Category Archives: general

Jennifer Lawrence on Why She Finds 1 Aspect of Making Movies ‘Scary’

Jennifer Lawrence says that there’s one part of making a movie that never gets easier. It is the wait to see how the audience will react. It has been years since she has been acting in the film industry and has been awarded many times. However, she says the moment a film goes out into the world still brings a fresh wave of anxiety. Jennifer Lawrence talks about waiting for the audience reaction to her movies Jennifer Lawrence is currently starring in a new film with Robert Pattinson, called Die My Love. She reveals that the period between finishing a film and hearing from the viewers is “very scary.” She expressed, “The experience only adds to the dread, because I’ve had so many experiences of working so hard on something, loving something so deeply, and then releasing it to the world, and the world just being like, ‘Boo! Hate you!’ It is so awful. And [yet] somehow, I read a script, I meet with the director, we get on set, we start doing it, and somehow I’m able to forget that this part of the process will happen.” Adding, she said, “I mean, I’m very blessed and very lucky. But it’s a very scary few months. My husband was so confused because he doesn’t have as much experience with this stuff. So I was telling him about my anxiety, and he was like, ‘But the movie’s incredible.’ And I was like, ‘I know, but that doesn’t matter. People might not get it.’ And he was like, ‘But they’re wrong.’ Like, as if that was supposed to make me feel better. The story is adapted from a novel by Ariana Harwicz. It follows a woman’s breakdown after the birth of a child. The actress has spoken publicly about her own struggles with postpartum depression. She feels that the movie touches on things that she considers private, and thus, the press tour for the same had felt odd to her.
https://www.comingsoon.net/pop-culture/news/2063426-jennifer-lawrence-audience-reaction-movies

New York Sirens 2025-26 PWHL preview: Retool brings star rookies and plenty of questions

Every original six PWHL franchise had to retool on the fly this offseason thanks to the expansion draft process that shook up the league. The New York Sirens’ changes, however, were a bit more deliberate. Sure, they lost top talent forwards Alex Carpenter, Jessie Eldridge and Gabby Rosenthal, and No. 1 goalie Corinne Schroeder to expansion Seattle and Vancouver. But general manager Pascal Daoust also traded forward Abby Roque to the Montreal Victoire in exchange for Kristin O’Neill, and No. 1 defender Ella Shelton to the Toronto Sceptres for the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft, which turned into Patty Kazmaier winner Casey O’Brien. All this in an effort to shuffle the lineup and give New York a younger, new-look in 2025-26. But the question remains: Did the Sirens do enough? The roster The deadline for PWHL teams to finalize their 23-player rosters is Wednesday, Nov. 19. Strengths The Sirens have pretty clearly defined strengths and weaknesses. Let’s start with the fun part: New York has Sarah Fillier, the absolute best young player in the PWHL and the nucleus of the Sirens’ core. She’s a true double-threat in the offensive zone with elite hockey IQ and playmaking ability, but can also score when the puck is put on her stick. Nobody had more points (29) or assists (16) than Fillier last season. Her 13 goals ranked third. Fillier was named Rookie of the Year and to the PWHL’s First Team All-Stars alongside forwards Marie-Philip Poulin and Hilary Knight. “She had a remarkable impact on the league, and a remarkable impact here on our team,” said coach Greg Fargo. “She set a new standard for rookies.” Some days, Fillier is the second-best forward on the planet. The other player with the claim to that title? Fillier’s former linemate, Carpenter. In New York, Fillier and Carpenter were the best duo in the PWHL, combining on 10 goals in 26 games together. They’re both highly intelligent on the ice with the speed and skill to pull things off that most players couldn’t. As individual players, they each created space and demanded attention from opponents, which made them a nightmare to play against as a pair on a nightly basis. Now Fillier will need to prove she can be as productive without Carpenter centering her line. Last season, New York lost all four games with Carpenter out of the lineup, and Fillier did not score a goal. There are plenty of reasons to believe she’ll be just fine. Fillier and Carpenter clicked right away, but that’s also a credit to the work Fillier put into making a full-time switch to the wing after spending most of her career at center. “No one has more or higher expectations of her than herself; she wants to be the best player in the world,” said Fargo. “And you see that in how she prepares and you see it in how goes about trying to get better.” Fillier is not alone in New York this year, either. If we read into preseason, she’s likely playing beside O’Brien, who could do well in Carpenter’s absence. O’Brien, 24, is coming off a historic final season at the University of Wisconsin with 88 points and 62 assists in 41 games. It was the highest-scoring season in almost a decade, since Carpenter scored 88 for Boston College in 2016. She’s an excellent playmaker and has shown she has easy chemistry with elite wingers such as Kirsten Simms or Daryl Watts at Wisconsin which could make O’Brien the perfect fit beside Fillier. Weaknesses While a retool might have been necessary, the Sirens still lost their best center, best defender and best goalie and several other middle-of-the-lineup players. Frankly, it’s possible the team got worse at every position (at least on paper). With Carpenter (11 goals), Eldridge (9), Roque (8), Jade Downie-Landry (4), Chloé Aurard-Bushee (2) and Élizabeth Giguère (2) all gone, the Sirens have one proven offensive forward in the lineup next season. Outside of Fillier, there’s only one returning forward who scored more than one goal last season: Paetyn Levis. Even Team Canada forward Kristin O’Neill only had one goal last season for Montreal. Top draft picks such as O’Brien, Anne Cherkowski and No. 1 pick Kristýna Kaltounková should add some more skill to the top of the lineup, but New York will be hoping its returning depth forwards such as Elle Hartje, Taylor Girard and Emmy Fecteau can generate a bit more offense this season. Otherwise, the team might be asking too much of its youth movement regardless of how talented they are. On defense, the team traded star Ella Shelton. Yes, they got the No. 3 pick that turned into O’Brien, but that’s a pretty massive subtraction from a blue line that allowed the second-most shots against (859) last season, behind only the Boston Fleet. The rest of the blue line remains intact with the addition of Jincy Roese, who signed from Ottawa this summer, but they will need a collective bounce-back in front of Kayle Osborne, who only started 10 games in the New York crease last season. Captain Micah Zandee-Hart specifically has looked great at Canada camps all summer and could be up for a nice season. And the team appears to have confidence in Osborne, who has worked her way onto Team Canada’s goalie depth chart. But Schroeder (. 924) has one of the best career save percentages among starting goalies in the PWHL over the last two years, behind only Ann-Renee Desbiens in Montreal. That’s a lot of roster churn that has made New York look pretty top-heavy once again. Things might not work out this year retools rarely come together after just one season but we still have to give GM Pascal Daoust some credit for trying something new after two seasons in the basement. The big question What can we expect from No. 1 overall pick Kristýna Kaltounková? If New York isn’t going to repeat the issues of the last two seasons i. e., having only one line or one player who can produce the team is going to need Kaltounková to drive play from the second line. She absolutely has the skill level necessary to do that, and we’ve seen it at Colgate and with Czechia, but some of the roster attrition in New York this summer could complicate things. In preseason, we saw Kaltounková on a line with O’Neill. She’s an excellent, responsible middle-six center. That’s not the same as partnering with the No. 1 pick on a second line. If the plan is to have Fillier, O’Brien and Cherkowski together, it leaves New York one top offensive forward short, at least on paper. Kaltounková is also a rookie and it’s reasonable to expect some kind of learning curve. But, part of New York’s calculus in drafting Kaltounková first overall was the belief that she could make an immediate impact in the PWHL. She has a pro-ready shot, a solid frame (5-foot-9) and a physical edge to the way she plays. In her return to the Czech women’s national team at April’s world championships, Kaltounková tied for the team lead in scoring with four goals and six points, and really put on display to many scouts that her game at the college level can work against the best in the world, too. “I don’t know that there’s anybody in the draft that can shoot or score in the same ways Kalty can,” said Fargo. “When you look at Kalty and what she brings, I think the full package is really going to allow her to translate well to this level.” New York Sirens, NHL, Women’s Hockey 2025 The Athletic Media Company.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/york-sirens-2025-26-pwhl-111607981.html

Emirates Opens Dubai Airshow With Giant Boeing Order and Starlink Deal

Industry Insights: 4 Questions With Wunderkind With digital privacy tightening, identity resolution is becoming essential for travel marketers. Wunderkind’s Ronen Kadosh explains how smarter data strategies can help brands drive direct bookings and build lasting loyalty. Sponsored Indian Hotels Acquires Atmantan Retreat in Big Push Into Wellness First Oberoi’s Asmi, now Indian Hotels’ Atmantan. India’s hotel brands clearly want a (large) slice of the wellness pie. The question is: how many travelers want a retreat, and how many just want a clean room? Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Hit Record Despite Shutdown The government shutdown was a big risk, but air travel is slowly getting back to normal in time for the holidays. Amtrak is getting a bump too. Pullman’s Bold New Era: Redefining Premium Hospitality Through Cultural Exchange Since 1859, the Pullman name has been synonymous with a pioneering spirit. This month, Accor is officially relaunching the Pullman brand, rejuvenating that historic legacy to serve the modern blended traveler and redefine the possibilities of premium hospitality. Sponsored.
https://skift.com/2025/11/17/emirates-opens-dubai-airshow-with-giant-boeing-order-and-starlink-deal/

Jets player ‘clings to life’ after NYC shooting, report

Here’s the stories you’ll be talking about on the New Jersey 101. 5 Morning Show on Monday: The winds were whipping this weekend and much of that wind will stay with us as we start the new week. I did my best to get our Christmas lights up outside, but it seems like as soon as I got one decoration up, the wind tore it down. When do you put up your holiday lights and decorations? If we get a mild day ahead of Thanksgiving, I prefer to get the lights and other decorations up. Sunday would have been perfect, if not for the wind. There is some good news as we begin the week: Flights should be back to normal at Newark and the rest of the nations airports. The FAA lifted restrictions that had been imposed during the government shutdown because air traffic controllers were not reporting for work. A tragedy in Somerset County: A police officer and his family are safe, but lost all their possessions in a devastating fire. There are ways you can help. And will the House vote to release the Epstein files this week? President Trump now says they should. Even if the house approves the release, there may not be enough votes in the Senate. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know to start a new week in the Great Garden State. ⬛ Reward offered after Newark shooting leaves boy, woman dead 🚨Gunfire on a Newark street leaves a 10-year-old boy and a 21-year-old woman dead 🚨Authorities offer a $10,000 reward as investigators search for the shooter 🚨Newark’s mayor calls it a “dark and devastating day” following the double killing NEWARK A $10,000 reward is being offered to find those responsible for firing the shots that left a 10-year-year old boy and 21-year-old woman dead on Saturday. Over a dozen shots were fired around 7 p. m. on the 300 block of Chancellor Avenue in Newark’s South Ward, according to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II. The boy and the woman were pronounced dead at University Hospital. An 11-year-old male, a 19-year-old male, and a 60-year-old male were also injured. They were in stable condition as of Saturday night. At least 17 evidence markers were on the street and sidewalk following the shooting, according to a report from ABC 7 Eyewitness News. Stevens did not disclose the circumstances of the shooting or the identities of the victims. A $10,000 reward is being offered by the Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stopper program for information leading to an arrest in the case. ⬛ New tickborne meat allergy kills NJ man in first confirmed death 🍔 New Jersey pilot becomes first confirmed fatality from alpha-gal syndrome 🍔 The man collapsed and died just hours after eating a hamburger 🍔 Lone star ticks are spreading, with established populations in 12 counties A pilot from New Jersey is the first confirmed death from a disturbing new meat allergy spread by the lone star tick, according to a study. It explains why the 47-year-old man died on his bathroom floor just hours after consuming a hamburger in September 2024, according to University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers. First documented fatality from alpha-gal syndrome in the U. S. The report was published According to the report, the man had no significant past medical history that would explain his death. Several details, including the victim’s name and where he lived in New Jersey, were not released in the study. It’s only been publicly released that his family lived in the suburbs. ⬛ Jets player ‘clings to life’ after NYC shooting, says report 🚨 NY Post reports Jet’s cornerback Kris Boyd was shot in NYC. 🚨 His injuries are said to be critical. New York Jet’s cornerback Kris Boyd was involved in a shooting early Sunday morning in New York City, the New York Post is reporting. The Post says the 29-year-old was shot in the abdomen and was “clinging to life” at a city hospital. Police have not confirmed any of the details of their investigation. A representative of the Jets said they were “aware of the situation” but offered no further comment. Boyd is in his first year with the Jets, but has not seen playing time since suffering a shoulder injury during a preseason game. According to the Post, Boyd was with two other Jets players at a trendy restaurant in Manhattan because he “felt the vibe was off.” The shooting took place just moments after the three players left. ⬛ Community rallies around local cop and his family who lost everything in a fire 🔥 Fire totally destroyed the home of a Somerset Count police officer 👮‍♂️ Officer Vito Spadea and his family are o. k. ♥ Community members rally around the family to offer help A devastating fire destroyed a home in the Martinsville Section of Bridgewater Township this weekend. The fire has left a Somerville Police officer and his family with nothing. The community has rallied around officer Vito Spadea, who lived with his wife and two young daughters in the home. The family is safe, but they lost everything in the fire. An online fundraiser has raised close to $100,000 for the Spadea family. There is no word on a cause of the fire. ⬛ FAA lifts order slashing flights ✈ Flight restrictions had been in place during the government shutdown. ✈ Commercial airlines are allowed to resume their regular schedules. ✈ Airline leaders expressed optimism operations would rebound in time for the Thanksgiving travel period. Airlines can resume their regular flight schedules beginning Monday at 6 a. m. EST, the agency said. The announcement was made in a joint statement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. Citing safety concerns as staffing shortages grew at air traffic control facilities during the shutdown, the FAA issued an unprecedented order to limit traffic in the skies. It had been in place since Nov. 7, affecting thousands of flights across the country. ⬛ In reversal, Trump says House Republicans should vote to release Epstein files ❎ After fighting it for months, President Trump says Epstein files should be released. ❎ Trump says, ‘We have nothing to hide.’ ❎ The House is expected to approve the release this week. There may not be enough votes in the Senate. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said House Republicans should vote to release the files in the Jeffrey Epstein case, a startling reversal after previously fighting the proposal as a growing number of those in his own party supported it. “We have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party,” Trump wrote on social media late Sunday after landing at Joint Base Andrews following a weekend in Florida. Trump’s statement followed a fierce fight within the GOP over the files, including an increasingly nasty split with Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had long been one of his fiercest supporters. The New Jersey 101. 5 Morning Show airs from 6 10 a. m. on New Jersey 101. 5. Join the conversation by calling 1-800-283-1015 or download the NJ101. 5 app. You can reach him at eric. scott@townsquaremedia. com.
https://nj1015.com/jets-chris-boyd-shot/

After fire attack, Lee Vogler was near death. ‘I plan on winning,’ he said of recovery

Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. cwilborn81 Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don’t have an account? Sign Up Today.
https://roanoke.com/news/article_3d546a1d-2748-5ac6-9ba0-8d9060aaa4a8.html

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/