Crypto Regulations: What Investors Need to Know for 2023
Introduction
The cryptocurrency landscape is rapidly evolving, and so are the regulations that govern it. For investors in 2023, understanding these regulations is crucial not just for compliance but also for making informed investment decisions.
Current Regulatory Landscape
As of 2023, governments around the world are stepping up their efforts to regulate the crypto market. New guidelines and regulations have been introduced to combat fraud, enhance security, and protect consumers.
United States
In the U.S., the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are at the forefront of crypto regulation. Key developments include:
Increased Scrutiny: Expect heightened scrutiny on Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and token sales.
Stablecoin Regulations: Proposed frameworks for stablecoins aim to ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate risks to the financial system.
Tax Compliance: The IRS continues to emphasize reporting standards for crypto transactions.
European Union
The EU is advancing its regulation of cryptocurrencies through the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. This comprehensive regulation aims to standardize the treatment of crypto across member states, focusing on:
Consumer Protection: Ensuring that investors have access to clear and truthful information about crypto assets.
Market Integrity: Setting rules to prevent market manipulation and fraud.
Implications for Investors
Understanding these regulations is key for investors. Here’s how they may impact your investments:
Informed Choices: Knowledge of regulatory status can aid in choosing compliant platforms and products.
Risk Management: Regulations can also help identify projects with higher risks of fraud or collapse.
Tax Obligations: Awareness of tax laws will help avoid potential legal issues and penalties.
Looking Ahead
The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies will continue to evolve. Investors should stay updated on changes and consider consulting with financial advisors or legal experts to navigate this complex environment. Roadmapping your investments in light of new regulations will be essential for long-term success.
Conclusion
As we move further into 2023, the importance of understanding crypto regulations cannot be overstated. Keeping abreast of changes in regulations can not only enhance investment security but also help in maximizing potential returns.
HERRIMAN — Cellphone footage of Utah mom and influencer Taylor Frankie Paul was not initially released through a public record request, according to documents obtained by the KSL Investigators.
The video, captured by Paul’s ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, was included as evidence in a 2023 domestic violence case in which Paul later entered into a plea in abeyance agreement.
ABC scrapped the latest season of “The Bachelorette,” starring Paul, after TMZ published the footage on March 19.
Speculation has swirled online about how the video was obtained by the media outlet.
The KSL Investigators filed a public record request under Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act, known as GRAMA, with the investigating agency, the Herriman Police Department, asking for copies of all public record requests received by the agency related to the 2023 case and Paul, as well as the agency’s responses to those requests.
The records provided to KSL Wednesday reveal the agency did not publicly release the cellphone video until after it was already published by TMZ.
A TMZ representative filed a request for the footage on March 17, asking the department to “please expedite the footage if possible,” but the police department did not respond to that request until March 23, days after TMZ had already published the video.
The KSL Investigators also confirmed with the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, which prosecuted the case, and the Utah Court System that neither entity released the footage.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a near-fatal cardiac arrest following a routine tackle in a “Monday Night Football” game against the Cincinnati Bengals in January 2023.
Paycor Stadium fell silent — and viewers at home watched in shock — as Hamlin received emergency CPR and defibrillation on the field to restore his heartbeat.
Buffalo Bills players congregate on the field by the ambulance after safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during the game between the Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
He made his miraculous regular-season return nine months later — and when he hits the turf later this year, he’ll have a whole new set of tools to strengthen his game.
“I told myself, in 2026, I’m giving myself the love that I give the world first,” Hamlin, 28, told The Post.
“You can’t fill others’ cups until you fill yours — you know, have people that you can talk to, that you can empty your cup into.”
Pulse-pounding turning point
The Bengals game was a life-changing moment for Hamlin.
After his collapse, he spent two days in a medically induced coma, on a ventilator, and several more days recuperating in the hospital.
Hamlin was diagnosed with commotio cordis, an extremely rare condition where a sudden, blunt blow to his chest disrupted his heart’s rhythm.
Hamlin warms up before that fateful game. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
In an instant, he got a crash course on the heart.
He refocused his Chasing M’s Foundation to prioritize training in performing chest compressions and using an automated external defibrillator, which can significantly increase cardiac arrest survival rates.
He’s also been doing some heart-related work in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Tokyo and India.
Now, he and his foundation have partnered with the dietary supplement brand Qunol to surprise community heroes with personal video calls as part of Qunol’s “Champions at Heart” initiative.
“Qunol is redefining what it means to be a champion at heart, and not just elite athletes, but anyone whose passion, resilience and heart keep them moving forward,” Hamlin said.
Finding new rhythm
A lot of people have opened their hearts to Hamlin.
He said he gets A-list celebrity treatment wherever he goes.
“People feel compelled to come speak to me and tell me their story, tell me things that they overcame,” he said.
“I always try to stay grounded, stay humble, give people that moment, because I know that moment can … mean a lifetime to people.”
As for his own heart, Hamlin is very cognizant of “anything that comes across [the] northeast area of my body.”
His cardiac arrest also prompted him to give up “wasting time.”
“Moments with no meaning, moments with no purpose,” he emphasized. “And a few other, you know, habits that I don’t want to speak on.”
Hamlin at the NFL Honors show at Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas in 2024. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
This year, he’s prioritizing microdecisions that can have a big impact and adding nervous system training to his regimen.
Resetting the nervous system means calming an overactive fight-or-flight response. Techniques include deep breaths, cold exposure, somatic exercises and time in nature.
Hamlin likes to bounce his shoulders for a minute or two, which can help release chronic tension that builds up from stress.
“We carry so much with us throughout the day,” he noted.
Following his heart
That’s never been truer for Hamlin, who has stayed booked and busy for the last three years.
Besides foundation work and the Qunol campaign, he appeared in two Hallmark Channel movies last year — “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story” and “The More the Merrier” — as part of his role as an Abbott HeartMates ambassador.
And the sky’s the limit for Hamlin’s ambitions.
“My parents have always had to, like, keep my thought bubble contained because I’m just a wild thinker,” he said. “I love to just brainstorm crazy ideas and make them happen.”
Maybe there’s a future for him in cardiology or the greater medical field.
“I see myself being an astronaut, too,” Hamlin said. “Why not?”
Bitcoin vs. Ethereum: Which Crypto Will Dominate in 2024?
The cryptocurrency market has seen exponential growth since Bitcoin’s inception in 2009. As we move into 2024, two digital currencies stand out: Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Both have unique attributes and use cases, which raise the question: which crypto will dominate the market in the coming year?
Bitcoin: The Pioneer of Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin is the first decentralized digital currency, created by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto. As the original blockchain-based currency, Bitcoin has established itself as a store of value and is often referred to as “digital gold.”
Market Sentiment: Bitcoin has remained the most recognized cryptocurrency, often setting the tone for market trends.
Scarcity: With a capped supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin’s scarcity contributes to its value, particularly as interest from institutional investors grows.
Adoption: Numerous companies are beginning to accept Bitcoin as a payment method, further legitimizing its use and ownership.
Ethereum: The Versatile Game Changer
Launched in 2015, Ethereum introduced smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) to the blockchain ecosystem. Its versatility has led to widespread adoption in various industries, including finance, gaming, and art.
Smart Contracts: Ethereum allows developers to create self-executing contracts, which can eliminate intermediaries and increase efficiency.
DeFi and NFTs: Its ecosystem supports decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which have surged in popularity over recent years.
Ethereum 2.0: The transition to Ethereum 2.0 aims to improve scalability and energy efficiency, which could attract more investors.
Market Trends and Predictions for 2024
As we look toward 2024, several factors could influence the dominance of Bitcoin or Ethereum:
Regulatory Environment: Governments worldwide are starting to regulate cryptocurrencies more strictly. How these regulations will impact Bitcoin and Ethereum remains to be seen.
Technological Advancements: The success of Ethereum 2.0 and new technologies could propel Ethereum ahead in terms of functionality and user adoption.
Institutional Investment: Increasing interest from institutional investors could bolster Bitcoin’s standing as a store of value.
Conclusion
Both Bitcoin and Ethereum have strong arguments for leading the crypto landscape in 2024. While Bitcoin offers stability and recognized value, Ethereum represents innovation and versatility. Ultimately, the market’s direction will depend on various factors, including technological advancements and regulatory developments. Investors should keep a keen eye on both assets as they navigate the evolving digital currency landscape.
For years, the relationship between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures has felt like a balancing act—one that fans have watched closely as both companies navigated the future of Spider-Man on the big screen. While Marvel built its interconnected universe, Sony took a different path, carving out its own corner of the Spider-Man mythos with projects that didn’t rely on the MCU’s larger narrative.
That approach led to a wave of standalone films, spin-offs, and animated ventures that allowed Sony to experiment in ways Marvel often couldn’t. Some of those bets paid off. Others… not so much.
Now, after years of building one of its most successful franchises, Sony has quietly confirmed that a major chapter is coming to an end—and it’s a decision that signals a bigger shift in strategy moving forward.
When Experimentation Didn’t Pay Off
Sony’s independent Spider-Man universe has had its fair share of struggles. While the idea of expanding the world beyond Peter Parker sounded promising on paper, execution hasn’t always landed the way the studio hoped.
Films like Kraven the Hunter (2024) and Madame Web (2024) were meant to deepen the universe and introduce new characters to audiences. Instead, they became examples of how difficult it is to build momentum without a central anchor like Spider-Man himself.
Critics and audiences alike questioned the direction of these projects. The tone felt inconsistent. The storytelling lacked cohesion. And perhaps most importantly, fans struggled to connect with characters who were introduced without the emotional foundation that makes Spider-Man stories resonate in the first place.
As those films underperformed, it became clear that Sony needed to lean into what was actually working.
Credit: Sony Pictures, Marvel
The One Corner That Truly Delivered
Despite the mixed results of its live-action efforts, Sony found undeniable success in two key areas. The first was the Venom series, starting with Venom (2018) and continuing with Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021). Those films embraced a more chaotic, character-driven tone and connected with audiences in a way other projects couldn’t.
But even those successes didn’t quite reach the level Sony achieved in animation.
That’s where Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) changed everything.
The film didn’t just succeed—it redefined what superhero animation could look like. Its bold visual style, emotional storytelling, and introduction of Miles Morales created something that felt fresh in a genre that was starting to feel familiar.
Then came Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023), which expanded that world even further. It took bigger risks, introduced more characters, and pushed the narrative into deeper, more personal territory. Fans didn’t just enjoy it—they invested in it.
For a while, it looked like this animated universe might be Sony’s strongest long-term play.
Credit: Sony Pictures
The Cancellation of a Defining Franchise
That’s what makes this latest update so significant.
Sony has now confirmed that the Spider-Verse saga, as fans know it, is coming to a close. While anticipation continues to build for Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (2027), the studio has made it clear that this film will serve as the conclusion to a specific era.
During a conversation on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast with Josh Horowitz, producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller confirmed that the upcoming third installment will wrap up the core trilogy centered on Miles Morales.
They emphasized that Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (2027) is designed to bring this story to a definitive close. In their words, it marks the end of the “Miles Morales trilogy,” signaling that the narrative arc fans have followed since 2018 is reaching its final chapter.
That confirmation effectively cancels the continuation of the main Spider-Verse storyline beyond this trilogy—a surprising move considering how successful and beloved the series has been.
Credit: Sony Pictures
A Future That Looks Very Different
Even though this particular story is ending, Sony isn’t stepping away from the Spider-Verse entirely. Instead, the studio appears to be shifting its focus from continuation to expansion.
New projects are already in development, including a Spider-Noir series starring Nicolas Cage as a version of Ben Reilly. That project is set to debut on Amazon Prime Video on May 27, 2026, giving fans a completely different take on the Multiverse.
Beyond that, Sony is exploring spinoff films centered on characters who broke out during the Spider-Verse run. Spider-Gwen and Spider-Punk are both expected to headline their own stories, reflecting how strongly audiences connected with them in the previous films.
This approach allows Sony to keep the universe alive without relying on a single central storyline. It also opens the door for new creative directions, tones, and audiences.
And while Miles Morales may no longer lead the charge, that doesn’t mean he disappears entirely. The Multiverse concept allows different versions of Miles to appear in future projects, depending on how Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (2027) concludes.
There’s also the lingering dynamic between Miles and Gwen. Their relationship has been a core emotional thread throughout the trilogy, and it’s easy to imagine that continuing in future spin-offs—especially if timelines overlap or intersect.
Credit: Sony Pictures
The Bigger Spider-Man Picture
Of course, the Spider-Verse isn’t the only Spider-Man story Sony is working on right now.
The studio is continuing its partnership with Marvel Studios for the next chapter of the live-action saga, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026) set to hit theaters this July. That film will once again feature Tom Holland as Peter Parker, keeping the MCU-connected version of the character front and center.
This dual approach—animated spin-offs alongside MCU collaborations—gives Sony flexibility. It allows them to explore different storytelling styles while still maintaining a connection to one of the most popular superhero franchises in the world.
And with projects like Spider-Noir expanding into streaming, it’s clear Sony isn’t scaling back. It’s simply evolving.
Credit: Sony Pictures
Closing One Door, Opening Several Others
On the surface, it might feel like Sony is canceling one of its most successful franchises just as it reached its peak. But when you look closer, the decision feels more like a pivot than a shutdown.
The Spider-Verse trilogy told a complete story. It introduced a new Spider-Man to the world, redefined animation in the superhero genre, and built a passionate fanbase along the way. Ending that story on its own terms gives it a sense of finality that many franchises never achieve.
At the same time, Sony is setting itself up for a future that’s less dependent on a single narrative and more open to experimentation.
For fans, that creates a mix of emotions. There’s excitement about what’s coming next, but also a sense of nostalgia knowing that this particular journey is nearing its end.
When Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (2027) finally arrives, it won’t just be another sequel. It will mark the conclusion of one of the most influential superhero trilogies of its generation—and the beginning of something entirely new.
In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, we are witnessing a seismic shift from traditional banking systems to decentralized finance (DeFi). This transformation is redefining how we view and interact with money, enabling greater autonomy and inclusivity.
The Traditional Banking System
For centuries, banks have acted as the intermediaries in financial transactions, controlling the flow of capital and providing a range of services, including savings accounts, loans, and investment systems. However, this centralized model comes with inherent limitations.
Gatekeeping: Traditional banks often impose strict conditions for account openings and access to services.
Fees: Banks charge transaction fees, maintenance fees, and various other charges, eroding customers’ wealth.
Limited Accessibility: Many people, especially in developing countries, lack access to basic banking services.
Enter Decentralization
Decentralization leverages blockchain technology to democratize financial services, eliminating the need for a centralized authority. This innovation fosters transparency, security, and accessibility on a global scale.
The Benefits of Decentralized Finance
Accessibility: Anyone with an internet connection can access DeFi platforms, breaking the barriers imposed by traditional banks.
Lower Costs: Without intermediaries, transaction costs are drastically reduced.
Enhanced Privacy: Users have more control over their personal data, engaging in transactions without revealing sensitive information.
Challenges Ahead
While the promise of decentralization is enticing, several challenges need to be addressed. Regulatory concerns, security risks, and the potential for market volatility could hinder the widespread adoption of decentralized finance.
Regulatory Landscape
As DeFi continues to gain momentum, governments around the world are grappling with how to regulate this new frontier. Developing frameworks that protect consumers while fostering innovation is crucial.
Security Risks
Smart contracts are prone to bugs and exploitation. Thus, ensuring the security of DeFi platforms is paramount for gaining user trust.
The Future is Decentralized
Despite the hurdles, the momentum towards decentralization continues to grow. With advancements in blockchain technology and increasing interest from mainstream users, the future may indeed belong to DeFi.
In conclusion, the shift from banks to decentralized finance signals a new era in financial power. By embracing this change, we can promote a more inclusive, accessible, and user-centric financial ecosystem.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Rising gas prices tied to the war in the Middle East are pushing some drivers to consider electric vehicles.
Industry analysts say the timing may be ideal for shoppers looking for a deal.
Joseph Yoon with Edmunds said that more than 300,000 electric vehicles are expected to be returned from leases, sending a wave of used EVs and hybrids into the market.
He said that influx is likely to lower prices.
Three years ago, a surge in EV leases was fueled by the Inflation Reduction Act, which offered a $7,500 federal tax credit to EV owners.
While that credit has since expired, many of those vehicles are now reaching the end of their lease terms and heading back to dealerships.
Yoon said the growing supply of used EVs could benefit buyers.
“So if you’re in the market and maybe a new EV is a little bit too expensive for you, I think looking at a nearly new used EV is of great value,” he said.
Yoon noted that many of the vehicles coming off lease will have fewer than 40,000 miles and will still be under warranty.
Advances in battery technology, he added, have also improved longterm durability.
“You should be able to get easily over 200k miles, close to 300k miles in range and they will be a lot cheaper than you could ever imagined,” he said.
Among the models expected to hit the market are the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Ford Mustang MachE.
Industry experts say dealerships will need to prepare for the additional volume.
Some may allow customers to purchase the vehicles for less than the contract’s stated residual value.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has a lead over her challengers in her bid for reelection, but more than half of voters view her unfavorably, according to a poll released Sunday.
Bass was supported by 25% of voters, while City Councilmember Nithya Raman drew 17% and conservative reality TV star Spencer Pratt came in third at 14% in the poll by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, co-sponsored by The Times.
About a quarter of voters were undecided, the poll found.
Bass has come under heavy criticism for her handling of the devastating Palisades fire. More than a year later, 56% of those polled said they had an unfavorable view of her, while 31% viewed her favorably.
The survey of 840 likely voters between March 9 and 15 provides one of the first snapshots of the mayoral race, less than three months before the June 2 primary.
Beyond the top three, leftist Rae Huang notched support from 8% of those polled, while tech entrepreneur Adam Miller drew 6%.
Despite Bass’ lead, the poll is “borderline catastrophic” for her, because the field of candidates is so weak, said Dan Schnur, a politics professor at USC, UC Berkeley and Pepperdine.
“That she’s having this much trouble against this field, against such a little-known field of opponents, bodes very, very poorly for her,” Schnur said. “The only thing saving her at this point is that the top tier of potential candidates who were considering running against her decided to stay out of this race.”
The mayoral race solidified in early February, when Raman shocked the political establishment by jumping in against her ally Bass, hours before the filing deadline.
By that time, other well-known politicians, including billionaire developer Rick Caruso and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, had opted to stay out of the race. Former Los Angeles schools Supt. Austin Beutner dropped out following the death of his 22-year-old daughter.
Those decisions have left Angelenos with a field of candidates they hardly know. While they have strong views about Bass, slightly more than half of those polled said they didn’t know enough about Raman to have an opinion. Even more voters were unfamiliar with the other candidates.
Bass was on a diplomatic trip to Ghana when the Palisades fire ignited on Jan. 7, 2025, killing 12 people and destroying thousands of homes. She was unsteady in her initial public appearances and has since come under attack by Pratt, Caruso and others over the LAFD’s management of the fire and the pace of the recovery as well as allegations that she ordered an after-action report on the fire to be watered down.
Bass’ campaign has pointed to declining homelessness and crime as among the successes of her first term as mayor.
“It’s clear Angelenos are frustrated by decades of inaction on major issues,” Douglas Herman, a spokesperson for the Bass campaign, said in a statement. “This campaign will show that it’s Karen Bass who changed the direction on these issues and that others running responded with reports while Karen Bass took action.”
Raman, who represents Los Feliz and parts of Silver Lake and the San Fernando Valley, was viewed favorably by 26% of those polled and unfavorably by 23%. The 51% who said they didn’t have an opinion of her could be an indication that she has yet to expand her name recognition citywide.
She has said that her decision to run was driven in part by her frustration with city leaders’ inability to get the basics right, such as fixing streetlights and paving streets.
“I am very grateful that our campaign to make our city more affordable is resonating with so many Angelenos,” she said in a statement.
Former City Councilmember Mike Bonin, who runs the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State L.A., said that after the shock of Raman’s entry into the race, the mayoral campaign has taken on a sleepier pace.
“Candidates are raising money and doing their due diligence … but it’s felt like a staid, quiet race,” he said. “This poll reflects that.”
Bonin said the most important number is the gap between Raman and Pratt.
If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote in the primary, the top two finishers will proceed to a November run off. According to Bonin, Raman and Pratt will likely be jockeying to face off against Bass.
“While voters are clearly looking for an alternative [to Bass], they haven’t chosen one,” Bonin said.
The poll showed Bass — the city’s first female mayor and first Black female mayor — with strong support from Black voters, at 43%, while Raman has 6%.
Raman, who if elected would be the city’s first South Asian mayor, leads with Asian and Pacific Islander voters at 34%, with Bass at 10%.
Bass performs better with older voters, while Raman and Huang are appealing to younger voters, the poll found. Huang led the pack at 19% with voters between 18 and 29 years old.
In the poll, Angelenos ranked their top priorities for the next mayor to address. Building more affordable housing came in first, followed by fixing streets, sidewalks and streetlights and then moving homeless Angelenos indoors.
One potential bright spot for Bass was policing.
The poll found that 39% of Angelenos think the LAPD needs to increase in size, with 29% saying the department should stay the same size and 19% saying it should shrink.
Raman, meanwhile, has said that she believes the police force is the right size at around 8,700 officers, down from a peak of 10,000 in 2020.
“Bass is going to make Raman look like AOC’s liberal sister,” said Schnur, referring to progressive U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). “If she ends up in a runoff against Raman, she can run as a tough-on-crime centrist.”
The Role of Cryptocurrency in Global Humanitarian Efforts
In recent years, cryptocurrency has emerged as a powerful tool in various sectors, including finance, commerce, and now, humanitarian efforts. With the ability to facilitate fast and secure transactions globally, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others are making notable impacts in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
1. Enhancing Transparency and Trust
One of the critical challenges in humanitarian efforts is ensuring that donations reach the intended beneficiaries. Traditional donation channels often involve multiple intermediaries, leading to potential misuse of funds. Cryptocurrency operates on blockchain technology, which allows for transparent transactions that can be tracked in real-time. This transparency is vital for donors, as it builds trust and encourages more individuals to contribute.
2. Reducing Transaction Costs
Remittances and donations often incur high transaction fees, especially when crossing borders. Cryptocurrencies can significantly reduce these costs, making more funds available for humanitarian purposes. By utilizing digital currencies, NGOs can maximize their resources and allocate more to on-ground support rather than administrative expenses.
3. Facilitating Fast Responses
In crises, every second counts. Traditional banking systems may take days or weeks to process transfers, whereas cryptocurrencies enable instantaneous transactions, allowing organizations to respond quickly to emerging needs. Whether it’s providing food, shelter, or medical support, the speed of cryptocurrency transactions can lead to more effective disaster response strategies.
4. Empowering the Unbanked
Many individuals in crisis-hit regions lack access to traditional banking systems. Cryptocurrency can bridge this gap, offering digital wallets that enable people to receive aid directly. This empowerment not only facilitates immediate relief but also encourages financial inclusion and independence in the long run.
5. Case Studies of Successful Implementation
Several organizations have successfully integrated cryptocurrencies into their humanitarian efforts. For example, the Red Cross has experimented with blockchain technology to streamline donations and increase operational efficiency. Similarly, UNICEF has launched cryptocurrency initiatives to support children in crisis zones, receiving donations in Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Conclusion
As the world faces increasing humanitarian challenges, cryptocurrency offers innovative solutions to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of aid distribution. By leveraging this technology, humanitarian organizations can not only improve their operational efficiencies but also build greater trust with their donors. While challenges remain, the potential for cryptocurrency to reshape global humanitarian efforts is significant and should be embraced as we move forward.
For more information on the intersection of cryptocurrency and humanitarianism, consider exploring organizations actively working in this space.
Ryan McFadden covers the Las Vegas Raiders for ESPN’s NFL Nation. Prior to ESPN, McFadden was a Denver Broncos beat reporter for the Denver Post. McFadden also wrote about the Baltimore Ravens and University of Maryland athletics for The Baltimore Sun.
Multiple Authors
PORTLAND, Ore. — Don’t tell coach Sean Miller that 11th-seeded Texas is a Cinderella team, even if the program’s 74-68 upset victory over third-seeded Gonzaga suggests otherwise.
Moments after the Longhorns advanced to the Sweet 16 on Saturday by earning their 11th NCAA tournament victory as a double-digit seed, the most of any program since seeding began in 1979, Miller made it known that he doesn’t view his team as the underdogs of the tournament.
“I don’t think we ever want to sign up to be the Cinderella story, because we are the University of Texas, and what we represent in the SEC,” Miller said confidently.
Miller had every right to flex. Texas’ win over the Bulldogs came after it had defeated sixth-seeded BYU in the first round despite a 35-point performance from freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa.
The former Arizona and Xavier coach has improved to 9-1 (including vacated games) in the round of 32 and has won his past nine games. Miller’s record in the round of 32 is the best any coach has had since the tournament expanded to 32 teams in 1975 (minimum 10 games), ahead of Mike Krzyzewski (26-6) and Bob Knight (14-4).
Miller is a frequent visitor to the Sweet 16, but he is the first Longhorns coach to get there in his first season.
Miller credited the Longhorns’ rigid regular-season conference schedule, which featured victories over Alabama, Missouri, Georgia and Texas A&M, as an indicator that they are equipped to make a run.
“There’s no easy game in the SEC. The league itself prepares you for the postseason,” said Miller. “… Sometimes the lessons you learned along the way strengthen you. We’re a much better team right now than we would have been a month ago.”
Texas became the sixth team to start in the First Four and reach the Sweet 16 since the First Four began in 2011. The Longhorns wouldn’t have been able to accomplish the feat without the resilience of guard Jordan Pope.
Pope, who finished with a team-best 17 points, rolled on his ankle around the five-minute mark of regulation. And despite limping across the hardwood for the remainder of regulation, Pope managed to come through in the clutch yet again. With 2:31 to go, he was positioned at the top of the key when he nailed a 3-pointer to give Texas a 69-64 lead.
Texas didn’t score again until the 14-second mark, when forward Camden Heide converted a 3-pointer from the corner, followed by a transition layup by center Matas Vokietaitis to solidify the win.
“We’re playing our best right now, and hopefully we can keep going,” Miller said.
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