Alternative News for You

by Cointelegraph by Vince Quill on April 18, 2025 at 3:56 pm

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield is planning a lawsuit against crypto exchange Coinbase, alleging the company is selling unregistered securities to residents of the US state, after the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) dropped its federal case against the exchange. According to Coinbase's chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, the lawsuit is an exact "copycat case" of SEC’s 2023 lawsuit against the exchange, which the federal agency agreed to drop in February. Grewal added:"In case you think I’m jumping to conclusions, the attorney general's office made it clear to us that they are literally picking up where the Gary Gensler SEC left off — seriously. This is exactly the opposite of what Americans should be focused on right now."The lawsuit signals that the crypto industry still faces regulatory hurdles and pushback at the state level, even after securing several legal victories on the federal level. Pushback from state regulators could fragment crypto regulations in the US and complicate cohesive national policy.Source: Paul GrewalRelated: Coinbase distances Base from highly criticized memecoin that dumped $15MSeveral US states drop lawsuits against Coinbase following SEC movesThe SEC reversed its stance on cryptocurrencies following the resignation of former chairman Gary Gensler in January.Gensler's exit triggered a wave of dropped lawsuits, enforcement actions and investigations against crypto firms, including Coinbase, Uniswap, and Kraken.Several US states followed the SEC's lead and also dropped their lawsuits against Coinbase in the first quarter of this year.Vermont, one of the 10 US states that filed litigation against the exchange, dropped its lawsuit on March 13.Vermont drops legal action against Coinbase. Source: State of VermontThe legal order specifically cited the SEC's regulatory pivot and the establishment of a crypto task force by the agency as reasons for dropping the lawsuit.South Carolina dismissed its lawsuit against Coinbase two weeks after Vermont rescinded its litigation against the exchange giant.Kentucky's Department of Financial Institutions became the third state-level regulator to dismiss its Coinbase lawsuit, ending the litigation on March 26.Despite the legal victory, Coinbase's Grewal called on the federal government to end the state-by-state approach of crypto regulation and focus on passing clear market structure policies at the federal level.Magazine: SEC’s U-turn on crypto leaves key questions unanswered

by Cointelegraph by Yohan Yun on April 18, 2025 at 3:20 pm

South Korea kicked off 2025 with political chaos, regulatory heat and a crypto market finally brought to heel — or at least forced to grow up.The nation closed 2024 in disarray following then-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s botched martial law stunt in December.In the aftermath, authorities spent the first quarter drawing lines in the sand as financial watchdogs slapped cryptocurrency exchanges with probes and lifted the ban on corporate trading accounts. Meanwhile, crypto adoption hit record highs as trading volume cooled.Here’s a breakdown of the key developments that shaped South Korea’s crypto sector in Q1 of 2025.South Korea’s economy limped into 2025 as local currency tanked. Source: Ki Young JuSouth Korean crypto traders given yet another two-year tax exemptionJan. 1 — Crypto tax postponedA planned 20% capital gains tax on crypto did not take effect on Jan. 1 after lawmakers agreed to delay it until 2027. This was the third postponement: first from 2022 to 2023, then again to 2025.Related: Crypto’s debanking problem persists despite new regulations The latest delay, reached through bipartisan consensus in late 2024, came amid mounting economic uncertainty and political turmoil. Lawmakers cited fears of investor flight to offshore exchanges, challenges in tracking wallet-based profits, and shifting national priorities in the wake of Yoon’s failed martial law stunt and subsequent impeachment.Jan. 14 — Warning against North Korean crypto hackersThe US, Japan and South Korea published a joint statement on North Korean crypto hacks. Crypto firms were warned to guard against malware and fake IT freelancers. Lazarus Group, the state-sponsored cyber threat group, was named as a prime suspect in some of the top hacks in 2024, such as the $230-million hack on India’s WazirX and the $50-million hack against Upbit, South Korea’s largest crypto exchange.At least $1.34 billion of crypto stolen in 2024 has been attributed to North Korea. Source: ChainalysisJan. 15 — Companies wait on the sidelines for crypto greenlightSouth Korea’s Virtual Asset Committee, a crypto policy coordination body under the Financial Services Commission (FSC), held its second meeting. The FSC was widely expected to approve corporate access to trading accounts on local exchanges. Despite popular demand, the FSC held off on making an official decision, citing the need for further review.Instead, the FSC announced investor protections against price manipulation and stricter stablecoin oversight.Jan. 16 — First enforcement of crypto market manipulationSouth Korean authorities indicted a trader in the first pump-and-dump prosecution under the Virtual Asset User Protection Act, the new crypto law effective from July 2024.Meanwhile, Upbit received a suspension notice for allegedly violating Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements in over 500,000 instances, prompting regulators to consider a ban on new user registrations.Jan. 23 — Upbit, Bithumb compensate users after service outages during martial lawUpbit and rival exchange Bithumb announced plans to compensate users following service disruptions triggered by the surprise declaration of nationwide martial law on Dec. 3, 2024. The shocking move caused panic across financial and crypto markets, leading to a surge in traffic that overwhelmed local trading platforms.Ex-President Yoon took his shot at martial law, which backfired and shaped South Korea’s 2025. Source: Kang Min Seok, Presidential Security Service South Korean crypto world finally opened to corporationsFeb. 13 — Charities and universities get first dibs on corporate crypto accessThe FSC unveiled its long-awaited plan to allow corporate entities to open crypto trading accounts in phases by late 2025. The rollout will require businesses to use “real-name” accounts and comply with KYC and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Charities and universities are first in line and will be allowed to sell their crypto donations starting in the first half of the year.South Korea’s real-name financial transaction system, introduced in 1993, was designed to combat tax evasion and money laundering by requiring all bank accounts to be opened under verified legal names using national IDs.Related: Market maker deals are quietly killing crypto projectsCrypto trading exploded in 2017, driven in part by anonymous accounts from businesses, foreigners and minors. Financial authorities responded by requiring crypto exchanges to partner with domestic banks and offer fiat services only through verified real-name accounts. To date, only five exchanges have met the requirements.Since there was no regulatory framework for real-name corporate accounts, this policy effectively shut out both overseas users and domestic companies from trading on South Korean exchanges. The new roadmap aims to fix that by creating a formal structure for institutional participation under tighter compliance standards.Feb. 21 — Alleged serial fraudster busted againPolice rearrested “Jon Bur Kim,” identified by the surname Park, for allegedly profiting 68 billion won (approximately $48 million) in a crypto scam involving the token Artube (ATT). He allegedly employed false advertising, pump-and-dump tactics and wash trading to manipulate the market.This wasn’t Park’s first brush with the law. He was previously indicted in a 14-billion-won (around $10 million) token fraud case and was out on bail when he launched ATT.Park flashes supercars on social media. Source: Jon Bur KimFeb. 25 — Upbit operator Dunamu gets slappedThe nation’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) formally notified Dunamu, operator of Upbit, of regulatory action. The sanctions were tied to KYC compliance failures and dealings with unregistered foreign exchanges. The FIU issued a partial business suspension, restricting Upbit from processing new customers’ deposits and withdrawals for three months.Feb. 27 — Crypto crime force formalizedSouth Korean prosecutors formally launched the Virtual Asset Crime Joint Investigation Division, following a year and seven months as a temporary operation. As a non-permanent unit from July 2023, the task force indicted 74 individuals, secured 25 arrests, and recovered over 700 billion won (around $490 million) in illicit gains. The 30-person task force includes prosecutors, regulatory staff and specialists.Feb. 28 — Upbit operator Dunamu files lawsuit to overturn business sanctionsDunamu said it filed a lawsuit against the FIU to challenge the sanctions imposed on the exchange.Bitcoin ETF next on checklist for South Korean crypto spaceMarch 5 — Reconsidering Bitcoin ETF banThe FSC started reviewing legal pathways to allow Bitcoin (BTC) spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), citing Japan’s evolving regulatory approach as a potential model. This marks a notable shift from South Korea’s previous opposition to crypto-based ETFs.The Capital Markets Act does not recognize cryptocurrencies as eligible underlying assets for ETFs. However, in 2024, lobbying efforts from major domestic brokerages intensified amid rising client demand, especially after spot Bitcoin ETFs were approved in the US.While the review remains in its early stages, regulators are no longer dismissing the possibility outright.March 21 — Crackdown on unregistered exchanges beginsThe FIU compiled a list of illegal foreign exchanges and moved to block access via app stores and ISPs. Additionally, the agency warned of criminal penalties for trading platforms operating without a license.March 26 — 17 exchange apps blocked (including KuCoin and MEXC)Google Play removed 17 unlicensed crypto exchange apps in South Korea at the request of regulators. The FIU said it is also working with Apple to block unauthorized crypto platforms.There are 22 unregistered overseas exchanges on the regulators’ radar, and 17 have been banned from the Google Play store. Source: FSCMarch 27 — Upbit scores three-month breakA South Korean court temporarily lifted the Feb. 25 partial business suspension imposed on crypto exchange Upbit by the FIU. The court’s decision allows Upbit to resume serving new users while the case is under review.South Korean crypto expected to go from crackdown in Q1 to campaign trail in Q2As March ended, more than 16 million investors — roughly a third of South Korea’s population — held crypto accounts, surpassing the 14.1 million domestic stock traders. But that surge in adoption came as trading activity cooled. Upbit, the country’s dominant exchange, saw volumes fall by 34%, dropping from $561.9 billion in Q4 2024 to $371 billion in Q1 2025, according to CoinGecko.By mid-April, the crackdown was still gaining steam. Apple followed Google’s lead in removing offshore exchange apps from its store, while prosecutors filed yet another round of market manipulation charges.South Korea’s crypto industry is now contending with tighter rules, rising institutional expectations and a government no longer content to watch from the sidelines.All this unfolds ahead of an early presidential election in June, following Yoon’s impeachment. Crypto played a visible role in Yoon’s successful 2022 presidential election campaign and is expected to remain a key issue with voters. One candidate in the upcoming election, former prosecutor Hong Joon-pyo of the People Power Party, recently pledged to overhaul crypto regulations in line with the pro-industry stance of the Trump administration, local media reported. Despite the pledge, Hong’s understanding of the technology came into question as he admitted to not knowing what a central bank digital currency is.Magazine: Uni students crypto ‘grooming’ scandal, 67K scammed by fake women: Asia Express

by Cointelegraph by Axel Schorn and Dr. Duc Au on April 18, 2025 at 3:00 pm

Opinion by: Axel Schorn and Dr. Duc AuTraditional stocks, bonds and commodities markets have long benefited from well-established standards governing the flow of information and data. These standards underpin the seamless functioning of trading, settlement and regulatory compliance, ensuring all participants can rely on the same consistent frameworks.As the financial industry moves into decentralized finance (DeFi) with the introduction of digital assets, like crypto assets and tokenized securities, the lack of such standards presents a growing challenge. While digital assets promise transformative potential, their fragmented information landscape risks undermining their adoption and integration into the broader financial ecosystem.Independent platforms like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko provide information on various tokens, but this data varies significantly regarding market capitalization, total supply and other relevant reference data. Several global initiatives by private foundations and associations are working toward standardization. Traditional frameworks as a guideline Just as standardized financial data has been instrumental in building trust and facilitating growth, digital assets need their global standards. According to studies, standards generate overall economic benefits estimated at 17 billion euros annually in Germany alone.For traditional assets, a clear hierarchy of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) exists to unambiguously categorize and identify each asset. The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is the global standard for uniquely identifying all types of financial instruments, including equities, debt, derivatives and indexes. The Certification of Financial Instruments (CFI) is the internationally recognized system for classifying financial instruments. It is defined when a financial or reference instrument is issued and remains unchanged. The Financial Instrument Short Name (FISN) outlines a standardized approach to short names and descriptions for financial instruments. Unlike ISIN and CFI, the FISN is not intended to be machine-readable but to provide a short format for key information about security for human use. National Numbering Agencies (NNA), responsible for collecting registration data such as issuer information, instrument types, terms and trading conditions, assign ISIN, CFI and FISN. The Association of National Numbering Agencies maintains the identifiers and data in a global database. For countries that do not have an NNA, four global Substitute Numbering Agencies assign identification to those countries.Recent: DePIN needs a more cohesive narrative for mass adoptionISINs are allocated to financial instruments regardless of the technology used for creating the respective instruments, both in paper form and electronic form, thereby including tokenized instruments such as crypto securities according to the German Electronic Securities Act. For tokens with an apparent geographical reference, such as the issuer of a security token residing in Germany, the responsible NNA will allocate the ISIN. Regarding tokens for referential instruments without an apparent geographical reference — e.g., Bitcoin (BTC), where the issuer’s country cannot be identified — an ISIN with the prefix “XT” is allocated from Etrading Software.This helps to identify the instrument on the token level. More exemplary data fields on the token level are the type of token, hash function and generation mechanism. Focused on the instrument level, additional data elements like the token’s blockchain are needed.For this purpose, the Digital Token Identifier Foundation, which is responsible for allocating this new identifier, provides the so-called Digital Token Identifier — e.g. DTI, ISO 24165. Key working theses regarding the standardization of digital assets Crypto identifiers could become mandatory. Similar to traditional assets using systems like ISINs, digital assets will adopt unique identifiers for cryptocurrencies and tokenized securities. These identifiers will facilitate tracking, trading and reporting across exchanges and custody providers, enabling seamless integration with legacy financial systems.Data standards will enhance transparency and compliance: With increasing regulatory scrutiny, standardized data formats will emerge for compliance and risk management. Global coordination will drive interoperability: The standardization of digital assets will rely on global collaboration among regulatory bodies and financial institutions. International organizations will play pivotal roles in creating frameworks that ensure interoperability across jurisdictions and reduce market fragmentation and, thus, inconsistencies in information handling. Initial steps have been taken toward unambiguously identifying digital assets with generally accepted ISO identifiers. Combined with a European Union-wide regulation such as the regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), the industry lays the foundation for more significant adoption. It remains to be seen how investors and the digital assets player will further progress toward more standardization and what roadblocks may arise to be solved.Opinion by: Axel Schorn and Dr. Duc AuThis 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 Sundance on April 18, 2025 at 2:27 pm

“This is not our war.” ~ Secretary Rubio Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to reporters in Paris on April 18 about the prolonged peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. However, a frustrated Rubio warned that the U.S. could “move on” from its involvement in negotiations to end the war if no progress is made The post Secretary of State Marco Rubio Says U.S. Willing to Walk Away from Ukraine Conflict, Decision in “Days Not Weeks” appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Cointelegraph on April 18, 2025 at 1:48 pm

Today in crypto, Spar shoppers in Zug, Switzerland, can now pay for their groceries in Bitcoin via the Lightning Network, as over 1,000 Swiss businesses have implemented Bitcoin payments, a report from TRM Labs has revealed an uptick in decentralized finance (DeFi) usage in Yemen amid US sanctions targeting the Houthi “terrorist” group, and US President Donald Trump slammed the Federal Reserve chair for delaying rate cuts.Spar supermarket in Switzerland starts accepting Bitcoin paymentsGlobal grocery giant Spar has rolled out Bitcoin-based payments in a Swiss city, marking another step in the growing adoption of cryptocurrency for everyday transactions.A Spar supermarket in Zug, Switzerland, has implemented Bitcoin (BTC) payments via the Lightning Network.The store’s Bitcoin payments went live on BTC Mao, a community-driven project highlighting stores that accept BTC payments, DFX Swiss, a crypto-to-fiat payment solution firm, announced in an April 17 LinkedIn post.“This SPAR location is among the first supermarkets in Switzerland where you can pay directly at the checkout using Bitcoin (via LNURL), thanks to our new hashtag#OpenCryptoPay solution, an open P2P standard for in-person crypto payments,” DFX said.Spar in Zug adopts Bitcoin payment, announcement. Source: DFX SwissSwitzerland has long been regarded as one of the more crypto-friendly European jurisdictions with some of the earliest crypto-adoption initiatives.In 2023, the Swiss city of Lugano adopted Bitcoin and Tether USDt (USDT) payments for all municipal fees, one of the world’s first city administrations to do so.Yemenis are turning to DeFi as US sanctions target Houthi groupYemeni citizens are increasingly using decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols to bank themselves amid US sanctions aimed at the Houthi group, which they have deemed a terrorist organization. DeFi platforms account for most of Yemen’s crypto-related web traffic, taking up over 63% of observed activity, while global centralized exchanges account for 18% of crypto-related web traffic, TRM Labs data shows.DeFi platforms account for most of Yemen’s crypto-related web traffic, followed by centralized exchanges. Source: TRM LabsIn the past, internet infrastructure challenges and low financial literacy among the war-torn population contributed to relatively limited crypto adoption, according to an April 17 report from blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs.“However, there are signs of growing interest and usage driven primarily by necessity rather than speculation,” the blockchain intelligence firm said. “For those who use cryptocurrencies in Yemen, the ability to bypass the disruption in local financial services offers a modicum of financial resilience, especially as banks can be difficult to access or are simply inoperable due to the ongoing conflict.” Trump blasts “too late” Powell for not cutting interest ratesUS President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, accusing him of being too slow to cut interest rates and escalating a long-running conflict that risks undermining the central bank’s political independence.With the European Central Bank (ECB) cutting interest rates again on April 17, “Too Late” Powell has failed to act appropriately in the United States, even with inflation falling, Trump said on Truth Social on April 17. “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!” Trump said.Florida Senator Rick Scott agreed with the president, saying, “it’s time for new leadership at the Federal Reserve.”Source: realDonaldTrumpTrump’s public criticism of the Fed breaks a decades-long convention in American politics that sought to safeguard the central bank from political scrutiny, which includes any executive decision to replace the chair. In an April 16 address at the Economic Club of Chicago, Powell said Fed independence is “a matter of law.” Powell previously signaled his intent to serve out the remainder of his tenure, which expires in May 2026. 

by Sundance on April 18, 2025 at 1:48 pm

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has declassified and released two sets of files today. 1. the first tranche of the RFK assassination files (10,000 pages HERE); and 2. The Joe Biden Domestic Terrorism Plan (SEE HERE) Following President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14176, DNI Gabbard is releasing all the archive documents around the RFK The post DNI Tulsi Gabbard Releases Declassified Files of RFK and Biden Domestic Terrorism Plan appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Adrian Zmudzinski on April 18, 2025 at 1:26 pm

Early cypherpunk Adam Back, cited by Satoshi Nakamoto in the Bitcoin white paper, suggested that quantum computing pressure may reveal whether the blockchain’s pseudonymous creator is alive.During an interview after a Q&A session at the “Satoshi Spritz” event in Turin on April 18, Back suggested that quantum computing may force Nakamoto to move their Bitcoin (BTC). That’s because, according to Back, Bitcoin holders will be forced to move their assets to newer, quantum-resistant signature-based addresses.Back said that current quantum computers do not pose a credible threat to Bitcoin’s cryptography but will likely threaten it in the future. Back estimated that quantum computers may evolve to that extent in “maybe 20 years.”Related: Bitcoin’s quantum-resistant hard fork is inevitable — It’s the only chance to fix node incentivesWhen the threat becomes real, Back said the Bitcoin community will have to choose between deprecating old, vulnerable addresses or letting those funds be stolen:“If the quantum computers are here, and people at universities and research labs have access, the network has a choice to either let people steal them or to freeze them — to deprecate the signature.“Back expects the community to go with the former option, forcing Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator to move their funds if they wish to avoid losing them.Privacy upgrades could complicate proofStill, Back said that whether such a situation will reveal if Satoshi Nakamoto is alive also depends on Bitcoin’s future privacy features.“It depends a bit on the technology, there are some research ideas that could add privacy to Bitcoin,” Back said. “So, possibly there might be a way to fix quantum issues while keeping privacy.“Related: Lawyer sues US Homeland Dept to probe supposed Satoshi Nakamoto meetingStill, not everyone is convinced that — privacy enhancements or not — such a scenario would reveal whether Nakamoto was alive. An anonymous early Bitcoin miner and member of the Bitcoin community told Cointelegraph that he does not expect Nakamoto’s coins to be moved:“Even if he is alive and holds the private keys, I do not think he’d move them. Based on how he acted so far I would rather expect him to let the community to decide.”He added that, since this is a controversial choice, it makes sense to let the community decide. He said that he’d be surprised if Nakamoto came out of the woodwork to move the assets.A quantum-resistant BitcoinBack explained that most quantum-resistant signature implementations are either unproven in terms of security or very expensive from a data perspective. He cited Lamport signatures as an old and proven design, but pointed out that they weigh tens of kilobytes.Consequently, he suggested that Bitcoin should be prepared to switch to quantum-resistant signatures but only do so when necessary. He suggested a Bitcoin taproot-based implementation allowing addresses to switch to quantum-resistant signatures when needed.Magazine: Bitcoin vs. the quantum computer threat: Timeline and solutions (2025–2035)

by Menagerie on April 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm

John 18:1—19:42 Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered. Judas his betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards from the chief priests and The post Good Friday appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Evelyn Manfield and Nicole Hegarty on April 18, 2025 at 12:15 pm

Peter Dutton says he wants to see more Australians start new businesses under a Coalition federal government.

by Cointelegraph by Helen Partz on April 18, 2025 at 12:12 pm

As gold prices break new highs, many Bitcoiners are seeking ways to obtain exposure to the precious metal, but have been met with hurdles along the way.Although physical gold is accessible in the form of jewelry, gold bars and coins, many industry executives are concerned about aspects like its quality, liquidity when selling, and buying at a premium above spot prices.Still, gold advocates are confident that the precious metal is much easier to buy than Bitcoin (BTC), given the complexities of storing private keys and a steep learning curve for new crypto investors.Both Bitcoin and gold are available in the form of tokenized assets, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other equity instruments, but the question of owning these assets in their original form reveals some differences.Community: Buying Bitcoin is easier and faster“Buying Bitcoin is significantly easier and faster than buying physical gold,” Ross Shemeliak, co-founder of the tokenization platform Stobox, told Cointelegraph.He referred to Bitcoin’s instant and 24/7 availability and no need for vaults, while gold is associated with additional costs like transportation, storage, verification and resale.Adam Lowe, chief of product at the self-custody firm CompoSecure, agreed that buying physical gold is subject to many challenges and additional costs.“The first is maintaining quality, assuring the purity is accurate,” Lowe said, adding that investors have to rely on the reputation of dealers and the supply chain when buying physical gold.Related: Bitcoin may rival gold as inflation hedge over next decade — Adam Back“Selling liquidity is also an issue as you have to find a buyer and will most likely pay a discount relative to the market price per ounce,” he continued, adding that self-custodied Bitcoin has none of these issues.As well as limited liquidity, retail investors in physical gold face widened spreads, Shemeliak said, as they often have to buy at a premium above the market price of gold.Gold advocate: Bitcoin self-custody is not easyUnlike crypto investors, traditional finance (TradFi) investors and analysts are not so excited about self-custody opportunities offered by Bitcoin.“Bitcoin could be very easy to buy if you have everything set up already, but if you don’t, it’s very difficult,” Rafi Farber, publisher of the gold-focused marketplace service End Game Investor, told Cointelegraph.Farber, who has emerged as one of the biggest Bitcoin critics, referred to investor challenges for Bitcoin self-custody, which requires holders to safely store their private key or risk losing access to the coins.While dealing with a self-custodial wallet, users have to “remember a string of random words or copy it down and put it in a safe, then copy and paste a gibberish code,” Farber said. “And if you lose any of the codes or the power goes out for whatever reason you’re screwed.”Self-custody wallet providers offer onboarding sessions for $99 per hour. Source: TrezorFarber’s concerns over the challenges of self-custody are not without merit. Trezor, one of the most prominent self-custody wallet providers, admits that usability remains one of the key issues faced by self-custodial wallets.While some have tried to offer simplified self-custody options, others insist that holding a private key is the only way to actually own a cryptocurrency, which requires onboarding and a learning curve — but doesn’t come without its own costs.Is Bitcoin a direct competitor to gold?On the other hand, physical gold is “very easy to buy,” Farber said, suggesting options like coins or jewelry shops.“Yes, buying a gold coin at a jewelry or coin shop is easy — but that doesn’t mean you’ve made a sound investment,” Stobox’s Shemeliak countered:“Without verified origin, proper assay, secure storage, and a liquid resale market, you’ve likely bought a souvenir, not a serious store of value.”“In contrast, digital assets like Bitcoin or tokenized gold offer transparency, liquidity and verifiability,” he added.Shemeliak doesn’t see Bitcoin and gold as direct competitors.“Gold will always have historical value, but Bitcoin is building financial infrastructure for the next 100 years,” he said.At the time of publication, the price of spot gold stood at $3,327, up nearly 27% year-to-date (YTD) as it continues breaking new highs, according to TradingView.The picture is less appealing for Bitcoin, which reached new highs around $110,000 in December 2024. Bitcoin is down 10% YTD, trading at $84,525 at publication, according to CoinGecko.Magazine: Financial nihilism in crypto is over — It’s time to dream big again

by Sundance on April 18, 2025 at 12:10 pm

There are a ton of geopolitical influences happening in the background and foreground of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Trump voice and envoy Steve Witkoff, and Keith Kellogg meeting in Paris with delegations from France, U.K, Ukraine and EU stakeholders.  The intent is to get the EU/UK on board with a Trump/Putin ceasefire plan. The post Rubio, Witkoff and Kellogg Meet with French President Macron, Ukraine and UK Delegation to Discuss Outline of Ceasefire appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Ezra Reguerra on April 18, 2025 at 11:25 am

Blockchain firm Astar Network implemented changes to its tokenomics to reduce inflationary pressures in its ecosystem. On April 18, Astar Network announced that it reduced the blockchain’s base staking rewards to 10% from 25% to curb token inflation. The company said the change promotes a more stable annual percentage rate (APR) for users as staking inches closer to a more ideal ratio. The firm said this ensures that rewards “remain meaningful” without causing excessive inflation. “This change lowers automatic token issuance, reducing overall inflationary pressure while maintaining strong incentives for users to stake their ASTR,” Astar Network wrote. Astar Network highlights key changes to its tokenomics. Source: Astar NetworkAstar Network implements inflation-control mechanismsUnlike Bitcoin, which has a fixed total supply, the ASTR token operates under a dynamic inflation model without a cap on its maximum token supply. As the blockchain operates, it emits more tokens, increasing the supply. Having no fixed supply can often create downward pressure on the token’s value over time. This is especially true if the demand for the token does not keep up. To address this, Astar is introducing several new inflation-control mechanisms.Apart from lowering staking rewards, Astar also started routing token emissions into a parameter that governs total value locked (TVL)-based rewards like decentralized application staking. This means that DApp staking APRs will become “more predictable” over time, offering stability to stakers. Astar also introduced a new minimum token emission threshold of 2.5% to ensure it doesn’t exceed a sustainable baseline. With continued transaction fee burning, Astar said it would also contribute to reward predictability. According to Astar, the changes have already lowered its annual inflation rate from 4.86% to 4.32%. It also lowered its total ASTR token emitted per block from 153.95 to 136.67 tokens. This reduces the token’s estimated annual emissions by 11%, going from 405 million to 360 million. Related: Sony’s Soneium taps EigenLayer to cut finality to under 10 secondsAstar token hits all-time low on April 7Astar Network’s efforts to curb token inflation come as its native token recently hit an all-time low. CoinGecko data shows that on April 7, the ASTR token declined to a new low of $0.02. The price is 93.8% lower than its peak three years ago, when it reached $0.42 on Jan. 17, 2022. In December 2024, the token rallied along with the rest of the market, hitting a high of $0.09. Since then, the crypto asset had continuously dropped in value before hitting the new all-time low. Astar Network’s 1-year price chart. Source: CoinGeckoMagazine: Uni students crypto ‘grooming’ scandal, 67K scammed by fake women: Asia Express

by Cointelegraph by William Suberg on April 18, 2025 at 10:19 am

Bitcoin (BTC) speculators may spark “significant” BTC price volatility as a large tranche of coins moves onchain.In one of its “Quicktake” blog posts on April 18, onchain analytics platform CryptoQuant warned that a Bitcoin market shake-up is due.CryptoQuant: “Volatility is coming” for BTC priceBitcoin short-term holders (STHs) are signaling that the current calm BTC price behavior may not last long.CryptoQuant reveals that 170,000 BTC owned by entities with a purchase date between three and six months ago has begun to circulate.“Around 170,000 BTC are moving from the 3–6 month holder cohort,” contributor Mignolet confirmed. “Large movements from this group often signal that significant volatility is imminent.”BTC movements by 3-6 month hodler cohort (screenshot). Source: CryptoQuantAn accompanying chart shows the impact of previous STH events, with the latest being the largest by volume since late 2021. Price direction varies, with both upward and downward market responses visible.“Volatility is coming,” Mignolet concluded.Bitcoin speculators blamed for sell pressureAs Cointelegraph reported, STH entities are notoriously sensitive to snap market moves and transitive narratives.Related: Bitcoin gold copycat move may top $150K as BTC stays ‘impressive’Recent BTC price downside has been met with episodes of panic selling by the cohort, which is defined as an entity buying up to six months previously.Earlier this week, CryptoQuant listed STHs as one of the main sources of current Bitcoin selling pressure.“Short-Term Holders (STH) have been the primary sellers, sending an average of ~930 BTC/day to exchanges,” fellow contributor Crazzyblockk wrote in a separate Quicktake post. “In contrast, Long-Term Holders (LTH) only moved about ~529 BTC/day — highlighting short-term fear or profit-taking, while long-term conviction remains intact.”Bitcoin investor flow comparison (screenshot). Source: CryptoQuantCrazzyblockk described a “classic shakeout” occurring in Bitcoin, while allaying concerns over a uniform rush for the exit across the investor spectrum.“With Bitcoin trading sideways and volatility compressing, this cohort-driven breakdown helps us understand that the current correction is not a mass exodus by smart money — it’s more likely a reaction from nervous short-term and mid-tier holders,” the post said.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 Zoltan Vardai on April 18, 2025 at 10:17 am

Global grocery giant Spar has rolled out Bitcoin-based payments in a Swiss city, marking another step in the growing adoption of cryptocurrency for everyday transactions.A Spar supermarket in Zug, Switzerland, has implemented Bitcoin (BTC) payments via the Lightning Network.The store’s Bitcoin payments went live on BTC Mao, a community-driven project highlighting stores that accept BTC payments, DFX Swiss, a crypto-to-fiat payment solution firm, announced in an April 17 LinkedIn post.“This SPAR location is among the first supermarkets in Switzerland where you can pay directly at the checkout using Bitcoin (via LNURL), thanks to our new hashtag#OpenCryptoPay solution, an open P2P standard for in-person crypto payments,” DFX said.Spar in Zug adopts Bitcoin payment, announcement. Source: DFX SwissSwitzerland has long been regarded as one of the more crypto-friendly European jurisdictions with some of the earliest crypto-adoption initiatives.In 2023, the Swiss city of Lugano adopted Bitcoin and Tether USDt (USDT) payments for all municipal fees, one of the world’s first city administrations to do so.There are currently 1,013 stores and businesses accepting Bitcoin payments in Switzerland, according to BTCmap data.Businesses accepting Bitcoin payment in Switzerland, Europe. Source: BTCmapRelated: ‘Bitcoin Standard’ author to develop Austrian economics curriculum for UK schoolBitcoin adoption among retail giants with a global presence may increase mainstream trust in cryptocurrency payments.Spar operates over 13,900 stores across 48 countries, with over 14.7 million daily shoppers and 450,000 employees worldwide.Related: Crypto, stocks enter ‘new phase of trade war’ as US-China tensions riseSpar in Zug enables seamless Bitcoin payment via QR codeFriction points and complicated user experience are often criticized as some of the biggest hurdles limiting mainstream blockchain adoption.However, Spar’s Bitcoin implementation enables easy payments by scanning a simple quick-response (QR) code, according to Rahim Taghizadegan, a university lecturer and director of Bitcoin Association Switzerland.In an April 16 LinkedIn post, he outlined how simple it is to pay using BTC in Spar:“Just scan a static QR code, send sats, immediate and easy registration by the cashier. If enough people use it, it may be rolled out in the whole country. ““I used Phoenix Wallet for [the Lightning Network], but pretty much anything works,” he added.Bitcoin payment in Spar, Zug, Switzerland. Source: Rahim TaghizadeganIncreasingly more companies are adopting cryptocurrency in the country. Switzerland-based blockchain ecosystem Crypto Valley surpassed $593 billion in valuation in 2024 after a 55% yearly increase, Cointelegraph reported on Jan. 21.Crypto Valley Unicorns. Source: CvVc.comAmong the 50 regional entities, 17 have reached unicorn status, with a $1 billion or more valuation.“A Swiss industry where the Top 50 entities share a valuation of $593 billion and whose funding medians exceed global medians reflects vision and resilience,” Mathias Ruch, founder and CEO of CV VC, told Cointelegraph.Top 50 projects in Crypto Valley. Source: CvVc.comSome of Crypto Valley’s well-known projects include the layer-1 (L1) blockchain network Ethereum, Cardano and the Casper blockchain.Magazine: BTC’s ‘reasonable’ $180K target, NFTs plunge in 2024, and more: Hodler’s Digest Jan 12 – 18

by Cointelegraph by Bradley Peak on April 18, 2025 at 10:12 am

TL;DRThis guide shows you how to set up and use a crypto hardware wallet, using the Trezor Safe 3 as an example. You’ll learn to safely store Bitcoin, Ethereum and other assets offline, with clear steps for wallet setup, seed phrase backup, PIN protection and secure transaction signing. The article also explains how to connect your hardware wallet to MetaMask for use with DeFi platforms and NFTs – all while keeping your private keys offline. Whether you’re comparing the best hardware wallets in 2025 or need a crypto wallet tutorial for receiving and sending funds, this guide has you covered with actionable tips and best practices for long-term cold storage security.If you’re ready to take crypto wallet security seriously, using a hardware wallet is one of the best steps you can take. You may already be aware of its advantages over a software wallet: keeping your private keys offline, minimizing exposure to malware and giving you full ownership of your crypto assets. Maybe you’ve even picked out your device.The good news? While there are several options out there, from Ledger to Trezor to newer multichain hardware wallets, the basic experience is similar. This hardware wallet setup guide will walk you through unboxing, verifying the device, securing your PIN and backing up your seed phrase.For illustration purposes, this article uses the Trezor Safe 3, an ideal device for beginners but powerful enough for advanced users. It’s also a great choice if you want to use a hardware wallet for DeFi or connect your hardware wallet to MetaMask.Let’s get into it.Unboxing your crypto cold walletBefore you begin setup, here’s what comes with a typical hardware wallet, in this case, the Trezor Safe 3. This applies to most of the best hardware wallets in 2025.What’s in the box:Trezor Safe 3 device with tamper-evident seal.USB-C cable.Two recovery seed cards (for your wallet backup).Quick start guide.Trezor stickers.First steps: Inspect and verifyBefore plugging anything in, check for:Sealed, undamaged packaging.Intact holographic sticker over the USB port.This ensures your device hasn’t been tampered with, a crucial crypto wallet security tip. Newer devices (post-April 2024) have upgraded seals for added air-gapped security.If anything looks suspicious, contact Trezor support.Power it upPeel the sticker and connect via USB — the Safe 3 powers on automatically, and no battery or power button is needed.You’ll notice a small screen and two physical buttons. These are how you’ll confirm actions, approve transactions and manage your crypto.Let’s begin the setup.Hardware wallet setup: Trezor Safe 3Getting started takes about 10–15 minutes. For this crypto hardware wallet tutorial, just have your computer ready and a pen handy. You’ll soon need to write down something very important.Step 1: Download Trezor SuiteGo to the official Trezor site and download the Trezor Suite app. It’s available on Windows, macOS, Linux and via web browser.Open it, plug in your device and follow the prompts. Click “Set up my Trezor.”Step 2: Install firmwareYour device may not come with firmware pre-installed. Click “Install Firmware.” This is part of the crypto wallet recovery process and ensures a secure, clean slate.Step 3: Verify device authenticityClick “Let’s check your device” in Trezor Suite. Press the right button on your Safe 3 to authenticate. You’ll see a message confirming the device is verified.Step 4: Quick tutorialThe device might walk you through button usage. Just follow along, it’s a one-time setup.Step 5: Create a new walletYou’ll see two options:Create new wallet (choose this if it’s your first time).Recover wallet (for restoring, using your seed phrase).Step 6: Backup methodYou’ll choose between:Standard seed backup (easiest and most common).Shamir backup (advanced; splits the seed into parts).Stick with standard, unless you’re sure you know what you're doing.Step 7: Confirm on deviceUse the buttons to confirm your backup method and agree to terms. Press “Create wallet” to proceed.Step 8: Write down your recovery seedThis is the heart of your cold storage for crypto. The device will generate a random list of 12, 20 or 24 words, your recovery seed.Trezor will remind you not to take photos or digital notes of the seed. Write it down on the provided card and store your crypto seed phrase safely. This is critical for future recovery.Step 9: Confirm the seedYou’ll be tested on a few of the words (e.g., “What’s word #5?”). Select the correct ones using the buttons. Once confirmed, your backup is complete.Pro tip: Make a second copy of your seed and store it in a different secure location. This adds an extra layer of protection.Step 10: Set up a PINNow, create your hardware wallet PIN. In Trezor Suite, click “Set PIN.” The device will prompt you with a randomized layout. Use the buttons to choose your digits.PINs can be up to 50 digits long. Choose something memorable, but not obvious. If forgotten, you'll need to wipe the wallet and recover with the seed phrase.Step 11: Enable coins and final setupYou’ll now choose which coins to enable, Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and more. This step also prepares your wallet for use with DApps or storing Bitcoin in a hardware wallet.After clicking “Complete Setup,” you can name your device or customize the home screen. Then hit “Access Suite” to open your dashboard.If you’ve been following along on your own device, you’ve just completed your first hardware wallet setup and taken a major step toward storing crypto safely!Receiving crypto with a hardware walletOnce your device is set up, you’re ready to store crypto safely by receiving funds into your wallet. Here’s how to accept crypto securely with your Trezor hardware wallet.1. Open the correct accountIn Trezor Suite, choose the account for the crypto you want to receive (e.g., Bitcoin #1 or Ether #1). Click the “Receive” tab to generate a crypto cold wallet address.2. Show and confirm the addressClick “Show full address” in the app. Your Trezor will display the full address on its screen. Always confirm the address on the hardware wallet itself, not just in your browser. This ensures it hasn’t been altered by malware on your computer (a standard crypto wallet security tip).3. Use the addressCopy the address or scan the QR code to send crypto. Your Trezor doesn’t need to stay connected; the blockchain will receive the funds and update your balance next time you plug the wallet in.Pro tips for safe receiving:Confirm addresses on your device, not just your screen.Use a fresh address each time for added privacy (Trezor Suite supports this).If the address doesn’t match between your wallet and app, stop immediately.Sending crypto from a hardware walletSending crypto with a hardware wallet means your private key stays offline, even while broadcasting a transaction. Here’s how to do it securely:1. Select the correct accountIn the Trezor Suite, go to the account holding the asset you want to send. Click “Send.”2. Fill in transaction detailsEnter the recipient’s wallet address and the amount to send. You can also toggle to fiat view if needed. Double-check the recipient address to avoid mistakes.3. Choose a FeeFor Bitcoin, you can select from fee levels: Low, Standard or High.For Ether or ERC-20 tokens, Trezor Suite estimates gas fees automatically.4. Confirm on the deviceClick “Review & Send.” Your Trezor will display the transaction details:Destination address.Amount.Network fee.Only approve the transaction if everything checks out. This is how you protect yourself from clipboard malware.5. Done, signed transaction is now sent!Your signed transaction has now been sent, with zero exposure of your private key. You’ll see the confirmation in your history.More pro tips:If your Trezor asks to sign a transaction you didn’t initiate, cancel immediately.Make sure your ETH balance is sufficient to cover gas for token transfers.For advanced users: Trezor also supports air-gapped security setups using microSD backups.Using a hardware wallet with MetaMask and DAppsWant to use your hardware wallet for DeFi or NFTs while keeping your keys secure? Trezor Safe 3 integrates seamlessly with MetaMask, making it easy to use DApps and sign transactions safely.1. Connect Trezor to MetaMaskOpen MetaMask in your browser. Click your account icon and choose “Connect Hardware Wallet.” Select Trezor when prompted.2. Plug in your TrezorIf not already connected, plug in the device. MetaMask may prompt you to install Trezor Bridge, a utility that enables communication with the wallet.You’ll be asked to approve the reading of your public key from the hardware wallet. This is safe and doesn’t reveal private keys.3. Select a wallet addressMetaMask will list your Trezor-linked Ethereum addresses. Choose one (e.g., Ethereum #1) and click “Unlock.” The wallet will now appear in MetaMask, marked as a hardware wallet.How it worksFrom now on, every time you make a transaction, whether it’s swapping tokens on Uniswap or minting an NFT, you will:Initiate the transaction in MetaMask.See the details appear on your Trezor screen.Physically confirm the transaction using your device buttons.This flow ensures that even if your browser is compromised, the final transaction approval happens on your trusted hardware wallet.Final safety tip: Your hardware wallet screen is the most trustworthy place to verify transaction details. Never rely solely on what you see in the browser.Why hardware wallets matter in 2025Whether you're storing Bitcoin, using DeFi protocols or exploring NFTs, hardware wallets remain the gold standard for crypto security. With cold storage for crypto, recovery tools like seed phrases and integration with platforms like MetaMask offer powerful protection with ease of use.If the Trezor Safe 3 feels like a good fit, it’s available at a discount via the provided link, a smart first step into secure, self-custodied crypto.Still weighing your options? Explore the updated 2025 guide to the best hardware wallets. It covers Ledger setup, Trezor guides, and more, including advanced models for multichain use, long-term backups and offline storage.Disclaimer. Cointelegraph does not endorse any content or product on this page. While we have striven to provide all the essential information available in this article, please note that it contains affiliate links. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making any decisions related to the company. This article should not be considered investment advice.

by Cointelegraph by Zoltan Vardai on April 18, 2025 at 10:06 am

A hacker behind the $7.5 million KiloEx exploit returned all the stolen funds four days after the attack.Decentralized exchange (DEX) KiloEx had suspended platform operations after suffering the $7.5 million exploit, Cointelegraph reported on April 15.In a surprising turn of events, the wallet address behind the exploit has returned all of the stolen cryptocurrency loot to the DEX. “#KiloEx exploiter -labeled addresses have returned ~$5.5M worth of cryptos to #KiloEx,” according to an April 18 X post from blockchain security platform PeckShieldAlert.Minutes after the transfer occurred, KiloEx announced the full recovery of all the stolen funds, the exchange wrote in an April 18 X post.Source: KiloExThe unexpected repayment occurred after KiloEx offered the hacker a $750,000 “white hat” bounty — 10% of the stolen amount — if they returned 90% of the looted assets.Related: Mantra OM token crash exposes ‘critical’ liquidity issues in cryptoThe platform said it was working with law enforcement and cybersecurity firms, including Seal-911, SlowMist and Sherlock, to uncover more about the hacker’s activity and identity.The initial attack may have been caused due to a “price oracle issue,” where the information used by a smart contract to determine the price of an asset is manipulated or inaccurate, leading to the exploit, PeckShield said in an April 14 X post.Related: Top 100 DeFi Hacks: Offchain attack vectors account for 57% of lossesKiloEx won’t pursue legal charges after asset recoveryFollowing the recovery of the funds, the platform will not be pursuing any legal charges against the attacker, KiloEx said:“The legal process to formally close the case is now underway [...]. With all affected funds fully restored (leaving no victims), we are fulfilling our pledge to resolve this matter fairly and transparently.”“In adherence to our agreement, we will award 10% of the recovered amount as a bounty to the white hat involved, recognizing their contribution to improving our platform’s security,” KiloEx added.White hat hackers, also known as ethical hackers, look for infrastructure vulnerabilities to avoid future exploits.The necessity of improved crypto security measures was highlighted on Feb. 21, when Bybit exchange lost over $1.4 billion, marking the largest hack in crypto history.Magazine: Uni students crypto ‘grooming’ scandal, 67K scammed by fake women: Asia Express

on April 18, 2025 at 9:59 am

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US will not "continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end".

by Cointelegraph by Adrian Zmudzinski on April 18, 2025 at 9:31 am

Hong Kong-based crypto investment firm HashKey Capital announced the launch of an XRP fund, with plans to convert it into an exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the future.According to an April 18 announcement, the fund, officially titled the HashKey XRP Tracker Fund, is reportedly “the first investment fund in Asia designed to track the performance of XRP.”XRP developer Ripple will serve as the fund’s anchor investor. In a separate X post, HashKey Capital said the fund aims to bring “more institutional capital into regulated XRP products and the broader digital asset ecosystem.”Close collaboration with RippleIn another X post, HashKey Capital said the fund marks the beginning of a closer collaboration with Ripple. The two firms “are exploring new investment products, cross-border DeFi solutions, and tokenization —including the possibility of launching a money market fund (MMF) on the XRP ledger.”Related: Ripple vs. XRP vs. XRP Ledger: What’s the difference?In the announcement, HashKey Capital partner Vivien Wong said the firm will share its connections with financial institutions, regulators and investors in Asia with Ripple, adding: “Ripple offers us the opportunity to collaborate on more investment products and solutions across cross-border payment solutions, decentralized finance (DeFi), and enterprise blockchain adoption.”A Hong Kong XRP ETF in the works?The XRP (XRP) Tracker Fund is HashKey Capital’s third tracker fund and follows the firm’s Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) ETF products. The company noted that this product may also become an ETF in the future.Source: HashKey CapitalRelated: XRP: Why it’s outperforming altcoins — and what comes nextA boon for XRP’s institutional adoption in AsiaHank Huang, CEO of Kronos Research, a crypto investment firm based in Asia, told Cointelegraph that “the launch of the XRP Tracker Fund by HashKey Capital marks a pivotal moment for institutional adoption” in the region. He said regulated and transparent products like Hashkey’s fund are what institutional investors need to enter the market. “XRP’s proven use case in cross-border payments, combined with HashKey’s robust infrastructure, sets the stage for meaningful capital inflows and wider acceptance of crypto assets in global finance,“ Huang said.Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple and industry with no crypto legal precedent set

by Cointelegraph by Ezra Reguerra on April 18, 2025 at 8:52 am

Altcoins may see a resurgence in the second quarter of 2025 as regulations for digital assets continue to improve, according to Swiss bank Sygnum.In its Q2 2025 investment outlook, Sygnum said the space has seen “drastically improved” regulations for crypto use cases, creating the foundations for a strong alt-sector rally for the second quarter. However, it added that “none of the positive developments have been priced in.” In April, Bitcoin dominance reached a four-year high, signaling that crypto investors are rotating their funds into an asset perceived to be relatively safer. Still, Sygnum said regulatory developments in the US, such as President Donald Trump’s establishment of a Digital Asset Stockpile and advancing stablecoin regulations, may propel broader crypto adoption.“We expect protocols successful in gaining user traction to outperform and Bitcoin’s dominance to decline,” Sygnum wrote. Increased focus on economic value ignites competitionSygnum also said that competition would increase as the market focuses on economic value. Increased competition in a market often results in better products, ultimately benefiting consumers: “The market’s increased focus on economic value compels greater competition for user growth and revenues, with rising protocols such as Toncoin, Sui, Aptos, Sonic, or Berachain taking different approaches.”Sygnum added that while high-performance blockchains address limitations of the Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana blockchains, they find it challenging to achieve meaningful adoption and fee income. Sector breakdown by market capitalization. Source: SygnumThe report highlighted that some approaches have been more sustainable. These include Berachain’s approach of incentivizing validators to provide liquidity to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, Sonic’s rewarding developers that attract and retain users, and Toncoin’s Telegram affiliation to access 1 billion users.Aside from layer-1 chains, Sygnum highlighted that layer-2 networks like Base also have potential. The report pointed out that while the memecoin frenzy on the blockchain pushed its users and revenue to new highs, it made an equally sharp decline after memecoins started losing steam. Despite this, Sygnum noted that Base remains the layer-2 leader in metrics like daily transactions, throughput and total value locked. Related: Italy finance minister warns US stablecoins pose bigger threat than tariffsMemecoins still a leading crypto narrative in Q1Despite recent price declines, memecoins remained a dominant crypto narrative in Q1 2025. A CoinGecko report recently highlighted that memecoins remained dominant as a crypto narrative in the first quarter of 2025. The crypto data company said memecoins had 27.1% of global investor interest, second only to artificial intelligence tokens, which had 35.7%.While retail investors are still busy with memecoins, institutions have a different approach. Asset manager Bitwise reported on April 14 that publicly traded firms are stacking Bitcoin. At least 12 public companies purchased Bitcoin for the first time in Q1 2025, pushing public firm holdings to $57 billion.Magazine: Uni students crypto ‘grooming’ scandal, 67K scammed by fake women: Asia Express

by Cointelegraph by Onkar Singh on April 18, 2025 at 7:50 am

Bitcoinlib, explained Bitcoinlib is an open-source Python library designed to make Bitcoin development easier. Think of it as a toolbox for programmers who want to create Bitcoin wallets, manage transactions, or build apps that interact with the Bitcoin blockchain. Since its launch, it’s been downloaded over 1 million times, showing just how widely trusted and used it is in the crypto community.Here’s what Bitcoinlib does in a nutshell:Creates and manages wallets: It lets developers build Bitcoin wallets to store, send and receive Bitcoin securely.Handles transactions: It simplifies the process of creating, signing and broadcasting Bitcoin transactions.Supports multiple networks: Bitcoinlib works with Bitcoin’s main network (where real money is involved) and test networks (for experimenting without risk).Open-source and flexible: Being open-source, anyone can use, modify or contribute to its code, making it a go-to for developers worldwide.For beginners, Bitcoinlib is like a user-friendly bridge to Bitcoin’s complex world. Instead of wrestling with the blockchain’s technical details, developers can use Bitcoinlib’s ready-made functions to get things done quickly. For example, this library automates tricky tasks like generating private keys or signing transactions, saving developers hours of coding. Bitcoinlib under fire: How PyPI typosquatting put crypto wallets at risk In early April 2025, security researchers raised alarms about a malicious attack targeting Bitcoinlib users. Hackers didn’t attack the Bitcoinlib library itself but instead used a sneaky trick to fool developers into downloading fake versions of the library. This attack involved uploading malicious packages to PyPI, the platform where developers download Python libraries like Bitcoinlib. For developers and enthusiasts, tools like Bitcoinlib make it easier to interact with Bitcoin’s blockchain, create wallets, and build applications. But with great power comes great responsibility — and unfortunately, great risk. The 2025 Software Supply Chain Security Report by ReversingLabs reveals that software supply chain attacks grew more sophisticated in 2024, with particular intensity around cryptocurrency applications. The report highlights 23 malicious campaigns targeting crypto infrastructure, primarily through open-source repositories like npm and PyPI (Python Package Index). Attackers employed both basic typosquatting and advanced tactics, such as creating legitimate-looking packages that were later updated with malicious code. Examples include the “aiocpa” package, which initially appeared benign but was later weaponized to compromise wallets, and the attack on Solana’s web3.js library.ReversingLabs calls cryptocurrency a “canary in the coal mine,” noting that the financial incentives make crypto platforms an attractive target — and a preview of future threats to other industries. The report urges organizations to move beyond trust-based assumptions, especially when dealing with third-party or closed-source binaries.Let’s break down how it happened and why it’s a big deal.How hackers targeted BitcoinlibHere’s a step-by-step look at the attack:Fake packages uploaded to PyPI: Hackers created two fake Python packages called “bitcoinlibdbfix” and “bitcoinlib-dev.” These names were deliberately chosen to sound legitimate, tricking developers into thinking they were updates or fixes for the real Bitcoinlib.Masquerading as solutions: The fake packages were marketed as solutions to a supposed issue with Bitcoinlib that caused error messages during Bitcoin transfers. Developers, eager to fix their code, downloaded these packages without suspecting foul play.Malware embedded in the code: Once installed, the fake packages unleashed wallet-draining malware. This malware replaced a legitimate command-line tool (called clw) with a malicious version. The fake tool was designed to steal sensitive data, such as private keys and wallet addresses, which are the keys to accessing and moving Bitcoin.Stealing crypto assets: With private keys in hand, hackers could access victims’ Bitcoin wallets and transfer funds to their own accounts. Since Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, victims had little chance of recovering their money.Thankfully, security researchers used machine learning to spot the malware. By analyzing patterns in the fake packages, they identified the threat and warned the community, helping to limit the damage.Why does this attack matter?This hack wasn’t about breaking Bitcoin’s blockchain (which remains secure) but about exploiting human trust. Developers who downloaded the fake packages thought they were getting the real library and ended up with malware that could wipe out their Bitcoin (BTC) savings. It’s a reminder that even trusted platforms like PyPI can be used for scams if you’re not careful. How typosquatting made the Bitcoinlib attack so effective The Bitcoinlib attack worked because of a tactic called typosquatting. This is when hackers create fake package names that look almost identical to the real ones (like “bitcoinlibdbfix” instead of “bitcoinlib”). Developers, especially those in a rush, might not notice the difference. Here’s why this trick was so effective:Trust in PyPI: PyPI is the go-to place for Python libraries, so developers assume packages there are safe.Clever naming: The fake packages sounded like official updates, making them seem legitimate.Targeting beginners: New developers, less familiar with spotting scams, were more likely to fall for it.The attack also highlights a broader issue: Open-source platforms rely on community oversight, but they can’t catch every bad actor. Hackers know this and use it to their advantage. New to crypto? Here’s what the Bitcoinlib incident teaches about staying safe If you’re new to crypto, the Bitcoinlib hack might sound scary, but it’s not a reason to avoid Bitcoin or development tools. Instead, it’s a chance to learn how to stay safe in a space that’s full of opportunities — and risks. Bitcoinlib is still one of the ways to dip your toes into blockchain development, as long as you take precautions.Here’s why this matters for you (as a beginner):Crypto is growing: With Bitcoin’s value soaring and governments exploring digital currencies, learning tools like Bitcoinlib can open doors to exciting careers.Security is key: Understanding scams now will make you a smarter, safer crypto user in the future.Community power: The crypto world thrives on collaboration. By staying informed, you can help protect others from scams.Bitcoinlib is a game-changer for developers who want to explore Bitcoin’s potential. It’s easy to use, powerful and backed by a vibrant community. But as the Bitcoinlib attack showed, even the best tools can be targeted by hackers if you’re not careful. By sticking to trusted sources, double-checking package names and keeping security first, you can use Bitcoinlib to build amazing things without worry.The crypto world is full of surprises — some good, others not so good. The Bitcoinlib hack reminds one to stay curious but cautious. Whether you’re coding your first wallet or just learning about Bitcoin, take it one step at a time, and you’ll be ready to navigate this exciting space like a pro.Have you used Bitcoinlib before, or are you thinking about trying it?During your engagement with Bitcoinlib, if you come across anything suspicious, don’t stay silent — spread the word. In a decentralized world, community awareness is one of the strongest defenses. How to protect yourself from similar crypto hacks If you’re a developer or crypto user worried about falling for scams like this, don’t panic. Here are some beginner-friendly tips to stay safe:Double-check package names: Always verify the exact name of the package you’re downloading. For Bitcoinlib, stick to the official package (just “bitcoinlib”) and avoid anything with extra words like “fix” or “dev.”Use trusted sources: Download libraries only from reputable platforms like PyPI’s official site, and check user reviews or download counts to gauge trustworthiness.Keep software updated: Regularly update your Python environment and libraries to avoid bugs that hackers could exploit.Use antivirus software: A good antivirus can catch malware before it causes harm, even if you accidentally download a bad package.Store private keys safely: Never store private keys on your computer or in code. Use a hardware wallet (like a Ledger or Trezor) for extra security.Learn to spot scams: If a package claims to fix an urgent issue or seems too good to be true, take a moment to research it. Google the package name or check crypto forums for warnings.Above all, the lesson is clear for Bitcoinlib users: Stick to the official package and verify everything. For the broader crypto world, this attack underscores the need for better security on open-source platforms.

on April 18, 2025 at 7:43 am

A South Australian truck driver has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a fatal truck crash. Police are urging any witnesses to speak with investigators. 

on April 18, 2025 at 7:20 am

Tyler Wright posts the second-best wave score of the women's opening round at Bells Beach during the Rip Curl Pro.

by Danuta Kozaki and Lia Harris on April 18, 2025 at 6:24 am

NSW Police are continuing to investigate the death of Claire Austin, 38, in Sydney's east after she was injured trying to escape an alleged domestic violence incident.

by Cointelegraph by Ciaran Lyons on April 18, 2025 at 6:17 am

The Synthetix protocol’s native stablecoin, Synthetix USD (SUSD), has slipped further away from its US dollar peg, reaching new all-time lows under $0.70. However, the firm reiterates that this isn’t the first time the asset has been under significant stress, and several risk measures are in place.“Synthetix and sUSD have weathered multiple bear markets and periods of stablecoin volatility; this is not the first resilience test,” a spokesperson from Synthetix told Cointelegraph.SUSD down almost 31% from its intended 1:1 pegsUSD is a crypto-collateralized stablecoin. Users lock up SNX tokens to mint sUSD, making its stability highly dependent on the market value of Synthetix (SNX). At the time of publication, sUSD (SUSD) is trading at $0.70, 30% below its intended 1:1 peg with the US dollar, according to CoinMarketCap data.sUSD reached as low as $0.66 before rebounding to $0.70 at the time of publication. Source: CoinMarketCapDuring the same period, SNX has held relatively steady, dipping just 1.08% over the past week, trading at $0.63. However, from a broader view of the overall crypto market downturn, SNX has fallen approximately 26% over the past 30 days.The spokesperson explained that sUSD’s short-term volatility is driven by “structural shifts” after the SIP-420 launch, a proposal that shifts debt risk from stakers to the protocol itself. They explained that the firm has short, medium, and long-term plans to mitigate the risks.In the short term, Synthetix said it will continue supporting liquidity for sUSD through Curve pools and deposit campaigns on its derivatives platform, Infinex.For mid-term measures, Synthetix has introduced “simple debt-free” SNX staking that it says will “encourage individual debt repayment.”Over the long term, the firm says it will make capital efficiency changes through the 420 Pool, take over protocol-level management of sUSD supply, and introduce new “adoption-focused mechanisms” across Synthetix products.Related: Crypto in a bear market, rebound likely in Q3 — CoinbaseSynthetix founder Kain Warwick explained on April 2 that the volatility is largely due to the primary driver of sUSD buying having been removed. “New mechanisms are being introduced, but in this transition, there will be some volatility,” Warwick said in an X post.“It is worth pointing out that sUSD is not an algo stable, it is a pure crypto collateralized stable, the peg can and does drift, but there are mechanisms to push it back in line if it goes above or below the peg,” he added.On April 10, Cointelegraph reported that the asset has faced persistent instability since the start of 2025. On Jan. 1, sUSD dropped to $0.96 and only rebounded to $0.99 in early February. Prices continued to fluctuate through February before stabilizing in March. Magazine: 3 reasons Ethereum could turn a corner: Kain Warwick, X Hall of FlameThis 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 18, 2025 at 6:12 am

Hannah Green battles early in the LA Championship as Minjee Lee leads the Australian contingent.

by Cointelegraph by Stephen Katte on April 18, 2025 at 6:10 am

There has been a 66% year-on-year decrease in the number of crypto rug pulls this year compared to 2024, but recent data shows the size of each rug pull has been increasing. Rug pulls have dropped in frequency year-over-year, with early 2024 recording 21 separate incidents, compared to only seven so far in 2025, according to an April 16 report from blockchain analytics platform DappRadar.However, since the beginning of 2025, the Web3 ecosystem has lost nearly $6 billion to rug pulls, according to DappRadar’s report. However, the report attributes 92% of that to Mantra’s OM token collapse, which the founders have strongly denied was a rug pull.In comparison, during the same period in early 2024, three months into the year, total losses from rug pulls hit $90 million.“This shift suggests that rug pulls are becoming less frequent, but far more devastating when they do occur,” DappRadar analyst Sara Gherghelas said. “The scams are increasingly sophisticated, often orchestrated by teams with polished branding and well-planned narratives.”Memecoins main culprit for rug pulls Gherghelas says the nature of rug pulls is evolving. In the first quarter of 2024, most originated in DeFi protocols, NFT projects, and memecoins. In the same time frame for 2025, most rug pulls occurred in memecoins.Libertad project’s native Solana token, Libra (LIBRA), is one of the more recent high-profile cases of a rug pull; it rallied to a market capitalization of $4.56 billion on Feb. 14 after Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, posted about it on X.The token then fell by over 94% after he deleted the post, prompting accusations of a pump-and-dump scheme. “Rug pulls and exit scams remain a persistent threat, especially in ecosystems where projects can rapidly gain traction through hype, only to disappear with user funds overnight,” Gherghelas said.“Despite increasing awareness and more tools to detect suspicious behavior, rug pulls remain a recurring issue, particularly in DeFi and newly launched token ecosystems.”Gherghelas says red flags for rug pulls can include a sudden spike in unique active wallets without an apparent reason or unusually high volume paired with low user activity.DappRadar analyst Sara Gherghelas says several red flags could signal a project is a rug pull. Source: DappRadarAt the same time, projects with unverified smart contracts, limited GitHub activity, or anonymous developer teams or DApps that spike overnight can also be a red flag.Related: Savvy memecoin trader makes $988K in 3 hours despite rug pull“As the industry matures, so do the tactics used by bad actors. But the tools available to users are also getting stronger,” Gherghelas said.“While rug pulls may never be fully eradicated, their impact can be drastically reduced when users are equipped with the right information.”  Magazine: Mystery celeb memecoin scam factory, HK firm dumps Bitcoin: Asia Express

by Halina Baczkowski on April 18, 2025 at 5:50 am

Western Queensland graziers are facing devastating livestock losses, with an estimated half a million cattle, sheep and goats dead and a tough road to recovery still ahead. 

by Cointelegraph by Brayden Lindrea on April 18, 2025 at 5:25 am

Manta Network co-founder Kenny Li says he was targeted by a highly sophisticated phishing attack on Zoom that used live recordings of familiar people in an attempt to have him download malware. The meeting seemed real with the impersonated person’s camera on, but the lack of sound and a suspicious prompt to download a script raised red flags, Li said in an April 17 X post.“I could see their legit faces. Everything looked very real. But I couldn’t hear them. It said my Zoom needs an update. But it asked me to download a script file. I immediately left.”Li then asked the impersonator to verify themselves over a Telegram call, however, they didn’t comply and proceeded to erase all messages and block him soon after.Source: Kenny LiLi believes the North Korean state-backed Lazarus Group was behind the attack.The Manta Network co-founder managed to screenshot his conversation with the attacker before the messages were deleted, where Li initially suggested moving the call over to Google Meet instead.Source: Kenny LiSpeaking with Cointelegraph, Li said he believes the live shots used in the video call were taken from past recordings of real team members.“It didn’t seem AI-generated. The quality looked like what a typical webcam quality looks like.”Source: Kenny LiLi confirmed that the real person’s accounts had been compromised by the Lazarus Group.Beware of being asked to download anything, says LiLi advised other members of the crypto community to always be aware of anything they’re asked to download out of the blue.“The biggest red flag will always be a downloadable. Whether it’s in the form of an update, an attachment, app, or anything else, if you need to download something in order to continue something with the person on the other side, don’t do it.”The Manta executive acknowledged that it could easily fool a crypto executive accustomed to being bombarded with messages and accepting sudden meeting requests.“These are hacks that play to your emotional connection and potentially mental fatigue.”Other members of the crypto community share similar storiesLi wasn't the only to be targeted by the hackers in recent days.“They also asked me to download Zoom via their link, and said that it's only for their business. Even though I actually have Zoom on my computer, I couldn’t use it,” a member of ContributionDAO said.Related: Lazarus Group’s 2024 pause was repositioning for $1.4B Bybit hack“They claimed it had to be a business version that they had registered. When I requested to switch to Google Meet instead, they refused.”Crypto researcher and X user “Meekdonald” said a friend of theirs fell victim to the exact same strategy that Li avoided.Magazine: Meet the hackers who can help get your crypto life savings back

by Cointelegraph by Martin Young on April 18, 2025 at 5:21 am

American film producer, record executive and art collector David Geffen has hit back at crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun in a countersuit disputing ownership claims over a multimillion-dollar sculpture.The billionaire American media mogul filed a counterclaim against Sun on April 16, calling the Tron founder’s suit a “sham” and adding claims of “unethical and/or illegal business activities.”Sun sued Geffen in February, claiming that the statue was stolen from him by a former employee who then sold the artwork to Geffen in a deal worth around $65 million in artwork and cash.Sun purchased the Alberto Giacometti sculpture titled “Le Nez” at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021 for $78 million, working with the assistance of his former art adviser, Xiong Zihan Sydney.In the 100-page countersuit, Geffen claims that Sun and Xiong “contrived this fraudulent lawsuit” after they couldn’t profitably sell two paintings that Geffen had exchanged for the sculpture, along with $10.5 million in cash.“Sun’s claims concerning Le Nez, a sculpture by the artist Alberto Giacometti, are utterly without merit and constitute a bad-faith, tortious attempt to interfere with Geffen’s ownership of Le Nez,” the counterclaim read. Geffen also claims that Sun was eager to sell the sculpture because crypto markets were crashing throughout 2022 and 2023 and his crypto platforms Poloniex and HTX were repeatedly hacked for hundreds of millions of dollars in 2023.  Alberto Giacometti’s Le Nez. Source: Fondation GiacomettKey disputes include whether Xiong confessed to stealing the sculpture, inconsistencies in Sun’s claims about how much money Xiong allegedly stole, and Geffen’s claim that Sun still has the money and the paintings, which are being held by art dealers.Fraudulent behavior allegations Geffen takes things further by alleging Sun has a history of fraudulent behavior, such as being sued by former employees for punishing them for refusing to engage in “unethical and/or illegal business activities,” and making false statements in other lawsuits. Related: Justin Sun ‘not aware’ of circulating reports about CZ plea dealOn April 17, Sun’s lawyer, William Charron, refuted essential aspects of Geffen’s countersuit, according to ArtNet. Ms. Xiong confessed to her theft, was arrested in China, and is in detention in China today, he said before adding: “In spite of these facts, Mr. Geffen goes all-in on the idea that Ms. Xiong was not a thief; that she supposedly spoke for Mr. Sun at all times; and that she is walking freely in China today. Mr. Geffen’s pleading is extremely misguided.” “We eagerly look forward to litigating this case and to recovering Mr. Sun’s property,” he said. In November, Sun bought Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian — a banana taped to the wall — at Sotheby’s New York for $6.2 million, and then ate the banana at a press conference in a publicity stunt. Magazine: Memecoin degeneracy is funding groundbreaking anti-aging research

by Grace Atta on April 18, 2025 at 5:08 am

This year marks a special Easter for Australia's Christian community, with both Western and Orthodox churches marking the event this weekend. Meanwhile, many others across Australia marked Good Friday with seafood feasts and the classic Easter egg hunt.

on April 18, 2025 at 5:03 am

Jesse Hogan is ruled out of the final squad for GWS as they play the Crows in Adelaide.

by Simon Smale on April 18, 2025 at 4:59 am

The Dolphins score seven unanswered tries to come from behind and beat the Melbourne Storm at Lang Park. Earlier, the Bulldogs beat South Sydney in front of a record crowd.

by Cointelegraph by Stephen Katte on April 18, 2025 at 4:50 am

Yemeni citizens are increasingly using decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols to bank themselves amid US sanctions aimed at the Houthi group, which they have deemed a terrorist organization. In the past, internet infrastructure challenges and low financial literacy among the war-torn population contributed to relatively limited crypto adoption, according to an April 17 report from blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs.“However, there are signs of growing interest and usage driven primarily by necessity rather than speculation,” the blockchain intelligence firm said. “For those who use cryptocurrencies in Yemen, the ability to bypass the disruption in local financial services offers a modicum of financial resilience, especially as banks can be difficult to access or are simply inoperable due to the ongoing conflict.” Yemen has been in a civil war between the government and the Houthi group since September 2014. The US has also frequently sanctioned financial infrastructure in the country to disrupt Houthi activity, with the most recent action on April 17 hitting the International Bank of Yemen.DeFi platforms account for most of Yemen’s crypto-related web traffic, taking up over 63% of observed activity, while global centralized exchanges account for 18% of crypto-related web traffic, TRM Labs data shows.DeFi platforms account for most of Yemen’s crypto-related web traffic, followed by centralized exchanges. Source: TRM LabsSome local Yemenis also use peer-to-peer crypto transactions to move funds across borders or conduct remittances.“Although these interactions do not necessarily imply high transaction volumes, they reinforce that for some individuals in Yemen, decentralized infrastructure may provide a necessary alternative to traditional payment rails,” TRM Labs said.“The interest in DeFi services may reflect the appeal of systems that allow users to transact without intermediaries, particularly where local banking institutions are inaccessible or unreliable.” Increasing sanctions could spark higher crypto adoption in Yemen Currently, Yemen doesn’t have legislation in place for the use of crypto; TRM Labs speculates that increasing sanctions against the Houthis could be the spark that ignites higher crypto adoption in Yemen.Following the Biden administration’s relisting of the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in January 2024, a Yemen-based cryptocurrency exchange tracked by TRM experienced a 270% increase in overall volume, the blockchain intelligence firm said. Related: US DOJ says it seized Hamas crypto meant to finance terrorismIt eventually returned to pre-spike levels, but it saw another uptick again, this time by 223%, in the three months following the election of US President Donald Trump and the reinstating of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization by the US on Jan. 22. “Given the intensifying international sanctions on the Houthis and their primary backer, Iran, the group’s use of cryptocurrency is likely to grow in both scale and sophistication,” TRM Labs said. “As traditional financial avenues become increasingly restricted, decentralized digital currencies offer an alternative that is less susceptible to oversight and harder to trace.” Magazine: Terrorism and the Israel-Gaza war have been weaponized to destroy crypto

by Dean Bilton and Luke Pentony on April 18, 2025 at 4:44 am

Essendon fights back from nearly five goals down to complete a nailbiting two-point victory over West Coast, but the result comes at a cost with Sam Draper suffering a suspected Achilles tendon injury.

by Cointelegraph by Ciaran Lyons on April 18, 2025 at 4:39 am

Bitcoin’s relatively stable price movements despite macroeconomic uncertainty is likely due to resilient spot Bitcoin ETF holders and Michael Saylor’s firm continuing to buy aggressively, according to a Bloomberg analyst.“The ETFs and Saylor have been buying up all ‘dumps’ from the tourists, FTX refugees, GBTC discounters, legal unlocks, govt confiscations and Lord knows who else,” Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas said in an April 16 X post.Bitcoin ETF holders hold despite market volatilityBalchunas pointed out that spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs have attracted $131.04 million over the past 30 days and are up $2.4 billion since Jan. 1. Balchunas called this “impressive,” noting it helps explain why Bitcoin has “been relatively stable.”“Its owners are more stable,” Balchunas said. Balchunas said Bitcoin ETF investors have “much stronger hands than most people think.” He said this “should” increase the stability and lower Bitcoin’s volatility and correlation in the long term. As of April 16, Bitcoin ETFs saw a total of $131.04 million in inflows over the past 30 days. Source: Eric BalchunasSaylor’s firm, Strategy, made its latest Bitcoin purchase on April 14, acquiring 3,459 BTC for $285.5 million at an average price of $82,618 per coin. According to Saylor Tracker, Strategy holds 531,644 Bitcoin at the time of publication.The Bitcoin Volatility Index, which measures Bitcoin’s volatility over the previous 30 days, is at 1.80% at the time of publication, according to Bitbo data. At the time of publication, Bitcoin is trading at $84,610, according to CoinMarketCap data. Over the past 30 days, Bitcoin has traded between $75,000 and $88,000 amid macroeconomic uncertainty primarily driven by US President Donald Trump’s imposed tariffs and ongoing questions about the future of US interest rates. Despite this, Bitcoin has remained above its previous all-time high of $73,679, first surpassed in November.Bitcoin is trading at $84,610 at the time of publication. Source: CoinMarketCapParticipants in the broader financial market have also expressed surprise at Bitcoin’s relative strength in recent times, particularly in comparison to the S&P 500.Stock market commentator Dividend Hero told his 203,200 X followers on April 5, after Trump’s “Liberation Day,” that he has “hated on Bitcoin in the past, but seeing it not tank while the stock market does is very interesting to me.”Related: When gold price hits new highs, history shows ‘Bitcoin follows’ within 150 days — AnalystThis 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 Sundance on April 18, 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 18th – 2025 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day 89 appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Sundance on April 18, 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 18th – Open Thread appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Sundance on April 18, 2025 at 4:10 am

President Trump has signed some rather commonsense and yet remarkable executive orders permitting to Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) for fishing.  Effective with the signing of these executive orders, American fishing vessels in Hawaii and American Samoa will be permitted to fish their native waters without competition from foreign industrial fishing operations. Currently approximately 70% of The post President Trump Signs Executive Order to Open U.S Fishing Grounds in American Samoa and Hawaii appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Vanessa Jarrett on April 18, 2025 at 4:08 am

A case of the serious Japanese encephalitis virus has been recorded in a pig at a Banana Shire farm.

by Sundance on April 18, 2025 at 4:05 am

President Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. After initial remarks in the oval office, President Trump and Prime Minister Meloni took questions from the assembled press pool. Meloni has positioned herself as a moderator of sorts between the EU and President Trump administration on the issue of tariffs, trade and The post President Trump Holds a Bilateral Meeting and Presser with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appeared first on The Last Refuge.

on April 18, 2025 at 3:43 am

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongly deported by the Trump administration despite a court order, has met with a Democratic senator in El Salvador.

on April 18, 2025 at 3:28 am

Take inspiration from two very different balcony gardens in Naarm/Melbourne that have been designed to feel like a garden on the ground.

on April 18, 2025 at 3:19 am

Saints coach Ross Lyon tells critics to get back in their boxes as the timeline for Max King's return is revealed.

by Cointelegraph by Martin Young on April 18, 2025 at 3:12 am

Crypto research firm Galaxy Research has made a proposal to adjust the voting system that decides the outcome of future Solana inflation following the failure to come to a consensus in a previous vote.On April 17, Galaxy introduced a Solana proposal called “Multiple Election Stake-Weight Aggregation” (MESA) to reduce the inflation rate of its native token, SOL (SOL). The researchers described the proposal as a “more market-based approach to agreeing on the rate of future SOL emissions.”Rather than using traditional yes/no voting for inflation rates, MESA allows validators to vote on multiple deflation rates and uses the weighted average as the outcome.“Instead of cycling through inflation reduction proposals until one passes, what if validators could allocate their votes to one or many changes, with the aggregate of ‘yes’ outcomes becoming the adopted emissions curve?” Galaxy explained.  The motivation for the concept comes from a previous proposal (SIMD-228), which showed community agreement that SOL inflation should be reduced, but the binary voting system couldn’t find consensus on specific parameters. SIMD-228 proposed to change Solana’s inflation system from a fixed schedule to a dynamic, market-based model. The new proposal suggests maintaining the fixed, terminal inflation rate at 1.5% and sets forth multiple outcomes that create multiple ‘yes’ voting options with different deflation rates from which an average is aggregated if a quorum is reached. For example, if 5% vote for no change, remaining at 15% deflation, 50% vote for a 30% deflation rate, and 45% vote for 33%, the new deflation rate would be calculated as the aggregate at 30.6%. The target is to reach the terminal rate of 1.5% supply inflation. Predicted inflation curves under new voting proposal. Source: Galaxy Digital Solving problems with binary voting The benefits are that a more market-driven system allows validators to express preferences along a spectrum rather than with binary choices, while maintaining predictability with a fixed inflation curve.“Galaxy Research seeks to suggest a genuinely alternative process to achieving what we believe is the community’s broad goal, and not necessarily proscribe any particular inflation rate outcome,” the firm explained. Related: Solana upgrades will strengthen network but squeeze validators — VanEckUnder the current mechanism, supply inflation begins at 8% annually, decreasing by 15% per year until it reaches 1.5%. Solana’s current inflation rate is 4.6%, and 64.7% of the total supply, or 387 million SOL, is currently staked, according to Solana Compass. Galaxy affiliate Galaxy Strategic Opportunities provides staking and validation services for Solana.Magazine: Memecoin degeneracy is funding groundbreaking anti-aging research

by Maddie Nixon on April 18, 2025 at 3:00 am

From hopping roos to leathered locals, a French photographer fell in love with the outback one shot at a time.

on April 18, 2025 at 2:53 am

Police are investigating the circumstances around a woman's death after a house fire in the Alice Springs suburb of Sadadeen.

by Max Walden on April 18, 2025 at 2:44 am

While 70 per cent of Australians surveyed hold a "very unfavourable" view of Russia, that's only the case for 6 per cent of Indonesians.

on April 18, 2025 at 2:43 am

Manly forward Toafofoa Sipley has bypassed the grading procress and is facing the prospect of a lengthy suspension following his hip drop tackle on St George Illawarra winger Mat Feagai.

by Cointelegraph by Brayden Lindrea on April 18, 2025 at 2:14 am

Update (April 18 at 3:28 am UTC): This article has been updated to include a comment from Bitcoin Laws founder Julian Fahrer. One of Arizona’s crypto reserve bills has been passed by the House and is now one successful vote away from heading to the governor’s desk for official approval.Arizona's Strategic Digital Assets Reserve Bill (SB 1373) was approved on April 17 by the House Committee of the Whole, which involves 60 House members weighing in on the bill before a third and final reading and a full floor vote.Source: Bitcoin LawsSB 1373 seeks to establish a Digital Assets Strategic Reserve Fund made up of digital assets seized through criminal proceedings to be managed by the state’s treasurer. Arizona’s treasurer would be permitted to invest up to 10% of the fund’s total monies in any fiscal year in digital assets. The treasurer would also be able to loan the fund’s assets in order to increase returns, provided it doesn’t increase financial risks.However, a Senate-approved SB 1373 may be set back by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who recently pledged to veto all bills until the legislature passes a bill for disability funding.Hobbs also has a history of vetoing bills before the House and has vetoed 15 bills sent to her desk this week alone.Bitcoin Laws founder and Apollo CEO Julian Fahrer told Cointelegraph that he expects SB 1373 will pass the House, though it may merge with another crypto-related bill, such as SB 1062, which aims to expand the definition of legal tender to include crypto.Arizona is the new leader in the state Bitcoin reserve raceSB 1373 has been passing through Arizona’s legislature alongside the Arizona Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act (SB 1025), which only includes Bitcoin (BTC).The bill proposes allowing Arizona’s treasury and state retirement system to invest up to 10% of the available funds into Bitcoin.SB 1025 also passed Arizona’s House Committee of the Whole on April 1 and is awaiting a full floor vote.Related: Binance helps countries with Bitcoin reserves, crypto policies, says CEORace to establish a Bitcoin reserve at the state level. Source: Bitcoin LawsUtah passed Bitcoin legislation on March 7 but scrapped the cornerstone provision establishing the Bitcoin reserve in the final reading.The Texas Senate passed a Bitcoin reserve bill on March 6, while a similar bill recently passed through New Hampshire’s House.While Arizona has seen the most progress, Fahrer believes the Texas bill has the best shot at being signed into law, noting that it has seen the “fewest explicit roadblocks” thus far.Magazine: Crypto ‘more taboo than OnlyFans,’ says Violetta Zironi, who sold song for 1 BTC

by Cointelegraph by Stephen Katte on April 18, 2025 at 2:10 am

Slovenia’s Finance Ministry is considering a possible 25% tax on crypto trading profits for residents in the country under a new draft law now open for public consultation. The bill proposes to tax traders when they sell their cryptocurrency for fiat or pay for goods and services, but crypto-to-crypto and transfers between wallets owned by the same user will be exempt, Slovenia’s Finance Ministry said in an April 17 statement.Under the proposed legislation, crypto tax will be aligned with existing tax laws. Slovenia taxpayers will be required to keep a record of all their transactions for annual tax returns. The tax base would be calculated on profits by subtracting the purchase price from the sale price. In a statement to the Slovenia Times, finance minister Klemen Boštjančič said it’s unreasonable that crypto trading for individuals isn’t currently taxed in the country. “The goal of taxation of crypto assets is not to generate tax revenue, but we find it illogical and unreasonable that one of the most speculative financial instruments is not taxed at all,” he said in a statement translated from Slovenian. New tax could stifle crypto in Slovenia, lawmaker says Jernej Vrtovec, a member of Slovenia’s national assembly and New Slovenia opposition party, slammed the proposal in an April 16 statement to X, arguing it could stifle crypto growth in the country. “Slovenia has the opportunity to become a crypto-friendly country, but with the government’s proposals, we will miss the train again,” he said in a post also translated from Slovenian. “With excessive taxation, we will once again see young people and capital fleeing abroad. Taxes should encourage, not stifle.” Source: Jernej VrtovecThe proposal is open to public consultation until May 5. If Slovenian lawmakers pass the bill, it will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Slovenia introduced a 10% tax on crypto withdrawals and payments in 2023, but capital gains from occasional crypto trading are not taxed, according to the crypto tax platform Token Tax. Related: NFT trader faces prison for $13M tax fraud on CryptoPunk profitsCrypto activity can also currently be exempt from tax if it's considered a hobby. Business activity, such as mining or staking, is subject to income tax. A previous bill proposed in April 2022 planned to levy a 5% tax on profits over 10,000 euros ($11,372), but it was never passed into law. Slovenia issued the first digital sovereign bond in the European Union on July 25 last year. It had a nominal size of 30 million euros ($32.5 million) with a 3.65% coupon and a maturity date of Nov. 25 that year. The number of crypto users in Slovenia is projected to reach roughly 98,000 in 2025, according to online data platform Statista, with a penetration rate of 4.6% among its population of 2.12 million people. While the projected revenue for the country's crypto market is slated to hit $2.8 million. Magazine: How crypto laws are changing across the world in 2025