The blockchain co-founder said the goal is to make the "self-sovereign" method of Ethereum users running their own nodes a user-friendly experience. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin posted a proposal, or a pull request, on Saturday that would merge the backend programs used by nodes to interact with Ethereum’s Beacon Chain, which handles consensus and staking, and the protocol’s execution layer into one unified code structure to simplify node setup. Ethereum node runners, also called validators, currently have to run two separate programs, which each require setup and synchronization to coordinate and communicate the data produced by Ethereum’s consensus and execution layers. This raises the technical complexity of running a node or providing validation services for the Ethereum network, preventing ordinary users from running their own infrastructure and forcing reliance on third-party service providers. Read more
Bitcoin edged toward an important weekly close above $70,000 that would include a reclaim of an important 200-week trend line. Bitcoin (BTC) inched higher on Sunday as bulls sought to seal a weekly close above $70,000. Key points: Bitcoin eyes its highest daily close in over a week with a fresh weekend push above $70,000. Read more
During the Iran conflict, gold attracted safe-haven demand, while Bitcoin’s reaction reflected liquidity conditions and broader market sentiment rather than acting as a classic crisis hedge. The 2026 Iran conflict created a major geopolitical shock that triggered volatility across global markets. It pushed investors to reassess traditional safe-haven assets such as gold and emerging alternatives like Bitcoin. Gold initially benefited from safe-haven demand but later declined as the US dollar strengthened and bond yields rose. This showed that macroeconomic forces can override crisis-driven buying. Bitcoin experienced volatility but recovered quickly, reflecting its growing role as an alternative asset. However, its price movements remained closely tied to market sentiment and liquidity conditions. Read more
Forensic analysis of lobbyist Mauricio Novelli’s phone reportedly uncovered a draft document outlining a $5 million payment tied to Argentina's president's promotion of the Libra token. New forensic findings from the phone of crypto lobbyist Mauricio Novelli have revealed a draft document suggesting a possible $5 million agreement connected to Argentine President Javier Milei’s promotion of the Libra token, according to local media reports. The document, recovered from Novelli’s iPhone during a judicial investigation into the Libra crypto scandal, outlines a three-part payment structure totaling $5 million. Screenshots of the note surfaced after expert materials held by prosecutor Eduardo Taiano since November were made public, Argentine outlet El Destape reported. The draft note was reportedly written in English on Feb. 11, 2025, just three days before Milei posted about the Libra token on X. “Hello friends, this is the final agreement discussed with H,” the text begins, which is believed to refer to crypto ...