The City of Paso Robles notified the public this morning that a portion of Paso Robles City Hall and the Paso Robles City Library are temporarily closed due to a power outage affecting both facilities. Pacific Gas and Electric is aware of the issue and is working to restore service. The latest update from the utility estimates that power will be restored by approximately 1: 15 p. m. Despite the closure of the main City Hall lobby, City Hall services currently operating from the City Council Chambers because of the upstairs remodel remain open. These services include utility billing services, development permitting and the City Clerk. Access to these services is available through the south-facing doors to the City Council Chambers. Posted signage directs residents to the correct entrance. The Paso Robles City Library remains closed until power is restored. The main City Hall lobby is also closed at this time. City staff will reopen all affected facilities as soon as power is restored and it is safe to resume normal operations. Residents are encouraged to check prcity. com and the city’s official social media channels for updates. “We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as PG&E crews work to resolve the issue,” the city stated.
https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/paso-robles-city-hall-and-city-library-impacted-by-power-outage/216143/
Month: November 2025
Kristi Noem hands out $10K bonuses to many TSA officers who worked during shutdown
WASHINGTON Kristi Noem, the secretary of Homeland Security, announced Nov. 13 that Transportation Security Administration workers who provided “exemplary” service during the shutdown would receive $10,000 bonuses. “Their unsung patriotism deserves recognition,” Noem said in recognizing two TSA officers Reiko Walker, who worked double shifts, and Ashley Richardson, who canceled a move at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Funding for the bonuses comes from $13. 2 billion Noem said Trump saved in cost-cutting since taking office. About 13, 000 air traffic controllers and 50, 000 TSA officers continued working during the shutdown as essential personnel. But many were absent as they searched for other income during the temporary halt in paychecks. Trump has proposed $10,000 bonuses for air traffic controllers with perfect attendance. The federal government continues to resume operations several days after the end of the longest shutdown in history, but advocates warn of potential continued delays getting back pay out the door, airline flights back on schedule and food benefits. President Donald Trump signed legislation Nov. 12 that ended the 43-day shutdown. For the record book, the White House clocked the shutdown at 42 days, 22 hours and 25 minutes. As the government gets back on its feet, workers expect to get back pay within the next few days, airlines are repositioning crews and planes after flight cancellations and states are scrambling to distribute food benefits heading into the Thanksgiving holiday. DOT Duffy calls air controllers ‘patriots’ who should get bonuses at White House Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy repeated Trump’s pledge to give air traffic controllers with perfect attendance during the shutdown each a $10,000 bonus and said they should get it from the president personally at the White House. About 13, 000 controllers and 50, 000 Transportation Security Administration officers kept working temporarily without paychecks during the shutdown to keep passengers flying. The controllers will get back pay and received paychecks Nov. 14 with 70% of their pay, he said. The number of controllers eligible for bonuses is still being calculated, Duffy said. “Depending on how many we have, they should come to the White House and he should present them with their checks,” Duffy said. “They are patriots. We are grateful to them for the work that they have done.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said nearly 20, 000 flights were delayed during the shutdown due to short staffing. Vance calls out Senate Democrats over shutdown Vice President JD Vance says Democrats made a “huge political mistake” when they made demands to reopen the government that a group of moderates eventually caved on. “They caused a lot of stress for our troops, they made our air traffic controllers not get paid, and they caused a lot of flight cancellations. They had a lot of people thinking they were not going to get their food benefits, all for literally nothing,” Vance said “We could have struck this exact deal 45 days ago.” Most House and Senate Democrats voted against the GOP-backed bill to reopen the government. It passed with the support of six Democrats in the House and seven Democrats and an independent who caucuses with the party in the Senate. The White House Office of Management and Budget quickly put out guidance following the end of the shutdown that directs federal agencies to open, and furloughed workers to return “in a prompt and orderly manner” starting Nov. 13. OMB Director Russell Vought sent out the letter to department and agency heads Nov. 12 saying “employees we were on furlough due to the absence of appropriations should be directed to return to work on November 13.” An estimated 750, 000 workers were furloughed during the shutdown.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/kristi-noem-hands-10k-bonuses-171532957.html
NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY – November 17
NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY November 17 National Day Calendar ^ | November 17, 2025 | Staff Posted on by Red Badger NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY On November 17th, National Baklava Day fills the kitchen with an aroma of a sweet and flaky pastry. Baklava’s sweet layers of texture and flavor are created between sheets of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and drizzled with syrup or honey. #NationalBaklavaDay Many believe Baklava to have originated with the Turkic people in Central Asian nations. However, many countries prepare the dessert in a variety of ways. The word “Baklava” first appeared in English in 1650. If you’ve never tried baklava, try sampling the many varieties. Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds can be used. The filling can be composed of raisins, dates, prunes, and even figs. Most baklava recipes call for cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves sometimes all three spices. Preparing this dessert may be somewhat time-consuming. However, it is a treat worth the work and the wait. HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY Try your hand at this complex dessert. It will be a satisfying achievement for any home cook. We’ve even provided a couple of recipes for you to try. However, if you prefer, frequent your local bakery. They willl be happy to show you their specials. When you do, give them a shout-out. And be sure to share with a friend or two while using #NationalBaklavaDay on social media. Use #NationalBaklavaDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday. November 17th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) History 1800 The Sixth United States Congress convenes in Washington D. C. for the first time. Even though many rooms remain incomplete, substantial progress allowed both the House of Representatives and the Senate to begin their sessions in the Nation’s Capital. 1857 The U. S. Patent Office issues H. N. Wadsworth patent No. 18, 653 for a new and improved Tooth-Brush. 1869 After more than 10 years of construction, the Suez Canal opens, creating a shipping lane between the Mediterranean and the Red seas. 1888 The U. S. Patent Office issues patent No. 388, 850 to George Eastman for his box camera. The inventor also registered the trademark name, Kodak, on the same day. 1896 The Western Pennsylvania Hockey League began to play at Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park Casino. November 17th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) Birthdays Grace Abbott 1878 Abbott dedicated her career to child labor policies and relief programs for immigrants. She headed the Children’s Bureau under President Warren G. Harding and while she saw a constitutional amendment against child labor, the states did not ratify it. Soichiro Honda 1906 In 1948, the Japanese engineer founded the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. with Takeo Fujisawa. Their first product is the D-type motorcycle. Winson Hudson 1916 An early Civil Rights activist, Anger Winson Gates established the Leake County chapter of the NAACP in Mississippi. For 25 years, she attempted to register to vote. But persistent voter suppression prevented Gates from registering until 1962. William H. Hastie 1904 The American attorney and civil rights advocate became the first African American named to the federal magistrate in 1937. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Hastie to judge of the Federal District Court in the Virgin Islands. Danny DeVito 1944 The award-winning actor, producer, and comedian gained his first critical attention in the role of Louie De Palma in the comedy series Taxi. Other credits include Big Fish, Get Shorty, Batman Returns, and Matilda. TOPICS: Food; Health/Medicine; History; Military/Veterans KEYWORDS: Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC PO Box 9771 Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. 1 posted on by Red Badger Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4353010/posts
Residents of a pricey NYC loft building suing to keep an upscale cafe from leasing its retail space
Call it a brew-haha over whether this upscale coffee joint is a restaurant, or an eating and drinking establishment. Either way, residents of a luxury building in a trendy part of Manhattan don’t want it anywhere near their pricey homes. A dispute about that fine distinction is percolating at Ralph’s Coffee in Flatiron, which is planning to move to 140 Fifth Ave. at 19th Street from its current location just two blocks north. Ralph’s the coffee arm of brand behemoth Ralph Lauren is on the verge of signing the lease. But the lease prohibits a restaurant, and the residents living in the lofts above, which sell for millions of dollars, are suing to keep Ralph’s out. They are concerned about noise, trash and vermin, which plagued them in years past when a rowdy Russian restaurant occupied the ground-floor space. “A restaurant is defined in Merriam Webster as a business establishment where meals or refreshments may be purchased,” according to the complaint filed late last month in Manhattan Supreme Court by the residents’ lawyer, Allison Furman. But it’s not a restaurant, insists Brian W. Shaw, the lawyer for Ascot Properties NYC, which owns the retail space that Ralph’s is eyeing. Ralph’s is allowed because it’s an eating and drinking establishment, he wrote in court papers. An eating and drinking establishment is, as mentioned in a 2015 application form for such establishments, part of which Shaw included as a court exhibit, “any commercial use within which food or beverages are offered for purchase, and/or are available to, or are consumed by customers or patrons.” That broad category includes not just restaurants, but also bars and coffee shops, “which are all very distinct types of establishments,” Shaw wrote in court papers. Both lawyers and a representative for Ascot Properties declined to comment. Reps from Ralph Lauren did not return a message. Ralph’s is not a “late night bar or restaurant,” Shaw wrote in court papers. Instead, it is “primarily a high end retail store, which operates between 8: 00 am and 6: 00 pm, selling Ralph Lauren branded merchandise, while also offering customers coffee and pre-prepared food such as pastries, muffins, and yogurt parfaits.” The most recent retail tenant at the bustling location, which is in the Ladies’ Mile Historic District, was Aveda, a hair care store. But before 2015, the tenant was Nasha Rasha, which offered Russian food, 900 kinds of vodka and gypsy performances, according to its defunct Instagram page. That seemingly down-market establishment remained there for less than three years. Above the ground floor, the building holds 19 loft residences that have little turnover. The most recent sale was in mid-2024, when a light-filled two-bedroom dwelling traded hands for $2. 35 million. Renting to a restaurant made for “disastrous results,” according to an affidavit from the co-op board’s president. “Odors from the restaurant seeped into the walls, floors and ceilings of each apartment, as well as the hallways.” What’s more, “the noise from outside . was intolerable, garbage was strewn all around the building and the amount of vermin that the [restaurant] attracted was staggering.” The situation was “totally unbearable” for the people living above. The area’s zoning allows for almost all commercial uses, but “any building is free to impose greater limits than zoning does,” a Department of City Planning spokesperson told The Post. So when the restaurant vacated, a permitted use agreement prohibited certain kinds of tenants, including restaurants and bars. Alcohol is also prohibited, as is live music except for special events. Adding confusion, a juice bar is allowed. And so is food, but under limited circumstances. “Any food served may only be heated in a non vented appliance such as a microwave oven or convection oven,” according to the agreement, which also prohibits odors, music and sounds that would unreasonably disturb others. The agreement makes no mention of coffee or coffee shops. Two blocks north, the current Ralph’s location, with tables and chairs outside, attracts “mobs of people on the sidewalk, loud noise and garbage,” the complaint reads. With sidewalk dining, “the noise from the persons congregating outside of the [restaurant] will be thunderous and undoubtedly exceed the noise requirements set forth in the Permitted Use Agreement,” the lawsuit also states. If Ralph’s arrives, “the odors from coffee and food preparation will permeate the residential units which will render the owners and tenants miserable in their homes,” the lawsuit further says. Plans to renovate the 739-square-foot retail space are currently in “pre-filing status,” according to the Department of Buildings. The renovations would include moving some walls along with installing new finishes, fixtures and a ramp. Ascot bought the retail space in 2016 for $6. 4 million, according to city records. Ralph’s rent would be $20, 000 a month, and the buildout would take eight or nine months. Shaw, the lawyer for the commercial unit, objected to the notion that noise from people congregating outside a coffee shop would be thunderous. “Said allegation is entirely speculative and not supported by common knowledge, let alone evidence,” he wrote in court papers. He suggested that the residents wait and see if problems with noise or odors arise in the future. If so, he wrote, “plaintiff can seek injunctive relief then.”.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/17/real-estate/residents-at-140-fifth-ave-sue-to-keep-out-ralphs-coffee/
Top 5 Hottest Crypto Investments of 2025 — Ozak AI’s $4.41M Presale Outpaces Major Altcoins
2025 is one of the most interesting years for cryptocurrencies, as they have seen both bullish and bearish markets. RP (Ripple), Chainlink (LINK), and Avalanche (Avax) are the top five hottest cryptos set to dominate in 2025. Top 5 Cryptos Dominating the 2025 Market With Strong Fundamentals and Real-World Utility Solana (SOL)-Solana is known for its high-speed transactions and very low fees. It now expands across the DeFi and NFTs. Currently the Solana is trading at $154. 30 with a market cap of $85. 30 billion with a total supply of 613. 4 million SOL. After its downfall, the Solona has regained its position and could cross its all-time high by the end of this year. Cardano (ADA) It is a research-driven blockchain built for its scalability and sustainability. It is focused on real-world adoption through innovation and education. Currently ADA is trading at $0. 52 with a massive market cap of $18. 95 billion, with a total supply of 44. 99 billion ADA. With Hydra upgrades, the Cardona will enter its high-priced range. XRP (Ripple) It is designed for global payments and cross-border transactions. XRP is currently trading at $2. 20 with the $133. 30 billion market cap. It is backed by Partnerships with banks and financial institutions. XRP’s regulatory clarity drives the mainstream adoption. Chainlink (LINK)-Chainlink plays a major role in the decentralized data connectivity in the web3 system. It provides trusted oracles that connect smart contracts to real-world data. Currently, Chainlink is trading at $14. 60 with a market cap of $10. 21 billion. As tokenized assets grow, the demand of Chainlink will increase, and this will make the price surge. Avalanche (Avax) It is a highly scalable, low-latency blockchain for enterprises. Its subnet enables custom high-performance blockchain networks. Currently, Avalanche is trading at $16. 32 with a market cap of $6. 97 billion. Avalanche is leading in real-world asset tokenization and has the ability to boom in 2025 and in the upcoming years. Ozak AI Takes the Lead among Top 5 Altcoins Ozak AI is an AI-based early-stage token. Its Core Technology merges AI and blockchain to produce AI predictive tools that can analyze real-time blockchain data. Currently, the token is in its presale phase, priced at $0. 014. More than 1 billion tokens have been sold, and $4. 46 million has been raised as presale funding so far. Investors believe that AI will rule the cryptocurrency market in the upcoming years, and Ozqak AI will dominate among all the AI-based cryptos. At the time of launch, Ozak AI was launched at the price of $0. 001, and now it has a 1, 300% increase from the current launch phase. The token’s target price is $1. Analysts predict that the token will reach its target price by the end of 2026 and will deliver more than 500x after the launch. Innovative Technology and Partnerships Driving Ozak AI’s Expansion The Ozak AI advanced technology and strong features increase the token’s potential and attract investors to invest in it. The primary feature of Ozak AI is the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN). It is made up of three layers, each of which serves a different function. The OSN layer connects to on-chain and off-chain data to provide news and blockchain events. The data layer securely stores all encrypted data. AI later performs AI calculations on a GPU. Another feature is that Ozak Data Vaults are secure storage lockers for Ozak AIb. It stores all financial data in an encrypted format, which is both fast and secure. Collaboration with Echobit, an exchange designed for microsecond-order matching, combined with Ozak AI’s 30-ms market prediction. Partnering with Hive Intel, which is a multichain data API, the Ozak AI predictive tools can now analyze the on-chain behavior deeper, which includes NFT, Defi events. Conclusion The top altcoins have the potential to grow, but Ozak AI is in its early stages and has the potential to deliver the highest ROI. These altcoins have already established themselves in the market and have a massive market cap; however, Ozak AI has a strong technology background, strategic partnerships, a very small cap, and a low presale price that makes the early-stage investors wait; if the token launches at a price of $1, they can gain more than these altcoins. For more information about Ozak AI, visit the links below: Website: Twitter/X: Telegram: Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Crypto Daily, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/crypto/top-5-hottest-crypto-investments-of-2025-ozak-ais-4-41m-presale-outpaces-major-altcoins/
Predator: Badlands Director on Navigating Two Franchise Timelines
The director of Predator: Badlands opens up about how he wanted to place the film at the furthest point of the Alien and Predator franchises. Predator: Badlands is turning out to be exactly the kind of win the franchise needed to prove itself with modern audiences. During its opening weekend, the new sci-fi action film opened at number one and pulled in about $80 million worldwide, including $40 million domestic, which happens to be a record opening for a Predator movie. And early legs look pretty reliable too, with a worldwide total around $82. 8 million so far on a 105 million budget, an A- on CinemaScore, and a fairly strong Rotten Tomatoes score that has critics calling it one of the freshest entries since the original. Part of the buzz comes from where it sits in the larger Alien and Predator universe. Director Dan Trachtenberg has been clear that Predator: Badlands pushes things further ahead than anything we have seen before. And, when speaking about the timeline, he explained that the movie is set at the furthest point in the future for both franchises and talked about navigating around other recent projects. Predator: Badlands Director on Timeline He tells Variety, “Very intentionally, it is the furthest into the future in both Predator and Alien. When we were making it, I wasn’t really sure what was going on with Alien: Romulus, and I don’t even know how aware I even was of Alien: Earth. So I just didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes. I wanted to make sure we were doing our own thing, and selfishly, I’d also done so much Predator in different time periods that I was excited for this to be in the future, even past Alien: Resurrection.” Story-wise, Predator: Badlands takes place centuries from now on the hostile planet Genna. It follows Dek, a young Yautja who is exiled from his clan as a runt and given one last chance to prove himself by hunting the legendary apex creature known as the Kalisk. After crash landing, he teams up with Thia, a damaged Weyland Yutani synthetic who is stranded after her own mission goes sideways, and a small native creature nicknamed Bud. Together they face Genna’s brutal wildlife, a rival Predator clan, and a Weyland Yutani team that wants to weaponize the Kalisk. Dimitrius Schuster Koloamatangi plays Dek and also voices some of the other Predators. Elle Fanning plays Thia along with her more ruthless synthetic sister Tessa. The supporting roles are mostly other creatures and androids, which reinforces the hook that there are no human characters this time. That choice also lets the film lean harder into Predator culture and Weyland Yutani lore, including nods that connect it spiritually to the Alien side without turning it into a full crossover. Predator: Badlands hit theaters in the United States on November 7, including IMAX and RealD 3D runs. And with the film positioned as the furthest step forward in both timelines (and already performing well), it feels like it’s only a matter of time before they cross paths yet again.
https://bleedingcool.com/movies/predator-badlands-director-on-navigating-two-franchise-timelines/
Inflation and Affordability Are Still Everything
Hello and welcome to the newsletter, a grab bag of daily content from the Odd Lots universe. Sometimes it’s us, Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway, bringing you our thoughts on the most recent developments in markets, finance and the economy. And sometimes it’s contributions from our network of expert guests and sources. Whatever it is, we promise it will always be interesting.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-11-17/inflation-and-affordability-are-still-everything
Lubbock Will Remove Buddy Holly-Themed Crosswalk After Federal Crackdown
A Trump administration directive targeting political road markings has left places like Lubbock, Texas, helpless to challenge broad new policies.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/us/buddy-holly-crosswalk-texas.html
Revolutionary Cryptocurrency Banking Breakthrough As LevelField Acquires Burling Bank
Imagine walking into your local bank and seamlessly accessing both traditional financial services and cryptocurrency investments. This vision is becoming reality as LevelField secures regulatory approval to acquire Burling Bank, marking a significant milestone in cryptocurrency banking evolution. What Does This Cryptocurrency Banking Acquisition Mean? The groundbreaking deal represents one of the first major moves to integrate cryptocurrency services directly into an FDIC-insured banking institution. LevelField’s planned transformation of Burling Bank could set new standards for cryptocurrency banking accessibility and security. According to Bloomberg reports, the acquisition has cleared crucial regulatory hurdles and now only requires final approval from the U. S. Federal Reserve. This development signals growing regulatory acceptance of cryptocurrency banking models. Why Is This Cryptocurrency Banking Move Important? The integration of cryptocurrency services into traditional banking addresses several critical challenges facing digital asset investors: Enhanced Security: FDIC insurance provides protection for customer deposits Regulatory Compliance: Built-in adherence to banking regulations Mainstream Accessibility: Familiar banking interfaces for cryptocurrency services Integrated Financial Management: Combined traditional and digital asset accounts This cryptocurrency banking initiative could bridge the gap between conventional finance and digital assets, making cryptocurrency services available to millions of bank customers who might otherwise hesitate to enter the digital asset space. How Will Cryptocurrency Banking Services Work? The transformed Burling Bank will operate as a full-service institution offering both traditional banking and cryptocurrency services. Customers can expect: Cryptocurrency buying and selling through banking platforms Secure digital asset storage solutions Integrated account management Regulatory-compliant transaction monitoring This cryptocurrency banking model represents a significant step toward legitimizing digital assets within the traditional financial system. Moreover, it provides a regulated pathway for institutional and retail investors to participate in cryptocurrency markets. What Challenges Remain for Cryptocurrency Banking? Despite the progress, several hurdles remain for widespread cryptocurrency banking adoption: Final Federal Reserve approval requirements Technical integration complexities Regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions Customer education and adoption rates However, the LevelField-Burling Bank deal demonstrates that cryptocurrency banking is moving from theoretical concept to practical reality. The successful implementation could inspire similar initiatives across the financial sector. The Future of Cryptocurrency Banking This acquisition signals a transformative moment for cryptocurrency banking infrastructure. As traditional financial institutions recognize the demand for digital asset services, we can expect more banks to explore similar cryptocurrency banking integrations. The LevelField model could become the blueprint for future cryptocurrency banking services, combining the security of FDIC insurance with the innovation of digital asset management. This approach addresses consumer concerns about security while providing access to emerging financial technologies. Conclusion: A New Era for Cryptocurrency Banking The LevelField acquisition of Burling Bank represents more than just a business transaction-it symbolizes the maturation of cryptocurrency banking. By bringing digital assets under the regulatory umbrella of traditional banking, this move could accelerate mainstream adoption while maintaining necessary consumer protections. As the financial landscape evolves, cryptocurrency banking services like those planned by LevelField may become standard offerings at banks nationwide. This development marks a crucial step toward integrating digital assets into everyday financial life. Frequently Asked Questions What is cryptocurrency banking? Cryptocurrency banking refers to traditional financial institutions that integrate digital asset services alongside conventional banking products, allowing customers to manage both fiat currency and cryptocurrencies through unified platforms. When will LevelField complete the Burling Bank acquisition? The deal currently awaits final approval from the U. S. Federal Reserve. While no specific timeline has been announced, regulatory processes typically take several months to complete. Will cryptocurrency services be available to all Burling Bank customers? While specific rollout plans haven’t been detailed, LevelField intends to transform Burling Bank into a full-service institution offering cryptocurrency banking services to interested customers. Are cryptocurrency deposits FDIC insured? Traditional deposit accounts remain FDIC insured, but cryptocurrency assets typically fall outside FDIC coverage. However, the banking infrastructure provides additional security measures for digital asset storage. How does this affect existing Burling Bank customers? Existing customers will maintain their current services while gaining access to new cryptocurrency banking options as they become available following the acquisition completion. Will other banks follow this cryptocurrency banking model? The success of LevelField’s cryptocurrency banking initiative could inspire similar moves across the industry as financial institutions seek to meet growing customer demand for digital asset services. Found this insight into cryptocurrency banking evolution valuable? with colleagues and friends interested in the future of finance and digital assets. Help spread awareness about how cryptocurrency banking is transforming our financial landscape. To learn more about the latest cryptocurrency banking trends, explore our article on key developments shaping cryptocurrency institutional adoption.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/revolutionary-cryptocurrency-banking-breakthrough-as-levelfield-acquires-burling-bank/
Decentralized Infrastructure Network Launches on EigenLayer, Enhancing Web3 Security
The Decentralized Infrastructure Network (DIN), a Consensys-backed initiative, has launched its Autonomous Verifiable Service (AVS) on the EigenLayer mainnet. This marks a significant development in decentralized infrastructure, as DIN becomes the first large-scale RPC marketplace to utilize EigenLayer’s restaking and slashing mechanisms. By doing so, it aims to tackle one of web3’s critical vulnerabilities: the centralization of infrastructure. The Challenge of Centralized Infrastructure Despite the decentralization ethos of web3, a significant portion of RPC traffic is handled by a few centralized providers. This creates systemic risks, as any downtime in major providers can impact wallets, dApps, and DeFi protocols, affecting millions of users. EigenLayer’s Role in Decentralization EigenLayer’s AVS model is crucial to DIN’s operations, providing the cryptoeconomic foundation needed for decentralized RPC at scale. Through ETH and stETH restaking, node operators serving RPC requests have real economic stakes in infrastructure reliability. This model transforms RPC services from trust-based to cryptoeconomically secured systems. The system operates through three key mechanisms: Economic Security Through Restaking: Node operators are backed by restaked ETH, turning infrastructure provision into a service with tangible economic guarantees. Performance Verification Through Watchers: Independent watcher nodes monitor RPC provider performance, ensuring accountability for service quality. Accountability Through Slashing: EigenLayer’s slashing mechanism enforces high reliability among node providers by imposing economic penalties for non-compliance with service agreements. Proven Scale and Integration DIN is already operational at scale, integrated into platforms like MetaMask and Infura, and handling over 13 billion requests monthly across more than 30 networks, including Ethereum L1 and several Layer 2s. The network’s incentivized testnet has shown impressive metrics, such as a >99% success rate for RPC operations and median latency under 250ms. Implications for Ethereum and Web3 DIN AVS is a crucial demonstration of EigenLayer’s potential to extend Ethereum’s security to web3 infrastructure. By implementing restaking and slashing in RPC operations, DIN provides developers with cryptoeconomic guarantees, fulfilling web3’s promise of end-to-end verifiability without relying on trusted infrastructure. For more details, visit the EigenCloud blog. Image source: Shutterstock.
https://Blockchain.News/news/decentralized-infrastructure-network-launches-on-eigenlayer-enhancing-web3-security