Alternative News for You

by Cointelegraph by Helen Partz on April 4, 2025 at 10:08 am

Authorities in the US state of Massachusetts continue targeting unlawful cryptocurrency market practices, with a local court fining crypto financial services firm CLS Global.A federal court in Boston on April 2 sentenced CLS Global on criminal charges related to fraudulent manipulation of crypto trading volume, according to an announcement from the Massachusetts US Attorney’s Office.In addition to a $428,059 fine, the court prohibited CLS Global from offering services in the US for a probation period of three years.CLS Global, a crypto market maker registered in the United Arab Emirates, in January pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit market manipulation and one count of wire fraud.CLS agreed to manipulate the FBI’s “trap token” NexFundAIThe charges against CLS Global followed an undercover law enforcement operation involving NexFundAI, a token created by the FBI as part of a sting operation in May 2024.CLS Global was among at least three firms that took the FBI’s bait and agreed to provide “market maker services” for NexFundAI, including a fraudulent scheme to attract investors to purchase the token.In October 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced fraud charges against CLS and its employee, Andrey Zhorzhes. The US securities regulator also filed complaints against two other NexFundAI manipulators, Hong Kong-linked ZM Quant Investment and Russia-linked Gotbit Consulting.CLS Global’s profileAccording to CLS Global CEO Filipp Veselov, the company was founded in 2017 to fill in a “huge gap in the market for high-quality market-making solutions and trading consulting.”Prior to CLS, Veselov worked at the Russian cryptocurrency exchange platform Latoken, which is advertised as a “global digital asset exchange” and has about 370,000 followers on X.The CLS team also includes chief revenue officer Pavel Singaevskii, who previously served as sales manager at Stex, a crypto platform that reportedly ceased operations without warning in 2023.Source: CLS GlobalAccording to CLS Global’s X page, the platform continues operating and has more than 110,000 followers at the time of publication.How much wash trading is in crypto?Wash trading is an illegal practice involving artificially inflating trading volume by repeatedly buying and selling the same asset, generating a misleading perception of demand.According to a January 2025 report by the US blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, the crypto market has at least $2.6 billion in estimated wash traded volumes, or just about 2% of total daily crypto trading volumes, as reported by CoinGecko.Estimated wash trade volume in crypto. Source: ChainalysisRelated: Russian Gotbit founder strikes $23M plea deal with US prosecutorsSome studies indicate that wash trading makes up a bigger share of the crypto market.In 2022, the US National Bureau of Economic Research reported that illegal wash trading may account for as much as 70% of average trading volumes on unregulated exchanges.Magazine: Financial nihilism in crypto is over — It’s time to dream big again

by Cointelegraph by Zoltan Vardai on April 4, 2025 at 10:00 am

The value locked in Bitcoin-based decentralized finance (BTCFi) has surged by more than 2,700% over the past year, potentially transforming Bitcoin from a passive store of value into a productive, yield-bearing asset, according to new research from Binance.BTCFi is a new technological paradigm that aims to bring decentralized finance capabilities to Bitcoin’s base layer. It is one of the fastest-growing crypto sectors, reaching a total value locked (TVL) of over $8.6 billion.The growing value of BTCFi, “along with potential interest rate cuts, may reinforce positive sentiment for Bitcoin in the medium and long term,” Binance Research wrote in a report shared with Cointelegraph.Bitcoin DeFi, total value locked, 2025 chart. Source: Binance ResearchIf the BTCFi sector’s growth trajectory continues, it could open up “new opportunities for Bitcoin holders to generate yield through lending, liquidity provision, and other DeFi mechanisms,” a Binance spokesperson told Cointelegraph, adding:“This may contribute to a shift in how BTC is perceived — from a passive store-of-value to a productive on-chain asset. While it’s too early to determine the full impact, these evolving use cases could support broader adoption and, over time, strengthen demand.”Related: Bitcoin price can hit $250K in 2025 if Fed shifts to QE: Arthur HayesInterest in BTCFi surged after April 2024’s Bitcoin halving, which introduced the Runes protocol, the first fungible token standard on the Bitcoin blockchain.Several Bitcoin-native projects have helped accelerate the trend. Babylon introduced Bitcoin (BTC) staking for the first time in the network’s history, enabling holders to earn passive income from their assets.Hermetica launched the first Bitcoin-backed synthetic dollar, USDh, which debuted with a 25% yield for investors.Related: Crypto trader turns $2K PEPE into $43M, sells for $10M profitBTC long-term holders resume Bitcoin accumulationLong-term Bitcoin holders have restarted their BTC accumulation after the BTC supply held by long-term holders bottomed in February.BTC supply held by long-term holders. Source: Glassnode, Binance ResearchLong-term holders are wallets that have been holding BTC for at least 155 days. Growing accumulation from long-term holders has reduced the available Bitcoin supply on exchanges, which may eventually lead to a supply shock-driven price rally.The growing accumulation trend among long-term holders aligns with a “significant period of adoption for Bitcoin,” due to the establishment of the US strategic Bitcoin reserve and growing institutional interest, according to the research report.Source: Margo MartinOn March 7, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve using BTC seized from government criminal cases.Trump signed the historic Bitcoin reserve order a day ahead of hosting the first White House Crypto Summit, which received mixed reactions from the crypto community.Magazine: Bitcoiner sex trap extortion? BTS firm’s blockchain disaster: Asia Express

by Cointelegraph by Bradley Peak on April 4, 2025 at 9:48 am

Key takeawaysNot all tokens can be sold immediately. Airdropped or obscure tokens may lack liquidity or could be scams, so it’s important to check before attempting to cash out.Swapping and bridging may be required. To sell, you might need to convert tokens to ETH or stablecoins and bridge them to the Ethereum mainnet.MetaMask integrates fiat off-ramps. You can use the MetaMask Portfolio to sell ETH directly, but be prepared for KYC with third-party providers.Non-KYC and P2P options exist. Platforms like Bisq or LocalCoinSwap allow trading without ID, but they carry more risk and require caution.There are plenty of ways you might end up with a mix of different cryptocurrencies sitting in your MetaMask wallet.Maybe you work in Web3 — as a developer, copywriter or designer — and your client paid you in their project’s native token.Or maybe you’re part of a Bitcoin mining pool and occasionally receive rewards straight to your wallet.You could be farming yield in decentralized finance (DeFi), earning annual percentage yield (APY) on your locked assets. Or, perhaps the most straightforward of all: You completed a few SocialFi tasks and received some community tokens via an airdrop.Whatever the case, you’ve got crypto in your MetaMask — and now you want to turn it into cash.In this guide, you’ll learn all the ways you can sell your crypto and withdraw the funds to your bank account or even in cash — whether you’re going through official Know Your Customer (KYC) channels or sticking to more private, non-KYC routes.Things to know before selling tokens on MetaMaskBefore you can turn your tokens into cash, there are a few things you need to get sorted in MetaMask because “not all tokens are created equal.” It’s not always as simple as hitting a “sell” button — especially if you’ve just received tokens via an airdrop or from a lesser-known project.1. Why some airdropped tokens can’t be sold (yet)Just because a token shows up in your wallet doesn’t mean it’s ready to be sold. In fact, many airdropped tokens aren’t listed on exchanges at all. That means there’s no market where you can sell them — not yet, anyway. You might see a price attached to the token, but without buyers or liquidity, that value isn’t something you can actually realize right now. So, while it’s great to receive free tokens, they may end up sitting idle in your wallet for a while.Did you know? If you see a “100% sell fee detected” warning on a token, it’s likely a scam. Scammers airdrop these tokens, hoping you’ll try to sell or interact with them. But when you do, the smart contract takes the full amount — leaving you with nothing. Worse, some link to fake decentralized applications (DApps) that ask you to “claim” or “unlock” the tokens. Connecting your wallet or signing a transaction there can let scammers drain your real assets.2. Adding missing tokens to your walletSometimes, you’ll receive tokens that don’t even show up in MetaMask at first. That doesn’t mean they’re not there — it just means MetaMask doesn’t recognize them by default. You’ll need to add them manually by grabbing the token’s contract address (usually from the project’s official site or Etherscan) and importing it into your wallet. Once you do that, your balance will show up properly.Similarly, if you want to receive any asset other than Ether (ETH), the “Import Tokens” option lets you manually add these missing tokens so they show up in the assets list.3. Getting ready to swap or bridgeEven if your tokens are visible in MetaMask and technically have value, that doesn’t always mean you can sell them for cash right away. Many smaller or newer tokens don’t have direct fiat trading pairs — so you won’t be able to exchange them straight into dollars or euros. To get around this, you’ll usually need to swap them for something more liquid, like ETH or a stablecoin such as USDC (USDC), which are more commonly supported by fiat off-ramps.In some cases, your tokens might also be sitting on a different blockchain — like Arbitrum, BNB Chain or Polygon — while most fiat withdrawal options only support Ethereum mainnet. When that’s the case, you’ll need to bridge your tokens over to Ethereum before you can sell them.One way to handle both of these steps — swapping and bridging — is by using platforms that combine them into a single flow. For example, with Symbiosis.finance, you can swap a token on one chain and receive a more widely accepted token on Ethereum, all in one transaction. This can save you a few steps and reduce the chance of user error when hopping between tools.How to sell crypto with MetaMaskThe simplest way to sell crypto that you hold on MetaMask is by using the application itself. Here’s what to do:Open MetaMask portfolio: In your MetaMask extension or app, click the “Buy & Sell” button. This will take you to the MetaMask Portfolio site, where you can manage all your assets and begin the selling process.Start the sale process: Click on “Move crypto” at the top of the page and select “Sell” from the dropdown options.Choose your region and currency: MetaMask will ask for your country of residence and preferred fiat currency. This step ensures you’re shown accurate provider options and payout methods available in your area.Enter sale amount: Select Ether and enter how much you’d like to convert.Pick a payout option: Next, choose where you want the fiat to go. Depending on your region and provider availability, you might be able to send it to a bank account, PayPal or another method.Compare offers: MetaMask aggregates offers from several third-party providers (like MoonPay, Transak, Sardine, etc.), showing you real-time exchange rates, fees and estimated payout times. Take a moment to compare and pick the best option for you.Complete the sale: Once you’ve chosen a provider, MetaMask will guide you through sending the crypto. You’ll confirm the transaction in your wallet, and the funds will be transferred to the provider, who handles the fiat payout.There are two things to keep in mind when using the MetaMask application:Firstly, while the application itself might not ask you for KYC, the third-party providers will. So, expect to get your documents ready for this one.Secondly, MetaMask’s sell feature only supports ETH on the Ethereum mainnet. This is where the bridging will come in as was explained earlier.Withdrawing crypto via centralized exchangesIf you’d rather cash out your crypto through a centralized exchange, Coinbase is a popular option. It’s beginner-friendly, offers fiat withdrawals, and supports a wide range of assets. Just note: You’ll need to complete KYC verification before withdrawing any fiat.Here’s how to do it, step by step:1. Send crypto from MetaMask to Coinbase First things first: You’ll need to move your funds from MetaMask to Coinbase.Log in to your Coinbase account and hit “Send & Receive” at the top.Switch to the “Receive” tab, pick the crypto you’re sending (like ETH or USDC), and copy the wallet address Coinbase gives you.Make sure the network matches — for example, if you’re sending ETH, it should be on the Ethereum (ERC-20) network.Now open MetaMask:Click “Send,” paste in that Coinbase address, and enter how much you want to transfer.Double-check the network — if you send it to the wrong one, your funds could disappear.Hit “Confirm,” and your crypto should show up in Coinbase after a few minutes.2. Sell crypto for fiat on CoinbaseOnce your funds land in Coinbase, it’s time to cash out.Head to “Buy & Sell” at the top and switch to the “Sell” tab.Choose the crypto you just received and decide how much you want to sell.Pick where you want the money to go — like your linked bank account, PayPal or your Coinbase balance.Review the details (including any fees), then hit “Sell.”Did you know? When withdrawing via centralized exchanges, be cautious of minimum withdrawal amounts and any associated fees. Check these details in advance to make sure the limits and costs are acceptable to you before committing to this route.Peer-to-peer with KYCWith peer-to-peer (P2P), you’re not selling your crypto to the exchange. Instead, you’re selling it to another user. You choose a buyer based on their offer and preferred payment method (like bank transfer, Revolut, Wise, etc.). Once they send the money to your account, you release the crypto to them. The platform holds your crypto in escrow during the process, so no one can just disappear with your funds.With centralized exchanges, you’ll have to complete KYC before you’re able to trade in this manner. Selling via P2P on BinanceGo to Trade > P2P.Choose the coin you want to sell and browse the list of available buyers.Select a deal, confirm the order, and wait for the buyer to make the payment.Once the payment has arrived in your account, confirm it and release the crypto from escrow.Did you know? Some peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency exchanges offer a “cash by mail” option, allowing users to send physical cash through postal services or couriers to settle transactions.Cashing out of your MetaMask wallet without KYCFor those looking to convert cryptocurrency from their MetaMask wallet to fiat currency without undergoing Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, there are still a few viable paths.Decentralized P2P platforms let you trade directly with other users, much like their centralized counterparts, though often with minimal or no KYC requirements. LocalCoinSwap: A non-custodial P2P marketplace that supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and payment methods, including cash. It offers escrow protection and emphasizes privacy.Bisq: A fully decentralized exchange that supports a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Monero (XMR). It runs on a peer-to-peer protocol and doesn’t require user accounts or KYC.However, without KYC, you’re responsible for vetting the person you’re trading with. Check their reputation, review any available trade history, and always follow platform safety guidelines.Using cryptocurrency ATMs to withdraw crypto from MetaMaskWithdrawing funds from your MetaMask wallet using cryptocurrency ATMs — often referred to as Bitcoin ATMs — is an option that allows you to convert your digital assets into cash. Here’s how you can approach this method:Locate a cryptocurrency ATM: Begin by finding a cryptocurrency ATM in your vicinity. Websites like CoinATMRadar provide directories of Bitcoin ATM locations worldwide, detailing the services they offer and the cryptocurrencies they support.Prepare your MetaMask wallet: Ensure that the cryptocurrency you intend to withdraw is supported by the ATM. Bitcoin ATMs predominantly support Bitcoin (BTC), so you may need to use a decentralized exchange (DEX) to swap your current tokens for BTC within your MetaMask wallet. Be mindful of transaction fees and exchange rates during this process.Initiate the withdrawal process: At the ATM, select the option to withdraw cash. The machine will prompt you to specify the amount you wish to withdraw and provide a QR code representing the ATM’s wallet address.Transfer funds from MetaMask: Using your MetaMask wallet, scan the QR code provided by the ATM to input the recipient address accurately. Enter the exact amount of cryptocurrency required and confirm the transaction. Be aware that network congestion can affect transaction times.Collect your cash: Once the blockchain confirms the transaction, the ATM will dispense the equivalent amount in cash, minus any applicable fees. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to longer, depending on network conditions.When using crypto ATMs, you should expect very high fees, and while small transactions don’t usually require KYC, larger ones still might.Are MetaMask crypto transactions taxable?Taxes aren’t the most exciting topic, but they matter when converting crypto from a MetaMask wallet into fiat. Selling crypto, whether through MetaMask, an exchange or a P2P deal, may trigger a taxable event, and understanding the applicable rules is essential.Selling crypto = possibly taxableIn most countries, including the US, selling crypto for fiat (like US dollars, euros, etc.) is treated like selling property. That means if you bought ETH at $1,000 and sold it later for $1,500, you’ve made a $500 capital gain — and that’s usually taxable.Even swapping one crypto for another (say, ETH for USDC) can trigger the same kind of tax obligation, even if no fiat is involved. So, yeah, it’s not just cashing out that counts — any trade can be reportable.To stay on top of it, keep a record of:When you bought and sold each assetHow much you bought and/or soldWhat it was worth in fiat at the timeAny fees paid along the way.These details make life way easier when tax season rolls around — or if your accountant gives you that look.Know your local rulesCrypto laws aren’t one-size-fits-all. Every country has its own stance, and even within the same country, rules can vary depending on how you’re using crypto.In the US, for example, selling crypto could fall under capital gains tax rules or even money transmission laws, depending on how you’re moving the funds. Other countries might have more lenient — or much stricter — regulations.So, here’s what to do:Look up your local crypto tax laws (even if they seem vague or outdated).Stay current — regulations are evolving fast.Talk to a pro if you’re unsure. A crypto-savvy accountant or legal adviser can help you avoid nasty surprises.Even if you’re using non-KYC methods or decentralized tools, tax authorities may still expect a full report. Being proactive about it will save you headaches later — and might even save you money.Happy cashing out!

by Cointelegraph by Ezra Reguerra on April 4, 2025 at 9:43 am

More than $21 million worth of Bitcoin was unstaked from the Babylon protocol in the 24 hours after the platform’s token airdrop, according to blockchain data shared by a developer.On April 4, Bitfeed developer Mononaut shared that in the previous 24 hours, 256 Bitcoin (BTC) had been unstaked from the staking protocol. Mononaut said that the unstaking transactions paid 1.35 BTC in fees and consumed 1.318 Megavirtualbytes (MvB) of blockspace. This means the transactions generated high fees and occupied roughly a third of an entire Bitcoin block. The activity followed Babylon’s 600 million airdrop of its native token, BABY, which was distributed to early users and contributors.Related: Bitcoin L2 ’honeymoon phase’ is over, most projects will fail — Muneeb AliBabylon airdrops 600 million tokens to early adoptersIn a previous Cointelegraph interview, Babylon co-founder Fisher Yu said that, unlike Ethereum and Solana, Bitcoin staking does not reward stakers in the chain’s native asset. Instead, they may get rewards in the form of the native token of the blockchain secured by the staked Bitcoin capital. On April 3, the Babylon Foundation announced the details of the airdrop program for its early adopters. The protocol said the airdrop was dedicated to its Phase 1 stakers, non-fungible token (NFT) holders and developers contributing to its ecosystem. The staking protocol said it was airdropping 600 million BABY tokens, 6% of its total supply; 30 million BABY were allocated to the protocol’s Pioneer Pass NFT holders, while 5 million BABY were slated for open-source contributors. The rest of the tokens were to be distributed among eligible stakers who participated in the protocol’s Phase 1. This included a stake participation airdrop of 30 million BABY, a base staking reward airdrop of 335 million BABY and a bonus staking reward airdrop for Phase 2 transition of 200 million BABY.  While the platform distributed an airdrop for its early adopters, it clarified that it did not include wallet campaigns and liquid staking incentives in this airdrop event. In response to the airdrop, crypto exchange OKX listed the BABY token and USDT pair in pre-market futures. Pre-market futures allow traders to speculate on an asset’s future price. This allows investors to trade BABY futures before the asset becomes available in spot markets.Data platform DefiLlama shows that Babylon currently has a total value locked (TVL) of $4.29 billion. This represents 80% of the Bitcoin ecosystem’s overall TVL of $5.34 billion. Magazine: New ‘MemeStrategy’ Bitcoin firm by 9GAG, jailed CEO’s $3.5M bonus: Asia Express

by Lillian Rangiah on April 4, 2025 at 9:10 am

Northern Territory police officers allege they were assaulted with rocks, sticks and a broom handle during a "fight" involving up to 50 people at the Hidden Valley town camp.

by Cointelegraph by Max Moeller on April 4, 2025 at 9:10 am

What are zero-click attacks? Zero-click attacks allow bad actors to access your cryptocurrencies without any input from you.Imagine opening your crypto wallet one day and discovering that it’s all gone. You didn’t download any viruses or click on suspicious links. The funds just aren’t there. It’s possible you have fallen victim to a zero-click attack.A zero-click attack is a digital threat that allows hackers to access your wallet without any interaction from you.While having your wallet hacked without clicking anything sounds impossible, these threats are the latest to watch out for if you want to protect your crypto wallet. How zero-click attacks work Zero-click attacks are the latest in an endless variety of crypto wallet hacks.Typically, hackers gain access to your wallet when you accidentally download malicious software or click on a suspicious link, also known as crypto phishing attacks. However, a zero-click crypto attack executes code without any action required by you. This lack of interaction is what makes them so threatening. Instead of relying on user error, zero-click attacks access your wallet through flaws in your device’s software, be it a PC or mobile phone. Picture a burglar breaking your door not because you forgot to lock it but because they took advantage of a flaw in your door’s manufacturing. Zero-click attacks work similarly but in a virtual environment, often targeting mobile devices.Did you know? Zero-click attacks aren’t exclusive to crypto. These software-threatening assaults have been around since the early 2000s, initially targeting messaging apps and email clients. Now, they’re how wallets get hacked. How hackers target wallets with a zero-click attack Zero-click malware targets you through programming weaknesses.Here are some common ways zero-click attacks can target you.Software weaknessesIf your Android phone receives an update with a specific security flaw, a bad actor can exploit that vulnerability by simply texting you a particular set of words. Once you receive the text, it may activate that flaw and give the hacker complete control. From there, they’ll commit a wallet security breach.Similarly, hackers can target iOS devices through everyday apps like iMessage or Airdrop. In April 2024, Trust Wallet shared “credible intel” of a zero-click attack on iOS devices. The group recommended users with a crypto wallet installed disable iMessage to protect themselves until Apple produces an update. While Trust Wallet classified this issue as a zero-day exploit, the company acknowledged that the attack could take over devices without user input, making it a clear example of a zero-click attack.Network weaknessesTargeted attacks can breach your wallet software through proximity if you’re connected to a public wi-fi network, like at a coffee shop. The same applies to open Bluetooth connections.Here’s how it works: open networks transmit your unencrypted data between devices. Hackers can intercept those packets and send malware through them, targeting any devices with a specific software vulnerability.Any connection to your device — be it wi-fi, Bluetooth, or some other one — is a potential opportunity for a zero-click attack. That’s what makes these attacks so alarming. They can come out of nowhere. One day, a bad actor finds a way to take advantage of your device and exploits it. Decentralized application (DApp) weaknessesMost crypto wallets interact with Web3 apps, also known as DApps. Notably, the barrier to entry for creating a DApp is relatively low, but security measures can vary greatly. Even if you’re using a trusted Web3 service, its code can be vulnerable to zero-click attacks anytime. Bad actors can use that weakness, such as an error in the DApp’s smart contract programming, to access your wallet. While it can be fun to interact with new DApps, consider using a wallet holding minimal funds. That way, you can test the application while mitigating the damage from a potential zero-click wallet hack.While attacks caused by such vulnerabilities may seem completely unfair, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. What if you’ve fallen victim to a zero-click attack? Suspect you’ve fallen victim to a zero-click attack? Immediately transfer your assets.If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a zero-click attack, follow these steps to protect your crypto assets:Disconnect your device: Disconnect the device from the internet immediately.Transfer assets: Secure your Web3 wallet. Transfer your assets to another device using your wallet’s recovery phrase.Run an anti-virus check: Once your assets are safely stored on an uncompromised device, install anti-virus software to scan for any threats.Did you know? Zero-click attacks are different from zero-day attacks. Zero-click attacks can happen without interaction, while zero-day attacks require clicking on something or opening a file. Security best practices to protect against a zero-click attack Zero-click attacks may be scary, but wallet exploit prevention steps exist to protect yourself.To protect yourself from zero-click attacks, consider adopting these crypto-security best practices:Turn off auto-receive: Turn off auto-receive for texts and multimedia in any messaging apps you use.Minimize Bluetooth usage: Keep Bluetooth off when you’re not using it. This step limits access points for some zero-click attacks.Monitor your wallet connection history: Regularly check your wallet connection history. Consider moving your assets to another wallet if you notice transactions with an unknown source.Utilize a hardware wallet: Hardware wallets are USB-like devices that store your cryptocurrencies offline. Since hardware wallets are disconnected, they’re safer from cyber threats like zero-click attacks. This is always one of our top wallet security tips.Use a multisignature wallet: Multisignature crypto wallets require multiple approvals before executing a transaction. This added layer of protection can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized transactions.Update apps and software: Keep your apps and device software up to date. Updates often introduce new protections and bug fixes that can prevent zero-click attacks.Install anti-virus software: Anti-virus software regularly scans your device for abnormalities, warning you of anything suspicious.Back up your data: Most devices automatically back up your data regularly. Enable auto-backups to roll back to a previous version if your device is compromised.Tighten up app permissions: Adjust your app permissions to require manual input for activities like wallet transactions. That way, nothing can happen without your input.Two-factor authentication (2FA): Add 2FA to your important log-ins. That way, you’ll be notified if a threat attempts to access your wallet.Use a VPN: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers to intercept your data.Pay attention: Perhaps the most important protection is to pay attention. Browse social media like Reddit for emerging threats, follow credible cybersecurity sources, and take the proper precautions. You can never be too safe. How to check for a zero-click attack Zero-click attacks may appear out of nowhere, but there are signs of invasion.If you’re suspicious of a zero-click attack but aren’t sure, watch out for these signs:Faster battery drain: If the attack installs malware, your device battery may drain faster. You can check your battery health in your device settings.Slower device performance: Alongside faster battery drain, you may notice your device running slower than usual.Random app installs: Occasionally, zero-click attacks may install apps without your approval. If you notice an app you never installed, be wary.Unknown background processes: If your phone suddenly has new background processes going on, delve a bit deeper. These processes may be the result of a zero-click attack.Increased data usage: You can also check your device’s data usage. If you notice a spike in data consumption, it may be time to run a virus scan.Unusual text messages: If you receive unrecognized text messages or emails, block the sender immediately. These attacks may not happen right away but can lie awaiting a specific trigger. The future of zero-click attacks Zero-click attacks are hardly a new threat. They’ll continue to evolve just as security processes will.As crypto technology continues to evolve, so will crypto cybersecurity threats. Crypto wallets operate without a central authority, meaning crypto wallet security falls entirely on you. This autonomy makes crypto wallets a target for hackers, meaning delving into the space comes with risk.Additionally, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more advanced, bad actors may leverage it to develop even more complex zero-click spyware. Future threats could include code that auto-updates after infecting your device, protecting itself from whatever you throw at it. Protecting yourself from these threats is more important than ever. You can do so by following cybersecurity experts and blogs and abiding by strong security best practices. The best protection against zero-click or any form of attack is to evolve with them.

by Yiying Li on April 4, 2025 at 8:54 am

Britain's parliamentary inquiry is into the AUKUS partnership amid geopolitical shifts. Should Australia be worried about its $368 billion deal? Here is what we know.

by Jon Daly, Pip Waller, and Nadia Mitsopoulos on April 4, 2025 at 8:06 am

Sleepless nights and irritated eyes and lungs — this is what residents say they're living with beside one of the world's largest lithium mines.

by Marnie Vinall on April 4, 2025 at 8:06 am

The Matildas have created some good chances, but it's scoreless at half time in their friendly against South Korea at the Sydney Football Stadium. Follow live.

by Cointelegraph by Dr. Merav Ozair on April 4, 2025 at 8:00 am

Opinion by: Merav Ozair, PhDTech moguls cannot stop heralding the artificial intelligence revolution — from Bill Gates to Sundar Pichai to Jensen Huang — signaling that agentic AI and robotics will claim our jobs and act as our autonomous assistants performing on our behalf in our professional and personal lives.Whether these scenarios happen in a few years or are decades away, we will most likely evolve into that future in some manner, and technology, once again, will reshape our lives. Without the support of blockchain technology, however, it would be quite difficult, and potentially impossible, for agentic AI and robotics to evolve to what its proponents expect them to.If we expect these services and devices to act autonomously, security, privacy, transparency and accountability will be at the top of our minds. These areas are where blockchain shines and can support AI weaknesses to facilitate the scaling and evolution of this vision. Blockchain strengths support AI weaknessesBlockchain technology can significantly bolster the security of AI models by leveraging its key features such as decentralization, immutability, traceability, smart contracts, data privacy and identity verification. For example, but not limited to:The decentralization aspect eliminates a single point of attack, increasing the resilience of AI models against breaches. The immutability of blockchain ensures that the data used in training AI models and the models themselves cannot be illicitly altered, maintaining the integrity of the models. Every alteration or decision made by the AI model can be audibly traced through blockchain, providing unparalleled transparency and accountability. Smart contracts automate the enforcement of data access and usage rules, preventing unauthorized or unethical use of AI models. Smart contracts can ensure that data is only used for training and testing and by authorized personnel, locking the option to be used for other purposes. Combining these rules with multiparty computation could prevent or at least mitigate AI adversarial attacks. Blockchain allows secure multiparty computation, ensuring data privacy during AI model training by keeping the data decentralized. Blockchain’s secure identity verification enhances the safety of AI systems by preventing unauthorized access. Integrating AI with blockchain can establish a secure, transparent, traceable and decentralized AI environment, protecting our privacy, enhancing accountability and manifesting responsible AI.Transactions: Programmable AI meets programmable blockchain AI agents and robotics are programmable. Smart contacts, the driver of digital assets, are programmable. It makes perfect sense that digital assets would be the preferred payment rail for agent-to-human and agent-to-agent, which includes robotics. Crypto is an internet-native, programmable money with several advantages for powering the agent-based economy. As AI agents become more autonomous and engage in micro-transactions at scale, crypto’s efficiency, borderless nature and programmability will make it the preferred medium of exchange over traditional fiat rails.Recent: Sentient open-source AI search outperforms GPT-4o and PerplexityThe true intersection of Web3 and agentic AI for financial transactions could emerge through new tokens and protocols tailored for this use case. These could extend stablecoin capabilities by integrating agent-specific functionalities.In this scenario, payments could be made using a specialized asset that agents can stake for quality control. Slashing policies could penalize poor performance, while validators could resolve disputes based on task quality. Additionally, agents’ reputations could be directly tied to their token stakes. Incorporating rules via smart contracts enables users to have control over their autonomous workers/assistants, enabling a shutdown or even a “kill switch,” if necessary, when AI agents start behaving dangerously. If Goldman Sachs wants to create AI agents that think and act like a seasoned employee in a highly regulated industry and with imperative risk to financial systems and at the extreme financial markets’ stability, it would be vital, not optional, to have these AI agents controlled by programmable tokens.While this approach requires advancements in both Web3 and agentic AI, it is not as distant as it may seem.Blockchain development firm Skyfire recently launched a payment platform that allows AI agents to spend money autonomously. Helmed by former Ripple vice president of products and services Amir Sarhangi, the company’s platform enables a business to give a pre-loaded wallet to an AI agent. The company’s protocol converts the cash into USDC (USDC). In early March, Skyfire brought its payments network that enables AI agents to make autonomous transactions out of beta.Using digital assets for robotics, VR devices and agentic AI transactions goes beyond a mode of payment for transactions. It could enhance user experience and security and enable endless business models that have never existed.It would be interesting to see how it all plays out and whether other companies will follow.There are risk issues to be addressed, however, and we should be mindful of how they are, at the very least, mitigated. This is where we should carefully consider the security measures discussed previously.Stepping out of “tunnel vision” to a multifaceted approachThere is a lot of focus on the evolution of AI — generative AI, agentic AI, reasoning models, physical world models and more — all focusing on the premise that AI is the sole technology that we need to achieve AI autonomous agents at scale. This is quite a tunnel vision approach to how products are built, and it is somewhat myopic: not understanding what needs to be accomplished beyond AI models’ advancement for the ecosystem to evolve and scale.AI, advanced as it can be, cannot stand on its own and needs the support of blockchain technology — a programmable match made in heaven. Therefore, we must act in a multifaceted approach. We should think about and treat AI and Web3 together in terms of innovation, regulation and infrastructure. This is fundamental to the bedrock of a successful agentic economy.“Dreams are built with solid foundations,” and the time to build them is now.Opinion by: Merav Ozair, PhD. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

by Alison Xiao on April 4, 2025 at 7:52 am

The Chinese-controlled Port of Darwin looks set to return to Australian hands after both Labor and the Coalition pledged to negotiate a deal. 

by Emma Rennie on April 4, 2025 at 7:52 am

A coronial inquest into the death of man struck by cars on the M1 after a police pursuit hears from the officers involved, and from family members who say his death has left "a gaping hole" in their home.

by Dean Bilton on April 4, 2025 at 7:46 am

Geelong is seeking a bounce-back win against a Melbourne side desperate to get off the mark in 2025, but will have to do so without a key veteran who was ruled out late. Follow live.

by Andrew Williams on April 4, 2025 at 7:32 am

The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be legally identified, faced court in Bunbury over several posts on the Instagram page of a mosque in suburban Sydney.

by Else Kennedy on April 4, 2025 at 6:57 am

Police say a passer-by found the remains on the Victorian Highway at Kiata, which has been closed in both directions.

on April 4, 2025 at 6:55 am

Police have charged a 23-year-old from Narre Warren with murder over the August 2023 shooting of Mohammed Keshtiar.

by Tim McGlone and Will Hunter on April 4, 2025 at 6:49 am

Labor has selected candidates to "fly the flag" in safe federal Liberal seats Grey and Barker a month before Australians go to the polls. 

by Eva Blandis on April 4, 2025 at 6:35 am

The lawyer for an Adelaide councillor elected in a result found to have been affected by "illegal practices" is seeking to have the case reopened — but an opposing lawyer has likened that move to a "Hail Mary pass" in gridiron.

by Eden Gillespie on April 4, 2025 at 6:30 am

Rehana Parvin, who was a mother-of-five, had travelled to her home country of Bangladesh with her teenage daughter on June last year. She disappeared about a month later. 

by Cointelegraph by Ciaran Lyons on April 4, 2025 at 6:20 am

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes says US President Donald Trump's tariffs may rattle the global economy in some ways, but that same disruption could be exactly what Bitcoin needs to rally.“Global imbalances will be corrected, and the pain papered over with printed money, which is good for BTC,” Hayes said in an April 3 X post.Several factors contribute to Bitcoin’s potential pump“Some of y'all are running scurred, but I LOVE TARIFFS,” Hayes said. His comments come just a day after it was announced that the Trump administration will hit all countries with a 10% tariff starting April 5, with some countries facing even larger rates, such as China facing a 34% tariff, the European Union 20%, and Japan 24%. Hayes explained that tariffs positively impact Bitcoin's (BTC) price for several reasons. Bitcoin is trading at $83,150 at the time of publication. Source: CoinMarketCapOne of them, he said, is the “weakening” of the US Dollar Index (DXY), as overseas investors continue to sell off US stocks and “bring money home.” April 3 marked “the largest single-day point loss for the Nasdaq 100 in history,” according to the trading resource account The Kobeissi Letter.“The index lost a total of -1060 points and came just 1.5% away from triggering the first circuit breaker since March 2020,” The Kobeissi Letter said."This is good for BTC and gold over the medium term."Hayes also said that the stringent tariff placed on China may weaken the yuan (CNY). “With a 65% effective tariff levied, China could respond by allowing CNY to weaken past 8.00,” Hayes said. A weakening yuan may force the hand of Chinese investors to look at riskier assets such as Bitcoin to preserve their wealth.Meanwhile, Hayes said that “we need Fed easing,” noting that the two-year Treasury yield “dumped” following the tariff announcement. Related: Bitcoin sales at $109K all-time high 'significantly below' cycle tops — GlassnodeHe explained this as a signal that markets expect the Federal Reserve to cut rates and potentially restart quantitative easing (QE) to offset the negative economic impact. Fed rate cuts increase liquidity, also making riskier assets like crypto more attractive to investors.Source: Arthur HayesMeanwhile, Jeff Park, head of alpha strategies at Bitwise Invest, has long argued that Trump's tariffs will ultimately benefit Bitcoin.He said on Feb. 3 that in a “world of weaker dollar and weaker US rates…risk assets in the US will fly through the roof beyond your wildest imagination.”“Bookmark this and revisit as the financial war unravels, sending Bitcoin violently higher,” Parks said on Feb. 3.Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple a 'bad actor' with no crypto legal precedent setThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

by Cointelegraph by Martin Young on April 4, 2025 at 6:17 am

Online battle royale shooter Fortnite has just added a new secret “Dill Bits” server mine location to its latest map update — prompting a small spike in an otherwise obscure memecoin. Videos on social media show a new “Dill Bit” server farm location in the game — made to look like a cryptocurrency mining operation. There are other locations on the map where it has appeared. Fortnite added a Bitcoin mine to the new map pic.twitter.com/z8ABokLG2b— Documenting ₿itcoin (@DocumentingBTC) April 3, 2025Players in the game can collect Dill Bits by destroying the equipment. It’s a unique resource that is typically hard to obtain.Dill Bits memecoin spikesSolana-based memecoin Dill Bits, inspired by the Fortnite in-game currency, spiked 200% to $0.0005 on April 4 as the crypto community also took notice of the latest addition. Fortnite introduced Dill Bits as an in-game currency in February as a jest toward crypto. However, these can only be used to buy in-game items. At the time, the announcement of the in-game currency prompted an anonymous crypto user to create their own version of the token on Solana. The recent spike is nowhere near previous surges, however. When the memecoin first launched in February, it surged 4,500% in price to reach a market cap of $4.8 million. Another huge spike for the memecoin occurred on March 9, after Fortnite released a video promoting its latest “Rugpull” storyline, which saw the token pump over 4,000% in just a few minutes again. DB price spike. Source: DEX ScreenerThe underground Bitcoin mine shows banks of green servers with the Dill Bit logo, which looks very similar to Bitcoin’s. Another player posted a YouTube video on April 1 showing all of the secret locations on the map, explaining that if the servers are destroyed in the game, they may drop Dill Bits. “Wow. Bitcoin really becoming mainstream for a game like Fortnite to add this little easter egg,” commented one player on Reddit after becoming aware of the secret location on April 3.The gimmick is not likely new for Fortnite players, as other hidden server mines have been discovered in other parts of the map since the in-game currency was introduced. According to the official Fortnite Wiki, the new Dill Bits Mining Server is an “Unnamed Location in Fortnite: Battle Royale, that was added in Chapter 6: Season 2 to the island Oninoshima near Outlaw Oasis.” It is a “small cave containing servers mining the cryptocurrency called Dill Bits,” it states. New secret location in Fortnite. Source: RedditThe online battle royale platform developed by Epic Games released its most recent update on April 1, which included a new Mortal Kombat collaboration, quests, skins and map updates. Related: Epic wants Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox to become interoperable metaverseFortnite’s in-game cryptocurrencyDill Bits, Fortnite’s in-game currency, can be spent “at one of three Black Markets around the map, offering a selection of Mythic and Legendary items,” and “Boons” that grant extra abilities, the Fortnite team explained at the time. An in-game description calls Dill Bits “a bulky and confusing crypto coin you never knew you needed. These coins are ideal for shady black-market trades.”Magazine: Web3 gaming activity surges 386% — Wen bull run? Web3 Gamer

by Sarah Forster on April 4, 2025 at 6:12 am

Former Central Coast Mariners player Angel Torres is found not guilty of sexually assaulting a woman he met at a Terrigal nightclub in March 2024.  

by Cointelegraph by Stephen Katte on April 4, 2025 at 6:05 am

European Union regulators are reportedly mulling a $1 billion fine against Elon Musk’s X, taking into account revenue from his other ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX, according to The New York Times.EU regulators allege that X has violated the Digital Services Act and will use a section of the act to calculate a fine based on revenue that includes other companies Musk controls, according to an April 3 report by the newspaper, which cited four people with knowledge of the plan.Under the Digital Services Act, which came into law in October 2022 to police social media companies and “prevent illegal and harmful activities online,” companies can be fined up to 6% of global revenue for violations.A spokesman for the European Commission, the bloc’s executive branch, declined to comment on this case to The New York Times but did say it would “continue to enforce our laws fairly and without discrimination toward all companies operating in the EU.”In a statement, X’s Global Government Affairs team said that if the reports about the EU's plans are accurate, it “represents an unprecedented act of political censorship and an attack on free speech.”“X has gone above and beyond to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act, and we will use every option at our disposal to defend our business, keep our users safe, and protect freedom of speech in Europe,” X's global government affairs team said.Source: Global Government AffairsAlong with the fine, the EU regulators could reportedly demand product changes at X, with the full scope of any penalties to be announced in the coming months. Still, a settlement could be reached if the social media platform agrees to changes that satisfy regulators, according to the Times. One of the officials who spoke to the Times also said that X is facing a second investigation alleging the platform’s approach to policing user-generated content has made it a hub of illegal hate speech and disinformation, which could result in more penalties.X EU investigation ongoing since 2023The EU investigation began in 2023. A preliminary ruling in July 2024 found X had violated the Digital Services Act by refusing to provide data to outside researchers, provide adequate transparency about advertisers, or verify the authenticity of users who have a verified account.Related: Musk says he found ‘magic money computers’ printing money ‘out of thin air’X responded to the ruling with hundreds of points of dispute, and Musk said at the time he was offered a deal, alleging that EU regulators told him if he secretly suppressed certain content, X would escape fines. Thierry Breton, the former EU commissioner for internal market, said in a July 12 X post in 2024 that there was no secret deal and that X’s team had asked for the “Commission to explain the process for settlement and to clarify our concerns,” and its response was in line with “established regulatory procedures.” Musk replied he was looking “forward to a very public battle in court so that the people of Europe can know the truth.”Source: Thierry BretonMagazine: XRP win leaves Ripple a ‘bad actor’ with no crypto legal precedent set

by Jon Healy on April 4, 2025 at 6:04 am

South Sydney halfback Jamie Humphreys leaves the field six minutes into the clash with the Roosters after North Queensland hands Penrith a fourth straight loss with a gritty defensive effort. Follow live.

by Cointelegraph by Martin Young on April 4, 2025 at 6:02 am

US crypto exchange Coinbase has filed with the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to launch futures contracts for Ripple’s XRP token.“We’re excited to announce that Coinbase Derivatives has filed with the CFTC to self-certify XRP futures — bringing a regulated, capital-efficient way to gain exposure to one of the most liquid digital assets,” stated Coinbase Institutional on April 3. The firm added that it anticipates the contract going live on April 21.According to the certification filing, the XRP (XRP) futures contract will be a monthly cash-settled and margined contract trading under the symbol XRL.The contract tracks XRP’s price and is settled in US dollars. Each contract represents 10,000 XRP, currently worth about $20,000 at $2 per token.Contracts can be traded for the current month and two months ahead, and trading will be paused as a safety measure if spot XRP prices move more than 10% in an hour. “The exchange has spoken with FCMs (Futures Commission Merchants) and market participants who support the decision to launch a XRP contract,” the firm stated. Coinbase is not the first to launch XRP futures in the United States. In March, Chicago-based crypto exchange Bitnomial announced the launch of the “first-ever CFTC-regulated XRP futures in the US.” XRP futures trading is available on many of the world's leading centralized crypto exchanges, such as Binance, OKX, Bybit and BitMEX. Funding rates remain negativeIn late March, Cointelegraph reported that XRP derivatives’ funding rates had flipped negative as investor sentiment turned bearish. Related: XRP funding rate flips negative — Will smart traders flip long or short?Funding rates are periodic payments between traders in perpetual futures markets that help keep the futures price aligned with the spot price. Positive funding rates mean that long traders (buyers) pay short traders, while negative funding rates mean short traders (sellers) pay long traders. When funding rates go negative, it means short traders are willing to pay a premium to maintain their positions, indicating strong conviction from bearish derivatives traders. XRP funding rates remained negative on major derivatives exchanges as of April 4, according to CoinGlass. XRP OI-weighted funding rates. Source: CoinGlassMagazine: XRP win leaves Ripple a ‘bad actor’ with no crypto legal precedent set

by Annika Burgess and Hannah Murphy on April 4, 2025 at 6:00 am

Last weekend hundreds of thousands of dollars quietly disappeared from Australians' super funds. Here's how the experts think it happened.

by Andrea Mayes on April 4, 2025 at 5:59 am

A man accused of murdering Indigenous teenager Cassius Turvey mocked the schoolboy in a phone call hours after fatally attacking him, the WA Supreme Court has been told.

by Ruby Littler on April 4, 2025 at 5:56 am

Brian Bwoga has been pushing to have anti-choking devices installed at public places after the death of his 22-month-old son Zaza, who choked on a grape at the Iluka Foreshore Park in Perth's north.  

by Brett Worthington on April 4, 2025 at 5:55 am

From tumbles to tariffs, both leaders attempted to rewrite history as the election campaign clocked up week one.  

by David Speers on April 4, 2025 at 5:31 am

Former prime minister John Howard says defence should never be used as a bargaining chip in negotiating exemptions from US President Donald Trump's tariffs.

by Jenae Madden and Melissa Maddison on April 4, 2025 at 5:24 am

A couple accused of murdering their toddler daughter Diana Hanbury will no longer face court over her death.

by Jared Richards on April 4, 2025 at 5:22 am

Cloud Control are reuniting to celebrate 15 years of debut album Bliss Release — the hazy, psych-folk that dominated 2010s airwaves and won the Australian Music Prize.

by Emmy Groves on April 4, 2025 at 5:02 am

He became the ACT's first ever independent Senator three years ago, but David Pocock wants to keep 'doing politics differently'.

by Kate O'Halloran on April 4, 2025 at 4:46 am

Dual sport star Erin Phillips won three AFLW Premierships and was a two-time WNBA champion. But her new biography describes the 'terrible' damage inflicted by skinfold tests and the Opals bodysuit uniform. 

by Cointelegraph by Ciaran Lyons on April 4, 2025 at 4:34 am

Altcoins may have just one last rally this cycle, but only those with real utility and strong network activity will see price gains, according to an analyst. “I think there will be one more breadth thrust from altcoins. The question is, is it a sustained rally that we will see for six to twelve months,” Real Vision chief crypto analyst Jamie Coutts told Real Vision co-founder Raoul Pal on an April 3 X livestream.Network activity will be the ‘north star’ for how to trade crypto“At this stage, I am not too sure, but I do believe that quality altcoins where activity returns, activity drives prices …we will definitely see a recovery in some of these more high-quality names,” Coutts said.Cointelegraph reported in January that there were over 36 million altcoins in existence. However, Ethereum still holds the majority share of total value locked (TVL) with 55.56%, followed by Solana (6.89%), Bitcoin (5.77%), BNB Smart Chain (5.68%), and Tron (5.54%), according to CoinGecko data.Coutts said traders should watch where the network activity “is gravitating” and use that as their “north star” for how to trade in crypto, adding he sees an altcoin market upswing within the next two months. “I’m expecting by June to see altcoins really start to pick up again. Predicated on the fact that Bitcoin is back at all-time highs by that point.”On March 28, Coutts told Cointelegraph that Bitcoin could reach all-time highs before the end of Q2 regardless of whether there is more clarity on US President Donald Trump's tariffs and potential recession concerns.The total crypto market cap is down around 8% over the past 30 days. Source: CoinMarketCapBlockchain network activity across the board has recently experienced sharp declines amid a broader crypto market downturn. On Feb. 21, Cointelegraph reported that the number of active addresses on the Solana (SOL) network fell to a weekly average of 9.5 million in February, down nearly 40% from the 15.6 million active addresses in November 2024.Altcoin indicators are flashing redMeanwhile, several key indicators the crypto industry uses to determine an incoming altcoin season suggest it's still nowhere in sight.Capriole Investments’ Altcoin Speculation Index has dropped to 12%, down 53% since Dec. 25, the same period during which Ether fell 49% from $3,490, according to CoinMarketCap data.Related: When will altseason arrive? Experts reveal what's holding back altcoinsCoinMarketCap’s Altcoin Season Index, which measures the top 100 cryptocurrencies against Bitcoin’s performance over the past 90 days, is reading a score of 14 out of 100, leaning toward a more Bitcoin-dominated market, referring to it as “Bitcoin Season.”The Altcoin Season Index Chart is sitting at 14 at the time of publication. Source: CoinMarketCapHowever, while Bitcoin dominance — a level often watched for retracements that signal an altcoin season — sits at 62.84%, some analysts argue it’s no longer as relevant as a signal for altcoin season.CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Yu recently said that Bitcoin Dominance “no longer defines altseason — trading volume does.”Magazine: New 'MemeStrategy' Bitcoin firm by 9GAG, jailed CEO's $3.5M bonus: Asia ExpressThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

on April 4, 2025 at 4:23 am

Petro Georgiou held the seat of Kooyong in Melbourne's inner east for 16 years and was outspoken about the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers.

by Sundance on April 4, 2025 at 4:20 am

In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Donald Trump Administration and Presidency. This thread will refresh daily and appear above the Open Discussion Thread. Posted in The post April 4th – 2025 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day 75 appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Sundance on April 4, 2025 at 4:15 am

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but DELIVER US FROM EVIL. The post Friday April 4th – Open Thread appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Sundance on April 4, 2025 at 4:00 am

President Trump holds an impromptu press conference aboard Air Force One heading back to Florida from Washington DC.  President Trump answered dozens of questions about current events. . . Posted in President Trump, Press Secretary - Trump The post President Trump Impromptu Presser Aboard Air Force One – Video appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Sundance on April 4, 2025 at 3:48 am

As the Deep State Intelligence Apparatus continues its long-standing position in opposition to President Trump, perhaps the Trump administration finally hit back at one of the lead elements. General Timothy Haugh has been fired from his position as Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) on Friday. Additionally, his deputy Wendy Noble has been removed The post NSA Director Gen. Timothy Haugh Fired Along with Top Civilian Deputy appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Stephen Katte on April 4, 2025 at 3:14 am

Singapore-based artificial intelligence firm Genius Group says it’s temporarily barred from expanding its Bitcoin treasury after a US court order has banned it from selling shares, raising funds and using investor funds to buy more Bitcoin.A New York District court issued the preliminary injunction (PI) and temporary restraining order (TRO) on March 13 in connection with a broader dispute surrounding its merger with Fatbrain AI, the Genius Group said in an April 3 statement.Fatbrain AI and Genius Group completed a merger and purchase agreement in March 2024, but by Oct. 30, Genius initiated arbitration procedures to terminate, alleging fraud by Fatbrain AI executives connected to the deal.Source: Roger James HamiltonIn February, Fatbrain AI executives Michael Moe and Peter Ritz filed for the TRO and permanent injunction, blocking Genius Group from selling its shares, raising funds and buying more Bitcoin pending the arbitration outcome. The injunction has forced Genius Group to close divisions, halt marketing activities and sell 10 Bitcoin (BTC) from its stash of 440, worth over $23 million at current prices, to continue funding its operations. The firm hasn’t ruled out more sales in the future.“Genius is taking all necessary measures to minimize Bitcoin sales but anticipates that it will need to downsize its Bitcoin Treasury in the coming months in the event the PI remains in place,” the firm said.Fatbrain AI shareholders also filed two lawsuits against Fatbrain AI executives, including Moe and Ritz, and Genius Group, in April 2024, alleging violation of federal securities laws in connection with the merger, ASX law said in an October statement. Two shareholder lawsuits against Fatbrain AI alleged conduct during the merger was fraudulent, which defrauded shareholders of $30 million. Source: ASX LawGenius Group was subsequently voluntarily dismissed from the suits on Feb. 14. Genius Group claims it’s breaking Singapore law by following order Genius Group says the US court injunction has also forced it to break Singapore law by halting share compensation to employees as part of its employment agreements.“We never dreamed that it was possible that a US court could block the company from being able to issue shares, raise funds or buy Bitcoin — all actions that would normally be decided by a public company's shareholders or Board rather than a court,” said Genius Group CEO Roger James Hamilton.Related: Rumble embraces Trump-era crypto strategy with $17M BTC purchaseHe said the firm will “continue to fly the flag for Bitcoin,” even when legally banned from building out its treasury.Fatbrain AI didn’t immediately respond to Cointelegraph’s request for comment.Artificial intelligence firm Genius Group first announced in November 2024 that it had taken the first steps to build a Bitcoin treasury by purchasing 110 Bitcoin for $10 million.The firm had earlier announced its overall goal of committing 90% or more of its current and future reserves to be held in Bitcoin, with an initial target of $120 million, which saw the stock price surge by 66%. Genius Group’s share price is down 9.80% in the last trading session to $0.23, with a further 3.74% drop after the bell to $0.22, Google Finance data shows.Genius Group’s share price went down during the last trading session and after the bell. Source: Google Finance The stock hit an all-time high of over $96 in June 2022 but has since lost over 99% of its value. Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple a ‘bad actor’ with no crypto legal precedent set

by Cointelegraph by Brayden Lindrea on April 4, 2025 at 2:35 am

Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao will begin advising the Kyrgyz Republic on blockchain and crypto-related regulation and tech after signing a memorandum of understanding with the country’s foreign investment agency.“I officially and unofficially advise a few governments on their crypto regulatory frameworks and blockchain solutions for gov efficiency, expanding blockchain to more than trading,” the crypto entrepreneur said in an April 3 X post, adding that he finds this work “extremely meaningful.”His comments came in response to an earlier X post from Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov announcing that Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency (NIA) had signed a memorandum with CZ to provide technical expertise and consulting services for the Central Asian country.The NIA is responsible for promoting foreign investments and assisting international companies in identifying business opportunities within the country.Source: Changpeng Zhao“This cooperation marks an important step towards strengthening technological infrastructure, implementing innovative solutions, and preparing highly qualified specialists in blockchain technologies, virtual asset management, and cybersecurity,” Zhaparov said.The Kyrgyzstan president added: “such initiatives are crucial for the sustainable growth of the economy and the security of virtual assets, ultimately generating new opportunities for businesses and society as a whole.”Kyrgyzstan, which officially changed its name from the Republic of Kyrgyzstan to the Kyrgyz Republic in 1993, is a mountainous, land-locked country. It is considered well-suited for crypto mining operations due to its abundant renewable energy resources, much of which is underutilized.Over 30% of Kyrgyzstan’s total energy supply comes from hydroelectric power plants, but only 10% of the country’s potential hydropower has been developed, according to a report by the International Energy Agency.CZ has met with several other state officials in AsiaMalaysia also recently tapped CZ for guidance on crypto-related matters, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim meeting him personally in January.CZ has also met with officials in the UAE and Bitcoin-stacking country Bhutan — however, it isn’t clear what those meetings entailed.Related: Is Bitcoin’s future in circular economies or national reserves?CZ’s latest pursuits come a little over six months after he was released from a four-month prison sentence in the US for violating several anti-money laundering laws.Since being released, CZ has made investments in blockchain tech, artificial intelligence and biotechnology companies.CZ also recently donated 1,000 BNB (BNB) — worth almost $600,000 — to support earthquake relief efforts in Thailand and Myanmar after the natural disaster in late April.Magazine: Financial nihilism in crypto is over — It’s time to dream big again

by Cointelegraph by Biraajmaan Tamuly on April 4, 2025 at 12:33 am

Between Oct. 25, 2024, and Jan. 16, 2025, XRP (XRP) had one of the best rallies of the current bull market, gaining 600% as investors piled in with the hope that a pro-crypto presidency would benefit Ripple and its cryptocurrency. During this time, the quarterly average of daily active addresses jumped by 490% and XRP price hit a 7-year high.XRP’s 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewFast forward to the present, and data shows that the speculative interest surrounding XRP is declining. Holders are increasingly facing losses rather than gains, which is dampening their risk appetite. “Retail confidence in XRP may be slipping”Since bottoming in 2022, Bitcoin (BTC) and XRP have gained 500% to 600%, but the bulk of XRP’s gains came from a parabolic price increase. Data from Glassnode shows that XRP daily active addresses jumped by 490%, whereas the same metric for Bitcoin increased by 10% over the past four months. XRP's new investor realized the cap. Source: GlassnodeThis retail-driven surge pushed XRP’s realized cap from $30.1 billion to $64.2 billion, with $30 billion of that inflow coming from investors in the last six months. The share of XRP’s realized cap held by new investors (less than six months) jumped from 23% to 62.8%, signaling a rapid wealth shift. However, since late February 2025, capital inflows have dipped significantly. XRP realized profit/loss ratio. Source: GlassnodeThe primary reason is that investors are currently locking in fewer profits and staring at higher losses. This can be identified by the realized loss/profit ratio, which has constantly declined since 2025. Glassnode analysts said, “Given the retail-dominated inflows and largely concentrated wealth in relatively new hands, this alludes to a condition where retail investor confidence in XRP may be slipping, and this may also be extended across the broader market.”Besides weakening confidence among newer investors, the distribution of XRP among whale addresses reflects a similar trend. Data shows a steady increase in whale outflows since the start of 2025, suggesting that large holders have been consistently trimming their positions. Over the past 14 days, over $1 billion in positions were offloaded at an average price of $2.10. Whale flow 30-day moving average. Source: CryptoQuantRelated: How many US dollars does XRP transfer per day?Can XRP hold the $2 support?XRP has found support at $2 multiple times over the past few weeks, but the chance of the altcoin dropping below this level increases with each retest. XRP 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewHowever, on the lower time frame (LTF) of the 1-hour and 4-hour charts, a bullish divergence can be observed for XRP. A bullish divergence occurs when the price forms a lower low and the relative strength index (RSI) forms a lower high. With a fair value gap between $2.08 and $2.13, XRP might see a relief rally into this range, especially if the wider crypto market undergoes an oversold bounce. On the higher time frame chart, XRP appears bearish due to the formation of an inverse head-and-shoulders pattern, with a measured target near $1.07. There is a chance that the altcoin finds support from the 200-day moving average (orange line) around the $1.70 to $1.80 mark, but XRP price has not tested this level since Nov. 5, 2024. XRP 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewRelated: Bitcoin drops 8%, US markets shed $2T in value — Should traders expect an oversold bounce?This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

by Cointelegraph by Brayden Lindrea on April 4, 2025 at 12:04 am

Economic uncertainty and a major crypto exchange hack pushed down the total value locked in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols to $156 billion in the first quarter of 2025, but AI and social apps gained ground with a rise in network users, according to a crypto analytics firm.“Broader economic uncertainty and lingering aftershocks from the Bybit exploit” were the main contributing factors to the DeFi sector’s 27% quarter-on-quarter fall in TVL, according to an April 3 report from DappRadar, which noted that Ether (ETH) fell 45% to $1,820 over the same period.Change in DeFi total value locked between Jan. 2024 and March 2025. Source: DappRadarThe largest blockchain by TVL, Ethereum, fell 37% to $96 billion, while Sui was the hardest hit of the top 10 blockchains by TVL, falling 44% to $2 billion.Solana, Tron and the Arbitrum blockchains also had their TVLs slashed over 30%.Meanwhile, blockchains that experienced a larger volume of DeFi withdrawals and had a smaller share of stablecoins locked in their protocols faced extra pressure on top of the falling token prices.The newly launched Berachain was the only top-10 blockchain by TVL to rise, accumulating $5.17 billion between Feb. 6 and March 31, DappRadar noted.Market fall didn’t stunt AI and social app user growthHowever, the number of daily unique active wallets (DUAW) interacting with AI protocols and social apps increased 29% and 10%, respectively, in Q1, while non-fungible token and GameFi protocols regressed, DappRadar’s data shows.The monthly average of DUAWs interacting on the AI and social protocols rose to 2.6 million and 2.8 million, while DeFi and GameFi protocols fell double-digits. DappRadar said there was “explosive growth” in AI agent protocols, stating that they’re “no longer a concept.”“They’re here, and they’re shaping new user behaviors,” said the firm. Change in DeFi total value locked between Jan. 2024 and March 2025. Source: DappRadarRelated: Avalanche stablecoins up 70% to $2.5B, AVAX demand lacks DeFi deploymentMeanwhile, NFT trading volume fell 25% to $1.5 billion, with OKX’s NFT marketplace taking in the most sales at $606 million, while OpenSea and Blur saw $599 million and $565 million, respectively.Pudgy Penguins NFTs were the most sold collectibles at $177 million, while CryptoPunks NFTs netted $63.6 million from just 477 sales, DappRadar noted.“When analyzing top collections, CryptoPunks remains a staple — its prestige remains intact even as price fluctuations make it largely inaccessible for the average user.”Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple a ‘bad actor’ with no crypto legal precedent set

by Cointelegraph by Alex O’Donnell on April 3, 2025 at 9:43 pm

EigenLayer plans to start “slashing” restakers on April 17, resulting in the Ethereum restaking protocol’s “first feature-complete iteration,” it said in an April 2 announcement. Implementing slashing will mark EigenLayer’s final step toward establishing the protocol as “infrastructure for a new generation of verifiable apps and services built on the Verifiable Cloud,” it said in a post on the X platform.In 2024, EigenLayer started distributing rewards — including emissions of its native EIGEN token — to incentivize restakers. However, slashing has so far been limited to EigenLayer’s testnets.Once slashing is live, node operators and restakers will be able to voluntarily “opt-in,” resulting in a gradual transition for users, EigenLayer said in a blog post.Slashing starts on EigenLayer’s mainnet soon. Source: EigenLayerRelated: EigenLayer eyes consumer adoption post EIGEN unlock, founder saysGradual roll-outLaunched in 2023, EigenLayer secures third-party protocols — dubbed actively validated services (AVSs) — against a pool of “restaked” cryptocurrencies used as collateral. Restaking involves taking a token that has already been staked — posted as collateral with a validator in exchange for rewards — and using it to secure other protocols simultaneously. Slashing is the primary method for securing proof-of-stake protocols — including Ethereum as well as “restaking” protocols such as EigenLayer — and involves penalizing a network’s node operators for poor performance or misbehavior.“If Operators do not meet the conditions set, the AVS may penalize them. But, if the Operator runs the service successfully, AVSs can reward the Operator’s performance and incentivize specific activity,” EigenLayer said in an April 3 blog post. This “allows for a free marketplace where Operators can earn rewards for their work and AVSs can launch verifiable services,” the post said. EigenLayer’s total value locked (TVL) over time. Source: DeFILlamaGrowing ecosystemUpward of 30 AVSs are already live on EigenLayer’s mainnet, and dozens more are being developed.They include EigenDA — run by EigenLayer developer Eigen Labs — and ARPA Network, a protocol specializing in trustless randomization.In October, EigenLayer unlocked its native token, EIGEN. It is designed as a more flexible option for securing consensus-based protocols than other proof-of-stake tokens, such as Ether, according to EigenLayer.EigenLayer is prioritizing onboarding crypto-native apps in segments such as decentralized finance (DeFi) and gaming before expanding beyond Web3, founder Sreeram Kannan told Cointelegraph in October. “We’re starting with the inside-out approach, focusing on high-throughput consumer apps like DeFi and gaming, but once we grow a little bigger and have critical mass, we’ll go outside and start targeting broader consumer markets,” Kannan said.Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple a ‘bad actor’ with no crypto legal precedent set

by Cointelegraph by Turner Wright on April 3, 2025 at 9:29 pm

The cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, backed by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, plans to move into a Miami-area office space, as US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement case may have reached its end.According to a March 31 post from Sterling Bay Properties, Gemini signed a lease for an office in Miami’s Wynwood Art District. The move would expand the exchange’s offices from Europe and New York to Florida, where some crypto companies are headquartered.Bloomberg reported Gemini was expected to move into the Miami office by May. Cointelegraph reached out to the exchange for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.Wrapping up regulatory issues?The move to Florida came amid a federal judge ordering a 60-day stay on the SEC’s lawsuit against Gemini Global Capital “to allow the parties to explore a potential resolution.” The enforcement action, filed in January 2023, alleges the crypto firm offered and sold unregistered securities through its Gemini Earn program. Cameron Winklevoss said in February that the regulator had closed an investigation into a separate matter involving Gemini. The firm also agreed in January to a $5 million penalty imposed by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission over alleged “false and misleading” statements related to its 2017 bid to offer Bitcoin (BTC) futures contracts.Related: Crypto PAC-backed Republicans win US House seats in Florida special electionsGemini reportedly filed confidentially for an initial public offering (IPO) earlier this year. The exchange may have pursued an IPO as early as 2021 before shares of many US-based crypto firms were publicly traded. Several crypto firms have regional offices in Miami, possibly due to Florida’s seemingly favorable regulatory environment and the lack of state income tax for residents. Ripple Labs has an office in the Wynwood neighborhood, not far from Gemini’s future location, and BTC miner MARA Holdings is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale.Magazine: Crypto City: The ultimate guide to Miami

by Cointelegraph by Nancy Lubale on April 3, 2025 at 8:31 pm

XRP (XRP) stabilized near its $2 support after today’s marketwide sell-off sent the altcoin and several other cryptocurrencies close to their swing lows. Data now shows the XRP/USD pair exhibiting early signs of a bullish breakout. Ripple’s RLUSD integration could boost XRP priceRipple’s integration of its RLUSD stablecoin into its cross-border payments system, Ripple Payments, could significantly boost XRP’s price by enhancing its utility and liquidity. On April 2, Ripple, the company behind XRP, announced that it had integrated its stablecoin into the company's cross-border payments system to boost adoption for Ripple USD (RLUSD).RLUSD, a USD-pegged stablecoin launched in December 2024, complements XRP by providing stability for transactions, while XRP serves as a fast, liquid bridge currency. This dual-asset strategy targets the $230 billion cross-border payments market, and ims to increase demand for both assets. Source: X / RippleRLUSD’s market cap now stands at $244 million, with 87% growth in March alone, according to data from rwa.xyz. As adoption grows, financial institutions using Ripple Payments may rely more on XRP for liquidity, especially in volatile corridors. Pairing RLUSD with XRP on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and exchanges could drive trading volume and activity on XRPL’s decentralized exchange, tightening XRP’s supply. Positive sentiment from RLUSD’s success could also lift XRP’s value, with analysts suggesting increased adoption might push XRP toward $3.50 or higher.“Ripple's $RLUSD integration is a pivotal move for cross-border payments,” said crypto market insights provider Alva in an April 3 post on X.As a result, “optimism around $RLUSD soaring, with eyes on its ripple effect on XRP,” Alva said, adding:“Overall: A solid play for strengthening Ripple's ecosystem and pushing stablecoin adoption forward. Get ready for potential shifts!”Related:  How many US dollars does XRP transfer per day?XRP pattern points to $3.51 targetXRP’s price action between Jan. 16 and April 3 has led to the formation of a symmetrical triangle pattern on the daily chart. The price is retesting the lower trendline of the triangle at $1.98, suggesting that a rebound could be in the making.Note that the price has successfully rebounded from this trendline two to three times in the past, with each retest leading to a significant price recovery.If a similar scenario plays out, XRP could recover from current levels and with good volumes, it may break above the triangle’s descending trendline at $2.40 (embraced by the 50-day SMA).The target is set by the distance between the triangle’s lowest and highest points, which would bring XRP price to $3.51, an approximate 73% gain from the current price.XRP/USD daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewSeveral analysts also share similar bullish outlooks for the altcoin, citing XRP’s adoption, chart technicals and the end of Ripple’s long-standing case with the SEC as the reasons. Citing a chart similar to the one shared above, XRP investor Steph Is Crypto said the price was “heavily compressing” before a massive breakout. “This breakout will create many new millionaires!”Using Elliott Wave theory, crypto analyst Dark Defender shared an optimistic price prediction for XRP, saying that the token’s correction in the monthly timeframe “will be over within weeks.”His targets remain between $5 and $18 in the medium and long term.When #XRP hit $3.3999, we set a 5 Elliott Wave Structure and explained that XRP completed the Monthly 3rd Wave and entered into correction, Wave 4.We set the Wave 4 dip with a precision of $2.02.B is in action; we also have precise levels for B Wave. While everybody… pic.twitter.com/CVlrkaVged— Dark Defender (@DefendDark) April 2, 2025According to CasiTrades, the XRP’s relative strength index shows a bullish divergence on multiple timeframes and this signals a price bottom, and an upside target of $3.80.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

by Cointelegraph by Marcel Pechman on April 3, 2025 at 7:49 pm

On April 3, yields on long-term US government debt fell to their lowest levels in six months as investors reacted to growing concerns over the global trade war and the weakening of the US dollar. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note briefly touched 4.0%, down from 4.4% a week earlier, signaling strong demand from buyers.US 10-year Treasury yield (left) vs. Bitcoin/USD (right). Source: TradingView / CointelegraphAt first glance, a higher risk of economic recession may seem negative for Bitcoin (BTC). However, lower returns from fixed-income investments encourage allocations to alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies. Over time, traders are likely to reduce exposure to bonds, particularly if inflation rises. As a result, the path to a Bitcoin all-time high in 2025 remains plausible.Tariffs create ‘supply shock’ in the US and impact inflation and fixed-income returnsOne could argue that the recently announced US import tariffs negatively impact corporate profitability, forcing some companies to deleverage and, in turn, reducing market liquidity. Ultimately, any measure that increases risk aversion tends to have a short-term negative effect on Bitcoin, particularly given its strong correlation with the S&P 500 index.Axel Merk, chief investment officer and portfolio manager at Merk Investments, said that tariffs create a “supply shock,” meaning the reduced availability of goods and services due to rising prices causes an imbalance relative to demand. This effect is amplified if interest rates are declining, potentially paving the way for inflationary pressure.Source: X/AxelMerkEven if one does not view Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation, the appeal of fixed-income investments diminishes significantly in such a scenario. Moreover, if just 5% of the world’s $140 trillion bond market seeks higher returns elsewhere, it could translate into $7 trillion in potential inflows into stocks, commodities, real estate, gold, and Bitcoin.Weaker US dollar amid gold all-time highs favors alternative assetsGold surged to a $21 trillion market capitalization as it made consecutive all-time highs, and it still has the potential for significant price upside. Higher prices allow previously unprofitable mining operations to resume and it encourages further investment in exploration, extraction, and refining. As production expands, the supply growth will naturally act as a limiting factor on gold’s long-term bull run.Regardless of trends in US interest rates, the US dollar has weakened against a basket of foreign currencies, as measured by the DXY Index. On April 3, the index dropped to 102, its lowest level in six months. A decline in confidence in the US dollar, even in relative terms, could encourage other nations to explore alternative stores of value, including Bitcoin.US Dollar Index (DXY). Source: TradingView / CointelegraphThis transition does not happen overnight, but the trade war could lead to a gradual shift away from the US dollar, particularly among countries that feel pressured by its dominant role. While no one expects a return to the gold standard or Bitcoin to become a major component of national reserves, any movement away from the dollar strengthens Bitcoin’s long-term upside potential and reinforces its position as an alternative asset.Related: Trump 'Liberation Day' tariffs create chaos in markets, recession concernsTo put things in perspective, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore collectively hold $2.63 trillion in US Treasuries. If these regions choose to retaliate, bond yields could reverse their trend, increasing the cost of new debt issuance for the US government and further weakening the dollar. In such a scenario, investors would likely avoid adding exposure to stocks, ultimately favoring scarce alternative assets like Bitcoin.Timing Bitcoin’s market bottom is nearly impossible, but the fact that the $82,000 support level held despite worsening global economic uncertainty is an encouraging sign of its resilience.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

by Cointelegraph by Cointelegraph on April 3, 2025 at 7:12 pm

Today in crypto, Genius Group says it’s being forced to downsize its Bitcoin treasury by order of a US court. President Donald Trump’s pick for US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair passed a key committee vote and the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned eight crypto addresses linked to Russian crypto exchange Garantex and the Yemeni political and military organization the Houthis.Genius Group says it’s been banned from buying more BitcoinSingapore-based artificial intelligence firm Genius Group says it’s temporarily barred from expanding its Bitcoin treasury after a US court order has banned it from selling shares, raising funds and using investor funds to buy more Bitcoin.Source: Roger James HamiltonA New York District court issued the preliminary injunction (PI) and temporary restraining order (TRO) on March 13 in connection with a broader dispute surrounding its merger with Fatbrain AI, the Genius Group said in an April 3 statement.“Genius is taking all necessary measures to minimize Bitcoin sales but anticipates that it will need to downsize its Bitcoin Treasury in the coming months in the event the PI remains in place,” the firm said.Paul Atkins’ SEC nomination passes committee votePaul Atkins is one step closer to securing the top position at the US Securities and Exchange Commission after the Senate Banking Committee voted to advance his nomination. In an April 3 banking committee session, lawmakers voted 13 to 11 for Atkins to serve two consecutive terms as a commissioner at the government agency, effectively taking over former Chair Gary Gensler’s term.Atkins’ nomination is expected to go to a full Senate vote in the near future. Senator Tim Scott speaks at the committee hearing. Source: US Senate Banking CommitteeBefore the vote, committee chair Tim Scott said Atkins would bring “much-needed clarity” to the cryptocurrency sector. Donald Trump selected Atkins to replace Gensler as the SEC head in December, roughly one month after winning the presidential election. At the time, Trump praised Atkins’ track record as a former SEC commissioner and for his expertise in digital assets.US sanctions 8 crypto wallets tied to Garantex exchange and Yemeni HouthisThe US Treasury Department sanctioned eight cryptocurrency wallet addresses linked to Russian crypto exchange Garantex and the Yemeni political and military organization the Houthis.The United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned eight crypto addresses that data from blockchain forensic firms Chainalysis and TRM Labs had linked to the organizations. Two are deposit addresses at major crypto platforms, while the other six are privately controlled.Visualization of transaction flow related to OFAC sanctions. Source: ChainalysisThe addresses in question reportedly moved nearly $1 billion worth of funds linked to sanctioned entities. Most of the transactions funded Houthi operations in Yemen and the Red Sea region.

by Cointelegraph by Yashu Gola on April 3, 2025 at 6:45 pm

Solana’s native token, SOL, has dropped by nearly 12.75% in the last 24 hours to a three-week low of $112.50 on April 3.SOL/USD daily price chart. Source: TradingViewKey drivers behind SOL’s sharp correction include:The latest round of tariffs from the Trump administration and their potential to erase trillions of dollars from the stock market.Negative SOL futures basis and funding rates.Multiple technical factors.Let’s examine these catalysts in detail.Trump tariffs rattle Solana and broader crypto marketSolana’s decline occurred in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s April 2, “Liberation Day” tariffs. The escalation in trade tensions led investors to move away from riskier assets, including cryptocurrencies like SOL, in favor of safer investments.SOL/USD vs. TOTAL crypto market cap and Nasdaq Composite daily performance chart. Source: TradingViewRelated: Trump 'Liberation Day' tariffs create chaos in markets, recession concernsSOL’s recent price decline is closely tied to fading demand in its futures market, as reflected by a sharp drop in the annualized rolling basis on three-month contracts.The annualized rolling basis shows how much more (or less) futures contracts are trading compared to the current spot price, expressed as an annual percentage.A high basis means futures are trading at a significant premium, signaling bullish expectations and strong demand for leveraged long positions. On the other hand, a low or negative basis means futures are trading close to or below the spot price, indicating a lack of speculative interest or growing bearish sentiment.SOL futures basis peaked in mid-November 2024 at 18% and was below 0% as of April 3, showing that traders are no longer paying a premium for SOL.Solana futures annualized rolling basis. Source: GlassnodeSolana’s funding rates turn negativeSolana’s price drop further aligns with its declining funding rates, indicating a weakening bullish momentum in the market.SOL’s weekly funding rates slipped to -0.0462 on April 3 from 0.14% a day ago, and this negative funding means short traders are paying longs, highlighting the expectation for further downside.SOL OI-weighted funding rates. Source: CoinGlassCurrently, SOL’s daily chart shows a pattern of bear flag continuation, a process where consecutive bearish structures confirm and drive prices lower.As of April 3, SOL was trading below its flag pattern’s lower trendline, projecting a price decline to $96.SOL/USD daily price chart. Source: TradingViewThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.