general 97 - The Latremie Post

China bans Nvidia, AMD, and Intel AI chips from state-funded data centers, orders removal from new builds

The Chinese government has issued new guidance requiring that new or early-stage data centers use only domestic AI chips, according to a report by Reuters.

The report cites two people familiar with the matter, highlighting the government’s push to prioritize homegrown technology in the AI sector.

This move is seen as part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its technological self-reliance amid increasing global competition.

For more details, read the full article on Reuters.
https://www.techspot.com/news/110153-china-bans-nvidia-amd-intel-ai-chips-state.html

Key World Leaders Skip Talks Before COP30 as 1.5C Goal Slips Away

World leaders are set to deliver a message of solidarity and renewed resolve to address global warming, just days before the start of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil. This comes despite lackluster attendance and the erosion of a key goal to curb rising temperatures.

The summit will take place in the Amazonian city of Belém on Thursday and Friday, where more than 50 heads of state and government ministers are expected to attend. However, the atmosphere is markedly different from a decade ago.

Gone is the confidence and grand ambition that united nearly 200 nations during the adoption of the landmark Paris Agreement. In its place is a gnawing sense of urgency and the hard reality of implementing climate promises.

This is especially true as the accord’s most ambitious goal—to keep warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels—moves further out of grasp. The challenges ahead underscore the critical need for renewed commitment and effective action at COP30.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-06/climate-talks-ahead-of-cop30-lack-trump-xi-modi-as-1-5c-goal-fades

MATIC Price Prediction: Target $0.45-$0.52 Range Within 30 Days Despite Current Bearish Momentum

**MATIC Price Prediction Summary**

– **Short-term target (1 week):** $0.42 (+10.5%), reaching EMA 26 resistance
– **Medium-term forecast (1 month):** $0.45–$0.52 range, testing SMA 20 to upper Bollinger Band
– **Key level for bullish continuation:** $0.58 (strong resistance confluence)
– **Critical support if bearish:** $0.35 (immediate support) and $0.33 (strong support floor)

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### Recent Polygon Price Predictions from Analysts

The current market environment shows a notable absence of fresh analyst predictions for MATIC over the past three days. This suggests either a consolidation in sentiment or analysts waiting for clearer directional signals. Such silence often precedes significant moves in cryptocurrency markets, as technical patterns develop without fundamental news interference.

The lack of recent predictions contrasts with MATIC’s current technical setup, which presents clear levels for both bullish and bearish scenarios. This creates an opportunity for independent technical analysis to guide our Polygon forecast without the noise of conflicting analyst opinions.

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### MATIC Technical Analysis: Setting Up for Potential Reversal

Polygon’s technical indicators show a cryptocurrency approaching oversold territory with several converging factors that could trigger a reversal.

– The current RSI reading of **38.00** sits in neutral territory but is trending toward oversold conditions—historically a precursor to bounces in MATIC.
– The MACD histogram at **–0.0045** indicates bearish momentum, but its relatively small magnitude suggests the selling pressure may be waning.
– MATIC’s position at **$0.29** within the Bollinger Bands places it much closer to the lower band ($0.31) than the upper band ($0.56), indicating potential for a mean reversion toward the middle band at $0.43.
– Current trading volume of approximately $1,074,371 on Binance reflects moderate market participation, neither confirming strong selling pressure nor indicating accumulation.
– The narrow 24-hour trading range suggests consolidation, which often precedes directional moves once key levels break.

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### Polygon Price Targets: Bull and Bear Scenarios

#### Bullish Case for MATIC

In a bullish scenario, MATIC’s primary price target sits between **$0.45 and $0.52** over the next 30 days. This range encompasses the SMA 20 ($0.43) and approaches the upper Bollinger Band, representing an 18% to 37% upside from current levels.

For this bullish thesis to materialize:
– MATIC must reclaim the EMA 26 at **$0.42**, signaling a short-term momentum shift.
– A break above **$0.45** (SMA 50) would confirm medium-term strength and could target the strong resistance at **$0.58**.

The technical setup supports this outlook as MATIC currently trades significantly below all major moving averages, offering substantial room for mean reversion.

Additional bullish indicators include a Stochastic oscillator reading of **25.19% (%K)**, suggesting oversold conditions that often precede price bounces.

#### Bearish Risk for Polygon

Conversely, a break below immediate support at **$0.35** would invalidate the bullish scenario and target the strong support floor at **$0.33**, near the 52-week low region ($0.37) and a critical psychological level for MATIC holders.

A sustained drop below $0.33 could trigger accelerated selling toward **$0.28–$0.30**, representing a 20% to 26% decline from current levels.

The ongoing bearish momentum, as indicated by the negative MACD histogram, reinforces this downside risk if support levels fail to hold.

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### Should You Buy MATIC Now? Entry Strategy

Based on the current technical analysis, a staged entry approach is recommended:

– Consider initiating positions near current levels (approximately **$0.38**) with a stop-loss set just below **$0.34** to limit downside risk to around 10%.
– For more aggressive traders, waiting for a confirmed break above **$0.42** (EMA 26) coupled with increased trading volume could signal a momentum shift and offer a better risk-reward profile.

Position sizing should remain conservative due to the bearish MACD reading and proximity to support levels. Risk no more than 2–3% of your portfolio until MATIC demonstrates sustained movement above $0.45.

Ultimately, whether to buy or sell MATIC depends on your risk tolerance. Conservative investors might wait for clear bullish confirmation above $0.42, while contrarian traders could consider small positions at current oversold levels.

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### MATIC Price Prediction Conclusion

Our price prediction anticipates a recovery to the **$0.45–$0.52** range within 30 days. This outlook carries moderate confidence (6/10), based on technical indicators and the historical tendency for mean reversion when an asset trades significantly below its moving averages alongside oversold momentum signals.

Key levels to monitor include:
– Immediate resistance at **$0.42** (EMA 26) for bullish confirmation
– Support at **$0.35** for bearish invalidation

The prediction timeline extends through early December 2025, with interim targets of **$0.42** within 1 week and **$0.45** within 2–3 weeks.

Success depends on MATIC holding above $0.35 and showing increased buying interest as it approaches oversold territory. Failure below this level would shift focus to downside targets near $0.33 and possibly lower.

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*Stay updated with the latest Polygon (MATIC) price movements and technical analysis to make informed trading decisions.*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/matic-price-prediction-target-0-45-0-52-range-within-30-days-despite-current-bearish-momentum/

Heat host Hornets Friday for NBA Cup group stage matchup

Charlotte Hornets (3-5, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (4-3, 9th in the Eastern Conference)
Location: Miami
Time: Friday, 8 p.m. EST

Bottom Line:
The Miami Heat will host the Charlotte Hornets in an NBA Cup in-season tournament group play matchup. Last season, Miami finished with an overall record of 37-45 and went 24-28 in Eastern Conference play. The Heat shot 46.5% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range last season.

On the other hand, the Charlotte Hornets struggled last season, finishing 19-63 overall and 1-15 within the Southeast Division during the 2024-25 season. Defensively, the Hornets allowed 114.2 points per game and committed an average of 18.7 fouls per game last season.

These two teams will meet for the second time this season. In their first encounter on October 28, the Heat defeated the Hornets 144-117.

Injuries:
Heat: Tyler Herro is out with an ankle injury.
Hornets: Grant Williams is day to day with an ACL issue; LaMelo Ball is day to day with an ankle injury; Brandon Miller is out due to a shoulder injury; Josh Green is day to day with a shoulder injury.

*This story was created by The Associated Press using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.*
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/basketball-general-news/10150746/heat-host-hornets-friday-for-nba-cup-group-stage-matchup.html

‘Death by Lightning’ looks at ‘greatest president America never had’

An Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated actor known for serious roles, Michael Shannon certainly has a sly sense of humor. He stars on November 6 in Netflix’s four-episode mini-series, *Death by Lightning*, which recounts the bizarre events that led to Shannon’s portrayal of James A. Garfield — a man who unexpectedly became president of the United States in 1881, only to be assassinated the same year by a former admirer, the mentally ill Charles Guiteau. The role of Guiteau is played by *Succession* Emmy winner Matthew Macfadyen.

“I couldn’t believe someone wanted me to play a president,” Shannon, 51, laughed during a press conference with Macfadyen. “I didn’t see that coming.”

When Shannon told people he was playing Garfield, their reactions were mixed. “They were like, ‘Why are you playing the cat? Haven’t they already done that?’ And I was like, ‘No, I’m not playing Garfield the cat. I’m playing Garfield the president.’ Then they were like, ‘Who?’”

Reflecting on the role, Shannon explained, “I now think President Garfield is one of my favorite people, based on all the research I did about him. The thing is, not many people know much about him.”

“But if you want to know, there are plenty of ways to learn. Amazing literature you can read. Considering how short his term was, he has quite a moving legacy that you can still see to this day.”

Macfadyen agreed enthusiastically: “You’re right! He’s like my favorite person that I didn’t know anything about. And now I’m glad I do.”

Shannon noted Garfield’s nickname: “His nickname was ‘The Greatest President America Never Had.’”

As to what audiences might take away from this political event of over 150 years ago, Shannon shared his thoughts: “I just think he was a man on a mission, in pursuit of what he believed in. He actually was just trying to improve the lives of American citizens, which is kind of the job of the president — if you are listening,” he added with a laugh.

“So, yeah, he was very focused and genuinely humble about what he was doing.”

“He realized he could fail terribly and was probably quite nervous about what he wanted to do in the grand scheme of things.”

Unlike today’s billionaire politicians, Garfield grew up in poverty and only gradually rose to prominence.

Macfadyen highlighted his background: “He held public office. A public servant for years and years. And a soldier.”

Garfield’s death was indirectly caused by Guiteau’s single bullet on July 2, 1881. Doctors at the time did not believe in germs, and an infection created by unsanitary conditions proved fatal. Garfield finally died on September 19, 1881.

Netflix will stream all four episodes of *Death by Lightning* on November 6.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/06/death-by-lightning-looks-at-greatest-president-america-never-had/

ICE Takes Down Dozens of Illegal Alien Truckers in Oklahoma, ‘Can’t Read Basic English’ [WATCH]

Federal immigration authorities arrested 70 illegal aliens during a two-day highway enforcement operation in Oklahoma, including 34 individuals operating commercial trucks without legal authorization, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The coordinated effort, known as “Operation Guardian,” took place in late October along the Interstate 40 corridor. This operation was conducted in partnership with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and marked the second major enforcement action in the state within a month.

This latest crackdown follows the Trump administration’s broader effort targeting illegal alien truck drivers operating under fraudulent or unlawful commercial licenses.

“For the second time in just the past month, the state of Oklahoma and ICE have banded together to bolster public safety along Oklahoma’s highways, identifying and apprehending illegal aliens who are in the country illegally and have been recklessly issued a commercial driver’s license by states like California, Illinois, and New Jersey,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles.

“Many of the illegal aliens arrested behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer can’t even read basic English, endangering everyone they encounter on the roads,” Charles added.

ICE reported that out of the illegal alien truck drivers apprehended, 26 had obtained Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) from so-called sanctuary states such as California, Illinois, and New York. Another eight were found driving commercial vehicles without any CDL at all.

Authorities revealed that the drivers and passengers taken into custody included foreign nationals from countries such as China, Guatemala, India, and Uzbekistan. Several detainees had prior convictions for violent crimes and other serious offenses.

ICE credited the success of the operation to Oklahoma’s participation in the federal 287(g) program, which enables local law enforcement to collaborate directly with immigration authorities.

This operation comes just weeks after a similar effort in late September, when ICE and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol arrested over 100 illegal alien truck drivers during a three-day sweep along the same highway corridor. That earlier operation uncovered suspects allegedly involved in crimes including human smuggling, money laundering, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and illegal reentry into the United States.

The recent focus on illegal alien truck drivers follows a series of deadly highway incidents involving individuals found to be in the country unlawfully and driving without adequate language skills or safety qualifications.

In August, Harjinder Singh, an Indian national living illegally in the U.S., allegedly made an illegal U-turn on a Florida turnpike, blocking all lanes and causing a collision that killed three people after his tractor-trailer crashed.

In another October case, Jashanpreet Singh, also an Indian national unlawfully residing in the country, was accused of driving under the influence of drugs when he crashed into multiple vehicles on a California highway, killing three people.

Investigations revealed that Harjinder Singh did not understand basic English or American traffic signage. Meanwhile, Jashanpreet Singh was able to upgrade his CDL in California just days before the crash, despite emergency Department of Transportation (DOT) rules restricting such approvals.

In response to these incidents, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued new regulations tightening CDL requirements for non-domiciled drivers and enforcing stricter English language proficiency standards for all commercial operators.

Additionally, the Department of Transportation has withheld millions in federal funding from California for allegedly issuing CDLs to illegal aliens in violation of federal law.

ICE officials stated that the Oklahoma operations are part of an ongoing national initiative aimed at identifying illegal alien truck drivers and removing them from the roads to enhance highway safety.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/ice-takes-down-dozens-of-illegal-alien-truckers-in-oklahoma-cant-read-basic-english-watch/

Pundit Identifies 10 Ways the Ripple and Mastercard Partnership Is Good for XRP

**Ripple Announces Partnership with Mastercard: A Boost for XRP**

*By Sam Wisdom Raphael | TheCryptoBasic | November 5, 2025*

Ripple recently unveiled a significant partnership with global payment giant Mastercard during the Ripple Swell 2025 event held in New York. This collaboration also involves WebBank, a U.S.-regulated financial institution that issues the Gemini Credit Card, and crypto exchange Gemini. Together, these entities plan to pilot blockchain settlement for fiat-based credit card payments using Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD, which operates on the XRP Ledger (XRPL).

### Revolutionizing Payment Settlements with Blockchain

The initiative aims to replace traditional, slower financial rails with near-instant blockchain transactions, leveraging the speed and efficiency of the XRPL. Over the coming months, the partners will begin onboarding RLUSD on the XRP Ledger once required regulatory approvals are obtained. Simultaneously, they will plan the integration of this new blockchain settlement process into Mastercard and WebBank’s existing payment systems.

### Why This Collaboration is Good for XRP

Industry experts have pointed out several key benefits this partnership brings to XRP and the XRPL ecosystem:

1. **Boosts XRPL Adoption:** Connecting XRPL to real-world financial services like Mastercard settlements demonstrates blockchain’s practical utility beyond niche applications.

2. **Strengthens Ripple’s Credibility:** Collaborating with respected financial institutions such as Mastercard and WebBank validates Ripple’s technology compliance with major industry standards.

3. **Increases Transaction Activity:** The use of RLUSD for Mastercard payments could significantly increase on-chain transaction volume, enhancing XRP’s utility.

4. **Drives Demand for XRP:** With RLUSD’s circulation recently surpassing $1 billion, growing adoption could naturally elevate demand for XRP.

5. **Key Regulatory Milestone:** The partnership signals Ripple’s ability to develop blockchain payment models that comply with U.S. financial regulations, a major win in the crypto space.

### Additional Potential Benefits for XRP

Beyond these immediate impacts, pundits have identified five more ways XRP could benefit from this collaboration:

6. **Bridges Traditional and Decentralized Finance:** The partnership deepens XRP’s reach by connecting legacy finance systems with decentralized blockchain solutions.

7. **Builds on Previous Successes:** This venture extends Ripple’s earlier achievements, such as the Gemini XRP Credit Card launched in August, which demonstrated XRP’s practical payment use cases.

8. **Improves Market Sentiment:** The announcement is likely to boost investor confidence and reinforce belief in Ripple’s strategic roadmap, which includes ongoing acquisitions and partnerships.

9. **Fuels Broader Ecosystem Growth:** Increased adoption of Ripple’s services, including Ripple Payments, may result from heightened visibility and institutional backing.

10. **Opens Doors for Institutional Adoption:** If Mastercard’s pilot proves successful, similar models could be adopted by other global banks and card issuers, expanding XRP’s footprint in mainstream finance.

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### Market Insights: XRP and Broader Crypto Developments

– **XRP Rally Target:** Market analyst CasiTrades expects XRP to surge toward a $4.50 rally, signaling an end to its consolidation phase.

– **Cardano Breakout:** A prominent chartist highlights a falling wedge breakout in Cardano, potentially leading to a run above $2 after touching $1.20.

– **Bitcoin Dominance:** Analyst Michaël van de Poppe observes a critical tipping point in Bitcoin dominance that may trigger an altcoin season.

– **Ethereum Gains:** Ethereum has narrowed the gap, nearly matching Bitcoin’s annual performance following strong Q3 gains.

– **Citibank Price Predictions:** Citibank projects Bitcoin to hit $231,000 and Ethereum to reach $7,500 within the next 12 months.

– **XRP Price Scenarios:** Industry leaders speculate on XRP’s growth potential, especially if Bitcoin hits the $1 million milestone.

– **Analyst Price Targets:** EGRAG Crypto maintains a bullish stance, suggesting XRP remains in a strong accumulation zone with macro targets as high as $50.

– **Shiba Inu and Dogecoin Updates:** Shiba Inu recently fell to a 23-month low but could rebound strongly after touching key support levels. Dogecoin shows positive signs of following its initial bull cycle, with analysts forecasting potential price surges.

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### Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed reflect the author’s personal opinions and do not necessarily represent those of TheCryptoBasic. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. TheCryptoBasic is not responsible for any financial losses incurred.

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**About the Author**

*Sam Wisdom Raphael* is a seasoned crypto news writer and journalist with five years of experience covering blockchain, DeFi, and cryptocurrency developments. His active engagement with the crypto community and deep knowledge enable him to deliver clear price analyses and explain complex blockchain concepts effectively.
https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/11/06/pundit-identifies-10-ways-the-ripple-and-mastercard-partnership-is-good-for-xrp/

Circle Reverses USDC Firearm Purchase Ban, Hinting at Stablecoin Political Vulnerabilities

Circle Updates USDC Policy to Allow Lawful Firearm Purchases

Circle has updated its terms of service to permit the use of its USDC stablecoin for lawful weapons transactions. This policy change, confirmed directly to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), removes previous restrictions on firearm-related USDC spends. The update ensures that USDC aligns with existing legal requirements and safeguards Second Amendment rights.

Background: Criticism from Gun Rights Advocates

Gun rights organizations had previously criticized Circle for what they saw as discrimination against legal commerce involving firearms. Prior restrictions placed on USDC transactions related to firearms, ammunition, and other weapons raised concerns that the digital payment platform was unfairly limiting lawful commerce.

Political Pressure and Its Influence on the Policy Reversal

The policy shift followed heightened scrutiny from advocacy groups such as Americans for Tax Reform, which highlighted Circle’s earlier ban. Questions arose about potential political bias, especially given Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire’s donations to politicians supporting gun control initiatives, including Representative Jake Auchincloss.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation amplified these concerns on social media, emphasizing the risks posed to constitutional rights. Republican lawmakers, notably Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee—co-author of the GENIUS Act signed into law in July 2024—criticized the initial ban as an attempt to circumvent legislation through financial restrictions.

“This is a reversal of Choke Point-inspired mechanisms to end run the legislative process and surreptitiously achieve liberal partisan goals,” Hagerty told Eleanor Terrett for the Crypto In America newsletter.

Similarly, Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming praised Circle’s update on Twitter, stating that it defends constitutional rights while preventing the financial system’s weaponization against law-abiding citizens.

Industry Experts Weigh In on the Change

Experts emphasize that this development highlights the inherent vulnerabilities of centralized stablecoins. Kadan Stadelmann, Chief Technology Officer at Komodo, explained to COINOTAG:

“A private U.S. company cannot issue a neutral stablecoin, because they are beholden to American laws, regulations, and political policies.”

He added that the reversal suggests stablecoins are “at the whims of politicians,” exposing users to risks such as surveillance and censorship—especially in sensitive areas like firearms dealing.

Market Sentiment Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

Despite growing prominence following recent stablecoin legislation, market sentiment remains cautious. A recent survey of Myriad users revealed that most do not expect the stablecoin market capitalization to exceed $360 billion by February 2026, reflecting broader uncertainties in regulatory environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Prompted Circle to Reverse Its USDC Policy on Firearm Purchases?

Circle’s reversal was largely driven by advocacy from the National Shooting Sports Foundation and critical reports from Americans for Tax Reform. These groups argued that the prior ban on firearm-related transactions was discriminatory. Circle confirmed the policy update to align USDC transactions with legal commerce protections under the Second Amendment, ensuring no denial of service for lawful firearm purchases.

Does This USDC Policy Change Affect Stablecoin Neutrality?

Yes. This change underscores how U.S.-based stablecoin issuers, like Circle, must navigate domestic political and regulatory landscapes. As Komodo’s CTO Kadan Stadelmann noted, this makes true neutrality difficult to maintain and exposes users to policy-driven restrictions on legitimate activities.

Key Takeaways

Policy Alignment with Law: Circle now permits USDC for lawful firearm purchases, confirming compliance with Second Amendment protections as communicated to the NSSF.
Political and Advocacy Role: Pressure from Republican senators such as Bill Hagerty and Cynthia Lummis, alongside gun rights organizations, framed the reversal as a critical victory against financial overreach.
User Risks: Experts caution that centralized stablecoins remain vulnerable to shifting U.S. policies, urging users to exercise care when conducting transactions in regulated sectors.

Conclusion

Circle’s reversal on USDC firearm purchase restrictions marks a significant moment in the intersection of digital finance, regulatory policy, and constitutional rights. While it alleviates concerns of discrimination against lawful firearm commerce, it also highlights the broader challenges stablecoin issuers face in maintaining neutrality amid political pressures. As stablecoins continue to evolve in 2025 and beyond, users and policymakers alike must remain vigilant about the potential for financial platforms to become arenas of political contestation.

Read more for expert insights on how this change impacts stablecoin users and Second Amendment rights.

https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/circle-reverses-usdc-firearm-purchase-ban-hinting-at-stablecoin-political-vulnerabilities/

Illegal Alien Trucker’s Sentence Reduced to 10 Years After Deadly California Crash [WATCH]

A 21-year-old undocumented immigrant from India, Jashanpreet Singh, is facing a reduced prison sentence after being accused of causing a deadly freeway crash in San Bernardino County, California. The crash, which occurred last month on the 10 Freeway, resulted in three fatalities and four injuries.

Singh was initially charged with three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and reckless driving, facing up to 17 years in prison. Prosecutors said Singh was driving a semi-truck that crashed into westbound traffic. However, earlier claims that Singh was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash have since been dropped.

According to The Western Journal, Singh’s potential sentence has been reduced to 10 years after authorities determined he was not impaired during the incident. The New York Post reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has requested notification prior to Singh’s release. Singh is believed to have entered the United States illegally in 2022, during President Joe Biden’s administration.

ICE confirmed that Singh is not a U.S. citizen and is subject to potential deportation following the completion of his prison term. Complicating the case further, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) revealed that California improperly upgraded Singh’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) shortly before the crash.

Federal records show that on October 15, Singh’s restricted CDL—which had permitted him to operate only within California—was upgraded to a full commercial license allowing interstate travel. The DOT stated this upgrade violated a September 26 directive that paused CDL issuances and upgrades to ensure compliance with new federal safety standards. The report concluded that California’s action was not compliant with federal rules, and Singh’s license should have been revoked rather than expanded.

Among those killed in the crash were a high school basketball coach and his wife, according to KABC-TV. This tragic incident has reignited debate over illegal immigration and state-level adherence to federal transportation regulations.

Federal officials confirmed that Singh entered the U.S. illegally through the southern border and did not have permanent legal status to work or operate a commercial vehicle. Singh remains in custody in San Bernardino County, with his sentencing hearing scheduled for later this year.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/illegal-alien-truckers-sentence-reduced-to-10-years-after-deadly-california-crash-watch/

Ripple Expands Real-World Utility — Mastercard Adopts RLUSD on XRP Ledger

Ripple’s RLUSD Pilot Accelerates Blockchain Payments Mainstream Adoption

Ripple’s RLUSD pilot marks a major step toward mainstreaming blockchain-based payments. With increasing competition and ongoing regulatory risks, Ripple’s enterprise-focused strategy and new partnerships are strengthening XRP’s long-term position.

**Major Partnership Announced at Swell 2025**

At its Swell 2025 conference yesterday, Ripple announced a high-stakes partnership with Mastercard, WebBank, and Gemini. This collaboration centers on piloting Ripple USD (RLUSD)—an initiative designed to transform stablecoin remittances and reshape the payments landscape. Stablecoin-based transactions can move money instantly and directly without the need for intermediaries like traditional banks.

This initiative is a pivotal expansion of Ripple’s real-world utility, evolving the XRPL from a cross-border payments specialist into a backbone for everyday fiat settlements.

**Mastercard’s Perspective and the Path to Mainstream**

Sherri Haymond of Mastercard commented:
> “Through our partnerships with Ripple, Gemini, and WebBank, we’re using our global payments network to bring regulated, open-loop stablecoin payments into the financial mainstream.”

Despite excitement, these pilots come with regulatory and operational risks, prompting skepticism until a full-scale rollout is achieved. Nonetheless, analysts highlight that this could become one of the first instances of a regulated U.S. bank settling card payments using a regulated stablecoin on a public blockchain.

**Upcoming Panel Discussion**

A related panel discussion will take place on November 13 at 11:10 AM, where experts will explore key considerations for building alternatives allocations using strategies across private equity, private credit, and liquid alternatives.

**Competition and Ripple’s Unique Advantages**

Meanwhile, competition from rivals like Visa’s stablecoin initiatives continues to intensify. Ripple’s edge lies in its decade-long focus on enterprise-grade blockchain solutions. With RLUSD’s integration—including recent expansions via SWIFT-linked partnerships and acquisitions such as gTreasury—the pilot has the potential to speed up adoption, bridging crypto’s volatility with fiat stability.

**XRPL Technology and Market Outlook**

The XRPL’s decentralized architecture plays a vital role, processing thousands of transactions per second at minimal cost. Built-in compliance tools—including ISO 20022 integration—ensure compatibility with existing financial infrastructure.

The Mastercard partnership injects new energy into XRP’s long-term narrative, supporting a bullish near-term outlook. According to analysts, if regulatory approvals are secured by Q1 2026, XRP could see a 20–30% price increase, potentially pushing the token toward $3 from its current $2.40 range. This would be driven by institutional inflows and improving sentiment.

**XRP Price Update**

Currently, XRP is trading at $2.33, reflecting a 3.8% increase over the past day, following a 7.15% decline over the previous week. By enabling XRPL to support high-volume settlements, the RLUSD pilot is expected to increase demand for XRP as the ledger’s native gas token—even if RLUSD manages the core transfers.

> **See XRP price chart below.**

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