Category: crypto
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Amazon trucking push sends freight carrier stocks lower
Amazon has expanded its less-than-truckload shipping service to businesses outside of its logistics network. This move caused shares of several major freight carriers to decline. Amazon is using its logistics network to reach more business customers and offer faster delivery speeds, reducing reliance on external carriers.
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Coinbase urges Congress to scrap taxes on stablecoin spending
Coinbase is asking U.S. lawmakers to eliminate capital gains taxes on stablecoin payments and exempt small cryptocurrency transactions from reporting requirements. They also support tax deferrals for mining and staking rewards. The company wants a transition period before wash-sale rules for crypto take effect. They argue that current tax rules create unnecessary burdens.
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Visa brings OpenAI into AI commerce push with stablecoin upgrades
Visa announced new AI, stablecoin, and token tools at Visa Payments Forum 2026. The company partnered with OpenAI for secure payments in agentic commerce experiences. Stablecoin settlement reached a $7 billion annualized run rate. Visa’s updates aim to support faster and more automated commerce, including agentic payments, token assurance, stablecoin settlement, and tokenized deposits.
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Curve changes DeFi lending model with Llamalend v2 upgrade
Curve Finance has launched Llamalend v2 on Optimism, allowing users to access isolated lending markets and non-crvUSD borrowing pairs. LP tokens can now be used as collateral, and the system includes risk controls and liquidation models. The deployment starts with three isolated markets and a 250,000 OP incentive program before an Ethereum mainnet launch.
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Brad Garlinghouse endorses claim that Wall Street is copying XRP
Brad Garlinghouse supported claims that Wall Street firms are adopting XRP’s institutional finance vision. Hugo Philion stated that Ripple’s payments strategy remains consistent despite criticism. The XRP Ledger is preparing for a software upgrade. Ripple also supports Mastercard’s new AI payments network. Many crypto firms are now seeking relationships with traditional finance institutions.
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Nigeria Senate advances bill to regulate crypto exchanges
Nigeria’s Senate has advanced a bill that would establish formal regulations for cryptocurrency firms and virtual asset operators. The Virtual Asset Service Providers Regulation Bill, 2026, passed the second reading and is now under committee review. The bill aims to introduce licensing, compliance rules, and consumer protection measures for Nigeria’s crypto market.
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Amazon secures $17.5B Citibank loan as AI spending plans grow
Amazon has secured a $17.5 billion delayed draw term loan facility from Citibank and other banks. The loan will support general corporate purposes, including investments and debt repayment. The financing is linked to Amazon’s AI spending plans and could help fund artificial intelligence investments. Amazon also recently sold high-grade bonds.
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Pennsylvania sets stricter standards for AI data center projects
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has introduced GRID Standards for data center projects seeking state support. Developers must pay for new power generation, disclose project details, and secure certification. Separate bills from lawmakers aim to change tax exemptions, water rules, power requirements, and zoning powers for data centers in the state.
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Iran closes Strait of Hormuz as US strikes deepen tensions
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels after US attacks. Iranian military command cited security threats and warned ships against passing through the waterway. US Central Command launched fresh strikes on Iran, prompting talks to end the conflict. Iran continues to pressure the US as Qatar sends a delegation for diplomatic discussions.
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Crypto ATM ban spreads as Delaware, New Jersey push crackdown
Delaware and New Jersey are advancing bills to ban crypto ATMs in response to increasing scam complaints related to the machines. The move comes after FBI data showed a high number of complaints and losses nationwide. Other states have already implemented total bans on crypto ATMs, with Canada also considering restrictions. The bills in Delaware…