Author: CoinNewsJunction.com

TLDR Oklahoma lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 2064, allowing state employees to receive salaries in bitcoin. The bill permits vendors contracting with the state to choose bitcoin payments on a per-transaction basis. Private businesses and individuals in Oklahoma can negotiate payments in bitcoin under the proposed legislation. The bill exempts bitcoin-native businesses from Oklahoma’s money transmitter licensing requirements. The Oklahoma State Treasurer will select a provider for processing bitcoin payments by January 1, 2027. Oklahoma lawmakers have introduced a bill allowing state employees, vendors, private businesses, and residents to negotiate payments in bitcoin. Senate Bill 2064, introduced by Senator Dusty…

XRP is trading above $1.90 after several weeks of pressure that pushed the token below the $2 psychological level. The pullback comes amid a broader crypto market downturn that has erased roughly $200 billion in total market capitalization since early January. Related Reading: Dogecoin (DOGE) Rebound Looks Fragile With Multiple Hurdles Ahead For XRP, the decline has been accompanied by a sharp deterioration in retail sentiment, even as some on-chain analysts and ecosystem participants argue that the current range carries longer-term significance. While price action remains fragile, the debate around XRP has shifted from short-term momentum to questions of positioning,…

TLDR: McLaren Racing and Hedera launch a multi-year partnership, bringing blockchain technology to motorsport fans. Free digital collectibles will debut during F1 Grand Prix weekends with the Arrow McLaren IndyCar program returning. Hedera branding appears on McLaren F1 cars, driver suits, and both Arrow McLaren IndyCar team vehicles. The partnership represents the first phase of long-term collaboration between the global motorsport brand and the Web3 network.   McLaren Racing has entered a multi-year partnership with Hedera Foundation to deliver blockchain-based fan experiences.  The collaboration makes Hedera an official partner of both the McLaren Formula 1 and Arrow McLaren IndyCar teams. …

Cryptocurrency is no longer just for investors; it’s now a practical payment method for everyday shopping. Whether you’re buying groceries, streaming shows, or traveling, crypto is becoming widely accepted. Did you know you can buy CoinsBee gift cards with crypto and use them to shop at over 5,000 brands worldwide? That’s right, and we’re about to tell you how. The Rise of Cryptocurrency in Everyday Transactions In the early days, crypto was seen as speculative and had limited use, but by 2026, global regulations will have improved, and millions will start using digital assets for everyday purchases. Blockchain networks like…

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called on Canada to boycott Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) that will be entering the country as a result of the recent deal the federal government struck with China. Speaking at Queen’s Park on Wednesday, January 21, Ford issued his strongest condemnation yet of the agreement, which allows up to 49,000 Chinese EVs into Canada annually at a reduced tariff rate of 6.1%, down from 100%. The deal, announced last week during Carney’s trip to China, offers relief to Canadian canola farmers in exchange for opening the door to Chinese automakers. Ford, who was flanked by…

It’s safe to say that housing — most Americans’ biggest monthly expense — is now crowding crypto off the legislative calendar. Summary Lawmakers push digital-asset legislation to late February/March to focus on housing costs tied to Trump’s affordability agenda. Executive order targets large institutional investors buying single-family homes, though they own <1% of stock. Cardano’s Hoskinson warns against “good enough” rules; Ripple’s Garlinghouse favors pragmatic, incremental regulation. The Senate Banking Committee is expected to delay consideration of sweeping crypto market legislation until late February or March, according to Bloomberg. Lawmakers are instead shifting their attention to housing affordability in an…

TLDR Importers face long delays for tariff refunds, with over 1,000 cases in the Court of International Trade. A Supreme Court ruling could extend the legal process, potentially delaying refunds for years. The Department of Justice and importers seek a steering committee to manage the complex refund cases. Retailers have absorbed much of the tariff costs, preventing immediate price reductions for consumers. Legal delays mean businesses can’t lower prices, and new tariffs may add to the uncertainty. Importers were hoping for swift refunds for billions of dollars in tariffs, but trade attorneys warn of delays. With over 1,000 refund-related cases…

TLDR: Circle’s USDC stablecoin recorded 108% year-over-year growth as the market reached $300 billion in circulation. More than one billion underbanked people can now access digital financial services using internet-connected devices. The UN Refugee Agency deployed USDC to deliver critical financial assistance to thousands displaced by war in Ukraine. Circle Foundation partners with Community Development Financial Institutions to expand affordable small-business lending.   Regulated stablecoins are reshaping financial services for underserved populations globally, according to Circle’s Chief Strategic Engagement Officer Elisabeth Carpenter.  The digital assets now support humanitarian aid distribution, small business financing, and cross-border commerce, while reducing transaction costs. …

Solana’s price retreated for two consecutive days on Monday, reaching its lowest point since January 3, as risk-off sentiment spread across financial markets after Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on key NATO members. Summary Solana price has formed a cup-and-handle pattern on the daily chart. The ongoing decline is part of the formation of the handle section. Third-party data shows that Solana transactions are soaring. Solana (SOL) token retreated to a low of $130, down by 10% from its highest point this year. This retreat brought its market capitalization to $80 billion, making it the sixth-biggest cryptocurrency in the industry.…

XRP price retreated sharply on Monday and reached a low of $1.8500, its lowest level since January 1, and 23% below its highest point this year. Summary XRP price retreated sharply, erasing all the gains made earlier this year. Brad Garlinghouse will deliver a statement at the World Economic Forum. The coin has formed a doji candlestick, pointing to a rebound this week. Ripple’s (XRP) crash mirrored that of Bitcoin (BTC) and other tokens, including blue-chip names like Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Ethereum (ETH). It also coincided with the ongoing retreat of American stock index futures, with the Dow…