Options traders are building bearish positions around Strategy's (formerly MicroStrategy) preferred STRC stock, which has fallen to a record low. This adds pressure to a key funding tool for Bitcoin purchases, as investors question dividend policy and liquidity.
Oxfordshire County Council is pursuing a High Court injunction against the Raise the Colours campaign group over the unauthorized display of England flags on lampposts. The council cites intimidation, division, road safety risks, and harassment, having spent £15,000 on flag removal. The group's leader was previously arrested.
Fairshake, a crypto industry super PAC, spent over $12 million to help Barry Moore win an Alabama Senate Republican runoff. This win highlights the industry's success in primaries to secure pro-crypto lawmakers, yet their key legislative goal, the CLARITY Act, remains stalled in the Senate.
Oil prices fell Thursday following reports of a deal between US President Donald Trump and Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian to end the Middle East war. The International Energy Agency also warned of a potential supply glut in 2027.
Crypto exchange Bybit and its corporate entity Bybit Fintech Limited have been added to Singapore's Monetary Authority (MAS) Investor Alert List. This list warns consumers about entities wrongly perceived as MAS-regulated. Bybit is not licensed by MAS and restricts services to Singaporean users.
Strategy's (formerly MicroStrategy) STRC preferred stock is trading at its weakest level this year, impacting its ability to raise capital for Bitcoin purchases. The stock's decline tests investor interest in Bitcoin-linked income products amid Bitcoin's pullback and competition from rival offerings.
The St George's Cross flag, once a symbol of English national pride, now evokes mixed feelings due to its association with far-right groups and protests. While some see it as a unifying symbol for events like the World Cup, others find it intimidating and exclusionary, highlighting a complex debate about English identity.
AI startup Anthropic is preparing for a potential $1 trillion IPO but faces government opposition. The US Commerce Department has blacklisted its new AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, and the Department of War has migrated workflows away from its 'Claude' AI due to national security and military application concerns.
ASUS JAPAN has released the ExpertBook Ultra B9406CAA, a business laptop weighing approximately 1.1kg with a slim profile. This flagship model boasts a magnesium-aluminum alloy body, enhanced durability tested to MIL-STD-810H standards, and a high-spec 14-inch OLED display with a variable refresh rate.
England fans attending the World Cup match against Croatia may have their flags confiscated at Dallas Stadium due to new rules about displaying them over LED advertising boards. Only small flags on rails behind goals are permitted, with larger ones requiring advance approval.
Ant Group is overhauling Alipay, its mobile payment app, into a native AI platform with autonomous agents. The new version, featuring an assistant named "Ah Bao", aims to provide access to over 10,000 services through conversational AI, with user confirmation required for financial transactions.
Indonesia's $15 billion nutrition initiative for 83 million children and mothers faces controversy over weak oversight, budget transparency, and food safety. Three former nutrition agency leaders were arrested for alleged corruption related to operational kitchens, which have surged in number beyond initial plans.
Iranian Americans protested outside Iran's World Cup match in Inglewood, Calif., calling for change in Tehran and waving pre-revolutionary flags. The community is divided, with some fans separating soccer from politics while protesters view the team as representing the government.
Around 200 protesters in Albania tore down fences at a luxury development site, protesting against construction in environmentally sensitive areas and on confiscated land. The demonstrations highlight growing anger over projects, including one linked to Jared Kushner, near protected natural sites.
Bitcoin surged past $65,000, recovering from recent selling pressure. A US-Iran peace deal, mediated by Pakistan and set for signing June 19, eased geopolitical tensions, leading to falling oil prices and rising crypto markets. ETF outflows also slowed, indicating reduced forced selling.
China's C919 airliner is undergoing its first major maintenance checks, a critical step for its long-term airworthiness and a bid to gain European regulatory approval. China Southern Airlines completed the first 'C-check' in May, a rigorous process involving 6,000 man-hours.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese indicated openness to extending the temporary fuel excise cut, citing ongoing Middle East conflict impacts. A peace deal between the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was welcomed, but normal oil trade is expected to take months.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated the government may extend the temporary fuel excise cut to ease motorist costs, influenced by the Middle East conflict and a new peace deal between the US and Iran. The cut, initially set to end June 30, is being re-evaluated.
A 35-year-old schoolteacher, Leah Stewart, has had her arm amputated and is in critical condition after a suspected 3.5-meter great white shark attack at Coogee beach. The incident has sparked a political debate on beach safety, with calls for a shark cull rejected by the NSW Premier.
The New York Knicks have won the NBA title, ending a 53-year drought. Celebrations in Manhattan turned chaotic, with arrests, stabbings, and vandalism reported, though less severe than some European counterparts.
A luxury five-bedroom apartment in Hong Kong, featuring 3.5-meter floor-to-ceiling heights, has been sold. The sale occurs amidst geopolitical uncertainties, including the US-Israel war on Iran, prompting investors to diversify assets. This transaction underscores strong demand in Hong Kong's super-luxury residential market.
Reform-led councils across England are banning Pride flags and events in libraries and public spaces, citing a focus on national symbols. LGBTQ+ advocates express shock and concern over the "Orwellian" decisions, reporting increased anxiety and hate incidents within the community.
News roundup covering the Rivian R2's potential market impact, the controversial design of the electric Ferrari Luce, Tesla's robotaxi crash details, new EU regulations for breathalyzers in vehicles, and advancements in AI PCs and high-tech fans.
Drones are now flying over Coogee Beach to monitor shark activity after a ban preventing their use near Sydney Airport was temporarily lifted following a recent shark attack. The NSW government is considering all options, including shark culls, to enhance safety.
