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Paragon Shipping Inc is based in Greece but incorporated in the Marshall Islands, Paragon Shipping owns and operates medium-size dry-bulk ships and rents these assets through multiyear agreements. Paragon outsources its ship management to Allseas, a third-party company. Founded in 2006, the company has expanded to 12 ships from its original six, with plans to continue fleet additions.

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Chinese tech heavyweight&nbsp;Huawei Technologies&#8217;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40674140/huawei-plans-to-one-up-apples-iphone-16-with-disruptive-product-launch-says-it-has-turned-science-fi">newest tri-fold smartphone</a>, the Mate XT, attracted 1.3 million orders within seven hours of opening reservations.
What Happened: On Saturday at 12:08 p.m., the Chinese telecom equipment supplier started taking orders for the new device, <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Telecommunication/Huawei-tri-fold-phone-receives-orders-from-1.3-million-fans-in-7-hours">reported</a> Nikkei Asia.
The Mate XT,&nbsp;available in red and black,&nbsp;is scheduled to be unveiled on Tuesday, just after Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40572621/apple-september-9-glowtime-event-heres-everything-cupertino-is-expected-to-launch">anticipated to reveal</a> the iPhone 16 in the U.S. on Monday.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40764465/dont-believe-the-hype-about-an-iphone-16-super-cycle-gurman-says-consumers-will-have-to-wait-for-the?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Don&#8217;t Believe The Hype About An iPhone 16 Super Cycle,&#8217; Gurman Says: &#8216;Consumers Will Have To Wait For The Best AI Features&#8217;</a>
Huawei&#8217;s tri-fold smartphone is set to officially hit the market on Sept. 20. The pricing and detailed specifications are expected to be announced at Tuesday&#8217;s launch. 
In addition to the smartphone, Huawei also intends to launch a series of electric and new energy vehicles developed in partnership with a Chinese automaker, the report noted.
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: Huawei&#8217;s decision to launch a product on the same day as Apple&#8217;s is reportedly part of its broader plan to compete with Cupertino in the Chinese market, where the U.S. tech giant has been losing ground.
In July this year, it was reported that Apple had dropped from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39954971/apple-drops-from-3rd-to-6th-in-china-amid-intensifying-competition-huawei-shipments-surge-41-in-">third to sixth place in China&#8217;s smartphone</a> market, while Huawei saw a significant surge in smartphone shipments.
Apple&#8217;s market share in China fell to 14% in the second quarter of 2024, down by two percentage points compared to the same period in the last year.
The rivalry between Apple and Huawei was also evident in January this year when the Cupertino, California-based tech giant <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36629629/huawei-heats-up-competition-as-apple-slashes-iphone-prices-by-70-for-a-limited-time-in-china">decided to slash iPhone prices</a> in China — an unprecedented move by the Tim Cook-led company.
Check out more of&nbsp;Benzinga&#8217;s&nbsp;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/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40737548/apple-iphone-16-event-not-sell-the-news-analyst-says-shares-could-move-higher?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple iPhone 16 Event Not &#8216;Sell The News,&#8217; Analyst Says: &#8216;Shares Could Move Higher&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Tech

Media

AAPL

Apple's iPhone 16 Launch Parade On Monday Gets Rained On By Huawei: Chinese Company's Tri-Fold Phone Gets Over A Million Orders In Just 7 Hours

Leading cryptocurrencies edged higher Sunday as the market sought to rebound from last week&#8217;s losses.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 8:45 p.m. EDT)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>+1.43%</td>
<td>$54,780.48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+1.28%</td>
<td>$2,293.80</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+0.94%</td>
<td>$0.09593</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
What Happened: Bitcoin climbed significantly overnight, surpassing $55,000 before retreating to the higher area of $54,000. The leading cryptocurrency was down 4.32% over the past week, led by a steep drop Friday that took it below $53,000.
Ethereum also looked to recoup losses from last week's plunge below $2,200, inching past $2,300 last evening.&nbsp;
The rally caused the market's total liquidations to top $100 million in the last 24 hours, with bearish leveraged traders getting the most affected.
Bitcoin's Open Interest rose 2.02% in the past 24 hours, indicating a surge in expectations of more volatility.
The market's sentiment improved from "Extreme Fear" to "Fear," according to the popular Cryptocurrency Fear &amp; Greed Index.
Top Gainers (24-Hours)
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 8:45 p.m. EDT)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BitTorrent [New] (BTT)</td>
<td>+19.09%</td>
<td>$0.0000009333</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quant (QNT)</td>
<td>+16.33%</td>
<td>$70.19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Popcat (POPCAT)</td>
<td>+8.81%</td>
<td>$0.5425</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The global cryptocurrency market fell below $2 trillion, following a contraction of 2.90% in the last 24 hours.
Stock futures ticked higher Sunday night. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures was up 0.1% at 8:50 p.m. EDT.&nbsp; Futures tied to the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.12%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures added 0.16%.
The uptick followed the stock market&#8217;s dismal start to September, as major indices such as the S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite recorded weekly losses not seen in more than a year.
The decline was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40748557/job-creation-falls-short-of-expectations-in-august-unemployment-rate-ticks-lower-">precipitated by weak labor data</a>, with the U.S. economy adding 142,000 nonfarm payrolls in August, below the 160,000 consensus estimate.
Before this, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40728795/private-employment-grows-by-99-000-in-august-sharply-misses-forecasts-of-140-000-">August&#8217;s private sector job growth</a> also fell far short of expectations.&nbsp;
Market participants have priced in a 65% chance of the Federal Reserve cutting the interest rate by 25 basis points, according to the CME<a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html"> FedWatch</a> tool.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Analyst Notes: Prominent cryptocurrency analyst Elja Boom noted similarities between September's bearish environment this year and the same month last year.
He observed a "peak" bearish sentiment, and the unsustainability of any Bitcoin upsides.
"The market usually bottoms when there&#8217;s peak frustration and pessimism, which is clearly visible on my timeline!" the analyst added.
<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">Similarities between September 2023 and September 2024!   &#8211; Retail going after everyone who is posting bullish things   &#8211; The market looks like it&#39;ll continue to go down and will never recover   &#8211; No <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> pump is sustainable    &#8211; People are bored and busy dragging down each other… <a href="https://t.co/uPJvjFn7LJ">pic.twitter.com/uPJvjFn7LJ</a>
&mdash; Elja (@Eljaboom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eljaboom/status/1832766250830680378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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</figure>
Widely followed cryptocurrency analyst Rekt Capital stated that Bitcoin's 8% decline in September was "nothing out of the ordinary," considering historical downsides witnessed during the month in 2021, 2020, 2018, and 2017.
<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 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Altcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Altcoin</a> markets are reversing. I&#39;m positioned into <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24OMNI&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$OMNI</a> (and under-water), but it&#39;s showing a: &#8211; Daily bullish divergence. &#8211; Reclaiming the level of early August. Expect to see a run of 2-3x in the coming 2-3 months against <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> value &#8211;&gt; the most important metric. <a href="https://t.co/uM9v1NosnL">pic.twitter.com/uM9v1NosnL</a>
&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1831723973865771167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Read Next:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40753963/microstrategy-poised-for-growth-with-strong-bitcoin-exposure-and-software-expansion-analys">MicroStrategy Poised for Growth With Strong Bitcoin Exposure and Software Expansion: Analyst</a></li>
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Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

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$ETH

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Spring Back From Friday's Fall: Analyst Flags 'Peak' Bearish Sentiment That Could Result In A Market Bottom

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40670016/disney-and-directv-fail-to-reach-deal-over-11m-subscribers-face-blackout-ahead-of-nfl-seaso">ongoing feud between</a> pay-TV provider,&nbsp;DirecTV, owned by&nbsp;AT&amp;T Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>), and TPG Capital&nbsp;and&nbsp;Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) over a new carriage agreement&nbsp;has taken a new turn.
What Happened: On Saturday, DirecTV lodged a complaint against Disney with the Federal Communications Commission, accusing the mouse house of &#8220;bad faith&#8221; negotiations.
The DirecTV-Disney dispute is a carriage fee negotiation, which has been ongoing for two weeks. It has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/08/40568015/directv-and-disney-talking-over-flexible-netflix-like-channel-packages-but-fallout-from-fai">led to a blackout of&nbsp;Disney channels</a>, including ESPN and&nbsp;ABC-owned stations in nine markets,&nbsp;on DirecTV since Sept. 1.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40722123/openai-co-founder-ilya-sutskevers-ai-startup-raises-1b-from-andreessen-horowitz-sequoia-as-sam-altma?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI Co-Founder Ilya Sutskever&#8217;s AI Startup Raises $1B From Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia As Sam Altman-Led Company Faces Exodus</a>
DirecTV alleges that Disney is breaching&nbsp;the FCC's good faith mandates&nbsp;by demanding&nbsp;it waive any legal&nbsp;claims on anticompetitive actions,&nbsp;including its ongoing packaging and&nbsp;minimum penetration demands. 
Disney, however, insists&nbsp;that mutual release of claims&nbsp;is a&nbsp;standard practice after licensing agreements&nbsp;are negotiated and agreed upon. A Disney spokesperson urged DirecTV to&nbsp;prioritize their customers by finalizing&nbsp;a deal that would restore access to their content, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/disney-directv-espn-abc-70acfc11ac3db57e0307b8fe364caf8c">reported</a> the Associated Press.
Disney did not immediately respond to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga&#8217;s</a> request for comments.
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 blackout has impacted DirecTV&#8217;s 11.3 million subscribers, barring them from watching&nbsp;most college football games and&nbsp;the final week of the&nbsp;U.S. Open tennis tournament. 
DirecTV subscribers could also be missing the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris scheduled for Sept. 10. 2024 at 9 pm EDT.
This development follows <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40314001/directv-transforms-into-streaming-service-satellite-dish-no-longer-needed">DirecTV's shift to a streaming model</a>, removing the need for a satellite dish to access its content. The company has been marketing its pay-TV package, which no longer requires a satellite dish.
Meanwhile, Disney reported solid<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40218880/disneys-q3-earnings-revenue-and-eps-beat-streaming-business-turns-profitable-strong-espn-revenue-bo"> third-quarter earnings last month</a>, posting a 4% year-over-year revenue increase to $23.16 billion, fueled by subscription revenue growth from price hikes and an expanding Disney+ Core customer base.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Image via DirecTV
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40679667/elon-musk-says-brazilian-government-assets-can-be-seized-after-x-spacex-property-confiscated-hope-lu?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Says Brazilian Government Assets Can Be Seized After X, SpaceX Property Confiscated: &#8216;Hope Lula Enjoys Flying Commercial&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Entertainment

Disney Accused Of 'Bad Faith' Negotiations By DirecTV In FCC Complaint Ahead Of Trump-Harris Debate

In a recent X exchange, billionaire investor Mark Cuban challenged Trump advisor Stephen Miller on the financial and societal impacts of their immigration and tariff policies.
What Happened: On Sunday, Cuban took to X to question Miller&#8217;s stance on immigration, specifically the financial implications of deporting 20 million people. 
<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">Help me out Stephen. Can you provide specific details on his immigration and deportation plans ? I've just heard soundbites The same question on tariffs. Can you provide detailed specifics ? <a href="https://t.co/xeHmP6lAi0">https://t.co/xeHmP6lAi0</a>
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1832847894380171588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
He asked, &#8220;Have you done any modeling of the financial impact of deporting 20 million people?&#8221; and expressed concern about the potential decline in GDP.
<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">Thanks for the immigration details. Just as you, the Immigration Czar, has espoused before Which leads to a question Have you done any modeling of the financial impact of deporting 20 million people ? Are you concerned that when he learns that the USA could lose 10m plus… <a href="https://t.co/oBVEJP1g8P">https://t.co/oBVEJP1g8P</a>
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1832896873855946894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40761709/anthony-scaramucci-trump-will-lose-then-start-panicking-over-november-sentencing?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci: Trump Will Lose, Then &#8216;Start Panicking&#8217; Over November Sentencing</a>
Cuban also questioned the execution of the deportation plan and the societal impact of a &#8220;stop and deport&#8221; or &#8220;knock and deport&#8221; policy. He further probed Miller on tariff-related talks, asking for clarification on how Trump would &#8220;tax foreign nations&#8221;.
In response, Miller outlined Trump&#8217;s immigration plans in detail, mentioning strategies such as deploying Title 42/Safe 3rds/Remain in Mexico/Asylum Bars, finishing the wall, and launching a DOD embargo of drug vessels from South America. He also encouraged Cuban to watch Trump&#8217;s policy speech at the New York Economic Club for more information on tariff and trade policy.
Miller served as a director of speechwriting at the Trump white house. He has often been described as anti-immigration. He helped write Trump&#8217;s inaugural address.
Why It Matters: Cuban recently shared concerns on X about Trump&#8217;s <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">plan to impose tariffs</a> on foreign goods, warning that businesses like Walmart would pass the costs onto consumers. Economists, including Paul Krugman, argued that these tariffs could raise prices and harm the majority of Americans.
The &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221;-fame billionaire&#8217;s questioning comes in the context of his recent support for Vice President Kamala Harris&#8217; economic policies, which he praised for being pro-business. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40745014/kamala-harris-is-pro-business-mark-cuban-says-vice-presidents-centre-100-policies-differ-from-bidens">Cuban highlighted the differences between Harris and Biden&#8217;s policies</a>, and defended Harris&#8217;s campaign strategy, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40743718/mark-cuban-says-kamala-harris-is-simply-doing-what-trump-did-in-2016-its-her-party-she-gets-to-set-t">drawing parallels with Trump&#8217;s 2016 campaign</a>.
Earlier, Elon Musk commented that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/40670029/elon-musk-marvels-at-the-tenacity-of-his-stupidity-after-mark-cubans-poll-debacle-it-is-a-marvel-to">he was amazed</a> at the &#8220;tenacity&#8221; of Cuban&#8217;s stupidity in holding a poll among his followers asking them to choose between Trump and Harris.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40764734/mary-trump-donald-trump-could-be-incredibly-dangerous-why-muted-mic-wont-be-advantage-for-ex-preside?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mary Trump: Donald Trump Could Be &#8216;Incredibly Dangerous&#8217;: Why Muted Mic Won&#8217;t Be Advantage For Ex-Preside</a>

Politics

Mark Cuban Asks Trump Advisor: 'Done Any Modeling Of The Financial Impact Of Deporting 20 Million People?'

Walt Ehmer, the president and CEO of Waffle House, has <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/topic/waffle-house">died at the age of 58</a>, Ehmer, who joined Waffle House in 1992, quickly advanced to senior leadership roles. He became president in 2002 and later took on the titles of CEO and chairman, as noted by Georgia Tech University.
What Happened: The board of directors for Waffle House stated on Sunday that Ehmer died after a long illness. "He will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family," the statement read.
Ehmer also served as chair of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2013 and was involved with several organizations, including the Georgia Tech Foundation Board and the Georgia Tech Advisory Board.
The Waffle House chain, established in 1955, now operates over 1,900 locations across 25 states. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/08/40413674/nba-legend-shaq-missed-his-tesla-cybertruck-so-much-instead-of-shipping-it-from-vegas-to-at?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA Legend Shaq Missed His Tesla Cybertruck So Much, Instead Of Shipping It From Vegas To Atlanta, He Reportedly Ordered One More</a>
Why It Matters: Waffle House has been a significant part of American culture, often serving as a meeting point for various important events. For instance, President Joe Biden visited a Waffle House in the Atlanta area <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39542956/this-is-where-joe-biden-went-after-being-outperformed-by-donald-trump-in-presidential-debate">after a CNN debate</a> where he was outperformed by former President Donald Trump. 
Additionally, Waffle House has been a launchpad for significant business ideas. Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, mentioned that the inception of Nvidia Corp at Denny's, which led to a trillion-dollar company, surpasses his own <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37299226/alexis-ohanian-says-jensen-huangs-trillion-dollar-nvidia-brainwave-at-dennys-is-better-than-his-bill">billion-dollar Reddit launch at Waffle House</a>.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40723974/steve-jobs-once-said-management-consultants-bring-very-little-value-compared-to-business-owners-you?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steve Jobs Once Said Management Consultants Bring Very Little Value Compared To Business Owners: &#8216;You Only Learn A Fraction Of What You Could…You Never Really Get 3-Dimensional&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
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/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Restaurants

Management

Waffle House CEO Walt Ehmer Passes Away At 58

Elon Musk humorously commented on the recent endorsement of Kamala Harris by George Bush Jr.-era former Vice President Dick Cheney.
What Happened: Musk, known for his candid remarks, took to X on Sunday to express his amusement at the political turn of events. He reacted to a post by journalist Glenn Greenwald with a face with tears of joy emoji.
Greenwald&#8217;s post read, &#8220;Aside from calling Dick Cheney a fascist, racist, war profiteering war criminal, liberals also claimed he only became Vice President because the Supreme Court stole the 2000 election for him. Now they&#8217;re all proclaiming that Cheney supports Kamala to save American democracy.&#x1f602;&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f602;
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1832899939283685772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40732412/mark-cuban-in-sec-shark-tank-investor-says-he-told-team-harris-to-put-his-name-for-key-role-it-needs?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban In SEC? &#8216;Shark Tank&#8217; Investor Says He Told Team Harris To Put His Name For Key Role: &#8216;It Needs</a>
This post came after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40758275/former-vice-president-dick-cheney-backs-kamala-harris-says-trump-is-a-greater-threat-to-our-republic">Cheney announced his intention to vote for Harris</a> in the upcoming presidential elections, stating that Trump is a &#8216;greater threat to our republic&#8217; than any other individual.
Separately, Liz Cheney, a former congresswoman from Wyoming and daughter of Dick Cheney, called Trump a &#8220;catastrophe,&#8221; according to a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/sep/08/liz-cheney-trump-catastrophe">report</a> from The Guardian. She also urged her fellow Republicans to vote for Harris.
Why It Matters: Cheney&#8217;s endorsement comes at a crucial time as Harris and Trump are nearly tied in the latest poll conducted by The New York Times/Siena College. This sets the stage for a riveting presidential debate on Tuesday night. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40764532/trump-vs-harris-candidates-tied-in-key-poll-as-crucial-debate-nears">The candidates are neck and neck</a> in the race to the White House.
Interestingly, Trump had previously announced his intention to appoint Musk to a government efficiency commission if elected. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/40739165/trump-plans-to-appoint-elon-musk-to-government-efficiency-commission-if-elected-tesla-ceo-says-hell">Musk had agreed to take up the role</a>, stating he would do it for free.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
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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>

Elon Musk Laughs At The Idea Of Dick Cheney Supporting Kamala Harris For President

The forthcoming Tuesday debate is seen as a crucial juncture for ex-President Donald Trump in the presidential contest. However, there is growing apprehension among Republicans that Trump may undermine his own chances by resorting to personal attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris.
What Happened: Trump&#8217;s advisers and key GOP officials have been encouraging him to concentrate on critiquing Harris&#8217;s policy record. Despite this advice, Trump has shown a propensity for personal attacks, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/07/trump-allies-debate-fears-00177809">reported</a> Politico.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich expressed hope that Trump would maintain composure during the debate, highlighting his presidential experience. 
&#8220;I think, I hope, what he'll do is be a guy who's been a real president — while she has been kind of a semi-vice president — and a guy who knows all the world leaders, and a guy who has been through an enormous amount, and just be calm and steady and stick to the real differences,&#8221; said Gingrich.
However, Republican strategist Tricia McLaughlin expressed doubts about Trump&#8217;s ability to avoid personal attacks, particularly if he feels threatened.
&#8220;I think — I pray — he can be disciplined,&#8221; said McLaughlin.
Trump&#8217;s past remarks have also raised eyebrows. He has previously claimed that he has a &#8220;right to personal attacks&#8221; on Harris, and has been resistant to curbing his criticism. This approach has been cautioned against by Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who emphasized the importance of focusing on policy debate over trading barbs.
Trump&#8217;s debate preparation team includes Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), and advisers Chris LaCivita, Susie Wiles and Jason Miller. Despite this, a Trump campaign official suggested that preparations are minimal, with Trump reviewing policy specifics to contrast his tenure with Harris&#8217;s vice presidency.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40754141/trumps-attorney-general-william-barr-accuses-biden-harris-admin-of-politicizing-cannabis-legaliz?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s Attorney General William Barr Accuses Biden-Harris Admin Of Politicizing Cannabis Legalization, &#8216;Ignoring Legal Standards, Scientific Evidence&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The upcoming debate is crucial as a recent poll by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40764532/trump-vs-harris-candidates-tied-in-key-poll-as-crucial-debate-nears">The New York Times/Siena College</a> shows Trump and Harris nearly tied. 
The debate has also been surrounded by controversy, with Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40764371/trump-vs-harris-the-controversy-over-no-artificial-lifts-rule-in-tuesday-debate-a-form-of-cheating">expressing his disapproval</a> of the &#8220;no artificial lifts&#8221; rule. The rules have also forced the Harris team to rethink their strategy, as candidates <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/40760950/this-debate-rule-forces-kamala-harris-team-to-rethink-strategy-the-rule-will-serve-to-shield-donald">will be muted</a> while their opponents are speaking. 
As the debate nears, it is uncertain whether Trump will heed his allies&#8217; advice and focus on policy differences and his record, rather than resorting to personal attacks.
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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>

Trump Allies Worry He Might Sabotage His Debate Performance: 'I Pray — He Can Be Disciplined'

Editor&#8217;s note: The article has been updated to reflect the correct link to Sen. Vance&#8217;s C-Span comments.
As part of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/j-d-vance">JD Vance</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/j-d-vance">'s</a> campaign tour across Arizona this last week, the Ohio senator and Republican VP candidate spoke at the Generation Church in Mesa in an event co-hosted by <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/topic/charlie-kirk">Charlie Kirk</a>, the conservative talk show host and founder of Turning Point USA.
The fireside chat-style conversation quickly turned to one of Arizona's hottest topics and major issues: the southern border, viewed as the corridor for mass entry into the U.S. of illegal migrants as well as drugs, mostly the deadly synthetic opioid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/fentanyl">fentanyl</a>. 
Vance praised former President Donald Trump's <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/topic/remain-in-mexico">"Remain in Mexico" policy</a> and the fact that he [Trump] "actually deported people and did not let them take advantage of our asylum process."
Vance <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?538121-1/senator-jd-vance-speaks-mesa-arizona-church">told</a> the gathering that when President Joe Biden came to power, VP Kamala Harris undid Trump's border policy leading to "the border catastrophe we have now." The results of which, Vance said, have enabled Mexican cartels to smuggle drugs into the U.S. 
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/09/40754141/trumps-attorney-general-william-barr-accuses-biden-harris-admin-of-politicizing-cannabis-legaliz">Trump&#8217;s Attorney General William Barr Accuses Biden-Harris Admin Of Politicizing Cannabis Legalization, &#8216;Ignoring Legal Standards, Scientific Evidence&#8217;</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">And Now…Kamala Harris Is Letting Cartels ‘Sex Traffic Children'</h2>
Yeah, you heard that right. "We have American citizens right now who are dying of fentanyl overdoses that the Mexican cartels brought into our communities," Vance said, casually adding that "We have thousands of missing children because Kamala Harris has left the cartels sex traffic minors in our own country."
Fact Check: According to the Department of Justice's&nbsp;<a href="https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/htdca23.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 report</a>, of the 1,197 defendants charged with child sex trafficking in the U.S., 95% of them were US citizens, with the vast majority being white males.
Vance shared a personal story with Kirk and the audience about his mother who suffered from opioid addiction. "But imagine Charlie if the poison that Kamala Harris is letting come across the border today had been coming across 15 years ago, I don't think I would have gotten that second chance with my mom."
Vance recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40438757/jd-vance-says-theres-fentanyl-in-marijuana-teenagers-are-using-trump-running-mate-raises-eyebrow">claimed</a> that fentanyl-laced marijuana is widely prevalent is the U.S. 
Another quick fact check: The DEA has confirmed that drug dealers have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mixing fentanyl with other drugs</a>, though the agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has not issued</a>&nbsp;any alerts or warnings about fentanyl being found in marijuana.
That said, fentanyl remains the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36707665/dea-seizes-largest-amount-of-fentanyl-in-its-history-386m-lethal-doses-enough-to-kill-every-amer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leading cause of death</a>&nbsp;among Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 107,000 people died from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/12/30022658/this-new-fentanyl-overdose-reversal-drug-is-stronger-than-narcan-heres-why" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug overdose in 2021</a>&nbsp;mainly due to fentanyl. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/05/32211957/cdc-report-fentanyl-killed-70k-people-in-2021-nida-director-volkow-says-findings-not-surprising" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>&nbsp;that synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, claimed 204 lives daily on average in 2023. 
Sen. Vance&#8217;s comments <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?538121-1/senator-jd-vance-speaks-mesa-arizona-church">C-SPAN</a>.
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Photo by Lev Radin on Shutterstock.com

Cannabis

JD Vance Accuses Kamala Harris Of Allowing Cartels To 'Sex Traffic Minors,' Citing Thousands Of Missing Children (UPDATED)

Money can be tricky, especially when figuring out what it means to feel "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/39069576/are-you-rich-heres-the-net-worth-you-need-to-be-poor-middle-class-and-wealthy">financially secure</a>." With so many factors at play, it's easy to wonder how you measure up.
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Financial security isn't just having some extra cash in the bank. It's about preparing for life's unexpected twists and ensuring your long-term goals stay on track. That means being able to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39866450/the-average-retiree-spends-over-52-000-a-year-and-75-of-that-goes-to-just-five-expenses-how-does">cover today's needs</a> and still handle whatever the future throws your way.
According to a recent Bankrate survey, many Americans believe they need an annual income of about $186,000 to feel secure, but the reality for most households is quite different. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40352204/do-you-know-what-salary-it-takes-to-live-comfortably-heres-a-hint-its-much-higher-than-the-avera">median household income</a> sits between $51,500 and $86,000, creating a noticeable gap between what people think they need and what they earn.
Trending: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes">These high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% make earning passive income easier than ever.</a>
Despite improvements in some areas of the economy, a significant 33% of Americans still feel financially insecure, according to Northwestern Mutual data. This gap between economic growth and personal financial confidence makes it clear that growth on paper doesn't always translate into people feeling secure.
So, what does financial security look like? While it's different for everyone, here are a few common signs:
<ul>
<li>A solid emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses</li>
<li>Active retirement savings</li>
<li>Little to no debt</li>
<li>Good insurance coverage</li>
<li>The ability to handle unexpected expenses without breaking the bank</li>
</ul>
It's important to note that getting to this level of security isn't just about having a high salary – it's about smart financial planning. One helpful strategy is the 50/30/20 rule: dedicate 50% of your income to necessities, 30% to things you want, and 20% to savings or paying off debt.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/irs-finalizes-10-year-rule-adv">IRS Finalizes 10-Year Rule For Retirement Withdrawals, Making Things &#8216;Even More Insanely Complicated&#8217;</a>
Net worth is another key piece of the puzzle when assessing your financial health. The Federal Reserve's 2022 data gives an idea of average net worth by age group:
• Under 35: $183,500
• 35-44: $549,600
• 45-54: $975,800
• 55-64: $1,566,900
• 65-74: $1,794,600
• 75 and older: $1,624,100
Experts often suggest aiming for a net worth of 3-5 times your annual income by age 45 and 7-9 times by age 65. These are rough guidelines, of course, as everyone's situation differs.
For retirees, having a significant financial cushion is crucial. Financial security in retirement often means having more than $500,000 saved, and many financially secure <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/can-you-guess-how-many-americans-successfully-retire-with-1-million-saved">retirees have well over $1 million</a>.
But remember, financial security isn't just about numbers. It's also about how you feel – being confident that you won't constantly worry about money. The key is to make financial decisions that align with your goals and values.
Building financial security can feel challenging, especially with inflation being a concern for many. But it&#8217;s achievable by planning carefully, saving consistently, and making some lifestyle adjustments.
Trending: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset">How do you compare</a>?
If you're unsure where to start, consider <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">consulting a financial advisor</a>. They can help you create a personalized plan that suits your needs and puts you on the path to security.
Financial security in 2024 is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40515684/labor-economist-warns-americans-get-a-failing-grade-in-retirement-security-says-the-age-of-401-k">more than just a high income</a>. It's about creating a stable foundation to weather life's uncertainties while helping you move toward your long-term goals.
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Personal Finance

Think You're Financially Secure? Here's How Much People Say It Takes To 'Feel' Secure And What You Really Need

In an ongoing high-profile copyright lawsuit, OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research lab, is making efforts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/04/31820475/openai-ceo-sam-altman-responds-to-letter-from-elon-musk-and-others-calling-for-pause-on-ai-research">to keep the files of its former co-founder, Ilya Sutskever, confidential</a>.
What Happened: There is a disagreement between the lawyers of the Author&#8217;s Guild and OpenAI over which files should be included in the discovery process of the lawsuit. 
OpenAI has raised objections to the inclusion of six of its current and former employees as &#8220;custodians&#8221; in the lawsuit, a term that refers to individuals who have relevant evidence for the discovery process.
The individuals in question include former co-founder and chief scientist Sutskever, pretraining data lead Qiming Yuan, technical staff members Jong Wook Kim and Shantanu Jain, former research scientist Cullen O&#8217;Keefe, and former science communicator Andrew Mayne. Lawyers are of the opinion that Sutskever possesses documents that are relevant to the lawsuit, but OpenAI has not publicly stated why it is against their inclusion in the discovery process.
The lawyers of the Author&#8217;s Guild are now calling on the judge to step in and force OpenAI to include these individuals as custodians. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39763462/whistleblowers-accuse-openai-of-hindering-staff-from-reporting-ai-risks">Whistleblowers Accuse OpenAI Of Hindering Staff From Reporting AI Risks</a>
OpenAI, on the other hand, has asked for a complete redaction of all six exhibits attached to the letter, arguing that they contain proprietary source code and detailed processes for training and testing ChatGPT models.
The lawsuit is one of several that claim OpenAI violated copyright laws by using millions of books to train its AI models. Among the notable plaintiffs are authors George R. R. Martin, Jonathan Franzen, and David Baldacci.
Why It Matters: This lawsuit is significant as it brings to light the complex issues surrounding the use of copyrighted materials in training AI models. 
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future lawsuits of a similar nature. OpenAI&#8217;s efforts to keep certain documents confidential could be seen as an attempt to protect its proprietary technology and processes, highlighting the competitive and secretive nature of the AI industry. 
The inclusion of high-profile authors as plaintiffs underscores the potential impact of AI on creative industries and raises questions about the ethical use of copyrighted works in AI development.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Topics

What's The Secret? OpenAI Is Battling To Keep Co-Founder's Files Confidential, Here's Why

Donald Trump has suggested a revision to the 25th Amendment, which would enable the impeachment of a vice president <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40666453/scaramucci-trump-is-in-trouble-and-he-knows-it-slams-him-on-conflicting-abortion-statements-hes-shot">suspected of covering up a president&#8217;s incapacity</a>.
What Happened: Trump put forth this proposal during a rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin on Saturday. The former president, along with his supporters, has been vocal in their criticism of President Joe Biden, questioning his mental fitness for office. They have also accused Vice President Kamala Harris of hiding this alleged incapacity.
The 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution details the line of succession if the president dies or becomes incapacitated. It provides for the vice president to take over the presidency if the president dies, resigns, or is impeached.
"If you do that with a cover-up of the president of the United States, it's grounds for impeachment immediately and removal from office, because that's what they did," CNN <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/07/politics/trump-modify-25th-amendment-harris-biden/index.html">quoted</a> Trump saying at the rally.
"We're run by stupid people — stupid, stupid people," Trump said on Saturday. "And we found that out at the debate with Joe. How did that work out?"
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40761916/trump-vs-harris-majority-of-americans-anticipate-peaceful-2024-power-transfer-if-this-candidate-wins">Trump Vs Harris: Majority Of Americans Anticipate Peaceful 2024 Power Transfer If This Candidate Wins</a>
Trump advocated for a modification to the 25th Amendment that would allow for the immediate impeachment and removal from office of a vice president who &#8220;lies or engages in a conspiracy to cover up the incapacity of the president of the United States.&#8221;
Trump&#8217;s suggestion to modify the 25th Amendment brings to mind previous efforts to remove him from office. Following the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, some members of his Cabinet had considered invoking the 25th Amendment to oust him.
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Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s proposal, if implemented, could significantly alter the dynamics of the U.S. presidency and the role of the vice president. 
The 25th Amendment, as it stands, provides a clear line of succession to ensure continuity of leadership. However, adding a provision for the impeachment of a vice president could introduce a new layer of complexity and potential instability. 
It remains to be seen how this proposal will be received by lawmakers and the public.
Read Next:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40301432/kamala-harris-surges-ahead-of-trump-in-key-states-young-americans-bank-on-harris-for-economic-reviva" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kamala Harris Surges Ahead Of Trump In Key States, Young Americans Bank On Harris For Economic Revival</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Trump Calls For Change To 25th Amendment — Could Vice Presidents Be Impeached?

Former President Donald Trump&#8217;s niece Mary Trump weighed in on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/40760950/this-debate-rule-forces-kamala-harris-team-to-rethink-strategy-the-rule-will-serve-to-shield-donald">upcoming debate</a> between her uncle and Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent episode of her podcast that was aired on Thursday.
Counterintuitive Development: Donald Trump&#8217;s team wanting the mics muted was a rather counterintuitive development and is fascinating, Mary Trump <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0Zjej9KnXw&amp;t=257s">said</a> in the Nerd Avengers podcast. Political commentator Tara Setmayer, who joined as a guest on the podcast, said Donald Trump&#8217;s team this time aren&#8217;t C-listers of D-listers and includes very seasoned, veteran Republican campaign operatives such as Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles.
&#8220;They know that Donald Trump unfiltered with a mic where he can just blurt out crazy stuff&#8230;makes him look terrible to regular everyday Americans who will be tuned into this,&#8221; she said. She sees tens of millions of people watching this highly anticipated debate.
Setmayer said the muted mic situation is an advantage to Donald Trump but she sees Harris taking the fight to the enemy camp. &#8220;Kamala Harris is a prosecutor, she will prosecute him and it will be cross-examined in a way that he&#8217;s never been before in front of the American people and I think his campaign is bracing for it,&#8221; she said.
Mary Trump differed with her and said things have reached a tipping point. &#8220;A lot of people are sick and we have a different opponent here,&#8221; she said. Also Harris will be able to hear what he says, she added. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40762143/venture-capitalist-naval-ravikant-lawfare-against-trump-is-disgusting-behavior-that-could-turn-us-in">Venture Capitalist Naval Ravikant: Lawfare Against Trump Is &#8216;Disgusting Behavior&#8217; That Could Turn US Into Dictatorship — &#8216;This Selective Prosecution Thing Is A Disaster&#8217;</a>
Harris&#8217; Advantage: Brian Karem, another political commentator, said Donald Trump was not going to be any different on the stage and his performance can only reinforce those who already support him. Harris, on the other hand, has the opportunity to convince those who for whatever reason are still sitting on the fence that she&#8217;s the better choice, he said.
 &#8220;So far she has stuck to the script, and if she does that and and is levelheaded and sticks to the script and makes her points and goes after Donald where she can, she will cement that,&#8221; he said, adding that &#8220;Donald Trump is already fully in panic mode and there&#8217;s nothing worse than a cornered sewer rat.&#8221;
Damaged Personalities: Delving into Donald Trump&#8217;s psychology, his niece said damaged people, who have never resolved their trauma can become dangerous to other people. Referring to Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance, Mary Trump said &#8220;neither of these people was properly vetted, they were allowed to just show that their facade was believed to be real and it&#8217;s so incredibly dangerous.&#8221;
Mary Trump made the point when Setmayer said Vance has unresolved childhood issues that can be traced back to his strained relationship with his mother and Donald Trump has unresolved childhood trauma issues because of his father and mother treating him the way they did and loveless.
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Mary Trump: Donald Trump Could Be 'Incredibly Dangerous': Why Muted Mic Won't Be Advantage For Ex-President At Tuesday Debate

Elon Musk&#8216;s AI venture xAI is reportedly discussing a potential deal with Tesla Inc. The deal would involve Tesla licensing AI models from xAI for its Full Self-Driving software.
What Happened: The proposed deal would entail Tesla sharing a portion of its revenue with xAI. In return, xAI would contribute to the development of additional features for Tesla, such as a voice assistant similar to Siri and software for Tesla&#8217;s humanoid robot, Optimus.
The specifics of the revenue-sharing agreement would be contingent on the extent to which Tesla utilizes xAI&#8217;s technology in comparison to its own. Discussions between xAI executives and Tesla have reportedly included the possibility of an even revenue split from Tesla&#8217;s Full Self-Driving (FSD) service, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/tesla-xai-partnership-elon-musk-30e22313?mod=hp_lead_pos3">reports</a> The Wall Street Journal.
Musk has been vocal about his belief that Tesla&#8217;s future is heavily dependent on advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence. Tesla&#8217;s FSD service is currently priced at $99 a month or a flat fee of $8,000. 
Additionally, Tesla is in the process of developing a robotaxi, which is expected to be unveiled on October 10.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38779188/elon-musks-ai-startup-could-reach-a-whopping-20-billion-valuation-exceeding-initial-expectations">Elon Musk&#8217;s AI Startup Could Reach A Whopping $20 Billion Valuation, Exceeding Initial Expectations</a>
A formal partnership with xAI aligns with Musk&#8217;s history of sharing resources across his various businesses. However, this practice has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly in relation to the sharing of resources between publicly traded Tesla and xAI.
Several Tesla shareholders have initiated lawsuits, alleging that the redirection of resources to xAI has adversely affected Tesla&#8217;s investors. These cases are currently under review in the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Why It Matters: The potential partnership with xAI could significantly bolster Tesla&#8217;s AI capabilities, potentially leading to enhanced features and services. 
However, the deal also raises questions about the fair distribution of resources and potential conflicts of interest, which could have implications for Tesla&#8217;s shareholders and overall market performance.
Read Next
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This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

TSLA

Elon Musk's xAI Eyes Share of Future Tesla Revenue in Potential Deal

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37917495/warren-buffett-says-the-poor-are-most-definitely-not-poor-because-the-rich-are-rich-and-thinks-t">Warren Buffett</a>, famous for his investment savvy and for being one of the richest men on earth, made headlines for cutting ties with his granddaughter, Nicole Buffett. This story shows that even billionaires have family drama.
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Nicole is the adopted daughter of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40533087/if-warren-buffetts-son-didnt-sell-his-90k-berkshire-hathaway-inheritance-47-years-ago-to-buy-time-he">Warren's son</a>, Peter. When she was 4, her mother married Peter. In a 2008 Marie Claire article titled The Billionaire's Black Sheep, Nicole shared exactly what it felt like to be disowned by her billionaire grandfather.&nbsp;
Growing up, she spent holidays and breaks with her grandfather, enjoying some of the perks of the Buffett lifestyle. She remembers Warren giving her a $100 bill for Christmas when she was just five and giving her a private tour of the See's Candies factory he owned. The family would vacation at Warren's place in Laguna Beach twice a year.
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Nicole shares Buffett did pay the six-figure tuition for her art school, but he had a strict education-only policy regarding money. She said she once asked him to buy her a futon for her off-campus apartment and his secretary responded, &#8220;You know what the rules are: school expenses only."
Things took a turn in 2006 when Nicole <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/04/38157185/warren-buffetts-son-says-he-had-no-clue-what-his-dad-did-for-work-and-thought-his-job-was-checki">appeared in a documentary</a> called The One Percent, which explored the lives of the ultrawealthy. Warren wasn't pleased. According to Reuters, she stated: &#8220;My grandfather is a very private man and I decided to share what it&#8217;s like to be his granddaughter and it created a huge estrangement from him to the extent that he disowned my twin sister and myself."
See Also: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset">How do you compare</a>?
He reportedly sent Nicole a letter that was direct and cutting. "I have not emotionally or legally adopted you as a grandchild, nor have the rest of my family adopted you as a niece or a cousin," he wrote, according to Page Six. To clarify, he signed it "Warren" instead of "Grandpa."
Nicole had also publicly discussed the family's wealth on shows like Oprah, which didn't sit well with Warren. He's always been vocal about giving his fortune to charity rather than passing it down to family.
For Nicole, the fallout was real. By 2008, she lived on $40,000 a year without cable TV and health insurance. It's far from what most people expect <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/can-you-guess-how-many-americans-successfully-retire-with-1-million-saved">when they hear the Buffett name</a>. Nicole said, "The first thing most people think of when they hear my last name is money."
Forbes named Warren Buffett one of the most generous philanthropists of 2024. He has given away $56.7 billion in his lifetime, focusing on health and poverty alleviation. 
Trending: The number of ‘401(k)' Millionaires is up 43% from last year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/401k-millionaires">Here are three ways to join the club.</a>
Despite being cut off from Buffett, Nicole has found success in NFTs. Her "Spirit Coins" series, featuring abstract mandalas, has gained popularity in digital art. Nicole blends her traditional art background with new technology to reach a broader audience, carving out her niche.
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'I Have Not Emotionally Or Legally Adopted You': Warren Buffett Cut Off His Granddaughter And She Couldn't Afford Cable Or Health Insurance

The most recent presidential polls reveal a tight race, with Vice President Kamala Harris slightly ahead <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40669286/harris-vs-trump-this-candidate-leading-in-numerous-polls-transforming-political-landscape">of former President Donald Trump</a>.
What Happened: As per a survey conducted by The New York Times and Siena College, Harris and Trump are virtually neck and neck, with Trump gaining a one-point lead for the first time since the beginning of August. This development signifies the end of a series of major polling victories for Harris, indicating an extremely close presidential race.
In a Times/Siena <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/us/politics/trump-and-harris-times-siena-poll.html">poll</a> conducted from September 3-6, Trump led Harris by 48%-47% among likely voters, mirroring the former president's one-point lead six weeks prior. This is one of the few instances where a major pollster has shown Trump ahead since Fox News reported him leading by 50%-49% in early August.
Nonetheless, a <a href="https://emersoncollegepolling.com/september-2024-national-poll-harris-49-trump-47/">survey</a> of likely voters conducted by Emerson College on September 3-4 showed Harris leading by two points, 49% to 47%, a slight drop from her four-point lead in Emerson's August poll. Similarly, a September 1-3 Economist/YouGov survey showed Harris leading Trump by two points, consistent with results from the previous week.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40761916/trump-vs-harris-majority-of-americans-anticipate-peaceful-2024-power-transfer-if-this-candidate-wins">Trump Vs Harris: Majority Of Americans Anticipate Peaceful 2024 Power Transfer If This Candidate Wins</a>
In a Bloomberg/Morning Consult survey carried out from August 23-27, Harris led Trump by two points overall in the seven battleground states that are likely to determine the election outcome: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona, North Carolina, and Georgia. Harris was ahead of Trump in six of these states and tied in Arizona.
Trump&#8217;s campaign pollster, Tony Fabrizio, anticipates a temporary surge in polls for Harris, as her entry into the race is likely to invigorate Democrats. He referred to this expected increase as a "Harris Honeymoon" in a memo released shortly after a Reuters/Ipsos poll was made public.
Why It Matters: The tight race between Harris and Trump underscores the divisive political climate in the United States. 
The fluctuating poll numbers reflect the uncertainty and volatility of the current political landscape, with both candidates having strong support bases. 
The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the future direction of the country.
Read Next:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40301432/kamala-harris-surges-ahead-of-trump-in-key-states-young-americans-bank-on-harris-for-economic-reviva" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kamala Harris Surges Ahead Of Trump In Key States, Young Americans Bank On Harris For Economic Revival</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Harris Vs Trump: A Nail-Biting Presidential Race, See Which Candidate Is Gaining The Upper Hand

We recently came across an intriguing article that reported on the earnings of a black-market weed dealer the article referred to only as Frank. Using the numbers provided in the article, we decided to calculate just how much Frank could realistically make from selling cannabis on the black market.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Scenario</h3>
According to the Herb.co <a href="https://herb.co/uncategorized/weed-dealer-profits">article</a>, Frank buys a quarter-pound (QP) of cannabis for about $1,000, which seems quite expensive, but we&#8217;ll roll with it.
In Frank's region, weed is typically sold at the following prices:
<ul>
<li>$50 for an eighth&nbsp;(3.5 grams)</li>
<li>$100 for a quarter&nbsp;(7 grams)</li>
<li>$350 for an ounce&nbsp;(28 grams)</li>
</ul>
If Frank sells his product by the ounce, he'll make&nbsp;$400 in profit per QP, netting&nbsp;$100 per ounce. However, if he breaks the quarter-pound into smaller eighths, he'll make a more lucrative&nbsp;$600 in profit per QP, gaining&nbsp;$150 per ounce. 
An impressive 40% return on investment (ROI) for the first scenario, an astonishing 60% for the second.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How We Calculated Frank&#8217;s Earnings</h3>
To estimate Frank&#8217;s potential monthly income, we first assumed that he sells one QP of cannabis per week. With this assumption, we calculated his total monthly profits based on both selling strategies: selling by the ounce and by the eighth.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Scenario 1: Selling by the Ounce</h4>
<ul>
<li>Cost of a quarter-pound: $1,000</li>
<li>Selling price of an ounce: $350</li>
<li>Profit per ounce: $100</li>
<li>Total profit per QP: 4 ounces × $100 =&nbsp;$400 per QP</li>
<li>Monthly profit: $400 per QP × 4 weeks =&nbsp;$1,600 per month</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Scenario 2: Selling by the Eighth</h4>
<ul>
<li>Cost of a quarter-pound: $1,000</li>
<li>Selling price of an eighth: $50</li>
<li>Profit per ounce: $150 (if sold in eighths)</li>
<li>Total profit per QP: 4 ounces × $150 =&nbsp;$600 per QP</li>
<li>Monthly profit: $600 per QP × 4 weeks =&nbsp;$2,400 per month</li>
</ul>
Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact Of Frequent Customers</h3>
But that's not the whole story. Frank reports having around 10-12 regular customers, with about 4-5 described as &#8220;good, frequent&#8221; customers who visit him every day or every other day. These frequent buyers account for a significant portion of his income. He says that $200 is the most he's made from a single transaction.
Using these details, we estimated Frank's additional monthly income from these frequent customers:
<ul>
<li>Frequent customers: An average of 4.5 customers</li>
<li>Transactions per month per customer: 15 (assuming every other day)</li>
<li>Income per transaction: $200</li>
<li>Monthly income from frequent customers: 4.5 customers × 15 transactions × $200 =&nbsp;$13,500 per month</li>
</ul>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40176980/state-by-state-price-of-weed-across-the-u-s-in-august-2024">State By State: Price Of Weed Across The U.S. In August 2024</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Total Monthly Income</h3>
When we combine Frank's profit from selling his cannabis with the income from his frequent customers, his total monthly income looks like this:
<ul>
<li>Selling by the ounce: $1,600 (monthly profit) + $13,500 (income from frequent customers) =&nbsp;$15,100 per month</li>
<li>Selling by the eighth: $2,400 (monthly profit) + $13,500 (income from frequent customers) =&nbsp;$15,900 per month</li>
</ul>
This is assuming frank has no other associated costs, which are most likely to exist in illegal markets when operating at certain scales.
While these numbers may seem staggering, it's important to remember that Frank operates outside of the legal market. Typically illegal markets charge higher prices because of the implied risks.
In the regulated cannabis industry, businesses face operational costs, including taxes, compliance fees and overhead expenses such as storefronts, employee wages and security measures. These costs significantly reduce the profit margins of legal cannabis companies.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Comparing To Legal Cannabis Businesses</h3>
But legal dispensaries play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and health of consumers. By adhering to strict regulations, legal businesses offer products that are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/07/39795191/are-cannabis-products-safer-now-inside-the-new-testing-standards">tested for quality</a>, potency, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38392257/study-finds-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-metals-in-commercially-available-cannabis-rolling-papers">harmful contaminants</a>. While <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/06/39173830/cannabis-taxes-weight-potency-or-price-impact-on-businesses-patients-consumers">taxes</a> and compliance costs—such as licensing, packaging, and marketing—may seem high, they ensure that cannabis is sold responsibly, in environments that prioritize consumer safety. The costs of ensuring safety and accountability are well worth it when weighed against the risks of unregulated products.
Frank&#8217;s ability to pull in between&nbsp;$15,100 and $15,900 per month&nbsp;is a testament to the profitability of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/40045638/cannabis-shops-are-selling-like-crazy-one-year-after-legalization-in-maryland-but-black-market-p">black market</a>, despite growing legalization efforts. 
The black market thrives on its ability to bypass the regulatory and tax burdens that weigh down legal sellers. 
While the profits may be enticing, operating in the black market comes with its own set of risks, especially the potential legal penalties if caught.
<ul>
<li>Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40638186/in-amsterdam-style-california-senate-moves-to-legalize-cannabis-farmers-markets-and-cafes">In Amsterdam Style, California Senate Moves To Legalize Cannabis Farmers Markets And Cafes</a></li>
</ul>
Cover: AI generated image

Legal

Economics

How Much Does Cannabis Black Market Dealer 'Frank' Make Per Month?

Billionaire NFL owner Shahid Khan has made his superyacht available for charter, offering a unique opportunity for those willing to shell out a cool $3 million a week.
What Happened: The superyacht, christened Kismet, is the property of Khan, the owner of the NFL&#8217;s Jacksonville Jaguars. The yacht is all set to make its first appearance at the Monaco Yacht Show later this month. Khan, who boasts a net worth of $13.3 billion as per Forbes, has officially put his new yacht up for charter.
The 122-meter luxury vessel is designed to accommodate up to 12 guests, with a crew of 36 at their disposal. It features a Balinese-inspired spa, a gym, a basketball court, and a pickleball court among other amenities. 
According to the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/billionaire-nfl-owner-shahid-khan-superyacht-available-to-charter-price-2024-9">by</a> Business Insider, The yacht also includes three pools, four bars, an outdoor cinema, a DJ booth, and a grand piano.
Khan&#8217;s former superyacht, also named Kismet, was purchased by ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt last year. The new Kismet, constructed by German shipyard Lürssen, is the largest yacht to be showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35863341/a-retiree-was-planning-to-pay-1-million-to-live-on-a-luxury-cruise-ship-until-he-changed-his-mind-is">A Retiree Was Planning To Pay $1 Million To Live On A Luxury Cruise Ship — Until He Changed His Mind: &#8216;Is This Going To Happen In My Lifetime?&#8217;</a>
&#8220;The yacht has exceeded all expectations of the client for whom we have built his third yacht in total,&#8221; said Peter Lürssen, a managing partner at Lürssen.
While the charter fee may appear steep, additional expenses such as provisions, gratuities, and taxes can inflate the total cost of a week aboard the Kismet to a staggering $5.4 million.
Why It Matters: This move by Khan signifies a growing trend among billionaires to monetize their luxury assets. It also highlights the increasing demand for ultra-luxury experiences among the super-rich, who are willing to pay premium prices for exclusive experiences. 
The charter of Kismet also underscores the popularity of superyachts as a symbol of opulence and status among the world&#8217;s wealthiest individuals. 
The fact that Khan&#8217;s previous yacht was bought by another high-profile billionaire, Eric Schmidt, further emphasizes this point.
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This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Sports

NFL Billionaire's Superyacht Up For Charter, Here's How Much It'll Cost You

In Berlin, a unique medical clinic has been quietly addressing the needs of a growing, underserved patient population: individuals experiencing lingering and disruptive effects from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/psychedelics">psychedelic substances</a>. Known as the Ambulanz Psychedelische Substanzen (Outpatient Clinic for Psychedelic Substances) and based at Charité, one of Germany's most prestigious university hospitals, the clinic was founded by psychiatrist Dr. Tomislav Majić in 2018. As The Guardian <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/article/2024/sep/06/psychedelics-side-effects-risks-clinic-berlin">reported</a>, since its inception, the clinic has become a rare haven for people suffering from conditions like hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), anxiety and derealization after using psychedelics.
The surge in public interest surrounding psychedelics has largely focused on their potential therapeutic benefits. From treating depression and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ptsd">PTSD</a> to aiding end-of-life anxiety, substances like psilocybin, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mdma">MDMA</a>, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/lsd">LSD</a> are becoming part of a new frontier in mental health treatment. However, as more people experiment with these substances recreationally or as part of self-exploration, some are left grappling with unexpected and sometimes long-term side effects.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">When The Psychedelic Experience Persists</h3>
One such patient is James (a pseudonym to protect his privacy), who experienced a profound and distressing shift in his vision after taking psychedelic mushrooms. "I couldn't read the text on my computer screen," James recalled to The Guardian, adding that his entire visual field was filled with static. After seeking help from doctors in London, he found little support. "I was told, ‘This is why we don't do drugs,'" James said. It was clear that traditional medical professionals were not equipped to handle his symptoms.
Like many, James turned to online forums and self-diagnosed himself with HPPD, a condition where visual disturbances persist long after the drug's effects should have faded. Eventually, he found his way to Dr. Majić's clinic in Berlin. There, James received an official diagnosis and, for the first time, felt heard and understood. "The approach was completely different—nonjudgmental and focused on finding solutions," he said, per the outlet.
The clinic treats a wide range of symptoms stemming from psychedelic use. Patients arrive with conditions such as HPPD, depersonalization, psychosis, or even recurring panic attacks triggered by their drug experiences. "There are a lot of patients who suffer from psychedelic-related problems," Dr. Majić said. "They don't have anywhere to go."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Clinic's Approach</h3>
The Berlin clinic operates with a harm reduction philosophy. The staff does not advise patients to stop using psychedelics entirely but rather helps them understand what might have led to their difficulties. By diagnosing the specific issue and offering a combination of medication, psychotherapy and support, they provide critical assistance to those in need. Many patients come to the clinic in search of answers after struggling for months—or even years—with their symptoms. The clinic serves about 10 to 15 patients per month, and Majić has noted the high demand despite no formal advertising.
Psychedelics have different risk profiles than traditional drugs, and while they are not known to be physically addictive or prone to causing overdose, they can lead to challenging psychological experiences. For some, a single difficult trip spirals into lasting mental health issues that they find impossible to shake without proper intervention.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Global Context: Persistent Side Effects</h3>
The effects of psychedelics, particularly those that persist long after the trip, are only now gaining attention from researchers. A 2023 <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0293349#sec001">study</a> by the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project surveyed 608 people about their long-term symptoms after psychedelic use. The findings were startling: about a third of respondents had been dealing with their symptoms for over a year. Emotional difficulties, including heightened anxiety and existential confusion, were common themes.
For some, the aftermath of a psychedelic experience leaves them grappling with existential questions that they struggle to integrate into their daily lives. Richard, another patient of the clinic, developed visual disturbances after using DMT. "I have sensitivity to light, which lingers in my vision like an afterglow," he shared with The Guardian. The anxiety that followed his trip evolved into what Dr. Majić referred to as ontological shock—an overwhelming confrontation with existential thoughts and the nature of reality.
"This type of experience is not a psychiatric disorder," explained Majić, "but it's disruptive, and people find it difficult to make sense of."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Expanding Support Beyond Berlin</h3>
While Berlin's psychedelic clinic is one of the few places offering specialized care for these conditions, other resources are emerging. Jules Evans, the director of the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project, runs an online peer <a href="https://www.ecstaticintegration.org/p/can-support-groups-make-psychedelic">support group</a> for people dealing with similar issues. Other organizations, like the Fireside Project, offer peer support hotlines. Additionally, groups dedicated to psychedelic integration, which help users process and understand their psychedelic experiences, are growing, though they often lack standardization.
The rise of psychedelics in mainstream consciousness has outpaced the infrastructure needed to support people when things go wrong. Most conventional psychiatrists lack the training to address issues that are not directly related to substance abuse but are tied to a single traumatic drug experience. "People are often told to go to addiction clinics, but that's not the problem," said Majić. "They're struggling with the aftereffects, not continued use."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Future For Psychedelic Medicine</h3>
Despite these challenges, Dr. Majić remains optimistic about the future of psychedelics in medicine. He is also involved in clinical trials studying the use of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/psilocybin">psilocybin</a> for treatment-resistant depression and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/dmt">5-MeO-DMT</a>, a powerful psychedelic, for other <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/psychedelic-assisted-therapies">mental health conditions</a>. "They can be beneficial," he said. "But they're also harmful for some."
Cover image made with AI

Psychedelics

Health Care

When Psychedelics Go Wrong: Inside Berlin's Specialized Clinic For Psychedelic Side Effects

Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert has been under fire due to his perceived defensive limitations. Now, NBA legend Eddie Johnson has stepped up to defend Gobert.
What Happened: During a SiriusXM NBA Radio interview, Johnson expressed his bewilderment at the public&#8217;s perception of Gobert. He acknowledged that Gobert should address the criticism, but was puzzled by the focus on Gobert&#8217;s shortcomings rather than his strengths.
Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner, has been a significant defensive presence in the league. However, his performance has been under scrutiny, particularly in recent seasons, due to his struggle to adapt to the evolving requirements of the modern game, <a href="https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-constant-hate-towards-rudy-gobert-has-nba-legend-dumbfounded/">reports</a> SportsRush.
<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">Why does Rudy Gobert get criticized at times by other players?<a href="https://twitter.com/Jumpshot8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jumpshot8</a> would like an answer to that question <a href="https://t.co/tMBMlgtzql">pic.twitter.com/tMBMlgtzql</a>
&mdash; SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SiriusXMNBA/status/1832065526312686027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
"This is something that Rudy Gobert has to address, because, obviously, his demeanor on the court, maybe he is saying stuff to players that we are not privy to hearing, and maybe that's part of it. But the vitriol against this man, it baffles me,&#8221; he said during the podcast. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38433102/nba-all-star-rudy-gobert-becomes-brand-ambassador-for-cannabis-company-leef-brands-supporting-ch">NBA All-Star Rudy Gobert Becomes Brand Ambassador For Cannabis Company LEEF Brands, Supporting Children&#8217;s Charity</a>
He also said, "When you got a guy that's a defensive marvel of freaking nature. But he has people nitpick on the things that he can't do at a high level.&#8221;
His five-year, $205 million contract has been a source of mockery amidst his defensive struggles. Several NBA players, including Shaquille O&#8217;Neal, have publicly questioned the logic behind this deal.
O&#8217;Neal&#8217;s harsh criticism led to Gobert defending himself on social media, a rare occurrence that earned him some support. This incident may encourage Gobert to continue voicing his stance in the future.
Why It Matters: The criticism towards Gobert&#8217;s defensive abilities has been a hot topic in the NBA community. Despite being a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert&#8217;s struggles to adapt to the modern game&#8217;s demands have raised questions about his worth, especially considering his hefty contract.
Public figures like O&#8217;Neal questioning the rationale behind Gobert&#8217;s contract has added fuel to the fire. However, the support from NBA legend Eddie Johnson could potentially shift the narrative and bring more focus to Gobert&#8217;s strengths rather than his weaknesses.
As Gobert continues to face criticism, his response and performance in the upcoming seasons will be crucial in shaping his legacy in the NBA.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/05/38995866/nbas-underpaid-players-lead-the-way-in-playoffs-only-1-of-top-15-paid-stars-remains-in-fig">NBA&#8217;s Underpaid Players Lead The Way In Playoffs? Only 1 Of Top 15 Paid Stars Remains In Fight For NBA Championship</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

NBA Legend Eddie Johnson Defends Rudy Gobert Amidst Mounting Criticism: 'The Vitriol Against This Man Baffles Me'

In the latest poll conducted by The New York Times/Siena College, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are nearly tied, setting the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40669286/harris-vs-trump-this-candidate-leading-in-numerous-polls-transforming-political-landscape">stage for a riveting presidential debate</a> on Tuesday night.
What Happened: The poll, carried out between Sept. 3 and 6, shows a tight race between Harris and Trump. With 47% of likely voters backing Harris and 48% supporting Trump, the two are separated by just a single point.
This <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/us/politics/trump-and-harris-times-siena-poll.html">poll</a> comes on the heels of the second presidential debate, and the first between Harris and Trump. The previous debate in June saw President Joe Biden and Trump face off, after which Biden withdrew from the 2024 race, endorsing Harris.
According to the Times/Siena poll, only 30% of likely voters believe the United States is heading in the right direction, while 60% disagree. Harris, however, leads Trump by 3.8 percentage points in an average of national polls from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40761916/trump-vs-harris-majority-of-americans-anticipate-peaceful-2024-power-transfer-if-this-candidate-wins">Trump Vs Harris: Majority Of Americans Anticipate Peaceful 2024 Power Transfer If This Candidate Wins</a>
Despite her national lead, Harris faces a stiffer competition in swing states such as Georgia and Arizona. In these states, Harris holds a slim 0.4% lead and is neck-and-neck with Trump, respectively, according to averages of polls from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.
The poll, which surveyed 1,695 registered voters, has a 2.8 percentage point margin of sampling error.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40666453/scaramucci-trump-is-in-trouble-and-he-knows-it-slams-him-on-conflicting-abortion-statements-hes-shot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scaramucci: ‘Trump Is In Trouble And He Knows It', Slams Him On Conflicting Abortion Statements: ‘He's Shotgunning Out Statements And Words'</a>
Why It Matters: The upcoming presidential debate is crucial for both candidates. The nearly equal support for Harris and Trump underscores the importance of their performances in the debate. With the race so close, every point counts, and the debate could be a game-changer.
The poll results also highlight the divided opinion among voters about the direction of the country. This could be a significant factor in the election, as candidates will need to address these concerns effectively to win over undecided voters.
Moreover, the tight race in swing states like Georgia and Arizona could determine the outcome of the election. These states have historically been decisive in close elections, and the candidates&#8217; ability to win over voters in these states could be pivotal.
Read Next:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40301432/kamala-harris-surges-ahead-of-trump-in-key-states-young-americans-bank-on-harris-for-economic-reviva" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kamala Harris Surges Ahead Of Trump In Key States, Young Americans Bank On Harris For Economic Revival</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Trump Vs Harris: Candidates Tied In Key Poll As Crucial Debate Nears

Paragon Shipping

<A href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/shipping-stocks">Shipping stocks</a> were trading notably higher on Friday on minimal news.
The only notable news release that would affect the group was a press release by Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/dsx#NYSE">DSX</a>), in which the global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels entered into a time charter contract with Koch Shipping Pte. Ltd., Singapore for one of its capesize dry bulk vessels, the m/v P. S. Palios.
Ironically, Diana Shipping's stock is among the few shipping names trading in the red, as shares were lower by 0.26 percent at $3.79.
Globus Maritime Ltd (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/glbs#NASDAQ">GLBS</a>) led all shipping companies higher as the stock gained more than 135 percent on Friday before a halt to the stock kicked in at 11:21 a.m. ET.
Globus Maritime's investor relations website <a href="http://www.globusmaritime.gr/press_releases.html">showed no new press releases</a> and the company's presentations page <a href="http://www.globusmaritime.gr/presentations.html">hasn't seen any new entries</a> since December, 2015.
Here is a roundup of other shipping companies with notable gains that can't be attributed to any company specific news:
<ul>
<li>Diana Containerships Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/dcix#NASDAQ">DCIX</a>): $3.23, up 20.52 percent.</li>
<li>Euroseas Ltd. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/esea#NASDAQ">ESEA</a>): $1.77, up 10.66 percent.</li>
<li>Paragon Shipping Inc. (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/prgnf#OTC">PRGNF</a>): $0.12, up 12.15 percent.</li>
<li>Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/sblk#NASDAQ">SBLK</a>): $7.17, up 6.86 percent.</li></ul>
<h3>Deja Vu</h3>
The shipping sector <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2016/11/16/unmoored-from-reality-dryships-halted-after-1500-post-election-rally/">dominated headlines</a> back in November 2016 when a relatively unknown shipping company called DryShips Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="/stock/drys#NASDAQ">DRYS</a>) traded from under $4 a share to above $100 and then back to below $10 within just days. On Friday, the stock hit a 52-week low of $1.69 but shortly after 12:00 p.m. ET the stock was higher by more than 14 percent on the day at $2.10.
As <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/17/01/8894679/low-float-heavily-shorted-stocks-are-the-volatility-play-righ">Benzinga previously explained</a>, the combination of a high short interest and low float creates a cocktail as volatile and explosive as nitroglycerine.
When a short squeeze occurs in a typical stock, short sellers can cut their losses by throwing in the towel and covering at any point. However, when a stock has a low float, brokers may not have shares available to allow traders to close out their short positions at all.
It is possible that a short squeeze could be at play. Many investors profited greatly from DryShip's $100 per share gain but many investors were unfortunately caught on the other side of the trade. 
Needless to say, buyers beware.

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Friday, January 13, 2017