Latest News for Bantec Stock (OTC:BANT)

Bantec Inc along with its subsidiaries provides unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and related services. Principally, it is engaged in the business of research, design, development, testing, manufacturing, distribution, exportation, and integration of low-altitude UAV systems, services, and products. The company also provides procurement, distribution, and logistics services. It focuses on distributing, Drones and related services and Environmental/Construction products and services. The Company has operations based in Sparta, New Jersey and Vancouver, Washington.

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CNBC&#8217;s Jim Cramer has indicated that the recent market sell-off, particularly in the Big Tech sector, may have come to an end.
What Happened: Cramer, the host of &#8220;Mad Money,&#8221; suggested that the market may have bottomed out, citing the recent rally in the averages on Monday. He highlighted the losses experienced by several tech giants, including NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), over the past few months, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/06/cramer-says-the-sell-off-may-be-over-pointing-to-big-tech-correction.html">reported</a> CNBC.
&#8220;I think the sell-off could finally be over,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Stop waiting for a correction to give you better buying opportunities, we just had one for heaven&#8217;s sake.&#8221;
Despite concerns over the Federal Reserve&#8217;s next interest rate decision, Nvidia&#8217;s stock was impacted. However, the company&#8217;s announcement of a promising new graphics chip led to a rebound. Microsoft also experienced a decline but rallied after strong earnings and cloud business success.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38542692/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-is-impressed-by-the-fact-that-jeff-bezos-aws-12-month-revenue-is-higher-than-466?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla CEO Elon Musk Is Impressed By The Fact That Jeff Bezos&#8217; AWS 12-Month Revenue Is Higher Than 466 S&amp;P 500 Companies: &#8216;Wow&#8217;</a>
Cramer acknowledged that some might view his analysis as cherry-picking, but he insisted that he is focusing on equities that were previously considered &#8220;the great growth stocks of the era&#8221; until the market shifted in March.
Why It Matters: The recent market sell-off has been a cause for concern among investors, with major U.S. pension funds <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/24/05/38653388/the-biggest-investors-are-selling-stocks-right-now-yet-s-p-500-notches-best-3-day-streak-i">shifting their investment allocations</a> away from equities. For instance, the California Public Employees&#8217; Retirement System (CalPERS) decided to decrease its stock allocation from 42% to 37% of its $494 billion fund in March.
Earlier in April, Cramer had warned that the upcoming <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/04/38368953/jim-cramer-sees-nvidia-as-going-from-star-of-the-show-to-being-the-goat-of-the-game">Big Tech earnings could determine</a> the market&#8217;s future. He specifically highlighted Nvidia&#8217;s performance, which experienced a 4% rise following a 10% drop, and cautioned that the stock&#8217;s recovery might not be enough to offset the losses.
However, Nvidia&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38634160/nvidias-ai-dominance-evident-as-tech-behemoths-from-microsoft-to-meta-and-google-ke">AI infrastructure is in high demand</a>, as evidenced by the increased capital expenditures of its major clients. This demand, coupled with the company&#8217;s promising new graphics chip, could be contributing to its recent rebound.
Microsoft, on the other hand, has been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38510140/microsoft-pledges-1-7b-investment-in-emerging-asian-powerhouse-as-tech-giants-bet-big-on-ai">making significant investments in AI</a>, pledging a $1.7 billion investment in Indonesia&#8217;s cloud services and AI over the next four years. These investments, along with the company&#8217;s strong earnings and cloud business success, may be contributing to its recent recovery.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38635874/elon-musk-is-astonished-by-warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-amassing-as-much-cash-as-tesla-ceo?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Is Astonished By Warren Buffett&#8217;s Berkshire Hathaway Amassing As Much Cash As Tesla CEO&#8217;s Wealth: &#8216;Wow&#8217;</a>
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MSFT

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Jim Cramer Suggests End Of Market Sell-Off, Points To Big Tech Recovery: 'Stop Waiting For A Correction'

On Monday, major U.S. stock indexes experienced gains, with the S&amp;P500 closing nearly 1% higher at 5,180.74, the Dow Jones Industrial Average up almost 0.5% at 38,852.27, and the Nasdaq finishing the day with a 1.19% increase at 16,349.25.
These are the top stocks that gained the attention of retail traders and investors throughout the day:
Palantir Technologies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>)
Palantir&#8217;s stock rose by 8.06% to close at $25.21. The intraday high and low were $25.36 and $24.03, respectively, with a 52-week range of $7.59 to $27.5. The company reported a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/05/38653781/palantir-q1-earnings-revenue-beat-and-raise-us-commercial-growth-continued-gaap-profitability-and-m">21% year-over-year increase</a> in first-quarter revenue to $634 million, beating the consensus estimate. 
Boeing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>)
Boeing&#8217;s shares fell by 0.80% to close at $178.35. The intraday high and low were $183.98 and $174.71, respectively, with a 52-week range of $159.7 to $267.54. The company is under a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38652488/faa-opens-new-investigation-into-boeing-787-did-employees-falsify-aircraft-records">new FAA investigation</a> related to the inspections of its 787 Dreamliner. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38630402/teslas-dogecoin-adoption-sends-crypto-market-into-frenzy-meme-coin-surges-by-over-21?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla&#8217;s Dogecoin Adoption Sends Crypto Market Into Frenzy, Meme Coin Surges By Over 21%</a>
Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>)
Lucid&#8217;s stock surged by 9.52% to close at $3.05. The intraday high and low were $3.09 and $2.81, respectively, with a 52-week range of $2.29 to $8.37. The electric vehicle company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/05/38653616/lucid-q1-earnings-highlights-revenue-beat-eps-miss-production-update-and-more">first-quarter revenue</a> of $172.7 million, beating the Street consensus estimate. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/05/38653616/lucid-q1-earnings-highlights-revenue-beat-eps-miss-production-update-and-more">Find out more here</a>.
Hims &amp; Hers Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>)
Hims &amp; Hers Health&#8217;s stock increased by 3.46% to close at $11.65. The intraday high and low were $11.9 and $11.45, respectively, with a 52-week range of $5.65 to $17.16. The company reported better-than-expected first-quarter results and strong guidance. Quarterly sales came in at $278.17 million <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/05/38653933/hims-hers-health-reports-better-than-expected-q1-results-strong-guidance">beating the analyst consensus estimate</a> of $270.38 million.
Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)
Tesla&#8217;s shares rose by 1.97% to close at $184.76. The intraday high and low were $187.56 and $182.2, respectively, with a 52-week range of $138.8 to $299.29. The company has reportedly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38648277/tesla-lays-off-more-employees-over-weekend-report">laid off more employees</a> over the weekend. 
Photo by WHYFRAME on Shutterstock
Prepare for the day&#8217;s trading <a href="Premarket Movers &amp; News">with top premarket movers and news</a> by Benzinga.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/05/38612883/how-to-earn-500-a-month-from-nvidia-stock-ahead-of-q1-earnings-report?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How To Earn $500 A Month From Nvidia Stock Ahead Of Q1 Earnings Report</a>
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Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

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Palantir, Boeing, Lucid Group, Hims & Hers, Tesla: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Argentina president Javier Milei met on the sidelines of the 27th annual Milken Institute Global Conference on Monday, their second meeting in less than a month.
What happened: The tech czar posted a photo of him with President Milei on social platform x, where both could be seen enthusiastically posing with a double thumbs up.&nbsp;
Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei, and Argentine Ambassador to the United States, Gerardo Werthein were also seen in the picture.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I recommend investing in Argentina <a href="https://t.co/DIrcf8TsLN">https://t.co/DIrcf8TsLN</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1787654457339342932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
"I recommend investing in Argentina," Musk remarked while reposting the picture.&nbsp;
The two free-market proponents are headlining the annual event held at Beverly Hills, California, which sees the convergence of personalities cutting across finance, technology, sports, and media to discuss some of the most pertinent global issues.
Why it matters: Musk and President Milei met for the first time <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/04/38225670/elon-musk-meets-javier-milei-chat-about-cutting-red-tape-boosting-birth-rates-and-more">last month</a> at a Tesla electric car factory in Texas.&nbsp;
Similar camaraderie and photo-op were on the show then, with Musk commenting, &#8220;to an exciting and inspiring future!&#8221;
Miliei had shared a picture of them shaking hands with a caption reading, "long live freedom."
Both Musk and Milei have been known to have a pro-cryptocurrency stance. The Tesla Chief previously talked about his Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) holdings and the active endorsement of meme coin Dogecoin (CRYTO: DOGE).&nbsp;
On the other hand, President Milei has praised the scarcity-driven growth model of Bitcoin and dubbed the asset a way to return monetary power to people. Many even went so far as to explore the possibility of Bitcoin becoming a legal tender in the country following his win.&nbsp;
The synergy between the two like-minded individuals could lead to potential collaboration in the field of cryptocurrencies in the future.
Price action: Bitcoin was trading at $63,790 at the time of publication, following a 0.6% drop in the last 24 hours, according to data <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">from Benzinga Pro</a>. Dogecoin plunged 4.4% to trade at $0.1574 as of this writing.
Photos via Shutterstock
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/03/37487997/how-much-teslas-bitcoin-is-worth-will-elon-musks-company-sell-crypto-as-it-hits-new-all-ti">How Much Tesla&#8217;s Bitcoin Is Worth: Will Elon Musk&#8217;s Company Sell Crypto As It Hits New All-Time Highs?</a>

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

Politics

$BTC

Elon Musk Meets Bitcoin-Supporting President Javier Milei Again: 'I Recommend Investing In Argentina'

Walt Disney Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) and Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) are reportedly seeking a financial advisor to resolve a dispute over the valuation of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/11/35693462/disney-hulu-unified-app-to-launch-next-month-in-beta-official-launch-scheduled-for-spring-2">the former&#8217;s 33% stake</a> in the streaming platform Hulu.
What Happened: The two media giants <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/22/09/28903008/disney-vs-comcast-is-a-battle-brewing-over-the-value-and-who-should-own-hulu">disagree over the stake valuation</a> that Disney is set to acquire from Comcast, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter. 
This move is in line with the terms of the deal they struck for Hulu last year, which stipulates that if the valuation assessments by their respective banks, JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley, differ significantly, they can hire a financial advisor to resolve the issue.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38614138/have-you-used-siri-lately-elon-musk-answers-mkbhd-after-tim-cook-teases-exciting-ai-developments-fro?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Have You Used Siri Lately?&#8217; Elon Musk Answers MKBHD After Tim Cook Teases &#8216;Exciting&#8217; AI Developments From Apple This Year</a>
JPMorgan valued Hulu for Disney at approximately $27.5 billion, while Morgan Stanley valued it for Comcast at over $40 billion. As the two valuations are more than 10% apart, Disney and Comcast are now in discussions to appoint an investment bank for an independent valuation. 
According to the agreement terms, if the third appraisal aligns closest with Disney&#8217;s bank valuation, the deal will be finalized at the average of those two valuations. Likewise, if the third appraisal aligns closest with Comcast&#8217;s bank valuation, the deal will be concluded at the average of those two valuations. 
If the average of the third appraisal falls below $27.5 billion, the final valuation will be set at $27.5 billion, the report noted. 
Subscribe to the <a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a> to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: Hulu is known for its hit original shows like &#8220;Shogun,&#8221; &#8220;The Bear,&#8221; &#8220;Prey,&#8221; and &#8220;Only Murders in the Building.&#8221; The platform witnessed its subscriber base reach 49.7 million by December 2023, marking a 2% increase from the September quarter.
Disney has already integrated Hulu into its Disney+ streaming platform, which hosts popular titles like &#8220;Moana&#8221; and &#8220;Frozen.&#8221;
The valuation dispute arises <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/22/09/28903008/disney-vs-comcast-is-a-battle-brewing-over-the-value-and-who-should-own-hulu">from a deal struck in 2019</a>, following Disney&#8217;s $71 billion takeover of 21st Century Fox&#8217;s assets, including its minority stake in Hulu. This deal gave Disney majority control over Hulu, while Comcast retained its 33% stake, anticipating a significant increase in its value by 2024.
Disney&#8217;s acquisition of the remaining 33% stake in Hulu was announced in November 2023, with a minimum payment of $8.6 billion to Comcast. The current <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/23/05/32577497/hulu-co-owners-disney-comcast-fight-to-reach-a-deal-regarding-streaming-service">valuation dispute is a crucial</a> step in finalizing this acquisition.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38638286/tesla-investor-ross-gerber-calls-warren-buffett-tough-as-nails-businessman-after-berkshire-hathaway?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Investor Ross Gerber Calls Warren Buffett &#8216;Tough As Nails Businessman&#8217; After Berkshire Hathaway Dumps Apple: &#8216;Don&#8217;t Let That Soft Mid Western Demeanor Fool You&#8217;</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Entertainment

Media

CMCSA

Disney, Comcast Seek Advisor To Figure Out How Much Hulu Is Really Worth: Report

In a recent development, former President Donald Trump has reportedly taken a jab at President Joe Biden for his perceived soft approach towards antisemitism. This criticism comes despite Trump&#8217;s own history of contentious remarks on the matter.
What Happened: Trump has leveraged the recent conflicts on college campuses over the Gaza war as a campaign issue, accusing Biden of running a &#8220;Gestapo administration.&#8221; This comment was made during a private retreat for Republican donors at his Florida resort, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/donald-trump-calls-joe-biden-weak-antisemitism-ignoring-109974759">reported</a> ABC News.
Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, described Trump&#8217;s comments as a &#8220;deliberate tactic&#8221; to attack Biden and divert attention from his own track record. She stated it was in line with his history of &#8220;offensive and irresponsible comments&#8221; towards the Jewish community.
Trump&#8217;s criticism comes as Biden navigates the complex divisions resulting from the Israel-Hamas war and the ensuing unrest from demonstrations. Trump and other Republicans have capitalized on the campus disruptions, portraying them as a sign of weakness from Biden and the Democrats.
Trump&#8217;s campaign released a video on Yom Hashoah, Israel&#8217;s Holocaust remembrance day, contrasting the 2024 presidential candidates&#8217; responses to antisemitism. The video juxtaposes images of Trump&#8217;s visit to Israel and his speeches pledging to confront antisemitism, with footage of campus protests and clips of Biden responding to protesters upset with his administration&#8217;s support for Israel.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38628322/elon-musk-reacts-after-house-report-reveals-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-and-others-were-pressured-by-white?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Reacts After House Report Reveals Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta And Others Were Pressured By White House To Censor COVID Lab Leak Theory</a>
Trump also addressed the protests as he arrived in court for his trial in a felony hush money case. He claimed that many protesters were backed by Biden donors and urged Israel to &#8220;get smart.&#8221;
Biden&#8217;s campaign has condemned Trump&#8217;s comments as &#8220;despicable&#8221; and an attack on law enforcement. Biden has also spoken out against the antisemitic protests and called for &#8220;order&#8221; after some schools cleared demonstrators by force.
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s criticism of Biden&#8217;s handling of antisemitism comes after his own controversial remarks in March 2024, where he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37810491/trump-says-jewish-people-voting-for-democrats-hate-their-religion-and-they-hate-everything-about-isr">suggested</a> that Jewish individuals voting for Democrats hate their religion and Israel.
Following the campus protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden made his first public comments <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38612403/biden-makes-first-public-comments-on-pro-palestinian-campus-protests-were-a-civil-society-and-order">condemning the violent incidents</a> and asserting that such lawlessness will not be tolerated.
Earlier in April 2024, the White House had declined Republican Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) call to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38449517/white-house-declines-mike-johnsons-request-for-national-guard-deployment-amid-college-protests-over">deploy the National Guard</a> on college campuses witnessing large-scale protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Photo Courtesy: Flickr
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38632767/ex-doj-attorney-says-former-trump-aides-testimony-sinks-ex-presidents-criminal-defense-big-fat-nail?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ex-DOJ Attorney Says Former Trump Aide&#8217;s Testimony Sinks Ex-President&#8217;s Criminal Defense: &#8216;Big Fat Nail In The Coffin&#8217;</a>
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General

Trump Slams Biden Over Weakness On Antisemitism, Gets Bashed For His Own 'Offensive And Irresponsible' Comments

In a recent earnings call, Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) CEO Alex Karp made a bold assertion that the company has no competitors in the U.S. commercial and government sectors.
What Happened: Karp, during the first-quarter 2024 earnings call, dismissed the notion of any competitors in the U.S. commercial and government markets. He stated that potential rivals are merely trying to replicate Palantir&#8217;s unique capabilities but are not on the same level as Palantir.
&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe we have competitors. So, I don&#8217;t believe in the U.S. commercial market we have competition. I don&#8217;t believe in the U.S. government market we have competition,&#8221; Karp said.
&#8220;In order to actually make AI work, you need an ontology. No one has an ontology,&#8221; Karp stated. &#8220;You&#8217;d have to actually understand what is special about the software infrastructure of having the combination of Apollo, Foundry, and the ontology. And then you would have to build on top of it.&#8221;
Karp attributed this claim to the company&#8217;s proprietary technologies, including its ontology knowledge management system, Foundry data operating platform, and Apollo artificial intelligence platform, which he believes gives Palantir an insurmountable competitive edge.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38631050/once-vehicles-for-republican-presidents-to-connect-with-southern-whites-motor-sports-are-shifting-aw?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Once Vehicles For Republican Presidents To Connect With Southern Whites, Motor Sports Are Shifting Away From Trump</a>
The CEO dismissed potential rivals as simply attempting to replicate Palantir&#8217;s unique capabilities, like &#8220;the Palantir of Iowa or the Palantir of Harvard or the Palantir of Uruguay, but they&#8217;re not Palantir.&#8221;
He also pointed out that replicating this &#8220;special&#8221; infrastructure from scratch &#8220;is going to take a long time&#8221; for competitors to achieve.
Why It Matters: The recent assertion by Karp is in line with his previous statements about the company&#8217;s unique position in the tech industry. Just days before the earnings call, Karp spoke about the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38574286/palantir-ceo-says-american-tech-industry-maximally-tolerant-of-any-personality-im-like-a-hyper-inexp">American tech industry&#8217;s</a> uncanny ability to include any personality during a Capitol Hill forum. He stated that as long as the individual is delivering results, &#8220;nobody in tech cares.&#8221;
However, Karp&#8217;s confidence has also sparked controversy. During the same Capitol Hill forum, he made some <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38571263/palantir-ceo-alex-karp-jokes-about-drone-striking-rivals-suggests-sending-protesters-to-north-korea">controversial remarks</a>, including joking about drone-striking his business rivals and suggesting that protesters be sent to North Korea. The forum, organized by Jacob Helberg, a senior adviser to Karp, was intended to foster a connection between the tech industry and Congress.
Palantir&#8217;s financials seem to back up Karp&#8217;s confidence for now. Along with the surging U.S. commercial growth, the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/05/38653781/palantir-q1-earnings-revenue-beat-and-raise-us-commercial-growth-continued-gaap-profitability-and-m">raised its full-year 2024 revenue guidance</a> to a range of $2.677 billion to $2.689 billion. It also marked the sixth consecutive quarter of GAAP profitability with $106 million in net income.
Price Action: Palantir&#8217;s after-hours trading shows a decrease of 2.11 points, marking an 8.37% drop to $23.10, according to the data <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38629592/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-apple-tesla-amc-bitcoin-and-shiba-inus-chart-forms-powerful-technical-p?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Apple, Tesla, AMC, Bitcoin And Shiba Inu&#8217;s Chart Forms Powerful Technical Patterns</a>
Palantir CEO Alex Karp. Photo by WEF on Flickr
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Earnings

Global

Palantir CEO Alex Karp Dismisses Rivals: 'We Have No Competitors' in US Commercial And Government Markets

In a surprising turn of events, YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, popularly known as&nbsp;MrBeast,&nbsp;has decided to part ways with his talent management company, Night Media.
What Happened: The 25-year-old YouTube star has informed Night Media&nbsp;that the company will no&nbsp;longer be his primary talent&nbsp;management agency,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.semafor.com/article/05/05/2024/youtube-star-mr-beast--management-company-night-media">reported</a>&nbsp;Semafor, citing two people familiar with the matter. 
This decision comes as Donaldson plans to take more&nbsp;personal control of his business,&nbsp;which according to the YouTuber generated <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37195970/youtubes-top-earner-mrbeast-says-hes-not-rich-because-of-this-one-reason">over $600 million in annual revenue</a> last year. 
Night Media, which has been instrumental in the success of several online influencers, including MrBeast, has expressed its intention to maintain a relationship with Donaldson, albeit not necessarily an exclusive one, the sources said. 
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: Donaldson&#8217;s departure from Night Media comes on the heels of his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/03/37809533/mrbeast-confirms-beast-games-on-amazon-prime-video-with-1-000-contestants-5m-prize-its-gonn">major Hollywood deal</a>&nbsp;with Amazon&#8217;s Prime Video for the Beast Games series, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in the entertainment industry.
Donaldson&#8217;s main YouTube channel currently has more than 256 million subscribers. Last month, T-Series, the world's most subscribed YouTube channel with more than 264 million followers, reportedly asked its followers to come <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/04/38284637/mrbeast-reacts-to-t-series-call-for-subscriber-surge-who-will-reign-supreme-over-youtube">together to defeat MrBeast</a> in terms of subscriber count. 
The YouTuber has also been making some <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37448542/mrbeast-reveals-secret-sauce-to-skyrocketing-youtube-views-slower-longer-videos-could-be-the-future">changes in his content strategy</a>. In March earlier this year, he said, "This past year I've slowed down our videos, focused on storytelling, let scenes breathe, yelled less, more personality, longer videos, etc. And our views have skyrocketed!"
Photo by Joe Seer on Shutterstock
Check out more of&nbsp;Benzinga's&nbsp;Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38605055/apple-ceo-tim-cook-says-china-is-the-most-competitive-market-in-the-world-as-iphone-sales-take-a-hit?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple CEO Tim Cook Says China Is ‘The Most Competitive Market In The World' As iPhone Sales Take A Hit</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

YouTube Sensation MrBeast Is Parting Ways With Management Company Night Media: Report

Spot exchange-traded funds might have excited institutional investors of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), but the frenzy is yet to catch up on retail.
What happened: The King Coin's social activity dipped significantly since peaking on the ETF approval day in early January, according to LunarCrush.
Social activity is a widely used metric in crypto circles to gauge the sentiment among retail investors, a proxy for private individuals with small holdings.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Almost hard to believe but <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> social activity has trended downwards, ever since January 10th when the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> ETF approval happened. &#x1f449;If retail is here, they&#39;re incredibly silent. View the data at <a href="https://t.co/B7aVtUbyw9">https://t.co/B7aVtUbyw9</a>. <a href="https://t.co/NYjImdn4qi">pic.twitter.com/NYjImdn4qi</a>
&mdash; LunarCrush (@LunarCrush) <a href="https://twitter.com/LunarCrush/status/1787631418203689432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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The data shows that socially-driven engagements like views, likes, comments, and retweets declined in the last four months. Posts by cryptocurrency content creators also failed to generate traction.
All this happened while the price of the world's largest digital asset was pumping, hitting a new all-time high past $73,000 in March.&nbsp;
Google Trends data narrated a similar story, with search interest halving from its peak in early March.&nbsp;
Why it matters: Bitcoin has generated considerable media coverage since investment vehicles tracking its spot price started trading in the U.S. market. Days of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38638678/bitcoin-spot-etfs-rebound-with-378m-inflows-on-friday">net positive flows</a> in ETFs have invariably applied upward price pressure.&nbsp;&nbsp;
However, the last month proved rough for the general cryptocurrency market, and Bitcoin in particular. The King Coin plummeted more than 15% in April, one of the worst declines in recent history.
The corrective phase might have prompted retail to take a cautionary approach, restricting their investments in the space.
Price action: Bitcoin was trading at $63,695 at the time of writing, following a 1.13% dip in the last 24 hours, according to the data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">Benzinga Pro</a>. Trading volumes almost hit $30 billion in the 24-hour period, marking a 64% jump.
Photo by Shutterstock
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/05/38643149/bitcoin-mining-stocks-are-moving-higher-monday-whats-going-on">Bitcoin Mining Stocks Are Moving Higher Monday: What&#8217;s Going On?</a>

ETFs

Bitcoin ETFs A Social Dud For Lay Folks?  Analytics Platform Shares Data That Shows 'If Retail Is Here, They're Incredibly Silent'

Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;opened up about what keeps him up at night, the immigration situation in the U.S., aliens, and more.&nbsp;
What Happened:&nbsp;On Monday, Musk had a conversation with&nbsp;Mike Milken, the chairman of the Milken Institute at&nbsp;MI Global.&nbsp;Their&nbsp;conversation&nbsp;was posted&nbsp;live on the tech billionaire's social media platform,&nbsp;X, formerly&nbsp;Twitter.&nbsp;
Here's a brief on what&nbsp;was discussed:&nbsp;
Immigration Has Gotten Worse
"I'm a big believer in immigration, but to have unvetted immigration at large scale is a recipe for disaster," Musk said. According to him, the government should "greatly expedite legal&nbsp;immigration," but have secure borders.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Starlink Will Move The GDPs Of Countries 
The tech billionaire said that Starlink is a technology that improves productivity per person, and that's what GDP is all about. Musk said that in today's world, many people cannot sell and learn new things without proper connectivity&nbsp;and&nbsp;that's where Starlink comes into play.&nbsp;
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38634420/ozempic-ftw-elon-musk-touts-novo-nordisks-blockbuster-drug-as-solution-to-childhood-obesity-problem" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘Ozempic Ftw:' Elon Musk Touts Novo Nordisk's Blockbuster Drug As Solution To Childhood Obesity Problem</a>
If You Have To Die Somewhere, Might As Well Be Mars
Musk said he would have accomplished to go to Mars this year if he was ready to die on impact, but that isn't the case. He wants to explore Mars before the end.&nbsp;
Making Life Multi-planetary Is Important
He said there are various explanations for "why we don't see aliens." He said what's stopping other civilizations from expanding beyond their solar system. "If you don't become a multi-planet&nbsp;civilization&nbsp;then you're simply waiting around until you die from a self-inflicted wound or some natural disaster," he added.&nbsp;
Musk further said the point is not to move from Earth and let the planet&nbsp;die,&nbsp;but to remove the redundancy so that no single event can be the end of our civilization.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.&nbsp;
Almost No AI Use In Space Exploration
When asked if artificial intelligence can accelerate his efforts in space, the tech mogul said that one of the places where AI has almost to use is&nbsp;in the field of&nbsp;space exploration. "So, SpaceX uses&nbsp;basically&nbsp;no AI."
How To Remember Things
While speaking about how the education process should be, Musk said that our mind is "constantly trying to forget things." Therefore, the mind will only remember things if it "can establish relevance or there's a strong emotional element."&nbsp;
What Keeps Musk Up At Night And What Gives You Joy
The tech billionaire said that his kids give him joy. "I'm not saying that's the reason to have kids," he said, adding, "But I see them as the greatest source of joy in my life."&nbsp;
When it comes to&nbsp;things that keep him up at night, Musk said anything that's a civilizational risk&nbsp;like&nbsp;plummeting birth&nbsp;rates,&nbsp;and anything that undermines the foundation of democracy.&nbsp;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Watch LIVE: <a href="https://twitter.com/MilkenInstitute?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MilkenInstitute</a> Chairman Mike Milken in conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIGlobal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIGlobal</a> <a href="https://t.co/P30xoZkExA">https://t.co/P30xoZkExA</a>
&mdash; Milken Institute (@MilkenInstitute) <a href="https://twitter.com/MilkenInstitute/status/1787635180121084044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38614138/have-you-used-siri-lately-elon-musk-answers-mkbhd-after-tim-cook-teases-exciting-ai-developments-fro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘Have You Used Siri Lately?' Elon Musk Answers MKBHD After Tim Cook Teases ‘Exciting' AI Developments From Apple This Year</a>

Elon Musk Talks Immigration, Starlink, Mars, Aliens, And More At MI Global: 'If You Have To Die Somewhere, Might As Well Be Mars'

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) held a lengthy meeting on Monday, indicating a potential resolution to the ongoing tension over Greene&#8217;s motion to oust Johnson.
What Happened: The two Republicans convened for nearly two hours on Monday, sparking speculation that they are working towards a deal to prevent a floor action on Greene&#8217;s resolution to remove Johnson from power. Both emerged from the meeting with a shared message of a constructive discussion and plans to meet again on Tuesday, <a href="http://Hill">reported</a> The Hill.
Greene, known for her criticisms of Johnson and her removal efforts, did not confirm whether she would proceed with her resolution. However, she hinted at seeking assurances from Johnson about his commitment to conservative policy priorities in negotiations with Democrats.
&#8220;I have been patient, I have been diligent, I have been steady, and I have been focused on the facts. And none of that has changed,&#8221; said Greene to reporters after the meeting, according to the report. She said, &#8220;We're talking to him again tomorrow, based on our discussion today."
Last week, Greene was firm about her intention to force a vote on Johnson&#8217;s ouster, emphasizing the need to record the stance of her conservative colleagues on the matter. However, her request for Monday&#8217;s meeting with Johnson and plans for a follow-up meeting on Tuesday suggest a possible shift in her approach.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38628346/chief-of-staff-in-trump-aides-inner-circle-pleads-guilty-to-1b-fraud-scheme?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chief Of Staff In Trump Aide&#8217;s Inner Circle Pleads Guilty To $1B Fraud Scheme</a>
Johnson, on his part, acknowledged the policy concerns of his critics but highlighted the challenges of advancing them in a government where Democrats control the Senate and White House.
Why It Matters: This meeting comes in the wake of ongoing tensions within the House of Representatives. Greene has been vocal about her intention to oust Johnson, accusing him of making &#8220;slimy&#8221; deals with Democrats and urging him to switch parties, as reported by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38539364/marjorie-taylor-greenes-ouster-threat-against-mike-johnson-gets-top-democrats-rallying-behind-house">Benzinga</a>.
Furthermore, the Democrats have been governing as if they were in the majority due to the fractured state of the GOP, as stated by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) in a CBS &#8220;60 Minutes&#8221; interview, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38635305/hakeem-jeffries-feels-democrats-effectively-governing-as-majority-as-gop-works-its-own-mess-out">Benzinga</a>.
Meanwhile, with the election of Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-N.Y.) to the house, the GOP partisan majority has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38658805/rep-tim-kennedy-sworn-into-house-narrows-gop-majority-to-razor-thin-awesome-and-magnificent-responsi">effectively shrunk to just one.</a>
Images via Shutterstock
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38628322/elon-musk-reacts-after-house-report-reveals-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-and-others-were-pressured-by-white?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Reacts After House Report Reveals Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta And Others Were Pressured By White House To Censor COVID Lab Leak Theory</a>
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Marjorie Taylor Greene Wraps Up Marathon Meeting With Mike Johnson, Marking Pivotal Moment In Ouster Vote Drama: 'I Have Been Patient, I Have Been Diligent, I Have Been Steady

Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-N.Y.) was sworn into the House on Monday, effectively reducing the Republican majority to a mere single vote.
What Happened: Kennedy, a former state senator, emerged victorious in a special election in New York&#8217;s 26th Congressional District last week, defeating GOP candidate Gary Dickson. The seat was previously occupied by Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.), who retired in February, <a href="http://The">reported</a> The Hill.
The induction of Kennedy into the House decreases the total count of Republicans to 217, against 213 Democrats. This shift further diminishes the GOP&#8217;s already thin majority, which has been shrinking due to a series of Republican resignations in recent months.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38628346/chief-of-staff-in-trump-aides-inner-circle-pleads-guilty-to-1b-fraud-scheme?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chief Of Staff In Trump Aide&#8217;s Inner Circle Pleads Guilty To $1B Fraud Scheme</a>
The next seat to be filled is that of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), with a special election scheduled for May 21. Kennedy will serve out Higgins&#8217; term through January and will also be on the ballot for a full term this November.
&#8220;This awesome and magnificent responsibility that's been granted to me by the people of Western New York,&#8221; Kennedy expressed his gratitude and commitment to his constituents.
Why It Matters: Amid the ongoing turmoil within the GOP, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has claimed that the Democrats are effectively governing as the majority in the House.
 In a CBS &#8220;60 Minutes&#8221; interview, Jeffries stated that the Democrats have been acting as if they were in the majority due to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38635305/hakeem-jeffries-feels-democrats-effectively-governing-as-majority-as-gop-works-its-own-mess-out">fragmented state of the GOP</a>.
 &#8220;Even though we&#8217;re in the minority, we effectively have been governing as if we were in the majority because we continue to provide a majority of the votes necessary to get things done,&#8221; Jeffries said.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38539108/trump-says-if-supreme-court-decides-president-doesnt-get-immunity-then-biden-will-be-prosecuted-for?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Says If Supreme Court Decides President Doesn&#8217;t Get Immunity Then Biden &#8216;Will Be Prosecuted For All</a>
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Tim Kennedy Sworn Into House, Narrows GOP Majority To Razor Thin: 'Awesome And Magnificent Responsibility ... Granted To Me'

In the ongoing Manhattan trial of former President Donald Trump, Jeffrey McConney, a former employee of the Trump Organization, testified on the twelfth day about a $130,000 hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels.
What Happened: McConney, who was a financial controller in the Trump Organization, detailed his interactions with Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer, and Michael Cohen, Trump&#8217;s ex-fixer. McConney revealed that in 2017, Trump informed him that Cohen was owed money, which included a bonus and &#8220;other money,&#8221; <a href="https://www.salon.com/2024/05/06/paid-michael-cohen-from-his-own-personal-account-former-organization-employee-says/">reported</a> Salon
The &#8220;other money,&#8221; according to McConney&#8217;s testimony, was specifically for the hush payment to Daniels. Prosecutors argue that this payment was falsely recorded as &#8220;legal expenses&#8221; in business records. The payment was intended to cover the taxes that Cohen would incur by claiming the money as income.
McConney also disclosed that Trump had advised him early in his employment to negotiate for lower payments before settling Trump&#8217;s bills. This revelation could potentially help prosecutors establish Trump&#8217;s involvement in any scheme to misclassify payments to Cohen.
Jurors were shown an email from Weisselberg to McConney discussing the payments to Cohen, &#8220;as per agreement with Don and Eric.&#8221; McConney confirmed that the money to Cohen came from Trump&#8217;s personal bank account.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38539108/trump-says-if-supreme-court-decides-president-doesnt-get-immunity-then-biden-will-be-prosecuted-for?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Says If Supreme Court Decides President Doesn&#8217;t Get Immunity Then Biden &#8216;Will Be Prosecuted For All</a>
Why It Matters: This trial follows a series of events involving Trump and his associates. Earlier in May, it was revealed in the trial that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38614771/former-trump-lawyer-was-very-despondent-and-saddened-for-not-getting-top-role-in-administration-hush">Cohen was deeply upset</a> for not being offered a top role in the Trump administration following the 2016 election victory.
Cohen, a central figure in the case, had been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38508622/trump-ex-attorney-michael-cohens-tiktok-livestreams-on-hush-money-trial-draw-thousands-attract-criti">using TikTok livestreams</a> to discuss the trial, attracting thousands of viewers and raising concerns among legal experts about his credibility as a witness. 
Meanwhile, Trump was fined again on Monday by the judge in the case. Despite being fined for violating a gag order in his criminal trial, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/05/38657311/trump-unphased-by-gag-order-fines-jail-threats-our-constitution-is-far-more-important-than-jail">Trump appeared unphased</a> by the ruling, stating, &#8220;Our Constitution is far more important than jail.&#8221;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38635067/elon-musk-says-robert-de-niro-is-so-out-of-touch-its-insane-after-legendary-actor-compares-trump-to?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Says Robert De Niro Is &#8216;So Out Of Touch, It&#8217;s Insane&#8217; After Legendary Actor Compares Trump To Hitler, Calls Ex-President A &#8216;Monster&#8217;</a>
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Ex-Trump Organization Employee Sheds Light On How Former Fixer Michael Cohen Was Paid: 'As Per Agreement With Don and Eric'

Russia has threatened to target British military installations and equipment. This warning comes in response to Ukraine&#8217;s utilization of British weapons against Russian territory.
What Happened: The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday that any British military facilities and equipment, both within and outside Ukraine, could be targeted if Ukraine uses British weapons to attack Russia, according to <a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-threaten-strike-british-military-facility-david-camerons-remark-war-ukraine/">Politico</a>.
The British Ambassador to Moscow was summoned by the Kremlin to express strong protest against recent comments by UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron. The ministry urged the ambassador to reconsider the potential catastrophic consequences of such hostile steps by London and to refute the provocative statements of the Foreign Office head.
UK Foreign Secretary Cameron last week stated that Ukraine has the &#8220;right&#8221; to use British-supplied weapons to strike Russia within its own territory. The Russian foreign affairs ministry views Cameron&#8217;s words as evidence of a serious escalation and confirmation of London&#8217;s growing involvement in military operations on the side of Kyiv.
&#8220;Russian side views Cameron&#8217;s words as evidence of a serious escalation and confirmation of London&#8217;s growing involvement in military operations on the side of Kyiv,&#8221; said the statement from the Russian ministry, according to Politico.
Since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, relations between the UK and Russia have been strained, leading to London imposing sanctions on Moscow. Earlier on Monday, Russia announced preparations for nuclear weapons exercises, accusing Western officials of making provocative statements and threats by deepening their support for Ukraine.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38539108/trump-says-if-supreme-court-decides-president-doesnt-get-immunity-then-biden-will-be-prosecuted-for?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Says If Supreme Court Decides President Doesn&#8217;t Get Immunity Then Biden &#8216;Will Be Prosecuted For All</a>
Why It Matters: This threat from Russia comes on the heels of similar warnings issued to other Western nations. Previously, a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev, threatened Germany with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/03/31485819/putin-ally-threatens-germany-with-nuclear-strike-our-assets-will-fly-to-hit-chancellors-office">nuclear conflict</a> if Putin were arrested on the International Criminal Court&#8217;s warrant during a visit to the country. 
Photo by LeStudio on Shutterstock
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38607615/russian-troops-enter-us-military-base-in-niger-amid-rising-tensions?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russian Troops Enter US Military Base In Niger Amid Rising Tensions</a>
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Russia Lashes Out After David Cameron Says Ukraine Has The 'Right' To Use British Weapons, Threatens To Target UK Military Installations

<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/06/dozens-of-former-employees-plan-to-sue-bowlero-for-discrimination.html">https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/06/dozens-of-former-employees-plan-to-sue-bowlero-for-discrimination.html</a>
<ul>
<li>Dozens of former employees who say they were fired from Bowlero based on their age or out of retaliation plan to sue the bowling company after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission closed its case against Bowlero, according to their lawyer.</li>
<li>The EEOC, which had been investigating Bowlero since 2016, told the company it won't be moving forward with a lawsuit, which gives the individual claimants their right to sue.</li>
<li>In a letter the EEOC sent to Bowlero last week, the agency said its decision to close its investigation doesn't clear the company of wrongdoing.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Bowlero denies the claims against it.</li>
</ul>
Dozens of former employees who say <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/11/bowlero-bowl-faces-dozens-of-eeoc-discrimination-claims.html">they were fired</a> from <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/quotes/BOWL/">Bowlero</a> based on their age or out of retaliation plan to sue the bowling chain after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission closed its case against the company, the attorney representing the claimants said Monday.
Bowlero, the world's largest owner and operator of bowling centers, had been <a href="https://nypost.com/2017/04/20/inside-the-ugly-road-bowlmor-took-to-make-bowling-cool/">embroiled in an EEOC investigation</a> since 2016 involving more than 70 former employees who claim they were unlawfully fired, the company previously disclosed in securities filings.
&nbsp;
They alleged in complaints to the EEOC that Bowlero fired them for being too old as it worked to transform its hundreds of locations from what the company has referred to as "dingy" bowling alleys to <a href="https://www.bowlerocorp.com/about-bowlerocorp">upmarket experiences</a> with elevated food and drink offerings, CNBC previously reported. Bowlero denies the claims.&nbsp;
The company, which went public in late 2021 through a special purpose acquisition company, was among the select successful stocks to emerge from the SPAC boom. It owns two of the biggest brands in bowling — AMF and Lucky Strike — and operated more than 300 bowling centers across North America as of July, which is the most recent data available. Between 2021 and 2023, Bowlero nearly tripled its annual revenue, from $395 million to $1.06 billion, according to company filings. Bowlero's stock is down about 21% year to date, as of Monday's close.
On Monday, Bowlero disclosed in its fiscal third-quarter earnings release and quarterly securities filing that the EEOC has closed its case and will not move forward with a lawsuit.&nbsp;
"The Company has received positive updates on the status of the age discrimination claims that had been pending with the EEOC … the EEOC issued Closure Notices for the individual age discrimination charges that had been filed, in most cases, many years ago with the EEOC," Bowlero said in its press release. "The notices provide the claimants, as a matter of course, with an individual right to sue."
Bowlero noted it received letters from the EEOC stating the agency has decided not to bring litigation against the company. In one of the letters, the agency said the closure of the cases doesn't clear the company of wrongdoing.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"By terminating the handling of this case, the Commission does not certify that [Bowlero] is in compliance. Also, our termination of the investigation does not affect the rights of any aggrieved persons to file a private lawsuit or the Commission's right to sue later or intervene later in a private civil action," said the EEOC's letter, sent Friday.&nbsp;
During the company's earnings call with Wall Street analysts later Monday, executives said that the EEOC investigation was now behind them and would no longer be a distraction.&nbsp;
"Over eight-and-a-half years, the company has vigorously denied and contested the false allegations made against it," CEO Thomas Shannon said in his opening remarks. "We are pleased to report these very positive developments on behalf of our shareholders."&nbsp;
Later, when asked about the financial impact the EEOC investigation has had, finance chief Robert Lavan said "there's been a few million dollars" that have flowed through the income statement, but "more importantly, it's been a distraction."&nbsp;
"So we're happy to focus 100% now on our business and get this behind us," said Lavan.&nbsp;
However, Daniel Dowe, a lawyer representing dozens of claimants, said the case hasn't gone away — it will now just take another form.
The EEOC's decision allows the former employees to move forward with their own lawsuits, and Dowe expects to file a single lawsuit on behalf of more than 70 former employees, he told CNBC. Dowe plans to seek monetary damages in connection with the case.
The EEOC had previously found reasonable cause in 58 of the complaints brought against Bowlero, and the rest were still under investigation when the agency closed its case, according to Bowlero's securities filings and Dowe. The employees who still had cases pending with the EEOC also have the right to sue and are among the potential plaintiffs that Dowe is representing, he said.&nbsp;
The company disclosed in the filings that the EEOC's investigation also resulted in a determination of reasonable cause that Bowlero had been engaging in a "pattern or practice" — a term that indicates systemic issues — of age discrimination since at least 2013, which Bowlero also denies. The EEOC's pattern or practice investigation was also closed, Bowlero said.
When the EEOC finds reasonable cause in a complaint, it means it believes <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/data/definitions-terms#:~:text=private%20court%20action.-,Reasonable%20Cause,rise%20to%20the%20initial%20charge.">discrimination occurred</a>. The agency typically makes that determination in only a small fraction of cases each year, <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/data/age-discrimination-employment-act-charges-filed-eeoc-includes-concurrent-charges-title-vii-ada">EEOC data shows</a>.&nbsp;
Under EEOC procedure, when the agency finds that discrimination has occurred, it works to resolve the situation between the employer and the victim, it explains on its website. If the parties are unable to come to a solution, the EEOC must decide whether to sue the employer — a matter the EEOC's commissioners need to vote on.&nbsp;
"Because of limited resources, we cannot file a lawsuit in every case where we find discrimination," the EEOC <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/youth/frequently-asked-questions#:~:text=If%20no%20violation%20is%20found,you%20decide%20to%20do%20so.">explains on its website</a>.&nbsp;
The EEOC tried to settle the complaints with Bowlero for $60 million in January 2023, but those efforts failed last April, CNBC previously reported.&nbsp;
It's unclear if the question of whether to sue Bowlero made it to a vote with the EEOC's commissioners. The EEOC declined to comment because most of its processes are confidential under federal law.
Dowe said that he requested the agency close its case last month so his clients could move forward with their own lawsuit. He added that he's "delighted" the matter is now ready for private action.
"The investigations were thorough and deep and they resulted in 58 to zero decisions in our favor, so our clients felt we should let the EEOC do its work," Dowe said.&nbsp;
He added that age discrimination is "one of the worst forms of discrimination. Most of what you hear about in discrimination cases is about race and gender, but age is awful because people are at the end of their careers, they can't go back to college and retool. It's humiliating, it kind of ends their life in a disaster."&nbsp;
He told CNBC he plans to sue Bowlero for $80 million, plus legal fees. As of March 31, Bowlero had approximately $212.4 million in available cash and cash equivalents, according to its quarterly securities filing. Dowe said he has until mid-July to file the lawsuit.
Some of the complaints against Bowlero are years old and could be challenged under the statute of limitations, the company has said previously. Dowe said he is confident that his clients will prevail in federal court and there is "strong" case precedent in their favor.
In response, Bowlero's attorneys Alex Spiro and Hope Skibitsky at law firm Quinn Emanuel said they "are pleased with the outcome of the EEOC investigation." The attorneys said the company will fight any claims filed by its past employees.&nbsp;
"Bowlero will defeat those claims," the attorneys said. In previous statements, they denied the claims against Bowlero.&nbsp;
In a separate but related matter, a request from former Bowlero executive Thomas Tanase to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/09/former-bowlero-exec-says-company-threatened-to-report-him-to-fbi.html">countersue the bowling chain</a> for claims of extortion and retaliation was denied in Virginia federal court last week. Tanase's attorneys previously said if the request is denied, the suit can and "likely will" be filed as a new action. Bowlero also denies Tanase's claims.&nbsp;
Tanase's attorneys didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Legal

BOWL

"Dozens Of Former Employees Plan To Sue Bowlero Alleging Discrimination After EEOC Closes Case, Lawyer Says" - CNBC

As the cannabis industry adapts to its new regulatory environment following the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/38558352/dea-moves-to-reschedule-weed-cannabis-stocks-go-for-wild-ride-pummel-short-sellers-with-210m-in-">DEA&#39;s announcement</a> it would move to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38226873/analyst-reacts-to-fda-commish-comments-medical-and-recreational-cannabis-could-have">reschedule cannabis</a>, a recent report from Viridian Capital Advisors&nbsp;suggests a significant uptick in mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) activity is on the horizon.
<h2>Increased Benefits For Tier 1 Mult-State Operators</h2>
The analysis highlights a crucial trend in the valuation gap between Tier 1 multi-state operators&nbsp;(MSOs) and smaller entities, which has widened to a three-year high.
Ordered by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/38559933/billions-on-the-move-tracking-market-cap-changes-in-top-cannabis-firms-after-dea-rescheduling-an">market capitalization</a>, tier 1 MSOs include Curaleaf Holdings (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/curlf#OTC">CURLF</a>) at $4.15 billion, Green Thumb Industries (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gtbif#OTC">GTBIF</a>) at $2.98 billion, Trulieve Cannabis (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tcnnf#OTC">TCNNF</a>) at $2.10 billion, and Cresco Labs (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/crlbf#OTC">CRLBF</a>) at $718.51 million, among others.
This disparity means that M&amp;A has become increasingly accretive for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38386324/whos-winning-in-weed-analyst-looks-at-cannabis-markets-big-players-where-are-the-be">larger companies</a>. In simpler terms, larger companies can now achieve more growth through acquisitions than before, as they can purchase other companies at relatively lower prices compared to their market value.
<h3>Capital Cost Dynamics Alter Bargaining Power</h3>
The<a href="https://dealtracker.viridianca.com/chart-of-the-week/"> report</a> also indicates a growing differential in the cost of capital, which is beginning to favor the larger, publicly traded Tier 1 MSOs.
This means these companies now face lower costs when raising funds compared to their smaller, often privately-held, counterparts. This financial leverage shifts the bargaining power significantly towards the larger MSOs, making it easier for them to pursue and close deals.
According to Viridian, these dynamics are setting the stage for a robust period of consolidation in the industry, particularly as smaller competitors, worn by prolonged market battles, look increasingly to exit.
The report also notes the second half of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 are expected to witness a notable rise in M&amp;A activities, fueled by the strategic use of elevated public company stock prices and healthier<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38420095/cannabis-companies-gains-u-s-versus-canada-averages-can-be-deceiving-irrational-mar"> cash balances</a>.
<img alt="viridian_capital_advisors_-_ma.png" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/u503488/viridian_capital_advisors_-_ma.png" style="height:545px; width:633px" />
Viridian&#39;s chart&nbsp;illustrates a notable decline in M&amp;A activity within the cultivation and retail sector in the first half of 2021, shown by the green bar indicating a decrease in total transaction value. This downturn was largely influenced by falling equity prices, as indicated by the orange line representing the MSOs&nbsp;ETF price&nbsp;and a tightening of capital markets, which led MSOs&nbsp;to conserve cash rather than pursue expansion. However, the report suggests an impending reversal of this trend.
<h3>Shift Towards Equity In Deals</h3>
Amid&nbsp;a slow climb in equity prices due to the anticipation of Schedule 3, larger companies are finding it more advantageous to use their stock as currency for acquisitions rather than raising new capital through markets.
This shift is largely due to the sluggish pace of banking reforms and legislative updates, making cash harder and more expensive to obtain. As a result, the<a href="https://dealtracker.viridianca.com/chart-of-the-week/"> report</a> notes equity, not cash, is becoming the preferred method for financing M&amp;A activities.
<h3>Pro Tip</h3>
Companies may opt to use equity over cash for mergers and acquisitions to leverage high stock prices, preserving cash for operational needs and mitigating new debt risks. The optimal time for equity-financed M&amp;A is typically when a company&#39;s stock price is robust, coinciding with favorable market conditions or positive industry news that boosts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38254223/marijuana-investors-bet-big-on-long-term-growth-over-short-term-earnings-as-market-">investor confidence</a>.
However, this method can lead to shareholder equity dilution if not managed carefully, potentially causing a drop in stock price if the market perceives the issuance as excessive. Issuing new shares increases the total shares available, enhancing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38206489/cannabis-markets-trading-volume-surges-up-292-viridian-capital-highlights-mixed-liq">liquidity </a>and potentially attracting more investors, although it risks negative perceptions affecting stock value.
Read now:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/38627339/the-cannabis-caregiver-econo[…]-these-workers-deserve-market-access-and-how-states-can-help" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Cannabis Caregiver Economy: Why These Workers Deserve Market Access And How States Can Help</a>
If you&#39;re&nbsp;interested in gaining a deeper understanding of cannabis mergers and acquisitions and their impact on investment opportunities, don&#39;t miss the opportunity to join us at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis-conference/?UTM_source=article" target="_blank">19th Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference</a>&nbsp;in Chicago this October 8-9. Engage with top executives, investors, policymakers, and advocates to explore the future of the industry. Secure your tickets now before prices increase by following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">this link</a>.

Analyst Color

Cannabis

Penny Stocks

Analyst Ratings

CRLBF

GTBIF

TCNNF

Big Players In U.S. Cannabis Could Play The Stock-Value Card In M&A, New Report Shows

"Shark Tank" host Kevin O'Leary revealed the secret recipe to success that his mother taught him while growing up. Like another one of the trademark O'Leary qualities of being blunt, this secret recipe is quite simple and easy to understand, too.
In an episode of the Dan Schawbel <a href="https://danschawbel.com/episode-148-kevin-oleary/">podcast</a>, O'Leary revealed that his investment philosophies and many other things he has done in his life have been things he learned and picked up from his mother.
O'Leary's net worth is estimated to be $400 million and he is a believer in an age-old mantra of making wealth – the power of compounding. The first place to start following that path, according to O'Leary, is to start saving.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">O'Leary's Homemade Money Advice</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="585" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093323/Kevin-1-1024x585.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-324008" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093323/Kevin-1-1024x585.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093323/Kevin-1-300x171.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093323/Kevin-1-768x439.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093323/Kevin-1-1536x878.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093323/Kevin-1.jpg 1792w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Representational image of a mother teaching her child how to save money &#x7C; Image generated using Dall-E</figcaption></figure>
Speaking to Schawbel, O'Leary said his mother's financial advice is simple but has stuck with him.
"She told me to always save 10% of everything you bring in, whether it's a gift from your grandmother or whether you make it at the ice cream store or cutting lawn," he told Schawbel, adding that the primary idea is to save whatever you can. "Everybody can do it."
"There's just so much stuff you buy that you don't need. If you put that money in the market… you'll end up quite wealthy when you retire."
"It's the secret to success."
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Mother + daughter/son businesses make my cold heart sing!! My mom Georgette taught me almost everything I know about business and finance&#8230;she was also one of my first investors. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/loveproject?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#loveproject</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sharktank?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sharktank</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lp5MRLKpaE">pic.twitter.com/Lp5MRLKpaE</a>
&mdash; Kevin O&#39;Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) <a href="https://twitter.com/kevinolearytv/status/1350252108986118144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Power Of Compounding</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="585" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093357/Kevin-2-1024x585.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-324010" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093357/Kevin-2-1024x585.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093357/Kevin-2-300x171.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093357/Kevin-2-768x439.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093357/Kevin-2-1536x878.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06093357/Kevin-2.jpg 1792w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Representational image of a professor in a class &#x7C; Image generated using Dall-E</figcaption></figure>
Like most wealthy people, O'Leary is also a believer in the power of compounding. During a "Good Morning America" <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/video/kevin-oleary-answers-viewers-questions-investing-103591120">episode</a>, O'Leary explained how to save up for your retirement.
Assuming an average salary of $60,000 a year and savings of 15%, O'Leary estimated that at the end of a career, a person would have $1.5 million in the bank, thanks to compounding returns. But there's a catch.
"You must invest 15% — minimum."
Having $1.5 million in the bank could be enough to retire comfortably, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38466698/are-you-saving-enough-to-be-in-the-top-3-of-retirees-heres-how-much-you-need">according to a Benzinga analysis</a>. However, you should still <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset">consult a financial adviser</a> to help you plan for your specific needs.
Photo courtesy: Flickr

Success Stories

Kevin O'Leary's Reveals The Secret Recipe To Success That His Mom Gave Him: 'She Told Me To Always...'

Alico (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALCO#NASDAQ">ALCO</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.26 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $(0.14) by 285.71 percent. This is a 116.05 percent increase over losses of $(1.62) per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $18.113 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $40.600 million by 55.39 percent. This is a 14.94 percent decrease over sales of $21.294 million the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

Earnings Misses

ALCO

Alico Q2 2024 Adj EPS $0.26 Beats $(0.14) Estimate, Sales $18.113M Miss $40.600M Estimate

Former President Donald Trump was fined for violating a gag order in his criminal trial Monday by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/05/38646992/trump-fined-1-000-for-gag-order-violation-threatened-with-jail-time-again-by-judge-i-will-if-nec"> Judge Juan Merchan.</a>
While speaking to reporters after the trial ended Monday, Trump appeared unphased by the recent ruling.
What Happened: Over the last week, Trump<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38523639/judge-threatens-trump-with-incarceration-fines-him-for-violating-gag-order-jail-may-be-a-necessa"> has been fined $10,000</a> for 10 violations of the gag order imposed before the trial began.
Merchan suggested Monday that the fines weren't working and once again threatened potential jail time for the former president.
Trump's comments Monday suggest he could violate the gag order again.
"Frankly, our Constitution is far more important than jail. It's not even close. I'll do that sacrifice any day," Trump said, as <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/live-blog/trump-hush-money-trial-day-12-live-updates-rcna150792">shared </a>by NBC News.
Trump told reporters the case should be over.
"I thought they were finished today. They all want to keep me off the campaign trail."
Based on Trump's comments suggesting he won't be silenced, the trial and Trump's social media activity could be more closely monitored going forward to see if Trump will face jail time.
"His continued willful violations of this Court's orders threaten the administration of justice and constitute a direct attack on the rule of law. I cannot allow this to continue," Merchan said of Trump on Monday morning.
Merchan told the court he does not want to impose jail time on Trump.
"The last thing I want to do is to put you in jail. You are the former president of the United States, and possibly the next president as well. There are many reasons why incarceration is truly a last resort for you."
Merchan did not specify which jail Trump would be sent to. A spokesperson for Rikers Island jail said they would welcome Trump if he was sent there.
"The department would find appropriate housing," spokesperson Frank Dwyer said.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/05/38598789/trump-vs-biden-2024-election-frontrunners-tied-in-new-poll-which-candidate-gains-in-popularity-a">Trump Vs. Biden: 2024 Election Frontrunners Tied In New Poll, Which Candidate Gains In Popularity Among Voters?</a>
Why It's Important: The criminal trial sees<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38326553/trump-hush-money-trial-has-12-jurors-here-are-the-7-men-5-women-to-decide-former-presidents-fate"> Trump facing charges</a> that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence adult actress Stormy Daniels.
The trial began with jury selection on April 15 and is expected to last six to eight weeks.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass estimated Monday that the District Attorney's office has two weeks left for its side of the trial. This could include having Daniels and former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen testify as key witnesses.
Based on the timeline, prosecution would conclude on May 21. With court not in session on May 22 or May 24, it is now likely that the trial stretches past the Memorial Day weekend.
Witnesses in court Monday included former Trump Organization controller Jeff McConney and former Trump Organization accounts payable supervisor Deborah Tarasoff, who remains a Trump Organization employee.
On Monday, the jury was shown check stubs and checks paid to Cohen.
Tarasoff also testified that Trump would write "VOID" on checks and send them back if he didn't approve the expenses. Invoices over $10,000 had to be approved by Trump, Donald Trump Jr. or Eric Trump, Tarasoff said Monday.
Each payment shown in court Monday was over the $10,000 level, which could come into play later in the trial.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/05/38569790/trump-uses-gag-order-fines-as-fundraising-opportunity-they-want-to-silence-me-they-think-they-ca">Trump Uses Gag Order Fines As Fundraising Opportunity: &#8216;They Want To Silence Me! They Think They Can Bleed Me Dry!&#8217;</a>
Photo: Created with artificial intelligence on MidJourney and Zolnierek photo on Shutterstock

Trump Unphased By Gag Order, Fines: 'Our Constitution Is Far More Important Than Jail'

Caregivers are at the forefront of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">medical cannabis industry</a>, tailoring treatments and providing personalized care for patients.
Despite their<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/12/30008720/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-medical-marijuana-caregiver"> vital contributions</a>, their&nbsp;recognition and compensation often fall short. How can caregivers be fairly rewarded for their work, and what challenges do they face?
According to Lou Pino, a veteran event organizer and caregiver on the East Coast and founder of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/genetraders/">Gene Traders</a>, an event dedicated to exchanging cannabis strains, the caregiver economy is an essential component of the industry that needs more support and understanding.
&ldquo;Being a caregiver comes with its share of challenges. Often, caregivers must bear the financial burden of their work, paying for everything out of their own pockets. This includes purchasing supplies, services, and equipment. It&#39;s a demanding role that requires a significant investment, both financially and emotionally,&rdquo; Pino explained.
Caregiving is far from free work. It&rsquo;s an endeavor that costs caregivers their own money to ensure patients receive the personalized care they need. In an exclusive interview with Benzinga, Pino shared his insights on how caregivers can navigate these challenges while also fostering innovation and diversity in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis cultivation</a>.
<h3>Gene Traders: Exchanging Medicine</h3>
&quot;In 2013, I was organizing medical events in Rhode Island to help educate people about what cannabis works best for various conditions,&quot; Pino said.
Recognizing the lack of resources for cultivators, he created Gene Traders as an event for exchanging knowledge and resources. &quot;The most valuable thing about Gene Traders is, yes, the access to genetics, but it&#39;s the conversation, months with just a few sentences,&quot; he said.
Gene Traders provides access to genetics and fosters collaboration among cultivators. These<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@genetradersofficial"> intimate cannabis events</a>, typically gathering around 300 to 500 people in a single day, are lively hubs where cultivators and breeders showcase their plants, set up informative booths&nbsp;and share insights on growing, crossing&nbsp;and breeding.
It&#39;s a vibrant scene, filled with experts eager to exchange knowledge and celebrate the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/cannabis-branding">craft of cannabis </a>cultivation.&nbsp;&quot;The conversations and collaborations are more important than just buying genetics,&quot; he said. The event&#39;s exchange of knowledge is invaluable, helping growers save time and improve their practices.
One reason why events like Gene Traders are important is that they facilitate the growth of whole plants for medical patients.
The entourage effect refers to the synergistic interaction between the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/03/31197289/what-are-cannabinoids-their-types-and-effects">various compounds in cannabis</a>, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which together create a therapeutic effect greater than the sum of their parts.
This effect is vital for the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various bodily functions, including pain, mood, and appetite. &ldquo;Tailored treatments using whole-plant cannabis are often more effective for medical patients, as they can address <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/12/36394288/cannabis-2024-experts-weigh-in-what-to-expect-from-dc-and-business-outlook-exciting-point-in-tim">specific needs </a>and conditions more precisely than isolated <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/10/17942676/most-abundant-cannabinoids">compounds</a>,&rdquo; Pino continued.
By fostering an environment where cultivators can share knowledge and collaborate, Gene Traders helps to ensure that patients have access to the best possible treatments.
<h3>The Caregiver Gene Pool: Fostering Innovation</h3>
Caregivers play a critical role in expanding the gene pool through sharing and collaboration at events like Gene Traders.&nbsp;&quot;Without the caregiver or the home market, it would be very difficult for us to get new names because it&#39;s too expensive to hunt through genetics in a commercial facility.&quot;
The innovative environment fostered by caregivers leads to distinctive cannabis profiles that enrich the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis"> market</a>.
Oino explained that developing different genetic profiles to treat different conditions &quot;is highly dependent on the resources home cultivators have.&quot;
Depending on these resources, caregivers, and growers can contribute to the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/23/12/36268367/u-s-cannabis-market-premium-products"> development of premium, unique cannabis</a> profiles that stand out in the market.
By nurturing a diverse gene pool, caregivers who grow their own
contribute to a rich tapestry of cannabis varieties, ensuring the industry continues to evolve and cater to diverse consumer needs.
<h3>Access To The Market For Caregivers</h3>
According to Pino, states like Maine, Rhode Island, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/massachusetts-cannabis">Massachusetts</a> have favorable caregiver laws, while states like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/connecticut-cannabis">Connecticut</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/new-york-cannabis">New York</a> are more restrictive.
&quot;For example, Michigan allows caregivers to grow up to 72 plants,&quot; Pino pointed out. However, in Connecticut&nbsp;the limit is just &quot;three in veg and three in flower,&quot; which restricts caregivers&#39; ability to experiment and develop new strains.
Pino highlighted the importance of compensating caregivers fairly.
He mentioned that some states allow caregivers to sell their surplus to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/cannabis-branding">dispensaries</a>, which helps medical markets flourish. He said, &quot;If caregivers can pass testing, they should be able to sell to the medical market.&quot;
Pino also noted how government involvement and red tape can hinder cultivators from getting their products to market​.
Pino suggested a straightforward approach.&nbsp;&quot;Once you <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/09/34122583/oregon-court-halts-zero-tolerance-aspergillus-mold-testing-cannabis-cultivators-find-respite">pass testing</a>, you should be able to pull out your income, pay taxes, and keep moving forward.&nbsp;This practical solution supports caregivers and contributes to a vibrant cannabis industry.&quot;
Photo: AI-Generated Image.&nbsp;

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The Cannabis Caregiver Economy: Why These Workers Deserve Market Access And How States Can Help

A close race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump is anticipated by many for the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election">2024 presidential election.</a>
While most election polls predict a close race between the two candidates, a recent poll shows a sizable lead for one candidate.
What Happened: A new poll from Rasmussen Reports showed one 2024 presidential candidate with a 10-point lead, an outlier from other election polls and current <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/04/38417836/trump-and-biden-get-ready-2024-election-betting-odds-point-to-major-showdown">betting odds for the election.</a>
The new Rasmussen <a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/biden_administration/election_2024_trump_now_10_over_biden">poll </a>had Donald Trump at 46% and Joe Biden at 36%. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. came in at 9% in the latest poll. The remaining people polled chose another candidate or said they were undecided.
When the poll was expanded to more candidates, the Rasmussen results were as follows:
Donald Trump: 48%
Joe Biden: 36%
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: 8%
Cornel West: 1%
Jill Stein: 1%
The latest Rasmussen poll marked an improvement for Trump who was at 44% in April and a drop for Biden who was at 38%.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/05/38646992/trump-fined-1-000-for-gag-order-violation-threatened-with-jail-time-again-by-judge-i-will-if-nec">Trump Fined $1,000 For Gag Order Violation, Judge Threatens Jail Time Again: &#8216;Incarceration Is Truly A Last Resort&#8217;</a>
Why It's Important: The Republican-leaning Rasmussen was called into question when the latest poll results were shared. Many were quick to point out that a double-digit lead at this point in the election cycle is an extreme outlier.
One publication <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/trump-vs-biden-polls-dont-be-fooled-by-outliers.html">noted</a> the last time a president won the national popular vote by more than 10 points it was Ronald Reagan 30 years ago when he won 49 of the 50 states.
The Washington Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/08/rasmussen-538-polling/">shared </a>earlier this year that Rasmussen Reports was dropped from poll aggregation platform FiveThirtyEight, which is owned by ABC News.
Rasmussen has spoken out in support of its polling and said that it was unfairly removed from the polling aggregate site.
"Dear ABC, the presidential race ISN'T tight. We have Trump up 12, not 2. Oh, and ABC kicked us out of the 538 aggregate because we wouldn't disclose proprietary info," Rasmussen <a href="https://twitter.com/Rasmussen_Poll/status/1787485122922414260">tweeted</a>.
A tweet that shared political polling data saw many comments laughing at the Rasmussen report and some calling for Community Notes, the X tool that shares reasons why posts are inaccurate.
Biden won the popular vote 51.3% to Trump's 46.9% in the 2020 presidential election. Trump won the electoral college vote and Hillary Clinton won the popular vote at 48.2% to Trump's 46.1% in the 2016 election.
It is five months before voters head to the polls to select the next president. Until then, election polls will serve as a guide to how likely each candidate is to win.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38632860/trump-vs-biden-one-candidate-gains-significant-ground-among-this-demographic-in-tightly-contested-ra">Trump Vs. Biden: One Candidate Gains Significant Ground Among This Demographic In Tightly Contested Race</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Trump Vs. Biden: Former President Has 10-Point Lead In New 2024 Election Poll, Some Cry Foul Over Accuracy

Bantec Reports an Over 50 Percent Increase in Sales and Profits in Q1 2024 from Q1 2023

Bantec (BANT) has provided an update. Bantec, Inc. reported a significant uptick in sales and profits for the first quarter of 2024 via its subsidi...