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In a recent development, Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has come under scrutiny for propagating conspiracy theories about the government&#8217;s ability to manipulate severe weather events such as hurricanes.
What Happened: On Wednesday, Greene took to X and cited the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) reports on weather modification projects as proof that weather could be manipulated. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Everyone keeps asking, "who is they?" Well some of them are listed on NOAA, as well as most of the ways weather can be modified, because they are required to report it to the Secretary of Commerce by the Weather Modification Act of 1972. The NOAA government website has a… <a href="https://t.co/UaNZCiZ8es">pic.twitter.com/UaNZCiZ8es</a>
&mdash; Marjorie Taylor Greene &#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; (@mtgreenee) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtgreenee/status/1844056573892579788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Previously she also shared similar theories in another post on X on Tuesday.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">"Marjorie Taylor Greene was right. Yes, scientists do control the weather."<a href="https://t.co/7SvNdlygkP">https://t.co/7SvNdlygkP</a>
&mdash; Marjorie Taylor Greene &#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; (@mtgreenee) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtgreenee/status/1843651263193591936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Greene has been disseminating these theories on the internet, coinciding with the approach of Hurricane Milton towards Florida. Her posts have ignited worries about the dissemination of misinformation and its potential impact on people&#8217;s safety decisions, <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4925267-greene-takes-fire-for-sharing-for-remarks-about-the-weather/">reported</a> The Hill.
Starting from October 3, Greene&#8217;s posts have drawn criticism from her Republican peers and President Joe Biden. In his Wednesday address, Biden referred to Greene&#8217;s assertions as part of a wider conversation on misinformation.
Biden denounced Greene for disseminating what he termed as &#8220;irresponsible&#8221; and &#8220;beyond ridiculous&#8221; fabrications about weather control. He stated that such claims are eroding trust in rescue and recovery efforts.
Greene&#8217;s social media activities include sharing a map by influencer Matt Wallace, implying that Hurricane Helene was deliberately directed towards Republican-leaning counties.
Her posts have been countered by fellow Republicans, including Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) and Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), who have stressed that such large-scale weather control is beyond the reach of current technology.
&#8220;Humans cannot create or control hurricanes,&#8221; said Gimenez on social media. &#8220;Anyone who thinks they can, needs to have their head examined.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41214802/joe-biden-quick-question-before-you-go-are-those-cannabis-pardons-from-2-years-ago-still-on?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joe Biden, Quick Question Before You Go: Are Those Cannabis Pardons From 2 Years Ago Still On?</a>
Why It Matters: This controversy arises in the context of Florida bracing for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41209505/hurricane-milton-is-floridas-second-storm-in-two-weeks-how-disney-theme-parks-insurance-companie">its second hurricane in less than two weeks</a>. Hurricane Milton, which was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41231817/hurricane-milton-dire-warning-if-you-choose-to-stay-youre-going-to-die-officials-encourage-writing-n">downgraded to a Category 4 storm</a> is expected to hit some of Florida's most populous areas, including the Tampa Bay area. 
Greene has previously faced criticism for promoting controversial ideas, such as a 2018 Facebook post about &#8220;Jewish space lasers,&#8221; which invoked antisemitic tropes. Greene's embrace of conspiracy theories has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37525135/marjorie-taylor-greene-tells-former-bbc-host-to-f-off-at-trumps-mar-a-lago">drawn backlash</a>, including from Republicans.
The spread of misinformation during such critical times could potentially impact people&#8217;s decisions about their safety and undermine confidence in rescue and recovery efforts.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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Marjorie Taylor Greene Sticks To Weather Modification Theories Amid Ongoing Hurricane Emergency — Gets Head Examination Advice From Florida Republican

Publicly traded Flora Growth Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLGC#NASDAQ">FLGC</a>) is closely monitoring Germany's newly approved legislation on industrial hemp, viewing it as a potential game-changer for the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/europe-cannabis">European market</a>.
Germany has recently updated its regulatory framework. The changes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39840487/green-wave-in-germany-now-includes-hemp-new-bill-promotes-industrial-production">introduced</a> by Minister of Food and Agriculture Cem Özdemir have liberalized industrial hemp cultivation, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39840487/green-wave-in-germany-now-includes-hemp-new-bill-promotes-industrial-production">removing</a> previous barriers such as the &#8220;abuse clause&#8221; that limited the industry's growth. The clause stipulated that industrial hemp was only to be allowed if misuse for intoxication purposes was ruled out.
Flora Growth, which is based in Florida, is an established player in the hemp space with brands like JustCBD and Vessel. The company is eager to take advantage of the opportunity these changes are bringing. 
With its expertise in cannabinoid extraction and a successful portfolio of<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/09/17664481/will-low-thc-cannabis-be-the-next-big-trend-1"> low-THC hemp</a> products, Flora sees Germany as the next frontier. 
The company plans to bring its products to the European market, targeting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40824983/20m-germans-could-benefit-from-medical-marijuana-but-most-struggle-to-find-prescribing-doctors">German consumers</a> as demand grows in this newly accessible sector.
<ul>
<li>Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39840487/green-wave-in-germany-now-includes-hemp-new-bill-promotes-industrial-production">Green Wave In Germany Now Includes Hemp, New Bill Promotes Industrial Production</a></li>
</ul>
The new legislation allows for easier cultivation, processing, and distribution of industrial hemp. Thus, it is expected to bolster Germany's emerging hemp industry. Industrial hemp, containing less than 0.3% THC, is valued for its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41238140/crafting-a-mixed-martial-arts-plant-texas-scientists-develop-drought-resistant-hemp-strain">wide </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40418137/industrial-hemps-14b-projected-growth-an-investment-opportunity-too-good-to-miss">range of uses</a>, including textiles, wellness products, and other applications. The global market of industrial hemp market is<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40418137/industrial-hemps-14b-projected-growth-an-investment-opportunity-too-good-to-miss"> projected to grow</a> by $13.90 billion from 2024 to 2028
Flora's positioning in the hemp cannabinoid space aligns well with these opportunities.
Clifford Starke, chairman and CEO of Flora Growth, <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/226095/Flora-Growth-Corp.-Applauds-Germanys-New-Industrial-Hemp-Legislation-Plans-to-Leverage-Expertise-for-Market-Entry">expressed</a> the company's enthusiasm for Germany's legislative shift: "We believe that Germany&#8217;s progressive move to liberalize industrial hemp cultivation marks a pivotal moment for the European hemp industry. As a company with deep experience in cannabinoid extraction and product development, we are excited to bring our expertise to Germany."
In a statement, Flora announced that the company is actively engaging with local partners and preparing for market entry as the final details of Germany's hemp regulations take shape. 
<ul>
<li>Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40824983/20m-germans-could-benefit-from-medical-marijuana-but-most-struggle-to-find-prescribing-doctors"> 20M Germans Could Benefit From Medical Marijuana But Most Struggle To Find Prescribing Doctors</a></li>
</ul>
Cover photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/marcar-cerca-del-edificio-1128416/">Niki Nagy </a>via Pexels

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Nasdaq-Listed Cannabis Company Eyes Germany's New Hemp Legislation With Intense Interest

Pop icon Taylor Swift has donated $5 million to Feeding America to support their disaster relief initiatives in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
What Happened: Feeding America announced Swift&#8217;s substantial contribution on Wednesday. The funds are earmarked for relief efforts in communities impacted by the recent hurricanes.
Feeding America&#8217;s CEO, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, expressed gratitude for Swift&#8217;s donation, stating it will &#8220;help communities rebuild and recover, providing essential food, clean water, and supplies to people affected by these devastating storms.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="938" height="601" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/09201421/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-09.13.34.png" alt="" class="wp-image-588587" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/09201421/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-09.13.34.png 938w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/09201421/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-09.13.34-300x192.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/09201421/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-09.13.34-768x492.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 938px) 100vw, 938px" /></figure>
Screenshot From Instagram Account of Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot
The announcement of Swift&#8217;s donation came just hours before Hurricane Milton was predicted to hit the west coast of the Florida peninsula. The storm is expected to bring historic storm surges, heavy rainfall, and record-breaking flash and urban flooding, <a href="https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4925400-taylor-swift-donates-5-million-feeding-america-hurricane-relief/">reported</a> The Hill.
Feeding America has been actively involved in recovery efforts since Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage to Southern states less than two weeks ago. The organization has dispatched 140 truckloads of relief supplies to 11 food banks in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41242634/ron-desantis-says-kamala-harris-is-delusional-for-trying-to-say-his-sole-focus-on-people-of-florida?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ron Desantis Says Kamala Harris Is &#8216;Delusional&#8217; For Trying To Say His Sole Focus On People Of Florida Is Selfish Amid Phone Call Row</a>
Why It Matters: Swift&#8217;s donation comes at a crucial time as Florida braces for the impact of Hurricane Milton, the second hurricane to hit the state in less than two weeks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41231817/hurricane-milton-dire-warning-if-you-choose-to-stay-youre-going-to-die-officials-encourage-writing-n">Evacuation orders</a> are in place for multiple Florida counties, with officials issuing dire warnings for those who choose to stay home.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41254312/hurricane-milton-descends-on-florida-analysts-warn-of-impact-on-disney-nexteras-flo">analysts</a>, sectors including insurance, regional banks, fitness centers, utilities, hospitals, and theme parks could be negatively impacted by Hurricane Milton. The storm is predicted to have a significant impact on Florida&#8217;s most populous areas, including the Tampa Bay area.
Furthermore, Goldman Sachs estimates that Hurricane Milton could cause an adverse <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41229099/disney-faces-150m-200m-blow-from-hurricane-milton-attendance-set-to-drop-6-says-goldman-sac">impact of $150 million to $200 million</a> on Walt Disney World's Parks and experiences in the current quarter. This potential loss is primarily attributed to the expected drop in domestic attendance at Walt Disney World, with projections now suggesting a 6% year-over-year decline in attendance growth, compared to an earlier estimate of a 2% decline. 
Image via Shutterstock
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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/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Taylor Swift Donates $5M Toward Hurricane Recovery: 'Contribution Will Help Communities Rebuild'

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Several rappers have bought leading cryptocurrency Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) over the years, but fewer have bought meme coins like Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), which is loved by billionaires like Mark Cuban <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/11/35860106/if-you-invested-100-in-dogecoin-when-elon-musk-first-tweeted-about-the-crypto-heres-how-mu">and Elon Musk.</a>
One rapper took a chance on Dogecoin in 2021, but his timing may have been among the worst.
What Happened: Logic, 50 Cent and Nas, who also<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41204472/if-you-invested-1000-in-bitcoin-when-rap-legend-nas-sang-that-he-was-coin-based-basically-"> invested in cryptocurrency companies,</a> are among the rappers who have bought Bitcoin or rapped about the cryptocurrency over the years.
Rapper Meek Mill announced on May 4, 2021, that he bought Dogecoin.
"I just grabbed some doge I'm tired of missing out," Meek Mill <a href="https://x.com/MeekMill/status/1389621286536634368">tweeted</a>.  
The rapper spent $50,000 on 92,411 Dogecoin according to a <a href="https://www.xxlmag.com/meek-mill-dogecoin-stock-50000-dollars/">report </a>from XXL Mag.
Meek Mill <a href="https://x.com/MeekMill/status/1390099342720176134">tweeted </a>a day later "what's up wit doge coin" asking his followers why the cryptocurrency was moving, sharing a screen shot from his account.
Dogecoin traded between $0.400800 and $0.65998 on May 4, 2021, the date of the rapper's purchase. No matter when investors bought Dogecoin they would be down if they chose to follow the rapper.
A $1,000 investment could have bought 1,650.17 DOGE on May 4 based on the highest price of the day. The $1,000 investment would be down 82% since the rapper's tweet.
While it is unknown if Meek Mill still holds any Dogecoin, the rapper would be down on his position and likely took a loss if he sold, depending on when his sale was made.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/41105426/if-you-invested-1-000-in-dogecoin-when-mark-cuban-and-the-dallas-mavericks-welcomed-the-me">If You Invested $1,000 In Dogecoin When Mark Cuban And The Dallas Mavericks Welcomed The Meme Crypto, Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have Now</a>
Meek Mill's Bad Timing: Dogecoin went on to hit all-time highs just days after the rapper made the purchase. The all-time high was $0.7376 on May 8, a date which coincided with Musk appearing on "Saturday Night Live" and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/22/05/27064582/today-is-the-one-year-anniversary-of-elon-musk-on-snl-and-dogecoin-all-time-highs-heres-wh"> mentioning the meme coin.</a>
The May 4, 2021 tweet signaled Meek Mill was tired of missing out and his timing may have missed out on some huge profits.
On Jan. 8, 2021, Meek Mill <a href="https://x.com/MeekMill/status/1347577344609955842">tweeted </a>about cryptocurrency.
"I need everybody that rock wit me to learn about stocks and crypto currency!" the rapper tweeted.
The rapper didn't learn about cryptocurrency — or at least Dogecoin — as his first investment wouldn't come for four more months.
Dogecoin traded between $0.009177 and $0.010867 on Jan. 8, 2021.
A $1,000 investment by the rapper at that day's high price could have bought 92,021.72 DOGE. The Dogecoin investment would be worth $10,011.96, up 901.2%.
If Meek Mill bought the same $50,000 in Dogecoin at the high price on Jan. 8, 2021, he could have bought 4,601,085.86 DOGE.
That same investment would be worth $500,598.14 today and would have been worth $3,393,760.93 at the coin's all-time high.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/07/39870013/elon-musk-reacts-as-rapper-meek-mill-flexes-his-all-black-cybertruck-ahead-of-his-new-song-">Elon Musk Reacts As Rapper Meek Mill Flexes His All-Black Cybertruck Ahead Of His New Song Named After Tesla&#8217;s EV Truck</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Meek Mill, photo by Jake Giampa via Shutterstock

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If You Invested $1,000 In Dogecoin When Rapper Meek Mill 'Grabbed Some Doge,' Here's How Much You'd Have Today

Rosie Mattio, founder and CEO of Mattio Communications, and Jason Erkes, chief communications officer at Cresco Labs (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRLBF#OTC">CRLBF</a>), both agreed that throughout their many years in public affairs and communications, they'd never seen anything quite like Florida's cannabis legalization campaign in support of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38034138/florida-supreme-court-approves-cannabis-legalization-proposal-for-november-election-in-blow-to-d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amendment 3</a>.
"Massive…massive," said Erkes at the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis-conference/">Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference</a> on Oct. 9. The panel was &#8220;One Month Out: Inside Florida&#8217;s Record-Breaking Adult-Use Legalization Effort.&#8221;
Erkes noted the <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/topic/smart-safe-florida" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smart &amp; Safe Florida</a>&nbsp;campaign raised at least $100 million to get the word out.&nbsp;Indeed, Amendment 3 is the best-funded cannabis legalization amendment in American history, surpassing the previous record set by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/04/15926183/two-years-after-prop-64-california-cannabis-industry-at-a-crossroads" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California's 2016 Proposition 64.</a>
Amendment 3 will go before Florida voters this coming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">November</a>.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Getting The Word Out Like None Other</h1>
One of the campaign's strengths, said Mattio, was that it meets people where they are — in the towns and communities across Florida — and the reception has been positive. People relate to issues such as criminal justice reform and freedom of choice. They don't necessarily need to be cannabis consumers to get behind these basic concepts, Mattio said. Not to mention that medical marijuana has been legal in Florida for a decade and its success "has been an example of what a good program looks like," she added.
Mattio and Erkes had the highest praise for Smart &amp; Safe's nearly 800 satellite offices all over Florida, the thousands of lawn signs, the campaign's 13 TV ads and of course making sure people were registered to vote. "It's a political campaign, after all," Erkes said.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Speaking Of TV Ads &nbsp;</h1>
Panel moderator Bryna Dahlin asked about the recent lawsuits popping up in Florida. There's the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41156781/trulieve-sues-florida-gop-for-defamation-over-false-and-misleading-claims-as-cannabis-legalizati">defamation lawsuit</a> launched by Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCNNF#OTC">TCNNF</a>) accusing the Florida Republican Party of intentionally misleading voters with a deceptive TV campaign ad. 
That lawsuit alleges that the TV ad in question misleads voters by implying that only large cannabis companies, such as Trulieve will benefit from marijuana legalization. 
Then there's Florida state Sen. Jason Pizzo&nbsp;(D) who is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41207561/desantis-state-of-florida-under-fire-for-taxpayer-funded-anti-cannabis-ad-as-new-lawsuit-emerges">suing the State of Florida</a> for misusing taxpayer dollars to fund an ad produced by the&nbsp;Florida Department of Transportation opposing Amendment 3.
"I generally don't think it's a good idea to poke the bear," said Erkes, but in this case "one way to discredit a false narrative is to launch a lawsuit." In fact, it's a great PR campaign, he added.
Now Read: 
<ul>
<li>EXCLUSIVE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41258536/exclusive-cannabis-companies-must-get-more-juice-from-the-same-squeeze-says-cresco-labs-ceo-as-c">Cannabis Companies Must &#8216;Get More Juice From The Same Squeeze,&#8217; Says Cresco Labs CEO As Challenges Persist</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, Oct. 9, 2024, Photo by Wendy Davis

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EXCLUSIVE: 'Poking The Bear' As Florida's Contentious Cannabis Legalization Vote Looms

For meteorologists who study extreme weather events like Hurricane Milton — and Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago — the most frightening aspect of the back-to-back storms <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41257552/how-strong-is-milton-what-to-expect-from-hurricane-categories-1-through-5">isn&#8217;t just strength</a>. 
It&#8217;s speed. 
The fact that Milton mutated from tropical storm to Category 5 hurricane in under 24 hours stunned NBC6 Miami&#8217;s John Morales to the point where he held back tears. Watch the video<a href="https://twitter.com/JohnMoralesTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor"> in his X account</a>.
<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">I debated whether to share this. I did apologize on the air. But I invite you to read my introspection on <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletinAtomic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BulletinAtomic</a> of how extreme weather &#x1f4c8; driven by global warming has changed me. Frankly, YOU should be shaken too, and demand <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateActionNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateActionNow</a>. <a href="https://t.co/09vxgabSmX">https://t.co/09vxgabSmX</a> <a href="https://t.co/GzQbDglsBG">https://t.co/GzQbDglsBG</a>
&mdash; John Morales (@JohnMoralesTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnMoralesTV/status/1843325629741285439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Morales isn&#8217;t alone. Other scientists sounded the alarm, too. They used words like &#8220;<a href="https://x.com/AndyHazelton/status/1843342493318033642?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">unprecedented</a>&#8221; and &#8220;<a href="https://x.com/webberweather/status/1843317499091382515?s=46&amp;t=xkbHVlvdaIg9MYo3Hv8M_w&amp;utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">jaw-dropping</a>.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/10/41251171/hurricane-helenes-destruction-sparks-search-for-safety-10-states-where-property-is-at-the-lowest-ris">Hurricane Helene&#8217;s Destruction Sparks Search For Safety — 10 States Where Property Is At The Lowest Risk</a>
Within 36 hours of formation, Milton&#8217;s winds reached 180 miles per hour. That&#8217;s lightning fast in the world of storm tracking. 
But it shouldn&#8217;t have been a surprise. Helene also mutated from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane in just two days.
For those wondering how two storms, with rains Morales described as &#8220;<a href="https://thebulletin.org/2024/09/hurricane-helene-isnt-an-outlier-its-a-harbinger-of-the-future/#post-heading">biblical</a>,&#8221; are a sudden reality, NASA has an answer: Warm ocean waters due to human-caused climate change.
These conditions caused Milton and Helene to become powerful Category 5 storms.
&#8220;Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico were well above average for this time of year as Milton churned toward Florida,&#8221; NASA Climate, an account affiliated with NASA, posted on X.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Warm ocean waters due to human-caused climate change helped fuel Hurricane <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Milton?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Milton</a> to become a powerful Category 5 storm. Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico were well above average for this time of year as Milton churned toward Florida. <a href="https://t.co/p4WvGdpcWE">https://t.co/p4WvGdpcWE</a> <a href="https://t.co/P3qashjqoc">pic.twitter.com/P3qashjqoc</a>
&mdash; NASA Climate (@NASAClimate) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAClimate/status/1844030081460502696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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The primary business activities of certain companies are directly linked to greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
You know the names: Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) and Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>), Marathon Oil Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRO#NYSE">MRO</a>), BP plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BP#NYSE">BP</a>) and PetroChina (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PCCYF#OTC">PCCYF</a>), to name a few.
&#8220;I tried to warn people,&#8221; Morales wrote in the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists last month. &#8220;Except that the warning was not well received by everyone. A person accused me of being a &#8216;climate militant,&#8217; a suggestion that I'm embellishing extreme weather threats to drive an agenda. Another simply said that my predictions were &#8216;an exaggeration.&#8217; But it wasn't an exaggeration.&#8221;
Meanwhile, oil companies operating in the Gulf are currently experiencing setbacks. Chevron&#8217;s Blind Faith platform, for example, shut down and forced personnel to evacuate. It produces around 65,000 barrels of oil per day.
Historically, companies like Shell PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHEL#NYSE">SHEL</a>) and others in the Gulf region followed similar protocols, ahead of significant storms like Helene and — just a couple of weeks earlier — Hurricane Francine​.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/40822108/hurricane-francine-approaches-louisiana-coast-may-become-category-2-storm">Hurricane Francine Approaches Louisiana Coast With Category 2 Storm Potential, Local Oil Refineries Cut Production</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">ExxonMobil&#8217;s Accepts, Then Denies</h1>
Like Morales, ExxonMobil&#8217;s own scientists made similar predictions — in 1977. 
InsideClimateNews <a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02052024/from-the-archive-exxon-research-global-warming/?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email#:~:text=He%20warned%20Exxon%20scientists%20and,degrees%20Fahrenheit)%20at%20the%20poles.">republished</a> a 2015 article this past May that chronicles how James Black presented evidence to Exxon brass decades ago, detailing how the oil industry&#8217;s operations would endanger humanity.
&#8220;There is general scientific agreement that the most likely manner in which mankind is influencing the global climate is through carbon dioxide release from the burning of fossil fuels," Black said at the time.
Exxon eventually <a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Exxon-Review-of-Climate-Research-Program-1981.pdf">nixed its carbon dioxide research</a> and chose, instead, to deny climate change. 
Fast-forward to today, elected officials are either <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RbvIMfwNzU">dismissing</a> it entirely or calling it a <a href="https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/265895292191248385">hoax</a>. Meanwhile, the U.S. produces more oil <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/23/10/35240230/us-is-producing-more-oil-under-biden-than-at-any-point-under-the-trump-administration">than ever before</a>. 
&#8220;We're seeing it play out in this post-truth era, in ways that's really damaging society. And I'm not talking more in the psychological, esoterical ways, or maybe in the election outcome ways. This is getting in the way of emergency management agencies doing their job and saving lives and getting people out of harm's way,&#8221; Morales <a href="https://thebulletin.org/2024/10/meteorologist-john-morales-theres-rapid-intensification-theres-extreme-rapid-intensification-and-then-theres-hurricane-milton/">says</a>. &#8220;It's getting in the way of recovery efforts&#8230; And yeah, it's definitely a hindrance to my mission as a person whose life mission is saving life and property.&#8221;
What&#8217;s Next: The U.S. Energy Information Administration continues to analyze energy data, and how Milton <a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=63444">affects</a> energy infrastructure. The agency will publish an inventory report on Thursday; The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/commodities-futures/u-s-natural-gas-futures-move-lower-as-storm-looms-24b63a6f?mod=latest_headlines">expects</a> the surplus in U.S. natural gas to contract as Hurricane Milton makes its way across Florida.
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/10/41257792/oil-dips-to-73-as-china-withholds-stimulus-biden-attempts-to-contain-netanyahu-over-israels-attack-o">Oil Dips To $73 As China Withholds Stimulus, Biden Attempts To Contain Netanyahu Over Israel&#8217;s Attack On Iran</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Courtesy of NASA

PCCYF

SHEL

How Did Hurricanes Milton, Helene Intensify So Quickly? ExxonMobil's Scientists Warned Us... In 1977

Rosenblatt analyst Mike Genovese maintains Applied Optoelectronics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAOI#NASDAQ">AAOI</a>) with a Buy and maintains $20 price target.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

AAOI

Rosenblatt Maintains Buy on Applied Optoelectronics, Maintains $20 Price Target

Macquarie analyst Tao Qiu maintains Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKD#NYSE">BKD</a>) with a Outperform and maintains $8 price target.

Macquarie Maintains Outperform on Brookdale Senior Living, Maintains $8 Price Target

DA Davidson analyst Linda Bolton Weiser initiates coverage on Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) with a Neutral rating and announces Price Target of $159.

Initiation

DA Davidson Initiates Coverage On Procter & Gamble with Neutral Rating, Announces Price Target of $159

Actor Jim Belushi compared the similarities of acting and cannabis to an audience at the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis-conference/"> Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference on Oct. 9.</a>
Here's a look at what makes the two sectors similar and more on Belushi's journey to help people through cannabis.
Acting to Cannabis: Belushi may be best known for his roles in television and movies, but at the 2024 Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, the audience and other speakers are aware of his efforts in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40720303/hollywood-star-jim-belushi-brings-cannabis-expertise-to-chicago-conference-in-october">the cannabis sector.</a>
The actor said "It's been a great journey" going from one farm to now having products sold in 14 states.
Cannabis is like acting, Belushi told the crowd.
Belushi said as an actor he asked himself why he was doing acting and it came down to the idea of making people feel good.
"You want them to leave the theater feeling good," Belushi said.
Belushi said the switch to cannabis comes with the same mentality.
"Adding on cannabis to my purpose, the purpose is the same. Cannabis makes people feel good."
The actor and cannabis entrepreneur said cannabis can help with pain, increase happiness and make people feel better overall. "I feel like I am totally on purpose from actor to cannabis," he said.
Belushi, who stars in "Growing Belushi," which airs on Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>)-owned Discovery, credits his partners and relationships in the industry for helping his growth.
"We are bred on a plant that is based on kindness, generosity and healing."
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41233018/exclusive-ross-gerber-sees-tsunami-of-money-pouring-into-cannabis-companies-upon-federal-legaliz">EXCLUSIVE: Ross Gerber Sees &#8216;Tsunami Of Money&#8217; Pouring Into Cannabis Companies Upon Federal Legalization, Says Cannabis Is One Of &#8216;Biggest&#8217; Opportunities Beyond AI</a>
Challenges of Cannabis: Belushi said one of the main differences between cannabis and "show business" is the amount of time it takes to get things done.
Within the cannabis industry, the biggest challenge Belushi highlighted was the price. "Growing is very expensive," Belushi said.
The actor and entrepreneur said the market is oversaturated and it's hard to make any margin in states like Oregon.
Asked later on about his advice to someone looking to start their own grow farm, Belushi answered, "Don't do it. Don't f&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;ing do it."
Belushi admitted he never got involved in cannabis for the money and was just hoping to break even, adding "I already got my TV money."
Belushi said he got involved in cannabis and remains involved despite the struggles as people should focus on things they're passionate about.
"I have passion for what this plant can bring to our community."
 What's Next: Belushi said he was excited about the potential for rescheduling happening this year and questions why it hasn't happened.
Until rescheduling happens, Belushi said doctors at Veteran Affairs can't give people cannabis instead of oxycontin.
"Why aren't we taking care of them?" Belushi asked of the country's veterans.
Belushi also said he was disappointed to see Vice President Kamala Harris talk about putting so many people in California into jail when many were put in there for marijuana-related crimes. The actor noted that he is not anti-Harris, but disagrees in this matter.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41241368/exclusive-elon-musks-x-is-safe-space-to-say-weed-the-only-social-platform-where-you-can-talk-abo">EXCLUSIVE: Elon Musk&#8217;s X Is &#8216;Safe Space&#8217; To Say Weed: &#8216;The Only Social Platform Where You Can Talk About Cannabis Openly&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Jim Belushi at the Benzinga Cannabis Conference 2024, Photo by Wendy Davis

Jim Belushi Compares Passion For Acting To Cannabis Business: 'Makes People Feel Good'

UBS analyst Trung Huynh maintains Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $50 to $54.

UBS Maintains Neutral on Bristol-Myers Squibb, Raises Price Target to $54

UBS analyst Colin Bristow maintains Merck &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $142 to $136.

UBS Maintains Buy on Merck & Co, Lowers Price Target to $136

UBS analyst Navin Jacob maintains AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $185 to $195.

ABBV

UBS Maintains Neutral on AbbVie, Raises Price Target to $195

UBS analyst Jay Sole maintains Deckers Outdoor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DECK#NYSE">DECK</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $225 to $226.

DECK

UBS Maintains Buy on Deckers Outdoor, Raises Price Target to $226

UBS analyst Dennis Geiger maintains McDonald's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $305 to $345.

UBS Maintains Buy on McDonald's, Raises Price Target to $345

Citigroup analyst Christopher Allen maintains Virtu Finl (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VIRT#NASDAQ">VIRT</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $32 to $37.

VIRT

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Virtu Finl, Raises Price Target to $37

Citigroup analyst Thomas Palmer maintains Mondelez International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $79 to $80.

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