Bitcoin Stalls But Stocks Jump After Trump’s Japan Deal

The House is gearing up to vote on a bill that would push the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to explore using blockchain technology to improve how it handles veterans' claims. Introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace, the "Veterans Affairs Distributed Ledger Innovation Act of 2025" cleared an early hurdle in June and is now headed for a full House vote. If passed, it would mandate the VA to test how blockchain—a secure, transparent digital ledger—could streamline claims processing for veterans.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another tech experiment—it’s about making a real difference for veterans who often face bureaucratic delays. Blockchain could cut red tape, reduce fraud, and speed up claims, which matters when you’re talking about benefits for people who’ve served the country. Plus, it’s a sign that lawmakers are finally looking at cutting-edge tech to fix old, broken systems. If it works, it could set a precedent for other agencies.

FTX creditors who’ve been waiting for their money after the crypto exchange’s collapse are finally getting some relief. The FTX Recovery Trust announced that payouts for certain creditor groups—like customers with approved claims and general unsecured creditors—will start around September 30, with an August 15 cutoff to qualify. It’s another step in the long, messy process of unwinding FTX’s financial disaster.

Editor’s Note: For anyone who lost money in FTX’s implosion, this is a small but meaningful update. While it doesn’t make them whole, it’s progress in a saga that’s dragged on for nearly two years. It also signals that the legal machinery is (slowly) working to clean up one of crypto’s biggest messes—though how much creditors ultimately recover is still up in the air.

The SEC made a head-scratching move this week—first approving, then abruptly halting, a crypto ETF that included XRP. Experts are calling the situation "bizarre," highlighting the regulatory whiplash that’s become all too familiar in the crypto space. The back-and-forth leaves investors and market watchers guessing about the SEC’s stance on digital assets.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one ETF—it’s another example of how unclear and unpredictable crypto regulation can be. When regulators flip-flop like this, it creates uncertainty for investors and businesses trying to navigate the market. For crypto to go mainstream, stability (not chaos) from agencies like the SEC is key.

Litecoin (LTC) is heating up, with its price climbing to $116—a 20% jump in just a week. Trading activity is also on the rise, with volume hitting $1.27 billion. Analysts are eyeing the $125 mark as momentum builds, signaling renewed bullish interest in the crypto.

Editor’s Note: Litecoin’s recent surge isn’t just a blip—it reflects growing confidence among traders. If this momentum holds, it could signal a broader uptick in the crypto market, making LTC one to watch for both short-term traders and long-term investors.

US Senator Cynthia Lummis criticized the Federal Reserve's recent crypto decision as "just lip service," arguing it doesn't represent real progress. Meanwhile, SEC Chair Paul Atkins spoke at an agency roundtable, and Circle executive Dante Disparte denied rumors about the company seeking a US federal bank charter. The crypto industry's optimism over softened Fed guidance may be premature, according to Lummis.