Crypto advocates join in suing Illinois over digital asset tax

The Crypto Council for Innovation and the Blockchain Association added another lawsuit against the state for its recently approved 0.2% crypto tax.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/08/21/crypto-advocates-join-in-suing-illinois-over-digital-asset-tax

Pass the Clarity Act

Reopening a settled provision four weeks before a vote would sink the bill, argues Summer Mersinger, CEO of the Blockchain Association.

source https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2026/08/21/pass-the-clarity-act

Bitcoin, ether and solana climb as another $1 billion shorts get wiped out

The two-day short liquidation total has reached about $3.8 billion, after Thursday's figure set a record going back to 2021.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/21/bitcoin-ether-and-solana-climb-as-another-usd1-billion-shorts-get-wiped-out

A $2 million bet on XRP volatility crosses the tape as prices surge

An options trader opened a large straddle on XRP, betting on wild price swings by Aug. 28.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/21/a-usd2-million-bet-on-xrp-volatility-crosses-the-tape-as-prices-surge

U.S. CFTC chief puts staff on notice to create crypto regulations if Clarity Act fails

Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Mike Selig told the inaugural gathering of the Innovation Advisory Committee that his agency won't sit idle.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/08/20/u-s-cftc-chief-puts-staff-on-notice-to-create-crypto-regulations-if-clarity-act-fails

Ether jumps 18% to $2,250 as bitcoin tops $69,000 in broad crypto rally

Every major except tron posted double-digit weekly gains, with nearly $1.4 billion of short positions wiped out after the Treasury doubled its bond buybacks.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/20/ether-jumps-18-to-usd2-250-as-bitcoin-tops-usd69-000-in-broad-crypto-rally

Bitcoin briefly hits $70,000 for the first time since June. Here is why

The largest crypto asset rose more than 7% on Wednesday after several catalysts sent crypto-related assets higher.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/19/bitcoin-briefly-hits-usd70-000-for-the-first-time-since-june-here-is-why