Insider Testifies MIT Brothers Allegedly Planned $25M Crypto Heist for Months

Travis Chen, a quantitative trader who worked for the brothers’ company, testified in Manhattan federal court about a December 2022 meeting where the brothers outlined an alleged scheme to exploit a software vulnerability in Ethereum’s MEV-Boost protocol.

Chen, a former employee of Anton and James Peraire-Bueno’s firm 18decimal, described the operation, code-named “Omakase,” which was designed to profit at the expense of sandwich bots — automated trading programs that capitalize on price movements by inserting their own transactions before and after a pending trade, effectively “sandwiching” it to generate profit from the resulting price slippage. In this case, the brothers reportedly planned to use the bots’ own tactics against them.

During the trial, Chen testified under a nonprosecution agreement that required him to forfeit $2.4 million — his share of the alleged heist. Notes from the December 2022 planning meeting revealed that the brothers anticipated making $6 million from the operation, with potential to earn “way higher” amounts if they could “trap them all at once.”

According to prosecutors, the MIT-educated brothers spent months analyzing trading patterns and designed eight “bait” transactions to attract sandwich bots. Once the bots engaged, they allegedly exploited a vulnerability allowing them to drain the bots’ funds by restructuring blocks to their advantage.

The scheme was reportedly executed by April 2, 2023, netting approximately $25 million in just 12 seconds. The brothers face wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges, each carrying up to 20 years in prison. They went on trial last Tuesday after rejecting a plea deal.

Further testimony revealed that the brothers, as validators on Ethereum’s blockchain, exploited a glitch that allowed early access to transaction data before block finalization. Prosecutors also allege the brothers searched online for phrases such as “how to wash crypto” and “top crypto lawyers” during their planning, though the defense has sought to exclude this evidence, arguing the searches took place during privileged communications with attorneys.

Flashbots developer Robert Miller also testified that the vulnerability was fixed within 24 hours of the exploit. He stated that the alleged perpetrators later contacted him anonymously, asking him not to refer to their activity as an “exploit” in exchange for details of a similar strategy. Miller said he accepted the proposal, though the defense had objected to his testimony earlier, claiming it would be based on his expertise rather than direct investigation.

The trial continues as the court examines the full scope of the brothers’ actions and intentions in this unprecedented crypto trading heist.
https://decrypt.co/344933/insider-testifies-mit-brothers-allegedly-planned-25m-crypto-heist

Cardano (ADA) Price: Rebounds 14% as $0.60 Support Zone Holds – What’s Next?

Cardano (ADA) Price Update: Stabilizing Near Key Support Amid Growing Capital Inflows

Cardano (ADA) is currently trading around $0.72, showing signs of stabilization near the crucial $0.60 support zone following a period of recent volatility. Over the past 24 hours, ADA has recorded a modest increase of 0.66%, reclaiming the $0.66 level with nearly 4% daily gains as both volume and market confidence begin to return.

### Key Support Levels Holding Strong

The $0.60 to $0.62 price range has established itself as a robust support area for Cardano. This zone has triggered multiple rebounds over the last few months, with buyers consistently stepping in to defend it, making it a reliable base for the cryptocurrency. Should this support hold, traders are eyeing a potential short-term move towards the $0.68 to $0.70 range.

Historically, the weekly support between $0.55 and $0.60 has performed well, suggesting that if buying momentum continues, ADA could enter a recovery phase. Currently, price action remains supported above this accumulation zone and is consolidating beneath resistance levels near $0.75 to $0.78. This behavior signals a re-accumulation phase rather than a breakdown.

If ADA sustains support above $0.55 and reclaims the 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) near $0.70, the price structure could reset for an upward trend. The broader outlook remains constructive as long as the $0.55 support holds firm on the weekly timeframe.

### Technical Outlook: Falling Wedge Pattern Signals Potential Breakout

On the short-term 4-hour chart, Cardano’s price is forming a falling wedge pattern — a technical structure often associated with potential reversals. The lower edge of this wedge around $0.65 provides support, while the upper trendline resistance sits near $0.70.

A decisive close above $0.70 accompanied by strong trading volume could confirm a breakout, opening the path toward the $0.75 to $0.78 resistance range. This setup indicates that buyers still have the capacity to counteract recent selling pressure.

### Growing Capital Inflows Bode Well for Recovery

Supporting this positive outlook, Cardano’s Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) indicator has reached a three-month high, indicating strong capital inflows into the network. An uptick in CMF typically signals early accumulation stages, suggesting that investors are gradually returning following recent sell-offs.

If these inflows remain steady and CMF sustains its positive momentum, ADA could establish a stronger foundation for a larger price rebound in the coming weeks.

### Market Cap and Broader Sentiment

Cardano’s market capitalization currently stands at approximately $23.67 billion, securing its position among the top ten cryptocurrencies globally. The fully diluted valuation approaches $29.7 billion, reflecting enduring optimism around the Cardano ecosystem.

This recent price bounce aligns with a broader recovery trend across cryptocurrency markets, fueled by easing inflation and speculation of future interest rate cuts.

### Future Prospects: Network Upgrades and Institutional Interest

Cardano’s proof-of-stake consensus mechanism and focus on energy efficiency continue to position it as a compelling alternative to Ethereum. Ongoing upgrades to smart contracts, scalability features, and interoperability developments across the Cardano network could attract increased institutional interest.

If ADA maintains support above $0.60 and trading volume gains further momentum, the current support zone may serve as a strong base for a sustained recovery trend. A push above $0.70 would likely invite stronger upward momentum toward $0.78 to $0.80, marking a key milestone in confirming a trend reversal.

**Summary:** Cardano is stabilizing near important support levels, with technical indicators and growing capital inflows pointing toward a potential bullish breakout. Investors and traders will be closely watching the $0.70 resistance level to gauge the likelihood of a broader recovery in ADA’s price.
https://coincentral.com/cardano-ada-price-rebounds-14-as-0-60-support-zone-holds-whats-next/

Everything A Platinum-Status Frequent Flyer Packs In Their Carry-On

We hope you love our recommendations! Some items may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

### Everything a Platinum-Status Frequent Flyer Packs In Their Carry-On

Our senior travel and culture reporter shares what’s always in her bag.

When it comes to packing for a trip, you can never be too prepared—especially if the only bags you’re taking are carry-ons. It takes skill to ensure you have all the travel essentials without overstuffing your luggage and potentially causing issues at the security line.

To learn more, I reached out to Caroline Bologna, a senior travel and culture reporter who has achieved Delta Platinum frequent flyer status and says she only travels with carry-on baggage.

Below, discover Bologna’s picks for essential carry-on items, and get ready to make your next airport trip the smoothest one yet.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/ericakam/everything-a-platinum-status-frequent-flyer-packs-in-their

Trump warned Zelensky that Putin could ‘destroy’ Ukraine if he wants in closed-door ‘shouting match’: report

President Trump chastised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an explosive, closed-door meeting at the White House on Friday, warning the leader that President Vladimir Putin would “destroy” Ukraine if he wanted to, according to a report.

The three-hour sit-down, which took place a day after Trump held a call with Putin, reportedly devolved into a “shouting match,” with Trump “cursing all the time,” people familiar with the matter told The Financial Times. Sources told the outlet that Trump also dismissed maps of the frontline in Ukraine, insisting Zelensky surrender the Donbas region to Russia.

The president’s rhetoric appeared to mirror many of Putin’s talking points, a European official with knowledge of the meeting said. Trump reportedly told Zelensky that Putin had described the bloody war that has ravaged Ukraine as a “special operation, not even a war.”

“If [Putin] wants it, he will destroy you,” Trump warned Zelensky, at one point throwing the maps of the battlefield to one side, the official said. Trump then expressed frustration, saying he was “sick” of seeing the map of the frontlines.

“This red line, I don’t even know where this is. I’ve never been there,” Trump lambasted, according to the official.

Following the tense meeting, Zelensky was described as “very negative,” one official told the publication. Meanwhile, European leaders remained “not optimistic but pragmatic” as they planned next steps.

The White House did not respond to The Post’s request for comment by the time of publication.

Zelensky’s primary goal for the meeting was reportedly to procure powerful Tomahawk missiles that could target Russia within range of remotely launched attacks from Ukrainian territory. However, Trump later urged Russia and Ukraine to end their nearly four-year war at the current battle lines.

“Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts. They should stop where they are,” Trump posted to Truth Social shortly after the volatile sitdown. “Let both claim Victory, let History decide! No more shooting, no more Death, no more vast and unsustainable sums of money spent.”

Zelensky told reporters that Ukraine was ready for an end to the war. “I agree with the president, yes, both sides must stop,” he said. “But between us, it’s about Putin, because we didn’t begin this war.”

Though Zelensky left the White House meeting empty-handed, he maintained that it was significant Trump did not outright say “no” to the possibility of acquiring the long-range missiles.

“For today, it’s good again that he didn’t say no,” Zelensky told NBC’s “Meet the Press,” referring to Trump. “The Tomahawks, it’s very sensitive for Russians,” he added. “I think that Putin [is] afraid that [the] United States will deliver us Tomahawks. And I think that he’s really afraid that we will use [them].”

The Ukrainian leader also mentioned that Ukraine has proposed exchanging its drone technology for American weapons. Trump acknowledged that Washington and Kyiv have been discussing such an exchange.

“They make a very good drone,” Trump said of Ukraine.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/20/world-news/trump-warned-zelensky-that-putin-could-destroy-ukraine-if-he-wants-in-closed-door-shouting-match-report/

Whales Bet Against Market, Open $116M Bitcoin Shorts

A veteran Bitcoin whale known as “1011short” has re-entered the market by opening a massive $77 million short position. According to on-chain data, the trader deposited $30 million in USDC to the decentralized exchange Hyperliquid before initiating a 10x leveraged short on 700 BTC. This trade was executed at an entry price of $109,133 per BTC.

With Bitcoin currently trading near $110,628, this position is sitting at an unrealized loss of approximately $1.13 million. The wallet’s liquidation price is set at $150,084, indicating a calculated but high-risk strategy.

### Second Whale Opens $39M in BTC and ETH Shorts

Meanwhile, another wallet, starting with the address 0x579f, has also entered the market with significant short positions. Over the past two days, this address deposited $2.91 million USDC into Hyperliquid and opened high-leverage shorts on both Bitcoin and Ethereum, totaling around $39.21 million in exposure.

For Bitcoin, the wallet opened a 40x short on 147 BTC, valued at $16.3 million, with an entry price of $107,174. As BTC trades higher, this position currently shows an unrealized loss of about $509,000 and has a liquidation price set at $111,550.

The same address also opened a 25x short on 5,656 ETH, valued at $22.9 million, at an entry price of $3,915. With Ethereum now trading around $4,050, this position faces an unrealized loss of roughly $763,900, while its liquidation level is $4,074.

### Current Status

Based on on-chain data, the combined short exposure of these two wallets on Hyperliquid exceeds $116 million. Both traders are currently facing unrealized losses as Bitcoin and Ethereum prices remain above their respective entry points.

No additional details about the identities behind these wallets have been made public at this time.
https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/10/20/whales-bet-against-market-open-116m-bitcoin-shorts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=whales-bet-against-market-open-116m-bitcoin-shorts

NYT Spelling Bee Answers for October 20 2025 (10/20/25)

The New York Times Spelling Bee is a popular word game that challenges players to find words within a scrambled set of letters. Unlike traditional word puzzles, there’s a maddening twist — you can use letters more than once, and every word must include the letter in the center of the hive.

If you’ve been scratching your head trying to find all the words for today’s Spelling Bee puzzle, we’re here to help. Below, you’ll find the answers for the New York Times Spelling Bee on October 20, 2025.

### NYT Spelling Bee Answers – October 20, 2025

#### 4-Letter Words
– ghee
– heed
– hide
– high
– hind
– hued
– huge
– hung
– nigh

#### 5-Letter Words
– hedge
– henge
– hinge
– neigh

#### 6-Letter Words
– hedged
– heeded
– heinie
– hidden
– hiding
– hinged
– hugged
– unhung

#### 7-Letter Words
– hedging
– heeding
– hinging
– hugging
– neighed
– unhinge

#### 8-Letter Words
– unhinged
– neighing
– unheeded
– unhidden

#### 9-Letter Words
– unheeding
– unhinging

## How to Play New York Times Spelling Bee

Here are the basic rules and requirements to help you play the game:

– Every word **must include the center letter** of the hive (this letter is highlighted with a yellow background).
– Words must be at least **4 letters or longer**.
– Letters **can be used more than once**, which is key to maximizing your score.
– No obscure words, no hyphenated words, no proper nouns, and no profanity are allowed.
– To play the full version, you need a paid subscription to New York Times Games (currently $40/year, with monthly options available).

## Spelling Bee Tips

Getting used to the Spelling Bee’s format can take some practice. The biggest twist is the ability to use letters multiple times, which means you have to visualize possibilities beyond what’s immediately visible on the screen. Here are some tips to improve your game:

– Focus on the center letter — every valid word contains this letter.
– Look out for common prefixes and suffixes to extend words.
– Try spelling words aloud to catch hidden combinations.
– Use plurals and different verb tenses to increase your word list.
– Practice regularly to build your mental flexibility for the repeated letter use.

With these strategies and the word list above, you’ll be well on your way to conquering today’s New York Times Spelling Bee!
https://tryhardguides.com/nyt-spelling-bee-answers-october-20-2025/

Missing Letter Crossword October 20 2025 Answers (10/20/25)

The Missing Letter Crossword October 20, 2025 Answers Guide

If you’ve found yourself stuck on a clue in today’s Missing Letter Crossword, our answer guide for October 20, 2025, is here to help! Below, we’ve compiled all the crossword clues along with their corresponding answers, so you can easily find the solution you need without spoiling other parts of your puzzle.

Simply search for the clue you’re working on and select the matching answer. Whether you need help with just one or a handful of clues, this guide is designed to assist you efficiently.

Looking for answers to other puzzles?

Be sure to check out our archive of Missing Letter Crossword Answers for past solutions.


October 20, 2025 – The Missing Letter Crossword Clues & Answers

Clue Answer
1A ADJECTIVE: “of no legal force or effect” VOID
5A VERB: “to have an intense desire” YEARN
8A Chaplin or O’Neill GENE
9A “Sula” novelist Morrison TONI
10A NOUN: “a grizzled thickset marmot, chiefly of Alaska, Canada, and the northeastern U.S.” GROUNDHOG
12A Drink in Deutschland BIER
13A No Einstein IDIOT
16A NOUN: “used as a conventional title of courtesy before a married woman’s surname” MRS
19A NOUN: “any of various small chiefly insectivorous and herbivorous marsupial mammals of Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea” PHALANGERS
21A NOUN: “a closed vessel usually with a spigot for serving a hot beverage” TEAPOT
22A TRADEMARK: “used for a system of exercise performed to upbeat Latin music” ZUMBA
23A ADJECTIVE: “grown old” AGED
25A NOUN: “a swift and graceful southern African gazelle, noted for its habit of jumping lightly and suddenly into the air” SPRINGBOK
30A Groups of whales or workers PODS
31A ___ Stanley Gardner (he wrote the Perry Mason novels) ERLE
32A “Obviously!” D’OH
33A NOUN: “a woman of refinement and gentle manners” LADY
1D Pledge VOW
2D “Tic-Tac-Dough” victory WIN
3D “___ longer call you servants” (John 15:15) NO
4D NOUN: “[male] physique” BOD
20D Short stick used as a weapon CUDGEL
24D Enlisted crew (abbr.) EMS
25D Austin Powers, say SPY
26D BIOGRAPHICAL NAME: “Edgar Allan 1809-1849 American poet and short-story writer” POE
27D Thirdlove garment BRA
28D ADJECTIVE: “dating from the remote past” ANCIENT
29D ADJECTIVE: “crucially important” VITAL

We hope this guide helps you complete The Missing Letter Crossword for October 20, 2025. Happy puzzling!

https://tryhardguides.com/missing-letter-crossword-october-20-2025-answers/

Rubio felicitó al presidente electo de Bolivia y desea ponga fin a años de “mala gestión” en el país

“Tras dos décadas de mala gestión, la elección del presidente Paz representa una oportunidad transformadora para ambas naciones”, agregó.

EE. UU. Rodrigo Paz Pereira asumirá la Presidencia el 8 de noviembre.

Sigue leyendo:
https://eldiariony.com/2025/10/20/rubio-felicito-al-presidente-electo-de-bolivia-y-desea-ponga-fin-a-anos-de-mala-gestion-en-el-pais/

Asia stocks rise on China data, trade talks; Nikkei hits record highs on Takaichi bet

Asia Stocks Rise on China Data, Trade Talks; Nikkei Hits Record Highs on Takaichi Bet

Asian stocks traded higher on Monday, driven by a mix of political optimism in Japan and encouraging economic data from China. Japanese shares soared to a new record as investors bet on Sanae Takaichi securing the premiership, anticipating her adoption of ‘fiscal dove’ policies.

**Investor Sentiment in Japan**

Expectations of Sanae Takaichi becoming prime minister have propelled Japanese stocks to record highs. Alongside this, the yen weakened, reflecting market confidence in her potential fiscal policies that may favor increased government spending and a more accommodative approach to economic stimulus.

**Easing Trade Tensions Boost Asia Markets**

Trade tensions appear to be easing, as highlighted by President Trump’s moderated stance on tariffs and the prospect of upcoming trade talks. These developments have buoyed stock indexes across Asia and lifted several local currencies, contributing to the overall positive market sentiment.

**China’s Economic Indicators Show Mixed Signals**

While China experienced slower year-on-year GDP growth, strong quarterly growth and robust industrial output supported optimism for Chinese stocks. However, stable monetary policy combined with tight export controls presents both opportunities and risks for investors navigating the market.

**Recommended For You**

Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth market analysis to guide your investment decisions.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4505471-asia-stocks-rise-on-china-data-trade-talks-nikkei-hits-record-highs-on-takaichi-bet?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

Humility: The Solid Foundation for Holiness

**Getting Your Trinity Audio Player Ready**

Only once in Sacred Scripture, in the Gospel of Matthew (11:28-30), does Jesus describe the characteristics of His Sacred Heart:

> “Come to me all you who find life burdensome, and I will give you rest.
> Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.
> For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

These are the two essential qualities of His Sacred Heart that Jesus highlights: meekness and humility.

From this passage, the Church has formulated one of its most beautiful aspirations, which we can take into our hearts and repeat frequently during the course of the day. That prayer is:

> “Jesus meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine.”

Time and time again, Jesus insists on the dire importance of humility if we want to find God’s favor. God rejects the proud, and He lifts up the humble.

### The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican

This teaching is illustrated perfectly in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14). The two go up to the temple to pray. The Pharisee names all his good points and praises himself. The Publican, on the other hand, remains in the back of the temple and does not even lift his eyes to pray, begging God to have mercy on him, a sinner.

### Our Lady’s Example of Humility

Our Lady gave us the perfect example by proclaiming herself the handmaid of the Lord. In her marvelous prayer, the Magnificat, she both praises God and humbles herself, saying,

> “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
> for he has looked upon the lowliness (humility) of his handmaid” (Luke 1:46-56).

Given that humility is essential to our growth in holiness, let us explore some practical ways in which we can strive for this virtue.

### Practical Ways to Cultivate Humility

**1. Pray**

It has been said that we are greatest and highest—in the eyes of God—when we are on our knees. By praying, we acknowledge our dependence on God and not on ourselves. In the words of the “Doctor of Grace,” St. Augustine, pertinent to humility related to prayer:

> “We are all beggars before God.”

**2. Cultivate Gratitude**

How important it is for our holiness to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and to say often, both to God and to others, those significant words: “Thank you!” Humble people go out of their way to give thanks.

Jesus was both dismayed and hurt when, after healing the ten lepers, only one returned to give Him thanks. The one who returned recognized that his healing was a pure gift from the Heart of Jesus the Healer, the Divine Physician.

**3. Take the Last Place**

Jesus offers us the Parable of the Banquet, in which many were jostling to secure for themselves the best place, closest to the host. Jesus warned that when invited, we should take the last place and not the first. Then we will be first in the eyes of God. This is a sign of a humble heart!

**4. Do Not Curse Others**

Our natural tendency, when someone cuts us off on the road, is to utter nasty words or curse them. This is all too natural — not supernatural.

Jesus wants us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. These commands are found in the Sermon on the Mount, the Our Father, and even when He hung on the cross:

> “Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”

**5. Compliment Others for Their Gifts**

One of the most poisonous attitudes in the spiritual life is jealousy or envy. When we give in to such feelings, we hurt God, ourselves, and others. By choosing to praise or compliment others instead, we win the spiritual battle—indeed, this is a victory in humility!

**6. Be First to Greet**

Imagine this everyday scene: you are walking towards someone you know, and the distance between you is lessening. Do you wait to be greeted first or take the initiative?

Whoever greets first is practicing a host of virtues: charity, courtesy, hospitality, affability, and, of course, humility. We put the other person before ourselves by choosing to greet first, and that is humility.

**7. Apologize**

This one is easier said than done! When we make a mistake or offend someone, it is easy to rationalize, justify, or sweep it under the rug. Such pride is insidious and prevalent.

A humble person is honest, capable of admitting their error and saying, “I am sorry.” Many relationships have been mended by these simple yet humble words.

**8. Listen Attentively**

St. James states clearly:

> “We should be slow to speak and quick to listen” (James 1:19).

A person who wants to do all the talking and refuses to listen often harbors pride and self-love. Conversely, one who listens attentively, encourages, and does not seek the last word displays great humility. The listener pleases Jesus, the best of speakers and listeners (see Luke 24 on Jesus and the disciples of Emmaus).

**9. Confess Your Sins**

Every time we prepare and make a good sacramental confession, our “humility thermometer” ascends to a soaring level.

Confessing with transparency, sincerity, and honesty our moral failings to the priest demands great humility. None of us like to reveal our spiritual shortcomings, but it is necessary to climb the ladder of humility and holiness.

**10. Have a Devotion to Mary**

Our Lady is the surest, quickest, and most efficacious pathway to Jesus. In *True Devotion to Mary*, the great Marian saint Louis de Montfort exalts Mary and ten of her most sublime virtues.

Among Mary’s greatest virtues is her profound humility. Of all God’s creatures, Mary was the greatest and by far the humblest. She recognized that all her gifts and virtues were pure gifts from God.

### In Conclusion

In our pursuit of holiness, we must understand the paramount importance of humility. Yet more importantly, let us strive to put this essential virtue into practice daily.

May we lift up our hearts often throughout the day, longing for holiness and humility, and pray:

> **Jesus meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine.**

*Image from Wikimedia Commons*

**Dive deeper with Fr. Ed Broom, OMV**

Father Ed Broom is an Oblate of the Virgin Mary and author of *Total Consecration Through the Mysteries of the Rosary* and *From Humdrum to Holy*. He blogs regularly at Fr. Broom’s Blog.

**Feature Our Authors on Your Show!**

Want to interview one of our authors on your podcast or radio show? We’d love to hear from you. [Contact Us](#).
https://catholicexchange.com/humility-the-solid-foundation-for-holiness/