California Intl Bank (OTC:CAIB) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

California International Bank NA provides a variety of commercial banking services to individuals and small businesses located in Southern California. Its primary lending products are real estate and commercial loans. Its primary deposit products are non-interest-bearing deposits, money market accounts, and time certificates of deposit. The portfolio segments identified by the Bank include real estate and commercial loans.

CALIFORNIA INTL BANK by California International Bank

California International Bank NA

In the face of conflicting state policies and an impending update to the U.S. Farm Bill, the Texas <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/hemp">hemp</a> industry finds itself at a legal crossroads. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/21/10/23562634/texas-judge-upholds-delta-8-thc-ban-new-hearing-expected-in-nov">A crucial lawsuit from 2021</a> is now before the state's highest court, challenging <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/21/10/23562634/texas-judge-upholds-delta-8-thc-ban-new-hearing-expected-in-nov">Texas&#8217; attempted ban on delta-8 THC</a>, the popular but controversial <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36584043/real-weed-or-a-lab-high-delta-8-and-delta-9-thc-explained">hemp derivative</a>.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hometown Hero Challenges Texas Hemp Ban Amid National Debate</h3>
The lawsuit, spearheaded by Hometown Hero and represented by Cynthia Cabrera, head of the Texas Hemp Business Council, argues against the ban&#8217;s sweeping language, which could implicate a wide array of cannabinoids under its prohibition. &#8220;The way that ban's language was written, it includes anything that could contain a trace of delta-8, which would be all cannabinoids,&#8221; Cabrera <a href="https://www.greenmarketreport.com/texas-hemp-sellers-rally-as-statewide-ban-case-heads-to-high-court/">explained</a> to Green Market Report.
This legal battle is set against a backdrop of an ongoing national dialogue on hemp regulations, with states like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/41012794/gov-newsoms-hemp-ban-goes-into-effect-consequences-for-industry-investors-patients">California</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39637557/delta-8-thc-hemp-regulation-moves-forward-in-nj-sparks-debate-between-alcohol-and-cannabis-indus">New Jersey</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40888436/georgia-tightens-hemp-laws-new-restrictions-on-age-limits-edibles-store-locations-to-take-effect">Georgia</a> recently implementing their own restrictions. In Missouri, the state passed a total ban but <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40945349/cannabis-companies-have-missouris-governor-beat-hemp-thc-products-sales-resume-as-stricter-contr">had to back down after facing a lawsuit</a> from the Missouri Hemp Trade Association.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41196739/cheech-and-chong-cannabis-company-hemp-roundtable-petition-court-to-stop-gov-newsoms-controversi">Cheech And Chong Cannabis Company, Hemp Roundtable Petition Court To Stop Gov Newsom&#8217;s Controversial Hemp-THC Ban</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hemp Industry&#8217;s Economic Impact</h3>
In Texas, however, the implications are particularly significant due to its burgeoning market and diverse industry interests ranging <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38226058/is-gas-station-weed-on-its-way-out-u-s-cannabis-council-proposes-regulation-of-delta-8-texas-wan">from mainstream retailers to medical marijuana stakeholders</a>.
Despite the legal uncertainties, the economic impact of hemp in Texas is undeniable. Beau Whitney, an economist consulted by Green Market Report, highlighted the sector&#8217;s substantial contribution to state revenues, estimating the industry&#8217;s economic impact at $8 billion in 2022, with direct sales generating approximately $6 billion. &#8220;Contrary to some narratives, the hemp-derived market pays a lot of taxes; it's just not as heavily taxed as marijuana,&#8221; Whitney said.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Texas Hemp Industry Awaits Court Decision</h3>
The potential for legislative changes looms as the court&#8217;s decision is not expected until early 2025. In the interim, stakeholders are bracing for a multifaceted struggle over policy direction, with interests as varied as beer distributors and veterans who rely on cannabinoid products for health reasons vying for influence.
Cabrera also pointed to the oversized influence of a few players within the tightly regulated <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/medical-cannabis">medical marijuana sector</a>, which she argues is unduly restrictive and unprofitable for many. &#8220;There's only three (medical marijuana) license holders in Texas, and one of them has 70% of the market,&#8221; she said, emphasizing the limited access for most patients and the broader implications for the market should the ban take effect.
For now, the Texas hemp industry remains in limbo, with stakeholders anxiously awaiting the court's decision. Cabrera fears that if the court rules unfavorably, Texans could be driven to unregulated markets, undermining public safety and industry stability.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Congress Debates Hemp Regulation Approaches</h3>
At the federal level, two bills currently aim to reshape hemp regulations. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/41069354/synthetic-cannabinoids-could-be-federally-banned-under-new-senate-bill-to-regulate-hemp-derived-">set national standards and ban synthetically derived cannabinoids</a>. In contrast, Senator Rand Paul's (R-KY) HEMP Act <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/41071961/gop-senator-rand-paul-proposes-tripling-hemp-thc-cap-as-industry-faces-pressing-challenges">proposes increasing the THC limit in hemp from 0.3% to 1%</a>, aiming to ease restrictions for farmers and processors.
These competing bills highlight the divide in Congress over how to regulate the hemp industry.
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Cannabis

Government

News

Regulations

Texas Hemp Industry Fights Delta-8 THC Ban As Supreme Court Decision Looms

Warren Buffett has always been clear about how he wants to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38157185/warren-buffetts-son-says-he-had-no-clue-what-his-dad-did-for-work-and-thought-his-job-was-checki">handle his wealth with his kids</a>, famously saying he'd give them "enough so they can do anything but not enough so they can do nothing."&nbsp;
His son, Peter Buffett, really took that to heart. At 19, Peter made a bold move by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/06/32932387/warren-buffetts-son-cashed-out-90k-in-berkshire-stock-to-buy-time-its-worth-300m-now-but-heres-why-h">cashing in his $90,000 inheritance – </a>Berkshire Hathaway stock – and using it to chase his dream of becoming a musician. While that stock would be worth hundreds of millions today, Peter has no regrets. For him, it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40881429/warren-buffetts-daughter-asked-him-for-a-41-000-loan-to-remodel-her-kitchen-but-the-billionaire-">wasn't about the money</a> but the time it bought him to explore his passion.
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In 2010, Peter and his wife Jennifer moved to Kingston, a small city in New York's Hudson Valley. From there, they began using their foundation, NoVo, to invest in the community. We're not talking pocket change either – NoVo's contributions rival Kingston's annual budget. One of the more interesting investments? The introduction of a local currency, known by some as "Buffett Bucks."
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Yes, you read that right – Buffett Bucks. As part of Peter's vision for sustainable, community-focused development, the NoVo Foundation has supported the creation of a local community currency. The idea is to keep money circulating within the city, supporting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/06/39333401/warren-buffett-paid-31-500-for-1921-home-despite-the-seller-asking-52-500-its-worth-1-4-million-but">local businesses and initiatives</a>. It's an unconventional move, but it's all part of Peter's broader mission to strengthen the area's economy in a way that builds resilience and keeps things local.
Of course, NoVo's influence stretches beyond currency. The foundation has invested millions in projects like the Hudson Valley Farm Hub, which they purchased for $13 million in 2014. The farm has become a cornerstone of local agriculture, growing grains, vegetables and dry beans on 1,500 acres. It's not just about food production; the farm is also a training ground for future farmers, focusing on organic and sustainable practices.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Trending: This Adobe-backed AI marketing startup went from a $5 to $85 million valuation working with brands like L'Oréal, Hasbro, and Sweetgreen in just three years –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-ai"> here's how there's an opportunity to invest at $1,000 for only $0.50/share today.</a>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
But it's not all smooth sailing. Some Kingston locals have reportedly raised concerns about the foundation's decision-making process, particularly the lack of public input. Transparency becomes a big deal when so much of a town's economy is tied to one private organization. According to Tablet Mag, there are whispers of an unspoken rule: don't talk bad about NoVo if you want to keep getting funding.&nbsp;
Still, Peter isn't one to shy away from criticism. In response to some concerns, he's emphasized that NoVo isn't trying to claim all the answers. They're in it for the long haul, committed to finding solutions through dialogue and collaboration. It's all part of Peter's belief in using his resources not to control but to empower the community.
So, while Peter Buffett's journey might have started with that $90,000 inheritance, his real legacy seems to be his transformative work in Kingston. Whether it's creating a local currency or funding key community initiatives, Peter is using his "Buffett Bucks" to go far <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37589669/warren-buffett-explains-the-stock-doesnt-know-you-own-it-stocks-cant-love-you-back-and-your-feel">beyond just spending money – </a>it's about building something sustainable, something real.
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Personal Finance

Warren Buffett's Son Who Famously Cashed In His $90,000 Inheritance at 19 Spends Millions in 'Buffett Bucks' Transforming A Small New York Town

A recent study has found that dronabinol, a synthetic version of THC (the primary psychoactive component in cannabis), effectively reduces agitation in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39439989/exclusive-new-alzheimers-treatment-promising-cannabinoid-compound-shows-hope-inmed-ceo-says">Alzheimer's patients. </a>
Presented at the International Psychogeriatric Association conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the study reveals that dronabinol can decrease agitation symptoms by an average of 30%, offering a promising alternative to current treatments, Earth.com <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/synthetic-cannabis-reduces-agitation-in-alzheimers-patients/">reported.</a>
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/12/36083459/could-cbd-revolutionize-alzheimers-treatment-new-study-explores-its-neuroprotective-properties"> Could CBD Revolutionize Alzheimer&#8217;s Treatment? New Study Explores Its Neuroprotective Properties</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding Agitation In Alzheimer's</h3>
Alzheimer&#8217;s disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, impacting around 6.7 million people aged 65 and older. Experts expect this number to rise to 13.8 million by 2060.
Among the challenging symptoms of Alzheimer's is agitation, which affects about 40% of patients. This can include excessive movements, verbal outbursts and physical aggression.
&#8220;Agitation is one of the most distressing symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia, and we are pleased to make positive strides forward in treatment of these patients,&#8221; said Dr. Paul Rosenberg, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and a co-principal investigator for the study.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Examining The Treatment</h3>
Current treatments for agitation often involve antipsychotics, which can lead to serious side effects like delirium and seizures. 
For this clinical trial, researchers recruited 75 patients experiencing severe agitation due to Alzheimer's from five different sites, including 35 patients admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital between March 2017 and May 2024. To qualify for the study, participants had to exhibit significant symptoms of agitation for at least two weeks.
Researchers randomly assigned participants to receive either five milligrams of dronabinol in pill form or a placebo twice daily for three weeks.
After the treatment period, those taking dronabinol showed a notable reduction in agitation symptoms, with Pittsburgh Agitation Scale (PAS) scores dropping from an average of 9.68 to 7.26 — a 30% decrease. In contrast, the placebo group did not show any change.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact On Caregivers</h3>
Agitation not only affects patients but also puts immense pressure on caregivers, often resulting in emergency room visits and long-term care placements. 
Dr. Brent Forester, chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center and a co-principal investigator on the study, explained. &#8220;It is the agitation, not the memory loss, that often drives individuals with dementia to the emergency department and long-term-care facilities.&#8221; He added that dronabinol could lower healthcare costs and improve the well-being of caregivers.
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Health Care

Markets

Cannabis-Based Dronabinol Could Transform Alzheimer's Care, New Study Finds

Family and money don't always mix well, as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/41074143/couple-makes-11-500-a-month-but-only-has-3-000-saved-and-no-retirement-dave-ramsey-slams-asinine">Dave Ramsey</a> made clear when Philip from Washington, D.C., called in with a tough situation. Two years earlier, Philip's mother borrowed $7,000 from him – half of his savings – to invest in Bitcoin. Fast forward to 2020 and the investment didn't pay off as expected. That's when Philip decided to call Ramsey for advice.&nbsp;
During the call, Philip explained he needs the money to pay for college tuition, but his mother refuses to pay him back, convinced Bitcoin will still make them millionaires.
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Ramsey didn't hesitate to give his opinion. "No, she's wrong and she's wrong and she's wrong," he said. The fact that a parent would borrow money from their child for a risky investment like Bitcoin left him shaking his head. "If you're that big a loser, you don't need to be investing," Ramsey added, emphasizing that it's irresponsible to gamble with someone else's savings, especially when it's your kid's.
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Poor Decisions All Around
Philip explained that his mom still wouldn't return the money because she believed Bitcoin would make them rich. Ramsey's response was firm: "When you borrow money from your child and they ask for it back because they're in college, you give them the money back. You don't be a loser."
Ramsey was also clear about Bitcoin's potential: "You're not going to be a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40318568/mark-cuban-says-to-get-rich-invest-10-of-savings-in-high-risk-investments-but-if-its-bitcoin-thr">millionaire in Bitcoin</a>; you're going to be $7,000 poorer." He pointed out that relying on Bitcoin to get rich was a bad bet.
Trending: 1 in 4 Americans own a share of Bitcoin according to NASDAQ,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/nasdaq-1in4-adv"> how many people got started through this free crypto faucet?</a>
Focus on What Matters: Education
As a college sophomore, Philip was now short on tuition money. Ramsey stressed that Philip's education, especially with his economics major and computer science minor, would <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40759485/harris-push-for-free-college-vs-trumps-focus-on-workforce-training-which-is-right-for-america">lead to far better opportunities</a> than a Bitcoin gamble ever could.&nbsp;
Ramsey's View on Bitcoin
Ramsey didn't hold back on Bitcoin, comparing it to gambling and letting him know you'd have a better chance of becoming a millionaire in Vegas. He explained that Bitcoin lacks the trust that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40711869/how-rich-are-you-heres-the-net-worth-that-defines-upper-middle-and-lower-class">more stable currencies</a> have and until that changes, it remains a risky, unpredictable investment.
While many people have certainly profited from Bitcoin investments, Ramsey's stance was crystal clear – he's not a fan.
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The Value of Bitcoin Today
Ironically, Bitcoin&#8217;s value has risen since the call in January 2020. Back then, $7,000 in Bitcoin would have been worth about $11,500 in October 2020. By 2024, that $7,000 investment would be worth roughly $37,007. While that's a notable increase, it still wouldn't have made Philip's mother a millionaire, as she had hoped.
Bitcoin may not be for Ramsey, but it continues to attract significant investor interest, with record levels of potential investors. The Motley Fool Ascent&#8217;s 2024 Cryptocurrency Investor Trends Survey shows 43% of respondents are likely to invest in cryptocurrency within the next year.
Trending: If you invested $100 in DOGE when Elon Musk first tweeted about it in 2019,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/etoro-doge"> here&#8217;s how much you&#8217;d have today</a>.
The Bottom Line For Philip: Get Your Money Back
Ramsey wrapped up the conversation by encouraging Philip to calmly but firmly ask for his money back. He encouraged her to let him know he wanted his money back immediately. "This is wrong," Ramsey advised. He suggested that Philip explain to his mother that, regardless of their disagreement on Bitcoin, it was still his money and that he needed it for school.
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<li>‘Scrolling to UBI': Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2"> invest today with $1,000 for just $0.25/share</a></li>
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Mom Borrows $7,000 From Her Son To Buy Bitcoin, Dave Ramsey Says Demand The Money Back: 'This is Wrong … You're Not Going to Be a Millionaire'

Former President Donald Trump returned to Butler, Pa., on Saturday, the site of the July assassination attempt against him. He rallied with supporters and paid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39763322/republicans-say-trump-rally-shooting-is-a-game-changer-for-former-president-he-just-won-the-election">tribute to a victim of the incident</a>.
What Happened: Trump made his way back to the location where a shooting took place during a rally in July. The former president, who was wounded in the attack, was accompanied by several notable figures, including Elon Musk.
The rally was organized in honor of Corey Comperatore, a supporter who tragically lost his life in the July shooting. Trump acknowledged Comperatore and other victims of the shooting, leading a moment of silence exactly 12 weeks after the shooting commenced.
"Tonight, I return to Butler in the aftermath of tragedy and heartache to deliver a simple message to the people of Pennsylvania and the people of America: Our movement to Make America Great Again stands stronger, prouder, more united, more determined, and nearer to victory than ever before," The Hill quoted Trump <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4918014-trump-rally-assassination-attempt/">saying </a>at the rally.
"If we win Pennsylvania, we will win the whole thing. The whole thing will be won," Trump added.
Musk shared the stage with Trump, endorsing the former president and expressing criticism towards Democrats.
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"The true test of someone's character is how they behave under fire. We had one president who couldn't climb a flight of stairs and another who was fist pumping after getting shot," Musk said during the rally. 
Trump&#8217;s reappearance in Butler attracted a large audience, matching the size of his earlier rallies. The former president highlighted the significance of Pennsylvania in the forthcoming election and encouraged his supporters to cast their votes.
The rally takes place amidst polls indicating a close contest between Trump and Vice President Harris in crucial swing states, with Election Day less than a month away.
Why It Matters: The return of Trump to the site of the assassination attempt signifies his resilience and determination. His endorsement by Elon Musk, a prominent figure in the tech industry, could potentially sway voters. 
The rally&#8217;s large turnout indicates a strong base of support for Trump, which could be pivotal in the upcoming election. The emphasis on Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, underscores the state&#8217;s importance in determining the election outcome. 
With the race between Trump and Harris tightening, every vote and every rally could make a significant difference.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Politics

TSLA

Trump Returns To Site Of Assassination Attempt, Urges Voters To Vote: 'Our Movement To Make America Great Again Stands Stronger'

A recent survey by Xero has uncovered a significant opportunity for financial advisors to expand their client base among <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/small-businesses">small business owners. </a>
The study reveals a stark contrast between entrepreneurs&#8217; perceived financial acumen and the fiscal challenges they face in reality.
While 55% of small business owners rate themselves high on financial literacy, half have encountered fiscal challenges due to knowledge gaps. More concerning, 15% report they haven&#8217;t recovered from these setbacks. This disconnect between confidence and competence in financial matters presents a clear opening for advisors to offer their expertise.
Key areas where business owners struggle include:
<ul>
<li>Tax optimization (18%)</li>
<li>Budgeting (16%)</li>
<li>Understanding financial metrics (16%)</li>
<li>Cash flow management (16%)</li>
</ul>
These pain points align perfectly with the skill set of financial advisors, positioning them to provide targeted solutions.
The survey also uncovered generational differences in business formation, with 67% of Gen Z respondents starting businesses as side hustles compared to 48% of Boomers. This trend towards entrepreneurship from side gigs creates a new demographic of potential clients who may need guidance in transitioning to full-time business ownership.
Financial advisors can capitalize on the fact that 61% of respondents used personal savings to start their businesses. This presents an opportunity to offer services that balance personal and business financial planning.
Moreover, only 38% of small businesses have an emergency fund, and 13% lack any plan for unexpected costs. Advisors can leverage this data to emphasize the importance of financial planning and risk management.
Perhaps most critically, only 16% of business owners currently use an accountant or advisor. This low utilization rate suggests a vast untapped market for financial professionals.
By highlighting their expertise in areas where business owners struggle and emphasizing the value of professional financial guidance, advisors can position themselves as essential partners in small business success.
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Financial Advisors

Financial Literacy Gaps Leave Small Businesses Ripe For Advisor Expertise

Restaurant giant McDonald's Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NASDAQ">MCD</a>) caused high hopes for Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) fans that the company could be partnering with the electric vehicle giant <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40808924/tesla-robotaxi-event-to-be-held-in-los-angeles-on-1010-says-senior-company-exec-existing-shareholder">for Robotaxi Day</a>.
Instead, the rumors and internet clues appear to be just a timing coincidence, but is more coming?
What Happened: The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/41106025/tesla-analyst-sets-the-stage-for-game-changing-robotaxi-event-anticipates-seminal-a">delayed Robotaxi Day </a>is set for Oct. 10, a date engraved in the mind of Tesla fans and investors for some time now.
When McDonald's <a href="https://x.com/McDonalds/status/1841479384479240506">tweeted </a>out a picture of a delivery order that said "chat's about to pop off 10.10" that got an emoji <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1841541359032832127">reaction </a>from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, fans started playing connect the dots.
Internet speculation almost immediately went to McDonald's being a potential partner of Tesla for the upcoming Robotaxi vehicle.
The rumors have subsided with McDonald's announcing yesterday that it was launching a new chicken sandwich that it teased as "not not a big mac" earlier this week on the delivery order.
McDonald's <a href="https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/chicken-big-mac.html">announced </a>that the Chicken Big Mac will drop at participating U.S. restaurants on Oct. 10, calling it a limited time offer.
"With the introduction of the Chicken Big Mac, we're excited to pay homage to one of our most iconic menu items, the Big Mac, and introduce it to a whole new generation of fans," McDonald's USA Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Tariq Hassan said.
The Big Mac was introduced in 1968 and has been a staple item on the McDonald's menu.
McDonald's has partnered with well-known content creator Kai Cenat on the new sandwich launch with Cenat and friends livestreaming a taste test of the new menu item coming.
Given this could be one of the biggest menu item launches for McDonald's in some time, there is now a possibility that the restaurant chain steals some of Tesla's thunder on Oct. 10.
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Why It's Important: While any partnership between McDonalds and Tesla is likely an unfound rumor, the interaction with the company's posts on social media platform X by Musk and X CEO Linda Yaccarino.
"6 days until I know what I am having for lunch," Yaccarino <a href="https://x.com/lindayaX/status/1842172520763425046">tweeted </a>with a chicken emoji and burger emoji.
Also helping the rumors grow was the recent follow of McDonald's Senior Marketing Director Guillaume Huin by Musk.
Huin <a href="https://x.com/HuinGuillaume/status/1841855510833987690">tweeted </a>that the new chicken sandwich announcement date was coincidental but a post might spark speculation once again.
"And no, it was not related to the robotaxi but maybe you'll be able to take the robotaxi to your nearest McDonald's drive-thru on 10.10," Huin tweeted while tagging and telling people to ask @battleangelviv, who is listed as working on social media for X and Tesla.
This isn't the first time Musk has been connected to the restaurant giant. The billionaire previously said that he would <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/03/37470735/if-you-invested-100-in-dogecoin-when-elon-musk-offered-to-eat-a-happy-meal-on-tv-heres-how">eat a Happy Meal </a>live on television if McDonald's began accepting Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) as a form of payment.
Musk<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/22/01/25206297/elon-musk-says-hell-eat-a-happy-meal-on-tv-if-mcdonalds-accepts-dogecoin-is-there-somethin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;offered a challenge&nbsp;</a>to McDonald&#8217;s in January 2022 to help push the restaurant company to accept Dogecoin as a payment option.
The&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1485953263040188416" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tweet&nbsp;</a>from Musk came as speculation grew that McDonald&#8217;s was planning to accept Dogecoin, which turned out to be untrue.
Musk&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/01/30597875/elon-musk-still-open-to-eating-happy-meal-on-tv-if-mcdonalds-accepts-dogecoin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">confirmed again in 2023</a>&nbsp;that he was still open to the challenge if McDonald&#8217;s did their part.
MCD Price Action: McDonald's shares trade at $303.76 versus a 52-week trading range of $243.53 to $306.96. McDonald's stock is up 2% year-to-date in 2024. &nbsp;
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</ul>

Restaurants

Trading Ideas

$DOGE

Elon Musk Vs. McDonald's: Tesla Fans Wanted Collaboration, Instead They Get New Product Launch Competing With Robotaxi Day

Scott, a longtime worker in the auto industry, recently wrote into <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> with a tough question: Is it hypocritical to work in an industry that often puts people in debt while working hard to get out of debt himself?&nbsp;
After six years in the field – starting as a mechanic, then service advisorand now a sales consultant – Scott felt conflicted after reading George Kamel's book Breaking Free from Broke. While Scott makes about $150,000 a year and takes pride in educating his customers, he couldn't shake the guilt of working in an industry tied to car loans.
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He wondered if his role was making people&#8217;s finances worse, even though he tried to steer them toward responsible decisions.
In response, George Kamel and co-host Dr. John Delony provided thoughtful insights. Kamel addressed Scott's concerns directly, stating, "Truthfully, here&#8217;s my take … I feel like we need Scott in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/07/39851031/auto-industry-pulls-back-on-evs-as-consumers-hesitate-over-high-price-inconvenience">car industry</a>. We need people with integrity who are leading people to the right decision who aren&#8217;t scumburgers. And it&#8217;s easy to generalize an entire industry as this gross industry, but I think what Scott&#8217;s doing here is noble, it&#8217;s moral, there&#8217;s no issues with it."
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Kamel emphasized that Scott's role is not to push financing or upsell customers into vehicles they can't afford. Instead, Scott is there to help people find a car within their budget. He said there's nothing wrong with working as a salesperson if you sincerely try to help your customers.&nbsp;
Dr. Delony took a broader perspective, encouraging Scott to reflect on his values. "You always have to go back and ask yourself, what&#8217;s your integrity worth? And that&#8217;s a scary hard question,&#8221; Delony said.&nbsp;
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He pointed out that while Scott's concerns were valid, it's important to understand that salespeople like him are in a position to help change the industry&#8217;s culture. By being honest and transparent, Scott can steer people from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40430034/you-look-at-what-you-had-not-what-you-have-and-other-investor-mistakes-that-suze-orman-says-you-">financial mistakes</a> and toward smarter decisions.
Delony also shared a personal story about a mentor who helped him understand that staying in a challenging situation can sometimes be more impactful than leaving. He said, "What if you became a voice of reason, a voice of a new perspective over timeand you continue to show up … I think that&#8217;s how the world changes. If everybody heads for the exits when it gets hard and scary and uncomfortable, nothing changes."
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The hosts clarified that Scott's role as a car salesperson wasn't inherently harmful. Instead, his approach – leading customers to affordable cars – was positive. They reassured him that it's possible to stay in the industry and help people avoid debt, rather than contribute to it.
Kamel summed it up by saying, "If you can be a change agent here, Scott and stay in it and make peace with it and not let it eat away at your soul, do it and keep helping people. But if you can&#8217;t, like John&#8217;s saying, then you gotta make the move out of here."
For those facing similar questions about their career and values, Scott's story reminds them that it's important to consider your financial and personal goals. If you find yourself at a financial crossroads, it may be worth seeking the advice of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> to help you make the best decision for your future.
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<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li>Founder of Personal Capital and ex-CEO of PayPal<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/evergreen-money"> re-engineers traditional banking with this new high-yield account — start saving better today.</a></li>
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Caller Feels Guilty About Working In A Debt Selling Industry – Ramsey Show Hosts Say 'We Need People Like You In The Industry'

The week was abuzz with tech news, from Nvidia Corp.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) Blackwell GPU setting new AI benchmarks to Elon Musk&#8217;s controversial comments on OpenAI. Here&#8217;s a quick recap of the top stories.
Nvidia&#8217;s Blackwell GPU Sets New AI Benchmark
JPMorgan analyst Harlan Sur expressed optimism about Nvidia&#8217;s upcoming Blackwell GPU platform, predicting a strong fiscal fourth quarter for the company. The new platform has reportedly overcome early product yield issues and is set for significant shipment volumes.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41149666/nvidias-blackwell-gpu-sets-new-ai-benchmark-with-over-100-system-configurations-ana">Read the full article here.</a>
Musk Accuses OpenAI of Unfair Funding Practices
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk criticized OpenAI for allegedly discouraging investors from supporting rival startups, including xAI. This comes after OpenAI announced its latest fundraising round at a whopping $150 billion valuation.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41156902/elon-musk-says-openai-is-evil-after-chatgpt-parent-reportedly-asked-investors-not-to-invest-in-rival">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41151741/nvidias-ai-leadership-to-drive-1-trillion-market-growth-with-accenture-partnership-?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia&#8217;s AI Leadership To Drive $1 Trillion Market Growth, With Accenture Partnership Accelerating Adoption</a>
Tesla Prepares for &#8216;Game Changing&#8217; Robotaxi Event
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives anticipates a &#8220;seminal and historical day&#8221; for Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and its CEO Elon Musk as the company gears up for its highly anticipated robotaxi event. The event is expected to unveil new, groundbreaking technology.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/41106025/tesla-analyst-sets-the-stage-for-game-changing-robotaxi-event-anticipates-seminal-a">Read the full article here.</a>
Nvidia CEO Comments on Blackwell GPU Demand
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, described the demand for the company&#8217;s next-gen Blackwell GPU platform as &#8220;insane&#8221; during a CNBC interview. The platform, introduced in March, is in full production and progressing as planned.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41156900/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-says-demand-for-next-gen-blackwell-gpu-platform-insane-everyone-wants-to-hav">Read the full article here.</a>
OpenAI&#8217;s SearchGPT Challenges Google&#8217;s Dominance
OpenAI&#8217;s SearchGPT is poised to disrupt Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>, GOOGL)) Google&#8217;s stronghold in the search market. Former Google engineer Arvind Jain noted that Google&#8217;s focus on profitability has led to a deteriorating user experience, opening the door for new competitors.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41087674/openais-searchgpt-set-to-disrupt-googles-search-empire-as-former-engineer-sounds-alarm-on-deteriorat">Read the full article here.</a>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41156902/elon-musk-says-openai-is-evil-after-chatgpt-parent-reportedly-asked-investors-not-to-invest-in-rival?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Says &#8216;OpenAI Is Evil&#8217; After ChatGPT-Parent Reportedly Asked Investors Not To Invest In Rivals</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Tech

GOOG

GOOGL

NVDA

Nvidia's Blackwell GPU, Musk's OpenAI Accusations, Tesla's Robotaxi Event, And More: This Week In AI

Following significant lobbying from major tech companies, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has vetoed a bill designed to regulate AI, citing concerns <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41083785/gavin-newsom-vetoes-controversial-ai-regulation-bill-backed-by-elon-musk-framework-must-keep-pace-wi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">that it could stifle innovation</a>.
Telecom &amp; Smartphone
In the&nbsp;settlement with the Federal&nbsp;Communications Commission (FCC,)&nbsp;T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) has pledged to significantly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41111077/t-mobile-commits-to-major-cybersecurity-investment-following-fcc-settlement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improve its cybersecurity infrastructure</a>.
Following a warning from&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google,&nbsp;Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has removed&nbsp;Juno, an unofficial YouTube&nbsp;app designed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41134764/apple-removes-unofficial-youtube-app-for-vision-pro-from-app-store-developer-disagrees-but-says-zero" rel="noreferrer noopener">for&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41134764/apple-removes-unofficial-youtube-app-for-vision-pro-from-app-store-developer-disagrees-but-says-zero" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision Pro</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41134764/apple-removes-unofficial-youtube-app-for-vision-pro-from-app-store-developer-disagrees-but-says-zero" rel="noreferrer noopener">, from its&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41134764/apple-removes-unofficial-youtube-app-for-vision-pro-from-app-store-developer-disagrees-but-says-zero" rel="noreferrer noopener">App Store</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41153448/apple-analyst-signals-slower-start-to-the-ai-cycle-as-iphone-16-demand-softens" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Analyst Signals &#8216;Slower Start To The AI Cycle&#8217; As iPhone 16 Demand Softens</a>
The&nbsp;National Labor Relations Board&nbsp;has reportedly filed a complaint against&nbsp;Apple, alleging that the tech giant compelled its employees to sign illegal confidentiality, non-compete, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41136199/apple-accused-of-violating-federal-law-over-alleged-illegal-employee-agreements-nlrb-hearing-set" rel="noreferrer noopener">and non-disclosure agreements</a>.
A study conducted by&nbsp;Consumer Intelligence Research Partners or CIRP has&nbsp;once again revealed&nbsp;that&nbsp;Apple's iPhone&nbsp;users tend to retain their <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41158721/better-quality-or-higher-loyalty-apples-iphone-users-retain-their-devices-longer-than-those-buying-g" rel="noreferrer noopener">smartphones longer than&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41158721/better-quality-or-higher-loyalty-apples-iphone-users-retain-their-devices-longer-than-those-buying-g" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41158721/better-quality-or-higher-loyalty-apples-iphone-users-retain-their-devices-longer-than-those-buying-g" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;users</a>.
Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41146507/apples-iphone-16-series-leads-growth-but-high-end-model-preference-declines-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s iPhone 16 Series Leads Growth, But High-End Model Preference Declines: Analyst</a>
Social Media, Entertainment &amp; Streaming Platform
Paramount Global&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARAA#NASDAQ">PARAA</a>) Paramount Game Studios&nbsp;and&nbsp;Saber Interactive&nbsp;are teaming up with&nbsp;Avatar Studios&nbsp;to create what they&#8217;re calling the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41169797/paramount-announces-aaa-avatar-game-featuring-never-before-seen-avatar" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8220;biggest video game in franchise history,</a>&#8220;
Pavel Durov's Telegram, the widely-used social media platform, has acknowledged its compliance with multiple U.S. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41157343/pavel-durovs-telegram-forked-over-data-to-us-law-enforcement-affected-users-108" rel="noreferrer noopener">law enforcement data requests this year</a>.
ByteDance, the parent company of&nbsp;TikTok, reportedly plans to develop a new AI model using <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41085643/tiktok-parent-bytedance-to-reportedly-use-huawei-chips-to-train-ai-model" rel="noreferrer noopener">chips from&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41085643/tiktok-parent-bytedance-to-reportedly-use-huawei-chips-to-train-ai-model" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huawei Technologies</a>.
YouTube has restricted access to songs by renowned artists such as&nbsp;Adele,&nbsp;Bob Dylan, and&nbsp;Green Day in the U.S. This move is a result of an ongoing legal dispute<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41085603/youtube-blocks-us-access-to-adele-bob-dylan-songs-amid-rights-dispute-googles-video-platform-respond" rel="noreferrer noopener"> with the performing rights organization,&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41085603/youtube-blocks-us-access-to-adele-bob-dylan-songs-amid-rights-dispute-googles-video-platform-respond" rel="noreferrer noopener">SESAC</a>.
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) will start producing its&nbsp;Quest virtual reality headsets&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41113372/mark-zuckerberg-follows-tim-cooks-footsteps-meta-to-begin-quest-vr-headset-production-in-vietnam" rel="noreferrer noopener">in Vietnam starting in 2025</a>.
Meta Platforms has confirmed that it may use any image shared with Meta AI for training purposes, including those <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41157628/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-can-use-ray-ban-images-you-click-to-train-ai-theres-no-opt-out-either" rel="noreferrer noopener">captured on&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41157628/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-can-use-ray-ban-images-you-click-to-train-ai-theres-no-opt-out-either" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ray-Ban Meta</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41157628/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-can-use-ray-ban-images-you-click-to-train-ai-theres-no-opt-out-either" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;smart glasses</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41084112/mark-zuckerberg-says-orion-is-probably-going-to-be-the-next-major-platform-after-phones-metas-new-ar" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg Says, Orion &#8216;Is Probably Going To Be The Next Major Platform After Phones&#8217; — Meta&#8217;s New AR Wearables Real-Life Tony Stark Glasses In The Making?</a>
Short-selling firm The Bear Cave publishes a new report targeting Roblox Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBLX#NYSE">RBLX</a>) for the fourth time since 2022. The report focuses on serious allegations, including the production of child pornography,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41170031/short-seller-alleges-roblox-facilitated-widespread-child-abuse-potentially-played-a-role-in-mass-sho" rel="noreferrer noopener"> child kidnapping, and physical abuse</a>.
Technology
According to&nbsp;Microsoft Corp.'s (NASADAQ: MSFT)&nbsp;update&nbsp;released on Sep. 26, the latest Windows 11 update has been causing some devices to restart multiple times or become <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41136348/another-blue-screen-day-microsofts-windows-11-reboot-might-cause-temporary-glitches-heres-how-to-fix" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unresponsive with blue or green screens</a>.
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) has reportedly launched a new AI chatbot named "Cedric," designed to be safer than ChatGPT created <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41136796/amazon-reportedly-urges-employees-to-use-in-house-ai-chatbot-safer-than-chatgpt" rel="noreferrer noopener">by&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41136796/amazon-reportedly-urges-employees-to-use-in-house-ai-chatbot-safer-than-chatgpt" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41136796/amazon-reportedly-urges-employees-to-use-in-house-ai-chatbot-safer-than-chatgpt" rel="noreferrer noopener">for internal use</a>.
Amazon is reportedly set to increase the number of advertisements on its&nbsp;Prime Video platform&nbsp;starting next year. This initiative is part of the company's broader strategy to enhance its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41162458/amazon-ceo-andy-jassy-said-prime-video-will-have-meaningfully-fewer-ads-than-rivals-2-month" rel="noreferrer noopener">ad-supported streaming services</a>.
Google DeepMind&nbsp;and BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BNTX#NASDAQ">BNTX</a>) are collaborating to develop AI lab assistants aimed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41139262/google-deepmind-biontech-unveil-ai-lab-assistants-to-revolutionize-scientific-research" rel="noreferrer noopener">at enhancing scientific research</a>.
Gmail, the email service provided by Google, has introduced dynamic summary cards that will make it easier for users to track purchases, events, bills, and travel <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41157583/gmail-introduces-dynamic-summary-cards-for-easier-tracking-of-purchases-events-and-more" rel="noreferrer noopener">details directly from their inboxes</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41108345/apples-satellite-messaging-feature-emerges-as-lifeline-after-hurricane-helene-leaves-thousands-witho" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s Satellite Messaging Feature Emerges As Lifeline After Hurricane Helene Leaves Thousands Without Cell Phone Service: Here&#8217;s How You Can Use It</a>
Jensen Huang, CEO of&nbsp;Nvidia Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), said that the demand for the company's next-gen&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41156900/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-says-demand-for-next-gen-blackwell-gpu-platform-insane-everyone-wants-to-hav" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackwell</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41156900/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-says-demand-for-next-gen-blackwell-gpu-platform-insane-everyone-wants-to-hav" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;GPU&nbsp;platform is "insane.</a>"
Nvidia expanded partnership with Accenture plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>), establishing a new business group <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41142895/accenture-and-nvidia-team-up-to-supercharge-global-ai-adoption-details" rel="noreferrer noopener">to scale enterprise AI adoption</a>.
Gaming
Sony Group Corporation&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) PlayStation 5 dashboard introduced a new advertising system. This recent update saw game icons on the homepage replaced with promotional content and ads that cannot be disabled <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/41100852/ps5-users-blast-new-ads-on-dashboard-cant-be-disabled-without-internet-disconnect" rel="noreferrer noopener">without disconnecting from the internet</a>.
Epic Games, the developer behind the globally popular game Fortnite, has launched a new legal battle, this time accusing Samsung and&nbsp;Google&nbsp;accusing them of antitrust violations for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/41098067/epic-games-files-new-antitrust-lawsuit-against-google-samsung-over-app-store-restrictions" rel="noreferrer noopener">limiting competition in the Google Play Store</a>.
Epic Games adds Time Limit Controls to Fortnite, letting parents manage their kids&#8217; playtime via in-game <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41126126/fortnite-just-made-parenting-easier-how-to-control-your-kids-playtime-with-latest-update" rel="noreferrer noopener">settings or the Epic Account Portal</a>.
Square Enix Co., Ltd. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQNXF#OTC">SQNXF</a>) plans to release Final Fantasy 16 on Xbox, with producer Naoki &#8220;Yoshi-P&#8221; Yoshida confirming<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/10/41127513/final-fantasy-16-on-xbox-square-enix-hints-at-a-possible-release" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the intention but no specific date</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41086901/mark-zuckerberg-on-why-he-wouldnt-want-his-kids-to-completely-rely-on-ai-theres-some-things-that-you" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg On Why He Wouldn&#8217;t Want His Kids To Completely Rely On AI: &#8216;There&#8217;s Some Things That You Need To Able To Do Yourself&#8217;</a>
Elon Musk
Elon Musk&nbsp;reacted sharply to comments made by&nbsp;Paul Graham&nbsp;regarding the renaming of Twitter to X. Graham, a co-founder of Y Combinator, expressed his views on the name change, suggesting it neither harmed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41087287/elon-musk-responds-after-y-combinators-paul-graham-says-twitter-name-change-was-a-waste-of-time-you" rel="noreferrer noopener">nor benefited the platform</a>.
Elon Musk&nbsp;announced that the bold font will be removed from&nbsp;X's main timeline. This decision follows what Musk described as "immediate and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41111038/elon-musk-gets-bold-font-removed-from-xs-main-timeline-because-of-excessive-use-my-eyes-are-bleeding" rel="noreferrer noopener">excessive use" of the feature</a>.
Tesla&nbsp;and&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;has accused&nbsp;OpenAI&nbsp;of unfair funding practices after a report suggested that the&nbsp;AI startup&nbsp;has been discouraging investors from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41156902/elon-musk-says-openai-is-evil-after-chatgpt-parent-reportedly-asked-investors-not-to-invest-in-rival" rel="noreferrer noopener">backing rival startups, including&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41156902/elon-musk-says-openai-is-evil-after-chatgpt-parent-reportedly-asked-investors-not-to-invest-in-rival" rel="noreferrer noopener">xAI</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41086806/elon-musk-mocks-vinod-khosla-after-openai-investor-mixes-up-argentinas-poverty-and-unemployment-rate" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Mocks Vinod Khosla After OpenAI Investor Mixes Up Argentina&#8217;s Poverty And Unemployment Rates To Draw Parallels Between Javier Milei And Trump: &#8216;Vinod Is Just Actually Not Smart&#8217;</a>
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Cathie Wood's Ark Venture Fund agreed to invest a minimum of $250 million in&nbsp;OpenAI's&nbsp;latest funding round, making <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/10/41156606/cathie-wood-led-ark-venture-fund-agrees-to-invest-at-least-250m-in-openais-historic-funding-round-ch" rel="noreferrer noopener">it&nbsp;one of the largest in&nbsp;startup history</a>.
OpenAI‘s recent artificial intelligence-driven search engine, SearchGPT, is set to challenge&nbsp;Alphabet subsidiary&nbsp;Google‘s&nbsp;long-standing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41087674/openais-searchgpt-set-to-disrupt-googles-search-empire-as-former-engineer-sounds-alarm-on-deteriorat" rel="noreferrer noopener">dominance in the search market</a>.
OpenAI&nbsp;has secured more than $6.5 billion in new funding at a valuation of $157 billion as it looks to increase its lead <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41149788/openai-valuation-soars-to-157b-in-latest-funding-round" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the&nbsp;artificial intelligence space</a>.
Character.ai&nbsp;is pivoting its strategy following the departure of its founders <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41141844/after-googles-2-7b-acquisition-of-founders-and-staff-this-ai-startup-abandons-large-language-model-p" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41141844/after-googles-2-7b-acquisition-of-founders-and-staff-this-ai-startup-abandons-large-language-model-p" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41141844/after-googles-2-7b-acquisition-of-founders-and-staff-this-ai-startup-abandons-large-language-model-p" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in a $2.7 billion deal</a>.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41137657/spotify-ceo-daniel-ek-says-he-stays-away-from-sports-competition-with-facebook-co-founder-mark-zucke" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify CEO Daniel Ek Says He Stays Away From Sports Competition With Facebook Co-Founder Mark Zuckerberg: &#8216;I Know It&#8217;ll End Badly For Both Of Us&#8217;</a>

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Consumer Tech News (Sept 30-Oct 4): Latest Windows 11 Update Causing Trouble, Apple Accused Of Compelling Employees To Sign Illegal Agreements & More

This past week has been eventful for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), with developments ranging from potential technological advancements to legal challenges. The tech giant was also in the spotlight for its device longevity and a lifesaving feature during a natural disaster. Here&#8217;s a quick round-up of the week&#8217;s top stories.
Apple Eyes New Display Technology
Taiwan-based Novatek is preparing to mass-produce OLED displays that could significantly impact future iPhones&#8217; design. The company plans to initiate mass production of OLED displays incorporating Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI) technology by Q2 2025, and Apple might be among the first clients. However, this remains speculative at this point.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41195325/apple-might-have-just-found-the-technology-to-power-its-thin-iphone-17-air-display">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple Faces Legal Challenge
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint against Apple, alleging that the company forced its employees to sign illegal confidentiality, non-compete, and non-disclosure agreements. The complaint also accuses Apple of excessively enforcing social media and misconduct policies. The case is set to be heard by an administrative judge in January.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41136199/apple-accused-of-violating-federal-law-over-alleged-illegal-employee-agreements-nlrb-hearing-set">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41162458/amazon-ceo-andy-jassy-said-prime-video-will-have-meaningfully-fewer-ads-than-rivals-2-month?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Said Prime Video Will Have &#8216;Meaningfully Fewer Ads&#8217; Than Rivals. 2 Months Later, Streaming Giant Is Reportedly Set To Get More Ads</a>
iPhone Users Hold On to Their Devices Longer
A study by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) revealed that iPhone users tend to keep their smartphones longer than Android users. About one-third of new phone buyers who had an iPhone kept that phone for three years or more, compared to only 21% of new phone buyers with an Android phone.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41158721/better-quality-or-higher-loyalty-apples-iphone-users-retain-their-devices-longer-than-those-buying-g">Read the full article here.</a>
iPhone vs Android: Who Upgrades More Frequently?
Another study by CIRP found that iPhone users in the U.S. upgrade their devices less frequently than Android users. Despite the U.S. smartphone market being evenly divided between Android and iOS users, iOS sales accounted for only 39 percent of total sales in September.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/10/35432469/iphone-vs-android-users-who-upgrades-more-frequently">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s Satellite Messaging Feature Proves Crucial
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Apple&#8217;s satellite messaging feature emerged as a lifeline for survivors. The feature, introduced in the iOS 18 update, allows iPhone 14 and later models users to stay connected even without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41108345/apples-satellite-messaging-feature-emerges-as-lifeline-after-hurricane-helene-leaves-thousands-witho">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41141844/after-googles-2-7b-acquisition-of-founders-and-staff-this-ai-startup-abandons-large-language-model-p?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">After Google&#8217;s $2.7B Acquisition Of Founders And Staff, This AI Startup Abandons Large Language Model Plans</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

New Display Tech For iPhone 17 Air, Apple's Legal Woes, And Lifesaving Features: This Week In Appleverse

The past week has been a rollercoaster ride for the U.S. economy. From a surprising surge in job growth to predictions of market euphoria topping soon and Elon Musk&#8217;s alarming bankruptcy prediction for the U.S., there&#8217;s a lot to unpack.
Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories of the week.
US Economy Adds 254,000 New Jobs In September
The U.S. labor market showed signs of robust health as it added 254,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in September, a significant improvement over August&#8217;s revised figure of 159,000. This pace of job creation exceeded economist forecasts, sparking fresh optimism for the labor market&#8217;s resilience.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/10/41184080/us-economy-adds-254-000-new-jobs-in-september-smashes-expectations-unemployment-f">Read the full article here.</a>
Billionaire Investor Predicts Market Euphoria Will Top Soon
Mark Spitznagel, co-founder of Universa Investments, warns that the current market euphoria, spurred by the Federal Reserve&#8217;s rate cuts and China&#8217;s stimulus measures, won&#8217;t last. He predicts a looming recession and believes the current rally is only temporary. Spitznagel also foresees a future stagflation where the Fed&#8217;s actions won&#8217;t be enough to save the economy.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41132441/billionaire-investor-who-predicted-2000-2008-crashes-says-market-euphoria-will-top-soon-warns-of-bla">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40752387/treasury-yields-plunge-tlt-etf-tops-100-vix-spikes-as-50-basis-point-rate-cut-odds-soar-in-respo?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Treasury Yields Plunge, TLT ETF Tops $100, VIX Spikes As 50-Basis-Point Rate Cut Odds Soar In Response To Jobs Data</a>
&#8216;Blowout&#8217; September Jobs Report Spurs Reactions
The September jobs report came in hotter than predicted, with U.S. payrolls increasing by 254,000 and the unemployment rate surprisingly slipping to 4.1%. These robust numbers have sparked a fresh debate among economists about the Federal Reserve&#8217;s next move, with many leaning toward a more gradual approach to rate cuts.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/10/41187740/blowout-september-jobs-report-spurs-reactions-6-economists-say-aggressive-fed-rat">Read the full article here.</a>
Elon Musk Says America &#8216;Headed For Bankruptcy&#8217;
Elon Musk expressed concerns over the financial trajectory of the U.S., suggesting the nation is on the brink of bankruptcy. This comes after Federal debt increased by $204 billion on the first day of the new fiscal year, jumping to a new record of $35.669 trillion.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/10/41164206/elon-musk-says-america-headed-for-bankruptcy-as-national-debt-skyrockets-204b-in-">Read the full article here.</a>
Larry Summers Slams Fed&#8217;s September Rate Cut
Larry Summers, former Treasury Secretary, has expressed disapproval of the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates last month, terming it a misstep in the face of the latest U.S. job growth data.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41195198/former-treasury-secretary-larry-summers-slams-feds-september-rate-cut-saying-it-was-a-mistake-todays">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41137481/nasdaq-s-p-futures-sag-as-downside-risks-intensify-oil-spikes-nike-slides-why-this-strategist-is-ex?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nasdaq, S&amp;P Futures Sag As Downside Risks Intensify, Oil Spikes, Nike Slides: Why This Strategist Is Expecting &#8216;Stronger&#8217; Second-Half Of October</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/ananya-gairola" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ananya Gairola</a>

Economics

Media

US Job Growth Surges, Market Euphoria Predicted To Top, And Musk Foresees Bankruptcy: This Week In Economics

Elon Musk, the CEO of X and Tesla Inc., joined former President Donald Trump at<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41178472/trump-says-hes-going-back-to-butler-site-of-first-assassination-attempt-elon-musk-chimes-in-ill-be-t"> a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania,</a> to criticize the Democratic Party.
What Happened: Musk shared the stage with former President Trump at his rally on Saturday. Musk made accusations against Democrats, claiming they aim to deprive citizens of their fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to vote.
&#8220;They want to take away your freedom of speech, they want to take away your right to bear arms, they want to take away your right to vote, effectively,&#8221; Musk declared.
The rally was held at the same venue where an assassination attempt on Trump took place in July. Musk, who has been increasingly active in this presidential election, endorsed Trump, who introduced him prior to his speech.
<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">&#x1f6a8;ELON MUSK FOR TRUMP: &quot;This is a man who has COURAGE UNDER FIRE!&quot; &quot;This is the most important election. They want to take away your arms. They want to take away your freedom of speech. They want to take away your ability to have fair elections.&quot; &quot;Free speech is the bedrock… <a href="https://t.co/EqlJepSePb">pic.twitter.com/EqlJepSePb</a>
&mdash; Autism Capital &#x1f9e9; (@AutismCapital) <a href="https://twitter.com/AutismCapital/status/1842700555342463338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41132441/billionaire-investor-who-predicted-2000-2008-crashes-says-market-euphoria-will-top-soon-warns-of-bla?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Billionaire Investor Who Predicted 2000, 2008 Crashes Says Market Euphoria Will Top Soon, Warns Of &#8216;Black</a>
Musk&#8217;s remarks were a direct attack on the Democratic party and President Joe Biden. He stated, &#8220;The true test of someone's character is how they behave under fire. We had one president who couldn't climb a flight of stairs and another who was fist pumping after getting shot.&#8221;
Musk has also shown support for the Save America PAC, a group that has been instrumental in voter mobilization for the Trump campaign. He encouraged rally attendees to register to vote, making an unverified claim that 2024 would be &#8220;the last election&#8221; if Democrats win the White House.
Why It Matters: Democrats have been pushing for broader voting rights laws and stricter gun control measures in response to years of mass shootings. However, their presidential nominee, Vice President Harris, has consistently stated that she is not seeking to confiscate firearms from gun owners.
Musk&#8217;s recent political involvement has been a topic of discussion. He has been using his social media platform, X, to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41082363/heres-how-elon-musk-has-become-a-pro-trump-political-influencer-through-social-media">amplify conservative viewpoints</a> and has become a prominent online advocate for Trump. His increased political activity, combined with his wealth and online presence, could potentially be advantageous for Trump, as suggested by political analysts.
His endorsement of Trump has been particularly noteworthy. Musk, who is also the CEO of SpaceX, has stated that the future of human exploration on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41195209/elon-musk-says-humanity-will-never-reach-mars-unless-trump-wins-this-is-existential">Mars is contingent on the re-election of Trump </a>and the reduction of what he calls &#8220;smothering regulations.&#8221; 
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41169360/elon-musk-paid-1-million-for-a-1976-car-that-inspired-cybertrucks-design-seller-originally-bought-it?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Paid $1 Million For A 1976 Car That Inspired Cybertruck&#8217;s Design – Seller Originally Bought It</a>
Image Via Shutterstock
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

General

Elon Musk And Trump Address Thousands At Site Of Failed Assassination Attempt, Take Aim At Biden's Leadership: 'We Had One President Who Couldn't Climb A Flight Of Stairs'

The leaders of China and North Korea have pledged to enhance their bilateral cooperation on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
What Happened: Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his commitment to the development of China-DPRK relations in a message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Xi highlighted the significance of their relationship, referring to several meetings, personal letters, and messages exchanged over the years, the state news agency KCNA reported.
Xi conveyed that China is ready to &#8220;write a new chapter&#8221; in their relations through increased communications and cooperation. China is North Korea&#8217;s largest trading partner, with a shared history that traces back to Beijing&#8217;s support of Pyongyang during the Korean War (1950-1953).
Despite this, China has been cautious about North Korea&#8217;s growing ties with Russia, especially after the signing of a strategic treaty that includes mutual defense elements.
Kim, in his message to Xi, also pledged to &#8220;steadily strive to consolidate and develop the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and China as required by the new era.&#8221; 
On the eve of the anniversary, Kim oversaw a live artillery firing by graduates of the O Jin U Artillery Academy, a facility that trains the backbone of North Korea&#8217;s artillery force. He also reiterated the country&#8217;s willingness to use all available offensive forces, including nuclear weapons, to defend its sovereignty.
Why It Matters: The recent pledge of enhanced cooperation between China and North Korea comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region. Just last month, Kim&#8217;s sister, Kim Yo Jong, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41080855/kim-jong-uns-sister-says-us-making-incredible-mistake-by-giving-8b-in-military-aid-to-ukraine-should">publicly denounced the United States&#8217; decision</a> to supply $8 billion in military aid to Ukraine, describing it as &#8220;an incredible mistake&#8221; and a perilous provocation against Russia, a nation armed with nuclear weapons.
Kim&#8217;s recent pledge to further develop friendly and cooperative relations with China also follows his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41181104/kim-jong-un-threatens-nuclear-retaliation-against-south-korea-if-attacked">stark warning to South Korea</a>, threatening nuclear retaliation if North Korea&#8217;s sovereignty is compromised. These developments indicate a complex geopolitical landscape in the region, with China and Russia playing significant roles.
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Executive Office of the President of the United States

Global

Kim Jong Un And Xi Jinping Vow To 'Write A New Chapter' In China-North Korea Cooperation: 'Develop The Friendly And Cooperative Relations...As Required'

Kamala Harris is clarifying her economic stance as she gears up for the 2024 presidential race. One of her key targets? Donald Trump&#8217;s approach to tariffs. In a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36ovmQj7gbQ">interview</a>, Harris criticized Trump's plan to impose tariffs on U.S. imports, calling it reckless and poorly thought out.
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"He's just not very serious about how he thinks about some of these issues," Harris said, pointing to Trump's economic policies. She emphasized that tariffs shouldn't be thrown around lightly because they can have real consequences for everyday Americans.
While tariffs sometimes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/09/40856820/biden-hikes-tariffs-on-chinese-goods-alibaba-jd-com-stocks-drop">protect domestic industries</a>, Harris believes Trump's broad approach is misguided. Instead of benefiting the American economy, she thinks his plan would hurt families already struggling with inflation by making everyday items more expensive.
Trending: Beating the market through ethical real estate investing' — t<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/invest-with-roots">his platform aims to give tenants equity in the homes they live in while scoring 17.17% average annual returns for investors – here&#8217;s how to join with just $100</a>
Billionaire investor <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/41093167/billionaire-howard-marks-calls-out-trump-and-harris-policies-ignore-economic-reality-with-tariff">Howard Marks has also weighed in on this topic</a>. Like Harris, Marks isn't convinced that Trump's tariffs are a good idea. In his latest memo, Marks stated that while tariffs could stimulate U.S. output, they would raise consumer prices. He warned that Trump's 10% tariff plan would essentially tax the average American, burdening families with higher costs.
However, Marks isn&#8217;t sold on Harris&#8217;s anti-price gouging policy either. The current VP wants to tackle grocery inflation, but Marks thinks she&#8217;s missing the bigger picture. "There's nothing wrong with trying to bring down the cost of necessities. However, the best way to do this is to encourage additions to supply."
Trending: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-homes-private-credit-fund"> they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends</a>
And it seems that Harris listened because, as she said in that interview, &#8220;Supply that is without any question part of the solution. Creating more supply under my plan includes creating tax incentives to work with the private sector and homebuilders.&#8221;
Nevertheless, Harris contrasts her approach with Trump's, emphasizing the need for detailed analysis and long-term thinking. "One must be serious and have a plan, and a real plan that&#8217;s not just about some talking point ending in an exclamation at a political rally but putting the thought into what will be the return on the investment, what will be the economic impact on everyday people," she said.&nbsp;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/irs-finalizes-10-year-rule-adv">IRS Finalizes 10-Year Rule For Retirement Withdrawals, Making Things &#8216;Even More Insanely Complicated&#8217;</a>
For Harris, economic policy is about understanding the ripple effects and ensuring changes are carefully considered before implementation.
Vice President Kamala Harris recently admitted that the Biden administration kept some of Trump's tariffs. Still, she criticized his new plan, calling it a "20% sales tax on everyday items people need to make it through the month."
Like any policy, the full impact on voters isn't always clear from sound bites coming from both sides. However, most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39630382/paul-krugman-says-trump-tariffs-will-hurt-80-of-americans-benefit-only-the-top-1-burden-would-fall-o">economists agree that higher tariffs</a> usually <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40961812/economists-warn-trumps-plans-for-tax-cuts-tariffs-and-deportation-could-trigger-skyrocketing-inf">result in higher prices for American consumers</a>.
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'He's Just Not Very Serious' Says Kamala Harris – 'You Don't Just Throw Around The Idea Of Tariffs Across The Board'

It&#8217;s been over a decade since legendary Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs left us, but his impact on the world of technology and beyond continues to resonate.
On Oct. 5, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/23/11/35753841/steve-jobs-experienced-extreme-regret-in-the-final-days-before-his-death-saying-i-wanted-my-kids-to">anniversary of his passing</a>, it&#8217;s worth taking a moment to reflect on the journey of this tech visionary who transformed not just how we use computers, but how we live our daily lives.
The Early Days: A Spark Of Genius
Jobs&#8217; story begins in San Francisco, where he was born in 1955 and later adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in electronics, tinkering with gadgets in his family&#8217;s garage.
As a teenager, Jobs&#8217; rebellious spirit and thirst for knowledge led him to Reed College. Though he dropped out after just one semester, he continued to audit classes that piqued his interest.
One of these was a calligraphy course, which might seem like an odd choice for a future tech mogul. But Jobs later credited this class with influencing Apple&#8217;s groundbreaking approach to typography and design.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39833269/apple-co-founder-steve-jobs-drew-inspiration-from-beatles-on-building-great-teams-they-were-four-ver">Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs Drew Inspiration From Beatles On Building Great Teams: &#8216;They Were Four Very Talented Guys Who…&#8217;</a>
Most Valuable Company Today Had Humble Beginnings
The story of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/20/01/15157731/great-american-companies-a-brief-history-of-apple-inc">Apple&#8217;s humble beginnings</a> in a garage has become the stuff of Silicon Valley legend.
In 1976, Jobs and his friend Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computer Company. Their first product, the Apple I, was essentially a circuit board that hobbyists could use to build their own computers.
However, the Apple II, released in 1977, really put them on the map.
The Apple II wasn&#8217;t just a computer for geeks – it was a machine that regular people could use.
Apple today has a market capitalization of $3.448 trillion, making it the most valuable company in the world.
The Macintosh Revolution
Fast forward to 1984, and Apple was ready to change the world again with the Macintosh.
This was the first commercially successful computer to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) and a mouse.
If you&#8217;ve ever used a computer with icons and windows (which, let&#8217;s face it, is pretty much every computer nowadays), you can thank Jobs and his team for pushing this revolutionary idea into the mainstream.
But It Was Not Always Smooth Sailing
In 1985, after a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/17/01/8884660/why-rehiring-steve-jobs-was-the-best-move-apple-ever-made">power struggle</a> with then-CEO John Sculley, Jobs left Apple, the company he had co-founded. It was a huge blow, but Jobs wasn&#8217;t one to sit idle.
He went on to found NeXT, a company that aimed to create high-end computers for the education market. While NeXT didn&#8217;t achieve the commercial success Jobs had hoped for, it would later play a crucial role in Apple&#8217;s future.
From Side Project To Animation Powerhouse
During his time away from Apple, Jobs also bought a little <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/03/37921097/steve-jobs-didnt-become-a-billionaire-because-of-apple-it-was-actually-pixar-and-the-toy-story-movie">computer graphics division</a> from Lucasfilm. This would become Pixar Animation Studios.
Under Jobs&#8217; guidance, Pixar went from a tech company to an animation powerhouse, releasing groundbreaking films like &#8220;Toy Story&#8221; and forever changing the landscape of animated storytelling.
…And Then The Prodigal Son Returns
By the mid-90s, Apple was struggling. The company that had once been at the forefront of personal computing was floundering, with a confusing product line and declining sales.
In a twist of fate, Apple announced that it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/12/36321524/if-you-invested-1000-in-apple-when-it-announced-next-acquisition-to-bring-back-steve-jobs-heres-">was acquiring NeXT in 1996</a>, bringing Jobs back into the fold as an advisor.
He quickly became interim CEO (or &#8220;iCEO&#8221; as he jokingly called himself) and set about turning the company around.
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.
The Apple Renaissance
Jobs&#8217; return to Apple marked the beginning of one of the greatest comebacks in business history. He streamlined the product line, focusing on simplicity and design.
The result? A string of iconic products that would redefine entire industries:
<ol>
<li>The iMac (1998): A colorful, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/05/32259104/if-you-invested-1000-in-apple-when-imac-was-unveiled-25-years-ago-heres-how-much-youd-have-now">all-in-one computer</a> that made technology fun and accessible.</li>
<li>The iPod (2001): <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/23/02/30716530/if-you-bought-1-000-in-apple-stock-when-the-ipod-was-released-heres-how-much-youd-have-now">Not the first</a> MP3 player, but the one that made digital music mainstream.</li>
<li>The iPhone (2007): A device that put the internet, a music player, and a phone in your pocket, changing the way <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/01/30336631/the-iphone-was-unveiled-16-years-ago-heres-how-much-1-000-invested-in-apple-stock-after-the-debut-is">we communicate forever</a>.</li>
<li>The iPad (2010): Bridging the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/21/01/19345275/this-day-in-market-history-apple-unveils-original-ipad-1">gap between</a> smartphones and laptops, creating a new category of device.</li>
</ol>
The Jobs Philosophy
What set Jobs apart wasn&#8217;t just his ability to create great products, but his unwavering commitment to certain principles:
Simplicity: Jobs believed that technology should be intuitive and easy to use.
Design: He saw beauty in minimalism and insisted that even the parts users couldn&#8217;t see should be well-designed.
Integration: Jobs pushed for seamless integration between hardware and software, creating ecosystems that just worked.
He once said, "Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn&#8217;t matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we&#8217;ve done something wonderful [at Apple], that&#8217;s what matters to me."
The Final Chapter
In 2003, Jobs was diagnosed with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/01/36832060/steve-jobs-followed-an-extreme-diet-consisting-of-certain-fruits-and-vegetables-and-fasting-for-days">rare form of pancreatic cancer</a>. Despite this setback, he continued to lead Apple, overseeing some of the company&#8217;s most innovative years.&nbsp;
However, his health struggles eventually led to him stepping down as CEO in Aug. 2011.
On Oct. 5, 2011, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy that had fundamentally changed multiple industries – computing, music, movies, telecommunications, and retail.
The Legacy Lives On
Today, Apple continues to be one of the world&#8217;s most valuable and influential companies. While it has evolved under the leadership of Tim Cook, many of Jobs&#8217; core principles still guide the company.
But Jobs&#8217; influence extends far beyond Apple. His vision of technology as a tool to enrich our lives has shaped the entire tech industry. From the smartphones we carry in our pockets to the way we consume media, Jobs&#8217; fingerprints are everywhere.
He once said, &#8220;The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.&#8221; He was certainly one of those people, and the world is all the richer for it.
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: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40591422/steve-jobs-once-said-he-was-a-millionaire-at-23-worth-10m-by-24-and-had-100m-by-25-this-shaped-his-d">Steve Jobs Once Said He Was A Millionaire At 23, Worth $10M By 24, And Had $100M by 25 — This Shaped His Decision To Stay On A $1 Salary Throughout His Time At Apple</a>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Legendary Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs Once Said, 'Being The Richest Man In The Cemetery Doesn't Matter To Me:' Maybe That's Why His Impact Transcends Financial Success For iPhone-Maker And Beyond

With one month to go, Kamala Harris is slightly ahead of Donald Trump in the presidential race, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40667209/trump-vs-harris-new-polls-reveal-this-candidate-is-outperforming-in-swing-states">as per recent polling data</a>.
What Happened: Recent surveys indicate that Harris is leading Trump by a margin of two to five points, with less than five weeks remaining until the election.
The latest Emerson poll reveals Harris leading with 50% against Trump&#8217;s 48%. The Morning Consult&#8217;s weekly <a href="https://pro.morningconsult.com/trackers/2024-presidential-election-polling">poll</a> also shows Harris ahead by five points, 51% to 46%. Similar results were seen in a Susquehanna <a href="https://x.com/SusquehannaPR/status/1841524316082778119">poll</a> and an Economist/YouGov <a href="https://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/50629-harris-leads-vp-debate-media-filibuster-eric-adams-september-29-october-1-2024-economist-yougov-poll">poll</a> released this week, with Harris leading by five and three points respectively.
But despite Harris lead, her advantage has slightly diminished over the past two months, peaking at 3.7 points in late August, as per FiveThirtyEight's weighted polling average. RealClearPolitics' latest polling average shows Harris leading Trump by 2.2 points.
According to a Cook Political Report survey, Harris is leading Trump by one point overall in the seven battleground states likely to decide the election. However, the NBC News/Telemundo/CNBC <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/poll-harris-trump-democrats-advantage-latino-voters-continues-shrink-rcna172686">poll</a> indicates that Harris&#8217; lead among Latinos is dwindling.
Pre-debate surveys suggested that Harris' polling surge seemed to have reached a plateau. Although most post-debate surveys indicate that the majority of respondents believe Harris won the debate, it was not enough to significantly impact the race between the two candidates.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41082772/harris-vs-trump-new-polls-show-tight-race-in-battleground-states">Harris Vs Trump: New Polls Show Tight Race In Battleground States</a>
Also a <a href="https://www.genderontheballot.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/6574-GOTB-2024-Deck-c2_release.pdf">poll</a> conducted by American University (AU) and the Benenson Strategy Group revealed that 51% of women trust Harris to tackle inflation and the high cost of gas and groceries. This is in contrast to the 37% who trust her GOP rival, Trump, on these issues.
The survey also showed that Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are trusted more on immigration, another key issue with the election just over a month away. Harris&#8217;s favorability among independent women has increased by 23 points since last year, with 51% finding her favorable.
Furthermore, the poll emphasized that the economy and inflation are the most important issues for women in the 2024 White House race, with 64% of respondents indicating this. Harris currently holds a 3.7-point lead over Trump nationally, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ's polling index.
Why It Matters: The close race between Harris and Trump underscores the deeply divided political landscape in the United States. 
The shrinking lead of Harris, particularly among Latinos, could be a cause for concern for her campaign. The outcome of the election could hinge on the seven battleground states, where the race is currently too close to call. 
The impact of the debates on the polling numbers also highlights the importance of these events in shaping public opinion. Also Harris&#8217; lead over Trump and her increased favorability among independent women could potentially influence the election results.
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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.

Polls Suggest This Candidate Holds Slim Lead In Presidential Race With One Month To Go

U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Columbia Tanya Chutkan made public this week a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41156198/jack-smith-makes-case-against-trump-he-resorted-to-crimes-to-try-to-stay-in-office-after-losing-elec">filing by Special Prosecutor Jack Smith</a> that detailed Donald Trump&#8217;s alleged election subversion efforts in the aftermath of the 2020 election. Mary Trump, the former president&#8217;s niece, on Thursday delved into the development in a substack post.
Legal Setback: Smith&#8217;s document, which was written in part to to take into account the presidential immunity ruling handed down by the &#8220;corrupt illegitimate super-majority of the Supreme Court&#8221; is devastating, <a href="https://www.marytrump.org/p/donald-trump-vs-the-american-people">said</a> Mary Trump in the post. She noted that Smith made the case that Donald Trump acted as a private citizen and a private candidate when he planned and incited the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection and therefore his conduct is not protected by the Supreme Court&#8217;s immunity ruling, she added.
Mary Trump noted that Smith detailed the important role played by Donald Trump&#8217;s political rallies in the days and weeks leading up to Jan. 6 riots, which he &nbsp;used, in part, to perpetuate false claims about his having won the election. 
Judge Chutkan and Smith deemed it fit to make public the information before the Nov. 5 election, given Donald Trump effectively games the legal system in his favor, reducing the chances of the case going to trial before the election, she said. There is a real possibility of the case never going to trial at all due to the &#8220;corrupt illegitimate super majority of the Supreme Court,&#8221; she added.
&#8220;The presidential candidate the Republican Party nominated, and the traitor they continue to support almost unequivocally, engaged in a conspiracy against the American people,&#8221; Mary Trump said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40778409/donald-trump-winning-the-election-could-propel-bitcoin-to-90k-but-a-kamala-harris-win-coul">Donald Trump Winning The Election Could Propel Bitcoin To $90K, But A Kamala Harris Win Could Tank BTC To $40K: Bernstein</a>
Trump Team&#8217;s Wrong Claim: In a separate <a href="https://www.marytrump.org/p/taking-it-in-his-stride">post</a>, Mary Trump weighed in on the election interference accusation Donald Trump and the Republicans have made against Chutkan and Smith on the grounds that the filing was released only 35 days out from the election.
The psychologist said there has been no intent to affect the outcome of the election as both &#8220;Smith and Chutkan are simply dealing as best they can with the hand they've been dealt while trying to comply with the almost impossible constraints the Supreme Court ruling placed upon them.&#8221;
She blamed Attorney General Merrick Garland for taking nearly two years for the appointment of the Special Counsel. The &#8220;extraordinary&#8221; delays once Smith was appointed was due to Donald Trump and the &#8220;corrupt illegitimate super-majority on the Supreme Court,&#8221; she said.
&#8220;We're here because Donald Trump figured out a long time ago how to game the system. If you&#8217;re the guilty party, and he nearly always is, your best bet is to create as many delays as possible,&#8221; Mary Trump said. &#8220;This time around he also had the corrupt, illegitimate super-majority of the Supreme Court backing him up all the way,&#8221; she added.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/10/41176806/harris-vs-trump-vice-president-leads-2024-election-poll-young-voters-help-but-voter-issues-could">Trump trails his rival and Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris</a> in nationwide polls even as the general election draws closer.
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Mary Trump Says Special Counsel's Filing Counter Ex-President's Efforts To Game Legal System In His Favor

With a major dockworkers&#8217; strike on hold for now, entrepreneur Kevin O&#8217;Leary highlights the outdated infrastructure and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41187855/port-strike-ends-after-3-days-retaliers-politicians-breathe-a-sigh-of-relief" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising tensions over union demands</a>.
On Fox Business&#8217; Varney &amp; Co. on Friday, O&#8217;Leary remarked that East Coast ports are outdated and inefficient, <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/kevin-oleary-addresses-the-trouble-us-ports-union-automation-concerns">reported</a> Fox Business.
A major strike by the International Longshoremen&#8217;s Association halted trade at East and Gulf Coast ports, affecting billions in commerce. The union has agreed to continue under an expired contract through mid-January.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/10/41148694/beer-shortage-ahead-3-products-that-will-be-most-impacted-by-port-strike" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beer Shortage Ahead? 3 Products That Will Be Most Impacted By Port Strike</a>
Leary went on to explain that when comparing East Coast ports to international ones like those in Singapore and other Asian locations, they fall short, which negatively impacts productivity.
O&#8217;Leary noted that studies on port automation reveal no negative impact on wages on the East and West Coasts. In fact, he argued that automation could enhance wages for employees skilled in using robotic systems, fostering job creation and promoting wage growth.
The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41177060/port-strike-ends-workers-return-to-work-friday" rel="noreferrer noopener">strike ended Thursday night</a>&nbsp;this week following the USMX&#8217;s offer to increase pay by 62%.
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Equities

Kevin O'Leary Says Port Automation Won't Hurt Wages

Business mogul Mark Cuban once made a spontaneous purchase of a lifetime flight pass from American Airlines during a celebratory spree, later upgrading it.
Business mogul Mark Cuban once made a spontaneous purchase of a lifetime flight pass from American Airlines during a celebratory spree, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36058376/how-being-a-lousy-employee-fueled-mark-cubans-success-i-was-a-know-it-all">later upgrading it</a>.
What Happened: Cuban revealed in a recent podcast that he acquired the pass in the aftermath of selling his first business, MicroSolutions, for a whopping $6 million. 
He <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DAVdTTgGcU">said</a> during the podcast that In a celebratory mood, he reached out to American Airlines to inquire about the lifetime pass, and upon confirmation of its availability, he immediately bought it for $125,000.
The pass, dubbed the AAirpass, was launched in the early 1980s, providing unlimited first-class travel for life. The price was determined by the buyer&#8217;s age at the time of purchase. 
"They're like, ‘What do you think you're going to do with all this money?' And I'm like, ‘I don't care about cars or houses, but boy, you know, I fly a lot for work, " he said during the interview.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/06/39241650/heres-how-mark-cuban-made-91-of-his-employees-millionaires" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here&#8217;s How Mark Cuban Made 91% Of His Employees Millionaires</a>
"I got all that information, hungover as hell, and I signed up. Initially, it was $125,000 and then I upgraded it. I forget how much I paid, but it gave me almost unlimited miles for me and somebody else for the rest of my life," he added. 
At 32 years old, Cuban bought the pass, which is now estimated to be valued at around $300,000 today, after adjusting for inflation.
Following the demise of his father, Cuban transferred the AAirpass to a friend. However, American Airlines has since phased out the unlimited pass, terminating the program in March 2024.
Why It Matters: Despite his lavish spending habits, Cuban advocates for a frugal lifestyle, comparing it to that of a &#8220;college student&#8221;, and urges people to save money. 
The billionaire has been residing in the same house for the past 18 years and continues to drive the same cars. 
His impulsive purchase of the pass, which has significantly appreciated in value, underscores his knack for making shrewd investments, even when made in a state of inebriation.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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