Category: economy

Dutch centrists declare victory in election, right-wing calls it ‘arrogance’

“We are the biggest party in the Netherlands! Now we’ll get to work for all Dutch people,” D66 leader Rob Jetten declared on social media Friday.

“I think we’ve now shown the rest of Europe and the world that it is possible to beat populist movements if you campaign with a positive message for your country,” Jetten added.

### D66 and PVV Neck-and-Neck in Election

In Wednesday’s election, D66 and the Party for Freedom (PVV) finished neck-and-neck, with both parties expected to secure 26 seats in the Dutch parliament. Jetten had earlier expressed caution, saying D66 was “waiting in suspense for the definitive result” due to the extremely narrow polls. However, after media outlets began projecting his victory, his stance appeared to change.

National news agency ANP reported that D66 edged out the Party for Freedom by a narrow margin of 15,000 votes and projected that the party would gain an additional seat. The official binding results will be released by the nation’s Electoral Council no earlier than Monday.

### Historic Milestone for the Netherlands

If confirmed, the 38-year-old former consultant would become the Netherlands’ youngest-ever prime minister and the first openly gay person to lead the national government.

“The positive forces have won!” Jetten declared regarding D66’s significant gains. “I want to get to work for all Dutch people because this is the land of us all!”

### Party for Freedom Responds

The Party for Freedom, led by lawmaker Geert Wilders, experienced a marked decline from its first-place finish in the 2023 elections. Wilders rebuked Jetten’s declaration of victory, emphasizing the importance of waiting for the official announcement.

“What arrogance not to wait for that!” Wilders said. He continued, “But even if D66 becomes the largest, the PVV will not let the Netherlands be dismantled by Jetten and his ilk and will oppose his left-liberal mismanagement with full force from day one, 26 seats strong!”

Wilders established the PVV such that he is the only registered member, allowing candidates who win seats to act as lawmakers while Wilders retains sole control of the party’s platform.

### Significant Decline for PVV

Regardless of whether D66 is officially declared the largest party, the election results highlight a marked drop in support for the PVV. Earlier projections in September showed PVV candidates winning 33 seats out of the 150-seat legislature.

The PVV triggered this week’s election after leaving a fragile governing coalition in June due to disagreements over asylum application and family reunification freezes. The PVV was the largest party in the coalition, but other parties refused to join if Wilders were to lead the government.

### Impact of Teenager’s Murder on Election

Support for the right-wing PVV, known for its vocal anti-immigration stance and skepticism of Islam, surged months ago following the high-profile murder of a 17-year-old girl named Lisa in Amsterdam.

Lisa was reportedly cycling home after a night out when she was fatally stabbed by a 22-year-old asylum seeker. Reports say she was stabbed multiple times in the neck as she attempted to call authorities. Emergency responders arrived too late, finding her deceased. The suspect, a resident of the city’s Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers facility, has been arrested and is also believed to have attacked and sexually assaulted another woman in Amsterdam just five days earlier. His identity remains undisclosed pending trial, in line with Dutch law.

### D66’s Migration Platform

D66’s platform proposes continuing current migration policies with a stronger emphasis on fairness for arriving immigrants.

“We want asylum procedures to be fast and fair, and our reception facilities to be humane and fairly distributed across the country,” their platform states. “We will also support the implementation of the European Migration Pact in June 2026 as an important step toward a fair, humane, and effective asylum system across Europe. Newcomers should have the opportunity to work as soon as possible or pursue an education.”

### Uneasy Coalition Prospects

Forming a coalition government will prove challenging due to the diverse range of parties in the legislature.

The center-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) avoided catastrophic losses, losing just two seats and placing third.

In contrast, the GreenLeft-Labor alliance suffered setbacks, dropping five seats to finish fourth. Following the underperformance, leader Frans Timmermans resigned on Wednesday.

### Gains for Christian Democrat Alliance and Smaller Right-Wing Parties

Although the Christian Democrat Alliance did not surpass any of the largest parties, it made significant strides, increasing its seats from five to 18, bringing it close to the GreenLeft-Labor and VVD.

Many of the votes lost by the PVV migrated to smaller right-wing parties, including JA21—a movement focused on curbing migration and increasing police funding—which secured an impressive eight seats.

—

This election highlights shifting political landscapes in the Netherlands, reflecting broader European trends in immigration policy debates and the rise and fall of populist movements. As the final results await confirmation, all eyes remain on the evolving coalition negotiations and the direction of Dutch governance in the months ahead.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/3870838/dutch-centrists-declare-victory-netherlands-election-right-wing-calls-it-arrogance/

NFL Books Sting To Headline Pre-Super Bowl Halftime Show Concert, And You Can Probably Guess Why

Sting will headline a Super Bowl-branded concert at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on February 6.

The event is scheduled to take place two days ahead of the Super Bowl, offering fans an exciting pre-game experience.
https://newsone.com/6576362/nfl-books-sting-to-headline-pre-super-bowl-halftime-show-concert-and-you-can-probably-guess-why/

Jake Paul discusses legitimacy of Tank Davis fight, legal threats to critics, and fiancée’s Olympic hopes

Jake Paul is just two weeks away from stepping back into the ring, but once again, there’s not exactly a typical opponent waiting on the other side. On November 14, Paul is set to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis in Miami. The matchup has caught plenty of attention because Davis normally fights seven weight classes below Paul, who competes as a cruiserweight.

Although this fight is not officially sanctioned, Paul emphasized in a recent interview with Fox News Digital that “it’s the same deal. Everyone remembers that there’s a winner.”

Paul has faced criticism before for his choice of opponents, such as Mike Tyson—who is 31 years older than him—and Anderson Silva, a former UFC star nearly 22 years his senior. Additionally, some of his previous boxing opponents like Andre August and Ryan Bourland have not been widely recognized names. Now, similar skepticism has arisen regarding Davis due to the weight-class disparity.

However, Paul, who has repeatedly expressed his ambitions to become a world champion and is eligible for a WBA title fight, argued that this upcoming matchup further validates his legitimacy as a boxer.

“I think people have said, ‘Fight someone your age, fight one of the best in the world.’ This is answering both of those things in one,” he said. “And being the underdog with half the internet thinking I’m going to get killed and blah, blah, blah, and proving to people that I can box better than someone who’s been doing it their whole life. I think people will be shocked after fight night as to my skills and how I strategically came in with a game plan and I executed it.”

Paul explained that his game plan for this fight is very different from those in the past. “A lot of it’s focusing on speed, but also just high-level thinking in the sport, ring IQ, not making any mistakes. Not getting countered, not getting lazy at any moment, alertness, all of these things. The list goes on,” he said. “But I have to be the sharpest I’ve ever been for 39 minutes straight, and that’s not easy to do against someone who’s one of the pound-for-pound best.”

The unsanctioned nature of the fight has led to accusations—similar to those surrounding many of Paul’s previous bouts—that the fights are staged, fixed, or rigged in some way. Such claims escalated to the point where Paul and his business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, threatened legal action, notably against commentator Piers Morgan.

Morgan later “clarified” his comments after Paul and Bidarian announced potential lawsuits, and since then, Paul has noticed a quiet from critics.

“People haven’t been talking. And rightfully so, right?” Paul said. “Like, stop lying on my name. People can say a lot of things, but when they’re blatant lies that actually defame my brand—people saying fights are rigged, steroids, whatever it is—that’s where it goes too far.”

He continued, “So, you know, hate on the fights, don’t watch the fights, whatever, but as soon as people start lying, they’re going to get sued.”

After the fight, Paul plans to focus on his fiancée, Jutta Leerdam, who will be competing for her first Olympic gold medal in speedskating. Leerdam, 26, won a silver medal in the women’s 1,000 meters at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The couple got engaged earlier this year, but their intense training schedules have complicated wedding planning.

Paul has even found that his own training commitments have impacted his ability to support Leerdam fully during this important time.

[Click here for more sports coverage on FoxNews.com.]
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jake-paul-discusses-legitimacy-fight-vs-tank-davis-legal-threats-critics-fiancees-olympic-hopes

6 dead in Telangana, India as Cyclone Montha triggers heavy rains and flooding

At least six people lost their lives in separate rain-related incidents after heavy rains battered various parts of Telangana on October 29. The downpour was triggered by the impact of Cyclone Montha, officials from the police and district authorities reported on Friday.

In Siddipet district, a tragic incident occurred when a husband and wife were swept away while attempting to cross an overflowing stream on a two-wheeler. Their bodies were recovered later that day, according to police sources.

In another unfortunate event, a man riding a bike in Suryapet district died when a roadside tree uprooted and fell on him. Additionally, an elderly woman lost her life due to a wall collapse in Mahabubabad district.

Officials also reported the death of a bedridden man in his mid-60s when floodwaters entered his house in Warangal.

Several other incidents have been reported where people went missing after being swept away by floodwaters.

The heavy rains on October 29 caused significant waterlogging on roads and inundation of low-lying areas across multiple locations, including Warangal, Hanamakonda, Mahabubabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, and Bhadradri Kothagudem. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue and relief operations are underway.
https://www.sott.net/article/502692-6-dead-in-Telangana-India-as-Cyclone-Montha-triggers-heavy-rains-and-flooding

Today’s 5 Best MLB Prop Bets: NRFI, Strikeouts, Moneyline, and more Picks for Dodgers vs Blue Jays World Series Game 6 – October 31, 2025

With the World Series pressure at its peak, individual matchups start to matter just as much as the final score, and that’s where prop bets can offer real value. Playoff baseball tightens every plate appearance, every pitch sequence, and every bullpen decision, creating windows where certain player trends stand out more than the market suggests.

Tonight’s matchup brings elite arms, red-hot hitters, and a few numbers that line up perfectly with recent form. After digging into performance patterns, pitch profiles, and situational trends, here are the best player props that carry both logic and value heading into tonight’s game.

*Note: Odds are set by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. No outcome can be guaranteed when betting on sports.*

—

### Today’s 5 Best MLB Prop Bets for Dodgers vs Blue Jays World Series Game 6

#### #5. Dodgers Moneyline −144
If there’s ever a spot to ride the Dodgers, it’s this one: a do-or-die Game 6 where everything they’ve built all season hangs in the balance. They just got punched in the mouth at home by Toronto in Game 5, a loss that flipped the energy inside Dodger Stadium and reminded everyone that October doesn’t care about resumes.

Now L.A. walks into Rogers Centre with its back slammed against the wall, needing a win to survive. Historically, this is when their stars play their sharpest baseball. This is the exact version of the Dodgers bettors trust: angry, cornered, and fully locked in.

Moneyline at −144 isn’t just a number—it’s a bet on a heavyweight that knows its season ends tonight unless it lands the final punch.

#### #4. Kevin Gausman Strikeouts Over 4.5 (−159)
In the postseason, Gausman has carried good form too: 24.2 postseason innings pitched, 18 strikeouts. If there was ever a night Kevin Gausman could etch his name into Toronto baseball history forever, it’s this one.

The Blue Jays are one win away from a World Series title, and suddenly the entire weight of a franchise, a fanbase, and a 32-year drought sits on the shoulders of the veteran righty.

Betting him for more than 4.5 strikeouts is essentially backing his baseline workload and strikeout profile rather than asking for an outlier. Expect Gausman to attack the zone and rack up swinging strikes if he’s given length.

#### #3. Shohei Ohtani: Total Bases 2+ (−110)
Ohtani’s bat is the single most dangerous one in this series. He slammed two homers and reached base nine times in the 18-inning Game 3 explosion, and he carries a monstrous 2025 power resume into every World Series start.

He’s not just a one-swing threat; Ohtani’s plate profile means he puts himself into multiple extra-base opportunities per game. His October track record shows he’s seeing the ball better than ever, and at −110, we’re getting fair value on a hitter who’s been doing this all month.

#### #2. NRFI (No Run First Inning): YES (Under 0.5) (−120)
With Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Kevin Gausman opening Game 6, the first inning has all the makings of a tight, low-contact heavyweight round.

Yamamoto has locked in after a shaky start to October and has leaned heavily on his splitter early to neutralize top-of-the-order threats. Gausman’s splitter-four-seam combo tends to be sharpest before hitters settle in.

With two aces settling into a must-win environment, the NRFI at −120 feels like one of the most stable props on the board tonight.

#### #1. Kevin Gausman: Hits Allowed Over 4.5 (−107)
The tricky part about Gausman tonight is that even if he’s pitching well, he’s almost destined to give up hits—not because he’s struggling, but because Toronto needs him to stretch deeper than usual in a potential championship clincher.

With workload likely pushing him into the fifth inning at minimum, the Over 4.5 hits isn’t fading him as much as it’s respecting the reality: to win the World Series tonight, he’s going to have to navigate traffic.

—

Stay tuned and good luck with your bets tonight!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/today-s-5-best-mlb-prop-bets-nrfi-strikeouts-moneyline-picks-dodgers-vs-blue-jays-world-series-game-6-october-31-2025

‘Terrified’: Jasmine Crockett believes she has Trump on the ropes — and he’s panicking

President Donald Trump’s frequent attacks on Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) reflect his growing fear of the Democratic lawmaker—at least according to Crockett herself. Her clashes with right-wing media and lawmakers have helped propel her onto the national stage.

“I process [attacks from Trump and right-wing media] as they believe that I’m a threat,” Crockett told Politico. “Listen, you’re not talking about anybody who’s not relevant. That’s just the reality. No one is wasting capital on anyone that is not relevant.”

While Trump is known for frequently lashing out at Democratic lawmakers, Crockett has been among the most frequent targets of his attacks. He’s called her a “lowlife,” a “very low-IQ person,” and even compared her unfavorably to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), saying Crockett is “only slightly dumber.”

For Crockett, however, Trump’s attacks serve as an admission that he views her as a growing threat—one he tries to “thwart before they rise too much.”

“I think that personally they are threatened. When you look at AOC, AOC is the highest-fundraising member in the U.S. House, period. Above Democrats, Republicans, that is number one,” Crockett explained. “When you look at the crowds that she garners when she goes out, that’s a scary thing for him, right? And a lot of the people that I believe that he wants to appeal to, AOC is one of the few people that can actually break through. I would argue that as much as I go against him, I would imagine that I get some of those folk too.”

Crockett hasn’t held back in returning jabs at Trump. After being called a “low IQ person,” she responded by noting, “You sure [do] have my name in your mouth a lot,” adding that his attacks are proof he is “terrified of smart, bold Black women telling the truth and holding you accountable.”
https://www.rawstory.com/jasmine-crockett-2674253246/

Best Buy makes the powerful Motorola Razr+ (2024) an unbeatable value king at $500 off

What could possibly be better than a half-off Motorola Razr (2024) Black Friday deal—with several weeks to go until Thanksgiving and almost two whole months before Christmas? Well, how about a 50 percent discount on the evidently superior Razr Plus (2024)?

That may sound like the same thing, but it’s most definitely not. One of these two handsets is a lot pricier than the other, and it’s not hard to guess which one. Yes, the Motorola Razr+ (2024) normally costs $999.99, which means you can currently save a whopping $500 at Best Buy with no special requirements and no strings attached.

At a new record low price of $499.99, last year’s Razr Plus powerhouse—with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor under the hood—arguably trumps the value of not just the aforementioned $350 non-Plus Razr (2024), but also this year’s Razr and Razr Plus foldables at their latest and greatest discounts.

Curiously enough, this absolutely outstanding new Razr Plus (2024) Best Buy deal is not explicitly advertised as a Black Friday 2025 offer, unlike the 50 percent price cut on the 2024 Razr. So, at least in theory, it’s possible the device could drop even lower than $499.99 by the end of November.

For the record, I highly doubt that will actually happen, but hey, anything is possible with Motorola’s ultra-affordable phones.

In addition to a still-snappy Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, the deeply discounted Motorola Razr+ (2024) boasts a massive 6.9-inch primary display, as well as an equally impressive (especially for $499.99) 4-inch cover screen. It also features two 50MP rear-facing cameras, a reasonably hefty 4,000mAh battery equipped with blazing fast 45W charging technology, and an almost surprisingly robust build.

If you’ve been waiting for a killer deal on a premium foldable, this Razr Plus offer at Best Buy is definitely one to consider.
https://www.phonearena.com/news/motorola-razr-plus-2024-new-best-buy-deal-huge-discount-before-black-friday_id175365

Grayscale Research Chief Forecasts $5B Inflows for US Solana Spot ETFs

**Solana ETFs Poised for Rapid Growth, Could Rival Bitcoin and Ethereum Products**

*By Zabi*

Zach Pandl, head of research at Grayscale Investments, believes Solana exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could soon rival the success of Bitcoin and Ethereum investment products. He expects that within one to two years, about 5% of all Solana tokens could be held in regulated exchange-traded structures—a share worth over $5 billion at today’s prices.

Pandl made this prediction following the launch of the Grayscale Solana ETF (GSOL) and Bitwise Solana ETF (BSOL) this week. Both products mark a new chapter for the fast-growing market of crypto-based investment vehicles.

—

### Strong Debut for New Solana ETFs

Bitwise’s BSOL began trading on Tuesday, drawing $129 million in inflows within its first two days, according to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas. Grayscale’s GSOL, which launched the next day, recorded $4 million on its first trading day.

Despite being a day behind, analysts described GSOL’s early performance as strong, given the increasingly crowded market. Pandl said Grayscale expects Solana ETFs to become multi-billion-dollar businesses as investor interest broadens.

—

### From Niche to Mainstream: Crypto ETFs Gain Ground

Exchange-traded products (ETPs) allow investors to obtain cryptocurrency exposure through traditional brokerage and retirement accounts. This structure enables participation in the asset class without requiring direct ownership of digital tokens.

According to the Investment Company Institute, U.S.-listed ETFs held over $10 trillion in assets by the end of 2024, accounting for 26% of all managed assets. Crypto ETFs represent only a small fraction of this total, but their growth has been rapid. Bitcoin ETPs currently manage $149 billion, while Ethereum products hold $26 billion, across roughly 20 funds.

—

### Regulation Remains a Concern

Not all financial institutions share Grayscale’s optimism. Earlier this week, Charles Schwab warned that crypto remains lightly regulated, even as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to approve new ETPs.

> “The SEC’s hands-off stance means higher risk for investors,” the firm said, noting that the crypto sector lacks the oversight applied to equities and bonds.

—

### GSOL Evolution: From Trust to ETF

Grayscale’s Solana product, GSOL, originally launched as a private trust in 2021, holding around $100 million in Solana tokens. Its conversion to an ETF this week makes the fund more flexible, allowing it to trade closer to the actual value of its holdings.

The shift eliminates the large premiums and discounts often seen in closed-end crypto trusts. Pandl said the conversion opens access to a broader range of investors while improving liquidity and pricing transparency.

—

### Competition and Diversification Ahead

Solana’s debut comes as Hedera and Litecoin ETFs also enter the market, though their inflows remain modest. More than a dozen additional crypto-based funds are expected to seek approval soon.

Pandl expects investor interest to gradually shift toward diversified crypto ETPs, which provide exposure to multiple tokens simultaneously.

> “Many investors will prefer simpler, diversified options that reduce the complexity of evaluating each token,” he said.

—

### Staking Adds a New Source of Yield

Unlike Bitcoin ETFs, Solana investment products can offer staking rewards, a feature unique to proof-of-stake networks. By locking Solana tokens to help secure the blockchain, investors can earn an estimated annual yield of 5.7%, according to Solana Compass.

Pandl confirmed that GSOL will distribute 77% of staking rewards to its holders, calling it “a game changer for crypto demand.” He described staking as a new income stream that could help investors diversify portfolio returns.

—

### Distinct Roles for Solana and Ethereum

Pandl said Solana and Ethereum will likely develop distinct roles in the digital asset ecosystem, despite both being smart contract platforms. He pointed to growing adoption of stablecoins and tokenized assets as key drivers of institutional interest.

> “They differ in design, and that gives each blockchain its own lane,” Pandl explained. “Investors can benefit from holding both as part of a balanced crypto strategy.”

—

### Disclaimer

This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.

—

### About the Author

**Zabi** is a crypto enthusiast with more than 10 years of experience in managing Google News-approved finance websites. Zabi has a strong background in finance with a thorough understanding of cryptocurrencies and a solid grip on the crypto and financial market industry. Along with his passion for crypto writing, Zabi manages his personal stock and finance-related Google News-approved websites.

—

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– **LMAX Group Strategist Sees Bitcoin Ready for a Full Recovery**
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– **Bitwise Says a 5% Capital Rotation from Gold to Bitcoin Could Push BTC to $242,000**
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– **Ethereum Closes in on Bitcoin Annual Performance Following Strong Q3**
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– **Citibank Predicts Bitcoin to Hit $231K, Ethereum $7.5K in Coming Months**
Global banking giant Citibank has released new 12-month price targets for the world’s two largest cryptocurrencies.

For more updates and detailed analyses, stay tuned to The Crypto Basic.
https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/10/31/grayscale-research-chief-forecasts-5b-inflows-for-us-solana-spot-etfs/

Joshua Dunlap deserves confirmation to US Court of Appeals | Letter

In nominating Maine native Joshua Dunlap for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, Sen. Susan Collins has made an outstanding choice. As Josh’s former law partner, I know first-hand of his superb qualifications: his intelligence, thoughtfulness, humility, and love of the law and the Constitution are exceptional. He will work vigorously for the impartial dispensation of equal justice under the rule of law.

In better times, Josh would receive near-unanimous confirmation. In today’s hyper-partisan climate, however, judicial appointments are sadly exploited for more political skirmishing.

Thankfully, we don’t do it that way in Maine. As former Gov. Angus King knows first-hand, qualified judicial nominees routinely receive bipartisan support, and Maine’s judiciary is the envy of many states where partisanship infects judicial selections.

Sen. King should join Sen. Collins in supporting Josh’s nomination. Washington sorely needs another lesson in why Maine is “the way life should be.”
https://www.centralmaine.com/2025/10/31/joshua-dunlap-deserves-confirmation-to-us-court-of-appeals-letter/

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