Prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket forecast a promising year for cryptocurrency in 2025. Insights suggest that both Bitcoin and Ether could reach unprecedented heights, with BTC and ETH projected to hit at least $125,000 and $5,000, respectively, according to Kalshi. Polymarket, meanwhile, sets a 50% probability of Bitcoin hitting $120,000 by March. Additionally, there’s optimism for the approval of various cryptocurrency ETFs by U.S. regulators. Polymarket places the likelihood of ETFs for XRP, Solana, and Litecoin at 75%, 69%, and 51% chances, respectively, by mid-year. However, Dogecoin lags with a 22% chance. Speculation also revolves around U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s potential establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve. Kalshi foresees a 59% possibility of this event during his term, whereas Polymarket is more conservative, putting early prospects at 29%. Despite these bullish predictions, traditional futures markets are more restrained. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange anticipates Bitcoin prices at roughly $98,000 and Ether at $3,500 in the first quarter of 2025, marking a noticeable jump from their current valuations but still below prediction market estimates. Prediction markets function by allowing users to buy and sell contracts based on anticipated outcomes of events, often showing more accuracy compared to traditional polling methods. This skill in forecasting was evidenced in the runup to the recent US elections where they accurately predicted key results.
You are complex. You are playful, warm and friendly, but you are also intense and impulsive. You care. This is a slower paced year. Focus on your closest relationships and make sure you are with people who have your back. Take time to rejuvenate yourself. The stars show the kind of day you’ll have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult ARIES (March 21-April 19)  Be patient with children and young people in the morning, because they might annoy you or test you in some way, especially by refusing to accept responsibility for something. Or perhaps their values differ from yours. Tonight: Welcome support. TAURUS (April 20-May 20)  Minor disputes or spats with partners, spouses and close friends might occur this morning. This is natural if there is tension in the air. Fortunately, these people will help and support you later in the day. Tonight: Agreement. GEMINI (May 21-June 20)  Squabbles about work, duties and possibly a pet might annoy you this morning. Nevertheless, after this happens, you will be productive in all your efforts because you’re willing to do whatever is necessary to make things work. In fact, it will all unfold with dignity and tradition. Tonight: You’re organized. CANCER (June 21-July 22)  Difficulties with your kids or younger people who are present might be a challenge this morning. For some of you, this difficulty will be with a romantic partner. Fortunately, this is temporary. The rest of the day will be a delight in pageantry and tradition that all will welcome. Tonight: Socialize! LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)  In your zeal to make this day unfold according to your hopes and plans, you might be at odds with a parent or a family member this morning. Let this go. Move on. In fact, everyone will respect traditional ways of doing things and be willing to put their wishes second to the needs of the group. Tonight: Relax. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)  You might feel irritated this morning because you have a lot on your plate. Unexpected guests or news from family members you haven’t seen for a while might catch you off guard. Fortunately, you will rise to the task and keep things orderly and practical. Planning always pays off. Tonight: Conversations! LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)  Morning squabbles with a friend or a group, perhaps about money or possessions, might irritate you. Fortunately, whatever the problem is it will be resolved. Later in the day, you feel calm, in control and capable of running everything smoothly. Tonight: Everything’s orderly. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)  Someone might challenge you this morning, especially an authority figure who tries to get in your way. (Bad move.) Later in the day, things will flow smoothly, and you will take on chores and duties with grace and a willing acceptance of duty. Tonight: You win! SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)  Ignore worries and challenges with travel or controversial politics this morning. Everything will come together in one way or another. By the end of the day, with the sun in your sign and your strong sense of duty, you will be pleased with how this day unfolds. Tonight: Quiet times. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)  Squabbles about shared values, shared costs and inheritances might be a challenge to your morning. However, there is no sign that reveres tradition more than you. Furthermore, you have unwavering family values. Tonight: Friendships. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)  Don’t let morning squabbles with partners, friends, parents or bosses ruin your day. It’s not going to happen. Au contraire! Today you will be respected because of the unflagging energy and support you are giving to everyone. You will spare no effort. Tonight: You’re noticed. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)  Steer clear of controversial subjects or travel problems this morning. You need to stay calm and clear today, which you will, because you’re willing to put your own comfort second so that everything comes off in a way that pleases everyone. Tonight: Explore! — King Features Syndicate
African Union chairperson candidates advocate for permanent UN Security Council seatsNone
Photo: The Canadian Press Premier David Eby meets with his cabinet for breakfast during a photo opportunity at legislature in Victoria, Nov. 27. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito British Columbia Premier David Eby says 25-per-cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods would be "devastating" for the province's lumber and forestry industries. He made the comment ahead of a meeting with fellow first ministers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Eby was scheduled to participate in the virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose the tariffs unless Canada and Mexico stop illegal border crossings and prevent illicit drugs from entering the United States. Eby said the lumber and forestry sectors are already strained by a recent increase in duties amid the ongoing U.S.-Canada dispute over softwood lumber. He said after the first meeting of his new cabinet in Victoria that the tariffs are "unjustified," and they would hurt Americans as much as they would Canadians. The premier said B.C. is a source of natural gas, wood products, minerals and other products that U.S. businesses depend on, and the tariff would hinder jobs and opportunities in the province while making "life more expensive for Americans." Eby and Ottawa have called for a united front dealing with Trump's tariff plan, which he announced on social media on Monday. Eby said B.C. officials had repeatedly raised concerns with Ottawa over organized crime and illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, in relation to border security. "It's a priority for us. It has been for a while, we've written to Ottawa about it. Doesn't justify the tariffs, but it does mean that we can talk about those issues as well." Eby said Trump's proposed tariff "doesn't make economic sense," and the measure is not necessary to address issues at the border. The premier said he believes B.C. has a strong case to make for the tariff being "badly placed" if Trump's priority is to reduce costs for Americans. "I think the premiers are unified," Eby said. "There are 13 of us plus the prime minister. It's a big group of people with different political perspectives, but on this issue of ensuring that we're protecting the people in our country from these unjustified tariffs, I believe we're completely in line on that question."BSE & NSE Fine Go Digit For Delay In Furnishing Data
Peter Dutton makes anti-Semitism election pitch, vows to create a taskforce to deport bigotsPTI playing negotiations drama: Azma Minister says PTI leading figures were encouraging overseas Pakistanis not to send remittances The image released on Dec 24, 2024 shows Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari addressing an event. — Facebook@AzmaBokhariPMLN/ LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is playing a drama of negotiations on the one hand while on the other, it is spreading the message of civil disobedience. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Talking to media here on Thursday, she said PTI leading figures such as Zulfi Bukhari, Shahbaz Gill, and Shehzad Akbar were actively encouraging overseas Pakistanis on social media not to send remittances. Overseas Pakistanis have rejected the mischief and the anti-country actions of the Fitna party, and have sent the highest-ever remittances in the history of Pakistan this year. The Adiala Jail prisoner, who has been telling the nation for the past one and a half years that he will free them from American slavery, has now been pleading with the American lobby to intervene in Pakistan for over a month. Some petty individuals, influenced by the Jewish lobby, are currently active in saving their pawns. The information minister emphasized that Pakistan was a sovereign country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has told the US “absolutely not”. Pakistan will not allow anyone to interfere in its internal matters. The Adiala Jail prisoner is ready to beg anyone to secure an ‘NRO’.Is Crypto Mining the Key to Tajikistan's Rogun Dam's Financial Viability?
Trump's picks for key positions in his second administration
New York Jets running back Breece Hall sat out practice Wednesday with an injured knee and it's uncertain if he'll play Sunday against Seattle. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Hall hurt the knee in the Jets’ 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 17, but was able to finish the game. Hall experienced some soreness, so the team is being cautious with its leading rusher. “We’re going to protect him from himself a little bit today, but we’ll see how the week goes along,” Ulbrich said. “Still hopeful that he’s going to play for us, but we’ll see.” Hall has 632 yards rushing and four touchdowns, along with 46 catches for 401 yards and two scores for the Jets, who were holding their first full practice since returning from their bye-week break. Rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis would likely fill in if Hall can't play. Left tackle Tyron Smith remains sidelined with a neck injury and Ulbrich acknowledged Smith could be a candidate for the injured reserve list. Smith, in his first season with New York after 13 in Dallas, missed the game against the Colts after leaving the Jets' loss in Arizona with the neck injury. Rookie Olu Fashanu would be in line to start again in Smith's place. “Just not enough improvement at this point,” Ulbrich said of Smith. “It’s really become apparent that we might have to do what’s best for Tyron in that way. But (we're) still collecting information.” Ulbrich said Smith, whose injury hasn't been specified, has been splitting his time between being at the facility and having exams elsewhere. “He's getting stuff done,” Ulbrich said. “He's got the best doctors on Earth working with him.” The Jets could get linebacker C.J. Mosley back from a herniated disk in his neck that sidelined him the past four games. Mosley, who was injured during pregame warmups on Oct. 27, fully practiced Wednesday. “He's going to give it a run,” Ulbrich said before practice. “We're going to see what it looks like. ... And then tomorrow will be the big test. You know, get pads on him, get him to contact and see how he responds with that. If things go well, which I’m hopeful they will, he’ll go. If not, he won’t.” Wide receiver Malachi Corley didn't practice because of an illness and cornerback Quan'tez Stiggers was out for personal reasons. Offensive lineman Xavier Newman was limited after having his practice window opened. Newman has been on injured reserve since hurting his neck at Pittsburgh last month and being taken to the hospital. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLState’s first 45C day in yearsPlum High School students attend Junior Achievement of Western Pa. Stock Market Challenge
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets wanted Juan Soto to know his future with them could be set in stone. When the free agent outfielder traveled to owner Steve Cohen's house in Beverly Hills, California, for a presentation last month, the team unveiled a video that included an image of a future Soto statue outside Citi Field, next to the one erected of franchise great Tom Seaver . “Everything that they showed me, what they have, what they want to do, it was incredible,” Soto said. “But my favorite part was the video.” Soto was introduced at Citi Field on Thursday, a day after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized. Speaking in the Piazza 31 Club, he was flanked by Mets owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns and agent Scott Boras. Security men in gray suits wearing earpieces were off to the side. The slugger walked in led by Boras, wearing a dark suit, black turtle neck shirt and gold chain with his No. 22. Soto picked the Mets over the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. His deal includes a luxury suite and four premium tickets for home games , all for free, and personal team security for the four-time All-Star and his family at the team’s expense for all spring training and regular-season home and road games. “My family is really important for me. Without them, I probably wouldn't have been here,” Soto said. “It's one of the biggest things.” Boras had asked for those sweeteners. “We included it at the beginning," Cohen said. “He made a request and we were happy to provide.” The crosstown Yankees, who reached the World Series for the first time since 2009 in part because of Soto, refused to consider the concept. “Some high-end players that make a lot of money for us, if they want suites, they buy them,” general manager Brian Cashman said. Cohen purchased the Mets ahead of the 2021 season and has boosted them to baseball's highest payroll in search of the team's first title since 1986 — when the World Series MVP, like Soto, wore No. 22 — Ray Knight. The owner thanked his son, Josh, for helping create the video and commended his 93-year-old father-in-law Ralph for attending the first get-together with Soto. While other teams met Soto at the Pendry Newport Beach, a hotel just a five-minute drive from Boras Corp.'s office, Cohen asked to host the session at one of his homes. “If we’re going to some restaurant, I didn’t know what the atmosphere would be,” Cohen said. “Food's better at my house.” Cohen and Soto met again Friday at another of the owner's homes in Boca Raton, Florida. Soto wanted to know how many championships Cohen expects over the next decade? “I said I’d like to win two to four,” the owner recalled. The value of Soto's contract eclipsed Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December. Its length topped Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $340 million, 14-year agreement with San Diego that runs through 2034. The 26-year-old Soto batted .288 with 41 homers, 109 RBIs and 129 walks this year and has a .285 career average with 201 homers, 592 RBIs and 769 walks over seven seasons with Washington, San Diego and the Yankees. Boras wouldn't discuss who finished second in the bidding in Soto's mind. “When you’re at a wedding, you don’t talk about the bridesmaids," he said. Soto made the decision Sunday while at home with his family. Boras referred to the group as the “Soto Supreme Court" defined as “mother, sister, father — he’s got a wide group. I think he may have eight or nine uncles.” “My information requests and such were rather unique,” Boras said, detailing that his team asked for OPS by ballpark. Soto's 1.175 at Citi Field is his highest at any stadium where he's played 15 or more games. Soto cited Cohen's relationship with Mets stars Francisco Lindor and Edwin Díaz as a factor in his mind. “They are kind of like (a tight) family, a family that wants to win but they definitely want to take care of their players and their families,” Soto said. Cohen had his wife Alex and father-in-law attend the initial meeting to emphasize kinship. “My father-in-law is at every game, every home game,” Cohen said. “I wanted him to see how important baseball is to this family. And Alex grew up with one TV in an apartment and that Met game was on every night.” Cohen relishes owning the Mets. He spoke earlier in the day to a town hall at his hedge fund. “Whenever you meet somebody, they want to talk about the Mets before they talk about financial markets,” he said. Soto's success will be determined by World Series titles. The Yankees have 27, the Mets two. “It's such a big city, right? There's plenty of room for both of us,” Cohen said. Soto had a more direct definition. "Championships is going to tell you if it's a Yankees or Mets town at the end of the day," he said. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlbWhen the free agent outfielder traveled to owner Steve Cohen's house in Beverly Hills, California, for a presentation last month, the team unveiled a video that included an image of a future Soto statue outside Citi Field, next to the one erected of franchise great Tom Seaver . “Everything that they showed me, what they have, what they want to do, it was incredible,” Soto said. “But my favorite part was the video.” Soto was introduced at Citi Field on Thursday, a day after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized. Speaking in the Piazza 31 Club, he was flanked by Mets owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns and agent Scott Boras. Security men in gray suits wearing earpieces were off to the side. The slugger walked in led by Boras, wearing a dark suit, black turtle neck shirt and gold chain with his No. 22. Soto picked the Mets over the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. His deal includes a luxury suite and four premium tickets for home games , all for free, and personal team security for the four-time All-Star and his family at the team’s expense for all spring training and regular-season home and road games. “My family is really important for me. Without them, I probably wouldn't have been here,” Soto said. “It's one of the biggest things.” Boras had asked for those sweeteners. “We included it at the beginning," Cohen said. “He made a request and we were happy to provide.” The crosstown Yankees, who reached the World Series for the first time since 2009 in part because of Soto, refused to consider the concept. “Some high-end players that make a lot of money for us, if they want suites, they buy them,” general manager Brian Cashman said. Cohen purchased the Mets ahead of the 2021 season and has boosted them to baseball's highest payroll in search of the team's first title since 1986 — when the World Series MVP, like Soto, wore No. 22 — Ray Knight. The owner thanked his son, Josh, for helping create the video and commended his 93-year-old father-in-law Ralph for attending the first get-together with Soto. While other teams met Soto at the Pendry Newport Beach, a hotel just a five-minute drive from Boras Corp.'s office, Cohen asked to host the session at one of his homes. “If we’re going to some restaurant, I didn’t know what the atmosphere would be,” Cohen said. “Food's better at my house.” Cohen and Soto met again Friday at another of the owner's homes in Boca Raton, Florida. Soto wanted to know how many championships Cohen expects over the next decade? “I said I’d like to win two to four,” the owner recalled. The value of Soto's contract eclipsed Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December. Its length topped Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $340 million, 14-year agreement with San Diego that runs through 2034. The 26-year-old Soto batted .288 with 41 homers, 109 RBIs and 129 walks this year and has a .285 career average with 201 homers, 592 RBIs and 769 walks over seven seasons with Washington, San Diego and the Yankees. Boras wouldn't discuss who finished second in the bidding in Soto's mind. “When you’re at a wedding, you don’t talk about the bridesmaids," he said. Soto made the decision Sunday while at home with his family. Boras referred to the group as the “Soto Supreme Court" defined as “mother, sister, father — he’s got a wide group. I think he may have eight or nine uncles.” “My information requests and such were rather unique,” Boras said, detailing that his team asked for OPS by ballpark. Soto's 1.175 at Citi Field is his highest at any stadium where he's played 15 or more games. Soto cited Cohen's relationship with Mets stars Francisco Lindor and Edwin Díaz as a factor in his mind. “They are kind of like (a tight) family, a family that wants to win but they definitely want to take care of their players and their families,” Soto said. Cohen had his wife Alex and father-in-law attend the initial meeting to emphasize kinship. “My father-in-law is at every game, every home game,” Cohen said. “I wanted him to see how important baseball is to this family. And Alex grew up with one TV in an apartment and that Met game was on every night.” Cohen relishes owning the Mets. He spoke earlier in the day to a town hall at his hedge fund. “Whenever you meet somebody, they want to talk about the Mets before they talk about financial markets,” he said. Soto's success will be determined by World Series titles. The Yankees have 27, the Mets two. “It's such a big city, right? There's plenty of room for both of us,” Cohen said. Soto had a more direct definition. "Championships is going to tell you if it's a Yankees or Mets town at the end of the day," he said. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot speaks after the UEFA Champions League clash with Real Madrid at Anfield Arne Slot is adamant Liverpool will be able to cope after they suffered a potential double injury blow ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Manchester City. Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate both sustained knocks during the closing stages of the Reds’ impressive 2-0 Champions League win over European champions Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday evening. Bradley, who assisted the opener for Alexis Mac Allister, was forced off with a few minutes remaining with what appeared a hamstring injury. Konate, meanwhile, took a heavy knock to his leg in a challenge by Real Madrid substitute Endrick in the last action of the match and required lengthy treatment after the final whistle before limping off. Liverpool were already without Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Kostas Tsimikas and Federico Chiesa, while Trent Alexander-Arnold remained on the bench having not been deemed fit enough to start. Slot’s side are in the midst of an intense run of fixtures, with the visit of City on Sunday the first of three games in a week where they also visit Newcastle United before the Merseyside derby against Everton . And when asked if he knew more about the injuries to Bradley and Konate, Slot said: “No, not yet. I know where they have pain, but how bad or how good it is difficult to judge so close after the game. “But this is what happens during the season. We missed Jota today, we missed Alisson today, we missed Kostas today, Trent couldn’t play from the start. This happens. “I’m really hoping both of them are available to play because we want them all available, but if not someone else has to step up and until now this season everybody I’ve selected to start has shown up. “That’s also what is going to happen on Sunday if they can play, and if they can’t play then other ones will start.”General Hospital spoilers: Michael moves to take something very important away from Drew?Manmohan Singh, India’s eye witness