Coronation Street delivered one of its most emotional episodes yet tonight, as Todd finally spoke out about the horrific abuse he’s endured. But even as justice begins to take shape, fans know the drama is far from over.
After months of isolation and fear, Todd has been living under Theo’s control. But following a brutal attack, he found the strength to go to the police.
Theo was arrested and taken in for questioning, though with his name already linked to the show’s upcoming murder storyline, it seems unlikely this will be the last viewers see of him.
Still, Todd’s loved ones are determined to help him build a case strong enough to bring Theo down for good.
A special episode took place tonight (Credit: ITV)
What happened between Todd and Theo tonight in Coronation Street?
At the police station, Todd opened up fully about what had been happening behind closed doors. However, when Kit and Lisa began discussing potential evidence, Todd admitted he had previously lied to medical staff when he was treated in A&E.
Back on the cobbles, the reality of the situation hit his friends hard, with many left shaken and furious as the truth came out.
Meanwhile, Theo appeared to realise the tide was turning against him. Keeping a low profile, he attempted to quietly pack up his van and disappear. But his plan didn’t go unnoticed.
Gary intercepted him before he could leave, and despite Sarah’s fears that the situation might escalate, Gary instead brought Theo straight to the police station.
Theo tried to twist the narrative, claiming Todd was the violent one in the relationship. But Lisa remained unconvinced, and he was ultimately remanded in custody overnight.
Sarah decides to look for evidence (Credit: ITV)
Sarah tries to find evidence against Theo
There was a glimmer of hope when Todd mentioned home video footage that may have captured what happened. However, he feared Theo had already destroyed it.
That possibility doesn’t stop Sarah, who becomes determined to track it down. Convinced Theo may have held back a device from the police, she sets out to find it herself.
Her search leads her to the back of Theo’s van, where she begins going through his belongings. When she finally locates a tablet, she reaches for it. But the move could put her in serious danger, and potentially risk undermining Todd’s case.
The fallout from the ordeal is only just beginning. Later in the week, Todd is discharged from hospital and returns with George to collect his belongings from the flat.
As the storyline continues, it’s clear that while Todd has taken a huge step forward, the road ahead won’t be easy.
Read more: ‘Makes no sense!’ Coronation Street fans call out major character absences in Todd’s horrific storyline
What do you think of tonight’s episode? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
The Atari Jaguar homebrew scene is sizzling with the smell of food with the un-official final release of BurgerTom, a faithful and high-performance conversion of the Data East arcade classic BurgerTime! A game developed by swapd0, that recently took center stage during a world premiere event hosted by ZeroPage Homebrew. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to classic arcade gameplay, this is a must-have addition to your collection.
Here’s the latest. “Rediscover a true arcade classic—reborn for a legendary system. This conversion of *BurgerTime* by Data East brings the fast-paced, food-stacking action to the Atari Jaguar with enhanced performance and a nostalgic touch. Step into the shoes of Tom Tomatoes as you dash across platforms, outwit relentless enemies, and build towering burgers under pressure. With smooth controls, vibrant visuals, and that unmistakable retro charm, this version delivers both authenticity and fresh excitement.”
Enhanced Performance: Optimized for the Jaguar to ensure smooth, responsive controls during frantic levels.Vibrant Visuals: Refined graphics by Martial Daviaud (@marss) that stay true to the original’s charm while popping on modern displays.Nostalgic Sound: A retro-inspired soundtrack composed by Jérémie ‘Glafouk’ Glafouk.
Links :1) Website Thanks Liqmatrix for the heads up! Nice to see Atari Jaguar games 🙂
While the total number of registered OpenSim users increased by 2,528 this month, both land area and active users were down by 271 regions and 803 actives, respectively. However, Darkheart’s Playground‘s website was down this month and I couldn’t get its numbers — and, last month, that grid reported more than 400 regions and more than 1,500 actives.
So the drop in usage is most likely a technical issue, not a sign of decreasing traffic because of the nice weather outside.
If you’re a nerd who likes to see the exact totals, OpenSim’s public grids reported 148,945 standard region equivalents this month, 497,424 registered users, and 47,101 active users.
OpenSim land area for April 2026. (Hypergrid Business data.)
The following grids were added to my database this month: Adrian Labs, Big City, Carnivale Grid, Cave Grid, Farm Grid, MS Axiom, Nemeton Grove, SnuSnu Island, Sublimit Metaverse, ThinkSim, Time Grid, Tranquility Grid, WonderVerse, and Xaara CA.
The following 12 grids were marked as suspended this month: Anubis, Czech Welcome Centre, Edge of Reality Grid, KittyBlue, LeBourg, Mysterious Grid 2, Otterland, Raynna, Sweet Life, Willow Lake, WoodstockSim, and XTAL.
Our stats do not include most of the grids running on DreamGrid, a free easy-to-use version OpenSim, since these tend to be private grids.
OpenSim is a free, open-source, virtual world platform, that’s similar to Second Life and allows people with no technical skills to quickly and cheaply create virtual worlds and teleport to other virtual worlds. Those with technical skills can run OpenSim worlds on their servers for free using either DreamGrid, the official OpenSim installer for those who are more technically inclined, or any other distribution, while commercial hosting starts at less than $5 a region.
A list of OpenSim hosting providers is here. If you offer region rentals and are not on this list, email me!
You can download the recommended Firestorm viewer here and find out where to get content for your OpenSim world or region here.
Hypergrid Business newsletter is now available
Every month on the 15th — right after the stats report comes out — we will be sending out a newsletter with all the OpenSim news from the previous month. You can subscribe here or fill out the form below.
When it comes to general-purpose social grids, especially closed grids, the rule of thumb is the busier the better. People looking to make new friends look for grids that already have the most users. Merchants looking to sell content will go to the grids with the most potential customers. Event organizers looking for the biggest audience — you get the idea.
Top 25 most popular grids this month:
Wolf Territories Grid: 12,329 active users
OSgrid: 4,264 active users
GBG World: 2,241 active users
Alternate Metaverse: 2,217 active users
DigiWorldz: 2,015 active users
Groovy Verse: 1,347 active users
Sciattisi Grid: 1,298 active users
Neverworld: 1,043 active users
Trianon World: 947 active users
Littlefield: 874 active users
AvatarLife: 874 active users
Cave Grid: 838 active users
New Life Italy: 828 active users
Craft World: 804 active users
AviWorlds: 787 active users
Sanctum Astra: 787 active users
BloodMoon: 731 active users
Party Destination Grid: 728 active users
Friends Grid: 595 active users
Gentle Fire Grid: 520 active users
SpaceGrid: 494 active users
Eureka World: 454 active users
Jungle Friends Grid: 446 active users
ZetaWorlds: 441 active users
Endless Grid: 419 active users
Kitely doubles region performance
Kitely has upgraded all its region plans, so that regions are now 50 percent faster than before, the company announced today.
Oren Hurvitz
“We’ve done this by upgrading to the latest Amazon server technology, the m8i generation, while keeping our existing prices,” said Oren Hurvitz, Kitely’s co-founder and VP R&D, in the announcement. “This upgrade enables your worlds to handle more scripts and avatar activity without experiencing server lag.”
According to Hurvitz, Kitely achieves this performance by using powerful servers and putting no more than four “worlds” on each server — “world” being Kitely’s name for variable-sized regions.
Kitely is also unique among OpenSim grids for its on-demand model. Regions are only activated when someone is using them. When they’re empty, they’re put to sleep, reducing operating costs for the company — and allowing Kitely to rent their regions starting at $15 a month for a single region with up to 15,000 prims, capable of holding up to 10 avatars.
Kitely also has three other rental options, with the top one being a variable-sized region that’s the equivalent of 64 standard regions in size, capable of holding up to 80 simultaneous visitors and 150,000 prims for $120 a month. (That divides out to less than $2 per standard region.)
You can see all the pricing here.
“Our servers also benefit from being hosted in Amazon Web Services, the world’s leading cloud provider,” Hurvitz added. “Our servers are automatically moved between 3 different US-based AWS data centers to minimize the chance of a problem in one data center taking down our entire system.”
As a result of this, Kitely has had no unscheduled downtime in all the time I’ve been covering OpenSim — and I’ve been covering OpenSim since before Kitely even launched.
Kitely typically ranks very highly in technology and support in our reader surveys. However, it has been lagging behind in community. Last year, the grid started to address this by opening new event and expo centers. The first major event was the Synthetic Dreams art exhibition. Two weeks ago, Kitely announced that it would be extending this exhibition by another three months.
Ilan Tochner
“The Wrong Biennale Pavilion, Synthetic Dreams, is a great example of what OpenSim creators can achieve,” said Kitely CEO and co-founder Ilan Tochner. “It would have been a shame to shut it down, so we offered to extend it by another three months. We’re proud to host such a strong exhibit in Kitely and highly recommend that anyone who hasn’t seen it yet take this opportunity to visit.”
Visit the Wrong Biennale Pavilion at the Kitely Expo Center via hypergrid at grid.kitely.com:8002:Kitely Expo Center.
New OpenSim grid launches, powered by AI, with in-world 3D content creation
OpenSim veteran Fabio Bastos is back with a new grid, ThinkSim.
The standout features are ThinkVox, a voice system built directly into the grid, and in-world AI-powered 3D content creation using the Hunyuan 3D model.
ThinkVoxt offers both proximity and grid-wide voice out of the box without the usual headaches, costs, or dependencies on external services like Vivox, and it’s already available as a commercial service for other OpenSim grids.
Fabio Bastos
“For years, voice in OpenSimulator was a persistent headache. The options were fragile, expensive, or abandoned,” wrote Basto. “I am proud to say we solved it.” You can read his full article here.
On the 3D content side, residents can use Hunyuan 3D to generate meshes in-world. And it’s not just raw AI output, either. Every generated asset runs through a headless Blender pipeline that fixes normals, generates four levels of detail, and unwraps UVs before dropping a finished object into the user’s inventory.
The grid also leverages OpenClaw, an AI agent framework where the agents handle everything from identity validation to issuing signed digital certificates.
I’ve been expecting someone to launch something like this in OpenSim for a while. Now, can someone please write a web-based viewer for OpenSim? And refactor the back end to work with virtual reality headsets? We desperately need an open source platform for virtual reality and there still isn’t a good one out there. Creating something that’s backwards-compatible with OpenSim means that we can get something community-owned that’s not from one of the big tech giants.
Online marketplaces for OpenSim content
As of April, there are 21,898 product listings in Kitely Market, containing 42,727 product variations, of which 37,419 are exportable, according to Kitely CEO Ilan Tochner.
A total of 586 new products were added to the market, some in multiple variations, since mid-March. It was the biggest single-month increase in product listings in the past five years.
Kitely Market has delivered orders to 678 OpenSim grids to date.
(Data courtesy Kitely.)
Historically, all the Kitely Market growth has been in exportable content. This means that buyers can have their purchases delivered directly to avatar inventories on other grids, and that they can travel to other grids with the content.
In the early days of OpenSim, many creators considered this to be a security risk, and non-exportable content dominated. But creators quickly realized that most copybotted content actually comes from Second Life, where everything is non-exportable. And, in general, copybot tools and content thieves don’t bother to check item permissions before committing their thefts. Instead, allowing people to purchase exported content legally, conveniently, and at reasonable prices destroys the copybot economy entirely, leaving only a handful of freebie stores on grids that haven’t yet noticed that they exist and taken them down.
Another source of legitimate content on OpenSim is Linda Kellie’s products, and those of other creators that give them away for free under Creative Commons and similar licenses. Many official freebie stores on OpenSim grids offer these products.
This is similar to how Netflix and other low-cost and free streaming services dramatically reduced online movie piracy.
The Kitely Market is the largest collection of commercial legal content available in OpenSim. It is accessible to both hypergrid-enabled and closed, private grids. The instructions for how to configure the Kitely Market for closed grids are here.
Top 40 grids by land area
All region counts on this list are, whenever available, in terms of standard region equivalents. Active user counts include hypergrid visitors whenever possible.
There were a total of 297 active grids this month, 212 of which published statistics. I’m currently tracking a total of 2,115 grids.
Many school, company, or personal grids do not publish their numbers.
The raw data for this month’s report is here. A list of all active grids is here. And here is a list of all the hypergrid-enabled grids and their hypergrid addresses, sorted by popularity. This is very useful if you are creating a hyperport.
You can see all the historical OpenSim statistics here, including polls and surveys, dating all the way back to 2009.
Wolf Territories Grid: 33,807 regions
OSgrid: 25,528 regions
Kitely: 17,780 regions
ZetaWorlds: 16,969 regions
Groovy Verse: 15,226 regions
Alternate Metaverse: 11,405 regions
Neverworld: 2,789 regions
DigiWorldz: 2,468 regions
GBG World: 1,935 regions
Discovery Grid: 1,614 regions
Tag Grid: 1,561 regions
Friends Grid: 1,417 regions
ArtDestiny: 1,156 regions
Sub-Version Space: 1,065 regions
Virtual Worlds Grid: 910 regions
Exotic Realities: 741 regions
Kinky Haven: 705 regions
AviWorlds: 637 regions
AvatarLife: 637 regions
New Life Italy: 631 regions
Virtual Worlds Zone: 558 regions
Littlefield: 496 regions
Furry World: 358 regions
EdMondo: 310 regions
BloodMoon: 273 regions
Migrating Coconuts: 247 regions
Craft World: 246 regions
Open Virtual Worlds: 241 regions
OliGrid: 214 regions
MisFitz Grid: 209 regions
Japan Open Grid: 201 regions
Sense Limits: 185 regions
Spartans Keep: 171 regions
Kater and Friends: 166 regions
Adreans-World: 165 regions
Maze of The Mind: 164 regions
I Love You Grid: 160 regions
Logicamp: 139 regions
Utopia Skye: 139 regions
Outworldz: 138 regions
Do you know of any other grids that are open to the public but that I don’t have in my database? Email me at [email protected].
Hypergrid Business editor and publisher Maria Korolov is a science fiction novelist. During the day, Maria Korolov is an award-winning freelance technology journalist who covers artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and enterprise virtual reality. See her Amazon author page here and follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, and check out her latest videos on the Maria Korolov YouTube channel. Email her at [email protected]. Her first virtual world novella, Krim Times, made the Amazon best-seller list in its category. Her second novella, The Lost King of Krim, is out now. She is also the publisher of MetaStellar, a new online magazine of speculative fiction.
The casino industry in 2026 looks very different depending on where players choose to spend their time. LoneStar Casino is offering one of the strongest no-deposit bonuses in the US sweepstakes space, and FanDuel Casino is keeping things simple with a $5 deposit unlocking 1,500 bonus spins for real-money players.
Then there’s Spartans Casino, which is operating on a completely different scale. Backed by parent company Nexus International, Spartans entered 2026 with a verified $1.45 billion valuation and $1.2 billion in annual revenue, numbers that put it in a different league. For anyone hunting the leading crypto casino in 2026, Spartans is the name driving the conversation.
LoneStar: A Sweepstakes Platform With Strong Welcome Rewards
LoneStar Casino is a US-focused sweepstakes platform offering a welcome package of up to 500,000 Gold Coins, 105 free Sweeps Coins, and 1,000 VIP Points on first purchase. The platform also runs one of the strongest no-deposit bonuses in the industry, awarding 100,000 Gold Coins and 2.5 free Sweeps Coins right after email verification, with no purchase required.
While it isn’t built around crypto, LoneStar serves as a solid alternative for players who prefer sweepstakes-style gameplay over the famous crypto casino options. Its library features over 500 titles, including slots from providers like Betsoft, Spinomenal, and Playson, along with video table games and live dealer rooms powered by Evolution Gaming. LoneStar also runs a 7-tier loyalty program, daily login rewards, daily challenges, and a referral bonus that pays up to 200,000 GC and 70 free SC per friend.
FanDuel Casino: A Real-Money Casino With a Low Entry Point
FanDuel Casino is a real-money online casino currently offering new players 1,500 bonus spins after a $5 minimum deposit. The spins are credited in batches of 50 per day over 30 days and can be used on the Huff N’ Puff family of slots. There is no playthrough requirement on winnings from the bonus spins, which is rare in the real-money space. The offer is available to players aged 21+ in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
FanDuel operates in a different lane from the big crypto casino platforms, focusing on traditional fiat banking and US-licensed gameplay. The platform offers around 300 slots, a strong live dealer lineup powered by Evolution Gaming, and a Reward Machine feature that gives players three free spins daily with a chance to win up to $3,000 in casino bonus. Payouts are typically processed within 24 hours.
Spartans Casino: The Billion-Dollar Powerhouse Backed by Nexus International
Spartans Casino isn’t just another platform throwing around marketing claims; it’s backed by serious money, serious growth, and a parent company that just posted numbers most operators can only dream of. Nexus International, the company behind Spartans, released its 2025 accounts showing $1.2 billion in annual revenue. That’s a 300% jump from 2024, a tripling of the business in a single year. Growth like that is rare in any industry, let alone for the leading crypto casino contenders fighting for market share.
But the financial story doesn’t stop there. Founder Gurhan Kiziloz personally injected $200 million in capital to fund Spartans’ 2026 operations. That’s not a loan, not outside investment, and not venture capital with strings attached. It’s a personal commitment from the founder, ensuring Spartans operates with zero dependence on external backers. In an industry where many platforms rely on VC money and shareholder pressure, that kind of independence is a massive advantage.
Spartans entered 2026 with a verified $1.45 billion valuation, supported by a healthy 4.2x revenue multiple. For context, that puts Spartans firmly in unicorn territory before the platform has even completed its global rollout. Numbers like these don’t get tossed around lightly; they’re the kind of figures that turn a startup into a serious challenger.
For players hunting for financial stability and long-term staying power, the muscle behind Spartans is impossible to ignore. A platform with $1.2 billion in revenue, a billion-dollar valuation, and a founder willing to drop $200 million of his own money is a platform that’s built to last. Spartans isn’t promising to be the leading crypto casino; the financials are already proving it.
Final Verdict: Why Spartans Stands Above the Rest
LoneStar Casino is a strong pick for US sweepstakes fans, and FanDuel Casino offers a smooth, low-entry experience for real-money players in select states. Both serve their audiences well. But for anyone looking for the leading crypto casino in 2026, Spartans is the clear leader.
Backed by Nexus International’s $1.2 billion in annual revenue, a 300% year-over-year growth rate, a $200 million personal capital injection from founder Gurhan Kiziloz, and a verified $1.45 billion valuation, Spartans is built on numbers that speak for themselves. Players looking for staying power, financial stability, and serious ambition have already made Spartans their ideal choice.
Outbound has been delayed by a few weeks as Square Glade Games has stated it has hit an issue that needs to be resolved, and it won’t be fixed by the original planned release date of April 23rd. The precise nature of the issue has not been confirmed by the development team, but the devs have posted a statement about the delay. The new release date for Outbound is May 14th.
Square Glad Games said, “We’ve had to make the difficult decision to delay Outbound to May 14th. Late in the process, an issue has been identified that could negatively impact your enjoyment of the game. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time to still guarantee a release across all platforms on the originally planned date. Please be assured that our team has worked extremely hard to address this and did everything possible to stay on schedule. We know that you may be disappointed by this news, but appreciate your understanding and believe the delay will result in a more polished, bug-free experience. As a small thank-you for your patience, we’ll be keeping the free demo available for longer until May 12th. Let’s hit the road on May 14th!”
In Outbound, you explore a cosy near utopian world in your camper, which can be upgraded with different items to make the journey as comfortable as possible. You will be able to adopt a pet to join you on your road trip, and Outbound also supports four player co-op so you can go on a road trip with others. Outbound will be released on PC, PS5, Xbox Series XS, Switch and Switch 2.
OpenSim creators Dirty Helga and Spax Orion released a free NPC management station to the community last week, giving world builders a streamlined way to create, preview, and manage non-player characters from a single in-world object, according to a post by Spax Orion on OpenSimWorld.
The IMAGE-NPC Machine is a streamlined NPC management station for OpenSim 0.9.x that lets creators snapshot avatars’ appearances into notecards, preview NPCs from a library, cycle animations for posing, and manage all NPCs from one linkset.
“I recently retired and open-sourced everything SimGEAR,” Spax Orion, sysop of Ozone Miniverse, told Hypergrid Business by email. “I made a free game engine for OpenSim called IMAGE.”
Spax Orion said the project grew out of frustration with the state of OpenSim game tools.
“KONK is dead and the other game engines out there are lacking,” he said. “I decided to do something about that.”
“I am dedicating my personal time to code amazing things for OpenSim,” he added.
For OpenSim world builders — who have long relied on fragmented, multi-script NPC tools — a single consolidated station is a practical upgrade, particularly for role-play regions, stores, and educational environments that depend on populated, realistic-looking spaces.
(Image courtesy Spax Orion.)
Part of a larger framework
The NPC Machine is the latest component of the IMAGE framework — short for Image Matrix Action Game Engine — a broader project that Dirty Helga and Spax Orion have been developing and releasing to the community over the past several months, according to Spax Orion’s blog.
SimGEAR was Spax Orion’s previous commercial content brand, under which he sold NPC furniture and scripted tools on the Kitely Market under the name Spax Zorin. The tools are now free and open source.
The original test platform for IMAGE is a game called Grug Assault, a drop-in game system where NPC monsters invade a region and players fight them off. The NPC Machine spun out of that work as a standalone tool for creators who need to manage NPC appearances without the full game framework.
The IMAGE framework also includes iMinstrel, a dynamic NPC command-and-control system for storytellers that can be connected to a local AI model for conversational NPC behavior, Spax Orion said on his blog.
Public debut at HG Safari
The IMAGE framework had its official launch on March 11, when HG Safari visited Spax Orion’s Ozone Miniverse grid for what the visitors believed was a stress test — and turned out to be a surprise release party, according to a writeup on the HG Safari blog.
“I have a lot of free time on my hands and if anyone else has free time, and wants to learn or even better, contribute to the IMAGE project, lets talk,” Spax Orion said during the event. “I find coding chaos to be quite therapeutic.”
(Image courtesy Spax Orion.)
What it replaces
“This replaces our old four-script system with a single root-prim engine using pure OSSL — no permission issues or orphan NPCs,” Spax Orion said in the OpenSimWorld post. “It’s owner-only and prevents unauthorized sitting.”
The orphan NPC problem — where scripts lost track of NPCs they had created and left them stranded in regions — was a persistent nuisance with older tools. The switch to OSSL functions eliminates the permission handshakes that caused the issue, according to the README included with the tool.
Spax Orion noted that the earlier ActiveNPC framework by developer Satyr Aeon, which he helped test, remains a solid tool. The new IMAGE NPC system is not a replacement for ActiveNPC, he said, but a separate approach.
Quick setup
Setup takes about 30 seconds, Spax Orion said in the post. Users rez four cubes, link them, insert the assembler script, and touch once. The machine reshapes the linkset, then self-deletes. Users then add a few standing animations and the IMAGE-NPC-Machine.lsl script to start using it.
“I have had this tool for several years and I have been meaning to share it,” Spax Orion said in the post comments.
Community response
The post drew 20 likes within a day of publication. Several community members noted they had been using older workarounds.
“I had been using the zombie creation tool found in Lani mall to make NPC appearance notecards when needed,” MrSnoodle said in the comments. “Your tool will be the better choice, so thank you.”
For more on NPC development in OpenSim, including AI-driven NPCs that can navigate and hold conversations, see Hypergrid Business’s December 2025 coverage.
The tool is released under a CC BY-NC license — free to use and share, but not to sell. It is available in the OpenSimWorld script library. For OpenSim NPC documentation, see the official OpenSimulator wiki.
Visitors can see the IMAGE framework in action at Spax Orion’s Ozone Miniverse grid, which is accessible via the hypergrid at xoaox.de:7000:Atrius.
Hypergrid Business editor and publisher Maria Korolov is a science fiction novelist. During the day, Maria Korolov is an award-winning freelance technology journalist who covers artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and enterprise virtual reality. See her Amazon author page here and follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, and check out her latest videos on the Maria Korolov YouTube channel. Email her at [email protected]. Her first virtual world novella, Krim Times, made the Amazon best-seller list in its category. Her second novella, The Lost King of Krim, is out now. She is also the publisher of MetaStellar, a new online magazine of speculative fiction.
Bitwise launched the Avalanche ETF (BAVA) in the U.S. on the NYSE to give investors exposure to Avalanche (AVAX).
The ETF earns extra returns through staking AVAX, with an estimated average reward of about 5.4%.
Bitwise is expanding its crypto ETF lineup with many new products with the SEC.
Bitwise Asset Management said today that it has launched an Avalanche ETF (BAVA) in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
According to the official release, the fund is designed to give inventions exposure to cryptocurrency. In short, it is created to follow the price of Avalanche (AVAX).
Staking strategy and structure
The ETF earns extra income from staking. This is where part of a cryptocurrency is locked in a blockchain system to support network operations such as transaction validation, and in return, participants receive rewards.
Bitwise said it tries to keep enough funds available so investors can still trade the ETF smoothly while some AVAX is staked.
The staking activity is handled internally by Bitwise Onchain Solutions, the company’s staking division, and it is expected to generate an average staking reward of about 5.4%, depending on network conditions. In addition, the firm mentioned that the fund carries a 0.34% sponsor fee; however, this fee is waived for the first month on the first $500 million in assets.
The fund is listed under the ticker BAVA and carries a sponsor fee of 0.34%. The fee is waived for the first month on the first $500 million of assets under management.
Why Avalanche?
Avalanche is a blockchain network that allows developers and institutions to build their own custom blockchain systems. These systems can set their own rules for how they operate, including governance and access control, while still connecting to the main Avalanche network. The system is built to support fast transaction speeds and low fees. Its total market value is around $4.1 billion.
However, Bitwise stated that the ETF is not suitable for all investors because it carries a high level of risk and can experience significant price changes.
The firm added that the ETF is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, meaning it does not have the same protections as traditional investment funds. Investors are also reminded that the ETF is not the same as directly holding AVAX.
“Avalanche is emerging as one of the leading platforms for businesses, governments, and real-world use cases,” said Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise. He added that the network allows users to maintain security and scale while keeping control and flexibility in application design.
Previous ETF launches and applications
Meanwhile, Bitwise has been actively expanding its crypto ETF products in recent months. For instance, in January 2026, the company filed multiple applications with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for new crypto ETFs.
These filings include proposals linked to assets such as Aave, Uniswap, Tron, Bittensor, NEAR, Sui, Zcash, Ethena, Hyperliquid, Starknet, and Canton. Earlier filings also included proposals for several other crypto ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
In addition, the firm recently filed to launch the first Uniswap ETF with the SEC. So far, the firm has almost 15 ETF products.
Also Read: Tether Backs $134M Raise to Boost Stablecoin Infrastructure
Disclaimer: The information researched and reported by The Crypto Times is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Investing in crypto assets involves significant risk due to market volatility. Always Do Your Own Research (DYOR) and consult with a qualified Financial Advisor before making any investment decisions.
London, United Kingdom, April 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AiGency Global, a London-based artificial intelligence company, yesterday announced the launch of its AI employees designed to perform real operational roles across sales, marketing, customer service, operations and human resources.
AIgency Global launches a new approach to deploying AI employees into operational business roles to increase execution capacity across sales, marketing, customer service and operations.
AiGency Global enables organisations to integrate AI workers directly into existing systems and workflows, allowing companies to increase execution capacity, automate operational processes and scale business activity without proportionally increasing headcount.
Unlike traditional AI tools that operate as standalone assistants, AiGency Global focuses on deploying AI employees capable of performing defined operational tasks inside the everyday systems businesses already use.
The result is a new category of operational AI workers designed to support teams across multiple departments.
The launch positions AiGency Global as part of a growing wave of companies developing operational AI designed to perform real work inside businesses and create measurable operational impact.
Industry analysts estimate that generative AI could automate or augment up to 30% of routine business tasks over the next decade, increasing demand for systems capable of performing operational roles inside organisations.
AI Employees Designed for Real Business Roles
AiGency Global enables businesses to deploy AI employees that operate inside real business workflows, performing tasks across departments including:
By embedding AI workers directly into operational environments, businesses can scale execution capacity while allowing human teams to focus on strategy, creativity and higher-value decision making.
“As companies adopt AI, the real opportunity is not simply using tools but deploying AI workers directly into operational workflows,” said Ben Gal, CEO of AiGency Global.
“AI employees allow organisations to scale execution without scaling headcount. Our goal is to help companies move from experimenting with AI to actually integrating it into the work that drives their business.”
Bridging the Gap Between AI Tools and Real Operations
Businesses across industries are experimenting with artificial intelligence to increase productivity and reduce operational bottlenecks. However, many organisations struggle to translate AI experimentation into measurable operational impact.
AiGency Global’s approach focuses on solving that challenge by deploying AI employees that can operate within real company systems and workflows, rather than simply providing isolated AI tools.
This model allows organisations to increase operational output without significantly increasing team size, while also enabling teams to respond faster to growing workloads and evolving business demands.
The company believes AI employees represent the next phase of enterprise AI adoption, moving beyond experimentation toward AI integrated into everyday operational work.
Supporting the Future of Work
As automation and artificial intelligence continue to transform the workplace, companies are increasingly exploring new ways to combine human expertise with digital workers.
AiGency Global is designed to support this shift by enabling organisations to augment their teams with AI employees capable of performing structured operational tasks.
This approach allows businesses to:
By embedding AI workers into existing workflows, organisations can adapt more quickly to changing market conditions while maintaining lean and agile teams.
Availability
AiGency Global now offers AI employees that organisations can deploy into operational roles across sales, marketing, customer service, operations and HR.
More information about the launch and capabilities is available here: https://aigency.global/blog/aigency-global-launch-uk-ai-employees/
Organisations interested in deploying AI employees can request demonstrations and early access through the company website.
About AiGency Global
AiGency Global is an artificial intelligence company focused on helping organisations deploy AI employees into real operational roles across sales, marketing, customer service, operations and human resources.
AiGency Global enables businesses to increase execution capacity by integrating digital workers directly into existing systems and workflows, bridging the gap between AI experimentation and practical business deployment.
Media Contact:
Ben GalCEO, AiGency Globalpress@aigency.globalhttps://aigency.global
Media Assets:
Product screenshots and additional information available upon request.
AiGency Global logo. The company develops AI employees designed to perform operational roles across sales, marketing, customer service, operations and HR.
Press Inquiries
Ben Galpress@aigency.globalhttps://aigency.globalLondon, United Kingdom
About Web3Wire Web3Wire – Information, news, press releases, events and research articles about Web3, Metaverse, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Cryptocurrencies, Decentralized Finance, NFTs and Gaming. Visit Web3Wire for Web3 News and Events, Block3Wire for the latest Blockchain news and Meta3Wire to stay updated with Metaverse News.
American Idol Judges Ranked by Net Worth: How Much Are They Really Worth?
If you’ve ever wondered just how rich the judges of American Idol are, you’re in for a surprise. These iconic music industry figures have raked in staggering fortunes over the years, ranging from a cool $20 million to an astonishing $600 million! That’s right; from beloved pop stars to legendary musicians, the diversity in their careers is just as striking as their wealth.
In this article, we’ll dive into the net worth of each American Idol judge, providing you with juicy insights into their careers, milestones, and what makes them stand out in the entertainment landscape. So grab your reading glasses and let’s explore the fascinating world of the American Idol Judge Net Worth.
The Diversity of American Idol Judges
When American Idol first aired in 2002, no one could have predicted that it would skyrocket into a nationwide phenomenon. Over the years, the show has showcased numerous judges, each bringing their unique flavor and expertise. The wealth accumulated by these judges varies significantly, giving fans a lot of food for thought concerning their influence and contributions to the music industry.
Why Does Net Worth Matter?
Understanding the American Idol Judge Net Worth goes beyond mere curiosity; it reflects their career longevity, branding savvy, and business acumen. These values turn these television personalities into more than just judges; they become icons in their own right.
A Deep Dive into the Rankings
Let’s break down the richest judges in American Idol history. Below is a list of these remarkable individuals ranked by their estimated net worth.
14. Paula Abdul – Net Worth: $20 Million
Paula Abdul not only graced our screens as one of the original judges on American Idol, but she also brought a wealth of experience as a singer, dancer, and choreographer. From the show’s inception in 2002 until 2009, she won the hearts of fans everywhere. Currently, Abdul boasts an estimated net worth of $20 million, placing her at the bottom of our list.
Despite the ups and downs, including her ongoing lawsuit against American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, Paula’s charming personality and vast experience in the entertainment industry contribute to her enduring popularity.
13. Kara DioGuardi – Net Worth: $25 Million
Kara DioGuardi served as a judge for Seasons 8 and 9 during her tenure with American Idol, bringing her songwriting prowess into the spotlight. As a highly regarded music producer and performer, she accumulated a net worth of $25 million. Alongside her American Idol stint, she also had a successful run on Bravo’s Platinum Hit.
DioGuardi’s ability to spot and develop talent highlights her invaluable contribution to the music industry, adding depth to her role as a judge.
12. Randy Jackson – Net Worth: $40 Million
Having been a judge from Seasons 1 through 12, Randy Jackson is notable for his supportive critiques and catchy catchphrases. With his long career in music and television as a producer and musician, Jackson’s net worth currently stands at $40 million.
Jackson’s expertise in the music biz adds a layer of authenticity to the competition, creating an atmosphere where budding artists can thrive.
11. Harry Connick Jr. – Net Worth: $45 Million
Next up is the multitalented Harry Connick Jr., who lent his soulful voice and charm to American Idol from Seasons 13 to 15. With an estimated net worth of $45 million, Harry’s successful career spans roles as an actor, singer, and composer. His charisma and deep understanding of music helped elevate the competition level during his time on the show.
Connick’s ability to engage contestants and encourage their growth was a highlight of his judging stint, making him a memorable part of the American Idol legacy.
10. Keith Urban – Net Worth: $75 Million
Famed for his incredible guitar skills and hit songs, Keith Urban made his mark as a judge in Seasons 12 through 15. With a net worth of $75 million, Urban has found crossover success in both the country and pop music genres. Influenced by his background and family ties to the music industry, Keith offers a blend of authenticity and down-to-earth relatability.
His sincere critiques and supportive advice were instrumental in guiding many contestants on their musical journey.
9. Steven Tyler – Net Worth: $150 Million
Rock legend Steven Tyler may be most recognized as the lead singer of Aerosmith, but his stint as a judge on American Idol during Seasons 10 and 11 showcased a different side of his artistry. With a staggering net worth of $150 million, Tyler’s legacy within rock music is undeniable.
His vibrant personality and passion for talent added a unique flair to the show, creating unforgettable moments that fans still talk about today.
8. Nicki Minaj – Net Worth: $150 Million
Sharing a similar net worth with Steven Tyler, Nicki Minaj made waves as a judge during Season 12. Known for her boundary-pushing music and vibrant persona, Minaj’s contribution to the judging panel was marked by exciting drama and boundary-breaking feedback, earning her a net worth of $150 million.
Nicki’s colorful wardrobe choices and dynamic critiques made her a compelling figure on the show, keeping viewers entertained.
7. Luke Bryan – Net Worth: $160 Million
Country superstar Luke Bryan has become a fixture on American Idol since joining for Season 16, continuing through to the present day. With a substantial net worth of $160 million, Bryan’s charming personality and significant influence in the country music landscape make his opinions especially valued.
His down-to-earth nature and enthusiastic encouragement of contestants help foster a positive atmosphere on the show, endearing him to fans and participants alike.
6. Lionel Richie – Net Worth: $200 Million
When it comes to music legends, few are as iconic as Lionel Richie, whose impressive career spans decades in the industry. Joining the American Idol judging panel alongside Luke Bryan for Season 16, Richie has since remained a staple on the show. Currently, his net worth stands at $200 million.
With hits that have shaped popular music, Richie’s expertise in songwriting and performance nurtures the future star hopefuls on American Idol.
5. Mariah Carey – Net Worth: $350 Million
The one and only Mariah Carey graced American Idol for Season 12 and brought her disproportionately large vocal talents into the judging mix. With a huge net worth estimated at $350 million, she’s one of the most successful female artists in history. Mariah’s keen ear for music and distinctive style undoubtedly impacted contestants, making her one of the most memorable judges in the show’s legacy.
Her no-nonsense approach often shone through, creating a dynamic and sometimes controversial atmosphere.
4. Katy Perry – Net Worth: $340-$400 Million
Pop superstar Katy Perry has also been a celebrated judge on American Idol, joining the team for Season 16. Reports indicate her net worth lies somewhere between $340 million and $400 million. Known for her vibrant personality and catchy hits, Perry has certainly made contributions to the music industry that resonate with many fans.
Her commitment to nurturing talent and providing honest feedback is invaluable to contestants embarking on their musical journeys. Katy has confirmed plans to leave the show after Season 22, making way for fellow American Idol alum Carrie Underwood, who won Season 4.
3. Ellen DeGeneres – Net Worth: $380 Million
Ellen DeGeneres shook things up on American Idol by bringing her comedic flair to the judging panel for Season 9. With an estimated net worth of $380 million, Ellen has leveraged her platform to become one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment.
Although her time on the show was somewhat brief, her charm and wit left a lasting impression on viewers and contestants alike.
2. Jennifer Lopez – Net Worth: $450 Million
Jennifer Lopez is not just a pop sensation; she’s also a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Her dual role as a judge and mentor on American Idol during Seasons 10-11 and 13-15 helped catapult her net worth to an impressive $450 million.
With her career spanning music, acting, and producing, J.Lo epitomizes versatility. Her contributions to the show ensured remarkable moments, especially with her keen eye for talent.
1. Simon Cowell – Net Worth: $600 Million
Rounding out our list is the ever-controversial Simon Cowell, whose incredible net worth of $600 million firmly places him at the top. As one of the original judges on American Idol, Simon was known for his blunt critiques and larger-than-life personality.
His role as a judge and talent scout has been pivotal in shaping the show’s direction, making him not just a judge but a key player behind American Idol’s phenomenal success.
Conclusion: The Wealth of Talent
It’s clear that the American Idol Judge Net Worth reflects not just their success on the show but their broader careers and contributions to the music industry. From groundbreaking pop stars to legendary rock icons, these judges have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape.
With American Idol continuing to evolve, each new season introduces fresh faces, talent, and, of course, the opportunity for even more wealth for its judges. As we look ahead to upcoming seasons, the excitement remains palpable. Who knows how the rankings will change or who might emerge as the next musical sensation, leading to yet another influx of wealth for the already rich and famous. One thing is for sure—music has a fascinating way of intertwining talent and fortune!
Author Profile
Web Desk
Latest entries
MoviesThursday, 16 April 2026, 20:20Best Thrilling Crime Movies Ever Made GamingThursday, 16 April 2026, 20:18Stardew Valley Gaming Guide for Version 1.6 ExperiencesThursday, 16 April 2026, 20:16The Ultimate Guide to London’s Most Unique Themed Afternoon Teas MotoringThursday, 16 April 2026, 20:12Review of the Ariel Nomad 2: Price, Specifications, and Performance
Published: April 15, 2026 at 11:00 am Updated: April 15, 2026 at 10:40 am
To improve your local-language experience, sometimes we employ an auto-translation plugin. Please note auto-translation may not be accurate, so read original article for precise information.
Die Krypto-Handelsplattform Zoomex hat heute offiziell den Start von ZoomexStocks angekündigt, das es den Nutzern ermöglicht, globale Aktienwerte direkt mit USDT zu handeln – ganz ohne die Notwendigkeit eines traditionellen Brokerage-Kontos.Zum Start sind 12 bedeutende, US-aktienbezogene Vermögenswerte verfügbar, die führende Tech-Aktien, Hauptindizes und Krypto-bezogene Aktien abdecken, darunter Apple, Tesla und NVIDIA. Nutzer können mit nur 5 USDT mit dem Handel beginnen.Zur Feier des Starts führt Zoomex eine zeitlich begrenzte Rückerstattungskampagne für Handelsgebühren ein, bei der bis zu 100 USDT als Rückerstattung angeboten werden, um die Eintrittsbarriere weiter zu senken.
Traditionelle Barrieren Durchbrechen: Eine Aktienhandelserfahrung für Krypto-NutzerZoomexStocks führt eine neue Art der Zugangs zu den Aktienmärkten ein, die sich von traditionellen Brokerage-Systemen unterscheidet, und es den Nutzern ermöglicht, sowohl Krypto- als auch Aktienexposition innerhalb eines einzigen Kontos zu verwalten:• Kein Brokerage-Konto erforderlich – direkt mit einem bestehenden Zoomex-Konto handeln• Keine Fiat-Einzahlungen nötig – unterstützt den Handel mit USDT / USDC• Vereinfachter Arbeitsablauf – kein Plattformwechsel oder grenzüberschreitende Transfers
Dieses Produkt ist speziell für Krypto-nativen Nutzer entwickelt und ermöglicht einen reibungslosen Zugang zu globalen Märkten.
Drei Hauptkategorie von VermögenswertenDer erste Launch umfasst drei Kategorien zur Unterstützung vielfältiger Handelsstrategien:
Technologie-AktienApple (AAPLx), Tesla (TSLAx), Alphabet (GOOGLx), NVIDIA (NVDAx), Meta (METAx), Amazon (AMZNx)
Index-VermögenswerteNasdaq (QQQx), S&P 500 (SPYx)
Krypto-bezogene AktienMicroStrategy (MSTRx), Robinhood (HOODx), Circle (CRCLx), Coinbase (COINx)
Mit einem einheitlichen Konto können Nutzer problemlos die Allokation über mehrere Vermögenswerte hinweg und die Ausführung von Strategien auf einer einzigen Plattform verwalten.
Transparente Preisgestaltung und LiquiditätsdesignZoomexStocks verwendet einen Preismitnahme-Mechanismus basierend auf realen Marktdaten, die sich auf wichtige Börsen wie Nasdaq und NYSE beziehen:• Echtzeit-Preissynchronisation zur Minimierung von Abweichungen• Gewinn und Verlust werden basierend auf Preisbewegungen berechnet• Jederzeit kaufen und verkaufen für erhöhte Liquidität
Hinweis: ZoomexStocks bietet eine Exposition gegenüber der Preisentwicklung der zugrunde liegenden Vermögenswerte und stellt nicht den direkten Besitz von Aktien dar.
24/7 Handel: Über die traditionellen Marktzeiten hinausIm Gegensatz zu traditionellen Aktienmärkten unterstützt ZoomexStocks den 24/7-Handel, wodurch Nutzer:• Positionen vor den Wochenenden einnehmen können• Sofort auf makroökonomische oder branchenspezifische Nachrichten reagieren können• Dynamisch zwischen Krypto- und Aktienvermögenswerten absichern können
Dieses Modell bietet größere Flexibilität und passt sich der immer aktiven Natur der Krypto-Märkte an.
Zeitlich begrenzte Rückerstattungskampagne für HandelsgebührenUm die Nutzer dazu zu ermutigen, das neue Produkt zu erkunden, startet Zoomex eine Werbeaktion:• 100 % Rückerstattung der Handelsgebühren für Aktien-Token während der Kampagne• Maximale Rückerstattung pro Nutzer: 100 USDT• Gesamtpreis-Pool: 50.000 USDT• Belohnungen werden innerhalb von 7 Werktagen nach Ende der Kampagne verteilt
Nutzer müssen sich für die Kampagne anmelden, um sich zu qualifizieren.
👉 Jetzt beitreten:https://www.zoomex.com/en/alpha
Ein Produktleiter von Zoomex kommentierte:„ZoomexStocks geht es nicht darum, traditionelle Broker zu replizieren – es geht darum, Krypto-Nutzern eine intuitivere Möglichkeit zu bieten, auf globale Vermögenswerte zuzugreifen.“„Indem wir Barrieren abbauen und den Prozess vereinfachen, möchten wir den Nutzern ermöglichen, Multi-Asset-Portfolios innerhalb einer einzigen Plattform zu verwalten.“
Über ZOOMEXGegründet im Jahr 2021, ist Zoomex eine globale Krypto-Handelsplattform mit mehr als 3 Millionen Nutzern in über 35 Ländern und Regionen, die mehr als 700 Handelspaare anbietet. Geleitet von den Kernwerten „Einfach × Benutzerfreundlich × Schnell“, setzt sich Zoomex auch für die Prinzipien von Fairness, Integrität und Transparenz ein und bietet eine leistungsstarke, barrierearme und vertrauenswürdige Handelserfahrung.
Unterstützt durch eine leistungsstarke Matching-Engine und transparente Vermögenswerte- und Auftragsanzeigen gewährleistet Zoomex eine konsistente Handelsausführung und vollständig nachvollziehbare Ergebnisse. Dieser Ansatz reduziert Informationsasymmetrien und ermöglicht es den Nutzern, ihren Vermögensstatus und jedes Handelsergebnis klar zu verstehen. Während die Geschwindigkeit und Effizienz im Vordergrund stehen, optimiert die Plattform weiterhin die Produktstruktur und das allgemeine Nutzererlebnis bei gleichzeitig robuster Risikomanagementstrategie.
Als offizieller Partner des Haas F1 Teams bringt Zoomex den gleichen Fokus auf Geschwindigkeit, Präzision und zuverlässige Regelumsetzung von der Rennstrecke zum Handel. Darüber hinaus hat Zoomex eine exklusive, globale Markenbotschafter-Partnerschaft mit dem weltklasse Torhüter Emiliano Martínez geschlossen. Sein Professionalismus, seine Disziplin und Beständigkeit stärken das Engagement von Zoomex für fairen Handel und langfristiges Vertrauen der Nutzer.
In Bezug auf Sicherheit und Compliance hält Zoomex regulatorische Lizenzen wie MSB in Kanada, MSB in den USA, NFA in den USA und AUSTRAC in Australien und hat erfolgreich Sicherheitsprüfungen durch die Blockchain-Sicherheitsfirma Hacken bestanden. Zoomex arbeitet innerhalb eines konformen Rahmens, während es flexible Identitätsprüfungsoptionen und ein offenes Handelssystem anbietet, und baut eine Handelsumgebung auf, die für die Nutzer weltweit einfacher, transparenter, sicherer und zugänglicher ist.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.
About The Author
Gregory, a digital nomad hailing from Poland, is not only a financial analyst but also a valuable contributor to various online magazines. With a wealth of experience in the financial industry, his insights and expertise have earned him recognition in numerous publications. Utilising his spare time effectively, Gregory is currently dedicated to writing a book about cryptocurrency and blockchain.
More articles
Gregory, a digital nomad hailing from Poland, is not only a financial analyst but also a valuable contributor to various online magazines. With a wealth of experience in the financial industry, his insights and expertise have earned him recognition in numerous publications. Utilising his spare time effectively, Gregory is currently dedicated to writing a book about cryptocurrency and blockchain.
