ITV's The 1% Club host Lee Mack says he's 'so sorry' to contestant during festive episode mishapAuthored by Mark Mason via BitcoinMagazine.com, In a world where digital assets are quickly becoming a cornerstone of global finance, the United States stands at a crossroads. The Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized its dedication to making everyday Americans more prosperous. From pledging to restore economic strength on the campaign trail to appointing forward-thinking advisors, the White House seems poised to usher in a new era of financial freedom. But if President Trump truly wants to supercharge wealth creation for average citizens—and establish the U.S. as the world’s leading “ Bitcoin Superpower ”—his administration must embrace a bold, transformative policy: eliminate capital gains taxes on Bitcoin. This global map shows how various countries tax (or don’t tax) Bitcoin after one year. Many green jurisdictions, including those in parts of Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia, have chosen to exempt long-term Bitcoin holdings from capital gains tax. The Czech Republic recently made headlines when its Parliament overwhelmingly voted to exempt capital gains from Bitcoin and other crypto-asset sales from personal income tax—provided they’re held for more than three years and meet certain income thresholds. This is not an isolated event. Countries like Switzerland, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, El Salvador, Hong Kong, and parts of the Caribbean have long recognized that zero or minimal capital gains taxation on Bitcoin can help spur adoption, financial innovation, and consumer confidence. As John F. Kennedy famously said, “ A rising tide lifts all boats. ” If we apply that logic to economic growth through Bitcoin, the tide is global—and it’s rising fast. In a sea awash with global liquidity and debt, America’s economic ship must navigate these digital currents. These nations’ policy choices—and their citizens’ increasing prosperity—send a powerful signal: The U.S. can and should leverage Bitcoin as a tool for growth, not burden it with outdated taxation models. President Trump himself has indicated a willingness to rethink Bitcoin taxation. “ They have them paying tax on crypto, and I don’t think that’s right, ” he said in a recent interview, echoing the frustrations of millions of Americans who find it absurd to pay capital gains taxes after using Bitcoin to purchase something as small as a cup of coffee. “ Bitcoin is money, and you have to pay capital gains tax if you use it to buy a coffee? ” he asked rhetorically, highlighting how current laws discourage everyday transactions. He added, “ Maybe we get rid of taxes on crypto and replace it with tariffs. ” This sentiment isn’t just rhetorical flourish. Trump, who spoke at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville , proclaimed his vision for America to become the world’s “ Bitcoin Superpower. ” He’s also pledged to “ Make Bitcoin in America, ” turning the U.S. into a leading hub of Bitcoin innovation. Moreover, he appointed former PayPal Chief Operating Officer David Sacks as his 'White House A.I. & Crypto Czar' on December 5—a move widely seen as a step toward implementing forward-looking crypto policies. The U.S. has already taken monumental steps in this direction. The BITCOIN Act of 2024 mandates that all Bitcoin held by any federal agency be transferred to the Treasury to be held in a strategic Bitcoin reserve. Over five years, the Treasury must purchase one million Bitcoins, holding them in trust for the United States. This government-level accumulation shows a long-term vision for incorporating Bitcoin into national financial strategy. But why stop there? Eliminating capital gains tax on Bitcoin would create a positive feedback loop between national policy and personal prosperity. As the federal government invests and holds Bitcoin, private citizens could do the same without facing punitive tax obligations. For everyday Americans, the cost of living and the sting of inflation were focal points of President Trump’s reelection campaign. Traditional strategies—interest rate manipulations, quantitative easing—often amount to rearranging deck chairs on a sinking ship when confronted with truly systemic economic challenges. Bitcoin offers a life raft—dare we say, a digital Noah’s Ark—for Americans trying to preserve and grow their wealth against the erosive forces of inflation. Removing capital gains taxes on Bitcoin would allow citizens to transact, invest, and save in a stable, finite asset without the drain of federal taxes on every incremental gain. The ripple effect here is clear: More people adopting Bitcoin as a store of value and medium of exchange means stronger demand, which could further buttress the U.S. Treasury’s strategic holdings. It’s a virtuous cycle, a positive feedback loop. As Bitcoin’s value grows, so does the nation’s wealth base—helping pay down national debt, bolstering the dollar’s hegemony in global trade, and genuinely making Americans richer and more secure. Bitcoin is no longer a niche experiment reserved for a small band of enthusiasts. It has evolved into a mainstream, urgent priority for everyday Americans—especially the rising generation that will shape our nation’s future economy. This is not some ideological plea; it’s a practical, data-backed reality. According to the Stand With Crypto Alliance , a non-profit dedicated to transparent blockchain policies, more than 52 million Americans now own some form of cryptocurrency. Nearly nine in ten Americans believe the financial system needs updating, and 45% say they would not support candidates who stand in the way of crypto innovation. These numbers represent a sweeping, cross-partisan groundswell: Stand With Crypto’s research shows that 18% of Republicans, 22% of Democrats, and 22% of Independents hold crypto. This cuts through the usual tribal politics and points to a fundamental truth—Bitcoin is now a national policy talking point, not a side note on a fringe agenda. The demand for America to lead is clear. 53% of Americans want crypto companies to be U.S.-based, ensuring that technological innovation and the wealth it generates remain on home soil. Among Fortune 500 executives, 73% prefer U.S.-based partners for their crypto and Web3 initiatives, signaling a corporate desire to keep America at the forefront of global financial progress. Failing to act now risks a replay of past mistakes. America once led the world in advanced manufacturing, yet today 92% of the most sophisticated semiconductor production sits in Taiwan and South Korea. We cannot afford to cede the future financial landscape to other regions. Bitcoin isn’t just another investment class; it is the digital backbone of a rapidly evolving monetary system. If the U.S. wants to preserve its economic hegemony, maintain innovation leadership, and ensure everyday Americans have access to a stable, growth-oriented financial future, it must embrace Bitcoin wholeheartedly. In doing so, the nation can secure its place as the global Bitcoin superpower—uplifting our citizens, strengthening our economic base, and safeguarding our strategic interests in the 21st-century digital economy. By aligning with global best practices and enacting forward-thinking policies, the U.S. can position itself as a beacon of financial liberty and technical innovation. Eliminating capital gains tax on Bitcoin would signal to investors, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens that America is serious about leading in the 21st century’s digital economy. It’s not just about being “Bitcoin-friendly”; it’s about ensuring that average Americans have the tools they need to navigate turbulent economic waters. The complexity and inefficiency of taxing every digital transaction is an unnecessary burden on innovation and everyday life. Americans deserve better—they deserve the freedom to transact in a digital world without punitive oversight. In essence, this is America’s chance to do what it has always done best: innovate, adapt, and lead. Removing capital gains taxes on Bitcoin wouldn’t just fulfill a campaign promise; it would set the stage for long-term prosperity, empower citizens to secure their financial futures, and cement the United States as the world’s foremost Bitcoin champion. A rising tide, indeed, lifts all boats—and what better vessel to embark upon than a Bitcoin Ark, captained by a visionary administration determined to truly Make America Great Again?OTTAWA — Defenceman Cole Hutson had five assists as United States opened its defence of its gold medal with a resounding 10-4 win over Germany on Thursday as the 2025 world junior hockey championship got underway. James Hagens had two goals and two assists while Gabe Perreault and Brodie Ziemer also scored twice for the Americans, who are considered among the favourites in Ottawa. Trevor Connelly, Brandon Svoboda, Carey Terrance and Cole Eiserman also scored for the Americans. Julius Sumpf, David Lewandowski, Lenny Boos and Timo Ruckdaschel scored for Germany. Trey Augustine made 18 saves for the U.S., while a busy Nico Pertuch stopped 46 shots. Germany next plays Finland on Friday, while the U.S. has a day off before facing Latvia on Saturday. Earlier, defenceman Axel Sandin Pellikka scored a natural hat trick as Sweden kicked off the tournament with a 5-2 rout of Slovakia. Sandin Pellikka, a Detroit Red Wings prospect playing in hist third world juniors, added an assist for Sweden, which is looking for its first title since 2012. Rasmus Bergqvist and Linus Eriksson had the other goals for Sweden. Dalibor Dvorsky had a goal just under 12 minutes into the game to open the scoring for Slovakia, which was then held without a goal until Daniel Jencko scored on a power play with 85 seconds left in regulation. Sweden plays Kazakhstan and Slovakia meets Switzerland on Friday. In other games Thursday, Czechia played Switzerland and host Canada took on Finland. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 26, 2024. The Canadian Press'A visionary statesman': Tributes pour in for former PM Manmohan Singhaztec treasure free slot game 。

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A not-sweet Week 16 for us, specially against the spread (with the Vikings’ 3-point win the push). We missed our Upset of the Week, missed on Fins-Niners and got unlucky on Jalen Hurts’ injury. The good stuff? One point off an Exacto perfect score on Lions-Bears, and had Dallas with the points over Tampa. With two weeks left our .675 mark outright is very solid but we’re now down to five games over .500 against the betting line. Finish strong! [Note: Our Christmas Day picks were Chiefs (14-1, -2 1/2) over @Steelers (10-5), 24-18, and Ravens (10-5, -5 1/2) over @Texans (9-6), 27-20. Our Thursday night pick was Seahawks (8-7, -3 1/2) over @Bears (4-11), 23-16.] ——— Week 16: 10-6, .625 overall; 6-9-1, .406 vs. spread. Season: 162-78, 675 overall; 120-115-5, .511 vs. spread. ——— GREG COTE’S NFL WEEK 17 PICKS GAME OF THE WEEK FALCONS (8-7) at COMMANDERS (10-5) Line: WAS by 4 1/2. Cote’s pick: WAS, 27-24. TV: 8:20 p.m. Sunday, NBC/Peacock. [Playoff impact: WAS clinches playoffs with a win and loss by TB. ATL clinches division with a win and a loss by TB.] Green Bay-Minnesota had much backing from the Game of the Week committee, but this Sunday prime-time duel won by a nose on playoff bearing. Washington is the only one of nine 10-win teams to not yet clinch a postseason spot but tries again here as Atlanta seeks to qualify as well by winning its division. Commanders pass defense will make it tough on Michael Penix Jr. in a way the Giants did not last week in his first NFL start. But Bijan Robinson will own big turf vs. Comms beatable run-D to keep game inside the bet-line. UPSET OF THE WEEK PACKERS (11-4) at VIKINGS (13-2) Line: GB by 1. Cote’s pick: MIN, 27-24. TV: 4:25 p.m. Sunday, Fox. [Playoff impact: Both are playoff-clinched, so stakes here are relatively low.] “AAWWK!” carols the Upset Bird. “Not much of an upsaawwk!” Yeah, I know. Near-pick-’em games aren’t true upsets, but few Week 17 games had Big U potential that drew us in, and so a 13-2 team as a home ‘dog (by any amount) qualifies, if only technically. Vikes beat Pack, 31-29, early in season but led 28-0 before a wild Gee Bees comeback. Minny’s elite run defense will goad Jordan Love into a couple of turnovers as Purples score first season sweep of Green Bay since 2017. “Appreciate the use of the word ‘goad’,” notes U-Bird as a random aside. “Vikings are 7-1 at home, by the way. By the waawwk!” THE REST OF WEEK 17: Christmas Day picks were Chiefs (14-1, -2 1/2) over @Steelers (10-5), 24-18, and Ravens (10-5, -5 1/2) over @Texans (9-6), 27-20: We were a perfect 2-0/2-0. Thursday night pick was Seahawks (8-7, -3 1/2) over @Bears (4-11), 23-16. Chargers (9-6, -4 1/2) over @Patriots (3-12), 24-13: [Playoff impact: LAC clinch playoffs with win or losses by MIA and IND. NE is long out of it.] Dolphins fans will be in unusual spot: Cheering for the Patriots to win. NE hasn’t quit, as Buffalo learned last week. But Chargers, with stakes and a rest/prep edge after playing last Thursday, should handle Pats in this first of three Saturday games. @Bengals (7-8, -3 1/2) over Broncos (9-6), 27-23: [Playoff impact: DEN clinches playoffs with win. CIN is alive but must win and get help.] If Chargers win earlier Saturday, Miami would be eliminated from playoff contention with a Denver win in this middle of three Saturday tilts. Been a season-long climb from an 0-3 start for Cincy, but Joe Burrow-to-Ja’Marr Chase has been deadly as any combo in NFL. Riding that hot duo at home. @Rams (9-6, -6 1/2) over Cardinals (7-8), 31-17: [Playoff impact: LAR would win division with win and SEA loss. ARI is out.] Arizona clobbered the Rams, 41-10, in September and is a danger in a division spoiler role this time, but we’re feeling payback here in the prime-time cap to Saturday’s tripleheader. Matthew Stafford has led L.A. to four straight wins and the Rams’ D as allowed only 15 total points in past two. @Bills (12-3, -8 1/2) over Jets (4-11), 37-13: [Playoff impact: BUF has clinched division and cannot win No. 1 seed so has little to play for. NYJ is way done.] Kansas City’s Christmas Day win earned the No. 1 seed and bye, so might Buffs limit key starters’ time on field? I’d sooner bet that, after only beating the Jets 23-20 in October and just getting by Pats 24-21 last week, Josh Allen’s Bills (7-0 at home) will be out to generate momentum heading into playoffs. Raiders (3-12, -1) over @Saints (5-10), 19-17: [Playoff impact: None. Both are out.] N’Awlins getting QB Derek Carr back from hand injury to face his ex-team would spice an otherwise bland matchup, but it was looking on Thursday like Spencer Rattler again. Vegas has been bad on road but is still playing hard and the offense cooks a bit better with Aidan O’Connell. So lean there in a near-pick-’em game. Colts (7-8, -7 1/2) over @Giants (2-13), 27-16: [Playoff impact: IND is alive but cannot clinch here. NYG were eliminated in the Cretaceous Period.] A Colts loss here would benefit Miami — if Broncos or Chargers lose Saturday to keep Fins’ hopes alive. Giants have lost 10 straight, only covering the spread once, and are NFL’s only winless home team (0-8) in nightmare year for Brian Daboll. Indy QB Anthony Richardson is banged up but Jonathan Taylor will lope for miles on NYG’s awful run-D. Dolphins (7-8, -6 1/2) over @Browns (3-12), 24-16: [Playoff impact: To stay alive, MIA must have DEN or LAC lose on Saturday and then beat the Browns. CLE of course is way eliminated.] Miami will know before kickoff if their game in the cold of Cleveland is must-win or meaningless. Denver and the L.A. Chargers both play Saturday and at least one needs to lose. If both win the Fins are finished no matter their result on the shore of Lake Erie. Miami won these teams’ last meeting in 2022 but lost its most recent trip to Cleveland in ‘19. The Dolphins are only 2-5 on the road and Tua Tagovailoa’s track record in cold weather is dismal. Sunday’s afternoon-into-evening clime in Cleve is forecast for high 40s but with a likelihood of rain — dismal in my book. Still like Miami, especially with Browns’ QB straits. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) and the demoted Jameis Winston (shoulder) both are hobbled, though DTR is expected to start. Browns have scored 17 points or fewer in 11 of their 12 losses. Now top targets Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku also are both are iffy to play, while Fins hope to have Jaylen Waddle back. @Eagles (12-3, -7 1/2) over Cowboys (7-8), 23-17: [Playoff impact: PHI has clinched playoffs and can win division with win here and loss by WAS. DAL is out.] These NFC East rivals both entered season with sky-high hopes. One of them has lived up. Tough pick here, though, because Birds QB Jalen Hurts (concussion) was very iffy as of Thursday and backup Kenny Pickett (ribs) also was limited. Behind door No. 3: One Tanner McKee. Meanwhile Cowboys are good fit for spoilers, as Tampa learned last week, and Cooper Rush has played well lately. Hunch Philly finds a way, but lean ‘Boys on the cover. @Buccaneers (8-7, -8) over Panthers (4-11), 27-23: [Playoff impact: TB is alive for division title but cannot clinch here. CAR is way done.] Bucs have beaten Cats four in a row and eight of past nine but needed OT to sneak by on Dec. 1. Atlanta owns tiebreaker edge in NFC South, so could be division title-or-bust for Tampa. Carolina has been competitive second half of season, but this is must-win home test Baker Mayfield’s Bucs. Titans (3-12, -1) over @Jaguars (3-12), 17-14: [Playoff impact: Ha! You’re kidding, right?] With teams this level of bad, games are typically lost by mistakes more than won with great plays. So this is a telling trend I’m saddling up: Tennessee’s defense has collected seven takeaways in past three games. Jacksonville’s offense has sloppied to a minus-seven turnover margin in its past four games. Lions (13-2, -3 1/2) over @49ers (6-9), 30-20: [Playoff impact: DET clinches playoffs’ No. 1 NFC seed and bye with a win and a MIN loss. SF is eliminated.] This NFC championship game rematch was supposed to be a great one for Monday night. But one team failed to hold up its end. Detroit has NFL’s only perfect road record (7-0) and should maintain that. Niners are dangerous as spoilers and could capitalize on Lions’ defensive injuries, but Jared Goff and this Motown offense (now with heaver doses of Jahmyr Gibbs) outscore just about everybody in its path. [Note: Betting lines courtesy ESPNBet as of mid-afternoon Thursday.] ©2024 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.It was fitting the fog should partially clear at the final whistle because Liverpool have put daylight between them and the chasing pack in the title race. Arne Slot’s side have moved seven points clear at the top of the table - and have a game in hand on their closest challengers Chelsea. This was just as important as Liverpool’s 4-0 romp over Leicester on Boxing Day 2019 on their way to their last title, even if it was achieved without the same panache. Liverpool dug out this win when it seemed everything was initially against them. Slot will have been delighted by the character his side displayed as they refused to accept this would not be their night. It might have been so different and Leicester sensed an upset when they scored an early opener, partly through some sloppy defending by Liverpool, and soaked up everything the Reds could throw at them. The Reds kept going and got their reward in first-half stoppage time with a peach of a strike from Cody Gakpo to bring up 10 goals this season. Leicester’s resolve was broken and Curtis Jones scored Liverpool’s second just after half-time before Mohamed Salah netted his customary goal with his 19th strike of his phenomenal season. There is no stopping Salah and he now has 27 Premier League goal involvements. Leicester showed pluck and boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will have seen positives, even if they have slipped into the bottom three on the back of a run of just one win in 10 league games. Jakub Stolarczyk made his first appearance of the season for Leicester and the Pole made a fine double save, first from Salah and then from Jones from the rebound. Those stops became even more critical when Leicester stunned Anfield to take a shock lead on six minutes. Stephy Mavididi crossed from the left and Jordan Ayew turned Andy Robertson far too easily to shoot home into the near corner off Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool cranked up the pressure and Darwin Nunez, one of two changes with Jones to the side which thumped Tottenham on Sunday, headed wide from Robertson’s cross. It was like the Alamo and Salah had a shot deflected over onto the roof of the net as Liverpool laid siege to their goal. Leicester rode their luck and Robertson’s header from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross beat Stolarczyk, but not the far post. Liverpool kept pressing and Salah curled a trademark left-foot shot against the bar with Stolarczyk, who was on loan at League Two Hartlepool 19 months ago, grasping fresh air. The Reds’ pressure finally paid off in the final seconds of the first half when Gakpo cut in from the left, past James Justin, and curled home an exquisite right-foot shot. Liverpool took the lead on 49 minutes after an interminable wait for VAR to check for offside. It was a sweet move and Alexis MacAllister, who also found Gakpo for his leveller, picked out Jones with his centre from the right and he slotted home from five yards. Liverpool switched to cruise control and Salah wrapped up the win eight minutes from time with an assured finish from the right. The one negative for Liverpool was a fifth booking for Dominik Szoboszlai, just minutes after coming on, and he will be suspended for Sundays trip to West Ham. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Amazon's Prime Video is broadcasting the Premier League Boxing Day round of fixtures on December 26-27. Each match can be streamed free with an Amazon Prime subscription or by signing up for an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial .Turkey could be one of the big winners from the new Syria crisis, giving it a chance to tackle its Syrian refugee problem and the Kurdish threat along its border, observers say. Although Syrian President Bashar al-Assad spurned an offer of help from his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ankara now appears to have an increasingly important role in decisions that will affect Syria's immediate future. Omer Ozkizilcik, an Atlantic Council associate researcher in Ankara, said Turkey has a "complex and difficult relationship" with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the jihadist alliance that led last week's rebel offensive. "We can clearly say there was indirect Turkish support (for the offensive) but no direct Turkish involvement," he told AFP. Although the attack was due to take place "seven weeks ago... Turkey stopped the rebels from launching this military offensive," he added. Assad's ally Russia has also been "heavily" bombing rebel positions in the northwest to stymie an attack on his government. Charles Lister, an expert at Washington's Middle East Institute agreed, saying "the Aleppo offensive was initially planned for mid-October but Turkey put a stop to it". It was only after Ankara's efforts to normalise ties with the Assad regime were rebuffed as it pushed for a political solution, that Turkey gave its green light, Ozkizilcik said. Turkey has pushed back against the expansion of HTS into the "security zone" in northwest Syria it has carved out for itself, and has put pressure on the radical Islamist group to drop its Al-Qaeda affiliation. It has also pressed it to avoid attacking Christian and Druze minorities, analysts say. "The HTS of today is not what it was in 2020," Ozkizilcik said. Although Turkey has some influence over the group, Firas Kontar, a Syrian opposition figure of Druze origin and author of "Syria, the Impossible Revolution", believes Erdogan "no longer has the means to stop HTS". Ankara and Damascus broke off ties in 2011 when the war started with Erdogan backing the rebels and denouncing Assad as a "murderer". However, since late 2022 the Turkish leader has been seeking a rapprochement, saying in July he was ready to host Assad "at any time". But Assad said he would only meet if Turkish forces withdrew from Syria. Ankara is hoping a rapprochement would pave the way for the return of the 3.2 million Syrian refugees still on its soil, whose presence has become a major domestic hot potato. "Now with the changing situation on the ground, the balance of power in Syria has shifted: Turkey is the most powerful actor at the moment inside Syria, and Iran and Russia will likely try to negotiate with Turkey," Ozkizilcik said. Since 2016, Turkey has staged multiple operations against Kurdish forces in northern Syria which has given it a foothold in areas bordering the frontier. The aim is to oust Kurdish fighters from the border zone, notably the YPG (People's Protection Units) which are backed by Washington as bulwark against Islamic State group jihadists. But Ankara views the YPG as an extension of the PKK which has fought a decades-long insurgency inside Turkey and is banned as a terror group by Washington and Brussels. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, pro-Turkey rebels on Sunday seized Tal Rifaat, a town north of Aleppo and the surrounding villages, where some 200,000 Syrian Kurds were living. Tal Rifaat lies just outside Turkey's "security zone" with the move prompting Kurdish residents to flee to a safe zone further east. Turkey's secret service said it had killed a PKK leader in the area. "Turkey has already made and probably will make many gains against the YPG terror group to secure its national security," said Ozkizilcik. ach/hmw/fg

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