Invest ideasNews
18 Jan 2026, 09:08
Solana CEO pushes back on Buterin’s blockchain longevity vision
Solana Labs’ Anatoly Yakovenko, the company’s chief executive, said he sees Solana constantly evolving to meet users’ needs, in contrast to Vitalik Buterin’s vision for Ethereum as a largely self-sufficient system. He believes that if the network stopped evolving, it would simply not survive. He noted on X: “Solana needs to never stop iterating. It shouldn’t depend on any single group or individual to do so, but if it ever stops changing to fit the needs of its devs and users, it will die.” Buterin’s previous assertion that Ethereum must be able to stand on its own over the long term, without relying on continual input from its developers, was the premise for his post. Yakovenko insists the blockchain needs to remain useful to both users and developers In his post, Yakovenko said the Solana network needs to provide practical value or risk vanishing altogether. From his perspective, the chain needs to be valuable enough to users and profitable enough for developers to help push ongoing upgrades to the open-source protocol. He argued that for any protocol to survive, it must always be useful, and that upgrades should resolve specific problems with users or developers, not try to do everything. He also insisted that there would always be another version of Solana, even if that version didn’t come from Anza, Solana Labs, or the foundation, and that future SIMD votes might provide the fuel for the GPUs that develop the code. In contrast, Buterin had earlier shared that Ethereum would prioritize decentralization, privacy, and self-sovereignty , even if that limits broader adoption. On Friday, the network founder asserted , “In 2026, no longer. Every compromise of values that Ethereum has made up to this point – every moment where you might have been thinking, is it really worth diluting ourselves so much in the name of mainstream adoption – we are making that compromise no longer.” However, he affirmed that there’s still much more Ethereum must accomplish before a hands-off approach is feasible. He pushed that the network must implement quantum resistance, improve scalability, and adopt a block-building design that resists centralization to stand the test of time. Yakovenko’s supporters say failing to adapt could kill the network So far, Buterin supporters have argued that adding more features would increase technical risk and create more room for centralization. Yet supporters of Yakovenko’s philosophy argue that not evolving fast enough could leave chains behind that move more quickly. Nonetheless, some users, however, expressed skepticism about Yakovenko’s idea that future Solana releases may not necessarily come from Anza, Labs, or the foundation, if it means evolution. One X user pointed out that without one of the three leading the upgrade, progress would be painfully slow—essentially causing the network to ossify. He gave Bitcoin as an example, noting that it still implements changes, but they take years to navigate through the community’s internal politics. Though some argued that the network must continue iterating and adapting, regardless, because a blockchain that stops adapting will eventually die. Although they have pursued different development strategies, Ethereum and Solana continue to lead the layer-1 blockchain industry. Ethereum wins for decentralization and tokenized assets, while Solana is known for its high-speed network, consumer app popularity, and fee revenue. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
18 Jan 2026, 09:02
Analyst Predicts Timeline for XRP Price to Hit $9 or $10
Crypto analyst CryptoBull has outlined an ambitious outlook for XRP, presenting a technical projection that separates near-term price movement from a much longer-term valuation trajectory. The assessment was shared alongside a weekly XRP/USD chart, emphasizing what the analyst described as a measured move structure forming across an extended time horizon. Rather than focusing on intraday volatility, the analysis centers on multi-year price behavior and structural patterns visible on higher time frames. According to the projection, XRP could reach $9 or $10 within the coming weeks, followed by $122 in the coming months or years. The distinction between these two phases is central to the analyst’s view, with the shorter-term move described as a continuation within an established structure and the higher target positioned as the eventual outcome of that same formation playing out fully over time. #XRP measured move to $9-10 in the next weeks and $122 in the coming months and years! pic.twitter.com/czcUMUSVM9 — CryptoBull (@CryptoBull2020) January 16, 2026 Weekly Chart Pattern Underpins the Projection The chart attached to the post shows XRP’s price action plotted on a one-week time frame against the U.S. dollar. The visual analysis highlights a broad, rounded structure spanning several years, with price compressing and then advancing toward the upper boundary of a long-established range. CryptoBull’s markings suggest that XRP has already completed the base of this structure and is now advancing along its latter stages. Within this context, the $9–$10 zone is presented as a measured move aligned with prior resistance levels visible on the weekly chart. The higher $122 level is shown as a longer-term extension, derived from the same structural framework rather than a separate or unrelated forecast. The emphasis of the analysis remains on technical positioning rather than external catalysts, fundamentals, or macroeconomic developments. Community Pushback Focuses on Timelines and Certainty The projection drew immediate responses from other market participants, some of whom questioned not the possibility of higher prices, but the timelines attached to them. One commenter argued that while a triple-digit valuation might be viable over several years, assigning such an outcome to a window of months risks creating unrealistic expectations. Another response criticized the lack of precise timing, suggesting that broad references to days, weeks, months, and years weaken the credibility of price forecasts and can contribute to confusion among less experienced participants. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 These reactions underscore an ongoing tension within technical analysis commentary, where long-term projections often coexist with short-term expectations in the same narrative. While CryptoBull’s analysis attempts to separate them, critics remain wary of how such projections may be interpreted when shared publicly. Projection Remains Anchored to Chart-Based Reasoning Despite the criticism, the post itself remains focused on chart-derived reasoning. The analyst does not present guarantees or certainties; it frames the targets as outcomes of the current technical structure as it continues to develop as anticipated. As with all technical projections, the scenario depends on market conditions remaining favorable and key levels holding over time. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Analyst Predicts Timeline for XRP Price to Hit $9 or $10 appeared first on Times Tabloid .
18 Jan 2026, 09:00
Bitcoin Records Large Exchange Inflows As Price Climbs — What Next For BTC?
Bitcoin recently failed to overcome the $97,000 resistance following its price surge seen in mid-January. At the moment, the leading cryptocurrency has taken on a state of inertia, with no significant movement in either direction seen. However, an investigation of on-chain dynamics has recently revealed that trouble might be looming for the flagship cryptocurrency. Related Reading: Bitcoin Holds Key Support As Weekend Liquidity Sets In — $98,200 And $107,500 In Focus Sudden Inflows: Caution Or Opportunity? In a QuickTake post on CryptoQuant, key opinion leader CryptoZeno shares a potentially foreboding observation on Bitcoin’s market dynamics, saying the premier cryptocurrency could be facing a risk of distribution in the near-term. This conjecture is based on the Bitcoin: Exchange Inflow (Total) – All Exchanges metric, which serves the basic function of tracking the total amount of BTC transferred into centralized exchanges over a certain period. CryptoZeno highlights in the post that exchange inflows have seen sharp surges through Bitcoin’s most-recent trading sessions, which represent one of the most significant spikes seen in the month of January. Typically, large inflows of BTC into exchanges act as a telltale sign that investors are preparing to distribute their holdings. This is contrary to any inclination towards long-term holding. Interestingly, the sign of distribution-readiness is more typical if the event were to occur just after a strong advance of the BTC price. Also citing historical occurrences, CryptoZeno explains that such behavior, where BTC holders increasingly send their tokens to exchanges, suggests that investors are venturing out of Bitcoin and to more “liquid venues.” Expectedly, such a massive dispersal of their holdings would translate into price as increased sell-side pressure, especially in the short-term. Notably, the analyst makes it clear that inflows alone do not tell a sure story of an immediate reversal. More accurately, spikes in exchange inflows often come before heightened volatility periods or corrective price action. Related Reading: Are XRP ETFs About To Act Like Banks? Expert Thinks So Analyst Highlights Mid- To Large-Size Bands As Main BTC ‘Movers’ CryptoZeno provides more context by merging the Spent Output Value Bands with the Exchange Inflow metric. This shows which investor cohort was more involved in creating the distribution signal seen. On inspection of the blended metric, it becomes apparent that the spike in exchange inflows was largely induced by mid-to-large size bands (10-100 BTC, and 100-1,000BTC). These size bands, according to the crypto expert, are associated with whales, long-term investors who are repositioning, or even ETFs. These investor classes do not merely act without strategic reasons. As a result, their activity is usually more important compared to retail activity. A simultaneous increment to exchange inflows, alongside large investor distribution, is another sign that the Bitcoin market is on the brink of a fragile phase. In the event that inflows remain high as price struggles to reclaim past highs, the world’s leading cryptocurrency could be entering a phase of trouble, as it would suggest the predominance of supply over demand. As of this writing, Bitcoin is worth $95,250, recording almost no growth since the past day. Featured image from Flickr, chart from Tradingview
18 Jan 2026, 09:00
Yakovenko’s ‘adapt or die’ warning lands as Solana RWAs hit $1B
This comes days after the Ethereum co-founder's contrasting views.
18 Jan 2026, 08:52
DOJ seeks to recover $200,000 stolen in Tinder crypto scam
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking to recover $200,000 stolen by criminal elements in a crypto scam carried out on the mobile dating application Tinder. The Massachusetts US Attorney’s Office filed the civil forfeiture action to recover the funds in stablecoin Tether. According to reports, the DOJ claimed that the funds were lost to the criminal after he lied to his victim on Tinder that he was a financial advisor who worked as a crypto investment expert. The agency mentioned that the scam had all the markings of a pig butchering scam, where scammers build trust with their victims through friendship or romantic relationships before luring them to invest in fake crypto investments. Usually, some victims realize after their first investments, while others realize after losing all their funds. DOJ seeks to recover $200k in USDT in Tinder crypto scam According to the DOJ affidavit supporting the forfeiture request filed this month by FBI Special Agent Hannah Wong, the unnamed victim met a man on the dating app Tinder. The man claimed his name was “Nino Martin,” which could be an alias, as these criminals refrain from giving up their real names due to the chance that they might be caught in the act. After matching with her on Tinder, the suspect asked to move things to WhatsApp, where he claimed they could talk better. The pair moved things to WhatsApp, and they hit it off quite well. During introductions, the victim said Martin claimed to be a financial advisor who helps people make money through several crypto investments. He mentioned that he could also help her make money through crypto investments, telling her that they could make more than enough profits and be set for life. After several discussions, the victim was convinced and asked that they set up her account. Marin told the victim that he had set up a Coinbase account for her, asking the victim to send funds into the account. A while later, he told her that he would move the funds to a separate platform called onechainnm(dot)com, but the victim accidentally told Martin that they had a balance of about $500,000 in their bank account. According to the affidavit, the victim sent $384,4133 to several unhosted wallets they believed were connected to the platform that Martin suggested. The agency says it will attempt a civil forfeiture The victim claimed that they never met in person, as Martin always gave several excuses that sounded genuine because of the nature of his work. On one occasion, the DOJ said Martin told her that he had to fly to Florida to give a presentation, so they couldn’t meet. However, in March 2025, the investment platform had to change its name to onechainiy(dot)com, and the victim was restricted from their Coinbase accounts due to “sending suspicious transfers.” A while after, unknown individuals claiming to be customer service from the investment platform allegedly then gave her a way to work around Coinbase and keep investing in the platform by wiring money from their bank account to account numbers they provided. The customer service said the victim could keep investing, leading them to send $112,253 in additional funds over the next few days, around the end of March 2025. In April, the fake customer service agents claimed the victim owed an IRS tax of $200,000, which made the victim suspicious, so she stopped sending any money. In total, the victim claimed they transferred more than $500,000 to the platform, a figure that comprised most of their savings. The crypto account connected to the scheme was seized last June. Now, the DOJ is seeking to seize and recover most of these funds. The DOJ can seize properties or earnings if it is determined to be tied to criminal activities. Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.
18 Jan 2026, 08:30
Steak ‘n Shake Increases Bitcoin Exposure to $10M, Expands Strategic Reserve
Steak ‘n Shake adds $10,000,000 in BTC to its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve while reporting higher same‑store sales. Steak n Shake announced on 16 January 2026 that it has increased its bitcoin exposure by $10,000,000 in notional value, continuing a program begun eight months earlier when the company started accepting bitcoin payments and directing all bitcoin
