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Donald Trump‘s niece, psychologist Mary Trump, recently criticized her uncle for his unchanging leadership <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40303946/kamala-harris-and-donald-trump-clash-over-federal-reserves-autonomy">style and temperament</a>.
What Happened: In a post on X, Mary Trump expressed her views on Donald Trump&#8217;s leadership style. She described him as an &#8220;unchanged, thin-skinned bully,&#8221; adding that this makes him dangerous. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Real leaders evolve. Donald remains an unchanged, thin-skinned bully—and that&#39;s what makes him dangerous. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/andersoncooper?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andersoncooper</a> for discussing this issue and Who Could Ever Love You. <a href="https://t.co/muRPm7PSkP">pic.twitter.com/muRPm7PSkP</a>
&mdash; Mary L Trump (@MaryLTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryLTrump/status/1834341074707644803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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In the interview <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLGrSrKFskc">with</a> CNN, Mary Trump commended Kamala Harris for what she described as a strategic emotional blow to her uncle during the opening moments of the presidential debate on Tuesday. Speaking with CNN&#8217;s Anderson Cooper, Mary Trump explained that Harris&#8217;s approach effectively unsettled the former president, leading him to unravel in front of viewers.
&#8220;He just couldn&#8217;t regain his composure, and frankly, I don't think he will,&#8221; she remarked.
Mary Trump went on to praise Harris for delivering clear, informative responses that gave the public a better understanding of her vision for the country, while also expertly targeting Trump&#8217;s weak points.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40429962/mary-trump-donalds-narcissistic-injury-is-so-great-that-he-has-essentially-stopped-campaigning">Mary Trump: &#8216;Donald&#8217;s Narcissistic Injury Is So Great That He Has Essentially Stopped Campaigning&#8217;</a>
During the interview, the CNN anchor read an excerpt from Mary Trump&#8217;s book Who Could Ever Love You, where she described her uncle&#8217;s childhood behavior as that of &#8220;a thin-skinned bully who tormented younger kids but would retreat in anger when confronted.&#8221;
"That is one of the most damning and dangerous things about Donald Trump and that is one of the things that makes him most unfit. He's never evolved from that. That's still who he is," Mary Trump said.
Why It Matters: Mary Trump, a clinical psychologist, has been vocal about her criticisms of her uncle&#8217;s leadership style. Her book, &#8220;Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World&#8217;s Most Dangerous Man,&#8221; delves into the Trump family dynamics and Donald Trump&#8217;s upbringing, which she believes shaped his leadership style.
Her latest tweet continues this narrative, suggesting that Donald Trump&#8217;s leadership style has not evolved and remains a cause for concern.
Read Next:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39761289/trumps-niece-accuses-him-of-lying-about-involvement-in-controversial-project-2025-my-uncle-likes-to" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump's Niece Accuses Him Of Lying About Involvement In Controversial Project 2025: ‘My Uncle Likes To Call America a ‘Stupid Country.' But We're Not Nearly As Stupid As He Hopes We Are …</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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Politics

Mary Trump Says 'Donald Trump Remains Thin-Skinned Bully And That's What Makes Him Dangerous'

On Friday, the Nebraska Supreme Court decided that dueling initiatives to expand or restrict abortion rights <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/abortion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will be included on the November ballot</a>. This decision followed recent hearings in which three separate lawsuits aimed to prevent either or both of the abortion measures from appearing on the ballot, <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/ap-nebraska-ballot-can-include-competing-measures-to-expand-or-limit-abortion-rights-high-court-rules/">reported</a> The Hill.
Voters in the Cornhusker State will decide on a ballot measure proposing to enshrine the right to abortion up to fetal viability in the state constitution. Conversely, another measure aims to cement the state&#8217;s existing 12-week abortion ban into law.
Organizers for both proposals collected over 200,000 signatures each, surpassing the 123,000 valid signatures required to qualify for the ballot, the Hill added. For the first time since the U.S. Supreme Court&#8217;s 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, Nebraska will feature competing abortion amendments on the same ballot.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40864360/pope-francis-criticizes-both-trump-and-kamala-harris-for-supporting-abortion-urges-catholics-to-vote" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pope Francis Criticizes Both Trump And Kamala Harris For Supporting Abortion, Urges Catholics To Vote For &#8216;Lesser Evil&#8217;</a>
Meanwhile, nine other states will also address abortion issues on their ballots this year, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, and South Dakota, where measures to protect access are also set to appear.
The latest development follows two initiatives, the&nbsp;Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Initiative and the&nbsp;Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Initiative, which have both surpassed the required 87,126 valid signatures to be considered for the November 2024 ballot.
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/nebraska" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nebraska</a>&nbsp;Secretary of State&#8217;s office&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/news-releases/Secretary%20of%20State%20provides%20update%20on%20remaining%20petitions_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">confirmed</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;89,000&nbsp;petitions have valid signatures&nbsp;and that officials are &#8220;nearing the end of the verification process by county election offices,&#8221; bringing them close to certification.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40665093/medical-marijuana-will-be-on-the-november-ballot-in-nebraska-officials-confirm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical Marijuana Will Be On The November Ballot In Nebraska, Officials Confirm</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Wikimedia Commons

Markets

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Nebraska Supreme Court Greenlights Competing Abortion Measures For November Ballot

In a volatile cannabis market driven by regulatory uncertainty and the upcoming U.S. elections, New Lake Capital Partners (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NLCP#OTC">NLCP</a>) stands out as a stable option for investors seeking consistent returns.&nbsp;
With its cannabis-focused real estate portfolio, NLCP offers strong dividend yields and steady rental income growth, making it an attractive choice amid market turbulence. 
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/pablo-zuanic#google_vignette">Pablo Zuanic </a>of Zuanic &amp; Associates, NLCP's financial performance and dividend yield make it a potentially attractive option for investors navigating the volatile cannabis sector.
Get Benzinga&#8217;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>. If you&#8217;re serious about the business, you can&#8217;t afford to miss out.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rental Income Growth And AFFO Strength</h3>
NLCP&#8217;s rental income for the first half of 2024 increased by 10% year-over-year, reaching $12.2 million, noted Zuanic. The company's net real estate portfolio (NREP) grew by 2.4% since the end of 2023, bringing its total portfolio yield to an annualized 12.7%. 
This is slightly behind its peer, Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR), which posted a 14.6% yield on its portfolio after a 5% growth since year-end 2022. Despite the slower growth, NLCP's Adjusted Funds from Operations (AFFO) rose by 17% year-over-year in Q2 2024, compared to a modest 1% increase for Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IIPR#NYSE">IIPR</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dividend Security And Yield Comparison</h3>
NLCP's quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share provides an 8.7% yield, significantly higher than IIPR's 5.9% yield and 500 basis points above the U.S. 10-year Treasury rate.&nbsp;
Zuanic's projections estimate an AFFO per share of $2.10 for 2024, translating to a price-to-AFFO ratio of 9.4x, compared to 14.1x for IIPR, indicating a potential value for NLCP investors.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40607517/delivering-returns-as-the-cannabis-market-tanks-what-wall-st-wont-tell-you-about-ch">Delivering Returns As The Cannabis Market Tanks: What Wall St Won&#8217;t Tell You About Chicago Atlantic Real Estate&#8217;s Growth</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Portfolio Risks</h3>
Although NLCP's portfolio is fully rented, certain risks remain. Zuanic reports that Revolutionary Clinics, a tenant accounting for 10% of NLCP's rental income, missed 50% of its June and July 2024 rent payments. The company is negotiating with the tenant to resolve the issue, possibly through rent deferrals or other concessions. Additionally, five operators account for 62% of NLCP's rental income, with Curaleaf (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURLF#OTC">CURLF</a>) representing 22%. 
By comparison, IIPR's top five tenants contribute 48% of its rental revenue, highlighting potential concentration risks in both companies.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Debt Leverage Among REITS</h3>
Within the cannabis real estate investment trust (REIT) sector, mortgage REITs like Chicago Atlantic (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REFI#NASDAQ">REFI</a>) and AFCG (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFCG#NASDAQ">AFCG</a>) have experienced different growth rates. REFI&#8217;s loan book grew by 22% year-over-year in Q2 2024, while AFCG saw some notable exits during the quarter, resulting in a smaller loan book. 
Despite these differences, NLCP maintains a conservative debt strategy, with only $7.6 million drawn from its $90 million credit facility, representing 1.9% of equity. In contrast, IIPR carries $297 million in debt, or 15% of its equity, but boasts a 17x debt service coverage ratio, signaling a strong ability to meet its obligations.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Valuation And Outlook</h3>
While NLCP currently trades near its book value of $19.54 at $19.76 per share, IIPR trades at 1.82 times its book value, reflecting a premium tied to its perceived growth potential.&nbsp;
Although NLCP lacks a listing on a major U.S. exchange, Zuanic's report suggests the company could achieve a premium valuation if the cannabis industry's growth continues, particularly given its solid dividend yield and strong AFFO performance.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40834708/new-laws-could-unleash-1-7b-demand-for-cannabis-loans-this-real-estate-stock-is-set">New Laws Could Unleash $1.7B Demand For Cannabis Loans, This Real Estate Stock Is Set To Capitalize</a>

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 IIPR

AFCG

CURALEAF HLDGS INC by Curaleaf Hldgs Inc.

CURLF

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NLCP

REFI

$12M In Rental Income: Why Investors Should Watch This Stock That's Crushing Averages

According to a report, leading tech companies are shelling out millions each year to safeguard their CEOs, with some companies <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40667286/trump-warns-zuckerberg-in-latest-book-says-he-could-be-in-prison-for-the-rest-of-his-life-we-are-wat">paying more than others</a>.
What Happened: Security costs for top executives can be among the most expensive perks, including home monitoring, personal bodyguards, and security consulting, according to a report <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/09/14/tech-billionaire-ceos-security-costs-meta-tesla-apple-nvidia-google/">by</a> Fortune.
Bill Herzog, CEO of LionHeart Security Services, stressed the necessity of investing in the protection of high-profile CEOs, considering the potential risks they face.
LionHeart Security Services charges $60 per hour or more for security services, which could result in an annual bill of over $1 million for two guards.
"When you're talking about somebody who's worth millions of dollars or billions of dollars, and they are in charge of an entire company, there is a real possibility of kidnapping, there's a real possibility of extortion, there's a real possibility of attempts on their lives," Herzog told the outlet.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39999229/dont-look-now-but-zuckerbergs-threads-is-picking-up-steam">Don&#8217;t Look Now, But Zuckerberg&#8217;s Threads Is Picking Up Steam</a>
Meta leads the pack, having spent $23.4 million in 2023 on personal security for CEO Mark Zuckerberg. This includes $9.4 million in direct security costs and a $14 million pre-tax allowance for additional security-related expenses.
Alphabet Inc. spent $6.8 million on personal security for CEO Sundar Pichai in 2023, while Tesla Inc. paid $2.4 million for Elon Musk&#8216;s security services.
Other tech giants, such as Nvidia Corporation and Apple Inc., also invest significantly in their CEOs&#8217; security, spending $2.2 million and $820,309 respectively in 2023.
Why It Matters: The security of top executives has become a significant expense for tech companies. The rising costs reflect the increasing threats faced by these high-profile individuals. 
The significant investment in security measures is a testament to the importance these companies place on the safety of their leaders. It also underscores the potential risks associated with leading a major tech company in today&#8217;s world. 
The substantial costs incurred for security services highlight the lengths to which companies are willing to go to ensure the safety and well-being of their top executives.
Read Next
&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/03/31129297/zuckerbergs-life-changing-advice-to-young-people" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zuckerberg's Life-Changing Advice To Young People</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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Big Tech's Security Spending Spree: Zuckerberg Leads In Lavish Security Measures

Green Goddess Revival, a medical marijuana dispensary in Denton Texas, was the target of a law enforcement raid on Thursday in which $10,000 in products were seized, business owners said. A warrant to search stated it was targeting noncompliant THC products. Denton is among several Texas towns that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40421781/dallas-voters-to-vote-on-marijuana-decriminalization-this-november">will vote this November</a> to approve adult-use cannabis.
Photos posted on social media depicted Denton County Sheriff&#8217;s Office personnel, one of whom was wearing a U.S. Marshals Service Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force vest.
"It is absurd to see US Marshalls Fugitive Task Force raiding a hemp shop in Denton, Texas in 2024," wrote the Texas Cannabis Collective on X.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">It is absurd to see US Marshalls Fugitive Task Force raiding a hemp shop in Denton, Texas in 2024 <a href="https://t.co/XPMrZ6mvhR">pic.twitter.com/XPMrZ6mvhR</a>
&mdash; Texas Cannabis Collective (@txcannaco) <a href="https://twitter.com/txcannaco/status/1834818337274028191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"People literally come in everyday almost in years because we provide them with medicine that gives them their life back. We&#8217;re a local shop that gives product to people for almost nothing if needed and has supported the community for years," continued the Cannabis Collective. Texas approved a limited medical marijuana program in 2015. 
Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/39041635/73-of-texans-support-full-cannabis-legalization-or-decriminalization-including-plurality-of-repu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">73% Of Texans Support Full Cannabis Legalization Or Decriminalization, Including Plurality Of Republicans, Poll Finds</a>
What Happened: Store manager Jack Howell <a href="https://dentonrc.com/news/denton/officers-seize-10-000-in-products-from-denton-dispensary-store-says/article_d65936b4-71fa-11ef-8c02-4b1cbcabad6f.html">told</a> the Denton Record-Chronicle Friday that the officers told him they'd received a complaint about someone smoking weed outside the shop. Howell questioned the legitimacy of the officers' statement, saying that a now-former employee was smoking a joint outside the shop when plainclothes officers approached her and asked to search the shop. She said no and was arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">License And Paperwork All In Order</h2>
Howell said the Green Goddess Revival's paperwork was in order to prove that products contained less than 0.3% of THC, which is permissible in Texas and meets the standards for medical marijuana. 
An officer of the Eastern District of Texas denied that an officer in the photo was a member of the federal task force but was not operating in that capacity when they raided the legal medical marijuana shop.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Then There&#8217;s Texas AG Ken Paxton</h2>
Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36880984/gop-attor-ney-gen-er-al-in-texas-sues-five-cities-to-stop-voter-approved-mar-i-jua-na-reform-say" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lawsuits over voter-approved</a> marijuana decriminalization initiatives underway in five Texas towns, some of which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39946113/gop-attor-ney-gen-er-al-in-texas-loses-legal-battle-against-towns-with-decriminalized-cannabis-i">have been thrown out</a> by judges. Denton, population 150,000, is among those towns. Paxton argues that these local initiatives violate state law are unconstitutional and that the five mostly small cities are being run by &#8220;criminal extremists.&#8221; 
Now Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40860858/cannabis-use-is-up-among-older-adults-for-wellbeing-health-purposes-poll">Cannabis Use Is Up Among Older Adults For Wellbeing, Health Purposes: Poll</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Texas Cannabis Collective

Government

Federal Marshals Raid Legal Medical Marijuana Shop In Texas: Why The Big Guns? Advocates Say 'It's Absurd'

Despite <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40808499/trump-vs-harris-debates-results-are-in-flash-poll-shows-resounding-majority-pick-vice-president-as-w">nationwide polls pointing to a slight edge</a> for Kamala Harris in the presidential race, prominent polling data analyst Nate Silver said this week that it is still Donald Trump&#8216;s election to lose.
New-Less Cycle Favors Trump: Google Search interest in Trump has gone down by two to three times relative to past elections, and as a consequence, the numbers for Democrats have gone up, <a href="https://www.natesilver.net/p/this-was-trumps-election-to-lose">said</a> Silver in his latest Substack post. That said, the fact that Harris&#8217; Democratic National Convention bounce quickly evaporated may have been due to the gravity of the election favoring Trump, he said.
&#8220;In news-less periods, he tends to become the favorite,&#8221; said Silver, who founded FiveThirtyEight but is now no longer associated with the polling analytics website.
This, according to the pollster, has implication for Harris&#8217; strategy. If Trump tends to pull ahead when people aren't actively thinking about politics, she might want to more proactively drive the news cycle, he said. Trump was part of the past two elections, and both elections were closely fought, coming down to a few tens of thousands of votes in the electoral college, he noted.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40864586/kamala-harris-vows-to-scrap-unnecessary-degree-requirements-for-some-federal-jobs-if-she-wins-as-pre">Kamala Harris Vows To Scrap &#8216;Unnecessary&#8217; Degree Requirements For Some Federal Jobs If She Wins: &#8216;As President, I Will…&#8217;</a>
Why Trump&#8217;s Still Favorite: &#8220;Underlying circumstances of the race are favorable for Trump than in 2016 or 2020,&#8221; said Silver, adding that he would be a &#8220;clear favorite&#8221; if he were running a perfect campaign. The ex-president, however, wasn&#8217;t, he said. Once the post-debate polls are fully accounted for, the tally will get back to roughly 50-50, he added. 
In a previous post, Silver <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40852078/trump-vs-harris-latest-poll-hands-vice-president-5-point-lead-but-heres-why-vetran-pollster-nate-sil#google_vignette">cautioned against reading too much into the data received so far,</a> given it would take several days to conduct a traditional poll.
The polling veteran based his expectations for an even contest on a few factors, namely:
<ul>
<li>Electoral College: Trump is currently 2.5 points ahead of Harris in terms of electoral college votes, according to Silver&#8217;s forecast model. On a map that gives rural white voters more influence, Trump&#8217;s populist coalition outperforms and on that same count, Harris and other Democrats are running uphill, Silver said.</li>
<li>Economy: Silver made note of his proprietary Silver Bulletin economic index, which showed that the real disposable personal &#8211; the income left after paying taxes, has been flat during President Joe Biden&#8217;s tenure. This metric has been historically one of the best predictors of election outcomes, he said. There is more producer surplus&nbsp;than ever, while consumers are squeezed and prices are about 20% higher than when Biden assumed office, he noted. </li>
<li>Anti-incumbent mood: Globally, incumbent parties suffered setbacks in elections held in 2024, with Tories suffering one of their worst defeats in the U.K. and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceding a significant number of seats, he noted. That said, Harris&#8217; campaign has been trying to frame Trump as the incumbent despite her party running the White House for three-and-a-half years, he said.</li>
<li>Harris&#8217; Far Left Track Record: The two pushbacks Harris faced when she entered the fray as a replacement for Biden on the Democratic ticket was the perception that she is not a natural politician and that she has &#8220;veered far to the left of the median voter, especially in her 2019 campaign.&#8221; &#8220;While she's overcome doubts about the former concern, the latter&nbsp;could still be an issue,&#8221; Silver said.</li>
<li>Failed Attempt on Trump&#8217;s Life: Following the shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Trump&#8217;s favorability ratings improved to the highest they have been in years, Silver said. However, the polling veteran said Trump squandered the opportunity with a &#8220;meandering convention speech a few days later.&#8221; This is &#8220;one of a&nbsp;number of major mistakes he and his campaign have made, from their&nbsp;selection of Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio)&nbsp;to their lack of prep work for this week's debate,&#8221; he added.</li>
</ul>
&#8220;Trump is still in reasonably good shape for all the reasons I mentioned above, and I don't think the Harris campaign is entirely bluffing when it&nbsp;calls itself the underdog,&#8221; said Silver.
&#8220;But if the coin comes up tails and Trump loses, he'll have let the election slip out of his grasp.&#8221;
Did You Know?
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<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments.&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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<a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb417703c-4405-4b25-af44-6f84a783ed52_1600x988.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>

Nate Silver: If Trump Loses, He Will Have Let Election 'Slip Out Of His Grasp' As Underlying Factors Favor Him Despite Harris' Poll Lead

Laura Loomer, a known far-right conspiracy theorist, has recently joined Donald Trump on the campaign trail, prompting concerns — even among some Republicans — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40808499/trump-vs-harris-debates-results-are-in-flash-poll-shows-resounding-majority-pick-vice-president-as-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">about her potential influence on him</a>.
Loomer made derogatory remarks about Kamala Harris&#8217; Indian heritage on X, suggesting that if Harris won, the White House would &#8220;smell like curry&#8221; and &#8220;White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center,&#8221; <a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/13/donald-trump-laura-loomer-free-spirit-00179169" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> Politico.
The post has since been deleted for violating X&#8217;s policies.
Republicans Against Loomer?
The BBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly8y27dwgpo" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> that several high-ranking Republican figures have publicly condemned Loomer and warned Trump against including her in his close circles.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40859480/donald-trumps-media-company-stock-is-down-12-this-week-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump&#8217;s Media Company Stock Is Down 12% This Week: What&#8217;s Going On?</a>
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) promptly took to X, formerly Twitter, to denounce Loomer for the &#8220;racist&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/mtgreenee/status/1834006729966723558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1834006729966723558%7Ctwgr%5E33c381aac33d8ce24fe960babc491934566702e0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindustantimes.com%2Fworld-news%2Fus-news%2Flaura-loomer-under-fire-for-extremely-racist-post-about-kamala-harris-indian-heritage-this-is-appalling-101726119245796.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a>. &#8220;This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever,&#8221; Greene posted.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) <a href="https://x.com/ThomTillis/status/1834608581330505890" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a> on X, &#8220;Laura Loomer is a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans. A DNC plant couldn&#8217;t do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trump&#8217;s chances of winning re-election.&#8221;
In an <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/09/12/trump-presidential-campaign-laura-loomer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview</a> with The Washington Post on Thursday, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said statements by Loomer are disturbing. &#8220;I hope this problem gets resolved, Graham told The Post.
Trump Downplays Loomer&#8217;s Controversy?
During a press conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on Friday, Trump stated that he was unaware of Loomer&#8217;s controversial comments when questioned about her.
In fact, Trump described Loomer as a &#8220;free spirit&#8221; with strong opinions on Friday, following criticism from Republicans over her promotion of conspiracy theories and a recent offensive social media post regarding Kamala Harris&#8217;s race.
However, later on Friday, Trump conveyed his disagreement with Loomer&#8217;s comments in a Truth Social post, clarifying that she is a private citizen and not affiliated with his campaign, noted Politico.
In 2020, Loomer ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida with Trump&#8217;s backing but was easily defeated by Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), BBC noted.
Two years later, she made another attempt to enter Congress by running in primary against Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) in a different district, but was unsuccessful.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Laura Loomer Faces Republican Wrath Over Racist Posts - Is Donald Trump Defending Her?

President Biden <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/united-kingdom">welcomed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer</a> to the White House on Friday afternoon.
After showing Starmer around the Rose Garden, they proceeded to the Blue Room, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3w5449x9zo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> the BBC.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40761900/keir-starmer-to-meet-biden-at-white-house-amid-talks-on-global-issues-and-uk-eu-relations" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keir Starmer To Meet Biden at White House Amid Talks on Global Issues And UK-EU Relations</a>
There, at a long rectangular table, the two delegations took their seats, with Biden and Starmer positioned at the heads of the table and each accompanied by seven colleagues.
While Ukraine was the primary focus of the discussions, other significant issues were also addressed, including the Middle East, China, and Iran. Downing Street had previously aimed to present this meeting as a chance for a more in-depth dialogue than what is typically possible in standard international summits.
The UK has been actively advocating for Kyiv&#8217;s request to fire Western missiles into Russia, BBC added.
However, Biden remains concerned that such a move could lead to a direct conflict between America, Europe, and Moscow— a possibility that Vladimir Putin has hinted at recently.
While Putin&#8217;s previous threats have often amounted to little, there&#8217;s a chance this time might be different.
Diplomacy and intelligence efforts are now focused on understanding the psychology of a wartime leader and predicting his potential reactions. The concern is whether Putin might consider a military strike on a NATO member state, which could drag the entire Western alliance into a war with Russia.
Alternatively, there is worry about whether Ukraine&#8217;s allies would tolerate lower-level retaliatory actions, such as cyber attacks or sabotage of undersea communication cables, BBC added.
It was unlikely that this meeting would settle the issue of Western missiles, particularly since further discussions with other parties at the United Nations are anticipated soon.
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Starmer and Biden Meet: Focus on Ukraine Amid Putin Threats

In the new book Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter, authors Kate Conger and Ryan Mac delve into the chaotic period of Elon Musk&#8216;s acquisition <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/12/30195280/elon-musks-ex-girlfriend-grimes-says-mark-zuckerberg-wildly-under-qualified-to-run-metaverse">of Twitter in 2022 and the platform&#8217;s subsequent decline</a>.
What Happened: According to the authors, the book provides fresh insights into Musk&#8217;s tumultuous takeover of Twitter. Conger and Mac, technology reporters at The New York Times, argue that Musk&#8217;s approach to running Twitter, which he termed &#8220;founder mode,&#8221; was unsuccessful due to his lack of experience in managing social media companies and over-reliance on a small circle of advisors.
The book also sheds light on a controversial incident involving Musk&#8217;s personal life, where the name chosen for his second child with musician Grimes was initially given to one of Musk&#8217;s twins with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis.
The name was later changed following public outcry, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-grimes-baby-name-new-book-character-limit-2024">reports</a> Business Insider.
Speaking with the outlet, Conger said, &#8220;Musk was being advised by a very limited circle of people who had not a lot of depth of knowledge about the things that he was taking on. And he&#8217;s always kind of operated in limited circles, but it surprised me just how tiny that world had become by the time he tried to take over Twitter.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40001741/grimes-mother-accuses-musk-of-withholding-children-amid-custody-battle-please-elon-i-beg-you">Grimes&#8217; Mother Accuses Musk Of Withholding Children Amid Custody Battle: &#8216;Please Elon, I Beg You&#8217;</a>
Talking about baby-name situation, Conger said, &#8220;Elon and Grimes had picked out a name for their daughter that they wanted to use. That name ended up being used for one of Shivon Zilis&#8217; twins with Elon. When Grimes found out about it, obviously she was very upset.&#8221;
&#8220;She&nbsp;posted some song lyrics&nbsp;that she had written about the name essentially being stolen from her. And then Shivon ended up changing that child&#8217;s name, which is how the existence of Shivon&#8217;s children came to light to the public, actually, because the name-change paperwork became public,&#8221; the author added. 
Why It Matters: The book&#8217;s revelations underscore the complexities and challenges that can arise when a high-profile individual like Musk takes over a major social media platform. 
Musk&#8217;s lack of experience in the sector and his reliance on a small group of advisors may have contributed to Twitter&#8217;s decline under his leadership.
The controversy surrounding the naming of Musk&#8217;s child also highlights the scrutiny that public figures like Musk face in their personal lives. This incident, along with the details of Musk&#8217;s Twitter takeover, provide a deeper understanding of the events that have shaped Twitter&#8217;s recent history.
Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter is set to be released on Tuesday.
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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.

Social Media

New Book Reveals Elon Musk's Twitter Buy Fumble And Mix-Up Over Grimes' Baby Name

The tranquil town of Springfield, Ohio, has been disrupted by Donald Trump&#8216;s baseless allegations about Haitian immigrants consuming pets. The claim was made during last week&#8217;s presidential debate, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40669286/harris-vs-trump-this-candidate-leading-in-numerous-polls-transforming-political-landscape">causing turmoil in the community</a>.
What Happened: Springfield, a town situated between Dayton and Columbus, has turned into a hub of tension and misinformation following Trump&#8217;s comments, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/springfield-ohio-town-center-baseless-trump-pet-eating-claims-tensions-2024-9">reports</a> Business Insider.
The Springfield, OH Community Facebook group, previously a platform for local dialogue, has now become a battlefield for intense debates and the dissemination of false information.
The situation took a turn for the worse when Trump mentioned Springfield in his debate with Kamala Harris. Even though fact-checkers and city officials refuted the claims, the damage had already been inflicted.
&#8220;In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people who came in, they are eating the cats. They&#8217;re eating — they&#8217;re eating the pets of the people that live there,&#8221; Trump said during the debate. 
Concerns are rising among locals like Sara Bear, who fears that their town of approximately 60,000 inhabitants will now be known as a &#8220;cat-meme town full of hateful bigots,&#8221; reports Insider.
The tense environment has resulted in restaurants receiving hoax calls inquiring about cats on the menu and even a bomb threat targeted at Haitian immigrants, leading to a temporary shutdown of Springfield City Hall.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40761916/trump-vs-harris-majority-of-americans-anticipate-peaceful-2024-power-transfer-if-this-candidate-wins">Trump Vs Harris: Majority Of Americans Anticipate Peaceful 2024 Power Transfer If This Candidate Wins</a>
Other residents, such as Jessica Eikleberry and Olivia Parkinson, are worried about the town&#8217;s reputation and safety being significantly jeopardized, with heightened racial tensions and fears for the safety of people of color. The town&#8217;s image is also impacting local businesses and potentially discouraging people from relocating to or remaining in Springfield.
Despite the prevailing situation, some residents like Marjory Wentworth are making efforts to support the Haitian community, who feel they are being exploited and vilified for political advantages. Haitian immigrant Marco Lapaix voiced his fear and annoyance but underscored the importance of fighting for acceptance.
Also Read:&nbsp;<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>
Why It Matters: The incident in Springfield, Ohio underscores the power of public figures&#8217; words and their potential to incite division and unrest. 
The unfounded claims have not only disrupted the peace of the town but also threatened the safety and harmony of its diverse community. 
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible and accurate public discourse, especially from influential figures.
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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.

Donald Trump's Pet-Eating Claims Shaking Up Springfield, Ohio

A recent study sheds new light on the use of cannabis for managing menstrual discomfort, specifically through the application of a high-CBD <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/07/16880053/goldleaf-sophie-saint-thomas-and-foria-collaborate-on-the-intimacy-journal">vaginal suppository. </a>
The study, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44294-024-00032-0">published</a> in NPJ Women's Health, explores the effects of a commercially available product, Foria, which contains 100 milligrams of cannabidiol (CBD).
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/02/36353853/cbd-infused-tampons-are-real-and-science-says-they-are-safe-and-effective-for-menstrual-pain">CBD-Infused Tampons Are Real &#8211; And Science Says They Are Safe And Effective For Menstrual Pain</a>
This research is significant as it marks the first investigation into a &#8220;real-world&#8221; high-CBD suppository for menstrual-related symptoms, also known as dysmenorrhea.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CBD's Impact On Menstrual Symptoms</h3>
Conducted by researchers from the McLean Hospital Imaging Center and Harvard Medical School, the study involved 307 participants assigned female at birth. 
Of these, 77 received the CBD suppository, while the remaining participants continued their usual treatment. The results were promising: those using the suppository reported notably reduced menstrual pain, improved mood and a decrease in the use of pain medications compared to those using conventional treatments.
"This is the first study to assess the impact of a ‘real-world,' commercially-available, high-CBD suppository on menstrual-related pain and discomfort," the report states. 
The findings suggest that these suppositories could alleviate a range of menstrual-related symptoms, enhance daily functioning and decrease reliance on analgesics. After one month, 72.9% of the CBD users noted at least moderate improvement, which increased to 81.1% after two months.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Higher CBD Usage Tied To Greater Menstrual Symptom Relief</h3>
An intriguing aspect of the study was the observed dose-dependent response. Participants who used the suppositories more frequently reported greater symptom relief. "Increased suppository use was significantly associated with greater reduction of symptoms," the report indicates.
Despite these encouraging results, the researchers call for further investigation. They advocate for randomized clinical trials to replicate these findings and confirm the efficacy of cannabinoid-based therapies for menstrual pain. "Vaginal suppositories can be an effective route of administration for cannabinoid-based therapies," they add.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How This CBD Study Stacks Up Against Past Research</h3>
This study builds on earlier <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2024-61679-001.html">research</a> published in March, which examined the impact of orally administered CBD on menstrual-related symptoms. That study highlighted CBD&#8217;s effectiveness in alleviating symptoms such as irritability and stress, setting a precedent for the current investigation into vaginal administration.
The study, which claimed to be the first to examine cannabidiol&#8217;s effects on menstrual-related symptoms (MRS) and irritability, found significant improvements. 
&#8220;Results revealed reductions…in MRS, irritability, anxiety, global impression of change, stress, and subjective severity scores when comparing baseline to all 3 months of CBD consumption,&#8221; the authors wrote, concluding that &#8220;CBD may be an effective treatment in alleviating MRS.&#8221;
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Cover image made with AI.

Health Care

CBD Suppositories Could Be A Game-Changer For Menstrual Relief, Harvard Study Shows

The upcoming U.S. presidential election is shaping up to be a nail-biter, with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump running <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">neck-and-neck in recent polls</a>.
What Happened: The November 5 election is a close contest between Harris and Trump. The political landscape shifted dramatically in July when President Joe Biden stepped down from the race and threw his support behind Harris.
Latest polls from sources such <a href="https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/harris-maintains-slight-edge-over-trump-among-voters-nationwide">as</a> Reuters/Ipsos and YouGov <a href="https://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/50518-kamala-harris-debate-win-hasnt-yet-won-her-new-voters">poll</a> suggest a slight lead for Harris over Trump. Despite Harris being viewed as the victor of the recent debate by a majority of viewers, the polls indicate no significant change in voter intentions.
While national polls offer a snapshot of a candidate&#8217;s overall popularity, the US electoral college system complicates the prediction of the election&#8217;s outcome. The seven key battleground states are particularly pivotal, with polls showing less than a one percentage point gap between the two candidates in several of these states.
A Morning Consult <a href="https://pro.morningconsult.com/instant-intel/harris-trump-first-debate-poll">poll</a> of 3,300 likely voters showed no increase in support for Harris, who held a 50% to 45% lead. However, Trump did see a slight dip, dropping one point from 46% in the pre-debate poll.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40669286/harris-vs-trump-this-candidate-leading-in-numerous-polls-transforming-political-landscape">Harris Vs Trump: This Candidate Leading in Numerous Polls, Transforming Political Landscape</a>
Prior to Harris&#8217; nomination, Biden was lagging behind Trump by nearly five percentage points in these battleground states. However, the race has become more competitive since Harris entered the campaign trail, holding a slight lead over Trump in an average of national polls.
Despite the polls indicating a tight race between Harris and Trump, both nationally and in battleground states, the winner remains unpredictable due to the narrow margins and potential inaccuracies in polling.
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Why It Matters: The 2024 U.S. election is a significant event, not just for the country, but for the world. The outcome will shape US domestic and foreign policy for the next four years.
 The tight race between Harris and Trump underscores the deep political divides in the country. The fact that the race remains too close to call, despite the recent debate and shifting dynamics, speaks to the high stakes and uncertainty of this 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.

Trump Vs. Harris: Tense Standoff In Nail-Biter Polls

InterCure Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INCR#NASDAQ">INCR</a>) has shown resilience in its H1 2024 performance despite facing significant challenges, according to equity research by Pablo Zuanic of Zuanic &amp; Associates. The company reported revenues of 126 million NIS ($33.97 million), surpassing the estimated 121 million NIS. 
However, this is still below pre-October 2023 levels of 414 million NIS, mainly due to the ongoing disruption at its southern Israeli facility, which has been occupied by the IDF. The company invested heavily in restoring this facility and expects it to return to full operational capacity in the coming quarters.
Get Benzinga&#8217;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>. If you&#8217;re serious about the business, you can&#8217;t afford to miss out.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cash Reserves Plummet: Government Compensation Boosts EBITDA&nbsp;</h3>
InterCure reported an EBITDA of 17.6 million NIS for H1 2024, compared to the 5 million NIS estimate. However, this includes government compensation for damages caused by the conflict, which makes comparisons difficult.&nbsp;
The company ended June with 21 million NIS in cash, down from 111 million NIS in December 2023. Additionally, Zuanic noted the net debt increased from 60 million NIS to 112 million NIS over the same period, although the company has access to an unused credit line of over 22 million NIS.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Double-Digit Growth On The Horizon</h3>
Looking ahead, InterCure is guiding for double-digit sales growth in H2 2024, with revenues expected to reach around 140 million NIS, lower than previous estimates of 180 million NIS.&nbsp;
The company's expansion strategy includes launching more than 30 new GMP SKUs in collaboration with brands such as Cookies, Binske and Organigram (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OGI#NASDAQ">OGI</a>). InterCure plans to introduce Cookies products in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/germany-cannabis">Germany</a> by Q4 2024, in addition to ongoing sales in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/uk-cannabis">UK</a>.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stock Performance And Valuation</h3>
The stock has experienced a drop from its May 2024 peak of $3.12 to $1.97. Despite the decline, Zuanic notes that the company's valuation remains attractive, with the stock trading at 1x sales and 8x EBITDA for CY25.&nbsp;
InterCure&#8217;s enterprise value is currently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/pablo-zuanic">estimated by Zuanic </a>at $132 million, including $96 million in market capitalization and $36 million in net debt.
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INCR

Are Investors Missing The Forest? 35% Stock Drop Masks The International Potential Of This Weed Company

In the midst of a possible ban or sale in the U.S., social media giant TikTok is reportedly strengthening its ties with Amazon.com Inc, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/03/31504452/despite-the-controversy-surrounding-tiktok-young-americans-love-chinese-apps-heres-why">leading to speculation about a potential acquisition</a>.
What Happened: TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, is intensifying its relationship with Amazon. This strategic move has sparked rumors that Amazon could be a potential buyer for TikTok.
According to a report <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandralevine/2024/09/13/amazon-tiktok-ban-acquisition-bytedance/">by</a> Forbes, former TikTok head of sales for products and services Roee Zelcer said, &#8220;The writing is on the wall.&#8221; Even if an acquisition doesn&#8217;t come to fruition, Amazon&#8217;s increasing dependence on TikTok could strengthen the opposition to the ban.
Legal proceedings between the U.S. government and TikTok are scheduled to commence next week. The U.S. government might prohibit the foreign-owned social media app due to national security concerns. 
Amidst this uncertainty, TikTok has been strategically positioning itself further into the U.S. market, including a significant partnership with Amazon.
"Amazon is making it more convenient for customers to shop in social media by expanding in-app shopping in Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat and TikTok," said Amazon spokesperson Maria Boschetti. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38348328/tiktok-sale-or-ban-social-media-giants-future-hangs-in-balance-as-house-passes-controversial-bill">TikTok Sale Or Ban? Social Media Giant&#8217;s Future Hangs In Balance As House Passes Controversial Bill</a>
"In-app shopping with Amazon is available for select products advertised on these popular social media apps and sold by Amazon or by independent sellers in Amazon's store," Maria added. 
In the previous month, TikTok unveiled a feature that enables users to browse and purchase Amazon products directly within the app. Amazon has also urged its influencers to promote Amazon sellers on TikTok. This growing relationship could offer a substantial incentive for Amazon to acquire TikTok, should ByteDance decide to divest TikTok&#8217;s U.S. operations.
Why It Matters: The potential acquisition of TikTok by Amazon could significantly alter the landscape of social media and e-commerce. With TikTok&#8217;s vast user base and Amazon&#8217;s e-commerce dominance, such a merger could create a powerful synergy, enhancing user experience and potentially driving more sales for Amazon. 
Furthermore, it could provide a lifeline for TikTok amidst the ongoing legal battles and uncertainty about its future in the U.S. market. 
However, it remains to be seen how this potential acquisition will unfold and what impact it will have on the stakeholders involved.
Read Next
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

AMZN

Is Amazon Eyeing TikTok For A Possible Acquisition?

Following <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kamala-harris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kamala Harris&#8217;</a> announcement of her presidential run, 29-year-old superfan Irene Kim, who dedicates up to 14 hours daily to pop superstar <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/taylor-swift" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Swift</a> communities and has attended over five Eras Tour concerts, mobilized with fellow enthusiasts to boost Harris&#8217; campaign through <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40804934/taylor-swift-endorsed-biden-and-harris-in-2020-will-she-back-vice-president-again-in-final-">social media, memes, montages, and newsletters</a>.
Now serving as the executive director of the Swifties for Kamala campaign, Kim joined the effort to see the U.S. elect its first female president, believing Kamala Harris will safeguard the rights of Americans, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3d9dd8v75no" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> BBC.
Meanwhile, at MTV&#8217;s 2024 Video Music Awards (VMAs), Swift <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40835725/taylor-swift-thanks-travis-kelce-urges-fans-to-vote-in-vma-speeches-calls-2024-election-som" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">encouraged attendees to register to vote</a>.
The General Services Administration reported that 337,826 visitors were referred to the voter information website via Swift&#8217;s custom link shared on Instagram as of 2 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4875173-taylor-swift-vote-gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> The Hill.
This surge occurred less than 24 hours after Swift&#8217;s endorsement after 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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debate between</a> Harris and Donald Trump.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40824581/taylor-swifts-endorsement-of-kamala-harris-drives-over-330k-visitors-to-vote-gov" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Swift&#8217;s Endorsement Of Kamala Harris Drives Over 330K Visitors To Vote.Gov</a>
With over 3,500 volunteers, the Swifties for Kamala appears to be a well-established political force. Since they started tracking donations on August 1, they have raised more than $165,000 for the campaign, BBC added.
The Swifties for Kamala group operates independently and is volunteer-led, though they have maintained communication with the Harris campaign.
According to Kim, their discussions are more relaxed than anticipated and focus on online efforts and translating those into tangible real-world actions.
Can Swifties Shift Election?
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40804934/taylor-swift-endorsed-biden-and-harris-in-2020-will-she-back-vice-president-again-in-final-" rel="noreferrer noopener">In 2020</a>, Swift backed the&nbsp;Joe Biden-Harris ticket, and during the 2018 midterms, she endorsed two Democratic candidates from Tennessee.
Swift&#8217;s endorsement comes on the heels of her album &#8220;The Tortured Poets Department&#8221; which experienced a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/08/40448010/taylor-swifts-the-tortured-poets-department-sees-600-sales-jump-months-after-release" rel="noreferrer noopener">600% sales jump months</a>&nbsp;after its release.
The group has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok, but it&#8217;s unclear if these viewers are all US-based or if they were already inclined to vote for Kamala Harris.
However, in a tight election where a few hundred thousand votes in key states could make a difference, any increase in voter registration and turnout could potentially sway the outcome, BBC noted.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Swifties Rally For Kamala Harris: Taylor Swift Superfan Organizes Online Push For Democratic Ticket

Kevin O&#8217;Leary, the no-nonsense investor from Shark Tank, shared his thoughts on Fox News on the current political landscape and how it impacts his investment decisions. 
O&#8217;Leary, known for being blunt about business and politics, emphasized that, as an investor, he doesn&#8217;t care whether someone is a Democrat or a Republican – what matters most to him are the policies that affect businesses.
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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">As an investor I have to work with whoever is in the White House. I have to figure out what the policies are of both candidates. This will be the first time in modern history that a presidential candidate has not talked to the press. I have received NO information from Harris yet <a href="https://t.co/BWXGA3KUdo">pic.twitter.com/BWXGA3KUdo</a>
&mdash; Kevin O&#39;Leary aka Mr. Wonderful (@kevinolearytv) <a href="https://twitter.com/kevinolearytv/status/1834407207691042868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Nevertheless, he expressed concern regarding Vice President Kamala Harris, stating that he has not heard from her about any specific ideas that she would implement in the event of her election to the presidency. &#8220;I have no information from Harris yet,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary remarked.&nbsp;
He went on to explain how unusual it is for a potential candidate not to have laid out any clear policies. &#8220;I don't know why she's not talking to every outlet; we're not getting any information.&#8221;
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This lack of information is crucial for O&#8217;Leary because <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40150600/kevin-oleary-about-kamala-harris-its-not-like-she-just-started-yesterday-says-when-you-vote-and-">it leaves investors in the dark</a>. As someone who takes his financial risks seriously, he needs to know what policies will be in place after the election to make informed decisions.&nbsp;
&#8220;For me as an investor, … all I care about is how's it going to work in Michigan, how's it going to work in Pennsylvania, what's going to happen in Iowa. You can make a mistake when you vote and get it wrong; I lose $50 million,&#8221; O&#8217;Leary said.
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While he is frustrated by Harris&#8217;s lack of communication, O&#8217;Leary is often clear and outspoken that his concern isn&#8217;t rooted in party politics. &#8220;I want to do policy that helps create jobs in America, and I don't care whether they're red or blue or independent jobs,&#8221; he said.
The Shark Tank star often repeats, &#8220;I've never made any money on politics. I've made money on policy.&#8221;
Trending: TThe startup behind White Castle's favorite Robot Fry Cook announces a next-generation fast food robot –<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/miso-robotics-flippy"> Here's how to get a share for under $5 today.</a>
O&#8217;Leary repeatedly stresses the importance of policies that help businesses get the money they need to start and grow. He warns that raising corporate taxes, as some politicians suggest, could hurt the U.S.&#8217;s ability to compete with other countries. This worries investors like him, who want to keep the U.S. the best place for businesses to invest their money.&nbsp;
He says, &#8220;There&#8217;s a reason people go through barbed wire to get here. We can&#8217;t afford policies that drive them out.&#8221;
Trending: Unlock a $400 billion opportunity by investing in the future of EV infrastructure on<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/dunamis-1"> this startup already valued at $50 million.</a>
Despite his opposition, not everyone shares <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40748259/kevin-oleary-warns-kamala-harris-tax-plan-could-crush-u-s-businesses-heres-why-he-thinks-its-a-t">Kevin O&#8217;Leary&#8217;s disapproval of Kamala Harris&#8217;s policies</a>. For example, fellow Shark Tank celebrity Mark Cuban has supported<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/09/40855223/mark-cuban-praises-kamala-harris-support-for-business-is-her-new-tax-plan-a-game-changer"> her policies</a>.&nbsp;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">From the transcript of her speech "My plan will include new PENALTIES for opportunistic companies that exploit CRISES .AND. break the rules. And we will support smaller food businesses that are trying to play by the rules and get ahead." Nothing about price controls or…
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1825254414439129122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Cuban believes that Harris's plans, like helping first-time homebuyers and reducing economic inequality, are meant to give everyday Americans a fairer shot. To him, investing in affordable housing and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40544099/mark-cuban-responds-to-kamala-harris-economic-plan-with-dozens-of-tweets-says-she-didnt-mention-">preventing price gouging</a> could help people struggling with the rising costs of nearly everything.&nbsp;
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'As An Investor, I Have To Work With Whoever Is In The White House' Kevin O'Leary Remarks Having 'Received NO Information From Harris Yet' About Policies

Billionaire investor and founder of Bridgewater Associates <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ray Dalio</a> warns that the US election could cause chaos if the loser, especially Donald Trump, refuses to concede, resulting in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a cutthroat all-or-nothing approach from both sides</a>.
In a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gqgg4zdzlo" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview</a> with the BBC, Dalio highlighted that many people from states such as California, New York, and New Jersey are likely to move to states like Florida and Texas, driven partly by tax considerations and partly by differing values.
&#8220;My great fear is for democracy,&#8221; Dalio told BBC.
In an <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/d54e5886-7f9a-49c4-a915-61ca506e4514" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview</a> with the Financial Times earlier this year, Dalio suggested that the chance of a civil conflict in the U.S. could be as high as 40%, reflecting his serious worries about the nation&#8217;s current state. He clarified that this civil war wouldn&#8217;t involve physical violence but rather an intensification of political polarization.
In this scenario, individuals would relocate to states that better align with their values and ignore federal decisions made by opposing political factions, as he explained to the Financial Times.
Check This Out: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/05/38946694/ray-dalio-us-on-the-brink-of-civil-war-but-not-one-where-people-grab-guns-and-sta" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ray Dalio: US &#8216;On The Brink&#8217; Of Civil War, But Not One Where People&#8217; Grab Guns And Start Shooting&#8217;</a>
During a week marked by the televised debate between <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kamala-harris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kamala Harris</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kamala-harris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>and Donald Trump, Dalio expressed his deep concern for the future of democracy, regardless of the outcome on November 4.
&#8220;This reminds me of the 1930 to &#8217;45 period in which there was an economic crisis followed by democracies becoming dictatorships,&#8221; Dalio told BBC. 
Dalio noted that Germany, Italy, Spain, and Japan experienced the breakdown of their parliamentary systems due to internal conflicts among the far left, far right, communism, and fascism, and he observed that modern versions of these issues are currently emerging.
According to a December Gallup <a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/548120/record-low-satisfied-democracy-working.aspx" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey</a>, only 28% of US adults are currently satisfied with how democracy functions in the country, marking a new low compared to the previous low of 35% recorded shortly after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Satisfaction levels vary significantly between political affiliations, with 38% of Democrats and just 17% of Republicans expressing contentment. Additionally, those with less formal education tend to be less satisfied with the state of democracy.
&#8220;I do not know how this election is going to turn out and how these things will turn out. I do know that we have an exceptionally high probability of instability&#8221;, Dalio informed the BBC.
Why Dalio&#8217;s Views Are Significant?
There is some indication that migration in the US based on personal values is already underway, as predicted by Dalio. For instance, in July, Elon Musk declared his decision to relocate the headquarters of his companies, X and SpaceX, from California to Texas, BBC added.
Musk cited new regulations in California that prohibit schools from informing parents if their children wish to change their gender identity as a key reason for the move.
Reflecting on his predictive track record, Dalio told the BBC, &#8220;I&#8217;ve been right in the markets about 65% of the time.&#8221;
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Movers

Billionaire Ray Dalio Warns Potential Election Chaos Likely If Loser, Particularly Trump, Rejects Outcome - 'My Great Fear Is for Democracy'

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40862122/rate-cut-prospects-fuel-investor-risk-appetite-gold-hits-record-highs-harris-outperforms-trump-t">broader market strength</a> pervaded into the electric-vehicle space and most stocks belonging to the industry posted decent gains in the week ended Sept. 13. That said, some of the upstarts continued to bleed, reflecting ongoing struggles.
Here&#8217;s a rundown on what happened in the EV space during the week:
Tesla China Sales Momentum Accelerates: After weighed down by competitive pressures in China following the COVID-19 pandemic, Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) appears to be on the road to recovery in this key market. China insurance registration data for Tesla vehicles came in at a robust 16,200 for the week ended Sept. 8, CnEVPost&nbsp;<a href="https://cnevpost.com/2024/09/10/china-ev-insurance-registrations-week-ending-sept-8-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>, citing data provided by&nbsp;Li Auto, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>). 
Commenting on the data, Tesla bull and fund manager&nbsp;Gary Black&nbsp;said the weekly registration data suggested Tesla is on track to record the best quarter ever. With three weeks left in the quarter, the quarter-to-Sept. 8 data showed 15% year-over-year and 25% sequential growth, he said.
Meanwhile, sell-side analysts have begun trimming their quarterly delivery and earnings per share estimates for Tesla, ahead of the deliveries report, likely due on Oct. 2. CANACCORD Genuity&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40859757/tesla-analyst-says-business-before-pleasure-with-third-quarter-deliveries-report-ah">George Gianarikas reduced his estimate from 480,000 units to 469,200 units</a>, which however, is higher than the consensus estimate of 458,000 units. Most analysts suggested that they would look past the deliveries report and into the Oct. 10 Robotaxi unveil event.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-electric-vehicle-stocks">Best EV Stocks</a>
Lucid Offers Another Sneak-Peek Into Midrange EV: Luxury EV maker Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LCID#NASDAQ">LCID</a>), which held its Technology and Manufacturing Day at its Arizona facility this week, shared another glimpse of its mid-sized EV, which is set to roll off the production line in late-2026. The EV will have starting price under $50K, which will pitch it against EV leader Tesla&#8217;s hugely successful Model Y electric SUV. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Wrapping up Tech &amp; Manufacturing day: A new sneak peek at one of our upcoming midsize vehicles, set for production in late 2026 with a starting price under $50k. With leading technology and efficiency, it will be able to deliver the same range as competitors while using a… <a href="https://t.co/yJ5re2fIlt">pic.twitter.com/yJ5re2fIlt</a>
&mdash; Lucid Motors (@LucidMotors) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucidMotors/status/1833544464473985283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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At the event, Lucid showcased its technological advancements and provided updates on its roadmap.
Ford Eyes India As EV Export Base: Legacy automaker Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), which closed down auto manufacturing operations in India three years ago, will likely restart production in the country. Local media outlets reported that Ford International Markets Group President Kay Hart has submitted a letter of intent to the local government of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where its manufacturing plant functioned out of. The company reportedly wants to manufacture EVs for export, with the operations likely resuming in 2025. Down the line, the company also plans to have a battery manufacturing unit in the state.
Canoo Withdraws Guidance: In a filing with the SEC, Canoo, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOEV#NASDAQ">GOEV</a>) said it was withdrawing its previously-issued revenue guidance for the year ending Dec. 31, 2024, and also its previously-issued operational guidance relating to the manufacturing run rate, production and delivery of vehicles in 2024 and subsequent periods. The company announced preliminary third-quarter revenue of $0.1 million to $1.2 million and an adjusted EDITDA loss of $30 million to $40 million. The revenue guidance trailed the $2.45 million consensus estimate.
The company also said it has entered into the equity distribution agreement with Northland Securities to sell up to $200 million shares from time to time, through an &#8220;at the market offering&#8221; program. Canoo&#8217;s woes reflect the state of the EV startup ecosystem, which has been stymied by cash crunch, production hiccups and weak demand.
VinFast On Regulator&#8217;s Radar: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40828992/us-regulator-launches-investigation-into-vinfast-vf8-vehicles-over-complaints-of-issues-with-lane-ke">initiated a probe into EVs manufactured by Vietnamese EV maker</a> VinFast Auto Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VFS#NASDAQ">VFS</a>) based on complaints lodged by vehicle owners. The probe covered around 3,118 vehicles manufactured in 2023 and 2024, with owners alleging that the vehicles had problems with the &#8220;Lane Keep Assist system. The system had difficulty detecting lanes on the roadway, and provided improper steering inputs, making it difficult to override by the driver, the regulator said, citing the complaint.
The KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility&nbsp;Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KARS#NYSE">KARS</a>) fell 0.56% on Friday before ending at $19.38, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag">Benzinga Pro data</a>. For the week, the ETF , however, gained 4.47%.
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>
Here&#8217;s how the EV stocks fared this week:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Weekly Change (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tesla</td>
<td>+9.28%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nio, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>)</td>
<td>+10.56%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XPeng, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>)</td>
<td>+5.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Li Auto, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>)</td>
<td>+4.42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Workhorse, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WKHS#NASDAQ">WKHS</a>)</td>
<td>+17.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hyzon Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HYZN#NASDAQ">HYZN</a>)</td>
<td>-30.77%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canoo</td>
<td>-13.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>)</td>
<td>+2.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lucid Group</td>
<td>+10.36%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIE#NASDAQ">FFIE</a>)</td>
<td>-16.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKLA#NASDAQ">NKLA</a>)</td>
<td>+2.66%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VinFast Auto Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VFS#NASDAQ">VFS</a>)</td>
<td>+5.88%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>

Equities

FFIE

GOEV

HYZN

KARS

LCID

NKLA

RIVN

WKHS

XPEV

Tesla China Shines, Lucid Gives Peek Into Model Y Rival, Ford Eyes 'Electric' Restart In India And More: Biggest EV Stories Of The Week

A new Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) docuseries will see Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates interview politicians, celebrities and business leaders about a series of topics including climate change<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence"> and artificial intelligence.</a>
While Benzinga readers are not super familiar with the new show, they are looking forward to seeing investor Mark Cuban on the series.
What Happened: On Sept. 18, Netflix <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40738801/lady-gaga-mark-cuban-bernie-sanders-fauci-and-more-join-bill-gates-netflix-special-i-have-a">premieres a new docuseries</a> with Bill Gates. Titled "What's Next? The Future With Bill Gates," the docuseries will see the Microsoft co-founder hold conversations on topics such as climate change, deadly diseases, artificial intelligence, income inequality and social media.
Benzinga readers were asked if they planned on watching the new docuseries when it comes out and these were the results:
<ul>
<li>Yes, definitely: 31%</li>
<li>No, not interested: 35%</li>
<li>Haven't heard about it: 35%</li>
</ul>
Readers were also asked if they agree with Gates' ideas on big issues like climate change and artificial intelligence. This is how readers feel about Gates' ideas:
<ul>
<li>Strongly agree: 32%</li>
<li>Don't agree: 33%</li>
<li>Neutral: 36%</li>
</ul>
On the five-episode docuseries, Gates will hold conversations with several well-known people. Here's a look at who Benzinga readers are most excited about seeing interact with the Microsoft co-founder and share their thoughts on the topics above:
<ul>
<li>Anthony Fauci: 20%</li>
<li>Lady Gaga: 12%</li>
<li>Mark Cuban: 46%</li>
<li>Senator Bernie Sanders: 14%</li>
<li>Senator Mitt Romney: 8%</li>
</ul>
Cuban won the poll hands down with nearly 50% of the vote, making him the person readers are most looking forward to seeing on the series. Ranking second was Fauci, which could be due to his commentary on COVID-19 and vaccines.
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Why It's Important: While he's best known as a co-founder of Microsoft, Gates has shifted to a life of philanthropy and dedicating his time to helping with causes he is passionate about.
The show could illustrate how he is helping in several areas and if voices from other well-known people shift how he is thinking about his efforts.
&#8220;I have always loved learning,&#8221; Gates said. &#8220;Whether at school, Microsoft, or now, as a philanthropist, I consider myself a student.&#8221;
Gates is one of the most followed people in the world with more than 65 million followers on social media platform&nbsp;X, ranking among the top 20 accounts by follower count.
The study was conducted by Benzinga Sept. 10 through Sept. 11, 2024, and included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 170 adults.
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Bill Gates' New Netflix Series Features Mark Cuban, Voted Most Anticipated Guest: Benzinga Poll

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/06/39206589/sam-altmans-65k-openai-salary-masks-a-2-8-billion-startup-empire">OpenAI</a> reportedly plans to charge a steep price for a new ChatGPT premium subscription plan, which could go as high as $2,000 monthly for businesses. According to the report by "The Information," OpenAI aims to introduce premium tiers that are more expensive but will offer superior functionality and cutting-edge AI models that are still in development.
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These models include codenames &#8220;Strawberry&#8221; and &#8220;Orion,&#8221; which could handle more complex tasks than those currently available with the free version or the $20-a-month ChatGPT Plus subscription. While details are not confirmed, this move would target professionals and businesses needing top-tier AI tools for intricate tasks.&nbsp;
ChatGPT already has a paid plan offering quicker responses and some extra features. With over 200 million weekly active users, OpenAI appears to be looking for ways to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced AI. While the free version will remain for simple queries, this new model may offer something worth paying for – especially for businesses handling complex data and decision-making.
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The &#8220;Strawberry&#8221; model is rumored to be key, designed for reasoning using &#8220;System two thinking.&#8221; This would enable it to approach problems through a deliberate, multistep process, potentially solving tasks current models struggle with, such as advanced math​. Meanwhile, "Orion" is being trained using data generated by Strawberry and is expected to be even more powerful, possibly outperforming GPT-4​.
Competition in AI is heating up, with tech giants like Google and Microsoft constantly improving their AI capabilities. OpenAI&#8217;s shift toward premium pricing could be a strategic move to stay ahead. By offering exclusive access to its latest models, OpenAI hopes to remain a leader in the race for AI dominance.&nbsp;
Trending: General Motors and other leaders revealed to be<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/energyx"> investing in this revolutionary lithium start-up — allowing easy entry by launching at just $9.50/share with a $1,000 minimum.</a>
Insiders suggest that these premium plans could elevate AI functionality and attract significant investments. From <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/startups/24/09/40692021/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-will-push-employees-to-their-limits-but-is-reluctant-to-let-them-go-ill-tort">Nvidia </a>to Apple, reportedly looking to back OpenAI, this might drive the company&#8217;s valuation into the stratosphere and perch it above $100 billion.
If OpenAI introduces these high-end plans, they will likely appeal to professionals who rely on AI to handle heavy-duty work. Think companies in finance, health care, or even scientific research. These are fields where the ability to process vast amounts of information and generate accurate, in-depth insights could be worth its weight in gold. For the average user, though, the free or $20 options might still be more than enough.
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