Inception Mining Stock (OTC:IMII), Trade Ideas

Inception Mining Inc is a mining company. It operate as a consultant and advisor to the mining industry. It operates the Clavo Rico mine in Honduras through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Compañía Minera Cerros del Sur, S.A de C.V. ("CMCS") and other mining concessions.

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Inception Mining Inc

Wedbush analyst&nbsp;Dan Ives&nbsp;is of the opinion that China would retaliate if the U.S. were to increase tariffs on electric vehicle imports from China. 
What Happened: &#8220;Retaliatory definitely could happen. This Game of Thrones continues to play out,&#8221; Ives said in an<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3F328rYMaM"> interview</a> with Bloomberg. As per an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal, the Biden administration is planning to raise the tariffs on China&#8217;s EVs from 25% to around 100%, with an additional 2.5% duty on all imported cars into the U.S.
Low-cost EVs from China entering the U.S. market would pose a significant challenge to EV giant Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) as well as other traditional U.S. automakers who have made substantial investments in EVs, Ives said. However, retaliatory action is a concern, he added.
Why It Matters: The Biden administration&#8217;s decision to impose new tariffs on China&#8217;s EVs is part of a broader strategy to target strategic sectors. The new tariffs, which are expected to be announced as soon as next week, will<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38758049/biden-plans-new-tariffs-on-china-targets-electric-vehicles-and-other-strategic-sectors-report"> reportedly also cover batteries and solar cells</a>. This move is likely to have significant implications for the global EV market and could potentially escalate trade tensions between the U.S. and China.
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38722034/teslas-head-of-product-launches-departs-after-feeling-ev-giant-took-pound-of-flesh-amid-mass-firings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla's Head Of Product Launches Departs After Feeling EV Giant Took ‘Pound Of Flesh' Amid Mass Firings: ‘It's Hard To See The Long Game'</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo by Khanthachai C on Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Tech

TSLA

China Likely To Retaliate Against US Tariffs On Electric Vehicles, Says Top Analyst Dan Ives: 'Game Of Thrones Continues To Play Out'

The ongoing solar storm hitting Earth and expected to disrupt communication over the weekend have not spared <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38475303/elon-musk-says-spacex-to-solve-in-space-refueling-for-starship-by-next-year-necessary-to-make-life-m">SpaceX satellites</a>.
What Happened: &#8220;SpaceX satellites are feeling this solar storm,&#8221; company CEO Elon Musk wrote on X. &#8220;It&#8217;s big.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">SpaceX satellites are feeling this solar storm. It's big.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1789119054319657295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
SpaceX has nearly 6000 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38490438/challenge-accepted-spacex-ceo-elon-musk-agrees-to-make-falcon-boosters-support-42-missions-after-ret">Starlink satellites in orbit</a>, according to Astronomer Jonathan McDowell who tracks them. While the satellites are under a lot of pressure, they are holding up so far, Musk said, while adding that the storm is the &#8220;biggest in a long time.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Major geomagnetic solar storm happening right now. Biggest in a long time. Starlink satellites are under a lot of pressure, but holding up so far. <a href="https://t.co/TrEv5Acli2">pic.twitter.com/TrEv5Acli2</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1789173902289338518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: The sun has produced moderate to strong solar flares since Wednesday. Solar material eruptions that accompany these flares, called coronal mass ejections (CMEs), cause geomagnetic storms when they reach Earth&#8217;s surface. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a warning of a geomagnetic storm for Friday evening and said that storm conditions may last through the weekend. 
The solar storm hitting Earth could produce displays of aurora in the U.S. as far south as Northern California and also pose the risk of disrupting power and communications due to their impact on infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and Earth&#8217;s surface, the NOAA said, while adding that it has already warned these system operators to take protective actions.
&#8220;This is an unusual and potentially historic event,&#8221; NOAA&#8217;s Space Weather Prediction Center Director Clinton Wallace said about the storm. &nbsp;
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38774504/tesla-analyst-sees-annual-shareholder-meeting-as-key-to-determining-elon-musk-led-c">Tesla Analyst Sees Annual Shareholder Meeting As Key To Determining Elon Musk-Led Company&#8217;s Future Strategy</a>
Photo by Evgeniyqw on Shutterstock<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk"></a>

SPACE

Elon Musk Says SpaceX Satellites Impacted By Ongoing Solar Storm: '…But Holding Up So Far'

OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap on Thursday said that it is still premature to assess the complete economic impact of artificial intelligence.
What Happened: Speaking at Bloomberg&#8217;s Tech <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-05-10/openai-coo-says-it-s-too-soon-to-see-ai-s-full-impact-on-economy?srnd=technology-vp">Summit</a>, Lightcap said that the rise of generative AI has not yet significantly transformed the economy. However, he and other AI leaders anticipate more substantial changes in the future.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding AI&#8217;s potential to revolutionize&nbsp;productivity and create new jobs, the actual impact has been&nbsp;more subtle. While there have&nbsp;been some AI-driven layoffs, entire professions have not been replaced or created. It remains unclear how much additional work AI has facilitated.
Earlier this year, Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, stated that while generative AI can enhance productivity growth, it is unlikely to do so in the immediate future.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38689467/elon-musk-isnt-sure-apples-showed-its-entire-30b-r-d-prowess-with-new-ipads-maybe-they-have-some-sec?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Isn&#8217;t Sure If Apple Showed Its Entire $30B R&amp;D Prowess With New iPads: &#8216;Maybe They Have Some Secret Products…&#8217;</a>
Lightcap suggested that it is still too early to determine whether the potential of AI has been overhyped. He humorously remarked that reshaping the economy within a year would be a tall order. &#8220;We have a year to reshape the economy? That's a tall order!&#8221;
If OpenAI were to cease all future AI development, which is not the case, Nightcap suggested that it would still require considerable time for the complete ramifications of its existing models to materialize. However, he is &#8220;fairly confident at this point that there would be this 10- to 20-year diffusion period through the economy of just GPT-4 level technology.&#8221;
Other AI leaders at the event echoed Lightcap&#8217;s sentiments, emphasizing the technology&#8217;s long-term disruptive potential despite its relatively muted early effects.
&#8220;We are probably going to overestimate this technology in the short-term,&#8221; said Clement Delangue, chief executive officer of Hugging Face. &#8220;Maybe we're going to be disappointed in a year, or two years, but we've also probably underestimated the long-term impact of AI in 10 years. The world is going to be very different.&#8221;
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.&nbsp;
Why It Matters: OpenAI and other AI companies are actively preparing for this future. OpenAI, for instance,&nbsp;has been expanding its enterprise&nbsp;business,&nbsp;selling a customized version of&nbsp;ChatGPT to numerous corporate clients. Moreover, on Friday, it was also reported that&nbsp;Apple Inc. is on the verge of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38774065/apple-chooses-sam-altman-led-openai-to-integrate-chatgpt-into-iphone-deal-almost-done-report">integrating ChatGPT into its iPhones</a>. 
Meanwhile, OpenAI&#8217;s CEO,&nbsp;Sam Altman, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38774244/openais-sam-altman-shoots-down-search-engine-and-gpt-5-rumors-teases-may-13-event-some-new-stuff-peo">denied rumors of developing</a> a search engine or launching GPT-5, instead teasing &#8220;some new stuff&#8221; the company is working on. Previously, it was reported that OpenAI is set to announce its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38751052/googles-new-rival-may-finally-be-here-sam-altmans-openai-could-launch-it-just-ahead-of-search-giants">AI-powered search product</a>, potentially intensifying its rivalry with&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s&nbsp;Google. 
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/05/38698335/joe-biden-set-to-unveil-microsofts-3b-ai-data-center-plan-on-same-wisconsin-land-where-trump-tried-t?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joe Biden Set To Unveil Microsoft&#8217;s $3B AI Data Center Plan On Same Wisconsin Land Where Trump Tried To Execute His Mega Foxconn Fantasy</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo via Shutterstock

Media

GOOGL

OpenAI Top Exec Says It's Too Early To Gauge AI's Full Economic Impact: 'We've A Year To Reshape The Economy? That's A Tall Order'

Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMBL#NASDAQ">BMBL</a>), has suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) could revolutionize the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38733540/bumble-could-close-value-gap-to-tinders-parent-company-expert-predicts-45-upside-on">online dating industry</a>.
What Happened: Herd discussed the potential of AI in modern dating at the <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2024-05-09/how-bumble-will-use-ai-to-create-healthier-relationships">Bloomberg</a> Technology Summit.
She proposed the idea of an &#8220;AI dating concierge&#8221; that could help users navigate their insecurities and even go on dates on their behalf. Herd believes that AI could alleviate the pressure on human users and foster healthy relationships.
She also suggested that AI could teach users how to flirt, potentially addressing the issue of the average U.S. single not dating due to a lack of confidence or fear.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38774244/openais-sam-altman-shoots-down-search-engine-and-gpt-5-rumors-teases-may-13-event-some-new-stuff-peo">OpenAI's Sam Altman Shoots Down Search Engine And GPT-5 Rumors, Teases May 13 Event: &#8216;Some New Stuff…People Will Love&#8217;</a>
&#8220;If you want to get really out there, there is a world where your dating concierge could go and date for you with [an]other dating concierge,&#8221; she said. "No. No. Truly," she reiterated her stance when the audience gasped and chuckled.
Why It Matters: These comments come after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35641406/heres-why-bumbles-founder-and-ceo-whitney-wolfe-herd-is-stepping-down-after-nearly-10-years">Herd&#8217;s resignation</a> as Bumble&#8217;s CEO in January 2024 after a decade-long tenure at the top, with Lidiane Jones taking over.
Under Jones&#8217; leadership, Bumble has made significant changes, such as removing the requirement for women to send the first message, a feature that was previously a signature of the app.
Besides, Herd&#8217;s vision for AI in online dating is not entirely new. In a previous interview, she spoke about the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/08/34147942/combating-loneliness-with-artificial-intelligence-bumbles-new-approach-to-relationship-building">potential of AI</a> to transform relationships, acknowledging the concerns around AI&#8217;s impact on human companionship.
Price Action: Bumble's shares closed at $11.45 on Friday, unchanged from the previous close, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38696261/prominent-apple-bull-reveals-surprise-takeaway-from-apples-ipad-launch-tim-cooks-ai?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prominent Apple Bull Reveals Surprise Takeaway From Apple&#8217;s iPad Launch: Tim Cook&#8217;s AI Ambitions</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Social Media

BMBL

Tired Of Swiping Left And Right? Bumble Founder Says AI Could Do It For You: 'No. No. Truly'

Morgan Stanley&nbsp;analyst&nbsp;Adam Jonas sees Tesla Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) upcoming shareholder vote driving material volatility in the stock and determining the company&#8217;s long-term strategic direction as company CEO Elon Musk&#8216;s pay package hangs in limbo. 
Analyst Recommendation: For the upcoming shareholder meeting scheduled for June, Tesla shareholders will vote again on Musk&#8217;s 2018 pay package which was rescinded by a Delaware court earlier this year after deeming it an &#8220;unfathomable sum.&#8221; The package was worth $56 billion at the time of award. 
The outcome of the vote on the package will be key to determining if the CEO gets a 25% voting block within the company, Jonas said in a note on Friday. Musk has previously expressed discomfort with advancing Tesla in the field of AI without having 25% voting. While the approval of the pay package by itself does not assure the CEO of his desired voting block, it would make it &#8220;increasingly difficult&#8221; for Musk to achieve <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36652560/elon-musk-wants-to-own-25-of-tesla-heres-how-much-of-the-ev-stock-the-ceo-owns">25% ownership </a>if the package is rejected, the analyst noted.
Tesla&#8217;s AI potential will remain limited and its share price dominated by larger EV market developments until Musk&#8217;s voting control issue is resolved, Jonas said. &#8220;This is extremely problematic for Tesla investors for a number of reasons, including the inability to quantify the impact,&#8221; he said. 
The attention being paid to the performance of the stock since the start of the year, however, is &#8216;surprisingly little,&#8217; the analyst noted. 
Why It Matters: Tesla&#8217;s annual meeting will be held on June 13, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. Central Time (CT).&nbsp;Shareholders will vote both on moving Tesla&#8217;s state of incorporation from Delaware to Texas and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38288360/breaking-tesla-shareholders-to-vote-again-on-ceo-elon-musks-voided-47b-pay-package">Musk&#8217;s rescinded pay package</a>. 
Price Action:&nbsp;Tesla shares closed down 2% on Friday at $168.47. The stock is down 32.2% year-to-date, as per data from&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38774344/chinese-tesla-rival-zeekr-soars-35-on-nyse-debut-valuation-hits-6-8b">Chinese Tesla Rival Zeekr Soars 35% On NYSE Debut, Valuation Hits $6.8B</a>
Photo via Shutterstock

Tesla Analyst Sees Annual Shareholder Meeting As Key To Determining Elon Musk-Led Company's Future Strategy

New York-listed shares of ZEEKR Intelligent Technology Holding Limited&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZK#NYSE">ZK</a>) closed nearly 35% higher than <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38756035/chinas-zeekr-prices-us-ipo-at-top-end-of-estimated-range-whats-on-the-cards">its initial public offering price</a> on its first day of trading on Friday. 
What Happened: ZEEKR, the global electric mobility technology brand of Chinese automaker&nbsp;Geely Automobile&nbsp;Holding&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GELYY#OTC">GELYY</a>), had priced its U.S. initial public offering (IPO) of&nbsp;21 million American Depositary Shares (ADS) at&nbsp;$21&nbsp;per share. 
The shares of Tesla Inc&#8217;s Chinese rival closed at $28.26 on Friday after opening at $26, giving the company a fully diluted valuation of $6.8 billion.
"There are huge demands and opportunities in the global new energy vehicle market. Zeekr is positioned as a premium electric mobility brand and is an important pillar supporting Geely's electric transformation. I believe that Zeekr will be able to seize this historic opportunity and become a sustainable business that unlocks long-term value for users, investors and society,&#8221; Geely Holding Chief Executive Daniel Li said. Geely also owns Volvo Cars and Lotus Cars.
Why It Matters: Zeekr started delivering its vehicles in October 2021, and the brand has delivered over 240,000 vehicles to date. The company has announced plans to sell vehicles in European, Middle Eastern, and other Asian markets. 
Zeekr disclosed a surge in total revenue to 51.67 billion yuan&nbsp;($7.15 billion)&nbsp;in 2023, but its net loss widened to 8.26 billion yuan.&nbsp;
Zeekr&#8217;s debut on the New York Stock Exchange comes as other U.S. EV makers have been<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38699990/tesla-stock-is-sliding-wednesday-whats-going-on"> facing a stock slump</a>. Tesla stock has slumped 32.2% year-to-date while Rivian stock has slumped nearly 52.7%. 
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38729359/hertz-customer-fumes-after-car-rental-company-charges-him-277-for-refueling-tesla-and-refuses-to-rei" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertz Customer Fumes After Being Billed $277 For ‘Refueling&#8217; Tesla, Car-Rental Company Says It Will Refund ‘Erroneous&#8217; Charge</a>
Image Credits &#8211; Shutterstock

Equities

GELYY

Chinese Tesla Rival Zeekr Soars 35% On NYSE Debut, Valuation Hits $6.8B

Elon Musk hit back at the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after he talked about the need for a "social license" as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/05/38751844/australia-calls-for-inquiry-into-metas-facebook-elon-musks-x-tiktok-to-make-these-platforms-accounta">his government intensified scrutiny</a> of social media platforms.
What Happened: Musk, the single largest shareholder of X, formerly Twitter, slammed the Australian government, implying that a "social license" would amount to "suppressing" the rights of Australians.
His response was in reaction to the Australian government&#8217;s criticism of social media platforms for not promptly removing violent posts. The government is seeking more oversight over content posted on Meta&#8217;s Facebook, TikTok, and Musk&#8217;s X.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
"With social media comes the need for a social license and a social responsibility," Albanese said in a press conference.
Reacting to it, Musk posted, "I doubt that the people of Australia agree with suppressing their rights."
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I doubt that the people of Australia agree with suppressing their rights <a href="https://t.co/FXh0crGGYH">https://t.co/FXh0crGGYH</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1789039218607747137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38759440/elon-musk-gets-another-vote-of-confidence-from-twitter-co-founder-jack-dorsey-elon-made-the-right-ch">Elon Musk Gets Another Vote Of Confidence From Twitter Co-Founder Jack Dorsey: &#8216;Elon Made…The Right Choice&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The Australian government has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38368734/elon-musk-hits-back-at-australias-leader-amid-row-over-removal-of-violent-video-from-x-does-the-pm-t">been at odds with Musk&#8217;s X</a> over a regulatory order to remove videos of a stabbing attack on an Assyrian church bishop in Sydney last month.
Earlier, the Australian government had announced a parliamentary inquiry into the operations of major social media platforms, including Meta Platforms Inc.'s Facebook, TikTok, and X, to address the influence of these platforms.
Albanese&#8216;s Labor government is already in a legal battle with Musk&#8217;s X over the regulatory order.
Musk, who has been vocal about free speech, has also been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38460718/elon-musk-weighs-in-after-x-user-says-banning-tiktok-sets-a-precedent-that-government-can-ban-any-ap">critical of the Biden administration's</a> TikTok ban bill, fearing that it sets a "precedent" for banning any other app the government does not like.
Check out more of&nbsp;Benzinga&#8217;s&nbsp;Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38727604/chuck-schumer-offers-to-provide-ai-regulation-framework-for-healthcare-labor-rights-and-doomsday-sce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chuck Schumer Offers To Provide AI Regulation Framework For Healthcare, Labor Rights, And ‘Doomsday Scenarios' As US Looks To Catch Up With EU</a>
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.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Global

Elon Musk Slams Australian Government For Saying 'Social License' Is Required Amid Tussle With X: 'Doubt...People Of Australia Agree With Suppressing Their Rights'

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, shot down rumors that the AI startup is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38751052/googles-new-rival-may-finally-be-here-sam-altmans-openai-could-launch-it-just-ahead-of-search-giants">developing a search engine</a> or launching GPT-5. Instead, he confirmed that a May 13 event is scheduled to talk about "some new stuff" the company is working on.
What Happened: Altman took to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday to downplay rumors of OpenAI launching a search engine to take on Alphabet Inc.'s Google.
"Not GPT-5, not a search engine, but we've been hard at work on some new stuff we think people will love! Feels like magic to me.&#8221;
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
He did not provide any further details about the new projects.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">not gpt-5, not a search engine, but we've been hard at work on some new stuff we think people will love! feels like magic to me. monday 10am PT. <a href="https://t.co/nqftf6lRL1">https://t.co/nqftf6lRL1</a>
&mdash; Sam Altman (@sama) <a href="https://twitter.com/sama/status/1788989777452408943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Curiously, Microsoft Corp.-backed (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) OpenAI's post points out that this "new stuff" includes demos of "some ChatGPT and GPT-4 updates" instead of something bigger.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38696261/prominent-apple-bull-reveals-surprise-takeaway-from-apples-ipad-launch-tim-cooks-ai?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prominent Apple Bull Reveals Surprise Takeaway From Apple&#8217;s iPad Launch</a>
Why It Matters: Altman&#8217;s post comes at a time when <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38751052/googles-new-rival-may-finally-be-here-sam-altmans-openai-could-launch-it-just-ahead-of-search-giants">OpenAI was reportedly set to announce its AI-powered search product</a>, potentially intensifying its rivalry with Google.
Altman&#8217;s post also follows OpenAI&#8217;s recent announcement of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38733370/openai-is-working-on-new-ai-image-detection-tools-in-busy-election-year-worldwide-to-tell-if-photos">new AI tools for image detection</a> and content authentication.
Moreover, this post comes after Altman&#8217;s recent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38611412/sam-altman-teases-gpt-5-openais-gpt-4-the-dumbest-model-people-will-have-to-ever-use-again-says-ceo">teasing of GPT-5</a> and calling GPT-4 the "dumbest model" people will ever have to use again. He also pointed out his commitment to developing artificial general intelligence (AGI) regardless of how much it costs.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38723527/elon-musk-agrees-meta-cant-be-trusted-after-zuckerberg-led-social-media-giant-hit-with-37m-fine-over?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Agrees &#8216;Meta Can&#8217;t Be Trusted&#8217; After Zuckerberg-Led Social Media Giant Hit With $37M Fine Over Data Sharing Practices</a>
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.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

MSFT

OpenAI's Sam Altman Shoots Down Search Engine And GPT-5 Rumors, Teases May 13 Event: 'Some New Stuff…People Will Love'

Protestors against Tesla Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) expansion efforts at its gigafactory in Berlin on Friday attempted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38764576/tesla-german-gigafactory-faces-climate-protestors-friday-why-are-they-not-jailed-musk-asks">storm the company&#8217;s factory</a>, damaged several of the company&#8217;s EVs, and even injured several police officers.
What Happened: According to the protest organizing group Disrupt Tesla, about 800 people took part in the protests on Friday. The protestors are against the expansion of the company&#8217;s facilities, which they deem to be harmful to the environment. The EV giant is aiming to double the plant's capacity for battery production to 100-gigawatt hours and car production to 1 million units annually.
&#8220;Tesla stands for labor accidents, water scarcity, deforestation, environmental pollution and exploitation here and worldwide,&#8221; Disrupt Tesla alleged. 
As per the Police in Brandenburg, 16 people were taken into custody as of 7 p.m. on Friday. The protestors temporarily blocked roads and rail traffic and some even climbed over the fence at Neuhardenberg airfield and damaged 24 Tesla vehicles with paint. Though several tried to enter Tesla&#8217;s factory premises, they were prevented by police personnel, the police department said. 
Police measures and investigations are ongoing, they added.
Tesla CEO Reacts: Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Friday criticized the actions against the company. &#8220;Something super weird is going on, as Tesla was the only car company attacked!,&#8221; Musk said on X while also alleging that there is more to the attacks than what &#8220;meets the eye.&#8221;
&#8220;Any idea who is orchestrating and funding this?,&#8221; Musk asked in another post, hinting at a larger campaign against the company. However, he also claimed that there are a lot of protests around Germany over the week as it is &#8220;National Protest Week&#8221; in the European country.
Tesla had a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38691492/teslas-giga-berlin-shuts-down-but-not-for-as-long-as-you-thought-senior-exec-clarifies">one-day planned production shutdown at the factory</a> on Friday in anticipation of the protests. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">This is fake news. Protesters did not manage to break through the fenceline. There are still 2 intact fence lines all around. Note, this is "National Protest Week" in Germany, so there are a lot of protests for many different reasons.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1788935167374946335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38729359/hertz-customer-fumes-after-car-rental-company-charges-him-277-for-refueling-tesla-and-refuses-to-rei" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertz Customer Fumes After Being Billed $277 For ‘Refueling&#8217; Tesla, Car-Rental Company Says It Will Refund ‘Erroneous&#8217; Charge</a>
Image Courtesy: Tesla Inc

Elon Musk Says 'Tesla Was The Only Car Company Attacked' After 16 Protesters Were Taken Into Custody In Berlin: 'There Is More To This Than Meets The Eye'

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) reportedly closed in on a deal with ChatGPT-parent OpenAI to incorporate the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38474688/goodbye-google-gemini-apple-in-talks-with-microsoft-backed-openai-for-iphone-ai-features-report">startup&#8217;s technology into</a> iPhones, as part of a broader strategy to introduce artificial intelligence features to its devices.
What Happened: Apple is finalizing an agreement with Microsoft Corp.-backed (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) OpenAI to use ChatGPT features in iOS 18, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37932418/apple-reportedly-readying-ios-18-with-home-screen-redesign-and-ai-upgrades">upcoming iPhone operating system</a>, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-11/apple-closes-in-on-deal-with-openai-to-put-chatgpt-on-iphone">reported</a> Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter.
Apple is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37771653/apple-in-talks-with-google-to-license-gemini-ai-models-for-future-iphones-report">also engaged in discussions</a> with Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google to potentially license Gemini.
While no agreement has been reached yet, the negotiations are still ongoing.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38698828/elon-musk-gets-community-noted-on-x-after-claiming-there-are-known-vulnerabilities-in-signal-messagi?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Gets Community Noted On X After Claiming There Are &#8216;Known Vulnerabilities&#8217; In Signal Messaging App That He Once Backed</a>
The potential deal with Sam Altman-led company would allow Apple to&nbsp;offer a popular chatbot as&nbsp;part of a series of new AI features, which the company plans to unveil at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
Last year, Apple CEO Tim Cook admitted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/06/32752316/tim-cook-admits-chatgpt-excites-him-but-says-ai-capable-of-worse-things-than-bias-misinformation">personally using OpenAI&#8217;s ChatGPT</a>. However, he also noted that there were &#8220;a number of issues that need to be sorted.&#8221;
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: Cook has been vocal about the company&#8217;s AI efforts, expressing confidence in its AI prospects despite concerns from investors. He also revealed that Apple has invested $100 billion in research and development over the past five years, as part of its plan to unveil new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38610325/tim-cook-very-bullish-on-apples-generative-ai-efforts-despite-lower-capital-expenditure-than-riv">AI features at WWDC next month</a>.
Apple&#8217;s push into the AI space also includes the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38660564/apple-reportedly-working-to-join-the-ranks-of-microsoft-amazon-meta-by-developing-its-own-ai-chips-f">development of its own AI chips for data centers</a>, a move that could potentially disrupt the market. The project, codenamed ACDC, is an extension of Apple&#8217;s existing in-house chip efforts for its devices.
Check out more of&nbsp;Benzinga&#8217;s&nbsp;Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38689467/elon-musk-isnt-sure-apples-showed-its-entire-30b-r-d-prowess-with-new-ipads-maybe-they-have-some-sec?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Isn&#8217;t Sure If Apple Showed Its Entire $30B R&amp;D Prowess With New iPads: &#8216;Maybe They Have Some Secret Products…&#8217;</a>
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.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

AAPL

GOOG

Apple Inches Closer To Choosing Sam Altman-Led OpenAI To Integrate ChatGPT On iPhones: Report

The&nbsp;youngest son of former President&nbsp;Donald Trump has turned down the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38720621/barron-trump-steps-into-political-spotlight-as-floridas-at-large-gop-convention-delegate">opportunity&nbsp;to serve as a delegate</a>&nbsp;for Florida at the upcoming Republican National Convention or RNC.
What Happened: Barron Trump declined the offer citing &#8220;prior commitments,&#8221; as per a statement from the office of former First Lady Melania Trump, reported <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4657094-barron-trump-declines-rnc-delegate/">The Hill</a> on Friday.
&#8220;While Barron is honored to have been chosen as a delegate by the Florida Republican Party, he regretfully declines to participate due to prior commitments,&#8221; read the statement. 
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38750997/trumps-son-in-law-back-in-political-arena-jared-kushner-reportedly-making-calls-to-potential-donors?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s Son-In-Law Back In Political Arena? Jared Kushner Reportedly Making Calls To Potential Donors To Attend Ex-President&#8217;s New York Fundraiser For 2024 Run</a>
The Florida GOP had earlier announced that Barron Trump would join his siblings, Eric, Tiffany, and Donald Trump Jr., as delegates, with Eric Trump serving as the state&#8217;s delegation chair. The RNC is scheduled to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in mid-July.
Earlier, Donald Trump, said in a radio interview, &#8220;He [Barron] does like politics. It's sort of funny. He'll tell me sometimes, &#8216;Dad, this is what you have to do.&#8217; So anyway, he's a good guy. He's a senior now in high school, and he'll be going to college.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This news comes as a surprise, given Barron Trump&#8217;s recent steps into the political spotlight. Just two days ago, it was reported that Barron Trump was selected as one of Florida&#8217;s at-large delegates for the RNC. This would have been his first official role in politics, alongside his siblings.
Earlier in March, it was reported that Melania Trump had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37681395/melania-trump-chooses-barron-over-husbands-2024-presidential-campaign-she-dislikes-a-petting-zoo">shifted her focus toward her family</a>, particularly her son Barron, rather than her husband&#8217;s 2024 presidential campaign. At the time, it was reported that she has been dedicated to exploring potential colleges for Barron, and is resolved to accompany him wherever he chooses to pursue his studies.
Despite his family&#8217;s political ties, Barron Trump has been a subject of privacy concerns. In March 2024,&nbsp;Chelsea Clinton spoke out in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37903485/bill-clintons-daughter-speaks-out-in-defense-of-donald-trumps-youngest-sons-privacy-rights-leave-him">defense&nbsp;of Barron Trump&#8217;s privacy rights</a>, urging the media to respect his status as a private citizen.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38752266/nikki-haley-said-to-be-wooing-more-top-donors-but-leaves-trump-support-up-in-the-air-for-now?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nikki Haley Said To Be Wooing More Top Donors But Leaves Trump Support Up In The Air For Now</a>
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.
Image Via Shutterstock

Politics

Donald Trump's Youngest Son Declines To Be RNC Florida Delegate 'Due To Prior Commitments'

Kicking back this weekend but unsure what to binge-watch? No worries, Netflix has got your back with some brand-new goodies to spice up your screen time. As we roll into the second week of May, the streaming giant has a fresh lineup that&#8217;s as varied as it is enticing — from a gripping true-crime docu to a heartwarming rom-com and edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Whether you&#8217;re in the mood for laughter, tears, or some serious popcorn-spilling action, Netflix will likely have you covered.
Here are five fresh Netflix releases you&#8217;ll want to add to your weekend watchlist right away:
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cooking Up Murder: Uncovering the Story of César Román</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10110121/AAAABbgcGGCMzDsyKI7fkvmdecIIaAWLz_-GuRut8_sZQSMJ-A644kn8jrThjb7BG8hqn2TQZlmUZNy9xzy9s2lKwMOiGQij1G1CQ5I_-1024x576.jpeg" alt="Fans of gripping true crime documentaries are in for a treat with Cooking Up Murder: Uncovering the Story of César Román. Image: Tudum/ Netflix" class="wp-image-332835" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10110121/AAAABbgcGGCMzDsyKI7fkvmdecIIaAWLz_-GuRut8_sZQSMJ-A644kn8jrThjb7BG8hqn2TQZlmUZNy9xzy9s2lKwMOiGQij1G1CQ5I_-1024x576.jpeg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10110121/AAAABbgcGGCMzDsyKI7fkvmdecIIaAWLz_-GuRut8_sZQSMJ-A644kn8jrThjb7BG8hqn2TQZlmUZNy9xzy9s2lKwMOiGQij1G1CQ5I_-300x169.jpeg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10110121/AAAABbgcGGCMzDsyKI7fkvmdecIIaAWLz_-GuRut8_sZQSMJ-A644kn8jrThjb7BG8hqn2TQZlmUZNy9xzy9s2lKwMOiGQij1G1CQ5I_-768x432.jpeg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10110121/AAAABbgcGGCMzDsyKI7fkvmdecIIaAWLz_-GuRut8_sZQSMJ-A644kn8jrThjb7BG8hqn2TQZlmUZNy9xzy9s2lKwMOiGQij1G1CQ5I_.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fans of gripping true crime documentaries are in for a treat with Cooking Up Murder: Uncovering the Story of César Román. Image: Tudum/ Netflix</figcaption></figure>
Diving into the dark world of culinary celebrity, &#8220;Cooking Up Murder: Uncovering the Story of César Román&#8221; explores the life of a high-profile Spanish chef known as the &#8220;king of cachopo.&#8221; Román, who enjoyed celebrity status in the culinary world, hid a disturbing secret behind his fame. In November 2018, authorities arrested him for the murder of his girlfriend, Heidi Paz. Fans of true-crime documentaries like &#8220;Bad Surgeon&#8221; and &#8220;The Tinder Swindler&#8221; will find this gripping tale irresistible.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mother of the Bride</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10104829/Netflix-Mother-of-the-bride-1024x576.jpg" alt="Just in time for Mother's Day, "Mother of the Bride" brings a delightful romantic comedy to the screen. Image: Tudum/ Netflix" class="wp-image-332802" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10104829/Netflix-Mother-of-the-bride-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10104829/Netflix-Mother-of-the-bride-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10104829/Netflix-Mother-of-the-bride-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10104829/Netflix-Mother-of-the-bride.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Just in time for Mother's Day, "Mother of the Bride" brings a delightful romantic comedy to the screen. Image: Tudum/ Netflix</figcaption></figure>
Switching gears to a lighter, more heartwarming note, &#8220;Mother of the Bride&#8221; lands just in time for Mother's Day. This romantic comedy stars Brooke Shields, Benjamin Bratt, and Miranda Cosgrove. The film follows Lana (Shields), a single mom whose trip to her daughter&#8217;s wedding in Thailand takes a twist when she discovers the groom&#8217;s father is her ex (Bratt), reigniting old flames in a lush, romantic setting.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bodkin</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105112/AAAABTKeTsbQm4H_SCaEXb66OAYj09zL8_E6rZk5oN8mUpAAL0-Y-lyFLZCarSkADRRGU_FO0WfxvpVV-4MWiINmIViVYWCgSlwImfcd-1024x576.jpg" alt="The comedy thriller featuring Will Forte, Siobhán Cullen, and Robyn Cara. Image: Tudum/ Netflix" class="wp-image-332812" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105112/AAAABTKeTsbQm4H_SCaEXb66OAYj09zL8_E6rZk5oN8mUpAAL0-Y-lyFLZCarSkADRRGU_FO0WfxvpVV-4MWiINmIViVYWCgSlwImfcd-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105112/AAAABTKeTsbQm4H_SCaEXb66OAYj09zL8_E6rZk5oN8mUpAAL0-Y-lyFLZCarSkADRRGU_FO0WfxvpVV-4MWiINmIViVYWCgSlwImfcd-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105112/AAAABTKeTsbQm4H_SCaEXb66OAYj09zL8_E6rZk5oN8mUpAAL0-Y-lyFLZCarSkADRRGU_FO0WfxvpVV-4MWiINmIViVYWCgSlwImfcd-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105112/AAAABTKeTsbQm4H_SCaEXb66OAYj09zL8_E6rZk5oN8mUpAAL0-Y-lyFLZCarSkADRRGU_FO0WfxvpVV-4MWiINmIViVYWCgSlwImfcd.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The comedy thriller featuring Will Forte, Siobhán Cullen, and Robyn Cara. Image: Tudum/ Netflix</figcaption></figure>
For those who love a mix of comedy and mystery, &#8220;Bodkin&#8221; delivers just that. This Netflix Original comedy thriller features Will Forte, Siobhán Cullen, and Robyn Cara as American podcasters investigating decades-old disappearances in a quaint Irish town. What starts as a simple inquiry soon spirals into a bizarre adventure full of unexpected twists.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thank You, Next</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105536/thank-you-next-1024x576.jpg" alt="The Turkish Netflix series enjoys mixing the hopeless romantic with the murky waters of modern-day relationships. Image: Tudum/ Netflix" class="wp-image-332825" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105536/thank-you-next-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105536/thank-you-next-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105536/thank-you-next-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105536/thank-you-next.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Turkish Netflix series enjoys mixing the hopeless romantic with the murky waters of modern-day relationships. Image: Tudum/ Netflix</figcaption></figure>
Although the title might remind you of a certain Ariana Grande album, &#8220;Thank You, Next,&#8220; is a Turkish drama series that ventures into the world of romance and legal drama. The story centers on Leyla, a lawyer reentering the dating scene after a tough breakup while tackling the &#8220;divorce case of the year&#8221; against a notorious serial divorcer. This drama intertwines personal and professional challenges in a compelling narrative.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Blood of Zeus</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105702/AAAABT-wLl9aRndV0tvQbJwfA5fxT_7EZ_c0rAfJt4vy_f_l9kAkR4plyNrgZ9ooqhseuNSSj_ph0Jm28hD6FVznu2aYhJXXxJf4gBYA-1024x576.jpeg" alt="For those hooked on mythological dramas, "Blood of Zeus" returns with its second season. Image: Tudum/ Netflix" class="wp-image-332827" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105702/AAAABT-wLl9aRndV0tvQbJwfA5fxT_7EZ_c0rAfJt4vy_f_l9kAkR4plyNrgZ9ooqhseuNSSj_ph0Jm28hD6FVznu2aYhJXXxJf4gBYA-1024x576.jpeg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105702/AAAABT-wLl9aRndV0tvQbJwfA5fxT_7EZ_c0rAfJt4vy_f_l9kAkR4plyNrgZ9ooqhseuNSSj_ph0Jm28hD6FVznu2aYhJXXxJf4gBYA-300x169.jpeg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105702/AAAABT-wLl9aRndV0tvQbJwfA5fxT_7EZ_c0rAfJt4vy_f_l9kAkR4plyNrgZ9ooqhseuNSSj_ph0Jm28hD6FVznu2aYhJXXxJf4gBYA-768x432.jpeg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10105702/AAAABT-wLl9aRndV0tvQbJwfA5fxT_7EZ_c0rAfJt4vy_f_l9kAkR4plyNrgZ9ooqhseuNSSj_ph0Jm28hD6FVznu2aYhJXXxJf4gBYA.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">For those hooked on mythological dramas, "Blood of Zeus" returns with its second season. Image: Tudum/ Netflix</figcaption></figure>
Lastly, animation and mythology enthusiasts will revel in the return of &#8220;Blood of Zeus.&#8221; This animated series, a sequel to &#8220;Gods &amp; Heroes,&#8221; continues the adventures of Zeus&#8217; demigod son who battles to save Olympus and Earth from ancient threats. Packed with gods, giants, and mythical battles, this series promises to be a visually stunning and thrilling journey through lost Greek tales.
Photo via Shutterstock

Entertainment

General

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The weekend is almost here and so are we to give you the entertainment fix you need. From romance to crime and animated movies for kids, we have the best scoop of entertainment for you so you can binge-watch this weekend.
In this list, we've curated this list of the best movies on Disney+ and Hulu. Some of these movies are all set to leave these services, so make sure you catch up on them while they're here.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Let It Be</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103118/Let-It-Be-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-332742" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103118/Let-It-Be-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103118/Let-It-Be-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103118/Let-It-Be-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103118/Let-It-Be.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Let It Be &#x7C; Image credit: Disney+</figcaption></figure>
Love The Beatles? You'll like this documentary behind the scenes of the iconic rock band on its final concert. Let It Be is a restored version of Michael Lindsay-Hogg's documentary from the 1970s.
Perfect watch if you're one for a nostalgia hit.
Where To Watch: Disney+
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fantastic Mr. Fox</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103141/Fantastic-Mr.-Fox-1024x576.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-332744" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103141/Fantastic-Mr.-Fox-1024x576.jpeg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103141/Fantastic-Mr.-Fox-300x169.jpeg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103141/Fantastic-Mr.-Fox-768x432.jpeg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103141/Fantastic-Mr.-Fox.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fantastic Mr. Fox &#x7C; Image credit: Disney+</figcaption></figure>
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a great stop-motion animated movie involving a series of farm thefts. Based on Roald Dahl's book of the same name, Fantastic Mr. Fox packs a lot of fun that people of all ages will enjoy.
Where To Watch: Disney+
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Daredevil</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103206/Daredevil-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-332746" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103206/Daredevil-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103206/Daredevil-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103206/Daredevil-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103206/Daredevil.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daredevil &#x7C; Image credit: Disney+</figcaption></figure>
Starring Ben Affleck, this is the original Daredevil before the series came along. Affleck is a blind lawyer by the day and a vigilante by night, fighting injustice and taking down villains.
Where To Watch: Disney+
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Big Lebowski</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="952" height="536" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103228/The-Big-Lebowski.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-332747" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103228/The-Big-Lebowski.jpg 952w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103228/The-Big-Lebowski-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103228/The-Big-Lebowski-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 952px) 100vw, 952px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Big Lebowski &#x7C; Image credit: Hulu</figcaption></figure>
The Big Lebowski is a great mix of crime and comedy, perfectly suited for a weekend watch. The movie involves a bowler with the same name as a millionaire, beaten by thugs and forced to pay a debt he has no idea about.
Where To Watch: Hulu
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">L.A. Confidential</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="952" height="536" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103248/L.A.-Confidential.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-332751" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103248/L.A.-Confidential.jpg 952w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103248/L.A.-Confidential-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103248/L.A.-Confidential-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 952px) 100vw, 952px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">L.A. Confidential &#x7C; Image credit: Hulu</figcaption></figure>
L.A. Confidential is an iconic, Oscar-winning crime movie. Set in the 1950s, this movie stars Russel Crowe, Danny DeVito, and Guy Pearce who set out to solve a murder mystery.
Where To Watch: Hulu
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ocean's Eleven</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="952" height="536" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103259/Oceans-Eleven.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-332754" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103259/Oceans-Eleven.jpg 952w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103259/Oceans-Eleven-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10103259/Oceans-Eleven-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 952px) 100vw, 952px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ocean's Eleven &#x7C; Image credit: Hulu</figcaption></figure>
Ocean's Eleven, starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts, is another comedy movie that involves a team of 11 who come together to pull off a heist at a casino.
Where To Watch: Hulu
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Kick Back And Relax: Here Are The Best Picks For Hulu And Disney+ To Watch This Weekend

A number of Americans are considering a move abroad, drawn by the promise of new experiences and escapes from economic pressures at home. Motivated by the thrill of adventure, better job prospects, and a desire for a safer lifestyle, one-third of U.S.-born nationals are exploring life beyond U.S. borders and not just for a vacation, but for longer stay.
If you&#8217;re in the same boat and wondering about the easiest countries to move to for tax and visa reasons, we&#8217;ve got you covered. Here are five countries that welcome Americans without a visa and are also tax-friendly.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Canada</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="601" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10073602/jason-hafso-C2keINMOhIE-unsplash-1024x601.jpg" alt="Americans can enjoy up to 180 days in Canada without jumping through extra hoops. Image: Unsplash/ Jason Hafso" class="wp-image-332266" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10073602/jason-hafso-C2keINMOhIE-unsplash-1024x601.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10073602/jason-hafso-C2keINMOhIE-unsplash-300x176.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10073602/jason-hafso-C2keINMOhIE-unsplash-768x451.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10073602/jason-hafso-C2keINMOhIE-unsplash-1536x902.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10073602/jason-hafso-C2keINMOhIE-unsplash.jpg 1840w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Americans can enjoy up to 180 days in Canada without jumping through extra hoops. Image: Unsplash/ Jason Hafso</figcaption></figure>
Topping the list is Canada, a stunning country with plenty of job opportunities, friendly people, and a booming economy. Americans can live in Canada for up to 180 days without a visa and take advantage of its strong $2.2 trillion economy, the ninth largest in the world. From web development to fast-food industry jobs, there&#8217;s no shortage of work opportunities. Apart from that, Canada stands out for its diverse multiculturalism policies, stable economy, and low crime rates.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. United Kingdom</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074606/usa-approved-visa-united-kingdom-1024x576.jpg" alt="Across the pond, the United Kingdom invites Americans to stay up to 180 days visa-free. Image: Unsplash/ Lucas Davies" class="wp-image-332280" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074606/usa-approved-visa-united-kingdom-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074606/usa-approved-visa-united-kingdom-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074606/usa-approved-visa-united-kingdom-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074606/usa-approved-visa-united-kingdom.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Across the pond, the United Kingdom invites Americans to stay up to 180 days visa-free. Image: Unsplash/ Lucas Davies</figcaption></figure>
The UK is famous for its rich art, music, and culture. Americans can live there for 180 days without a visa, and find plenty of job opportunities in this melting pot nation, especially for software developers, chefs, financial analysts, and hospitality staff. The country offers a favorable business environment and ranks highly for ease of doing business.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Panama</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="575" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074659/usa-approved-visa-panama-1024x575.jpg" alt="Panama lets Americans stay for half a year visa-free. Image: Unsplash/ Luis Aleman" class="wp-image-332285" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074659/usa-approved-visa-panama-1024x575.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074659/usa-approved-visa-panama-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074659/usa-approved-visa-panama-768x431.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074659/usa-approved-visa-panama.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Panama lets Americans stay for half a year visa-free. Image: Unsplash/ Luis Aleman</figcaption></figure>
Located in Central America, Panama lets Americans stay for 180 days without a visa. With a resilient economy, 4.35 million people, and a GDP of $146 billion, Panama is one of the safest countries in the region. Its low inflation history and abundant job opportunities make it an attractive destination for Americans seeking a change of pace.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Barbados</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074835/usa-approved-visa-barbados-1024x576.jpg" alt="Barbados offers a serene escape where Americans can stay for up to 180 days without a visa. Image: Unsplash/ Kathryn Maingot" class="wp-image-332291" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074835/usa-approved-visa-barbados-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074835/usa-approved-visa-barbados-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074835/usa-approved-visa-barbados-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074835/usa-approved-visa-barbados.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Barbados offers a serene escape where Americans can stay for up to 180 days without a visa. Image: Unsplash/ Kathryn Maingot</figcaption></figure>
Barbados offers tropical vibes and gorgeous beaches, where Americans can stay for 180 days without a visa. Most job opportunities are in tourism and hospitality, the island&#8217;s largest industries. Crime rates remain low, with only 21 cases reported in 2023. Barbados is known for its middle-income economy driven by tourism, tropical fruits, and clear oceans. Although not among the most stable economies, the country expects a steady economic recovery in 2024.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Bahamas</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074939/Bahamas-1024x576.jpg" alt="The Bahamas allows a longer stay of 240 days without the need for visa arrangements. Image: Unsplash/ Fernando Jorge" class="wp-image-332294" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074939/Bahamas-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074939/Bahamas-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074939/Bahamas-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10074939/Bahamas.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Bahamas allows a longer stay of 240 days without the need for visa arrangements. Image: Unsplash/ Fernando Jorge</figcaption></figure>
The Bahamas, a popular holiday spot for Americans, lets them stay visa-free for up to 240 days. Although it has a stable economy with a GDP per capita of around $31,000, finding job opportunities can be tricky for foreigners. Half of the country&#8217;s income comes from the tourism industry, and its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches are sure to enchant you.

Travel

When Moving Abroad, Tax Is The Biggest Concern: 5 Best Countries Where Americans Can Relocate Hassle-Free

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 lowers the price target from $20 to $16.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

AAOI

Rosenblatt Maintains Buy on Applied Optoelectronics, Lowers Price Target to $16

<ul>
<li>Supports expansion of Tevogen's ExacTcell&#x2122;&nbsp;platform toward additional clinical trials &nbsp;</li>
<li>Bolsters a financial path to positive cashflow and minimizes dilution</li>
</ul>
WARREN, N.J., May 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=oQoZxfDuzbnVDx8Utu05sULO-98PPFip2k0yAQ_ZK-aj1yp6FHzXfhzz569lw9P2y2pOxP1LfL1R8DQdtRVSLwzHZkccaTtCun4Gcqk5Xlk=">Tevogen Bio Holdings Inc.</a> ("Tevogen" or "Tevogen Bio") (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TVGN#NASDAQ">TVGN</a>), a clinical-stage specialty immunotherapy biotech pioneer developing off-the-shelf, genetically unmodified T cell therapeutics in oncology, neurology, and virology, has entered into a binding term sheet [with an existing investor] to secure up to $50 million of financing.
This financing supports Tevogen Bio's pursuit of expanding research and development efforts with a focus on continued clinical development of the company's initial product, TVGN 489, from its ExacTcell technology platform. In January 2023, Tevogen Bio announced positive proof-of-concept clinical trial results of TVGN 489 for treatment of high-risk patients. The financing will also be utilized to facilitate Tevogen Bio's efforts to start additional clinical trials for virally induced cancers and multiple sclerosis.

Financing

TVGN

Tevogen Bio Entered Into A Binding Term Sheet With An Existing Investor To Secure Up To $50M Of Financing

Cresud SACIF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRESY#NASDAQ">CRESY</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.20 per share. This is a 64.91 percent decrease over earnings of $0.57 per share from the same period last year. The company reported $241.99 million in sales this quarter. This is a 63.51 percent increase over sales of $148.00 million the same period last year.

Earnings

CRESY

Cresud SACIF Q3 EPS $0.20 Down From $0.57 YoY, Sales $241.99M Up From $148.00M YoY

Vroom (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRM#NASDAQ">VRM</a>) reported quarterly losses of $(37.68) per share. This is a 12.7 percent increase over losses of $(43.16) per share from the same period last year.

Vroom Q1 EPS $(37.68) Up From $(43.16) YoY

An internal review released Friday revealed significant challenges, to put it nicely, plaguing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/new-york-cannabis">New York&#8217;s legal cannabis market</a>.
The issues are primarily attributed to inexperienced leadership within the state&#8217;s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The report was blunt, calling the OCM a &#8220;mission-driven&#8221; startup rather than a competent government office. 
Governor Kathy Hochul then proceeded to fire Chris Alexander, the head of the OCM.
The report noted that the OCM was staffed with inexperienced leadership, lacked a transparent process for licensing new dispensaries and had virtually no customer service for licensees.
"The majority of OCM's most senior leadership has relatively limited experience in leading regulatory entities, and the agency has experienced significant turnover in executive roles," the report reads.
"It has struggled to make the transition to a mature regulatory agency," noted the report, which was produced by Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy and obtained by the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/05/10/us-news/damning-internal-report-rips-hochuls-cannabis-agency/">NY Post</a> before being released publicly Friday.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38419082/cannabis-saga-in-the-empire-state-corruption-or-ineptitude-private-equity-tramples-social-equity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cannabis Saga In The Empire State: Corruption Or Ineptitude? Private Equity Tramples Social Equity, Report Reveals</a>
The report highlighted "implementation challenges" that "resulted in confusion, difficulties, and delays for well-intentioned line staff as well as applicants," referring to the complicated hoops potential licensees have had to jump through.
Other key problems within the OCM included erratic changes in licensing regulations, a lack of transparency and ineffective enforcement measures. These issues have not only hindered the legal cannabis market but have also fostered the proliferation of unlicensed cannabis shops across New York state. The Big Apple alone has more than 2,000 illicit shops according the local authorities.
Hochul, recognizing the severity of the situation, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/03/37776915/new-york-gov-hochul-orders-review-of-cannabis-licensing-process-after-numerous-setbacks">ordered a comprehensive review in March</a> to address the bureaucratic hurdles and legal setbacks faced by the OCM. 
At the time, she called the program a &#8220;disaster.&#8221;
Despite initial intentions to prioritize <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/03/31398249/new-york-marijuana-regulators-sued-by-big-players-for-alleged-violation-of-state-cannabis-law">social equity</a> by allocating licenses to nonprofits and individuals with prior convictions or those who suffered from the War on Drugs, the process was marred by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/08/33617244/the-debacle-called-ny-cannabis-market-state-supreme-court-halts-new-retail-licenses-following-ve">lawsuits</a>, delays and regulatory inconsistencies.
The OCM's chief equity officer Damian Fagon also happens to be on administrative leave pending an ongoing internal investigation that he retaliated against a&nbsp;Hudson Valley cannabis processor&nbsp;who was critical of OCM.
At this point, with only a limited number of legal cannabis dispensaries operating since late 2022, the illegal market has thrived. Unlicensed retailers who seem to operate with impunity are undermining the legal framework – a situation the OCM seemed incapable of controlling.
The report outlined various policy solutions to address the agency&#8217;s challenges, including the recruitment of experienced staff, streamlining licensing processes, and engaging in public outreach efforts to identify and rectify issues.
Photo courtesy of OCM

Cannabis

Government

Regulations

Scathing Internal Report Exposes New York's Cannabis Agency As Inexperienced, Irresponsible, Ineffective: Heads Are Rolling

Inception Mining