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This week in AI, Microsoft's AI helped discover a new battery material, Samsung teased its Galaxy AI feature, Google faces a $7B patent infringement trial, Microsoft's Notepad gets an AI feature, and OpenAI responds to a lawsuit from The New York Times. Microsoft's AI screened 32 million materials for batteries, Samsung partnered with Marvel for an ad, Google's AI processors are under legal scrutiny, Microsoft's Notepad will charge for AI co-writing, and OpenAI blames a bug for ChatGPT's content issues.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Neuro

January 13, 2024 | 9:55 am

DIS

ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:DIS), is involved in a controversy over deceptive practices to win over 30 Emmy awards. The Athletic reported that ESPN submitted fake names to win Emmys since 2010, which were later reassigned to real on-air talent. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) discovered the scheme, leading to an investigation, the return of the awards, and disqualification of ESPN staff from future Emmys. ESPN has admitted to the error, disciplined those involved, and revised their submission process.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Neuro

January 13, 2024 | 5:41 am

KALU

METC

RGLD

Royal Gold, Inc. will present at the CIBC conference on Jan. 17. Kaiser Aluminum Corporation declared a quarterly dividend of $0.77/share, payable on Feb. 15, with a neutral rating and a lowered price target from JPMorgan. Bragar Eagel & Squire is investigating Ramaco Resources, Inc. for potential legal violations after a report questioned the profitability of its mining claims and noted insider stock sales.

Portfolio Pulse from Austin DeNoce

January 12, 2024 | 9:21 pm

BURU

Nuburu, a company specializing in high-power blue lasers, has received a Notice of Allowance for its U.S. patent application 15/581,494, which is titled 'Visible Laser Additive Manufacturing'. This indicates that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) intends to grant the patent once any remaining requirements are fulfilled. The patent pertains to the company's technology in the field of additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, using visible spectrum lasers.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

January 12, 2024 | 9:01 pm

AAPL

The Indian government has blocked access to the Binance website and iOS app for users in India due to non-compliance with regulations. Binance confirmed the IP block but stated that existing users with the app pre-installed are not affected. The blockage follows a warning from India's Financial Intelligence Unit to several crypto exchanges for not adhering to anti-money laundering regulations. Other exchanges like Kucoin, OKX, Huobi, Gate.io, and Bitstamp are also affected. Apple has removed global cryptocurrency exchanges from its Indian app store.

Portfolio Pulse from Khyathi Dalal

January 12, 2024 | 8:32 pm

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BA

Passengers on an Alaska Airlines flight operated by a Boeing 737 Max 9 filed a class action lawsuit against Boeing due to an emergency landing caused by a plug door blowing out. The incident resulted in physical and emotional trauma for passengers. Boeing's CEO Dave Calhoun acknowledged the defect, and the FAA has opened an investigation into Boeing's safety standards. Boeing shares dropped 2.3% on Friday, totaling a 12.5% loss since the incident. Spirit AeroSystems, a subcontractor, is also facing a separate lawsuit for quality failures.

Portfolio Pulse from Neil Dennis

January 12, 2024 | 8:24 pm

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IWM

MSOS

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Virginia lawmakers have filed legislation to legalize marijuana sales, despite the governor's lack of interest. New Jersey is considering over a dozen cannabis policy bills, while Arizona's cannabis market shows stability. The U.S. cannabis ETF MSOS showed resilience despite market volatility, and there's anticipation for a DEA headline regarding marijuana rescheduling. Putnam Global Health Care Fund made notable stock moves in the cannabis sector, and Illinois reported an increase in adult-use cannabis sales. Analysts predict significant financial benefits if the 280E tax is removed for U.S. cannabis companies.

Portfolio Pulse from Todd Harrison

January 12, 2024 | 7:47 pm

SBUX

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving Starbucks, where the central issue is whether the company illegally fired workers who were pro-union. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for labor relations and unionization efforts within the company and potentially across the industry.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

January 12, 2024 | 7:16 pm

MJ

MSOS

SPY

A group of 12 Democratic state attorneys general, led by Colorado AG Phil Weiser, has sent a letter to the DEA urging the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, citing public safety and health concerns. They argue that regulated markets are safer and contribute significant tax revenue, and that rescheduling would allow for federal tax deductions for businesses. The DEA has the final authority on rescheduling and is currently reviewing the HHS recommendation. The outcome is uncertain, with various stakeholders expressing differing views on cannabis policy.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

January 12, 2024 | 7:07 pm

META

Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms Inc., has cut 60 technical program manager positions, eliminating a management layer. Impacted employees have two months to find new roles within the company before termination. The cuts align with Meta's 'Year of Efficiency' initiative to improve financial performance and reduce headcount. Instagram is reorganizing product teams around three new focus areas: Creation, Creators, and Friend Sharing, targeting teen engagement. This comes amid a lawsuit from over 40 states accusing Meta of affecting youth mental health and a Senate hearing on child safety. Meta is also implementing content restrictions for teen users on Instagram and Facebook.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

January 12, 2024 | 6:35 pm