iPhone tipped for major launch shake-up in 2026 – here’s when to expect the iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, and more

The iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable iPhone might land in September The iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 could land around March of 2027 The iPhone Air 2 might have better battery life but no extra cameras We’ve got used to Apple releasing all the year’s new mainline iPhones every September, but that might not be the case anymore, as a major leak points to a launch timing shake-up, and details what to expect from the iPhone Air 2. This new information comes from Apple tipster Mark Gurman, writing for Bloomberg, who has detailed what to expect from the iPhone line and when throughout 2026 and 2027. And while Gurman only details the next 18 months or so of releases here, he claims that this new pattern will continue for “years to come”. So below, here’s a look at how Apple might be shaking things up. That might not sound surprising, but while mainline iPhones typically launch around September, mid-range models like the SE line and the recent iPhone 16e tend to launch earlier in the year, around March. So we might not see any such launches in 2026. As for what we’ll see in or around September, according to Gurman, you can expect the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and probably the first foldable iPhone. So, in other words, this September window is when Apple’s most premium models might launch. However, according to Gurman, that no longer includes the likes of the base model iPhone 18. March/spring 2027 If you’re after the base model, then you’ll instead apparently have to wait until roughly six months later, so around March 2027, when the iPhone 18 is said to be launching alongside the mid-range iPhone 18e and “potentially” the iPhone Air 2. With this approach, starting from 2027, the lower-end models would land in the first half of each year, with the higher-end ones launching in the second half. Gurman also stated that the main upgrade on the iPhone Air 2 will be a new 2nm chipset, which should improve the battery life. We’d previously heard that this phone might have a second rear camera, but according to Gurman, that’s unlikely. Finally, Gurman claimed that the iPhone Air exists partially as a prototype for the foldable iPhone, as that will apparently use “many of the same materials, miniaturization techniques, internal components, batteries, and software optimizations” as the iPhone Air. So the fact that the iPhone Air reportedly isn’t selling brilliantly might not bother Apple too much if it exists in part just to help the company develop a foldable phone. In any case, while we’d take all of this with a pinch of salt, Gurman does have a superb track record for Apple information, and this isn’t the first time we’ve heard talk of a release schedule shake-up, or of the iPhone Air being a test bed for some technologies the foldable iPhone will use. Follow TechRadar Make sure to click the Follow button!.
https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/iphone-tipped-for-major-launch-shake-up-in-2026-heres-when-to-expect-the-iphone-18-iphone-air-2-and-more

Justice Department pushes back on request to acquit in Tornado Cash trial

Federal prosecutors have pushed back against the acquittal bid for Roman Storm, arguing that the judge should reject the motion. They maintain that the evidence presented in the Tornado Cash trial was sufficient to support Storm’s conviction and uphold the remaining charges.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for the Southern District of New York filed a submission last week rejecting Storm’s post-trial motion seeking to dismiss all three charges against him. Roman Storm, co-founder of the cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash, was convicted in August for operating an unlicensed money transmission service.

However, the jury failed to reach a verdict on two additional charges — conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions law — resulting in a partial mistrial.

### DOJ Highlights Storm’s Active Role in Tornado Cash

Storm’s legal team filed a procedural request asking Judge Katherine Polk Failla to acquit him on all counts, arguing that prosecutors failed to meet the required threshold to sustain the charges.

In response, prosecutors emphasized that Storm exercised direct and intentional control over Tornado Cash. The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Tornado Cash in 2022 for facilitating transactions linked to a North Korean hacking group and other malicious cyber actors.

According to the DOJ filing, Storm and his collaborators regularly updated the platform’s user interface, changing how most users accessed the service. The filing stressed that Storm’s control was neither passive nor incidental but demonstrated operational authority and intent.

Prosecutors also argued that Storm was aware of the criminal use of the service and contributed to building features that enabled such activities. Trial evidence showed Tornado Cash enabled billions of dollars in anonymous transactions, including stolen funds linked to the Lazarus Group, a North Korean state-backed hacking organization.

### Potential Sentencing and Legal Proceedings

Storm faces up to 45 years in prison if found guilty on all three charges. His conviction for operating an unlicensed money transmission business carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. The other two charges — money laundering and operating a sanctioned business — could result in an additional 40-year sentence if proven in a retrial.

Following the partial mistrial, Judge Failla declared a partial mistrial on the unresolved counts. Storm was released on bail pending retrial. The judge noted that Storm had every reason to stay and contest the case, given his compliance with court orders and existing bail conditions.

As of now, a sentencing date for the single conviction has not been confirmed. Storm’s attorneys are expected to file a response to the DOJ’s filing by Wednesday.

### Defense Arguments Challenging the Prosecution

In their original post-trial motion, Storm’s attorneys argued that the government did not fully prove he had direct control over Tornado Cash or knowingly facilitated criminal laundering activities.

They contended that Tornado Cash operates as a decentralized network of smart contracts, making it impossible for Storm to single-handedly determine how it was used.

Additionally, the defense challenged the DOJ’s characterization of Tornado Cash as a money transmission business. They argued that because Tornado Cash is an open-source software tool, it should not be treated as a custodial financial intermediary under U.S. law.

These defense arguments are expected to be reiterated in their upcoming response before Wednesday.

### What’s Next?

Judge Failla is likely to consider whether to issue further rulings or allow the case to proceed to sentencing and retrial on the unresolved counts.

The Tornado Cash case continues to raise significant legal questions about decentralized platforms and regulatory oversight in the cryptocurrency space.

*Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/justice-department-pushes-back-on-request-to-acquit-in-tornado-cash-trial/

Ignore our burgeoning autocracy at your own risk | Opinion

Ken Burke, MD, lives in New Portland.

The plan is obvious. As this president accumulates more power, as the Supreme Court behaves as his personal sanction board and docket-decision star chamber, and as Congress refuses to exert authority to confront executive illegality and usurpation of congressional prerogatives, our democratic government—like the East Wing—is being destroyed.

This situation forces the question: How many people in this country actually approve of dictatorial powers resting in the hands of this unstable individual?

As we slouch our way toward the abyss of a Franco-style totalitarian government, loss of democracy means the loss of everything you hold dear: family; freedom of speech; the rule of law; the freedom to attend church, mosque, or synagogue.

The attributes of fascism are well documented: cult of personality; breach of the rule of law; suppression of a free press; scapegoating ethnic, racial, or social groups; destruction of the independent judiciary; increasing use of military violence against citizens; extrajudicial killings.

The cult of personality feeds delusions of grandeur, while the use of force inures the American public to increased violence and militarism. What is the purpose? You don’t believe he intends to step down, do you?

Trump understands he is a fascist. That is why Antifa is his bête noire obsession. During World War II, our entire nation was Antifa; we were antifascist to our bones, combating the dreadful forces of international fascism.

Over and again, Trumpian “emergency declarations” go unchallenged. The supposed rationales for presidential action are pretexts for illegal activity. These pretexts are protean and imaginative: rampant crime; war in our cities; the enemy within; the radical left; antisemitism; fentanyl; terrorists and anarchists.

No cogent reasoning or proof is offered—simply ad lib irrationalities designed to foster particular aspects of his plan.

Fascist takeover is rarely accomplished in one fell swoop; rather, it is an inexorable drift through ongoing incremental change.

A perfect example of this creeping incrementalism is the deployment of the National Guard in D.C. Initially, Trump claimed they would not be carrying weapons. Days later, commentator Hegseth stated they would be armed.

Meanwhile, the fawning invertebrates of the congressional cult, like Mike Johnson, our bobble-headed Speaker of the House, will, like the sweepers in a curling event, brush aside doubts and opposition.
https://www.centralmaine.com/2025/11/17/ignore-our-burgeoning-autocracy-at-your-own-risk-opinion/

Olaf Sleijpen Warns Stablecoins May Force ECB to Rethink Rates

**Stablecoin Boom Pushes ECB to Rethink Policy and Safeguard Europe’s Economy**

The rapid rise of stablecoins has prompted the European Central Bank (ECB) to reconsider its monetary policy and take measures to protect Europe’s financial stability. The surge of dollar-backed tokens is raising concerns over Europe’s monetary sovereignty and liquidity, with the ECB warning that stablecoins could soon influence inflation and financial stability across the eurozone.

**Dollar-Backed Stablecoins See Massive Growth**

This year, stablecoins pegged to the US dollar have expanded dramatically, surpassing $300 billion in value. This growth surge follows new US regulations allowing private firms to issue tokens backed by government securities. While these developments support innovation in digital finance, they also increase Europe’s vulnerability to risks linked to the American financial system.

Many stablecoins hold large amounts of US Treasuries as collateral. A sudden wave of redemptions could force issuers to rapidly sell these assets, potentially disrupting bond markets and causing liquidity shortages in Europe’s banking sector. As a result, the ECB may find itself compelled to intervene to maintain market stability and economic confidence.

**Monetary Sovereignty at Stake**

Regulators are increasingly recognizing stablecoins as a vital part of the cross-border payments ecosystem. Despite this, their dominance, especially of dollar-backed tokens, poses a threat to Europe’s monetary sovereignty. The ECB is closely examining how the growing prevalence of these digital assets could affect monetary policy transmission within the eurozone.

**Potential Adjustments to Monetary Policy**

In the event of a stablecoin-induced market disruption, the ECB could be forced to adjust its monetary policy. A sharp drop in stablecoin values might strain liquidity, prompting changes in interest rates to stabilize conditions. However, ECB officials emphasize a preference for deploying financial stability tools before resorting to rate adjustments.

Currently, the ECB keeps interest rates steady following several reductions that lowered borrowing costs to two percent. Market forecasts suggest limited chances for additional cuts next year. Still, unpredictable shocks from digital assets like stablecoins have the potential to alter this outlook.

Olaf Sleijpen, Governor of the Dutch Central Bank, noted that while inflation risks remain balanced for now, the rapid contagion effects from digital markets require constant vigilance. Policymakers intend to base future decisions strictly on evolving data and market conditions.

**Europe’s Strategic Response**

To counteract the dominance of dollar-based stablecoins, nine major European banks—including ING and UniCredit—are collaborating to create a euro-backed stablecoin under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. The consortium aims to launch this digital token by 2026, bolstering payment resilience within the region.

This initiative has received backing from the European Stability Mechanism and Eurogroup officials, who stress the importance of reducing reliance on foreign-denominated stablecoins for financial transactions. Furthermore, the ongoing digital euro project, expected to roll out by 2029, could significantly enhance Europe’s monetary independence.

**Looking Ahead**

As the digital finance landscape evolves, stablecoins are set to play an increasingly influential role in shaping global monetary policies. The ECB remains focused on managing the associated risks, striving to preserve the eurozone’s financial stability in the face of these innovations.

The interaction between traditional banking systems and digital assets like stablecoins will be a defining factor for Europe’s next phase of economic policy. Policymakers continue to adapt, aiming to harness the benefits of digital finance while safeguarding the region’s economic future.
https://coincentral.com/olaf-sleijpen-warns-stablecoins-may-force-ecb-to-rethink-rates/

WhistlinDiesel Explains Tax Charges, Insists He’s Being Targeted

YouTuber Cody Detwiler, better known as WhistlinDiesel, is speaking out again following his recent arrest on felony tax evasion charges. This time, he’s offering a more pointed explanation regarding the situation.

The 27-year-old was arrested on November 12 in Williamson County, Tennessee, in connection with sales tax allegedly owed on a 2020 Ferrari F8. The car had previously made headlines after it went up in flames during one of Detwiler’s viral stunt videos.

According to Detwiler, the charges stem from registering that Ferrari in Montana—a move he claims is common among luxury car owners and completely legal.

**‘This Entire Thing’**

In a series of Instagram Stories, the influencer expressed his belief that Tennessee officials are targeting him to send a message to others in the high-end car community.

“This entire thing is about registering my Ferrari F8 in Montana (the car that burned down),” he wrote. “Montana doesn’t require sales tax on vehicles.”

Detwiler claims the state is now trying to frame this move as criminal. “They have an angle that this is tax evasion,” he said, warning his followers: “Do not move your Montana registrations to TN. This is exactly what they want and why they are trying to go after me.”

**‘They Think It’ll Make a Wave’**

The YouTube star, who has more than 10 million subscribers, says authorities are trying to make an example out of him in order to crack down on similar registration tactics.

“They think it will make a wave through the luxury car community and bring in tax money,” he claimed.

Detwiler has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal and said he received no notice before the arrest. He also confirmed that he spent several hours in jail before posting bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for November 19.

**Viral Cars, Court Dates & ‘100% Real’ Charges**

The Ferrari in question appeared in a now-viral YouTube video, where Detwiler drove it through a cornfield before it caught fire, along with a nearby rental van.

“There goes half a million dollars,” he joked in the video. “I guess don’t drive in cornfields.”

A caption on the video read, “Won so big they thought I was cheating. (100% real, not AI).” In a follow-up post, Detwiler stated: “I have ALWAYS paid ALL of my taxes, and I’m still not sure what this is all for. I didn’t get a notice of any sort leading up to this.”

For now, he says he plans to keep fans updated as the case moves forward.
https://theboot.com/ixp/204/p/whistlindiesel-explains-tax-evasion-charges-insists-targeted/

Is There Such A Thing As A Guaranteed Return On Investment?

A guaranteed return on investment refers to a fixed rate of return that you can reliably count on. While this concept may sound appealing, it’s important to understand that there are downsides to chasing investment guarantees.

In this article, we’ll explore whether such guarantees truly exist, what they mean for your investments, and the potential risks involved. Read on to find out more.

The post Is There Such A Thing As A Guaranteed Return On Investment? appeared first on The College Investor.

https://thecollegeinvestor.com/43500/guaranteed-return-on-investment/

F1 penalty points: Top 5 delinquents before the 2025 F1 Las Vegas GP

Rookie Ollie Bearman is dangerously close to a race ban as he nears the F1 penalty points threshold. The Haas driver has been a revelation in the sport over the last few races, but his list of on-track infringements seems longer than one might expect.

As part of the F1 penalty points system, drivers who commit on-track transgressions are handed points on their superlicense. These points remain on the license for a 12-month period before they expire. If a driver reaches the 12-point threshold, they face a one-race ban.

With that in mind, who are the top five drivers closest to a ban as we head into the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix? Let’s take a closer look.

### F1 Penalty Points: Who is Close to a Ban?

#### #5. Max Verstappen
**Penalty Points:** 6

While others continue to accumulate points, Max Verstappen has actually dropped down the delinquent list with six penalty points on his superlicense. His points include:

– 3 points for causing a collision with George Russell during the 2025 Spanish GP (expires June 1, 2026)
– 2 points for causing a collision with Oscar Piastri at the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP (expires December 8, 2025)
– 1 point for driving unnecessarily slowly in the 2024 Qatar GP qualifying session (expires December 1, 2025)

#### #4. Liam Lawson
**Penalty Points:** 7

Liam Lawson currently holds seven penalty points. His infringements include:

– 1 point for causing a collision at the Brazilian GP (expires November 8, 2026)
– 1 point for causing a collision at the Miami GP (expires May 3, 2026)
– 2 points for causing a collision at the Bahrain GP (expires April 14, 2026)
– 1 point for another collision at the Bahrain GP (expires April 14, 2026)
– 2 points for causing a collision with Valtteri Bottas at the Qatar GP (expires December 1, 2025)

#### #3. Lance Stroll
**Penalty Points:** 7

Despite currently being listed at five penalty points on his license, Lance Stroll’s violations actually total seven, which include:

– 2 points for causing a collision with Esteban Ocon during the US GP sprint (expires October 20, 2026)
– 2 points for pushing another driver off track at the Canadian GP (expires June 15, 2026)
– 1 point for causing a collision with Charles Leclerc at the Monaco GP (expires May 25, 2026)
– 2 points for causing a collision with Alex Albon at the Qatar GP (expires December 1, 2025)

#### #2. Yuki Tsunoda
**Penalty Points:** 7

Yuki Tsunoda picked up several penalties recently and now has seven points on his superlicense:

– 2 points for causing a collision with Lance Stroll at the 2025 Brazilian GP (expires November 9, 2026)
– 1 point for causing a collision with Ollie Bearman during the 2025 British GP (expires July 6, 2026)
– 2 points for causing a collision with Franco Colapinto during the 2025 Austrian GP (expires June 29, 2026)
– 2 points for overtaking under red flag conditions at the 2025 Canadian GP (expires June 14, 2026)

#### #1. Ollie Bearman
**Penalty Points:** 9

Ollie Bearman is now alarmingly close to a race ban with 9 penalty points on his license — just three points away from the 12-point threshold. His penalty history includes:

– 1 point for causing a collision with Liam Lawson at the 2025 Brazilian GP sprint (expires November 8, 2026)
– 4 points for a red flag infringement in the pitlane during the British GP (expires July 6, 2026)
– 2 points for a red flag infringement during FP2 at the Monaco GP (expires May 23, 2026)
– 2 points for causing a collision with Carlos Sainz at the 2025 Italian GP (expires September 7, 2026)

Keep an eye on these drivers as the F1 season progresses, especially with the Las Vegas GP approaching — a race ban could dramatically impact the championship battle.

*Edited by Charanjot Singh Kohli*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/f1-penalty-points-top-5-delinquents-2025-f1-las-vegas-gp

US Spot Bitcoin ETFs Bleed $1.11B in Third Consecutive Week of Outflows

US Spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced their third consecutive week of outflows, totaling $1.11 billion from November 10 to 14.

This marks a continued trend of investors pulling funds from these products, reflecting growing caution in the market.

For more detailed insights, read the full article on Cryptonews.
https://cryptonews.com/news/us-spot-bitcoin-etfs-bleed-1-11b-in-third-consecutive-week-of-outflows/

Dogecoin Price Could Bounce Very Quickly If This Happens At $0.166

The Dogecoin price has generally followed the trajectory of other altcoins relative to Bitcoin, experiencing deeper declines compared to the pioneer cryptocurrency. These declines have left the leading meme coin by market cap in the red, pushing it back down to levels not seen since 2023. As a result, Dogecoin is now in a precarious position where it needs to make a major move, or investors risk further declines as the altcoin struggles to find support.

### Next Trajectory for the Dogecoin Price

Bitguru, in an analysis on X, outlined where the Dogecoin price currently stands and what could determine its next move. It all comes down to a critical level that could send the price in either direction — a point where both bulls and bears are fighting for dominance. This key level is $0.166.

According to the crypto analyst, Dogecoin has been in a clear downtrend for some time, with no strong indications of a reversal. Sideways movement has been the prevailing trend, and catalysts that could trigger another rally have yet to materialize.

Recently, Dogecoin was rejected at $0.1823, a major resistance level for the digital asset. This rejection has put sellers back in control as the price moves toward the critical $0.166 mark. It’s important to note that this $0.166 level lies just above a major support area at $0.16, making it imperative for bulls to reclaim and hold this price to prevent further declines.

### Bearish Signals and Market Challenges

Another challenge Dogecoin faces is the formation of lower highs, which is a bearish signal for any cryptocurrency. Lower highs indicate weakening buyer strength and growing seller dominance. If this pattern continues, it could pave the way for further declines rather than a recovery.

Over the past weekend, the Dogecoin price attempted a rebound but was ultimately pushed back down, as Bitcoin struggled to maintain its position around $95,000.

### What’s Next for Dogecoin?

For bulls to regain momentum and push Dogecoin higher, reclaiming the $0.166 level is the immediate task. Failure to do so with sufficient momentum could lead to a deeper correction. Should the decline continue, the next major support is expected at $0.15 — a level where buying interest could potentially trigger a short-term rebound.

In summary, Dogecoin remains at a critical juncture. The battle between buyers and sellers at the $0.166 level will likely dictate the altcoin’s near-term trajectory, with significant implications for investors and the broader market sentiment.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/dogecoin-price-could-bounce-very-quickly-if-this-happens-at-0-166/

UK’s Priciest Properties: Sales Plummet Ahead of Budget

Sales of the UK’s most expensive homes plummeted in October, new data reveals, as affluent buyers appear deterred by the prospect of a so-called mansion tax in Labour’s upcoming budget.

According to property website Rightmove, agreed sales of homes worth at least £2 million ($2.6 million) fell by 13% compared with the same period last year. This marks the largest decline recorded in 2023.

Bloomberg’s Kit Rees reports that the potential introduction of the mansion tax is influencing buyer sentiment in the high-end property market, contributing to the slowdown in sales of luxury homes.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-11-17/uk-s-priciest-properties-sales-plummet-ahead-of-budget-video