Gov’t debt service surged by 257% in Aug. to P664.7B

The government’s debt service burden more than tripled in August, driven by higher amortization payments following a mammoth settlement of maturing bonds.

Debt payments surged by 257 percent year-on-year to P664.7 billion, according to the latest cash operation report from the Bureau of the Treasury.

This increase brought the total debt service payments for the first eight months of the year to P1.54 trillion, remaining nearly flat compared to the previous period.
https://business.inquirer.net/550897/govt-debt-service-surged-by-257-in-aug-to-p664-7b

WNBA Finals Game 2 winners, losers: Jackie Young, A’ja Wilson shine, Mercury look deflated

WNBA Finals Game 2 Recap: Las Vegas Aces Take Commanding 2-0 Lead Over Phoenix Mercury

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Aces are now just two wins away from securing their third WNBA title in four years. The No. 2 seed Aces took a commanding 2-0 lead over the No. 4 seed Phoenix Mercury in the best-of-seven 2025 WNBA Finals with a 91-78 victory in Game 2 on Sunday, Oct. 5 at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

Jackie Young Leads the Charge

Aces guard Jackie Young dominated the game, finishing with a game-high 32 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the field and 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Young scored an incredible 21 points in the third quarter alone, setting a WNBA Finals record for the most points scored in a single quarter.

Interestingly, Young had been absent from practice the day before, dressed in street clothes. Head coach Becky Hammon revealed that Young was battling fatigue, but she appeared revitalized during Game 2. “Last game, she had no legs. No lift. Apparently, she went and found some legs because she was cooking today. She’s a bad, bad girl,” Hammon remarked.

A’ja Wilson’s Dominance Continues

A’ja Wilson added 28 points and 14 rebounds, proving once again why she is one of the league’s top players. Wilson scored 20 of her 28 points in the first half, becoming only the third player in WNBA Finals history to score 20 or more in one half. Along with 14 rebounds, she also contributed three assists and one steal.

Wilson just missed recording her ninth 30-plus point playoff game. Had she reached 30 alongside Young, they would have been the first duo in WNBA Finals history to each score 30 or more points in the same game. “I dropped the ball on that one. Sorry, Jack,” Wilson joked after the game.

Las Vegas Big Three Unstoppable

The Aces’ superstar trio of A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray were almost unstoppable throughout the game. Together, they combined for 70 of the Aces’ 91 points. Gray contributed a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists, while Wilson and Young powered the offense.

Head coach Becky Hammon praised the trio, saying, “They’re studs. That is why the expectation is so high, because of those three.”

Phoenix Mercury’s Big Three Fight Hard

On the other side, the Mercury leaned heavily on their own star trio of Alyssa Thomas (10 points, six rebounds, five assists), Satou Sabally (22 points, nine rebounds), and Kahleah Copper (23 points, three rebounds), who combined for 55 of Phoenix’s 78 points.

Alyssa Thomas Sets Assist Record

Despite the loss, Alyssa Thomas achieved a significant milestone, becoming the all-time leader in assists in WNBA postseason history by surpassing Courtney Vandersloot with 391 assists and counting. Thomas finished the game with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, a bright spot for the Mercury amidst their struggles.

Concerns Over Satou Sabally’s Injury

A major concern for Phoenix was an apparent ankle injury sustained by Satou Sabally at the 3:57 mark of the fourth quarter after a collision with A’ja Wilson. The foul was ruled a common foul, but Sabally did not return to the game and was visibly limping as she headed to the bench.

Postgame, coach Nate Tibbetts said Sabally was pulled as a precaution, emphasizing the team’s cautious approach moving forward. When asked how she was feeling, Sabally simply responded, “Fine.”

Phoenix’s Three-Point Shooting Struggles

The Mercury struggled mightily from beyond the arc. After Kahleah Copper opened the scoring with a 3-pointer, Phoenix missed 15 consecutive attempts and finished shooting just 17.9% (5-of-28) from three-point range. This marked their second-worst 3-point performance of the postseason.

Three-point shooting was critical to the Mercury’s two double-digit comeback wins over the Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals, but Sunday’s cold shooting left them unable to keep pace. Coach Tibbetts noted, “We tried to force it a little. We were pretty stagnant offensively.”

The Mercury are 2-1 in the playoffs when making 10 or more three-pointers, highlighting how integral outside shooting is to their success.

Coaching and Rotation Decisions Under Scrutiny

Coach Nate Tibbetts’ inexperience in the WNBA Finals appeared evident in Game 2, particularly in his rotation choices and timeouts. He relied on an eight-person rotation and did not utilize his bench depth effectively until the lead ballooned close to 20 points.

Bench players DeWanna Bonner, Sami Whitcomb, and Kathryn Westbeld combined for only eight points. Tibbetts did not call a single timeout during the Aces’ dominant 30-point third quarter, missing opportunities to disrupt their momentum.

Bench Production Lacking for the Mercury

The Mercury, who entered the postseason with the highest scoring bench in the league, have seen limited contributions from their reserves in the Finals. Their bench was outscored 41-16 in Game 1 and 16-8 in Game 2.

DeWanna Bonner was limited to four points on 1-of-5 shooting in 23 minutes, while Sami Whitcomb played 14 scoreless minutes (0-of-3 FG, 0-of-2 3PT). The lack of offensive support beyond their Big Three has hampered Phoenix’s ability to stay competitive.

Officiating Controversy Continues

Officiating once again became a controversial topic during Game 2. Several calls and missed calls frustrated players and fans alike. Phoenix star Alyssa Thomas was vocal about what she felt were missed fouls, while chants of “Refs, you suck” echoed throughout Michelob Ultra Arena, reflecting the crowd’s displeasure.

Looking Ahead

With a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, the Las Vegas Aces are in a commanding position to capture their third WNBA title in four years. The Phoenix Mercury will need to address their shooting woes, injury concerns, and deepen their rotation if they hope to turn the series around.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Finals continue.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA Finals Game 2 winners, losers: Jackie Young, A’ja Wilson dominate.

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/wnba-finals-game-2-winners-235503481.html

Shiba Inu Price Prediction: Can SHIB Reclaim $0.00005 While AlphaPepe Becomes the Best Crypto to Buy Now

**Shiba Inu (SHIB) Tests Key Resistance Levels Amid Meme Coin Resurgence**

Shiba Inu (SHIB), one of the world’s most recognized meme coins, is once again testing key resistance levels after months of consolidation. Following a wave of renewed retail activity, analysts are speculating whether SHIB can reclaim the $0.00005 mark and reignite its legendary 2021-style momentum.

However, while SHIB continues its steady recovery, attention is also shifting to a new name in the meme coin space: AlphaPepe (ALPE). With strong presale traction, growing liquidity, and unique tokenomics, AlphaPepe is already being hailed by analysts as the best crypto to buy now for investors chasing the next breakout meme project.

—

### Shiba Inu’s Path Toward $0.00005

Shiba Inu is currently trading around $0.000028, reflecting a 6% uptick in the last week. After a prolonged period of low volatility, trading volumes on SHIB have started to climb again, signaling that buyers are returning.

**Technical Setup**
– **Support Levels:** $0.000025 remains the critical support zone, tested multiple times over the past month.
– **Resistance Levels:** $0.000032 and $0.000038 are the next major resistance zones before the psychological barrier at $0.00005.
– **Indicators:** On-chain data shows reduced whale sell-offs and modest accumulation among mid-tier wallets, often a precursor to upward momentum.

If SHIB can maintain its position above $0.000030 and Bitcoin remains stable near $120K, analysts predict a possible move toward $0.000045–$0.00005 in the short term.

—

### Ecosystem Growth

Beyond price movements, Shiba Inu’s developers are pushing forward with **Shibarium**, the project’s Layer-2 scaling solution. The network has already surpassed 10 million transactions, boosting SHIB’s utility and network confidence.

Moreover, Shiba Inu’s burn mechanisms continue to play a crucial role. Over 410 trillion tokens have been removed from circulation since launch, slowly tightening supply and building upward price pressure for the long term.

—

### Market Sentiment: Meme Coins Return to the Spotlight

With meme coins regaining momentum across social media, sentiment around SHIB has improved significantly. Search trends show Shiba Inu price queries rising sharply since early October.

Analysts say that if retail interest continues to build, meme tokens like SHIB and PEPE could see a Q4 resurgence similar to the one that fueled 2021’s record rallies.

However, the competition has evolved. A new generation of meme coins combining hype with structured tokenomics is beginning to dominate. At the front of that pack sits **AlphaPepe**.

—

### AlphaPepe: The Best Crypto to Buy Now in 2025

While SHIB has matured into a long-term community token, AlphaPepe represents the explosive side of the meme market.

Priced at just $0.006, the project has already raised over $245,000, gained nearly 2,000 holders, and seen its second USDT liquidity pool surpass $5,000 — signaling steady growth ahead of listing.

**Why AlphaPepe Stands Out**
– **Instant Token Delivery:** Unlike many presales that lock tokens until listing, AlphaPepe gives investors immediate access, building trust.
– **Staking Rewards:** Holders can earn up to 85% APR, encouraging long-term participation instead of quick flips.
– **Audited and Verified:** AlphaPepe has achieved the maximum BlockSafu audit score, giving it a credibility edge in the meme sector.
– **Viral Community:** Thousands of users across X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram are driving engagement with meme campaigns and influencer shoutouts.

AlphaPepe’s success lies in its timing — entering the market just as meme sentiment returns and retail liquidity floods back into smaller-cap projects.

—

### Price Projections

Analysts forecast AlphaPepe could rally from $0.006 to $0.50–$1 after listings, potentially mirroring early Dogecoin and SHIB gains. If meme coin mania continues into 2026, AlphaPepe could become one of the fastest-growing assets in the sector.

—

### SHIB vs AlphaPepe: The Meme Coin Spectrum

Shiba Inu now functions as the established, stable side of meme investing — supported by real infrastructure and community governance. AlphaPepe, on the other hand, is the high-volatility growth play with massive near-term upside potential.

For investors, both represent different strategies:
– **SHIB:** Longer-term holders seeking consistency.
– **AlphaPepe:** Those chasing the next explosive meme breakout.

This balance between legacy and innovation defines the current meme coin cycle, where AlphaPepe is emerging as the bridge between both worlds.

—

### Conclusion

Shiba Inu’s gradual recovery is fueling optimism across the meme market. With Shibarium expanding and whale accumulation resuming, a move toward $0.00005 looks achievable in the coming months.

Yet the real speculative excitement is surrounding AlphaPepe, which has quickly become the best crypto to buy now for investors seeking exponential returns. With its unique tokenomics, audit transparency, and explosive community growth, AlphaPepe is positioning itself as 2025’s breakout meme coin — potentially following in Shiba Inu’s early footsteps, but with even greater speed.

—

### Useful Links
– Website: [Insert website URL]
– Telegram: [Insert Telegram link]
– X (Twitter): [Insert X link]

—

### FAQs

**Q1: What is Shiba Inu’s price target for 2025?**
Analysts forecast SHIB could climb toward $0.00005 in the short term, with long-term targets near $0.00008 if Shibarium adoption grows.

**Q2: What makes AlphaPepe the best crypto to buy now?**
Its combination of instant delivery, staking rewards, verified audits, and viral marketing sets it apart from other presales.

**Q3: How much has AlphaPepe raised so far?**
Over $245,000 with nearly 2,000 holders and an expanding liquidity base.

**Q4: Could AlphaPepe deliver 100x returns like SHIB once did?**
Analysts believe it’s possible if meme market liquidity remains strong through 2026.

**Q5: Is it too late to buy SHIB?**
Not yet. SHIB remains a strong long-term community token, but newer projects like AlphaPepe offer higher short-term upside.

—

*This publication is sponsored. Coindoo does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products, or any other materials on this page. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before engaging in any cryptocurrency-related actions. Coindoo will not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any damages or losses resulting from the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned. Always do your own research.*

—

**Author**
*Krasimir Rusev* is a journalist with many years of experience covering cryptocurrencies and financial markets. He specializes in analysis, news, and forecasts for digital assets, providing readers with in-depth and reliable information on the latest market trends. His expertise and professionalism make him a valuable source for investors, traders, and anyone following the dynamics of the crypto world.
https://coindoo.com/shiba-inu-price-prediction-can-shib-reclaim-0-00005-while-alphapepe-becomes-the-best-crypto-to-buy-now/

The secrets behind family business empires no one will tell you

Dynasties don’t endure because they are richer, luckier, or more charismatic. They endure because they run on a different operating system.

On Sunday, the family shares a meal. On Monday, the same people sit across a board table with roles, rights, and rules that are crystal clear.

When pressure spikes—whether due to succession, acquisitions, or other challenges—this structured approach ensures stability and continuity.
https://business.inquirer.net/550878/the-secrets-behind-family-business-empires-no-one-will-tell-you-2

Commanders' penalty leads to Chargers' opening touchdown

The Commanders had the Chargers stopped at the Washington 11-yard line, setting up Cameron Dicker for a field goal attempt. Dicker made the chip-shot kick; however, the Chargers’ points were taken off the board due to an offsides penalty.

Mike Sainristil was flagged for offsides, granting the Chargers a first down. This costly error proved pivotal.

Just two plays later, Justin Herbert connected with Ladd McConkey for a 2-yard touchdown, putting the Chargers ahead 7-0.

During the drive, Herbert suffered a cut on his left hand and a scraped elbow after a 41-yard run. Despite the minor injury, he completed 3 of 4 passes for 21 yards on the opening drive.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/commanders-penalty-leads-to-chargers-opening-touchdown

MAGGIE PAGANO: Cash is still king, right? Wrong

If you have heard reports of a rather sweaty woman in gym gear running around the streets of Saffron Walden brandishing a crisp £50 note and cursing under her breath, that was me.

After the gym, I had stopped off at the health food shop to stock up on a few things, giving the assistant the £50 tucked into my leggings. The assistant refused my money.

“But surely it’s legal tender,” I cried, “you can’t refuse it!”

She didn’t budge, saying that head office had told them not to take £50 notes because of fakes.

Off I went to the butcher’s shop opposite, where I know the staff, asking if they could break the note. Same again—no £50 notes accepted. But they suggested I try a bank.

Not such a bad idea. However, my bank, Barclays, closed long ago and now there are only two banks left in town.

So, I ran to Nationwide, where there was a long queue. Explaining the problem, I asked the waiting customers if I could ask the cashier to change the note. They all said yes, of course.

One gentleman took one look at my Queen’s-headed note and said with great confidence that it wasn’t a fake. That felt like a small victory.

There was so much chatter that the cashier stepped out to take a look at the offending note. He agreed it was genuine. Yeah, another victory.

“But are you a Nationwide customer?” he asked.

It felt like a trick question — and it was. Nationwide does not change money if you are not a customer.

As you can imagine, by then I was ready to raise an Essex peasants’ revolt against shops that don’t take money and banks that don’t change banknotes.

As luck would have it, one of the kind ladies in the queue opened her wallet, checked her cash, and offered to change my £50.

My first call is to the Bank of England.

**Can vendors refuse to take cash?**

Yes, says the press officer, they can. Even though cash is legal tender, it’s a concept with a narrow technical definition in law related to contracts, and no one is obliged to accept it in exchange for goods.

But why is cash usage shrinking so fast?

Is it because vendors find cash messy to deal with? Are business owners being forced by payment giants to go digital so they can be charged more? Or do people simply prefer using cards or, increasingly, mobile payment apps?

Probably a bit of each — chicken and egg.

Whatever the reason, cash is under the kibosh.

It made up just 9 per cent of payments last year, compared to being used for half of all transactions a decade ago. It is predicted to fall to 4 per cent over the next ten years.

Yet here’s the thing: what happens in emergencies?

Imagine if a cyber hack or indeed cyber warfare brings down the banks? Or if there are blackouts, as happened in Spain and Portugal recently? Or other crises, such as another lockdown or war?

Being resilient is why countries such as Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands have warned their citizens to always keep cash in reserve. They are also introducing new legislation ensuring vendors must accept cash.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is also alert to the dangers.

All households have been advised by the ECB to store cash at home in case digital systems fail — because they will.

In contrast, the Bank of England does not have the mandate to give such warnings; that’s up to the Government.

Interesting, though, that its Governor, Andrew Bailey, told a recent Citizens’ Panel in Wolverhampton that he always carries cash with him in case of emergencies.

Does that include any £50 notes, I wonder?
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/comment/article-15164391/MAGGIE-PAGANO-Cash-king-right-Wrong.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

PBA ushers in 50th season with legends in attendance

MANILA, Philippines – Ramon Fernandez, Atoy Co, and Vergel Meneses led a group of former personalities who graced the opening of the PBA’s 50th anniversary season on Sunday.

The event drew about 40 to 50 ex-players, coaches, and officials, according to the PBA.

The busy day began with the Leo Awards held at Novotel Manila, followed by the opening ceremonies celebrating this milestone season.
https://sports.inquirer.net/643111/pba-ushers-in-50th-season-with-legends-in-attendance

(Video) Watch Kylian Mbappe React to Ethan Mbappe’s Goal Against PSG

Former PSG star Kylian Mbappe was in attendance for the Ligue 1 contest against LOSC Lille on Sunday night at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Although he still has teammates on the Parisian team, Mbappe was there to support his younger brother, Ethan Mbappe, who is also a PSG youth product.

Ethan didn’t see much action until late in the second half. However, as fate would have it, when he came on as a substitute, the Lille standout made an immediate impact by scoring the game-tying goal against PSG.

The equalizer sparked a notable reaction from the Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, highlighting the emotional significance of the moment.

LIGUE 1! ETHAN MBAPPE EQUALIZES AGAINST PSG!
Lille 1-1 PSG
@GoalsXtra pic.twitter.com/03TUqpwlbt

— Polymarket FC (@PolymarketFC) October 5, 2025
https://psgtalk.com/2025/10/kyllian-ethan-mbappe-goal-psg-reaction/

Chancellor faces calls to axe stamp duty on shares

Rachel Reeves is facing increasing pressure to abolish stamp duty on share trading in an effort to revive the UK stock market. Concerns are growing that more companies may continue to leave London for rival financial hubs such as New York unless decisive action is taken.

The Chancellor is currently considering introducing a stamp duty break for investors purchasing newly listed shares, aiming to encourage more firms to list on the UK stock market. However, there are rising calls to eliminate the 0.5% levy on share trading entirely.

Charles Hall of Peel Hunt supports scrapping the tax but believes Labour is unlikely to take such a step given the current state of the economy. He also pointed to AstraZeneca’s plans for a full listing in New York as a “proper warning shot” about the risks facing the London market.
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-15164389/Chancellor-faces-calls-axe-stamp-duty-shares.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Three ex-Shin Bet chiefs to High Court: Cancel Netanyahu’s appointment of David Zini

Three Ex-Shin Bet Chiefs to High Court: Cancel Netanyahu’s Appointment of David Zini

Multiple government officials have expressed opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s appointment of Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini.

The move has sparked significant controversy, with three former Shin Bet chiefs petitioning the High Court to cancel the appointment.

Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Photo Credit: MAAYAN TOAF/GPO

By SARAH BEN-NUN

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869533