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Following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kamala-harris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kamala Harris&#8217;</a> announcement of her presidential run, 29-year-old superfan Irene Kim, who dedicates up to 14 hours daily to pop superstar <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/taylor-swift" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Swift</a> communities and has attended over five Eras Tour concerts, mobilized with fellow enthusiasts to boost Harris&#8217; campaign through <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40804934/taylor-swift-endorsed-biden-and-harris-in-2020-will-she-back-vice-president-again-in-final-">social media, memes, montages, and newsletters</a>.
Now serving as the executive director of the Swifties for Kamala campaign, Kim joined the effort to see the U.S. elect its first female president, believing Kamala Harris will safeguard the rights of Americans, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3d9dd8v75no" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> BBC.
Meanwhile, at MTV&#8217;s 2024 Video Music Awards (VMAs), Swift <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40835725/taylor-swift-thanks-travis-kelce-urges-fans-to-vote-in-vma-speeches-calls-2024-election-som" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">encouraged attendees to register to vote</a>.
The General Services Administration reported that 337,826 visitors were referred to the voter information website via Swift&#8217;s custom link shared on Instagram as of 2 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4875173-taylor-swift-vote-gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> The Hill.
This surge occurred less than 24 hours after Swift&#8217;s endorsement after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40806876/final-showdown-trump-and-harris-face-off-in-intense-debate-just-eight-weeks-before-election-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debate between</a> Harris and Donald Trump.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40824581/taylor-swifts-endorsement-of-kamala-harris-drives-over-330k-visitors-to-vote-gov" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Swift&#8217;s Endorsement Of Kamala Harris Drives Over 330K Visitors To Vote.Gov</a>
With over 3,500 volunteers, the Swifties for Kamala appears to be a well-established political force. Since they started tracking donations on August 1, they have raised more than $165,000 for the campaign, BBC added.
The Swifties for Kamala group operates independently and is volunteer-led, though they have maintained communication with the Harris campaign.
According to Kim, their discussions are more relaxed than anticipated and focus on online efforts and translating those into tangible real-world actions.
Can Swifties Shift Election?
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40804934/taylor-swift-endorsed-biden-and-harris-in-2020-will-she-back-vice-president-again-in-final-" rel="noreferrer noopener">In 2020</a>, Swift backed the&nbsp;Joe Biden-Harris ticket, and during the 2018 midterms, she endorsed two Democratic candidates from Tennessee.
Swift&#8217;s endorsement comes on the heels of her album &#8220;The Tortured Poets Department&#8221; which experienced a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/08/40448010/taylor-swifts-the-tortured-poets-department-sees-600-sales-jump-months-after-release" rel="noreferrer noopener">600% sales jump months</a>&nbsp;after its release.
The group has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok, but it&#8217;s unclear if these viewers are all US-based or if they were already inclined to vote for Kamala Harris.
However, in a tight election where a few hundred thousand votes in key states could make a difference, any increase in voter registration and turnout could potentially sway the outcome, BBC noted.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/09/40823510/trump-vs-harris-2024-election-betting-odds-show-love-story-for-vice-president-after-debate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs. Harris: 2024 Election Betting Odds Show &#8216;Love Story&#8217; For Vice President After Debate, Taylor Swift Endorsement</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

News

Politics

Markets

Media

General

Swifties Rally For Kamala Harris: Taylor Swift Superfan Organizes Online Push For Democratic Ticket

Kevin O&#8217;Leary, the no-nonsense investor from Shark Tank, shared his thoughts on Fox News on the current political landscape and how it impacts his investment decisions. 
O&#8217;Leary, known for being blunt about business and politics, emphasized that, as an investor, he doesn&#8217;t care whether someone is a Democrat or a Republican – what matters most to him are the policies that affect businesses.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">As an investor I have to work with whoever is in the White House. I have to figure out what the policies are of both candidates. This will be the first time in modern history that a presidential candidate has not talked to the press. I have received NO information from Harris yet <a href="https://t.co/BWXGA3KUdo">pic.twitter.com/BWXGA3KUdo</a>
&mdash; Kevin O&#39;Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) <a href="https://twitter.com/kevinolearytv/status/1834407207691042868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Nevertheless, he expressed concern regarding Vice President Kamala Harris, stating that he has not heard from her about any specific ideas that she would implement in the event of her election to the presidency. &#8220;I have no information from Harris yet,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary remarked.&nbsp;
He went on to explain how unusual it is for a potential candidate not to have laid out any clear policies. &#8220;I don't know why she's not talking to every outlet; we're not getting any information.&#8221;
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This lack of information is crucial for O&#8217;Leary because <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40150600/kevin-oleary-about-kamala-harris-its-not-like-she-just-started-yesterday-says-when-you-vote-and-">it leaves investors in the dark</a>. As someone who takes his financial risks seriously, he needs to know what policies will be in place after the election to make informed decisions.&nbsp;
&#8220;For me as an investor, … all I care about is how's it going to work in Michigan, how's it going to work in Pennsylvania, what's going to happen in Iowa. You can make a mistake when you vote and get it wrong; I lose $50 million,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary said.
Trending: Teens may never need wisdom teeth removed thanks to this MedTech Company –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/triagenics"> Be an early investor for just $300 for 100 shares!</a>
While he is frustrated by Harris&#8217;s lack of communication, O&#8217;Leary is often clear and outspoken that his concern isn&#8217;t rooted in party politics. &#8220;I want to do policy that helps create jobs in America, and I don't care whether they're red or blue or independent jobs,&#8221; he said.
The Shark Tank star often repeats, &#8220;I've never made any money on politics. I've made money on policy.&#8221;
Trending: TThe startup behind White Castle's favorite Robot Fry Cook announces a next-generation fast food robot –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/miso-robotics-flippy"> Here's how to get a share for under $5 today.</a>
O&#8217;Leary repeatedly stresses the importance of policies that help businesses get the money they need to start and grow. He warns that raising corporate taxes, as some politicians suggest, could hurt the U.S.&#8217;s ability to compete with other countries. This worries investors like him, who want to keep the U.S. the best place for businesses to invest their money.&nbsp;
He says, &#8220;There&#8217;s a reason people go through barbed wire to get here. We can&#8217;t afford policies that drive them out.&#8221;
Trending: Unlock a $400 billion opportunity by investing in the future of EV infrastructure on<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/dunamis-1"> this startup already valued at $50 million.</a>
Despite his opposition, not everyone shares <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40748259/kevin-oleary-warns-kamala-harris-tax-plan-could-crush-u-s-businesses-heres-why-he-thinks-its-a-t">Kevin O&#8217;Leary&#8217;s disapproval of Kamala Harris&#8217;s policies</a>. For example, fellow Shark Tank celebrity Mark Cuban has supported<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/09/40855223/mark-cuban-praises-kamala-harris-support-for-business-is-her-new-tax-plan-a-game-changer"> her policies</a>.&nbsp;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">From the transcript of her speech "My plan will include new PENALTIES for opportunistic companies that exploit CRISES .AND. break the rules. And we will support smaller food businesses that are trying to play by the rules and get ahead." Nothing about price controls or…
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1825254414439129122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Cuban believes that Harris's plans, like helping first-time homebuyers and reducing economic inequality, are meant to give everyday Americans a fairer shot. To him, investing in affordable housing and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40544099/mark-cuban-responds-to-kamala-harris-economic-plan-with-dozens-of-tweets-says-she-didnt-mention-">preventing price gouging</a> could help people struggling with the rising costs of nearly everything.&nbsp;
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'As An Investor, I Have To Work With Whoever Is In The White House' Kevin O'Leary Remarks Having 'Received NO Information From Harris Yet' About Policies

Billionaire investor and founder of Bridgewater Associates <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ray Dalio</a> warns that the US election could cause chaos if the loser, especially Donald Trump, refuses to concede, resulting in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a cutthroat all-or-nothing approach from both sides</a>.
In a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gqgg4zdzlo" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview</a> with the BBC, Dalio highlighted that many people from states such as California, New York, and New Jersey are likely to move to states like Florida and Texas, driven partly by tax considerations and partly by differing values.
&#8220;My great fear is for democracy,&#8221; Dalio told BBC.
In an <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/d54e5886-7f9a-49c4-a915-61ca506e4514" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview</a> with the Financial Times earlier this year, Dalio suggested that the chance of a civil conflict in the U.S. could be as high as 40%, reflecting his serious worries about the nation&#8217;s current state. He clarified that this civil war wouldn&#8217;t involve physical violence but rather an intensification of political polarization.
In this scenario, individuals would relocate to states that better align with their values and ignore federal decisions made by opposing political factions, as he explained to the Financial Times.
Check This Out: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/05/38946694/ray-dalio-us-on-the-brink-of-civil-war-but-not-one-where-people-grab-guns-and-sta" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ray Dalio: US &#8216;On The Brink&#8217; Of Civil War, But Not One Where People&#8217; Grab Guns And Start Shooting&#8217;</a>
During a week marked by the televised debate between <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kamala-harris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kamala Harris</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kamala-harris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>and Donald Trump, Dalio expressed his deep concern for the future of democracy, regardless of the outcome on November 4.
&#8220;This reminds me of the 1930 to &#8217;45 period in which there was an economic crisis followed by democracies becoming dictatorships,&#8221; Dalio told BBC. 
Dalio noted that Germany, Italy, Spain, and Japan experienced the breakdown of their parliamentary systems due to internal conflicts among the far left, far right, communism, and fascism, and he observed that modern versions of these issues are currently emerging.
According to a December Gallup <a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/548120/record-low-satisfied-democracy-working.aspx" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey</a>, only 28% of US adults are currently satisfied with how democracy functions in the country, marking a new low compared to the previous low of 35% recorded shortly after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Satisfaction levels vary significantly between political affiliations, with 38% of Democrats and just 17% of Republicans expressing contentment. Additionally, those with less formal education tend to be less satisfied with the state of democracy.
&#8220;I do not know how this election is going to turn out and how these things will turn out. I do know that we have an exceptionally high probability of instability&#8221;, Dalio informed the BBC.
Why Dalio&#8217;s Views Are Significant?
There is some indication that migration in the US based on personal values is already underway, as predicted by Dalio. For instance, in July, Elon Musk declared his decision to relocate the headquarters of his companies, X and SpaceX, from California to Texas, BBC added.
Musk cited new regulations in California that prohibit schools from informing parents if their children wish to change their gender identity as a key reason for the move.
Reflecting on his predictive track record, Dalio told the BBC, &#8220;I&#8217;ve been right in the markets about 65% of the time.&#8221;
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38350894/billionaire-investor-ray-dalio-is-sticking-with-gold-as-a-hedge-against-inflation-history-and-logic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Billionaire Investor Ray Dalio Is Sticking With Gold As A Hedge Against Inflation: &#8216;History And Logic Show That …&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Movers

Billionaire Ray Dalio Warns Potential Election Chaos Likely If Loser, Particularly Trump, Rejects Outcome - 'My Great Fear Is for Democracy'

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40862122/rate-cut-prospects-fuel-investor-risk-appetite-gold-hits-record-highs-harris-outperforms-trump-t">broader market strength</a> pervaded into the electric-vehicle space and most stocks belonging to the industry posted decent gains in the week ended Sept. 13. That said, some of the upstarts continued to bleed, reflecting ongoing struggles.
Here&#8217;s a rundown on what happened in the EV space during the week:
Tesla China Sales Momentum Accelerates: After weighed down by competitive pressures in China following the COVID-19 pandemic, Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) appears to be on the road to recovery in this key market. China insurance registration data for Tesla vehicles came in at a robust 16,200 for the week ended Sept. 8, CnEVPost&nbsp;<a href="https://cnevpost.com/2024/09/10/china-ev-insurance-registrations-week-ending-sept-8-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>, citing data provided by&nbsp;Li Auto, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>). 
Commenting on the data, Tesla bull and fund manager&nbsp;Gary Black&nbsp;said the weekly registration data suggested Tesla is on track to record the best quarter ever. With three weeks left in the quarter, the quarter-to-Sept. 8 data showed 15% year-over-year and 25% sequential growth, he said.
Meanwhile, sell-side analysts have begun trimming their quarterly delivery and earnings per share estimates for Tesla, ahead of the deliveries report, likely due on Oct. 2. CANACCORD Genuity&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40859757/tesla-analyst-says-business-before-pleasure-with-third-quarter-deliveries-report-ah">George Gianarikas reduced his estimate from 480,000 units to 469,200 units</a>, which however, is higher than the consensus estimate of 458,000 units. Most analysts suggested that they would look past the deliveries report and into the Oct. 10 Robotaxi unveil event.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-electric-vehicle-stocks">Best EV Stocks</a>
Lucid Offers Another Sneak-Peek Into Midrange EV: Luxury EV maker Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>), which held its Technology and Manufacturing Day at its Arizona facility this week, shared another glimpse of its mid-sized EV, which is set to roll off the production line in late-2026. The EV will have starting price under $50K, which will pitch it against EV leader Tesla&#8217;s hugely successful Model Y electric SUV. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Wrapping up Tech &amp; Manufacturing day: A new sneak peek at one of our upcoming midsize vehicles, set for production in late 2026 with a starting price under $50k. With leading technology and efficiency, it will be able to deliver the same range as competitors while using a… <a href="https://t.co/yJ5re2fIlt">pic.twitter.com/yJ5re2fIlt</a>
&mdash; Lucid Motors (@LucidMotors) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucidMotors/status/1833544464473985283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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At the event, Lucid showcased its technological advancements and provided updates on its roadmap.
Ford Eyes India As EV Export Base: Legacy automaker Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), which closed down auto manufacturing operations in India three years ago, will likely restart production in the country. Local media outlets reported that Ford International Markets Group President Kay Hart has submitted a letter of intent to the local government of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where its manufacturing plant functioned out of. The company reportedly wants to manufacture EVs for export, with the operations likely resuming in 2025. Down the line, the company also plans to have a battery manufacturing unit in the state.
Canoo Withdraws Guidance: In a filing with the SEC, Canoo, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOEV#NASDAQ">GOEV</a>) said it was withdrawing its previously-issued revenue guidance for the year ending Dec. 31, 2024, and also its previously-issued operational guidance relating to the manufacturing run rate, production and delivery of vehicles in 2024 and subsequent periods. The company announced preliminary third-quarter revenue of $0.1 million to $1.2 million and an adjusted EDITDA loss of $30 million to $40 million. The revenue guidance trailed the $2.45 million consensus estimate.
The company also said it has entered into the equity distribution agreement with Northland Securities to sell up to $200 million shares from time to time, through an &#8220;at the market offering&#8221; program. Canoo&#8217;s woes reflect the state of the EV startup ecosystem, which has been stymied by cash crunch, production hiccups and weak demand.
VinFast On Regulator&#8217;s Radar: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40828992/us-regulator-launches-investigation-into-vinfast-vf8-vehicles-over-complaints-of-issues-with-lane-ke">initiated a probe into EVs manufactured by Vietnamese EV maker</a> VinFast Auto Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VFS#NASDAQ">VFS</a>) based on complaints lodged by vehicle owners. The probe covered around 3,118 vehicles manufactured in 2023 and 2024, with owners alleging that the vehicles had problems with the &#8220;Lane Keep Assist system. The system had difficulty detecting lanes on the roadway, and provided improper steering inputs, making it difficult to override by the driver, the regulator said, citing the complaint.
The KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility&nbsp;Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KARS#NYSE">KARS</a>) fell 0.56% on Friday before ending at $19.38, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag">Benzinga Pro data</a>. For the week, the ETF , however, gained 4.47%.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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</ul>
Here&#8217;s how the EV stocks fared this week:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Weekly Change (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tesla</td>
<td>+9.28%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nio, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>)</td>
<td>+10.56%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XPeng, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>)</td>
<td>+5.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Li Auto, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>)</td>
<td>+4.42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Workhorse, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WKHS#NASDAQ">WKHS</a>)</td>
<td>+17.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hyzon Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HYZN#NASDAQ">HYZN</a>)</td>
<td>-30.77%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canoo</td>
<td>-13.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>)</td>
<td>+2.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lucid Group</td>
<td>+10.36%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIE#NASDAQ">FFIE</a>)</td>
<td>-16.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKLA#NASDAQ">NKLA</a>)</td>
<td>+2.66%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VinFast Auto Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VFS#NASDAQ">VFS</a>)</td>
<td>+5.88%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>

Equities

FFIE

GOEV

HYZN

KARS

LCID

NKLA

RIVN

TSLA

WKHS

XPEV

Tesla China Shines, Lucid Gives Peek Into Model Y Rival, Ford Eyes 'Electric' Restart In India And More: Biggest EV Stories Of The Week

A new Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) docuseries will see Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates interview politicians, celebrities and business leaders about a series of topics including climate change<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence"> and artificial intelligence.</a>
While Benzinga readers are not super familiar with the new show, they are looking forward to seeing investor Mark Cuban on the series.
What Happened: On Sept. 18, Netflix <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40738801/lady-gaga-mark-cuban-bernie-sanders-fauci-and-more-join-bill-gates-netflix-special-i-have-a">premieres a new docuseries</a> with Bill Gates. Titled "What's Next? The Future With Bill Gates," the docuseries will see the Microsoft co-founder hold conversations on topics such as climate change, deadly diseases, artificial intelligence, income inequality and social media.
Benzinga readers were asked if they planned on watching the new docuseries when it comes out and these were the results:
<ul>
<li>Yes, definitely: 31%</li>
<li>No, not interested: 35%</li>
<li>Haven't heard about it: 35%</li>
</ul>
Readers were also asked if they agree with Gates' ideas on big issues like climate change and artificial intelligence. This is how readers feel about Gates' ideas:
<ul>
<li>Strongly agree: 32%</li>
<li>Don't agree: 33%</li>
<li>Neutral: 36%</li>
</ul>
On the five-episode docuseries, Gates will hold conversations with several well-known people. Here's a look at who Benzinga readers are most excited about seeing interact with the Microsoft co-founder and share their thoughts on the topics above:
<ul>
<li>Anthony Fauci: 20%</li>
<li>Lady Gaga: 12%</li>
<li>Mark Cuban: 46%</li>
<li>Senator Bernie Sanders: 14%</li>
<li>Senator Mitt Romney: 8%</li>
</ul>
Cuban won the poll hands down with nearly 50% of the vote, making him the person readers are most looking forward to seeing on the series. Ranking second was Fauci, which could be due to his commentary on COVID-19 and vaccines.
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</ul>
Why It's Important: While he's best known as a co-founder of Microsoft, Gates has shifted to a life of philanthropy and dedicating his time to helping with causes he is passionate about.
The show could illustrate how he is helping in several areas and if voices from other well-known people shift how he is thinking about his efforts.
&#8220;I have always loved learning,&#8221; Gates said. &#8220;Whether at school, Microsoft, or now, as a philanthropist, I consider myself a student.&#8221;
Gates is one of the most followed people in the world with more than 65 million followers on social media platform&nbsp;X, ranking among the top 20 accounts by follower count.
The study was conducted by Benzinga Sept. 10 through Sept. 11, 2024, and included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 170 adults.
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Bill Gates' New Netflix Series Features Mark Cuban, Voted Most Anticipated Guest: Benzinga Poll

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/06/39206589/sam-altmans-65k-openai-salary-masks-a-2-8-billion-startup-empire">OpenAI</a> reportedly plans to charge a steep price for a new ChatGPT premium subscription plan, which could go as high as $2,000 monthly for businesses. According to the report by "The Information," OpenAI aims to introduce premium tiers that are more expensive but will offer superior functionality and cutting-edge AI models that are still in development.
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These models include codenames &#8220;Strawberry&#8221; and &#8220;Orion,&#8221; which could handle more complex tasks than those currently available with the free version or the $20-a-month ChatGPT Plus subscription. While details are not confirmed, this move would target professionals and businesses needing top-tier AI tools for intricate tasks.&nbsp;
ChatGPT already has a paid plan offering quicker responses and some extra features. With over 200 million weekly active users, OpenAI appears to be looking for ways to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced AI. While the free version will remain for simple queries, this new model may offer something worth paying for – especially for businesses handling complex data and decision-making.
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The &#8220;Strawberry&#8221; model is rumored to be key, designed for reasoning using &#8220;System two thinking.&#8221; This would enable it to approach problems through a deliberate, multistep process, potentially solving tasks current models struggle with, such as advanced math​. Meanwhile, "Orion" is being trained using data generated by Strawberry and is expected to be even more powerful, possibly outperforming GPT-4​.
Competition in AI is heating up, with tech giants like Google and Microsoft constantly improving their AI capabilities. OpenAI&#8217;s shift toward premium pricing could be a strategic move to stay ahead. By offering exclusive access to its latest models, OpenAI hopes to remain a leader in the race for AI dominance.&nbsp;
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Insiders suggest that these premium plans could elevate AI functionality and attract significant investments. From <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/startups/24/09/40692021/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-will-push-employees-to-their-limits-but-is-reluctant-to-let-them-go-ill-tort">Nvidia </a>to Apple, reportedly looking to back OpenAI, this might drive the company&#8217;s valuation into the stratosphere and perch it above $100 billion.
If OpenAI introduces these high-end plans, they will likely appeal to professionals who rely on AI to handle heavy-duty work. Think companies in finance, health care, or even scientific research. These are fields where the ability to process vast amounts of information and generate accurate, in-depth insights could be worth its weight in gold. For the average user, though, the free or $20 options might still be more than enough.
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OpenAI Reportedly Plans to Charge $2,000 Monthly for Elite Subscription – Will Advanced AI Access Be Worth the Steep Price?

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal opened up about one of the most personal and painful parts of his life: his divorce. The comments from the 2022 interview show accountability and how to move on from tough moments in life from the former NBA star <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/07/39733479/nba-fans-rejoice-new-76b-deal-from-espn-amazon-nbc-will-bring-games-seven-days-a-week">and sports commentator.</a>
What Happened: In a candid interview on the Pivot Podcast, Shaq discussed his marriage and divorce and how he got past the big moments of his life.
While discussing the topic, O&#8217;Neal was transparent about his own responsibility in the breakup of his marriage, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeojkELPHzo">admitting</a>, &#8220;It was all me, because she was like, she did exactly what she was supposed to do. Gave me beautiful kids, take care of the house, take care of corporate stuff. It was just all me.&#8221;
Reflecting on his ex-wife, Shaq had nothing but praise, calling her &#8220;awesome&#8221; and emphasizing that the downfall of the relationship was not her fault.
O&#8217;Neal described the toll that divorce took on him, particularly in his role as a father.
&#8220;The best feeling for me was coming home and hearing five, six different voices,&#8221; he said, revealing how much he cherished being around his kids.
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</ul>
Why It&#8217;s Important: Losing that daily interaction had a profound impact on O&#8217;Neal, and he shared the loneliness that followed: &#8220;I was lost. 76,000 square foot house by yourself. Lost. No kids. Go to the gym, nobody playing in the gym. You go to their room, nobody's there. You start to feel it.&#8221;
Despite the pain, O&#8217;Neal remains committed to his role as a father.
&#8220;May not be a husband, but I&#8217;m always be a father and a father job to protect, provide and love," O'Neal added.
His dedication to his children is what drives him, as he continues to provide for them and work hard for their future.
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This article was partially written using artificial intelligence and was reviewed by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

Sports

Shaquille O'Neal Reflects On Divorce, Fatherhood And Personal Accountability: 'I Was Lost. 76,000 Square Foot House By Yourself'

Portugal's Algarve is no longer just a European secret. The scenic southern coast is experiencing a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/07/39727958/a-massive-bubble-in-the-housing-market-has-developed-and-it-is-about-to-pop-real-estate-executive-sa">housing market</a> boom that's turning heads, with Americans playing a significant role. According to Savills, a global real estate agency, the region's real estate market has skyrocketed, with prices for prime properties jumping over 30% in the past year.
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Real estate agents point to tourism as the main driver, with U.S. tourists flooding the country like never before. Official figures from Portugal's national statistics agency show over one million Americans visited the country in the first half 2024.&nbsp;
That's nearly twice as many as in 2022. Most of them flock to the Algarve, known for its golden beaches, picturesque fishing towns, and mild year-round weather.
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"The top of the property market in the Algarve has historically been predominantly British buyers, but it's changing," said Kerstin Buechner, co-owner of Quinta Properties, a local Savills affiliate.&nbsp;
She explained that Americans, who made up less than 1% of high-end homebuyers in the Algarve before the pandemic, now form a "substantial percentage" of the market. According to the Portuguese Property Association, cited by Bloomberg, 10% of all foreign homebuyers in Portugal are now Americans.
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"If you walk around Loulé, every second person is American now," Buechner added. "It's unbelievable."
This influx of U.S. buyers has had a noticeable impact on prices. In 2022, the first sale over €20 million set a record for the region, and since then, several more properties at that price point have been sold. The high demand and limited supply, particularly in hot spots like Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, have intensified the frenzy.
"There's less on the market than ever before, and the demand is light years ahead of what we used to have," Buechner noted, adding that the average price of prime properties at her agency rose to nearly €3.5 million in 2023, up from under €3 million the previous year.
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Ricardo Costa, CEO of Luximos, the Christie's International Real Estate affiliate in Portugal, has also seen a rise in foreign demand. He points to the country's digital nomad program as one of the key reasons. Non-EU residents with a monthly income of at least €3,280 and savings of €9,840 can live and work remotely from Portugal.
"People like the mild weather, the surf conditions, the stable politics, and that they can do remote work from here, only five hours away from the East Coast of the U.S.," Costa said. "At the southwestern tip of Europe, we like to say the Americans are our neighbors."
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It doesn't hurt that a million euros stretches much further in Portugal than in other popular spots like the French Riviera or the Greek islands.&nbsp;
The trend of foreign buyers began in 2012 when Portugal introduced "golden visas," offering residency permits in exchange for investment in the country, including<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/09/40730794/this-u-s-town-is-offering-20-000-to-relocate-heres-how-to-secure-10-000-in-cash-and-10-000-for-renov"> real estate</a>. The government ended this option for real estate purchases last year, but it hasn't slowed American interest. Foreigners can still qualify for the visa by investing at least €500,000 in other sectors, such as research or culture.
"The golden visa program did cause a frenzy in sales," Buechner admitted, but she doesn't believe the appeal is fading anytime soon. "Americans are coming into Portugal because they're fed up with the United States and want a different lifestyle. The Algarve offers that."&nbsp;
With direct flights from the U.S., such as United Airlines launching from Newark to Faro in 2025, it seems even more Americans will be making the move. And the Algarve is ready.
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Wealthy Americans Are Triggering a Housing Frenzy in Portugal's Algarve – Find Out Why the Market Is Booming So Rapidly

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas"> many investors&#8217; favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here&#8217;s a look at some of our top stories.
Stocks climbed on Friday, with the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq Composite marking their best weekly gains of 2024 ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting. 
The S&amp;P 500 rose 4% and the Nasdaq Composite surged 5.9% for the week, while the Dow gained 2.6%. 
Strong economic data, including low inflation, stable jobless claims, and positive consumer sentiment, fueled investor optimism. Market expectations are now split between a 25-basis-point or 50-basis-point rate cut, with growing momentum for the latter, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/09/40861742/nasdaq-100-posts-biggest-weekly-rally-in-almost-a-year-as-fed-rate-cut-hopes-grow-top-">the CME FedWatch tool</a>.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#8217;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bulls</h3>
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40787302/nvidia-shares-riding-on-huge-ai-tailwind-says-portfolio-strategist-why-expert-says-">Nvidia Shares Riding On Huge AI Tailwind, Says Portfolio Strategist: Why Expert Says Stock Will Stay On An Upward Path For Next 2-3 Years</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shanthi-rexaline">Shanthi Rexaline</a>, explains how Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) is expected to maintain growth due to AI, with Mai Capital Management highlighting its reasonable valuation and resilience over the next two to three years.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40780511/dogecoin-surges-8-as-elon-musk-jokes-doge-will-be-the-official-mascot-of-department-of-gov">Dogecoin Surges 8% As Elon Musk Jokes DOGE Will Be The &#8216;Official Mascot&#8217; Of &#8216;Department Of Government Efficiency,&#8217;</a>&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/khyathi-dalal">Khyathi Dalal</a>, details how Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) surged after Elon Musk humorously suggested that the meme coin would be the official mascot of the &#8220;Department of Government Efficiency.&#8221;
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40771760/apples-iphone-16-launch-jpmorgan-says-staggered-pricing-approach-could-offset-risin">Apple&#8217;s iPhone 16 Launch: JPMorgan Says &#8216;Staggered Pricing Approach&#8217; Could Offset Rising Chip, Memory Costs</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/surbhi-jain">Surbhi Jain</a>, highlights a JPMorgan analyst&#8217;s view that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) will adopt a staggered pricing strategy for the iPhone 16 lineup to manage rising chip and memory costs, with premium pricing likely for the higher-end Pro models.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40773576/us-yield-curve-no-longer-inverted-why-this-time-the-recession-scenario-might-be-d">US Yield Curve No Longer Inverted: Why This Time The Recession Scenario Might Be Different For Investors</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40766713/palantirs-s-p-500-inclusion-another-validation-moment-as-it-embarks-on-new-era-of-e">Palantir&#8217;s S&amp;P 500 Inclusion &#8216;Another Validation Moment&#8217; As It Embarks On New Era Of Enterprise Growth And Profitability, Says Bullish Analyst</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40820131/netflix-vs-disney-internet-traffic-crowns-one-streaming-giant-while-both-leave-competitors-">Netflix Vs. Disney: Internet Traffic Crowns One Streaming Giant, While Both Leave Competitors In The Dust</a>
The Bears
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40848374/google-co-founder-sergey-brin-admits-company-was-too-timid-to-rollout-chatgpt-like-llms-despite-basi">Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin Admits Company Was &#8216;Too Timid&#8217; To Rollout ChatGPT-Like LLMs Despite Basically Inventing Them</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola">Ananya Gairola</a>, highlights how Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) co-founder Sergey Brin acknowledged that the company hesitated to release its language models despite pioneering the technology due to concerns over mistakes and embarrassment.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40767067/another-retailer-takes-chapter-11-route-big-lots-files-for-bankruptcy-and-agrees-to-sell-assets-">Another Retailer Takes Chapter 11 Route: Big Lots Files For Bankruptcy And Agrees To Sell Assets To Nexus Capital As Economic Pressures Mount</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shanthi-rexaline">Shanthi Rexaline</a>, reports that Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIG#NYSE">BIG</a>) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and agreed to sell its assets to Nexus Capital Management due to mounting macroeconomic challenges, including high inflation and interest rates.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/09/40817541/lucid-not-ready-to-take-on-tesla-cybertruck-ceo-says-tough-to-make-an-electric-pickup-truck-work-to">Lucid Not Ready To Take On Tesla Cybertruck: CEO Says &#8216;Tough To Make An Electric Pickup Truck Work Today&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>,&nbsp;reports that Lucid Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>) CEO Peter Rawlinson ruled out a near-term electric pickup to rival Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) Cybertruck, citing challenges in producing a cost-effective truck with sufficient range and towing capacity.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40816734/gamestop-analyst-says-retailer-could-close-all-stores-operate-as-bank-to-manage-los">GameStop Analyst Says Retailer Could Close All Stores, Operate As Bank To Manage Losses</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40807385/peter-schiff-dismisses-michael-saylors-bitcoin-is-scarce-argument-when-the-supply-of-new-b">Peter Schiff Dismisses Michael Saylor&#8217;s Bitcoin Is Scarce Argument: &#8216;When The Supply Of New Buyers Runs Low…&#8217;</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40823119/china-is-eating-apples-lunch-where-smartphone-maker-ranks-vs-asian-competitors">China Is Eating Apple&#8217;s Lunch: Where Smartphone Maker Ranks Vs Asian Competitors</a>
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following<a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga"> Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga"> on Twitter</a>.
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Nvidia, Apple, Lucid And — Dogecoin Surges On Elon Musk's Joke

In a recent episode of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40669326/31-year-old-inherits-10m-from-parent-he-never-knew-ramsey-show-hosts-offer-critical-advice-on-wh">The Ramsey Show</a>, Dave Ramsey and his daughter, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40764202/1m-net-worth-shattered-ramsey-hosts-tell-wife-to-act-fast-as-husband-steals-286-000-and-lies-on-">Rachel Cruze</a>, nostalgically looked back at a nearly 30-year-old clip of Ramsey sharing financial advice from 1995. The lighthearted reaction was filled with laughter, but Ramsey's message was clear: the core principles he taught back then remain unchanged today and continue to resonate with millions of listeners.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1995 Advice: Timeless or Outdated?</h2>
In the vintage clip, the host asked Ramsey about the number one question he received from listeners. His response was straightforward: &#8220;How do I get out of debt?&#8221; He added that the second most common issue was communication between spouses about money. Ramsey's advice, then, was to save money, live on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40489379/charlie-munger-called-this-a-no-brainer-spend-less-than-you-make-always-be-saving-something-put-">less than you make</a> and avoid debt. He famously quoted, &#8220;The borrower is servant to the lender,&#8221; a phrase still central to his teachings today.
Reflecting on this decades-old advice, Ramsey noted that while much has changed in the world of personal finance, including the rise of digital platforms and new financial products, the basic tenets of money management have not. He remarked, "Live on less than you make, a concept Congress can't grasp." This message of financial discipline and debt avoidance has stood the test.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Consistency Amidst Change</h2>
Cruze playfully pointed out that not only does Ramsey still use the same jokes, but the fundamental principles remain the same. Ramsey highlighted how, even back in 1995, he advocated for giving every dollar a name and budgeting. Today, technology has advanced those same principles with tools like the EveryDollar app, but his message remains: plan every dollar before the month begins.
Despite the advancements in financial tools, Ramsey emphasized that it's still about behavior, not just math. &#8220;People don't get rich on credit cards and car payments,&#8221; Cruze reiterated Ramsey's sentiment from his interview in 1995.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Has Anything Changed?</h2>
Ramsey's advice from 1995 – avoid debt, budget, live within your means – has remained unwavering. He argued that this consistency has kept his platform growing, with more listeners today than ever before. As the financial world has shifted toward digital transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40837412/65-of-u-s-consumers-think-crypto-could-replace-cash-in-the-future-deutsche-bank-report-fin">cryptocurrency</a> and AI, Ramsey's principles have stayed grounded in what he calls "truths" that do not change with trends or technology.
"We've been able to have the integrity to say the same thing over and over again for 35 years," Ramsey said. His approach has not wavered, even as newer financial trends like cryptocurrency, NFTs and credit card rewards promise easy wealth.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Simple but Not Easy</h2>
Cruze added a word of caution for younger listeners who may be tuning in via YouTube or podcasts: &#8220;Just because something feels simple and kind of boring … those are the ones to lean into.&#8221; She emphasized that the basics of personal finance – spending less than you earn and staying out of debt – are often the most effective, though they may lack the allure of more complicated financial strategies.
Ramsey summed it perfectly: "Some of the most profound things you'll learn in your life are easy to understand and hard to implement." Whether 1995 or 2024, his message remains: stick to the basics and you'll find <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39914065/financial-freedom-or-bust-why-suze-orman-says-your-wallet-matters-more-than-your-flag">financial freedom</a>.&nbsp;
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Personal Finance

Dave Ramsey Reacts to His 1995 Financial Tips – Does He Still Stand By The Same Principles He Taught Back Then?

The Italian parliament&#8217;s lower house voted Thursday to ban the sale and distribution of low-THC hemp flowers and products, often referred to as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/07/28041762/2f4b-types-of-cannabis-the-different-kinds-of-weed">&#8220;cannabis light.&#8221;</a> The decision came after a 157 to 109 vote in favor of amending the Security Bill to ban these substances, which have been legal and available in Italy since 2017.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Prohibition Extends To Hemp Derivatives</h3>
The new law stipulates a comprehensive prohibition on the import, transfer, processing and distribution of hemp inflorescences, including any semi-processed, dried, or shredded forms, <a href="https://www.efanews.eu/item/43780-cannabis-italian-parliament-approves-ban-on-inflorescences.html">according</a> to EFA News. This extends to products derived from these inflorescences, such as extracts, resins and oils. Contrary to claims by major agricultural federations, the regulation does not entirely outlaw hemp processing but specifically targets its use in any form that could be construed as recreational.
<ul>
<li>Get Benzinga&#8217;s exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter<a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe"> here</a>. If you&#8217;re serious about the business, you can&#8217;t afford to miss out.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Opposition Criticizes Italy's Hemp Ban, Comparing It To Prohibiting Nutmeg</h3>
The measure has sparked significant controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the ban as excessive and likening it to prohibiting substances as innocuous as nutmeg. &#8220;When it has a low THC content, cannabis has the same psychoactive effect as basil,&#8221; argued Rachele Scarpa, a lawmaker from the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), <a href="https://ansabrasil.com.br/english/news/general_news/2024/09/12/lower-house-approves-crackdown-on-cannabis-light_585adc67-fc78-430c-8a5d-68215ae465d4.html">reported</a> ANSA. Opposition figures, including Gianmauro Dell'Olio of the 5-Star Movement and Angelo Bonelli of the Green-Left Alliance, have expressed concerns about the economic implications of the ban, suggesting that it benefits illicit markets more than the public.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40814281/italian-regional-court-suspends-ban-on-cbd-future-of-hemp-sectors-15k-workers-still-uncertain-de">Italian Regional Court Suspends Ban On CBD, Future Of Hemp Sector&#8217;s 15k Workers Still Uncertain Despite Protests</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hemp Ban Threatens 11,000 Jobs But Still Legal For Industrial Use</h3>
However, despite these objections, the law maintains legality for the use of hemp in certain industrial applications, such as textiles and construction and for pharmaceutical purposes under <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/medical-cannabis">medical</a> prescription. This legislative change marks a significant shift in Italy&#8217;s approach to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/02/36916329/is-marijuana-a-controlled-substance-wait-what-is-a-controlled-substance">controlled substances</a>, eliminating the previous distinction between &#8220;soft&#8221; and &#8220;hard&#8221; drugs under the guise of public safety.
In addition to the social and legal implications, experts have warned that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40224057/grotesque-crackdown-on-hemp-in-italy-puts-11k-jobs-at-risk-experts-cite-eu-law-violations">the ban could jeopardize approximately 11,000 jobs</a> in Italy&#8217;s hemp sector. <a href="http://benzinga.com/cannabis">Cannabis</a> trade groups, including Federcanapa, argue that the law may violate European Union regulations on free competition and the movement of goods. Moreover, cannabis attorney Giacomo Bulleri emphasized that the ban would disrupt the entire supply chain, affecting not only &#8220;cannabis light&#8221; but also industrial hemp, further intensifying the industry&#8217;s concerns.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40824983/20m-germans-could-benefit-from-medical-marijuana-but-most-struggle-to-find-prescribing-doctors">20M Germans Could Benefit From Medical Marijuana But Most Struggle To Find Prescribing Doctors</a></li>
</ul>
Image generated with AI tools.

Cannabis

Government

Regulations

Eurozone

Italian Lower House Bans Hemp Products – AKA 'Cannabis Light' – Sparking Controversy And Industry Outrage

Content-sharing platform OnlyFans has come out on top against big tech companies like Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc.'s Google, Netflix Inc., and others in terms of revenue generation per employee.
What Happened: OnlyFans reported revenue of $1.3 billion for the financial year 2023.
While its revenue is a fraction of that of big tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, its revenue per employee is magnitudes higher than these tech giants, as pointed out <a href="https://x.com/TrungTPhan/status/1833881502041641099">by</a> Trung Phan.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Company</td>
<td>Revenue</td>
<td>No. Of Employees</td>
<td>Revenue Per Employee</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OnlyFans</td>
<td>$1.3 billion</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>$30.95 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Craigslist&#x2A;</td>
<td>$0.694 billion</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>$13.88 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Netflix</td>
<td>$33.7 billion</td>
<td>13,000</td>
<td>$2.59 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Apple</td>
<td>$383 billion</td>
<td>161,000</td>
<td>$2.38 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meta Platforms</td>
<td>$134 billion</td>
<td>&nbsp;67,317</td>
<td>$1.99 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Google</td>
<td>$305 billion</td>
<td>&nbsp;182,502</td>
<td>$1.67 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microsoft</td>
<td>$245 billion</td>
<td>&nbsp;221,000</td>
<td>$1.1 million</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Source: Company reports &#x7C; &#x2A;Craigslist's revenue is from 2022, as data for 2023 was not immediately available
On average, each OnlyFans employee contributed to nearly $31 million to the company's top line, while Microsoft's average revenue per employee was the lowest in this last at just $1.1 million – almost 28 times lower than that of OnlyFans.
For context, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta are four of the five most valuable companies in the world in terms of market capitalization.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40864744/openais-150b-valuation-hinges-on-whether-sam-altman-led-ai-startup-can-remove-profit-cap-for-investo">Mark Zuckerberg Live Event Sold Out Stadium: Meta CEO Attracted Thousands Eager To Hear Him Speak</a>
Craigslist, a privately held classifieds platform, continued to remain among the top companies in terms of revenue per employee. Although its revenue has shrunk from its peak of $1 billion in the late 2010s, its revenue per employee remains among the highest in the list due to its relatively small team.
The story is completely different, however, for tech giants who have thousands of employees on their payrolls.
While their revenue is also several magnitudes higher than OnlyFans and Craigslist, the significantly higher number of employees brings down the average revenue to single digits.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40864744/openais-150b-valuation-hinges-on-whether-sam-altman-led-ai-startup-can-remove-profit-cap-for-investo">OpenAI&#8217;s $150B Valuation Hinges On Whether Sam Altman-Led AI Startup Can Remove Profit Cap For Investors: Report</a></li>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tech

OnlyFans Beats Apple, Google, Netflix, And Other Big Tech Companies In Revenue Per Employee: Here's The Down Low

Former President Donald Trump has issued a warning that he might withhold federal aid for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40266751/the-park-fire-rages-on-which-companies-could-be-affected-by-californias-fourth-largest-wildfire-">California&#8217;s wildfires</a> if he is re-elected and the state&#8217;s water policy remains the same.
What Happened: On Friday, Trump made this threat during a press conference at his Los Angeles golf club.
He criticized California Governor&nbsp;Gavin Newsom&nbsp;for a policy that restricts the&nbsp;amount of water that can&nbsp;be pumped from the Sacramento-San&nbsp;Joaquin Delta to protect the endangered smelt fish, <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4879150-trump-threatens-wildfire-aid-newsom-smelt/">reported</a> The Hill. 
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40811055/polling-veteran-nate-silver-says-kamala-harris-got-the-debate-she-wanted-as-fatigued-trump-couldnt-b?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polling Veteran Nate Silver Says Kamala Harris Got The Debate She Wanted As Fatigued Trump Couldn&#8217;t Bring His &#8216;A-Game&#8217; After The Initial Momentum</a>
Trump stated that if reelected, he would provide California with &#8220;more water than almost anybody has,&#8221; enabling farmers to fully use their land.
He referred to the water entering the state as &#8220;dead&#8221; and urged Newsom, whom he derogatorily called &#8220;News&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;,&#8221; to make changes.
&#8220;And Gavin News&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A; is gonna sign those papers, and if he doesn't sign those papers, we won't give him money to put all his fires,&#8221; Trump said.
He further warned that without federal aid to combat wildfires, Newsom would face &#8220;problems.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This threat comes amidst a tense political climate.
Governor Newsom has been vocal in his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39875041/gavin-newsom-backs-kamala-harris-calls-vp-tough-fearless-and-tenacious-the-ideal-candidate-to-counte">support for Trump&#8217;s opponent</a> and Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsing her as the ideal candidate to counter the former President&#8217;s vision.
Newsom has also previously warned about the potential dangers of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39518400/gavin-newsom-warns-trumps-big-economic-plan-could-cost-working-families-up-to-8-300-in-higher-taxes">Trump&#8217;s economic policies</a>. He has accused Trump of driving up costs in America by implementing policies that would add a 10% tariff on everyday goods and raise labor and production expenses for businesses.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40845900/trump-says-he-will-end-taxes-on-overtime-pay-but-economist-peter-schiff-says-there-is-a-fly-in-his-o?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Says He Will End Taxes On Overtime Pay, But Economist Peter Schiff Says There Is A Fly In His Ointment</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

Trump Threatens To Deny California Wildfire Aid If He Wins, Says Gavin Newsom Is 'Gonna Sign Those Papers, And If He Doesn't…'

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) has reportedly secured a $3.5 billion contract to manufacture semiconductors for the U.S. military.
What Happened: Chip maker Intel has been granted up to $3.5 billion in federal funds to produce advanced chips for military and intelligence use, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-13/intel-solidifies-3-5-billion-deal-to-make-chips-for-us-military?srnd=homepage-americas">reported</a> Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter.
The deal is part of the Secure Enclave program, including the Arizona manufacturing facility.
Despite opposition from rival chipmakers and concerns from Washington about the prudence of depending on a single company, Intel emerged as the preferred choice for this contract.&nbsp;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40593141/intel-board-member-lip-bu-tan-reportedly-left-after-disputes-with-ceo-and-other-directors-over-c">Intel Board Member Lip-Bu Tan Reportedly Left After Disputes With CEO And Other Directors Over Company&#8217;s Direction</a>
The funding announcement could be announced as early as next week, the report noted, citing the sources.
This contract adds a potential $8.5 billion in grants and $11 billion in loans that Intel received in March under the Chips and Science Act.
Intel is still in talks regarding the terms of this broader incentive package, which is intended to support facilities in Arizona, Ohio, New Mexico, and Oregon.&nbsp;
Why It Matters: Intel&#8217;s reported deal with the Pentagon comes after the tech giant secured over 7.4 billion Polish złoty ($1.91 billion) in state grants to support the construction of a new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/40859896/intel-secures-about-2b-in-state-aid-for-poland-chip-plant">chip plant in Poland</a>.
According to reports, the European Commission will distribute the grant between 2024 and 2026.
Intel also intends to achieve cumulative software <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39746962/chip-maker-intel-aims-for-1b-in-software-revenue-by-2027">revenue of $1 billion</a> by the end of 2027, according to the company's CTO Greg Lavender. Last year, the company&#8217;s overall revenue was $54 billion.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40673694/intel-ceo-pat-gelsinger-to-present-board-with-major-asset-sale-and-cost-cutting-plan-including-h">Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger To Present Board With Major Asset Sale And Cost-Cutting Plan, Including Halting $32B German Project: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

INTC

Intel Bags $3.5B Contract To Produce Chips For Pentagon: Report

AI startup OpenAI&#8217;s new funding round could <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40825072/openais-valuation-could-skyrocket-to-150b-in-new-fundraising-positioning-it-among-the-worlds-most-va">value the AI startup at $150 billion</a>, contingent on significant corporate changes.
What Happened: OpenAI&#8217;s upcoming financing round is expected to involve convertible notes. The valuation of $150 billion will depend on whether OpenAI can alter its corporate structure and eliminate a profit cap for investors, reported Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The $6.5 billion funding details, not previously disclosed, highlight OpenAI&#8217;s shift from a research-based non-profit to a more investment-attractive entity. This change aims to support its pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI), AI surpassing human intelligence.
Investor interest is high, and the funding round could conclude within two weeks, driven by OpenAI&#8217;s rapid revenue growth. Existing investors like Thrive Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) are expected to participate, with new investors including Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) also planning to invest.
If the restructuring fails, OpenAI would need to renegotiate its valuation with investors, likely at a lower figure.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/40864550/brazils-supreme-court-lifts-freeze-on-starlink-and-xs-finances-after-elon-musks-companies-cough-up-3">Brazil&#8217;s Supreme Court Lifts Freeze On Starlink And X&#8217;s Finances After Elon Musk&#8217;s Companies Cough Up $3.3 Million In Fines</a>
OpenAI stated it remains focused on building AI for everyone&#8217;s benefit while working with its non-profit board. The removal of the profit cap requires approval from the non-profit board, which includes CEO Sam Altman and entrepreneur Bret Taylor.
OpenAI has also discussed with lawyers the possibility of transitioning to a for-profit benefit corporation, similar to rivals like Anthropic and xAI. The removal of the profit cap would significantly benefit early investors but could raise questions about OpenAI&#8217;s governance and mission.
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: The potential $150 billion valuation is a significant leap from previous estimates and underscores the growing importance of AI in the tech industry.
However, the transition from a non-profit to a for-profit model has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40647123/elon-musk-questions-legality-of-openai-going-from-non-profit-to-for-profit-amid-apple-nvidia-investm">not been without controversy</a>. Elon Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015, has questioned the legality of this shift, especially given the involvement of major tech companies like Apple and Nvidia.
Adding to the complexity, OpenAI is also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40764804/whats-the-secret-openai-is-battling-to-keep-co-founders-files-confidential-heres-why">embroiled</a> in a high-profile copyright lawsuit, making efforts to keep the files of its former co-founder, Ilya Sutskever, confidential.
Despite these challenges, OpenAI <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/09/40842891/openai-unveils-o1-model-a-step-closer-to-human-like-ai-but-not-without-flaws">continues to push forward</a> with its technological advancements. Recently, the company unveiled its new &#8216;o1&#8217; model, a significant step towards achieving human-like AI, although it comes with its own set of flaws.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;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:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40826639/mark-zuckerberg-live-event-sold-out-stadium-meta-ceo-attracted-thousands-eager-to-hear-him-speak-on?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg Live Event Sold Out Stadium: Meta CEO Attracted Thousands Eager To Hear Him Speak</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

MSFT

OpenAI's $150B Valuation Hinges On Whether Sam Altman-Led AI Startup Can Remove Profit Cap For Investors: Report

Cryptocurrency markets are trading higher on hopes of the Federal Reserve cutting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40857676/what-changed-federal-reserve-may-take-a-bigger-50-basis-points-rate-cut-bite-next-week-mar">higher-than-initially-expected</a> 50 basis points next Wednesday.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>$59,922.57</td>
<td>+2.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td>
<td>$2,423.40&nbsp;</td>
<td>+2.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td>
<td>$138.08&nbsp;</td>
<td>+1.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td>
<td>$0.1067</td>
<td>+4.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td>
<td>$0.00001394</td>
<td>+4.4%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Notable Statistics:
<ul>
<li>IntoTheBlock data shows a 14.2% decrease in large transaction volume and 16.7% growth in daily active addresses. &nbsp;Exchanges netflows narrowed by 124.5%.</li>
<li>Coinglass data shows 32,341 traders liquidated in the past 24 hours for $113.09 million.</li>
<li>Crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez <a href="https://x.com/ali_charts/status/1834596646539174324">stated</a> that 112,000 ETH, worth around $257.6 million, were sent to crypto exchanges in the past 24 hours.</li>
<li>MicroStrategy announced it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40857237/microstrategy-stock-climbs-after-bitcoin-purchase-heres-how-much-btc-michael-saylors-compa">acquired 18,300 Bitcoin</a> between Aug. 6 and Sept. 12 for around $1.11 billion in cash at an average price of $60,408 per Bitcoin.</li>
</ul>
Notable Developments:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40859716/tether-hires-paypal-veteran-jesse-spiro-as-regulatory-scrutiny-continues">Tether Hires PayPal Veteran Jesse Spiro As Regulatory Scrutiny Continues</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40847331/gary-gensler-led-sec-directs-crypto-firm-to-halt-trading-for-all-coins-but-bitcoin-ethereu">Gary Gensler-Led SEC Directs Crypto Firm To Halt Trading For All Coins But Bitcoin, Ethereum, And Bitcoin Cash — What Does It Mean?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/40851527/bitcoin-spot-etfs-see-39m-inflows-bullish-correction-may-be-in-play-expert-tells-benzinga">Bitcoin Spot ETFs See $39M Inflows, &#8216;Bullish Correction&#8217; May Be In Play, Expert Tells Benzinga</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40860002/heres-how-much-donald-trumps-crypto-portfolio-is-down-from-the-top-spoiler-its-millions-an">Here&#8217;s How Much Donald Trump&#8217;s Crypto Portfolio Is Down From The Top (Spoiler: It&#8217;s Millions And Millions Of Dollars)</a></li>
</ul>
Top Gainers:
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nervos Network (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ckb/usd">CKB</a>)</td>
<td>$0.01334</td>
<td>+45.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Popcat (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">POPCAT</a>)</td>
<td>$0.7455</td>
<td>+11.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>POL (CRYPTO: POL)</td>
<td>$0.4228</td>
<td>+12.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Trader Notes: Entrepreneur and Bitcoin Investor Lark Davis noted that in the past three weeks Bitcoin is ranging in the mid-$50,000 range amid ETF outflows. He <a href="https://x.com/TheCryptoLark/status/1834645753383252096">predicts</a> that the next few weeks &#8220;could be the last chance to grab BTC at cheap prices&#8221; against the background of rate cuts, FTXs $16 billion cash repayment, the election and rising global liquidity.
With a 12% rally in the past seven days, CryptoCon stated that Bitcoin recently retested the Golden Curve as support just like in September 2020 before &#8220;exploding to the upside.&#8221;
The trader added that this trend allows for $186,000 for the cycle top in late 2025. 
<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">The problem with most <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> Rainbow models is they climb too quickly and the targets end up too optimistic. With this new Diminishing Golden Curves Model, it purposely loses a band every cycle, similar to the Golden Ratio Multiplier. It allows for 186k for the cycle top in… <a href="https://t.co/b77UJQ1WQ8">pic.twitter.com/b77UJQ1WQ8</a>
&mdash; CryptoCon (@CryptoCon_) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoCon_/status/1834653223875231807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">More Crypto Online <a href="https://x.com/Morecryptoonl/status/1834655454594515184">predicts</a> that if prices continue to go up and hold above $60,500 it could lead to an ABC rally which will allow for a more direct move up. However, he added that this requires extra caution as,</figcaption></figure>
&#8220;It&#8217;s like a chess game where your opponent makes an unexpected move, forcing you to rethink your strategy, requiring patience and adaptability.&#8221;
What&#8217;s Next: The influence of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/is-bitcoin-a-good-investment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin as an institutional asset class</a>&nbsp;is expected to be thoroughly explored at Benzinga&#8217;s upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/digital-assets/agenda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Future of Digital Assets</a>&nbsp;event on Nov. 19.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40775357/bitcoin-hasnt-peak-yet-but-theres-a-key-difference-to-the-2023-fall-uptrend-veteran-analys">Bitcoin Hasn&#8217;t Peaked Yet, But There&#8217;s A Key Difference To The 2023 Fall Uptrend, Veteran Analyst Says</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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Bitcoin Taps $60K, Ethereum, Dogecoin End The Week On A High: 'Next Few Weeks Could Be Last Chance To Grab BTC At Cheap Prices'

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has pledged to remove college degree prerequisites for certain federal jobs if she emerges victorious in the forthcoming <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-presidential-election">presidential election</a>.
What Happened: On Friday, Harris made this commitment during a speech in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, reported Reuters.
The proposal is part of her economic strategy to win over voters in the closely contested race against former President Donald Trump.
&#8220;As president, I will get rid of the unnecessary degree requirements for federal jobs to increase jobs for folks without a four-year degree,&#8221; said Vice President Harris.
This statement comes in response to U.S. Census Bureau data showing that over 62% of Americans aged 25 or older do not possess a bachelor&#8217;s degree.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40815343/not-a-slam-dunk-for-harris-but-the-chances-of-a-trump-victory-have-slipped-investors-markets-adjust?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Not A Slam Dunk For Harris, But The Chances Of A Trump Victory Have Slipped:&#8217; Investors, Markets Adjust Positions After Presidential Debate</a>
Harris also underscored the need to acknowledge alternative routes to success, such as apprenticeships and technical programs. She urged the private sector to follow suit, and said a degree &#8220;does not necessarily indicate a person&#8217;s skills.&#8221;
Despite being briefly interrupted by&nbsp;protesters opposing U.S. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/40862471/turkeys-spy-chief-meets-with-hamas-to-discuss-cease-fire-in-gaza-reports">support for&nbsp;Israel&#8217;s war</a> in Gaza,&nbsp;Harris reiterated her support for&nbsp;a ceasefire and a hostage rescue deal.
Why It Matters: Harris&#8217; pledge comes in the wake of former President Trump&#8217;s&nbsp;promise&nbsp;to overhaul the federal workforce, which could impact 150,000 jobs.
"I will immediately reissue my 2020 Executive Order restoring the president&#8217;s authority to remove rogue bureaucrats," Trump said in the video posted on his campaign&#8217;s website. "And I will wield that power very aggressively."
Previously, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has publicly supported Trump,&nbsp;answered a question regarding&nbsp;the feasibility of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/40793264/elon-musk-on-questions-about-his-and-trumps-plan-on-department-of-government-efficiency-are-you-tryi">reducing the size</a> of the government.
He voiced his belief that removing &#8220;nonsense regulations&#8221; and shifting workers from the public to the private sector could lead the country to tremendous prosperity, possibly ushering in a &#8220;golden age.&#8221;
Government jobs have been on the rise, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/07/39650109/government-jobs-rose-by-70-000-in-june-but-are-still-near-60-year-lows">70,000 added in June</a>, despite being near 60-year lows. Meanwhile, NASA has been&nbsp;named&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38957563/nasa-crowned-best-place-to-work-in-federal-government-for-12th-straight-year-what-makes-it-so-appeal">Best Place to Work</a> in the Federal Government for the 12th consecutive year, highlighting the appeal of federal jobs.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40807096/melania-trump-says-the-attempt-to-end-her-husbands-life-was-a-horrible-distressing-experience-we-nee?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melania Trump Says The Attempt To End Her Husband&#8217;s Life Was A &#8216;Horrible, Distressing Experience&#8217;: We Need To Uncover The Truth</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

Kamala Harris Vows To Scrap 'Unnecessary' Degree Requirements For Some Federal Jobs If She Wins: 'As President, I Will…'

Brazil&#8217;s Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has lifted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40643433/elon-musk-lashes-out-at-judge-after-brazils-supreme-court-blocks-starlinks-bank-accounts-criminal-we">the freezes on</a> Starlink and X bank accounts after ordering the transfer of 18.35 million reais ($3.3 million) to the national treasury.
What Happened: The court stated that the amount transferred equaled what X owed in fines, imposed due to a conflict between billionaire owner Elon Musk and Moraes, reported Reuters.
The judge had previously blocked access to the X platform in Brazil, its sixth-largest market, after the company failed to comply with orders to block accounts accused of spreading &#8220;fake news&#8221; and hate messages.
Musk has contested these orders, labeling them as &#8220;censorship.&#8221; Additionally, X did not appoint a local legal representative as mandated by Brazilian law, leading Moraes to freeze Starlink&#8217;s accounts to cover potential fines owed by X.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40864530/mark-zuckerberg-says-he-is-done-apologizing-reveals-one-of-the-biggest-mistakes-of-his-career">Mark Zuckerberg Says He Is Done Apologizing, Reveals One Of The Biggest Mistakes Of His Career</a>
Despite lifting the freezes, Moraes has not revoked the decision to block access to X in Brazil, citing unresolved issues around legal representation and content removal.
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: The conflict between Musk and Brazil&#8217;s judiciary has been escalating for weeks.
On Aug. 29, the Supreme Court of Brazil <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40643433/elon-musk-lashes-out-at-judge-after-brazils-supreme-court-blocks-starlinks-bank-accounts-criminal-we">imposed a financial freeze</a> on Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, due to X&#8217;s lack of legal representatives in Brazil and unpaid fines related to failing to provide certain documents.
On Sept. 3, Starlink <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40680467/after-x-ban-elon-musks-starlink-defies-brazilian-court-order-to-block-social-media-platform">initially defied a court order</a> to block access to X in Brazil, citing the freezing of its local accounts as a reason. However, later that day, Starlink <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40699448/elon-musks-starlink-bows-to-brazils-top-court-blocks-access-to-x-in-the-country-we-continue-to-pursu">complied</a> with the court order, despite calling the asset freeze "illegal."
Adding to the complexity, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40748476/fcc-chief-defends-elon-musks-x-and-starlink-amid-brazils-punitive-actions-warns-business-leaders-are">wrote to Brazil&#8217;s telecom regulator</a>, Anatel, criticizing the punitive actions against X and Starlink and warning that such measures could make Brazil an "uninvestable market."
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:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40864500/elon-musk-has-secret-service-like-security-team-that-calls-him-voyager-growing-threats-after-tesla-a">Elon Musk Has Secret Service-Like Security Team That Calls Him ‘Voyager'</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photos courtesy: Shutterstock and Wikimedia

Brazil's Supreme Court Lifts Freeze On Starlink And X's Finances After Elon Musk's Companies Cough Up $3.3 Million In Fines

Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg says he has grown tired of taking on too much ownership of problems beyond his or his company's control. <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/mark-zuckerberg">The billionaire</a> said his days of apologizing are over.
What Happened: Zuckerberg said this during a conversation at the Chase Center in San Francisco, <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/11/mark-zuckerberg-says-hes-done-apologizing/">reported</a> TechCrunch.
The event, hosted by the Acquired podcast's David Rosenthal and Ben Gilbert, saw Zuckerberg joking about scheduling his next appearance to apologize for his comments. He quickly clarified that his days of apologizing were over.
Reflecting on his career, Zuckerberg mentioned his biggest mistake was a "political miscalculation" spanning 20 years. He admitted to taking too much responsibility for issues beyond Facebook&#8216;s control, particularly those related to the 2016 U.S. election.
"Some of the things they were asserting that we were doing or were responsible for, I don't actually think we were," said Zuckerberg.
"When it's a political problem… there are people operating in good faith who are identifying a problem and want something to be fixed, and there are people who are just looking for someone to blame," he added, without naming anyone specifically.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40767860/mark-cuban-praises-elon-musks-ai-chatbot-grok-for-answering-kamala-harris-pov-on-immigration-i-think?itm_source=parsely-api">Mark Cuban Praises Elon Musk&#8217;s AI Chatbot Grok For Answering Kamala Harris&#8217; POV On Immigration</a>
In August, Zuckerberg sent a letter to House Republicans apologizing for censoring COVID-19 misinformation in 2020 under government pressure. He vowed to resist similar pressures in the future.
Recently, Meta lifted restrictions on former President Donald Trump&#8216;s social media accounts, which were imposed after the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Subscribe to the <a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a> to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Meta's latest social media platform, Threads, has adopted a different approach than its rival X, formerly Twitter. The platform&#8217;s head, Adam Mosseri, stated that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33154364/politics-arent-encouraged-on-threads-instagram-head-says-not-worth-the-scrutiny-negativity">politics are not encouraged</a> on Threads to avoid scrutiny and negativity.
Why It Matters: Zuckerberg&#8217;s declaration comes amid a series of significant events and decisions at Meta.
In August, he revealed that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/08/40575260/mark-zuckerberg-reveals-biden-administration-pressured-meta-platforms-to-censor-certain-covid-19-">Biden administration pressured Meta</a> to censor certain COVID-19 content during the pandemic.
In a letter to the House Judiciary Committee, Zuckerberg expressed regret for not opposing the pressure sooner and vowed to resist similar pressures in the future.
Zuckerberg has also been in the news for his personal life, such as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/08/40411578/meta-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-commissions-statue-of-wife-priscilla-chan-sparks-online-buzz-bring">commissioning a seven-foot statue of his wife</a>, Priscilla Chan, which sparked online buzz.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40851084/mark-cuban-was-once-tending-a-bar-in-dallas-but-quickly-realized-he-wasnt-great-at-working-for-peopl?itm_source=parsely-api">Mark Cuban Was Once Tending A Bar In Dallas But Quickly Realized He Wasn&#8217;t Great At Working For People</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Social Media

Mark Zuckerberg Says He Is Done Apologizing, Reveals One Of The Biggest Mistakes Of His Career

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the world&#8217;s wealthiest individual with a net worth of $251 billion has been assigned the codename &#8220;Voyager&#8221; by his security team.
What Happened: Musk&#8217;s security detail functions similarly to a small-scale Secret Service. The tech billionaire is protected more like a state leader than a corporate executive, with up to 20 security professionals accompanying him at times, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/13/technology/elon-musk-security.html">reported</a> the New York Times on Friday.
They frequently carry firearms and have a medical professional on hand for the tech mogul&#8217;s assistance.
As Musk&#8217;s wealth and popularity have increased, so have the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/02/36974802/taylor-swift-right-to-be-concerned-elon-musk-calls-celebrity-jet-tracker-awful-human-being">threats against him</a>. His security team has had to evolve to handle stalkers and death threats, a significant departure from the harmless fan messages he used to receive.
The report indicates that Musk&#8217;s security expenses amount to millions of dollars each year, paid to various security firms including Gavin de Becker &amp; Associates and his own private security company, Foundation Security.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40826639/mark-zuckerberg-live-event-sold-out-stadium-meta-ceo-attracted-thousands-eager-to-hear-him-speak-on?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg Live Event Sold Out Stadium: Meta CEO Attracted Thousands Eager To Hear Him Speak On &#8216;The Next Decade Of Social, Technology, And AI</a>
The report also detailed an incident where a man was apprehended near Tesla&#8217;s Austin factory, accused of planning a &#8220;mass casualty event.&#8221; Musk&#8217;s security was fully mobilized for the event, with over&nbsp;three dozen Tesla security officials stationed throughout the room.
The report suggests that the&nbsp;threats to his safety have&nbsp;led&nbsp;Musk to become more fearful&nbsp;and his lifestyle more isolated.&nbsp;He is rarely without bodyguards, even when he is at his social media company, X, formerly Twitter.
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: Musk&#8217;s security concerns have been escalating over time. In December 2022, he expressed agreement with a post on Twitter that he had become "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/12/30104225/elon-musk-worried-about-security-as-fan-says-he-just-became-public-enemy-number-one-to-some-very-ver">public enemy number one</a> to some very very bad people."
Previously, Musk has also revealed that his son X&#8217;s vehicle was followed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/12/30085590/elon-musk-says-taking-legal-action-against-jet-tracker-after-son-xs-car-intercepted-by-crazy-stalker">by a "crazy stalker" who</a> jumped on the car's hood, thinking Musk was inside.
In January 2023, Musk posted a seemingly sarcastic tweet about his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/05/27066954/heres-why-elon-musk-is-joking-about-why-he-may-die-under-mysterious-circumstances-after-sharing-rosc-2">possible death under mysterious</a> circumstances after sharing an alleged note by Russian space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin that mentioned him and the Pentagon.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;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:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40826717/apples-iphone-production-move-to-india-signals-broader-tech-exodus-from-china-with-microsoft-and-ama?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s iPhone Production Move To India Signals Broader Tech Exodus From China, With Microsoft And Amazon Following Suit, Says Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Elon Musk Has Secret Service-Like Security Team That Calls Him 'Voyager:' Growing Threats After Tesla Austin Factory Scare Have Led To The Richest Man In The World Leading An Increasingly Isolated Lifestyle

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