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U.S. Government Shutdown Update: White House Advisor Predicts End This Week

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White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett stated on October 20, 2025, that the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown—now in its 20th day—is “likely to end sometime this week.”

Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Hassett expressed optimism that moderate Democrats in the Senate would move forward with a vote to reopen the government, potentially as early as this week ending October 25, 2025, allowing subsequent negotiations on policy issues like extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits.

The U.S. federal government shutdown, now in its third week, has become the second-longest in history, surpassing the 21-day shutdown of 2018-2019 but trailing the record 35-day one from late 2018 to early 2019.

It began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a funding bill ahead of the fiscal year deadline, amid disputes over extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and broader spending priorities.

Republicans, controlling the White House, House, and Senate, have passed short-term continuing resolutions (CRs) in the House, but Senate Democrats have blocked them multiple times—now 11 votes deep—demanding protections for ACA tax credits set to expire at year’s end.

The shutdown began around October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government beyond the fiscal year deadline. It’s one of the longest in U.S. history, surpassing the 2018-2019 shutdown in duration as of October 18.

It has furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers, delayed paychecks (e.g., House aides won’t see funds until after Thanksgiving if unresolved), and disrupted services like national park access and Smithsonian operations though the latter may continue briefly on reserves.

Republicans, controlling Congress and the White House under President Trump, demand spending cuts and reforms tied to Project 2025 initiatives, including reductions in “Democrat agencies.”

Democrats insist on protecting ACA subsidies set to expire end-2025 and avoiding deep cuts, leading to a partisan standoff. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has floated a compromise vote to extend ACA credits in exchange for reopening the government.

Hassett suggested Democrats delayed action due to “bad optics” ahead of nationwide “No Kings” protests against Trump scheduled for this weekend October 25-26. Public polls largely blame Republicans for the impasse, with strong bipartisan support for ACA extensions.

Potential Timeline for Resolution

Hassett’s prediction hinges on Senate action post-protests, but key dates to watch include: October 24-25: Possible CR vote if moderates align. October 31: End-of-month pay cycle for federal workers, adding urgency. November 21: Previously proposed CR extension date, if no deal is reached sooner.

If no agreement materializes, Hassett warned of “stronger measures,” such as expanded “Reductions in Force” permanent layoffs already underway or further agency cuts.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD)’s recent overtures. He proposed swapping ACA credit extensions for immediate government reopening, but Democrats insist on bundling both to avoid piecemeal concessions.

However, as of October 22, no breakthrough has occurred—Senate Republicans met with Trump at the White House yesterday October 21 for lunch in the Rose Garden, but emerged without a deal. Thune reiterated that Democrats hold the key, blaming their “fear of the radical left” for the delay.

President Trump, meanwhile, has doubled down on criticism of Democrats, posting on Truth Social about “Democrat Agencies” as “political SCAM[s]” and meeting with OMB Director Russ Vought to discuss potential cuts. Trump is set to depart for an Asia trip on October 26, adding urgency to resolve before then

The news has sparked optimism in financial circles, with some viewing an end to the shutdown as “bullish” for markets and sectors like crypto regulation delayed by the impasse.

On X, discussions range from bullish crypto takes to shares of Hassett’s comments, reflecting relief amid economic uncertainty. This situation remains fluid—Congressional leaders have shown little progress so far, but Hassett’s remarks signal internal White House confidence in a breakthrough.

CNN analysis on October 21 described “stasis” in Washington, with neither party budging amid blame games. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) accused Republicans of using the shutdown for “stronger measures” like layoffs.

GOP figures like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) slammed Democrats for “blabbing” during marathon protest speeches like Sen. Jeff Merkley’s overnight filibuster-style address against Trump.

BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) Bolsters Ethereum Treasury with $800M Acquisition

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BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc. (NYSE American: BMNR), the Ethereum-focused digital asset treasury firm chaired by Fundstrat Global Advisors’ Thomas “Tom” Lee, announced that it purchased 203,826 ETH tokens last week for approximately $800 million at an average price of $4,022 per token.

This brings BMNR’s total ETH holdings to 3,236,014 tokens, valued at over $13 billion based on current prices around $4,033–$3,992 per ETH. These holdings now represent roughly 2.7% of Ethereum’s total circulating supply of approximately 120.5 million ETH, surpassing the halfway mark toward the company’s ambitious “Alchemy of 5%” goal to accumulate 5% of all ETH.

BMNR’s combined crypto, cash, and strategic equity (“moonshot”) holdings now exceed $13.4 billion, including:3.24 million ETH (~$13 billion). 192 BTC (~$21 million at ~$109,000–$111,000 per BTC). $219 million in unencumbered cash. A $119 million equity stake in Eightco Holdings (NASDAQ: ORBS), a prior “moonshot” investment focused on Worldcoin (WLD) and proof-of-human (PoH) verification.

The purchase occurred amid a recent crypto market correction, which Lee described as an “attractive risk/reward” opportunity due to lower open interest and price dislocations. BMNR has consistently accumulated 200,000 ETH weekly ($800M–$1B) for months, capitalizing on dips to build its position as the world’s largest corporate ETH holder.

BMNR shares rose ~7–8% post-announcement, trading around $53–$54, maintaining a slight premium to its net asset value (NAV). Year-to-date, the stock has surged over 600%, ranking it among the top 40 most-traded U.S. stocks by volume.

BMNR, which listed on NYSE American in July 2025, is emulating MicroStrategy’s (MSTR) Bitcoin treasury playbook but tailored for Ethereum’s staking yields and ecosystem potential. Unlike BTC, ETH generates passive rewards (currently ~3–5% APY), allowing BMNR to reinvest earnings for compounded growth.

The firm is backed by heavyweights like ARK Invest’s Cathie Wood, Founders Fund, Pantera Capital, and Galaxy Digital, underscoring institutional conviction in ETH’s “supercycle.” This move aligns with rising corporate ETH adoption: BMNR now holds more ETH than the next five treasury firms combined.

Peers like SharpLink Gaming (SBET) added 19,000 ETH (~$76M) last week, but BMNR’s scale dwarfs them. Ethereum ETFs (e.g., potential stETH products from VanEck) and DeFi innovations could amplify demand.

A key component of BMNR’s strategy is leveraging Ethereum’s staking mechanism to generate passive income, which differentiates it from Bitcoin-focused treasury firms like MicroStrategy. Staking involves locking up ETH in the Ethereum network to validate transactions and secure the blockchain.

In return, stakers earn rewards in the form of newly issued ETH for validating blocks and proposing new ones. Fees paid by users for transaction priority, distributed to validators. Additional profits from reordering or including specific transactions, often captured by sophisticated validators.

BMNR stakes a significant portion of its 3.24 million ETH to generate yield. BMNR deposits ETH into Ethereum’s validator smart contract or via liquid staking protocols like Lido or Rocket Pool, though specifics are unconfirmed for BMNR. Each validator node requires 32 ETH. With 3.24 million ETH, BMNR could theoretically run ~101,250 validator nodes (3,240,000 ÷ 32), though it likely delegates some staking to third-party providers for efficiency.

Staked ETH is locked but earns rewards continuously, paid out periodically daily/weekly, depending on setup. Ethereum’s staking yield varies based on the total ETH staked network-wide. 30–35% of ETH’s 120.5 million supply is staked 36–42 million ETH, yielding an annual percentage yield (APY) of 3–5% for most validators.

BMNR’s public filings suggest it earns within this range, likely closer to 4% APY, factoring in validator efficiency and potential liquid staking fees (e.g., Lido charges ~10% of rewards). At 4% APY on 3.24 million ETH ($13 billion at $4,000/ETH), BMNR could earn ~129,600 ETH annually ($519 million), or 2,492 ETH weekly ($10 million).

BMNR reinvests staking rewards to compound its ETH holdings, aligning with its “Alchemy of 5%” goal to own 5% of Ethereum’s supply. Rewards are either restaked directly compounding validator balances or used to purchase additional ETH during market dips, as seen in its weekly ~200,000 ETH acquisitions.

The 3–5% APY provides a steady cash flow equivalent to hundreds of millions annually, without selling principal ETH holdings. Reinvesting rewards accelerates BMNR’s path to 5% of ETH’s supply, potentially achievable within 2–3 years at current rates. Staking yields provide a buffer against ETH price fluctuations, enhancing BMNR’s treasury stability compared to non-yielding assets like Bitcoin.

As one of the largest ETH stakers, BMNR may wield significant influence in Ethereum governance (e.g., validator votes on protocol upgrades). Validators can lose a portion of staked ETH (typically <1%) for misbehavior (e.g., downtime or double-signing). BMNR’s scale suggests professional infrastructure to minimize this.

Staked ETH is technically locked, but liquid staking tokens (e.g., stETH) provide liquidity if BMNR uses such protocols. Direct staking withdrawals, if needed, take days to process. APY decreases as more ETH is staked network-wide. If staking participation rises to 50%+, yields could drop below 3%, impacting returns.

Annual Rewards: 3,240,000 ETH × 0.04 = 129,600 ETH (~$519 million at $4,000/ETH). Monthly Rewards: 10,800 ETH ($43 million). Weekly Rewards: 2,492 ETH ($10 million). These figures are reinvested or held, boosting BMNR’s $13.4 billion treasury and supporting its stock premium (~$53–$54/share, ~7–8% above NAV).

Ethereum Foundation Transfers $654M ETH As SpaceX Moves $268M BTC

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The Ethereum Foundation (EF) executed a significant internal transfer of 160,000 ETH, valued at approximately $654 million at the time of the transaction.

This movement was first flagged by on-chain analytics firm Lookonchain and quickly analyzed by Arkham Intelligence. The funds were shifted from an EF-controlled address to a Gnosis Safe multisig wallet also under EF management, indicating a routine treasury reorganization rather than a deposit to exchanges for sale.

A multisig wallet historically used for ETH sales to Kraken or SharpLink Gaming, but no outflows to exchanges occurred post-transfer. EF Co-Executive Director Hsiao-Wei Wang clarified on X that this was part of a “scheduled wallet migration” for security and custodial updates. All ETH remains in EF-controlled wallets.

This marks the EF’s largest single transfer in 2025 and follows a July sale of 10,000 ETH ~$40M at the time to fund R&D. The EF holds ~$827M in total assets, mostly ETH, with smaller positions in BTC, BNB, and ARB.

ETH price rose ~2.8% to reclaim $4,000 amid broader recovery, despite initial speculation of a dump. This event coincides with heightened scrutiny of the EF, including a resurfaced 2024 letter from former Geth developer Péter Szilágyi criticizing internal favoritism and developer support.

Elon Musk’s aerospace company— SpaceX, moved 2,395 BTC valued at ~$268 million from two labeled wallets to new, unmarked addresses. Tracked by Nansen and Arkham Intelligence, this is the company’s second major BTC activity in three months, following a $153M transfer in July.

1MDyM sent ~1,298 BTC or $130M and “1AXeF” sent ~1,197 BTC or $127M. Destination Addresses: “bc1qj” and “bc1qq” (inactive post-receipt; no sales or further transfers). Small test transactions ~$150–$177 via Coinbase Prime, typical for custody verification.

Likely internal housekeeping, such as upgrading to enhanced cold storage or multisig setups—common for institutional holders. SpaceX has not commented, but analysts view it as non-selling maintenance. SpaceX retains 8,285 BTC total $894M–$1.1B, acquired mostly in 2021, with unrealized gains over $621M. It sold ~70% of its position in 2022 amid market turmoil.

Bitcoin dipped below $108,000 amid U.S.–China trade tensions and ETF outflows, but the transfer didn’t trigger additional selling pressure. SpaceX’s BTC strategy contrasts with Musk’s vocal support for the asset’s “inflation-proof” model, though his companies including Tesla have a history of selective holdings.

Both moves highlight institutional crypto management in volatile times: EF focusing on Ethereum ecosystem sustainability amid internal debates, and SpaceX maintaining long-term BTC exposure despite competitive pressures in space tech.

No evidence of sales emerged, easing fears of market dumps. These events underscore growing on-chain transparency, with tools like Arkham enabling real-time scrutiny. These transfers align with a pattern of large entities optimizing treasury security without disrupting markets.

Péter Szilágyi, a former Ethereum Foundation (EF) developer known for his work on the Geth client, publicly criticized the EF in a June 2024 letter that resurfaced during the recent $654M ETH transfer discussion on October 21, 2025.

His critiques, primarily shared via a blog post and echoed on X, focus on internal mismanagement and misalignment with Ethereum’s ethos. Szilágyi alleged that the EF prioritizes funding for projects led by insiders or those with personal connections, sidelining independent developers. He claimed this creates an “old boys’ club” dynamic, undermining meritocracy.

He pointed to inconsistent grant allocation, where well-connected teams received substantial funding while others, including critical infrastructure like Geth, were underfunded. Szilágyi argued that the EF underinvests in essential Ethereum infrastructure, such as the Geth client, which powers a significant portion of the network’s nodes.

He noted that Geth’s team operated on a lean budget, risking long-term network stability. He contrasted this with lavish spending on less critical or speculative projects, accusing the EF of prioritizing “shiny” initiatives over foundational needs.

He criticized the EF’s opaque decision-making, particularly around treasury management and grant distribution. Szilágyi called for clearer accountability on how the EF’s ~$827M in assets (mostly ETH) is allocated. This resonated with community concerns during the $654M ETH transfer, where some X users speculated about potential sales or mismanagement, though the EF clarified it as a routine wallet migration.

He argued that the EF’s focus on high-profile events and marketing (e.g., Devcon) overshadows the need for consistent developer funding and morale. He expressed concern that the EF was drifting from Ethereum’s decentralized, open-source ethos toward centralized control and corporate-like behavior, risking community trust.

The EF has not directly addressed Szilágyi’s letter in recent statements. However, Co-Executive Director Hsiao-Wei Wang clarified the $654M transfer as a security-driven wallet migration, aiming to quell speculation. The criticisms fueled debates about the EF’s role as Ethereum scales.

The EF’s treasury, holding ~$827M, remains a flashpoint, with community scrutiny intensified by on-chain transparency tools like Arkham. While Szilágyi’s letter didn’t directly impact the October 2025 transfer’s execution, it amplified skepticism about the EF’s long-term strategy.

GM to Roll Out Google Gemini-Powered AI Assistant Across Vehicle Lineup in 2026

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General Motors has announced plans to introduce a conversational AI assistant powered by Google’s Gemini across its cars, trucks, and SUVs starting next year, marking a significant leap in the automaker’s broader effort to fuse artificial intelligence with its connected vehicle ecosystem.

The announcement was made on Wednesday at the GM Forward event in New York City, where the company unveiled several upcoming technologies. The Gemini integration is expected to be the first among them to reach consumers, ahead of a planned automated driving feature and a revamped vehicle computing platform slated for release in 2028.

GM’s integration of Gemini builds on an already deep relationship with Google, whose “Google built-in” operating system currently powers infotainment systems in Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles. Those systems already allow drivers to access Google Assistant, Maps, and other Android apps directly from their dashboard screens.

In 2023, GM expanded that collaboration by using Google Cloud’s Dialogflow chatbot to manage non-emergency OnStar services such as navigation assistance and general inquiries. The forthcoming Gemini-powered assistant will take that concept further by leveraging generative AI to hold more natural, context-aware conversations with drivers.

“One of the challenges with current voice assistants is that they’re often frustrating — they rely on code words and struggle with accents or phrasing,” said Dave Richardson, GM’s senior vice president of software and services, in an interview with TechCrunch. “What’s great about large language models is they’re flexible in how you speak to them. They understand context from previous interactions, so you get a better, more natural experience.”

The Gemini assistant will be capable of managing a wide range of tasks — from drafting and sending messages and planning routes with multiple stops to accessing information from the web, such as answering a driver’s query about a historical landmark.

It will also integrate more deeply with OnStar, GM’s in-car concierge system, allowing it to provide maintenance alerts, route suggestions, and even control features like heating or cooling before the driver enters the car.

In essence, GM envisions the system as “a mix between a health wearable and an AI companion, but for your car,” Richardson said.

The assistant will be distributed over the air via the Google Play Store, and will be available to OnStar-equipped GM vehicles dating back to model year 2015 — significantly broadening access to existing customers.

Privacy and Data Concerns After Past Controversy

The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of how automakers handle driver data. GM faced backlash earlier this year after reports revealed that the company had shared customer driving and geolocation data with insurance firms, prompting privacy concerns.

Addressing those concerns directly, Richardson emphasized that the new AI system will prioritize user consent and data protection.

“Everything that we’re going to do is going to be driven by customer consent, so you can always opt in or opt out,” he said. “Our viewpoint is that data and privacy have to be built into everything that we do.”

He also noted that GM has hired a new data governance team, including Christina Montgomery, who previously served as IBM’s chief privacy and trust officer, to establish stronger oversight mechanisms and compliance frameworks.

Richardson added that any driver data collected through Gemini “goes directly toward improving the product and won’t be sold for revenue.”

Toward a Custom-Built AI

While GM’s collaboration with Google is central to the Gemini rollout, Richardson said the company intends to test multiple AI models, including those from OpenAI, Anthropic, and others, as it moves toward developing a custom-built, domain-specific AI system trained on vehicle data.

“The idea is to take a base language model and train it on the vehicle’s specifications — distill that down and have it running locally on the vehicle,” Richardson said.

That approach would give GM more control over performance and data privacy, while enabling the AI to understand specific vehicle functions such as one-pedal driving or energy optimization in EVs.

GM’s move places it squarely in the middle of an emerging AI arms race among automakers. Competitors have already begun incorporating generative AI into their vehicles: Mercedes-Benz has integrated ChatGPT, Stellantis is working with French AI firm Mistral, and Tesla has rolled out Grok, the conversational assistant developed by Elon Musk’s xAI.

For GM, however, the Gemini rollout could serve as a bridge between existing OnStar services and a future where AI-driven personalization becomes a key selling point for vehicles. The assistant will enable the company to build a continuous feedback loop — learning from driver behavior while providing proactive assistance — potentially transforming how customers interact with their cars.

Analysts say that if executed effectively, the Gemini assistant could also enhance GM’s competitiveness in the electric and autonomous vehicle markets, where software-defined vehicles are increasingly defining brand differentiation.

With its rollout planned for 2026, GM’s Gemini-powered assistant is expected to mark a pivotal moment for the company’s digital transformation.

6 Best Cloud Mining Platforms in 2025 for Effortless Bitcoin Earnings — No Hardware Needed

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As Bitcoin continues to dominate the crypto landscape in 2025, cloud mining has become one of the most practical ways to earn BTC without building or maintaining physical rigs. Instead of dealing with noise, electricity costs, and hardware repairs, users can now rent hash power online and start earning Bitcoin instantly.

This year, several platforms stand out for offering reliable, user-friendly, and eco-conscious mining services. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, these six options make it easy to mine Bitcoin directly from your phone or computer — no technical expertise required.

1. DeepHash — Earn Free Bitcoin Daily from AI-Driven Cloud Mining

Visit DeepHash Official Website

DeepHash is a UK-registered cloud mining company operating under KT Crypto Mining Consortium Limited (Reg. No. NI676833). It’s widely recognized for combining green-energy mining, AI-driven optimization, and transparent user protection policies.

Unlike traditional platforms, DeepHash uses renewable energy from hydro, wind, and geothermal sources across Norway, Iceland, Uruguay, Bhutan, Paraguay, Sweden, El Salvador, and the United States. Its AI automatically reallocates hash power to maximize profitability depending on live market conditions — meaning users earn more without manual adjustments.

DeepHash also stands out for its principal protection system, where over 70% of user deposits are secured in a dedicated safety pool. Profits are paid daily, and all contracts include automatic principal return after maturity.

Click here to claim $100 in free hash power and start mining instantly!

 DeepHash Cloud Mining Plans (2025 Update)

Mining Farm Contract Amount Contract Time Daily Profit Total Profit ROI
Norway – Bodø Hydro Farm $100 1 Day $1.5 $1.5 1.50%
Canada – Quebec Hydro Farm $150 2 Days $5 $10 3.33%
Iceland – Reykjavik Geothermal Farm $500 3 Days $16 $48 3.20%
Bhutan – Thimphu Hydro Farm $1,100 3 Days $38.5 $115.5 3.50%
Paraguay – Itaipu Hydro Farm $2,800 2 Days $106.4 $212.8 3.80%
Uruguay – Montevideo Wind-Solar Farm $6,500 2 Days $273 $546 4.20%
Sweden – Luleå Hydro-Wind Farm $12,500 2 Days $600 $1,200 4.80%
El Salvador – Volcano Geothermal Farm $23,500 1 Day $1,527.5 $1,527.5 6.50%
USA (Texas) – Austin Solar-Wind Farm $39,500 1 Day $3,160 $3,160 8.00%

DeepHash gives every type of user — from first-time miners to high-end investors — a way to earn BTC safely with daily ROI between 1.5% and 8%.

2. HashShiny — Transparent Bitcoin Cloud Contracts

HashShiny offers straightforward BTC cloud mining contracts paired with an intuitive dashboard.
Users can monitor hash power performance in real time and withdraw earnings whenever they choose. While a small upfront cost is required, flexible contract terms make it accessible to both casual and long-term miners. HashShiny’s focus on transparent reporting and fast withdrawals helps it stay competitive in 2025.

3. MinerGate — A Reliable Choice for Beginners

MinerGate has been a household name in cloud mining for years.
The platform supports both cloud-based mining contracts and traditional mining pools, all available via mobile app. It’s ideal for newcomers thanks to its simple interface, multi-coin support, and daily withdrawal options. MinerGate remains a practical option for those testing mining strategies without needing hardware.

4. Genesis Mining — The Veteran Cloud Miner

Genesis Mining remains one of the industry’s longest-running providers.
Its professionally managed data centers and transparent pricing make it a strong choice for investors seeking long-term BTC returns. Contracts typically run for longer durations, but Genesis compensates with stable yields and large-scale infrastructure reliability.

5. CCG Mining — Green Energy and Consistent Payouts

CCG Mining combines renewable energy operations with simple, mobile-friendly account management.
Users can choose from various contract types suited for different budgets and mining goals. The company emphasizes transparency, offering detailed income reports and responsive customer support. Fast withdrawals and stable uptime make CCG a dependable option for consistent earnings.

6. IQ Mining — Smart AI Allocation for Better Profits

IQ Mining uses advanced algorithms to shift hash power dynamically between cryptocurrencies, depending on which is most profitable at the moment.
This adaptive mining model allows users to earn more compared to fixed-rate contracts. The IQ Mining app enables daily Bitcoin withdrawals and occasionally offers free-trial promotions — a great opportunity for those who want to test before investing.

Why Cloud Mining Is Booming in 2025

Cloud mining has lowered the barrier to Bitcoin mining by eliminating the need for hardware ownership, setup time, and high electricity bills.
It allows users to rent professional mining power remotely, turning BTC mining into a hands-free passive income source.

Platforms like DeepHash have pushed the industry forward through green energy innovation, legal transparency, and AI optimization, ensuring users can mine profitably and sustainably.

 Final Thoughts

For anyone who wants to earn Bitcoin without setting up expensive equipment or learning complex software, cloud mining remains the best option in 2025.

Among all providers, DeepHash leads with:

  • A UK legal foundation
  • 100% renewable-powered data centers
  • AI-optimized profitability
  • Flexible contracts and principal protection

Other platforms — HashShiny, MinerGate, Genesis Mining, CCG Mining, and IQ Mining — also offer strong features, but DeepHash combines transparency, sustainability, and high ROI like no other.

If you’re ready to turn your phone or laptop into a Bitcoin income generator, start today with DeepHash.com and claim your $100 free mining credit to experience real BTC earnings instantly.