Latest news with #Lien
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Minnesota mother says Medicaid-funded program falsified documents, billed for hours of help she never received
A Minnesota mother is speaking out after she discovered the Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) had falsified records of her case, allegedly offering her months of help when in reality, she was barely contacted by the agency at all. Rachel Lien, a recovering addict who needed support setting up in her new apartment with her son, was referred to Brilliant Minds Services by a friend. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Brilliant Minds is, on paper, one of the top service providers for the HSS program. When Lien got in touch with one of their representatives, she explained that she had already found housing, but needed help with paying for things like cleaning supplies and a vacuum. Lien waited months for help, eventually receiving a vacuum and nothing else, in spite of her multiple attempts to follow up on her request. In the meantime, local news station KARE 11 reports Brilliant Minds staff were falsifying documentation on her case, detailing many visits, apartment hunting on her behalf and other services totalling 30 hours of billable time for the agency. 'I never met with them,' Lien told KARE 11. 'It's a scam, a total scam.' Minnesota's HSS program is one of the first of its kind in the country. This Medicaid-backed program provides support for those looking for low-income housing, help with moving expenses and guidance on transition and housing retention services. The goal of the program is primarily to help older adults and people with disabilities find and keep safe and affordable housing. However, the program is unlicensed, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) told KARE 11 it currently has 40 active fraud investigations into its service providers. The DHS also reported to KARE 11 that the program became difficult to manage as demand was much higher than anticipated. 'HSS has surpassed what was initially projected … in terms of the number of individuals enrolled in the program and providers delivering services. This rapid growth has brought additional challenges to build and implement quality assurance and oversight that matches the unforeseen scale of the program," the DHS wrote to KARE 11. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now When Lien reported her case to KARE 11 for investigation, they asked her to reach out to Brilliant Minds and request copies of all her records. For nearly a month between March and April of this year, Brilliant Minds' records show that every Friday and Saturday morning, a case worker was helping Lien find housing, a service she never requested and didn't need. Further falsified records show that a case worker allegedly met with her for an in-person intake session on March 8 — the same time she was attending a local group counselling session. 'Everything listed is a complete lie," Lien told KARE 11. The news station attempted to contact Brilliant Minds several times for comment, but found their phone line had been disconnected and that their office was dark and locked during their regular business hours. They finally responded through email, saying, 'All services rendered — both direct and indirect — were thoroughly documented in our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system … The client was discharged after approximately four weeks due to the client's continued lack of engagement, and as such, no further billing occurred beyond that period.' However, Lien provided KARE 11 with proof of her continued attempts to contact her case worker through texts and email. Following the news station's report, the DHS increased the risk level for HSS service providers from 'limited' to 'high' risk. The providers will now be subject to unannounced drop-in visits from DHS personnel and other measures to ensure their compliance. In Lien's case, KARE 11 reports her falsified records amount to a $2,060 bill — funded by local taxpayers — and all she has to show for it is a vacuum cleaner. Costs for the HSS program have risen exponentially since its inception in 2020. Then, the program cost approximately $3.25 million. In 2024, the cost was almost $92 million, and Brilliant Minds submitted over $1 million in claims. Though each state approaches housing-related services for Medicaid beneficiaries differently, clients of the programs can ask for full records of their case files if they feel their case is being mishandled, or if they're facing long wait times for responses like Lien. The Minnesota DHS also lists a number of other housing assistance programs that low-income residents can take advantage of. And at the federal level, the Housing Choice Voucher Program allows individuals to apply for a subsidy that covers part of their rent, and is paid directly to their landlord. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Intel debuts AI GPUs for workstation system as it works to gain ground on Nvidia, AMD
Intel (INTC) is expanding its graphics chip offerings with the debut of its Arc Pro B50 and B60 series workstation cards. The options, starting at $299 and $500 and higher, respectively, are designed for customers who don't necessarily need or want to use cloud-based AI processors from the likes of Amazon (AMZN), Google (GOOG, GOOGL), or Microsoft (MSFT). Workstation systems provide strong security since data is processed on-site rather than being sent to the cloud. They're also generally more customizable and offer instant access to powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) without the potential for having to wait for availability via cloud services. Intel has been working on its Arc GPU platform for years. It currently offers its B-series chips for gamers, dubbed Battlemage, and an A-series range for workstations, though those cards are meant more for enterprise graphics and visual capabilities rather than AI. The Arc Pro B50 and B60, however, offer more memory and functionalities that are designed specifically with AI in mind. The B50 is a mainstream chip that Intel says is designed for AI-assisted software engineering. According to the company, entry workstation GPUs make up about 30% of the workstation market, offering Intel a clear opportunity to grab market share. "We expect this to be very competitive and a very attractive solution, particularly for design and engineering," Intel vice president and general manager of client graphics Vivian Lien told Yahoo Finance. To do that, Intel has equipped the Arc Pro B50 with 16GB of memory and support for up to 170 TOPS, or trillions of operations per second. TOPS is a generally accepted means of measuring an AI chip's rough performance capabilities. The Arc Pro B60 has 24GB of memory and is capable of up to 197 TOPS. According to Lien, that chip is aimed at workstation customers who want to run resource-intensive AI applications. Intel, like Nvidia, is touting the need for customers to opt for high-end graphics chips to power AI models into the future. To that end, the company is also introducing its Project Battlematrix workstation system. A complete PC, Project Battlematrix combines two to eight Arc Pro B60 GPUs supporting up to 192GB of memory with an Intel Xeon processor. Customers can use it to run AI software across their businesses. Intel isn't the only company with its own workstation GPUs or heavy-duty AI desktop systems. Nvidia (NVDA) has also announced its own RTX Pro AI chips and cards, as well as two desktop systems: the DGX Spark and DGX Station. The DGX Spark is a pint-sized supercomputer that runs on Nvidia's Grace Blackwell GB10 superchip. Then there's Nvidia's DGX Station. Outfitted with the company's GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra superchip, the DGX Station provides up to 784GB of memory for AI applications. Intel is working to prove that it's not backing away from the GPU market while also proving it has what it takes to reclaim its crown atop the CPU market. While the B50 and B60 might not be as powerful as Nvidia's offerings, they're clear indications that the company is dedicated to gaining ground in the AI workstation market. But it still has to prove it can hang in the larger, more lucrative hyperscaler market. And that remains to be seen. Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@ Follow him on X/Twitter at @DanielHowley.
Associated Press
29-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Tax Lien Wealth Builders Strengthens Training Programs to Meet Evolving Investor Needs
Las Vegas, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2025) - Tax Lien Wealth Builders, a leading educational company, is strengthening its training programs to help the average citizen learn about strategic tax lien investing, tax deed investing, and real estate investments. By refining its tools, integrating advanced technology, and enhancing access to its strong community-based programs, Tax Lien Wealth Builders is delivering a comprehensive learning experience that meets the evolving needs of investors nationwide. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: 'We are dedicated to helping individuals understand and succeed in tax lien and tax deed investing,' said Scott Bell, founder of Tax Lien Wealth Builders. 'By continually refining our programs, we're delivering an educational experience that equips our participants with knowledge and tools to navigate competitive markets.' Community-Centered Approach Tax Lien Wealth Builders' strengthened training programs emphasize collaboration and shared expertise. This approach connects learners with a network of industry leaders and active investors with proven success in the industry. Each professional brings specialized knowledge and industry experience, offering participants diverse perspectives and actionable strategies. This community-driven model enables participants to gain insights into various aspects of tax lien and real estate investing, from understanding legal frameworks to identifying high-yield opportunities. By fostering mentorship and peer support, the program ensures a well-rounded educational experience tailored to the challenges of modern investing. 'We don't rely on a single voice to lead our programs,' adds Bell. 'Instead, our participants gain access to a network of experts, each with proven success in their respective fields, offering diverse and detailed training opportunities.' Enhanced Features of the Training Programs Tax Lien Wealth Builders' revamped programs incorporate the following key features: Proprietary Software: Tax Lien Wealth Builders' software features enhanced capabilities to help users identify potential investment opportunities, analyze property data, and monitor progress efficiently. Simplified Processes: Programs break down the fundamental steps of tax lien and deed investing, to better help participants evaluate properties, assess risks, and identify potential opportunities. Increased Focus on Accessibility: The enhanced curriculum is made more accessible for individuals new to investing, emphasizing clear and actionable education. Expanded Mentorship Network: The programs now connect participants with a broader network of industry experts, including seasoned investors and financial planners. Building Wealth, One Investment At a Time To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Driving Impact in Wealth Building Tax Lien Wealth Builders' enhanced training programs mark a significant step in its mission to empower everyday individuals to achieve financial independence. By integrating advanced tools, practical strategies, and expert leadership, the company is making effective investment education more accessible, continuing to be a trusted partner for aspiring investors nationwide. For more information about Tax Lien Wealth Builders' programs and upcoming events, please visit About Tax Lien Wealth Builders Tax Lien Wealth Builders is a leading educational and coaching company specializing in tax lien, tax deed, and real estate investment training. Tax Lien Wealth Builders equips investors with state-of-the-art tools, comprehensive training programs, and expert coaching to simplify the wealth-building process. With a team of seasoned professionals and a proven track record of success, the company aims to be a reliable partner for individuals seeking to achieve potential financial independence through strategic investments. Media Contact
