Author: Zack Taussig

Republican Senators Threaten to Block SEC Oversight if Party Wins Control of Senate Two Republican senators, who remain unnamed at this time, have stated that they will obstruct what they refer to as “enforcement oversight” by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) if their party gains control of the Senate in the upcoming election. The Threat to SEC Oversight This threat has raised concerns among many experts and lawmakers, as it could potentially hamper the SEC’s ability to regulate the financial markets effectively. The SEC plays a crucial role in ensuring that investors are protected and that markets are fair…

Michigan Retirement System Invests $6.6 Million in Bitcoin ETF The Michigan Retirement System has disclosed that 21Shares invested $6.6 million in ARKB, a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund. Michigan State Pension Fund discloses ETF investments on Form 13-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. According to Archive, the pension fund holds 110,000 ARKB shares with an equivalent value of $6.6 million, accounting for approximately 0.004% of the $143 billion pension fund held by the state. U.S. State Pension Funds Embrace Bitcoin ETFs The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved spot Bitcoin ETF trading in January 2024, leading to increased…

The Rising Cost of Starter Homes in the US A typical starter home in the United States sells for about $200,000. However, in an increasing number of cities, this amount is merely a down payment. According to Zillow’s analysis, you’ll now need at least $1 million to purchase a starter home in 237 cities across the country. This significant increase in home prices is a stark contrast from five years ago when only 84 U.S. cities had new homes priced in seven figures. The Impact of the Pandemic on Housing Affordability The pandemic has worsened existing housing shortages in cities…

Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena replaced by Thomas Munoz Departure of Samuel Pena Samuel Pena, the Houston fire chief, is no longer serving in his role, as confirmed by Houston Mayor John Whitmire. The circumstances of Pena’s departure remain unclear, but he will be replaced by Thomas Munoz, who has been serving as the deputy director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. CNN reached out to Pena for comment, and he stated that he has not yet discussed the matter with Whitmire. KHOU 11 is currently gathering more information on the situation. Introducing Thomas Munoz Thomas…

Bitcoin Faces Strong Resistance After Rebound Bitcoin’s recent rebound from the $63,500 level has sparked optimism among investors. However, as the cryptocurrency approaches higher price levels, it may encounter strong resistance from bearish market forces. The Road to Recovery After a period of volatility and uncertainty, Bitcoin has shown resilience by bouncing back from its recent lows. The uptrend has been supported by a combination of positive market sentiment and institutional interest in the digital asset. Transition words: In addition, Furthermore, Moreover Challenges Ahead for Bitcoin Despite the recent gains, Bitcoin still faces several challenges that could hinder its upward…

The Net Worth of “Triple” Bitcoin Bulls Could Reach $214 Million by 2045 MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor recently made a bold prediction regarding the future value of Bitcoin. He stated that by the year 2045, the net worth of individuals who are “triple” Bitcoin bulls could potentially reach a staggering $214 million. The Growing Influence of Bitcoin Bitcoin, the world’s most popular cryptocurrency, has been steadily gaining traction among investors and financial institutions. The decentralization and limited supply of Bitcoin have made it a valuable asset for those looking to diversify their investment portfolios. Furthermore, the recent endorsement of Bitcoin…

Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña Fired and Replaced by Thomas Muñoz On Friday, Mayor John Whitmire announced the firing of Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña and the appointment of Emergency Management Coordinator Thomas Muñoz as his replacement. The decision was made in response to ongoing issues within the Houston Fire Department, with the mayor expressing confidence in Muñoz’s experience and capabilities. Transitioning Leadership Mayor Whitmire highlighted Muñoz’s extensive experience in emergency management, including his work during various natural disasters in Houston. Muñoz, who previously served in multiple roles within the fire department, emphasized his commitment to prioritizing the well-being of…

The ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF: A Closer Look at State Pension Fund Investment In an SEC filing, the state pension fund disclosed that it held 110,000 shares of the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF as of June 30. The State Pension Fund’s Investment Strategy The decision by the state pension fund to invest in the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF reflects a growing trend among institutional investors to diversify their portfolios with exposure to cryptocurrencies. As digital assets gain mainstream acceptance, more traditional financial institutions are looking to capitalize on the potential long-term growth of the crypto market. Advantages of Investing in…

Solana Price Surge: A Look at the Market Trends As Solana continues to make headlines in the cryptocurrency world, investors are closely watching the price movements of this popular altcoin. Today, Solana price is on the rise, with indicators pointing towards a potential new all-time high. Let’s take a closer look at the market trends driving this surge in value. Market Analysis and Insights According to recent market analysis, Solana’s price has been steadily climbing over the past few days. This upward momentum can be attributed to a combination of factors, including positive sentiment in the market, increased adoption of…

Galaxy Launches $113 Million Crypto Fund and First Spot Ether ETF in the United States Galaxy, a leading cryptocurrency investment firm, made headlines this week with the launch of a $113 million crypto fund and the first spot ether exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States. This move marks a significant step forward in the mainstream adoption of digital assets, as institutional investors continue to show interest in the cryptocurrency market. The Rise of Crypto Funds With the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class, more investment firms are looking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the…

Houston Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Returns A tax preparer in Houston, Christopher J. Guevara, recently pleaded guilty to assisting in falsifying tax returns, leading to losses exceeding $100,000. Guevara admitted to making false deductions and providing inaccurate residential energy credits on his 2017 tax return. He also confessed to falsifying business losses in his tax preparation business from 2018 to 2020, resulting in a significant tax loss to the United States. Consequences of Tax Fraud As a result of Guevara’s fraudulent activities, he is now liable to the IRS for damages totaling $123,458. This amount will need to…

Crypto PAC’s Controversial Funding of Democrat Emily Randall’s Campaign Crypto PAC made headlines recently by investing approximately $1.5 million in media buys to support Democrat Emily Randall’s campaign. This move has sparked controversy and criticism from the opposing side, with accusations of compromising the integrity of the district. The Impact of Crypto PAC’s Financial Support The significant financial backing provided by Crypto PAC has undoubtedly had a considerable impact on Emily Randall’s campaign. The influx of funds has allowed her to run extensive media campaigns, reaching a wider audience and potentially influencing more voters. Furthermore, the funding has enabled Randall…

The Impact of Bitcoin on the U.S. Presidential Campaign One of the most important focuses in the U.S. presidential campaign is both parties’ policies regarding Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. The Trump administration has repeatedly expressed support for digital assets, and its supporters have expressed the same view. Among them is Senator Bill Hagerty, who addressed the upcoming Bitcoin 2024 conference on X (Twitter) today. The event, billed as the world’s largest crypto conference, will be held in Nashville, Tennessee. Senator Hagerty’s Stance on Cryptocurrencies During the meeting, which took place in a state represented by Hagerty, the U.S. senator reiterated his…

Charles Barkley Criticizes NBA’s Decision to Partner with Amazon Former NBA star Charles Barkley recently spoke out against the NBA’s decision to reject a broadcast deal with Warner Bros. Discovery in favor of partnering with Amazon. Barkley accused the professional basketball league of prioritizing money over its fans, expressing disappointment in the direction the NBA has chosen to take. The NBA’s New Broadcast Deal and the Future of “Inside the NBA” The NBA recently announced an 11-year deal to broadcast games on Amazon Prime Video, Disney, and NBC, starting from the 2025-26 season. Warner Bros., which owns cable channel TNT,…

Recent Earthquakes Shake Texas: A Closer Look at the Impact On Friday morning, a series of earthquakes rattled Texas, with the largest temblor measuring a magnitude of 5.1. The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 10 miles northeast of Hemley in West Texas, marking yet another seismic event in the region. The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the earthquake as a magnitude 4.8 before upgrading it to 5.0 and eventually to 5.1. Impact of the Earthquakes Shortly after the initial earthquake, two more tremors followed. A second earthquake with a magnitude of 3.8 occurred 12 minutes after the first…

Silvergate Bank: The Former Cryptocurrency-Friendly Institution that Met its Demise in 2023 Silvergate Bank, once heralded as a pioneer in embracing cryptocurrency, faced a catastrophic downfall in March 2023. The bank’s demise was intricately linked to the collapse of the FTX exchange, sending shockwaves through the financial sector. The Rise and Fall of Silvergate Bank Established in the digital currency space, Silvergate Bank quickly gained popularity among crypto enthusiasts worldwide. Its innovative approach to banking, focused on accommodating the unique needs of cryptocurrency investors, set it apart from traditional financial institutions. However, the bank’s rapid rise to prominence eventually led…

The Impact of Surf Forecasting on Surfing Culture Surfing culture has always been deeply connected to the pursuit of the perfect wave. Surfers have traveled far and wide in search of the best waves, chasing the thrill of riding the perfect swell. With the advancements in surf forecasting, this quest has become more streamlined and accessible for surfers around the world. One of the most significant developments in surf forecasting is its integration into major surfing competitions, such as the Paris Olympics in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Surfers competing in these prestigious events now rely on accurate wave forecasts to plan…

The future of tokenized securities on the Ethereum mainnet Tokenized securities have been gaining popularity in the financial world, offering a new way to invest in traditional assets through blockchain technology. In this rapidly evolving landscape, asset managers are exploring ways to bring tokenized securities to different networks, including the Ethereum mainnet and other EVMs. The potential of extending tokenized securities to Ethereum and EVMs According to the head of digital assets at a prominent asset management firm, there is a growing interest in leveraging the Ethereum mainnet and other EVMs for tokenized securities. By tapping into these networks, asset…

U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Dominates Zambia in Paris Olympics The U.S. women’s soccer team kicked off their journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a convincing 3-0 victory over Zambia. The match showcased the team’s dominance and set a strong tone for the rest of the tournament. Impressive Performance from the Start From the opening whistle, the U.S. women’s soccer team displayed their skill and determination on the field. They controlled possession, created numerous scoring opportunities, and capitalized on their chances to secure a comfortable lead early in the game. The players’ coordination and chemistry were evident as they seamlessly…

Tragic Death of Giselle Tapia-Salazar in League City Giselle Tapia-Salazar, a 30-year-old mother, was tragically found dead on May 31 in League City, Texas. Her body was discovered hanging on a dock, and her boyfriend, James Hart, has been charged in connection with her death. The Investigation and Arrest After an investigation by the League City Police Department, James Hart, 51, was arrested and charged with tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to cause harm to a human body. Tapia-Salazar’s body was found on a dock outside Hart’s boat, leading detectives to believe she may have died elsewhere before being moved…

Bitcoin Price Targets Surpass $69,000 The Bitcoin market is abuzz with excitement as price targets for the world’s most popular cryptocurrency have soared to a new all-time high of $69,000. Investors and enthusiasts alike are feeling optimistic about the future of Bitcoin, driving up demand and pushing the price to unprecedented levels. The Rise of Bitcoin Optimism This surge in Bitcoin prices can be attributed to a combination of factors, including increased mainstream adoption, growing institutional interest, and a renewed sense of confidence in the cryptocurrency market. As traditional financial institutions begin to embrace Bitcoin and other digital assets, the…

Bitcoin Price Reaches All-Time High Amid Growing Optimism Bitcoin price targets have now reached a 2021 all-time high of $69,000 as optimism about Bitcoin heats up. Bitcoin, the world’s most famous cryptocurrency, is on a winning streak as its price continues to soar. The recent surge in Bitcoin’s price has captured the attention of investors and enthusiasts alike, leading to renewed interest in the digital asset. The Bullish Trend Continues The bullish trend in the Bitcoin market shows no signs of slowing down, with experts predicting even higher price targets in the near future. The $69,000 milestone is just the…

Judge Kelli Johnson: The Controversial Case in Houston In a shocking turn of events, Harris County Judge Kelli Johnson has found herself embroiled in a series of legal and personal challenges. From a DWI charge to a judicial complaint and a stay at a mental health facility, the judge’s troubles seem far from over. Legal Woes and Public Outcry The news of Judge Johnson’s DWI charge and subsequent stay at a mental health facility has sent shockwaves through the legal community in Houston. Her combative behavior during a welfare check and subsequent transport to a mental health facility have raised…

The Tragic Case of Melvin O. Morales-Gomez: A Convicted Child Murderer In a shocking and devastating turn of events, Melvin O. Morales-Gomez, a 31-year-old man from Houston, has been convicted of killing his own 3-year-old nephew, Kevin Ramirez-Lara. The brutal murder took place in January 2020, and Morales-Gomez has been sentenced to up to 55 years in prison for this heinous crime. A Heartbreaking Incident of Child Abuse The Harris County District Attorney’s Office announced the conviction, shedding light on the tragic circumstances surrounding the case. Kevin Ramirez-Lara was living with Morales-Gomez and his wife after his mother moved to…

bitFlyer Holdings Acquires FTX Japan Subsidiary According to a recent tweet, bitFlyer Holdings has successfully completed the acquisition of the Japanese subsidiary of the shuttered cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Transition to Cryptocurrency Custody Business The acquisition process was finalized on July 26, with plans to change the company name by August 26. bitFlyer highlights that their internally developed wallet technology will be a key element of their new cryptocurrency custody business. Future Plans and Industry Outlook Looking forward, bitFlyer is gearing up for the potential approval of a Japanese cryptocurrency spot ETF. They are also preparing tailored services for trust banks…

The Race for the First Crypto ETF in Japan The recent acquisition in the Japanese market has sparked excitement and speculation among investors regarding the launch of the first spot crypto ETF. This move could potentially revolutionize the way cryptocurrencies are traded and accessed in Japan, further solidifying the country’s position as a leading market in the crypto industry. Market Expansion and Investor Participation With the acquisition of a key player in the crypto industry, the stage is set for the introduction of a spot crypto ETF that could attract a wider range of investors. This development may lead to…

Houston Weather Update: As of now, the current radar in Houston shows light rain overnight on Thursday, with heavier rain expected to arrive on Friday morning. This continuous rain pattern is forecasted to persist throughout the weekend, gradually decreasing in coverage and intensity. Impacts of the Rainfall: The heaviest rainfall is expected from Houston to the coast, posing potential risks of flooding. It is important to stay vigilant and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions that could lead to flooding. Upcoming Weather Forecast: Looking ahead, there is no tropical activity in the Gulf, Caribbean Sea, or Atlantic Ocean at…

The Exception of Cryptocurrencies in Government Oversight It’s no secret that governments won’t allow anything to flourish without oversight or control, but for the most part, cryptocurrencies have proven to be an exception. While traditional financial systems are heavily regulated and monitored by central authorities, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, making them harder to control. This has led to a unique situation where governments worldwide are struggling to implement regulations that keep up with the rapidly evolving crypto space. The Challenges of Government Regulation One of the main challenges governments face when trying to regulate cryptocurrencies is the borderless nature…

bitFlyer Acquires FTX Japan in Multi-Billion Yen Deal Japanese cryptocurrency exchange bitFlyer Holdings has made a significant move by acquiring 100% of FTX Japan in a multi-billion yen deal. The acquisition will see bitFlyer rebranding FTX Japan and launching a new cryptocurrency custody business through the subsidiary. The Acquisition and Rebranding Process The acquisition of FTX Japan by bitFlyer Holdings was completed on July 26, marking a strategic move for the Tokyo-based exchange. By acquiring all shares and management rights of FTX Japan, bitFlyer aims to achieve sustainable growth and leverage synergies within the group. BitFlyer plans to rebrand FTX…

Impact of Shoplifting Increase on Crime Statistics The latest report from the Criminal Justice Commission (CCJ) highlighted a significant trend in crime statistics for the first six months of 2024. While most types of crime showed a decrease, one notable exception was shoplifting, which saw a 24% increase during this period. This surge in shoplifting cases has raised concerns among both retailers and consumers alike. Factors Contributing to the Rise in Shoplifting As businesses invest in anti-theft technology to combat the growing problem of shoplifting, consumers have expressed frustration with the overwhelming number of products on store shelves. The increase…