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<a href="https://apnews.com/live/trump-shooting-west-palm-beach-updates" title="https://apnews.com/live/trump-shooting-west-palm-beach-updates">https://apnews.com/live/trump-shooting-west-palm-beach-updates</a>

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Politics

General

Palm Beach County Sheriff Said Gunman Had An AK-style Rifle With A Scope, Two Backpacks Hanging On A Fence And A GoPro Camera

-Reuters
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-is-safe-following-gunshots-his-vicinity-says-campaign-2024-09-15/" title="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-is-safe-following-gunshots-his-vicinity-says-campaign-2024-09-15/">https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-is-safe-following-gunshots-his-vicinity-says-campaign-2024-09-15/</a>

Palm Beach Law Enforcement Official Said Local Officials Arrested Suspect In Trump Golf Club Shooting Incident; Found An AK-47 Type Weapon; Official Said Trump Was Between 400 And 500 Yards Away From The Gunman

<a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-harris-election-09-15-24/index.html" title="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-harris-election-09-15-24/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-harris-election-09-15-24/index.html</a>

CNN Reporting FBI Investigating What Appears To Be An Attempted Assassination Of Trump

Donald Trump was abruptly escorted to safety following a shooting incident at his Florida golf club on Sunday afternoon. The event unfolded when a man, armed with an assault rifle, was seen in the vicinity of the club while Trump was present.
What Happened: As per a <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/09/15/us-news/shooting-reported-at-donald-trumps-golf-club-while-ex-president-was-on-grounds/">New York Post report</a>, the incident transpired around 2 p.m. when a Secret Service agent, a member of Trump&#8217;s security detail, fired at a man seen with an assault rifle near the Trump International Golf Course West Palm Beach. The suspect managed to escape the scene.
Law enforcement sources have indicated that they do not believe the suspect had an opportunity to fire at Trump. The authorities later found the assault rifle.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40846236/i-have-a-bad-feeling-about-this-elon-musk-is-alarmed-about-moscow-nato-conflict-risk-if-ukraine-allo?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;I Have A Bad Feeling About This&#8217; — Elon Musk Is Alarmed About Moscow-NATO Conflict Risk If Ukraine Allow</a>
Trump reached out to his supporters with a statement, reassuring them of his safety. &#8220;There were gunshots in my vicinity but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!&#8221; he stated.
The suspect was subsequently captured by local police on I-95. His motives are still unclear. This incident follows an assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Butler, Pa., two months ago.
The Secret Service is presently probing the incident in collaboration with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's office. The White House has confirmed that both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed about the situation and expressed relief at Trump&#8217;s safety.
Why It Matters: This incident, as reported by <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9">AP News</a>, is the second time in two months that Trump has been targeted. A man with an AK-style rifle had pointed the firearm's muzzle into Donald Trump's golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, while the former president was playing a round, prompting the U.S. Secret Service to open fire. The FBI is investigating what they believe to be an &#8220;attempted assassination&#8221; of the former Republican presidential candidate. This raises serious concerns about the safety of political figures and the increasing instances of violence aimed at them.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40867103/nate-silver-if-trump-loses-he-will-have-let-election-slip-out-of-his-grasp-as-underlying-factors-fav?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nate Silver: If Trump Loses, He Will Have Let Election &#8216;Slip Out Of His Grasp&#8217; As Underlying Factors Favor Him Despite Harris&#8217; Poll Lead</a>
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.

Donald Trump Safe And Unharmed After Shooting Incident At Florida Golf Club

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40806876/final-showdown-trump-and-harris-face-off-in-intense-debate-just-eight-weeks-before-election-day">presidential debate held last week</a> did little to alter the equation between Republican candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris, new poll results published on Sunday showed.
The Head-to-Head Tally: Harris received 51% support among registered voters compared to 47% support for Trump, the <a href="https://www.langerresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/1236a1AftertheHarris-TrumpDebate.pdf">poll</a> conducted by ABC News, who hosted the debate, along with Ipsos showed. The former&#8217;s slight lead is statistically unchanged from the previous ABC/Ipsos poll conducted before the debate.
The survey was conducted between Sept. 11-13 and 3,276 adults were surveyed for the purpose.
Among likely voters, the tally was 52%-46% in favor of Harris, unchanged from the numbers seen before the debate.
The share of Harris supporters who strongly backed her was 62%, while Trump supporters who strongly backed him was at 56%, down from 60% at the end of August.
The survey found that<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40866592/swifties-rally-for-kamala-harris-taylor-swift-superfan-organizes-online-push-for-democratic-ticket"> Taylor Swift&#8217;s endorsement</a> had little impact. Merely 6% said the popular singer-songwriter's endorsement of Harris makes them more likely to vote for her. While 13% said it makes them less likely to support her, 81% saying it makes no difference. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40867103/nate-silver-if-trump-loses-he-will-have-let-election-slip-out-of-his-grasp-as-underlying-factors-fav">Nate Silver: If Trump Loses, He Will Have Let Election &#8216;Slip Out Of His Grasp&#8217; As Underlying Factors Favor Him Despite Harris&#8217; Poll Lead</a>
Debate Performance: Harris won hands down, according to the respondents, with 58% picking her as the winner and 36% opining that Trump won. Thirty-seven of the respondents said the debate made them think more favorably about the vice president, more than double that of the 17% who felt the same about Trump. Thirty percent of the respondents said the debate made them feel less favorably about the former president.
The benefit for Harris came from her voter base, as 60% of the Democratic and Democratic-leaning independent voters said the debate made them feel more favorably toward her. On the other hand, only 34% of the Republican and Republican-leaning independent voters said the debate made them see Trump more favorably.
&#8220;The absence of movement in vote preferences, despite a 22-point tilt to Harris as having won the debate, marks the sharply polarized nature of the electorate,&#8221; the pollster said. &#8220;Almost everyone has a preference between Harris or Trump, and among those who do, few say they'd even consider the other,&#8221; it added.
Among demographics, Harris led Trump among women, while among men, both were neck-on-neck. She had a 13-point lead over Trump among registered voters in the 18-29 years age category and a stronger 19-point lead among likely voters. The vice president&#8217;s good showing in this category is primarily attributable to strong support among women in this age group. 
Harris had a thumping 81% support among Black registered voters and 89% support among likely voters in this racial group. She also led among Hispanic voters, with 7% support, while among white registered voters, she trailed by a 43%-54% margin.
Voter Issues: The economy and inflation continue to dominate as the top issues in the election, and Trump led Harris by seven points in voter trust in his ability to handle both. He had a 10-point lead over Harris in voter trust to handle immigration.
On the other hand, Harris had a seven-point lead on &#8220;protecting American democracy&#8221; and a 9-point lead on handling health care. The two remain evenly matched on crime and safety.
Check This Out:
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<li>Lawmakers Made Huge Investments This Year.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
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Media

Trump Vs. Harris: Vice President's Strong Debate Showing, Taylor Swift Endorsement Do Not Move Needle On Her Poll Numbers As Pollster Cites This Reason

Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci has criticized Donald Trump&#8216;s alliance with far-right activist Laura Loomer, calling it a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40301432/kamala-harris-surges-ahead-of-trump-in-key-states-young-americans-bank-on-harris-for-economic-reviva">move towards extreme nativism</a>.
What Happened: Scaramucci went on X to express his concerns about the Trump-Loomer alliance. He described it as an inevitable outcome, given Trump&#8217;s current advisory circle. According to Scaramucci, these advisors are exploiting Trump&#8217;s ego to pursue their radical visions of a white ethnostate.
<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">Trump-Loomer couple was inevitable. Trump is now guided by his most extreme and nativist advisors who play off his ego to fulfill half-baked visions of a white ethnostate. The mask is off &#8211; it&#39;s time all moderate Republicans stand up.<a href="https://twitter.com/AC360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AC360</a> <a href="https://t.co/uzbAZ3lZQ8">pic.twitter.com/uzbAZ3lZQ8</a>
&mdash; Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scaramucci/status/1834680864313061541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Scaramucci&#8217;s tweet was a direct call to action for moderate Republicans. &#8220;The mask is off &#8211; it&#8217;s time all moderate Republicans stand up,&#8221; he wrote. 
This statement implies an urgent need for intervention from moderate voices within the Republican party to counterbalance the extreme ideologies.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40761709/anthony-scaramucci-trump-will-lose-then-start-panicking-over-november-sentencing">Anthony Scaramucci: Trump Will Lose, Then &#8216;Start Panicking&#8217; Over November Sentencing</a>
Why It Matters: Scaramucci&#8217;s comments come at a time when the Republican party is grappling with internal divisions. The alliance between Trump and Loomer, a controversial political figure known for her extreme views, is seen by some as a move towards more radical politics. 
This shift could potentially alienate moderate Republicans and further polarize the party.
Scaramucci&#8217;s call to action suggests a growing concern among some Republicans about the direction the party is taking. His comments reflect a desire for a more balanced and inclusive Republican party that can appeal to a broader demographic.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40666453/scaramucci-trump-is-in-trouble-and-he-knows-it-slams-him-on-conflicting-abortion-statements-hes-shot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scaramucci: ‘Trump Is In Trouble And He Knows It', Slams Him On Conflicting Abortion Statements: ‘He's Shotgunning Out Statements And Words'</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.

Scaramucci Says Trump-Loomer Union Marks Dangerous Shift Towards Extreme Nativism

Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40780100/apple-intelligence-ready-iphone-16-with-faster-processor-dedicated-camera-button-announced-check-pri"> iPhone 16 unveiled at the Glowtime event </a>last week did not live up to the hype but it made up for some of the disappointment with its hearing aid and health upgrades, said Bloomberg&#8217;s Mark Gurman on Sunday.
Why iPhone 16 Disappointed: The iPhone upgrade was mostly about &#8220;refining device&#8217;s nuts and bolts&#8221; rather than introducing exciting or new features, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-09-15/apple-s-hearing-aid-sleep-apnea-saved-iphone-16-event-m4-mac-launch-details-m13kkabb?srnd=undefined">said </a>Gurman in the latest instalment of his Power On newsletter. 
Among the changes to the iPhone were the addition of a dedicated hardware button to take pictures and video, redesigned interiors to dissipate heat, and aggressive upping of battery life, the Apple specialist said. Additionally, the company brought previously Pro-level features like active noise cancellation, down the market, and replaced its aging $129 model with a fresh design, he added.
Having the button to take pictures and video, and the addition of the second 48-megapixel lens and expanded slow-motion video recording, will entice people to create more media, leaving users needing additional storage either on their phone or in iCloud, the columnist said. This could boost the bottom-line, he said.
Gurman said none of these changes are significant to drive a super-cycle but the company&#8217;s brand, product ecosystem and marketing muscle are all so strong that even bare minimum upgrade is usually enough. 
Knowing well that the new iPhone hardware was a major leap over the previous iteration, Apple focused mostly on Apple Intelligence, its new suite of AI tools, the Apple leaker said. But these features work with iPhone 15 Pro models as well, he noted.
The improvement in the processor speed following Apple&#8217;s two-generation jump from A16 to A18, may be subtle for existing iPhone users and could be perceived only by those moving from Android to iPhone, he said.
Other hardware launches such as new AirPods 4, and Apple Watch hardware upgrades etc weren&#8217;t impressive either, he added.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-buy-apple-stock">How To Buy Apple (AAPL) Stock</a>
The Show-stealer: The highlight of the Glowtime event was the debut of some long-awaited health features, including hearing-aid software for the AirPods Pro, said Gurman. &#8220;But even without much razzle-dazzle on the hardware side, Apple has a saving grace: its new health features,&#8221; he said.
CEO Tim Cook signaled that Apple&#8217;s legacy will be its healthcare initiatives, Gurman said, adding that the company has already helped hundreds of millions of people lead healthier lives. The columnist noted that the sleep apnea detection on the Apple Watch can warn users having this condition, who can then go and consult a doctor. This, he said, can help a lot of people.
The most impressive health initiative coming this year is the new set of hearing feature, which turns AirPods into a clinical-grade hearing test machine as well as an over-the-counter hearing aid, Gurman said. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40841812/fda-approves-first-otc-hearing-aid-software-compatible-with-apples-airpods-pro">The technology is now approved by the FDA</a>, he noted.
Working out the cost advantage, Gurman said a conventional hearing aid could cost from $300 to north of $2,000, while Apple&#8217;s offering brings the price point to $249 with the AirPods Pro. &#8220;That's critical given that most U.S. insurance companies don't reimburse over-the-counter hearing-aid purchases. It also will integrate more seamlessly with the iPhone, giving it a better interface than most existing hearing devices,&#8221; he said.
Gurman noted that other future Apple health features will include &#8220;embedding heart-rate sensors in the AirPods, as well as an AI-driven health coaching service for the Apple Watch and iPhone.&#8221; He also said there are more blood-pressure management tools in development for the iPhone and iPad Health app.
Some of the smartest engineering minds are working on non-invasive glucose monitoring to detect diabetes, which could prove to be the &#8220;ultimate health addition for the Apple Watch,&#8221; he added.
Apple ended Friday&#8217;s session down 0.12 % to $222.50, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro data.</a>
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech">following this link.</a>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40744895/elon-musk-left-in-awe-as-apple-sells-1-4m-iphones-every-2-days-an-insane-growth-from-its-launch-">Elon Musk Left In Awe As Apple Sells 1.4M iPhones Every 2 Days — An &#8216;Insane&#8217; Growth From Its Launch Year</a></li>
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Equities

Tech

AAPL

No 'Razzle-Dazzle' With Latest iPhone, But Apple Wowed With These 2 'Glowtime' Announcements, Says Gurman

Vice President Kamala Harris got a small boost following the debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump but <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40867103/nate-silver-if-trump-loses-he-will-have-let-election-slip-out-of-his-grasp-as-underlying-factors-fav">most political analysts do not think it has given her a decisive lead.</a> Anthony Scaramucci, who was brought in as one of the guests and surrogates by Harris at the debate, weighed in on what her next moves should be.
Economy Criticism: One of the issues that has put Democratic party on the backfoot is economy. In the latest episode of the Rest Is Politics US podcast, Scaramucci <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmvGyQlHRE4">said</a> she can unpin the blame by going out and saying that inflation is not really the party&#8217;s fault. The federal government had to plow in $3 trillion in cash into the economy to save the people when lockdown restrictions were in place, the Federal Reserve&#8217;s interest rate reduction to near-zero levels added another $4 trillion into the economy and because the supply-chain broke, there was short supply of goods and services, stoking inflationary pressure, said Scaramucci, who very briefly served as the White House Communications Director.
Harris has to send the messaging that her party is not to be blamed for inflation and that it was trying to save the economy, highlighting the things the Joe Biden administration has done done to slow down inflation, he added.
&#8220;She&#8217;s not doing that and she&#8217;s got to get out there and do that,&#8221; Scaramucci, a businessman and founder of SkyBridge Capital, said. She has to allay concerns and say the next six months is going to be better and &#8220;if you stay the course with me, the next two years is going to be even better,&#8221; he said.
The vice president has to make it clear that, &#8220;if your go with Mr. Tariff Trump, you are going to have 20% tariffs , 100% tariffs&#8221; and she may have to talk about regressive taxation and point out that he was stealing the money of the lower and middle income families, he said.
Harris also has to clarify about the clampdown on price gouging that she announced as one of her policy focus, which hasn&#8217;t been received well. Scaramucci said the vice president has to explain to consumers that her administration would create fairness for consumers in the freest possible market.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40811055/polling-veteran-nate-silver-says-kamala-harris-got-the-debate-she-wanted-as-fatigued-trump-couldnt-b">Polling Veteran Nate Silver Says Kamala Harris Got The Debate She Wanted As Fatigued Trump Couldn&#8217;t Bring His &#8216;A-Game&#8217; After The Initial Momentum</a>
Gender &#8211; Disadvantage? In America, a woman has to get 10 steps higher than any man and there are three things that she&#8217;s got to hammer into her campaign her strategist and herself, Scaramucci said. First thing is sanity as this election is all about making a choice between sanity and insanity &#8211; a &#8220;dog-eating, cat-eating, election denying , orange lunatic, who is 78 years old and is in mental decline,&#8221; he said.
The Democratic campaign should also focus on freedom, the businessman said, as he noted that Trump&#8217;s team wants to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/02/37323321/trump-wants-to-weaponize-intelligence-agencies-with-loyalist-appointments-former-official-warns">fire 50,000 federal employees and rehire people who pass a loyalty test</a>, thereby politicizing the government. This freedom would also include reproductive freedom, he added.
Harris would also do well by focusing on the middle class, the ex-White House aide said. She should be saying &#8220;the orange guy that I&#8217;m running against has done nothing to expand the middle class; Let&#8217;s go over the Biden-Harris strategy and let&#8217;s talk about what we have actually done to help the people that are aggrieved with the system,&#8221; he added.
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Anthony Scaramucci Explains How Kamala Harris Can Improve Her Poor Economic Polling: 'She Has To Get Out There And Do That'

In the midst of the 2024 presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself under the microscope for her involvement in the closure of Backpage.com, a well-known online platform for adult services, during<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40866884/trump-vs-harris-tense-standoff-in-nail-biter-polls"> her time as the Attorney General of California.</a>
What Happened: Harris took a strong stance against the founders of Backpage.com in 2016, leading to the first-ever criminal charges against the website. 
This case, which never saw the inside of a courtroom, triggered a nationwide crackdown on the site and is currently a significant aspect of Harris&#8217; hardline crime narrative in her presidential bid.
However, detractors argue that Harris&#8217; strategy was excessively punitive. They contend that Backpage.com was primarily a safe haven for sex workers to liaise with adult clients for consensual services. They allege that the site&#8217;s closure hindered efforts to probe into cases of underage or forced prostitution.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869086/trump-vs-harris-new-poll-reveals-post-debate-swing-towards-this-candidate-in-key-state">Trump Vs Harris: New Poll Reveals Post-Debate Swing Towards This Candidate In Key State</a>
Maggy Krell, one of Harris' former deputies in the California attorney general's office said, &#8220;Every politician of every party is on the bandwagon to say what they've done to fight human trafficking, right? What's unique about Harris is she started it all. She literally started it all."
"She was the first one out of the foxhole on Backpage," Krell added. "I remember the conversation really well. She was really concerned about the victims."
Just last month, the 76-year-old co-founder of the website was handed a five-year prison sentence on a federal money-laundering charge. He started serving his sentence this week, while his legal team works on an appeal.
So far, the Harris campaign has not provided any comments on her part in the Backpage shutdown or her current stance on the criminalization of prostitution.
Why It Matters: The Backpage.com controversy is a significant part of Harris&#8217; past and could potentially impact her presidential campaign. 
Her role in the shutdown of the platform, which was widely used by sex workers, has been criticized as overly punitive and detrimental to efforts to investigate cases of coerced or underage prostitution. 
As the presidential race heats up, it remains to be seen how this issue will affect Harris&#8217; campaign and whether her stance on the criminalization of prostitution will evolve.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40667209/trump-vs-harris-new-polls-reveal-this-candidate-is-outperforming-in-swing-states" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs Harris: New Polls Reveal This Candidate Is Outperforming In Swing States</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Former Deputy Claims Harris Helped Close Backpage, Fallout Affects Sex Workers

In his recent debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump&#8216;s stance on key health care issues, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and abortion, came under intense scrutiny. His responses, often vague and contradictory, highlighted his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37192851/donald-trump-mulls-16-week-abortion-ban-in-private-conversations-with-allies">ongoing struggle with these critical topics.</a>
What Happened: Trump&#8217;s handling of the ACA, also known as ObamaCare, and his inconsistent positions on abortion were brought into sharp focus during the debate. 
Trump remained noncommittal about his plans for both subjects, leading Republican strategist Chuck Coughlin to comment that Trump &#8220;absolutely stepped on every possible land mine in both of those.&#8221;
According to the report <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4878204-trump-stumbles-health-care/">by </a>The Hill, On the subject of ObamaCare, Trump hinted at a potential attempt to repeal the law again but did not commit to having a replacement plan. He criticized the law as &#8220;lousy,&#8221; but reluctantly pledged to manage it &#8220;as good as it can be run&#8221; until a better and cheaper option is available.
Trump&#8217;s lack of a concrete plan to replace ObamaCare if repealed was also exposed during the debate. &#8220;I have concepts of a plan. I&#8217;m not president right now,&#8221; Trump said. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869086/trump-vs-harris-new-poll-reveals-post-debate-swing-towards-this-candidate-in-key-state">Trump Vs Harris: New Poll Reveals Post-Debate Swing Towards This Candidate In Key State</a>
Coughlin found Trump&#8217;s comments revealing, stating, &#8220;I think it spoke to the reason McCain gave the thumbs down is they never had an alternative plan.&#8221;
Trump&#8217;s shifting positions on abortion were also on display during the debate. He avoided committing to vetoing a national abortion ban and made several false claims about Democrats&#8217; stance on abortion.
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Why It Matters: These issues are crucial in the upcoming election, with Democrats focusing on health care and polls indicating voters&#8217; interest in plans to lower health costs. 
Trump&#8217;s inconsistent positions on these issues could potentially impact his campaign. The debate has brought these topics to the forefront, and the public will be watching closely to see how Trump&#8217;s positions evolve in the lead up to the election.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40667209/trump-vs-harris-new-polls-reveal-this-candidate-is-outperforming-in-swing-states" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs Harris: New Polls Reveal This Candidate Is Outperforming In Swing States</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Trump Stumbles Again Over Health Care Issues Involving Abortion And Obamacare

According to investors and recent financial reports, the technology sector is experiencing broad weakness despite the buzz around artificial intelligence (AI). Many companies are still struggling with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40767784/nvidia-microsofts-ai-rally-hides-tech-sectors-underlying-weakness-warn-experts-ther" rel="noreferrer noopener">the recession that started in 2022</a>.
Gaming, Streaming Platform &amp; TV
Seven of the gaming industry&#8217;s biggest names—Epic Games, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>), Roblox Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBLX#NYSE">RBLX</a>), Microsoft Corp.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios,&nbsp;Tencent Holding Ltd. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCEHY#OTC">TCEHY</a>) Supercell, and UbiSoft Entertainment Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBSFF#OTC">UBSFF</a>) —are facing new accusations from the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) of deceiving players into <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40843191/epic-ea-ubisoft-face-accusations-of-deceit-over-in-game-purchases-eu-complaint-filed" rel="noreferrer noopener">overspending on&nbsp;in-game purchases</a>.
UbiSoft faces pressure from a minority shareholder to go private following the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40801168/ubisoft-is-mismanaged-shareholders-are-hostages-investor-demands-video-game-company-go-private-aft" rel="noreferrer noopener">release of&nbsp;Star Wars Outlaws</a>.
Martyn Ware, co-founder of the synth-pop band Heaven 17, has publicly rejected an offer from&nbsp;Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) Rockstar Games to license the group&#8217;s hit song &#8220;Temptation&#8221; in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40779329/grand-theft-auto-6-licensing-dispute-martyn-ware-slams-rockstars-extremely-low-7-500-offer" rel="noreferrer noopener">the upcoming&nbsp;Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6)</a>.
Netflix Inc&#8217;s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>)&nbsp;mobile gaming catalog has surpassed 210 million downloads, marking a notable milestone in the streaming company&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40802898/netflix-games-hit-210m-downloads-which-game-took-the-no-1-spot" rel="noreferrer noopener">expansion into the&nbsp;gaming industry</a>.
Microsoft recent overhaul of Xbox Game Pass has brought significant changes to the subscription service, impacting how gamers access <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/40840369/microsofts-new-xbox-game-pass-tiers-which-games-will-you-lose" rel="noreferrer noopener">some of the industry&#8217;s&nbsp;anticipated titles</a>.
Pay-TV provider DirecTV lodged a complaint against Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>)&nbsp;with the&nbsp;Federal Communications Commission, accusing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40765624/disney-accused-of-bad-faith-negotiations-by-directv-in-fcc-complaint-ahead-of-trump-harris-" rel="noreferrer noopener">the mouse house of &#8220;bad faith&#8221; negotiations</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40808078/directv-and-disneys-couldnt-even-agree-on-bringing-abc-temporarily-back-for-the-trump-harris-debate" rel="noreferrer noopener">DirecTV And Disney&#8217;s Couldn&#8217;t Even Agree On Bringing ABC Temporarily Back For The Trump-Harris Debate</a>
Smartphones
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) introduced the&nbsp;iPhone 16&nbsp;series, which is &#8220;designed for Apple <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40780100/apple-intelligence-ready-iphone-16-with-faster-processor-dedicated-camera-button-announced-check-pri" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intelligence from the ground up,&#8221;</a>
The&nbsp;iPhone 16&nbsp;series will be powered by&nbsp;ARM&nbsp;Holdings&#8217; (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>) latest chip technology, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40766753/iphone-16-to-feature-arms-next-gen-ai-chip-technology-what-you-should-know-about-apples-move" rel="noreferrer noopener">designed to improve AI capabilities</a>.
Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40767418/iphone-16-series-production-data-unveiled-by-top-apple-analyst-9m-to-16m-units-shipments-for-august" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhone 16 Series Production Data Unveiled By Top Apple Analyst: 9M To 16M Units Shipments For August And September Expected</a>
Apple&nbsp;has commenced the production of its newly launched iPhone 16 series in India, reflecting <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40826717/apples-iphone-production-move-to-india-signals-broader-tech-exodus-from-china-with-microsoft-and-ama" rel="noreferrer noopener">a broader trend among tech giants</a>.
Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10, featuring <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40779019/apple-watch-series-10-announced-with-larger-display-thinner-design" rel="noreferrer noopener">a larger display and thinner design</a>. The company also announced the AirPods 4, with the price starting at $129, while the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40779374/apple-announces-airpods-4-with-wireless-charging-along-with-a-new-anc-variant-prices-start-at-129" rel="noreferrer noopener">AirPods 4 ANC is priced at $179</a>.
Apple is reportedly in discussions with&nbsp;Micron, Tata Group and other Indian chip manufacturers to procure <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40785446/apple-in-talks-with-micron-tata-group-to-secure-india-made-chips-for-locally-made-iphones" rel="noreferrer noopener">semiconductors for its locally-produced&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40785446/apple-in-talks-with-micron-tata-group-to-secure-india-made-chips-for-locally-made-iphones" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhones</a>.
Chinese tech heavyweight&nbsp;Huawei Technologies&#8217;&nbsp;newest tri-fold smartphone, the&nbsp;Mate XT, attracted 1.3 million orders <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40765746/apples-iphone-16-launch-parade-on-monday-gets-rained-on-by-huawei-chinese-companys-tri-fold-phone-ge" rel="noreferrer noopener">within seven hours of opening reservations</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40765900/apple-watch-ultra-3-announcement-unlikely-at-mondays-glowtime-event-says-top-analyst-i-also-wouldnt" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Watch Ultra 3 Announcement Unlikely At Monday&#8217;s &#8216;Glowtime&#8217; Event, Says Top Analyst: &#8216;I Also Wouldn&#8217;t Rule Out…&#8217;</a>
Apple seems to have silently phased out its controversial FineWoven iPhone cases, as they are no longer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40809459/apple-quietly-phases-out-categorically-terrible-finewoven-iphone-cases-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">available on the company's website</a>.
Technology
Meta Platforms, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>),&nbsp;Snap&nbsp;Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNAP#NYSE">SNAP</a>), and&nbsp;ByteDance-owned&nbsp;TikTok have announced a joint initiative to combat&nbsp;the spread of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40846628/meta-snap-and-tiktok-come-together-to-combat-suicide-and-self-harm-content-online-will-share-signals" rel="noreferrer noopener">suicide and&nbsp;self-harm content online</a>.
In a strategic move to enhance its product offerings,&nbsp;Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) is reportedly contemplating the acquisition of certain <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40745239/apple-supplier-qualcomm-eyes-intel-units-to-bolster-product-line-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">segments of&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40745239/apple-supplier-qualcomm-eyes-intel-units-to-bolster-product-line-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel Corp. </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40745239/apple-supplier-qualcomm-eyes-intel-units-to-bolster-product-line-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>)</a>.
Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) rival&nbsp;Groq&nbsp;announced on Tuesday that it will deploy AI in Saudi Arabia in 2024, in partnership with&nbsp;Aramco Digital, at the ongoing Global <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40796193/groq-to-deploy-ai-in-saudi-arabia-with-aramco-aims-to-match-2023-microsoft-openai-capacity-by-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia</a>.
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) subsidiary&nbsp;Google&nbsp;underscored the importance of empowering users with fact-check tools amid the rising use of AI, at the third edition of the Global AI Summit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40788721/google-underscores-importance-of-empowering-users-with-fact-check-tools-amid-rising-use-of-ai" rel="noreferrer noopener">(GAIN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia</a>.
In response to a global IT outage triggered by a faulty software update,&nbsp;Microsoft has announced <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40791329" rel="noreferrer noopener">plans to host a cybersecurity summit</a>.
Microsoft has reportedly laid off 650 employees in its gaming division, months after the company laid off 1,900 employees following its&nbsp;$68.7 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40829756/microsoft-cuts-650-xbox-jobs-amid-restructuring-following-activision-blizzard-deal-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">billion acquisition&nbsp;of&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40829756/microsoft-cuts-650-xbox-jobs-amid-restructuring-following-activision-blizzard-deal-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Activision Blizzard</a>.
Samsung Electronics&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) instructed its global subsidiaries to decrease sales and marketing staff by around 15% <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40812318/samsung-to-reportedly-slash-global-workforce-by-up-to-30-in-certain-divisions-amid-intense-competiti" rel="noreferrer noopener">and administrative staff by up to 30%</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40826639/mark-zuckerberg-live-event-sold-out-stadium-meta-ceo-attracted-thousands-eager-to-hear-him-speak-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg Live Event Sold Out Stadium: Meta CEO Attracted Thousands Eager To Hear Him Speak On &#8216;The Next Decade Of Social, Technology, And AI&#8217;</a>
Elon Musk
Tesla&nbsp;and&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;has expressed his astonishment at&nbsp;YouTube&#8217;s&nbsp;decision to restrict teenagers&#8217;&nbsp;access <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40766389/elon-musk-expresses-disbelief-over-youtubes-restriction-on-fitness-videos-for-teens-globally-serious" rel="noreferrer noopener">to certain health and&nbsp;fitness videos</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40784773/elon-musk-liked-the-camera-on-iphone-15-but-iphone-16-doesnt-get-much-love-from-the-techno-king-here" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Liked The Camera On iPhone 15, But iPhone 16 Doesn&#8217;t Get Much Love From The Techno King: Here&#8217;s What He Said</a>
Musk revealed that Tesla's Dojo 2 supercomputer should be&nbsp;in volume production by the&nbsp;end of 2025. The tech mogul expressed confidence in Dojo's potential but noted that its true capabilities would only be known after the third <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40787336/elon-musk-reveals-timeline-for-teslas-dojo-supercomputer-upgrade-comparable-to-a-nvidia-b200-type-sy" rel="noreferrer noopener">major iteration, expected in late 2026</a>.
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI,&nbsp;the AI research lab,&nbsp;has launched a new model, ‘o1', which is the first in a series of "reasoning" models. This model can answer complex questions faster than a human. The company has also introduced a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/09/40842891/openai-unveils-o1-model-a-step-closer-to-human-like-ai-but-not-without-flaws" rel="noreferrer noopener">smaller, more affordable version, ‘o1-mini'</a>.
ChatGPT-parent&nbsp;OpenAI&nbsp;is reportedly in discussion to raise $6.5 billion in equity financing, which <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40825072/openais-valuation-could-skyrocket-to-150b-in-new-fundraising-positioning-it-among-the-worlds-most-va" rel="noreferrer noopener">could&nbsp;bring its valuation&nbsp;to $150 billion</a>.
OpenAI CEO&nbsp;Sam Altman faced backlash from&nbsp;ChatGPT&nbsp;subscribers after he responded to a user's<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40846309/sam-altman-wants-chatgpt-users-to-have-gratitude-for-magic-intelligence-in-the-sky-after-they-ask-ab" rel="noreferrer noopener"> question about&nbsp;new voice features</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40825968/bipartisan-coalition-of-42-state-ags-urges-congress-to-mandate-surgeon-general-warnings-on-social-me" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bipartisan Coalition Of 42 State AGs Urges Congress To Mandate Surgeon General Warnings On Social Media Apps Like TikTok, X, And Meta&#8217;s Instagram To Address Growing Mental Health Concerns</a>
Google's artificial intelligence model,&nbsp;PaLM2, has come under the radar of Europe's privacy watchdog over concerns <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40824870/google-ai-model-palm2-under-probe-for-data-regulations-breach-by-european-privacy-watchdog" rel="noreferrer noopener">related to the handling of personal data</a>.
Mark Cuban, the&nbsp;billionaire entrepreneur&nbsp;and&nbsp;part-owner of the&nbsp;Dallas Mavericks, has publicly praised&nbsp;Elon Musk&#8217;s AI chatbot,&nbsp;Grok, to Vice President&nbsp;Kamala Harris&#8217; immigration <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40767860/mark-cuban-praises-elon-musks-ai-chatbot-grok-for-answering-kamala-harris-pov-on-immigration-i-think" rel="noreferrer noopener">viewpoint, terming it as &#8220;accurate&#8221;</a>.

GOOG

INTC

MSFT

NFLX

NVDA

QCOM

RBLX

SNAP

SSNLF

TCEHY

TTWO

UBSFF

Consumer Tech News (Sep 8-Sep 14): Gaming Industry Biggies Facing Accusations For Decieving Players, Apple Launches iPhone 16 & More

Donald Trump&#8216;s media startup Trump Media &amp; Technology Group Corp. has experienced a substantial depreciation in its value, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/03/37574250/millions-of-americans-are-considering-a-mass-exodus-if-donald-trump-wins-again-says-report">shedding nearly $4 billion</a>.
What Happened: As the lockup agreement nears its expiration, the company&#8217;s major shareholders are gearing up for a possible sell-off. The company, which operates the social media platform Truth Social, has witnessed a loss of approximately $6 billion in value over the last four months. 
The stock has plummeted to its lowest level since its initial public offering through a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger in March.
According to the report <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-14/trump-can-only-watch-as-his-media-stake-takes-a-4-billion-dive?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">by</a> Bloomberg, Trump, who holds about 60% of the company, has seen his stake dwindle to roughly $2.1 billion. Other significant shareholders, including Andy Litinsky and Wes Moss, co-founders of the company, and Patrick Orlando, whose fund facilitated the SPAC merger, have also suffered considerable losses.
With the lockup agreement&#8217;s termination on the horizon, investors are expecting a wave of sales from these insiders. However, Trump has asserted that he has no intention of selling his shares. Despite this, the stock experienced a 12% surge following his statement.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37906118/can-trump-sell-his-stock-in-truth-social-to-pay-bills-his-son-could-be-the-answer">Can Trump Sell His Truth Social Stock To Pay Bills? His Son Could Be The Answer</a>
The stock of Trump Media has been underperforming, dropping to $17.97 from $40.58 on July 15. Despite reporting second-quarter revenues of less than $1 million, the company&#8217;s valuation remains high.
As the lockup period concludes, investors are bracing for potential selling pressure. However, major shareholders may face difficulties in discreetly offloading their holdings.
Why It Matters: The impending lockup expiry has created a sense of uncertainty among the shareholders. The significant drop in the company&#8217;s value has raised concerns about the company&#8217;s future performance. The situation is further complicated by Trump&#8217;s assertion of not selling his shares, which has led to a temporary surge in the stock price. 
However, the long-term impact of this decision remains to be seen. The company&#8217;s high valuation, despite its underwhelming revenues, is another point of concern for the investors. 
As the lockup period ends, the market is likely to witness significant activity, the outcome of which will play a crucial role in shaping the company&#8217;s future.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40667098/donald-trumps-billions-on-hold-as-insiders-sell-off-truth-social-shares">Donald Trump&#8217;s Billions On Hold As Insiders Sell Off Truth Social Shares</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Social Media

Trump Media Faces $4B Downslide As Shareholders Prepare For Lockup Agreement Expiration

Edwin Rubis has served 27 years of a 40-year federal prison sentence after being convicted on non-violent cannabis related charges in the late 1990s. Cannabis and criminal justice reform advocates are rallying for his release by way of a presidential pardon from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/biden-administration">Biden Administration</a>.
Rubis, now 56, was 29 years old with one child and another on the way in 1998 when the DEA arrested him and charged him with conspiracy to distribute cannabis. No drugs, guns or money were found in Edwin&#8217;s possession. Still, he was found guilty and sentenced to 40 years.
In the 27 years he has served so far, Rubis has been an exemplary inmate earning three college degrees and completing 30+ rehabilitation programs. Without government intervention, his earliest release date is not until 2031 when he will be 63 years old.
&#8220;I no longer belong in prison. I am not a threat to society. The Bureau of Prisons has categorized me as a low non-violent offender for recidivism purposes. I am a non-violent cannabis offender. I believe in redemption," Rubis <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/who-is-edwin-rubis-getting-to-know-the-man-serving-a-40-year-sentence-for-non-violent-cannabis-charges---beard-bros-media-302245867.html">said</a> in a <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/topic/beard-bros-pharms-0">Beard Bros Pharm</a> press release. "I am a compassionate and relatable individual who does not judge others by their culture, creed, or religion, but by the intentions of their heart. I am honest and loyal; responsible and accountable. I deserve a second chance at life.&#8221;
His parents are in their 80s and Edwin wants to see them again. His three adult children have been deprived of their father&#8217;s presence for most of their lives, noted Beard Bros, a legacy brand and media outlet calling on President Joe Biden to grant a full pardon and release Rubis from federal prison.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40867166/federal-marshals-raid-legal-medical-marijuana-shop-in-texas-why-the-big-guns-advocates-say-its-a">Federal Marshals Raid Legal Medical Marijuana Shop In Texas: Why The Big Guns? Advocates Say &#8216;It&#8217;s Absurd&#8217;</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Biden&#8217;s Unfulfilled Promise </h2>
October 6, 2022, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/10/29175510/breaking-biden-announces-pardons-for-all-federal-marijuana-possession-convictions">Biden issued a general pardon </a>for previous crimes of simple cannabis possession in violation of federal law and the D.C. Code. In December 2023,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/12/36361671/biden-pardons-thousands-convicted-of-cannabis-possession-calls-on-governors-to-do-the-same"> Biden expanded the pardon</a> to cover offenses for cannabis use and simple possession and called on state governors to do the same. 
Still nothing: There have been no pardons for federal inmates doing time for non-violent cannabis crimes. Beard Bros Pharm points out that Rubis "is not the only prisoner who fits that description but his continued incarceration is a reminder of the half-steps taken by this administration when it comes to cannabis reform and his immediate release would signal the Democratic Party&#8217;s commitment to future criminal justice reform."
Since he is not seeking re-election, President Biden has just over two months until Election Day and over four months until a new president is sworn in, "to right what he calls ‘historic wrongs&#8221; and grant Edwin Rubis a full presidential pardon.
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40846480/cannabis-experts-say-weed-reform-is-a-race-against-time-is-the-dea-delaying-bidens-rescheduling-">Cannabis Experts Say Weed Reform Is A Race Against Time, Is The DEA Delaying Biden&#8217;s Rescheduling Proposal?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy of Last Prisoner Project

Cannabis

Government

Legal

Meet The Man Serving A 40-Year Sentence For Non-Violent Cannabis Charges, Awaiting Pardon From Biden

Elon Musk's company SpaceX has now become the dominant force in space. The tech billionaire controls nearly two-thirds of all active satellites orbiting Earth, thanks to the rapid growth of his Starlink satellite network. 
Recently, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40744852/elon-musks-spacex-rockets-past-new-milestone-launches-7-000th-starlink-satellite">SpaceX launched its 7,000th Starlink satellite</a>, adding to the massive constellation that delivers high-speed internet worldwide. In just three years, the number of Starlink satellites has increased more than sixfold.
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<li>Amid the ongoing EV revolution, previously overlooked low-income communities<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/dunamis-1"> now harbor a huge investment opportunity at just $500.</a></li>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">There are over 6,000 SpaceX Starlink satellites orbiting Earth <a href="https://t.co/eDl5ID2Neq">pic.twitter.com/eDl5ID2Neq</a>
&mdash; Dima Zeniuk (@DimaZeniuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DimaZeniuk/status/1826025032964780400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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However, the billionaire isn't stopping there, as SpaceX plans to launch an additional 42,000 satellites. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/39024981/elon-musks-starlink-gets-nod-to-roll-out-in-100th-country-an-african-nation-with-only-35-internet-pe">Starlink operates in over 100 countries</a> and has more than three million customers, all of whom access the service through a special ground-based dish.&nbsp;
Musk's company plans to expand into even more countries in the coming years, offering global coverage. For now, countries like China, Russia, and North Korea are not on Starlink's waiting list.
Trending: Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are bullish on one city that could dethrone New York and become the new financial capital of the US.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/miami-take-new-yorks-place-financial-capital"> Investing in its booming real estate market has never been more accessible.</a>
However, the sheer power that Musk now holds through SpaceX and Starlink <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40848351/a-week-after-elon-musks-spacex-launched-7-000th-starlink-satellite-fcc-chair-jessica-rosenworcel-cal">has started raising some eyebrows</a>. With over 62% of active satellites under his control, Musk's influence in space and communications is unmatched. "Between Tesla, Starlink and Twitter, I may have more real-time global economic data in one head than anyone ever," Musk once tweeted. That's a lot of power for one person.
The company recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40830436/spacex-completes-1st-ever-spacewalk-by-a-commercial-company-as-part-of-polaris-dawn-mission">launched Polaris Dawn</a>, a private mission that broke records for how far a crewed mission has traveled from Earth since the Apollo era. The mission also completed the first private spacewalk and sent a message from space using Starlink's satellite network.
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On Sept. 14, the company sent 21 more Starlink satellites into space aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, marking the 85th launch of the year and the 7,000th launch of a Starlink satellite. Thirteen of the satellites that were launched had &#8220;Direct to Cell&#8221; capabilities, meaning that they could connect directly to cellphones and offer coverage in places without cell towers.
Musk recently announced that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40673148/t-mobile-customers-will-get-starlink-satellite-internet-directly-on-their-mobiles-first-and-others-o">T-Mobile customers will soon be able</a> to access the internet directly through Starlink satellites. By the end of 2024, T-Mobile users won't have to worry about dead zones – those areas where cell signals don't reach. The technology uses satellites equipped with a special modem that acts like a cell tower in space, allowing users to send texts, make calls, and browse the internet without needing any special hardware or apps.
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<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">MEDIA: Accreditation is open for the <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropaClipper?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuropaClipper</a> mission launch to Jupiter's icy moon, Europa! NASA and SpaceX are targeting a launch period opening Oct. 10 atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A. Apply by Sept. 27: <a href="https://t.co/eErTCQlLHP">https://t.co/eErTCQlLHP</a> <a href="https://t.co/sbFxMcAVzu">pic.twitter.com/sbFxMcAVzu</a>
&mdash; NASA&#39;s Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAKennedy/status/1831055889073156385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
While Starlink and its satellite launches are front and center, SpaceX has even bigger plans. The company is working on NASA's Europa Clipper mission, destined to explore one of Jupiter's moons. It&#8217;s a complex mission that requires SpaceX to switch between Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rocket configurations.
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Elon Musk Now Controls Two-Thirds Of The Planet's Satellites – And SpaceX Is Just Getting Started With Plans To Launch Almost 40,000 More

Kevin O&#8217;Leary, Chairman of O&#8217;Leary Ventures, has voiced his apprehensions regarding tax policies proposed by Vice President Kamala Harris. O&#8217;Leary warns that these policies could potentially have a negative impact on the U.S. economy.
What Happened: On Friday O&#8217;Leary expressed his criticism of Harris&#8217; tax proposals. He cautioned that these policies could impede capital growth and disrupt the American dream.
Speaking <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/shows/the-big-money-show">with</a> Fox News, O&#8217;Leary highlighted that Harris&#8217; plans encompass a 25% &#8220;minimum&#8221; tax on wealthy households, an escalation in taxes on capital gains and dividends for households earning more than $1 million, and a fourfold increase in the tax on stock buybacks.
&#8220;Taxes will go up with their proposals,&#8221; he said, adding, &#8220;She&#8217;s admitting that, she&#8217;s not denying it.&#8221;
&#8220;That's a debate that&#8217;s going on in terms of the classic, ‘make the rich pay their fair share. That&#8217;s a narrative that goes into every single election cycle,&#8221; he added. 
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O&#8217;Leary&#8217;s primary concern is Harris&#8217; proposal to establish the corporate tax rate at 28%. He maintained that such a rate would make the U.S. economy non-competitive, possibly leading businesses and investments to relocate out of the country.
&#8220;That&#8217;s, to me, the most horrific outcome, and I&#8217;m very nervous about that,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary stated.
&#8220;The more concerning one for the economy, not just personal taxes, is corporate tax rates. That, at her proposed 28%, would put the U.S. economy in an uncompetitive position,&#8221; he said.
O&#8217;Leary stressed that regardless of the election&#8217;s outcome, policy &#8220;uncertainty&#8221; continues to be a significant concern.
&#8220;Last time we did this to ourselves, we started to see dislocation of headquarters moving to places like Ireland and other lower tax jurisdictions,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary said. &#8220;That, we shouldn&#8217;t do. That&#8217;s a mistake for either party. That&#8217;s a huge mistake.&#8221;
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This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Kevin O'Leary Warns Of Economic Impact From Kamala Harris' Tax Plans

With the start of a new week comes the excitement surrounding a new set of companies looking to make an impact through their public offerings. <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">According to Benzinga Pro</a>, these enticing companies are scheduled to trade publicly this week.
<ul>
<li>Legacy Education Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGCY#NYSE">LGCY</a>) becomes publicly listed starting on Sept. 19. The company has a price range set between $5.00 and $7.00 with a 180-day lockup period. Legacy Education Inc will be offering 2,000,000&nbsp;shares at a per-share value of $6.00.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Breaking Down IPOs</h3>
Initial public offerings, or IPOs, are the transitional processes of private companies deciding to go public and offer shares to investors on exchanges. IPOs typically offer companies the ability to build capital by distributing shares across the market. A company interested in becoming publicly tradeable must first meet SEC requirements and work with investment banks through audits to determine pricing, offering date, and other important data points before the offering.
Companies and investment banks will work to establish a price range that the stock is expected to sell between. This is known as an offering range. Once a company goes public, its stock comes with an opening price. The insider lock-up period is usually a set number of days after an IPO where company insiders, or employees with a 10% or higher stake in their company, cannot sell shares.
This article was generated by Benzinga&#39;s automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

IPOs

LGCY

A Look At Upcoming IPOs For The Week

A recent investigation by Newsweek revealed that several cities across the United States are still waiting for Donald Trump's campaign team to pay them over $700,000 for expenses related to rallies that took place between 2016 and 2019. These costs mostly cover police services and other public safety measures needed to handle the large crowds at his events.
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Cities like El Paso, Texas; Spokane, Washington; Mesa, Arizona; and Green Bay, Wisconsin, are among those who say they haven&#8217;t been paid for helping to host Trump's rallies. For example, El Paso says it's owed more than half a million dollars, while Spokane is waiting on $65,000. Some of these bills have been sitting unpaid for years.
In 2019, another report found that at least 10 cities still seek payment from Trump's campaign for similar rally-related expenses. While some cities, like El Paso, continue pushing for the money (even adding late fees), others admit they probably won't get paid.&nbsp;
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Billings, Montana, for instance, didn't even send an official invoice, although they estimated they're owed nearly $46,000. Officials from Billings and Mesa both acknowledged that there's no legal requirement for political campaigns to pay these types of expenses.
According to recent records, Vice President Kamala Harris&#8217;s campaign is<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40750154/harris-vs-trump-vice-president-outpaces-gop-rival-in-august-fundraising-as-presidential-race-heats-u"> raising substantially more money than Trump's</a>. While Trump only raised $130 million in August 2024, Harris&#8217;s team raised almost $361 million during the same period.
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Large-scale public rallies were a major component of Trump&#8217;s campaigns in 2016 and 2020, although he has held fewer of them in his 2024 campaign. Cities that contributed to the funding of these previous rallies are still required to pay for them.
Many of these local governments are frustrated, as they had to dip into tight budgets meant for essential services like police and firefighters. It remains to be seen if Trump's team will pay up, but these cities are still waiting for now.
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As the spokesperson for the El Paso City Council said, &#8220;The City continues to seek the payment of these past due expenses, so City taxpayers do not continue to have to bear the cost.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40761432/trumps-strategy-double-down-on-white-voters-in-the-rust-belt-while-kamala-harris-expands-minority-su">Donald Trump's recent rally in Wisconsin</a> means there&#8217;s a continued focus on building strong support among working-class and rural white voters in this key battleground state. The event occurred in Mosinee, a small town in central Wisconsin, far from the state's major cities.&nbsp;
As Kamala Harris has gained momentum among other demographic groups <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40479782/trump-vs-harris-switching-biden-for-kamala-harris-averted-democrats-potential-6-point-deficit-in-new">since replacing Joe Biden</a> on the Democratic ticket, Trump's campaign is doubling down on keeping his strong base of white, non-college-educated voters, especially in rural areas, to secure a potential path to victory.
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New Report Shows Four U.S. Cities Are Chasing Trump's Campaign For Over $700,000 In Unpaid Bills, Some Going Back To 2016

Donald Trump has expressed his appreciation for Laura Loomer&#8216;s staunch support on his social media platform, Truth Social. Loomer, who is known for her extreme views, attributes her single status to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40667209/trump-vs-harris-new-polls-reveal-this-candidate-is-outperforming-in-swing-states">her deep-rooted devotion to Trump</a>.
What Happened: Trump shared a video <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/111573987439328290">clip</a> featuring Loomer, a far-right conspiracy theorist and unsuccessful congressional candidate. In the clip, Loomer insists that Trump&#8217;s removal from office was a &#8220;coup.&#8221;
When questioned about her single status in the clip, Loomer points to her deep admiration for Trump. She explains that her dedication to supporting Trump often outweighed her personal relationships, resulting in their dissolution.
"When President Trump was pushed out of the White House in this coup, when President Trump left Washington, D.C., the truth left with him, so now there is a war on truth. Truth has become a radical concept in this country now. You are now a radical if you speak truth," Loomer said in the clip.
"And I'm very busy. Just, you know, I'll tell you a funny story: I dated somebody one time and they thought that I was too focused on Trump. And they said that I gave my activism in support of President Trump more attention than I gave them," Loomer said in the post.
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Known for her radical views, Loomer has self-identified as a &#8220;proud Islamophobe&#8221; and has been vocal in promoting other extremist figures.
Trump acknowledged Loomer&#8217;s unwavering support with a simple &#8220;Thank you, Laura!&#8221; caption on the shared clip on his Truth Social platform.
Why It Matters: This incident underscores the influence that Trump continues to wield over his supporters, even after leaving office. 
Loomer&#8217;s devotion to Trump, to the extent of impacting her personal relationships, highlights the depth of loyalty among some of his followers. 
This interaction also brings attention to Truth Social, Trump&#8217;s social media platform, which serves as a hub for his supporters and a platform for him to voice his views and opinions.
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This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Trump Thanks Loomer For Declaring She's Single Because Of Her Admiration for Him

Rents in New York City's Lower East Side can be high, but there are options for those willing to share.
Take the luxury penthouse duplex at 109 Norfolk St., known as the Switch Building. The penthouse was recently on the market for a $15,500-per-month rental, which might seem out of reach for many. But when split by three people, the cost becomes more manageable.
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The decision was clear for three friends working in finance: Forego the small, cramped studios they could afford and opt for a luxurious penthouse with ample outdoor space in a vibrant neighborhood. Sharing the cost made the dream of living in a desirable location a reality.
In a survey conducted last year by U.S. News &amp; World Report, 51% of respondents moved back in with family or got a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/09/40782517/boommates-inflation-sparks-a-new-real-estate-trend">roommate</a> to ease the impact of inflation and cost-of-living increases, and 87% know at least one person who had moved in with family or gotten a roommate.&nbsp;
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The roommates, who declined to be named because of their employers' policies, are all in their mid-20s, work in finance and have a combined annual salary of more than $1 million, their broker Steven Ke of Nest Seekers International told the New York Post. Ke said the roommates had attempted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/39091231/rents-are-so-high-in-new-york-city-that-even-135kyear-tech-workers-cant-keep-up">rent the penthouse</a> independently but were unsuccessful, prompting him to intervene.
"It's an incredible apartment. It has everything," said Ke, who helped them get approval by writing a letter to the owner "and presenting them in a better light."
"I used myself as a reference as well as prior landlord references for one of the tenants, who I previously worked with," Ke said. "I also broke down their financials, which was not just their annual salary. It included retention bonuses and more. In other words, brokers know what owners look for, and brokers know how to properly present an application."
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The roommates now reside in a luxurious seven-story building with five units, constructed in 2005. The building features four full-floor apartments and the penthouse duplex.
A private elevator leads to the penthouse, a renovated loft-style home boasting three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The modern, renovated residence spans approximately 1,900 square feet and features an open chef's kitchen with a double oven, a subzero refrigerator and a wine fridge. Additional design elements include a decorative fireplace, custom built-ins and wall-to-wall windows.
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The penthouse has three bedrooms, two of which share a balcony and a full bathroom.
The primary bedroom suite is on the second floor, accessible via a suspended staircase. It includes a spacious walk-in closet, an en suite bathroom with heated floors and a soaking tub, and a private 900-square-foot rooftop terrace complete with an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor shower, and views of downtown Manhattan.
Carlos Jacinto of Serhant was the listing broker.
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Real Estate

Three Finance Bros Unite To Afford Lower East Side Luxury Penthouse – Is Splitting $15,000 Rent The New Norm?

Two years after launching the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/war-on-drugs">War on Drugs</a>, calling substance use &#8220;public enemy No. 1,&#8221; President Richard Nixon privately acknowledged marijuana was "not particularly dangerous." The admission came during a March 1973 Oval Office meeting with aides and was captured on Nixon&#8217;s secret recording system.
"Let me say, I know nothing about marijuana," Nixon said. "I know that it's not particularly dangerous, in other words, and most of the kids are for legalizing it. But on the other hand, it's the wrong signal at this time." He also mentioned harsh sentencing in cannabis cases. "The penalties should be commensurate with the crime." He called a 30-year sentence for marijuana-related offenses "ridiculous."
These comments were revealed in a series of tapes that have recently become accessible.
Kurtis Hanna, a Minnesota lobbyist and advocate for drug legalization, discovered the recordings while browsing the Nixon Library's archives. Hanna said he was surprised by Nixon's stance on cannabis, as it contradicted the public policies he spearheaded. "He was essentially saying the exact opposite of what I understood him to believe," said Hanna who shared his findings with <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/14/us/nixon-marijuana-tapes.html">The New York Times</a>, which published them on Saturday.
Nixon's private remarks present a startling contrast to his administration's public policies that are still in effect, including the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/02/36916329/is-marijuana-a-controlled-substance-wait-what-is-a-controlled-substance">Controlled Substances Act</a> of 1970, which established a classification system for drugs. Marijuana was placed in Schedule I, the most restrictive category, alongside heroin and LSD and it remains there to this day.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Enter The DEA</h2>
This classification has contributed to millions of marijuana-related arrests, disproportionately impacting Black communities. It has also stymied scientific research into cannabis's potential medical benefits. To carry out his war on drugs, Nixon created the DEA in 1973. Now, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/07/33156524/dea-turns-50-unveiling-the-ineffectiveness-of-the-ongoing-war-on-drugs-now-what">fifty-one years and over $1 trillion dollars later</a>, the war on drugs is still ineffectual though it has claimed thousands of victims.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">War On Drugs: John Ehrlichman</h2>
In a 2016 Harper's Magazine <a href="https://harpers.org/archive/2016/04/legalize-it-all/">article</a>, Dan Baum provided more details on drug prohibition and how it became a national obsession under Nixon.
Baum asked Nixon's top advisor, John Ehrlichman in 1994 how the U.S. got&nbsp;entangled in a drug prohibition policy that &#8220;yielded so much misery and so few good results."
"The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and Black people,&#8221; replied Ehrlichman who died in 1999. 
&#8220;We knew we couldn't make it illegal to be either against the war or blacks, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities," Ehrlichman&nbsp;admitted.&nbsp;"We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course, we did."
On August 9, 1974, Nixon <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/19/08/12164014/this-day-in-market-history-richard-nixon-announces-resignation-1">resigned as president</a> due to <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/us-government/impeachment-in-us-history">impeachment proceedings</a> underway against him for his involvement in the Watergate affair. On April 22, 1994, Nixon died at 81.
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Photo: Brittanica

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