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A <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/23/11/35886337/elon-musks-x-is-fighting-back-against-media-matters-sues-watchdog-over-ad-placement-report">lawsuit initiated by</a> Elon Musk&#8217;s social media platform X, formerly Twitter, against Media Matters For America, or MMFA, has been permitted to proceed by a judge who is a shareholder in Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>).
What Happened: Judge Reed O'Connor, a shareholder in Tesla, rejected a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on Thursday.
The lawsuit, lodged in Texas last year, contends&nbsp;that MMFA should be held&nbsp;legally accountable for negative reporting that resulted in companies pulling their ads from X, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/30/24232263/elon-media-matters-lawsuit-proceeds-judge-ruling">reported</a> The Verge.
O'Connor dismissed objections that the lawsuit was filed in a&nbsp;state where neither X nor&nbsp;MMFA is headquartered. He justified this by stating that MMFA had &#8220;targeted&#8221; two Texas-based advertisers, Oracle and AT&amp;T, in their articles and interviews.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40647123/elon-musk-questions-legality-of-openai-going-from-non-profit-to-for-profit-amid-apple-nvidia-investm?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Questions Legality Of OpenAI Going From Non-Profit To For-Profit Amid Apple, Nvidia Investment Buzz: &#8216;OpenAI Is A House Of Cards&#8217;</a>
The judge also ruled that X&#8217;s claims had enough merit to proceed in court. Unlike typical libel lawsuits, X does not accuse MMFA of making a factually incorrect claim.
Instead, it argues that the authors &#8220;deliberately&nbsp;misused the X platform to induce the algorithm to pair&nbsp;racist content with popular advertisers'&nbsp;brands.&#8221;
This lawsuit comes&nbsp;a few weeks after NPR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/09/g-s1-16087/elon-musk-lawsuits-texas-same-judge-hears-them-tesla-stock">reported</a> that O'Connor holds between&nbsp;$15,001 and $50,000 worth of&nbsp;stock in Tesla, one of&nbsp;Musk's other companies.
The judge&nbsp;recused himself from a lawsuit&nbsp;Musk filed against advertisers who stopped placing ads on X, the report noted.
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Why It Matters: In March, Musk shifted his focus to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37928180/elon-musk-shifts-focus-to-supporting-missouri-ags-legal-challenge-against-media-matters-following-cc">support a legal challenge</a> against Media Matters by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, following a setback in a lawsuit&nbsp;against the Center for Countering&nbsp;Digital Hate.
This development came after in California, U.S. District Judge&nbsp;Charles Breyer <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/03/37920503/elon-musk-whiffs-in-lawsuit-against-watchdog-group-judge-blasts-case-as-trying-to-punish-def">dismissed X&#8217;s complaint against</a> the Center for Countering Digital Hate stating, &#8220;This case is about punishing the defendants for their speech.&#8221;
Earlier this month, Musk&#8217;s company filed antitrust lawsuits, claiming a conspiracy to withhold advertising revenue. This lawsuit led to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40275708/elon-musk-led-xs-latest-lawsuit-forces-global-alliance-for-responsible-media-to-suspend-operations-r">suspension of operations</a> by the Global Alliance for Responsible Media. 
Meanwhile, a Brazilian Supreme Court justice has called for an immediate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40664929/brazil-judge-bans-x-after-months-long-feud-threatens-fines-of-nearly-9k-per-day-on-users-who-try-to">halt to X&#8217;s operations</a> in the country.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40591783/apples-september-9-glowtime-event-featuring-iphone-16-launch-could-kickstart-a-historical-period-say?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s September 9 &#8216;Glowtime&#8217; Event Featuring iPhone 16 Launch Could Kickstart A &#8216;Historical Period,&#8217; Says Wedbush Analyst Dan Ives</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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Tech

Media

TSLA

Elon Musk's X Lawsuit Against Media Matters Gets Green Light From Judge Who Holds Tesla Stock

Elon Musk&#8216;s SpaceX is looking to launch several Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit on Saturday after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) greenlit the resumption of activities for its Falcon 9 rocket which was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40618861/faa-grounds-spacexs-falcon-9-after-booster-fails-to-land-upright-polaris-dawn-launch-timeline-hangs">grounded earlier this week</a>.
What Happened: The FAA said in a statement on Friday that the Falcon 9 vehicle may return to launch operations even as the investigation pertaining to the failed landing of a rocket booster during a recent Starlink mission continues. 
The FAA grounded Falcon 9 on Wednesday after a rocket booster that supported a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/starlink" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starlink mission</a>&nbsp;earlier in the day failed to land upright on a droneship at sea and exploded upon returning to Earth. The FAA subsequently demanded an investigation and said the return to flight of the Falcon 9 rocket would be based on the agency determining that the &#8220;anomaly&#8221; doesn't affect public safety.&nbsp;
However, the agency said on Friday that SpaceX made a request to them to allow for the rocket to resume operations on Thursday and the FAA granted approval the next day provided that all other license requirements are met. The investigation, however, remains open. 
SpaceX is now looking to launch 21 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Florida at 3:43 a.m. ET. The company is also planning on another Falcon 9 launch from California, it said on social media platform X.
<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">Targeting back-to-back Falcon 9 launches tonight from California and Florida → <a href="https://t.co/SpsRVRsvz1">https://t.co/SpsRVRsvz1</a>
&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1829694994703331393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: The recent pause in operations for the Falcon 9 is significantly shorter than the pause in July. 
SpaceX halted launch operations for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40360084/elon-musks-spacex-meets-its-july-launch-numbers-halfway-through-august-with-back-to-back-launch-miss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two weeks in July</a>&nbsp;after an issue was identified with a Falcon 9 rocket's second-stage engine. 
The issue was identified during a Starlink mission launch on July 11 and the company resumed launch operations on July 27 after completing an investigation and deploying necessary design changes.
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read More:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40665221/nasa-revamps-spacexs-crew-9-lineup-to-make-room-for-astronauts-stranded-at-iss-due-to-boeings-starli">NASA Revamps SpaceX&#8217;s Crew 9 Lineup To Make Room For Astronauts Stranded At ISS Due To Boeing&#8217;s Starliner Issues</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

SPACE

SpaceX Gears Up For Another Starlink Mission After FAA Greenlights Resumption Of Falcon 9 Launch Operations

Former President Donald Trump has declared his opposition to a Florida ballot measure designed to prevent future legislation that restricts abortion access.
What Happened: Trump voiced his disapproval of the measure, which would also repeal the state&#8217;s existing abortion ban. 
Despite his earlier criticisms of the current law, which bans abortion&nbsp;after six weeks of pregnancy, Trump confirmed his decision to vote &#8220;no&#8221; in an interview with Fox News&#8217;s Bryan Llenas, <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4856299-donald-trump-florida-abortion-rights-measure/">reported</a> The Hill.
Trump has previously expressed his belief that the six-week limit is inadequate. However, he also criticized the Democrats for their position on the issue, branding their support for abortion up to nine months as &#8220;radical&#8221; and &#8220;ridiculous.&#8221;
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40643937/mark-cuban-wants-someone-to-explain-to-him-how-trump-would-tax-a-foreign-nation?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban Wants Someone To Explain To Him How Trump &#8216;Would Tax A Foreign Nation&#8217;</a>
&#8220;I think six weeks, you need more time than six weeks. I've disagreed with that right from the early primaries when I heard about it, I disagreed with it,&#8221; he stated. &#8220;At the same time, the Democrats are radical because the nine months is just a ridiculous situation.&#8221;
Trump&#8217;s views on abortion have sparked controversy, with some critics expressing disappointment that he has not championed&nbsp;a federal minimum standard for&nbsp;abortion, the report noted.
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s opposition to the Florida measure comes after a series of public statements on abortion rights. 
In April, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38230658/trump-urges-arizona-lawmakers-to-use-heart-common-sense-and-act-immediately-after-supreme-courts-abo">Trump urged Arizona lawmakers</a> to address the state&#8217;s abortion laws &#8220;as fast as possible&#8221; following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld an 1864 law making abortion a felony.
In June, he expressed concerns about the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39198912/trump-feels-stance-on-abortion-hurt-the-republican-party-theyve-never-understood-how-to-talk-about-i">Republican Party's stance on abortion</a>, suggesting it has negatively affected their electoral success. &#8220;I think the Republican Party has done an amazing job in certain ways, but they&#8217;ve never understood how to talk about it.&#8221;
By August, Trump had adopted a more <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40544287/trumps-reproductive-rights-pledge-sparks-outrage-among-advocates-kamala-harris-poised-to-capitalize">moderate stance on abortion rights</a>, angering anti-abortion circles and sparking outrage among advocates. His opposition to the Florida measure appears to be a continuation of his evolving stance on this contentious issue.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40591541/elizabeth-warren-says-kamala-harris-will-bring-down-costs-for-working-people-while-trumps-plan-helps?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elizabeth Warren Says Kamala Harris Will Bring Down Costs For Working People While Trump&#8217;s Plan Helps The Rich And Powerful: He&#8217;s Going To Let Americans &#8216;Eat Dirt&#8217;</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Politics

Trump Opposes Florida's Abortion-Rights Measure Despite Previously Criticizing Current Law: 'You Need More Than Six Weeks'

Woody Harrelson counts not investing in Elon Musk&#8216;s EV company Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) as one of his big investment mistakes to date, the actor said in a recent interview.
What Happened: In an<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/woody-harrelsons-big-money-regret-passing-up-an-early-opportunity-to-invest-in-tesla-d02e1e44"> interview</a> with Marketwatch published on Friday, Harrelson said that he had an opportunity to invest in Tesla before the company went public.
One of Musk&#8217;s people visited Harrelson at his house with a &#8220;really fancy, superfast car&#8221; and asked whether he wanted to invest in the company. Harrelson, however, passed on the opportunity then and now terms it one of his big investment regrets. But passing on the opportunity to invest in Tesla is only one of the many regrets he has, the actor said.
&#8220;This guy came up to the house and he had this really fancy, superfast car. Almost like a race car. Not an actual race car, but it was like a Ferrari-type car and it was super fast. We took a ride in it. He's like, &#8216;You want to invest [in the company]?&#8217; And I'm like, &#8216;Nah, I don't think so.'&#8221;
The &#8220;Ferrari-type car&#8221; Harrelson referred to in the interview is seemingly the company&#8217;s first-ever vehicle- the original 2008 Roadster. 
Why It Matters:&nbsp;Founded in 2003, Tesla eventually went public in 2010. On its first day of trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange on Jun. 29, 2010, Tesla shares closed at a split-adjusted price of $1.59.&nbsp;
Tesla shares closed at $214.11 on Friday, implying that its value multiplied by about 135 times since listing. The company&#8217;s share price even <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40008695/tesla-was-incorporated-21-years-ago-if-you-invested-1000-in-elon-musks-ev-giant-when-it-went-public">crossed $400 in November 2021</a>. 
However, the stock is down 13.8% year-to-date, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="650" height="450" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30233356/newplot-1-4.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-524222" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30233356/newplot-1-4.jpeg 650w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30233356/newplot-1-4-300x208.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure>
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40665129/tesla-considers-warner-bros-studio-for-highly-anticipated-robotaxi-unveiling-event-report">Tesla Considers Warner Bros Studio For Highly Anticipated Robotaxi Unveiling Event: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Flickr

Entertainment

Markets

Woody Harrelson Reveals He Passed On Tesla Investment Opportunity: 'Big Money Mistake'

Only two astronauts will launch on NASA&#8217;s upcoming SpaceX Crew-9 mission instead of four to accommodate the two astronauts who arrived at the station aboard Boeing&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40541938/nasa-chooses-spacex-over-boeing-for-stranded-astronauts-return-starliners-future-in-doubt">Starliner spacecraft</a>, the space agency said on Friday.
What Happened: NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will launch on the SpaceX Crew 9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) no earlier than Sept. 24 on a four-seat SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who are currently at the station, will join Hague and Gorbunov on their return journey to Earth in February 2025, the agency said.
NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson, who were previously slated to fly on crew 9, will now be reassigned to a future mission, NASA added.
"While we've changed crew before for a variety of reasons, downsizing crew for this flight was another tough decision to adjust to given that the crew has trained as a crew of four," NASA chief astronaut Joe Acaba said. 
Why It Matters: Williams and Wilmore launched into space on June 5 aboard Boeing&#8217;s Starliner spacecraft.
Though the two were supposed to return in about eight days, technical issues were identified with the spacecraft while docking delayed the return journey. NASA agency subsequently decided to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40548925/spacex-ceo-elon-musk-takes-a-dig-at-boeing-says-aircraft-companies-cannot-dominate-space-travel-indu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scrap the plan to bring the astronauts back on the Boeing spacecraft</a> altogether.
Starliner will now undock from the space station <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40645642/boeing-starliner-to-undock-from-iss-and-return-to-earth-without-crew-as-early-as-sept-6">as early as Sept. 6</a> and return to Earth without a crew. 
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40599693/elon-musk-reacts-after-nasa-oig-says-launcher-for-artemis-4-mission-may-cost-2-7b-holy">Elon Musk Reacts After NASA OIG Says Launcher For Artemis 4 Mission May Cost $2.7B: &#8216;Holy…&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

NASA Revamps SpaceX's Crew 9 Lineup To Make Room For Astronauts Stranded At ISS Due To Boeing's Starliner Issues

In the latest election forecast, pollster Nate Silver has indicated that former President Donald Trump is&nbsp;slightly ahead of Vice President Kamala&nbsp;Harris as they approach the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/08/40653618/labor-day-weekend-with-a-billionaire-did-benzinga-readers-pick-musk-branson-cuban-gates-or-bezo">Labor Day weekend</a>.
What Happened: Despite Harris leading Trump by 3.8 points in the updated Silver Bulletin&#8217;s national polling tracker, her chances&nbsp;of winning the Electoral College&nbsp;have seen a decline. 
Silver&#8217;s <a href="https://www.natesilver.net/p/nate-silver-2024-president-election-polls-model">forecast</a> shared on Friday, gives Trump a 52.4%&nbsp;chance of winning the Electoral&nbsp;College, which is&nbsp;about 5 points higher than&nbsp;Harris&#8217;s 47.3%.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40616726/marjorie-taylor-greene-calls-kamala-harris-weak-and-incompetent-for-needing-communist-comrade-walz-t?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marjorie Taylor Greene Calls Kamala Harris &#8216;Weak And Incompetent&#8217; For Needing &#8216;Communist Comrade&#8217; Walz To Hold Her Hand During Interviews</a>
Silver attributes this shift to the convention bounce adjustment applied to polls&nbsp;conducted during or after the&nbsp;Democratic National Convention. 
He suggests that Harris&#8217;s polls might be somewhat inflated at the moment, similar to how Trump&#8217;s&nbsp;numbers were inflated after the&nbsp;Republican National Convention.
However, if Harris can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/08/40642187/harris-vs-trump-vice-president-former-president-tied-in-swing-state-but-one-candidate-dominates-">maintain her current standing</a> for&nbsp;a few more weeks, Silver believes she could start to rise again in the forecast as the model becomes more confident that she&#8217;s&nbsp;out of the convention bounce&nbsp;period.
&#8220;Still, the tight polls in Pennsylvania are a&nbsp;worry for the vice president,&#8221; he stated.
Why It Matters: Silver had previously stated that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40623619/trump-vs-harris-polling-veteran-nate-silver-says-vice-president-has-97-chance-of-winning-electoral-c">Harris had a 97% chance of winning</a> the Electoral College if she secured North Carolina, a pivotal swing state.
Adding to the election fervor, both candidates will have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/08/40662509/harris-trump-films-to-hit-theaters-weeks-before-2024-election-one-candidate-tried-to-block-">movies released about them in October</a>, weeks before the 2024 presidential election. These films could potentially influence public opinion and impact the election results.
Meanwhile, earlier this week it was reported that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/08/40622610/gop-donors-strategists-raise-concerns-over-trumps-strategy-against-kamala-harris-if-he-continues-dow">Republicans are concerned</a> that Trump&#8217;s campaign strategy against Harris may be losing effectiveness. They are also troubled by Trump&#8217;s association with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40593890/anthony-scaramucci-accuses-trump-of-plotting-russian-style-oligarchy-in-us-through-project-2025-call?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Accuses Trump Of Plotting &#8216;Russian-Style Oligarchy&#8217; In US Through Project 2025, Calls Out Ex-President&#8217;s &#8216;Evil Genius&#8217;</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Trump Vs. Harris: Nate Silver Says Former President Now Ahead Of Vice President In Electoral College Odds After Adjusting For The DNC 'Bounce'

Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) is reportedly looking to hold its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39929718/tesla-robotaxi-unveiling-set-for-oct-10-here-are-the-updates-from-company-ceo-elon-musk-on-its-upcom">robotaxi unveiling event</a> at Warner Bros. Discovery's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>) movie studio in Burbank, California. 
What Happened: The news was first <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-30/tesla-plans-robotaxi-reveal-at-california-warner-bros-studio">reported</a> by Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter. The 110-acre lot has hosted famous productions such as Batman movies, the report noted.
<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga</a> reached out to both Tesla and Warner Bros for confirmation but is yet to receive a response.
The robotaxi unveiling event was initially slated for Aug. 8. The company delayed it to Oct.10 to make a few important changes aimed at improving the robotaxi and to give itself time to prepare a &#8220;couple of other things&#8221; to showcase at the event, company CEO Elon Musk said last month. 
Why It Matters: Musk is currently looking to convert Tesla from an EV manufacturer to an AI and robotics company with an increased focus on developing autonomous driving technology and humanoid robots. 
While the unveiling event is slated for October, it is "difficult" to say when the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40457848/elon-musk-agrees-with-ark-invest-analyst-on-biggest-challenge-of-ride-hailing-opera"> first unsupervised Tesla robotaxi ride </a>would be, Musk said during Tesla&#8217;s second-quarter earnings call in July. However, the CEO, known for ambitious timelines, hinted at the possibility of it happening by the end of 2024.
"It's difficult, obviously, my predictions on this have been overly optimistic in the past," Musk said. "…based on the current trend… you could do [it] unsupervised possibly by the end of this year. I would be shocked if we cannot do it next year."
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Tesla Considers Warner Bros Studio For Highly Anticipated Robotaxi Unveiling Event: Report

Two initiatives, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Initiative and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Initiative have both surpassed the required 87,126 valid signatures to be considered for the November 2024 ballot.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/nebraska">Nebraska</a> Secretary of State's office <a href="https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/news-releases/Secretary%20of%20State%20provides%20update%20on%20remaining%20petitions_0.pdf">confirmed</a> the 89,000 petitions have valid signatures and that officials are &#8220;nearing the end of the verification process by county election offices,&#8221; bringing them close to certification.
Crista Eggers, campaign manager for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM), expressed the excitement of those involved in the movement.
&#8220;After years of hard work, we are beyond excited that Nebraskans will finally have the opportunity to have their voices heard on this issue in November,&#8221; she said in statement <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=915727623928752&amp;set=a.480971450737707">posted</a> on Facebook. &#8220;Our fight has been long, it has been hard, but we have never given up. Today we celebrate that very soon, patients in this state will have access to medical cannabis treatment.&#8221;
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40660012/10-years-ago-alcohol-was-banned-in-kentucky-now-theyre-voting-to-legalize-cannabis">10 Years Ago, Alcohol Was Banned In Kentucky, Now They&#8217;re Voting To Legalize Cannabis</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Securing Legal Protections For Patients</h3>
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Initiative is designed to protect medical marijuana patients and their caregivers from legal repercussions. This initiative would ensure that those using medical cannabis, as recommended by a healthcare provider, would not face prosecution.
The second initiative, Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Initiative aims to create the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, which would regulate the state&#8217;s medical marijuana businesses.
This commission would be responsible for overseeing the cultivation, distribution and sale of medical marijuana and ensuring a structured and safe marketplace.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="847" height="1024" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30203923/Captura-de-pantalla-2024-08-30-a-las-21.19.24-1-847x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-524157" style="width:478px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30203923/Captura-de-pantalla-2024-08-30-a-las-21.19.24-1-847x1024.png 847w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30203923/Captura-de-pantalla-2024-08-30-a-las-21.19.24-1-248x300.png 248w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30203923/Captura-de-pantalla-2024-08-30-a-las-21.19.24-1-768x929.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/30203923/Captura-de-pantalla-2024-08-30-a-las-21.19.24-1.png 893w" sizes="(max-width: 847px) 100vw, 847px" /></figure>
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">Next Steps Toward Certification</h3>
While the petitions have met the necessary signature thresholds, Secretary of State Bob Evnen has requested that county election offices continue verifying signatures until they reach the 110% threshold provided under state law enabling them to stop verifying signatures.
NMM has<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39598184/is-third-time-the-charm-nebraska-medical-marijuana-campaign-needs-12-000-more-signatures-by-july"> fallen short twice</a> in the past. This time, with nearly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39650150/medical-marijuana-legalization-petition-ready-for-nebraska-ballot-dying-hospice-patient-signs-on">115,000 signatures turned in</a> &#8211; far exceeding the required 86,499 &#8211; it seems medical marijuana is on its way to approval in Nebraska.
<ul>
<li>Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40663474/stalled-in-bureaucratic-limbo-this-german-city-struggles-with-illegal-cannabis-as-demand-surges">Stalled In Bureaucratic Limbo, This German City Struggles With Illegal Cannabis As Demand Surges</a></li>
</ul>
Cover: AI generated image

Cannabis

Government

Regulations

Medical Marijuana Will Be On The November Ballot In  Nebraska, Officials Confirm

On Friday, a Brazilian Supreme Court justice called for an immediate halt to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40659229/elon-musks-x-platform-faces-80-chance-of-being-banned-in-brazil-before-october-polymarket-">operations&nbsp;of social media</a> platform X, formerly Twitter, intensifying the ongoing dispute between the court and&nbsp;Elon Musk.
What Happened: Justice Alexandre de Moraes demanded a complete&nbsp;and immediate suspension of X&nbsp;until all court orders are adhered to.
This includes the payment of fines amounting to 18.5 million reais ($3.28 million) and the appointment of a legal representative in Brazil, reported Reuters.
De Moraes has directed telecommunications regulator Anatel to enforce the suspension order and confirm its execution&nbsp;to the court within 24&nbsp;hours.
Following this decision, Musk took to X, and shared a way around the decision saying, &#8220;Now would also be a good time to download a VPN in case you get blocked.&#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">Just a reminder that you can always access this platform via <a href="https://t.co/bOUOek5Cvy">https://t.co/bOUOek5Cvy</a>, even on your phone. No app is needed. Now would also be a good time to download a VPN in case you get blocked.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1829665753416491026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
However, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40643433/elon-musk-lashes-out-at-judge-after-brazils-supreme-court-blocks-starlinks-bank-accounts-criminal-we">Judge De Moraes</a> has already cautioned that individuals or companies maintaining access to X could face daily fines of&nbsp;up to 50,000 reais ($8,900)&nbsp;to prevent&nbsp;the use of virtual private&nbsp;networks or VPNs to circumvent the&nbsp;suspension.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40647123/elon-musk-questions-legality-of-openai-going-from-non-profit-to-for-profit-amid-apple-nvidia-investm?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Questions Legality Of OpenAI Going From Non-Profit To For-Profit Amid Apple, Nvidia Investment Buzz: &#8216;OpenAI Is A House Of Cards&#8217;</a>
Meanwhile, Musk has also thanked the U.S. embassy after it noted freedom of expression as the fundamental pillar of a healthy democracy.
<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">The expression of support from the US embassy is appreciated. Indeed, without free speech, the public cannot express their thoughts or know the truth of the situation, making it impossible to vote with accurate knowledge. <a href="https://t.co/KUeEH7s2GN">https://t.co/KUeEH7s2GN</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1829542149354049904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: The feud between de Moraes and Musk has also led to the freezing of the financial accounts of SpaceX&#8217;s Starlink, a satellite internet provider partially owned by Musk, in Brazil.
In response to the freezing of Starlink&#8217;s finances in Brazil, Musk announced that the company would continue to provide internet service to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40649303/elon-musk-says-spacex-will-provide-starlink-services-for-free-to-users-in-brazil-after-countrys-supr">users in Brazil for free until</a> the matter is resolved.
X had foreseen the shutdown order, stating&nbsp;late on Thursday that it&nbsp;expected the Supreme Court justice&nbsp;to issue the order &#8220;soon.&#8221;
This development follows a recent order by de Moraes instructing Musk to appoint a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40623911/brazilian-supreme-court-tells-elon-musk-to-appoint-legal-representative-for-x-in-24-hours-or-face-su">legal representative for X</a> in Brazil within 24 hours or face potential suspension of the platform.
Earlier in the month, X had announced its decision to cease operations and lay off its staff in Brazil, citing &#8220;censorship orders" from Moraes.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40610686/call-of-duty-black-ops-6-pc-requirements-unveiled-heres-what-you-need-to-know?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 PC Requirements Unveiled, Here&#8217;s What You Need To Know</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photos courtesy: Shutterstock and Wikimedia

Global

Brazil Judge Bans X After Months-Long Feud, Threatens Fines Of Nearly $9K Per Day On Users Who Try To Access Elon Musk's Social Media Platform Using VPNs

ABIO

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

As Tuesday night&#8217;s Mega Millions drawing approaches, lottery fever is spreading across the U.S. The jackpot has swelled to $575 million, the ninth-largest in the game&#8217;s history.&nbsp;
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</ul>
The odds — a mind-boggling 1 in 302,575,350. For perspective, you&#8217;re about 300 times more likely to be struck by lightning this year.
If lightning does strike and you match all six numbers, your first big decision is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/06/39254579/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners-cash-or-annuity">whether to take the lump sum or the annuity</a>. The lump sum, estimated at $285.5 million for this drawing, is the popular choice. But it immediately <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36477813/these-lottery-winners-lost-everything-i-was-much-happier-when-i-was-broke">slashes your winnings in half</a>.
But before you start planning your private island getaway, there&#8217;s a sobering reality to consider: taxes.
The IRS automatically withholds 24% for federal taxes. But don&#8217;t be fooled — you&#8217;ll owe up to 37% come tax time, as your windfall launches you into the highest tax bracket.
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State taxes further chip away at your newfound wealth. They range from nothing in tax-friendly states like Florida and Texas to 10.9% in New York.
So, what&#8217;s left after? Let&#8217;s break it down:
In California, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming — states with no income tax on lottery winnings —you&#8217;d walk away with about $179.9 million if you chose the lump sum.
At the other end of the spectrum, New York residents face the steepest hit. After federal and state taxes, a New York winner would pocket &#8220;just&#8221; $148.8 million—still life-changing, but a far cry from the headline jackpot.
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Most states fall somewhere in between. In Illinois, for instance, where the last Mega Millions jackpot was claimed in June, a winner would take home about $165.8 million after taxes. According to CNBC, here's a look at the lump sum and annuity options for Powerball winners in various states:
<ul>
<li>Arizona</li>
<li>Lump sum: $172,769,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $349,129,380 </li>
<li>Arkansas</li>
<li>Lump sum: $168,772,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $341,079,360</li>
<li>California</li>
<li>Lump sum: $179,906,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $363,504,360 </li>
<li>Colorado</li>
<li>Lump sum: $167,344,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $338,204,370 </li>
<li>Connecticut</li>
<li>Lump sum: $159,950,362</li>
<li>Annuity: $323,311,860 </li>
<li>Delaware</li>
<li>Lump sum: $161,063,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $325,554,360 </li>
<li>Florida</li>
<li>Lump sum: $179,906,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $363,504,360 </li>
<li>Georgia</li>
<li>Lump sum: $164,232,862</li>
<li>Annuity: $331,936,860 </li>
<li>Idaho</li>
<li>Lump sum: $163,647,587</li>
<li>Annuity: $330,758,130 </li>
<li>Illinois</li>
<li>Lump sum: $165,774,562</li>
<li>Annuity: $335,041,860 </li>
<li>Indiana</li>
<li>Lump sum: $171,199,062</li>
<li>Annuity: $345,966,870 </li>
<li>Iowa</li>
<li>Lump sum: $163,633,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $330,729,360 </li>
<li>Kansas</li>
<li>Lump sum: $163,633,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $330,729,360 Kentucky</li>
<li>Lump sum: $168,486,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $340,504,380 </li>
<li>Louisiana</li>
<li>Lump sum: $166,345,562</li>
<li>Annuity: $336,191,880 </li>
<li>Maine</li>
<li>Lump sum: $159,493,562</li>
<li>Annuity: $322,391,880 </li>
<li>Maryland</li>
<li>Lump sum: $154,354,562</li>
<li>Annuity: $312,041,880 </li>
<li>Massachusetts</li>
<li>Lump sum: $154,211,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $311,754,360 </li>
<li>Michigan</li>
<li>Lump sum: $167,773,062</li>
<li>Annuity: $339,066,870 </li>
<li>Minnesota</li>
<li>Lump sum: $151,785,062</li>
<li>Annuity: $306,866,880 </li>
<li>Mississippi</li>
<li>Lump sum: $166,488,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $336,479,370 </li>
<li>Missouri</li>
<li>Lump sum: $165,774,562</li>
<li>Annuity: $335,041,860 </li>
<li>Montana</li>
<li>Lump sum: $163,062,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $329,579,370 </li>
<li>Nebraska</li>
<li>Lump sum: $163,233,612</li>
<li>Annuity: $329,924,370 </li>
<li>New Hampshire</li>
<li>Lump sum: $179,906,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $363,504,360 </li>
<li>New Jersey</li>
<li>Lump sum: $149,215,562</li>
<li>Annuity: $301,691,880 </li>
<li>New Mexico</li>
<li>Lump sum: $163,062,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $329,579,370 </li>
<li>New York</li>
<li>Lump sum: $148,787,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $300,829,380 </li>
<li>North Carolina</li>
<li>Lump sum: $167,059,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $337,629,360 </li>
<li>North Dakota</li>
<li>Lump sum: $171,627,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $346,829,370 </li>
<li>Ohio</li>
<li>Lump sum: $169,914,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $343,379,370 </li>
<li>Oklahoma</li>
<li>Lump sum: $166,345,562</li>
<li>Annuity: $336,191,880 </li>
<li>Oregon</li>
<li>Lump sum: $151,642,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $306,579,360 </li>
<li>Pennsylvania</li>
<li>Lump sum: $171,141,962</li>
<li>Annuity: $345,851,880 </li>
<li>Rhode Island</li>
<li>Lump sum: $162,805,362</li>
<li>Annuity: $329,061,870 </li>
<li>South Carolina</li>
<li>Lump sum: $161,634,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $326,704,380 </li>
<li>South Dakota</li>
<li>Lump sum: $179,906,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $363,504,360 </li>
<li>Tennessee</li>
<li>Lump sum: $179,906,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $363,504,360 </li>
<li>Texas</li>
<li>Lump sum: $179,906,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $363,504,360 </li>
<li>Vermont</li>
<li>Lump sum: $154,925,562</li>
<li>Annuity: $313,191,870 </li>
<li>Virginia</li>
<li>Lump sum: $163,490,562</li>
<li>Annuity: $330,441,870 </li>
<li>Washington</li>
<li>Lump sum: $179,906,812</li>
<li>Annuity: $363,504,360 </li>
<li>Washington, D.C.</li>
<li>Lump sum: $149,215,562</li>
<li>Annuity: $301,691,880 </li>
<li>West Virginia</li>
<li>Lump sum: $161,349,312</li>
<li>Annuity: $326,129,370 </li>
<li>Wisconsin</li>
<li>Lump sum: $158,066,062</li>
<li>Annuity: $319,516,860</li>
</ul>
Despite the tax bite, interest in Mega Millions remains high. The game has seen only two jackpot winners so far in 2024, a contrast to 2023 when eight lucky tickets had hit the big time by this point in the year.
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As you stand in line for your ticket, remember: the house — in this case, the government — always wins. But with after-tax payouts still in the nine figures, it&#8217;s a game many will play.
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The Mega Millions drawing will be held Tuesday at 11 p.m. Eastern time. Just don&#8217;t forget to set aside some of your winnings for the taxman.

Personal Finance

$575 Million Mega Millions Jackpot: Here's How Much You' Could Get After Taxes In Every State

Despite cannabis legalization in Frankfurt, the expected surge in legal cultivation has yet to materialize. The city, which could support up to 129 cultivation associations, has had only two applications submitted since the law took effect two months ago. Across Hesse, just 14 applications have been filed, including in Kassel, Gießen and Vogelsberg, with none as yet approved.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bureaucratic Hurdles Hamper Legalization Efforts</h3>
The slow response is largely due to <a href="https://born2invest.com/articles/frankfurts-cannabis-black-market/">complex bureaucratic requirements</a>. Applicants must provide extensive documentation, such as certificates of good conduct and an Elster certificate for electronic applications.&nbsp;
Additionally, addiction prevention training for club prevention officers adds another layer of complexity. In Hesse, it remains to be seen who is authorized to offer this training. A tight three-month deadline and application fees ranging from 500 to 1,000 euros have deterred many potential applicants.
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">Medical Marijuana Market Expands Amid Legalization Struggles</h3>
While legal recreational market struggles, Germany&#8217;s medical marijuana sector is booming. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) reported a 51% year-over-year <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40369868/medical-marijuana-imports-in-germany-increase-51-yoy-following-reform-cannabis-clubs-still-face-">increase</a> in medical marijuana imports in the second quarter of 2024. 
Germany imported 11,706 kg of dried cannabis flower, a 44% increase from the first quarter. The number of patients grew by 400% from March to June 2024.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Illegal Market Thrives As Legalization Efforts Stall</h3>
Despite legalization, Frankfurt's illegal weed market has thrived. Illicit cannabis trade has increased significantly as the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/germany-cannabis"> legal market </a>struggles to establish itself. The Frankfurt police and Public Order Office report minimal changes in enforcement, with 17 pending cases related to excessive cannabis possession. The Public Order Office has collected 278.50 euros in fines, targeting individuals caught with more than 25 to 30 grams in public or 50 to 60 grams at home.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40520655/25-german-cities-join-cannabis-pilot-trials-in-2024-under-new-legalization-law">25 German Cities Join Cannabis Pilot Trials In 2024 Under New Legalization Law</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Regional Disparities And Delays Across Germany</h3>
The challenges in Frankfurt are mirrored across <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/germany-cannabis">Germany</a>. North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, has received only 43 applications for cannabis cultivation associations, most of which are incomplete. Berlin faces even greater bureaucratic challenges, with no clear authority designated to handle applications.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, in Baden-Württemberg, 38 applications have been submitted, but none approved due to delays. Lower Saxony plans to introduce hefty fines for violations of cannabis laws, reflecting the broader difficulties in implementing new regulations.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Future of Legal Cannabis Distribution Uncertain</h3>
Despite these setbacks, Frankfurt is still interested in pursuing a controlled cannabis distribution model. Other cities, such as Wiesbaden, have shown similar interest. Wiesbaden&#8217;s Health Minister recently signed a letter of intent to join a regional cannabis pilot trial. However, Frankfurt has yet to finalize plans or establish a timeline.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40564933/berlin-grants-first-cannabis-cultivation-permission-lower-saxony-to-introduce-fines-with-hefty-p">Berlin Grants First Cannabis Cultivation Permission, Lower Saxony To Introduce Fines With &#8216;Hefty Penalties&#8217;</a>

Eurozone

Stalled In Bureaucratic Limbo, This German City Struggles With Illegal Cannabis As Demand Surges

The practice of &#8220;wake-and-bake,&#8221; consuming <a href="http://benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis</a> shortly after waking up, is gaining popularity among young adults, particularly as a method to manage social anxiety. This trend, addressed by Gary Wenk Ph.D. in a recent Psychology Today blog <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-brain-on-food/202408/the-motivations-of-a-wake-and-bake-cannabis-lifestyle">post</a>, is sparking concern among experts.
According to Wenk, a professor at Ohio State University, over 25% of young adults in the U.S. reported recent regular use of cannabis, a rise occurring in tandem with its growing normalization and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/38902713/weed-potency-has-increased-dramatically-over-last-several-decades-how-high-can-thc-limits-go">increasing potency.</a> This demographic often underestimates the risks associated with marijuana use, viewing it as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40484301/americans-view-cannabis-as-less-harmful-than-tobacco-or-alcohol-divided-over-impact-on-society-g">less hazardous than alcohol</a>.
<ul>
<li>Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter <a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe">here</a>. If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wake-and-Bake Tied To All-Day Use</h3>
The morning ritual of cannabis consumption, though seemingly benign, correlates with increased consumption throughout the day. A study highlighted by Wenk involving 409 young adults found those engaging in wake-and-bake reported being high for more extended periods of time during the day.&nbsp;
Interestingly, despite the longer duration of being high, Wenk notes that early morning use was not directly linked to an increase in acute negative outcomes like hyperemesis syndrome or impaired coordination.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cannabis Used To Cope With Growing Anxiety And Pressure</h3>
The psychological motivation behind wake-and-bake is particularly concerning. Many young adults use cannabis early in the day to cope with the pressures of school or work or to prepare for social interactions.
Wenk&#8217;s insights underscore the necessity for future research to explore the specific consequences of early cannabis use, especially regarding motivation and performance in academic or professional settings
Supporting Dr. Wenk&#8217;s insights, a recent study from Leafwell found that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39985209/study-reveals-top-reasons-teens-and-young-adults-consume-medical-marijuana-and-in-which-us-state">more than 40% of young medical marijuana patients cite anxiety as their primary condition</a>. As more individuals increasingly use cannabis for anxiety relief, the risks of wake-and-bake behavior as well as the underlying anxiety drivers warrant closer attention and public health intervention.
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Health Care

'Wake-and-Bake' Cannabis Use Rising Among Young Adults To Cope With Social Anxiety, Unaware Of Risks

A recent <a href="https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4947184/v1">open-label study</a> conducted by the University of Copenhagen and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has revealed that a single dose of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/psilocybin">psilocybin</a>, a psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, could offer a novel and effective treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). In the study, Mathias Ebbesen Jensen, Dea Siggaard Stenbæk and Catharina Dragsted Messell focused on evaluating the pharmacokinetics, feasibility, safety and efficacy of a single-dose <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/psilocybin-assisted-therapy">psilocybin therapy</a> in individuals with severe AUD.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Study Overview</h3>
The study was supported by several foundations, including The Novo Nordisk Foundation, The Lundbeck Foundation, The Health Foundation and The Ivan Nielsen Foundation.
It involved ten treatment-seeking adults diagnosed with severe AUD. Participants underwent a comprehensive treatment protocol, which included two preparation sessions, a high-dose psilocybin session (25 mg) and two integration sessions. The primary goal was to assess the effects of a single-dose therapy on alcohol consumption, cravings and self-efficacy over a 12-week period following the psilocybin administration.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Findings</h3>
The therapy demonstrated notable efficacy in reduction in alcohol consumption. The number of heavy drinking days decreased by 37.5 percentage points. Additionally, the average number of drinks per day reduced by 3.4 units
Participants also reported rapid and sustained reductions in alcohol cravings, along with significant increases in self-efficacy, supporting the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Positive Results: A Call For Broader Research</h3>
The findings suggest that a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin is both safe and effective in reducing alcohol consumption among individuals with AUD. Given the positive outcomes, the researchers advocate for larger randomized, placebo-controlled trials to further explore the potential of single-dose psilocybin therapy as a treatment for AUD.
Cover image made with AI

Psychedelics

Single-Dose Psilocybin Therapy Shows Promise For Treating Alcohol Use Disorder, Study Finds

August ended with a strong rebound in Wall Street&#8217;s major indices, reversing the early month market selloff as robust economic data <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40652826/dollar-surges-as-doubts-over-aggressive-rate-cuts-grow-wall-street-climbs-on-consumer-strength-7">dispelled recession fears.</a>
The U.S. economy roared at an annualized growth rate of 3% in the second quarter, surpassing earlier estimates of 2.8% and more than doubling the pace recorded in the first quarter. This marked the eighth consecutive quarter of expansion, bolstered by a substantial upward <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/08/40624663/us-economy-expands-by-3-in-q2-surpasses-earlier-estimates-jobless-claims-little-moved-last-week">revision in consumer spending.</a>
A stronger-than-expected acceleration in personal spending and income in July underscored the health of household finances. 
The Federal Reserve&#8217;s preferred inflation gauge plateaued after three straight months of decline, yet it fell short of the anticipated uptick, paving the way for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/08/40650834/feds-preferred-inflation-gauge-falls-short-of-expectations-in-july-personal-spend">a September interest rate cut.</a>
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, as tracked SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>), notched fresh all-time highs. The S&amp;P 500 index, meanwhile, inched closer to its previous July peak.
The positive market momentum persisted despite Nvidia Corp&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) much-hyped quarterly earnings — the most anticipated event of the week— failing to impress investors with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/08/40635333/nvidia-stock-dips-despite-q2-earnings-beat-is-the-ai-rally-fading">heightened expectations.</a>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Berkshire&#8217;s $1-Trillion Milestone</h3>
Warren Buffett celebrated his 94th birthday the same week his company Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) hit a $1 trillion market cap. The achievement underscores Buffett&#8217;s legendary investment acumen, solidifying his legacy as one of the most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/08/40652464/warren-buffett-celebrates-94th-birthday-with-1-trillion-market-cap-milestone-a-look-back-at-hig">successful investors of all time.</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">EV Sales Slow</h3>
J.D. Power projects U.S. electric vehicle sales in 2024 to reach only <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40624770/us-ev-sales-in-2024-to-reach-only-9-amid-slower-growth-marking-a-significant-drop-from-12-estimate-r">9% of the market</a>, down from the previously estimated 12%. The firm attributes the slowdown to increased competition from gasoline-powered vehicles and delays in new EV models from major Detroit automakers like Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) and General Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Real Estate Inflows</h3>
Investors have poured $2.2 billion into five real estate ETFs, anticipating potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. This influx highlights growing investor confidence in the sector as lower rates are expected to boost housing demand and provide attractive returns in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/08/40600134/investors-funnel-2-2b-into-these-5-real-estate-etfs-in-anticipation-of-fed-rate-cuts">the evolving economic landscape.</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Homebuyers Pressure Builders</h3>
Homebuyers are exerting pressure on builders, as mortgage rates are projected to decline. With falling rates in sight, buyers are negotiating harder. They expect better deals on new homes as the market adjusts to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/08/40637013/homebuyers-turn-screws-on-builders-as-mortgage-rates-are-telegraphed-to-fall">anticipated shift in borrowing costs.</a>
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Equities

Large Cap

Macro Economic Events

REIT

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Econ #s

Economics

Federal Reserve

ETFs

Real Estate

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

NVDA

US Economy Roars In Q2, Dow Jones Smashes Records, Nvidia Fails To Amaze: This Week In The Market

In a suburban Houston garage, amid a jungle of plants, Leena Pettigrew does more than just nurture them. She&#8217;s cultivating a thriving side business that&#8217;s blossomed into a six-figure success story.
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Pettigrew, 44, is a full-time IT analyst by day who spends her evenings and weekends tending to her verdant inventory. In just one year, her plant-selling venture on Palmstreet, an online marketplace for botanicals and home décor, has generated nearly $148,600 in revenue.
&#8220;I think almost anyone can do it,&#8221; Pettigrew told CNBC's "Make It" series, reflecting on her journey from novice gardener to an entrepreneur. Her success, she insists, doesn't come from horticultural expertise but from enthusiasm and a willingness to step out of her comfort zone.
Twice a week, Pettigrew takes to livestream auctions, sometimes with her husband Marquise by her side, to sell about 100 plants per session. The venture has proven so lucrative that Marquise has reduced his hours at their co-owned automotive shop.
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But how does one transform a hobby into a profitable side hustle? Experts and successful entrepreneurs suggest<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/08/40544061/young-entrepreneur-makes-354-000-a-month-tips-on-turning-side-hustle-into-big-business"> several key strategies</a>.
Bella Lin, a high school senior who earns six figures selling guinea pig cages on Amazon, told CNBC that identifying market gaps is essential. &#8220;With GuineaLofts, I found a gap in the market that wasn&#8217;t getting much attention,&#8221; Lin said, contrasting her current success with an earlier, less profitable venture selling leggings.
For Tim Riegel, an Etsy seller who made $169,000 a year selling steel fire pits, ongoing market research is important. When inflation began eating into his profits, Riegel studied competitors&#8217; pricing and adjusted his own. &#8220;In today&#8217;s climate, you have to watch the costs of everything,&#8221; he told CNBC.
Becky Powell, a kindergarten teacher who earned over $125,000 selling educational worksheets online, leveraged her professional expertise. By focusing on her specialty of sight reading instruction, Powell created a niche product that stood out in a crowded marketplace.
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Despite the allure of financial success, Pettigrew is candid about the challenges of turning a passion into a business. &#8220;Once you own your business, you can&#8217;t turn it off. There&#8217;s always something more to do,&#8221; she said while maintaining a work-life balance.
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As more Americans <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-money-making-apps">explore side hustles – </a>with some finding remarkable success – stories like Pettigrew&#8217;s can offer both inspiration and a reality check. While not everyone may achieve six-figure revenues from their garage, the growing accessibility of online marketplaces and the power of niche expertise are opening new avenues for entrepreneurial spirits.
Ultimately, Pettigrew&#8217;s journey from plant enthusiast to successful business owner points to a fundamental truth about side hustles. Even the most unlikely hobbies can become profitable enterprises with passion, perseverance, and some market savvy.
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Startups

'Anyone Can Do It' Says Side-Hustler Who Brings In Nearly $150K Per Year From Her Garage With No Business Experience

The contentious presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris will spill over into cinemas with each candidate having a movie released in theaters this October — weeks before the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election">2024 presidential election</a>.
Harris Documentary Announced: A new documentary short film "Kamala" tells the story of the vice president's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/21/01/19226968/5-things-you-might-not-know-about-kamala-harris">career and personal life</a>.
"The film is about more than Kamala's political journey — it's about her humanity. It's about the joyous warrior she is, fighting for the well-being of all people," Filmmaker Gerard Pizarro, who co-directed the film, said.
The movie will be released sometime in October. The exact date is not yet known, <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/kamala-harris-documentary-short-film-bakari-sellers-1235986229/">according </a>to The Hollywood Reporter.
"As an underdog and new filmmaker myself, I'm honored to tell the story of another underdog — a Black and Indian woman who has broken barriers and inspired millions," Pizarro added.
The film, co-directed by Pizarro and Samir Zakir, will use animation and interviews with entertainers, family members, politicians and close friends of Harris.
The film comes from Illumin8 Entertainment and Pizarro Creative. 
Bada Bing Pictures is distributing the film, with an unknown number of theaters set to play the film. CNN analyst Bakari Sellers is listed as one of the film's producers, along with Zakir and Pizarro.
"Kamala" will also be available for SVOD and PVOD before the 2024 election on Nov. 5 according to the report.
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Donald Trump Film Coming: Harris likely has no problem with a documentary celebrating her political rise and legacy hitting theaters. But Former President Trump isn't going to be happy about the movie depicting his life.
"The Apprentice," which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/04/38212867/donald-trump-biopic-gets-cannes-film-festival-premiere-heres-the-details-when-moviegoers-co">premiered at the</a> Cannes Film Festival in May, received an eight-minute standing ovation, has an official theatrical release date of Oct. 18, as <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/trump-film-the-apprentice-release-date-awards-campaign-1235984424/">reported </a>by The Hollywood Reporter.
&#8220;Pam and Tommy&#8221; star Sebastian Stan is playing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/11/36035853/playing-donald-trump-on-film-actor-goes-from-playing-marvel-superhero-musician-tommy-lee-ro">a young Trump</a> while &#8220;Succession&#8221; star Jeremy Strong portrays lawyer and fixer Roy Cohn. The film shows the relationship between Cohn and Trump, as mentor and protégée, throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
"It charts a young Donald Trump's ascent to power through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn," the film's synopsis reads.
"The Apprentice" has been met with criticism for portraying Trump negatively with scenes of the former president using racial discrimination for real estate, drug use for weight loss, having surgery for baldness, and an alleged rape of former wife Ivana Trump.
Trump's team <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/05/38931874/trump-campaign-threatens-legal-action-over-controversial-new-biopic-about-ex-president-that">has threatened legal action </a>over the film's release and criticized the accuracy of several scenes.
Trump's campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung also criticized the film's release.
"This ‘film' is pure malicious defamation, should not see the light of day and doesn't even deserve a place in the straight-to-DVD section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store, it belongs in a dumpster fire," Cheung said.
The film's director Ali Abbasi <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/05/38946127/trump-movie-director-claps-back-at-criticism-lawsuit-threats-no-nice-metaphorical-way-to-de">clapped back</a> at the criticism, as well as the potential lawsuit.
&#8220;There is no nice metaphorical way to deal with fascism,&#8221; Abbasi&nbsp;<a href="https://variety.com/2024/film/festivals/the-apprentice-director-responds-donald-trump-lawsuit-screen-movie-1236011398/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>. &#8220;It&#8217;s time to make movies relevant. It&#8217;s time to make movies political again.&#8221;
Abbasi said that Trump and his team might be surprised by the movie: &#8220;I don&#8217;t necessarily think that this is a movie he would dislike. I don&#8217;t necessarily think he would like it. I think he would be surprised, you know?&#8221;
The film received an eight-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival in May, prompting reports that it could hit theaters before the 2024 election.
&#8220;We have a promotional event coming up called U.S. Election that is going to help us with the movie. The second debate is going to be Sept. 15, something like that, so that&#8217;s a good release date I would say,&#8221; Abbasi previously said.
The film rights for "The Apprentice" were acquired by Briarcliff. A release in October could set the film up for potential award buzz during the key awards season release window.
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Image: Shutterstock

Harris, Trump Films To Hit Theaters Weeks Before 2024 Election: One Candidate Tried To Block Movie From Release

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the positions showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with WMB, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 9 options trades for Williams Companies.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 100% bullish and 0%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $26,500, and 8, calls, for a total amount of $228,290.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $38.0 and $45.0 for Williams Companies, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Williams Companies's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Williams Companies's whale trades within a strike price range from $38.0 to $45.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Williams Companies Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725050001_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$4.98</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$32.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">494</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$7.8</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$38.00</td>
<td>$30.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">872</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">648</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$7.8</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$38.00</td>
<td>$30.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">872</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$7.8</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$38.00</td>
<td>$28.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">872</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$7.8</td>
<td>$7.9</td>
<td>$38.00</td>
<td>$28.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">872</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">334</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Williams Companies</h3>
Williams Companies is a midstream energy company that owns and operates the large Transco and Northwest pipeline systems and associated natural gas gathering, processing, and storage assets. In August 2018, the firm acquired the remaining 26% ownership of its limited partner, Williams Partners.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Williams Companies, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of Williams Companies</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 7,165,859, with WMB's price up by 0.62%, positioned at $45.77.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 61 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Williams Companies</h3>
3 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $45.666666666666664.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Scotiabank persists with their Sector Perform rating on Williams Companies, maintaining a target price of $48. </li>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Barclays continues to hold a Equal-Weight rating for Williams Companies, targeting a price of $42. </li>
<li>An analyst from RBC Capital persists with their Outperform rating on Williams Companies, maintaining a target price of $47. </li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Williams Companies, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Williams Companies's Options Frenzy: What You Need to Know

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Merck &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the positions showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with MRK, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 8 options trades for Merck &amp; Co.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 37% bullish and 50%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $74,400, and 7, calls, for a total amount of $356,298.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $100.0 to $117.0 for Merck &amp; Co over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Merck &amp; Co's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Merck &amp; Co's significant trades, within a strike price range of $100.0 to $117.0, over the past month.
<h3>Merck &amp; Co 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725049996_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/30/24</td>
<td>$10.8</td>
<td>$10.55</td>
<td>$10.7</td>
<td>$107.00</td>
<td>$80.2K</td>
<td>181</td>
<td>181</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$4.5</td>
<td>$4.55</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$75.9K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>167</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$0.14</td>
<td>$0.05</td>
<td>$0.12</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$74.4K</td>
<td>7.4K</td>
<td>6.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/06/24</td>
<td>$1.97</td>
<td>$1.92</td>
<td>$1.95</td>
<td>$117.00</td>
<td>$47.3K</td>
<td>939</td>
<td>568</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/30/24</td>
<td>$11.0</td>
<td>$10.8</td>
<td>$10.93</td>
<td>$107.00</td>
<td>$43.7K</td>
<td>181</td>
<td>40</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Merck &amp; Co</h3>
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent pediatric diseases as well as human papillomavirus, or HPV. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the company's sales are generated in the United States.
<h3>Merck &amp; Co's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 8,678,562, the MRK's price is up by 0.84%, now at $118.45. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 55 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Merck &amp; Co</h3>
In the last month, 1 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $155.0.
<ul>
<li>Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald lowers its rating to Overweight with a new price target of $155.</li>
</ul>
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