Argentine Stablecoin Use Surged Ahead of President Milei’s Midterm Election Win

**Argentines Turn to Dollar Stablecoins Amid Midterm Election Turmoil**

On Sunday, as Argentina headed into crucial midterm elections, locals swapped their unstable pesos for U.S. dollar stablecoins, anticipating a sharp decline in the Argentine peso (ARS). The election, seen as a make-or-break moment for President Javier Milei, unfolded amid his declining approval ratings linked to corruption scandals and controversial economic plans.

### Surge in Stablecoin Usage During Elections

As election results became clearer, a Latin American crypto app recorded its highest-ever trading volume in a single hour, coinciding with the peso strengthening against the dollar. Facundo Werning, LATAM head for stablecoin issuer Agora and former Tether expansion manager for Argentina, revealed to Decrypt that there was a “notable increase in volume across the USD stablecoin to [Argentine peso] trading pair,” estimating a conservative $13.4 million in trading volume on Sunday alone.

Similarly, the South American crypto app Lemon experienced its third-highest single-day volume ever, including the highest hourly volume at 9 p.m. local time, when election outcomes were officially announced.

### Peso Volatility and Market Reactions

The Argentine peso is notoriously unstable. Just days before the election, it hit a record low of 1,491.50 pesos per U.S. dollar on Friday, according to Reuters, despite a $40 billion bailout package from former U.S. President Donald Trump. However, many Argentines believed the peso would have plummeted even further if Milei’s right-wing party, La Libertad Avanza (LLA), had not secured the most seats.

Milei remains a divisive figure in Argentina due to his radical economic proposals and connections to corruption scandals, including involvement with the notorious LIBRA meme coin. His dwindling approval rating made this election critical both for his political future and the nation’s economic outlook.

### Public Sentiment Reflects Market Behavior

Santiago Vivanco, an Argentine finance professional, told Decrypt that no one he knows entered the election holding large amounts of Argentine pesos. Meanwhile, betting markets, like Polymarket, showed the left-wing party Unión por la Patria peaking at a 55% chance of winning the most seats.

Vivanco anticipated a peso crash if Unión por la Patria prevailed, attributing this to their left-wing economic policies, which he believed would harm the peso’s value. Former President Trump also publicly stated that the U.S. would not “waste our time” supporting Argentina if Milei lost, amplifying concerns.

As a result, many citizens bought USD stablecoins over the weekend to hedge against a potential peso collapse.

### The Crypto Dollar as a Real-Time Economic Indicator

Exchange rates in Argentina are complex. One key difference between official bank rates, unofficial street rates, and crypto dollar rates is that crypto markets operate 24/7. While banks and street exchanges close during off-hours, especially on weekends, crypto dollars never stop trading.

This continuous operation turned the “crypto dollar” into more than just a savings tool. A Lemon spokesperson told Decrypt, “It became a real-time thermometer of Argentina’s economic and political pulse when the traditional market is offline.”

### Market Reactions During Election Night

Throughout election night, the crypto dollar’s value fluctuated noticeably. Citizens actively swapped pesos for stablecoins and vice versa, aiming to maximize their returns amid the peso’s volatility.

Lemon’s election dashboard showed the peso hitting a low exchange rate of 1,572.50 ARS per crypto dollar around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday. As results became clearer, the rate improved dramatically, reaching 1,350 ARS per dollar by 10 a.m. on Monday.

Werning summarized these movements: “Over the weekend, we initially saw the crypto dollar rise dramatically, and as results came in on Sunday, we saw it plummet against the peso.” The Lemon spokesperson added, “This signals optimistic market sentiment.”

### Conclusion: Peso Strengthens Following Milei’s Victory

Market reactions indicate optimism following Milei’s surprise yet decisive victory in the midterm legislative elections. The Argentine peso appeared stronger on Monday compared to its close on Friday, reflecting renewed confidence among investors and citizens alike.

As Argentina navigates a politically charged landscape, the growing role of stablecoins as both a hedge and an economic indicator highlights the evolving intersection of traditional finance and digital assets in volatile markets.
https://decrypt.co/346184/argentine-stablecoin-use-surged-ahead-of-president-mileis-midterm-election-win

The Division 2 Accidentally Permabans Legit Accounts During Anti-Cheat Purge

Regardless of the game, it’s never fun to deal with cheaters. It’s not just first-person shooters like Call of Duty that are plagued with cheaters— even a game like The Division 2, which is primarily about PvE, also gets its fair share of bad actors.

It’s commendable that the developers are actively banning cheaters in this looter shooter, but unfortunately, some legitimate accounts have been caught up in the process, albeit unintentionally. Today, the developers acknowledged this issue with an official statement and have asked for patience from the community.

### The Division 2 Bans Affect Legit Players, And Ubisoft Is Working On It

In a statement posted on the official The Division 2 X (formerly Twitter) account, the developers shared:

> “As we previously communicated, we are undergoing a sanction process aimed at ensuring fair gameplay for everyone. During this process, we identified technical issues that have affected some accounts unintentionally. We’re actively working to restore all accounts that were unintentionally affected due to technical issues. These restorations will continue over the coming hours.”

The team is urging players to be patient as they continue to assess the best way to carry out sanctions without impacting innocent players.

### The Impact of Cheaters on Gaming Communities

Dealing with cheaters, whether in competitive or PvE settings, takes a toll on gamers. In fact, one study found that 50% of gamers have considered quitting gaming due to cheaters—something that is all too understandable.

Given that Ubisoft is pushing ahead with more content for The Division 2 into next year, including the major Survivors expansion, it’s crucial to resolve these ban issues now before they escalate into a bigger problem.

### Progress Against Cheating in Online Games

Cheaters have always been a problem in online games, but we have seen significant progress in recent years. For example, Battlefield 6 recently achieved a notable success by banning users of Cronus Zen, a popular cheating device.

If you know someone affected by The Division 2’s accidental bans, reassure them that Ubisoft is actively working on the issue. However, there is no set timetable for when all affected accounts will be restored, so the process might take some time.

Stay tuned for updates, and let’s hope fair play is fully restored soon!
https://www.dualshockers.com/the-division-2-accidentally-permabans-legit-accounts/

City of Austin says Texas has referred one person to shelter during homeless camp sweeps

After Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that the state would rely on the city of Austin to provide shelter for people experiencing homelessness, the city’s leadership has responded with some clarification.

Despite the governor’s statement, Austin officials report that the state has referred only one person to city shelters so far. This comes as the state continues to conduct homeless encampment sweeps in the capital city.

The discrepancy highlights ongoing challenges and coordination issues between state and local authorities in addressing homelessness in Austin.
https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/city-of-austin-says-texas-has-referred-one-person-to-shelter-during-homeless-camp-sweeps/

Public TV Station Carries Article on Socialist Workers Party’s Nominee for Governor of New Jersey

WHYY, a public television station based in Philadelphia that also serves southern New Jersey, has published an article featuring the Socialist Workers Party nominee for Governor of New Jersey.

This level of media attention is unusual for candidates representing the Socialist Workers Party, making the coverage notable.
https://ballot-access.org/2025/10/27/public-tv-station-carries-article-on-socialist-workers-partys-nominee-for-governor-of-new-jersey/

Venezuela: President Maduro vows unity with Colombia; President Petro renews call for Constituent Assembly

This article from The Orinoco Tribune was written in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, and published on October 23. Given the threat of an imminent U.S. military attack on Venezuela, Colombia, and other sovereign countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Workers World is increasing its coverage from that region.

**Caracas:** Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said on October 20 that he will always close ranks with Colombia, whose president, Gustavo Petro, was accused without evidence on October 19 by his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, of being a “leader of illegal drug trafficking.”

“At heart, we are Colombia, the profound Great Colombia founded on the Orinoco River by the Liberator Commander Simón Bolívar,” Maduro said during an activity with communal leaders.

“And Colombia knows that we are one, Siamese twins. Whatever happens with Colombia, happens with Venezuela. And whatever happens with Venezuela, happens with Colombia.”

“As a military officer of the Colombian military forces wrote to me two weeks ago: ‘If you touch Venezuela, you touch Colombia.’ We are one homeland of the heart. And we do not say this just for the sake of saying it.”
https://www.workers.org/2025/10/88668/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=venezuela-president-maduro-vows-unity-with-colombia-president-petro-renews-call-for-constituent-assembly

AP Decision Notes: What to expect for the Nov. 4 election in Pennsylvania

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA (AP) — Control of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court hangs in the balance in statewide elections next week, when voters will cast ballots on judges for the state’s three highest courts.

Voters across the commonwealth will also participate in municipal elections, including high-profile races in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

### Pennsylvania Supreme Court Retention Elections

State Supreme Court Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht—all Democrats—will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot in a retention election. Voters will decide whether to award the sitting jurists new 10-year terms on the high court, although Donohue must retire in 2027 upon reaching Pennsylvania’s mandated retirement age of 75.

While retention elections are often quiet affairs in Pennsylvania, this year’s campaign has been heavily influenced by party politics. Democrats currently hold a 5-2 majority on the state Supreme Court, but Republicans have launched a campaign to oust Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht.

If voters decide not to retain a justice for another term, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro could appoint a temporary replacement, subject to confirmation by the Republican-controlled state Senate. A deadlock in the confirmation process could result in a tied court at 2-2 if voters oust all three justices this year. Any vacant seats would be filled in an election for full 10-year terms held in 2027.

The last state Supreme Court retention election was in 2017. At that time, the Republican justice on the ballot was retained with 68% of the vote, while the Democratic justice was retained with 71% of the vote.

### Other Statewide Court Races

Voters will also decide races for other state courts, including the Superior Court and Commonwealth Court, which are the two statewide appellate courts just below the state Supreme Court.

### Pittsburgh Mayoral Race

In Pittsburgh, Democratic Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor and Republican Tony Moreno are running to replace outgoing Democratic incumbent Ed Gainey.

O’Connor, a former member of the Pittsburgh City Council and son of the late Mayor Bob O’Connor, defeated Gainey in the May primary. Moreno, a former police officer, was the 2021 Republican mayoral nominee who lost to Gainey in the general election.

### Philadelphia District Attorney Race

In Philadelphia, Democrat Larry Krasner seeks a third term as district attorney against former Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Pat Dugan. Dugan stepped down midway through his third term in 2024 to challenge Krasner for the Democratic nomination. Krasner defeated Dugan in the May primary, but Dugan switched parties in August to run as a Republican in the general election.

### Voting Trends and Historical Context

Democrats have recently won general elections in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia by wide margins. In the 2021 Pittsburgh mayoral race, Gainey defeated Moreno with about 71% of the vote. In Philadelphia, Krasner won re-election to a second term in 2021 with approximately 72% of the vote.

### Associated Press Election Coverage Policy

The Associated Press does not make projections and will declare winners only when it is clear there is no scenario for trailing candidates to close the gap.

If a race has not been called, the AP will continue covering any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. The AP will clearly state when no winner has been declared yet and explain the reasoning.

Pennsylvania requires an automatic recount for statewide races with a vote margin of 0.5 percentage points or less. For non-statewide races, voters may petition individual county election boards or courts for a recount.

The AP may declare a winner in a race eligible for a recount if the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

### Election Day Details: November 4

**When do polls close?**
Polls close at 8 p.m. ET.

**What’s on the ballot?**
The AP will provide vote results and declare winners in retention elections for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Commonwealth Court, as well as the general elections for Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Pittsburgh mayor, Philadelphia district attorney, and Philadelphia controller.

**Who gets to vote?**
Any Pennsylvania-registered voter may participate in statewide general elections. Voters registered in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh may participate in their respective municipal general elections.

### Voter Registration and Turnout

As of October 6, Pennsylvania had about 3.8 million registered Democrats and 3.6 million registered Republicans.

– In Allegheny County (home to Pittsburgh), Democrats comprise nearly 55% of the 912,000 registered voters; Republicans about 29%.
– In Philadelphia, Democrats make up approximately 72% of the roughly 1.1 million registered voters; Republicans about 12%.

In the 2021 general election for Pittsburgh mayor, nearly 71,000 people voted—about 31% of registered voters—with mail ballots accounting for 35% of votes cast.

Approximately 230,000 people voted in the Philadelphia 2021 municipal general election, or about 22% of registered voters; 32% of the vote came from mail ballots.

About 3.1 million votes were cast in the 2023 state Supreme Court general election, roughly 36% of registered voters at the time, with mail ballots comprising about 26% of total votes.

As of the latest update, more than 524,000 of the 1.1 million absentee ballots requested statewide have been cast—62% from Democrats and 26% from Republicans.

In Pittsburgh, nearly 5,400 pre-Election Day votes had been cast as of October 10, with about 86% from Democrats and 9% from Republicans.

For the latest information, see the [AP Early Vote Tracker](#).

### Vote Counting Timeline

During the 2024 presidential election, the AP first reported Pennsylvania results at 8 p.m. ET from Allegheny County as polls closed, and at 8:08 p.m. ET from Philadelphia. By noon the next day, nearly 97% of the total statewide vote had been tabulated.

In Allegheny County, vote tabulation ended at 12:08 a.m. ET with approximately 97% of votes counted; in Philadelphia, at 1:56 a.m. ET with about 93% counted.

### Looking Ahead

As of November 4, there will be 364 days until the 2026 midterm elections and 1,099 days until the 2028 general election.

___

Associated Press writer Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report.

___

Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2025 election at [AP News](#).
https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/general-election/10111798/ap-decision-notes-what-to-expect-for-the-nov-4-election-in-pennsylvania.html

How to evolve Sligoo in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

There are lots of Pokémon to add to your Pokédex in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and some of them can be a little tougher to evolve than others. Many evolutions are hidden behind just a bit of knowledge, luck, or timing. In this guide, we’ll show you how to evolve Sliggoo, who can be a bit awkward to evolve.

## How to Evolve Sliggoo in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

To evolve Sliggoo, you first need to get it to Level 50. You can achieve this by having it in your party during battles or by feeding it XP Candy.

Once Sliggoo reaches Level 50, the next step is to wait for it to be raining in the game. As long as it is raining and Sliggoo is in your party, the option to evolve will appear when you hover over the Pokémon. Selecting this option will allow you to evolve Sliggoo into Goodra.

## Tips for Finding and Evolving Sliggoo

If you don’t have a Sliggoo yet, you can evolve one from a Goomy. To find Goomy, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide, which will help you locate this Pokémon easily.

If you want to speed up the evolution process by making it rain, head to any bench and sit on it. Then, keep passing time until it starts raining. This will trigger the in-game weather needed for Sliggoo’s evolution.

For even more help exploring Pokémon Legends: Z-A, don’t forget to check out our **Pokémon Legends: Z-A Interactive Map**!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146522/how-to-evolve-sligoo-pokemon-legends-za

Illinois’ trick-or-treating rules: What to know

Halloween is the time when masks go on and candy fills the bags. Many cities and towns regulate Halloween with trick-or-treating rules to ensure safety, so it’s important to check your local Halloween laws before heading out.

In Illinois, for example, many cities limit trick-or-treating to earlier hours, often between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., with some places also imposing age limits on participants. Some Halloween recommendations can be well-intentioned but a bit unusual. The Chicago Police Department, for instance, recommends trick-or-treating only during the day but also suggests that trick-or-treaters wear light-colored clothing — advice that makes more sense for nighttime activities.

In Belleville, trick-or-treating is allowed between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and is restricted by ordinance to children at or below the eighth-grade level. Additionally, wearing masks by anyone over the age of 12 is prohibited on any day other than Halloween unless express permission is granted by the mayor or chief of police. So, this popular Halloween accessory may be best enjoyed elsewhere outside of Halloween itself.

For those making their rounds in the dusky hours, pint-sized ghouls and goblins should avoid any porches that are not lit up. This simple practice helps to promote safety during nighttime activities.

While public safety is important, parents know their kids best and shouldn’t have to check with their local government about the permitted trick-or-treating hours. If someone doesn’t want to hand out candy at 8:45 p.m., they don’t need a city ordinance dictating the whole town’s schedule.

Studies show that kids can spend up to eight hours a day looking at screens. Halloween is one day a year when they get to spend time outside and engage with their community. Let’s not ruin that experience by telling them to go home too early.

Still, for those on the hunt for free candy, it’s wise to be aware of the local rules to avoid any surprises — especially if your city has some unusual Halloween regulations. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy this special night!
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-trick-or-treating-rules-what-to-know/

These Under $80 H&M Items Are Giving Elevated Countryside Chic

If you’re looking for affordable yet expensive-looking clothing, then I have some seriously great news for you. H&M’s latest arrivals are channeling elevated looks with a slew of products giving off countryside chic vibes. I’ve done what I do best and highlighted the pieces worth shopping before they inevitably sell out.

In the mix, you can expect short and long-sleeved sweaters, cool shoes, versatile accessories, and more. On top of that, you’ll find statement pieces that look expensive, like this red and white check cotton poplin shirt, a cable knit sweater with a collar, and a winter-ready fluffy hat.

Keep scrolling to uncover this wide range of elevated picks from H&M—all priced under $80.

### H&M Jacquard-Knit Sweater
Such a classic winter sweater style.

### H&M Knit Turtleneck Top
So cute and perfect for layering.

### H&M Cotton Poplin Shirt
You’ll wear this nonstop.

### H&M Coated A-Line Skirt
This skirt is selling fast—grab it before it’s gone.

### H&M Cable-Knit Sweater With Collar
Love a great cable knit find.

### H&M Rib-Knit Half-Zip Sweater
I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a quarter-zip.

### H&M Flared Corduroy Pants
These rich red corduroy pants will look amazing surrounded by all the vibrant fall foliage.

### H&M Wide High Jeans
These are pretty popular among fashion girls right now.

### H&M Midi Skirt
So chic and versatile.

### H&M Jacket With Collar
Such a great set to elevate your wardrobe.

### H&M Padded Corduroy Jacket
The faux fur collar is a nice touch for winter.

### H&M Rib-Knit Half-Zip Top
Perfect for layering on colder days.

### H&M Strap-Detail Tote Bag
Belt bags are still such a vibe this season.

### H&M Rib-Knit Alpaca-Blend Beanie
A beanie for winter is an absolute must.

### H&M Heeled Ankle Boots
Love the block heel on these stylish boots.

### H&M Belt
Yes, please! A belt can instantly upgrade any outfit.

### H&M Scarf
This scarf looks designer but won’t break the bank.

### H&M Patent Loafers
So stylish and easy to pair with almost anything.

### H&M Fluffy Hat
Hats are back this season, and this one is winter-ready.

### H&M Knit Sweater
The perfect pop of red for your wardrobe.

### H&M Crease-Front Pants
These are available in a couple of other colorways as well.

### H&M Cable-Knit Sweater
Pair this classic piece with jeans, statement earrings, a suede jacket, and a lovely scarf for a complete look.

#### Explore More

Chinazor “Chichi” Offor is a Georgia-born, Los Angeles-based associate editor who relocated from Brooklyn, New York, and joined Who What Wear’s West Coast office in 2022. At WWW, she utilizes over 10 years of editorial experience to dish out shopping advice to the masses and analyze key pop-cultural moments.

Chichi previously worked at Refinery29, where she helped revolutionize the brand’s plus-size and inclusive fashion coverage. In her spare time, she keeps up with the latest movie releases, enjoys relaxing days at the spa, or obsesses over her latest ADHD-fueled hyperfixations—like Jesse McCartney’s underrated career, the negative effects of bicoastal intellectual elitism, and Gen Z’s loneliness epidemic.

You can find her online on Instagram: [@thechichio](https://www.instagram.com/thechichio).
https://www.whowhatwear.com/fashion/shopping/hm-under-80-winter-arrivals-2025

Silent Hill f’s lead voice actor streamed it in case you want to watch Hinako playing Hinako

Silent Hill f was released at the end of September 2025 and has been largely well-received by fans of the series. A significant part of its appeal lies in the main character, Hinako, who embarks on a harrowing journey through a monster-infested world while confronting the depths of her own troubled psyche.

The character of Hinako is brought to life by actress Konatsu Kato, who provided both her face and voice. Recently, Kato decided to dive into the adventure herself by livestreaming her gameplay, offering fans a unique glimpse into the experience from the voice actor’s perspective.

Kato posted the first livestream session of Silent Hill f on her YouTube channel, playing through the early hours of the game. Throughout the run, she expresses gratitude to fans for their support, reacts to various scares, pushes through quick-time events and intense chases, and even mimics some of Hinako’s animations. Although the stream is entirely in Japanese, with only rough machine-translated English subtitles available, it’s still quite easy to follow along. Kato appears to be thoroughly enjoying the experience—even if some moments get a bit stressful due to the game’s scares.

Silent Hill f made a notable entrance just in time for the spooky Halloween season. Editor Donovan Erskine praised the game, highlighting Konatsu Kato’s portrayal of Hinako as a “great Silent Hill protagonist.” Alongside this, he commended the game’s excellent sound design and intriguing story, making it a standout title for fans of the horror genre.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146523/silent-hill-f-voice-actor-konatsu-kato-hinako-livestream