Alternative News for You

by Sundance on April 27, 2025 at 5:36 pm

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov appears on CBS Face the Nation to discuss the position of the Russian Federation toward the ‘ceasefire’ in Ukraine.  The interview took place on Thursday April 24th and was broadcast today. This interview also takes place one day before President Trump Special Envoy Steve Witkoff flew to Moscow for his fourth The post Sunday Talks – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Discusses Ukraine Conflict and Status of ‘Ceasefire’ Negotiations appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Sasha Shilina on April 27, 2025 at 5:27 pm

What is crypto price manipulation? When a coin moons out of nowhere and then crashes just as fast — it is rarely pure market magic.Cryptocurrency price manipulation is the dark art of bending the market to your will. It is when insiders or coordinated groups inflate or crash a coin’s price, not through real demand, but through smoke and mirrors. They might fake volume, spread hype, trigger fear, or pull sudden sell-offs — all to trap unsuspecting traders and walk away with the profits.In traditional finance, this kind of behavior gets you fined or jailed. But what about in the world of crypto? It often flies under the radar. With light regulations and heavy emotions in play, the digital asset market has become a playground for manipulators, especially where liquidity is low and oversight is weaker.Here’s the classic playbook:Manipulators create fake demand or fearThe price spikes or crashes based on emotional reactions from other tradersThe manipulators sell or buy at the right momentThe rest of the market suffers the consequences. The most common crypto market manipulation tactics Scammers don’t need magic — they just need market psychology and a few tricks.As the digital asset landscape expands, criminals have honed various crypto price manipulation tactics. Each tactic capitalizes on the market’s volatility and traders’ fear of missing out (FOMO). Let’s break down the most used:Pump-and-dump: This scheme starts with a coordinated group quietly buying a low-cap token. They then ignite hype through influencers, fake news or viral posts to drive the price up rapidly. As retail investors rush in, the group sells at the top — causing the price to crash. Latecomers are left holding devalued tokens, having bought into the illusion of explosive growth.Whale moves: Whales — wallets holding large amounts of crypto – can shift market trends with a single trade. Their massive buy or sell orders influence price direction and trigger emotional responses from smaller traders. Many follow the whale’s lead, thinking they know something others don’t, which compounds the volatility. Some whales use this effect strategically to buy low and sell high.Wash trading: This usually involves a single user who buys and sells the same token to themselves to artificially inflate trading volume. This creates a false sense of activity and demand, misleading investors into thinking the project is more legitimate or liquid than it really is. It’s especially common on unregulated exchanges and can help tokens climb rankings on tracking platforms.Spoofing and layering: In spoofing, manipulators place large fake orders to buy or sell without intending to execute them. This gives the illusion of strong market interest and influences price action. Layering uses multiple fake orders at different price levels to amplify the effect. Once real traders react, the fake orders are removed and the manipulator takes profit, leaving others chasing phantom momentum.Did you know? According to a 2022 study, 70% of transactions on unregulated crypto exchanges are wash trades — with some platforms seeing volumes as high as 80%. Behind the scenes: Advanced crypto price manipulation tactics Not all crypto price manipulation is obvious. Some of it is deeply technical — or done in silence.Beyond basic scams, cybercriminals use more complex tactics to manipulate and sway the market.Bots manipulating crypto prices: High-frequency trading bots can front-run trades, spoof orders, or simulate volume — all faster than any human.Insider trading in crypto: When someone trades on non-public info (like a token listing or partnership), it gives them an unfair edge. And yes — it happens.Oracle manipulation: Hackers sometimes exploit oracles — the tools that feed price data into decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. Faking a price feed can drain liquidity pools or trick smart contracts.Did you know? In 2020, a hacker used a flash loan to manipulate an oracle on bZx, stealing millions in seconds. It was one of the first examples of oracle-based fraud. Why manipulation works: Psychology over logic In crypto, emotion moves faster than reason — and scammers know it.Even experienced traders fall for manipulation because it plays on powerful instincts. Because the market moves fast, decisions are often made in the heat of the moment — on gut feeling, not deep analysis. And manipulators are experts at pressing the right emotional buttons.Greed is the oldest trick in the book. Everyone wants to catch the next 100x gem, and scammers know how to dress up trash as treasure. A few flashy tweets, a celebrity shoutout and, suddenly, a random coin looks like the ticket to financial freedom.Fear is just as powerful. One big red candle can trigger a chain reaction of panic selling. Manipulators use this to buy back cheap, while everyone else scrambles to exit.FOMO is the final piece. When traders see others making big gains, logic goes out the window. Instead of researching, they ape in, hoping not to be left behind.These emotions are hardwired. They’re faster than logic, and in crypto, speed is everything. Manipulators don’t need to hack wallets or break code — they just hack human behavior. Stir up just the right storm of excitement or dread, and the market plays right into their hands.Did you know? The infamous Squid Game Token soared tens of thousands of percent before crashing to zero. It was a textbook rug pull — but the hype was too loud for many to resist. What crypto price manipulation does to the market One scam doesn’t just hurt victims — it damages the entire ecosystem.Crypto price manipulation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Every fake pump, every engineered crash, every orchestrated scam chips away at the foundation of the entire crypto ecosystem: trust.When retail traders — especially newcomers — get caught in a pump-and-dump or a whale-induced panic, the damage runs deeper than a single bad trade. Many walk away for good, disillusioned and angry, taking their money and optimism with them. The promise of open, decentralized finance starts to look like just another casino — rigged and unforgiving.And it doesn’t stop there. High-profile cryptocurrency frauds and price manipulation scandals light up the radar of regulators worldwide. Each incident becomes a case study in why crypto “needs to be tamed.” That means stricter rules, more compliance hoops and an overall slowdown in innovation. The free-spirited, experimental energy that drives crypto forward starts to feel boxed in.Meanwhile, legit projects — those building real utility, transparency and long-term value — struggle to rise above the noise. Scam tokens dominate the charts. Shady influencers flood timelines. The signal gets buried under waves of hype and deception.In the end, crypto price manipulation doesn’t just hurt individual investors. It poisons the well for everyone — developers, communities and the future of the space itself.Did you know? The memecoin craze has pulled in not just investors — but celebrities, too. From hyped tokens to sudden rug pulls, in 2024, several celeb-backed crypto projects have gone off the rails, blurring the line between fame and fraud. How to protect yourself from crypto manipulation You can’t control the market — but you can avoid its traps.Here are practical steps to avoid falling for crypto scams and manipulation:DYOR (Do Your Own Research): Don’t rely on TikTok tips or Telegram groups. Look into the token’s team, roadmap, use case and trading history.Watch trading volume: Sudden spikes or weirdly low volume can signal wash trading or a setup for manipulation.Monitor whale activity: Use tools like Whale Alert or blockchain explorers to spot big wallet movements.Use trusted platforms: Stick to exchanges that actively monitor for illegal crypto trading tactics like spoofing and wash trading.Keep learning: Stay up to date on the latest tactics and red flags. Knowledge is your best defense. The push for safer crypto markets The good news? The crypto world is fighting back.The crypto universe might still feel like the digital frontier, but it is no longer a lawless land. Across the ecosystem, the good guys — builders, platforms and policymakers — are stepping in to make the space more transparent, resilient and secure for users.Crypto exchanges are starting to unleash AI-powered surveillance tools designed to spot shady behavior in real time. Wash trading? Spoofing? Pump-and-dump groups? These algorithms are already trained to catch the tricks before they catch you.On the DeFi side, protocols are stepping up with on-chain governance and transparency upgrades. Communities can now vote on key actions, track wallet movements, and call out suspicious patterns — all out in the open.And regulators? They are finally moving from the sidelines to the rulebook. New legislation is targeting insider trading, fake promotions and market abuse, bringing long-overdue accountability to crypto’s fast lanes.Is the system foolproof yet? Far from it. But every smart contract, policy update and AI model pushing back against manipulation is a win for the space.So, if crypto scams thrive in the dark, knowledge is your flashlight. If a token’s mooning with no clear reason, pause. If something does not feel right, it probably is not. Trust your gut, not the hype. Because in the end, staying informed is your best defense — and your smartest investment.

by Cointelegraph by Vince Quill on April 27, 2025 at 5:25 pm

United States President Donald Trump recently said that federal income taxes would be "substantially reduced" or potentially eliminated once the tariff regime fully sets in.In an April 27 Truth Social post, Trump added that the focus of the purported tax cuts would be on individuals making less than $200,000 per year.The US President also said that the "External Revenue Service" — a reference to funding the federal government exclusively through import tariffs instead of the current model of collecting taxes through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — is materializing.Eliminating the federal income tax would likely be a positive catalyst for asset prices, including cryptocurrencies, as the increase in disposable income should partially flow back into productive investments. However, this stimulative effect is not guaranteed.Source: Donald TrumpRelated: If Trump fired Powell, what would happen to crypto?Trump’s plan leaves analysts and markets doubtingTrump previously floated the idea of eliminating the federal income tax in an October 2024 appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, although Trump, who was on the campaign trail at the time, provided scant concrete details on the proposal.The US President suggested that replacing the federal income tax with revenue from import duties would return the US to a time of prosperity seen during the Gilded Age, in the 19th century, when the US did not have a permanent federal income tax.Research conducted by accounting automation company Dancing Numbers found that Trump's proposal could save the average American $134,809 in lifetime tax payments.Dancing Numbers added that the tax savings could be as much as $325,561 per American if other wage-based income taxes are also eliminated.On April 2, Trump signed an executive order imposing sweeping tariffs on all US trading partners, which included a 10% baseline tariff on all countries and different "reciprocal" tariff rates on countries with import duties on US goods.However, since that time, the Trump administration walked back its tariff policies several times, flip-flopping on tariff rates and when the tariff regime would fully take effect.The Trump administration's ever-changing rhetoric surrounding trade policies has heightened volatility in the US stock market, caused a rise in US bond yields, and has drawn widespread criticism from financial analysts who say the protectionist trade policies hurt capital markets while achieving little else.Magazine: Harris’ unrealized gains tax could ‘tank markets’: Nansen’s Alex Svanevik, X Hall of Flame

by Sundance on April 27, 2025 at 5:05 pm

I am trying to avoid my own confirmation bias, which is difficult in this case, because when Congressman Mike Waltz was announced as NSA to President-elect Donald Trump, immediately I thought he would be the first to exit the national security team; his ideology just doesn’t mesh right. Following the fiasco with Signal and his The post Sunday Talks – Nat Sec Advisor Mike Waltz Discusses Geopolitical Issues with Maria Bartiromo appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Hedi Navazan on April 27, 2025 at 3:00 pm

Opinion by: Hedi Navazan, chief compliance officer at 1inchWeb3 needs a clear regulatory system that addresses innovation bottlenecks and user safety in decentralized finance (DeFi). A one-size-fits-all approach cannot be achieved to regulate DeFi. The industry needs custom, risk-based approaches that balance innovation, security and compliance.DeFi’s challenges and rulesA common critique is that regulatory scrutiny leads to the death of innovation, tracing this situation back to the Biden administration. In 2022, uncertainty for crypto businesses increased following lawsuits against Coinbase, Binance and OpenSea for alleged violations of securities laws.Under the US administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission agreed to dismiss the lawsuit against Coinbase, as the agency reversed the crypto stance, hinting at a path toward regulation with clear boundaries.Many would argue that the same risk is the same rule. Imposing traditional finance requirements on DeFi simply will not work from many aspects but the most technical challenges.Openness, transparency, immutability, and automation are key parameters of DeFi. Without clear regulations, however, the prevalent issue of “Ponzi-like schemes” can divert focus from effective innovation use cases to conjuring a “deceptive perception” of blockchain technology. Guidance and clarity from regulatory bodies can reduce significant risks for retail users.Policymakers should take time to understand DeFi’s architecture before introducing restrictive measures. DeFi needs risk-based regulatory models that understand its architecture and address illicit activity and consumer protection. Self-regulatory frameworks cultivate transparency and security in DeFiThe entire industry highly recommends implementing a self-regulatory framework that ensures continuous innovation while simultaneously ensuring consumer safety and financial transparency. Take the example of DeFi platforms that have taken a self-regulatory approach by implementing robust security measures, including transaction monitoring, wallet screening and implementing a blacklist mechanism that restricts a wallet of suspicion with illicit activity. Sound security measures would help DeFi projects monitor onchain activity and prevent system misuse. Self-regulation can help DeFi projects operate with greater legitimacy, yet it may not be the only solution.Clear structure and governance are keyIt’s no secret that institutional players are waiting for the regulatory green light. Adding to the list of regulatory frameworks, Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) sets stepping stones for future DeFi regulations that can lead to institutional adoption of DeFi. It provides businesses with regulatory clarity and a framework to operate.Many crypto projects will struggle and die as a result of higher compliance costs associated with MiCA, which will enforce a more reliable ecosystem by requiring augmented transparency from issuers and quickly attract institutional capital for innovation. Clear regulations will lead to more investments in projects that support investor trust.Anonymity in crypto is quickly disappearing. Blockchain analytics tools, regulators and companies can monitor suspicious activity while preserving user privacy to some extent. Future adaptations of MiCA regulations can enable compliance-focused DeFi solutions, such as compliant liquidity pools and blockchain-based identity verification.Regulatory clarity can break barriers to DeFi integrationThe banks’ iron gate has been another significant barrier. Compliance officers frequently witness banks erect walls to keep crypto out. Bank supervisors distance companies that are out of compliance, even if it’s indirect scrutiny or fines, slamming doors on crypto projects’ financial operations. Clear regulations will address this issue and make compliance a facilitator, not a barrier, for DeFi and banking integration. In the future, traditional banks will integrate DeFi. Institutions will not replace banks but will merge DeFi’s efficiencies with TradFi’s structure.Recent: Hester Peirce calls for SEC rulemaking to ‘bake in’ crypto regulationThe repeal of Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 121 in January 2025 mitigated accounting burdens for banks to recognize crypto assets held for customers as both assets and liabilities on their balance sheets. The previous laws created hurdles of increased capital reserve requirements and other regulatory challenges.SAB 122 aims to provide structured solutions from reactive compliance to proactive financial integration — a step toward creating DeFi and banking synergy. Crypto companies must still follow accounting principles and disclosure requirements to protect crypto assets. Clear regulations can increase the frequency of banking use cases, such as custody, reserve backing, asset tokenization, stablecoin issuance and offering accounts to digital asset businesses.Building bridges between regulators and innovators in DeFiExperts pointing out concerns about DeFi’s over-regulation killing innovation can now address them using “regulatory sandboxes.” These dispense startups with a “secure zone” to test their products before committing to full-scale regulatory mandates. For example, startups in the United Kingdom under the Financial Conduct Authority are thriving using this “trial and error” method that has accelerated innovation.These have enabled businesses to test innovation and business models in a real-world setting under regulator supervision. Sandboxes could be accessible to licensed entities, unregulated startups or companies outside the financial services sector.Similarly, the European Union’s DLT Pilot Regime advances innovation and competition, encouraging market entry for startups by reducing upfront compliance costs through “gates” that align legal frameworks at each level while upgrading technological innovation.Clear regulations can cultivate and support innovation through open dialogue between regulators and innovators.Opinion by: Hedi Navazan, chief compliance officer at 1inch.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

by Cointelegraph by Zoltan Vardai on April 27, 2025 at 2:27 pm

Whales and large institutions continue their aggressive Bitcoin accumulation, with Strategy hinting at another Bitcoin investment that may be announced on Monday.Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor hinted at another imminent Bitcoin (BTC) investment on April 27, a week after the firm acquired $555 million worth of Bitcoin at an average price of $84,785 per coin.“Stay Humble. Stack Sats,” Saylor wrote, spurring investor speculation of the size of the firm’s next Bitcoin investment.Source: Michael Saylor“1.4-1.6b range imo,” wrote popular blockchain analyst RunnerXBT in anticipation of Saylor’s announcement, which would make it three times as large as Strategy’s previous investment.Related: Bitcoin treasury firms driving $200T hyperbitcoinization — Adam BackStrategy is the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder with over 538,200 Bitcoin worth over $50.5 billion, Bitbo data shows.The 10 largest Bitcoin holding companies. Source: BitboThe firm’s investment philosophy inspired other companies to adopt Bitcoin, including Japanese investment firm Metaplanet, which surpassed 5,000 BTC holdings on April 24, in an effort to lead Bitcoin adoption in Asia.Related: Trump fought the bond market, the bond market won: Saifedean AmmousETFs log $3 billion, and whales aggressively accumulate BitcoinWhales, or large Bitcoin investors, are also accumulating Bitcoin under the $100,000 psychological mark.Whale wallets holding at least $1 million worth of Bitcoin restarted their accumulation at the beginning of April, increasing from 124,000 wallets on April 7 to over 137,600 wallets on April 26, Glassnode data shows.Bitcoin addresses with over $1 million balance. Source: Glassnode The aggressive whale accumulation helped Bitcoin’s recovery to above $94,000, Nexo dispatch analyst Iliya Kalchev told Cointelegraph, adding:“Wallets holding over 10,000 BTC have been aggressively accumulating, with a trend score of 0.90, while smaller investors are also pivoting toward long-term holding.”“Trump confirmed discussions with China are ongoing, with Beijing offering exemptions on select US imports, suggesting a softening tone. Still, markets are awaiting tangible action before re-rating global risk,” he added.Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows have also contributed to Bitcoin’s near 12% weekly recovery.Bitcoin ETF Flow, USD, million. Source: Farside InvestorsUS spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded over $3 billion worth of cumulative net inflows during the past week, marking their second-highest week of investments since launching, Farside Investors data shows.Magazine: Bitcoin’s odds of June highs, SOL’s $485M outflows, and more: Hodler’s Digest, March 2 – 8

on April 27, 2025 at 2:07 pm

More than 150,000 people lined the route through Rome to visit Pope Francis's tomb and say farewell. 

by Cointelegraph by Cointelegraph on April 27, 2025 at 1:46 pm

Today in crypto, Adam back said Strategy and other Bitcoin treasury firms are some of the earliest bettors on Hyperbitcoinization, which may see Bitcoin’s market cap soar to above $200 trillion, US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) crypto task force head Hester Peirce said crypto in the US is like a game of “the floor is lava,” and tokenized real estate could top $4 trillion by 2035, according to a new Deloitte report.Bitcoin treasury firms driving $200 trillion hyperbitcoinization — Adam BackInvestment firms with Bitcoin-focused treasuries are front-running global Bitcoin adoption, which may see the world’s first cryptocurrency soar to a $200 trillion market capitalization in the coming decade.Institutions and governments worldwide are starting to recognize the unique monetary properties of Bitcoin (BTC), according to Adam Back, co-founder and CEO of Blockstream and the inventor of Hashcash.“$MSTR and other treasury companies are an arbitrage of the dislocation between the bitcoin future and todays fiat world,” Back wrote in an April 26 X post.“A sustainable and scalable $100-$200 trillion trade front-running hyperbitcoinization. scalable enough for most big listed companies to move to btc treasury,” he added.Hyperbitcoinization refers to the theoretical future where Bitcoin soars to become the largest global currency, replacing fiat money due to its inflationary economics and growing distrust in the legacy financial system.Source: Adam BackBitcoin’s price outpacing fiat money inflation remains the main driver of global hyperbitcoinization, Back said, adding:“Some people think treasury strategy is a temporary glitch. i’m saying no it's a logical and sustainable arbitrage. but not for ever, the driver is bitcoin price going up over 4 year periods faster than interest and inflation.”US crypto rules like “floor is lava” game without lights — Hester PeirceSEC Commissioner and head of the crypto task force, Hester Peirce, says US financial firms are navigating crypto in a way that’s similar to playing the children’s game “the floor is lava,” but in the dark.“It is time that we find a way to end this game. We need to turn on the lights and build some walkways over the lava pit,” Peirce said at the SEC “Know Your Custodian” roundtable event on April 25.Peirce explained that SEC registrants are forced to approach crypto-related activities like “the floor is lava,” where the aim is to jump from one piece of furniture to the next without touching the ground, except here, touching crypto directly is the lava. “A D.C. version of this game is our regulatory approach to crypto assets, and crypto asset custody in particular,” she said.Peirce said that, much like in the game, firms wanting to engage with crypto must avoid directly holding it due to unclear regulatory rules. “To engage in crypto-related activities, SEC-registrants have had to hop from one poorly illuminated regulatory space to the next, all while ensuring that they never touch any crypto asset,” Peirce said.Deloitte predicts $4 trillion tokenized real estate on blockchain by 2035Over $4 trillion worth of real estate could be tokenized on blockchain networks during the next decade, potentially offering investors greater access to property ownership opportunities, according to a new report.The Deloitte Center for Financial Services predicts that over $4 trillion worth of real estate may be tokenized by 2035, up from less than $300 billion in 2024. The report, published April 24, estimates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 27%.The $4 trillion of tokenized property is predicted to stem from the benefits of blockchain-based assets, as well as a structural shift across real estate and property ownership.Global tokenized real estate value, growth predictions. Source: Deloitte“Real estate itself is undergoing transformation. Post-pandemic work-from-home trends, climate risk, and digitization have reshaped property fundamentals,” according to Chris Yin, co-founder of Plume Network, a blockchain built for real-world assets (RWAs).“Office buildings are being repurposed into AI data centers, logistics hubs and energy-efficient residential communities,” Yin told Cointelegraph.“Investors want targeted access to these modern use cases, and tokenization enables programmable, customizable exposure to such evolving asset profiles,” he said.

by Cointelegraph by Zoltan Vardai on April 27, 2025 at 1:40 pm

El Salvador, the world’s first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, is still acquiring Bitcoin despite comments from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) appearing to claim the opposite.The treasury of El Salvador acquired 7 Bitcoin (BTC) worth over $650,000 in the seven days leading up to April 27, blockchain data from El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office shows.When asked about the country’s Bitcoin investments, Rodrigo Valdes, director of the Western Hemisphere Department at the IMF, said that the country continues to comply with its agreement to halt government Bitcoin accumulation.El Salvador Bitcoin holdings. Source: El Salvador Bitcoin Office“In terms of El Salvador, let me say that I can confirm that they continue to comply with their commitment of non-accumulation of Bitcoin by the overall fiscal sector, which is the performance criteria that we have,” said Valdes during an April 26 press briefing.Related: Crypto sentiment recovers, but weekend liquidity risks remain“But on top of that, I think this is very important for the discussion in El Salvador,” he added. “The program of El Salvador is not about Bitcoin. It’s much more, much deeper in structural reforms, in terms of governance, in terms of transparency.”In December 2024, El Salvador struck a deal with the IMF for a $1.4 billion loan, which required the government to drop Bitcoin’s status as a legal tender and stop its BTC accumulation.Related: Serbia’s Prince Filip says Bitcoin is being stifled, expects huge rallyFlexible interpretation leaves room for Bitcoin buysThe IMF’s agreement may still enable room for purchases through non-governmental entities, according to Anndy Lian, author and intergovernmental blockchain adviser.“The IMF’s ‘flexible interpretation’ suggests purchases may involve non-public sector entities or reclassified assets, maintaining technical compliance,” Lian told Cointelegraph, adding:“This alternative approach allows El Salvador to retain its Bitcoin-friendly image while securing critical IMF funding to address unsustainable public debt and limited reserves.”Lian added that El Salvador’s strategy highlights the growing tension between financial innovation and traditional economic policies.“El Salvador’s experience offers valuable lessons for nations exploring crypto adoption, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks and state capacity to navigate international financial pressures,” he added.Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest, April 13 – 19

by Maani Truu on April 27, 2025 at 1:29 pm

The last leaders debate before the election saw Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton go head to head over the role of Welcome to Country ceremonies, Donald Trump and national security. 

by Tessa Flemming on April 27, 2025 at 12:11 pm

The news was announced by their family, who shared a statement on social media.

by Fiona Willan on April 27, 2025 at 11:11 am

The ABC uncovers social media posts by Liberal candidate Vivek Singha in which he repeatedly uses a derogatory term for Indigenous Australians and takes aim at Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek over a personal family matter.

by Cointelegraph by Zoltan Vardai on April 27, 2025 at 10:13 am

Investment firms with Bitcoin-focused treasuries are front-running global Bitcoin adoption, which may see the world’s first cryptocurrency soar to a $200 trillion market capitalization in the coming decade.Institutions and governments worldwide are starting to recognize the unique monetary properties of Bitcoin (BTC), according to Adam Back, co-founder and CEO of Blockstream and the inventor of Hashcash.“$MSTR and other treasury companies are an arbitrage of the dislocation between the bitcoin future and todays fiat world,” Back wrote in an April 26 X post.“A sustainable and scalable $100-$200 trillion trade front-running hyperbitcoinization. scalable enough for most big listed companies to move to btc treasury,” he added.Hyperbitcoinization refers to the theoretical future where Bitcoin soars to become the largest global currency, replacing fiat money due to its inflationary economics and growing distrust in the legacy financial system.Source: Adam BackRelated: Crypto sentiment recovers, but weekend liquidity risks remainBitcoin’s price outpacing fiat money inflation remains the main driver of global hyperbitcoinization, Back said, adding:“Some people think treasury strategy is a temporary glitch. i’m saying no it's a logical and sustainable arbitrage. but not for ever, the driver is bitcoin price going up over 4 year periods faster than interest and inflation.”Back’s comments come nearly two months after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish a national Bitcoin reserve from BTC forfeited in government criminal cases.Related: Serbia’s Prince Filip says Bitcoin is being stifled, expects huge rallyGlobal firms continue Bitcoin accumulationContinued Bitcoin investments from the likes of Strategy, the largest corporate Bitcoin holder, may inspire more global firms to follow suit.Strategy’s approach is proving to be lucrative, with the firm’s Bitcoin treasury generating over $5.1 billion worth of profit since the beginning of 2025, according to Strategy’s co-founder, Michael Saylor.Source: Michael SaylorJapanese investment firm Metaplanet, also known as “Asia’s MicroStrategy,”  adopted a similar strategy, since surpassing 5,000 BTC in total holdings on April 24, Cointelegraph reported.As Asia’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder, Metaplanet plans to acquire 21,000 BTC by 2026.US financial institutions may also have more confidence in adopting Bitcoin after the US Federal Reserve withdrew its 2022 guidance discouraging banks from engaging with cryptocurrency. “Banks are now free to begin supporting Bitcoin,” Saylor said in response to the guidance withdrawal.“Banks will now be supervised through normal processes, signaling a more open regulatory environment for digital asset integration,” Nexo dispatch analyst Iliya Kalchev told Cointelegraph.Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest, April 13 – 19

by Nabil Al-Nashar on April 27, 2025 at 8:33 am

Protest organisers decried the lack of action around violence against women as hundreds marched in the NSW Central Coast inspired by the death of local Audrey Griffin.

on April 27, 2025 at 8:22 am

Tensions continue to rise between Russia and Ukraine after they accuse each other of failing on the ground in the Kursk region. 

by Cointelegraph by Ciaran Lyons on April 27, 2025 at 8:06 am

Comedian and actor TJ Miller says it only takes a little over two full days to get the average person up to speed on Bitcoin. However, when asked why more celebrities aren’t Bitcoiners, he says most people simply refuse to ever sit down and study again.“It is really hard to get people to study after they graduate, from any level,” Miller told Natalie Brunell on the April 23 episode of Coin Stories. Miller claimed it takes “about 50 hours of study” to understand Bitcoin (BTC).Hollywood rewards those who “do not think differently”“So to say to somebody it is going to take 50 hours for you to understand this, they are like, ah, I don’t want to,” he said. “They can’t even watch a Netflix series; they can’t even watch White Lotus because it takes seven hours,” he said.Comedian and actor TJ Miller spoke to Bitcoiner Natalie Brunell on the Coin Stories podcast. Source: Natalie BrunellMiller said it takes “such a paradigm shift” to embrace Bitcoin, not just in money or the internet, but in life — and that’s also why you don’t see more Hollywood celebrities becoming Bitcoin maxis:“Hollywood rewards people that do not think differently.”During a Bitcoin lunch hosted by crypto entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano, Miller introduced himself that, to his knowledge, he is “the only celebrity that is a Bitcoiner.”“I can’t really think of anyone else,” Miller said. While there aren't many celebrities known to be publicly active in the Bitcoin community, many have launched their own memecoins in recent years, including Iggy Azalea, Caitlyn Jenner, and Hailey Welch aka “Hawk Tuah.”However, Miller said he has been trying to educate people on Bitcoin for quite some time. He said when Bitcoin was trading between $8,000 and $12,000, he was telling friends to “just put $1,000 into Bitcoin.”Miller is confident that, at some point in the future, there will be a Hollywood movie about the Bitcoin revolution.Related: Bitcoin ETFs on $3B ‘bender,’ log first full week of inflows in 5 weeks“But it’ll be interesting because it didn’t happen all at once,” he said. “It didn’t happen in three years, and it hasn’t happened in ten years, so it will be interesting to see how they can connect the dots,” he added.Cointelegraph’s Gareth Jenkinson recently sat down with TJ Miller, where it became evident that his enthusiasm for Bitcoin isn’t just surface-level. He wants to use his platform to educate and inspire others to take it seriously.“You can tell that I’m passionate about it. And so that’s what I’d like to do is sort of be able… to be somebody that helps bring cultural awareness, spread awareness and just a trusting name and face in the Bitcoin community that hopefully will bring more people to it,” Miller said.Magazine:  Bitcoin $100K hopes on ice, SBF’s mysterious prison move: Hodler’s Digest, April 20 – 26

on April 27, 2025 at 7:08 am

NT police are looking for two men who attacked a service station worker in Alice Springs on Sunday morning, less than four days after a Darwin shop owner was fatally stabbed.  

by Cointelegraph by Biraajmaan Tamuly on April 27, 2025 at 6:34 am

Key takeaways: Data suggests that Bitcoin currently trades at a 40% discount. Over 36,000 Bitcoin were withdrawn from Coinbase and Binance on April 25. Bitcoin’s fractal pattern from Q4 2024 could propel prices above $100,000 in April. Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at a 40% discount to its intrinsic value, according to Capriole Investments founder Charles Edwards. In a recent post on X, Edwards highlighted that since the April 2024 halving, which reduced block rewards to 3.125 BTC, Bitcoin’s energy value—an estimate based on mining costs and energy consumption—stands at $130,000.Bitcoin’s intrinsic value based on energy consumption, and market price. Source: X.comRecent data from CryptoQuant indicated that over 8,756 BTC ($830 million) were withdrawn from Coinbase on April 24. Negative netflows from Coinbase could point toward institutional buying, or ETF-related purchases reflecting underlying demand. Bitcoin exchange netflows on Coinbase. Source: CryptoQuantThis development lines up with the spot Bitcoin ETF inflows witnessed this week. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas suggests that institutions went on a $3 billion ‘Bitcoin bender’ over the past few days. Binance also witnessed exchange outflows of 27,750 BTC on April 25. Alphractal founder Joao Wedson noted that “this is the third largest Bitcoin outflow in the exchange’s history.” Although large outflows and positive price action suggest bullish tailwinds, Wedson said they do not automatically mean a continued rally. The analyst said, “In 2021, massive outflows didn’t prevent the dump triggered by China’s crypto ban (April–May). On the other hand, continuous outflows over several days, like during the FTX collapse, signaled a bottom and recovery.”Related: Bitcoin ETFs on $3B ‘bender,’ log first full week of inflows in 5 weeksCan this Bitcoin fractal push BTC above $100K in April?Bitcoin’s weekly performance marks its highest return in 2025 and its most significant uptick since November 2024. Besides similar returns, the BTC price also reflects identical price action. Bitcoin 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewAs illustrated in the 1-day chart, Bitcoin is consolidating at a higher range after its breakout, mirroring its behavior from Q4, 2024. (circled). After a 13% rise between Nov. 5-9, BTC posted another 15% increase during Nov. 10-11. The breakout took place during the weekend as well. Similarly, BTC prices have risen 11% between April 21-25. With the relative strength index (RSI) also exhibiting similar buying pressure, a 7-10% jump over the next few days could take BTC above $100,000. While fractal patterns may repeat, they aren't perfectly reliable. Unlike Q4, when Bitcoin entered price discovery and rallied without resistance, the current overhead resistance level at $96,100 could impede a breakout.Related: Bitcoin spikes to 7-week highs as analyst doubts chances of $100K reboundThis 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 27, 2025 at 6:15 am

Aussies Isabella Nichols and Jack Robinson have completed one of the finest days in Australian surfing, claiming the women's and men's finals at Bells Beach.

by Jacqueline Lynch and Chela Williams on April 27, 2025 at 6:12 am

As tourism operators look to market Western Australia's South West as the ultimate "wellness tourism" destination, a developer is eyeing off the icy waters in Pemberton's historic pool for a Nordic-style floating sauna.

by Cointelegraph by Biraajmaan Tamuly on April 27, 2025 at 5:52 am

Key takeaways: Based on power curve trends, Bitcoin may hit $200,000 in Q4 2025.Bitcoin follows gold’s price trend with a 100-150 day lag.Bitcoin’s (BTC) price has rallied 11% this week, its best weekly return in 2025 and its highest seven-day growth since early November 2024. Bitcoin also reached $95,000 on April 25 for the first time since Feb. 24. Bitcoin 1-week chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView21st Capital co-founder Sina mentioned that Bitcoin reclaimed the power-law price. The power law's predictive accuracy stems from Bitcoin's network growth following Metcalfe's Law, where value scales with the square of users. Based on Sina’s Bitcoin Quantile Model, reclaiming the power-law price keeps BTC on track to hit a price target of $130,000 and $163,000 before the end of 2025. Bitcoin Quantile Model by Sina. Source: X.comAs illustrated in the chart, Bitcoin is currently in the “Transition” range, where BTC accumulation occurs. Once it breaks into the “Acceleration” zone, the crypto asset enters the rally's 33% to 66% range, progressively targeting $106,000, $130,000, and $163,000 over the next few months. However, anonymous Bitcoin analyst apsk32 predicted BTC’s price target could be as high as $200,000 in 2025. The prediction is based on "Bitcoin power curve time contours," which overlay Bitcoin’s price movements across four-year cycles (2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025). The chart suggests a strong performance in Q3 and Q4 of 2025, with the analyst noting that Bitcoin’s historical four-year cycle remains intact. The analyst said, “Looking at two-year segments centered today, 4, 8, and 12 years ago. Price scaling performed using the power curve trendline. Expecting $200,000+ Bitcoin in Q4. Gold suggests we could go significantly higher.”Bitcoin Power Curve Time Contours chart. Source: X.comRelated: 5 Bitcoin charts predicting BTC price rally toward $100K by MayGold-Bitcoin lag may repeat Q4 rallySince the beginning of 2024, Bitcoin and gold have posted new highs in the market, with each asset outperforming the other during specific periods. As illustrated in the chart, Bitcoin and gold achieved new highs between March and August 2024. However, in Q3 2024, gold spearheaded the rally, surpassing Bitcoin's performance. By Q4, Bitcoin regained momentum, outpacing the precious metal and maintaining its lead until March 2025, when gold again took the lead. Bitcoin gold price performance chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView Gold is still leading BTC but has dropped 6% since hitting new highs, while Bitcoin has gained 11%. Cointelegraph reported that BTC tends to follow gold’s directional bias with a lag of 100-150 days. Based on that narrative, it is possible that Bitcoin could lead gold in the coming weeks.Similarly, the US Dollar Index (DXY) dropped to a new three-year low on April 21, which further fueled the likelihood of a rally for risk assets. Cointelegraph reported that multi-year DXY lows have been historically bullish for Bitcoin. Crypto analyst ‘Venture Founder’ also pointed out, “Traditionally, DXY going down is very bullish for $BTC, we now have a massive bearish divergence for DXY, which may suggest it goes to 90. The last 2 times this happened triggered a Bitcoin parabolic bull run in the final phase of the bull market (lasting 12 months).”Related: Bitcoin spikes to 7-week highs as analyst doubts chances of $100K reboundThis 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 Meg Whitfield and Clancy Balen on April 27, 2025 at 5:26 am

Opponents of salmon farming addressed a packed Hobart Parliament House lawn to rally against the state's salmon industry, following a mass mortality event over summer.

by Gareth Hutchens on April 27, 2025 at 5:26 am

If the world is re-arming, shouldn't we boosting funding for the public service?

on April 27, 2025 at 5:18 am

Aaron Gordon has slammed down a dunk as time expired to give the Denver Nuggets a dramatic 101-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in game four of their first-round playoff series.

by Brianna Morris-Grant on April 27, 2025 at 5:09 am

Vancouver Police have said they were "confident" the incident was not an act of terrorism.

on April 27, 2025 at 4:55 am

Queensland tourism officials are harking back to the 1980s with a campaign based on a cover of Madonna's hit Holiday to tempt people back to the state.  

by Cointelegraph by Ciaran Lyons on April 27, 2025 at 4:31 am

SEC Commissioner and head of the crypto task force, Hester Peirce, says US financial firms are navigating crypto in a way that’s similar to playing the children’s game “the floor is lava,” but in the dark.“It is time that we find a way to end this game. We need to turn on the lights and build some walkways over the lava pit,” Peirce said at the SEC “Know Your Custodian” roundtable event on April 25.The lava is crypto, says PeircePeirce explained that SEC registrants are forced to approach crypto-related activities like “the floor is lava,” where the aim is to jump from one piece of furniture to the next without touching the ground, except here, touching crypto directly is the lava. “A D.C. version of this game is our regulatory approach to crypto assets, and crypto asset custody in particular,” she said.Peirce said that, much like in the game, firms wanting to engage with crypto must avoid directly holding it due to unclear regulatory rules. “To engage in crypto-related activities, SEC-registrants have had to hop from one poorly illuminated regulatory space to the next, all while ensuring that they never touch any crypto asset,” Peirce said.Source: US Securities and Exchange CommissionPeirce said that investment advisers are often unsure which crypto assets qualify as securities, what entities count as qualified custodians, and whether “exercising staking or voting rights” could trigger custody violations.“The twist in the regulatory version is that it is largely played in the dark: burning legal lava and no lamps to illuminate the way.”Peirce also said that a broker or ATS that cannot custody or manage crypto assets will struggle to facilitate trading, making it unlikely for a “robust market” to develop.Echoing a similar sentiment, SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda said at the event that as more SEC registrants work with crypto assets, it’s essential that they have access to custodial options that meet legal and regulatory requirements.Uyeda said the agency should consider letting advisers use “state-chartered limited-purpose trust companies” with the authority to hold crypto assets as qualified custodians.Related: Blockchain needs regulation, scalability to close AI hiring gapMeanwhile, the recently sworn-in chair of the SEC, Paul Atkins, said that he expected “huge benefits” from blockchain technology through efficiency, risk mitigation, transparency, and cutting costs.He reiterated that among his goals at the SEC would be to facilitate “clear regulatory rules of the road” for digital assets, hinting that the agency under former chair Gary Gensler had contributed to market and regulatory uncertainty.“I look forward to engaging with market participants and working with colleagues in President Trump’s administration and Congress to establish a rational fit-for-purpose framework for crypto assets,” said Atkins.Magazine: Bitcoin $100K hopes on ice, SBF’s mysterious prison move: Hodler’s Digest, April 19 – 25

by Sundance on April 27, 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 27th – 2025 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day 98 appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Sundance on April 27, 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 Sunday April 27th – Open Thread appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Erin Somerville and Eden Hynninen on April 27, 2025 at 4:10 am

Kylie Sanders was killed outside her Yarrawonga home after she tried to intervene in an argument, police say.

on April 27, 2025 at 3:32 am

Central Coast's home A-League Women elimination final against Canberra United has been postponed after torrential rain left the pitch in Gosford waterlogged. 

by Jon Healy on April 27, 2025 at 3:00 am

Adam Doueihi slots a penalty goal in the second period of extra time to boot the Tigers to a 20-18 victory over Cronulla.

by Andrew McGarry and Marnie Vinall on April 27, 2025 at 2:57 am

Carlton has won three straight after starting the season with four consecutive losses, toppling Geelong by 18 points at the MCG.

on April 27, 2025 at 2:54 am

Australian star Minjee Lee scored a timely birdie on the 18th hole of her third round at the first women's major of the year, keeping herself within reach of the leaders heading into the final round. 

by Daniela Pizzirani on April 27, 2025 at 2:22 am

Football teammates from Utah become cellmates in a foreign prison after allegedly joining rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

on April 27, 2025 at 2:13 am

A spokesperson for Iran's crisis management organisation said there had been prior warnings over the containment of the chemicals at the port. 

by Sundance on April 27, 2025 at 1:38 am

It is alarming how President Trump is calling for ceasefire talks while the U.S. government is simultaneously providing Ukraine with either fighter jets or M9 Reaper Drones to fly against Russia. The stunning image captured in Arizona shows a Ukrainian Antonoff 225 the biggest transport plane, operated by Ukrainian transport company, being loaded with either The post Citizen Journalist Captures Images of U.S. Fighter Jets or Reaper Drones Being Loaded into Ukrainian Cargo Planes, Destination Poland appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Tom Crowley on April 27, 2025 at 1:27 am

Bridget McKenzie says the Coalition believes in principle that electric vehicle drivers should pay a road use charge and will consider one in government, while insisting it will not be a "tax". 

by Lachlan Bennett on April 27, 2025 at 1:11 am

It's been 50 years since the end of the war in Vietnam but an area "the size of Tasmania" is still grappling with unexploded bombs.

on April 27, 2025 at 12:49 am

Following a stellar college career with the University of Florida, Jeremy Crawshaw is set to join the ranks of Australian punters in the NFL after being drafted by the Denver Broncos. 

by Kate Forrester and Mark Bennett on April 27, 2025 at 12:41 am

Chrissie and Grant Smith are asking readers to remove all items from their fridge they rely on farmers for, to put into perspective the impact of the live sheep export ban.

by Sundance on April 26, 2025 at 8:03 pm

President Donald Trump is the most transparent president in modern history, perhaps ever.  In a statement delivered from his truth social account, President Trump outlines his thinking on the current status of the Ukraine -v- Russia conflict. [President Trump] – “No matter what deal I make with respect to Russia/Ukraine, no matter how good it The post President Trump Delivers Statement on Current Negotiations for Ceasefire in Ukraine appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Alex O’Donnell on April 26, 2025 at 8:03 pm

Update (April 26 at 8:57 PM UTC): This article has been updated to include updates from Loopscale. Solana decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol Loopscale temporarily halted its lending markets after suffering an approximately $5.8 million exploit. On April 26, a hacker siphoned approximately 5.7 million USDC (USDC) and 1200 Solana (SOL) from the lending protocol after taking out a “series of undercollateralized loans”, Loopscale co-founder Mary Gooneratne said in an X post. Loopscale has since “re-enabled loan repayments, top-ups, and loop closing”, but “[a]ll other app functions (including Vault withdrawals) are still temporarily restricted while we investigate and ensure mitigation of this exploit,” Loopscale said in an April 26 X post.The exploit only impacted Loopscale’s USDC and SOL vaults and the losses represent around 12% of Loopscale’s total value locked (TVL), Gooneratne added. “Our team is fully mobilized to investigate, recover funds, and ensure users are protected,” Gooneratne said.Loopscale’s ‘Genesis’ lending vaults. Source: LoopscaleIn the first quarter of 2025, hackers stole more than $1.6 billion worth of crypto from exchanges and on-chain smart contracts, blockchain security firm PeckShield said in an April report. More than 90% of those losses are attributable to a $1.5 billion attack on ByBit, a centralized cryptocurrency exchange, by North Korean hacking outfit Lazarus Group.Related: Crypto hacks top $1.6B in Q1 2025 — PeckShieldUnique DeFi lending modelLaunched on April 10 after a six-month closed beta, Loopscale is a DeFi lending protocol designed to enhance capital efficiency by directly matching lenders and borrowers.It also supports specialized lending markets, such as “structured credit, receivables financing, and undercollateralized lending,” Loopscale said in an April announcement shared with Cointelegraph. Loopscale’s order book model distinguishes it from DeFi lending peers such as Aave that aggregate cryptocurrency deposits into liquidity pools.Loopscale’s daily active users. Source: Mary GooneratneLoopscale’s main USDC and SOL vaults yield APRs exceeding 5% and 10%, respectively. It also supports lending markets for tokens such as JitoSOL and BONK (BONK) and looping strategies for upwards of 40 different token pairs. The DeFi protocol has approximately $40 million in TVL and has attracted upwards of 7,000 lenders, according to researcher OurNetwork.Magazine: Ripple says SEC lawsuit ‘over,’ Trump at DAS, and more: Hodler’s Digest, March 16 – 22

by Sundance on April 26, 2025 at 7:45 pm

Stay with the short video to see Volodymyr Zelenskyy respond to a question about his meeting with President Donald Trump. . The whole thing was set up by the intelligence services, specifically including the CIA. . Posted in CIA, Deep State, Donald Trump, President Trump, Russia, Ukraine, Uncategorized The post President Zelenskyy Responds to Question Following Trump Meeting appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Alex O’Donnell on April 26, 2025 at 4:40 pm

United States Senator Jon Ossoff expressed support for impeaching President Donald Trump during an April 25 town hall, citing the President’s plan to host a private dinner for top Official Trump memecoin holders. “I mean, I saw just 48 hours ago, he is granting audiences to people who buy his meme coin,” said Ossoff, a Democrat, according to a report by NBC News. “When the sitting president of the United States is selling access for what are effectively payments directly to him. There is no question that that rises to the level of an impeachable offense.”Senator Ossoff said he “strongly” supports impeachment proceedings during a town hall in the state of Georgia, where he is running for reelection to the Senate.The Senator added that an impeachment is unlikely unless the Democratic Party gains control of Congress during the US midterm elections in 2026. Trump’s own Republican Party currently has a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. TRUMP holders can register to dine with the US President. Source: gettrumpmemes.comRelated: US lawmaker says TRUMP coin could risk national securityConflicts of interestOn April 23, the Official Trump (TRUMP) memecoin’s website announced plans for Trump to host an exclusive dinner at his Washington, DC golf club with the top 220 TRUMP holders. The website subsequently posted a leaderboard tracking top TRUMP wallets and a link to register for the event. The TRUMP token’s price has gained more than 50% since the announcement, according to data from CoinMarketCap.The specific guest list is unclear, but the memecoin’s website states that applicants must pass a background check, “can not be from a [Know Your Customer] watchlist country,” and cannot bring any additional guests.On April 25, the team behind TRUMP denied social media rumors that TRUMP holders need at least $300,000 to participate in an upcoming dinner with the president.“People have been incorrectly quoting #220 on the block explorer as the cutoff. That’s wrong because it includes things like locked tokens, exchanges, market makers, and those who are not participating. Instead, you should only be going off the leaderboard,” they wrote.The TRUMP token jumped on news of the private dinner plans. Source: CoinMarketCapLegal experts told Cointelegraph that Trump’s cryptocurrency ventures, including the TRUMP memecoin and Trump-affiliated decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol World Liberty Financial, raise significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest. “Within just a couple of days of him taking office, he’s signed a number of executive orders that are significantly going to affect the way that our crypto and digital assets industry works,” Charlyn Ho of law firm Rikka told Cointelegraph in February. “So if he has a personal pecuniary benefit arising from his own policies, that’s a conflict of interest.”Magazine: Trump’s crypto ventures raise conflict of interest, insider trading questions

by Sundance on April 26, 2025 at 3:14 pm

From the outset of the Ukraine -vs- Russia conflict I have been saying this is “world war Reddit”. CTH awakens today to this photo, blasting across the geopolitical landscape. I want you to look carefully at this picture; think about it and elevate yourself to understand exactly what this picture represents in the biggest framework The post The Awakening – Look Carefully at This Picture appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Raullen Chai on April 26, 2025 at 3:00 pm

Opinion by: Raullen Chai, co-founder and CEO of IoTeXThe United States and other superpowers are on the brink of a financial evolution. With President Donald Trump’s recent executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) and a US Digital Asset Stockpile (DAS), the conversation around digital assets in government reserves is gaining momentum. Countries like Czechia have also followed suit with their sovereign digital asset reserve plans. While Bitcoin (BTC) and select altcoins are being considered, the discussion remains incomplete without including decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) tokens.DePIN represents a new paradigm in infrastructure development, where communities, not corporations, build and operate essential networks like telecommunications that self-govern and distribute rewards to their individual contributors. If it were to include DePIN tokens in its DAS, the US could use blockchain technology to create a self-sustaining infrastructure economy that strengthens technological leadership. This would also encourage DePIN projects to build and scale physical infrastructure (such as WiFi, environmental monitoring and transportation) for US citizens by sharing bandwidth from their everyday devices. This eliminates the need for companies and governments to incur heavy capital expenditures. Moreover, if proven successful in the US, it would set an example for other countries to set up their own sovereign crypto reserves for the benefit of their own citizens. A supranational network of DePIN token reserves would also potentially unite different types of infrastructure and grids in other countries, reducing the cost and friction between them. A new asset class for sovereign investmentDePIN changes the way infrastructure is built. Instead of relying on governments or private companies to maintain critical infrastructure, DePIN uses blockchain and token incentives to enable community-driven bandwidth sharing. DePIN networks, like those powering WiFi or movement sensors, prove that this model can be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional approaches.For the US government, investing in DePIN tokens through its DAS would serve multiple strategic objectives. Regarding economic resilience, DePIN networks create a self-sustaining gig around infrastructure, reducing the country’s reliance on large corporations and enabling communities to earn revenue by contributing to infrastructure needs. Traditional infrastructure is prone to geopolitical risks and monopolistic inefficiencies. Meanwhile, DePIN offers a decentralized alternative that is censorship-resistant. The US has long been at the forefront of technological revolutions. Including DePIN in its sovereign investment strategy would reinforce its position as a leader in Web3 and blockchain. Many DePIN projects optimize resource utilization using token incentives to align infrastructure deployment with demand. This approach enables more sustainable, scalable solutions for Internet-of-Things sectors. While Bitcoin is a simple store of value, DePIN tokens represent ownership and operational stakes in decentralized infrastructure and possess tangible value just as equities or bonds.If countries were to include DePIN tokens in their digital asset reserves, they could use blockchain technology to create self-sustaining, interconnected infrastructure economies. Imagine being able to distribute electricity between two countries when there is an excess demand in one and an oversupply in another. Distributed ledgers’ decentralized and cross-border nature can allow such mechanisms to happen. A true strategic hedge Historically, sovereign wealth funds have been used to preserve national wealth by diversifying investments. These models are, however, increasingly vulnerable to inflationary pressures. The US inflation rate averaged 8.0% in 2022, and the price of all assets, whether stocks or Bitcoin, sold off heavily during the year in an overall market rout. No one was immune. Recent: DePIN needs thoughtful regulation — not lawsuitsOn the other hand, DePIN offers a true hedge against these risks because the prices of core infrastructure services are, by definition, part of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), enabling users holding DePIN assets to directly profit from inflation increases or at least preserve their asset value. DePIN networks also use token incentives to align infrastructure deployment with economic shifts. This is particularly relevant given that global electricity prices surged by over 20% in 2022 due to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. In response to increased energy costs, decentralized energy grids operating on blockchain-based token economies could dynamically adjust rewards for energy producers. Coupled with the rise in underlying CPI prices, DePIN networks have the potential to deliver compounded returns (rise in CPI + additional token issuance) in opposition to such market sell-offs. Including DePIN tokens in a sovereign wealth portfolio exposes the US to next-generation economic models. DePIN networks are built on transparent principles that align incentives between users, infrastructure providers and investors. All nations that have historically led technological revolutions should seize the opportunity to embrace DePIN, reinforcing their status as pioneers. The future is decentralizedIntegrating DePIN tokens into the US DAS or any other sovereign digital asset stockpile would not simply be a financial decision — it is a strategic imperative. With the world shifting toward decentralized economies, the US and other tech powerhouses must position themselves at the forefront of this transformation. Countries that recognize and embrace this shift today will be best positioned to lead in the next era of global innovation. After all, infrastructure research has been stunted by decades of either monopoly or large-scale government ownership. If millions of individuals and communities became directly involved in their daily infrastructure through DePIN, it would increase the likelihood of infrastructure innovation due to the sheer volume of crowd involvement and offset research and development expenses from the government for the money to be allocated elsewhere. Decentralization is a win-win for all. Investing in DePIN will also ensure that national infrastructure remains affordable and not subject to national-level deployments requiring massive tax hikes to fund, enabling a future where physical infrastructure assets are affordably maintained. Specifically, if US policymakers act now, they can secure America’s leadership in the next great infrastructure revolution that prioritizes decentralized ownership. Opinion by: Raullen Chai, co-founder and CEO of IoTeX. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

by Sundance on April 26, 2025 at 2:00 pm

Earlier today, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump paid their personal respects during the funeral for Pope Francis. . Posted in Melania Trump, President Trump The post President Trump and First Lady Melania Pay Their Respects During Funeral for Pope Francis appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Zoltan Vardai on April 26, 2025 at 1:57 pm

Crypto investor sentiment has seen a significant recovery from global tariff concerns, but analysts warn that the market’s structural weaknesses may still result in downside momentum during periods of weekend illiquidity.Risk appetite appeared to return among crypto investors this week after US President Donald Trump adopted a softer tone, saying that import tariffs on Chinese goods may “come down substantially.”However, the improved investor sentiment “does not guarantee that Bitcoin will avoid volatility over the weekend,” analysts from Bitfinex exchange told Cointelegraph:“Sentiment improvements reduce fragility, but they do not eliminate structural risks like thin weekend liquidity.” “Historically, weekends remain vulnerable to sharp moves — especially when open interest is high and market depth is low,” the analysts said, adding that unexpected macroeconomic news can still increase volatility during low liquidity periods.Related: Trump fought the bond market, the bond market won: Saifedean AmmousBitcoin (BTC) staged a near 11% recovery during the past week, but its rally has previously been limited by Sunday liquidity dynamics.BTC/USD, 1-year chart. Source: CointelegraphBitcoin fell below $75,000 on Sunday, April 6, despite initially decoupling from the US stock market’s $3.5 trillion drop on April 4 after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that Trump’s tariffs may affect the economy and raise inflation.The correction was exacerbated by the lack of weekend liquidity and the fact that Bitcoin was the only large liquid asset available for de-risking, industry watchers told Cointelegraph.Related: US banks are ‘free to begin supporting Bitcoin’ — Michael Saylor“While improved sentiment creates a more stable foundation, cryptocurrency markets are still susceptible to rapid movements during periods of reduced trading volume,” according to Marcin Kazmierczak, co-founder and chief operating officer of RedStone blockchain oracle firm.“The sentiment recovery provides some cushioning, but traders should remain cautious as weekend liquidity constraints can still amplify price movements regardless of the current market mood,” he told Cointelegraph.Crypto investors may have “maxed out on tariff-related fears”Cryptocurrency markets may have priced in the full extent of tariff-related concerns, according to Aurelie Barthere, principal research analyst at crypto intelligence platform Nansen.“It feels like we’ve maxed out on tariff-related fear,” she told Cointelegraph, adding:“While many remain uncertain about where things are headed over the next month or so, it also seems like markets were just waiting for the slightest signal that we’re back in the game.”“Whether the rally is sustainable depends on whether we can break through previous resistance levels, at least in isolation. It could have legs, as markets now seem to believe there’s a ‘Trump put’ under equities, the US dollar and US Treasurys,” Barthere added, warning of more potential volatility amid the upcoming negotiations.Nansen previously predicted a 70% chance that crypto markets will bottom and start a recovery by June, but highlighted that the timing will depend on the outcome of tariff negotiations.The tariff negotiations may only be “posturing” for the US to reach a trade agreement with China, which may be the “big prize” for Trump’s administration, according to Raoul Pal, founder and CEO of Global Macro Investor.Magazine: Bitcoin’s odds of June highs, SOL’s $485M outflows, and more: Hodler’s Digest, March 2 – 8

by Cointelegraph by Zoltan Vardai on April 26, 2025 at 1:02 pm

DeFi Development Corp (formerly Janover) aims to raise over $1 billion worth of capital to invest in Solana, the industry’s sixth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.The Nasdaq-listed firm, previously a real estate financing platform connecting commercial property lenders and buyers, announced its plans in a Form S-3 registration statement filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on April 25.The filing states that the funds will be used for general corporate purposes, including Solana (SOL) token acquisitions.DeFi Development Corp S-3 filing. Source: SECAccording to the filing, the company may use proceeds from the offering to purchase more Solana, noting:“Solana does not pay interest, but staking rewards can be earned on Solana. The ability to generate a return on investment from the net proceeds from this offering will depend on whether there is appreciation in the value of Solana following our purchases of Solana with the net proceeds from this offering.”The company also warned that fluctuations in Solana’s price could lead to it converting the tokens into cash at a value “substantially below” the net proceeds raised.Related: Deloitte predicts $4T tokenized real estate on blockchain by 2035Janover was a real estate financing company connecting lenders and buyers of commercial properties before a team of former Kraken exchange executives bought 728,632 shares of its common stock on April 7. Joseph Onorati, former chief strategy officer at Kraken, has since been appointed as chairman and CEO.The announcement comes shortly after the leadership of DeFi Development Corp adopted a Solana treasury reserve, “by applying a proven public-market treasury model to an asset that’s earlier in its lifecycle, structurally reflexive, and vastly underexposed as compared to Bitcoins.”The firm’s new Solana investment treasury has drawn comparisons to Michael Saylor’s Strategy, which has amassed over 538,200 Bitcoin (BTC) as of April 20 — the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder.The firm’s board of directors approved the company’s Solana-focused treasury policy on April 4, authorizing long-term accumulation and the launch of Solana validators to enable the staking of its treasury asset.Parker White, the firm’s chief investment officer, who previously served as an engineering director at Kraken exchange, already runs a Solana validator with $75 million in delegated stake.Related: US banks are ‘free to begin supporting Bitcoin’ — Michael SaylorRegulatory concerns remain for Solana investmentWhile the Solana-focused treasury implementation marks a significant step for altcoin adoption, the firm remains concerned by the potential effects of opaque crypto regulations, according to the filing:“We may be subject to regulatory developments related to crypto assets and crypto asset markets, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.”The firm cites unclear regulations around digital assets, which may “adversely affect the price of Solana” and, in turn, impact “the market price of our common stock.”The firm noted that Solana’s potential “reclassifying” as a security remains a particular concern, which may lead to the firm being classified as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.However, the firm’s share price has been benefiting from its Solana acquisitions. Its shares rose by over 12% when DeFi Development Corp added $11.5 million worth of Solana tokens to its treasury on April 22, Cointelegraph reported.“The decision by commercial property platform Janover to add SOL to its treasury is truly groundbreaking,” Chris Chung, founder of Solana-based swap platform Titan, told Cointelegraph. “I’m confident we will see many other businesses follow suit before long as crypto becomes increasingly adopted by traditional finance.” Magazine: Ripple says SEC lawsuit ‘over,’ Trump at DAS, and more: Hodler’s Digest, March 16 – 22