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Bain Capital Specialty

Bain Capital Specialty Finance Inc is an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. The company's objective is to provide risk-adjusted returns and current income to investors by investing predominantly in middle-market companies with between $10.0 million and $150.0 million in annual EBITDA. Its portfolio of investments includes, First Lien Senior Secured Loan, Preferred Equity, Equity Interest, and Second Lien Senior Secured Loan among others.

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Mary Trump, a psychologist and author, last week shared her thought on her uncle <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump">&#8216;s</a> psychology and also the media sane-washing him.
Lover Of Violence: Mary Trump called her uncle a lover of violence, especially when it is committed on his behalf, <a href="https://www.marytrump.org/p/the-bringer-of-violence">said</a> Mary Trump in a Substack post. Weighing in on a second assassination attempt against the former president, she noted that it was only a few days before the incident that he refused to condemn the bomb threats, school evacuations, and general sense of terror in Springfield, Ohio, that he and his running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) have unleashed by their &#8220;vicious targeting of Haitian immigrants who live and work there.&#8221;
&#8220;Threats of violence and actual violence from the right are now a regular part of our political discourse and behavior —Donald makes sure of that on an almost daily basis,&#8221; she said.
Mary Trump noted that in early days of her uncle&#8217;s 2016 campaign, he encouraged rally goers to assault protesters. &#8220;Before and during the assault on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, Donald encouraged and stoked violence and people listened,&#8221; she said. 
&#8220;Every day, Americans pay the price while Donald sets the world on fire with his provocations and then spends the day playing golf, completely insulated from the chaos he sows,&#8221; she added.
The former president believes that the only way to maintain his grip on power is to &#8220;keep us divided, angry, and afraid,&#8221; Mary Trump said.
&#8220;America can't go on like this,&#8221; she said, adding that &#8220;I worry about what will happen in the next 50 days and the uncertain weeks that will follow.&#8221; 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/40955366/anthony-scaramucci-says-trumps-3-legged-stool-strategy-of-racism-misogyny-and-anti-immigration-will">Anthony Scaramucci Says Trump&#8217;s 3-Legged Stool Strategy Of &#8216;Racism, Misogyny And Anti-Immigration&#8217; Will Misfire: Here&#8217;s What Would Seal The Deal For Kamala Harris</a>
Sane-washing Trump: Mary Trump also <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzAaOdvkIDw">shared</a> a MSNBC interview in which she discussed about the media sane-washing Donald Trump. &#8220;They are just pretending that he said these understandable, coherent things but much worse than that they are imbuing his meaningless statements with meaning that is not there,&#8221; she said. This makes the former president more serious and less delusional than he actually is, she added.
For years now, it has been told that some of the most disqualifying things about Donald Trump are baked in and so nobody cares about them anymore, the psychologist said. But she called it as a &#8220;wrong take.&#8221; This &#8220;gives him an enormous advantage because he can do anything and we are all just supposed to assume that that&#8217;s just fine and it gives him permission to get away with worse,&#8221; she said. 
Although this isn&#8217;t anything new, it is now just increasingly less hinged, more delusional, more dangerous, Mary Trump said, adding that the people he surrounds himself with have always been awful, they too are becoming more dangerous to democracy and to American citizens.
Mary Trump also delved into her uncle&#8217;s claims about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40937559/jd-vances-unverified-rumors-about-haitian-immigrants-stir-gop-discomfort-distracting-from-real-issue">Haitian illegal immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio</a>. This is just the latest example of something he has been doing for years. This is stochastic terrorism,&#8221; she said, adding that this is deadly serious.
&#8220;Donald Trump has and will get people killed because of his dangerous rhetoric and the fact that he is willing to stop at nothing if he thinks demeaning the most vulnerable people among us is going to get him another vote,&#8221; Mary Trump said.
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Mary Trump Says Americans Pay The Price As Her Uncle Sets World On Fire With His Provocations: 'I Worry About What Will Happen'

Wall Street is rejoicing as the Federal Reserve&#8217;s half-point rate cut triggers a market rally, even amidst rising apprehensions <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/24/08/40429168/s-p-500-records-best-week-of-the-year-amid-favorable-economic-reports-what-really-drove-th">about inflated valuations</a>.
What Happened: The Federal Reserve&#8217;s lenient approach has uplifted the economic forecast, resulting in a jump in U.S. stocks and commodities, and a reduction in bond market volatility. 
The Nasdaq 100 experienced its most significant two-week surge since November, dismissing worries that the Fed chief had postponed concluding a two-year fight against inflation.
Nonetheless, inflated valuations are emerging as a substantial hurdle, leaving little margin for mistakes if any event disrupts investors&#8217; large-scale bets, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-20/risk-appetites-rage-as-powell-proves-hero-in-high-priced-markets?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">reports</a> Bloomberg.
A model adjusting S&amp;P 500 earnings yields and 10-year Treasury rates for inflation suggests that cross-asset pricing is now higher than at the commencement of all previous 14 Fed easing cycles, typically linked with recessions.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40541128/fed-chair-powells-signal-sets-stage-for-rate-global-central-banks-hint-at-interest-rate-cuts-in-revi">Fed Chair Powell&#8217;s Signal Sets Stage For Global Rate Cuts As Central Banks Aim To Revive Economy</a>
Lauren Goodwin, economist and chief market strategist at New York Life Investments, cautions that while high prices are just one factor contributing to a multifaceted market environment, they amplify market vulnerability if any other aspect goes awry.
U.S. stocks surged, propelling the S&amp;P 500&#8217;s total return for 2024 above 20%. The index leaped 1.7% on Thursday, marking its 39th record close of the year, following the Fed&#8217;s rate cut and data indicating labor market resilience.
However, many stock-valuation measures are stretched, including the Buffett indicator, which divides the total market capitalization of U.S. stocks by the total dollar value of the nation&#8217;s GDP. This indicator is near a record high, at a time when Warren Buffett has recently downsized some high-profile equity holdings.
Why It Matters: Despite these concerns, the rally in U.S. stocks persists, justified by earnings growth keeping pace with high valuations.
However, the potential for disappointment is high in the Treasury market, where futures trading continues to anticipate more interest-rate cuts than Fed policymakers themselves see as likely over the next year.
Read Next
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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.

Fed Rate Cut Fuels Market Rally Amidst Valuation Fears

In a recent podcast interview, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg shared his parenting philosophy, emphasizing the importance of individuality over fame.
What Happened: Zuckerberg recounted a conversation with his 7-year-old daughter August Chan Zuckerberg, where he encouraged her to aspire to be herself rather than a celebrity. This discussion was prompted by her desire to be like Taylor Swift.
According to a report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-zuckerberg-taylor-swift-daughter-parenting-lesson-2024-9">by</a> Business Insider, Annie Wright, a therapist who works with affluent parents, praised Zuckerberg&#8217;s advice. She noted that parents often grapple with their children&#8217;s growing desire to become influencers. Wright urges parents to help their children cultivate a strong sense of self-worth and individuality, instead of pursuing popularity.
According to the outlet, Zuckerberg said in the interview, &#8220;I was like, &#8216;But you can&#8217;t. That&#8217;s not available to you. And she thought about it and she&#8217;s like, &#8216;Alright when I grow up I want people to want to be like August Chan Zuckerberg, and I was like, &#8216;Hell yeah. Hell yeah.'&#8221;
Wright also highlighted that children from high-achieving families often experience intense pressure to succeed, leading to feelings of inadequacy. She promotes the idea of parents downplaying goals like fame and having open dialogues about its drawbacks.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/12/30195280/elon-musks-ex-girlfriend-grimes-says-mark-zuckerberg-wildly-under-qualified-to-run-metaverse">Elon Musk&#8217;s Ex-Girlfriend Grimes Says Mark Zuckerberg &#8216;Wildly Under Qualified&#8217; To Run Metaverse</a>
&#8220;His advice to his daughter to aspire to be herself, not Taylor Swift or some other icon, I do think it&#8217;s an important reminder for all parents,&#8221; Wright told the outlet.
Part of Zuckerberg&#8217;s parenting strategy includes assigning chores to his children, a practice Wright believes is an effective way to teach vital life skills, particularly in affluent families. 
She stated, &#8220;Chores create an understanding that rewards come from effort, not entitlement.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40869299/mother-sells-taylor-swift-tickets-over-stars-endorsement-of-kamala-harris-im-gonna-shake-it">Mother Sells Taylor Swift Tickets Over Star&#8217;s Endorsement Of Kamala Harris: &#8216;I&#8217;m Gonna Shake It Off, And I&#8217;m Done With You&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Zuckerberg&#8217;s parenting approach offers a unique perspective in a society where fame and celebrity status are often glamorized. His advice underscores the importance of self-worth and individuality, values that can help children navigate the pressures of growing up in high-achieving families. 
Furthermore, his emphasis on chores as a means to teach life skills provides a practical approach to parenting that encourages effort and discourages entitlement. 
This advice is particularly relevant in today&#8217;s digital age, where the allure of becoming an influencer can often overshadow the importance of personal growth and self-discovery.
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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.

Social Media

Zuckerberg Tells His Daughter She Can't Be Like Taylor Swift: 'You Can't Do It, That's Not Available To You'

A recent survey revealed that more than half of voters back pop star <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/taylor-swift" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Swift</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/taylor-swift" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;s</a> initiative to encourage her fans to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40869299/mother-sells-taylor-swift-tickets-over-stars-endorsement-of-kamala-harris-im-gonna-shake-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">participate in this year&#8217;s election</a>.
However, this support has dropped by 15 points since February, partly due to a conspiracy theory suggesting the Super Bowl was rigged, <a href="https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4888659-taylor-swift-voter-turnout-effort/?tbref=hp\" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> The Hill, citing the latest Monmouth University <a href="https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/monmouthpoll_us_091924/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poll</a>.
&#8220;Interestingly, support for the singer&#8217;s get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts were much higher <a href="https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/monmouthpoll_us_021424/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seven months ago</a>, when she was the subject of a debunked conspiracy theory around the election and the Super Bowl,&#8221; said Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute.
Swift has been recognized for directing a massive influx of over 330,000 visitors to vote.gov,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40807445/taylor-swift-says-i-will-be-casting-my-vote-for-kamala-harris-and-tim-walz-takes-a-dig-at-j" rel="noreferrer noopener">following her public endorsement</a>&nbsp;of Vice President&nbsp;Kamala Harris. This surge occurred less than 24 hours after Swift&#8217;s endorsement after the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" 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" rel="noreferrer noopener">debate between</a>&nbsp;Harris and former President&nbsp;Donald Trump.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40870369/trumps-i-hate-taylor-swift-met-with-witty-response-from-harris-campaign-the-american-people-want-to" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s &#8216;I Hate Taylor Swift&#8217; Met With Witty Response From Harris Campaign: &#8216;The American People Want To Be Out Of The Woods&#8217;</a>
However, the poll shows that 53% of voters support Taylor Swift&#8217;s efforts to encourage her fans to vote, while 35 percent disapprove, The Hill added. Additionally, 12% of respondents indicated that they were unsure.
&#8220;Republicans were wary of Swift all along. What we don&#8217;t know is whether this will have any effect on the part of her fan base who already leans right,&#8221; Murray added.
Swift is currently in a relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and was present at the team&#8217;s Super Bowl game against the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas. During that time, a conspiracy theory emerged suggesting that the game might be manipulated to benefit the Chiefs and maximize exposure for a potential Swift endorsement of President Biden.
No evidence supported this theory, nor had Swift made any endorsements at that point. However, Monmouth noted a significant decline in support for Swift&#8217;s voting initiatives following the conspiracy, the report added.
Despite Taylor Swift&#8217;s endorsement of the Democrats, an ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted earlier this week revealed that 81% of respondents believe her support for Kamala Harris will not affect their voting decisions.
Only 6% indicated they were more likely to vote for Harris due to Swift&#8217;s endorsement, while 13% said it made them less inclined to support the Democratic ticket, The Hill added.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Support For Taylor Swift's Get-Out-The-Vote Efforts Have Dropped 15 Points Since February Amid Super Bowl Conspiracy Theory

Employees at OpenAI have voiced their dissatisfaction with the company&#8217;s proposed new logo, which they have described as &#8220;ominous&#8221; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37440684/openais-sam-altman-has-an-estimated-2-billion-net-worth-and-much-of-it-doesnt-come-from-ai">and lacking in creativity</a>.
What Happened: The proposed logo – a large black &#8220;O&#8221; – was revealed at a recent company-wide meeting. This new design is a stark contrast to the current hexagonal flower symbol, which was designed to symbolize &#8220;precision, potential, and optimism.&#8221;
The unveiling of the new design was met with shock and disapproval, with some employees openly expressing their dislike during the meeting, <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/09/20/openai-staffers-unhappy-new-logo-design-ominous/">reports</a> Fortune. 
Insiders suggest that the logo redesign is part of a larger company overhaul scheduled for 2025. This revamp aligns with a planned significant modification to OpenAI&#8217;s corporate structure and an increased emphasis on revenue and investors.
The redesign process, which began about a year ago, is being handled by an internal team. This team consists of new hires from creative agencies and fields such as graphic design. The company&#8217;s current logo, referred to as &#8220;our most recognizable brand element,&#8221; was also developed internally.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40764804/whats-the-secret-openai-is-battling-to-keep-co-founders-files-confidential-heres-why">What&#8217;s The Secret? OpenAI Is Battling To Keep Co-Founder&#8217;s Files Confidential, Here&#8217;s Why</a>
Despite the strong reactions, the design of the new logo may undergo further changes, considering the staff&#8217;s attachment to the current logo and the negative feedback received. The final design is expected to be revealed as early as next year.
Why It Matters: The logo redesign is indicative of the broader changes taking place within OpenAI. As the company shifts its focus towards revenue and investors, it is also altering its corporate structure and brand identity. 
The strong reactions from employees highlight the significance of these changes and the potential impact they could have on the company&#8217;s culture and public perception. 
The final design of the logo, expected to be unveiled next year, will be a key indicator of the direction OpenAI is taking in this new phase of its evolution.
Read Next
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

OpenAI's Employees See This Latest Creation As 'Ominous' – What Is It?

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has been seen sporting luxury watches that rival the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39999229/dont-look-now-but-zuckerbergs-threads-is-picking-up-steam">cost of a Tesla Cybertruck</a>.
What Happened: Zuckerberg was recently seen wearing a De Bethune DB 25 Starry Varius watch during an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QciJ9ubeLQk">interview</a>.
According to the report <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/09/19/lifestyle/mark-zuckerberg-wears-watch-that-costs-as-much-as-a-cybertruck/">by</a> The New York Post, this luxury timepiece is estimated to be worth between $90,000 and $95,700, nearly the price of a Tesla Cybertruck, which is listed at $99,990.
Earlier this month, Zuckerberg was photographed on Instagram alongside his wife, Priscilla Chan, wearing a Patek Phillipe watch — a 5236P model, which carries a price tag of more than $141,000.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40867264/big-techs-security-spending-spree-zuckerberg-leads-in-lavish-security-measures">Big Tech&#8217;s Security Spending Spree: Zuckerberg Leads In Lavish Security Measures</a>
This change in Zuckerberg&#8217;s style is a noticeable departure from his typical wardrobe of hoodies, jeans, and sneakers. His new fashion choices include designer pieces like an Alexander McQueen suit decorated with silver dragonflies.
Despite the speculation surrounding his style evolution, a spokesperson for Meta confirmed to The Times that Zuckerberg &#8220;mostly buys clothes he finds on Instagram&#8221; and occasionally seeks advice for formal events and occasions.
Why It Matters: Venky Ganesan, a partner at Menlo Ventures, suggests that Zuckerberg&#8217;s style evolution could be &#8220;very good for business.&#8221; 
As the CEO of a major tech company, his personal brand and image can influence public perception of the company. His shift towards more luxurious attire could reflect the company&#8217;s growth and success.
Read Next
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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.

Mark Zuckerberg Flaunts Watches Valued at a Cybertruck's Price

Many Americans are banking on working longer to make up for a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40295808/youre-40-50-or-60-do-you-know-how-much-you-should-have-saved-for-retirement-by-now">lack of retirement savings</a>. According to a recent CNBC and SurveyMonkey survey, about 27% of workers plan to stay employed during their retirement years to boost their income.&nbsp;
The poll, conducted in early August, included over 6,600 U.S. adults, split between retirees and those still in the workforce.
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It's a strategy that sounds solid at first glance. After all, staying employed into your 60s or 70s should allow you to continue earning money while giving your retirement savings more time to grow. But according to financial experts, this plan might not be as foolproof as it seems.
The Risk of Working Longer
While extending your working years is appealing, it doesn't always go according to plan. Health issues or unexpected layoffs can suddenly throw a wrench in those plans. "It sounds great on paper," said Philip Chao, founder of Experiential Wealth in Maryland. "But reality could be very different."
If workers are forced out of the job market sooner than expected, they may find themselves scrambling to stretch out their retirement savings, and that's where things can get tricky.
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/charlie-munger-100k">Charlie Munger said if you want to be rich, &#8220;find a way to get your hands on $100,000&#8221; — here&#8217;s what he means.</a>
Early Retirement Happens More Often Than You Think
Data shows that many Americans end up retiring earlier than they intended. According to a Gallup poll, a consistent five-year gap exists between when people expect to retire and when they do. In 2023, for instance, non-retirees anticipated working until age 66, but most retirees had <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38439971/should-you-begin-collecting-social-security-at-62-67-or-70-the-right-answer-may-depend-on-your-b">left the workforce by 62</a>.
This trend isn't new. Research from the <a href="https://www.ebri.org/docs/default-source/rcs/2023-rcs/rcs_23-fs-2.pdf?sfvrsn=708d392f_4#:~:text=The%20RCS%20has%20consistently%20found,'%20expectations%20and%20retirees'%20experiences.">Employee Benefit Research Institute</a> (EBRI) shows that 46% of retirees <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/06/39497325/the-average-millennial-expects-to-retire-before-60-why-many-think-this-is-unattainable">left the workforce earlier than planned</a>. So while a third of workers say they aim to retire at 70 or later – or maybe never – only 6% of retirees manage to stick around that long.
Trending: The number of ‘401(k)' Millionaires is up 43% from last year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/401k-millionaires"> Here are three ways to join the club.</a>
The "Escape Valve" That Might Not Work
Many Americans rely on the idea of pushing back retirement as a kind of "escape valve" for financial security. However, as Chao puts it, "saying it and doing it are two totally different things." He warns that this assumption could be a "very dangerous" gamble.
The reasons for those who retire earlier than expected are often out of their control. According to the EBRI survey, 35% retired early due to health issues or disabilities, while 31% faced company-related changes like layoffs.
Working longer seems like a simple solution to building up retirement funds, but reality is far more unpredictable. Life throws curveballs, and relying too much on a late retirement may not be the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/can-you-guess-how-many-americans-successfully-retire-with-1-million-saved">safety net people think it is</a>. Having other options in place is crucial because sometimes, life has other plans.
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Personal Finance

People Who Don't Save Enough For Retirement Think Working Longer Will Help – But Experts Warn This 'Escape Valve' Is A Dangerous Gamble

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is preparing to reprimand Elon Musk for his absence from a scheduled hearing. This testimony is part of an ongoing investigation into Musk&#8217;s $44 billion acquisition of X, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40147580/heres-how-an-elon-musk-backed-pac-harnesses-voter-data-to-support-donald-trump">previously known as Twitter</a>.
What Happened: Musk was expected to testify before the SEC on September 10. However, Musk&#8217;s lawyer informed the SEC that Musk had to urgently travel to Cape Canaveral, Florida for the launch of SpaceX&#8217;s Polaris Dawn, thereby missing the testimony.
According to a report <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4891840-sec-reprimands-elon-musk-twitter/">by</a> The Hill, this is the second time Musk has failed to appear before the SEC in relation to the probe into his acquisition of the social media platform, now known as X.
&#8220;Musk has now failed to appear before the SEC twice: first in September 2023, in defiance of a lawful administrative subpoena, and last week, in defiance of a clear court order,&#8221; stated SEC&#8217;s lawyer Robin Andews in the court filing.
Alex Spiro, Musk&#8217;s lawyer, has labeled the SEC&#8217;s sanctions as &#8220;drastic&#8221; and confirmed that a new date for the testimony has been agreed upon. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40866970/new-book-reveals-elon-musks-twitter-buy-fumble-and-mix-up-over-grimes-baby-name">New Book Reveals Elon Musk&#8217;s Twitter Buy Fumble And Mix-Up Over Grimes&#8217; Baby Name</a>
He emphasized that the rescheduling was due to a &#8220;critical&#8221; rocket launch and dismissed concerns of a similar emergency happening in the future.
Meanwhile responding to SEC&#8217;s claim Musk went on X and said that &#8216;actual crimes go unpunished&#8217;. 
<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">While actual crimes go unpunished
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1837387386637930896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: The SEC&#8217;s reprimand of Musk underscores the regulatory body&#8217;s commitment to enforcing compliance, even when dealing with high-profile individuals like Musk. 
This incident also highlights the challenges Musk faces in balancing his responsibilities as CEO of Tesla and his other ventures, such as SpaceX. 
The SEC&#8217;s ongoing probe into Musk&#8217;s acquisition of Twitter, now X, is a significant event, given the size of the deal and the potential implications it could have on the social media landscape. 
The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for future tech acquisitions and regulatory compliance.
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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.

Elon Musk Faces SEC Backlash Over Missed Testimony, Quips 'Actual Crimes Go Unpunished'

The popular party game company Cards Against Humanity has hit Elon Musk&#8217;s SpaceX with a $15 million lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that SpaceX trespassed and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40762349/x-faces-major-advertiser-exodus-amid-string-of-elon-musk-controversies">caused damage to their land in Texas</a>.
What Happened: Cards Against Humanity has accused SpaceX of trespassing and littering on their land near the Texas-Mexico border. 
The land, which was bought through crowdfunding in 2017, was reportedly cleared of vegetation and used as a dumping ground by SpaceX&#8217;s Starbase.
The lawsuit was lodged in a Texas court last week. Cards Against Humanity alleges that SpaceX offered to buy the land for less than half its value, giving them a 12-hour ultimatum to accept the offer. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40866970/new-book-reveals-elon-musks-twitter-buy-fumble-and-mix-up-over-grimes-baby-name">New Book Reveals Elon Musk&#8217;s Twitter Buy Fumble And Mix-Up Over Grimes&#8217; Baby Name</a>
In a <a href="https://www.elonowesyou100dollars.com/">letter</a> posted online, the company said, &#8220;Elon Musk's SpaceX was building some space thing nearby, and he figured he could just dump his s&#8212; all over our gorgeous plot of land without asking. After we caught him, SpaceX gave us a 12-hour ultimatum to accept a lowball offer for less than half our land's value.&#8221;
In a humorous twist, the company suggested they would accept Twitter.com as compensation, a nod to Musk&#8217;s recent $44 billion acquisition of the social media platform.
Despite SpaceX purchasing neighboring lots, it has allegedly ignored the &#8220;no trespassing&#8221; sign on Cards Against Humanity&#8217;s land. 
The lawsuit claims that the land has been used as a staging area for SpaceX&#8217;s construction projects, causing damage and straining the game company&#8217;s relationship with its supporters.
Why It Matters: This lawsuit comes at a time when SpaceX has been expanding its operations in Texas, with the purchase of several neighboring lots. 
The alleged trespassing and damage to Cards Against Humanity&#8217;s land could potentially impact SpaceX&#8217;s reputation and future expansion plans. 
Furthermore, the lawsuit could set a precedent for other landowners in the area who may have similar grievances. As of now, SpaceX has not commented on the lawsuit.
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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.

Party Game Company Sues Musk's SpaceX: A $15M Land Dispute That Could Change Everything

Famed data analyst Nate Silver&#8216;s election forecast shows Kamala Harris with a better chance of winning the presidency than Donald Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40669286/harris-vs-trump-this-candidate-leading-in-numerous-polls-transforming-political-landscape">for the first time since August 28</a>.
What Happened: According to his Silver Bulletin <a href="https://www.natesilver.net/p/nate-silver-2024-president-election-polls-model">site</a>, Silver says the race is still up in the air, and the lead could potentially change again due to the forecast being so close to a 50/50 split.
&#8220;Harris is technically the favorite in the model for the first time since Aug. 28 — but the race is a toss-up,&#8221; Silver wrote. He currently gives Harris a 52 percent chance of victory. FiveThirtyEight, founded by but no longer affiliated with Silver, uses a different model that shows Harris with a 60 percent chance of defeating Trump.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869086/trump-vs-harris-new-poll-reveals-post-debate-swing-towards-this-candidate-in-key-state">Trump Vs Harris: New Poll Reveals Post-Debate Swing Towards This Candidate In Key State</a>
Despite Harris&#8217; perceived victory in the presidential debate, Silver&#8217;s model indicates that neither candidate lost or gained much support.
However, Harris did experience a slight increase in support around August 23, following her official nomination as the party&#8217;s candidate at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4890948-vice-president-harris-leads-trump-poll/">reports</a> Business Insider.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40866884/trump-vs-harris-tense-standoff-in-nail-biter-polls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs. Harris: Tense Standoff In Nail-Biter Polls</a>
In crucial swing states, Silver&#8217;s model shows Harris leading in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, and Minnesota, while Trump is ahead in North Carolina, Georgia, and Arizona.
The Hill/Decision Desk HQ&#8217;s poll aggregation also shows Harris leading Trump nationally by a 3.6 percentage point margin. However, Silver warned that neither side should be overly confident as &#8220;stranger things have happened than a candidate who was behind in the polls winning.&#8221;
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Why It Matters: The fluctuating leads in the election forecast underscore the unpredictable nature of the race. 
The fact that Harris has managed to surpass Trump for the first time since August indicates a potential shift in voter sentiment. However, with the race being so close, it&#8217;s clear that the outcome is far from decided.
As the election draws nearer, the focus on key swing states will intensify. The leads that Harris and Trump hold in these states could ultimately determine the election&#8217;s outcome. 
Therefore, the candidates&#8217; strategies in these states will be crucial in the coming weeks.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40667209/trump-vs-harris-new-polls-reveal-this-candidate-is-outperforming-in-swing-states" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs Harris: New Polls Reveal This Candidate Is Outperforming In Swing States</a>
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.

Nate Silver's Forecast: Kamala Harris Retakes Lead Over Donald Trump

In the wake of a recent Secret Service probe into Elon Musk&#8216;s online remarks, billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has come to the defense of the Tesla Inc. CEO&#8217;s contentious <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39999410/what-a-second-trump-presidency-would-mean-for-elon-musk-and-his-many-ventures">social media conduct</a>.
What Happened: In a recent podcast <a href="https://youtu.be/QqDPrv8oFyY?feature=shared">interview</a>, Cuban characterized Musk&#8217;s online conduct as &#8220;kind of insane&#8221; but not out of character for the Tesla chief.
The dialogue ensued following Musk&#8217;s recent jest about pop icon Taylor Swift&#8216;s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. Cuban, who has previously corresponded with Musk, stood up for the tycoon&#8217;s comedic style. In the interview Cuban said that Musk&#8217;s joke was &#8220;kind of insane&#8221; and defended him by saying &#8220;that&#8217;s just the kind of banter you&#8217;d expect from him.&#8221;
Cuban also said that he sent Musk a text once adding that they&#8217;re &#8220;not friends&#8221; but have communicated in the past.
&#8220;We just texted back and forth a few times and he had just had a child, and I said: &#8216;Congrats on your 90th child,'&#8221; Cuban said during the interview.
&#8220;And his response was — &#8216;Mars needs people.&#8217; Right, so that&#8217;s just Elon&#8217;s sense of humor, right? I have no problem throwing Elon under the bus, but I&#8217;ll save it for when it&#8217;s truly deserved,&#8221; he said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/04/31622549/mark-cuban-asks-elon-musk-why-hes-losing-followers-despite-paying-for-twitter-blue">Mark Cuban Asks Elon Musk Why He&#8217;s Losing Followers Despite Paying For Twitter Blue</a>
Musk&#8217;s digital behavior has previously gotten him into trouble. In 2018, a tweet about making Tesla a private company resulted in a $40 million agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 
More recently, a tweet speculating about a potential assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump triggered a Secret Service investigation.
The Secret Service verified to Bloomberg that they were cognizant of Musk&#8217;s tweet but refrained from further comments due to ongoing enforcement actions. Musk removed the tweet on the same day, subsequently tagging it as a joke.
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s social media behavior has been a topic of controversy and legal scrutiny in the past. His tweets have not only led to legal consequences but also impacted Tesla&#8217;s stock performance. 
Cuban&#8217;s defense of Musk&#8217;s online conduct highlights the ongoing debate about the role and impact of social media in the corporate world, especially when used by high-profile executives. 
This incident underscores the potential legal and reputational risks associated with such behavior.
Read Next
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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.

TSLA

Mark Cuban Embraces Elon Musk's Humor: 'I Have No Problem Throwing Elon Under The Bus, But I'll Save It For When It's Truly Deserved'

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/elon-musk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk</a> reportedly intensified his political contributions in August, making his largest-known donation to bolster House Republicans&#8217; efforts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40958452/mark-cuban-says-elon-musk-believes-hes-much-smarter-than-trump-reveals-the-intoxicating-reason-why-t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to maintain a vulnerable majority</a>.
The National Republican Congressional Committee announced that it received $289,100 from Musk in August, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/20/elon-musk-political-donations-00180323" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported </a>Politico, citing a report filed with the Federal Election Commission.
Musk&#8217;s political stance has evolved significantly over the years.
In August, Musk explained his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40329702/elon-musk-who-once-queued-for-6-hours-to-shake-obamas-hand-explains-why-hes-now-supporting-trump-my" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">support for Donald Trump</a>, stating that his track record has been moderate and he has not been particularly political in the past. He revealed this during a conversation with Trump, touching on various topics from immigration to electric vehicles.
Musk, one of the world&#8217;s wealthiest individual with a net worth exceeding $250 billion, has previously donated to both Democrats and Republicans, though never in such substantial sums.
In September, Musk commented on a debate between Trump and Harris, expressing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40808912/elon-musk-says-kamala-harris-exceeded-most-peoples-expectations-but-debate-hosts-were-unfair-to-trum" rel="noreferrer noopener">dissatisfaction with the debate hosts</a> and raising concerns about the lack of discussion on the national debt crisis. He also mentioned that Harris exceeded most people&#8217;s expectations during the debate.
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/40935662/while-elon-musk-backs-trump-for-the-white-house-his-teams-at-tesla-x-and-spacex-are-supporting-kamal" rel="noreferrer noopener"> While Elon Musk Backs Trump For The White House, His Teams At Tesla, X And SpaceX Are Supporting Kamala Harris: Employees Have Reportedly Donated Over $90K To Vice President&#8217;s Campaign</a>
Musk has increased his political engagement lately, developing a connection with Trump by funding America PAC, a pro-Trump organization. This group, which recently experienced a leadership change, is set to significantly aid in voter mobilization efforts for Trump and has begun investing in competitive House races nationwide.
It remains uncertain how much Musk will ultimately invest in the election. In July, the Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/elon-musk-has-said-he-is-committing-around-45-million-a-month-to-a-new-pro-trump-super-pac-dda53823" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suggested</a> he intended to contribute about $45 million monthly to support Trump, though Musk later refuted this claim. Despite Musk&#8217;s significant donation, the NRCC raised only $9.7 million in August, while its Democratic counterpart collected $22.2 million.
Recently, Musk faced backlash for a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40890277/elon-musk-says-his-now-deleted-controversial-post-after-latest-trump-assassination-which-was-labeled" rel="noreferrer noopener">controversial post on X</a>, which he later deleted. The post questioned why no one was attempting to assassinate President Joe Biden&nbsp;or Harris, following an assassination attempt on Trump. The White House labeled the post as &#8220;irresponsible.&#8221;
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39872015/teslas-elon-musk-recently-pledged-a-huge-donation-to-donald-trump-and-the-ex-president-returned-the" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla&#8217;s Elon Musk Recently Pledged A Huge Donation To Donald Trump, And The Ex-President Returned The Favor By Criticizing EVs At The RNC</a></li>
</ul>

Elon Musk Boosts House Republicans With Record $289,100 Donation

During a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IitdaHy6Q8">episode</a> of his podcast with comedian Tom Segura, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/joe-rogan">Joe Rogan</a> weighed in on former President Donald Trump and his time in the Oval Office. Rogan, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40909092/joe-rogan-says-education-addiction-recovery-and-homelessness-should-be-funded-more-its-a-good-id">never shy about discussing politics</a>, offered his thoughts on Donald Trump's presidency and why many people remain divided over him.
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In the conversation, Rogan acknowledged that Trump's time in office wasn't as extreme as some feared it would be: &#8220;Everyone&#8217;s saying he&#8217;s going to be a dictator. Well, he wasn&#8217;t a dictator. He was the president. He actually was the president for four years and the economy really did well and he really did try to cut some of the bullsh&#x2A;t down that&#8217;s going on in this country.&#8221;
However, Rogan also acknowledged what makes Trump such a hard pill to swallow for many. &#8220;The thing that freaks people out,&#8221; Rogan said, &#8220;is not his policies but who he is as a person.&#8221;&nbsp;
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According to Rogan, Trump's larger-than-life personality and off-the-cuff remarks are what unsettles people the most, especially when he's in such a powerful position. &#8220;We don't necessarily want that as the guy with his finger on the button,&#8221; Rogan added.
The topic then turned to how Trump&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40870455/trump-vows-to-never-surrender-after-surviving-second-assassination-attempt">innate capacity for crowd entertainment – </a>which frequently involves humor and improvisation – adds to this division. Rogan acknowledged that Trump frequently &#8220;kills like a comedian&#8221; and that he can be &#8220;funny.&#8221; "He can go out there, have a crowd of people and just riff. He's funny, man," Rogan told Segura.&nbsp;
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For Rogan, though, that&#8217;s not the whole story. Trump may be able to make people laugh, but Rogan said that many people don&#8217;t want their president to be as entertaining as a stand-up comedian.
In the end, Rogan thinks that different people find Trump intriguing and unsettling because of his unpredictable nature. Although many people like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39761846/trump-left-bloodied-after-shots-fired-at-pennsylvania-rally-evacuated-by-secret-service">Trump&#8217;s boldness</a> and sense of humor, others are worried that someone with such a raw personality can have such a big say in how the nation is run.
Rogan also talked about Kamala Harris's debate performance, saying she did well and was &#8220;way better prepared even when it came to answering tough questions.&#8221; He gave credit to whoever was helping her with speeches and practice, saying they're doing an amazing job. "Whoever's writing those speeches getting her to delivery, coaching her – she&#8217;s nailing," Rogan said.
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Startups

Joe Rogan Says Trump 'Wasn't A Dictator And The Economy Really Did Well.' Still There's One Thing About Trump That 'Freaks People Out'

Florida Gov. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ron-desantis">Ron DeSantis</a> (R) is not happy with his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40822693/gop-and-democratic-state-senators-back-floridas-cannabis-legalization-initiative-in-new-ad-as-ba">GOP colleagues</a>, whom he says are not doing enough to stop passage of Florida&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/florida-cannabis">cannabis legalization ballot,</a> known as Amendment 3, which will be voted on at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38034138/florida-supreme-court-approves-cannabis-legalization-proposal-for-november-election-in-blow-to-d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the upcoming November elections</a>.
"You say you're all about these issues, and then when it's time to do something about it you're nowhere to be found," DeSantis <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/desantis-fumes-over-gop-lawmakers-132007609.html">told</a> a gathering in a Tallahassee church. "That is what courageous leadership is all about."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's The Problem?</h2>
For starters, the proposed amendment was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40774795/trump-says-hell-reschedule-cannabis-if-elected-backs-marijuana-banking-reform-and-floridas-amend">recently endorsed</a> by former president <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> as well as Florida's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40879364/young-republicans-break-ranks-to-back-cannabis-legalization-is-the-gop-ready-for-a-shift-in-the-">Young Republicans</a>.
This cannabis stand-off between Trump and DeSantis seems to have many State Republicans keeping their weed views to themselves as they weigh their allegiances between the governor and former president amid a close national election and an even closer battle between the yeas and nays of legal cannabis. Although, the Florida Republican Party&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/38649648/ron-desantis-plan-to-scuttle-floridas-cannabis-legalization-initiative-with-his-vast-fundraising" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voted unanimously</a>&nbsp;against the marijuana legalization amendment in May, the situation has drastically changed since then.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40937911/desantis-backed-anti-cannabis-pacs-blew-through-116k-at-fundraiser-while-pro-pot-group-holds-90m">DeSantis-Backed Anti-Cannabis PACs &#8216;Blew Through&#8217; $116K At Fundraiser, While Pro-Pot Group Holds $90M War Chest</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Deep Is The Split?</h2>
Former GOP state senator and legalization supporter Jeff Brandes <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/19/trump-desantis-florida-marijuana-legalization-ballot-measure-00179847?is_magic_link=true&amp;template_id=OTJIR2CRKUD6&amp;template_variant_id=OTVPXN5JGTYRX">told</a> Politico that at least half of Florida Republican legislators agree with Trump, but they don't want a rift with DeSantis.
"This is just evidence that the legislature is completely impotent when it comes to taking this thing on and doing this legislatively," Brandes told the outlet. "They are unwilling to do the hard work because they don't want the smell of the devil's lettuce on them."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Desperate Move? DeSantis Calls Fraud Among Petition Gatherers</h2>
Meanwhile, supporters of the cannabis initiative and a proposed constitutional amendment enshrining abortion rights met the stringent requirements for gathering petition signatures in accordance with Florida law. However, DeSantis says they're not strict enough and is calling for more anti-fraud measures.
"There's a lot of money that's at stake here," DeSantis said this week,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.orlandoweekly.com/cannabis/florida-gov-desantis-defends-targeting-marijuana-petition-workers-37828705">reported</a> the Orlando Weekly. "People make money off the petition process. There&#8217;s an incentive to commit fraud. The Legislature tried to address it, but I don&#8217;t think that they&#8217;ve addressed it adequately."
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Photo: Courtesy of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cornstalker/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matt Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gage Skidmore</a>&nbsp;on flickr

Cannabis

Government

Regulations

Legal

DeSantis Urges GOP To Oppose Cannabis Legalization As Party Splits Over Trump Marijuana Endorsement

Donald Trump has pledged to &#8220;rescue vaping&#8221; if he returns to the Oval Office, contradicting his previous stance that led to a partial<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40866884/trump-vs-harris-tense-standoff-in-nail-biter-polls"> ban on some e-cigarette products.</a>
What Happened: On Friday, Trump criticized President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in a <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113171256073757122">post</a> on Truth Social, accusing them of wanting to &#8220;ban everything.&#8221; He also pointed out his past efforts to regulate e-cigarettes.
In 2019, Trump introduced restrictions on certain e-cigarette products, which he believes helped prevent children from vaping. 
&#8220;I saved Flavored Vaping in 2019, and it greatly helped people get off smoking. I raised the age to 21, keeping it away from the &#8216;kids.&#8217; Kamala and Joe want everything banned, killing small businesses all over the Country. I'll save Vaping again!&#8221; he said in the post.
Trump&#8217;s administration faced criticism in September 2019 when it proposed plans to ban all flavored vape products. However, Trump revised his position in January 2020, opting for a partial ban instead.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869086/trump-vs-harris-new-poll-reveals-post-debate-swing-towards-this-candidate-in-key-state">Trump Vs Harris: New Poll Reveals Post-Debate Swing Towards This Candidate In Key State</a>
The partial ban restricted the sale of sweet and fruity flavored vape pods and cartridges, but allowed gas stations and convenience stores to continue selling menthol cartridges and vapes. 
It also permitted vape shops to sell a wide range of e-cigarette liquids in open-tank vaping systems, which are predominantly used by adults.
As California&#8217;s attorney general in 2015, Vice President Harris backed a bill aimed at preventing minors from accessing e-cigarettes.
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s recent pledge to &#8220;save vaping&#8221; comes amidst an ongoing debate about the health risks and benefits of e-cigarettes. His administration&#8217;s previous actions to regulate vaping were seen as a response to concerns about the rising use of e-cigarettes among young people. 
However, the partial ban was criticized for not going far enough to protect public health. 
Now, Trump&#8217;s promise to &#8220;rescue vaping&#8221; could signal a shift in his stance on e-cigarette regulation, potentially impacting the future of the vaping industry and public health policies.
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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.

Trump Vows To 'Save Vaping Again' Despite Past Partial Ban. Here's How He Plans To Do It

One of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/06/32842246/with-363-8-billion-pounds-of-plastic-in-the-ocean-plastic-pollution-will-soon-outweigh-fish">biggest issues facing our oceans</a> is plastic waste. Damage to economies, industry, and the environment is estimated to cost the world $2.5 trillion annually.&nbsp;
But there's hope on the horizon. A nonprofit called The Ocean Cleanup, which you might have heard of before, says they're on track to eliminate the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) within the next decade.
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<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">What it will concretely take to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch: <a href="https://t.co/z1O0easYxg">pic.twitter.com/z1O0easYxg</a>
&mdash; The Ocean Cleanup (@TheOceanCleanup) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOceanCleanup/status/1832469990735540499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The GPGP is an enormous area in the Pacific Ocean filled with plastic waste – an estimated 79,000 metric tons of it, to be exact. To put that into perspective, the patch is roughly twice the size of Texas. However, it's not a solid island of trash, but a huge environmental hazard, killing marine life, damaging ecosystems and harming human health.
Founded by then-18-year-old Boyan Slat in 2013, The Ocean Cleanup has been working on innovative ways to solve the problem of ocean plastic. Their goal is to clean up plastic from the ocean and stop more from getting there in the first place.&nbsp;
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They've created specialized floating systems that use ocean currents to collect plastic. Over the past three years, they've removed over one million pounds of trash from the GPGP – about 0.5% of the total.
However, they now think they can get rid of everything. The Ocean Cleanup recently declared that, given $7.5 billion in funding, they could clear the entire GPGP in 10 years. Furthermore, they believe that they might complete the project in five years at a reduced cost of $4 billion with increased assistance.
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Next year, the Ocean Cleanup will pause its operations briefly to map out "hot spots" – areas in the ocean with the most "intense plastic accumulation" – and make its future efforts even more efficient.
To raise funds, The Ocean Cleanup has also developed some creative ideas. They have turned the plastic they've collected into stylish, recyclable sunglasses that they sold for $199 each. According to the group, the proceeds from just one pair of sunglasses allowed them to clean an area the size of 24 football fields. In 2022, all the sunglasses sold out and they have reached the goal of funding the cleanup of 500,000 football fields worth of plastic.
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The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38430116/us-faces-mounting-plastic-waste-challenge-with-limited-recycling-solutions-after-chinas-2018-import">problem of plastic pollution</a> won&#8217;t go away by itself. It concerns the potential long-term harm that this material may create if action is not taken, as human health will be in danger, marine ecosystems will continue to deteriorate and the financial cost will only rise.&nbsp;
Boyan Slat summed it perfectly: "This environmental catastrophe has been allowed to exist, unresolved, for too long and for the first time, we can tell the world what it costs, what is needed and how long it could take. The only thing standing between us and clean oceans is money."
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Ocean Plastic Pollution Is A $2.5T Problem Every Year. Cleanup Group Says They're On Track To Erase The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

In a surprising jab at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kamala-harris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kamala Harris</a> during a town hall for Trump in Flint, Michigan, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) asserted that Harris lacks the grounding influences that only biological children can provide.
Sanders recounted a moment when her own daughter innocently commented on her appearance, highlighting how her kids help keep her humble, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/18/sarah-huckabee-sanders-harris-children-00179800" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> Politico.
&#8220;Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesn&#8217;t have anything keeping her humble,&#8221; Sanders said.
The narrative reignited the &#8220;childless cat lady&#8221; narrative linked to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;s</a> campaign, jabbing Harris for not having biological children.
In July, Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39873381/trump-vp-pick-j-d-vance-worth-watching-for-potential-google-breakup-market-strategist-says-not-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JD Vance</a> clarified his 2021 remark about &#8220;childless cat ladies,&#8221; asserting that he was not targeting individuals without children but rather was criticizing Democrats <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39997182/former-white-house-official-anthony-scaramucci-mocks-jd-vance-says-thank-you-for-knocking-me-out-of" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for their &#8220;anti-family and anti-kid&#8221; policies.</a>
Also Read:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39425501/former-trump-press-secretary-sarah-huckabee-sanders-makes-a-bold-prediction-about-ex-president-hes-g" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Former Trump Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders Makes A Bold Prediction About Ex-President: &#8216;He&#8217;s Gonna Win, And Win Big&#8217;</a>
This clarification, given on Megyn Kelly&#8217;s SiriusXM&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/jd-vance-megyn-kelly-show?intcmp=AssetGroup:Any_NA_www:hosts:megyn-kelly_RepublicanVPPickJDVa" rel="noreferrer noopener">podcast</a>, followed the viral reappearance of a video where Vance questioned some Democrats, including Harris, for not having biological children, despite Harris having two stepchildren.
Harris is a stepmother to two children from her husband, Doug Emhoff, and his family, including his ex-wife, has praised her parenting role with his now-adult kids.
Meanwhile, regarding Sanders&#8217; latest comments, even Bryan Lanza, a senior adviser for Trump&#8217;s campaign, interpreted Sanders&#8217; comment in this context, joining fellow panelists on CNN to denounce the remark.
&#8220;I found that comment to be actually offensive. I don&#8217;t know what more to say about that,&#8221; Lanza said. &#8220;I&#8217;m disappointed in Sarah saying that.&#8221;
Earlier this year, Sanders caught media headlines for making a bold prediction about the upcoming 2024 presidential election, foreseeing a significant victory for Trump.
Sanders stated that Trump has maintained his front-runner status since the beginning of his campaign and is likely to secure a substantial victory in November.
&#8220;I fully expect that he&#8217;s&#8217; gonna win, and win big in November,&#8221; Sanders&nbsp;said, The Hill <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4732498-sarah-huckabee-sanders-predicts-trump-will-win-big/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> in June quoting her <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6355366488112" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in an appearance</a>&nbsp;on Fox News's "America's Newsroom."
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Trump Ally Sarah Huckabee Sanders Jabs Kamala Harris For Not Having Biological Children: "Doesn't Have Anything Keeping Her Humble!"

With just over six weeks left until the presidential election, recent polling data reveals a neck-and-neck contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The data includes over 20 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40669286/harris-vs-trump-this-candidate-leading-in-numerous-polls-transforming-political-landscape">swing-state polls conducted after the September 10 debate</a>.
What Happened: The polls suggest a slight advantage for Harris over Trump. A Morning Consult poll shows Harris leading by 6 percentage points nationwide, her largest lead in the organization&#8217;s surveys to date.
Nationwide ABC News/Ipsos and Yahoo News/YouGov polls also favor Harris, placing her ahead by 4 and 5 points respectively.
According to a compilation of recent polls <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4889632-latest-polls-white-house-race/amp/">by</a> The Hill, in some swing states, Harris also appears to be gaining ground. A Quinnipiac University poll has her leading by 5 points in Pennsylvania, while a Marist College poll of likely voters shows the same margin in Michigan.
However, the race is far from decided. The Hill and Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) predict Harris has a 55 percent chance of winning in November. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869086/trump-vs-harris-new-poll-reveals-post-debate-swing-towards-this-candidate-in-key-state">Trump Vs Harris: New Poll Reveals Post-Debate Swing Towards This Candidate In Key State</a>
Trump supporters, meanwhile, can take heart from several swing-state polls, including a series from The Hill and Emerson College, which show Trump leading by 1 point in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and by 3 points in Georgia.
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Why It Matters: The tight race underscores the importance of swing states in determining the outcome of the presidential election.
Despite Harris&#8217; slight lead in some areas, the 2024 race remains essentially a coin flip.
The outcomes of upcoming debates and campaign strategies will be crucial in swaying undecided voters and solidifying support among their bases.
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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.

Trump Vs Harris: This Candidate Has The Edge In Latest Swing State Polls

The team behind <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40924380/mark-cuban-slams-trumps-crypto-plans-while-jon-stewart-calls-him-the-lefts-favorite-billio">Donald Trump</a>'s latest crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, took over two hours to release the key detail many were waiting for at Monday night's event on X.&nbsp;
The suspense finally ended when they revealed who could buy the forthcoming tokens and how shares would be distributed. Billed as the next big step for the former president and his family, this launch had built up anticipation for weeks.
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Zak Folkman, one of the project's founders, explained that the platform&#8217;s WLFI token will be divided among several groups. "Twenty percent of the tokens are set aside for the founding team," he said, referring to a group that includes the Trumps.&nbsp;
Another 17% will go toward user rewards, while the remaining 63% of tokens will be publicly available. He emphasized, "There will be no presales or early buy-ins."
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This was a crucial clarification, as an earlier draft of the project's outline, which had been leaked, raised eyebrows. The draft indicated that the founders would control 70% of the tokens, leading many to worry that it might just be another quick-cash scheme.
The structure of the offering, a Regulation D token offering, allows World Liberty Financial to raise funds without registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as long as they meet certain criteria. This led to a conversation about how the SEC, under its chair Gary Gensler, has been regulating the crypto industry, often using enforcement actions instead of clear guidelines.
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Trump himself was part of the action, speaking openly about his initial lack of interest in crypto. "I wasn't overly interested," Trump said, adding that his perspective changed when his children introduced him to crypto through the success of his non-fungible token collections. &#8220;I think my children opened my eyes more than anything else,&#8221; he remarked.
The event took place against an unusual backdrop for Trump. Just the day before, there was an alleged assassination attempt while Trump was golfing with Steve Witkoff, his longtime friend and a key figure in World Liberty Financial.&nbsp;
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The incident took place at Trump's West Palm Beach golf club and the FBI has been investigating. Despite the dramatic incident, Witkoff joined Trump for Monday's event, where he spoke about how the venture began.&nbsp;
Witkoff recounted how his son had introduced him to two young crypto entrepreneurs, Chase Herro and Zak Folkman, who convinced him that decentralized finance (DeFi) could be the future of money.&nbsp;
"These guys are as sharp as any currency traders I've ever met," Witkoff said. He then described how he brought the Trump family into the fold. "We had a meeting with Eric, Don Jr., the president and his counsel. We've been on it for close to nine months," he revealed.
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The similarities between World Liberty Financial and Trump's previous project, Trump Media &amp; Technology Group, didn't go unnoticed. Like the media company that launched the conservative social platform Truth Social, this crypto venture is expected to turn heads.
However, despite the Trump family's involvement, they do not own or manage the platform. Eric Trump and Steve Witkoff are the two figures at the helm and both are new to the crypto space. Though Trump has been warming to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40734266/trump-promised-to-turn-the-u-s-into-the-crypto-capital-of-the-world-but-did-he-actually-fo">crypto </a>in recent months, even delivering a keynote at the largest bitcoin event in July, the public remains curious – and cautious – about this new project.
The founders were tight-lipped about plans, offering little clarity on timelines. The only clue provided was that updates would come through official channels and they warned fans to be wary of scammers eager to take advantage of the buzz surrounding the project.
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Recent developments suggest that Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) may be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39568237/tech-giants-eye-nuclear-power-to-fuel-ai-boom-raising-concerns-over-stability-and-environmental-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ramping up its interest in nuclear energy</a> to fuel its growing needs.
The tech giant has reposted a job <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/principal-nuclear-engineer-datacenter-engineering-power-generation-solutions-at-amazon-web-services-aws-4007936223" rel="noreferrer noopener">opening</a> for a Principal Nuclear Engineer in its Data Center Engineering division, raising questions about its long-term energy strategy.
Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NNE#NASDAQ">NNE</a>), an emerging microreactor technology company, cited the opening in a social media <a href="https://x.com/nano_nuclear/status/1827024271731802146" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a> on X, formerly Twitter.
Why This Is Important: The opening by Amazon comes shortly after Talen Energy agreed to sell a 960-megawatt data center campus to Amazon Web Services (AWS) for $650 million earlier this year, which includes a decade-long electricity supply agreement from the Susquehanna nuclear power station.
This particularly highlights Amazon&#8217;s commitment to clean, carbon-free energy sources.
An Amazon spokesperson <a href="https://www.ans.org/news/article-5842/amazon-buys-nuclearpowered-data-center-from-talen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told the</a> American Nuclear Society, &#8220;To supplement our wind and solar energy projects, which depend on weather conditions to generate energy, we&#8217;re also exploring new innovations and technologies and investing in other sources of clean, carbon-free energy. This agreement with Talen Energy for carbon-free energy is one project in that effort.&#8221;
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In a report <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/sustainability/amazon-renewable-energy-updates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">released</a> on July 10, Amazon announced that it has achieved its goal of sourcing 100% of the electricity used across its global operations — including data centers, corporate offices, grocery stores, and fulfillment centers — from renewable energy, a target initially set for 2030. The company plans to continue investing in solar and wind projects while exploring nuclear power and battery storage to sustain its energy needs.
Why The Nuclear-Energy Interest May Be Controversial
Amazon&#8217;s nuclear ambitions are not without controversy.
Following the agreement with Talen Energy, utility companies American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEP#NASDAQ">AEP</a>) and Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXC#NASDAQ">EXC</a>) formally objected to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), claiming that the electricity arrangement allows Amazon to benefit from the power grid without contributing to its maintenance costs, a <a href="https://www.ans.org/news/article-6180/aep-exelon-ask-ferc-to-scrutinize-amazontalen-data-center-deal/">report </a>by the American Nuclear Society suggests.
They argue this could lead to increased expenses for other PJM ratepayers, as the data center&#8217;s power usage is indirectly linked to the grid&#8217;s resources. PJM ratepayers are&nbsp;customers of the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (PJM).&nbsp;
That&#8217;s not all!
A March <a href="https://heatmap.news/technology/amazon-nuclear-talen-energy">report</a> by Heat Map suggests that a divide has emerged among tech giants regarding energy strategies, with Amazon focusing on securing low-cost power without prioritizing new carbon-free sources, while 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>) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) aim for comprehensive carbon-free energy solutions.
Microsoft and Google have shown increased interest in nuclear power to ensure a stable electricity supply, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable energy practices.
As Amazon moves forward with its nuclear initiatives, the intersection of innovation and regulatory scrutiny will play a crucial role in shaping its energy strategy.
The company&#8217;s hiring of nuclear engineers underscores its serious intentions in this space, but the implications of these decisions could significantly affect its relationships within the energy sector.
Will Amazon&#8217;s foray into nuclear power pave the way for a more sustainable future, or complicate its standing in an already complex energy landscape?
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, AMZN stock has gained over 48% in the past year. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via ProShares Online Retail ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONLN#NYSE">ONLN</a>) and&nbsp;Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDIS#NYSE">FDIS</a>).
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Bain Capital Specialty Finance, Inc. Announces December 31, 2023 Financial Results and Declares First Quarter 2024 Dividend of $0.42 per Share and Additional Dividends Totaling $0.12 per Share for 2024

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Bain Capital Specialty

Bain Capital Specialty (BCSF) Forecast

Bain Capital Specialty (NYSE:BCSF) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas