🚀 Crypto News of the Week (17-24 Dec 2025) 📉 Market Moves bitcoin slipped under $88 000 as year-end liquidity dried up, leaving markets thin and volatility rising. BTC briefly reclaimed ~$87 000 mid-week, but sellers dominated amid low trading volume. Ether and broader altcoins largely trade sideways with mixed sentiment. BNB saw pressure with its price hovering near lower bands as traders reduced risk. Overall, macro uncertainty and ETF outflows kept prices muted. 🇺🇸 Political & Regulatory Highlights US crypto legislation hit pause as a major Senate bill was deferred until 2026, triggering a pullback in risk assets including bitcoin. That delay underscores ongoing uncertainty in the world’s largest crypto market. 📊 Industry & Institutional Trends Despite short-term weakness, long-term interest remains: institutional holders paused new BTC buys after heavy December accumulation, and large ETF outflows haven’t dramatically shifted price support yet. 🌍 Security & Crime Report North Korean hacking groups set a grim annual record by stealing over $2 billion in crypto in 2025, including a single $1.5 billion heist. This surge in large-scale thefts highlights evolving attack strategies. 👮 Wild Crypto Chronicles In New York, a 23-year-old crypto scammer who claimed to be a Coinbase rep was arrested after swindling $16 million and bragging about his exploits online - still living with his dad at the time. 📈 Fun Fact Did you know that bitcoin’s “$100 000” celebration earlier this year was technically overstated? Real-world purchasing power metrics show BTC never truly hit six figures on that basis - but the internet still threw a party anyway. 🔮 Looking Ahead Analysts and market models suggest next year could be pivotal. Some forecasts see BTC potentially retesting new highs in 2026 if institutional flows and macro conditions align - though short-term volatility may linger.