SAN DIEGO, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Franklin Access is pleased to announce a significant legal victory in its shareholder litigation, "In re Franklin Wireless Corp. Derivative Litigation”, Case No. 21-cv-1837-BEN-MSB. On December 19th, 2024, following an 8-day jury trial, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California determined that the actions of the Franklin Wireless officers and directors during the relevant time period resulted in only nominal damage to the company. Plaintiffs sought in excess of $110 million in damages from the officers and directors of the company. After less than a single day of deliberation, the jury reached its verdict and awarded nominal damages of $0.99. Franklin's officers and directors were represented by lawyers Stephen M. Lobbin, of the law firm SML Avvocati P.C., and Philip Tencer, of TencerSherman LLP. Resolution of this case ends a long and difficult time for the Company's Officers and Directors, and provides certainty and clarity for the future. Management will now be free to focus on its mission to deliver innovative connectivity solutions without the distraction of litigation. For more information about Franklin Wireless, visit FranklinAccess.com. About Franklin Access Franklin Wireless (FKWL) specializes in integrated solutions, leveraging 4G LTE and 5G technologies. From mobile device management to network management solutions, the company designs innovative connectivity solutions for the digital age. Explore more at FranklinAccess.com. Safe Harbor Statement Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied due to various factors. For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
West Ham surprise Newcastle with 2-0 away win
The University of New England campus in Biddeford. Photo courtesy of the University of New England Starting next fall, high-achieving students from low-income families will be able to attend the University of New England tuition-free. The Biddeford- and Portland-based private university announced the program Monday after a spate of similar moves by colleges across the country. President James Herbert said it’s an extension of the university’s long-time mission of making education more accessible for low-income and first-generation students. “Our goal, quite simply, is to be able to provide access to this transformative educational experience to as many students as we can,” Herbert said. In order to qualify for free tuition at UNE, students need to have an annual family income of less than $100,000 and a Student Aid Index of 0. That’s the number calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, form to determine eligibility for aid. Students must enroll full time and live on campus for all four years of their degree. Students also need at least a 3.85 unweighted high school GPA to qualify. Once admitted, they’ll have to maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA for continued eligibility. Free tuition does not apply retroactively to current UNE students. The program will cover up to four years of tuition, but does not include residential or dining costs. According to UNE, there are 21 current students who would be eligible for free tuition, while about 75 applicants last year met the criteria. But the university is hoping the offer draws in more eligible applicants. Total enrollment for this year Herbert anticipates the number of new students drawn in by the program will be “in the dozens, not the hundreds.” And he said the cost to the university should be just a few thousand dollars per students, since students who are eligible for free tuition would have already qualified for need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships. Herbert said 98% of UNE students already receive some amount of financial aid. “We only have limited funds, so this is our first step, but what I really hope is to grow the program over time,” Herbert said. He said the funding for free tuition comes from donations – both from alumni and nonaffiliated supporters – and from the school’s institutional financial aid budget. The university is in the midst of a fundraising campaign, which Herbert said has been focused on raising money for student scholarships. “It’s just a question of funds,” he said. “It’s not a philosophical thing at all, I would love to be able to apply it retroactively to current students. It’s just that we have to start somewhere.” He said the same is true for students below the 3.85 GPA threshold, another expansion he would hope to make if the university has a successful first year and has the funds to scale up the program. UNE was one of half a dozen schools across the U.S. including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Texas System, that announced free tuition for students this week. At MIT, any student whose family makes under $200,000 annually can attend tuition-free starting in the fall. Herbert said that while MIT is an extremely selective university with a massive endowment, UNE is focused on offering free tuition with access and workforce in mind. “Maine, in particular, has major gaps in its workforce,” Herbert said. He said UNE sees itself as critical in supplying the aging state with professionals like marine biologists, computer scientists, supply chain managers and especially doctors. UNE has the only medical school in the state and is the biggest provider of medical professionals in Maine. “The point of this is, on the student side, helping the student,” Herbert said. “But on the macro state-level side, helping Maine by bringing in students.” Maine has offered free tuition to the state’s community colleges since 2022. That program applies to students who graduated from high school between 2020 and 2025 . This story will be updated. Maine’s poorest students still face burdens, despite state’s free community college program 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 Press Herald 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. « Previous
Former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn hired as Florida State OC
Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says he'll “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole. Trump said that he will direct the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated.” Trump was vague on what specific actions he may take. 21 dead as Mozambique erupts in violence after election court ruling MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Violence that engulfed Mozambique after the country’s highest court confirmed ruling party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of disputed Oct. 9 elections has killed at least 21 people, including two police officers. Mozambique Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told a news conference in Maputo late Tuesday that a wave of violence and looting was sparked by the court’s announcement a day earlier. He said it was led by mostly youthful supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, second to Chapo, who got 65%. Prosecutors find workers in 'slavery like' conditions at Chinese car company site in Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) — A task force led by Brazilian prosecutors says it has rescued 163 Chinese nationals working in “slavery-like” conditions at a construction site in northeastern Brazil, where Chinese electric vehicle company BYD is building a factory. The Labor Prosecutor’s Office released videos of the dorms where the construction workers were staying, which showed beds with no mattresses and rooms without any place for the workers to store their personal belongings. In a statement issued Monday, the prosecutor’s office said the workers had been hired in China by Jinjian Group, one of the contractors on the site, which is located in Camaçari, a city in the Salvador metropolitan region. Haiti gangs fire on journalists covering a planned hospital reopening, leaving casualties PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Suspected gang members have opened fire on journalists in Haiti’s capital as they were covering the attempted reopening of the country’s largest hospital, wounding or killing an unknown number of people. The country's interim president, Leslie Voltaire, said in an address to the nation that journalists and police were among the victims of the vicious Christmas Eve attack. He did not specify how many casualties there were, or give a breakdown for the dead or wounded. Radio Télé Métronome said earlier on Tuesday that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded in the shooting. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Hurricane-force winds bear down on California, latest in stretch of extreme weather LOS ANGELES (AP) — California has been hit hard by extreme weather over the past several weeks. Atmospheric rivers, which are long stretches of wet air that can produce heavy rains, brought a record-setting rainfall before Thanksgiving. A series of atmospheric rivers are producing strong waves and storms near Santa Cruz this week. Thousands were left under evacuation warnings and orders because of a fire around Malibu. Climate change means that strong storms will be responsible for a greater share of the state's yearly precipitation and the periods between those events will be drier. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Biden signs a bill officially making the bald eagle the national bird of the US WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has made it official: The bald eagle is now the national bird of the United States. Biden signed a bill into law on Tuesday to correct what had long gone unnoticed and designate the bald eagle as the national bird. The bald eagle has been a symbol of the United States for more than 240 years, appearing on the nation's Great Seal since the design was finalized in 1782. That year, Congress also designated the bald eagle as the national emblem. But the honor of becoming the national bird had remained elusive until now. NFL players who use platform to share their faith say it's their duty to spread their love of Jesus ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his faith. The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way, such as Houston's C.J. Stroud, Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, and Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens.Holloway, No. 5 Alabama overwhelm South Dakota State with 19 3-pointers in 105-82 victory
Mega Millions jackpot hits $1 billion on Christmas EveUN chief ‘alarmed’ by Syria violence, calls for end to fightingUN Sounds Alarm on Central Asia's Looming Farmland Crisis
BJP's Jharkhand Assembly Polls setback: Saffron surge fizzles out as tribal state resistsOnly outdoor animals use straw as bedding
ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. He was 100 years old . The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. A moderate Democrat, Carter ran for president in 1976 as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to eradicate guinea worm infections as one of many health initiatives. Swinging hammers into their 90s, the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians revisit his presidency and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief” and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America’s dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. Emphasizing human rights , he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise” speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter’s diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. married fellow Plains native Rosalynn Smith in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and they soon turned their ambitions to politics . Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said. “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” ___ Contributors include former AP staffer Alex Sanz in Atlanta. Bill Barrow, The Associated PressOpinion: Clarence Page: How Democrats let a rising generation of supporters slip away
Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Soprano Angel Blue sings her first Metropolitan Opera 'Aida' in a new production Angel Blue, one of the most admired singers of her generation, is headlining the Metropolitan Opera’s first new production of Verdi’s “Aida” in 36 years. The 40-year-old takes on the title role of the enslaved Ethiopian princess torn between love for an Egyptian warrior and loyalty to her country. It’s a part that comes weighted with history, especially for a Black soprano at the Met, where Leontyne Price embodied the role from her first performance in 1961 until her retirement in 1985. Blue tells The Associated Press she’s long looked up to Price, and directors who have worked with her say the singer is ready for the challenge. Blue’s Met debut in ‘Aida’ will happen New Year’s Eve. Centuries-old angels uncovered at Boston church made famous by Paul Revere BOSTON (AP) — Conservators have uncovered eight angels in a historic Boston church that counted Paul Revere as a bell ringer and played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. The angels were painted in the early 18th century but painted over in 1912 as part of a renovation of the Old North Church. Inspired by research showing the existence of at least 20 angels, conservators for the past four months have been removing the white paint that covered the eight angels located on the balcony's arches in the church sanctuary. The public is now able to view them. Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in avalanche, aged 26 Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger has died following an avalanche at a mountain resort. The country's skiing federation says the incident took place at the Arosa resort in Switzerland. The 26-year-old Hediger competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the women’s snowboard cross and the mixed team version of the same event. Hediger achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes in the 2023-24 season. Her best result was a second place in St. Moritz in January. NFL on Netflix: Christmas Day games are a 1st for streaming giant Netflix will have one of its biggest days since the site launched in 1998 when it carries two NFL games for the first time on Christmas. “NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix” kicks off with a two-hour pregame show at 11 a.m., before Pittsburgh hosts Kansas City. Baltimore faces Houston in the second game. The streaming giant agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Magic and lights draw crowds to an alpine village in Washington state for Christmas LEAVENWORTH, Wash. (AP) — Freshly baked pretzels, shining tree lights and sleds in the snow lend a ruddy warmth to an unlikely collection of Bavarian-themed chalets in the mountains of Washington state. Decades ago, the town of Leavenworth was a near ghost town, one of the poorest parts of the Pacific Northwest. The mines and the sawmill had closed, and even the railroad left. That’s when desperate business owners took a serious gamble -- reinventing the community in the vision of an alpine village. More than half a century later, the result brings tourists from near and far -- especially during the holidays, when Leavenworth takes on the flavor of a German Christmas market. Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson says WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton was admitted Monday to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington after developing a fever. The 78-year-old was admitted in the “afternoon for testing and observation,” Angel Urena, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in a statement. “He remains in good spirits and deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving,” Urena said. Packers clinch playoff berth with 1st shutout in NFL this season, 34-0 over Saints GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Josh Jacobs gained 107 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown for a sixth straight game as the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth while producing the first shutout of the NFL season, 34-0 over the hapless New Orleans Saints. Green Bay improved to 11-4 and earned its fifth postseason appearance in six years. New Orleans played without injured quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara. Rookie Spencer Rattler started and went 15 of 30 for 153 yards with an interception and a fumble. The Packers have won nine of their last 11 games. Prosecutors withdraw appeal of dismissed case against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico prosecutors won’t pursue an appeal of a court’s decision to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin. The actor had been charged in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on a movie set outside Santa Fe in October 2021. Special Prosecutor Kari Morrissey withdrew on Monday the appeal of a July decision at trial to dismiss the charge. The decision to drop the appeal solidifies the decision by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer halfway through trial to dismiss the case on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense. An all-Filipino crew is set to make history in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race SYDNEY (AP) — There have been plenty of “firsts” in the history of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race which was first held in 1945. An all-Filipino crew of 15 sailors will make it another when the annual ocean classic begins in Sydney Harbor on Thursday. With veteran sailor Ernesto Echauz at the helm, Centennial 7 will embark on the 628-nautical mile race. The boat itself is no stranger to the race. Previously, the TP52 yacht was known as Celestial and claimed the Sydney to Hobart overall handicap victory in 2022 under Sam Haynes after being runner-up the year before.
On November 26, 2024, the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Contract Year (CY) 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Part D), Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) proposed rule ( fact sheet ; proposed rule ). This is part of an annual rulemaking process that includes both substantive and technical changes to the MA, Part D, and PACE programs. This year, the rule proposes new policies related to the coverage of anti-obesity medications in Part D and Medicaid, medical loss ratio and utilization management requirements, use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and more. Comments are due by January 27, 2025. In Depth COVERAGE OF ANTI-OBESITY MEDICATION IN PART D AND MEDICAID CMS proposes to reinterpret the Social Security Act so that anti-obesity medications are no longer excluded from Part D or Medicaid coverage when used to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long-term for individuals with obesity. CMS would recognize obesity as a chronic disease, so coverage would be permitted even if an individual does not have other medically accepted indications for use of the drug, such as diabetes. CMS estimates that over 10 years, this proposed change would increase costs to the federal government by $24.8 billion for Part D and $14.8 billion for Medicaid. This is a proposal that may be scrutinized more closely by the incoming Trump administration before being finalized. MEDICAL LOSS RATIO RULES CMS has proposed several revisions to the medical loss ratio (MLR) regulations, many of which reflect similar changes recently implemented in the commercial and Medicaid MLR rules. For example, CMS proposes to require that provider incentive and bonus arrangements are tied to clinical or quality improvement standards to be included in the MA MLR numerator. CMS also proposes to require that administrative costs be excluded from quality-improving activities in the MA and Part D MLR numerators. Both changes are based on findings from CMS’s commercial market MLR audits, which led to changes in the commercial MLR regulations. Additionally, CMS is proposing new regulations governing MA and Part D MLR audits, including an appeals process, suggesting that we may observe an increase in government scrutiny and potential enforcement action related to MLR reporting in these markets. Additional changes to the MLR rules relate to allocations of expenses between lines of business, the treatment of Medicare Prescription Payment Plan unsettled balances, new data requests from CMS regarding vertical integration and provider payment arrangements, and rules protecting that additional data from public release. BUILDING ON EXISTING PRIOR AUTHORIZATION AND UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT SAFEGUARDS In the 2024 MA and Part D Rule , CMS codified enrollee protections related to prior authorization and utilization management to clarify when and how MA organizations (MAOs) can use these tools. The protections included, among other things, requiring MAOs to post internal coverage criteria publicly and requiring MAOs to establish a Utilization Management Committee to review all utilization management practices. These rules went into effect on January 1, 2024. CMS continued to address prior authorization processes throughout the year, including in the Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule and through a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs). CMS proposes to build on these safeguards by: Defining “internal coverage criteria” to mean any policies, measures, tools, or guidelines, whether developed by an MAO or a third party, that are not expressly stated in applicable statutes, regulations, national or local coverage determinations, or CMS manuals and are adopted or relied upon by an MAO for purposes of making a medical necessity determination Adding rules regarding the publication of internal coverage criteria on MAO websites Clarifying that decisions made contemporaneously with treatment are organization determinations and are, therefore, subject to appeal and other existing requirements Eliminating MAO discretion to reopen approved authorizations for hospital admissions. ENSURING USE OF AI TOOLS DOES NOT PERMIT DISCRIMINATION In recent years, stakeholders have raised questions concerning the role of AI, algorithms, and similar tools in making coverage determinations. CMS described via FAQs that an algorithm or software tool can be used to assist MAOs in making coverage determinations, provided that such tools comply with all applicable coverage determination rules, and that algorithms and AI cannot be used to solely deny certain care. CMS published a request for information in January 2024 soliciting comments on MA plans’ use of AI and the potential impacts on health disparities. CMS now proposes to revise the MA regulations to ensure that services are provided “[e]quitably irrespective of delivery method or origin, whether from human or automated systems[.]” When AI or automated systems are used, the systems must be used in a way that ensures equitable service access. CMS may conduct program audits and/or take enforcement action where an MAO fails to comply with the regulations. OTHER TOPICS Regulating the Administration of Supplemental Benefits Through Debit Cards. MAOs often use debit cards to provide supplemental benefits. CMS proposes to clarify when and how debit cards may be used by an MAO and enrollee, add disclosure requirements around debit cards, and require MAOs to allow an enrollee to receive covered benefits through an alternative method if there is an issue in using the debit card. CMS is also proposing to clarify and codify existing guidance to prohibit MAOs from marketing the dollar value of a supplemental benefit or the method by which a supplemental benefit is administered. CMS is soliciting comments on all aspects of the proposal. Expanding CMS Review of Marketing Materials. CMS proposes to expand the definition of “marketing” to require submission and review of a broader universe of materials. CMS would require submission of all communication materials and activities that are intended to draw a beneficiary’s attention or influence a beneficiary’s plan enrollment decision. CMS seeks comments on the potential financial impact of the proposal. The proposal does not impact materials that are – and will continue to be – designated as “File & Use.” Adding Topics That Agents and Brokers Must Discuss With Prospective Beneficiaries. CMS has developed a list of topics that MAOs and Part D sponsors must ensure their agents and brokers discuss with beneficiaries prior to enrolling the beneficiary in a plan. CMS proposes to expand the number of required topics that must be discussed to include low-income subsidy eligibility, resources for state programs, and additional information for beneficiaries who are enrolling into an MA plan when first eligible for Medicare or those who are dropping a Medigap plan to enroll into an MA plan for the first time. Integrating Provider Directory Information Into Medicare Plan Finder . CMS seeks to enhance Medicare Plan Finder by making provider network information searchable for all MAOs. CMS proposes to require MAOs to submit provider directory information that is formatted to CMS’ specifications for use on Medicare Plan Finder, as well as attest to the accuracy of the data. Consistent with current provider directory standards, MAOs would be required to update the Medicare Plan Finder data within 30 days of receiving information from providers regarding a change in information. CMS proposes an applicability date of July 1, 2025, to allow for online testing and requests feedback on the attestation process. A range of additional topics are addressed in the proposed rule .
The AP Top 25 women’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Hailey Van Lith scored 17 points and Madison Connor made four 3-pointers and added 14 points on Sunday to help No. 11 TCU beat Brown 79-47. Van Lith added five assists, five rebounds and three steals and Taylor Bigby scored 11 points for the Horned Frogs. TCU (13-1) has won four games in a row since an 82-54 loss to No. 3 South Carolina on Dec. 8 at the Coast to Coast Challenge. Grace Arnolie hit three 3-pointers in the first five minutes and Olivia Young added another with 4:34 left in the first quarter to give Brown a 12-8 lead. The Horned Frogs responded with a 9-2 run to close the period, scored 12 of the first 14 second-quarter points to extend their lead to 13 points and took a 34-25 lead into the intermission. Bigby hit a 3 to open the scoring in the third quarter and TCU led by double figures the rest of the way. The Horned Frogs outrebounded Brown 54-28, including 20-6 on the offensive glass which led to TCU outscoring the Bears 27-5 in second-chance points. Isabell Mauricio led Brown with 17 points on 7-of-16 shooting Brown (6-7). The rest of the Bears players combined to made 10 of 41 (24.4%) from the field. Arnolie added 13 points. RELATED COVERAGE Edwards leads No. 2 South Carolina to 65th straight home win 93-47 over Wofford on Sunday. Bueckers leads No. 7 UConn to convincing 67-41 win over Providence in final Big East game of 2024. No. 3 Notre Dame women rout Virginia for Olivia Miles’ 100th career win TCU made 11 3-pointers on 27 attempts (41%) and the Horned Frogs’ 148 this season are the most in Division I. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballHolloway, No. 5 Alabama overwhelm South Dakota State with 19 3-pointers in 105-82 victoryTORONTO — Canada's main stock index moved lower Monday, weighed down by energy stocks as the price of oil fell, while U.S. stock markets rose. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 33.93 points at 25,410.35. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 440.06 points at 44,736.57. The S&P 500 index was up 18.03 points at 5,987.37, while the Nasdaq composite was up 51.19 points at 19,054.84. The Canadian dollar traded for 71.53 cents US compared with 71.54 cents US on Friday. The January crude oil contract was down US$2.30 at US$68.94 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was up 16 cents at US$3.44 per mmBTU. The December gold contract was down US$93.70 at US$2,618.50 an ounce and the March copper contract was up three cents at US$4.16 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) The Canadian Press
Only outdoor animals use straw as beddingPublished 4:38 pm Monday, December 2, 2024 By Data Skrive There are six games featuring a ranked team on the Tuesday college basketball schedule, including the Holy Cross Crusaders versus the UConn Huskies. Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Catch tons of live women’s college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.
Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, Nobel winner, dies at 100
Cris Collinsworth's social media rule speaks volumes amid NBC firing callsThe University of Maine held a ground-breaking ceremony for its new outdoor track, soccer and basketball facilities on Saturday. The new soccer facility and outdoor track should be ready sometime next October while the multi-purpose Morse Arena, which will be home to the two basketball programs, has a target date of the 2027-28 season, according to University of Maine Athletic Director Jude Killy. A $170 million gift from the Harold Alfond Foundation for facilities upgrades and other multi-million dollar donations are paying for the construction. New Balance Athletics donated $7 million toward the track and soccer field and Phil and Susan Morse provided a $10 million commitment for the multi-purpose arena. Killy said construction on the track and soccer fields is expected to begin right after Thanksgiving and the entire project will cost “a little bit north of $20 million.” The track will not circle the soccer field. They will be separate venues with the soccer field oriented north and south behind Mahaney Diamond while the track will run east to west behind the field hockey facility, according to Killy. “We hope to have the track operational in some capacity next fall and be ready for the spring of 2026 and we are shooting for the soccer field to be ready in October but I have no idea whether it will be Oct. 1 or Oct. 30,” said Killy. “We’d like to play as many home games as possible.” The reigning two-time America East women’s soccer championship team has been playing on Mahaney Diamond for several years. It will have a press box, scoreboard, lights and seating for 500 which include chairback and bleacher seats. A new field hockey facility and softball complex have already been built in the past three years with money from the Harold Alfond Foundation gift. The Morse Arena should be ready during the 2027-28 season but Killy said he would love to see it be open for the start of the campaign. Both basketball teams currently play in the antiquated Memorial Gym, which was built in 1933. Killy said the new arena will cost in the vicinity of $80 million and will seat approximately 2,500. “We are currently in the schematic design phase for the arena,” said Killy. Killy noted that the $45 million renovation to Alfond Arena has been going along well and he is hoping that will be completed by the end of the 2025 calendar year. Killy said he feels grateful to all the donors who have come forward to improve the facilities at UMaine and to UMaine System Chancellor Dannel Malloy and President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and the UMaine Board of Trustees for their support. “Everybody is aligned about what we want from athletics and how it can help the university,” said Killy. “I feel really fortunate to have them believe in us and support us.”