Economist Steve Hanke Torches Bitcoin Strategy With Brutal ‘No Value’ Verdict

Bitcoin’s recent rally has everyone eyeing altcoins like Ripple’s XRP for the next big move. Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, tossed out a bold prediction: XRP could hit $6.27 by 2025—a massive jump if it happens. While AI price forecasts should always be taken with a grain of salt, it’s fueling chatter about whether XRP could mirror Bitcoin’s explosive gains.

Editor’s Note: Crypto markets thrive on hype, and Gemini’s prediction adds fuel to the fire. Even if the $6.27 target feels speculative, it signals growing optimism around altcoins as Bitcoin soars. For XRP holders, it’s a glimmer of hope after years of legal battles and stagnation—but as always in crypto, don’t bet the farm on an AI’s guess.

Even with Bitcoin hitting record highs, business intelligence firm Strategy is doubling down—snagging another 4,225 BTC for $472 million. Chairman Michael Saylor announced the move, marking yet another big buy in 2025 as the company keeps stacking Bitcoin like it’s going out of style.

Editor’s Note: Strategy’s latest splurge shows that some major players aren’t spooked by sky-high prices—they’re betting Bitcoin still has room to run. For everyday investors, it’s a signal that institutional confidence in crypto isn’t wavering, even when the market feels frothy. Whether that’s smart optimism or reckless FOMO? Well, that’s the billion-dollar question.

Roman Storm, co-founder of the controversial cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash, is scrambling to raise $1.5 million in donations to fund his legal defense ahead of an upcoming trial. He’s rallying crypto enthusiasts and privacy advocates, framing the case as a broader fight for financial privacy tools—but time (and money) is running short.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one guy’s legal bills—it’s a high-stakes test for privacy in crypto. If Storm loses, it could set a precedent that chills development of tools like Tornado Cash, which regulators argue enable money laundering. Crypto die-hards see it as an existential fight; skeptics see it as accountability. Either way, the outcome could reshape how privacy and compliance clash in DeFi.

Standard Chartered, a major global bank, is now letting institutional clients trade Bitcoin and Ether directly—a big step for traditional finance dipping deeper into crypto. And they’re not stopping there: crypto derivatives are next on the agenda.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crypto exchange launch—it’s a heavyweight bank signaling that digital assets are becoming unavoidable for big-money players. When institutions like Standard Chartered expand their crypto offerings, it adds legitimacy to the space and could pave the way for more mainstream adoption. For everyday investors, it’s a sign the market is maturing, even if the service isn’t (yet) for them.

Two Los Angeles sheriff's deputies are facing federal charges for their alleged roles in a civil rights conspiracy. One of them is linked to a jailed cryptocurrency entrepreneur nicknamed "The Godfather," who reportedly used off-duty cops to intimidate his business rivals. The DOJ dropped the hammer on Monday, revealing a scheme that blurs the line between law enforcement and criminal muscle.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another bad-cop story—it's a wild mix of dirty policing and crypto-world drama. When officers allegedly take sides in private vendettas, it erodes trust in the entire justice system. And with crypto already under scrutiny, this case could fuel more skepticism about the industry's shady edges. Keep an eye on how it unfolds; these charges might peel back more layers about who else was involved.