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GB Group PLC provides identity intelligence solutions through its three divisions Location, Identity, and Fraud. It offers electronic ID Verification services, ID Registration, ID Engage, and ID Trace and Investigates software and services. GB Group's technology supports customers in traditional banking, government, utilities, retail, and transport as well as newly emerging industries such as eCommerce, online gaming, cryptocurrency, and mobile payments. The company has a strong geographical presence in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Australia and generates revenues from the sale of software and rendering of services.

GB Group PLC

Amid renewed Israel-Iran tensions, stock market futures took a hit Thursday. Oil prices surged over 3%, while gold climbed, driven by concerns. Reports of explosions in Iran, Syria, and Iraq added to the uncertainty following Israel&#8217;s military operation.
What Happened: Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dipped by 430 points, marking a 1.15% decline. S&amp;P 500 futures also experienced a loss of nearly 1.34%, while Nasdaq 100 futures were down by 1.62%, according to data <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">from Benzinga Pro</a>.
The oil prices also surged by over 3% in the Asian morning trading, with the global benchmark Brent crude futures exceeding $90 per barrel.
Gold prices climbed beyond $2,400 per ounce driven by concerns over growing tensions between Israel and Iran, sparking increased demand for safe-haven assets.
Bullion surged by as much as 1.3%, marking its fifth consecutive weekly gain, prompted by unverified media reports of explosions in Iran, Syria, and Iraq, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-19/gold-xauusd-set-for-fifth-weekly-gain-on-increasing-mideast-tensions">according</a> to Bloomberg. 
Asian markets responded to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran with significant declines on Friday. The Nikkei 225 experienced a notable drop, trading at 37,085.40, down 2.61%, while the Hang Seng Index also saw a decline, trading at 16,177.25, down 1.27%. India&#8217;s Nifty 50 opened the day at 21,813.20, marking a decrease of 0.83%, reflecting the cautious sentiment among investors. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38327607/bitcoin-analyst-predicts-significant-chance-of-price-bounce-amid-fading-hype-narratives-wi?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Analyst Predicts &#8216;Significant Chance&#8217; Of Price Bounce Amid Fading Hype: &#8216;Narratives Will Change&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The renewed conflict between Israel and Iran comes on the heels of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38328006/israel-reportedly-strikes-iran-syria-iraq-in-retaliation-for-missile-drone-attack">series of alleged retaliatory strikes</a> by Israel on Iran, Syria, and Iraq. This escalation followed an Iranian missile attack on Israel, which was seen as retaliation for an incident in Syria attributed to Israel.
The U.S. has responded to the Apr. 13 attack on Israel by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/04/38316947/us-intensifies-economic-pressure-on-iran-in-response-to-attack-on-israel-we-will-continue-to-deploy">intensifying economic pressure on Iran</a>, imposing new sanctions on a network of individuals and organizations involved in developing Iran&#8217;s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities. These UAVs were reportedly used in the attack, implicating entities under the Iran&#8217;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF).
Amid these developments, the stock market has been volatile, with investors fearing a potential <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38255115/how-irans-attack-against-israel-will-impact-gas-prices-you-pay-at-the-pump">escalation in the Middle East</a>, where a significant portion of the world&#8217;s oil is produced. The price of oil has been a particular concern, with experts warning that sustained prices above $100 a barrel could increase the likelihood of a U.S. recession.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/04/38288246/wall-street-poised-to-rebound-from-slump-as-earnings-optimism-grows-analyst-eyes-this-s-p-500-level?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">S&amp;P 500, Nasdaq Futures Point To Higher Open Today: What&#8217;s Going On?</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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Stock Market Futures Dip, Asian Markets Drop After Israel Hits Back At Iran — Oil, Gold Prices Surge

Edward Snowden offered a sarcastic commentary on President Joe Biden&#8217;s visit to a Wawa in Philadelphia.
What Happened: On Thursday, Snowden took to X, formerly Twitter, to share his views on Biden&#8217;s recent visit to a Wawa convenience store in Philadelphia. His tweet, &#8220;It&#8217;s like watching jordan at the top of his game,&#8221; was a tongue-in-cheek comparison of the President&#8217;s visit to the performance of a top athlete.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">it&#39;s like watching jordan at the top of his game <a href="https://t.co/TmmCTMaO8L">https://t.co/TmmCTMaO8L</a>
&mdash; Edward Snowden (@Snowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/Snowden/status/1781126516241240575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Biden made a stop at Wawa in Center City near Independence Hall, accompanied by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. 
Biden ordered an Italian hoagie and a black and white milkshake from the convenience store, while Parker chose yogurt. This marked Biden&#8217;s third stop in Pennsylvania that week, as he prepared for a rematch against former President Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/joe-biden-in-philadelphia-wawa/">reported</a> CBS News.
He also received endorsements from members of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.&#8217;s family and made previous visits to Scranton and Pittsburgh, discussing economic policies and meeting with union leaders.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38263998/trumps-niece-says-ex-presidents-mandatory-courtroom-presence-will-give-jury-front-row-seat-of-his-ba?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s Niece Says Ex-President&#8217;s Mandatory Courtroom Presence Will Give Jury Front-Row Seat Of His Bad Behavior: &#8216;Donald Is Finally Confronting His Criminal Charges&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Snowden&#8217;s tweet comes in the context of his previous criticisms of Biden. In February, he expressed concern over reports that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37384159/edward-snowden-isnt-happy-biden-skipped-cognitive-testing-during-medical-exam-white-house-medical-st">Biden had skipped a cognitive assessment</a> during his annual physical. Snowden suggested that the White House medical staff has historically been &#8220;all-too-happy to lie&#8221; to downplay or conceal Presidential health issues.
While Snowden has been vocal about his views on the current administration, he has previously dismissed the idea of running for President himself. In a response to a Twitter user&#8217;s question in June 2023, he stated, &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/23/06/32959023/president-edward-snowden-heres-what-the-whistleblower-has-to-say-about-that">I&#8217;d rather not</a>.&#8221;
Photo via Wikimedia
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38270988/elon-musk-reacts-after-trump-posts-screenshot-of-tesla-ceos-post-about-lawfare-not-being-applied-equ?itm_source=parsely-api">Elon Musk Reacts After Trump Posts Screenshot Of Tesla CEO&#8217;s Post About &#8216;Lawfare:&#8217; &#8216;Not Being Applied Equally To Joe And Hunter Biden&#8217;</a>
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Edward Snowden Compares Biden Ordering A Milkshake To 'Jordan At The Top Of His Game'

- Reuters Citing Iranian Press TV

Macro Economic Events

Economics

iShares MSCI Israel Capped Investable Market Index Fund

ISRA

Situation In Iran's Isfahan Is Normal, No Explosion Taken Place On Ground; Iran's Nuclear Facilities Remain Unharmed

Israeli Military Says Sirens Sounded In Northern Israel

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc, weighed in on the recent Israeli airstrike targeting Iran and expressed his thoughts on the situation.
What Happened: Musk&#8217;s comments on X, formerly Twitter, were in response to a post by OSINTdefender, an Open Source Intelligence Monitor focusing on Europe and global conflicts.
The post by OSINTdefender reported that the Israeli Air Force may have targeted the 8th Tactical Airbase of the Iranian Air Force, which houses multiple squadrons of F-14 &#8220;Tomcat&#8221; fighter aircraft.
Musk&#8217;s post read, &#8220;Our tax dollars somehow also blowing up our tax dollars.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Our tax dollars somehow also blowing up our tax dollars
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1781141827757781162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 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/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38306270/dogecoin-could-make-elon-musks-fate-loves-irony-comment-come-true-if-it-flips-ethereums-ma?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogecoin Could Make Elon Musk&#8217;s &#8216;Fate Loves Irony&#8217; Comment Come True If It Flips Ethereum&#8217;s Market Cap At Last Bull Run, Says This Crypto Influencer</a>
Why It Matters: The Israeli airstrike comes in the wake of escalating tensions between <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38240360/what-a-full-blown-war-between-israel-and-iran-could-entail-according-to-one-report">Iran and Israel</a>. Iran recently launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Israel, reportedly in retaliation for an incident in Syria that resulted in the deaths of several Iranian officers.
Israel responded to the attack with a series of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38328006/israel-reportedly-strikes-iran-syria-iraq-in-retaliation-for-missile-drone-attack">alleged retaliatory strikes</a>, targeting Iran, Syria, and Iraq. This has led to a significant escalation of the conflict dynamics between the two countries, potentially edging towards <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38240360/what-a-full-blown-war-between-israel-and-iran-could-entail-according-to-one-report">full-scale war</a>.
The U.S. has also intensified <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/04/38316947/us-intensifies-economic-pressure-on-iran-in-response-to-attack-on-israel-we-will-continue-to-deploy">economic pressure on Iran </a>in response to the attack on Israel, imposing new sanctions on a network of individuals and organizations involved in developing Iran&#8217;s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities.
Amid these tensions, China has reaffirmed its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38267600/amid-iran-israel-tensions-china-affirms-support-for-tehran-strengthens-ties">support for Iran</a> and strengthened its bilateral ties with Tehran.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38288858/elon-musk-says-bring-it-on-after-russian-space-chief-touts-amur-rocket-says-it-can-be-reused-up-to-5?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Says &#8216;Bring It On&#8217; After Russian Space Chief Touts Amur Rocket, Says It Can Be Reused Up To 5X More Than SpaceX&#8217;s Falcon 9</a>
Image Via Shutterstock 
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TSLA

Elon Musk Reacts To Alleged Israeli Airstrike On Iran: 'Our Tax Dollars Somehow Also Blowing Up Our Tax Dollars'

Iranian Fars News Agency, 'The Sound Of Three Explosions Has Been Heard Near An Army Base In Northwest Isfahan'; Air Defense Systems Have Been Activated In Response To 'An Object Suspected To Be A Drone', Sources Say

<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-missiles-hit-site-iran-abc-news-reports-2024-04-19/">https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-missiles-hit-site-iran-abc-news-reports-2024-04-19/</a>
&nbsp;
A U.S. official confirmed to ABC News Israeli missiles have hit a site in Iran.
The official could not confirm whether Syria and Iraq sites were hit as well.
An explosion was heard in the city of Qahjavaristan, Isfahan, according to Iranian Media.
They also report that there has been a suspension of flights to Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz.
Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones into Israel last weekend. Israeli officials said the country's Iron Dome defense system endured a big test from Iran's attack on Saturday, intercepting 99% of the 300 "threats of various types" thrown at it.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari, launched 170 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more than 120 ballistic missiles and more than 30 cruise missiles in the attack.
Hagari said "99% of the threats launched towards Israeli territory were intercepted -- a very significant strategic achievement."
Hagari said the attack resulted in only one known Israeli casualty, a 7-year-old girl who was severely injured when she was struck by shrapnel apparently from an intercepted missile.

"Israel Retaliates As Missiles Strike A Site In Iran, US Officials Say" - ABC News

Cyberspace Administration Of China Ordered Removal Of Meta's WhatsApp And Threads Apps From China Storefront Based On National Security Concerns

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) unveiled plans on Thursday to utilize a lottery system for granting initial licenses to businesses vying for entry into the state&#8217;s medical marijuana industry.
Speaking at a press conference, Beshear called the lottery approach a fair way to give all qualifying applicants an equal opportunity to receive a license for the program, which is expected to launch in January 2025.
Set for this coming October, the lottery should remove any temptation to lobby to "get a leg up in different ways that we don't want to see," Beshear said at his weekly press conference, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/kentucky-governor-announces-lottery-award-initial-round-medical-109402560">reported</a> ABC News.
"It reduces or eliminates litigation, and it creates a more fair process, not one where people bid against each other and only then the big companies can be a part of it," Beshear said. "But one that provides at least a chance for everyone who can meet the criteria."
Kentucky will initially issue 48 medical marijuana dispensary licenses, divided among 11 regions around the state as a way of ensuring the shortest possible drive times for Kentuckians with qualifying health conditions, said Sam Flynn, executive director of the medical cannabis program.
Each region will be allocated at least four dispensary licenses. Counties will be limited to one dispensary each except for those that include Louisville and Lexington, which can have two licenses, Flynn said. Limited numbers of cultivator and processor licenses will also be issued.
Beshear said capping the number of licenses is meant to avoid flooding the market with products and exceeding demand, which would ultimately hurt businesses and patients.
"You can see this is not about having a dispensary on every corner," Beshear said. "It is a limited program that we can monitor and fulfill the promise we made of doing this safely, but also having access in each region for people that do qualify."
The program can be expanded with more businesses in the future depending on demand and whether more qualifying medical conditions are added, which Beshear <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36508539/kentucky-gov-beshear-wants-to-add-glaucoma-aids-and-13-more-conditions-to-medical-marijuana-prog">has promoted</a>.
"This is likely the minimum that you will see on the program moving forward. But again, you can always scale up. Scaling back hurts businesses, hurts people and hurts access," Beshear said. &#8220;We don't start huge. We start with a manageable program that, yes, can grow."
In March of this year, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/03/31612072/kentucky-becomes-38th-state-to-legalize-medical-marijuana-as-gov-beshear-signs-bill-into-law" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kentucky became the 38th state</a> in the nation to legalize medical marijuana for patients with debilitating conditions.
Gov. Andy Beshear, government photo

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Kentucky Gov Beshear Announces Lottery To Award Medical Marijuana Licenses: 'A Chance For Everyone' Who Meet Criteria, Not Just Big Companies

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently expressed her views on a post from the Biden-Harris campaign, criticizing former President Donald Trump for his tax policies favoring the wealthy.
What Happened: On Thursday, Clinton responded to a post on X, formerly Twitter, from the Biden campaign that quoted Trump saying, &#8220;You're all people that have a lot of money. You're rich as hell. We're gonna give you tax cuts.&#8221; Clinton&#8217;s response was succinct: &#8220;If you&#8217;re a billionaire, he&#8217;s on your side. Otherwise, good luck.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">If you&#39;re a billionaire, he&#39;s on your side. Otherwise, good luck. <a href="https://t.co/HzDrtTWLew">https://t.co/HzDrtTWLew</a>
&mdash; Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) <a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton/status/1780671379269902539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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This isn&#8217;t the first time Clinton has criticized Trump&#8217;s policies. Earlier this month, she blamed him for the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38038951/hillary-clinton-blasts-trump-for-appointing-judges-that-overturned-legal-abortion-were-witnessing-th">fallout from the reversal</a> of Roe v. Wade, which she said is being felt across the nation.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38305131/elizabeth-warren-says-trump-had-only-2-accomplishments-as-president-huge-difference-between-bide?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elizabeth Warren Says Trump Had Only 2 Accomplishments As President: &#8216;Huge Difference Between&#8217; Biden, Trump</a>
Why It Matters: Clinton&#8217;s tweet comes in the wake of reports that Republican billionaires are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37838901/republican-billionaires-rally-to-fund-trumps-presidential-campaign-donors-extending-overwhelming-amo">rallying to fund Trump&#8217;s presidential campaign</a>. According to a Benzinga article, a high-dollar fundraiser was hosted in April to boost his campaign, signaling support from ultra-rich GOP figures.
Meanwhile, a recent poll showed President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38182671/biden-vs-trump-matchup-in-new-poll-shows-incumbents-lead-swelling-but-nearly-25-of-voters-dont-want">leading</a> Trump in a hypothetical matchup for the 2024 election. However, nearly 25% of voters indicated they don&#8217;t want either as President.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38305609/teary-biden-slams-trump-for-remarks-on-service-members-who-the-hell-does-he-think-he-is?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teary Biden Slams Trump For Remarks On Service Members: &#8216;Who The Hell Does He Think He Is?&#8217;</a>

Hillary Clinton Says Trump Is On Your Side If You Are A Billionaire, 'Otherwise, Good Luck'

In response to the appearance of pro-Nazi content on Elon Musk&#8217;s social media platform, X, South Korea&#8217;s leading automaker&nbsp;Hyundai has decided to halt its advertising. This decision comes after a sponsored post from Hyundai was found next to anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi posts.
What Happened: The automaker confirmed that it had paused its advertising on X. The company also stated that it was addressing its concerns about brand safety with Musk&#8217;s company, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/hyundai-pauses-x-ads-nazi-content-platform-rcna148414">reported</a> NBC News.
"We have paused our ads on X and are speaking to X directly about brand safety to ensure this issue is addressed," Hyundai said in the statement.&nbsp;
A freelance journalist and X user, Nancy Levine Stearns, recently posted a screenshot of a Hyundai ad running on an X account that frequently posts Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism. The account in question has been suspended by X for violating its policy against abusive profiles.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">NEW: Hyundai Motor America spokesperson emailed me today about its ad on X appearing on a verified "Premium" account that posts pro-Hitler, antisemitic content: "We are immediately removing from the site. We are updating our parameters to avoid other instances similar to this." <a href="https://t.co/Y2oK8AVjCl">pic.twitter.com/Y2oK8AVjCl</a>
&mdash; Nancy Levine Stearns &#x270d;&#xFE0F; (@nancylevine) <a href="https://twitter.com/nancylevine/status/1780688883430330465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Hyundai&#8217;s ad ran on the profile of a user who has defended Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and promoted anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. This account, which had a blue checkmark indicating it was a paid &#8220;Premium&#8221; subscriber, has been suspended by X.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38309306/legal-expert-says-tesla-shareholder-vote-to-approve-elon-musks-pay-for-his-past-wor?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Legal Expert Says Tesla Shareholder Vote To Approve Elon Musk&#8217;s Pay &#8216;For His Past Work&#8217; Is Like Setting &#8216;</a>
Despite the suspension, the account continued to post pro-Nazi content. X has been under fire for becoming a hub for pro-Nazi content under Musk&#8217;s ownership. This has led to a significant backlash from advertisers, with many major companies halting their advertising on the platform.
Hyundai did not immediately respond to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a>'s request for comment.
Why It Matters: This is not the first time that X has faced backlash over anti-Semitic content. In November, IBM <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35842015/ibm-pulls-adverts-from-elon-musks-x-following-antisemitic-content-allegations">suspended its advertising</a> on X after its ads were found next to posts promoting Hitler and the Nazi Party. This led to a widespread advertiser backlash, with companies like Apple, Oracle, and Xfinity also having their ads displayed next to hateful content on the platform.
Following this, X faced a potential loss of up to $75 million in advertising revenue by the end of the year. This was due to major advertisers like Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery temporarily halting their advertising campaigns on X in response to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35949518/elon-musks-x-could-lose-75-million-in-ad-revenue-over-his-support-for-antisemitic-post-says-report">Musk&#8217;s endorsement of an anti-Semitic</a> post.
Despite the backlash, Musk <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35860920/elon-musk-claps-back-as-apple-disney-ibm-pull-ads-from-x-over-his-support-for-antisemitic-content-i">stayed resilient</a>, stating that he was sticking to his principles after reports of several big companies pulling advertisements from X due to his posts supporting anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38288858/elon-musk-says-bring-it-on-after-russian-space-chief-touts-amur-rocket-says-it-can-be-reused-up-to-5?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Says &#8216;Bring It On&#8217; After Russian Space Chief Touts Amur Rocket, Says It Can Be Reused Up To 5X More Than SpaceX&#8217;s Falcon 9</a>
Image Via Shutterstock 
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 Benzinga Neuro, Edited by 
 
 <a href="None" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: #225aa9;text-decoration: none"> 
 Kaustubh Bagalkote</a> 
 
 
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 The GPT-4-based Benzinga Neuro content generation system exploits the 
 extensive Benzinga Ecosystem, including native data, APIs, and more to 
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Social Media

Elon Musk-Led X Suffers Setback After Hyundai Halts Ads On Platform Over Anti-Semitic Content

In a series of alleged retaliatory strikes, Israel reportedly targeted Iran, Syria, and Iraq. The strikes come in response to an Iranian missile attack on Israel.
What Happened: On Friday, Israel reportedly launched a missile strike on Iran, which was followed by explosions in central Iran, southern Syria, and the Baghdad area, as well as the Babil Governorate of Iraq, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/israel-gaza-hamas-war/?id=108860743">according</a> to ABC News.
Flight trackers showed that several flights bound for Iran had changed course, including flights from the United Arab Emirates.
Local sources in Syria reported that the airstrikes targeted sites belonging to the Syrian Army in the As-Suwayda and Daraa Governorates of southern Syria. Residents in Erbil and Mosul in Iraq also reported hearing the sounds of fighter jets.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">مراسل السويداء 24: أصوات قوية لتحليق طيران حربي في الريف الجنوبي لمحافظة <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%A1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#السويداء</a> جنوب <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#سوريا</a>، سبقها بدقائق اصوات ثلاث انفجارات متتالية سمع دويها في مدينة السويداء والريف الغربي.. يتبع.. <a href="https://t.co/2bgRMFEpw7">pic.twitter.com/2bgRMFEpw7</a>
&mdash; السويداء 24 (@suwayda24) <a href="https://twitter.com/suwayda24/status/1781118124265230372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38286236/once-trumper-scaramucci-warns-re-electing-ex-president-would-result-in-american-fascism-and-be-very?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Once-Trumper&#8217; Scaramucci Warns Re-Electing Ex-President Would Result In &#8216;American Fascism&#8217; And Be &#8216;Very</a>
These strikes occurred following a drone and missile attack by Iran on Israel on Saturday night. The Iranian attack was allegedly in response to an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building next to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, resulting in the death of Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior IRGC commander in charge of Iran&#8217;s operations in Syria and Lebanon.
Why It Matters: The recent escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran has been a cause for concern. The Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel was seen as a significant shift in their conflict dynamics, potentially edging towards <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38240360/what-a-full-blown-war-between-israel-and-iran-could-entail-according-to-one-report">full-scale war</a>.
The U.S. has also intensified <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/04/38316947/us-intensifies-economic-pressure-on-iran-in-response-to-attack-on-israel-we-will-continue-to-deploy">economic pressure on Iran</a> following the attack on Israel, imposing new sanctions on individuals and organizations involved in developing Iran's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities.
Amid the escalating tensions, China has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38267600/amid-iran-israel-tensions-china-affirms-support-for-tehran-strengthens-ties">reiterated its support for Tehran</a>, strengthening its bilateral ties with Iran. 
Meanwhile, Israel's top leaders are reportedly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38264844/benjamin-netanyahus-war-cabinet-split-over-israels-war-strategy-amid-escalating-tensions-with-iran-r">in disagreement over the country's war strategy</a>, raising concerns about the potential impact on the Middle East's geopolitical stability.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38286407/gop-mega-donors-son-throws-support-behind-incumbent-president-in-biden-vs-trump-battle?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GOP Mega Donor&#8217;s Son Throws Support Behind Incumbent President In Biden Vs. Trump Battle</a>
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Israel Reportedly Strikes Iran, Syria, Iraq In Retaliation For Missile, Drone Attack

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for his alleged autocratic behavior and backroom dealings with Democrats. The tweet was posted on Tuesday.
What Happened: Greene, in her tweet, accused Mike Johnson of becoming a &#8220;mini tyrant.&#8221; She alleged that he was using underhanded tactics with Democrats to alter the rules of Congress, thereby maintaining his power and pushing through the agendas of President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Mike Johnson, the constitutional attorney, has turned into a mini tyrant. He's using backroom deals with Democrats to change the rules of Congress to continue clinging onto his power while passing Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer's wishlist. We need a new Speaker!! <a href="https://t.co/NhTwVJujQN">pic.twitter.com/NhTwVJujQN</a>
&mdash; Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene&#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8; (@RepMTG) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMTG/status/1781013989331226919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38286407/gop-mega-donors-son-throws-support-behind-incumbent-president-in-biden-vs-trump-battle?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GOP Mega Donor&#8217;s Son Throws Support Behind Incumbent President In Biden Vs. Trump Battle</a>
This tweet comes in the wake of Greene&#8217;s ongoing campaign to unseat Johnson, a campaign that has recently been joined by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). Despite former President Donald Trump&#8217;s endorsement of Johnson, Greene has been pushing for a vote on Johnson&#8217;s removal, particularly over issues related to Ukraine aid.
Why It Matters: Johnson quashed rumors about considering changes to make his leadership more secure, despite pressure from Republican hard-liners who deemed it a &#8220;red line.&#8221; Johnson criticized the existing rule allowing easy ousting but affirmed it would remain, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/mike-johnson-wont-change-rules-ousting-house-speakers/story?id=109395286">reported</a> ABC News.
He faced opposition from the party&#8217;s right flank, led by Greene, who demanded assurances he wouldn&#8217;t alter the rule. Amidst the standoff, Johnson navigated delicate balances between advancing national security bills and retaining his position, with some members threatening to oust him if he altered the threshold for a motion to vacate.
Johnson has been facing criticism from conservatives due to the lack of border security provisions in his latest foreign aid proposal. He <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38305637/mike-johnson-on-border-criticism-some-of-my-colleagues-want-the-speaker-of-the-house-to-have-a-magic">dismissed the criticism</a>, attributing the lack of action to Senate and White House Democrats. He stated, "Some of my colleagues want the Speaker of the House to have a magic wand. If we could close the border ourselves, we would have done it a long time ago.&#8221;
Johnson&#8217;s comments came after the release of legislative text for three bills that would combine military assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and allies in the Indo-Pacific with humanitarian aid for Gaza. These bills, however, do not include a border security measure, a reversal from Johnson's previous indication that aid for Ukraine would be tied to such measures. This has been a point of contention for Greene and her supporters, as seen in her <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38284071/marjorie-taylor-greene-bid-to-oust-speaker-mike-johnson-joined-by-thomas-massie-its-a-clusterf-k">recent efforts</a> to remove Johnson from his position as Speaker.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38308231/trumps-niece-says-ex-president-has-never-faced-constellation-of-horrors-hes-currently-experiencing-a?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s Niece Says Ex-President Has Never Faced &#8216;Constellation Of Horrors He&#8217;s Currently Experiencing&#8217; Amid Stack Of Criminal Trials: &#8216;Not Going To Sit Well With Him&#8217;</a>
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Marjorie Taylor Greene Says Mike Johnson Has Turned Into A 'Mini Tyrant': 'We Need A New Speaker'

Journalist Justin Baragona shared a dismissed juror&#8217;s impression of former President Donald Trump during his ongoing trial on Thursday.
What Happened: On Thursday, Baragona tweeted a comment made by a dismissed juror about Trump&#8217;s appearance during his trial. The juror, in an <a href="https://www.msnbc.com/ana-cabrera-reports/watch/dismissed-juror-describes-seeing-trump-in-the-courtroom-during-hush-money-trial-209256005671">interview</a> with MSNBC&#8217;s Yasmin Vossoughian, noted a change in Trump&#8217;s complexion, stating: &#8220;You know, he looked less orange, definitely like more yellowish, like yellow.&#8221;
&#8220;He doesn&#8217;t look angry, he looks bored. He wants this finish and do his stuff.&#8221; The juror said other perspective jurors understood the gravity of the case and its historic nature.
The juror revealed that she became a citizen of the United States in August and this was her first ever time to have been called for jury duty.
The juror said she was dismissed because she said she couldn&#8217;t be impartial. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Dismissed Trump juror tells MSNBC of her impression of the ex-president: &quot;You know, he looked less orange, definitely like more yellowish, like yellow.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/q1DZyWaEX7">pic.twitter.com/q1DZyWaEX7</a>
&mdash; Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) <a href="https://twitter.com/justinbaragona/status/1780978306814247175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38305609/teary-biden-slams-trump-for-remarks-on-service-members-who-the-hell-does-he-think-he-is?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teary Biden Slams Trump For Remarks On Service Members: &#8216;Who The Hell Does He Think He Is?&#8217;</a>
The tweet comes amidst the high-profile trial involving Trump and alleged hush money payments. The jury, consisting of 7 men and 5 women, was selected after a lengthy process that involved questioning hundreds of potential jurors about their ability to remain impartial.
Why It Matters: The trial has garnered significant attention, not only for the charges against the former president but also for the composition of the jury. Among the 12 jurors, two are lawyers, a fact that Trump&#8217;s former attorney, Timothy Parlatore, described as &#8220;very unusual&#8221; in an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38305694/former-trump-attorney-says-very-unusual-to-have-lawyers-on-the-jury-they-can-be-a-very-strong-voice">interview</a> with CNN. He suggested that the presence of lawyers on the jury could be either advantageous or disadvantageous, depending on the specifics of the case.
The trial is a critical event for Trump Media &amp; Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>), as the outcome could significantly impact the company&#8217;s reputation and stock performance.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38285714/no-more-inventory-discounts-on-tesla-cars-as-ceo-elon-musk-says-sales-system-has-turned-complex-and?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">No More Inventory Discounts On Tesla Cars As CEO Elon Musk Says Sales System Has Turned &#8216;Complex And Inefficient&#8217;</a>
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Trump Looks Less Orange, More Yellow Says Dismissed Hush Money Trial Juror: 'He Doesn't Look Angry, He Looks Bored'

Owner of X, Elon Musk, has announced plans to fund a national signature campaign in support of the First Amendment, amid ongoing debates about free speech.
What Happened: On Thursday, Elon Musk took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his commitment to free speech. &#8220;Given the relentless attacks on free speech, I am going to fund a national signature campaign in support of the First Amendment,&#8221; he posted.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Given the relentless attacks on free speech, I am going to fund a national signature campaign in support of the First Amendment
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1781002178708082904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38309306/legal-expert-says-tesla-shareholder-vote-to-approve-elon-musks-pay-for-his-past-wor?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Legal Expert Says Tesla Shareholder Vote To Approve Elon Musk&#8217;s Pay &#8216;For His Past Work&#8217; Is Like Setting &#8216;</a>
This announcement comes in the wake of Musk&#8217;s recent interactions on the subject of free speech. He had previously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38306161/elon-musk-reacts-to-npr-ceos-remarks-on-freedom-of-speech-super-powerful-ai-programmed-in-this-way-h">raised concerns</a> about the potential dangers of super-powerful artificial intelligence (AI) on social media platforms, warning of the &#8220;civilization-level risks&#8221; posed by such AI. 
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s commitment to free speech has been a topic of discussion in recent times. He had earlier filed a lawsuit against the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/03/37920503/elon-musk-whiffs-in-lawsuit-against-watchdog-group-judge-blasts-case-as-trying-to-punish-def">calling him out</a> for hate speech, which was later dismissed by a California judge. 
Furthermore, Musk has been vocal about his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38156008/elon-musk-fires-back-at-censorship-supporters-with-a-cryptic-post-youre-not-woke-or-progressive-your">stance on censorship</a>, criticizing those who support it. His recent tweet further solidifies his position as a staunch supporter of free speech. 
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38306270/dogecoin-could-make-elon-musks-fate-loves-irony-comment-come-true-if-it-flips-ethereums-ma?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogecoin Could Make Elon Musk&#8217;s &#8216;Fate Loves Irony&#8217; Comment Come True If It Flips Ethereum&#8217;s Market Cap At Last Bull Run, Says This Crypto Influencer</a>
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Tech

Elon Musk Announces Intent To Finance 'National Signature Campaign' In Support Of First Amendment, Alleging 'Relentless Attacks On Free Speech

Crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe has suggested that Bitcoin&#8216;s (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) price may soon experience a significant rebound, despite the waning hype surrounding the upcoming halving event.
What Happened: Van de Poppe took to X on Thursday to share his prediction. He noted that the current market conditions could pave the way for a price surge in the near future. 
He wrote, &#8220;Pretty significant chance #Bitcoin will be bouncing from this area upwards for some relief. The hype is slowly fading away for Bitcoin as the halving is approaching and narratives will change.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Pretty significant chance <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> will be bouncing from this area upwards for some relief. The hype is slowly fading away for Bitcoin as the halving is approaching and narratives will change. <a href="https://t.co/D3JWVihXID">pic.twitter.com/D3JWVihXID</a>
&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1781000487480758385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Van de Poppe&#8217;s forecast comes amid a period of market stabilization. Despite recent volatility, Bitcoin and Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) have both <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38312737/bitcoin-defies-165m-etf-outflows-bounces-above-62-000">managed to bounce back</a> above the $62,000 and $3,000 marks, respectively.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38299089/trump-related-maga-memecoin-onboards-roger-stone-as-partner?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump-Related MAGA Memecoin Onboards Roger Stone As Partner</a>
Additionally, the highly anticipated Bitcoin halving is just two days away, and analysts at 10x Research have suggested that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38321951/what-happens-after-the-bitcoin-halving">post-halving scenario</a> may not necessarily mirror the pre-halving frenzy.
Why It Matters: The Bitcoin halving event, which occurs approximately every four years, is a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency. The event involves a 50% reduction in the rewards miners receive for validating transactions, ultimately impacting the supply of new Bitcoins entering the market. 
Historically, halving events have been associated with significant price movements in Bitcoin, making them a focal point for investors and analysts.
Despite the recent market volatility, some industry experts remain bullish on Bitcoin&#8217;s long-term prospects. Anthony Scaramucci, the founder of SkyBridge Capital, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38321903/bitcoin-to-200k-after-halving-skybridges-scaramucci-believes-the-crypto-will-eclipse-gold-">recently suggested</a> that Bitcoin could reach $200,000 per coin following the halving, while a Fidelity director <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38320609/holding-0-001-bitcoin-could-make-you-a-multimillionaire-according-to-fidelity-director">highlighted</a> the potential for even a small investment in Bitcoin to create generational wealth.
Price Action: According to data <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">from Benzinga Pro</a>, Bitcoin is presently trading at $63,103, representing a decrease of 0.65% over the last 24 hours. However, it has surged by 42.86% since the beginning of the year.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38284502/dogecoin-killer-shiba-inu-sees-significant-increase-in-token-burn-rate-as-price-recovers-i?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Dogecoin Killer&#8217; Shiba Inu Sees Significant Increase In Token Burn Rate, As Price Recovers — Is A Turnaround In The Making?</a>
Image Via Shutterstock 
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Bitcoin Analyst Predicts 'Significant Chance' Of Price Bounce Amid Fading Hype: 'Narratives Will Change'

The latest development in the legal battles surrounding former U.S. President Donald Trump has seen his bid to delay several lawsuits linked to the Capitol attack denied. This decision was reportedly made by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington.
What Happened: On Thursday, Trump&#8217;s defense lawyers&#8217; plea to postpone the civil cases while he fights the 2020 election interference criminal case was dismissed. These cases, filed by Democratic lawmakers and police officers, allege harm suffered during the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, and accuse Trump of inciting the riot, <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/04/18/trump-jan-6-lawsuits-delay-request/">reported</a> the Chicago Tribune.
Trump&#8217;s defense argued that his speech prior to the attack was a matter of public concern and within the scope of presidential immunity. However, this claim was rejected by Washington&#8217;s federal appeals court in December, allowing the lawsuits to proceed.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38270988/elon-musk-reacts-after-trump-posts-screenshot-of-tesla-ceos-post-about-lawfare-not-being-applied-equ?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Reacts After Trump Posts Screenshot Of Tesla CEO&#8217;s Post About &#8216;Lawfare:&#8217; &#8216;Not Being Applied Equally To Joe And Hunter Biden&#8217;</a>
Judge Mehta, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, stated that the public interest lies in the swift resolution of these civil lawsuits, alongside the criminal case. He added that safeguards can be put in place to allow the lawsuits to advance without infringing on Trump&#8217;s Fifth Amendment rights.
Why It Matters: This decision comes amidst a series of legal challenges for the former president. In August 2023, Trump refused to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/08/33806596/trump-refuses-to-pledge-compliance-with-judges-order-in-jan-6-case-the-whole-thing-is-a-fake">pledge compliance</a> with a judge&#8217;s order in the Jan. 6 case, calling it a &#8220;fake.&#8221;
Furthermore, Trump is also facing a criminal trial involving alleged hush money payments. The jury for this trial was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38326553/trump-hush-money-trial-has-12-jurors-here-are-the-7-men-5-women-to-decide-former-presidents-fate">selected</a> on Thursday, marking another step towards the commencement of the trial.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38263998/trumps-niece-says-ex-presidents-mandatory-courtroom-presence-will-give-jury-front-row-seat-of-his-ba?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s Niece Says Ex-President&#8217;s Mandatory Courtroom Presence Will Give Jury Front-Row Seat Of His Bad Behavior: &#8216;Donald Is Finally Confronting His Criminal Charges&#8217;</a>
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Trump's Bid To Pause Jan.6 Capitol Riot Case Denied By Judge

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/hemp">hemp </a>market, after riding the highs of the &#8220;green rush&#8221; in 2021, faced significant challenges in 2022, similar to the broader global cannabis market downturn. This period was marked by considerable corrections in cultivation and prices. However, a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) brings promising news: the market is showing signs of stabilization.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Insights From USDA Report</h3>
The USDA&#8217;s National Agricultural Statistics Service released a <a href="https://release.nass.usda.gov/reports/hempan24.pdf">report </a>indicating positive trends in the hemp industry:
Market Value and Acreage: The value of open hemp production rose to $291 million, an 18% increase from the previous year, with a stable cultivation area of around 27,000 acres nationwide. The report highlighted that the unprotected segment of the hemp market (areas not covered by specific hemp programs) reached a production value of $258 million.
Yield Improvements: Interviews with farmers revealed that increased market value is partly due to improved yields in various hemp categories, including grain, fiber and floral hemp. The report, now in its third consecutive year, aims to standardize agricultural research and focuses on CBD and non-intoxicating cannabis crops, designated as &#8220;specialty crops&#8221; since the 2018 Farm Bill.
<ul>
<li>Fiber hemp yield for 2023 was estimated at 4,053 pounds per acre, a significant increase from the previous year.</li>
<li>Floral hemp yield was estimated at 1,088 pounds per acre, also showing an improvement.</li>
<li>Grain hemp yield was estimated at 779 pounds per acre, marking a notable increase.</li>
</ul>
Leading States: South Dakota (3200 harvested area), Montana (2300), Oregon (2900), and California (2100) emerged as the top hemp-producing states, collectively accounting for nearly half of the country&#8217;s hemp cultivation area.
Prices: For various categories of industrial floral hemp prices were recorded as follows: 
<ul>
<li>Dried flower at $4.38 per pound, bucked at $6.35, hand-trimmed at $87.8, and $59.2 for other forms. </li>
<li>Notably, there has been a decrease in the price of dried flowers, which stood at $11.90 per pound in 2022. </li>
<li>However, the price for bucked hemp experienced a significant increase, doubling from the previous year&#8217;s $3.12.</li>
</ul>
The process of bucking, which is an industrial method used to separate cannabinoid-rich flowers from the rest of the biomass, highlights the differentiated pricing based on the processing level of hemp.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">In 2023, the value of hemp production in the open and under protection for the United States totaled $291 million, up 18% from 2022. See more <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgStats?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgStats</a> in the National Hemp Report &#x27a1;&#xFE0F;<a href="https://t.co/xeuwXqTpDB">https://t.co/xeuwXqTpDB</a>
&mdash; National Agricultural Statistics Service (@usda_nass) <a href="https://twitter.com/usda_nass/status/1780673275707728216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Hemp Matters</h3>
Hemp is gaining attention for its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/06/32783960/hemp-could-be-the-biggest-investment-opportunity-since-plastic">environmental benefits and versatility</a>. As a gluten-free crop with a great nutritional profile, Hemp offers a sustainable alternative in food, fiber, and construction material production. It requires <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36539826/is-eco-friendly-hemp-farming-profitable-this-company-proves-it-is-and-now-leads-a-revolution-in-">fewer pesticides and less water </a>than cotton and is twice as efficient as trees in carbon absorption, positioning hemp as a crucial crop for environmental sustainability.
This USDA report underscores the hemp market&#8217;s resilience and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/03/37633391/usda-invests-10m-in-hemp-research-tribal-lands-and-bidens-hemp-biotech-initiative">potential for growth</a>, highlighting the industry&#8217;s adaptation to challenges and its role in sustainable agriculture.

USDA Hemp Market Report Shows Stability And Growth Amid Challenges

GSUN

Trading Halt: Halted at 7:50:00 p.m. ET - Trading Halt: Halt News Pending

The 12 jurors who will decide the fate of former President Donald Trump were selected in the highly anticipated criminal trial involving alleged <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38251447/trump-hush-money-trial-preview-key-witnesses-2024-campaign-impact-prison-time-trump-could-face-i">hush money payments.</a>
Here are the latest details and what comes next.
What Happened: A lengthy process that saw <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/04/38282616/trump-trial-gets-7-jurors-11-to-go-their-old-social-media-posts-take-center-stage-in-court-e">hundreds of potential jurors</a> asked about their necessity to be impartial in the trial against Trump is one step closer to the trial beginning.
On Thursday, jurors seated for the hush money case now stands at 12, the total needed for the verdict, as <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/live-blog/trump-hush-money-trial-day-3-live-updates-rcna145936">shared </a>by NBC News.
Making up the jury are seven men and five women. Here are the jurors and their professions, as <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/meet-the-first-7-jury-members-as-trumps-hush-money-trial-progresses-rcna148198">reported </a>by NBC News. 
<ol>
<li>Male, works in sales</li>
<li>Male, investment banking</li>
<li>Male, attorney</li>
<li>Male, security engineer</li>
<li>Female, teacher</li>
<li>Female, software engineer</li>
<li>Male, attorney, likes the outdoors</li>
<li>Male, retired, previously worked in wealth management</li>
<li>Female, speech therapist</li>
<li>Male, commerce worker</li>
<li>Female, product development manager</li>
<li>Female, physical therapist</li>
</ol>
"We have our jury," Judge Juan Merchan said after a 12th juror was agreed upon by the prosecution and defense.
Merchan gave instructions to the jurors Thursday before they left, reminding them that they cannot discuss the case. The judge reminded the jurors that they are expected to view the case with a "fair and impartial manner."
Getting to 12 jurors Thursday could come as a surprise after the way the court day began. After reaching seven jurors Tuesday before adjourning the trial until Thursday, two of the jurors were removed early Thursday.
One juror was dismissed after a prior arrest was brought into question.
Juror 2, an oncology nurse, was excused earlier in the day after saying that after sleeping on the case, she worried she could no longer be impartial. She also was concerned about her identity becoming public with family already asking if she was on the jury.
The jury selection process has also seen large numbers of potential jurors dismissed after saying they can't be impartial in the case. When Merchan asked a pool of 96 potential jurors to raise their hand if they can't be impartial in the case, 48 were immediately dismissed.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38261008/donald-trump-argues-political-prosecution-before-jury-selection-in-new-york-trial-judge-not-goin">Donald Trump Argues &#8216;Political Prosecution&#8217; Before Jury Selection In New York Trial: &#8216;Judge Not Going To Allow Me To Escape This Scam&#8217;</a>
What's Next: Six additional jurors are still needed, who will serve as alternates.
The plan, as of now, is for the trial to begin Monday. This could happen if the alternates are selected on Friday. "I'm hopeful we will finish tomorrow," Merchan said.
Trump's hush money criminal trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.
Speaking to reporters after the case wrapped Thursday, Trump said he should have been campaigning in key states for the 2024 election.
"I've been here all day," Trump said.
Trump called the case an "unfair trial."
"The whole thing is a mess."
DJT Price Action: Shares of Trump Media &amp; Technology Group Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>) have been volatile during Trump's legal proceedings.
Shares spiked Thursday, but it was likely unrelated to the case. The<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/04/38319481/why-trump-media-technology-group-shares-are-gaining-thursday"> shares traded higher </a>after a filing from the company explained to shareholders how to keep the shares they own from being loaned out for short selling.
DJT shares closed Thursday up 25.72% to $33.19 versus a 52-week trading range of $22.55 to $79.38.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38279176/trump-hush-money-trial-draws-reaction-from-congressman-talk-show-hosts-worse-than-anything-richa">Trump Hush Money Trial Draws Reaction From Congressman, Talk Show Hosts: &#8216;Worse Than Anything Richard Nixon Ever Did&#8217;</a>
Photo: Created with artificial intelligence on MidJourney and Zolnierek on Shutterstock