Ucommune International Stock (NASDAQ: UKOMW)

Latest news for Ucommune International (NASDAQ:UKOMW) Stock

Ucommune International Ltd is a flexible office space provider and manager based in the People's Republic of China (PRC). The company offers long-term leasing, on-demand, and short-term leasing solutions to freelancers, start-up entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, and corporations. They provide fully-serviced and well-furnished office spaces on a flexible basis. The members of the Ucommune community, which includes individuals and enterprises registered on the U bazaar mobile app, can avail of these services. The company has three operating segments: Workspace membership, Marketing and branding services, and Other services. Marketing and branding services generate the majority of the company's revenue.

Ucommune International Ltd - Warrant expiring 11/17/2025

Ucommune International Ltd

Apple Inc.&#8217;s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40116376/apple-q3-earnings-beat-expectations-tim-cook-highlights-breakthrough-ai-platform-installed-base-of-">third-quarter earnings</a> report has outperformed expectations, even with a 6.5% YoY sales decrease in Greater China. However, CEO Tim Cook continues to remain bullish about the company&#8217;s long-term prospects in the region.
What Happened: During the earnings call, Cook revealed that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/07/40018739/apple-analyst-turns-focus-to-apple-intelligence-chinese-market-share-ahead-of-q3-earnings">sales decrease in Greater China</a> was less than 3%&nbsp;on a constant currency basis, suggesting that over half of the decline was currency-related.
Despite the decrease, Cook pointed out several positive indicators. The iPhone install base in Greater China set a record, and Mainland China saw&nbsp;a June quarter record for&nbsp;upgraders. The Kantar survey for the quarter showed iPhones as&nbsp;the top three models in&nbsp;urban China.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40003033/elon-musk-blocked-vampires-fame-james-wood-for-slamming-his-blocking-ban-now-the-actor-cant-stop-sin?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Blocked &#8216;Vampires&#8217; Fame James Woods For Slamming His Blocking Ban, Now The Actor Can&#8217;t Stop Singing Praises Of The X Owner: &#8216;He Is A Champion Of Free Speech&#8217;</a>
Cook also mentioned that the majority of customers in Mainland China were buying Mac and iPad products for the first time. The&nbsp;iPad returned to growth in&nbsp;Greater China during the quarter, mirroring its performance worldwide, he said.
&#8220;We&nbsp;continue to be confident in the long-term opportunity in China. I don&#8217;t know how every chapter of the book reads, but we&#8217;re very confident in the long-term,&#8221; Cook stated.
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Why It Matters: In July, it was reported that <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-">Apple&#8217;s market share in China dropped to 14%</a>, a decrease of two percentage points from the same period last year, according to data from Canalys. This was due to intensifying competition, with Huawei Technologies witnessing a significant increase in smartphone shipments.
However, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/06/39434301/apples-ai-strategy-faces-hurdles-in-china-talks-with-local-firms-are-ongoing">Apple has been making strategic moves</a> to strengthen its position in the region. In June, the company was in talks with several Chinese companies, including Baidu Inc and Alibaba Group Holding Limited, to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) functions into its devices sold in China.
Meanwhile, Cupertino&#8217;s revenue increased by 4.9%, totaling $85.78 billion for the quarter, surpassing the average analyst estimate of $84.53 billion, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro data.</a>
Price Action: Apple shares were slightly up in after-hours trading at $219.60, at the time of writing. The stock closed Thursday's session down 1.68%, ending at $218.36.
Image Credits &#8211; Shutterstock.com
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Consumer Tech by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

News

Markets

Tech

AAPL

Tim Cook Remains Optimistic About Greater China Market Despite 6.5% Yearly Decline: 'Confident in the Long-Term'

Do Kwon, the disgraced co-founder of Terraform Labs, is set to be extradited from Montenegro to South Korea, as per a court ruling. The decision rejects a U.S. extradition request.
What Happened: The Appellate Court of Montenegro upheld a previous decision by the High Court of Podgorica to hand over Kwon to his home country, South Korea, over the U.S., both of which are seeking his extradition, CoinDesk <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2024/08/01/montenegro-to-extradite-do-kwon-to-south-korea-rejecting-us-request/">reported</a> Thursday.
The recent ruling is expected to end the ongoing tug-of-war over Kwon&#8217;s extradition destination. Despite previous <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/03/37481532/do-kwons-us-extradition-overturned-whats-next">successful appeals against U.S. extradition,</a> the decision to send him to South Korea was postponed by the country&#8217;s Supreme Court. The final decision on Kwon&#8217;s extradition will be made by Montenegro&#8217;s Minister of Justice, as per the Office of the Supreme State Prosecutor.
As of now, no date has been set for Kwon&#8217;s extradition.
.See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40112162/dogwifhat-down-20-and-the-hat-has-to-come-off-again-says-trader-flush-below-2-next">Dogwifhat Down 20% And The &#8216;Hat Has To Come Off Again,&#8217; Says Trader: &#8216;Flush Below $2&#8217; Next?</a>
Why It Matters: The litigation against Terraform Labs and Do Kwon has been continuing for more than two years. In April, a United States District Court ruled that Terraform Labs and Kwon <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38147207/court-finds-terraform-labs-guilty-of-defrauding-crypto-investors">defrauded investors during the stunning collapse</a> of stablecoin TerraUSD (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">UST</a>) and associated cryptocurrency Terra (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/luna/usd">LUNA</a>), an event that wiped out more than $40 billion in investors&#8217; wealth in a single week and triggered a cryptocurrency bear market.
In June, Terraform Labs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39304765/bankrupt-terraform-labs-and-founder-do-kwon-reach-historic-4-47b-settlement-with-the-sec-i">agreed to a civil settlement of $4.47 billion with the SEC</a> after being found guilty. as per another <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39304765/bankrupt-terraform-labs-and-founder-do-kwon-reach-historic-4-47b-settlement-with-the-sec-i">Benzinga article</a>. The judgment includes $4.05 billion of disgorgement plus interest, and a $420 million civil fine.
After Terra&#8217;s collapse, Kwon vanished. In September 2022, Interpol issued a red notice for him. He was apprehended in Montenegro in March 2023 for attempting to use a fake Costa Rican passport to travel to Dubai. Despite an initial four-month sentence for using falsified documents, Kwon stayed in jail until his release on bail in March earlier this year.
Price Action: At the time of writing, Terra Classic (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">LUNC</a>), LUNA&#8217;s rebranded avatar, was exchanging hands at $0.00007758, down 1.23% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA.." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;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.

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

Cryptocurrency

$LUNA

$LUNC

$UST

US Loses Out To South Korea Over Extradition Of Terraform Labs' Do Kwon

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and rapper Flavor Flav are helping athlete Veronica Fraley financially. Ohanian is also the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/22941133/serena-williams-owns-a-cryptopunk-and-her-husband-alexis-ohanian-wore-it-to-the-met-gala">husband</a> of tennis legend Serena Williams.
What Happened: On Thursday, Fraley, a discus thrower who is participating in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/40031176/azerbaijans-olympic-team-shines-at-paris-2024-opening-ceremony">2024 Paris Olympics</a>, took to X, formerly Twitter, and voiced her financial difficulties. 
She highlighted the financial support gap between herself and her school&#8217;s football players saying despite her Olympic participation, she was unable to meet her rent payments.
Flav promptly responded to Fraley&#8217;s post, offering to cover her rent. Serena Williams&#8217; husband, Ohanian followed suit, proposing to split the cost.
<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">I gotchu,,, DM me and I'll send payment TODAY so you don't have to worry bout it TOMORROW,,, and imma be rooting for ya tomorrow LETZ GO,!!!
&mdash; FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlavorFlav/status/1819037242020548849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40116376/apple-q3-earnings-beat-expectations-tim-cook-highlights-breakthrough-ai-platform-installed-base-of-?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Q3 Earnings Beat Expectations, Tim Cook Highlights &#8216;Breakthrough&#8217; AI Platform: Installed Base Of Devices Hits All-Time High, But China Revenue Falls</a>
Both confirmed their payments within an hour, with Ohanian posting a screenshot of his $7,760 transfer to Fraley, a nod to&nbsp;his Seven Seven Six venture&nbsp;capital firm.
<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">Update! It is done. <a href="https://t.co/WEX18Gny60">pic.twitter.com/WEX18Gny60</a>
&mdash; Alexis Ohanian &#x1f1e6;&#x1f1f2; (@alexisohanian) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexisohanian/status/1819057503436472800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Fraley later expressed her gratitude for their support, acknowledging the significant impact of their contribution.
<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">&#x1f4aa;&#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8;&#x1f947; now go be great
&mdash; Alexis Ohanian &#x1f1e6;&#x1f1f2; (@alexisohanian) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexisohanian/status/1819115247778554122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: This incident underscores the financial challenges faced by many Olympic athletes. Despite the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40118989/simone-biles-makes-history-in-paris-snoop-dogg-led-olympic-pin-trading-frenzy-expected">glamour and tradition</a>&nbsp;associated with the Olympics, not all athletes receive adequate financial backing.
According <a href="https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/are-olympic-athletes-paid-to-compete-olympic-games-medals-worth">to</a> NBC, traditionally Olympic athletes do not receive payment. However, team USA athletes can earn income through sponsorships, endorsements, and monetary awards for winning Olympic medals.
Singapore famously awards its gold-medal-winning athletes $737,000, whereas competitors from the U.S. can earn over $37,000 for each first-place finish, according to a 2021 <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/29/tokyo-olympics-how-much-athletes-earn.html">report</a> by CNBC.
Moreover, U.S. Olympians traditionally benefit from perks like tax relief, tuition grants, education funding, top-tier healthcare plans, and other advantages.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, it was reported that professional basketball player, LeBron James, who is gearing up to lead Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics, has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/08/40109271/lebron-james-eyes-olympic-gold-while-building-a-100-million-real-estate-empire">quietly built a $100 million real estate</a> empire.
Photo Courtesy: Asatur Yesayants on Shutterstock.com
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Reddit Co-Founder And Serena Williams Husband Alexis Ohanian Gave $7.7K To Olympian Veronica Fraley Because She Couldn't Pay Her Rent: 'Now Go Be Great'

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) is being sued by the family of a motorcyclist who died in a 2022 crash involving a Tesla Model 3 on Autopilot in Utah. The lawsuit alleges that the driver assistant software and other safety features are &#8220;defective and inadequate.&#8221;
What Happened: The parents of Landon Embry, the motorcyclist who died in the crash, have filed a lawsuit against Tesla and the driver of the Model 3, Reuters reported on Thursday. 
The lawsuit claims that the Autopilot was engaged at a speed of 75-80 miles per hour when it collided with the Harley Davidson motorcycle, throwing Embry off the bike and resulting in his death.
The lawsuit alleges that the driver of the Model 3 was &#8220;tired&#8221; and &#8220;not in a condition to drive as an ordinarily prudent driver.&#8221; It also states that the Autopilot sensors, including cameras, should have identified the motorcycle as a hazard and taken appropriate action to avoid the collision.
This lawsuit adds to the mounting criticism of Tesla&#8217;s driver assistant systems, Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD). In April, a Tesla Model S in &#8220;Full Self-Driving&#8221; mode was involved in a fatal crash that killed a motorcyclist in the Seattle area.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40031325/former-tesla-exec-says-biden-administrations-treatment-of-ev-giant-was-pretty-fair-despite-musks-all?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Former Tesla Exec Says Biden Administration&#8217;s Treatment Of EV Giant Was &#8216;Pretty Fair&#8217; Despite Musk&#8217;s&nbsp;Allegations That It Would Rather The Company &#8216;Be Dead Than Not Unionized&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: This lawsuit is the latest in a series of incidents involving Tesla&#8217;s driver assistance technologies. In April, a fatal accident near Seattle involved a Tesla Model S using the FSD system, leading to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40068281/teslas-fsd-system-under-scrutiny-after-fatal-motorcycle-accident-near-seattle">death of a motorcyclist</a>. The driver admitted to being distracted by his phone while the vehicle was on Autopilot.
In February, safety advocacy group the Dawn Project ran ads during the Super Bowl, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37111667/tesla-vehicles-will-try-to-kill-you-safety-advocacy-group-founder-says-fsd-drives-like-a-drunk-teena">urging consumers to boycott</a> Tesla due to safety concerns. The group&#8217;s founder, Dan O'Dowd, claimed that the FSD system &#8220;drives like a drunk teenager&#8221; and poses significant risks to public safety. 
Despite these concerns, CEO Elon Musk has expressed confidence in the FSD technology. On Thursday, he stated that Tesla has a &#8220;clear path&#8221; to improving the performance of the FSD system, aiming to double the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40092350/tesla-has-a-clear-path-to-improving-fsd-in-august-and-reducing-interventions-says-elon-musk">average miles between interventions</a>.
Price Action: Tesla Inc.&#8217;s stock closed at $216.86 on Thursday, down 6.55% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock increased slightly by 0.11%. Year to date, Tesla&#8217;s stock has declined by 12.70%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
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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>

Equities

Legal

TSLA

Tesla's Autopilot System Failed In Deadly 2022 Crash Involving Motorcyclist, Alleges Lawsuit

Michael Saylor, the co-founder of MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>). called former President Donald Trump&#8217;s recent Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)-supportive speech a big milestone, underscoring that the world&#8217;s largest cryptocurrency has entered the political conversation.
What Happened: During Microstrategy&#8217;s Q2 2024 earnings call, Saylor said that the recently concluded Bitcoin 2024 conference was an &#8220;&#8221;extraordinary&#8221; event as it was graced by Governors, House Members, and presidential candidates.
&#8220;Four years ago, all of this was unconceivable. So, we&#8217;ve come a long way in the past four years,&#8221; the Bitcoin bull remarked.
Saylor applauded Trump&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/40002734/trump-says-bitcoin-will-skyrocket-like-never-before-if-he-returns-to-the-white-house-promi">announcement of a national Bitcoin stockpile</a>, particularly his stance on HODLing the apex cryptocurrency.
In fact, the MicroStrategy Executive Chairman went one step ahead and said, &#8220;In terms of the idea of not selling Bitcoin elevates Bitcoin to be the apex property of the nation as well as the apex investment asset.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40110137/mike-novogratz-predicts-kamala-harris-may-soon-embrace-crypto-in-light-of-donald-trumps-pr">Mike Novogratz Predicts Kamala Harris May Soon Embrace Crypto In Light Of Donald Trump&#8217;s Pro-Crypto Stance</a>
Saylor also praised the proposed legislation by Senator&nbsp;Cynthia Lummis&nbsp;(R-Wyo.)&nbsp;to establish a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/40087880/cynthia-lummis-unveils-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-legislation-this-is-our-louisiana-purchas">U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve</a>.
Why It Matters: Saylor&#8217;s comments came just days after Republican presidential frontrunner Trump pledged to make the U.S. the &#8220;crypto capital&#8221; of the world. He also announced that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/40002734/trump-says-bitcoin-will-skyrocket-like-never-before-if-he-returns-to-the-white-house-promi">he&#8217;d sack </a>SEC Chair Gary Gensler, seen as hostile to the cause of cryptocurrencies, on Day 1 of assuming office.
Saylor&#8217;s bullish stance on King Crypto has dictated MicroStrategy&#8217;s Bitcoin corporate reserve strategy.&nbsp;As per its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40117394/microstrategy-reports-q2-results-holds-226-331-bitcoin-worth-8-329-billion">Q2 earnings report,</a> the company&#8217;s Bitcoin holdings were worth more than $14 billion, 70% higher than its cost basis.
Price Action: At the time of writing, Bitcoin was exchanging hands at $64,222.21, up 0.34% in the last 24 hours, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA.." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.&nbsp;Shares of MicroStrategy were up 3.19% in after-hours trading, after closing 6.36% lower at $1511.81 during Thursday&#8217;s regular session.
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Politics

$BTC

MSTR

Michael Saylor Hails Trump's 'Never Sell Your Bitcoin' Push: 'Elevates King Crypto As The Apex Property Of The Nation'

On Thursday, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest made significant trades in Coinbase Global Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>), Palantir Technologies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>), and Robinhood Markets Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>).
The COIN Trade
Ark Invest sold 69,069 shares of Coinbase from its ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKW#NYSE">ARKW</a>) and Ark Fintech Innovation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKF#NYSE">ARKF</a>). The value of this trade, based on the closing price of $212.64 on the same day, stands at approximately $14.7 million. 
This move comes after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40115874/coinbase-q2-earnings-revenue-beat-transaction-revenue-falls-subscription-and-services-reve">Coinbase&#8217;s second-quarter earnings report</a>, which revealed a revenue beat, but a decrease in transaction revenue.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40121513/bitcoin-chops-in-64k-ethereum-dogecoin-dip-on-day-major-crypto-firms-reported-earnings-ana">remained relatively stable</a> while Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) dropped as major cryptocurrency firms&#8217; earnings revealed mixed results on Thursday.
The PLTR Trade
Ark Invest, through its ARK Innovation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#NYSE">ARKK</a>), sold 325,594 shares of Palantir. The value of this trade, based on the closing price of $26.08 on the same day, stands at approximately $8.5 million. This decision follows a period of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/40048723/whats-going-on-with-palantir-technologies-stock-today">uncertainty in Palantir&#8217;s stock</a>, despite a recent price target increase from Citigroup.
The HOOD Trade
Ark Invest also sold 282,435 shares of Robinhood from its ARKK ETF. The value of this trade, based on the closing price of $20.24 on the same day, stands at approximately $5.72 million. This move comes ahead of Robinhood&#8217;s second-quarter earnings, which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39719107/bofa-analysts-expect-robinhood-eps-beat-in-q2-heres-why">BofA analysts expect to beat estimates</a>. The numbers are expected next Wednesday.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40107937/nvidia-maplebear-and-2-other-stocks-insiders-are-selling?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NVIDIA, Maplebear And 2 Other Stocks Insiders Are Selling</a>
Other Key Trades:
<ul>
<li>Ark Invest bought shares of Advanced Micro Devices Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) through its ARKW ETF.</li>
<li>Ark Invest bought shares of Aurora Innovation Inc (AUR) through its ARKQ ETF. </li>
<li>Ark Invest sold shares of Trimble Inc (TRMB) from its ARKQ ETF. </li>
<li>Ark Invest bought shares of 3IQ ETHER STAKING ETF (ETHQ) through its ARKW ETF.</li>
<li>Ark Invest sold shares of ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) from its ARKW ETF. </li>
</ul>
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/40029681/trump-accuses-opec-of-manipulating-oil-prices-to-favor-kamala-harris-warns-she-will-be-a-disaste?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Accuses OPEC Of Manipulating Oil Prices To Favor Kamala Harris, Warns &#8216;She Will Be A Disaster For The USA!&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

ETFs

$ETH

ARKF

ARKK

ARKW

COIN

HOOD

PLTR

Cathie Wood's Ark Invest Sells $14.7M Worth Of Coinbase Shares And $8.5M Worth Of Palantir Stock — Also Sells Robinhood Shares But Loads Up On AMD

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has continued its robust capital return program, returning over $32 billion to shareholders in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40098719/how-to-earn-500-a-month-from-apple-stock-ahead-of-q3-earnings">third quarter of fiscal year 2024</a>.
What Happened: During the earnings call, Apple&#8217;s CFO Luca Maestri provided details on the company&#8217;s capital allocation strategy.
&#8220;During the quarter, we returned over $32 billion to shareholders, including $3.9 billion in dividends and equivalents and $26 billion through open market repurchases of 139 million Apple shares,&#8221; Maestri stated.
The company also announced its next dividend payment, with Maestri saying, &#8220;Today our Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock payable on Aug. 15, to shareholders of record as of Aug. 12.&#8221;
This substantial return of capital to shareholders comes amid a quarter of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40116376/apple-q3-earnings-beat-expectations-tim-cook-highlights-breakthrough-ai-platform-installed-base-of-">strong financial performance for Apple</a>. The company reported a new June quarter revenue record of $85.8 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with earnings per share growing to $1.40, also a June quarter record.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40095631/researchers-identify-trump-dump-effect-ex-president-is-already-causing-deep-stock-losses-in-comp?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers Identify &#8216;Trump Dump&#8217; Effect: Ex-President Is Already Causing Deep Stock Losses In Companies And Industries He Targets</a>
Why It Matters: Apple&#8217;s strong financial performance in the third quarter is noteworthy, especially considering the company&#8217;s recent challenges. On Thursday, Apple reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40098719/how-to-earn-500-a-month-from-apple-stock-ahead-of-q3-earnings">earnings that exceeded expectations</a>, with revenue growing year-over-year. 
Earlier in the day, analysts had anticipated that Apple&#8217;s third-quarter results would signal an i<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40100693/will-apple-lay-the-case-for-easing-into-ai-superhighway-analysts-expect-iphone-makers-q3-results-to">nflection in topline growth</a>. The June quarter is typically slow for Apple, but the company managed to report growth in both revenue and earnings per share.
Moreover, Warren Buffett&#8217;s Berkshire Hathaway has significantly benefited from its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/06/39433071/heres-how-much-warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-earns-in-dividends-annually-from-its-stake-in-appl">stake in Apple</a>, roughly 5.1% of the company. And it&#8217;s a significant stake for Berkshire, representing over 40% of its portfolio, earning substantial dividends annually. 
Price Action: Apple&#8217;s stock closed at $218.36 on Thursday, down 1.68% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock increased by 0.57%. Year to date, Apple&#8217;s stock has risen by 17.63%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/40088529/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-slip-amid-flare-up-of-iran-israel-tensions-analyst-says-a-big-mo?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Slip Amid Flare-Up Of Iran-Israel Tensions: Analyst Says &#8216;A Big Move Is Coming Soon&#8217; For King Crypto</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Apple CFO Luca Maestri Pumps Confidence, Says iPhone Maker Returned $32B To Shareholders In Q3

Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) has attributed its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40114662/amazon-q2-earnings-highlights-revenue-miss-eps-beat-q3-guidance-and-more">disappointing revenue forecast</a> to the ongoing Paris Olympics and the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
What Happened: Amazon&#8217;s finance chief, Brian Olsavsky, cited the current news cycle as a major reason for the company&#8217;s projected decline in online shopping for the quarter ending in September, CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/01/amazon-says-distraction-of-olympics-trump-shooting-caused-weak-guide.html">reported</a> on Thursday. 
The Paris Olympics and the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election in November are diverting consumer attention, Olsavsky said during a call with journalists following the second-quarter earnings report.
"Customers only have so much attention," Olsavsky said. "When high-profile things happen, or the assassination attempt a couple of weeks ago, you see that people shift their attention to news. It's more about distractions."
Amazon expects its third-quarter revenue to range between $154 billion and $158.5 billion, with the midpoint of $156.25 billion falling short of the $158.24 billion consensus estimate. This, combined with a second-quarter revenue miss, led to nearly 7% drop in Amazon&#8217;s shares during extended trading.
Economic challenges are also influencing consumer spending patterns, according to Amazon executives. CEO Andy Jassy noted that consumers are being cautious with their spending, opting for cheaper items. 
Olsavsky added that consumers are &#8220;continuing to be cautious&#8221; and are more focused on buying everyday essentials, which could explain the revenue shortfall.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/40032973/if-you-invested-1000-in-bitcoin-when-trump-said-its-value-is-based-on-thin-air-heres-how-m?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">If You Invested $1000 in Bitcoin When Trump Said Its Value Is &#8216;Based On Thin Air,&#8217; Here&#8217;s How Much It&#8217;d Be Worth When He Said &#8216;Never Sell Your BTC&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Amazon&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40114662/amazon-q2-earnings-highlights-revenue-miss-eps-beat-q3-guidance-and-more">second-quarter earnings</a> report, released on Thursday, showed a 10% year-over-year increase in net sales to $148 billion, which missed the Street&#8217;s consensus estimate of $148.56 billion. The company&#8217;s third-quarter guidance and revenue miss led to a significant drop in its stock price.
Amazon has been facing other challenges as well. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40061048/e-commerce-giant-amazon-ordered-to-recall-over-400k-hazardous-products-sold-on-its-site-by-us-federa">U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently ordered Amazon</a> to recall over 400,000 hazardous products sold on its platform. The company has also been struggling to meet its sustainability goals, with only about 19,000 electric delivery vans deployed as of 2023, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40066914/amazon-nowhere-close-to-its-100k-electric-delivery-vans-by-2030-target-heres-how-many-it-still-has-t">far from its target of 100,000 by 2030</a>.
Despite these challenges, Amazon&#8217;s acquisition of One Medical and its efforts to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39996940/google-cuts-ties-with-amazon-owned-one-medical-but-clarifies-it-is-not-due-to-e-commerce-giants-3-9b">expand its healthcare services</a> have been seen as a potential growth opportunity.
Price Action: Amazon.com Inc.&#8217;s stock closed at $184.07 on Thursday, down 1.56% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock declined by 6.88%. Year to date, Amazon&#8217;s stock has risen by 22.77%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40056448/us-army-halts-pay-for-soldier-imprisoned-in-russia-senior-defense-official-consequences-for-unaccept?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Army Halts Pay for Soldier Imprisoned in Russia — Senior Defense Official: Consequences For &#8216;Unacceptable Behavior&#8217; Will Mirror Those Faced By Private That Entered Kim Jong Un&#8217;s North Korea</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>

Guidance

AMZN

Amazon Says Trump Assassination Attempt And Paris Olympics Responsible For Lower Q3 Revenue Forecast, Shares Slide In After-Hours: 'Customers Only Have So Much Attention'

Bitcoin wobbled, Ethereum, Dogecoin slid Thursday as top cryptocurrency-based firms reported their earnings after market close.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded 8:30 p.m. EDT)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>+0.60%</td>
<td>$65,132.07</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>-0.85%</td>
<td>$3,206.21</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>-3.24%</td>
<td>$0.1188</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
What Happened: Bitcoin dipped below $63,000 in the morning hours before clawing back to the $64,000 zone by afternoon. The choppy movement meant King Crypto was little changed in the day.&nbsp;
Ethereum slipped below $3,200, marking a drop of 10% since spot ETFs tracking the price of the asset went up for trading on stock exchanges.
MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), Marathon Digital Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>), and Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) reported their Q2 earnings after the closing bell, involving a tale of hits and misses.&nbsp;
Market liquidations hit a weekly high of $291 million, with liquidations of bullish leveraged bets accounting for 79% of the total.
Consequently, traders going long on Bitcoin dipped sharply in the last 24 hours, according to the Longs/Short Ratio indicator.
About 38% of the market is bullish on Bitcoin as of this writing, according to Coinglass, with 27% having a bearish view. About 35% of the participants are neutral.
Top Gainers (24-Hours)
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 9 p.m. EDT)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Popcat (POPCAT)</td>
<td>+8.41%</td>
<td>$0.7183</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AIOZ NETWORK (AIOZ)</td>
<td>+8.11%</td>
<td>$0.6123</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aave (AAVE)</td>
<td>+8.03%</td>
<td>$116.55</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The global cryptocurrency market stood at $2.33 trillion, rising 0.02% in the last 24 hours.
Stocks sank lower on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 494.82 points, or 1.21%, to finish at 40,347.97. The S&amp;P 500 plummeted 1.37% to close at 5,446.68, while the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite crashed 2.30% to close at 17,194.15. Both indexes recorded their best session since February.
The heavy sell-offs come following the release of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/24/08/40105503/weekly-jobless-claims-rise-to-2024-high-is-the-number-signal-or-noise-ahead-of-fridays-jobs-report">worse-than-expected jobless claims data</a> for the week ending July 27. Additionally, the manufacturing sector recorded the fourth straight month of contraction.&nbsp;
These weak macro indicators sparked fears of economic decline,&nbsp;
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Analyst Notes: Widely-followed cryptocurrency analyst and trader Rekt Capital predicted that the BTC's ongoing correction won't be as long as the previous ones.
"The initial retrace inside the pattern took 5 weeks to bottom. The one after that took 4 weeks to bottom. This current one could take only 2-3 weeks to bottom," the trader projected.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTC</a> It&#39;s possible this current retrace won&#39;t take as long as the previous pullbacks The initial retrace inside the pattern took 5 weeks to bottom The one after that took 4 weeks to bottom This current one could take only 2-3 weeks to bottom<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crypto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crypto</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> <a href="https://t.co/4q4AqIOESV">https://t.co/4q4AqIOESV</a> <a href="https://t.co/e9259YTgMl">pic.twitter.com/e9259YTgMl</a>
&mdash; Rekt Capital (@rektcapital) <a href="https://twitter.com/rektcapital/status/1819081548718919939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Another popular name in the cryptocurrency circles, Ali Martinez, highlighted massive liquidations of bullish leveraged bets due to BTC's move below $63,000.&nbsp;
However, he cautioned short position traders that a rebound to $70,440 would wipe away $2.40 billion in downside bets.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">A bunch of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> bulls got rekt in this downswing. According to data from <a href="https://twitter.com/coinglass_com?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coinglass_com</a>, over $2.50 billion in leveraged long positions got liquidated as <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> dipped below $63,000! Now, bears are getting cocky. But nearly $2.40 billion in leveraged short positions will be… <a href="https://t.co/QHULbk8vWy">pic.twitter.com/QHULbk8vWy</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1819069989346771418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Read Next:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40110137/mike-novogratz-predicts-kamala-harris-may-soon-embrace-crypto-in-light-of-donald-trumps-pr">Mike Novogratz Predicts Kamala Harris May Soon Embrace Crypto In Light Of Donald Trump&#8217;s Pro-Crypto Stance</a></li>
</ul>

Movers

Trading Ideas

$DOGE

MARA

Bitcoin Chops In $64K, Ethereum, Dogecoin Dip On Day Major Crypto Firms Reported Earnings: Analyst Says This Likely If King Crypto Rebounds To $70.4K

Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) CEO&nbsp;Tim Cook&nbsp;continues to remain tight-lipped about the details of the &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39258186/apple-integrates-new-chatgpt-features-in-iphone-mac-and-ipad-sam-altman-thinks-you-will-really-like">commercial agreement</a>&#8221; between his company and ChatGPT-parent OpenAI.
What Happened: On Thursday, during <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40116376/apple-q3-earnings-beat-expectations-tim-cook-highlights-breakthrough-ai-platform-installed-base-of-">Apple&#8217;s third-quarter earnings</a> call, Cook was asked about the revenue models surrounding partnerships like OpenAI by Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan.
Mohan also said that investors are keen to understand whether Apple Intelligence will drive more significant growth in Services over time, or if these partnerships will become the more substantial contributors.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40003033/elon-musk-blocked-vampires-fame-james-wood-for-slamming-his-blocking-ban-now-the-actor-cant-stop-sin?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Blocked &#8216;Vampires&#8217; Fame James Woods For Slamming His Blocking Ban, Now The Actor Can&#8217;t Stop Singing Praises Of The X Owner: &#8216;He Is A Champion Of Free Speech&#8217;</a>
&#8220;The monetization model, I don&#8217;t want to get into the terms of the commercial agreements because they are confidential between the parties. But I see both aspects as being very important. People want both,&#8221; Cook stated.
He also said that Apple Intelligence focuses on on-device processing and private cloud computing. &#8220;And a lot of that will be things with a personal context.&#8221;
For broader world knowledge, Apple is initially integrating with ChatGPT, which will handle information beyond the personal scope, Cook added.
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: Apple&#8217;s partnership with OpenAI was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39256948/tim-cook-announces-apple-intelligence-for-iphones-calls-it-next-big-step-tremendously-excited">announced at the WWDC 2024</a>. The collaboration, which integrated ChatGPT into Siri and new writing tools, is expected to offer an advanced chatbot to consumers.
However, the partnership did not reportedly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39304229/apple-and-openai-chatgpt-partnership-wont-include-cash-payments-for-now-but-does-it-mean-you-will-ne">involve any cash payments</a> from Apple to OpenAI, as the exposure of ChatGPT-maker&#8217;s brand and technology to Cupertino&#8217;s extensive user base was deemed of equal or greater value.
The partnership was also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39264633/as-elon-musk-blasts-apples-partnership-with-chatgpt-parent-openai-analysts-say-theres-definitely-an">not without controversy</a>, with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk publicly criticizing the collaboration over concerns about data security and privacy issues.
Earlier, Apple also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39271592/apple-may-introduce-google-gemini-ai-model-for-iphone-mac-and-ipad-says-craig-federighi">revealed plans to integrate</a> Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s Google Gemini AI model into its Apple Intelligence feature set, providing users with a wider range of AI models. The company is reportedly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39568584/apple-ai-partnership-with-google-set-for-fall-mark-gurman-says-hes-heard-from-several-sources-the-de">considering an AI partnership</a> with Anthropic.
Meanwhile, Apple&#8217;s third-quarter earnings surpassed expectations. The company&#8217;s revenue grew by 4.9%, reaching $85.78 billion for the three months ending June 29. This figure exceeded the average analyst estimate of $84.53 billion, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro data.</a>
Price Action: At the time of writing, Apple shares were slightly up during the after-hours session at $219.60. The stock closed Thursday&#8217;s session down 1.68%, finishing at $218.36.
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/news/24/07/39976337/elon-musk-and-stephen-king-entangle-again-on-x-this-time-horror-king-challenges-techno-king-to-a-jok?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk And Stephen King Entangle Again On X: This Time Horror King Challenges Techno King To A Joke-Off</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Tim Cook Doesn't Cough Up Details On Apple And OpenAI Partnership, But Says Customers Want Both Apple Intelligence And ChatGPT Integration

An American Airlines (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>) flight from Seattle to Dallas was forced to make an unexpected landing in Salt Lake City due to a passenger&#8217;s erratic and violent behavior, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/07/33185262/leader-of-13m-illegal-cannabis-operation-argues-federal-law-protects-him-more-in-weed-chronicles">federal prosecutors. </a>
<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article290654789.html">As per</a> The Sacramento Bee, the passenger, Eric Nicholas Gapco, from Delanco, New Jersey, claimed he consumed "approximately ten marijuana edibles" before the flight.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/04/31856196/middle-aged-woman-with-fnd-swaps-wheelchair-for-roller-skates-using-marijuana-drones-delivering-">Middle-Aged Woman With FND Swaps Wheelchair For Roller-Skates Using Marijuana, Drones Delivering Drugs To Prisons &amp; More In Weed Chronicles</a>
Gapco's disruptive actions on July 18, began shortly after the flight took off. Refusing to remain in his seat, he attempted to occupy a flight attendant's seat and loudly propositioned another flight attendant for sex. He was also vaping, further disturbing the passengers and crew.
The situation escalated when Gapco locked himself in the airplane's bathroom and then tried to open the aircraft&#8217;s doors. He reportedly attempted to hand a bag of pills to another passenger. As his behavior became increasingly aggressive, the flight crew and several passengers had to restrain him with flexible restraints.
The flight was then diverted to Salt Lake City International Airport, where the 26-year-old Gapco was immediately taken into custody upon landing.
Despite being restrained, Gapco continued his erratic behavior at the airport, smashing the glass door of a holding cell. Authorities said that Gapco denied taking any illegal drugs or prescription medication.
However, he later said he consumed the marijuana edibles without knowing the THC content in each, according to a motion for his detention.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Legal Consequences</h3>
Gapco was indicted on July 31 on charges of interference with a flight crew and attempted damage to an aircraft. The U.S. Attorney's office confirmed that Gapco was also taken to a hospital for medical evaluation after his arrest, where he continued to be combative with medical staff and police officers, even spitting at an officer at one point.
As of his initial court appearance scheduled for August 1, Gapco's federal public defender has not responded to requests for comments. American Airlines has also not yet commented on the incident.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/05/31425637/what-are-cannabis-edibles-made-of-the-drug-effect-of-edible-marijuana">What Are Cannabis Edibles Made Of: The Drug Effect Of Edible Marijuana</a></li>
</ul>
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Cannabis

Cannabis Edibles Gone Wrong? High Flyer's Door Forcing Drama And Assault Force Emergency Landing

The use of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis</a>, both for medical and recreational purposes, is rising across the United States. According to a study <a href="https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/data-shows-medical-marijuana-use-decreased-states-where-recreational-use-became-legal">published</a> by the University of Michigan (U-M), more than four million of these users are licensed medical cannabis patients, marking a six-fold increase since 2016.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chronic Pain: The Leading Cause For Medical Cannabis Use</h3>
Kevin Boehnke, Ph.D., a pain researcher at U-M, revealed that the majority of these patients seek relief from chronic pain. &#8220;My studies have shown that people largely use cannabis for chronic pain,&#8221; said. &#8220;That's the most common reason that they obtain a medical cannabis license from the state that they live in.&#8221;
Patients are utilizing cannabis in various forms, such as edibles, smokables, tinctures and topical products. &#8220;They might eat, smoke, or use tincture, as well as rub a topical product on an inflamed joint or on their skin,&#8221; the researcher explained. &#8220;They also sometimes use it in place of other pain medications.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Landscape And Potential Impact Of Rescheduling Cannabis</h3>
Cannabis is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/legal-cannabis">legal</a> for medical or non-medical use in 38 and 23 states, respectively. Despite its legal status in many states, it remains <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/02/36916329/is-marijuana-a-controlled-substance-wait-what-is-a-controlled-substance">classified as a Schedule I drug</a>, and subject to the most restrictive regulations. However, there is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/cannabis-reschedulingBenzinga">ongoing discussion about rescheduling</a> it to a Schedule III drug. &#8220;If cannabis is officially rescheduled, I think that that's a remarkable benefit in some ways for the scientific and medical community because it acknowledges that cannabis does have medical value,&#8221; Boehnke noted. &#8220;This can jumpstart some of those conversations that many clinicians and patients have been hesitant to have.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Challenges in Cannabis Research Despite Potential Rescheduling</h3>
Rescheduling could ease some of the research constraints but won&#8217;t eliminate all obstacles. Boehnke added: &#8220;It doesn't make that much of a difference at this point scientifically because if cannabis remains the controlled substance, I, as a scientist, and my colleagues, as scientists, still can't access the products that are being sold in dispensaries because none of them have gone through the food and drug administration approval process.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rise of Delta-8 THC in States with Cannabis Restrictions</h3>
Boehnke also pointed out a growing trend in states where cannabis is not legal: the use of compounds like <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/delta-8-thc">Delta-8 THC</a> derived from hemp. These are not regulated under the Controlled Substances Act or state marketplaces, raising concerns about contamination and inaccurate labeling.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Medical Cannabis Use Trends And Legislative Impact</h3>
Despite overall enrollment in medical cannabis programs increasing more than 600% since 2016, a study <a href="https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M23-2811">published</a> in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/medical-cannabis">medical marijuana</a> use declined in states where recreational use was legalized. &#8220;These findings indicate the growing use of cannabis for medical purposes, but also that adult use laws may decrease rates of patient enrollment,&#8221; said Boehnke.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Study Highlights the Need for Better Surveillance Methods</h3>
The latest study was conducted with repeated measures of individuals with medical cannabis licenses and physicians authorizing cannabis licenses in the United States between 2020 and 2022. It included 39 jurisdictions, and found a 33% increase in enrollments for those years. However, the results also revealed that in 13 of the 15 jurisdictions with adult non-medical use laws, the number of medical registrations decreased, and the proportion of qualified conditions reported by patients fell from 70.4% to 53.8%. The most common condition reported by patients was chronic pain, followed by anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The study highlights the need for improved monitoring methods to understand the outcomes of medical cannabis use and for thoughtful public health efforts to reduce the harms of increased cannabis availability.

Psychedelics

Medical Cannabis Patients Increased Sixfold In Six Years, Declined In States Where Recreational Use Was Legalized

Former President, Donald Trump, has targeted President Joe Biden with criticism, this time over the recent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40101351/russia-frees-wsj-reporter-evan-gershkovich-and-ex-marine-paul-whelan-in-major-prisoner-swap-with-us">historic prisoner exchange with Russia.</a>
What Happened: Trump used the detention of Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan in Russia as a point of attack against Biden, accusing him of failing to secure their release, especially during his reelection campaign. Trump&#8217;s criticism persisted even after Thursday&#8217;s prisoner swap, which resulted in the liberation of these men and two other U.S. prisoners, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/trump-lashes-biden-historic-prisoner-exchange-russia-freed/story?id=112477541">reported</a> ABC News.
White House officials have clarified that the deal did not involve a cash exchange. However, Trump, in a post on Truth Social, questioned this claim without providing any specific details. He has previously made unverified claims that the U.S. has given Iran billions of dollars in cash.
Reacting to Trump&#8217;s repeated assertions that he could have secured the hostages&#8217; release without any concessions, Biden responded, &#8220;Why didn&#8217;t he do it when he was president?&#8221;
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken shared a post on X, featuring a phone call with the released prisoners from his official plane. &#8220;We are so happy that you&#8217;re out and on the way home,&#8221; he said.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I got the chance to speak with Evan, Paul, and Alsu on their way home to the United States today. We couldn't be happier to welcome them back home to be with their families again. <a href="https://t.co/gRE6mpN3Te">pic.twitter.com/gRE6mpN3Te</a>
&mdash; Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1819146650289324152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The president also shared some posts on X, one where he was seen engaging with the families of the former Russian prisoners and another where she shared their group photo on the plane back home. He said they endured &#8220;unimaginable suffering.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">After enduring unimaginable suffering and uncertainty, the Americans detained in Russia are safe, free, and have begun their journeys back into the arms of their families. <a href="https://t.co/1rYNBTt9tJ">pic.twitter.com/1rYNBTt9tJ</a>
&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1819068590680682579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Today, I stood beside the families of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir in the Oval Office as they spoke to their loved ones for the first time since they regained freedom. These families never lost hope. And today, they&#39;ll each be reunited with the missing piece of their soul. <a href="https://t.co/v4Sv4fxsPd">pic.twitter.com/v4Sv4fxsPd</a>
&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1819058362698400016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/40070258/trump-vs-harris-election-forecaster-with-9-out-of-10-accurate-predictions-gives-this-candidate-t?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs. Harris: Election Forecaster With 9 Out Of 10 Accurate Predictions Gives This Candidate The Edge</a>
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s remarks about the detained Americans have been part of a continuous exchange dating back to his term in office. This has occasionally drawn criticism from the hostages&#8217; family members, who have expressed disappointment over Trump&#8217;s inaction during his presidency.
Trump did not comment on Gershkovich&#8217;s situation until an April 12, 2024 interview with Time Magazine, more than a year after his March 29, 2023 arrest. In a May Truth Social post, Trump claimed Gershkovich &#8220;will be released almost immediately after the Election, but definitely before I assume Office.&#8221;
The recent prisoner exchange with Russia has been a significant event, with the release of 16 individuals, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, as reported by Benzinga. Some of these individuals <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40120812/kamala-harris-spoke-to-alexey-navalnys-widow-after-prisoner-release-some-freed-worked-with-oppositio">were collaborators</a> with Alexey Navalny in his fight against corruption, as stated by Vice President Kamala Harris in a post.
However, the exchange has also sparked controversy, with senators <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40111778/russia-prisoner-swap-senators-demand-inclusion-of-cannabis-prisoner-marc-fogel-mom-takes-antony-">demanding the inclusion</a> of Pennsylvania's Marc Fogel, who is imprisoned in Russia for cannabis possession, in the deal.
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com
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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>

General

Trump Slams Russia Prisoner Exchange: 'We Never Make Good Deals' — Biden Responds, 'Why Didn't He Do It When He Was President?'

A recent clinical trial has identified potential therapeutic benefits of cannabigerol (CBG), a cannabinoid that has not been as widely studied as THC or <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/03/37629667/time-is-still-the-enemy-says-mom-who-moved-mountains-for-her-epileptic-daughter-still-advocates-">CBD. </a>
The study, conducted by researchers at Washington State University (WSU) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), indicates that CBG may significantly reduce anxiety and stress, and could also improve memory.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/01/30523890/cbg-the-mother-cannabinoid-may-hold-key-to-treating-nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-symptoms">CBG: The &#8216;Mother Cannabinoid&#8217; May Hold Key To Treating Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CBG's Impact On Anxiety And Stress</h3>
Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-66879-0"> research</a> involved a double-blind, placebo-controlled field trial with 34 healthy adults.
Participants received either 20mg of hemp-derived CBG or a placebo tincture over two sessions. They completed online assessments before and after taking the cannabinoid, including surveys on anxiety and stress, as well as verbal memory tests.
The study found that CBG led to &#8220;significant overall reductions in anxiety as well as reductions in stress&#8221; compared to the placebo. Additionally, participants who took CBG showed enhanced verbal memory, which the researchers noted was &#8220;completely, entirely unexpected.&#8221;
Carrie Cuttler, lead author and WSU associate professor of psychology, <a href="https://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2024/07/31/cannabinoid-cbg-reduces-anxiety-and-stress-in-first-human-clinical-trial/">said</a> in a press release: &#8220;We triple-checked to ensure accuracy, and the enhancement was statistically significant.&#8221; 
&#8220;The finding that it significantly enhanced [memory] was kind of shocking to me and completely, entirely unexpected, which was why I triple-checked the direction and the result,&#8221; Cuttler added.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Future Research Directions: What's Next for CBG?</h3>
Cuttler stressed that while the results are promising, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore CBG&#8217;s full range of effects. &#8220;Replication and further research are crucial,&#8221; she said.
The trial&#8217;s results were informed by a prior survey in which 51% of CBG users reported using CBG to alleviate anxiety, with nearly 80% finding it more effective than traditional anxiety medications.
Cuttler is seeking approval for a follow-up clinical trial to be conducted in a laboratory setting to verify these findings and assess CBG's physiological impacts. She is also exploring potential research on CBG&#8217;s effects on menopause symptoms.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/05/26397585/cbg-mania-what-are-the-best-ways-to-use-and-consume-cbg">CBG Mania &#8211; What Are The Best Ways To Use And Consume CBG</a>
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Health Care

First-Ever Human Trial Finds CBG Reduces Anxiety And Boosts Memory

Psilocybin and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/psychedelics">psychedelics</a> in general are substances that have been with us for decades. But in its recent history one particular milestone marks a before and after: the legalization of cannabis for recreational use in Colorado in 2014. 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36460124/colorados-pioneering-role-in-legal-cannabis-10-years-on-impact-on-economy-health-and-public-poli">ten years later</a>, more than 100 million adults in the United States have gone from not having legal access to cannabis to being able to get what they need at their local dispensary. While the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/cannabis-rescheduling">rescheduling of cannabis</a> is being discussed, the legalization conversation is now turning to psychedelics, where both promising scenarios and specific challenges arise simultaneously.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Hype Around Psilocybin and Psychedelics</h3>
It is not news that psilocybin is at the forefront of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/psychedelic-assisted-therapies">mental health treatment research</a>, with a burgeoning economy connected to it. The global psychedelic drug market, valued at $2.9 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $8.7 billion by 2033, driven by substantial financial investments into psilocybin research and supporting institutions, including the following:
<ul>
<li>Leading Universities: Institutions like Johns Hopkins have established centers dedicated to psychedelic research. Johns Hopkins&#8217; Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research was launched with a $17 million donation from private donors.</li>
<li>Research Studies: Between 2019 and 2024, there have been 104 studies on psilocybin, backed by millions in grant money.</li>
<li>Investment: Year 2023 saw over $2.5 billion in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/psychedelics-investing">investments </a>in the psychedelic sector, with significant contributions from billionaires like PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Economic Burden of Mental Health Disorders</h3>
While significant, investment in psychedelics research is minimal compared to the annual cost of mental health problems in the U.S., estimated at $282 billion. Disorders such as depression, PTSD and substance abuse place a considerable burden on businesses, the healthcare system and the economy as a whole. These costs make a strong case for investing in psychedelic treatments.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Psychedelic Therapy</h3>
Despite the promises, no psychedelic drug has received FDA approval to treat psychiatric disorders because of the associated risks. However, providers continue to offer psychedelic-based therapy, which consists of sessions with trained clinicians. Treatments can be costly, which could limit access to psychedelic therapy if these drugs receive FDA approval, highlighting the rush by entrepreneurs to profit from the treatments.
In contrast, as noted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), illicit psychedelics sold on the street are relatively inexpensive and have are gaining in popularity among young adults.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accessibility And Legality</h3>
As the debate on expanding legal access to psychedelics evolves, public discourse about a retail psychedelic market remains sparse. Most debates focus on therapy, religious exemptions or supervised retreats. However, these segmented approaches still leave many without access. Not everyone can get a prescription, afford supervised programs, or feel compelled to join a religious group for exemptions. Decriminalizing psychedelics alone won&#8217;t significantly broaden access either.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The State of Psychedelic Retail Conversations</h3>
Ten years after Colorado, Beau Kilmer, co-director of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center, observes similar early movements in state psychedelic policies. As states allocate funds toward research and discuss legalization, the question of retail psychedelics has quietly emerged.
&#8220;State policymakers, whether they like it or not, are going to start confronting these conversations,&#8221; Kilmer <a href="https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/360200/how-to-buy-psychedelics-lsd-shrooms-stores">told</a> Vox.
Retail sales might fill these gaps, but the idea raises concerns among advocates due to the inherent risks of psychedelics and the potential for a hasty rollback to prohibition if commercialization goes awry.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Exploring Retail Models For Psychedelics</h3>
So, what are the possible retail models? A RAND report, along with Transform Drug Policy Foundation's "<a href="https://transformdrugs.org/publications/how-to-regulate-psychedelics">How to Regulate Psychedelics</a>," outlines four possibilities, based on the models already in use for cannabis:
Government Monopoly: Similar to how some states handled alcohol post-Prohibition, this model could ensure product safety and limit aggressive marketing.
Non-Profits or For-Benefit Corporations: This approach limits licenses to organizations with public health or equity goals, potentially balancing commercial excesses.
Social Clubs: Modeled after cannabis social clubs in countries like Uruguay and Spain, these provide on-site locations for purchase and use, integrating community support.
For-Profit Sales: The dominant model in the US cannabis market, it introduces competition but also risks aggressive marketing and regulatory pushback.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Regulatory and Design Considerations</h3>
Beyond similarities, Kilmer points out key differences between cannabis and psychedelics, as psychedelic consumers are less price-sensitive, supervised use is more common, and infrequent users dominate the market.
Success in any model hinges on various considerations: who manufactures and ensures quality control, packaging regulations, informed consent communication, public education strategies, advertising limits, dosage restrictions and harm reduction information.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New York's Psychedelic Permit Proposal</h3>
A potentially balanced approach comes from New York State Rep. Amy Paulin. Her <a href="https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/A10375#:~:text=Allows%20the%20growth%2C%20cultivation%2C%20and%20regulated%20adult%20use%20of%20psilocybin,and%20the%20licensure%20of%20cultivators.">bill</a> proposes a permit system for psilocybin, requiring health screenings, an educational course and a test. Permit holders could buy from licensed vendors and grow mushrooms at home. This model adds protection by focusing on licensed consumers, emphasizing safety while expanding access.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Path Forward</h3>
Kilmer emphasizes the need for more data and analysis. "Once I really started digging in and crunching the numbers, I realized that a lot of the data we need just doesn't exist," he said. With retail legislation already in progress, rapid data collection and thoughtful regulation are critical.
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Accessibility And Legality: Psychedelic's Path A Decade After Colorado's Legalization

The latest development in the Venezuelan presidential election saga sees Elon Musk, responding to the U.S. Department of State&#8217;s assessment of the election with a single word, &#8220;Good&#8221;.
What Happened: On Thursday, Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, released a statement evaluating the Venezuelan presidential election that took place on July 28. Despite acknowledging the Venezuelan people&#8217;s participation amidst significant challenges, Blinken criticized the vote processing and result announcement by the Maduro-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) as &#8220;deeply flawed&#8221;.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Good <a href="https://t.co/4DuDILvb5p">https://t.co/4DuDILvb5p</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1819168277815611870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Blinken&#8217;s statement also questioned the CNE&#8217;s hasty declaration of Nicolás Maduro as the winner, citing a lack of supporting evidence and credibility. The democratic opposition&#8217;s tally sheets suggested that Edmundo González Urrutia received the most votes, a fact supported by independent observers, election day exit polls, and quick counts.
&#8220;Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela's July 28 presidential election,&#8221; said Blinken in the statement.
Musk&#8217;s response to Blinken&#8217;s statement was a brief &#8220;Good&#8221;.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40027252/trump-white-house-official-john-bolton-says-jd-vance-may-have-youth-factor-but-highlights-ex-preside?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump White House Official John Bolton Says JD Vance May Have &#8216;Youth Factor&#8217; But Highlights Ex-President&#8217;</a>
The U.S. Department of State also dismissed Maduro&#8217;s allegations against opposition leaders and called for the protection of democratic opposition leaders and members. It congratulated González Urrutia on his successful campaign and expressed support for the process of re-establishing democratic norms in Venezuela.
Why It Matters: The Venezuelan presidential election has been a contentious issue, with Maduro&#8217;s declared victory facing intense criticism and allegations of fraud. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/07/40052593/tensions-rise-in-venezuela-as-opposition-disputes-election-results-impact-on-oil-etfs">Tensions have been escalating</a>, with thousands rallying in support of González's victory.
Musk has been vocal about his views on the election, previously calling it a &#8220;travesty&#8221; and accusing Maduro of &#8220;major election fraud&#8221;. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40003819/elon-musk-calls-venezuela-elections-a-travesty-as-nicolas-maduro-wins-third-term-amid-fraud-allegatihttps://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40012327/us-expresses-serious-concern-as-both-venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro-and-opposition-claim-electi">His accusations</a> led to a heated exchange with Maduro, who challenged Musk to a fight. Musk responded with a counter-challenge, stating that if he won, Maduro would have to resign, and if Maduro won, Musk would give him a free ride to Mars.
Image via 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 Says 'Good' That Biden Administration Declared Nicolás Maduro Rival As Venezuela Election Winner

Cannabis activists in Arkansas submitted more than <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39670995/medical-marijuana-initiative-in-arkansas-gathers-more-than-enough-signatures-to-place-it-on-nov-">111,000 petition signatures</a> by the July 5 deadline in order to place an initiative to expand medical marijuana access on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election">November 2024 ballot</a>. However, Secretary of State John Thurston said advocates didn't collect enough valid petitions, <a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2024/07/31/anti-casino-amendment-makes-arkansas-ballot-cannabis-group-gets-more-time/">reported</a> Arkansas Advocate.
In a Wednesday letter to Arkansans for Patient Access (APA), Thurston's office said supporters submitted fewer than 77,000 valid signatures.
Even though the campaign fell short of the 90,704-signature requirement, advocates now have 30 more days, or until August 30, to reach that goal.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/38618717/selling-over-1800-expired-cannabis-products-cost-this-arkansas-dispensary-its-license-owner-plan">Selling Over 1800 Expired Cannabis Products Cost This Arkansas Dispensary Its License, Owner Plans To Appeal </a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/cannabis-conference/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="970" height="250" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/01112029/CCC-Oct-24-Banner-1-1-1.gif" alt="" class="wp-image-470821" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Here's What The Initiative Seeks To Change</h3>
The initiative seeks to allow more healthcare professionals, including medical and osteopathic doctors, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants and pharmacists to prescribe marijuana to patients.
Under the policy change, additional medical conditions for which medical cannabis can be prescribed will be added to the existing medical cannabis program in the state. More precisely, any condition that a "health care practitioner considers debilitating to a patient that might be alleviated by the use of usable marijuana."
Non-Arkansas residents would also be eligible to get a medical cannabis card under the measure. The card&#8217;s expiration date would be extended from one to three years.
The measure&#8217;s trigger provision would put an end to cannabis prohibition statewide in the event of the plant&#8217;s legalization on the federal level.
Medical cannabis use was legalized in Arkansas in 2016. Product sales began in 2019.
Read Next:
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Government

Regulations

Medical Cannabis Initiative Gets More Time To Gather Signatures For Arkansas Ballot

Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed her support for Yulia Navalnaya and her commitment to those fighting for freedom in Russia, following a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40101351/russia-frees-wsj-reporter-evan-gershkovich-and-ex-marine-paul-whelan-in-major-prisoner-swap-with-us">significant prisoner exchange</a>.
What Happened: On Thursday, Harris posted about her conversation with Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexey Navalny on X. This followed a major prisoner exchange between the US and Russia, which saw the release of 16 individuals detained in Russia. Some of these individuals were collaborators with Navalny in his fight against corruption, according to Harris.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I spoke with Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexey Navalny, following the release, as a result of our prisoner exchange, of 16 individuals detained in Russia. Some of them worked with Navalny to combat corruption and build a free, democratic Russia. I thanked Yulia for her courage in… <a href="https://t.co/rpN3Y0QP86">pic.twitter.com/rpN3Y0QP86</a>
&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1819135535677321708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40026875/trump-vp-pick-jd-vance-blasted-by-fellow-ohio-rep-landsman-one-of-the-cruelest-most-chaotic-and-down?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump VP-Pick JD Vance Blasted By Fellow Ohio Rep. Landsman: &#8216;One Of The Cruelest, Most Chaotic And Downright Weirdest&#8217; Campaign</a>
Harris thanked Navalnaya for her courage in continuing her husband&#8217;s work and reaffirmed her commitment to stand with those fighting for freedom in Russia and around the world. After the death of Alexei Navalny, his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, vowed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37210915/i-will-continue-to-fight-for-russia-vows-alexei-navalnys-widow">continue the fight</a> against President Vladimir Putin, whom she blamed for her husband&#8217;s death. She urged supporters to unite against the Putin administration, promising to personally carry on Navalny&#8217;s campaign despite the regime&#8217;s brutality.
Why It Matters: The prisoner exchange is a significant development in U.S.-Russia relations. Among those released were Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who were <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/07/39864195/wsj-reporter-evan-gershkovich-gets-18-year-sentence-in-russia-employer-calls-trial-a-sham">imprisoned in Russia</a> on espionage charges refuted by both the individuals and the U.S.
Also released was Vladimir Kara-Murza, a critic of President Vladimir Putin's rule and a dual Russian-British citizen, who was sentenced to a record 25-year prison term last year on charges of treason and other offenses related to his criticism of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
There were also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40111778/russia-prisoner-swap-senators-demand-inclusion-of-cannabis-prisoner-marc-fogel-mom-takes-antony-">calls from senators</a> for the inclusion of Pennsylvania's Marc Fogel, a teacher imprisoned in Russia for cannabis possession, in the prisoner exchange deal.
Image via Shutterstock
Did You Know?
<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent080101">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Kamala Harris Spoke To Alexey Navalny's Widow After Prisoner Release: Some Freed Worked With Opposition Leader To 'Build A Free, Democratic Russia'

Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha, is known worldwide not only for his investment acumen but also for the wisdom he imparts to the business world. Among his many <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/15/05/5472280/ive-followed-warren-buffett-for-decades-and-these-10-quotes-are-wh">pieces of advice</a>, one stands out: choosing the right heroes.&nbsp;
What Happened: In Roger Lowenstein's book, Buffett: The Making of An American Capitalist, Buffett spoke about the significance of his role models.&nbsp;
"The best thing I did was to choose the right heroes," he stated, adding, "It comes from Graham."
Benjamin Graham, Buffett's mentor at Columbia University, often referred to as the father of value investing, had a huge impact on Berkshire Hathaway's chair. 
Graham's teachings were not just about making money but about living a principled and disciplined life. Buffett absorbed these lessons and carried them forward, shaping the ethos of Berkshire Hathaway.
Buffett's father, Howard Buffett, also played a crucial role. Howard Buffett was a U.S. Congressman and a businessman. Although Howard passed away in 1964, Buffett still keeps a portrait of his father in his Omaha office.
"I still wonder how he would feel about anything I do," Buffett once told Gillian Zoe Segal, author of the book Getting There.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/40073339/advice-from-warren-buffett-that-everyone-needs-to-hear-write-your-obituary">Advice From Warren Buffett That &#8216;Everyone Needs To Hear&#8217;: &#8216;Write Your Obituary&#8217;</a>
Why It's Important: At the 2024 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, Buffett further spoke about this idea.&nbsp;
"You want to have the right heroes, and you don&#8217;t have to have them based on what they&#8217;ve accomplished. It&#8217;s the people that you want to be yourself," he stated.&nbsp;
"If you copy the right people, you&#8217;re off to a great start, and I don&#8217;t mean a great start about making money; I mean a great start about living your life."
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</div>
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The Oracle of Omaha currently has a net worth of $139 billion, making him the tenth richest person in the world, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/">Index</a>.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40106860/warren-buffetts-wife-susan-said-he-feels-women-all-over-the-world-get-shortchanged-hes-all-for-l">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Wife Susan Said He Feels &#8216;Women All Over The World Get Shortchanged&#8217; – He&#8217;s All For Leveling The Playing Field</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Warren Buffett Once Said That The 'Best Thing' He Did Was Choose 'The Right Heroes' — Who Was Berkshire Hathaway Chair's Biggest Role Model?

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