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On December 11th, Vancouver City Council is set to consider a motion proposed by Mayor Ken Sim titled "Preserving of the City’s Purchasing Power Through Diversification of Financial Reserves – Becoming A Bitcoin Friendly City." Notably, Sim's ABC party holds a majority on the council.If the motion is approved, city staff will be tasked with analyzing the potential of integrating cryptocurrency. This could involve accepting taxes and fees in Bitcoin or converting a portion of Vancouver's financial reserves into Bitcoin.The west coast Canadian city has long been a crypto hub. In 2013, it claimed to have the world's first Bitcoin ATM. It is also home to blockchain startups like NFT company Dapper Labs Inc.Sim's motion highlights the supposed benefits other local and national governments have reaped from embracing Bitcoin. For instance, El Salvador made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021, and Zug in Switzerland started accepting Bitcoin for taxes.The proposal argues that integrating Bitcoin showcases a pro-innovation agenda and safeguards the city's purchasing power against the "volatility, debasement and inflationary pressures" of traditional currencies.It also states that the often power-hungry process of Bitcoin mining has "shown environmental benefits." By consuming excess energy from stranded renewables and waste methane, it reduces emissions and makes renewable energy projects financially viable.However, some studies challenge this claim. In 2022, Vancouver's home province of British Columbia imposed a temporary moratorium on new cryptocurrency mining to preserve its hydro-electricity supply. The government warned that "the unchecked growth of cryptocurrency mining operations in BC could make it more difficult" to meet clean electrification goals and keep customer rates low.This move by Vancouver to consider integrating Bitcoin into its finances is a significant development in the world of digital currencies and has the potential to set new precedents. It remains to be seen how this will unfold and what impact it will have on the city and the broader crypto industry.His Daughter's Perspective
Chandler's daughter, Jessica Chandler, shares her father's love for the river. "This river means a lot to him. It always has. It's been a place where he's always come to just be at peace," she says. She recalls how Chandler would frequently sit in his car at the end of the landing, with the headlights casting a glow onto the water. "He's been coming here since I was a baby, so this was his happy place, and it didn't matter the time," she adds.The Sheriff's Theories
Calhoun County Sheriff Thomas Summers has shared his theories on what might have happened. "We theorized he just came out here to look at the water. He liked doing that. Somehow, his vehicle ended up in the water," Summers said. The family's concern grew when the car was discovered with the windows open and in park. However, Sheriff Summers remains hopeful. "We don't have any signs at all that there's any foul play involved. Now we're checking on all the angles. Of course, it's an active investigation, but right now we don't have any signs of foul play."The Family's Efforts
The family has been actively involved in the search. "We've pretty much camped down here. We've walked at least a mile down the riverbanks. We've searched the water night and day. We've searched with flashlights. We've used boats. We've used live scope. We haven't left pretty much down here, just enough to go home and get a shower and repack clothes and come back," Jessica said. They last saw Chandler around 2:50 a.m. on Dec. 3 after reviewing home security footage that showed him leaving their residence.The Search Team's Collaboration
The Calhoun County Sheriff's Department has teamed up with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to increase the search efforts. They are patrolling the waterway using boats, performing sonar detection, and monitoring nearby roads and other areas surrounding the landing. Anyone with information on Chandler's whereabouts is urged to contact the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department.The Devastating Impact of a Wrong-Way Crash in Lucama
Details of the Crash
The crash on US 301 in Lucama was a harrowing event that left the community in shock. The force of the collision was immense, as evidenced by the burst of flames from the wrong-way vehicle and the subsequent overturning of the other car. The fact that all four occupants lost their lives is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of such incidents.
Highway 301 in Lucama was closed in both directions immediately after the crash, causing significant disruptions for commuters and residents. However, the road was reopened around 8:30 p.m., allowing traffic to resume. This closure served as a stark reminder of the importance of safety on our roads and the need for drivers to remain vigilant.
Commonality of Wrong-Way Drivers
Those who live nearby have expressed their concerns about the prevalence of wrong-way drivers along this stretch of road. Amy Thompson shared her harrowing experience of almost being hit by a runaway driver and emphasized that many others have had similar encounters.
Jasmine Maull also recounted her fears when she saw a car seemingly coming at her. Even if the car is not on her side, the sight can be terrifying and cause one to second-guess themselves. After the crash, her first thought was to look for her own children and ensure their safety.
Condolences and Impact on Families
Neighbors have offered their condolences to the families of the victims who were taken suddenly in the fiery crash. As a mother, Jasmine Maull's heart aches for those affected. Amy Thompson added that it is a difficult time for the families, especially right after the holidays and just before Christmas.
The loss of these lives has had a profound impact on the community, and thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult time.
The identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed, adding an air of mystery and sadness to the already tragic event.