled Academy fixtures over the weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.Mystery drones over NJ: Biden officials say ‘no evidence’ of ill intent despite few answers
Oscar Fairs from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy to be told palliative care was the only option. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family raise £100,000 towards a treatment trial in France. It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer. Rest in peace, brave Oscar. — West Ham United (@WestHam) December 13, 2024 West Ham footballers donated £27,000, chairman David Sullivan donated £10,000 and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice gave £5,000, according to Ms Fairs. On Friday, West Ham announced that the 15-year-old had died. Sporting director Mark Noble said: “Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – (my son) Lenny and his teammates all loved him. “He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age. “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.” All scheduled Academy fixtures over the weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.Neulight's IntelliTier: Empowering Educators with Next-Gen EdTech for Personalized Student Support
Colorado's Travis Hunter to enter draft, vows to be full-time CB and WR in NFLMLB swaps 2025 Rays dates at Steinbrenner Field with Twins, AngelsNEW YORK , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global battery recycling market size is estimated to grow by USD 11.35 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 11.53% during the forecast period. Widening lithium supply-demand gap is driving market growth, with a trend towards rising stewardship collaboration for battery recycling. However, lead contamination in environment poses a challenge.Key market players include Accurec Recycling GmbH, Aqua Metals Inc., Battery Solutions LLC, Call2Recycle Inc., Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc., Ecobat LLC, EnerSys, ENGITEC TECHNOLOGIES SPA, Exide Industries Ltd., Fortum Oyj, GEM Co. Ltd., Gopher Resource LLC, Gravita India Ltd., Li Cycle Holdings Corp., Onto Technology LLC, Raw Materials Co. Inc., SungEel Hi-Tech Co. Ltd., Terrapure Environmental, and Umicore SA. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The battery recycling market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing trends in electric vehicles and renewable energy sectors. EPA guidelines are driving the need for safe and efficient battery recycling, particularly for lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars and PHEVs. Battery technologies, including lithium-ion, acid, sodium-sulfur, and hydride batteries, require innovative solutions to address energy density, charging capabilities, and maintenance requirements. Spent batteries contain hazardous materials like acids, heavy metals such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, and toxic substances like mercury and lead. Proper recycling prevents chemical leakage and toxic substance release, reducing environmental impact. Regulations are essential to ensure safe battery disposal and recycling. Renewable energy industries, such as solar and wind power, rely on battery storage systems like UPS systems, which also need recycling. Technological innovations in extrusion, nickel metal hydride, and lithium-iron phosphate batteries are crucial to improving yield and reducing logistics costs. Key players in the market include Element Resources, Umicore, and Redwood Materials. The automotive industry, particularly the demand for automobile batteries and lead-acid batteries, also contributes to the market growth. Industries must address the challenges of urbanization and electronic gadgets' battery waste disposal to minimize costs and ensure a sustainable supply chain. The depletion of metal reserves and environmental concerns necessitate the recycling of batteries, with both primary and secondary batteries requiring attention. This responsibility should not solely rest with governments; instead, all stakeholders, including battery manufacturers, businesses, public agencies, and consumers, must collaborate. One such trend gaining traction is stewardship collaboration. Through this approach, all parties work together on a level playing field for end-of-life battery management. Manufacturers are expected to provide consumers with convenient and accessible ways, known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, to return used batteries. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The battery recycling market faces several challenges in the context of evolving battery technologies and increasing demand for energy storage in various sectors. EPA guidelines require strict regulations for handling spent batteries containing hazardous materials like acids, heavy metals, mercury, lead, and toxic substances. The rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy sectors, particularly solar and wind power, increases the generation of spent batteries, especially lithium-ion, acid, and sodium-sulfur types. The scarcity of technologies and high costs for recycling these batteries pose a significant challenge. Nickel, cobalt, lithium, and other essential minerals are in high demand for battery production, making battery waste disposal a critical issue. Regulations and infrastructure development are essential to mitigate these challenges. Companies like Element Resources, Umicore, Redwood Materials, LOHUM Cleantech, BEEAH, ACE Green Recycling, and Criba are leading the way in battery recycling, focusing on technological innovations and improving yield. However, logistics costs, emissions, and the complexity of battery chemistries, plastics, and extrusion processes remain obstacles. The energy storage market's growth depends on addressing these challenges and ensuring a sustainable supply chain. The lead-acid battery chemistry is currently the most profitable in the battery recycling market. However, the toxic nature of lead poses environmental concerns. Improper disposal of lead-acid batteries can lead to significant pollution of soil and water. A single battery incorrectly disposed of in a municipal solid waste (MSW) collection system can contaminate up to 25 tons of waste. Therefore, it's crucial to collect and recycle these batteries in an eco-friendly manner as soon as they become inoperative. Ensuring proper disposal and recycling not only reduces environmental harm but also maximizes the potential revenue from these batteries. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This battery recycling market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Automotive 1.2 Electronic appliance 1.3 Others 2.1 Lead-acid 2.2 Lithium 2.3 Others 3.1 APAC 3.2 Europe 3.3 North America 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Automotive- The automotive segment of the battery recycling market is driven by the increasing demand for automobiles, particularly in emerging economies. Lead-acid batteries, which are the primary type used in the automotive industry for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and start-stop applications in conventional and electric vehicles, are in high demand. The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and e-bikes, fueled by environmental concerns and government initiatives, is further boosting the market. In the automotive industry, batteries provide electric energy to vehicles, enabling the starting of motors, lighting, and ignition systems. Passenger vehicles typically use one battery, while heavy-duty vehicles require two batteries to complete a 24-volt system. The expanding automobile industry, driven by economic growth, industrialization, and rising consumer confidence, is expected to increase the demand for battery recycling during the forecast period. Additionally, the growing adoption of e-bikes in Asian countries and the increasing demand for EVs in Europe and other regions are expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the automotive battery recycling market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Battery Recycling Market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable energy solutions. EPA guidelines mandate proper disposal of spent batteries, which contain hazardous materials such as acids, heavy metals like nickel, manganese, mercury, and lead. These batteries, used in electric vehicles, UPS systems, and other applications, have high energy density and charging capabilities, but require minimal maintenance. Battery recycling is crucial to mitigate chemical leakage and toxic substance release. Li-ion batteries, a key technology, pose unique challenges due to their chemistry and plastics composition. Extraction processes like nickel metal hydride and manganese-nickel oxide hydroxide are commonly used. Redwood Materials and other companies are innovating to improve yield and reduce costs in the battery waste disposal supply chain. Technological innovations, such as advanced pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes, are also driving market growth. Market Research Overview The battery recycling market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and the expansion of renewable energy sectors such as solar and wind power. Battery technologies, including lithium-ion, acid, sodium-sulfur, and hydride batteries, are in high demand for energy storage solutions. However, spent batteries pose challenges due to hazardous materials like acids, heavy metals, mercury, lead, and toxic substances. EPA guidelines aim to mitigate environmental risks by regulating battery disposal. The federal government is investing in research and development to address the dearth of technologies for recycling essential minerals like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and manganese. Battery recycling is crucial for reducing logistics costs, emissions, and the demand for new batteries. Companies are exploring technological innovations to improve yield and minimize chemical leakage. Renewable energy industries, including solar, wind, UPS systems, and electric cars, are major consumers of batteries, driving the market forward. Battery recycling is essential for the circular economy, particularly in industries undergoing industrialization and urbanization, such as automotive and electronic gadgets. Companies like Redwood Materials, LOHUM Cleantech, Criba, BEEAH, ACE Green Recycling, and others are leading the way in battery recycling, extracting valuable materials from battery waste through processes like extrusion and nickel metal hydride technology. However, challenges remain, including the complexity of battery chemistries and the need for supply chain to ensure the efficient collection and processing of batteries. The costs of battery recycling must be competitive with primary production to make it a viable and sustainable solution. The future of battery recycling lies in technological innovations that can improve yield, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Source Automotive Electronic Appliance Others Battery Type Lead-acid Lithium Others Geography APAC Europe North America South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
High Point defeats Pfeiffer 81-50
NEW YORK — U.S. stock indexes drifted amid mixed trading Dec. 16, ahead of this week's upcoming meeting by the Federal Reserve that could set Wall Street's direction into next year. The S&P 500 rose 0.4 percent Monday, coming off its first losing week in the last four. The Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2 percent to a record, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3 percent. Broadcom leaped 11.2 percent to help lead the S&P 500 for a second straight day after delivering a profit report last week that beat expectations. The technology company is riding a wave of enthusiasm about its artificial-intelligence offerings in particular. The market's main event, though, will arrive on Wednesday when the Fed will announce its last move on interest rates for the year. The widespread expectation is that it will cut its main rate for a third straight time, as it tries to boost the slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its target of 2 percent. The question is how much more it will cut rates next year, and Fed officials will release projections for where they see the federal funds rate ending 2025, along with other economic indicators, once their meeting concludes. Fed chair Jerome Powell will also answer questions in a press conference following the meeting. NEW YORK — Honeywell is considering selling its aerospace division as an activist investor pushes for change. The announcement arrives about one month after Elliott Investment Management revealed a stake of more than $5 billion in the company. In a letter sent to Honeywell's board, Elliott said that the company needed to simplify its structure as it deals with uneven execution, inconsistent financial results and an underperforming stock price. Elliott wants the the Charlotte-based company to separate its automation and aerospace businesses. The board of Honeywell International Inc. has been exploring strategic options for the company since earlier this year. It has said there will be an update in late January when it releases its fourth-quarter earnings results. A number of US conglomerates, like General Electric and Dow Chemical, have already broken up their companies to become more nimble. Honeywell, which makes everything from eye solution to barcode readers, is already shifting. Since last December, Honeywell announced plans to spin off its advanced materials business, entered an agreement to sell its personal protective equipment business and made several acquisitions. PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump joined SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son on Dec. 16 to announce plans by the Japanese company to invest $100 billion in U.S. projects over the next four years. Trump announced the planned investment at his Mar-a-Lago resort with Son at his side, along with Howard Lutnick, head of investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and Trump’s pick for commerce secretary. In a post on his Truth Social site last week, Trump said anyone making a $1 billion investment in the United States “will receive fully expedited approvals and permits, including, but in no way limited to, all Environmental approvals.” WASHINGTON — A U.S. Senate committee says at least two internal Amazon studies have found a relationship between worker speed and injuries in the online retailer's warehouses. A 160-page report issued late Dec. 15 by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions alleges Amazon rejected many of the studies' safety recommendations out of concern the proposed changes might reduce productivity. The report was the final product of a probe into Amazon’s warehouse safety practices that U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders initiated last year. Amazon responded Dec. 16 by saying the report is "wrong on the facts and features selective, outdated information that lacks context and isn’t grounded in reality.” NEW YORK — Former talk show host Carlos Watson was sentenced Dec. 16 to nearly 10 years in prison in a federal financial conspiracy case that cast his once-buzzy Ozy Media as an extreme of fake-it-'til-you-make-it startup culture. So extreme that another Ozy executive impersonated a YouTube executive to hype Ozy to investment bankers — while Watson coached him, prosecutors said. Watson, 55, and the now-defunct company were found guilty last summer of charges including wire fraud conspiracy. He has denied the allegations and plans to appeal. Watson told the judge he was a target of "selective prosecution" as a Black entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, where African American executives have been disproportionately few, and called the case "a modern lynching." "I made mistakes. I'm very, very sorry that people are hurt, myself included," he said, but "I don't think it's fair." Watson, who faced a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison and potentially as much as 37 years, remains free for now on $3 million bond. Ozy, founded in 2012, was styled as a hub of news and culture for millennials with a global outlook.Unofficial tallies in Irish election suggest some trouble for big figures(The Center Square) – Paula Scanlan is hopeful the narrative around gender ideology is shifting, especially as Republicans prepare for majorities in both chambers of the 119th Congress and a seat in the White House. “I am hopeful that with the majorities now that we will be able to get across the finish line,” Scanlan told The Center Square on Thursday, speaking of more legislation on the way to protect women's spaces. “Obviously, this goes beyond sports ... So ideally, I think that the biggest thing would be to federally pass something that says this is what a woman is.” Scanlan a day earlier was part of a panel where U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., announced that Republicans plan to soon introduce legislation to “protect children from transgender medical procedures.” A report from the advocacy group Do No Harm released four weeks before Election Day included documented evidence of such activity being performed on a 7-year-old . “We’ll be introducing the STOP Act soon,” said Marshall . “We are going to use the Commerce Act to punish people who perform any type of surgery, or who use any type of medications on minors.” STOP is an acronym for Safeguarding the Overall Protection of Minors. The panel said that the legislation is an important and necessary step to protect children. Scanlan and Marshall, a host with the American Principles Project, were on the panel alongside U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.; U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill.; Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project; and Sarah Parshall Perry, senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation. “We all know by now that so-called gender affirming care is anything but caring,” Tuberville said. “It is pure insanity and has caused irreversible damage to countless children. This isn’t about politics, this is about good and evil.” Scanlan is an ambassador for Independent Women's Voice and a former collegiate swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania. Swimming for the Quakers, she and teammates endured being not only on the same team but in the same locker room as a swimmer who for the first three years swam on the men's team. “I was a swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania and the administration, the university and the NCAA said , ‘Here's a man who wants to swim on your team, please accept him,’” she explained during the panel. “This entire situation really made all female athletes feel isolated and alone, and like they know where to go.” Scanlan said that it wasn’t just competing that isolated the female athletes. “Eighteen times per week, my teammates and I were forced to undress next to a 6-foot-4, fully-intact male,” Scanlan said. “As a female athlete, this was just something I couldn't even imagine. It was something I never imagined would happen to me when I went off to college.” The STOP Act is one of a few beginnings. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., has proposed legislation seeking to protect women’s spaces on all federal property nationwide. This would include bathrooms, locker rooms and prisons. Scanlan said this shows that public opinion is on the side of her and the panel. “This is really the first time we're seeing more of these people in power stepping up and actually doing the right thing and saying enough is enough” she said. “Now, we are looking at entire teams that are feeling empowered to be able to boycott ... or object to competing against males. It's widespread.” A notable case of that is San Jose State, where Blaire Fleming's participation has led to seven opponents forfeiting rather than playing a women's team that includes a man saying he is a woman. Tuberville and Marshall emphasized they believe the majority of Americans would agree with the proposed legislation. "The American people are sick of this nonsense," Tuberville said . "It’s time we restore some sanity and get common sense back in this country." Scanlan said that while she supports the national legislation Republicans are considering, it is important for states to also continue to pass legislation. “I always remind people who are really excited about having a presidency that we don't know what might happen in four years," she said. "So, of course, it's also important to codify this in states. We are going to continue our efforts. There's still a lot of work to be done, and I don't really see it as a win until we've finished this on the state level.”
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NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating: The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. (NYSE: NAPA ), relating to its proposed merger with Butterfly Equity. Under the terms of the agreement, all Duckhorn Portfolio common stock will be automatically converted into the right to receive $11.10 in cash per share. ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for December 23, 2024 . Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/duckhorn-portfolio-inc/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Profire Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: PFIE ) , relating to a proposed merger with First CECO Environmental Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, a subsidiary of CECO will commence a tender offer to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Profire common stock at a price of $2.55 per share. ACT NOW. The Tender Offer expires on December 31, 2024 . Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/profire-energy-inc-pfie/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc. (Nasdaq: USAP ), relating to its proposed merger with Aperam US Absolute LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, all USAP shares will be automatically converted into the right to receive $45.00 per share. ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for January 15, 2025 . Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/universal-stainless-alloy-products-inc/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE: NBR ), relating to its proposed merger with Parker Wellbore Co. Under the terms of the agreement, Nabors will acquire Parker Wellbore's issued and outstanding common shares in exchange for 4.8 million shares of Nabors common stock, subject to a share price collar. ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for January 17, 2025 . Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/nabors-industries-ltd-nbr/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask: About Monteverde & Associates PC Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders...and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341. Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America [email protected] Tel: (212) 971-1341 Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PCAs open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans continues through Jan. 15, you’re likely seeing fewer social media ads promising monthly cash cards worth hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars that you can use for groceries, medical bills, rent and other expenses. But don’t worry. You haven’t missed out on any windfalls. Clicking on one of those ads would not have provided you with a cash card — at least not worth hundreds or thousands. But you might have found yourself switched to a health insurance plan you did not authorize, unable to afford treatment for an unforeseen medical emergency, and owing thousands of dollars to the IRS, according to an ongoing lawsuit against companies and individuals who plaintiffs say masterminded the ads and alleged scams committed against millions of people who responded to them. The absence of those once-ubiquitous ads are likely a result of the federal government suspending access to the ACA marketplace for two companies that market health insurance out of South Florida offices, amid accusations they used “fraudulent” ads to lure customers and then switched their insurance plans and agents without their knowledge. In its suspension letter, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) cited “credible allegations of misconduct” in the agency’s decision to suspend the abilities of two companies — TrueCoverage (doing business as Inshura) and BenefitAlign — to transact information with the marketplace. CMS licenses and monitors agencies that use their own websites and information technology platforms to enroll health insurance customers in ACA plans offered in the federal marketplace. The alleged scheme affected millions of consumers, according to a lawsuit winding its way through U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale that seeks class-action status. An amended version of the suit, filed in August, increased the number of defendants from six to 12: — TrueCoverage LLC, an Albuquerque, New Mexico-based health insurance agency with large offices in Miami, Miramar and Deerfield Beach. TrueCoverage is a sub-tenant of the South Florida Sun Sentinel in a building leased by the newspaper in Deerfield Beach. — Enhance Health LLC, a Sunrise-based health insurance agency that the lawsuit says was founded by Matthew Herman, also named as a defendant, with a $150 million investment from hedge fund Bain Capital’s insurance division. Bain Capital Insurance Fund LP is also a defendant. — Speridian Technologies LLC, accused in the lawsuit of establishing two direct enrollment platforms that provided TrueCoverage and other agencies access to the ACA marketplace. — Benefitalign LLC, identified in the suit as one of the direct enrollment platforms created by Speridian. Like Speridian and TrueCoverage, the company is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. — Number One Prospecting LLC, doing business as Minerva Marketing, based in Fort Lauderdale, and its founder, Brandon Bowsky, accused of developing the social media ads that drove customers — or “leads” — to the health insurance agencies. — Digital Media Solutions LLC, doing business as Protect Health, a Miami-based agency that the suit says bought Minerva’s “fraudulent” ads. In September, the company filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors in United States Bankruptcy Court in Texas, which automatically suspended claims filed against the company. — Net Health Affiliates Inc., an Aventura-based agency the lawsuit says was associated with Enhance Health and like it, bought leads from Minerva. — Garish Panicker, identified in the lawsuit as half-owner of Speridian Global Holdings and day-to-day controller of companies under its umbrella, including TrueCoverage, Benefitalign and Speridian Technologies. — Matthew Goldfuss, accused by the suit of overseeing and directing TrueCoverage’s ACA enrollment efforts. All of the defendants have filed motions to dismiss the lawsuit. The motions deny the allegations and argue that the plaintiffs failed to properly state their claims and lack the standing to file the complaints. The Sun Sentinel sent requests for comment and lists of questions about the cases to four separate law firms representing separate groups of defendants. Three of the law firms — one representing Brandon Bowsky and Number One Prospecting LLC d/b/a Minerva Marketing, and two others representing Net Health Affiliates Inc. and Bain Capital Insurance Fund — did not respond to the requests. A representative of Enhance Health LLC and Matthew Herman, Olga M. Vieira of the Miami-based firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, responded with a short message saying she was glad the newspaper knew a motion to dismiss the charges had been filed by the defendants. She also said that, “Enhance has denied all the allegations as reported previously in the media.” Catherine Riedel, a communications specialist representing TrueCoverage LLC, Benefitalign LLC, Speridian Technologies LLC, Girish Panicker and Matthew Goldfuss, issued the following statement: “TrueCoverage takes these allegations very seriously and is responding appropriately. While we cannot comment on ongoing litigation, we strongly believe that the allegations are baseless and without merit. “Compliance is our business. The TrueCoverage team records and reviews every call with a customer, including during Open Enrollment when roughly 500 agents handle nearly 30,000 calls a day. No customer is enrolled into any policy without a formal verbal consent given by the customer. If any customer calls in as a result of misleading content presented by third-party marketing vendors, agents are trained to correct such misinformation and action is taken against such third-party vendors.” Through Riedel, the defendants declined to answer follow-up questions, including whether the company remains in business, whether it continues to enroll Affordable Care Act clients, and whether it is still operating its New Mexico call center using another affiliated technology platform. The suspension notification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services letter cites several factors, including the histories of noncompliance and previous suspensions. The letter noted suspicion that TrueCoverage and Benefitalign were storing consumers’ personally identifiable information in databases located in India and possibly other overseas locations in violation of the centers’ rules. The letter also notes allegations against the companies in the pending lawsuit that “they engaged in a variety of illegal practices, including violations of the (Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations, or RICO Act), misuse of consumer (personal identifiable information) and insurance fraud.” The amended lawsuit filed in August names as plaintiffs five individuals who say their insurance plans were changed and two agencies who say they lost money when they were replaced as agents. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of 55 counts of wrongdoing, ranging from running ads offering thousands of dollars in cash that they knew would never be provided directly to consumers, switching millions of consumers into different insurance policies without their authorization, misstating their household incomes to make them eligible for $0 premium coverage, and “stealing” commissions by switching the agents listed in their accounts. TrueCoverage, Enhance Health, Protect Health, and some of their associates “engaged in hundreds of thousands of agent-of-record swaps to steal other agents’ commissions,” the suit states. “Using the Benefitalign and Inshura platforms, they created large spreadsheet lists of consumer names, dates of birth and zip codes.” They provided those spreadsheets to agents, it says, and instructed them to access platforms linked to the ACA marketplace and change the customers’ agents of record “without telling the client or providing informed consent.” “In doing so, they immediately captured the monthly commissions of agents ... who had originally worked with the consumers directly to sign them up,” the lawsuit asserts. TrueCoverage employees who complained about dealing with prospects who called looking for cash cards were routinely chided by supervisors who told them to be vague and keep making money, the suit says. When the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began contacting the company in January about customer complaints, the suit says TrueCoverage enrollment supervisor Matthew Goldfuss sent an email instructing agents “do not respond.” The lawsuit states the “scheme” was made possible in 2021 when Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in the wake of the COVID pandemic. The act made it possible for Americans with household incomes between 100% and 150% of the federal poverty level to pay zero in premiums and it enabled those consumers to enroll in ACA plans all year round, instead of during the three-month open enrollment period from November to January. Experienced health insurance brokers recognized the opportunity presented by the changes, the lawsuit says. More than 40 million Americans live within 100% and 150% of the federal poverty level, while only 15 million had ACA insurance at the time. The defendants developed or benefited from online ads, the lawsuit says, which falsely promised “hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars per month in cash benefits such as subsidy cards to pay for common expenses like rent, groceries, and gas.” Consumers who clicked on the ads were brought to a landing page that asked a few qualifying questions, and if their answers suggested that they might qualify for a low-cost or no-cost plan, they were provided a phone number to a health insurance agency. There was a major problem with the plan, according to the lawsuit. “Customers believe they are being routed to someone who will send them a free cash card, not enroll them in health insurance.” By law, the federal government sends subsidies for ACA plans to insurance companies, and not to individual consumers. Scripts were developed requiring agents not to mention a cash card, and if a customer mentions a cash card, “be vague” and tell the caller that only the insurance carrier can provide that information, the lawsuit alleges. In September, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the claims. In addition to denying the charges, they argued that the class plaintiffs lacked the standing to make the accusations and failed to demonstrate that they suffered harm. The motion also argued that the lawsuit’s accusations failed to meet requirements necessary to claim civil violations of the RICO Act. Miami-based attorney Jason Kellogg, representing the plaintiffs, said he doesn’t expect a ruling on the motion to dismiss the case for several months. The complaint also lists nearly 50 companies, not named as defendants, that it says fed business to TrueCoverage and Enhance Health. Known in the industry as “downlines,” most operate in office parks throughout South Florida, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit quotes former TrueCoverage employees complaining about having to work with customers lured by false cash promises in the online ads. A former employee who worked in the company’s Deerfield Beach office was quoted in the lawsuit as saying that senior TrueCoverage and Speridian executives “knew that consumers were calling in response to the false advertisements promising cash cards and they pressured agents to use them to enroll consumers into ACA plans.” A former human resources manager for TrueCoverage said sales agents frequently complained “that they did not feel comfortable having to mislead consumers,” the lawsuit said. Over two dozen agents “came to me with these complaints and showed me the false advertisements that consumers who called in were showing them,” the lawsuit quoted the former manager as saying. For much of the time the companies operated, the ACA marketplace enabled agents to easily access customer accounts using their names and Social Security numbers, change their insurance plans and switch their agents of record without their knowledge or authorization, the lawsuit says. This resulted in customers’ original agents losing their commissions and many of the policyholders finding out they suddenly owed far more for health care services than their original plans had required, the suit states. It says that one of the co-plaintiffs’ health plans was changed at least 22 times without her consent. She first discovered that she had lost her original plan when she sought to renew a prescription for her heart condition and her doctor told her she did not have health insurance, the suit states. Another co-plaintiff’s policy was switched after her husband responded to one of the cash card advertisements, the lawsuit says. That couple’s insurance plan was switched multiple times after a TrueCoverage agent excluded the wife’s income from an application so the couple would qualify. Later, they received bills from the IRS for $4,300 to cover tax credits issued to pay for the plans. CMS barred TrueCoverage and BenefitAlign from accessing the ACA marketplace. It said it received more than 90,000 complaints about unauthorized plan switches and more than 183,500 complaints about unauthorized enrollments, but the agency did not attribute all of the complaints to activities by the two companies. In addition, CMS restricted all agents’ abilities to alter policyholders’ enrollment information, the lawsuit says. Now access is allowed only for agents that already represent policyholders or if the policyholder participates in a three-way call with an agent and a marketplace employee. Between June and October, the agency barred 850 agents and brokers from accessing the marketplace “for reasonable suspicion of fraudulent or abusive conduct related to unauthorized enrollments or unauthorized plan switches,” according to an October CMS news release . The changes resulted in a “dramatic and sustained drop” in unauthorized activity, including a nearly 70% decrease in plan changes associated with an agent or broker and a nearly 90% decrease in changes to agent or broker commission information, the release said. It added that while consumers were often unaware of such changes, the opportunity to make them provided “significant financial incentive for non-compliant agents and brokers.” But CMS’ restrictions might be having unintended consequences for law-abiding agents and brokers. A story published by Insurance News Net on Nov. 11 quoted the president of the Health Agents for America (HAFA) trade group as saying agents are being suspended by CMS after being flagged by a mysterious algorithm that no one can figure out. The story quotes HAFA president Ronnell Nolan as surmising, “maybe they wrote too many policies on the same day for people who have the same income or they’re writing too many policies on people of a certain occupation.” Nolan continued, “We have members who have thousands of ACA clients. They can’t update or renew their clients. So those consumers have lost access to their professional agent, which is simply unfair.” Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071, on Twitter @ronhurtibise or by email at rhurtibise@sunsentinel.com.Unwrap the latest AI features with Amazon Fire Tablets
NC Condemns 'Flood Of Petitions' Calling For Surveys Of Mosques, Muslim ShrinesLarson Financial Group LLC lowered its stake in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF ( NYSEARCA:GDXJ – Free Report ) by 90.0% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 839 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock after selling 7,589 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC’s holdings in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF were worth $41,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV boosted its holdings in shares of VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF by 2.6% during the third quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV now owns 15,641 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock worth $763,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares during the period. 180 Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF by 5.5% in the 2nd quarter. 180 Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,744 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock valued at $326,000 after purchasing an additional 405 shares during the period. Ridgewood Investments LLC acquired a new position in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Verus Capital Partners LLC increased its position in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF by 15.6% during the 3rd quarter. Verus Capital Partners LLC now owns 5,550 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock worth $271,000 after buying an additional 750 shares during the period. Finally, Arlington Trust Co LLC acquired a new stake in shares of VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF during the third quarter worth $37,000. VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF Stock Performance GDXJ stock opened at $47.68 on Friday. VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF has a 52 week low of $30.89 and a 52 week high of $55.58. The company has a market capitalization of $5.60 billion, a PE ratio of 24.80 and a beta of 1.03. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $49.66 and its 200 day simple moving average is $46.48. VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF Company Profile Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (the Fund) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners Index (the Index). The Index provides exposure to a global universe of publicly traded small- and medium-capitalization companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from gold and/or silver mining, hold real property that has the potential to produce at least 50% of the Company’s revenue from gold or silver mining when developed, or primarily invest in gold or silver. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GDXJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF ( NYSEARCA:GDXJ – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Joel Klatt Names Team 'In a Great Spot' to Make College Football Playoff Despite Week 13 Loss(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .Michigan's defense of national title fell short, aims to cap lost season with win against Ohio State
Starmer to visit troops serving on Russian border in push for Ukraine supportEducators need public support to create schools that are welcoming and foster a sense of belonging for all students, education researchers John Rogers and Joseph Kahne write. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Court documents: 3-year-old grabbed dad’s gun off kitchen counter and accidentally shot himself Court documents: 3-year-old grabbed dad’s gun off kitchen counter and accidentally shot himself Virginia Beach man accused of striking state trooper with car after pursuit Virginia Beach man accused of striking state trooper with car after pursuit Entertainment venue Uptown Alley no longer coming to Williamsburg Entertainment venue Uptown Alley no longer coming to Williamsburg Ex-student pleads guilty to fatally shooting 3 University of Virginia football players in 2022 Ex-student pleads guilty to fatally shooting 3 University of Virginia football players in 2022 Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdraws Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdraws Virginia’s withdrawal from RGGI was ‘unlawful,’ judge rules Virginia’s withdrawal from RGGI was ‘unlawful,’ judge rules Man tried to rob Virginia Beach 7-Eleven with knife, officials say, before police shot him Man tried to rob Virginia Beach 7-Eleven with knife, officials say, before police shot him 2 school buses involved in crash in James City County. Here’s what happened. 2 school buses involved in crash in James City County. Here's what happened. Newport News’ first Saladworks combines former doctor’s passions for health and business Newport News’ first Saladworks combines former doctor’s passions for health and business Meet the Fort Monroe Authority’s new CEO Meet the Fort Monroe Authority’s new CEO Trending Nationally Elon Musk slams Massachusetts sanctuary cities as Natick looks to join that growing group Advance Auto Parts closing all California stores School bus driver accused of abandoning 40 elementary students miles from home San Diego toddler’s backyard snake bite bills totaled more than a quarter-million dollars Alec Baldwin wasn’t invited to ‘Rust’ premiere, incites anger of slain cinematographer’s family