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Turnout in U.S. has soared in recent elections but by some measures still trails that of many other countries

Voter participation in the general election for the United States in 2020 skyrocketed to levels not seen in decades, fueled by the acrimonious campaign between Joe Biden and Donald Trump and facilitated by changes to state election rules related to the pandemic. According to a tabulation of official state returns by the Pew Research Center, more than 158.4 million people participated in the election. This number represents 62.8% of people who were of voting age, based on estimates provided by the Census Bureau for the voting-age population in the year 2020.

Voter Registration Rules

To register in New York you must:

  • Be a citizen of the United States;
  • Be a resident of New York and the county, city, or village where for at least 30 days before Election Day;
  • 16- and 17-year-olds may preregister to vote, but cannot vote until they are 18;
  • Not be incarcerated for a felony conviction;
  • Not currently be judged incompetent by a court;
  • Not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

US regulators to vote on largest dam demolition, Klamath Basin in history

On Thursday, US regulators will vote on a plan to remove four ageing hydro-electric structures, which will reopen hundreds of miles of river habitat in California to salmon that are in danger of extinction. This plan would make the largest dam removal and river restoration plan in the world one step closer to becoming a reality.

The vote by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on the lower Klamath River dams is the last major regulatory hurdle and the biggest milestone facing a USD 500 million demolition proposal that has been championed by Native American tribes and environmentalists for years. This proposal has been opposed by the Klamath Riverkeeper, which is a group of Native American tribes.

If the application to surrender the operating licence of the dams is approved, the parties supervising the project will accept the licence transfer, and dam removal could begin as early as this summer. This is the most ambitious plan ever conceived for the restoration of salmon populations, and it is dependent on the approval of this application.

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The Newest in Crypto Markets: Unveiling Trends and Developments

The cryptocurrency market, known for its rapid evolution, is a dynamic landscape where trends and developments emerge at a swift pace. Staying abreast of the newest in crypto markets is essential for investors, traders, and enthusiasts seeking to navigate this ever-changing terrain. Here’s a comprehensive exploration of the latest trends and developments in the crypto markets:

1. NFT Boom:

  • Explosion of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): The NFT craze continues to captivate the crypto world. From digital art and collectibles to virtual real estate and music, NFTs have expanded across diverse industries, reshaping the concept of ownership and digital assets.
  • Celebrity and Brand Engagement: Celebrities and brands are increasingly entering the NFT space, launching their unique collections and collaborations. This has propelled NFTs into mainstream consciousness, attracting a broader audience.

2. DeFi Evolution:

  • Decentralized Finance (DeFi) 2.0: The DeFi space is undergoing a significant evolution with the emergence of DeFi 2.0. This phase includes innovations such as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), algorithmic stablecoins, and cross-chain interoperability, enhancing the functionality and security of decentralized finance.
  • Layer 2 Solutions: To address scalability challenges, DeFi projects are exploring Layer 2 scaling solutions, aiming to improve transaction speed and reduce fees. Optimistic Rollups and zk-Rollups are gaining traction as viable solutions.

3. Institutional Adoption:

  • Increasing Institutional Interest: Institutional players are actively entering the crypto markets. Major financial institutions, hedge funds, and corporations are allocating significant investments to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, signaling a growing acceptance of digital assets in traditional finance.
  • Bitcoin as a Digital Gold: Bitcoin continues to solidify its position as a store of value, often referred to as “digital gold.” This narrative has gained traction among institutional investors seeking a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainties.

4. Ethereum Upgrades:

  • Transition to Ethereum 2.0: Ethereum, the leading smart contract platform, is undergoing a transition to Ethereum 2.0. This upgrade aims to improve scalability, security, and sustainability by shifting from a proof-of-work (PoW) to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism.
  • EIP-1559 and Fee Burning: Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP)-1559 has been implemented, introducing a new fee structure that includes the burning of transaction fees. This has implications for the supply dynamics of Ether (ETH).

5. Rise of Layer 1 Blockchains:

  • Competing Smart Contract Platforms: Layer 1 blockchains, such as Binance Smart Chain, Solana, and Avalanche, are gaining prominence as competitors to Ethereum. These platforms offer alternatives with faster transaction speeds and lower fees, attracting developers and users alike.
  • Cross-Chain Interoperability: Projects focused on cross-chain interoperability are on the rise, aiming to create seamless communication and value transfer between different blockchains. This trend fosters a more interconnected and collaborative blockchain ecosystem.

6. Environmental Sustainability:

  • Focus on Sustainable Practices: The environmental impact of blockchain networks, particularly those using PoW consensus mechanisms, has led to increased emphasis on sustainability. Projects are exploring and implementing eco-friendly solutions, including the transition to PoS.
  • Carbon Offsetting Initiatives: Some crypto projects are actively engaging in carbon offsetting initiatives to mitigate their environmental footprint. This demonstrates a growing awareness and commitment to addressing environmental concerns within the crypto space.

7. Privacy and Security Enhancements:

  • Privacy Coins and Enhancements: Privacy remains a priority, leading to the development of privacy-focused cryptocurrencies and enhancements. Confidential transactions and privacy features are gaining traction, offering users increased anonymity in their transactions.
  • Security Best Practices: With the rise of hacks and security breaches, the crypto community is placing a greater emphasis on security best practices. From secure storage solutions to multi-signature wallets, users are actively seeking ways to protect their assets.

8. Community-Led Initiatives:

  • Community-Driven Projects: The crypto community continues to play a crucial role in shaping the industry. Community-led initiatives, decentralized governance models, and grassroots movements contribute to the vibrancy and resilience of the crypto ecosystem.
  • Social Media Influence: Social media platforms, particularly Twitter and Reddit, remain influential channels for discussions, debates, and the dissemination of information. Trends, sentiments, and breaking news often first emerge on these platforms.

9. Tokenization of Real-World Assets:

  • Real-World Asset Tokenization: The tokenization of real-world assets, including real estate, art, and commodities, is gaining momentum. Blockchain facilitates fractional ownership and increased liquidity for traditionally illiquid assets.
  • Security Tokens: Security tokens, representing ownership in real-world assets, are being explored as a compliant and regulated form of tokenization. This trend aligns with increasing regulatory clarity in the space.

10. Global Regulatory Developments:

  • Diverse Regulatory Approaches: Countries around the world are adopting diverse approaches to regulate and integrate cryptocurrencies. Some nations embrace digital assets, while others exercise caution or impose strict regulations. Ongoing regulatory developments shape the global landscape for crypto markets.
  • Regulatory Clarity and Compliance: The quest for regulatory clarity continues, with a focus on compliance and legal frameworks. Clearer regulations are expected to enhance institutional participation and foster a more stable and secure crypto market.

In conclusion, the newest trends and developments in crypto markets encompass a spectrum of technological, financial, and regulatory advancements. As the industry continues to mature, these trends shape the narrative of the crypto space, offering opportunities for innovation, investment, and the integration of blockchain technology into mainstream systems. Staying informed about these developments is essential for anyone navigating the dynamic and evolving world of cryptocurrencies.

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