Key Takeaways In 2021, Joanna Smith-Griffin, the founder of an education-technology startup, was featured on the Forbes "30 Under 30" list . Last month, she was charged with fraud. Prosecutors allege that she lied to investors for years about her startup, AllHere Education, and the company received $10 million under false pretenses, according to the indictment. Related: An AI Startup CEO on a Forbes '30 Under 30' List Has Been Charged With Defrauding Investors Out of $10 Million Smith-Griffin has joined the infamous group of "30 Under 30" honorees praised by the public and media for their early success — before authorities discovered the illicit shortcuts that got them there. Since 2011, Forbes has used the annual list to celebrate and honor entrepreneurs who have excelled in their fields early in their careers. The company says it thoroughly vets each of the nearly 100,000 nominees annually. As the Guardian's Betsy Reed notes , "The problem here isn't Forbes, the problem is the vision of success that we've been sold and the fetishizing of youth. 30 Under 30 isn't just a list, it's a mentality: a pressure to achieve great things before youth slips away from you." So, next time you feel discouraged about not reaching goals by a certain age, remember these "30 Under 30" recipients who were honored for their accomplishments in their youth—but had to cut corners and cross legal lines to get there. Sam Bankman-Fried Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, was named to the list in 2021 for Finance. Bankman-Fried started Alameda Research in 2017, and later founded FTX in 2019, which was valued at $32 billion in 2022. But in November of that year, FTX filed for bankruptcy after struggling to raise funds and facing a liquidity crisis, and U.S. prosecutors accused him of fraud. He was arrested in the Bahamas in December 2022 and charged with defrauding investors in a scheme that led to the bankruptcy of his company. In February, four additional charges were added to his docket for conspiring to make over 300 illegal political donations. Currently, Bankman-Fried is out on bail, living at his parents' house, and awaiting trial (which is scheduled for October). Related: Who Is FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried? Everything to Know About the Disgraced Crypto King Elizabeth Holmes Elizabeth Holmes founded Theranos in 2003, a company that promised a revolutionary blood testing technology, and was once hailed as the world's "youngest self-made female billionaire." The company caught the attention of high-profile investors and companies (many of which never even saw the technology before investing) and raked up partnerships with big-name brands like Safeway and Walgreens. Holmes was never officially on the "30 Under 30" list, however, she did headline the "Under 30 Summit" in 2015, where she also accepted the "Under 30 Doers Award" for her work in the healthcare industry and the potential impact of her company's technology. However, just weeks after accepting her Doers Award, Holmes became the subject of an investigation by The Wall Street Journal , raising questions about the legitimacy of her technology. What ensued was nothing short of one mishap after another: failed lab inspections, a slew of lawsuits, and the not-to-be-forgotten net worth dip of $4.5 billion to $0 in 2016. Finally, in 2018, it was revealed that the technology simply didn't work, the company collapsed, and Holmes was charged by the SEC with "massive fraud," alleging Holmes knowingly misled investors and the public. Elizabeth Holmes in 2015. David Paul Morris | Getty Images. After nearly a year of delays due to the pandemic, Holmes' trial began in 2021, and she was ultimately convicted on four counts of fraud in 2022 and sentenced to 11 years in prison. After a request for a new trial was denied in November 2022, Holmes began her sentence in May 2023. Through it all, Holmes has maintained her innocence. She is currently serving time in prison in Bryan, Texas. Holmes' story of deceit has been the subject of widespread media coverage, including a 2019 HBO documentary, The Inventor, and 2022 Hulu miniseries, The Dropout ( for which Amanda Seyfried won an Emmy for her portrayal of the disgraced founder). Related: I Worked Side By Side With Elizabeth Holmes. She Seemed Like a Visionary, but We Were All Duped — and It's a Comfort to See Justice Served. Charlie Javice Charlie Javice, known for her college financial planning startup Frank, was indicted in May 2023 for wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy charges. Javice's alleged crimes center on exaggerating the value of her startup during its acquisition by JPMorgan Chase in 2021. Javice was named to the list in 2019 in the category of Finance after founding her company Frank, which aimed to help students apply for loans more efficiently. Prosecutors claim that she misled the bank by fabricating data and inflating the number of Frank customers. Javice allegedly asked her director of engineering to create fake data, but when he refused, she hired a data scientist to generate a spreadsheet with millions of false user accounts for the $175 million acquisition , and JPMorgan ultimately acquired the app. However, in November 2022, an internal investigation led to her termination, followed by her arrest in April. In January 2023, JP Morgan sued Javice for defrauding the company. Javice now faces charges of securities fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy. She is currently out on bail and has maintained her plea of not guilty . Martin Skrekli Martin Shkreli was named to the list in 2012 for Finance. At the time, he was recognized for his work as a hedge fund manager and entrepreneur. Shkreli had gained attention for his success in the biotech industry, particularly his involvement with Retrophin, a pharmaceutical company he founded. Shkreli went on to co-founded several hedge funds and pharmaceutical companies, including Turing Pharmaceuticals, which notoriously acquired the life-saving antiparasitic and antimalarial drug, Daraprim and then raised its price by 5,455% in 2015. The move earned Shkreli, then called "Pharma Bro," another title: "the most hated man in America ." In December 2015, he was arrested on charges of securities fraud and conspiracy. The charges stemmed from his involvement with two hedge funds, MSMB Capital Management and MSMB Healthcare, as well as Retrophin. Shkreli was accused of mismanaging funds, using assets from one of his companies to pay off debts from another, and defrauding investors. The allegations included a scheme in which he illegally used Retrophin's assets to repay investors who had lost money in his hedge funds. Peter Foley | Getty Images In 2017, he was convicted of securities fraud and conspiracy, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence and significant fines. In 2022, Shkreli was released from prison (about four months early) and is now consulting for a law firm and living with his sister in Queens, New York, according to the U.S. Probation Office. Related: 'The Most Hated Man in America' Where Is Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli Now? Shkreli also gained notoriety in 2015 when he purchased the sole copy of the Wu-Tang Clan album, "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin," for $2 million at an auction. Fans and the music industry vets criticized the lack of accessibility to such a culturally significant work, exacerbated by Shkreli's decision to keep it as a rare collectible without plans for a public release. Following his conviction, the album was seized by the government (along with his other assets) and ultimately sold in 2021 as part of the forfeiture process. The sale of the album completes Shkreli's payment of the forfeiture, and the buyer and price remain confidential. Obinwanne Okeke Obinwanne Okeke, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur, was revered for his achievements in construction, agriculture, and real estate. But in 2021, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a computer-based fraud scheme that caused approximately $11 million in losses to his victims. Okeke operated a group of companies — including the Invictus Group, which was the center of Okeke's 2016 "30 Under 30" title — but ultimately conducted various computer-based frauds from 2015 to 2019. Okeke's scheme involved obtaining credentials from hundreds of victims and engaging in "email compromise." Through fraudulent wire transfer requests and fake invoices, Okeke and his conspirators transferred nearly $11 million overseas. He also carried out other forms of cyber fraud, including phishing emails and creating fraudulent web pages. Okeke is serving his sentence and will be released in 2028. Nate Paul In June 2023, Nate Paul, an investor once regarded as a "real estate prodigy," was indicted on eight felony charges for allegedly making false statements on loan applications, which ultimately led to banks loaning the investor over $170 million. According to the indictment , in one application, Paul claimed to have an account with $31.6 million in cash, when in reality the account in question had less than $500,000. Paul's alleged violations took place between March 2017 and April 2018. In 2016, Paul was named to the "30 Under 30" list for founding his real estate investment firm. In November, Paul served a 10-day jail sentence after being held in contempt of court after accusations of financial mismanagement. Paul is still facing federal criminal charges for bank fraud.tips para manalo sa fortune gems 。

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Wedding barn operators can challenge provisions in Wisconsin law requiring them to secure a liquor license, a judge ruled Friday. Trempealeau County Circuit Court Judge Rian Radtke denied the state Department of Revenue’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The conservative law firm Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, on behalf of two wedding barn operators, filed the lawsuit in May seeking to block provisions in the law, which Gov. Tony Evers signed late last year . The lawsuit targets measures regulating private event venues that were pushed by several major lobbying groups including the Tavern League of Wisconsin. WILL deputy counsel Lucas Vebber said Radtke’s order marks “a good day for our clients.” “Our case moves forward and they get to have their day in court to protect the businesses that they’ve built for years,” Vebber said. “They’re very happy about that.” The lawsuit was filed by the owners of Monarch Valley Weddings and Farmview Event Barn against the state Department of Revenue and DOR Secretary David Casey and challenges provisions in the law that are due to take effect in 2026. In their motion to dismiss the case, attorneys representing the state wrote that the provisions “are rationally related to the legitimate objectives of promoting and regulating the responsible consumption of alcohol and decreasing the incidence of drunk driving on our roads and highways.” “In short, the challenged laws are likely to decrease the number of events where free alcohol is served on rented premises in rural areas, thereby reducing alcohol-related safety concerns,” they said. “This is quintessentially the exercise of police power to protect the public.” Attorneys for WILL argue the changes violate business owners’ constitutional right to equal protection and their right to earn a living. Private event venues like wedding barns rent out the facilities for parties, with the renter responsible for purchasing and providing alcohol to guests. However, provisions in the law add wedding barns to the list of spaces defined as a “public place.” Attorneys for WILL say the change essentially gives the owners of such businesses three options: getting a liquor license, which comes with a cost and could also require modifications to their zoning permits; operating as a “no sale event venue,” which drastically limits the number of events they can host; or no longer allowing alcohol at events. The “no sale event venue” permit allows the venue to operate as it has in the past, with patrons providing their own alcohol, but it also limits the number of such events to one per month and no more than six in a year. The changes were opposed by many in the wedding barn industry, though several groups, including the Tavern League, largely supported the effort as a means to hold private event venues to the same standards as other establishments where liquor is served. Despite passing the state Assembly in June 2023, legislation meant to overhaul the state’s alcohol industry sat idle for months in the state Senate until Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, last November bypassed the committee process by adding the text of the proposal as an amendment to a separate measure. The measure ultimately passed the Senate with bipartisan support and opposition, with opponents objecting especially to the potential impact on wedding barn operators. Evers signed the bill into law in December. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. Schools are still learning to harness it

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ORLANDO, Fla. , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Magnifica, a global high-luxury lifestyle brand under CIG Companies, is set to redefine elevated living experiences with its highly anticipated launch event on December 9th, 2024 , at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in Orlando , FL. Under the visionary leadership of Charles D. Carey , CEO and Co-Founder, Magnifica celebrates an expansive vision of luxury that includes its signature developments—Magnifica Residences and Magnifica Resorts, both slated for launch in 2026—and its bold foray into the luxury aviation sector with Magnifica Air, taking flight in 2027. A Revolutionary Vision for Modern Luxury Magnifica embodies a balanced approach to luxury, blending timeless design with sustainable innovation. Guided by CIG Companies' commitment to impactful investments in clean energy and local conservation, Magnifica represents the pinnacle of elevated living. From elegant residences to immersive resort experiences, every Magnifica offering reflects an unwavering dedication to quality, sustainability, and community enrichment. Propelling this vision further is Magnifica Air, poised to disrupt the luxury aviation space with its trailblazing approach to personalized air travel. With the filing for FAA certification, Magnifica Air is ready to redefine the customer journey from the ground up. The certification process, an intensive evaluation involving design reviews, safety tests, and operational validations, underscores Magnifica Air's commitment to the highest standards of safety and excellence. Magnifica Air: Redefining the Skies Designed to bridge the exclusivity of private aviation with the accessibility of premium commercial travel, Magnifica Air offers a truly bespoke experience. Every detail has been designed to elevate the passenger journey, from its spacious, elegantly designed cabins to cutting-edge technology that ensures frictionless, tailored service. "Magnifica Air isn't just about getting from one place to another—it's about creating an unforgettable experience where luxury meets deeply personalized service," says Wade Black , CEO and Co-Founder of Magnifica Air "Our recent FAA certification filing reflects our dedication to operational excellence, innovation, and a customer-centric philosophy that ensures each traveler feels known and valued." An Evening of Elegance and Vision The December 9th launch event will be a celebration of culture, innovation, and high luxury. Guests will be treated to a captivating performance by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside other notable musicians and artists, a showcase of Magnifica's master plan, and exclusive previews of upcoming projects, including Magnifica Residences and Resorts. A highlight of the evening will be an exclusive preview of Magnifica Air, offering a glimpse into the unparalleled travel experiences that await. The evening will culminate in a private afterparty at the Magnifica Residence Showroom, where guests will experience the artistry and intentionality behind Magnifica's iconic designs. From curated cuisine to thoughtful architectural details, every element will reflect the brand's ethos of timeless luxury. The Magnifica Experience: A Lifestyle Redefined From its meticulously crafted homes to transformative travel experiences, Magnifica is more than a brand—it is a promise to deliver elevated living. With Magnifica Air leading the charge into the future of luxury aviation, the Magnifica portfolio is a testament to the art of creating meaningful, unforgettable experiences. For media inquiries and event attendance requests, please contact: Magnifica Media Relations info@magnifica.com About Magnifica Magnifica, a subsidiary of CIG Companies, is dedicated to redefining luxury living through exceptional design, sustainable practices, and transformative experiences. The Magnifica portfolio includes Magnifica Residences, Magnifica Resorts, and Magnifica Air, each a testament to the brand's commitment to creating spaces and journeys that inspire, connect, and endure. About CIG Companies CIG Companies is a leader in high-value sustainable investments across diverse sectors, including real estate, clean energy, and infrastructure. With a focus on innovation and community impact, CIG Companies shapes projects that leave a lasting legacy View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/magnifica-unveils-the-future-of-luxury-living-at-december-9th-launch-event-orlando-fl--december-2024-302324357.html SOURCE Magnifica, LLC Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter TodayLiverpool punish rivals’ errors with dominant win over Leicester to stretch leadHow the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Stock market today: Stocks drift higher as US markets reopen after a holiday pause Stocks are drifting higher on Wall Street in light trading as U.S. markets reopen following the Christmas holiday. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite were up by less than 0.1% in midday trading Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1%. Gains in technology companies overall and retailers helped boost the market, despite a pullback by some heavyweight Big Tech stocks. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields rose. U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military didn't immediate respond to questions about the WHO chief's statement. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Russian ship that sank in the Mediterranean was attacked, owner says MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian operator of a cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria says it has been hit by a series of explosions in an act of sabotage. Oboronlogistica is a state-controlled company that operated the Ursa Major freighter. The company said the vessel was wrecked by three powerful explosions just above the water line in what it described as a “terrorist attack” that caused it to sink on Monday. The company said in a statement carried by Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday that the explosions left a hole in the ship’s starboard and filled the engine room with acrid smoke. That hampered the crew’s attempts to access it. Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it’s time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options. US applications for unemployment benefits hold steady, but continuing claims rise to 3-year high WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. The US Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claim applications ticked down by 1,000 to 219,000 for the week of Dec. 21. That’s fewer than the 223,000 analysts forecast. Continuing claims, the total number of Americans collecting jobless benefits, climbed by 46,000 to 1.91 million for the week of Dec. 14. That’s more than analysts projected and the most since the week of Nov. 13, 2021. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs.

NEW YORK – Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let him leave jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week. Judge Arun Subramanian said at a hearing that he will release his decision on Combs' latest request for bail after Combs’ lawyers and federal prosecutors file letters addressing outstanding issues. Those letters are due at noon on Monday, Subramanian said. Recommended Videos Combs’ lawyers pitched having him await trial under around-the-clock surveillance either his mansion on an island near Miami Beach or — after the judge scoffed at that location — an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Their plan essentially amounts to putting Combs on house arrest, with strict limits on who he has contact with. But prosecutors argue that Combs has routinely flouted jail rules and can't be trusted not to interfere with witnesses or the judicial process. “The argument that he’s a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions isn’t factually accurate,” Combs lawyer Anthony Ricco argued. “The idea that he’s an out-of-control individual who has to be detained isn’t factually accurate.” Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. His trial is slated to begin May 5. The Bad Boy Records founder remains locked up at a Brooklyn federal jail, where he spent his Nov. 4 birthday. Two other judges previously concluded that Combs would be a danger to the community if he is released and an appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals weighs his bail request. Friday's hearing was the second time Combs was in court this week. On Tuesday, a judge blocked prosecutors from using as evidence papers that were seized from his cell during jail-wide sweep for contraband and weapons at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. As he entered through a side door, Combs waved to relatives including his mother and several of his children in the courtroom gallery, tapping his hand to his heart and blowing kisses at them. He then hugged his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, before taking a seat at the defense table. He was not handcuffed or shackled and wore a beige jail uniform, occasionally pulling a pair of reading glasses from his pocket as he peered at papers in front of him. Prosecutors maintain that no bail conditions will mitigate the “risk of obstruction and dangerousness to others” of releasing Combs from jail. Prosecutors contend that while locked up the “I'll Be Missing You” artist has orchestrated social media campaigns aimed at tainting the jury pool. They allege that he has also attempted to publicly leak materials he thinks would be helpful to his case and is contacting potential witnesses via third parties. “Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued. Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos countered that, given the strict release conditions proposed, “it would be impossible for him not to follow rules.”