By 
📈 30 Second Cryptocurrency Price Summary
Current Bitcoin Price: $10,736
It’s been a pretty quiet weekend for Bitcoin, with prices bouncing between $11,100 and $11,500. Today, however, Bitcoin (along with the market average) is up a very proud 2%. Ethereum is up more than 3%, while XRP hasn’t moved. Among the top-20, other altcoins are up 1% or 2%, while a select few — Binance Coin, Bitcoin SV, and Chainlink — are up more than 4%.
Top Stories for August 19, 2019 🔥
👉 New Zealand legalizes crypto salary payments
Within the last 12 months, we’ve seen a lot of progress in how the world’s jurisdictions are approaching cryptocurrency. Most notably, several US states have legalized the payment of state taxes in Bitcoin and other altcoins, but what do governments around the world think of crypto salaries?
New Zealand will become the first country to legalize cryptocurrency salary payments. The decision requires that salaries are pegged to a fiat currency and may be converted at any time.
👉 Petition to release Silk Road founder: 195,000 signatures
Silk Road was the darknet’s first online marketplace for illicit goods and services. It was shut down in October 2013 by the FBI, and founder Ross Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison.
A petition seeking clemency for Ulbricht has reached more than 195,000 signatures. Notable signatories include Litecoin founder Charlie Lee and Bitcoin bull Tim Draper.
👉 Horizon State will “cease operations” due to legal case
Horizon State (HST) was a cryptocurrency project that sought to use the power of blockchain to revolutionize modern-day voting processes. Its price took a plunge after the 2017 bull run, like many other coins.
A Facebook post on the official Horizon State page has announced that the project will be ceasing operations due to a legal case in Australia.