To the Point
Is the Digital Currency Bitcoin Going Mainstream?
Bitcoins are worth a total of $1 billion, not bad for a virtual currency that's four years old and not backed by a central bank. We hear more about the future of money.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenBitcoins are now worth a total of $1 billion, not bad for a virtual currency that's four years old and not backed by a central bank. Bitcoins are a way to make payments on the Internet — without any fees. They're also a way to lose money fast. We hear more about digital technology and the future of money. Also, a top Hezbollah military leader is killed in Beirut. On today's Talking Point, will Brazil be ready for next year's World Cup?
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In this episode
3 storiesTop Hezbollah Military Leader Killed in Beirut
A senior commander of Hezbollah was assassinated today in Beirut, apparently another incident in Lebanon's sad history as a battleground for proxy wars. Maria Abi-Habib reports from there for the Wall Street Journal .
Read the story8 minIs the Bitcoin a Boom or a Bubble?
The price of a Bitcoin has jumped from $13 at the start of this year to more than a thousand, and it's still rising. Congress and federal regulators are beginning to pay attention. There already are Bitcoin millionaires — and Bitcoin criminals -- even though most people don't understand what a Bitcoin is.
Read the story35 minWill Brazil Be Ready for the World Cup?
When Brazil hosted the Confederations Cup this summer, there were violent protests over the money being spent on athletic facilities rather than health and education. Now, as the nation prepares for the World Cup in June of next year, fatal accidents and construction delays are holding things up.
Read the story8 min
