<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0"> <channel> <title>Bitcoin Today - Bitcoin News Curated and Powered by AI</title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app</link> <description>Get daily updates on Bitcoin's price, market trends, analysis, and breaking news curated and powered by AI - all digestible in minutes. Make BitcoinToday.app your one-stop shop for staying informed in the fast-paced world of Bitcoin.</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:04:23 GMT</lastBuildDate> <docs>https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html</docs> <generator>https://github.com/jpmonette/feed</generator> <language>en</language> <image> <title>Bitcoin Today - Bitcoin News Curated and Powered by AI</title> <url>https://www.bitcointoday.app/images/logo-512.png</url> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app</link> </image> <copyright>All rights reserved 2024, BitcoinToday.app</copyright> <category>Bitcoin News</category> <item> <title><![CDATA[Mastercard's $1.8 Billion Bet on Stablecoins: Acquiring BVNK to Revolutionize Payments]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/mastercards-18-billion-bet-on-stablecoins-acquiring-bvnk-to-revolutionize-payments</link> <guid>mastercards-18-billion-bet-on-stablecoins-acquiring-bvnk-to-revolutionize-payments</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:01:25 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## Mastercard's Major Move into Digital Currency In a bold step toward the future of payments, **Mastercard** has announced its agreement to acquire **BVNK**, a London-based stablecoin infrastructure firm, for up to **$1.8 billion**. This acquisition marks the payment network's largest investment yet in the mainstream adoption of digital currencies. ### The Deal Details The transaction includes **$300 million in contingent payments** based on BVNK meeting specific performance metrics, with the deal expected to close later this year. Mastercard, the world's second-largest payment network after Visa, aims to leverage this acquisition to bridge traditional payment systems with emerging **blockchain-based technologies**. ### Connecting Traditional and Digital Rails By integrating BVNK's platform, Mastercard will enhance its ability to facilitate payments involving **stablecoins** and **tokenized deposits**. This move positions the company at the forefront of the evolving financial landscape, where digital currency services are anticipated to become standard. **Jorn Lambert**, Mastercard's Chief Product Officer, emphasized this vision, stating, "We expect that most financial institutions and fintechs will in time provide digital currency services." ### BVNK's Role and Market Context Founded in 2021, BVNK has grown rapidly, with a valuation reported above **$750 million** last year. Its platform supports transactions across all major blockchain networks in over **130 countries**, making it a key player in the stablecoin infrastructure space. The surge in interest for stablecoin startups has been fueled by a **crypto-friendly regulatory environment**, particularly following the reelection of President Donald Trump in late 2024. BVNK had previously attracted takeover interest from **Coinbase**, and Mastercard had also shown interest in acquiring another crypto firm, **Zerohash**, earlier this year. ### Implications for the Payments Industry This acquisition underscores Mastercard's commitment to staying ahead in the digital payments race. By enmeshing itself in blockchain-based systems, the company is preparing for a future where **digital currencies** play a central role in global finance. The deal not only expands Mastercard's technological capabilities but also signals a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing **crypto innovations**.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>mastercard</category> <category>bvnk</category> <category>stablecoins</category> <category>acquisition</category> <category>payments</category> <enclosure url="https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/107335423-1700186666155-gettyimages-647053464-_jcg2290.jpeg?v=1773753200&w=1920&h=1080" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[XRP Surges Past $1.47: Breakout Extends as Bitcoin Leads Broad Crypto Rally]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/xrp-surges-past-147-breakout-extends-as-bitcoin-leads-broad-crypto-rally</link> <guid>xrp-surges-past-147-breakout-extends-as-bitcoin-leads-broad-crypto-rally</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:01:08 GMT</pubDate> <description>< ## What to Know - **XRP broke above a long-standing resistance around $1.426** after months of sideways trading, shifting short-term momentum in favor of buyers. - The move, which lifted the token from about $1.41 to $1.47 on surging volume, comes as activity and tokenized real-world assets on the XRP Ledger continue to climb. - Traders are watching whether XRP can hold support near $1.43–$1.44, with a sustained base there opening the door to a push toward $1.50–$1.55, while a drop back below $1.43 could send it toward $1.39–$1.40. ## News Background - XRP's latest move comes after several months of sideways trading, where the token repeatedly failed to sustain rallies above the mid-$1.40 area. - The breakout marks the first clear move above that ceiling since early 2026, shifting short-term momentum toward buyers. - While the price advance lacked a clear XRP-specific catalyst, activity on the XRP Ledger has continued to rise. - Tokenized real-world assets on the network recently climbed sharply, with the value of tokenized commodities approaching **$1.14 billion** during the first quarter. ## Price Action Summary - XRP rose from about $1.41 to $1.47 during the latest 24-hour session. - The token broke through the **$1.426 resistance zone** that capped previous rallies. - Trading volume spiked to roughly **170 million tokens** during the breakout. - XRP traded within a roughly 5% intraday range. ## Technical Analysis The key development was the breakout above $1.426, which had acted as a ceiling throughout recent consolidation. Once the level cleared on strong volume, price accelerated quickly toward the $1.47 area. Short-term charts show a sequence of higher lows forming after the breakout, suggesting buyers are attempting to turn the former resistance zone into support. Momentum remains constructive while XRP holds above roughly $1.43. The next technical barrier sits near the **$1.48–$1.50 area**, where previous rallies have stalled. ## What Traders Say Is Next Traders are now focused on whether XRP can maintain support above the **$1.43–$1.44 breakout level**. If that zone holds, the token could extend the move toward $1.50 and potentially the $1.55 region as momentum builds. However, a drop back below $1.43 would weaken the breakout and could pull XRP back toward the previous consolidation range near $1.39–$1.40.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>xrp</category> <category>bitcoin</category> <category>breakout</category> <category>trading</category> <category>rally</category> <enclosure url="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s3y3vcno/production/a0ce98abe6f0c01a430f2ad798c32d03e5a5e86d-1082x666.png?auto=format&w=960&h=540&crop=focalpoint&fit=clip&q=75&fm=jpg" length="0" type="image/png"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Unlock Massive Gains: Why Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana Are Your Best Bets for the Next Bull Run]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/unlock-massive-gains-why-bitcoin-ethereum-and-solana-are-your-best-bets-for-the-next-bull-run</link> <guid>unlock-massive-gains-why-bitcoin-ethereum-and-solana-are-your-best-bets-for-the-next-bull-run</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 21:01:10 GMT</pubDate> <description>< *Image source: Getty Images.* ## Why Are Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana the Top Tokens? **Bitcoin**, the world's most valuable cryptocurrency, is still mined using the energy-intensive **proof-of-work (PoW)** consensus mechanism. Its supply is capped at 21 million tokens, with nearly 20 million already mined. Mining rewards are halved every four years, making it increasingly difficult to mine profitably. This scarcity makes Bitcoin more comparable to gold, silver, and other commodities, positioning it as a hedge against inflation and the devaluation of fiat currencies. **Ether**, the world's second-most-valuable cryptocurrency, operates on a **proof-of-stake (PoS)** mechanism and cannot be mined. Instead, it can be staked (locked up on the Ethereum blockchain) to earn interest-like rewards. Ether supports **smart contracts**, which are essential for developing decentralized apps and other crypto assets. With 31,869 active developers at the end of 2025, Ethereum boasts the largest blockchain-based developer ecosystem. As this ecosystem expands, Ether's value is expected to rise, even though it lacks a hard supply limit like Bitcoin. **Solana**, the world's seventh-most-valuable cryptocurrency, is worth buying because it runs the world's fastest PoS blockchain. It achieves these higher speeds by integrating its own **proof-of-history (PoH)** mechanism, which timestamps transactions before validation. Like Ethereum, Solana supports staking and smart contracts. At the end of 2025, it had 17,708 active developers, placing it second after Ethereum, but it is gaining new developers at a much faster rate. ## Why Will These Three Tokens Outperform Their Peers? Over the next few years, many smaller altcoins may fade away if they lack long-term advantages. In contrast, Bitcoin can be valued by its scarcity, while Ether and Solana can be valued by the growth of their decentralized developer ecosystems. Additionally, Ether and Solana's staking yields will likely gain more attention as interest rates decline. Although these three tokens might remain volatile this year, they are all worth accumulating as the bulls look the other way. *Leo Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.*]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>bitcoin</category> <category>ethereum</category> <category>solana</category> <category>bullrun</category> <category>investing</category> <enclosure url="https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F860664%2Fa-block-labeled-crypto-on-a-digital-screen.jpg&w=1200&op=resize" length="0" type="image//image/"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Crypto PAC's $3.3M Attack on Illinois Progressives: How Big Money Targets Consumer Protection Advocates]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/crypto-pacs-33m-attack-on-illinois-progressives-how-big-money-targets-consumer-protection-advocates</link> <guid>crypto-pacs-33m-attack-on-illinois-progressives-how-big-money-targets-consumer-protection-advocates</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 15:01:23 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## Crypto Industry's New Political Strategy The **cryptocurrency industry** has adopted a controversial new tactic against political candidates who support consumer protections for digital assets: labeling them as corrupt. In two key Illinois congressional primaries, a crypto political action committee called **Fairshake PAC** is spending millions to attack Democratic candidates who voted for cryptocurrency regulations. The PAC has already invested **$3.3 million** in negative advertising against state Sen. Robert Peters and state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, according to analysis from a Chicago political consultant. ## The Anti-Corruption Irony Jeff Hauser of the Revolving Door Project, a crypto industry critic, noted the irony: "We're in a very anti-corruption moment, and you know that is true because one of the most corrupt actors in the country is trying to appropriate an anti-corruption argument." Both targeted candidates supported Illinois' **Digital Assets and Consumer Protection Act**, which requires crypto companies to register with the state and comply with local regulations to serve Illinois residents. The industry has long opposed such state-level regulations, preferring looser federal oversight. ## The Attacks in Detail ### Against Robert Peters Fairshake mailers accuse Peters of being a **"corporate pawn"** and **"bankrolled by special interests"** based on his campaign contributions. Peters, who is endorsed by progressive icons Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, responded: "It was paid for by Trump's top donors, to make sure they buy a lapdog in this congressional seat who will let them avoid all regulation." Two of Peters' opponents, Jesse Jackson Jr. and Donna Miller, have received **A ratings** from industry group Stand With Crypto for promising to pass industry-friendly legislation. ### Against La Shawn K. Ford Ford has been targeted with **$2.5 million** in attack ads, including television spots highlighting a 2012 bank fraud indictment that was ultimately reduced to a misdemeanor tax charge. Local media have called the ads **misleading**, and Ford's campaign has sent Fairshake a cease-and-desist letter. "I think that it's slander," Ford told The Intercept. "They are misleading voters. Even though they know that the Department of Justice dropped those charges, and yet they mislead voters." ## The Trump Connection Ford noted that industry figures including **Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong** have worked closely with former President Donald Trump to secure favorable regulations. Coinbase donated **$1 million** to Trump's inaugural fund in December 2024 and has contributed to Trump's White House ballroom project. "It's funny, because they are cronies with Donald Trump and they want to say that I'm not fit to go to Congress," Ford said. "Yet Donald Trump was actually convicted on 34 counts, and they support him for president." Fairshake declined to comment on the attacks.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>cryptopolitics</category> <category>regulation</category> <category>elections</category> <category>consumerprotection</category> <category>illinois</category> <enclosure url="https://theintercept.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GettyImages-2221291571-e1773442520660.jpg?fit=3000%2C1500&w=1200&h=800" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Bitcoin's Resilience Shines: War Escalations Trigger Smaller Selloffs as Price Floors Rise]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/bitcoins-resilience-shines-war-escalations-trigger-smaller-selloffs-as-price-floors-rise</link> <guid>bitcoins-resilience-shines-war-escalations-trigger-smaller-selloffs-as-price-floors-rise</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 08:01:30 GMT</pubDate> <description>< Bitcoin's **safe-haven status**, once contested, seems back in investors' minds. It's acting as the fastest shock absorber in global markets, with escalations getting bigger while drawdowns shrink. The pattern is clear: each selloff finds buyers at higher levels. - On Feb. 28, the initial strikes bottomed at **$64,000**. - On March 2, after Iran's retaliation, the floor was **$66,000**. - By March 7, the low was **$68,000**. - After tanker attacks on March 12, it held **$69,400**. - After Kharg Island on Saturday, the low was **$70,596**.  In simpler terms, each selloff finds buyers at a higher level than the last. The trendline of **higher lows** has been rising by roughly $1,000-$2,000 per event, compressing the range from below, while $73,000-$74,000 holds as a ceiling that has rejected bitcoin four times. This compression must resolve: either the floor catches the ceiling and bitcoin breaks above $74,000, or the pattern breaks. ## Holding Strong The most striking part is bitcoin's performance relative to other assets over the same two weeks. Oil is up more than **40%** since the war began. The S&P 500 is down. Gold has been volatile. Asian equities had their worst week since March 2020.  This doesn't mean bitcoin is suddenly a safe haven—it still sells on every headline—but it recovers faster each time, and each recovery holds at a higher level. The contrast with earlier this year is sharp: in early February, a liquidation cascade wiped out $2.5 billion in leveraged positions, but it appears to have cleared out weak hands, leaving a leaner market that absorbs war headlines without forced selling. The macro overlay adds context. Trump spared oil infrastructure on Iran's Kharg Island "for reasons of decency" but threatened reconsideration if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with retaliatory threats. This conditional threat is new and could worsen supply disruptions. Bitcoin's adaptation to the war tells traders something about this market: it's not a haven and not purely a risk asset. It has become a **24/7 liquidity pool** that absorbs shocks faster than anything else because it's the only thing trading when shocks arrive.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>bitcoin</category> <category>geopolitics</category> <category>marketanalysis</category> <category>resilience</category> <category>liquidity</category> <enclosure url="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s3y3vcno/production/76f343371323f292a931c1f621353c98e8b4a5ac-1919x1080.jpg?auto=format&w=960&h=540&crop=focalpoint&fit=clip&q=75&fm=jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Can Dogecoin Still Make You a Millionaire? The Surprising Truth Revealed!]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/can-dogecoin-still-make-you-a-millionaire-the-surprising-truth-revealed</link> <guid>can-dogecoin-still-make-you-a-millionaire-the-surprising-truth-revealed</guid> <pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 21:01:27 GMT</pubDate> <description>< ## What Sets Dogecoin Apart from Other Cryptocurrencies? Dogecoin was created using the open-source code for **Litecoin** (LTC), which was forked from Bitcoin's blockchain in 2011. Dogecoin and Litecoin—like Bitcoin—can be mined with the energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism. Dogecoin and Litecoin can be "merge-mined" together because their mechanisms accept the same solutions. But unlike Bitcoin and Litecoin, which have supply limits, Dogecoin doesn't have a supply cap and already has 153 billion tokens in circulation. Therefore, Dogecoin can't be valued by its scarcity—but its supporters believe that its design will encourage people to spend their tokens on actual products and services rather than hoarding them as speculative investments. Dogecoin's blockchain also doesn't natively support smart contracts, which are used to develop decentralized apps and other crypto assets. However, it might attract more developers through Dogechain, a Layer 2 (L2) solution that runs on **Polygon's** (MATIC) proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain. That platform enables the development of decentralized apps that accept Dogecoin. ## What Are Its Potential Challenges and Catalysts? The bears claim Dogecoin's high supply and lack of developer appeal will make it less appealing than "blue chip" tokens like Bitcoin and **Ether** (ETH). Those weaknesses could also cause Dogecoin to underperform other tokens during the next "crypto winter". On the bright side, several crypto firms have submitted their applications for Dogecoin spot price exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). None of those ETFs have been approved yet, but REX-Osprey launched the first Dogecoin-backed ETF on the CBOE (Chicago Board Options Exchange) last September to bypass the SEC. If more of those ETFs are approved, Dogecoin could attract more retail and institutional investors. ## But Is Dogecoin a "Millionaire-Maker" Cryptocurrency? For Dogecoin to turn a $10,000 investment into $1,000,000 again, its market cap would need to rise from $14.5 billion to $14.5 trillion. That would make it the world's most valuable cryptocurrency by a wide margin. By comparison, Bitcoin has a market cap of $1.4 trillion. So while Dogecoin's catalysts might stabilize its price, it's unlikely to replicate its millionaire-making gains from the past decade. Investors looking for more stable cryptocurrencies should stick with Bitcoin or Ethereum instead.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>dogecoin</category> <category>cryptocurrency</category> <category>investment</category> <category>altcoins</category> <category>etfs</category> <enclosure url="https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F860640%2Fshiba-inu-dog-doge-dogecoin.jpeg&w=1200&op=resize" length="0" type="image//image/"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Bitcoin vs S&P 500: Which $10,000 Investment Could Make You Rich by 2030?]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/bitcoin-vs-sp-500-which-10-000-investment-could-make-you-rich-by-2030</link> <guid>bitcoin-vs-sp-500-which-10-000-investment-could-make-you-rich-by-2030</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:01:34 GMT</pubDate> <description>< Comparing these two assets involves looking at actual returns over the past five years. The S&P 500 has shown consistency regardless of entry point, while Bitcoin’s outcomes vary widely based on timing. - **S&P 500**: Investing $10,000 in March 2021, when the index was around 3,950, would be worth roughly **$13,900** today, a 39% return over five years (about 7% annually). This steady growth comes with minimal volatility, never dropping more than 25%. - **Bitcoin**: Investing $10,000 in March 2021 at $58,000 would be worth about **$12,000** today, a 20% gain—underperforming the S&P 500. However, buying in March 2023 at $25,000 would turn $10,000 into **$28,000** (a 180% return in three years). Catching the post-FTX bottom near $16,500 in late 2022 could have grown $10,000 to over **$42,000**. From March 2024 to today, Bitcoin has slightly declined, while the S&P 500 returned about 7%. The key takeaway: the S&P 500 offers predictable outcomes with long-term holds, whereas Bitcoin can outperform by 5x or underperform entirely, depending on whether you buy during a crash or near a peak. ## Projections: $10,000 in the S&P 500 by 2030  The S&P 500 has averaged about **10% annually since 1957** and closer to **15.6% over the past decade**. Future returns are uncertain, but historical ranges provide a reasonable estimate: - At **8% annual growth**, $10,000 grows to roughly **$13,600** by 2030. - At the long-term average of **10%**, it becomes about **$14,600**. - With a strong stretch like the past decade at **14%**, it could reach **$16,900**. While these scenarios don’t double your money, they offer stability. The S&P 500 has only had negative annual returns in six of the last thirty years. As Warren Buffett advocates, a low-cost S&P 500 index fund is a reliable investment for most people, requiring minimal effort and no timing worries. ## Projections: $10,000 in Bitcoin by 2030  Bitcoin’s potential outcomes by 2030 are far wider than the S&P 500’s. Analyst projections range from **$150,000** to over **$1 million**, each painting a different picture for a $10,000 investment: - At **$150,000** (aligned with Standard Chartered’s moderate forecast), Bitcoin roughly doubles from $70,000, turning $10,000 into about **$21,400**. - At **$300,000 to $500,000** (based on Ark Invest’s balanced forecast), $10,000 becomes **$42,800 to $71,400**. - At **$1 million** (as targeted by Cathie Wood and others), $10,000 could be worth roughly **$142,800**. These numbers are compelling compared to the S&P 500’s $14,600. However, Bitcoin has experienced significant volatility, dropping **50% or more four times since 2017**. The 2022 crash from $69,000 to $15,700 wiped out 77% of its value, and the current drawdown from $126,000 to $70,000 is already at 47%. If prices drop further to $41,000, as some projections suggest, a $10,000 investment could temporarily fall to **$5,800** before any recovery. The upside is massive, but it requires enduring potential halving of your investment along the way. ## Bitcoin or S&P 500: Which $10,000 Investment Makes More Sense in 2026? From today’s perspective, Bitcoin offers greater potential upside, while the S&P 500 provides a steadier ride. The choice depends on your investor profile: - **Bitcoin**: At $70,000, Bitcoin is **47% below its all-time high**, with institutional access through ETFs now available. Even conservative projections suggest doubling by 2030. However, you must be prepared to hold through potential drops, such as to $41,000, without selling. - **S&P 500**: Investing $10,000 in an index fund offers quiet compounding with a century-long track record. It won’t deliver 5x returns but provides steady growth without the stress of volatility. If you seek steady growth, the S&P 500 is hard to beat. If you’re willing to stomach swings for a chance at significantly higher returns, Bitcoin at $70,000 presents a better risk-reward opportunity over the next four years.]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>bitcoin</category> <category>sp500</category> <category>investing</category> <category>comparison</category> <category>forecast</category> <enclosure url="https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/shutterstock-2714198995-huge-licensed-scaled.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Crypto & AI Giants Pour $31M into Chicago Primaries: How Tech Money is Reshaping Democracy]]></title> <link>https://www.bitcointoday.app/article/crypto-ai-giants-pour-31m-into-chicago-primaries-how-tech-money-is-reshaping-democracy</link> <guid>crypto-ai-giants-pour-31m-into-chicago-primaries-how-tech-money-is-reshaping-democracy</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:01:09 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## The $31 Million Super PAC Blitz National special-interest groups, now including **deep-pocketed cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence interests**, have spent tens of millions of dollars to influence four hotly contested Democratic congressional primaries in the Chicago area. Through Thursday, super PACs whose donors are hard to track had reported spending more than **$31.4 million**, including more than **$6.1 million** for attack ads that are swamping voters ahead of Tuesday’s primaries. The portions from the **crypto, AI and pro-Israel groups total $26.9 million**, a WBEZ review of federal campaign disclosures has found. ## Unprecedented Spending Levels This super PAC spending is far more than the last time the Chicago area had U.S. House primary races without an incumbent. In 2022, U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson’s campaign saw more than $1.1 million in super PAC support, while U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez’s bid got a $1.5 million boost. This election cycle, a handful of congressional candidates are seeing **quadruple those amounts** go toward their individual runs, with most of that super PAC money coming from a pro-Israel group and the **trillion-dollar cryptocurrency and AI industries**. “There’s nothing wrong with interest groups getting involved in politics,” said Alisa Kaplan, executive director of Reform for Illinois, which tracks campaign money. “But when some groups can drown out everyone else because of their **bottomless pockets… it distorts democracy**.” ## Cryptocurrency's Political Play In the 7th Congressional District, retiring U.S. Rep. Danny Davis has endorsed state Rep. La Shawn Ford. But Ford has faced attack ads about a federal bank fraud case against him. The ads are part of a **$2.5 million anti-Ford barrage by FairShake**, a super PAC linked to cryptocurrency interests. The group, formed in 2023, tries to **limit regulations on that financial sector**. Ford last year helped pass legislation to regulate digital asset exchanges — a measure opposed by some cryptocurrency groups. Ford told WBEZ he sent FairShake a cease-and-desist letter, which has not been answered. “I would expect there to be some dirty politics. I didn’t expect there to be lies about my [legal] record,” Ford said. “They’ve been lying, saying I was convicted of bank fraud.” FairShake has also spent more than **$817,000 on negative ads** in the 2nd District, which covers part of the South Side and some nearby suburbs. The ads attack state Sen. Robert Peters, a leading candidate to replace U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly. “Crypto is not well-liked, particularly in the working-class Black community,” Peters said. “They have so much money they could **flood the zone with misinformation** to try to convince the voters that the [U.S. Sen.] Bernie Sanders-backed candidate is somehow beholden to corporations.” ## AI's Political Influence Unlike FairShake, a group aligned with AI interests has yet to go negative. The group, Think Big, has pumped more than **$1.1 million into digital ads and phone messages** for former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean’s bid for the 8th District. Her website describes AI as a “powerful tool,” but she did not respond to WBEZ about the contributions. It also gave Peters’ opponent, Jesse Jackson Jr., a nearly **$1.4 million boost** for his comeback campaign. ## Pro-Israel Groups Dominate Spending The bulk of the super PAC expenditures in the four U.S. House primaries are linked to the **American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)**, a national lobbying organization that opposes strict human-rights conditions on U.S. military aid to Israel. As of Thursday, **AIPAC-tied committees had disclosed spending more than $20.5 million** to promote the group’s favorite candidates or attack rivals. That’s on top of millions of dollars from individuals — most outside Illinois — that AIPAC channeled to the congressional campaigns of Bean, state Sen. Laura Fine and Cook County Board member Donna Miller. The largest beneficiary of AIPAC-linked spending is Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, running in the 7th District. One super PAC has spent **nearly $5 million on her behalf**. Next is Fine, who is among 15 candidates competing in the 9th District. AIPAC-linked committees have not only spent nearly **$4.4 million promoting Fine’s candidacy**, they’ve bankrolled more than **$2.6 million in attacks** on her best-financed opponents, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and content creator Kat Abughazaleh. A Fine statement to WBEZ calls a suggestion that outside spending would influence her policy positions “laughable.”]]></description> <author>contact@bitcointoday.app (BitcoinToday.app)</author> <category>cryptocurrency</category> <category>politics</category> <category>superpac</category> <category>elections</category> <category>regulation</category> <enclosure url="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1c584cd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6712x3831+0+322/resize/1461x834!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F2a%2Ff3%2F12a2f9c9468cbad509e0de12d006%2Fpac.jpg" length="0" type="image//dims4/default/1c584cd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6712x3831+0+322/resize/1461x834!/quality/90/"/> </item> </channel> </rss>