Author: Zack Taussig

Justin Sun Did Not Challenge ‘Joint Enterprise’ Element of Howey Test in Court Ruling A recent ruling by a New York district judge has shed light on Justin Sun’s legal battle regarding the ‘joint enterprise’ element of the Howey test. Sun and his affiliates did not challenge this particular aspect of the test, which has significant implications for their case. Implications for Sun and His Affiliates The fact that Sun did not challenge the ‘joint enterprise’ element of the Howey test could potentially weaken his defense in the legal proceedings. By not disputing this crucial aspect, Sun may have inadvertently…

In recent years, the Texas crypto market has become increasingly competitive and challenging to navigate. With the rise of various digital assets and the introduction of new regulations, it is more important than ever for crypto investors to have effective strategies in place to survive and thrive in this environment. Understanding the Market Trends One key strategy for success in the Texas crypto market is staying informed about market trends. By closely monitoring the price movements of different cryptocurrencies and analyzing market data, investors can make informed decisions about when to buy or sell. It is also crucial to stay…

The Most Extractive Crypto Phenomenon: NFTs and Their Impact on the Market As the world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, a new player has entered the arena and taken the market by storm: Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). These digital assets are unique and cannot be exchanged on a like-for-like basis, making them highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. However, some experts are sounding the alarm, warning that the rise of NFTs may be the most extractive crypto phenomenon since the ICO craze. The Rise of NFTs: A Game-Changer in the Crypto Space The concept of NFTs has been around…

Tuesday’s Hot Forecast in Houston Record-Breaking Heat Wave Houston – The heat warning in effect since last week has been updated to an overheat warning. Tomorrow the heat index value will exceed 112°, making it the hottest day of the year so far. The effects of this extreme heat will last until 10 pm on Tuesday. With Monday’s temperature reaching 101°, this marks the hottest day of the year with the temperature hitting 100° five times. Understanding the Heat Warning The reason for issuing an overheat warning on Tuesday is due to the expected heat index exceeding 112°. It is…

Justin Sun’s Massive BTC Transfer Sparks Controversy in Crypto Community Justin Sun caused panic on crypto Twitter by transferring $156.4 million worth of BTC after BitGo announced a WBTC custody change. According to EmberCN and Wu Blockchain news, a total of 2,590 Bitcoins ($156.41 million) were transferred to Binance from the suspected Justin Sun team address. Subsequently, a newly created address began withdrawing WBTC from Binance, with 1,953 WBTC ($117.78 million) already withdrawn. Suspicious Transactions and Speculations Blockchain intelligence platform Arkham shows a series of transfers in progress. At 17:22 UTC on August 19, 2024, Sun’s address transferred significant amounts…

Democratic National Convention Highlights: Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Powerful Speech At the Democratic National Convention, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, delivered a fiery speech that captured the audience’s attention. Her remarks not only highlighted the differences between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris but also underscored the importance of leadership and advocacy in today’s political landscape. Crockett’s Critique of Trump and Praise for Harris Crockett wasted no time in criticizing Trump, labeling him as a “career criminal” with a long list of felonies and impeachments. In contrast, she praised Harris for her dedication to public service and her…

Authors Sue Anthropic for Using Pirated Books to Train Chatbot A group of authors has filed a lawsuit against artificial intelligence startup Anthropic, accusing the company of engaging in “massive theft” by using pirated copyrighted books to train its popular chatbot Claude. This marks the first time a writer has taken legal action against Anthropic and its AI technology. Legal Challenges Against AI Companies Similar lawsuits have been ongoing against rival OpenAI for over a year, raising concerns about the use of copyrighted material to train AI models. The authors’ case joins a growing number of legal challenges against developers…

The Impact of Abandoning Diversity Goals on Companies Harley-Davidson recently announced that it would be abandoning some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals in response to pressure from anti-diversity critics on social media. This decision comes on the heels of similar moves by other companies like John Deere & Co. and Tractor Supply. Harley-Davidson’s Shift in Strategy In a statement, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer revealed that it no longer has a DEI function and has not had such a program in place since April 2024. This includes the elimination of supplier diversity spend goals aimed at supporting businesses…

With Bitcoin (BTC) failing to break out of its uptrend, many are speculating whether altcoin season has arrived. As Bitcoin struggles to overcome resistance near $60,000, analysts are pointing towards a potential shift in market dynamics. Bitcoin’s Dominance Trend Bitcoin dominance (BTC.D) currently stands at 56.91%, showing a downward trend since failing to break above a rising trend line on August 5. This failure to break out is considered bearish, indicating a potential decline in Bitcoin’s dominance. As Bitcoin’s grip weakens, altcoins are poised to make gains, as evidenced by the rise of TOTAL2 since August 5th. Potential Altcoin Season…

Ethereum’s Dominance in Decentralized Application Deposits In the world of cryptocurrency, Ethereum has firmly established itself as a dominant player when it comes to decentralized applications (dApps). One key metric that showcases Ethereum’s strength in this area is its dominance in decentralized application deposits. Despite a reduction in on-chain transaction volume, Ethereum’s performance in dApp deposits has remained strong, indicating its importance in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. The Role of Ethereum in the DeFi Ecosystem Transitioning from traditional financial services to decentralized alternatives, DeFi has gained significant traction in recent years. Ethereum’s blockchain has been a crucial foundation for…

Tuesday’s Forecast in Houston Houston – The heat warning in effect since last week has been updated to an overheat warning. Tomorrow the heat index value will exceed 112°. Its effects are also longer, lasting until 10pm on Tuesday. I expect the high to reach 102°, which will be the hottest day of the year. On Monday we climbed to 101°! That makes Monday the hottest day so far this year. So far this year we have reached 100° five times. Extreme Heat Alert The reason we are issuing an overheat warning on Tuesday is that the heat index is…

The S&P 500 vs. Bitcoin: A Tale of Two Markets The S&P 500 index has been reaching record highs, showcasing the strength of traditional markets. However, the same cannot be said for Bitcoin, which has been struggling to surpass the $60,000 mark, indicating potential underperformance in the short term. The Current Market Dynamics As of late, the S&P 500 has been steadily climbing, fueled by positive earnings reports, strong economic data, and optimism surrounding the reopening of the economy. On the other hand, Bitcoin has faced resistance around the $60,000 level, with buyers struggling to push the price higher. Despite…

Exploring Altcoins: The Next Trend in Crypto Trading As Bitcoin’s price remains steady, many traders are starting to shift their focus towards altcoins in hopes of maximizing their profits. With various options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right altcoin to invest in. 1. BNB: The Rising Star in the Altcoin Market One altcoin that has gained significant attention recently is BNB, the native cryptocurrency of the Binance exchange. With its diverse range of use cases within the Binance ecosystem, BNB has shown strong potential for long-term growth. Traders are closely monitoring its price movements…

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Attends Democratic National Convention with Her Cat Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo made headlines as she attended the Democratic National Convention, accompanied by her furry feline friend. The photo of Hidalgo and her cat on a plane bound for Chicago quickly went viral, showcasing a unique and heartwarming moment. A Playful Response to Controversial Comments The post by Hidalgo appeared to playfully poke fun at controversial comments made by Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Vance’s remarks about "childless catwomen" and their influence on society sparked a heated debate, with Hidalgo’s lighthearted response adding a…

Bitcoin’s Price Consolidation: Time to Consider Altcoins Bitcoin’s recent price consolidation has led many traders to consider diversifying into other cryptocurrencies, commonly known as altcoins. This shift in focus from Bitcoin to altcoins is a natural progression in the cryptocurrency market, as investors seek out new opportunities for growth and potential profits. In this article, we will explore four altcoins – BNB, TON, AAVE, and HNT – that are capturing the attention of traders and investors alike. Binance Coin (BNB): Leading the Altcoin Charge BNB, the native cryptocurrency of the Binance exchange, has been gaining significant traction in recent weeks.…

Bitcoin Price Consolidation and Altcoin Opportunities Bitcoin’s price consolidation has been a hot topic among traders in recent days. As the market stabilizes, many investors are starting to look beyond Bitcoin and consider altcoins for potential opportunities. In this article, we will explore four altcoins that have caught the attention of Cointelegraph: BNB, TON, AAVE, and HNT. The Appeal of Altcoins Altcoins, or alternative cryptocurrencies to Bitcoin, have been gaining traction in the cryptocurrency market due to their potential for high returns and innovative technologies. With Bitcoin’s price showing signs of consolidation, traders are looking for new investment opportunities in…

Path to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants in the US Bringing Families Together: The Parole-in-Place Program Starting Monday, undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens in Houston can apply for the "parole-in-place" program, part of the Biden administration’s initiative known as "Bringing Families Together." This program allows eligible immigrants to regularize their status without leaving the country, offering them a path to citizenship. Legal Battle and Support from FIEL Despite the benefits of the parole-in-place program, a legal battle has emerged between FIEL, a Latino civil rights nonprofit, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The nonprofit has been fully engaged in helping…

The Rise and Fall of Tech Tycoon Mike Lynch Tech tycoon Mike Lynch, once hailed as a visionary in the tech world, has recently been embroiled in a high-profile legal battle that has tarnished his reputation. From a lucrative sale to a tumultuous legal saga, Lynch’s journey has been marked by both success and controversy. The Success of Autonomy and Sale to Hewlett-Packard In 2011, Lynch struck gold when he sold his software company, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard for a staggering $11 billion. The deal was initially seen as a major success for Lynch, propelling him to tech tycoon status. However,…

The Importance of Real ID for Domestic Travel in the United States If you want to fly within the United States without carrying your passport, you will soon need to have a Real ID. Starting next May, all U.S. travelers will be required to have this secure document when traveling domestically. Let’s delve into the details of what you need to know about Real ID, including how to apply and where to apply. Understanding Real ID and Its Significance Real ID is an enhanced form of identification that will be mandatory for entering certain federal facilities, boarding commercial aircraft, and…

Addressing the School Funding Crisis in Texas Last week, KPRC 2 News shed light on the pressing challenges that Texas school districts are currently grappling with, specifically in terms of stagnant school funding. Despite a state surplus nearing $33 billion and rising inflation rates, local school districts are still facing tough decisions that could have severe repercussions on students, such as the reduction of bus routes and potential school closures. The root of this financial strain lies in the legislative gridlock in Austin, which has impeded the flow of funds to classrooms across the state. Transitioning into discussing the effects…

Murder of Emmanuel Browne: A Tragic Loss for the Houston Community Emmanuel Browne, a 22-year-old recent college graduate, had embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by starting his own cell phone repair business in Houston. However, his promising future was abruptly cut short in 2021 when he was shot and killed while repairing a cell phone belonging to Jarrell Burrows. The tragic incident not only robbed Browne of his life but also left a deep wound in the Houston community. Justice Served: Perpetrator Receives Life Sentence Following a jury trial, 22-year-old Jarrell Burrows was found guilty of murder in the shooting…

Coinfirm and Chainalysis Partner to Enhance Screening Capabilities Two industry leaders, Coinfirm and Chainalysis, have joined forces to offer a comprehensive solution for virtual asset service providers looking to enhance their screening capabilities. By combining the strengths of both companies, this partnership aims to set a new standard in anti-money laundering compliance and risk assessment within the cryptocurrency space. Streamlined Compliance Processes With increasing regulatory scrutiny on virtual assets, it has become imperative for businesses operating in this sector to have robust compliance measures in place. By leveraging Coinfirm’s cutting-edge blockchain analytics platform and Chainalysis’ market-leading investigation software, companies can…

Bitcoin (BTC) price reset amid increased net position changes Bitcoin’s price may have officially reached a reset point following a significant increase in net position changes among long-term holders. This indicator has historically helped with price recoveries, but the question remains whether the pattern will repeat this time. $20 billion in funding for Bitcoin holders Recent data from Glassnode shows that net position changes among long-term Bitcoin holders have been on the rise since July 22. Today, this indicator reached its highest level since January 2020, with long-term holders purchasing 334,358 BTC – approximately $20 billion worth at current prices.…

Record-breaking Digital Asset Investments in August According to a weekly report from CoinShares, year-to-date flows across all digital asset investment vehicles have exceeded $22 billion in August. This staggering amount represents a significant increase in interest and investment in the digital asset space, demonstrating a growing confidence in the future of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. The Rise of Institutional Investors In recent years, institutional investors have been increasingly drawn to digital assets as a way to diversify their portfolios and potentially achieve higher returns. The influx of institutional money into the digital asset space has been a driving force behind…

Price Gouging Lawsuits Filed Against Houston Gas Stations After Hurricane Beryl After Hurricane Beryl hit Southeast Texas, two Shell gas stations in the Houston area are facing lawsuits for alleged price gouging. The Harris County Prosecutor, Christian Menifee, announced that his office received over 250 complaints related to price gouging following the hurricane. Details of the Alleged Price Gouging The lawsuit targets two Shell gas stations operated by different companies. The first station, Bellaire’s Shell Station located at 5910 W. Loop S. near Fournace Place, increased the price of regular unleaded gas from $3.03 per gallon before the hurricane to…

Babylon announces launch of Bitcoin staking mainnet Babylon, a self-hosted Bitcoin staking protocol, has revealed that it will be launching its mainnet on August 22, 2024. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the protocol as it aims to tap into the growing decentralized finance market on the leading blockchain network. Bringing a new use case for Bitcoin Co-founder Fisher Yu of Babylon highlighted that the launch of the mainnet will introduce a “third native use case for Bitcoin,” providing users with the ability to stake their Bitcoin as collateral for both value storage and payments. This new functionality expands…

The Impact of Dubai’s Cryptocurrency Ruling Dubai’s latest ruling marks a major shift in the legal acceptance of cryptocurrencies, aligning the UAE with global trends in digital finance. The move is seen as a significant step towards embracing the potential of blockchain technology and fostering innovation in the region. The Growing Influence of Cryptocurrencies in Dubai Over the past few years, Dubai has emerged as a global hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency-related activities. The city has been at the forefront of adopting new technologies and exploring their applications in various industries. With the recent ruling, Dubai has further solidified its…

About Houston Independent School District’s Improved Accountability Ratings About half of Houston Independent School District schools have seen their state accountability ratings jump one or more letter grades this year, following a tumultuous first year under state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles. The scores have significantly improved, with 149 schools improving their A to F scores by one or more letter grades. HISD released its projected campus accountability ratings, which are still preliminary due to a temporary restraining order preventing the Texas Education Agency from releasing official 2024 ratings. Of the approximately 265 HISD schools rated, 87 schools saw no change, and…

The Arrest and Release of Anton and James Peraire-Bueno Shortly after their arrest in May, Anton Peraire-Bueno and James Peraire-Bueno were released on $250,000 bail pending criminal charges. Case closed. The Arrest and Bail After being taken into custody in May, Anton Peraire-Bueno and James Peraire-Bueno faced serious criminal charges. However, they were able to secure their release by posting a bail of $250,000. This allowed them to await their trial while free from detention. The terms of their bail agreement remain undisclosed, leaving many questions about the nature of their charges and the evidence against them. The Pending Criminal…

Key Moments in Ethereum History From Vitalik Buterin’s father introducing him to Bitcoin to the upcoming Pectra upgrade, Ethereum has had a series of key moments that have shaped its development and success in the cryptocurrency world. The Genesis of Ethereum It all began with Vitalik Buterin, a young programmer who was introduced to Bitcoin by his father in 2011. Buterin became fascinated with the idea of decentralized technology and saw the potential for a platform that could go beyond just being a digital currency. This vision led him to propose the creation of Ethereum, a blockchain platform that could…