Yearly Archives: 2025

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Spire Global: A Buy Even For Late Comers

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**Analyst’s Disclosure:**
I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of SPIR, either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. SPIR is my largest position.

**Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure:**
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole.

Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker, US investment adviser, or investment bank. Our analysts are third-party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4840792-spire-global-a-buy-even-for-late-comers?source=feed_all_articles

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Changpeng Zhao Pardon: ‘I Met Eric Trump Once, That’s It,’ Says CZ

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**Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao Responds to Trump Pardon Controversy**

Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has addressed the recent controversy surrounding his pardon by former President Donald Trump. In an exclusive interview with Fox News, CZ revealed that the pardon came as a surprise and stressed that there was no negotiation, deal, or business connection with Trump or his family.

CZ explained that he had met Eric Trump only once at a Bitcoin conference in Abu Dhabi. However, the meeting was brief and unrelated to Binance or any discussions about the pardon.

### Acknowledging Past Legal Issues

During the interview, CZ openly acknowledged his past legal troubles. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to failing to ensure proper compliance measures at Binance, resulting in a four-month prison sentence. He emphasized that taking responsibility for these issues was crucial to moving forward.

With the case now behind him, CZ expressed his desire to focus on helping the United States build a stronger cryptocurrency industry. He noted that regulations are becoming clearer and believes cryptocurrency has evolved from a niche topic to a central part of global finance.

—

### Trump: “I Don’t Know Who He Is”

When asked about the decision to grant the pardon, Donald Trump stated that he barely knows who Changpeng Zhao is. He insisted the pardon was not based on any personal relationship.

Trump highlighted his goal for the United States to lead in crypto innovation, pointing out that other nations like China and Japan are advancing rapidly in this sector. He also claimed that the previous administration treated CZ unfairly and stressed the importance of supporting crypto growth to maintain U.S. competitiveness.

Although Trump admitted that his sons are more involved in cryptocurrency than he is, he acknowledged the industry’s significance. He warned that if the U.S. fails to encourage crypto development, the industry will simply move overseas.

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### Congressional Inquiry into the Pardon

The pardon has sparked a formal congressional inquiry. Representative Robert Garcia has requested documents and communication records from the White House concerning CZ, Binance, and the Trump family.

Garcia’s concerns stem from media reports suggesting that Binance once promoted a stablecoin linked to the Trump family and allegedly encouraged a UAE investor to use it while considering investing in Binance.

Calling for full transparency, Garcia has asked that all related records be submitted by November 20, 2025. Lawmakers are investigating whether business connections influenced the pardon, despite denials from both CZ and Trump.

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### Crypto’s Growing Role in Global Politics and Finance

Analysts suggest the focus should move beyond whether a deal existed between CZ and Trump. The key takeaway is that cryptocurrency has entered mainstream politics and global finance.

Leading figures in the crypto industry are now meeting with world leaders, attending major summits, and shaping national policies. This represents a turning point where cryptocurrency is no longer viewed as an outsider sector but as a recognized force influencing the future of global economies and governance.

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**FAQs**

*(Include relevant FAQs about the pardon, CZ’s legal history, and the implications for the crypto industry.)*
https://coinpedia.org/news/changpeng-zhao-pardon-i-met-eric-trump-once-thats-it-says-cz/

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Nick Martinelli scores 20, extends point streak in Northwestern’s 76-52 win over Boston University

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EVANSTON, Ill. — Nick Martinelli scored 20 points, and Jayden Reid added another 17 as Northwestern secured a convincing 76-52 victory over Boston University on Friday night.

Martinelli also led the Wildcats (2-0) with nine rebounds, shooting an efficient 7-for-12 from the field. Notably, Martinelli has scored 15 or more points in 20 consecutive games, marking the longest streak among players in the Power 4 conferences.

Reid, who transferred to Northwestern from the University of South Florida, led the team with eight assists, showcasing his playmaking skills.

Northwestern pulled away with an impressive 11-0 run in the middle of the first half, jumping ahead 19-4 with just over 10 minutes remaining. The Terriers (1-1) finally ended the drought with a three-pointer from Michael McNair.

McNair led Boston University with a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. However, Boston’s turnovers proved costly throughout the game, committing 14 giveaways that resulted in 18 points for the Wildcats.

With this win, Northwestern remains undefeated early in the season and continues to build momentum heading forward.
https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/nick-martinelli-scores-20-extends-point-streak-in-northwesterns-76-52-win-over-boston-university

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Microsoft Store Leaks Upcoming Release of Silent Hill 2 Remake for Xbox Systems

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**Silent Hill 2 Remake Launches November 21st on Xbox**

The release of the *Silent Hill 2 Remake* for Xbox has been rumored over the past few weeks. Now, a listing has appeared on the Microsoft Store that seemingly confirms the upcoming release—and even provides a release date to mark on your calendar!

As reported by TrueAchievements.com, a listing for *Silent Hill 2 Remake* by Bloober Team went live on the Microsoft Store. It indicates that the game will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, although there’s no mention of Xbox Play Anywhere support.

While the listing itself did not explicitly state the release date, the team at TrueAchievements explored the page’s code and discovered a hidden date: **November 21, 2025**.

This isn’t the first leak or rumor surrounding *Silent Hill 2 Remake* on Xbox. Most notably, the game recently received an ESRB rating that confirmed its availability on Xbox Series systems.

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### Deluxe Edition and Dual Pack Revealed

Beyond the release date, the listing also unveiled some exciting extras. There will be a **Deluxe Edition** of the game, which includes:
– A digital artbook
– A digital soundtrack
– A fun Pyramid Head “pizza box” cosmetic item

Additionally, the game is set to release in a **dual pack** alongside the series’ latest entry, *Silent Hill f*. For those looking to immerse themselves in foggy, horror-filled towns, this bundle promises a great experience.

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### “Born From a Wish” DLC Still Missing

One notable absence in the listing is the “Born From a Wish” DLC. Though there have been rumors about this content, no official confirmation or tangible details have emerged yet.

For those unfamiliar, *Born from a Wish* was a short bonus campaign included in the original *Silent Hill 2* Xbox port. It was also part of the Director’s Cut and Greatest Hits re-releases on PlayStation 2. The DLC featured Maria as the protagonist shortly before she meets James in the main story, expanding slightly on her role.

While the campaign’s short length led many fans and critics to view it as relatively insignificant, some were hopeful it would be remade as DLC for the *Silent Hill 2 Remake*. Such an addition could have expanded the campaign into something more meaningful.

—

Stay tuned for more updates on *Silent Hill 2 Remake* as the November 21, 2025 release date approaches!
https://gamesfuze.com/game-news/microsoft-store-leaks-upcoming-release-of-silent-hill-2-remake-for-xbox-systems/

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Longtime Houston Rep. Al Green switching to 18th Congressional District in run for reelection

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U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Houston) ended months of speculation Friday night by declaring himself a candidate for Texas’ 18th Congressional District in 2026.

“We are here tonight, friends, because we refuse to allow President Donald Trump to decide for us who is going to represent us in the Congress of the United States of America,” said Green, speaking at his campaign kickoff event at the Wyndam Houston near NRG Park.

Green has represented Texas’ 9th Congressional District for more than 20 years. He became one of the central targets of Republican redistricting efforts this past summer, following intense pressure from Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott. State lawmakers moved the 9th from solidly Democratic territory in south and southwest Houston to Republican-leaning areas in eastern Harris County and Liberty County.

Much of Green’s traditional base, not to mention his own home, was redrawn into the 18th Congressional District. Green had stated as early as August that, while he would be on the ballot in 2026, he would not be a candidate for the 9th.

In the March primary, he likely will face the winner of a special election runoff to complete the term of the late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who served in the 18th District from January until his death in March. The runoff is between acting Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, both fellow Democrats.

“We’re going to fight for all sides of the 18th and 9th congressional districts, because these districts have come together now as one, and while they are the 18th, the 18th is the number that’s on the district, most of the people have come from the 9th congressional district,” Green said. “And I’m going to ask that you in the 9th now and in the 18th now as they exist, let’s start now to unify.”

The redistricting map is currently under legal challenge. A collection of civil rights groups and individuals have asked a panel of three federal judges to issue an injunction blocking the map from taking effect in time for the 2026 election. The panel has yet to issue a ruling, and the candidate filing period for that election begins Saturday.

Green is trying to claim the mantle of two of the three previous members of Congress for the 18th District, both of whom he had worked alongside: U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died in July 2024 at the age of 74, and Turner, who died in March at the age of 70. Green himself is 78 and will be 79 by Election Day 2026.

He enters the primary just days after the first round of the special election to fill the remainder of Turner’s term. Menefee is 37, and Edwards is 43. Green alluded to the age difference, without naming his potential opponents in the Democratic primary, with a line reminiscent of one used by President Ronald Reagan against former Vice President Walter Mondale during the 1984 presidential campaign.

“There is some question about age, and I want you to know that I will not make an issue about anybody’s youthfulness,” Green said. “I think that people who are of age can run, so I want them to run.”

Green stressed his actions in office in making the case for the votes of residents of the new 18th Congressional District.

“You know that I will stand up to Donald Trump because you saw me do it,” Green said. “You know that I will fight for your health care because you’ve seen me do it. You know that I believe in raising the minimum wage to $25 an hour, because you’ve heard me say it.”

Green argued that, if Democrats retook control of both houses of Congress, they needed to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, overriding the use of the filibuster in the Senate if necessary, as Republicans had done in confirming Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Trump appointee.

“If we had used that rule, we could have prevented people from deciding now that where you are from does not allow you to buy land in the state of Texas,” Green said, in reference to Texas’ recently enacted Senate Bill 17. “We can protect people who happen to be of Asian ancestry, who have money in their pocket that they want to spend in this country to buy land, and they only want it for a residence, for a business.”

Finally, Green leaned into his record of having filed multiple articles of impeachment against Trump.

“I celebrate the people who are going to make sure that the Trumps of the world don’t have an opportunity to serve in office one day longer than they’ve already been there, which is why, when I go back to Congress, I promise you, I will file additional articles of impeachment to remove Donald Trump from office.”
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2025/11/07/535536/al-green-18th-congressional-district-march-primary-houston-democrat/

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JPMorgan Just Bought 64% More Bitcoin ETF Holdings

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JPMorgan has disclosed a sharp increase in its holdings of the Bitcoin ETF IBIT, signaling rising institutional interest in cryptocurrency exposure. According to recent 13F filings, the bank reported holding 5,284,190 shares of IBIT, valued at $343 million as of September 30. This marks a 64% increase from its previous disclosure of 3,217,056 shares as of June.

The filings also revealed that JPMorgan holds IBIT options, including $68 million in call options and $133 million in put options. It is important to note that 13F filings aggregate holdings across all bank divisions, including those of high-net-worth clients. This means these positions may not be limited to the bank’s own balance sheet.

Bitcoin itself has remained volatile in recent months, hovering just above $100,000. However, institutional flows like JPMorgan’s growing ETF holdings underscore confidence in the cryptocurrency’s long-term prospects. The bank’s sizable purchase coincides with renewed interest in regulated investment vehicles such as ETFs.

### JPMorgan’s Bitcoin Embrace

JPMorgan analysts recently stated that Bitcoin now appears undervalued relative to gold. This follows a sharp sell-off in October, which pushed Bitcoin’s price down more than 20% from its recent record high of $126,000. The decline was driven by leveraged liquidations in the futures market and market anxiety after a $128 million Balancer hack.

According to JPMorgan analyst Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, the ratio of open interest in perpetual futures to Bitcoin’s market cap has since normalized, indicating that most excess leverage has been flushed out. The bank’s analysis also shows that Bitcoin is trading at a discount to gold when adjusted for volatility.

As gold prices climbed above $4,000 per ounce, its volatility also increased, while Bitcoin’s volatility has eased. To reach parity with gold’s private-sector investment value on a risk-adjusted basis, analysts estimate Bitcoin would need to rise toward $170,000 — roughly two-thirds higher than recent levels.

JPMorgan forecasts “significant upside” over the next six to twelve months if current market conditions persist. This reinforces the case for Bitcoin as either an alternative to gold or a complementary asset for risk-averse investors.

### Expanding Crypto Services

In addition to its growing Bitcoin ETF holdings, JPMorgan is preparing to allow institutional clients to use Bitcoin as collateral for loans by the end of 2025. This move would expand the bank’s current acceptance of crypto-linked ETFs, signaling a broader embrace of cryptocurrency within its financial services.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is priced near $101,290, according to Bitcoin Magazine Pro data. Earlier this quarter in October, Bitcoin hit an all-time high above $126,000 but has since dropped roughly 20% from those record highs.

—

JPMorgan’s increased exposure to Bitcoin through ETFs, combined with bullish price forecasts and expanded institutional services, underscores a growing acceptance of cryptocurrency as a key asset class in the evolving financial landscape.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/bitcoin/jpmorgan-just-bought-64-more-bitcoin-etf-holdings/

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Polymarket’s Trading Volume May Be 25% Fake, Columbia Study Finds

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**Polymarket Accused of Inflated Trading Activity Due to Wash Trading, Columbia Study Finds**

Polymarket, one of the largest blockchain-based prediction markets, may have had its trading activity significantly inflated by a practice known as wash trading, according to new research from Columbia University.

In a paper published Thursday analyzing more than two years of on-chain data, the researchers estimate that nearly 25% of the platform’s historical volume involved users rapidly buying and selling contracts—often to themselves or with colluding accounts—to inflate activity metrics without changing their net market position.

Wash trading is illegal in traditional financial markets and generally frowned upon in crypto, though it remains common, especially where user identities can be hidden. The study’s findings suggest the volume of fake trades peaked at nearly 60% of weekly volume in December 2024 and has remained an ongoing issue through October 2025.

**Sports and Election Markets Most Impacted**

The research found that sports and election markets were the most affected. In some weeks, over 90% of trades in those categories appeared inauthentic. The researchers said they developed a novel algorithm to detect wash trading based on wallet behavior, focusing on how often users open and then quickly close positions—especially when trading primarily with other wallets that exhibit the same patterns.

This method allowed the team to identify not just simple back-and-forth trades, but also complex networks of wallets forming trading loops or clusters, some involving tens of thousands of accounts. One identified cluster of over 43,000 wallets was responsible for nearly $1 million in trading volume, mostly at prices under a penny, with nearly all of it flagged as likely wash trading. In some cases, traders appeared to pass contracts through dozens of wallets in rapid succession, sometimes even holding losing positions to give the appearance of legitimate trades. The study also found evidence of users reusing capital by transferring USDC across multiple wallets, further suggesting coordinated efforts.

**Incentives Go Beyond Profits**

Despite these suspicious activities, the paper notes that many of the suspected wash trading wallets made no real profits, suggesting that the goal may have been to game future incentives like token airdrops or platform rankings, rather than to generate financial returns.

Polymarket, which allows users to bet on binary outcomes using the USDC stablecoin, does not require identity verification and charges no trading fees—features the researchers argue may make it especially vulnerable to wash trading. The study also points to speculation over a potential future token as a possible incentive for volume manipulation.

**Ongoing Debate Over Manipulation Risks**

Polymarket has previously been accused of manipulation, particularly around sensitive markets such as the U.S. presidential election. However, not everyone buys the narrative. Harry Crane, a statistics professor at Rutgers, has argued that concerns about manipulation may be overblown, or even politically motivated.

> “I believe the narrative about manipulation is an attempt by legacy media to discredit these markets, which threatens their ability to control the narrative,” Crane told CoinDesk last year.

Still, the Columbia team argues that inflated volume can distort users’ perceptions of market sentiment. They propose using network-based algorithms to flag suspicious trading patterns and restore trust in these emerging financial tools.

**Polymarket Faces Scrutiny Amid U.S. Return**

Polymarket did not return a request for comment by press time. The company is currently in the middle of a formal return to the U.S. after previously settling charges with U.S. regulators. As part of this process, the company will issue a token, its chief marketing officer said last month. At the same time, Polymarket is reportedly looking to raise funds at an up-to-$15 billion valuation.

As attention grows towards prediction markets and their potential for both transparency and abuse, the research underscores the need for robust safeguards to ensure the integrity of on-chain platforms.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/polymarkets-trading-volume-may-be-25-fake-columbia-study-finds/

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Duquesne pulls out win over Sacred Heart on 25-point performances from Hugley, Guinyard

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https://triblive.com/sports/duquesne-pulls-out-win-over-sacred-heart-on-25-point-performances-from-hugley-guinyard/

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Chase Elliott “extremely proud” by Hendrick Motorsports latest achievement

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**Hendrick Motorsports’ #9 Chevy Crew Named Most Valuable Pit Crew of the Season by Mechanix Wear**

Chase Elliott’s #9 Chevy crew at Hendrick Motorsports was honored as the Most Valuable Pit Crew of the season by Mechanix Wear for their outstanding performance during the 2025 playoffs. Elliott expressed his admiration for the dedication and hard work his team demonstrated, praising them for delivering when it mattered most.

Mechanix Wear evaluates pit crews based on a playoff-focused metric system that considers factors such as pit stop speed, positions gained or lost during stops, and the overall strength of each stop. Excelling across all these criteria, the #9 Chevy crew delivered the best postseason performance in 2025. Their resilience and relentless effort played a key role in keeping Chase Elliott in playoff contention throughout the season.

Reflecting on the team’s success, Elliott shared:
“I’m extremely proud of our whole group. They did an exceptional job all year, and I’ve touched on how impressed I was at Phoenix and the drive to want to continue to work hard and lay it all out there, even though we weren’t in the playoffs. They just had an incredible performance on pit road and an amazing way to cap off the season. I’m extremely grateful for their attitudes, their approach, how they pick me up when I’m down or whatever it takes; they’re willing to rise to the occasion.”

**Chase Elliott’s 2025 Season Recap**

Elliott completed the 2025 Cup Series season in eighth place overall. Over 36 starts, he secured two victories, 19 top-ten finishes, and 11 top-five finishes. He also led 454 laps during the year, posting an average finish of 12.6.

**Chase Elliott’s Thoughts on Rumored 2026 Cup Series Playoff Format**

Ahead of the 2025 postseason, former Cup Series champion Chase Elliott sat down for a pre-race interview with NASCAR journalist Dalton Hopkins at Darlington. During the interview, Elliott weighed in on rumors about a potential change to the 2026 playoff format.

Currently, NASCAR utilizes a 3-3-3-1 playoff structure, featuring three races per playoff round and the elimination of four drivers each round until the final four compete for the championship. However, NASCAR plans to revise the format next season to enhance fan engagement.

Elliott shared his perspective on the rumored changes:
“I think it would be better than what we have. Because you just have a larger amount of races at a round to decide. You know, it could, it seemingly would give an opportunity to, you know, have something that’s totally out of somebody’s hands, not completely derail their championship. What is now, you know, their shop. So, it seems like, is it perfect? Probably not. But I would say that that sounds better.”

**A Look Back at Chase Elliott’s NASCAR Journey**

Chase Elliott made his Cup Series debut in 2015 with Hendrick Motorsports, driving the #25 Chevy as a part-time rookie. He earned his first full-time seat in 2016, piloting the iconic #24 Chevy for two seasons before transitioning to the #9 car in 2018, where he continues to race today.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/news-chase-elliott-extremely-proud-hendrick-motorsports-latest-achievement