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Halloween spending hits $13.1B — BBB shares safety tips – Aledo Times Record

As Halloween approaches, the Better Business Bureau is urging consumers to be cautious when shopping at pop-up stores and online, according to a community announcement.
“Many Halloween Pop-up stores began opening this month,” Dennis Horton, a BBB senior regional director in Illinois, said in the announcement. “But the problem is, they might be open today and closed tomorrow. In that case, the buyer could be left holding the bag if the Halloween merchandise is not satisfactory. You cannot return a product or file a complaint at a shuttered store.”
Halloween spending is expected to hit record highs this year, with the National Retail Federation predicting expenditures could reach approximately $13.1 billion. Of that, $4.3 billion is expected to be spent on costumes, $4.2 billion on decorations and $3.9 billion on candy. While big-box stores are often the go-to places, some of the money paid will be online, according to the announcement.
As Oct. 31 gets closer, people pressed for time often let their guard down when shopping for trick-or-treat items. To help consumers navigate these challenges, the BBB has provided several tips for shopping at Halloween pop-up stores and online.
Consumers can report scams to BBB Scam Tracker.
This story was created by reporter Abreanna Blose,ablose@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more atcm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. 

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Mega Millions jackpot grows to $680 million – WRAL.com

The Mega Millions jackpot is now one of the largest in the game’s history. 
After no ticket matched all six numbers on Tuesday, the jackpot is estimated to be $680 million for Friday night’s drawing. That makes it the 9th largest jackpot in the lottery’s history. 
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The largest Mega Millions prize was in 2023 when it was $1.6 billion. 
Although no one won the grand prize on Tuesday night, Mega Millions said that more than 400,000 tickets won some kind of prize. 
You can watch the Friday night drawing just before the 11 p.m. news on WRAL or on WRAL.com.

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Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: Comprehensive Patient Guide – Cure Today

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This patient guide explains gastrointestinal stromal tumors, covering diagnosis, treatment options, targeted therapies and practical care tips.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, or GISTs, are rare cancers that form in the digestive tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. They originate from interstitial cells of Cajal, which help coordinate muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs vary widely in size, location, and aggressiveness. Early detection can improve outcomes, but many patients are diagnosed after experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, fatigue, gastrointestinal bleeding, or anemia. Some tumors are discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions.
GISTs are staged based on tumor size, location, mitotic rate (how quickly tumor cells divide), and spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. Genetic testing is also important. Mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA genes are common and directly influence treatment choices. Accurate diagnosis and staging are essential for developing an effective treatment plan.
Diagnosis usually begins with imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs to locate the tumor and assess its size and spread. Endoscopy may be performed for tumors in the stomach or small intestine, allowing direct visualization and tissue sampling. A biopsy confirms the diagnosis, and molecular testing identifies mutations that predict responsiveness to targeted therapies.
Laboratory tests may also be performed to evaluate overall health and organ function. Early discussion with your oncologist about genetic testing is important because it can guide treatment selection and clinical trial eligibility.
“They are not common tumors; they are tumors of the supporting structure of the gastrointestinal tract, kind of like the scaffolding. And again, they are, by and large, benign entities, but they certainly have significant malignant potential. So when we see them, and we see them often enough in patients because they are often found as lumps and bumps during an endoscopy, further characterization is definitely warranted,” Dr. Rosario Ligresti, the chief of Gastroenterology and Interventional Endoscopy at Hackensack Meridian Health, explained in an interview with CURE.
Targeted therapies can cause side effects, which vary in severity.
Patients are encouraged to report side effects promptly. Dose adjustments, supportive medications, or lifestyle strategies can help manage symptoms. Open communication with your care team can improve quality of life and allow continued therapy.
“Even if you had curative surgery, number one, you need surveillance. Number two, some patients need treatment to decrease risk of recurrence. And number three, it’s best to also have genetic follow-up, to make sure there is no inherited risk for yourself and also for other family members,” Dr. Weijing Sun, associate director at the University of Kansas Cancer Center, said in an interview with CURE.
GIST treatment is highly personalized. Surgery is the mainstay for localized tumors, while targeted therapies like Gleevec, Sunitinib, and Regorafenib play a critical role in high-risk or metastatic disease. Genetic testing informs treatment selection, and careful monitoring can help manage side effects. Patients are encouraged to maintain open dialogue with their oncologist, ask questions about new therapies, and explore supportive care resources to maintain quality of life throughout treatment.
Editor’s Note: This guide is designed to be a starting point. Your personal experience will be unique. By using this information as a foundation for your discussions, you can partner with your oncologist to make the best decisions for your health.
For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.
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Bealls Sets the Standard: Embracing Crypto Payments in Retail – OneSafe

In a bold move, Bealls Inc. has become the first national retailer to accept cryptocurrency payments at its 660 locations, partnering with Flexa to facilitate the transactions. This isn’t just about keeping up with the times; it’s a major step that could transform the shopping experience and redefine how we think about retail. So let’s take a look at the rewards and risks of this crypto payment integration, and what fintech startups can glean from Bealls’ path.
Teaming up with Flexa, a digital payments network, allows Bealls to accept a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Customers can pay at checkout using the Flexa app or other supported wallets, ensuring that transactions are instant and secure. This integration means customers don’t have to convert their crypto into fiat before shopping, which is a big win in bridging the gap between traditional retail and decentralized finance.
For retailers like Bealls, accepting crypto payments could mean a significant uptick in sales and customer loyalty. They are targeting a younger, tech-savvy demographic that values innovative payment options. According to Shopify, businesses saw a 12% increase in sales after implementing similar solutions. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a shift in consumer expectation.
One of the most appealing aspects of accepting crypto is the potential for lower transaction fees. Compared to traditional credit card processing fees, this could improve profitability, which can be reinvested into the business or passed along to customers.
Cryptocurrencies can expedite cross-border transactions without the hassle of currency conversion fees. This is especially advantageous for retailers with diverse customer bases, making international shopping a smoother experience.
However, these rewards come with risks. Price volatility can disrupt cash flow and financial stability. And let’s not forget the regulatory landscape, which is still very much in flux and can create compliance challenges.
Also, there’s the issue of security. The pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrencies can lead to fraud and cyber threats. Retailers will need robust security measures to protect customer data and transactions.
Bealls’ approach offers valuable lessons for fintech startups. By embracing blockchain and partnering with innovative platforms, startups can enhance customer experiences and remain competitive amidst rapid changes in the market. Implementing a crypto payroll solution could also aid in financial inclusion, particularly in regions with limited traditional banking access.
All in all, crypto payment integration serves as a tool for financial inclusion, giving unbanked populations access to essential services. Startups focused on user-friendly solutions that meet emerging consumer demands could emerge as leaders in the fintech sector.
As retailers like Bealls adopt cryptocurrency payments, the retail landscape is poised for transformation. The fusion of traditional commerce and blockchain innovation will likely reshape consumer expectations and further promote the use of digital currencies. Staying attuned to market trends and consumer preferences will be essential for retailers looking to remain relevant.
Bealls’ acceptance of cryptocurrency payments is a significant leap toward modernizing retail and enhancing customer engagement. While the rewards are appealing, the risks require careful management. By studying Bealls’ innovative approach, both fintech startups and traditional retailers can navigate the complexities of the crypto payment landscape and thrive in the evolving world of commerce.

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ProShares Breaks New Ground in Cryptocurrency Investment – OneSafe

Have you ever felt the pulse of the cryptocurrency market as it transforms before our eyes? As institutional investors begin to embrace this volatile world, ProShares is at the forefront, spearheading a shift with their innovative cryptocurrency ETFs. Let’s explore the remarkable changes brought about by the ProShares CoinDesk 20 Index ETF and uncover how it redefines the relationship between traditional finance and the digital asset ecosystem. This journey through emerging trends and implications for investors is sure to pique your interest.
Picture a world where investing in digital currencies no longer requires direct exposure to their erratic price swings. Enter cryptocurrency ETFs, which have surged in popularity for enabling a safer entry point into this vibrant market. The ProShares CoinDesk 20 ETF exemplifies this evolution, serving as a regulated product designed around the leading cryptocurrencies. By focusing on heavyweights like Bitcoin and Ethereum, this ETF substantially reduces the risks typical of direct cryptocurrency investments.
Eric Balchunas, a notable figure in the ETF analysis arena, highlights an astonishing fact: the SEC is now reviewing approximately 155 various crypto-related ETFs, shining a spotlight on the rising interest from institutional players. Following the triumph of its Bitcoin futures ETF back in 2021, ProShares is gearing up to ride the wave of demand for diversified portfolios of digital assets.
The ProShares offering is meticulously crafted to track the CoinDesk 20 Index using derivatives rather than taking direct ownership of the cryptocurrencies themselves. This financial wizardry ensures more stable exposure to an industry known for its unpredictable nature. Additionally, the ETF’s design strategically limits risks associated with lesser-known, high-risk coins, appealing to traditional investors wary of the chaotic world of cryptocurrencies.
In a strategic move, ProShares intends to launch a Cayman Islands subsidiary dedicated to derivative transactions, further bolstering its competitive stance. This initiative embodies a significant shift, marrying structured financial products with stringent regulatory oversight, all while safeguarding investor capital and enhancing market integrity.
The race for dominance in the cryptocurrency ETF market is heating up, with contenders such as VanEck making waves by offering reduced management fees alongside enticing features like staking. Just look at VanEck’s pitch for a Solana ETF, boasting a mere 0.30% management fee designed to lure in institutional investors through a forward-thinking combination of price tracking and on-chain yield opportunities. To maintain its stature in this swiftly changing arena, ProShares must remain agile and responsive to the competition.
The historical trend shows that ETF approvals often result in greater liquidity and elevated valuations. The introduction of Bitcoin and Ether ETFs significantly stimulated market dynamics, suggesting that the arrival of the ProShares ETF could similarly ignite interest in digital asset investment strategies.
For institutional players, the rise of derivative-based cryptocurrency ETFs like ProShares CoinDesk ETF signifies a valuable opportunity to dip their toes into digital assets while sidestepping the pitfalls of direct ownership. By centering their investment strategies on well-established cryptocurrencies, these new offerings bridge the gap between traditional finance and the world of crypto, making portfolios more secure and appealing.
This innovation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about how conventional finance embraces cryptocurrencies. As the SEC continues to deliberate over new ETF filings, we could be on the brink of a revolutionary era, ripe with opportunities for investors keen on expanding their repertoire with regulated cryptocurrency products.
There’s an undeniable momentum toward derivatives-based investment vehicles among startups and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) in the Web3 space. This trend could shape the very framework of future decentralized finance, prompting an emphasis on compliance and governance as they woo institutional capital through regulated offerings.
Yet, therein lies a challenge: the foundational ethos of decentralization may face threats as these sophisticated structures flourish. Striking that delicate balance between attracting mainstream investors and safeguarding the core principles of decentralization will be crucial as the landscape continues to shift.
In the grand scheme of institutional finance, the ProShares Cryptocurrency ETF emerges as a revolutionary catalyst for embracing digital asset investments. By aligning with the CoinDesk 20 Index, ProShares presents investors with a regulated and structured way to engage with cryptocurrencies. As competition heats up and institutional interest grows, this ETF may very well chart a course for future innovation in digital asset investment techniques. Keep your eyes peeled, as the rapidly changing environment promises exciting challenges and opportunities for all who dare to navigate this new frontier.

Get started with Crypto effortlessly. OneSafe brings together your crypto and banking needs in one simple, powerful platform.
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Begin your journey with OneSafe today. Quick, effortless, and secure, our streamlined process ensures your account is set up and ready to go, hassle-free

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XRP Price: Bulls Defend $2.40 as Open Interest Shows Renewed Confidence – CoinCentral

XRP is currently trading at $2.42 after a week of high volatility that saw the token swing between $2.21 and $2.64. The price represents a 1.37% decline on the day.
The token has reclaimed the $2.40 level, which represents a key Point of Control based on volume data. This price area has emerged as a critical technical level where the market is showing resilience.
XRP ranks fifth on CoinMarketCap with a market capitalization of $145.25 billion. The token recorded $5.13 billion in 24-hour trading volume.
The recent retest of the value area low confirmed strong underlying demand. Buyers stepped in early, preventing a deeper retracement and reinforcing $2.40 as a structural support level.
Price is currently consolidating inside a rising channel pattern. This formation suggests traders are waiting for a clear signal about the next directional move.
The steady formation of higher lows indicates underlying support from buyers. However, momentum has slowed as the price hovers near the channel’s midline.
XRP is trading between two major moving averages. The 50-day EMA sits around $2.43 while the 200-day EMA is positioned near $2.54.
This positioning creates a standoff between short-term profit-takers and long-term holders. The RSI indicator stands at 46, showing a slightly bearish lean but remaining relatively neutral.
Doji and spinning top candlestick patterns are forming on the chart. These patterns typically indicate market indecision as participants await a breakout or breakdown before committing to new positions.
The trendline that began in early October continues to act as a major resistance point. Volume confirmation will be important for validating any upward movement.
Open interest across major futures exchanges has rebounded following a sharp reset in July. Liquidation events during that period wiped out excessive leverage from the market.
Open interest is now rising again alongside price. This combination indicates traders are re-entering the market with renewed confidence rather than speculative overexposure.
If open interest continues to climb while price consolidates above $2.40, it will confirm that new long positions are being established. This behavior has historically preceded continuation rallies when supported by stable funding rates and rising spot volume.
The recovery in derivatives data represents a key factor supporting the current price structure. Traders are showing renewed interest after the July liquidation cycle cleared out overleveraged positions.
If XRP breaks above $2.48, renewed buying momentum could push the price toward $2.64 or $2.70. These moves would be supported by the upper channel boundary.
A close below $2.40 would weaken the current structure. The next support levels would come into play near $2.21, a psychological threshold where buyers may re-emerge.
The buy zone for traders sits between $2.40 and $2.45, with confirmation needed above $2.48. Potential targets are set at $2.64 and $2.70, with a stop loss below $2.37.
As long as XRP maintains daily closes above $2.40, the structure remains intact. The token’s ability to defend this level will determine whether the recent reclaim leads to further upside.
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Bitcoin ETFs inflows reach $500m but ‘crypto will need some time to recover’ – dlnews.com

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Bitcoin is struggling to regain momentum.
The top crypto slipped 5% to around $108,100 early on Wednesday after approaching $114,000 on Tuesday. The drop came even as US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded nearly $500 million in inflows on October 21, according to SoSoValue data.
The price action reflects a market still caught between structural optimism and a lingering liquidity crunch, Annabelle Huang, founder of blockchain infrastructure firm Altius, told DL News.
“Crypto will need some time to recover from the crash on October 10,” Huang said. “Collectively, more than $20 billion was lost. That’s not something you can recover from overnight.”
Huang said the October crash, one of the largest deleveraging events in years, was amplified by cascading technical failures.
The crash came amidst macroeconomic uncertainties caused by factors like Washington’s trade war with Beijing, and the ongoing government shutdown in the US.
Despite the chaos, institutional sentiment appears more measured.
Jordan Knecht, head of institutional strategies and partnerships at crypto infrastructure firm GlobalStake, told DL News that large investors are viewing the drawdown as “a deleveraging reset rather than a systemic collapse.”
“In the case of Bitcoin and Ethereum, the infrastructure supporting institutional participation — regulated spots and futures, lending markets, custody and lending protocols — is far more developed now than in past drawdowns,” Knecht said.
For institutions with dry powder, the current environment presents a buying opportunity rather than panic, Knecht stressed.
“The liquidation has removed much of the excess leverage, enabling those firms to enter or scale positions with less tail-risk than in earlier cycles.”
And Knecht is not the only one who’s optimistic.
“Last week’s lows are the key to this bull thesis remaining intact,” Tom Bruni, head of markets and retail investor insights at trading-focused social media platform Stocktwits, told DL News.
“As long as Bitcoin does not close below $103,500 and Ethereum does not close below $3,500, traders are looking for a retest of the all-time highs and continued momentum from there.”
Bruni’s first upside target for Bitcoin is $126,000, followed by $150,000 if bullish momentum returns. For Ethereum, he sees $4,900 and $6,300 as key resistance levels.
“Retail is still very bullish,” he said, “but the lack of movement over the last five months has shifted their attention towards other market areas with more momentum.”
Lance Datskoluo is DL News’ Europe-based markets correspondent. Got a tip? Email lance@dlnews.com.

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Kerala Lottery Result Today 22-10-2025 Live Updates: DhanaLekshmi DL-23 Lottery Lucky draw results- Check Wednesday Winning Ticket Numbers; Results OUT – Times Now

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Kerala Lottery Result Today DhanaLekshmi DL-23 Results Live: The first winner of today’s lottery game- DhanaLekshmi DL-23- will take home Rs 1 crore as a cash prize. The Kerala lottery is one of the most trusted games in the country.
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