Trump inks trade deals on Asia trip, with US-China agreement close ahead of Xi meeting

The president expressed optimism that a deal between the U.S. and China was close. He stated, “China wants to make a deal, and we want to make a deal.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this sentiment on Sunday morning, confirming that both sides had agreed to a “framework” for the deal.

China had hoped to avoid new 100% tariffs scheduled to go into effect on November 1. Bessent thanked President Trump for the negotiating leverage that the threat of these tariffs provided. “President Trump gave me a great deal of negotiating leverage with the threat of the 100% tariffs, and I believe we’ve reached a very substantial framework that will avoid that and allow us to discuss many other things with the Chinese,” Bessent told NBC.

Chinese trade negotiator Li Chenggang told reporters that the sides had reached a “preliminary consensus.” Further progress is expected during Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday. Trump also expressed hopes to visit China and invited Xi to visit Washington or his Mar-a-Lago estate.

The new Chinese tariffs had been introduced in response to U.S. limitations on rare earth minerals imposed on China.

In addition to the developments with China, the U.S. also secured trade deals with several other nations during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur. New agreements were signed with Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

President Trump attended a ceremony marking an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. The two countries had recently fought a brief conflict lasting five days in July, which resulted in dozens of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians. Taking credit for helping to end the conflict, Trump stated, “On behalf of the United States, I’m proud to help settle this conflict and forge a future for the region.”

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called the agreement a “historic day,” while Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described the new deal as laying “the building blocks for a lasting peace.” The trade deals with Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia included reductions in tariffs across the board.

President Trump had previously threatened to impose tariffs on Thailand and Cambodia if they failed to reach a peace deal. Notably, the deals with Malaysia and Thailand contained provisions related to critical minerals used in electronic devices, helping to reduce American reliance on Chinese rare earth minerals.

**Tariff Exclusion Process in Trump 2.0: A Big Departure from the First Term**

Trump also continued to strengthen relations with other Asian countries during his appearance at ASEAN. The summit included nations such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, among others. During his address, the president made a strong friendship appeal to the countries present:

“The United States is with you 100%, and we intend to be a strong partner and friend for many generations to come,” Trump said.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/3864332/trump-trade-deals-asia-trip-china-tariffs/

Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Targets $180K, Retail Investors Pin Hopes on AlphaPepe as the Favourite

Bitcoin Eyes $180,000 as AlphaPepe Presale Turns Heads in Crypto Market

Bitcoin (BTC) is once again dominating headlines, as analysts set their sights on a potential rally toward $180,000 in the next major cycle. The world’s largest cryptocurrency continues to solidify its status as the backbone of global digital finance, buoyed by strong institutional inflows, steady ETF demand, and long-term holder accumulation.

But while Bitcoin remains the cornerstone of most portfolios, retail investors are increasingly looking for faster, higher-upside opportunities. That’s where AlphaPepe (ALPE), the BNB Chain presale turning heads across the market, comes in.

With nearly 3,000 early investors, weekly price increases built into the presale model, and a community governance platform in development, AlphaPepe is quickly becoming the project traders are betting on for outsized gains as Bitcoin climbs.

Bitcoin’s Road to $180K: The Institutional Momentum Builds

After touching highs above $125,000 earlier this year, Bitcoin has spent recent months consolidating around the $110,000-$115,000 range. Analysts believe this is a healthy setup phase that historically precedes the next major leg upward.

Institutional flows into spot Bitcoin ETFs have continued at a record pace, signaling deep demand even amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Long-term holders are accumulating, miner selling pressure has eased post-halving, and liquidity across derivatives markets is steadily increasing.

Most major models now forecast $150,000 to $180,000 as Bitcoin’s next major target zone by early 2026, assuming no major regulatory disruptions.

Bitcoin’s steady progress reinforces its role as the anchor of crypto wealth, but it also highlights something retail traders already know: big money moves slowly. For investors chasing the next explosive rally, attention is turning to projects still in their infancy.

AlphaPepe: The Presale Taking Over the Retail Narrative

While Bitcoin builds institutional trust, AlphaPepe (ALPE) is building retail excitement. Designed to blend meme-culture energy with structured growth, AlphaPepe’s presale has already raised more than $330,000 and attracted nearly 3,000 holders—a clear sign that its traction is both organic and accelerating.

Each week, AlphaPepe’s presale price rises incrementally, meaning early buyers automatically benefit from built-in appreciation before the token even launches. This tiered structure has created strong demand from traders and whales alike, who see AlphaPepe as a rare chance to amplify Bitcoin-level profits into life-changing ROI.

The project’s staking system is already active, with APRs that continue both during the presale and post-launch. This live utility has helped AlphaPepe stand out in a market saturated with projects that rely purely on speculation.

Perhaps most importantly, AlphaPepe is preparing to launch its Community Governance Platform—a post-presale system that will allow holders to vote on reward distributions and ecosystem proposals. It’s a shift toward decentralization that gives investors real ownership over the project’s direction.

AlphaPepe’s success also lies in its community. Its organic virality on X (formerly Twitter), backed by a $100,000 ALPE giveaway, has made it one of the most visible crypto launches of 2025. With staking, governance, and live rewards all in play, it’s no surprise that analysts are calling it the “next Shiba Inu but with structure.”

Bitcoin and AlphaPepe: Two Sides of the Same Strategy

Bitcoin and AlphaPepe represent two very different kinds of opportunity and together, they make a powerful combination.

  • Bitcoin provides the foundation: slow, steady, and institutionally backed.
  • AlphaPepe provides acceleration: rapid, community-driven, and built for high ROI potential.

For many investors, the strategy is simple: hold Bitcoin for security, and use the profits from its rise to enter early-stage projects like AlphaPepe, where upside potential is exponentially higher.

As one analyst put it: “Nearly 3,000 early AlphaPepe investors could be looking at life-changing returns. This is the kind of move that turns Bitcoin profits into generational wealth.”

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s march toward $180K seems inevitable as institutional adoption deepens and macro trends favor digital assets. But while BTC’s climb will reward patience, AlphaPepe (ALPE) is rewarding speed—the early adopters who understand timing and momentum.

With a weekly price increase structure, staking APR live during and after presale, and a community governance platform set to go live post-launch, AlphaPepe has become the project defining this phase of the market.

For traders and whales positioning early, AlphaPepe could turn strong Bitcoin gains into the kind of life-changing ROI that only happens once every few cycles. And with its explosive growth and active investor base, it’s easy to see why retail investors have made AlphaPepe their favorite crypto play of 2025.

Connect and Learn More

  • Website: [Insert Website URL]
  • Telegram: [Insert Telegram Link]
  • X (Twitter): [Insert X Profile Link]

FAQs

What is Bitcoin’s next price target?

Analysts expect Bitcoin to test $150K-$180K by early 2026, driven by ETF inflows, supply reductions, and long-term holder accumulation.

Why are retail investors turning to AlphaPepe?

Because it offers early-stage momentum, weekly price increases during presale, staking rewards, and real governance utility—a combination that amplifies upside.

What makes AlphaPepe unique among meme coins?

Its transparency, audited foundation, and post-launch roadmap, which includes community governance and sustained staking rewards.

How many investors have joined AlphaPepe so far?

AlphaPepe is nearing 3,000 holders, growing by over 100 new participants daily—far above the average for similar presales.

Can AlphaPepe really deliver life-changing returns?

Analysts believe it can. With its accelerating presale structure and ecosystem roadmap, AlphaPepe could become the cycle’s biggest ROI opportunity.


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.

About the Author

Krasimir Rusev is a reporter at Coindoo 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/bitcoin-price-prediction-btc-targets-180k-retail-investors-pin-hopes-on-alphapepe-as-the-favourite/

Muir Woods reopens for 1 week thanks to private donations during government shutdown

**Muir Woods Reopens Temporarily During Government Shutdown Thanks to Private Donations**

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) — While the ongoing government shutdown has forced the closure of many Bay Area attractions, visitors to the North Bay are pleasantly surprised to find Muir Woods National Monument temporarily reopened — all thanks to private donations.

Nature guides have returned to the ancient Redwood groves, sharing the wonders of Muir Woods with eager visitors. Volunteer John Maclennan expressed his enthusiasm: “It feels great, I’m glad people have heard about the opening and they came back.”

After being closed for most of October due to the government shutdown, the National Monument’s gates have reopened to the public. Laila Mohamed, visiting from Raleigh, North Carolina, shared her excitement:
“Oh, I love it. I was tripping all over my feet looking up — they’re so tall.”

Mohamed added that she had not expected to visit the iconic trees during her trip. “I’m really grateful. My mom went on a tour earlier this week, but they weren’t able to come in because it was closed. I fully expected we weren’t going, but then they said Muir Woods is open. I was so happy!”

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy revealed that a group of park concessionaires and vendors raised enough funds to keep Muir Woods open with free admission through October 31.

Jerry Evola of *A Taste of San Francisco* tours noted, “This is the largest tour that we do as far as the numbers,” as he shuttled visitors into the redwood grove once again. He emphasized the importance of keeping parks open:
“If you have the opportunity to give people pleasure, education is always better than shutting something down.”

It’s not just Muir Woods that’s operating. Alcatraz tours continue to run during the shutdown thanks to a donation from the ferry operator, Hornblower Cruises. Leah Chopan from Dallas recounted her visit: “I went yesterday to Alcatraz, I even met a former inmate, Baker.”

Although about 80% of America’s 430 National Park sites remain open in some capacity, most are operating with minimal staff. Concerns about activities such as BASE jumping and illegal camping have led former park officials to call for full closures until the shutdown ends.

In a statement, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks said:
“Keeping parks open without adequate staff is in violation of the National Park Service’s founding mission and inconsistent with the laws passed by Congress. We recognize that closing parks is not an easy decision but it’s the responsible one.”

For now, at Muir Woods and Alcatraz, most rangers and volunteers remain on duty and are glad to be there. As Maclennan put it, “It’s all about the trees in here, not the birds, not animals — it’s about the trees.”
https://abc7news.com/post/muir-woods-marin-county-reopens-1-week-thanks-private-donations-during-government-shutdown/18068124/

Real estate stocks advance as October rate cut odds rise, earnings meet Wall Street expectations

**Real Estate Stocks Advance as October Rate Cut Odds Rise, Earnings Meet Expectations**

Real estate stocks moved higher recently as the sector posted financial results that largely met Wall Street expectations. Additionally, a cooler-than-expected September retail inflation report fueled hopes for an interest rate cut in October.

The softer retail inflation data appears to have confirmed market expectations that the Federal Reserve may soon ease monetary policy. Lower interest rates generally make real estate investments more attractive by reducing borrowing costs, which can further boost real estate stock performance.

Most real estate companies reported earnings that either met or exceeded analyst estimates, providing additional support for the sector’s gains. Notably, Plymouth Industrial REIT is set for acquisition, highlighting ongoing consolidation in the industry.

Meanwhile, several firms, including Getty Realty and Community Healthcare, announced dividend increases, signaling confidence in their financial health and positive corporate momentum.

### Related Stocks
– XLRE — The Real Estate Select Sector SPDR® Fund ETF
– VNQ — Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund ETF Shares
– IYR — iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF
– REM — iShares Mortgage Real Estate Capped ETF
– REZ — iShares Residential and Multisector Real Estate ETF

**Quick Insights**
– Cooler retail inflation raised hopes for rate cuts, potentially boosting real estate stocks.
– Earnings largely met or beat expectations across the sector.
– Plymouth Industrial REIT acquisition underway.
– Dividend increases announced by Getty Realty and Community Healthcare.

Stay tuned for more trending news and in-depth analysis on the real estate market and related sectors.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4508426-real-estate-stocks-advance-as-october-rate-cut-odds-rise-earnings-meet-wall-street-expectations?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

BigBear.ai (BBAI) Stock Jumps 11% Following Chicago O’Hare Security Partnership

On October 24, BigBear.ai saw a massive surge in trading volume, hitting nearly 293 million shares traded—a 216% increase from its normal levels. The stock briefly touched $9.39 on October 14 before settling back, though it remains well above the levels seen before recent announcements.

BigBear.ai has also been making strides in civilian infrastructure. On September 11, the company launched its veriScan biometric system at Nashville International Airport. This expansion continued on October 23 with a rollout at Chicago O’Hare, drawing significant attention. The facial recognition platform reduces international arrival processing times from 60 seconds to just 10 seconds per traveler, a claim supported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. The Enhanced Passenger Processing program confirms these improvements at airports nationwide. Kevin McAleenan, former CBP Commissioner, called the O’Hare deployment “a major advancement in securing and accelerating international arrivals.”

Beyond these headline developments, BigBear.ai has been actively involved in defense projects. The company collaborated with SMX Solutions on U.S. Navy maritime surveillance during the UNITAS 2025 exercise, highlighting its growing footprint in military applications.

### Financial Reality Check

Despite the upbeat stock activity and contract wins, BigBear.ai’s recent financial results paint a more challenging picture. The company reported Q2 2025 revenue of $32.5 million, down 18% year-over-year and significantly below analyst expectations, which hovered around $41 million. The quarter concluded with a net loss of $228.6 million, mostly due to one-time non-cash charges, though the sizeable loss remains concerning.

Management has since lowered its full-year 2025 revenue guidance to a range of $125–140 million, down from the prior $155 million target, and has withdrawn all profit estimates. Analysts interpret this caution as a response to uncertainties surrounding federal government spending.

On a positive note, BigBear.ai ended Q2 with approximately $390 million in cash—equating to over $2 per share—and maintains a contract backlog of $380 million. While this backlog suggests potential revenue growth as projects progress, timing remains uncertain. Investors will keenly watch Q3 earnings, scheduled for November 10, for signs of improvement in bookings and sales.

Operationally, the company faces hurdles: its net margin stood at a negative 269% in the latest quarter, fueled by declining revenue and mounting losses.

### Market Sentiment and Analyst Views

Wall Street remains divided on BigBear.ai’s prospects. The consensus rating is “Hold” with an average price target near $6.00 per share. H.C. Wainwright takes a more bullish stance, maintaining a Buy rating and an $8 target, citing the company’s strengthened balance sheet and anticipated boosts in defense spending.

Conversely, some analysts are bearish. Weiss Ratings assigns the stock a “Sell (D-)” grade, warning about the speculative risks of investing in BigBear.ai. Valuation metrics look stretched, as the stock trades at roughly 13 times projected 2025 sales—an expensive multiple for a company facing revenue declines and ongoing losses.

The stock price largely reflects optimism around future contract wins rather than current earnings performance.

Social media discussions parallel these mixed views. While some traders celebrated recent contract deals as a bullish signal, others focus on lowered guidance and sustained losses. Technical analysts have spotted potential for further upside: StockInvest’s AI analysis forecasts a 19% gain over the next three months, driven by momentum indicators and confirmed by volume patterns following a short-term “pivot bottom” on October 22.

### Risks and Competitive Landscape

BigBear.ai’s future success hinges on converting its substantial contract backlog into consistent revenue streams. Management has hinted that several larger contract awards are forthcoming. However, government programs often face procurement delays and budgetary uncertainties that could impede progress. Any setbacks in project execution might negatively impact the stock.

Investor concerns are also fueled by high insider selling, including shares sold by the CFO in late August, raising questions about management’s confidence in near-term prospects.

Competition in the defense and AI sector is intensifying. Established firms like Palantir and emerging players like Anduril are all vying for Pentagon contracts. In comparison, BigBear.ai’s $32.5 million quarterly revenue is modest versus Palantir’s billings in the billions, highlighting the vast scale gap despite some market comparisons to a “mini-Palantir.”

BigBear.ai’s story is one of promising technology and strategic wins shadowed by financial challenges and operational risks. Investors will be closely monitoring upcoming quarterly results and contract developments to gauge whether the company can capitalize on its pipeline and improve its bottom line.
https://coincentral.com/bigbear-ai-bbai-stock-jumps-11-following-chicago-ohare-security-partnership/

Trump Nominates Michael Selig as New CFTC Chair

U.S. President Donald Trump has chosen Michael Selig as the chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), according to Bloomberg reports on Friday. This nomination replaces his previous nominee, Brian Quintez, following pressure from Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, founders of Gemini.

### Selig as the New CFTC Chair

Michael Selig currently serves as chief counsel for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Crypto Task Force and Senior Advisor to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins. Before joining the SEC, Selig was a partner at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, where he specialized in asset management and digital assets regulation.

Selig’s extensive background positions him well to promote greater coordination between the SEC and CFTC, two key agencies overseeing financial markets. This nomination is closely tied to the implementation and impact of the CLARITY and GENIUS Act, which are expected to shape crypto regulation.

With Selig at the helm of the CFTC, he will have direct influence on how major cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets are regulated in practice. He is expected to leverage his cross-agency experience to harmonize regulatory frameworks related to spot crypto trading, tokenized collateral, and investor protections. These efforts are likely to advance institutional confidence in regulated digital assets.

### Industry Reaction

Earlier this month, when Selig emerged as the leading candidate for CFTC Chair, Jake Chervinsky, chief legal officer at the Variant Fund, described the development as a pivotal moment for U.S. crypto policy. He said:

> “There’s nothing more important for crypto policy than the White House nominating a new CFTC chair, and nobody better than Mike Selig for the job. I’ve had the honor of knowing Mike for years, and he’s the real deal: a brilliant lawyer and proven leader perfect for this role.”

Chervinsky also praised Selig as a trustworthy and skilled lawyer with proven leadership experience, qualities that could help stabilize and advance crypto oversight in a positive and more predictable manner.

### What’s Next? Senate Vote

Following President Trump’s nomination, Selig must be approved by the U.S. Senate before officially taking office. The confirmation process involves a hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee, which typically handles CFTC nominations.

During the hearing, Selig will likely face questions regarding his qualifications and his stance on current U.S. regulations. If he receives Senate approval, Selig can officially begin his term as Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
https://coinpedia.org/news/trump-nominates-michael-selig-as-new-cftc-chair/

Polymarket Confirms $POLY Token and Airdrop, A $15B Prediction Revolution in the Making

The rumors are finally real. Polymarket, the fast-growing prediction market, is officially launching its native OLY token along with a highly anticipated airdrop. CMO Matthew Modabber confirmed the move publicly, sparking immediate buzz across crypto Twitter. What began as mere speculation has now evolved into one of the most awaited token launches in the decentralized prediction space.

### The OLY Token Is Coming

Polymarket’s CMO didn’t hold back during his announcement. He revealed that the team is preparing both a native token and a massive airdrop designed to reward early users for their genuine engagement.

“Expect every airdrop hunter and crypto trader to rush in,” one insider wrote on X (formerly Twitter) moments after Modabber’s statement. “Early users will likely be rewarded for volume, longevity, and organic activity.”

This news is music to the ears of long-time Polymarket traders — those who have been active well before the announcement. Rumors suggest that the OLY airdrop could arrive as early as 2026, with eligibility closely tied to user activity, trading patterns, and authentic participation.

### A $15 Billion Valuation on the Table

Behind the scenes, things are moving rapidly. According to Bloomberg, Polymarket is already in discussions to raise fresh funding with a valuation potentially reaching up to $15 billion.

That staggering figure places Polymarket in rarefied air within the decentralized prediction market sector. If the funding round materializes, it would be among the largest valuations ever for a project in this niche. Investors are reportedly circling, attracted by Polymarket’s growth trajectory and the promise of an industry that uniquely blends finance, politics, and real-time sentiment data.

### Airdrop Rules: Real Traders Only

Although the airdrop may be massive, Modabber made one thing crystal clear during an AMA: there will be no room for farmers.

He stressed that the OLY token distribution will prioritize real users—those with consistent, organic trading histories. Farming tactics and wash trades won’t cut it this time.

“The drop is likely tied to volume, activity, and trading behavior,” Modabber said. “Passive users risk missing out.”

This announcement has sparked a surge of renewed interest across prediction market communities. Traders are dusting off their old accounts, placing small but steady bets, and building genuine volume ahead of the official snapshot.

The rules are simple: trade, stay active, and prove authenticity.

### Polymarket’s Big Play: More Than Just Predictions

Polymarket isn’t just another betting site dressed up in Web3 colors. It’s a data-driven prediction market that enables users to trade on real-world events — everything from elections and sports to economics and pop culture.

Each market reflects crowd sentiment, and every trade contributes a valuable data point. This makes Polymarket much more than entertainment; it’s an evolving form of decentralized intelligence.

The upcoming OLY token will serve as the foundation of this ecosystem. It’s not a meme or a quick cash grab — it’s infrastructure.

That distinction is crucial. While many other airdrops chaser hype, Polymarket is focused on building a long-term framework for decentralized forecasting, liquidity incentives, and governance.

### “This Ain’t Just Another Platform”

Crypto Twitter is calling this launch a new era for prediction markets.

“This ain’t just another platform,” one Polymarket supporter wrote after the AMA. “It’s being built to compete globally.”

This isn’t mere hype. With user engagement on the rise, growing investor attention, and a token launch confirmed, Polymarket is positioning itself as a potential market leader in on-chain predictions.

Its focus on genuine users — not bots or farmers — is part of a larger strategy to build trust and ensure longevity.

If successful, the OLY token could set a new standard for transparency and fairness across decentralized trading platforms.

### Early Users in the Spotlight

With the confirmation of the OLY token and airdrop, every early user has become a potential winner.

Activity, longevity, and organic volume are expected to determine who benefits the most. It’s a familiar formula, but Polymarket’s approach feels different — instead of chasing hype, they are rewarding consistency and faith in the product from day one.

As one longtime trader put it: “You can’t farm conviction.”

With the official launch expected in 2026, traders have months to ramp up their participation and secure their place in what could become one of the largest airdrops in crypto history.

### Market Reaction: Momentum Building

The crypto community wasted no time reacting. Mentions of OLY exploded across X after Modabber’s confirmation.

Prediction market tokens — even those unrelated — saw significant volume spikes as speculators positioned themselves early.

Polymarket’s growing visibility has also translated into increasing trading volume, which continues trending upward. If this momentum holds, the platform could break participation records before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, curiosity about Polymarket’s native tokenomics is intensifying. Traders want to understand how OLY will fit into governance, fees, and incentives. For now, the team remains tight-lipped.

The message is clear: stay active, stay early, and stay ready.

### Building Toward a Global Platform

What truly sets Polymarket apart isn’t just the product — it’s the ambition.

A $15 billion valuation isn’t just a number; it’s a statement of intent.

With new capital, a growing user base, and the OLY token on the horizon, Polymarket is positioning itself at the intersection of finance, media, and prediction technology.

The OLY token is designed to unify its ecosystem — from market creation and trading incentives to governance and liquidity.

This launch represents the next logical step in pushing prediction markets into the mainstream.

### The Early Birds Will Set the Pace

Polymarket’s journey is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: early participants will shape what happens next.

“This is one of those projects you don’t just watch,” Modabber said during the AMA. “You get involved.”

And that’s exactly what the crypto community is doing.

Excitement is building, engagement is rising, and the countdown to the OLY airdrop has already begun.

The opportunity is simple: get in early, stay active, and trade with intent.

When the airdrop lands, the early birds won’t just get rewarded — they’ll define the next chapter of decentralized prediction markets.

*Disclosure: This article is not trading or investment advice. Always conduct your own research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.*
https://themerkle.com/polymarket-confirms-poly-token-and-airdrop-a-15b-prediction-revolution-in-the-making/

Trump’s Asia Tour: Deals, Diplomacy and a Meeting With Xi

From Kuala Lumpur to Gyeongju, President Trump is casting himself as a deal-maker and peace negotiator.

As he travels through the region, he aims to promote tariff relief and establish steadier ties amid a wary environment.

Leaders and citizens alike are watching closely to see how his diplomatic efforts might impact the future of international relations in this part of the world.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/world/asia/trump-japan-korea-china.html

Federal workers in South Florida left disheartened, struggling to get by amid government shutdown

**Federal Workers in South Florida Struggle Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown**

*FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN)* — Federal workers across South Florida are facing financial hardships and growing disheartenment as the federal government shutdown continues, caught in the crossfire of a political battle.

At Miami International Airport on Friday, several Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents were seen picking up food distributed by Feeding South Florida. With no end to the shutdown in sight, these federal workers are navigating tough times.

“It does help, especially for us that have kids at home and stuff, so it helps,” said one TSA worker. Another added, “I’m grateful for all the things that we are receiving today.” A third TSA agent commented, “It’s very nice of them, because we could use it.”

Friday marked the first payday federal employees have gone without their paychecks since the government shutdown began. Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to pass a spending bill to keep the government open past October 1st. Currently, about 1.4 million federal workers are either on unpaid leave or working without pay.

Caught in the middle of the political stalemate, many federal workers are left trying to manage their finances amid uncertainty.

“So now you have to pick and choose, what can I pay now, what can I postpone, can I call the creditors to see if they’ll work with me,” said a 10-year federal employee who wished to remain anonymous. Having previously served in the military, including deployment to Afghanistan, she expressed deep frustration.

“It’s disheartening ’cause I’ve served with, you know, my country and I chose to do it again. On this side, it’s almost like a slap in the face,” she said.

Retired TSA instructor Harry Herring told 7News the financial stress caused by the shutdown adds to an already stressful job for TSA employees.

“Rent, car loans, car insurance, all those expenses that have to be taken care of, it’s not gonna be taken care of,” said Herring. “That causes what I call ‘interference with my ability to do my duty.’”

Shaunellia Ferguson, who represents nearly 700 Social Security Administration workers for the American Federation of Government Employees in eastern Florida, said her members continue to work despite the hardship.

“We are human beings too. We don’t make a lot of money, we’re not wasteful, we’re not parasites the way they’re calling us, we’re not,” said Ferguson. “Especially now without getting paid, you’re still doing it, you’re still hearing all the concerns and you’re sitting there wondering ‘How is my rent gonna be paid?’ or ‘How am I gonna cover child care?’ We have feelings just like everyone else and we work and we are here to serve you, the American public.”

Organizations like Feeding South Florida have been working tirelessly to support federal workers throughout the country. However, Ferguson emphasized that what federal employees truly want is for politicians to come together and find a solution.

*Copyright.*
https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/federal-workers-in-south-florida-left-disheartened-struggling-to-get-by-amid-government-shutdown/

Corn Falling into the Weekend

Corn futures are showing weakness on Friday, with losses of 3 to 4 ½ cents at midday. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price is down 4 ½ cents at $3.83 ¾. The average December close so far in October, with just six trading days remaining, is $4.19. This compares to last year’s harvest price for crop insurance at $4.17 but is 51 cents below the February price.

On Thursday evening, President Trump announced he had terminated trade talks with Canada due to the unauthorized use of a former President Reagan speech regarding tariffs. No details were released on if or when trade talks will resume. This development is notable as Canada has been a large buyer of U.S. ethanol.

Argentina’s corn crop was estimated at 33.8%, according to the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange, marking an increase of 3.9% from the previous week.

As of now, the futures prices are as follows:
– December 2025 Corn is at $4.23 ½, down 4 ½ cents
– Nearby Cash Corn is at $3.83 ¾, down 4 ½ cents
– March 2026 Corn is at $4.37 ¾, down 3 ½ cents
– May 2026 Corn is at $4.46 ¼, down 3 cents

Stay informed on commodities ranging from crude oil to coffee by signing up for Barchart’s best-in-class commodity analysis—free of charge.

*Disclaimer:* On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not hold any positions, directly or indirectly, in any securities mentioned in this article. All information and data provided are solely for informational purposes. For more details, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy.

### More from Barchart:

– How Much Higher Can Wheat Prices Go Now?
– China May Not Be Buying U.S. Soybeans, But Soybean Meal Is a Value Buy for Traders
– Grains in Q3 — Can the Price Weakness Continue?
– As the Harvest Reaches a Halfway Point, Corn Is Heading Into a ‘Buy’ Zone

*The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/corn-falling-weekend