Latest news for West Wits Mining (OTC:WMWWF) Stock

West Wits Mining Ltd is an exploration and development company. It focuses on conglomerate gold in two regions, Pilbara and Witwatersrand. The reportable segments of the company are based on the geographic locations of South Africa and Australia. Mining and exploration activities are carried out in South African segments, whereas the Australian segment reflects only the administrative arm of the business that supports the mining and exploration activities in the other two geographical locations. The projects operated by the company are Mt Cecelia, Tambina, Witwatersrand Basin, and Derewo River Gold project. The company operates in one operating segment which is mining & exploration. Geographically it operates in South Africa, Indonesia and Australia.

WEST WITS MINING LTD by West Wits Mining Ltd

West Wits Mining Ltd

With over 100 patents and 30 years of experience in food, pharmaceutical, and cannabis packaging, Jim Sanfilippo is transforming cannabis safety.
His groundbreaking cryogenic pasteurization technology at VIST Labs is solving one of the industry&#8217;s dirtiest secrets: microbial contamination.
Operating in a $35 billion market, Sanfilippo's innovations are crucial for cannabis brands striving to maintain product integrity while navigating complex regulatory challenges.
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<li>Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. You can&#8217;t afford to miss out if you're serious about the business.</li>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From Nuts To Frozen Nuggs</h3>
Sanfilippo's expertise in packaging dates back to his family's food business, where his innovations in oxygen-free packaging for nuts led to breakthroughs in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. He has spent decades optimizing shelf life and safety. In 2017, after selling two divisions of his business to packing behemoth Sonoco, he turned his attention to cannabis.
&#8220;Cannabis is a $35 billion industry in the U.S.,&#8221; Sanfilippo said, noting that its microbial contamination issues are particularly concerning​.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cryogenic Pasteurization: The Cannabis Industry's Dirty Little Secret</h3>
At the heart of <a href="https://vistlabs.com/">VIST Labs' breakthrough</a> is the cryogenic pasteurization process, which leverages medical-grade cryogenic vapor to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/09/40820581/want-organic-cannabis-operators-are-turning-to-this-tech-to-save-millions-and-get-certified"> sterilize cannabis products</a> while preserving their natural properties. "Cannabis is heavily contaminated with yeast, mold, and pathogens like Aspergillus," Sanfilippo explained.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="685" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/21191401/DSC06585-1024x685.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-559846" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/21191401/DSC06585-1024x685.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/21191401/DSC06585-300x201.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/21191401/DSC06585-768x513.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/21191401/DSC06585.jpg 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Courtesy of VIST </figcaption></figure>
He says that traditional methods, such as gamma <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/23/02/30699860/from-food-to-cannabis-buds-x-rays-are-transforming-supply-chains-an-expert-explains-how-and-why">radiation</a> or ozone, can damage cannabinoids and terpenes, leading to degraded quality.
How does it work?
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Freeze Microbes! </h3>
VIST&#8217;s solution reduces oxygen levels to a point where oxidation and microbial growth are halted, without affecting the product's integrity​. The process begins by placing cannabis into a product cassette, holding 4-5 pounds. This cassette is loaded into the pasteurization machine &#8211; a refrigerator-sized unit &#8211; where the chamber is then prepared with cryogenic vapor.
In the next step, the vapor-induced sterilization chamber (VIST chamber) is activated. Inside this chamber, cryogenic vapor, which is created by boiling off liquid nitrogen at -320 degrees Fahrenheit, mixes with a medical-grade atmosphere.
Within 90 to 150 seconds, the vapor floods the chamber, bringing oxygen levels to extremely low concentrations (around 95% cryogenic vapor), which kills harmful microbial organisms like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39584632/mold-and-yeast-sixth-marijuana-recall-this-year-hits-colorado-cannabis-dispensaries">Aspergillus, E. coli, and Salmonella</a>.
After the sterilization, the product is quickly cools down using liquid nitrogen, preventing oxidation during the process. Finally, the cannabis is purified with a HEPA filtration system, removing any remaining airborne contaminants and ensuring stability as the product is packaged in aseptic, low-oxygen conditions​.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40941818/how-this-cheese-aging-tech-is-boosting-profits-for-cannabis-growers-stop-throwing-cheddar-out-the-do">How This Cheese-Aging Tech Is Boosting Profits For Cannabis Growers: Stop Throwing Cheddar Out The Door</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Modular Solution For Cannabis Business</h3>
VIST Labs' cryogenic pasteurization machines are designed to be modular, offering flexibility for mid-sized cultivators as well as large-scale operations. "We can run it in cassette mode at 25 pounds per hour, or upgrade to our high-output configuration, reaching up to 40 pounds per hour," Sanfilippo told Benzinga.
VIST Labs' cryogenic pasteurization system isn't just a machine, it's a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/23/08/33579692/cannabis-robots-meet-the-company-boosting-efficiency-and-margins-through-packaging-automation"> fully integrated packaging solution</a>. After the sterilization process, the product is transferred into a bulk device that packs cannabis into different bag sizes, from one to ten-pound bags, or a pouch line for smaller quantities like an eighth-ounce. &#8220;We have the cooler, a pouch bagger, and other parts working together to maintain the product in a near-zero oxygen atmosphere," Sanfilippo explained.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/21190952/AMAPS-Equipment.png" alt="" class="wp-image-559842" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/21190952/AMAPS-Equipment.png 600w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/21190952/AMAPS-Equipment-300x300.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/21190952/AMAPS-Equipment-150x150.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Courtesy of VIST </figcaption></figure>
This scalability makes VIST's technology accessible to a wide range of businesses, whether they are aiming for compliance in medical markets or looking to protect their medical-grade level crop for export.
The company's aseptic packaging solutions meet European Pharmacopoeia standards, ensuring <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39442869/2-9b-european-cannabis-market-a-strategic-blueprint-for-cross-border-transportation-logistics">compliance </a>in both domestic and international markets.
VIST's technology is also forward-thinking, preparing cannabis brands for potential federal legalization. With the increasing possibility of federal oversight, Sanfilippo notes that stricter regulations, especially around truth-in-labeling, will make compliance technologies like theirs essential for long-term success.
&#8220;With our system, we're offering crop-year protection and complete microbial control for up to a year," Sanfilippo said, noting that VIST expects to pack close to 150 million pounds of outdoor-grown cannabis in 2023 alone​.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Contamination And Mislabeling&#8230;Not A Problem</h3>
Beyond decontamination, VIST's system tackles a major issue in the cannabis industry: the degradation of THC potency over time. Inconsistent oxygen levels in packaging lead to mislabeled products, which can result in recalls and regulatory action.
&#8220;Within 45 to 50 days, THC levels can degrade by 10% or more, rendering the label claims false,&#8221; said Sanfilippo. VIST's modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) ensures stability for up to a year, keeping products compliant and safe.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/08/40298228/think-you-can-do-it-all-20-000-reasons-why-automation-outperforms-a-broad-approach-in-cannabis">Think You Can Do It All? 20,000 Reasons Why Automation Outperforms A Broad Approach In Cannabis</a>

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X-Rays, Microwaves And Now What? This Company Freezes Weed At -320°F To Kill Mold And Save A Ton

This week, the Federal Reserve's decision to reduce interest rates by 50 basis points boosted share prices across the technology, construction, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40937291/bank-stocks-hit-inflection-point-after-feds-50-basis-point-cut-analyst-reveal-top-p" rel="noreferrer noopener">industrial, machinery, and financial sectors</a>.
These seven mid-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Edgewise Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWTX#NASDAQ">EWTX</a>) shares rocketed 50.19% after the company announced topline data of EDG-7500 from the Phase 1 trial in healthy subjects and the single-dose arm of the Phase 2 CIRRUS-<a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40940696" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCM trial in patients with obstructive HCM</a>.</li>
<li>Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLCO#NYSE">BLCO</a>) stock gained 28.36% after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40884021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly considering a sale</a>.</li>
<li>Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BHC#NYSE">BHC</a>) shares upped 27.06%. The company's subsidiary Bausch + Lomb Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLCO#NYSE">BLCO</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40884021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is reportedly considering a sale</a>.</li>
<li>Ascendis Pharma A/S (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASND#NASDAQ">ASND</a>) stock gained 26.87% last week after the company announced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40882593" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">topline data from</a> its pivotal approach trial of a rare dwarfism candidate.</li>
<li>Nuvalent Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NUVL#NASDAQ">NUVL</a>) stock gained 23.50% after the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40865049" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">highlighted results for its ROS1 and ALK-Positive NSCLC programs</a> and accelerated its development timeline. The company also announced a $350 million public offering, and multiple firms raised their respective <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/nuvl/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecasts on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Powell Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/POWL#NASDAQ">POWL</a>) stock gained 22.61% last week as stocks in the broader industrial space jumped following the Fed's announcement to cut rates by 50 basis points, which could support investment and economic growth.</li>
<li>GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GDS#NASDAQ">GDS</a>) shares jumped 21.28%.</li>
</ol>
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40972008/constellation-energy-li-auto-and-carvana-are-among-top-11-large-cap-gainers-last-week-sept-16-sept" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Constellation Energy, Li Auto And Carvana Are Among Top 11 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (Sept 16-Sept 20): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40972060/novo-nordisk-chewy-and-fedex-are-among-top-10-large-cap-losers-last-week-sept-15-sept-21-are-the-o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk, Chewy And FedEx Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (Sept 15-Sept 21): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock

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Bausch & Lomb And Edgewise Therapeutics Are Among Top 7 Mid Cap Stock Gainers Last Week (Sept 15-Sept 21): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

These ten large-cap stocks were the worst performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMMT#NASDAQ">SMMT</a>) stock declined 23.61%. The company announced that data for the novel, potential first-in-class investigational bispecific antibody, ivonescimab, was presented <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40873837" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at the 2024 ESMO Annual Meeting</a>.</li>
<li>Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KSPI#NASDAQ">KSPI</a>) stock tumbled 21.66% after Culper Research <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40943334" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issued a short report on the company</a>.</li>
<li>BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMRN#NASDAQ">BMRN</a>) stock lost 16.74% last week <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40885653" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following strong dwarfism drug data</a> from rival Ascendis Pharma (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASND#NASDAQ">ASND</a>).</li>
<li>Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) lost 13.26% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40961732" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last week</a>.</li>
<li>FedEx Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) stock fell 11.08% after the company reported worse-than-expected Q1 financial results and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40948046" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cut FY25 guidance</a>.</li>
<li>BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BNTX#NASDAQ">BNTX</a>) stock decreased 9.01%. Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) and BioNTech received positive CHMP opinion for omicron KP.2-adapted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40956192" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 vaccine in the European Union</a>.</li>
<li>Arthur J. Gallagher &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AJG#NYSE">AJG</a>) stock fell 7.17%. Several analysts raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ajg/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the price target on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHWY#NYSE">CHWY</a>) shares declined 6.97% after the company announced a selling stockholder&#8217;s public offering of shares <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40949015" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and a concurrent share repurchase</a>.</li>
<li>Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) stock fell 6.93% after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40961934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">headline results from the mid-stage study</a> of monlunabant in obese patients.</li>
<li>Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MUSA#NYSE">MUSA</a>) shares fell 6.90% after JP Morgan downgraded the stock from Neutral to Underweight but raised its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/musa/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target from $415 to $435</a>.</li>
</ol>
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40972008/constellation-energy-li-auto-and-carvana-are-among-top-11-large-cap-gainers-last-week-sept-16-sept" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Constellation Energy, Li Auto And Carvana Are Among Top 11 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (Sept 16-Sept 20): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

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Novo Nordisk, Chewy And FedEx Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (Sept 15-Sept 21): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Many people in their 20s deal with credit card debt or student loans, sometimes thinking they'll figure it out later. But what happens when that debt piles up to nearly a million dollars? That's the reality a 29-year-old named Channing from Washington D.C. faced during an episode of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40838359/dave-ramsey-says-youre-wasting-5-000-a-year-if-you-spend-13-70-a-day-on-things-you-dont-need">The Dave Ramsey Show.</a>
Don't Miss:
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<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? &#8211;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/retire-5mil-nest-egg"> How does it compare to the average?</a></li>
</ul>
Channing and her husband were grappling with nearly $1 million in debt, a number that had Ramsey quickly diving into tough-love mode. Sure, he's seen scenarios where people are in over their heads with debt, but at just 29, this was particularly alarming to Ramsey.&nbsp;
Channing, who recently married, explained, "My husband and I have probably just under a million dollars in debt and we want to know how to get debt-free without filing for bankruptcy." The breakdown included <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40420920/we-have-the-highest-credit-card-debt-in-the-history-of-earth-says-grant-cardone-america-needs-to">$335,000 in student loans</a>, $136,000 in credit cards and $44,000 in personal loans. Their combined household income was about $230,000 a year.
Trending: Founder of Personal Capital and ex-CEO of PayPal<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/evergreen-money"> re-engineers traditional banking with this new high-yield account — start saving better today.</a>
Ramsey didn't hold back. After calculating the staggering numbers, he addressed the couple's situation bluntly. "You guys have been living at about 10x where you're going to get to live for the next three years," Ramsey said. "I'm getting ready to destroy your life as you know it."
"You've gotten used to spending like you&#8217;re in Congress," he scolded. He was clear that their lifestyle needed a complete overhaul. Ramsey emphasized that their financial habits would have to change drastically, stating, "You're not gonna see the inside of a restaurant unless it's your extra job or you're waiting on someone you work with during the day." He added, "You're gonna be living on beans and rice, rice and beans."
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/charlie-munger-100k">Charlie Munger said if you want to be rich, &#8220;find a way to get your hands on $100,000&#8221; — here&#8217;s what he means.</a>
Ramsey went on to stress the emotional and spiritual challenges ahead. "Your friends are going to think you've lost your mind and your mother is going to think you need counseling," he warned, adding that both Channing and her husband would need to stop caring what others think if they wanted to tackle their debt successfully.
He also shared a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37588475/dave-ramsey-shares-he-went-bankrupt-and-lost-everything-years-ago-while-empathizing-with-caller-">personal connection to their situation</a>, saying, "This is exactly what I did in my 20s. I bought and purchased a lifestyle that was 5x to 10x what I had. It was all because of crap inside of me that caused me to do that."
Trending: Elon Musk&#8217;s secret mansion in Austin revealed through court filings.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-secret-mansion-austin-nada"> Here&#8217;s how to invest in the city&#8217;s growth before prices go back up.</a>
Ramsey's advice wasn't just about cutting expenses but about confronting the mindset that had led to their financial missteps. "The problem is what's going on inside you guys," Ramsey said. "You're on a suicide mission right now."
The tough conversation ended on a hopeful note, though. Ramsey assured Channing that while the journey would be difficult, it was possible. "You can do it, though," he said. "I know. I'll help you."
Channing and her husband are now facing a major lifestyle change to climb out of their nearly $1 million debt, with Dave Ramsey's guidance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/can-you-guess-how-many-americans-successfully-retire-with-1-million-saved">pointing them toward a more financially stable future</a>. Sometimes debt happens, but at least they're taking steps to address the issue and make changes before they're left resorting to more extreme options such as bankruptcy.
Read Next:
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<li>How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.</li>
<li>During market downturns, investors are learning that unlike equities, these<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes"> high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% are protected by resilient assets, buffering against losses.</a></li>
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Personal Finance

Dave Ramsey Tells 29-Year-Old $1M In Debt And Spending Like She's In Congress: 'I'm Getting Ready To Destroy Your Life As You Know It'

Elon Musk, the billionaire who runs ventures such as Tesla, SpaceX and Neuralink, is a polarizing figure. The billionaire recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40968413/elon-musk-reacts-after-cathie-wood-labels-gavin-newsoms-threat-to-sue-tesla-ceo-over-memes-unconstit">earned the wrath of California Gov. Gavin Newsom </a>over artificial intelligence political deepfake videos shared on X social-media platform but has received commendation from a congressman from the state.
Amazing Company: Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) applauded Musk&#8217;s SpaceX for its Polaris Dawn mission in a speech at the House and also voiced concerns regarding the regulatory clampdown on the company, a video clip of the speech shared by an X platform user <a href="https://x.com/DimaZeniuk/status/1837599107327619318">showed.</a>
Polaris Dawn, a private crewed spaceflight&nbsp;operated by&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;on behalf of&nbsp;Shift4&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Jared Isaacman, was launched on Sept. 10. Isaacman and his crew of three, namely Scott Poteet,&nbsp;Sarah Gillis&nbsp;and&nbsp;Anna Menon, flew in an&nbsp;elliptic orbit&nbsp;that took them 1,400 kilometers away from Earth, the farthest anyone has been since NASA&#8217;s&nbsp;Apollo program. The crew also performed the first commercial spacewalk. 
Talking about SpaceX, Kiley said it was started in California and that he had the opportunity to tour its facility a few years back. It truly is an amazing company and is vital to the U.S.&#8217; leadership when it pertains to space and is also vital to the national security, he said. He also noted that NASA is now relying on SpaceX to bring home <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40541938/nasa-chooses-spacex-over-boeing-for-stranded-astronauts-return-starliners-future-in-doubt">two of its astronauts who are stranded at the International Space Station.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-invest-in-spacex">How To Invest In SpaceX</a>
Government&#8217;s Vindictiveness: Despite SpaceX being a tremendous asset, the company is being targeted in multiple ways and for frivolous reasons, Kiley said. He noted that the Federal Aviation Administration recently fined $633,000 for trivial non-safety related reasons.
The federal agency has delayed flight five of Starship for two months, also for non-safety related reasons, he said, adding that roadblocks are being thrown in its way.
&#8220;We continue to be stuck in the reality where it takes longer to do the government paperwork to license a rocket launch than it does to design and build the actual hardware,&#8221; Kiley said. &#8220;There simply should not be delays related to paperwork or bureaucracy; The FAA and related agencies need to prioritize enabling launches and not standing in their way.&#8221;
Responding to the Congressman&#8217;s speech, Musk said it is &#8220;much appreciated.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Much appreciated
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1837704322622099748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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 Why It&#8217;s Important: Musk has endorsed former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, likely warded off by the Biden administration&#8217;s failure to acknowledge Tesla as the leader in green energy vehicle manufacturing, the Democratic party&#8217;s failure to control infiltration of undocumented immigrants and the party&#8217;s leftist agenda.
Recently, Newsom criticized Musk for sharing a deepfake video on Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the Democratic Party&#8217;s nominee, on X. The governor has now signed a law, banning the use of AI-generated deepfakes in political campaigns.
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>.
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</ul>

Government

Politics

Elon Musk Responds As California Congressman Slams Bureaucratic Roadblocks For SpaceX Program: 'Agencies Need To Prioritize Enabling Launches And Not Standing In Their Way'

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/01/36763638/warren-buffett-accumulated-99-of-his-net-worth-after-turning-50-and-didnt-become-a-billionaire-until">who has tasted huge success in the investment world</a>, has a philosophical take on what defines success. His take on success and his success mantra are worth emulating to keep anyone on an even keel.
Buffet&#8217;s Take On True Success: If you get to be 65 years, or 70 years and later, and the people that you want to love you actually love you, you are a success, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr6MMsoWAog">said</a> Buffett in an interview with Yahoo Finance in 2019.
He also made the point that he has seen very, very wealthy people, so wealthy that they give testimonial interviews to, and name schools after, and everything, but they&#8217;re miserable. Nobody loves them, he added.
Buffett has often stressed that money doesn&#8217;t buy happiness and he lives out this philosophy by living a relatively modest lifestyle. In the Forbes billionaires list, he is in the sixth place, boasting of $143.7 billion in wealth. He is also known for his charity, having pledged 99% of his wealth to philanthropy&nbsp;during his lifetime or at death.&nbsp;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40917216/elon-musk-says-warren-buffett-is-positioning-for-kamala-harris-win-with-his-277b-cash-pile-as-pr">Elon Musk Says Warren Buffett Is Positioning For Kamala Harris Win With His $277B Cash Pile As Pro-Trumper John Paulson Warns Of Equity Market Exit</a>
How To Succeed In Life: When the investment guru was asked to give advice as to how to succeed in life, he said by far the best investment one can make is in oneself. Buffett said he used to advise students that if they learned to communicate better, both orally and written, they can increase their value at least by 50%.
One has to be able to get their ideas across, he said, adding that acquiring it is easy. He noted that he took a Dale Carnegie course for it.
&#8220;If you invest in yourself nobody can take it away from you I mean you and the second thing,&#8221; Buffett said.
Secondly he said one should take care of their mind and body. &#8220;You get exactly one mind and one body in this world. And you can&#8217;t start taking care of it when you&#8217;re 50,&#8221; he said.&nbsp;
A life advice he gave out was to associate with people that are better than you. &#8220;You will go in the direction of the people that you associate with and you want to have the right heroes,&#8221; he said, adding that if you want to emulate somebody better, you better pick very carefully whom you want to emulate.
Buffett said of the people who you admire, who you want to copy and the most important for most people is their spouse. &#8220;You&#8217;ll want to pick a spouse that&#8217;s a little better than you,&#8221; he said.
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Psychology

Warren Buffett's Definition Of Success Has Nothing To Do With Wealth But About These 2 Things: Here's Why Ultra-Rich Are Often Miserable

This week, the Federal Reserve&#8216;s decision to reduce interest rates by 50 basis points boosted share prices across the technology, construction, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40937291/bank-stocks-hit-inflection-point-after-feds-50-basis-point-cut-analyst-reveal-top-p" rel="noreferrer noopener">industrial, machinery, and financial sectors</a>.
These eleven large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEG#NASDAQ">CEG</a>) stock jumped 30.11% last week after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40957437" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signing a 20-year power purchase agreement</a> with Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) to help launch the Crance Clean Energy Center and restart Three Mile Island Unit 1.</li>
<li>Vistra Inc.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VST#NYSE">VST</a>) stock gained 26.10% last week after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40943063" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the company executed definitive agreements</a> with affiliates of Nuveen Asset Management and Avenue Capital Management II to acquire their combined 15% equity interest in Vistra Vision.</li>
<li>Carvana Co.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVNA#NYSE">CVNA</a>) shares increased 22.52%. Evercore ISI raised its price forecast <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVNA/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the stock from&nbsp;$142&nbsp;to&nbsp;$157</a>.</li>
<li>Symbotic Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYM#NASDAQ">SYM</a>) stock gained 19.06% last week as stocks in the broader industrial space jumped following the Fed&#8217;s announcement to cut rates by 50 basis points, which could support investment and economic growth.</li>
<li>Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUOL#NASDAQ">DUOL</a>) stock was up 17.32% in the last week.</li>
<li>James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JHX#NYSE">JHX</a>) stock upped 16.38% as stocks in the broader industrial space jumped following the Fed&#8217;s announcement to cut rates by 50 basis points, which could support investment and economic growth. The company also announced it has repurchased up to 8.4 million of its shares.</li>
<li>Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPL#NYSE">TPL</a>) gained 15.73% as stocks of oil and gas companies soared amid a rise in the price of oil after the Fed rate cut, which could lift the demand outlook.</li>
<li>CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) stock gained 15.71% as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/crwd/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several analysts</a> maintained their buy forecasts and said the customer backlash following the software incident had largely passed.</li>
<li>Maplebear Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CART#NASDAQ">CART</a>) shares rose 13.92%</li>
<li>Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBLY#NASDAQ">MBLY</a>) stock jumped 13.47%&nbsp;last week after Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) assured investors it would not drop its majority stake in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40949356" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Israeli autonomous driving company</a>.</li>
<li>Li Auto Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/40946478" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock rose 12.66%</a>. Stocks of several U.S.-listed Chinese companies gained ahead of expectations that the People&#8217;s Bank of China will cut rates.</li>
</ol>
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40972060/novo-nordisk-chewy-and-fedex-are-among-top-10-large-cap-losers-last-week-sept-15-sept-21-are-the-o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk, Chewy And FedEx Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (Sept 15-Sept 21): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Ihor Bondarenko on Shutterstock

CART

CRWD

CVNA

DUOL

INTC

MBLY

MSFT

Constellation Energy, Li Auto And Carvana Are Among Top 11 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (Sept 16-Sept 20): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

In a Saturday X exchange with venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, Elon Musk explained <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40145805/elon-musk-says-his-endorsement-of-trump-doesnt-mean-he-agrees-with-everything-ex-president-is-saying">his reason for endorsing Donald Trump in the 2024 race</a>.
Pro- Biden In 2020: Unlike Trump and his team, Musk doesn&#8217;t think the 2020 election wasn&#8217;t stolen. Musk had a different explanation for the Democratic Party&#8217;s win. &#8220;All the independent voters I know, myself included, leaned towards [Joe] Biden, thinking he would be a milquetoast moderate. Boring, but moderate,&#8221; he said.
Incidentally, Khosla also identified himself as an independent. &#8220;Remember I am an independent, not a democrat or a republican. There are democrats, independents, republicans and then there are a&#x2A;&#x2A;hole MAGA extremists,&#8221; he had said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40917216/elon-musk-says-warren-buffett-is-positioning-for-kamala-harris-win-with-his-277b-cash-pile-as-pr">Elon Musk Says Warren Buffett Is Positioning For Kamala Harris Win With His $277B Cash Pile As Pro-Trumper John Paulson Warns Of Equity Market Exit</a>
What&#8217;s Has Changed: Explaining why he changed side this time around, Musk said Biden turned out to be a &#8220;radical leftist puppet of the machine who loves overreaching bureaucracy, just like Kamala [Harris].&#8221;
That&#8217;s why Musk and almost all independent voters he knew were supporting Trump this time, he said.
Taking a potshot at Khosla, Musk said, &#8220;Now, you stop being a damn hypocrite and have some empathy for small towns throughout America getting swamped by 10,000+ poorly vetted migrants. It's not right.&#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">No, I don't think 2020 was stolen, as all the independent voters I know, myself included, leaned towards Biden, thinking he would be a milquetoast moderate. Boring, but moderate. Unfortunately, he turned out to be a radical leftist puppet of the machine who loves overreaching…
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1837634071289069730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Replying to him, the Sun Microsystems co-founder said, &#8220;I have to agree that Biden&#8217;s treatment of Tesla as the EV leader was unfair so I understand your ire towards him.&#8221; It is a known secret that the Biden administration <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/23/12/36378996/elon-musks-yuletide-grudge-tesla-ceo-still-cross-with-biden-for-giving-cold-shoulder-2-years-ago">valued General Motors and Ford over Tesla</a> as flagbearers of the U.S. electric vehicle revolution. 
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</ul>

Elon Musk Says Biden Belied His 2020 Expectations And Turned Out To Be A 'Radical Leftist Puppet': Why Billionaire Is Supporting Trump This Time Around

Pop music legend Janet Jackson has been subjected to intense backlash after she questioned the racial <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869733/trump-stumbles-again-over-health-care-issues-involving-abortion-and-obamacare">background of Vice President Kamala Harris</a>.
What Happened: The uproar originated from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/sep/21/janet-jackson-interview-on-bad-relationships-new-music-and-kamala-harris">an</a> interview Jackson gave to The Guardian last Saturday.
In the interview, Jackson, aged 58, expressed doubts about Harris&#8217; racial identity, saying, &#8220;She&#8217;s not Black. That&#8217;s what I heard. That she&#8217;s Indian&#8230; Her father&#8217;s white. That&#8217;s what I was told.&#8221;
These comments have incited a wave of outrage among fans and followers, who took to various social media platforms to voice their disappointment. One user criticized Jackson, stating, &#8220;This is why she&#8217;s irrelevant and leeching off of her brothers&#8217; success.&#8221;
Some critics have drawn comparisons between Jackson&#8217;s statements and those made by former President Donald Trump, who had also questioned Harris&#8217; racial identity during a conference of black journalists in July.
Jackson later issued a public apology for her comments about Harris.
According to a report <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/09/janet-jackson-apology-kamala-harris-comments-based-misinformation-1236096552/">by</a> Deadline, Mo Elmasri, Jackson&#8217;s manager, admitted that the singer had made misinformed comments about Harris&#8217; family and ethnicity during the interview.
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>
Jackson had made assumptions about Harris&#8217; racial background, seemingly without full understanding of the facts.
In a statement <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/chelseastewart/janet-jackson-kamala-harris-comments-apology">to</a> Buzzfeed, Elmasri said, &#8220;Janet deeply respects Vice President Kamala Harris and her accomplishments as a Black and Indian woman. Janet apologizes for any confusion caused and acknowledges the importance of accurate representation in public discourse.&#8221;
Harris&#8217; father is a Jamaican-American economics professor, and her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a celebrated breast cancer researcher from southern India.
Why It Matters: This incident underscores the importance of accurate representation and information in public discourse, especially when discussing individuals in positions of power and influence. 
Misinformed comments can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misinformation, leading to confusion and potential harm. As a public figure, Jackson&#8217;s comments have a wide reach, making it crucial for her to verify information before sharing it publicly. This apology serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with public platforms.
Furthermore, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals of diverse backgrounds in the public eye. Harris, as a Black and Indian woman, has faced scrutiny and misinformation about her background throughout her career. 
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and acknowledging diverse backgrounds and experiences.
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 <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: Wikimedia Commons

Entertainment

Janet Jackson Faces Backlash Over Kamala Harris Racial Identity Comments, Issues Apology For Misrepresenting Harris

Andreea Matei made several video reviews for Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amzn#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) products. It wasn&#8217;t long before the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33207129/he-quit-a-6-figure-finance-job-to-make-youtube-videos-now-hes-making-more-money-than-ever-before">money started pouring in</a>.
What To Know: Matei caught the bug for reviewing Amazon products as a side hustle when she first received $1.28 in commission based on one of her short videos. Since then, she has made close to $22,000 in eight months from approximately 1,000 videos.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMZN">Amazon</a> has an influencer program that pays members a commission based on sales that take place after a consumer watches a video review. 
In November, Matei decided to give it a try and it wasn&#8217;t long before she was hooked.
&#8220;I made $40 a day, then $50 the next day, then $100. I had to keep going. It was so much fun,&#8221; Matei said.
Most of her videos are about a minute long and they take up to 20 minutes to film and edit. According to documents reviewed by <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/29/andreea-matei-passive-side-hustle-amazon-video-reviews.html">CNBC</a>, she&#8217;s averaging about $2,700 a month in passive income from her review videos and she only spends about three hours a week filming and editing content.
&#8220;Once you create videos, it's totally passive.&nbsp;I have not had any time to make videos this week, and the money still keeps coming in,&#8221;&nbsp;Matei said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/04/32100082/heres-how-this-31-year-old-makes-105-000-a-month-by-only-working-2-hours-a-day">Here&#8217;s How This 31-Year-Old Makes $105,000 A Month By Only Working 2 Hours A Day</a>
She started off reviewing products that she could see herself using around the house, but after she started <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33289234/from-zero-to-5-5-million-in-3-years-how-this-first-time-investor-made-it-big-buying-real-estate">generating significant income</a>, Amazon sellers started reaching out to her. Now sellers send her free products and pay her to review them and post the videos on social media.
The payouts for different products vary greatly and Amazon is always changing how its algorithms work, but it&#8217;s well worth her time, she said, adding it keeps her from getting burned out at her day job where she teaches clients how to grow their small businesses.
&#8220;Amazon is fickle, so I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket. But my goal is to make it a six-figure side hustle on top of my regular business,&#8221; Matei said.
Photo: courtesy of Amazon.
This story is part of a new series of features on the subject of success, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/benzinga-inspire">Benzinga Inspire</a>. Some elements of this story were previously reported by Benzinga and it has been updated.
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General

AMZN

Amazon Product Review Side Hustle Brings In $2,700 A Month In Passive Income: 'I Have Not Had Any Time To Make Videos ... The Money Still Keeps Coming In'

Analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40872864/apple-staring-at-lower-than-expected-demand-for-iphone-16-pro-and-pro-max-in-the-fi">flashed a red flag regarding lukewarm preorders</a> for Apple, Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) newest iPhone iteration, but one analyst doubled down on his bullish take on iPhone 16 as it went on sale this weekend.
The Apple Analyst: Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives maintained an Outperform rating and $300 price target for Apple shares.
The Apple Thesis: Apple is off to a strong demand start, Ives said, citing Asian supply checks. Although Apple Intelligence will be released in phases over the coming months, this iPhone 16 upgrade cycle will be over 90 million units on initial launch and be up roughly 8 million to 10 million units from iPhone 15, he said. The demand has been tracking well so far, with an estimated 300 million iPhones of the 1.5 billion iPhones not upgrading in four years, he added. 
Apple is focused on driving a robust December holiday season for iPhone 16 with many features rolled out over the coming months, Ives said. He estimates that the company can sell more than 240 million iPhone units in fiscal year 2025.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-tech-stocks">Best Tech Stocks Right Now</a>
The analyst sees China as the front and center, as he expects more partnerships on for large-language models around Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>) over the coming months. &#8220;That will fill in a missing piece of the AI puzzle in the key China market as OpenAI in its marquee partnership will launch the most sophisticated personal assistant for consumers with ChatGPT fueled by Apple&#8217;s new A18 chip,&#8221; he said.
The analyst conceded Huawei trifold smartphone could be another disruptive force in the Chinese smartphone market. But Apple with its iPhone 16 upgrades could sell about 50 million units in this region is fiscal year 2025, he said.
The next step to drive installed base in the Apple Intelligence, Ives said. &#8220;We believe over 20% of world&#8217;s consumer population will ultimately interact with AI through an Apple device over the coming years,&#8221; he said.
&#8220;This is the beginning of an AI driven iPhone super-cycle that should enable Apple to break its historical mark for iPhone units in a year and translate into a $4 trillion market cap for Cupertino in 2025,&#8221; the analyst said. 
Apple Stock: Apple ended Friday&#8217;s session down 0.29% at $228.20, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro data</a>. The stock has, nevertheless, added about 19% so far this year.
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Analyst Color

Equities

Long Ideas

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

Tech

AAPL

BIDU

As Apple's iPhone 16 Goes On Sale, Analyst Says Demand Off To Strong Start Keeping Cupertino On Track To Hit $4T Market Cap

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/chip-giants-tsmc-and-samsung-discuss-building-middle-eastern-megafactories-65adc854" title="https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/chip-giants-tsmc-and-samsung-discuss-building-middle-eastern-megafactories-65adc854">https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/chip-giants-tsmc-and-samsung-discuss-building-middle-eastern-megafactories-65adc854</a>

SSNLF

The Wall Street Journal Reported Sunday, Taiwan Semiconductor, Samsung Discussed Building Middle Eastern Megafactories

Kamala Harris has a surprisingly narrow edge over Donald Trump in Virginia, which has been a stronghold for the Democrats in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40866884/trump-vs-harris-tense-standoff-in-nail-biter-polls">past several presidential elections</a>.
What Happened: A <a href="https://www.umw.edu/news/2024/09/20/new-survey-from-umw-center-for-leadership-and-media-studies-takes-closer-look-at-presidential-election-in-virginia/">poll</a> carried out by the University of Mary Washington from September 3-9 shows Harris leading Trump by a slim margin of 1 point among 756 likely voters in Virginia, with Harris polling at 47% and Trump at 46% with minor party candidates included. When pitted directly against each other, Harris&#8217; lead extends to 2 points. Her lead is within the poll&#8217;s margin of error of +/- 4.1 percent.
Stephen J. Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, suggested that the tight race implies that Virginia could be considered a potential &#8216;swing state&#8217; in the forthcoming election.
&#8220;This new survey suggests Virginia should be getting a much closer look from both presidential campaigns. Virginia may deserve to be treated as a &#8216;swing state&#8217; once again this year,&#8221; Farnsworth <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/kamala-harris-donald-trump-polling-virginia-polling-1957297">told </a>the outlet Newsweek.
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>
Despite Harris&#8217; narrow lead in this poll, other state polls suggest that Harris could potentially outperform Trump by a solid 7 to 10-point margin, continuing the trend of Democratic victories in the state since 2004.
Prior to Harris becoming the candidate, some polls had shown Trump leading Biden by up to 5 points, while others showed Biden with a marginal lead of just 1 or 2 points.
Why It Matters: The close race in Virginia, a traditionally Democratic state, indicates a potential shift in the political landscape. 
The fact that Harris, a Democrat, is only slightly ahead of Trump, a Republican, suggests that the state&#8217;s voters may be becoming more divided in their political preferences. 
This could potentially turn Virginia into a &#8216;swing state&#8217;, where either party has a reasonable chance of winning, in future elections. This shift could have significant implications for the strategies of both parties in upcoming elections.
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.

Close Call In Virginia: Recent Poll Shows Harris Barely Leading Trump In Democratic-Leaning State

Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov has leveled accusations against Tesla owner Elon Musk, claiming that his Cybertruck was remotely <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40504595/military-expert-calls-russian-president-allys-tesla-cybertruck-super-cool-but-useless-combat-vehicle">disabled by Musk</a>.
What Happened: Kadyrov, who has been ruling Chechnya since 2007, alleged that his modified Cybertruck was &#8220;remotely disabled&#8221; by Musk. 
The Chechen leader expressed his indignation in a Telegram post, criticizing Musk&#8217;s actions as unmanly. Earlier in August, Kadyrov had shared a video flaunting the Cybertruck, fitted with what appeared to be a machine gun. 
He hinted that the vehicle, which he asserted was a gift from Musk, would be deployed in the war against Ukraine.
&#8220;Elon Musk behaved badly. He gives expensive gifts from the heart, and then turns them off remotely,&#8221; Kadyrov wrote Thursday in a <a href="https://t.me/RKadyrov_95/5103">post</a> on Telegram.
Then he added in the post saying, &#8220;That&#8217;s not manly. How could you do that, Elon?&#8221; He also mentioned that he had to tow the vehicle after Tesla shut it down. 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37195508/putin-pal-elon-musk-fires-back-at-critics-accusing-him-of-supporting-russia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Putin Pal? Elon Musk Fires Back At Critics Accusing Him Of Supporting Russia</a>
Earlier in August, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40432032/putin-ally-unveils-tesla-cybertruck-with-machine-gun-invites-musk-to-russia">he announced that the vehicle was presented to him by Musk</a>. &#8220;We received a Tesla Cybertruck from the esteemed Elon Musk. I was pleased to test this new technology and personally witnessed why it's rightfully called the ‘Cyberbeast,&#8221; he said in a statement. 
However, Musk categorically denied having gifted the Cybertruck to Kadyrov. The process through which the warlord procured the vehicle remains a mystery, as direct export of a Cybertruck from the US to Chechnya is barred due to US sanctions.
Despite Kadyrov&#8217;s assertions of the Cybertruck&#8217;s efficacy in combat, experts have voiced skepticism. Mark Cancian, a senior advisor with the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, opined that the vehicle would be &#8220;totally useless&#8221; on the battlefield owing to its weight and charging needs.
Why It Matters: The allegations made by Kadyrov against Musk are significant as they involve a high-profile figure and a globally recognized brand. 
The incident also raises questions about the security and remote control capabilities of Tesla&#8217;s vehicles. 
Furthermore, it brings to light the potential misuse of such vehicles in conflict zones, which could have serious implications for international security and Tesla&#8217;s reputation.
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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.

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TSLA

Putin Ally Who Unveiled Tesla Cybertruck With Machine Gun Last Month Now Says Elon Musk 'Remotely Disabled' The Militarized EV

Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur and "Shark Tank" star, has no interest in running for office. When asked if he would ever consider running for president, Cuban responded bluntly: "No, hell no." For him, the political arena isn't the best place to make a difference, especially when changing the health care system.
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"You can't be president and change health care," Cuban told Wired. "You've got to get Congress behind you and this and that." He thinks partisanship and bureaucracy limit the ability of politicians to effect meaningful change. Rather, he believes the private sector offers a more potent means of effecting change.
Cuban is proving this with his online pharmacy, launched in January 2022, which aims to tackle high drug prices by selling medications with minimal markups. Cuban's approach is simple: the base price of the drug, plus a 15 percent markup, a $5 pharmacy fee, and $5 for shipping.
Trending: This city is the clear winner of Zillow's 2024 Home Value Forecast —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/winner-zillow-2024-home-value-forecast"> No surprise as the number of millionaires there grew by 75% in the last decade.</a>
Cuban's no-nonsense style and business acumen have made him a favorite on "Shark Tank," but his ambitions go beyond TV fame. "As an entrepreneur, you can change anything," he said.&nbsp;
He points to tech innovators like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40837620/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-eases-investor-concerns-on-ai-demand-blackwell-timeline-and">Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia</a>, as examples of how entrepreneurs can define the future by their actions. "He can pretty much define what's going to happen by how he prices things," said Cuban.
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Cuban also has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40416064/mark-cuban-says-he-would-have-used-a-magic-wand-to-get-rid-of-both-gop-and-democratic-party-consider">strong opinions about the two-party system</a> in the U.S. He's been critical of both major political parties, even consulting lawyers about filing antitrust actions against them. "If I could wave the magic wand, I'd get rid of the two parties," he said in an interview. He believes the current political system drives candidates to extreme positions, making finding common ground and real solutions hard.
See Also: Want to invest in homes?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/realbricks"> $100 is enough on this platform</a> that lets you cash out whenever you want.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Despite his outspoken views and his innate ability to shake things up, Cuban has no plans to jump into the political fray. Instead, he's focused on making changes from the outside. "Who would put themselves through that?" he said about running for president.&nbsp;
Cuban is convinced he can do more good as an entrepreneur than a politician, and he's set on using his influence and resources to fix what he can – whether it's the health care system, the cost of prescription drugs, or how business is done.
Nevertheless, Cuban chose his side, joining hundreds of venture capitalists in pledging support for<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/08/40113420/mark-cuban-and-other-venture-capitalists-pledge-support-for-kamala-harris-whos-on-the-list"> Vice President Kamala Harris</a> in the 2024 presidential election.
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Startups

'No, Hell No,' Says Mark Cuban If He'll Run For Office –'You Can't Be President And Change Healthcare.' Entrepreneurs Can Change Anything

Donald Trump has made a bold assertion that women will stop contemplating abortion <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37192851/donald-trump-mulls-16-week-abortion-ban-in-private-conversations-with-allies">if he triumphs in the upcoming election</a>.
What Happened: This statement follows Kamala Harris&#8216; accusation of Trump being the instigator of a reproductive healthcare crisis.
Trump voiced this claim in an extensive social media <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113173471737127661">post</a> on Truth Social and reiterated it at a rally in North Carolina. He argued that women&#8217;s health, safety, and optimism have declined compared to his tenure.
He further stated that the matter of abortion has been delegated to the states, implying that women will no longer need to contemplate it.
&#8220;Women are poorer than they were four years ago, are less healthy than they were four years ago, are less safe on the streets than they were four years ago, are more depressed and unhappy than they were four years ago, and are less optimistic and confident in the future than they were four years ago! I will fix all of that, and fast, and at long last this national nightmare will be over,&#8221; Trump said in the post. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869733/trump-stumbles-again-over-health-care-issues-involving-abortion-and-obamacare">Trump Stumbles Again Over Health Care Issues Involving Abortion And Obamacare</a>
Harris, a staunch supporter of abortion rights, reproached Trump for his influence in appointing three Supreme Court justices who reversed Roe v. Wade in 2022.
She held Trump accountable for the stringent abortion laws in several states, labeling it a healthcare crisis and attributing its inception to Trump.
Also Read:&nbsp;<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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs Harris: New Poll Reveals Post-Debate Swing Towards This Candidate In Key State</a>
A late August poll by The Wall Street Journal indicated that Harris leads Trump among female voters by 13 percentage points, with 33% of women identifying abortion as a pivotal issue.
Meanwhile, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) has reacted to Trump&#8217;s statement on abortion and has said that Trump is "just deranged."
"I think, you know, this guy just doesn't understand what the average woman is confronting in her life in this country, and how could he? He's not lived a normal life," Whitmer said. 
"Unlike Kamala Harris, who has worked hourly jobs, who knows how important it is that women have health care and access to the medical care that they need,&#8221; she added. 
Why It Matters: The contentious issue of abortion rights has been a significant factor in American politics, with the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022 marking a turning point.
Trump&#8217;s claim that his potential victory would eliminate the need for women to consider abortion is a bold assertion that could potentially influence the election&#8217;s outcome. 
This comes at a time when Harris, a vocal advocate for abortion rights, is leading among women voters, according to a recent poll.
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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: Wikimedia Commons

Trump Says Women Would 'No Longer Be Thinking About Abortion' If He Wins, Whitmer Calls Trump 'Just Deranged'

In a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance shared his thoughts on the potential reactions from the left if he and Donald Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40760697/jd-vance-supports-tucker-carlson-amid-holocaust-revisionist-controversy">win the 2024 presidential election</a>.
What Happened: In a conversation released last week, Carlson asked Vance about the possibility of a military coup following a Trump victory. Vance expressed confidence in their chances of winning the election and discussed the potential strategies of the left.
Vance suggested that the left might resort to ballot harvesting and Big Tech to suppress negative stories about their candidate, similar to what he believes occurred in the 2020 election. 
<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">No one in Washington seems to know how much we're spending on illegal aliens. JD Vance plans to find out. (0:10) Meet Atlas (1:14) JD Vance's Predictions About the Election (5:30) The Left's Plan to Beat Trump (12:04) How Much Is the US Spending on Illegal Immigration? (23:04)… <a href="https://t.co/L4tj66uLwp">pic.twitter.com/L4tj66uLwp</a>
&mdash; Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) <a href="https://twitter.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1836525925002838242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
He also expressed concern about the left&#8217;s influence over the U.S. military.
According to Vance, the left might attempt to obstruct Trump&#8217;s presidency by blocking the deportation of illegal immigrants and hiking interest rates. However, he dismissed the idea of a military coup as a likely response.
&#8220;They've already sort of marshaled the ballot harvesting operation, which, of course, is the story of 2020. It's not like, you know, it's not ballot machines were hacked into. The story of 2020 is that they really, you know, turned on this ballot harvesting machine and they used, of course, Big Tech to silence stories that were negative about&nbsp;Joe Biden. They're certainly going to do that again," Vance continued. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40002746/secret-texts-reveal-republican-vp-candidate-jd-vances-past-views-on-trump-police-and-gop-called-ex-p">Secret Texts Reveal Republican VP Candidate JD Vance&#8217;s Past Views On Trump, Police, And GOP: Called Ex-President &#8216;Morally Reprehensible Human Being&#8217;</a>
"I just don't see any evidence that these people are like controlling the puppet strings and they're going to do everything that they can. They are going to do everything that they can, but it's not that much. So right now, yeah, I think Donald Trump's going to be the next president," he added. 
Why It Matters: The speculations shared by Vance highlight the deep political divisions in the U.S. and the potential for contentious reactions to the 2024 election results. 
His comments also underscore the ongoing debates about the role of Big Tech in politics and the influence of the left on the U.S. military. These issues are likely to remain prominent in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.
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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.

A Military Coup If Trump Wins? Tucker Carlson Voices Concerns To JD Vance

Kamala Harris is experiencing a surge in popularity with just over six weeks to go before the presidential election. Recent polls indicate a positive shift in her favorability for the first time <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">since President Joe Biden took office</a>.
What Happened: Harris&#8217; favorability has seen a significant uptick. Kristen Soltis Anderson, a founding partner at Echelon Insights, highlighted during an AARP press call that Harris has successfully crafted a more positive narrative about herself.
The polling average from FiveThirtyEight suggests that Americans now perceive Harris in a more favorable light than before. This is a notable shift, considering her previously low polling figures. 
&#8220;She&#8217;s getting a chance to write her own story there and at least has been able to somewhat drive a more positive message about her,&#8221; Business Insider <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-favorability-polls-reverse-trump-election-2024-9">quoted</a> Anderson saying on a press call hosted by AARP.
The rise in Harris&#8217; standing is perceived as a cautionary sign for Donald Trump&#8216;s campaign, which has failed to portray Harris as untrustworthy.
Debbie Walsh, the director of the Center for American Women and Politics, pointed out that Harris&#8217; increased visibility and her ability to articulate her strengths and objectives have played a role in her growing popularity. 
&#8220;She has been allowed to shine a bit, which I think is very difficult to do when you&#8217;re the No. 2. By definition, a large part of your job is to stand a few feet to the left and a few feet behind the president and be supportive,&#8221; Walsh told the outlet. 
Tim Malloy, a polling analyst for the Quinnipiac University Poll, mentioned that favorability covers a broad spectrum of voter emotions, which have traditionally been difficult for female candidates to manage.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40866884/trump-vs-harris-tense-standoff-in-nail-biter-polls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs. Harris: Tense Standoff In Nail-Biter Polls</a>
Despite the positive shift, the Harris campaign continues to see itself as an underdog. Nate Silver&#8217;s model depicts the race as essentially a toss-up, although it did give Harris a slight advantage in the electoral college race last Friday.
Why It Matters: The surge in Harris&#8217; favorability is a significant development in the 2024 Presidential race. It indicates a shift in public sentiment and could potentially influence the strategies of other candidates. 
The fact that Harris, a female candidate, has been able to navigate the complex landscape of voter emotions and improve her standing is noteworthy. 
This could set a precedent for future female candidates and change the dynamics of political races. The outcome of this race could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of the U.S.
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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.

Voters Warm To Kamala Harris As Election Nears

Warren Buffett is known for his sharp investing mind, but his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40881429/warren-buffetts-daughter-asked-him-for-a-41-000-loan-to-remodel-her-kitchen-but-the-billionaire-">habits are just as interesting</a> – especially his well-documented love for Coca-Cola. As an investor in the company, Buffett doesn't just back the stock; he's a dedicated consumer too. He's famous for drinking about five soda cans daily, mostly Cherry Coke.
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At 94, Buffett still sticks to his sugary routine. In 2015, he joked to Fortune, "I'm one-quarter Coca-Cola," admitting that the drink accounts for 25% of his daily calorie intake.&nbsp;
His passion for the beverage isn't just a habit; it's also tied to his massive investment in the brand. His company, Berkshire Hathaway, holds 400 million Coca-Cola shares, valued at over $28 billion, making up over 10% of the company's portfolio.
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Despite his heavy soda consumption, Buffett hasn't shown much concern about how it affects his health. After a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2012, he didn't shy away from defending his love for Coca-Cola, saying, "I don't think the prostate cancer was caused by Coca-Cola." He even added that he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37563241/warren-buffett-says-hed-trade-a-significant-percentage-of-his-net-worth-for-some-extra-years-of-">hadn't missed a day of work</a> since undergoing treatment.&nbsp;
Fortunately, as Buffett explained in the annual shareholder letter that year: "The good news is that I&#8217;ve been told by my doctors that my condition is not remotely life-threatening or even debilitating in any meaningful way." Just a few months later, in September of 2012, Buffett announced he completed 44 days of radiation.&nbsp;
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Buffett's attachment to Coca-Cola wasn't always a given. For much of his life, he was a Pepsi fan – so much so that his son, Howard, used to call him <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/02/37240748/warren-buffett-drinks-5-cans-of-coke-per-day-at-93-years-old-but-he-was-a-dedicated-pepsi-drinker-fo">"Pepsi Warren."</a> It wasn't until Don Keough, a neighbor and Coca-Cola executive, entered his life that Buffett switched teams. The connection grew into a personal and professional relationship, leading to Buffett's deep involvement with Coca-Cola.
The billionaire has always stood by his unconventional diet, often saying it brings him happiness. "I always tell people: I found everything I like to eat by the time I was six," he told CNBC. His favorites? Hot fudge sundaes and, of course, Coke.&nbsp;
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But Buffett isn't the only billionaire who loves junk food. Bill Gates has admitted to being <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/38709585/bill-gates-booked-an-entire-michelin-star-restaurant-for-two-days-he-only-ordered-a-diet-coke-an">hooked on Diet Coke</a>, sipping it throughout the day like it's water. While Gates goes for the diet version, Buffett doesn't shy away from the sugary stuff, sticking with his classic Coke. And they don't just love soda – the billionaire buddies each have exclusive <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/39083570/billionaire-bill-gates-has-a-mcdonalds-gold-card-that-gives-him-free-food-for-life-worldwide">McDonald's "Gold Cards"</a> that give them free food for life.
Buffett is so committed to his eating habits that he once joked he'd happily trade a year of his life just to eat whatever he wants. It's all part of his philosophy of enjoying life. He's well aware that his diet, which amounts to about 2,600 to 2,700 calories a day, isn't exactly a nutritionist's dream, but he's not interested in changing it anytime soon. For Buffett, happiness—even with extra sugar—is what matters.
Buffett's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/can-you-guess-how-many-americans-successfully-retire-with-1-million-saved">outlook is simple</a>: enjoy what you love and if that happens to be Cherry Coke, go for it – even if health experts say otherwise. For him, it's worked out pretty well so far.
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Warren Buffett Owns $28B In Coca-Cola Stock And Drinks 5 Cans A Day – 'I Don't Think The Prostate Cancer Was Caused By The Coca-Cola'

In the race for campaign funds for the upcoming presidential election, Kamala Harris has surged ahead, backed by significant contributions from Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and Hollywood. But Donald Trump and the Republicans have made up some of the gap due to a substantial boost from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40969781/nate-silvers-forecast-kamala-harris-retakes-lead-over-donald-trump">Tesla Inc. and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk</a>.
What Happened: As per the latest Federal Election Commission filings, Harris&#8217; fundraising efforts in August have given the Democratic ticket a $109 million cash advantage over Trump.
Harris raised $361 million in August, while Trump spent $32 million more than the $130 million he raised, reports Bloomberg.
Trump&#8217;s campaign received backing from new sources, including crypto industry donors and long-time Republican supporters like hedge fund manager Paul Singer. However, the most substantial single gift came from Musk, who donated the maximum amount of $289,100 to the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Trump&#8217;s costly ad campaigns have depleted some of his cash reserves.
Also Read:&nbsp;<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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs Harris: New Poll Reveals Post-Debate Swing Towards This Candidate In Key State</a>
In contrast, Harris and her main super PAC, Future Forward PAC, have booked $421 million in paid media from September through Election Day, nearly double the $216 million for Trump and his allied super PAC MAGA Inc.
Notably, Musk also created a super PAC this year to support Trump and House Republicans, which has been spending millions in recent weeks. The donors to this super PAC will not be disclosed until next month.
Why It Matters: The fundraising race is a crucial indicator of the support each candidate has and can significantly impact their campaign strategies. 
Harris&#8217; lead in fundraising, backed by influential sectors like Wall Street and Silicon Valley, showcases her broad appeal and strong financial backing. On the other hand, Musk&#8217;s support for Trump underscores the tech mogul&#8217;s alignment with the GOP, potentially influencing other tech industry leaders.
However, the effectiveness of these funds will depend on how they are utilized. Trump&#8217;s high expenditure on ad campaigns, despite new support, has led to a depletion of his cash reserves. 
In contrast, Harris&#8217; campaign seems to be more financially robust, with a significant amount booked for paid media. The disclosure of donors to Musk&#8217;s super PAC next month will also be a significant development to watch.
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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.

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