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It must be one of the great ironies of wealth: the richer you are, the more free stuff you get. Celebrities get gifting suites. Athletes get free gear. And billionaires? Apparently, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/45056962/bill-gates-says-hes-happier-as-a-billionaire-than-if-he-were-middle-class-you-dont-need-a-billionbut-freedom-from-worry-is-a-blessing">they get free Big Macs</a>.
That's right—Bill Gates, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/real-time-billionaires/">worth well over $100 billion</a>, has a McDonald's "gold card" granting him free meals for life anywhere in the world. And while it may sound like a recent social media stunt, the story behind Gates' golden ticket actually stretches back almost two decades—and involves his good friend, Warren Buffett.
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We likely first heard about these elusive McDonald's cards in 2007, when Buffett casually revealed his own <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2007/10/29/whats-in-warren-buffetts-wallet.html">during a CNBC interview</a>. Pulling out his wallet, the Berkshire Hathaway CEO flashed his McGold card and joked, "Bill Gates has one. His is good throughout the world, I guess. Mine is only good in Omaha, but I never leave Omaha so mine is just as good as his!"
Buffett, a well-documented McDonald's enthusiast, is known for ordering sausage McMuffins for&nbsp; breakfast and "splurging" on bacon egg and cheese biscuits <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41230382/warren-buffett-lets-the-stock-market-decide-his-mcdonalds-breakfast-order-when-its-up-he-spends-">when the market is up</a>. He didn't elaborate much more about the elusive card at the time. But the idea of billionaires eating for free sparked plenty of curiosity.
For years, Gates never publicly confirmed his McGold status. That changed in January, when he <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjDVkhT1/">appeared in a TikTok clip</a> with celebrity chef and social media star Nick DiGiovanni. In the lighthearted video, DiGiovanni asked, "Bill, is it true you have a McDonald's gold card?"
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Gates didn't just say yes—he whipped it out.
The card read:
"Be our guest Bill Gates — Entitled to a complimentary meal at any McDonald's"
Signed by Michael R. Quinlan, McDonald's Chairman and CEO during <a href="https://www.historyoasis.com/post/mcdonalds-ceo-history">the late 1980s and 1990s</a>. That little detail suggests Gates' card was issued somewhere between 1987 and 1999.
As for how he got it? Gates explained: "They actually sent it to me. My friend Warren Buffett got one before I did. But then a few months later, they sent one to me. But I tend not to use it since I can afford to buy the food."
Still, it's a lifelong perk, he added—and confirmed he's "a quarter pounder with cheese guy." When asked how many other golden cards might be floating around, Gates smiled and said, "Hopefully for them, not too many."
DiGiovanni tried his luck asking to borrow it, but Gates—clearly in a playful mood—declined, "Rules are pretty clear." Instead, he handed the chef a $50 gift certificate.
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As for the McGold cards themselves, their exact number remains a mystery. The few confirmed holders include Gates, Buffett, and actor Rob Lowe. Most cbards are hyper-local, valid only in specific cities or franchises. Gates' global pass makes his especially rare. McDonald's has occasionally offered McGold Cards through limited-time contests—most recently in December 2022, when a sweepstakes awarded twelve cards allowing winners two free meals a week for fifty years.
But for billionaires like Gates and Buffett, it seems the real value lies more in the novelty than the free fries. Gates even once told a <a href="https://news.mit.edu/2010/gates-visit-0422">2010 MIT audience</a>, "I still haven't found any burgers at any price that are better than McDonald's." He added that after a person reaches a certain net worth, adding more wealth "doesn't mean much. Success becomes all about how you're going to give it back."
So while Gates could dine at the fanciest restaurants on Earth, sometimes nothing beats the taste—or the nostalgia—of a simple cheeseburger. Apparently, even billionaires think the Golden Arches are golden for a reason.
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Personal Finance

Billionaire Bill Gates Has A 'McGold Card' That Gives Him Free McDonald's Meals For Life, Anywhere In The World — But Says 'I Tend Not To Use It'

India and Pakistan agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on Saturday after days of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/05/45335338/trump-makes-india-pakistan-ceasefire-declaration-in-casual-manner-thank-you-for-your-attention-to-this-matter" rel="noreferrer noopener">heavy cross-border fighting</a>. But just hours later, explosions in Srinagar and Jammu raised doubts about how long the truce would hold, Reuters reports.
India&#8217;s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a briefing: &#8220;For the last few hours there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening between the director generals of military operations of India and Pakistan&#8221;
&#8220;This is a breach of an understanding arrived at earlier today,&#8221; Misri added.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/05/45282156/us-and-china-accelerate-arms-race-with-billions-in-military-sales-to-nuclear-neighbors-as-india-turns-to-washington-and-pakistan-deepens-ties-with-beijing-amid-escalating-border-conflict" rel="noreferrer noopener">US And China Accelerate Arms Race With Billions In Military Sales To Nuclear Neighbors, As India Turns To Washington And Pakistan Deepens Ties With Beijing Amid Escalating Border Conflict</a>
However, Pakistan&#8217;s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told Geo News that no ceasefire violations have occurred, despite rising tensions along the LoC, per a report <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/10/india-and-pakistan-agree-to-an-immediate-ceasefire-after-days-of-escalation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">from</a> Al Jazeera.
&nbsp;Early on Saturday morning, President Trump made a casual announcement about the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.
"After&nbsp;a long night of talks&nbsp;mediated by the United States,&nbsp;I am pleased to announce&nbsp;that India and Pakistan have&nbsp;agreed to a FULL AND&nbsp;IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations&nbsp;to both Countries on using&nbsp;Common Sense and Great Intelligence.&nbsp;Thank you for your attention&nbsp;to this matter!," Trump&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114483405683675564" rel="noreferrer noopener">posted&nbsp;</a>on Truth Social.
The ceasefire, brokered with assistance from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, aimed to halt the most severe military confrontation between the two nations in nearly three decades.
The conflict was initially triggered by India&#8217;s airstrikes on what it described as &#8220;terrorist infrastructure&#8221; in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, following a deadly attack that killed 26 Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir. Despite the agreement, Indian officials accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire through cross-border shelling and drone intrusions, leading to further escalations.
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India-Pakistan Ceasefire Teeters As Blasts Shatter Calm In Kashmir

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of&nbsp;Meta, is in the limelight for his extravagant collection of wristwatches. The billionaire&#8217;s assortment ranges from an affordable Casio to a staggering $900,000 Greubel Forsey piece.
What Happened: Zuckerberg&#8217;s collection boasts of a variety of luxury watches. One of the highlights is&nbsp;a Grand Complications In-Line Perpetual&nbsp;Calendar watch from Patek Philippe, revealed in an Instagram post in September 2024. This timepiece, featuring&nbsp;a platinum case and an&nbsp;alligator-leather band, is priced at $141,400.
During a podcast event in September 2024, Zuckerberg was spotted wearing&nbsp;a DB25 Starry Varius from&nbsp;the Swiss watch brand De&nbsp;Bethune. The rose-gold model, one of only 20 produced annually, carries a hefty price tag of over $80,000.
As per the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-zuckerberg-watch-collection-2025-5#his-watch-collection-isnt-entirely-luxurious-7">by </a>Insider, at the 2024 Meta Connect conference, Zuckerberg sported&nbsp;a watch from the Swiss&nbsp;brand F.P. Journe&#8217;s Souveraine collection.&nbsp;Made entirely of aluminum, this watch was projected to fetch between $30,000 and $54,000 at auction.
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In a video from January 2025, Zuckerberg was seen donning&nbsp;a Greubel Forsey watch that&nbsp;retails for over $900,000. This white gold watch, comprising 281 pieces, is hand-assembled with only two or three units crafted each year.
His collection also includes&nbsp;a yellow-gold Rolex Daytona Le&nbsp;Mans, with&nbsp;a resale value of up&nbsp;to $300,000, and a GA2100WS-7A from Casio&#8217;s G-Shock line, which retails for $120, making it the most affordable watch he has publicly worn.
Why It Matters: Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s watch collection is a testament to his diverse taste and appreciation for craftsmanship. The range of his collection, from a modest Casio to a luxurious Patek Philippe, reflects his eclectic style. 
His choice of timepieces, often seen during public appearances, has sparked interest and curiosity among watch enthusiasts and followers alike.
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Image: Shutterstock/conzorb

Social Media

Mark Zuckerberg's Exquisite Watch Collection: From Affordable Casio To Luxurious $141,400 Patek Philippe, He Has It All

When it comes to personal finance, Suze Orman is clear: You are the best person to take care of your financial future. In a recent episode of her "<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/suze-ormans-women-and-money/suze-school-the-actions-you-need-to-take-now-with-your-money">Women &amp; Money</a>" podcast, she reminded listeners that "the government can't save you," and encouraged everyone to take responsibility for three key areas: debt, income and expenses, and investments.
Here's how Orman breaks it down — and what actions she suggests taking now.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Take Control of Your Debt</h2>
Orman separates debt into two categories: good and bad. Good debt might include a mortgage or a car loan — especially if you need the car to get to work. Bad debt, on the other hand, usually comes in the form of high-interest credit card balances used for nonessential spending.
If you're dealing with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43888952/americans-owe-a-record-1-21-trillion-in-credit-card-debt-expert-warns-theres-no-end-in-sight">credit card debt</a>, Orman suggests organizing your cards by interest rate, from highest to lowest. Write down the minimum payment due on each one, then total those minimums and add 20% to the total. You'll make the minimum payments on all cards, but apply the extra 20% toward the card with the highest interest rate. Once that one's paid off, you roll the entire amount you were paying into the next highest card — and so on — until the debt is gone.
She also encourages maintaining your credit limit, warning that closing cards can lower your FICO score.
Trending: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Review Income and Expenses</h2>
The next area <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44715539/suze-orman-says-when-sentiment-is-this-fearful-its-not-the-time-to-sell-but-if-youll-need-the-mo">Orman</a> says to evaluate is your cash flow — what's coming in versus what's going out.
Orman suggests a simple exercise: Look at what you spent over the past year and divide that number by 12 to get your average monthly expenses. Then compare that number to your after-tax, after-retirement-contribution income. If your income doesn't cover your expenses — or just barely does — you have some work to do.
"You either have to earn more, or you have to spend less," she says. "Or you can do both."
Orman emphasizes that your relationship with money isn't just about reaching a specific dollar amount. It's about how you value money — and by extension, yourself. Being proactive about your income and expenses now can help you avoid painful surprises down the line.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Keep Investing for the Long Term</h2>
Finally, Orman says you should continue investing steadily — especially in retirement accounts like Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, or 403(b)s — if you don't need the money for at least five to 10 years.
Her advice is to stick with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44550600/redditor-asks-if-dollar-cost-averaging-into-individual-stocks-makes-sense-i-was-thinking-of-adding-another-200-bi-weekly-into-some-individual-us-stocks">dollar-cost averaging</a>: investing the same amount regularly, regardless of market conditions. This strategy helps you buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, smoothing out the impact of market volatility over time.
And if you're 50 or older, don't forget: You can contribute up to $8,000 to an IRA in 2025, thanks to catch-up contributions.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Bottom Line</h2>
Orman's message is simple but powerful: The economy, markets, and government programs may be uncertain, but your personal finances don't have to be. Focus on eliminating bad debt, understanding your spending, and investing for your future.
After all, as she puts it, "Nobody is going to care about your money more than you do."
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Image: Shutterstock

Debt, Income, And Investments: Suze Orman Says We Should All Be Focused On These Because 'The Government Can't Save You'

Elon Musk is <a href="https://www.forbes.com/real-time-billionaires/">worth over $380 billion</a>, yet when his 77-year-old mother, Maye Musk, comes to visit, she doesn't get a penthouse suite or even a plush guest room. Nope — she sleeps on blankets, couches, or a mattress in his garage. And she's perfectly fine with it.
"You can't have a fancy house near a rocket site," Maye explained in a 2022 <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/culture/books/article/maye-musk-i-called-elon-genius-boy-he-remembered-everything-z0l2ds0sh">interview with The Times of London</a>, referencing SpaceX's Starbase launch facility in Texas. "I have to sleep in the garage."
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She's not exaggerating. In fact, Maye's made light of the situation multiple times. In an <a href="https://x.com/mayemusk/status/1645682178246823937">X post the same year</a>, she shared:
"Many memories of sleeping on mattresses or blankets on the floor, on couches, or a bed in the garage. This happens to @kimbal @ToscaMusk and me. We adapt. It's still better than sleeping on the ground in the Kalahari Desert with lions or hyenas nearby, which I did as a child."
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Not wrong at all! Many memories of sleeping on mattresses or blankets on the floor, on couches, or a bed in the garage. This happens to <a href="https://twitter.com/kimbal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kimbal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ToscaMusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ToscaMusk</a> and me. We adapt. It's still better than sleeping on the ground in the Kalahari Desert with lions or hyenas nearby, which I… <a href="https://t.co/qJaSzrFyHT">https://t.co/qJaSzrFyHT</a>
&mdash; Maye Musk (@mayemusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/mayemusk/status/1645682178246823937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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That "we adapt" motto seems to be a Musk family tradition.
It's not just Maye. Elon himself has slept in less-than-glamorous spots. Speaking at the <a href="https://youtu.be/E-squeb0YJA?si=lp49VvGXFgOClccN">2022 Baron Investment Conference</a>, he recalled sleeping on a factory floor in California and Nevada for three years. "It was damn uncomfortable," he admitted.
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This all fits Musk's minimalist streak. In 2020, he vowed to sell "almost all physical possessions" and declared, <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1256239554148724737">"Will own no house,"</a> citing freedom as the goal. He followed through, offloading multiple California mansions.
But despite publicly swearing off homeownership, Musk reportedly upgraded to a $6 million, six-bedroom mansion in West Lake Hills, Texas, in 2022 — the same year his mom said she was sleeping in the garage, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/05/technology/elon-musk-texas-neighbors.html">The New York Times</a>. A 16-foot chain-link fence around the property quickly tipped off neighbors that this wasn't just any new arrival.
So, yes, while Musk officially claimed to own only a $50,000, two-bedroom tiny home near the launch site, reports suggest he may have had some real estate back in rotation. Whether that house was close enough to the rocket site for Maye's comfort is up for debate.
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When skeptics on X asked Musk in 2023 about persistent rumors of his father's supposed connection to an emerald mine, Elon shot back, "I'd just like to see a picture of this mine. Like, where is it exactly!?" <a href="https://x.com/mayemusk/status/1655176037607645184">Maye chimed in shortly after</a>, writing, "Me too! And why did we sleep in one-bedroom apartments and on the floor?" effectively shutting down the long-running myth.
Whether it's a garage floor, a couch, or the occasional $6 million mansion, the Musk family seems <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/01/43101102/elon-musk-the-richest-man-in-the-world-is-estimated-to-earn-over-23-million-every-single-hour-of-the-day-heres-how-hes-spending-it">more focused on adaptability than luxury</a>.
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Image: Shutterstock

Elon Musk's 77-Year-Old Mom Says 'I Have To Sleep In The Garage' And On Floor Blankets When Visiting Her Son — Richest Man In The World: 'We Adapt'

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Forbes in January 2025. It has been updated in May 2025 to reflect new developments, including Brittney Griner's canceled appearance at the Women Grow summit.
"I believed in the plant, even when everyone told me I was throwing my life away," says <a href="https://elplanteo.com/chanda-macias-reina-zulu-cannabis/">Dr. Chanda Macias</a>.
Macias stands out in the cannabis space as a scientist, entrepreneur and trailblazer. As the CEO of National Holistic Healing Center in Washington, D.C., she became the first Black woman to open and operate a medical cannabis dispensary on the East Coast. But her journey wasn't easy.
Raised in a working-class family, Macias became a single mother as a teenager when her son's father was incarcerated during the height of the war on drugs. "No one ever thought that I was going to go to college," she recalls. Yet, she enrolled at Howard University, where she discovered a passion for science. "Yes, I was working two jobs and raising a kid, but I fell in love with science," she says.
As Macias pursued cancer-related research, she began noticing the plant&#8217;s potential. "It was common knowledge that if you had cancer, you had to find someone to get marijuana," she explains. Despite its illegality, cannabis was already a quiet staple of symptom relief in her community.
She delved into emerging research, especially studies out of Israel, and approached faculty about integrating cannabis into her work. "He said, ‘It's illegal.' And I'm like, ‘We're scientists,'" she remembers.
Also read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/05/45263739/they-turned-fruit-bouquets-into-a-500m-a-year-businessnow-theyre-selling-thc-heres-why">They Turned Fruit Bouquets Into A $500 Million-A-Year Business—Now They&#8217;re Selling THC. Here&#8217;s Why</a>
Although direct cannabis research was off-limits, Macias pivoted to prostate cancer studies. She later joined Colgate-Palmolive as a scientist, but the desire to return to cannabis never left. When D.C. announced its medical dispensary licensing process in 2012, she immediately said, "I'm doing this."
She drained her savings, stopped paying her mortgage and moved into a small apartment with her family to afford a lease. "I lost my house, but I believed in myself and the plant," she says. Her initial landlord backed out, and it took years of advocacy to secure a location. During that time, Macias traveled to Africa to lead infectious disease research.
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In 2015, she returned to the U.S. after regulators warned her license would be revoked unless she opened within 60 days. With help from D.C. cultivator Corey Barnett, who sold her a single ounce of cannabis on credit, she opened National Holistic Healing Center with 13 patients and furniture from her apartment.
Her work expanded beyond D.C. In Louisiana, Southern University tapped Macias to rescue its struggling medical cannabis program. She raised over $2 million, launched the operation, and helped the HBCU become the first in the U.S. to grow and manufacture legal medical cannabis.
In 2020, she was crowned Queen Zulu during Mardi Gras, joining the ranks of cultural icons like Louis Armstrong. Initially met with resistance due to her cannabis ties, Macias chose not to hide her identity. "The community at first actively tried to remove me," she says. "But the men of Zulu stood up for me. They said, ‘This is our Queen.'"
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Her leadership extended into Women Grow, where she rose to CEO. Under her direction, the organization became a national force for education, mentorship and entrepreneurship.
In 2024, Macias co-created Hope, a product line tailored for children with autism, in partnership with advocate Erica Daniels. Hope generated over $1 million in its first year, offering relief to families seeking alternative treatments.
Women Grow's 2025 Leadership Summit was set to mark another milestone, with WNBA star Brittney Griner scheduled to deliver a keynote. But on Feb. 17, Griner abruptly left the event after finding a disturbing message in her hotel room. Women Grow called it "an attack" and vowed to continue its work.
Also read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/05/45297889/germanys-cannabis-industry-hits-e500m-2500-pharmacies-now-dispense-211-grow-clubs-approved">Germany&#8217;s Cannabis Industry Hits 500 Million Euros: 2,500 Pharmacies Now Dispense, 211 Grow Clubs Approved</a>
"Attacking women for coming together to lead and create change will not stop us," Macias said at the time. "We will not be silenced."
Today, Macias continues to mentor operators, push for equitable legislation and warn about the risks of corporate consolidation. "Taxation will kill your business," she notes. Rescheduling to Schedule III might bring benefits but could also allow Big Pharma to dominate.
For Macias, the mission is deeply personal. Her children grew up with cannabis as medicine. One son, living with Crohn's disease, uses it for relief. Another now works alongside her.
"No means keep trying," she says. "If I'm not out there sharing this message, they might not have a second chance at life."
Disclosure: This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2025/01/06/how-queen-zulu-dr-macias-lost-her-home-then-built-a-cannabis-empire-and-inspired-brittney-griner/">Forbes</a> and appears here with permission. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.
Photo courtesy of Women Grow

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Interview

From Homeless To Queen Zulu: Dr. Chanda Macias' Journey To Cannabis Leadership And Brittney Griner's Inspiration

Charlie Munger, the late vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, once offered some words of wisdom for investors dealing with market turbulence.
What Happened: Munger, who was a close collaborator of Warren Buffett at&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway, underscored the necessity for long-term investors to weather market volatility. He argued that if investors are unable to tolerate substantial market downturns, they are not cut out to be ordinary shareholders.
Munger drew from his personal experience during the 2009 financial meltdown, when his Berkshire Hathaway shares had plummeted by over 50%. Despite this setback, he retained his faith in the company and persisted in his stock market investments.
"I think it's in the nature of long-term shareholding that the normal vicissitudes in markets means that the long-term holder has the quoted value of his stocks go down by, say, 50%," Munger <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XlBrohrIUc">told </a>BBC in an interview. 
"If you're not willing to keep your chin up during the occasional rout, you're not fit to be a common shareholder, and you deserve the mediocre result you're going to get compared to the people who can be more philosophical about these market fluctuations," he added. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43581818/charlie-mungers-four-life-lessons-consume-less-than-you-accumulate-invest-judiciously-persistently-learn-and-uphold-discipline">Charlie Munger&#8217;s Four Life Lessons: &#8216;Consume Less Than You Accumulate, Invest Judiciously, Persistently Learn, and Uphold Discipline&#8217;</a>
Both Munger and Buffett adhered to Buffett&#8217;s renowned mantra:&nbsp;&#8220;Be fearful when others are&nbsp;greedy, and be greedy when&nbsp;others are fearful.&#8221; 
This strategy guided them to consistently acquire undervalued stocks, trusting in the eventual success of American businesses.
Furthermore, Munger counseled investors to exploit opportunities to purchase assets at substantial markdowns during major market slumps, instead of holding out for better conditions.
Why It Matters:&nbsp;Munger&#8217;s advice comes at a time when market volatility is a significant concern for many investors. His words serve as a reminder that patience and long-term vision are key to navigating turbulent markets. 
His strategy of capitalizing on market downturns by purchasing undervalued stocks has proven successful in the past, and may serve as a useful guide for investors in the current climate. 
His belief in the eventual success of American businesses also offers a positive outlook for investors worried about the future of the U.S. economy.
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Image Via Shutterstock

Charlie Munger's Timeless Advice For Navigating Volatile Markets: 'Be Fearful When Others Are Greedy, And Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful'

Mira Murati, the former chief technology officer of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45185633/ups-explores-humanoid-robots-as-figure-ai-secures-675m-from-jeff-bezos-openai-and-intel-targeting-9b-revenue-by-2029">OpenAI</a> and a central figure behind ChatGPT, is launching her own <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44184371/google-co-founder-larry-pages-ai-startup-could-change-product-manufacturing-forever-report">AI startup</a>, and she&#8217;s doing it in blockbuster fashion.
Thinking Machines Lab, the AI company founded by Murati early this year, is raising a $2 billion seed round at a $10 billion valuation.
According to<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mira-murati-is-asking-investors-to-commit-to-at-least-50-million-2025-5"> Business Insider</a>, the round is being led by Andreessen Horowitz, with support from Sequoia Capital and other top-tier investors. Those interested in backing the venture are being asked to commit a minimum of $50 million per check, a staggering requirement for what would be one of the largest seed rounds in startup history.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A High-Stakes Bet On Next-Gen AI</h2>
The startup's ambition is to reshape the way artificial intelligence is built and understood. According to the company&#8217;s<a href="https://thinkingmachines.ai/"> website</a>, Thinking Machines Lab will focus on making AI &#8220;more widely understood, customizable, and generally capable,&#8221; highlighting a shift toward both transparency and user control.
That positioning places the company in direct conceptual competition with AI giants like OpenAI, Google's Gemini, Elon Musk's xAI, and Anthropic, which are all currently racing to define the next generation of large language models and autonomous systems, Business Insider reported.
Murati spent more than six years at OpenAI, contributing to the development of ChatGPT and other advanced AI research projects. According to Business Insider, she was briefly appointed interim CEO in November 2023, after the board unexpectedly removed Sam Altman, a decision that triggered internal upheaval across the company. Following Altman's reinstatement just days later, Murati returned to her position as chief technology officer.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Backed By Industry Legends And Technical All-Stars</h2>
Andreessen Horowitz, the legendary venture capital firm that previously backed Facebook and Airbnb (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABNB#NASDAQ">ABNB</a>),<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fdef2f53-f8f7-4553-866b-1c9bfdbeea42"> Financial Times</a> reported, is leading the round alongside Sequoia Capital, known for its investments in Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), and WhatsApp,<a href="https://fortune.com/2024/07/25/seqouia-capital-roelof-botha-investment-culture-apple-nvidia/"> Fortune</a> says. Their involvement may signal strong institutional belief in Murati's long-term potential.
Thinking Machines Lab is also assembling a brain trust of former OpenAI engineers and scientists. According to<a href="https://thefoundersmagazine.com/thinking-machines-lab/"> The Founders Magazine</a>, team members include Bob McGrew, former head of research at OpenAI, Alec Radford, one of the minds behind the original GPT, Barret Zoph, a top researcher on ChatGPT, and John Schulman, co-lead of the Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback technique that powers modern AI safety.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A $50M Entry Ticket To The Future Of AI</h2>
Few early-stage startups command minimum investments in the tens of millions. According to Business Insider, Murati&#8217;s $50 million threshold is a practical necessity since training large models and building scalable infrastructure requires capital on a massive scale.
If the raise closes as expected, Thinking Machines Lab will stand beside OpenAI and Anthropic as one of the most well-capitalized AI startups in the world, Business Insider says, and one of the only ones led by a woman.
With technical vision, elite backing, and a mission to open up the black box of AI, Murati's next chapter may reshape the way the world builds and interacts with intelligent systems.
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Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati's $2B AI Startup Thinking Machines Lab Sets $50M Investment Minimum, Backed By Andreessen Horowitz And Sequoia Capital

In a recent cybersecurity incident, a significant&nbsp;data breach at a human&nbsp;resources firm has exposed the personal information of hundreds of thousands of Americans, increasing their vulnerability to identity theft and fraud.
What Happened: Maryland-based firm&nbsp;Kelly Benefits&nbsp;revealed a major data breach impacting 413,032 individuals in a&nbsp;filing with the Office of&nbsp;the Maine Attorney General. The company&#8217;s internal probe discovered that an unauthorized party had gained access to its database, pilfering customer information such as names, birth dates,&nbsp;Social Security numbers, tax ID&nbsp;numbers, and financial account data.
According to the <a href="https://www.maine.gov/agviewer/content/ag/985235c7-cb95-4be2-8792-a1252b4f8318/7a0c076f-6530-433d-b017-bb849c81b4b8.html">report</a>, the breach took place from December 12 to 17, 2024. After a thorough examination of the compromised files, Kelly Benefits concluded its analysis on March 3, 2025. The company provides a variety of HR&nbsp;services, including benefits administration, payroll&nbsp;solutions, and retirement planning.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42716153/massive-data-breach-exposes-millions-of-credit-and-debit-cards-is-your-account-safe">Massive Data Breach Exposes Millions of Credit and Debit Cards—Is Your Account Safe?</a>
Kelly Benefits has alerted the affected individuals and is providing&nbsp;12-month credit monitoring and identity&nbsp;theft protection services. Despite reporting the incident&nbsp;to federal law enforcement and&nbsp;regulatory agencies, the company states that it has found &#8220;no evidence of misuse of&nbsp;any information related to this&nbsp;incident&#8221; to date.
Why It Matters: This incident underscores the growing threat of cyber attacks and data breaches to businesses and their customers. Companies like Kelly Benefits hold sensitive information, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. 
While the firm has taken steps to mitigate the impact of the breach, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. It also highlights the need for swift action and transparency in the event of a breach to protect affected individuals and maintain trust.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses must stay vigilant and invest in advanced security measures to safeguard their data and protect their customers.
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Tech

Major Data Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers, Financial Records and Much More

Donald Trump is heading to Saudi Arabia this week, sparking fresh speculation over a potential civil nuclear agreement <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44758747/iran-signals-openness-to-nuclear-talks-with-us-warns-against-trumps-aggressive-theatrics" rel="noreferrer noopener">between Washington and Riyadh.</a>
The kingdom has long expressed interest in developing its own nuclear energy capabilities, and the U.S. administration appears eager to engage in such a venture, the Associated Press <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/civilian-nuclear-program-saudi-arabia-trump-iran-be8697a1890d0158cef57babb47e7583" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently traveled to Saudi Arabia ahead of the president's visit and signaled that discussions were progressing.
He suggested that significant advancements in nuclear collaboration between the two nations could be expected in the near future.
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The potential deal holds strategic importance for both countries.
For the U.S., it offers a chance to edge out Chinese and Russian influence in the Gulf's burgeoning energy sector.
For Saudi Arabia, it's about reducing domestic oil consumption by turning to nuclear power for civilian energy use and tapping into its own uranium reserves, Associated Press adds.
However, the prospect of allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically has raised alarm among nonproliferation advocates.
While such enrichment is necessary for nuclear energy, it also carries the risk of being repurposed for weapons development, a move that could destabilize regional security dynamics.
The U.S. has historically avoided transferring enrichment capabilities to non-nuclear-weapon states.
Under the previous administration, nuclear cooperation was part of a larger negotiation package that included arms sales and normalization of Saudi-Israeli ties, Associated Press notes.
While the Trump administration has decoupled these elements to some extent, experts believe the nuclear issue could still be used as leverage in pushing forward regional diplomatic goals, particularly within the framework of the Abraham Accords.
Despite current diplomatic overtures toward Iran, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that if Tehran were to acquire nuclear arms, Saudi Arabia would likely pursue the same path.
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Politics

Trump Eyeing Nuclear Deal With Saudi Arabia? China and Russia Watch Closely

The inflation crisis that has been hammering the U.S. economy is now taking a visible toll on consumers. Last month, <a href="https://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence">data</a> showed that consumer confidence in the U.S. fell to a five-year low. The country's economy shrank in the first quarter for the first time since 2022.&nbsp;
The current earnings season is highlighting the struggles of companies exposed to consumer spending. Fast-food giant McDonald&#8217;s Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) March quarter earnings and revenue missed Wall Street's estimates, while the company saw a 3.6% drop in same-store sales in the U.S., the biggest <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/hospitality/mcdonalds-mcd-q1-earnings-report-2025-76b4d394-9b782952">decline</a> since 2020.
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McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski was frank in pointing out the plight of consumers impacting the company during its <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/article/4780500-mcdonalds-corporation-mcd-q1-2025-earnings-call-transcript">earnings call</a> with analysts. The executive said that quick-service restaurant industry traffic from the low-income consumers plunged by double digits compared with the previous quarter. Middle-income consumers, who had been holding up relatively well until a few months ago, also saw similar declines, which indicates that economic pressure on traffic has "broadened," according to Kempczinski.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">‘Heightened Anxiety'</h2>
However, as the average American's wallet feels the squeeze, fast-food spending from rich customers remains resilient.
"Traffic growth from the high-income cohort remains solid, illustrating the divided U.S. economy, where low and middle-income consumers in particular are being weighed down by the cumulative impact of inflation, and heightened anxiety about the economic outlook," Kempczinski said.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Traffic Weak Despite $5 Value Meals&nbsp;</h2>
McDonald's saw consumer weakness despite <a href="https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/mcdonalds-launching-mcvalue-platform-inus-restaurants-in2025.html">launching</a> new $5 value meals earlier this year across its U.S. restaurants to woo customers.&nbsp; Kempczinski said in the latest earnings call that the company knows affordability and value are "paramount" in the current environment, and it has launched cheaper meals across five major international markets.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Consumer Woes Across International Markets</h2>
The economic struggles of consumers aren't just limited to the U.S. Kempczinski said during the call that the company is seeing a "similar story" in international markets, where comparable sales declined 1% from last year. Traffic was positive in just two of the five major markets.
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McDonald's total <a href="https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/content/dam/sites/corp/nfl/pdf/Q1_25_Earnings_Release.pdf">revenue</a> fell 3% year over year in the first quarter. The company also saw comparable sales declines in the UK, while the Middle East and Japan posted gains.&nbsp;
"We&#8217;ll remain agile to ensure McValue continues to meet consumer needs and positions us for success in a challenging marketplace," Kempczinski added. "For the remainder of 2025, we&#8217;ll continue to include everyday value meal deals starting at $5, given how the current $5 Meal Deal in particular has resonated with customers."
McDonald's rivals are also beginning to see the impact of contractions in consumer spending. Yum! Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YUM#NYSE">YUM</a>), the owner of Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC, recently <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/30/yum-brands-yum-q1-2025-earnings.html">missed</a> Q1 revenue expectations as Pizza Hut's same-store sales slid 5% in the U.S.
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'A Divided Economy': McDonald's CEO Says Rich Keep Dining Out But Average Income Consumers Feeling Economic 'Anxiety'

Americans are scrambling to buy new cars as President Donald Trump's tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts are expected to drive up prices. Data from Cox Automotive <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-new-vehicle-sales-surge-buyers-hope-to-beat-tariff-hikes/">shows</a> that new car sales in March rose 17% from the month before and 12% from March 2024. Some analysts <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2025/05/05/economists-tariff-costs-per-vehicle/83446003007/">estimate</a> the tariff impact to range from $2,000 to $15,000 per vehicle in the U.S.
However, before you panic and rush to buy a new car for no solid reason, take a lesson from Warren Buffett.
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It's common to come across billionaires bragging about their luxury car fleets, huge mansions and private jets. But it's rare to find someone like Buffett—one of the five richest people in the world, worth $158 billion—driving the same sedan for eight years.
Buffett is known for not spending needlessly on new cars and for avoiding any purchases he doesn&#8217;t need. Buffett once <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5pjizrVQFQ">explained</a> why he dislikes going car shopping during a public event:.
"I&#8217;m not ready for that. It&#8217;s another car. I look at that like anything else. It would probably take me half a day to go through the exercise of buying a car and reading the owner&#8217;s manual and all that, and that&#8217;s just a half a day I don&#8217;t want to give up in my life for no benefit," Buffett said.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">"Totally Happy" With Existing Car</h2>
The billionaire, 94, said safety is the top feature he looks for when buying a new car, adding that he does not "like to" trade away his time for a new vehicle because he's happy with his car.
"I&#8217;m totally happy with the car. I just don&#8217;t want to trade away the amount of time I&#8217;d have to spend fooling around to get familiar with the—and get title to—and do all the things, the rest of the things, pick one out, saw a new car," Buffett said during the event. "But if there&#8217;s a safer car made, I&#8217;ll be driving in it."
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Check for a New Car in "30 Seconds"</h2>
Buffett added that he would write a check in "30 seconds" if he could find a better car than his current one.
The Oracle of Omaha famously drove his 2006 Cadillac DTS for eight years, until General Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) CEO Mary Barra in 2014 finally convinced him to upgrade to a newer, better model. And it took way more than 30 seconds to convince the billionaire. Buffett asked Barra what made the new Cadillac models better:
&#8220;She told me about 50 things that were better," Buffett <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2014/07/15/warren-buffett-shares-the-inside-scoop-he-bought-a-cadillac-not-a-subaru/">told Forbes</a> in 2014. "By the time we got to lunch &#8212; and it&#8217;s only five or six minutes &#8212; she sold me.&#8221;
The billionaire traded in his 2006 Cadillac for a 2014 Cadillac XTS.
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Warren Buffett Didn't Buy a New Car for Years — Here's Why You Might Want to Wait (Even With Looming Tariffs)

President Donald Trump&#8217;s administration is reportedly weighing the possibility of suspending habeas corpus, a legal safeguard that allows individuals to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/45002141/trumps-deportation-policies-could-worsen-social-securitys-funding-shortfall-by-11-warns-new-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenge unlawful detentions in court</a>.
The idea has surfaced amid the administration&#8217;s increasing friction with the judiciary over immigration-related arrests and deportations, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qgz18glljo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> BBC, citing a statement from Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff.
BBC writes that Miller told reporters Friday that the U.S. Constitution permits suspension of this right in cases of &#8220;rebellion or invasion,&#8221; a justification the administration may consider in its crackdown on undocumented immigration.
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Miller said that judicial challenges to immigration-related detentions are obstructing enforcement efforts, and that the White House is exploring aggressive legal measures in response.
He referred to habeas corpus as a &#8220;privilege&#8221; rather than a guaranteed right and asserted that Congress had already curtailed court jurisdiction over immigration matters.
Legal experts were quick to dispute Miller&#8217;s interpretation, noting that only Congress has the authority to suspend habeas corpus.
The administration&#8217;s approach has come under judicial scrutiny in recent weeks.
A federal judge recently ordered the release of a Turkish student detained for six weeks following his article criticizing Israeli policies, BBC adds. Another judge mandated the release of a Palestinian advocate from Columbia University, citing habeas corpus protections.
Still, some judges have ruled in favor of the administration in similar cases.
Trump, while not publicly mentioning habeas corpus, hinted in April that prior presidents had used powerful legal tools to push past judicial blocks on deportation policies.
Habeas corpus — Latin for &#8220;you shall have the body&#8221; — is a <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habeas%20corpus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legal</a> principle in the U.S. Constitution.
It has only been suspended four times in American history, including during the Civil War under President Abraham Lincoln and in Hawaii after the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941.
Returning to the White House with renewed focus on immigration, Trump has made it clear that his administration will explore all avenues to expedite deportations.
While detention numbers have surged, deportation efforts have faced legal and logistical hurdles — including a mistaken removal of at least one individual.
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Trump Administration Reportedly Weighing Suspension of Habeas Corpus

For the first time since the COVID pandemic, zero cargo ships are on their way from China to the two primary ports in California. This sudden halt in trade comes in the wake of the Trump administration imposing substantial tariffs on Chinese imports.
What Happened: According to a report, no cargo vessels had left China for the two primary&nbsp;West Coast ports in the&nbsp;past 12 hours. This is a stark contrast to the situation just six days ago when 41 vessels were slated&nbsp;to depart China for the&nbsp;San Pedro Bay Complex, which&nbsp;comprises&nbsp;the Port of Los Angeles&nbsp;and Port of Long Beach.
The ongoing trade war initiated by President Donald Trump has led to the implementation of heavy tariffs on a majority of Chinese imports last month. 
This has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of ships carrying cargo to American ports. The sudden dip in vessels departing from China has sparked concerns among port officials, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/10/business/zero-ships-china-trade-ports-pandemic">reports</a> CNN.
Mario Cordero,&nbsp;the CEO of the Port&nbsp;of Long Beach, expressed his concerns stating, &#8220;That&#8217;s cause for alarm.&#8221; The country&#8217;s busiest ports are experiencing a steep drop in cargo, with&nbsp;the Port of Long Beach&nbsp;witnessing a 35-40% fall compared to the usual cargo volume.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/05/45335581/trump-proposes-major-cut-in-china-tariffs-signaling-shift-in-trade-war">Trump Proposes Major Cut in China Tariffs, Signaling Shift in Trade War</a>
Trade representatives from the US and China&nbsp;are set to meet in&nbsp;Geneva this weekend in an attempt to diffuse the escalating trade war. President Trump has proposed reducing&nbsp;the tariff rate with China&nbsp;to 80%, but the final decision rests with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
For consumers who are already grappling with&nbsp;higher prices or shortages of&nbsp;certain items, a resolution can&#8217;t come soon enough. 
Cordero warned, &#8220;If things don&#8217;t change quickly&#8230;we may be seeing empty products on the shelves. This is now going to be felt by the consumer in the coming 30 days.&#8221;
Why It Matters: The abrupt halt in cargo shipments from China to the US is a direct consequence of the ongoing trade war between the two economic giants. 
This has led to a significant drop in cargo volume at major US ports, raising concerns about potential supply chain disruptions and price hikes for consumers. 
The upcoming meeting between&nbsp;US and Chinese trade representatives&nbsp;will be crucial in determining the future course of this trade war and its impact on global trade dynamics.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/FOTOGRIN

No Cargo Vessels En Route From China To California For First Time Since Pandemic

Elon Musk-owned SpaceX&nbsp;faces a lawsuit from a former employee, who alleges discriminatory treatment and wrongful termination due to his chronic bowel disease.
What Happened: Douglas Altshuler, 58, has accused SpaceX of monitoring and disciplining him for frequent restroom use, a necessity due to his Crohn&#8217;s disease.
In the <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25935160-altshuler-v-spacex/">lawsuit</a>, Altshuler claims that despite providing a doctor&#8217;s note explaining his condition, his supervisors timed&nbsp;his bathroom breaks and reprimanded&nbsp;him if he exceeded 10 minutes.
Altshuler has also mentioned that he was threatened with termination for using the restroom too often. His request for&nbsp;special accommodation was dismissed as&nbsp;&#8220;unsubstantiated&#8221;. He was eventually fired for what SpaceX termed &#8220;deficient performance&#8221;.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43581767/elon-musks-former-employees-warn-federal-workers-about-long-hours-firings-and-much-more">Elon Musk&#8217;s Former Employees Warn Federal Workers About Long Hours, Firings, And Much More</a>
The suit also alleges that Altshuler was denied proper meal breaks, underpaid, and exposed to hazardous chemicals. He reported witnessing industrial parts being dried in a kitchen where employees prepared meals.
Altshuler&#8217;s attorney, Clive Pontusson, said in a statement, &#8220;Employees&nbsp;have the right to request&nbsp;accommodations for disabilities without fear&nbsp;of losing their jobs. They&nbsp;also have the right to&nbsp;report unsafe conditions without facing&nbsp;retaliation.&#8221;
Why It Matters: This lawsuit comes as a significant blow to SpaceX, a company known for its groundbreaking space exploration initiatives. 
Altshuler, who&nbsp;began working at SpaceX in&nbsp;2023 and was fired last&nbsp;year,&nbsp;is seeking back pay and&nbsp;damages. The company has yet to comment on the lawsuit.
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Image: Shutterstock/JHVEPhoto

Termination

Analyst Ratings

Former Employee Sues Musk's SpaceX, Claiming He Was Fired Over Bathroom Breaks

A Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) whale that had been dormant for over ten years has sprung into action, transferring a massive $207.51 million worth of Bitcoin.
What Happened: The Bitcoin whale shifted 2,186 BTC to another wallet. This Bitcoin stash was first received by the dormant wallet in July 2013 when BTC was priced&nbsp;at $85. At the time&nbsp;of this recent transaction,&nbsp;Bitcoin was trading at $94,929,&nbsp;indicating a price increase of about 111,581% over nearly 142 months.
According to the report <a href="https://bitinfocharts.com/bitcoin/address/1NWPS2fWw6FMeJEjg6DMMpYxQyB4TKpVsb">by </a>BitInfoCharts, the whale also transferred a smaller Bitcoin stash that it received on two separate occasions in 2014. 
In March&nbsp;2014, the wallet received 82&nbsp;BTC when Bitcoin was trading around $612, and in November 2014, it received 75 BTC when Bitcoin was approximately $377.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44348215/bitcoin-whale-takes-332-million-short-position-heres-where-it-gets-liquidated">Bitcoin Whale Takes $332 Million Short Position, Here&#8217;s Where It Gets Liquidated</a>
During its period of inactivity, the wallet also received small amounts of Bitcoin, suggesting that it may have been a target of dusting attacks. These attacks aim to de-anonymize a cryptocurrency user by sending small&nbsp;amounts of Bitcoin to an&nbsp;address to monitor the user&#8217;s holdings and transaction activities.
Why It Matters: The sudden activity of this ancient Bitcoin whale is significant in the cryptocurrency market. It highlights the potential for large, dormant accounts to suddenly become active and make substantial transactions. This can have a considerable impact on Bitcoin&#8217;s price and market dynamics. 
The whale&#8217;s massive profit also underscores the substantial price appreciation of Bitcoin over the past decade, reinforcing its status as a lucrative investment. 
The dusting attacks on the wallet further emphasize the ongoing security and privacy concerns in the cryptocurrency space.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/nuttapon averuttaman

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Decade-Old Bitcoin Whale Emerges, Transfers $207.51 Million BTC With Nearly 112,000% Profit

In a recent reaffirmation of her bullish stance, ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood has once again predicted that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) will hit a minimum of $700,000 in the coming years.
What Happened: Speaking at a recent interview, Wood reiterated ARK&#8217;s forecast of a minimum 580% surge in Bitcoin&#8217;s current value by 2030. 
She <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVsSn5EBFlE">detailed</a>, &#8220;We&nbsp;have always had a 2030&nbsp;target, the base case in&nbsp;the $700,000 to $750,000 range,&nbsp;the bull case in the&nbsp;$1.5 million range.&#8221;
Wood highlighted three primary factors propelling this audacious Bitcoin price prediction. These encompass Bitcoin&#8217;s potential to seize a share from gold or expand the store-of-value market, institutions starting to invest in Bitcoin, and emerging market use cases.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/legal/25/05/45333754/tesla-poised-to-gain-as-texas-declares-dexit-passing-bills-to-shield-companies-from-shareholder-lawsui" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Poised To Gain As Texas Declares &#8216;Dexit,&#8217; Passing Bills To Shield Companies From Shareholder Lawsuits After Elon Musk&#8217;s Pay Battle</a>
In addition to her Bitcoin forecast, Wood also shared her views on the current economic situation. She stated that the US is in a recession but anticipates it to end soon, following&nbsp;more clarity around President Trump's&nbsp;tariff negotiations. She is optimistic that this will trigger considerable economic growth, partly driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44889289/this-crypto-analyst-predicts-bitcoin-could-soar-137-under-perfect-market-conditions">This Crypto Analyst Predicts Bitcoin Could Soar 137% Under Perfect Market Conditions</a>
"I just put out a letter talking about the rolling recession we've been in for the last three years, since the Fed jacked up rates. We got a negative quarter in the first quarter, and potentially in the second quarter as well. And I think more and more people are getting concerned about an extended recession, and amid all the uncertainty, we actually think we're at the end of this rolling recession, and that we are moving into a period, after all of this uncertainty, of much greater productivity,&#8221; Wood added. 
&#8220;I&nbsp;think we're going to see a lot more productivity driven growth, which means inflation is going to be much lower than expected, which is going to be very capital friendly," she shared. 
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $102,811, marking a 2.4% increase&nbsp;in the last 24 hours.
Why It Matters: Wood&#8217;s prediction is significant as it reflects the growing confidence in Bitcoin&#8217;s potential to disrupt traditional financial markets. The forecast also underscores the increasing institutional interest in Bitcoin as a viable investment. 
Furthermore, Wood&#8217;s comments on the economic climate highlight the potential role of Bitcoin and AI in driving economic growth post-recession.
Read Next
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Shutterstock/Rcc_Btn

Cathie Wood Stands Firm on Bold $700,000 Bitcoin Prediction for Investors, Says 'Bull Case in the $1.5 Million Range'

A recent shift in how the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45281537/gop-warns-trump-appointed-social-security-chief-frank-bisignano-against-further-staff-cuts-citing-risks-to-services-as-baby-boomers-age">Social Security Administration</a> handles benefit overpayments may offer partial relief — but it still comes with serious consequences. Effective April 25, the SSA began withholding up to 50% of monthly Title II benefits, such as retirement, disability, or survivor payments, from those who received overpayments.&nbsp;
While that's a step back from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44368080/ssa-to-seek-100-recovery-on-social-security-overpayments-heres-what-this-means-for-your-benefits">previously announced 100% clawback</a>, experts say the new policy can still leave retirees and other beneficiaries in financial distress.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Are Benefits Being Withheld?</h2>
Overpayments happen when the SSA sends out more money than a person is actually owed. This can occur for several reasons, including agency errors or delays in processing information — like changes to a beneficiary's income, living situation, or marital status.
When the SSA determines that an overpayment has occurred, it sends a notice asking for full and immediate repayment. If the beneficiary doesn't respond within roughly 90 days — by requesting a waiver, a reconsideration, or a lower repayment rate — the SSA begins automatically withholding funds.
According to an <a href="https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/reference.nsf/lnx/04252025032443PM">emergency message</a> from the SSA, the new policy sets a default withholding rate of 50% for all new overpayment notices beginning April 25. This means half of a beneficiary's monthly check may be withheld until the debt is paid off — unless they take action.
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>?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Relief from 100%, But Still Not Easy</h2>
The SSA's decision follows backlash against a previous plan to withhold 100% of benefits for overpaid recipients. That plan, <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/#2025-03-07-a">announced</a> earlier this year, would have left some individuals without any income at all. Critics, including advocacy organizations and lawmakers, called the full clawback "draconian."
While the reduced rate is seen as progress, it's far from a full solution.
"If you're relying on your benefits to pay your rent or your mortgage and buy food, losing half of that income is going to be devastating and can still result in people becoming homeless," Kate Lang, director of federal income security at Justice in Aging, told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/05/social-security-overpayment-withholding-rate-change.html">CNBC</a>.
Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, told CNBC the change still risks causing "immediate economic hardship" for many, particularly when the overpayment was not the beneficiary's fault.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can You Dispute the Overpayment?</h2>
Yes — but it's not always straightforward. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44292349/if-i-were-a-beneficiary-id-be-setting-aside-some-money-right-now-former-ssa-commissioner-warns-t">Beneficiaries</a> can request a reconsideration, a waiver, or a lower withholding rate. However, responses can vary depending on the SSA employee handling the case.
"There are thousands of employees that individual beneficiaries are going to be dealing with to ask for a waiver or ask to negotiate a different repayment rate," Lang said. "And those employees have a lot of discretion in what they decide."&nbsp;
Plus, long wait times for SSA appointments can make it harder for people to respond in time.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What to Do If You Receive an Overpayment Notice</h2>
If you get a notice, act quickly. According to the SSA, you typically have about 90 days to challenge it before the SSA begins withholding up to 50% of your monthly benefit.
Experts recommend contacting the SSA as soon as possible to explore your options. You may be able to reduce the withholding rate or avoid repayment altogether if you weren't at fault for the overpayment.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bottom Line</h2>
While the SSA's decision to cut the withholding rate from 100% to 50% may sound like good news, the fallout could still be serious for many retirees. Stay informed, respond quickly to any overpayment notice, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
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Image: Shutterstock

You Could Still Lose Half Your Benefits: Social Security Reduces Overpayment Withholding Rate, Experts Warn Of Fallout

When it comes to managing money, Suze Orman says understanding debt is a critical first step — especially for anyone hoping to improve their financial health. On a recent episode of her "<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/suze-ormans-women-and-money/suze-school-the-actions-you-need-to-take-now-with-your-money">Women &amp; Money</a>" podcast, Orman made a clear distinction between "good" debt and "bad" debt — and explained how to handle both.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's the Difference Between Good Debt and Bad Debt?</h2>
According to Orman, bad debt "is where you are paying for your present day desires, but your costs are going to be your future day needs."&nbsp;
The most common example? Credit card debt. It typically comes with high interest rates and can snowball if not addressed quickly.
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<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45256709/approaching-retirement-suze-ormans-2025-plan-for-safe-high-earning-cash">Orman</a> says good debt, on the other hand, includes borrowing that may help you build your financial future. This could be a mortgage, a student loan, or even a car loan — as long as it&#8217;s used wisely. For instance, if a car is necessary to commute to work and the loan is reasonable, it may be considered a strategic expense.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Know If a Car Loan Is Worth It</h2>
Even though a car loan can sometimes be a form of good debt, Orman urges caution. "Remember, if you buy a new car, the second you drive it off the lot, it goes down a good 20% or more in value," she said.
To decide whether a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44309975/suze-orman-warns-against-this-costly-car-buying-mistake-are-you-kidding-me-thats-just-spending-on-a-want-not">car loan is affordable</a>, Orman offers a simple rule: if you can&#8217;t pay it off in three years, the car may be too expensive. Stretching payments over five, six, or seven years? That could turn a necessary expense into bad debt.
Trending: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tackling Credit Card Debt — No Matter Your Credit Score</h2>
If you're dealing with high-interest credit card debt, Orman recommends a few different strategies based on your credit score.
For people with good credit (a FICO score of 680 or higher), she suggests looking into 0% balance transfer offers. Some credit cards offer up to 21 months with no interest, which can give you time to pay down your debt faster without extra charges.
If your score is lower, balance transfers may not be an option. In that case, Orman offers a structured plan:
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>List all credit cards by interest rate, from highest to lowest.</li>
<li>Write down the current minimum payment due for each card — and commit to always paying at least that much going forward.</li>
<li>Total your minimum payments. Add 20% to this number.</li>
<li>Apply that extra 20% to the card with the highest interest rate.</li>
<li>Once a card is paid off, roll the full amount you were paying on that card to the next highest-interest card — and repeat until you're debt-free.</li>
</ol>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Final Tip: Don't Close Those Paid-Off Cards</h2>
After you&#8217;ve paid off your credit cards, it may be tempting to close them — but Orman cautions against that. Closing credit cards lowers your available credit limit, which can hurt your FICO score. Instead, Orman urges listeners to consider keeping the accounts open and using them occasionally to maintain a positive credit history.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44889438/survey-unveils-american-misconceptions-about-credit-card-debt-management">Managing debt</a> is about more than making payments — it's about making smart decisions that protect your future. Orman's message is clear: learn the difference between good and bad debt, and take action today.
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Image: Shutterstock

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