real money casino apk download The rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs and the suspected health care CEO assassin Luigi Mangione have decided on a similar defense strategy: Hire an Agnifilo. Or two. Marc Agnifilo is heading Combs' defense against racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges , while Karen Friedman Agnifilo is leading Mangione's murder defense , with Marc in a support role. For much of the past few decades, the legal power couple often found themselves on opposite sides of such complex cases – she for the prosecution, and he for the defense. Now, they find themselves representing two of the most high-profile cases in the country today. From 2014 to 2021, Karen was the second-in-command in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, which brought notable cases against defendants including Harvey Weinstein and Allen Weisselberg, the chief financial officer of the Trump Organization. She left the department in 2021 and has since moved into media, with a stint as a CNN legal analyst and contributor. Marc, meanwhile, has represented many of the targets of those DA investigations, including "pharma bro" Martin Shkreli, Nxivm founder Keith Raniere and former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng. He worked for the law firm Brafman & Associates from 2006 until earlier this year, when he split off to co-found the firm Agnifilo Intrater . Parents to three adult children, the law is what brought them together. The two met at the Manhattan DA's office in 1992 while working on a case in which two bagel store deliverymen got into an argument, and one cut off the other's arm with a machete, according to The New York Times . Their intersecting careers have at times led to legal conflicts of interest. In 2011, Karen had to recuse herself from the Manhattan DA's case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn when the former head of the International Monetary Fund hired the law firm where Marc worked. "It's never been awkward," Marc told The New York Times in 2011. "We're pretty regimented about it. If she's recused from a case, we really don't talk about it." The Agnifilos declined a CNN request for an interview. But that was then, and now, the Agnifilos have joined forces. Monday, when Mangione appeared in a New York courthouse for his arraignment, Karen was positioned to his left, and Marc sat on his right. Karen spoke to the court and criticized what she called the NYPD's over-the-top "perp walk" of her client, drawing on her years of service for perspective. "He was on display for everyone to see in the biggest staged perp walk I've ever seen in my career," she said. From public service to defense Karen Friedman Agnifilo has decades of experience in the legal field, primarily in the Manhattan DA's Office. She most recently served as the chief assistant district attorney under then-District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. until 2021. Her professional bio notes her "critical leadership role in prosecuting high-profile violent crime cases, including complex cases involving a mental health component." She managed a team of 1,500 people with a $120 million budget and "was also integral to creating the office's Human Trafficking Unit, Hate Crimes Unit, Antiquities Trafficking Unit, Terrorism Unit, its Cybercrimes and Identity Theft Bureau, as well as working on the creation of Manhattan's first Mental Health Court," according to her bio. She left public service in 2021 – complete with a bagpipe sendoff from the NYPD and DA's office – and moved to private practice. In an interview with the " Shut Up Mommy's Talking " podcast in 2022, Karen said moving into defense work was an adjustment. She cited her husband's experience in deciding whom to take on as a client. "My husband's also a criminal defense attorney and he's had some clients who just aren't nice to him. And I don't mean, like just not a little bit nice, I mean like abusive," she said. "And I don't want that at this stage in my life." "There's no crime necessarily that I wouldn't take or even set of factors that I wouldn't take," she added. "I do believe that everyone's entitled to a defense and to good representation, and I've always believed that." Karen said she has also been influenced by her children. Her twin daughters took an interest in politics and the Black Lives Matter movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, changing her thinking on the topic. "I have to credit them with opening my eyes to these issues," she said. Her third child has autism, she told the podcast, and she had frustrating experiences trying to get them help. She then used her experiences as a "special needs mom" to implement systems in the DA's office to help those with less money or opportunity, she said. "That became sort of my mission at the DA's office. It was very much into alternatives to incarceration, I pushed that very hard," she said. In recent years, Karen has moved into the media. She has served as the legal adviser to the long-running show "Law & Order," worked as a CNN legal analyst and opines on legal issues as the podcast host of "Legal AF" and "MissTrial" on the MeidasTouch Network. Her vocal media presence may offer a preview of her defense strategy. Earlier this month on CNN, before taking on Mangione as a client, she offered her thoughts on how the case could proceed. "It looks to me like there might be a not guilty by reason of insanity defense that they're going to be thinking about because the evidence is going to be so overwhelming that he did what he did," she said on December 10 . "As a former prosecutor in that office, I would be concerned that you have someone who is a valedictorian of his class, he was brilliant his whole life, he comes from this great family. I mean, something changed, significantly, something changed. And they're going to potentially have a not guilty by reason of insanity potential defense, so the prosecutors are going to try to shore that up as well in their investigation." Marc has repped Shkreli, Diddy Marc Agnifilo similarly began his career in prosecutors' offices and has since made a mark defending high-profile defendants in complex cases on the state, federal and international levels. A graduate of Connecticut College and Brooklyn Law School, he worked at the US Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey and as a Manhattan assistant district attorney before turning to criminal defense, his website states . He has defended some of the most publicly reviled defendants of the past decade in Shkreli and Raniere, both of whom were convicted at trial. "You may find him repulsive, disgusting and offensive. We don't convict people in this country for being repulsive or offensive," he argued in Raniere's trial on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. "Unpopular ideas aren't criminal. Disgusting ideas aren't criminal." In recent months, Marc took on Combs' case and has repeatedly asked the court to release the rapper on bond before trial. Other cases, many of which are listed on his website, have been resolved without charges or with short sentences. He told Law.com earlier this year his new law firm will focus on complex criminal litigation with an eye toward trying cases. "I have found that people come to me when they have something to say against the government's allegations," Marc said. "Very often that means they want to go to trial. So we all plan to do what we've always done: to try a bunch of cases. That's our supreme value."Key Takeaways AI could transform healthcare , the workplace , filmmaking and education — but its power could also be destructive in the wrong hands. Google's former CEO Eric Schmidt elaborated on the risks of AI in a Monday episode of The Prof G Pod podcast with NYU professor, entrepreneur and author Scott Galloway. Though Schmidt highlighted that AI improves productivity for nearly everyone, he also acknowledged that the technology could be used to hurt human beings in the future. "The most obvious one is their use in biology," Schmidt stated. "Can these systems, at some point in the future, generate biological pathogens that could harm many, many, many, many humans?" Related: Worried About AI Stealing Your Job? A New Report Calls These 10 Careers 'AI-Proof' Today they can't, but there are "a lot of people" who believe that AI will be able to create harmful biological materials in the future, per Schmidt. These people are working on preventing AI from being used as a biological weapon, he said. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Photo by Shahar Azran/Getty Images Schmidt also pointed out that AI opens the door to widespread cyberattacks that could take down the entire financial system of a country, for example. "[AI] systems are so powerful that we are quite concerned that in addition to democracies using them for gains, dictators will use them to aggregate power," Schmidt stated. Schmidt was Google's CEO from 2001 to 2011. In August, he made headlines for stating that remote work was the reason Google fell behind the AI race at a Stanford University talk. He later apologized for misspeaking ; Stanford took down the video of the talk, which garnered over 40,000 views in less than a day. Schmidt isn't the only executive raising concerns about AI. Sahil Agarwal, a Yale PhD in applied mathematics who co-founded and currently runs AI safety startup Enkrypt , told Entrepreneur earlier this year that as AI systems get more complex, the possibility that they contain implicit bias and toxic content also increases. Related: Ex-Google CEO Says the Company Fell Behind AI Rivals Because of Remote Work. Now He's Taking It Back.

Over the last few years, Greaves Cotton has successfully evolved from being a single-business, single-fuel company to a diversified, fuel-agnostic leader. Vice-Chairman Nagesh Basavanhalli shares his thoughts during an interaction with The Hindu . Edited excerpts: Can you share insights into Greaves Cotton’s evolution The transformation of Greaves Cotton was driven by the imperative to future-proof our 160-year-old legacy amidst seismic shifts in market dynamics and consumer expectations. As early as 2016, we recognised the impending disruption from BS-VI regulations, the shift towards clean energy, and the rise of alternative technologies. Our strategy focused on transitioning from a single-product, single-fuel business to a multi-revenue, multi-business, fuel-agnostic company. This approach allowed us to pursue multiple growth areas simultaneously, combining organic innovation with strategic acquisitions. At the core of our journey are three mantras: 1. B2B + B2C – bringing us closer to consumers. 2. Value chain extraction – maximising lifecycle value through an integrated ecosystem. 3. Fuel agnosticism – addressing diverse consumer needs across electric, CNG, diesel, and hybrid solutions. What are the challenges did the company encounter during this transformation? The transition from legacy single-cylinder diesel engines to a fuel-agnostic, multi-business model required bold decisions and strategic agility. Key challenges included developing entirely new capabilities in mechatronics, and software-driven solutions while reimagining our manufacturing processes to align with cleaner technologies like EVs. This required substantial investments in R&D and a strategic shift toward high-growth sectors such as electric mobility, CNG and adjacent areas such as non-auto businesses, off-highway vehicles and trucks, amongst others. Despite these challenges, the transformation opened up vast opportunities. We diversified our revenue streams, built a digitally connected ecosystem and strengthened consumer trust by delivering accessible, future-ready solutions. Can you elaborate on the Greaves Engineering and Greaves Retail expansion? Greaves Engineering addresses industry needs with fuel-agnostic engines, ePowertrains and application-specific solutions, empowering customers across sectors. Our foray into global markets further strengthened our reach and credibility. Greaves Retail bridges the gap between manufacturers and consumers through a robust network of over 250 distributors, over 20,000 retailers and 25,000 mechanics. Our unique value proposition lies in our 3S model delivering comprehensive support to customers across a range of industries. Can you share some key milestones for Greaves Finance? Key milestones include strategic partnerships with leading OEMs, the introduction of innovative schemes such as buyback options and a streamlined loan approval process that sets new benchmarks in efficiency. By integrating bundled insurance services and leveraging co-lending partnerships, Greaves Finance simplifies the ownership journey, ensuring seamless and affordable access to sustainable mobility for millions. What are the new technology and digital initiatives Greaves has adopted to enhance customer experiences?Greaves is building a comprehensive digital ecosystem that provides an end-to-end solution, encompassing product discovery, financing and lifecycle management. The Greaves1 app, focused on genset servicing, simplifies maintenance and enhances service efficiency. The Greaves Upahar Loyalty App improves accessibility and rewards loyalty among mechanics, fostering stronger engagement. The ev.fin platform revolutionises EV financing. Together, these initiatives lay the foundation for a fully integrated digital marketplace, enhancing customer experiences and delivering value across all touchpoints, positioning Greaves as a leader in innovative and inclusive mobility solutions. How does Greaves Cotton envision its role in the future of engineering and mobility? Our vision is to empower lives by driving sustainable innovation in engineering and mobility. We aim to create a digitally integrated ecosystem that delivers tailored, fuel-agnostic solutions, leveraging advancements in mechatronics, electrification and smart connectivity. With a focus on clean energy and innovation, we are shaping the next generation of mobility technologies that address market needs while promoting sustainability. What are the company’s key priorities over the next five years? Our focus is on building a robust, integrated ecosystem that connects products, services and solutions to enhance customer engagement. By expanding across the value chain and scaling digital conversion, we aim to lead in clean technology adoption, foster innovation and deliver end-to-end experiences. Sustainability, customer proximity and talent investment will remain central to our strategy as we accelerate growth and create long-term value for stakeholders. Q: Published - December 28, 2024 07:38 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

A former Transport for London (TfL) fraud investigator took on the body after he was incorrectly slapped with a £90 ULEZ fine - and won. Alex Whitmey, 58, was stunned to receive the charge because he’d checked his new £52,000 F-type Jaguar was compliant before entering the controversial zone. He checked the ULEZ website on November 17 before driving to Orpington, South East London, from his home in Sittingbourne, Kent. The zone, which was expanded by London Mayor Sadiq Khan last year, targets polluting vehicles with a £12.50 daily fee as they enter the capital. The site said Mr Whitmey could travel without paying as his vehicle was compliant with the set environmental standards . However, the motoring misunderstanding came about because Mr Whitmey had swapped the personalised registration plate from his old X-type Jag to his new one. Although the website had been updated to show the new car’s details, the technology used for fines had not been - meaning TfL thought the old vehicle had entered the zone. On November 28, the businessman was “shocked” to receive a £90 bill and was threatened this would rise to £270 if not resolved before Christmas Eve. Alex, who now runs William Whitmey Independent Funeral Directors, said: “I checked on their own website putting in my car details and it clearly states ‘This vehicle meets the ULEZ emissions standards, you do not need to pay a daily ULEZ charge’. “But they demanded a letter from the vehicle’s makers, a copy of my four-page logbook and a copy of the vehicle’s compliance certificate. It is utter madness. It’s not about the money it’s the principle. “I could have understood if they admitted their own website was not fit for purpose but they just dug their heels in and asked me to jump through all these hoops." You can sign up to get the latest London road traffic news and live updates sent straight to your WhatsApp from the MyLondon team. This will include everything from the M25 and major A-roads to high streets. To get stories sent to you, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'join community'. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the MyLondon team. We also treat our subscribers to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To unsubscribe, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice . Click here to sign up for WhatsApp alerts. After receiving the bill, he and wife Nadine rechecked the website, which confirmed the Jag was compliant and sent a screenshot of the page as part of their appeal. It was not until 9am on December 18, that a TfL reply reached them asking for more in-depth information - including a letter from Jaguar. Frustrated by the arduous task that had been set them, Nadine decided to call up TfL headquarters. She said: “I explained the website said we were compliant but was told I needed to send all of this information to them within 14 days of the date of the letter. “This would be impractical, especially given we were so close to Christmas and there were going to be third parties involved and I was reliant on them getting the information to me. Unfortunately, this did not make the slightest difference.” TfL: 'We have cancelled all fines' However, at around 4.30pm on the day they received the letter, the couple got a notification that the penalty had been rescinded. Despite having the fine rescinded, Alex says his case could be one of hundreds and TfL needs to “look it into its system”. He added: “How many other people out there get fined and just pay when their vehicle is compliant? “Furthermore, if the website can send fines to people who have compliant cars, there are bound to be cars out there that are not compliant but not being charged. We are expecting some form of compensation.” A TfL spokesman said: “We are sorry Mr Whitmey incorrectly received ULEZ penalty charges when his vehicle is compliant. We have cancelled all fines and we are contacting him to apologise for the distress this has caused.”

Vikings place LB Ivan Pace on injured reserve and sign LB Jamin Davis off Packers practice squadParthian Discourse: Nigeria Poised For Economic Recovery In 2025, Says Rewane

Microsoft Warns Millions of Windows Users—Do Not Install This Update On Your PCn a game of great urgency, threw three touchdown passes and led the Los Angeles Chargers to a 40-7 rout of the New England Patriots in the opening game of Week 17 of the NFL. The secured their second playoff appearance in three seasons and, along with the Steelers, secured a wild-card berth, leaving only one available to be contested by the Broncos, the Colts, the Bengals and the Dolphins The victory also secured the fourth postseason appearance in Jim Harbaugh's five seasons as an NFL head coach, adding to the three he had as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers Herbert completed 26 of 38 passes for 281 yards and became the third player in NFL history with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in each of his first five seasons, along with Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson. had eight receptions for 94 yards and caught touchdown passes of six and 40 yards. With a 10-yard reception in the second quarter, he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards on the season, becoming the third rookie receiver to reach that mark and rushed 19 times for 76 yards and a score, on a round day offensively for the Bolts A complicated rebuild for the Pats The repeated a forgettable season, now without Bill Belichick on the sidelines. Now, under the command of Jerod Mayo, they have six consecutive losses, their second losing streak of the season and with an accumulated record of 2-14 in the last two seasons at home. However, the team does have a starting point for its rebuild with its quarterback, , who completed 12 of 22 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. He became the first rookie passer in franchise history with a touchdown pass in eight consecutive games. The problem is that he was sacked four times and fumbled in the second quarter, to add to a dreadful streak of at least one turnover. In total yards, the doubled the 428-181 in the game. Maye briefly left the game to be evaluated for a head injury after a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter, on a running play, near the sideline on third down of the Patriots' first possession when he was hit by dropping the ball as Maye went out of bounds The play was not called as a penalty and lay on the turf for several seconds before getting up and running off the field. He initially sat on the bench before going to the medical tent to be evaluated. He was replaced by backup on the next series. But after further evaluation in the locker room and a 27-yard field goal by put the ahead 10-0, Maye returned to the game for the Patriots' third series, 10:15 minutes into the second quarter. ran 9 yards on his first play back, and ended up with a hit from linebacker as he slid to the ground. Colson was penalized for unnecessary roughness. Five plays later, Maye miscalculated a pass to , causing a fumble that was recovered by The took over at New England's 24-yard line and nine plays later connected with for a 6-yard touchdown pass to put ahead 17-0.Okeanis Eco Tankers (NYSE:ECO) Shares Down 2.9% – Here’s What Happened

As 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.Winless in rivalry, Dan Lanning, No. 1 Oregon determined to tame Huskies

Artificial intelligence chatbots are everywhere. Driven by the rise of ChatGPT , Gemini and Claude , the software mimics human conversation. You've probably chatted with a customer service bot while shopping online or asked a virtual assistant to set a reminder. They're embedded in apps, websites and smart devices, helping you complete tasks faster and more efficiently with 24/7 support for everything from online shopping to booking flights. But they're not just for practical uses. Some chatbots are designed purely for entertainment or companionship. For instance, Replika creates a virtual friend experience , while chatbots like ChatGPT are often used for creative brainstorming , coding help and casual conversation . AI chatbots have also found a place in professional environments. Tools like Microsoft's Copilot integrate with work platforms, streamlining tasks like drafting emails or summarizing long documents . Around 35% of people in the USA have used AI chatbots to answer a question instead of a search engine, according to one survey in 2023, and another 35% have turned to it for explanations . A 2024 study showed a rise, with 56% of US teens and 55% of parents using AI-powered search engines , while half of teens and 38% of parents used chatbots. Another study found that 17% of respondents said chatbot-style results helped them find answers faster. The growing stats back this up: businesses love them and users see why. ChatGPT is more popular than ever and logged 3.9 billion visits in November 2024, doubling its traffic from the year before. AI chatbots, with a 252% growth rate , is the second fastest-growing category in artificial intelligence, just behind AI image generators , according to some stats. Perhaps we live in times when we got accustomed to outsourcing our intelligence to these machines a tad too much. Still, they are undeniably simplifying our routines and workflows like never before. Not all chatbots are the same "Chatbot" is often used as an umbrella term to describe any software capable of simulating a conversation with humans. Early chatbots functioned like basic FAQ systems, offering pre-written answers to simple, expected questions. They couldn't handle natural language, forcing users to rely on specific keywords or phrases. Anything outside their programming, like complex or unexpected questions, would stump them. Over time, chatbots evolved with improved algorithms. Conversational AI chatbots started using technologies like natural language processing and machine learning to engage in adaptive, context-aware dialogues. Today, generative AI chatbots produce human-like responses, making interactions feel natural and intuitive. The biggest leap forward for AI chatbots has been their ability to "understand" context. For example, if you type "What's the weather like?" in a rule-based chatbot, it might respond with "I don't understand." But an AI chatbot can understand your query, identify your location (if permissions allow) and provide the weather forecast. It can even suggest leaving early for an appointment you have if bad weather could cause traffic delays. This ability to interpret and respond contextually is what sets AI chatbots apart. While these categories often overlap, their differences lie in complexity and the depth of interaction they provide. How AI chatbots work AI chatbots rely on various algorithms, machine learning and lots of data to function. They are powered by large language models like OpenAI's GPT-4 , Google's Gemini , Perplexity and Anthropic's Claude and can engage in longer, more complex discussions, provide personalized recommendations and even solve problems on the fly. These models are trained on massive amounts of data from books, articles and online conversations and use this training to generate coherent, contextually relevant responses. When you type or speak to a chatbot , it is called a prompt . The quality of your prompt will result in the quality of output. The chatbot breaks down your input into smaller parts, analyzes the meaning and generates a response based on patterns learned during training. LLMs allow chatbots to understand nuanced language, handle follow-up questions and even infer meaning from vague or incomplete prompts. AI chatbots don't just follow a rigid set of instructions; they "learn" from patterns and user inputs. Instead of answering a single question, they can maintain the flow of a conversation, remember details from earlier conversations and adapt their tone or detail level based on your input. Modern AI chatbots also use natural language understanding to grasp open-ended queries, overcoming typos, language issues and context. Popular uses for AI chatbots AI chatbots have found a home in almost every industry. Businesses use them to streamline customer service, with some studies showing gen AI chatbots resolving 75% of customer interactions . They also reduce staff workloads and enhance user experience. Retail companies rely on chatbots to help customers track orders, find products, answer FAQs and even personalize recommendations based on browsing behavior. Banks integrate them to answer questions about account balances or transaction histories. In healthcare, AI chatbots assist patients with appointment scheduling and symptom checks. In education, they're helping students with tutoring and homework assistance. Beyond business, AI chatbots are becoming tools for personal productivity. Virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa now use AI chatbot technology to offer smarter, more nuanced interactions. They can send messages, schedule appointments and even tell you a joke. As these systems evolve, their potential applications will become even wider. The benefits and limitations of AI chatbots AI chatbots are undeniably useful. They save time, automate repetitive tasks and make accessing information more convenient. If you've ever resolved a billing issue late at night or gotten quick answers without waiting on hold, you've experienced their efficiency. Still, they're far from perfect. While chatbots are getting better at understanding context, they still struggle with highly complex or emotionally sensitive situations. A chatbot might misinterpret a sarcastic comment or fail to provide the empathy a human would offer in a customer service scenario. Privacy is another concern, since chatbots process and sometimes store user data. Though reputable companies have safeguards in place, you should always be cautious about sharing sensitive information due to the risk of data breaches . Bias and hallucinations are other major issues AI chatbots face. Who can forget about the infamous Google's AI Overviews flop that suggested users put glue in pizza and eat rocks? Or when Google's Gemini depicted Nazis as people of color ? The future of AI chatbots AI chatbots are evolving rapidly, and their capabilities are only expected to grow. Features like multimodal functionality, which lets chatbots process text, images and audio, are already making them more versatile. OpenAI, for example, has introduced voice interactions in ChatGPT , bringing it closer to a fully conversational assistant. The technology behind them will continue to improve, bringing us closer to a future where talking to AI could feel as natural as chatting with a friend. Hopefully, humans won't go as far as developing romances akin to the one from the movie Her with Scarlett Johannson . (Interestingly enough, OpenAI has already gotten into hot water, and there is a potential legal battle over using a voice almost identical to Johannson's for its AI assistant.) Here's where things get even more interesting: generative AI companies started leaning into a phenomenon called anthropomorphism (giving human-like traits to non-human things, like computers or animals). These companies are essentially giving chatbots personalities, branding them as "assistants" or "companions." One example is Meta AI partnering with celebrities to lend their voices to their AI assistant. The goal? Make them feel less artificial and more like helpful partners ready to assist you. By combining speed, adaptability, and a growing understanding of human conversation, they offer a glimpse into the future of user-friendly tech. In the coming years, chatbots will likely become smarter, more personalized and more attuned to individual needs. Check out CNET's picks for the best AI chatbots of 2024 .

Teneisha Brown scored 13 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lift Fairleigh Dickinson to a 66-48 win over the University of Maine in a women’s basketball game on Saturday in Teaneck, New Jersey. Ava Renninger added 15 points for the Knights (9-3). WHO: UMaine vs. Coppin State WHERE: Fairleigh Dickinson, Teaneck, N.J. WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday Asta Blauenfeldt scored 19 points for the Black Bears (4-7). Caroline Dotsey added 18. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors.DOHA, Qatar , Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 25, 2024 , the First JETOUR Fan's Festival and the Launch of T2 i-DM was held in Qatar , themed "Think Future". During the event, JETOUR launched its user brand "Traveler" in the Middle East and its first hybrid model, JETOUR T2 i-DM. The launch event highlights JETOUR's commitment to exploring sustainable travel modes and ambition to become the "The World's Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles" under the "Travel+" strategy. JETOUR T2 i-DM not only inherits the strengths of T2 series, but also achieves high energy efficiency, high performance, high safety, and high intelligence with its advanced hybrid technology, i-DM. With a maximum combined power of 280kW and torque of 610N•m, T2 i-DM boasts a NEDC pure electric range of 139km and an overall range exceeding 1,000km at just 0.8L/100km, addressing range anxiety and promoting green travel. Mr. Dai Lihong, executive vice president of JETOUR Auto, emphasized technology's role in producing world-class products. The launch also introduced "Traveler", enriching user experience through diverse products and superior performance. This year, JETOUR has ranked third in sales across the Qatari auto market. The Fan's Festival invited user representatives from across the Middle East to witness the unveiling of "Traveler", experiencing "Travel+" culture through city tours and co-creation workshops. JETOUR prioritizes users, listening to their needs and co-creating products, brand, and lifestyle. Through "Traveler," JETOUR aims to provide richer travel experiences and benefits globally, leveraging the platform to spread the "Travel+" culture worldwide. Mr. Alex Tan , Vice President of JETOUR International, said, "Serving 'JETOUR users' and being 'a user-oriented JETOUR' are JETOUR's development philosophy. JETOUR will continue to build a travel community centered around users, cars, and lifestyles, sharing the joy of traveling together with users." JETOUR also partnered with Diamond League to promote athletics in Qatar and the Middle East , embodying JETOUR Speed and the brand's image of breakthroughs and innovations. With T2 selling over 150,000 units globally, T2 i-DM will continue its success to meet customers' needs and reshape the hybrid SUV market. The launch of T2 i-DM marks JETOUR's new journey towards "the World's Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles." JETOUR plans to introduce more hybrid and off-road models, providing customers with eco-friendly and diversified travel choices. With its innovative spirit and user-oriented philosophy, JETOUR will lead the global automotive industry towards a more sustainable and smarter future. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-launch-of-jetour-t2-i-dm-reshaping-the-hybrid-suv-market-302339886.html SOURCE JETOUR AUTOSmall Boat Market Analysis By Industry Size, Share, Revenue Growth Demand and Forecast - 2031 12-28-2024 03:08 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Orion Market Research Small Boat Market The global small boat market is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period. The modern boat layouts including the Gen-Z category attract customers towards them. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies including IoT, AI, and smart sensors provides various convenient facilities including GPS tracking and automatic control. Such a technologically supported boating facility provides safety and security to the customers which inclines customers' interest in surfing deep waters. On the other hand, a significant growth in recreational boating activities and increasing per capita income in various countries including China, Australia, and Japan are also expected to drive the market growth. The supportive government initiatives through increasing investment in the tourism sector, infrastructural development, and easing regulatory framework will further upthrust the market growth. For instance, in June 2017, the government of India announced an investment of around 193.2 million to build six international cruise terminals on both the coastlines, including the west coast (Mumbai, Goa, and Kochi) and the east coast (Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Chennai). Get Free Sample link @ https://www.omrglobal.com/request-sample/small-boat-market However, the increased maritime accidents are a major challenging factor for the market growth. According to the Allianz SE, a total of 2,185 shipping accidents were recorded in 2019, in which 41 large ships were completely lost. This report will further analyze all the factors that are directly or indirectly influencing the growth of the small boat market during the forecast period. Segmental Outlook The global small boat market is segmented based on the product and application. Based on the product, the market is segmented into the powered boat, sail boat, personal watercraft, and others. Among these segments, the powered boat segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period as these boats are electrically driven and require negligible physical energy to move the boat. Based on the application, the market is sub-segmented into leisure, fishing, defense, and others. The above-mentioned segments can also be customized as per the requirements. Among these segments, the leisure segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period due to the rising recreational and tourism activities across the globe. However, the defense segment is expected to generate significant opportunities for the market due to the rising defense budgets of various developing countries due to geopolitical tension. The above-mentioned segments can also be customized as per the research requirements. Full report of Small Boat Market available @ https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/small-boat-market Regional Outlooks The global small boat market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Others), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, and Others), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). The market can also be analyzed for a particular region or country level as per the requirement. Reasons to Buying From us - 1. We cover more than 15 major industries, further segmented into more than 90 sectors. 2. More than 120 countries are for analysis. 3. Over 100+ paid data sources mined for investigation. 4. Our expert research analysts answer all your questions before and after purchasing your report. For More Customized Data, Request for Report Customization @ https://www.omrglobal.com/report-customization/small-boat-market Media Contact: Contact Person: Mr. Anurag Tiwari Email: anurag@omrglobal.com Contact no: +91 780-304-0404 Company Name: Orion Market Research About Orion Market Research Orion Market Research (OMR) is a market research and consulting company known for its crisp and concise reports. The company is equipped with an experienced team of analysts and consultants. OMR offers quality syndicated research reports, customized research reports, consulting and other research-based services. The company also offers Digital Marketing services through its subsidiary OMR Digital and Software development and Consulting Services through another subsidiary Encanto Technologies. This release was published on openPR.

Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”