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In a speech at the Democratic campaign headquarters, Vice President Kamala Harris confidently expressed her readiness to confront Donald Trump, drawing on her prosecutorial experience and outlining her vision for the country.
What Happened: As reported by Reuters on Thursday, Harris thanked President Joe Biden and confirmed Jen O&#8217;Malley Dillon and Julie Chavez Rodriguez would continue as campaign heads. 
She drew a contrast between her vision and Trump&#8217;s regressive approach, stating, &#8220;I took on perpetrators of all kinds. Predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So hear me when I say I know Donald Trump&#8217;s type.&#8221;
Harris warned of potential actions by Trump, including a national abortion ban, and asked the audience about their vision for the country. She championed a future of freedom, compassion, and rule of law over chaos, fear, and hate. She concluded her speech with a call to action, asking, &#8220;Are you ready to get to work?&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39878848/trump-vs-harris-first-poll-after-bidens-exit-shows-majority-approve-of-decision-but-heres-how-it-mig?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs. Harris: First Poll After Biden&#8217;s Exit Shows Majority Approve Of Decision, But Here&#8217;s How It Might Affect Ex-President&#8217;s Chances</a>
Why It Matters: Harris&#8217;s assertive stance comes in the wake of President Biden&#8217;s unexpected <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39874057/biden-drops-out-of-2024-race-in-bombshell-announcement-it-has-been-the-greatest-honor-of-my-life">decision to withdraw</a> from the 2024 presidential race. Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39875181/trump-wants-republicans-reimbursed-after-biden-quits-we-have-to-start-all-over-again">questioned Biden&#8217;s withdrawal</a> and suggested the Republican Party should be compensated for the sudden change.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39875041/gavin-newsom-backs-kamala-harris-calls-vp-tough-fearless-and-tenacious-the-ideal-candidate-to-counte">publicly endorsed Harris</a> for the upcoming presidential race, calling her &#8220;tough&#8221;, &#8220;fearless&#8221;, and &#8220;tenacious&#8221;. Harris, a former U.S. Senator from California, is seen as the party's top choice to succeed President Biden.
Harris has previously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36728971/kamala-harris-blames-trump-for-supreme-courts-reversal-on-roe-v-wade-he-is-proud-that-women-have-bee">blamed Trump</a> for the Supreme Court&#8217;s reversal on Roe V. Wade, connecting the introduction of new stringent abortion laws to his actions.
Photo: Lev Radin via Shutterstock
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39870306/biden-claps-back-after-trumps-ev-mandate-comments-at-rnc-what-the-hell-was-he-talking-about?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biden Claps Back After Trump&#8217;s EV &#8216;Mandate&#8217; Comments At RNC: &#8216;What The Hell Was He Talking About?&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

News

Politics

General

Kamala Harris Says She's Taken On Perpetrators Of All Kinds Before: 'I Know Donald Trump's Type'

When passion fuels our actions sometimes we can take things too far. Brian Thomas Borland, a 68-year-old marijuana enthusiast did just that when he told a jury to find him guilty of cannabis charges.
What happened: Borland, a well-known cannabis advocate in Northland, New Zealand was on a trial after police discovered two cannabis grow sites and about 100 plants, <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/522677/cannabis-advocate-brian-borland-tells-jury-to-find-him-guilty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">writes</a> RNZ. He faced charges related to cannabis cultivation and dealing marijuana on two properties on separate occasions.
"You have no choice but to find me guilty, " he told the jury, arguing that "Everyone should have the right to grow their own cannabis if they wish."
He stressed the need for changes in the law."Why I took these actions was simply to defy the law."
After 11 minutes of deliberation, the jury reached a verdict: Guilty.
After all, the jury was following the law, and as lawyer Pablo Hambler said in a closing statement there was no question as the whether he broke the law. "You may be sympathetic towards his position but this is not a case of what the law should be or what Borland might like it to be," Hambler said. "The law of cultivating and selling it to other people is illegal."
Read Also: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39320186/22-8m-europeans-used-weed-last-year-german-university-launches-marijuana-cultivation-course-and-" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Man Who Went To Prison 4 Times For Running Cannabis Cafe Is Back In The Game</a>
50 Years In Cannabis, Not The First Charge
Borland faced charges, but didn't stop there. In January 2023, he launched a business and a Facebook page openly marketing the sale of cannabis and seeds. The police found 52 plants and more than 600 grams of cannabis, and he was charged. He then pleaded not guilty, saying the cannabis was meant for clients with medical needs.
Borland confirmed he&#8217;d been in the cannabis business for about 50 years, seven of which he spent in prison. This time, he used the closing statement to make a make a statement – opposition to cannabis laws.
"Not all our laws are fair and the judiciary has a moral and ethical obligation to ensure the laws they administer are fair and just. Cannabis laws are not fair and all they are doing are protecting medical companies that sell an inferior product," he told the jury.
The judge tried to reason with him, saying he understood his moral stand, but advised him to rethink how would it be to go to prison, especially as an older man. "It seems to be a waste of a life but it's entirely up to you, you seem to be making a martyr of yourself."
"I just have to do what I have to do," Borland said.
He is still waiting for the sentence.
Read more on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/522677/cannabis-advocate-brian-borland-tells-jury-to-find-him-guilty" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNZ</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39874209/joe-biden-drops-out-what-would-happen-with-cannabis-legalization-under-kamala-harris-or-donald-t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joe Biden Drops Out: What Would Happen With Cannabis Legalization Under Kamala Harris Or Donald Trump?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Courtesy of H_Ko via Shutterstock

Cannabis

Passionate Pot Advocate In New Zealand Tells Jury To Jail Him As He Fights For His Right To Cultivate Cannabis

KITT

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

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In Japan, a nation known for its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/12/36107955/japan-approves-marijuana-derived-medicines-adopt-7-year-prison-sentences-for-recreational-use" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stringent stance on drugs</a>, Ryujiro Oyabu, a 52-year-old pottery artist, is making headlines with a court case that could potentially impact the country&#8217;s approach to <a href="http://benzinga.com/cannabis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a>. Oyabu, arrested in August 2021 with three grams of marijuana, is contesting Japan&#8217;s harsh cannabis laws, rooted in post-World War II American occupation policies.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Oyabu&#8217;s Arrest Exposes Japan&#8217;s Cultural Stigma</h3>
Oyabu&#8217;s legal journey began after a traffic stop led to his arrest and a three-week stint in a small jail cell, exacerbating his claustrophobia, <a href="https://inews.co.uk/news/world/cannabis-court-case-japan-zero-tolerance-drugs-test-3166758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> i News. &#8220;Japan is different from Western culture. Honesty is the most important value for the Japanese. Punishment isn't as important as shame – anyone who uses illegal drugs, he is not that human,&#8221; noted Shinichi Ishizuka, a criminologist from Ryukoku University.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Appeal Challenges Japan&#8217;s Cannabis Ban</h3>
The court initially dismissed Oyabu&#8217;s argument that the ban was unconstitutional, sentencing him to six months, suspended for three years. Unyielding, Oyabu has appealed, challenging the government to provide scientific evidence of marijuana&#8217;s dangers under new laws that acknowledge its medicinal use. &#8220;If that is the case, the government needs to scientifically demonstrate the harmfulness of THC,&#8221; stated journalist Hideo Nagayosh according to i News.
This case emerges amidst a broader global trend toward relaxing marijuana laws, with recent changes in countries like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39140974/mexicos-first-female-president-supports-cannabis-will-claudia-sheinbaum-legalize-marihuana" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mexico</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39493683/brazils-supreme-court-decriminalizes-cannabis-possession-for-personal-use" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brazil</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39830117/medical-marijuana-regulated-as-ibuprofen-is-one-of-the-biggest-breakthroughs-of-germanys-cannabi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Germany</a>, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39824908/south-african-companies-prepare-for-new-cannabis-regulations-experts-expect-lots-of-fundraising-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Africa</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/02/36941500/spains-medical-marijuana-law-to-function-soon-first-cannabis-club-in-malta-more-euro-weed-update">Malta</a>. i News noted Oyabu&#8217;s struggle has mobilized Japan&#8217;s nascent cannabis community, many of whom attended hearings to support him.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cannabis&#8217; Deep Roots In Shinto Rituals In Japan</h3>
The cultural significance of cannabis in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/japan-cannabis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Japan</a> is linked to Shinto, its national religion. At the Taima Hakubutsukan (Cannabis Museum), curator Junichi Takayasu showcases hemp&#8217;s historical role in Shinto rituals, emphasizing its deep-rooted cultural relevance. &#8220;Without cannabis, Shintō rituals cannot be held,&#8221; Takayasu explains, pointing to an important facet of Japanese tradition.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Japan&#8217;s Evolving Cannabis Landscape</h3>
Amidst these cultural and legal upheavals, Japan's National Police Agency recently reported that in 2023, the country <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/03/37907388/cannabis-arrests-in-japan-hit-record-high-australias-hemp-sector-faces-setback-moroccos-294-ton-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recorded a historic surge in cannabis-related criminal cases</a>. Alarmingly, young people represented over 70% of these cases. This rise in cannabis cases now outnumber stimulant drug offenses, reflecting changing drug use trends in Japan.
The Japanese government initiated a public comment period in late May on a cannabis reform bill that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39140255/japan-could-become-first-to-allow-cbd-in-food-thailands-medical-marijuana-costs-increase-6x-trig" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">includes proposals such as loosening restrictions on CBD in food products</a>. If passed, Japan could become the first country to legalize CBD in food. This move, along with the government&#8217;s recent expansion of access to <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/medical-cannabis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical marijuana,</a> could indicate a potential softening of Japan&#8217;s historically strict cannabis regulations.
Read <a href="https://inews.co.uk/news/world/cannabis-court-case-japan-zero-tolerance-drugs-test-3166758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more</a> at i News.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39874209/joe-biden-drops-out-what-would-happen-with-cannabis-legalization-under-kamala-harris-or-donald-t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joe Biden Drops Out: What Would Happen With Cannabis Legalization Under Kamala Harris Or Donald Trump?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Courtesy of RODNAE Productionsby Pexels.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Cannabis rescheduling seems to be right around the corner. Want to understand what this means for the future of the industry? Hear directly for top executives, investors and policymakers at the 19th Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, coming to Chicago this Oct. 8-9. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets now</a> before prices surge by following <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this link</a>.

Asia

Government

Regulations

Japanese Artist Arrested For Cannabis Possession Challenges Nation's Strict Laws, Echoing Global Shift

Vice President Kamala Harris is the current frontrunner to be the Democratic Party's nominee in the 2024 presidential election after President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39874088/biden-backs-harris-for-democratic-nominee-after-bowing-out-of-2024-race-i-want-to-offer-my-full-supp">withdrew from the race.</a>
Harris could set several firsts if she wins the presidency including the first woman president, an item that may have been predicted by "The Simpsons."
What Happened: Animated series "The Simpsons," which airs on Fox Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOX#NASDAQ">FOX</a>)(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOXA#NASDAQ">FOXA</a>) network FOX has had years of coincidentally predicting world events.
Among the wild predictions are the merger of Walt Disney Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) and Fox, the bailout of Greece, the invention of FaceTime, the introduction of autocorrect, FIFA corruption, the U.S. Men's curling team winning a gold medal, and Donald Trump becoming president of the U.S.
Recent predictions that may have come true include predicting Elon Musk <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/22/11/29876033/did-the-simpsons-predict-elon-musk-buying-twitter-this-2015-episode-may-have-been-prophetic">would acquire Twitter, </a>the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/06/32976792/did-the-simpsons-predict-the-titanic-sub-disaster-a-17-year-old-episode-goes-viral">tragedy of the submersible vessel</a> traveling to the Titanic wreckage.
A new Simpsons prophecy is going viral with news of Biden dropping out of the race, helping to elevate the status of the long-running animated series now owned by Disney.
The March 19, 2000, episode titled "Bart to the Future" features a flash forward for the Simpson family. In the episode, Lisa Simpson is the first woman president of the U.S. and she enters the White House taking over for President Trump.
"As you know, we've inherited quite a budget crunch from President Trump," Simpson says in the episode.
The episode is set in the future, estimated to be in 2030 according to Simpsons Wiki, and while Harris wouldn't follow directly after Trump, her presidency would come after he was in the White House and a recent memory.
Simpsons screenwriter Al Jean said Sunday he was proud of the potential "prediction" made by "The Simpsons."
<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">.<a href="https://twitter.com/TheSimpsons?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheSimpsons</a> "prediction" I'm proud to be a part of. <a href="https://t.co/ZvkqotRpsn">pic.twitter.com/ZvkqotRpsn</a>
&mdash; Al Jean (@AlJean) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlJean/status/1815107357669834777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Known for predicting future events, the prediction of Trump as president may be one of the show's wildest.
"We predicted that he would be president back in 2000 — but (Trump) was, of course, the most absurd placeholder joke name that we could think of at the time, and that's still true. It's beyond satire," Simpsons creator Matt Groening told the Guardian in a 2016 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/oct/13/the-simpsons-matt-groening-president-trump-its-beyond-satire-first-dog">interview</a>.
"The Simpsons" episode has gone viral in past years when Hillary Clinton ran against Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
The 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden also saw Harris wear a similar outfit to Simpson's in the episode, also causing the episode to go viral.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/02/36938351/apple-vision-pro-predicted-by-the-simpsons-heres-the-episode-highlighting-vr-headse">Apple Vision Pro Predicted By &#8216;The Simpsons&#8217;? Here&#8217;s The Episode Highlighting VR Headsets</a>
Why It's Important: While the potential prediction made by "The Simpsons" stands out, there could be several other entertainment connections to Biden dropping out of the race and Harris becoming the potential president.
A previous episode of "Veep," which starred Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Vice President Selina Meyer highlighted a similar storyline.
"I'm not leaving. POTUS is leaving. He's not going to run for a second term. I'm gonna run. I'm gonna run for president!" Meyer says in an episode.
On the show, Meyer becomes the first woman president in American history.
Biden is the first president since 1968 not to run for re-election in a presidential election.
"Veep" creator Armando Iannucci commented on X posts drawing parallels to the show and Biden stepping down.
"Still working on the ending," Iannucci said to one user saying the show predicts "our political reality,&#8221; as <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/veep-joe-biden-julia-louis-dreyfus-b2583667.html#:~:text=Following%20news%20of%20Biden's%20exit,POTUS%20is%20leaving.">reported </a>by The Independent. 
Hit movie "Barbie," which was the top-grossing film of 2023, also went viral on Sunday thanks to a potential connection and the timing of Biden's announcement.
In "Barbie," President Barbie is played by Issa Rae, a black woman. The movie from Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>) was released in theaters on July 21, 2023, exactly one year before Biden stepped down and Harris became the potential presidential candidate.
Harris could become the first woman, first Black American woman and first South Asian American if she goes on to win the 2024 election.
While these shows and movies are fictional, the potential predictions can't help but get people excited about possibly becoming true.
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Photos: &#8220;The Simpsons,&#8221; via IMDb, Harris via Shutterstock

Entertainment

FOXA

'The Simpsons' Does It Again? Could This Animated Show, 'Veep,' 'Barbie' Foreshadow Kamala Harris Winning 2024 Election

A soccer team bought by podcaster Peter McCormack has added to its Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) holdings months after announcing Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38260567/bitcoin-soccer-team-adds-winklevoss-twins-as-investors-in-english-premier-league-mission-w">joined as investors.</a>
Here's the latest on the Bitcoin soccer club.
What Happened: Operating as an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/soccer">English soccer team</a> trying to reach the English Premier League, Real Bedford is one of the few sporting teams from around the world that have Bitcoin as part of its treasury.
The team's Chairman Peter McCormack recently announced the team added to its Bitcoin holdings.
"Real Bedford has acquired 66.9 BTC for $4,500,420.69 @ avg price of ~$67,220 per #bitcoin. As of today, @realbedford HODLs 82.7 $BTC acquired for ~$5.3m @ avg price of ~$64,925 per bitcoin," McCormack <a href="https://x.com/PeterMcCormack/status/1815357073430876169">tweeted</a>.
The pro-Bitcoin podcaster said 15.8 BTC is held in the float for "football matters" and the rest is held in the team's treasury to help with "the club's long-term ambitions."
The post from McCormack drew <a href="https://x.com/PeterMcCormack/status/1815166633582956700?t=rFpoHDJinVs4paT7GLoghQ&amp;s=19">praise </a>from MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, who is known for buying Bitcoin with the software company's excess cash and has become one of the largest Bitcoin holders.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/22/06/27865236/exclusive-michael-saylors-microstrategy-is-married-to-bitcoin-everything-else-in-the-world">EXCLUSIVE: Michael Saylor&#8217;s MicroStrategy Is Married To Bitcoin: &#8216;Everything Else In The World Is Inferior&#8217;</a>
Why It's Important: McCormack shared a post from Saylor showing Bitcoin outperforming other assets classes like the S&amp;P 500, gold, the Nasdaq, silver and bonds from the date MicroStrategy bought Bitcoin through July 19, 2024.
"Football still doesn't understand this," McCormack tweeted with the chart from Saylor.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39817792/missed-out-on-nvidia-michael-saylor-says-get-on-the-bitcoin-standard-for-even-better-retur">Benzinga recently shared </a>that Saylor also took to X highlighting MicroStrategy shares have outperformed Nvidia since the company began buying Bitcoin.
"To outperform $NVDA – get on the #Bitcoin Standard," Saylor tweeted with the chart showing the returns of MSTR, NVDA and several other widely followed technology stocks.
McCormack shared that the 82.7 Bitcoin bought for $5.37 million are currently valued at $5.57 million.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

Sports

$BTC

MSTR

Winklevoss-Backed Real Bedford Soccer Club Embraces Michael Saylor Bitcoin Philosophy, Accumulates 82.7 BTC

The cannabis market saw a surge that waned by Friday, with the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSOS#NYSE">MSOS</a>) falling by 2.50% over the week, and the Global X Cannabis ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YOLO#NYSE">YOLO</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">dropping 1.73%.</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ascend's Financial Restructuring </h3>
One notable bright spot was Ascend Wellness Holdings (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAWH#OTC">AAWH</a>), which experienced a robust rally of 12.18% following the announcement of its debt refinancing plan. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39890121/cannabis-stocks-surge-then-plummet-on-news-that-biden-is-bowing-out-of-2024-presidential-race">Cannabis Stocks Surge Then Plummet On News That Biden Is Bowing Out Of 2024 Presidential Race</a>
Jesse Redmond, an analyst from Water Tower Research, reported: &#8220;Ascend announced on Monday it successfully refinanced its debt. The new senior secured notes were priced at 94.75% of face value, have a 12.7% interest rate, and are due in 2029." 
He added that "the net proceeds of the notes, together with cash on hand, will be used to prepay $215 million of principal amounts outstanding under its existing term loan."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jushi Faces Decline Amid Market Fluctuations</h3>
Conversely, Jushi Holdings Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JUSHF#OTC">JUSHF</a>) saw the most significant loss among major cannabis stocks, dropping by 9.84%. The decline reflects broader market uncertainties and investor reactions to the latest financial reports and industry developments.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cannabis Rescheduling And Political Developments</h3>
The cannabis rescheduling comment period is set to conclude on Monday, July 22, with industry stakeholders eagerly awaiting the response from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 
Jesse Redmond notes: "We are eager to find out if the DEA Administrator will grant a hearing and how long it will take to respond to comments." 
The upcoming elections and the Democratic National Convention, commencing on August 19, could play pivotal roles in the rescheduling process. Given the political dynamics, there is speculation that DEA Administrator Anne Milgram might expedite the review process.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Political Influences On Cannabis Legislation</h3>
In a significant political development, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39874209/joe-biden-drops-out-what-would-happen-with-cannabis-legalization-under-kamala-harris-or-donald-t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">President Joe Biden announced Sunday</a> that he will not seek re-election. VP Kamala Harris will replace Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance was chosen to be Donald Trump&#8217;s running mate. 
Vance, known for his support of states&#8217; rights to regulate cannabis and opposition to incarcerating individuals for minor cannabis offenses, presents a mixed record on cannabis reform.
Notably, he voted against the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, citing specific concerns rather than outright opposition to the bill. &#8220;Vance's SAFER objections were about a specific issue, and he does not appear to be broadly against the bill,&#8221; Redmond explains.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39890659/kamala-harris-u-turn-on-cannabis-heres-where-she-stands-on-weed-legalization-now">Kamala Harris&#8217; U-Turn On Cannabis: Here&#8217;s Where She Stands On Weed Legalization Now</a></li>
</ul>

Markets

AAWH

JUSHI HLDGS INC CL B by Jushi Holdings Inc.

JUSHF

MSOS

YOLO

'Opaque Political Processes,' DEA Rescheduling Deadline, And Now A New Presidential Candidate, It's No Wonder Cannabis Stocks Are Over The Place

Despite being the father to presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, Donald J. Harris&#8216; low profile is belied by the fact that he is a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/economics">prominent economic scholar</a>.
Who is Donald J. Harris?: Harris was <a href="https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/donald-jasper-harris-1938/">born</a> in Jamaica in 1938, growing up in St. Ann Parish before studying at the University College of the West Indies. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1966 where he met his future wife Shyamala Gopalan.
Harris and Gopalan had two children: Kamala and Maya, an attorney. They divorced in 1971. Harris was separated from his daughters in the subsequent custody hearings, <a href="https://www.jamaicaglobalonline.com/kamala-harris-jamaican-heritage/">according</a> to his 2018 essay.
&#8220;Nevertheless, I persisted, never giving up on my love for my children or reneging on my responsibilities as their father,&#8221; he wrote.
Harris became the first tenured Black professor at Stanford University in 1976. He wrote several books, including &#8220;Capital Accumulation and Income Distribution,&#8221; published in 1978. He retired in 1998 and <a href="https://economics.stanford.edu/people/donald-j-harris">holds</a> the title of Professor Emeritus.
<a href="https://web.stanford.edu/~dharris/professional_career.htm">According</a> to his Stanford bio, &#8220;His research and publications have centered on exploring the analytical conception of the process of capital accumulation and its implications for a theory of growth of the economy, with the aim of providing thereby an explanation of the intrinsic character of growth as a process of uneven development.&#8221;
He was <a href="https://archives.stanforddaily.com/1976/11/03?page=4§ion=MODSMD_ARTICLE11">labeled</a> a &#8220;Marxist scholar&#8221; by the Stanford Daily in 1976. Harris is a &#8220;post-Keynesian.&#8221;
Harris&#8217; relative obscurity is perhaps due to Kamala Harris&#8217; infrequent mentions of him relative to other members of her family. The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/kamala-harris-dad-don-harris.html">noted</a> that Kamala Harris did not mention her father when she formally accepted the vice-presidential nomination. She mentions her mother, Shyamala, more frequently.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39889666/kamala-harris-on-ai-tiktok-and-big-tech-breakups-privacy-is-not-being-compromised">Kamala Harris On AI, TikTok And Big Tech Breakups: &#8216;Privacy Is Not Being Compromised&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Lev Radin via Shutterstock

Economics

Who Is Kamala Harris' Father, Stanford Economist Donald J. Harris?

The cannabis sector witnessed significant movement&nbsp;today, with varied performances across key stocks and ETFs following<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39874209/joe-biden-drops-out-what-would-happen-with-cannabis-legalization-under-kamala-harris-or-donald-t"> President Joe Biden&rsquo;s Sunday&nbsp;announcement</a> that he will not seek re-election. The news&nbsp;created ripples in the market, reflecting investor sentiment and speculation about future <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39866755/trump-accepts-gop-nomination-as-party-begins-to-embrace-cannabis-legalization-says-republican-co">regulatory changes</a>.
<h3>Biggest Winners</h3>
<ul>
<li>Aurora Cannabis (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/acb#NASDAQ">ACB</a>): Increased by 9.04% to $6.02. Positive sentiment is driven by strategic partnerships.</li>
<li>Village Farms International (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vff#NASDAQ">VFF</a>): Rose by 7.41% to $1.09. The stock benefited from operational efficiency news.</li>
<li>Tilray Brands (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tlry#NASDAQ">TLRY</a>): Saw a rise of 6.70% to $1.87. Investor optimism on future growth prospects in Germany.</li>
<li>SNDL (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sndl#NASDAQ">SNDL</a>): Experienced an increase of 9.66% to $2.22. Strong earnings and cash flow, reports boosted the stock.</li>
<li>Medicine Man Technologies (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/shwz#OTC">SHWZ</a>): Saw a remarkable gain of 100.00% to $0.30.</li>
<li>OrganiGram Holdings (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ogi#NASDAQ">OGI</a>): Rose by 6.67% to $1.74.</li>
<li>Innovative Industrial Properties (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/iipr#NASDAQ">IIPR</a>): Gained 1.56% to $120.13. Stable financial performance attracted investors.</li>
<li>Cronos Group (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cron#NASDAQ">CRON</a>): Increased by 3.78% to $2.45.</li>
<li>Canopy Growth (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cgc#NASDAQ">CGC</a>): Increased by 16.7% to $7.84.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Multi-State Cannabis Operators In The USA</h3>
<ul>
<li>Curaleaf Holdings (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/curlf#OTC">CURLF</a>): Increased by 3.13% to $4.28.</li>
<li>Jushi Holdings (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jushf#OTC">JUSHF</a>): Up by 7.27% to $0.59.</li>
<li>Green Thumb Industries (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gtbif#OTC">GTBIF</a>): Was up by 4.04% to $11.60.</li>
<li>Trulieve Cannabis (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tcnnf#OTC">TCNNF</a>): Was also up, at the last minute, by 3.78% to $10.75.</li>
<li>Cresco Labs (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/crlbf#OTC">CRLBF</a>): Rose by 6.42% to $1.74.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Performance Of Cannabis ETFs</h3>
<ul>
<li>AdvisorShares Pure Cannabis ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/yolo#NYSE">YOLO</a>): Rose by 4.84% to $3.58.</li>
<li>AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msos#NYSE">MSOS</a>): Experienced a gain of 5.67% to $7.83. Increased activity and positive sentiment drove the ETF higher.</li>
</ul>
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39369432/what-is-the-trump-factor-justice-depts-impact-on-cannabis-rescheduling-stocks-and-i">What Is The Trump Factor? Justice Dept&#39;s Impact On Cannabis Rescheduling, Stocks And Investments</a>
These issues will be among the hot topics at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago this Oct. 8-9. Join us to get more insight into what the wave of weed legalization means for the future of investing in the&nbsp;industry. Hear directly from top executives, investors, advocates, and policymakers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Get your tickets now</a>&nbsp;before prices go up by following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzinga-capital-conference-cannabis-fall-2024-tickets-858948065787?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">this link</a>.
Photo: AI-Generated Image.&nbsp;
Disclosure: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Penny Stocks

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Small Cap

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CRON

CURALEAF HLDGS INC by Curaleaf Hldgs Inc.

CURLF

GTBIF

IIPR

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SNDL

TCNNF

TLRY

Cannabis Stocks React To Biden Announcement: Monday's Closing Market Moves

Acima seeks to halt what it contends is the CFPB&#39;s illegal attempt to expand its authority as limited by federal law and usurp the long-standing, comprehensive state regulatory framework governing the lease-to-own industry.

Legal

UPBD

Upbound Business Acima Leasing Files Lawsuit Against US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau In District Court For The Eastern District Of Texas

The registration statement for BlackRock's iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA), has been declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). ETHA seeks to track the price of Ethereum's native token, ether, and is expected to begin trading on Nasdaq on July 23, 2024. ETHA carries a 0.25% sponsor fee with a one-year waiver reducing the fee to 0.12% on the first $2.5B assets under management (AUM)1.

$ETH

Blackrock's iShares Ethereum Trust ETF Set To Launch; Says ETHA Seeks To Track Price Of Ethereum's Native Token, Ether, And Is Expected To Begin Trading On Nasdaq On July 23

Macro Economic Events

President Biden Tells Campaign Staff In Phone Call "Embrace" Kamala; Says I'm Going To Be Out On The Campaign Trail For Kamala Harris; I Won't Be On The Ticket But I'm Going To Be Fully Engaged; We're Going To Keep Working To End The War In Gaza; I'll Be Doing Whatever Kamala Wants Me Or Needs Me To Do

Upon closing of the transaction, expected to occur in the&nbsp;fourth quarter&nbsp;of 2024, the combined company will be named Phytanix Inc., and its common stock is expected to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol &quot;PHYX.&quot;
Phytanix is pioneering a new and innovative approach in the development of cannabinoid and cannabinoid-like medicines.
<div>The transaction reflects a pre-deal valuation of&nbsp;$58 million&nbsp;for Phytanix Bio plus the assumption of&nbsp;$17 million&nbsp;of preferred stock and&nbsp;$4.4 million&nbsp;of short-term debt that will be exchanged for convertible preferred stock at deal close</div>

CBRG

Phytanix Bio, SPAC Company Chain Bridge I  Enter Definitive Business Combination Agreement; Combined Company To Be Named Phytanix Inc.

Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google decided to abandon its long-standing plan to eliminate cookies in its Chrome browser, citing industry <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38333986/google-faces-regulatory-scrutiny-as-uk-watchdog-questions-privacy-measures">and regulatory pushback.</a>
What Happened: After four years of persistent efforts, delays, and conflicts with the advertising sector, Google made a U-turn on its decision to phase out cookies in Chrome, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/google-is-keeping-cookies-in-chrome-after-all-89debea8?mod=hp_lead_pos1">The Wall Street Journal</a> (WSJ) reported. This decision comes after both digital-advertising companies and regulators expressed their objections to Google&#8217;s proposed alternative technologies.
Instead of eliminating cookies, Google will now prompt Chrome users to decide whether to enable or disable cookies, according to the U.K. privacy regulator, which has been overseeing Google&#8217;s cookie-blocking plan.
Anthony Chavez, the vice president of Google&#8217;s Privacy Sandbox, acknowledged the significant impact this transition would have on publishers, advertisers and the online advertising industry. He announced a revised approach that prioritizes user choice and stated Google is in discussions with regulators and the industry as it rolls out this new path, WSJ reported.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39865930/from-giant-to-gone-billion-dollar-cannabis-company-medmen-sells-off-its-property-under-receivers?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MedMen Property Sell-Off Under Receivership, State by State</a>
Google initially announced its plan to eliminate cookies in 2020, with the aim of enhancing user privacy while browsing the internet. However, this move was met with resistance from advertisers, who argued that Google&#8217;s proposed replacement technologies would compel them to shift their spending to the tech giant&#8217;s digital-ad products.
In 2021, UK regulators began investigating whether Google&#8217;s plan would negatively impact competition in the digital advertising space. Google agreed to cooperate with the regulator, promising to give the agency at least 60 days&#8217; notice before removing cookies for evaluation, according to the Journal.
During the ongoing investigation, Google delayed its timeline to eliminate cookies initially set for 2022. In April, the Information Commissioner&#8217;s Office of the British government declared it would release a report highlighting significant flaws in Google&#8217;s proposed replacement technologies. Following this announcement, Google stated it would further delay the end of cookies past the previously announced deadline of the end of this year.
This latest decision by Google to keep cookies in Chrome could further intensify the regulatory spotlight on the tech giant&#8217;s privacy practices.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39875607/bitcoin-ethereum-hold-steady-dogecoin-spikes-as-biden-bows-out-of-presidential-race-king-c?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin, Ethereum Hold Steady, Dogecoin Spikes As Biden Bows Out Of Presidential Race</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: rafapress/Shutterstock.com

Tech

GOOG

GOOGL

Google Reverses Course On Cookie Ban In Chrome, Citing Industry, Regulatory Pressure

Vice President Kamala Harris could face off against former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election as the frontrunner to replace President Joe Biden, who<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39874057/biden-drops-out-of-2024-race-in-bombshell-announcement-it-has-been-the-greatest-honor-of-my-life"> withdrew from the race.</a>
Although they&#8217;re now political opponents, Trump once donated to Harris&#8217; campaigns.
What Happened: Harris has<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39892716/nancy-pelosi-endorses-kamala-harris-for-president-full-confidence-that-she-will-lead-us-to-victo"> gained key endorsements</a> from Democratic political leaders to win the party's nomination in the 2024 presidential election.
The vice president has also witnessed millions of dollars pour in to her campaign since Biden announced he was withdrawing from the race. While Harris could get key financial support from many voters around the country, she won't be getting a check from Trump this time around.
Records show that Trump previously supported Harris during her run for California attorney general. Business Insider <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-donated-to-kamala-harris-twice-as-private-citizen-2020-8?utm_source=briefing&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=washington_am&amp;utm_content=072224">reports </a>that Trump donated $5,000 to Harris in her 2011 effort and $1,000 in 2013.  
Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump also donated $2,000 to Harris in 2014, according to records.
All the donations were done before Trump announced his intention to run for president of the United States in 2015 ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Before serving as vice president, Harris was a member of the U.S. Senate from 2017 to 2021 and served as the attorney general of California from 2011 to 2017.
Trump acknowledged the donation in a 2019 affidavit, saying it was made at the request of then New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
"Mr. Schneiderman's former transition committee leader asked my daughter Ivanka if she would arrange for me to make a contribution to a fundraising event sponsored by Mr. Schneiderman for newly elected California Attorney General Kamala Harris," Trump wrote in the affidavit, as <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/209710/trumps-5000-donation-to-kamala-harris-was-at-request-of-disgraced-former-ny-attorney-general/">reported</a> by The Washington Examiner.
Trump said he made the $5,000 donation to the campaign as a sponsorship listed on the invitation, and attended the event with Ivanka and some members of the Trump Organization.
Harris later donated $6,000 to a nonprofit organization to offset the amount Trump donated to her, according to a <a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article226975319.html">report </a>from The Sacramento Bee.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39886916/harris-vs-trump-can-bidens-vp-defeat-former-president-head-to-head-polls-reveal-close-race">Harris Vs. Trump: Can Biden&#8217;s VP Defeat Former President? Head-To-Head Polls Reveal Close Race</a>
Why It's Important: For a businessman like Trump, donations to both Republicans and Democrats is likely not uncommon, and the contribution amounts pale in comparison to large donations made by millionaires to help candidates win an election.
With Trump and Harris now potentially battling head-to-head, the donations will likely continue to resurface and could become part of campaign attacks by Harris.
Since Biden announced he was stepping down, the Trump campaign has ramped up attacks on Harris, including Trump criticizing her "liberal, wake-on-crime record" in the state of California.
Trump told CNN that Harris will be easier to defeat in the 2024 presidential election than Biden.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/latest-research-webinar-redirect-evergreen?utm_source=website-content" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Turn Trading Into The Ultimate Side Hustle Using Benzinga Tools In A Free Webinar</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Trump Vs. Harris: Former President Once Donated To Her California AG Campaign, Arranged By Ivanka — Will This Contribution Resurface In 2024 Presidential Race?

Amazon workers organizing with the Teamsters at the company&#39;s major air hub in&nbsp;Southern California&nbsp;walked off the job Sunday in an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike over retaliation workers have faced for union organizing. The KSBD warehouse in&nbsp;San Bernardino&nbsp;is a crucial cog in Amazon&#39;s logistics network and the largest air facility on the West Coast.&nbsp;

AMZN

International Brotherhood Of Teamsters: More Than 100 Amazon Workers Organizing With The Teamsters Hold Walkout Over Company's Unfair Labor Practices

Bethesda Game Studios has become the first Microsoft-owned game developer to fully unionize under the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/06/39298491/cwa-charges-microsoft-supplier-lionbridge-with-unfair-layoffs-of-unionizing-qa-testers">Communication Workers of America (CWA). </a>
The union, consisting of 241 developers, includes artists, engineers, programmers and designers, marking a significant shift in the industry's labor dynamics, IGN <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/bethesda-game-studios-microsoft-game-studios">reported.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/05/38678051/microsofts-xbox-closes-4-video-game-studios-in-bethesda-restructure">Microsoft&#8217;s Xbox Closes 4 Video Game Studios In Bethesda Restructure</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A Unified Voice</h1>
The union was officially confirmed after 241 developers either signed a union authorization card or expressed their desire for unionization through an online portal. 
This milestone follows the unionization of Bethesda Game Studios Montreal in late June and approximately 300 quality assurance workers within Zenimax, Bethesda's parent company.
&#8220;We, a majority of developers at Bethesda Game Studios Dallas, Rockville, and Austin, are ecstatic to announce the formation of our union with @CWAUnion,&#8221; the group announced on X (formerly Twitter). &#8220;Together as #OneBGSUSA, we advocate for the betterment of every developer at BGS, setting the new standard for our industry.&#8221;
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Negotiations Ahead</h1>
With Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) recognizing the union, the next step involves negotiating a contract.
Senior system designer Mandi Parker highlighted the significance of this development in a press release: &#8220;It is clear that every worker can benefit from bringing democracy into the workplace and securing a protected voice on the job. We're thrilled to get down to brass tacks and win a fair contract, proving that our unity is a source of real power to positively shape our working conditions, our lives, and the company as a whole.&#8221;
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Industry-Wide Implications</h1>
Unionization is increasingly becoming a trend in the gaming industry as workers seek protections against issues like mass layoffs. Earlier this year, Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. &#8211; ADR&#8216;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SGAMY#OTC">SGAMY</a>) union ratified a contract, and Activision&#8217;s quality assurance workers also formed a union.
Microsoft has previously indicated it would not obstruct a potential union at Activision Blizzard, a stance that evidently extends to Bethesda Game Studios as well.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/05/38791690/xbox-exec-sarah-bond-addresses-microsofts-studio-closures-its-always-extraordinarily-hard-to-make-">Xbox Exec Sarah Bond Addresses Microsoft&#8217;s Studio Closures: &#8216;It&#8217;s Always Extraordinarily Hard To Make Decisions Like That&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using photos from Shutterstock.

Gaming

MSFT

SGAMY

Bethesda Game Studios Unionizes Under Communication Workers Of America

A handful of ultra-wealthy CEOs, hedge funders and venture capitalists are endorsing former President Donald Trump in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-presidential-election">the 2024 presidential race</a>.
Vinod Khosla isn&#8217;t one of them.
What Happened: While Tesla CEO Elon Musk, currently the richest person in the world by more than $50 billion, pledges to donate tens of millions of dollars a month <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39872015/teslas-elon-musk-recently-pledged-a-huge-donation-to-donald-trump-and-the-ex-president-returned-the">to Trump's campaign</a>, Khosla — a billionaire in his own right — refuses to hop on the &#8216;Trump Train.&#8217;
"Come on, Vinod. Trump/Vance LFG!!!" <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1815094152868298819">Musk wrote.</a>
Khosla, an OpenAI investor, <a href="https://x.com/vkhosla/status/1815096257867923740">fired</a> back: "Hard for me to support someone with no values, lies, cheats, rapes, demeans women, hates immigrants like me.&#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">Hard for me to support someone with no values, lies, cheats, rapes, demeans women, hates immigrants like me. He may cut my taxes or reduce some regulation but that is no reason to accept depravity in his personal values. Do you want President who will set back climate by a… <a href="https://t.co/2E7FqQUjH2">https://t.co/2E7FqQUjH2</a>
&mdash; Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) <a href="https://twitter.com/vkhosla/status/1815096257867923740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Khosla, an Indian-American venture capitalist and investor with a net worth of nearly $10 billion, <a href="https://x.com/vkhosla/status/1815165349161292162">posted</a> his support for an open process in selecting a Democratic nominee, citing potential candidates like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
He has also defended Vice President, and now Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, contrasting her to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/21/01/19152983/donald-trump-is-the-first-us-president-to-be-impeached-twice">twice-impeached Trump</a>.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39811211/as-billionaire-boys-go-all-in-for-trump-anthony-scaramucci-has-word-of-caution-tonic-they-are-prescr">As &#8216;Billionaire Boys&#8217; Go All In For Trump, Anthony Scaramucci Has Word Of Caution &#8211; &#8216;Tonic They Are Prescribing Will Be Bad For America And The World&#8217;</a> 
Billionaire Boys: Trump has <a href="https://x.com/pmarca/status/1813295088254259317">support</a> from a who&#8217;s who of wealthy bros: Marc Andreessen, the co-founder and general partner of VC firm Andreessen Horowitz; Bill Ackman, the founder of Pershing Square Capital Management; Peter Thiel, former CEO of PayPal; and former Yammer CEO David Sacks.
Thiel <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/07/17/g-s1-11654/five-things-to-know-about-jd-vances-connections-to-tech-billionaires">helped fund</a> Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance&#8216;s Senate campaign in 2022.
Khosla, who has racked up a fortune by backing successful startups like DoorDash and Instacart, shot down the idea that he would support Trump on Election Day.
"He may cut my taxes or reduce some regulation but that is no reason to accept depravity in his personal values,&#8221; Khosla said. &#8220;Do you want [a] President who will set back climate by a decade in his first year? Do you want his example for your kids as values?"
Harris also has <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/07/22/kamala-harris-endorsements-wall-street-billionaires-donors/">billionaire-backing</a>. Lazard CEO Ray McGuire, and Marc Lasry, billionaire CEO of Avenue Capital Group, are among her supporters.
Now Read: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39892716/nancy-pelosi-endorses-kamala-harris-for-president-full-confidence-that-she-will-lead-us-to-victo">Nancy Pelosi Endorses Kamala Harris For President: &#8216;Full Confidence That She Will Lead Us To Victory In November&#8217;</a></li>
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Legendary VC Khosla Claps Back At Billionaire Trump Ally Musk: 'Hard To Support Someone Who Lies, Cheats, Demeans Women, Hates Immigrants'

On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike Holdings released a sensor configuration update for Falcon sensor software that resulted in outages for a number of our customers utilizing certain Windows systems.&nbsp; The event was not caused by a cyberattack.&nbsp;
Certain&nbsp;Windows&nbsp;systems&nbsp;that&nbsp;were&nbsp;online&nbsp;when&nbsp;the&nbsp;update&nbsp;was&nbsp;released&nbsp;at&nbsp;4:09&nbsp;UTC&nbsp;on&nbsp;July&nbsp;19&nbsp;were&nbsp;affected.&nbsp;The company had identified&nbsp;and&nbsp;isolated&nbsp;the&nbsp;issue&nbsp;and&nbsp;the update&nbsp;was&nbsp;reverted&nbsp;at&nbsp;5:27&nbsp;UTC.&nbsp;
It continues&nbsp;to&nbsp;work&nbsp;with&nbsp;impacted&nbsp;customers&nbsp;to&nbsp;fully&nbsp;restore&nbsp;their&nbsp;systems.&nbsp;As&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;that&nbsp;effort,&nbsp;it has&nbsp;provided remediation&nbsp;information&nbsp;through customer&nbsp;support&nbsp;portal&nbsp;and&nbsp;published&nbsp;event-related&nbsp;updates&nbsp;accessible&nbsp;through blog&nbsp;at&nbsp;www.crowdstrike.com/blog.&nbsp;
This is an evolving situation.&nbsp; It continues&nbsp;to evaluate the impact of the event on business and operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;