image BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 895,513 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 06May2025 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: Germany's Merz Not Elected Chancellor / Israel Has New Plan to 'Conquer' Gaza / Ukraine Drones Hit Moscow / Attack on Peru Gold Mine Kills 13 / New 100% US Tariffs on Foreign Movies / Trump Wants Alcatraz Reopened / New Offer to Immigrants of $1000 to Leave / New Bill Says Hands Off Digital Assets to SEC / Florida Also Says No to Bitcoin Reserve / BTC ETFs Still Inflowing / Kenya Rules Against WorldCoin's Biometrics Scooping / US Militia Group Threatens Weather Radars and Personnel / Goodbye Skype / Bitcoin Community Torn Over Code / Riot Mining Sells BTC for Operating Costs Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $93.802, 27.81 oz Gold, .22 Median US House 24hr Hi: $95,193 / Lo: $93,631 Vol: $23B (Up 6%) Mkt Cap: $1.86T (Even) HashRate: 907 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 3 sats/vBtye (Down 33%) ---Reports--- -International Events- 1. Germany’s Merz fails to be elected chancellor in shock first-round parliamentary vote: Merz needed at least 316 votes to become chancellor and only 310 members of parliament voted in his favor. Germany’s Bundestag has a total of 630 members. The result marks an unanticipated setback for Merz who was widely expected to secure the necessary votes and be officially sworn in later in the day. (CNBC) 2. Israel vows to escalate war with new plan to ‘conquer’ Gaza: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the population of Gaza will be displaced to the south after his security cabinet approved an expanded military operation in the enclave that a minister described as a plan to “conquer” the territory. “One thing will be clear: there will be no in-and-out,” Netanyahu said in a Monday video message posted on X. “We’ll call up reserves to come, hold territory — we’re not going to enter and then exit the area, only to carry out raids afterward. That’s not the plan. The intention is the opposite.” (CNN) 3. Ukraine Targets Moscow with Drones: Ukraine launched drone attacks on Moscow for the second consecutive night, with Russian defenses intercepting several drones. No casualties were reported, but the attacks disrupted air traffic. (Reuters) 4. Thirteen security guards from the Poderosa gold mine in Pataz, Peru, were kidnapped on April 26, 2025, by a criminal gang linked to illegal mining. Their bodies were found executed in a mine shaft on May 5. The Peruvian government responded with a nighttime curfew, a 30-day suspension of mining in Pataz, and increased police and military presence to combat escalating violence driven by illegal gold mining. (DW) -US Events- 1. Trump Orders 100% Tariff on Foreign-Made Movies: U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on foreign-made films to bolster Hollywood, citing the industry’s decline. This led to a drop in stocks like Netflix and Disney. (BBC) 2. Trump Reopens Alcatraz as Prison: President Trump ordered the reopening of Alcatraz prison, though details on its use or timeline remain sparse. (Reuters) 3. US offers $1,000 stipend to encourage migrants to self-deport: The stipend and potential airfare for migrants who voluntarily depart would cost less than an actual deportation, the agency said. The average cost of arresting, detaining and deporting someone without legal status is currently about $17,000, according to DHS. (Reuters) -Regulatory and Legal- 1. Proposed Bill Aims to Exempt Top Digital Assets From SEC Oversight in the US: The House Financial Services Committee's new discussion draft proposes amending American securities laws to exclude top digital assets from SEC oversight. The bill defines "digital commodities" and exempts their secondary market trading from SEC regulation under certain conditions. (Decrypt) -CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves- 1. Florida Rejects BTC Investment Plan: Florida has withdrawn its Bitcoin reserve efforts, rejecting both House Bill 487 and Senate Bill 550. Several states, including Wyoming and Pennsylvania, have also dropped their Bitcoin reserve proposals. (BitcoinSensus) -Institutional Concerns- 1. BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Records 15 Days of Consecutive Inflows: Bitcoin ETFs are purchasing BTC at six times the mining rate, with BlackRock's fund leading massive inflows as price holds steady near $94,500. (Blockonomi) -Economic Indicators- 1. Treasury Yields Edge Up: The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note rose toward 4.37% on Tuesday, marking its highest level in about two weeks, as investors closely monitored trade tensions and awaited the FOMC decision due tomorrow. (TradingEconomics) 2. S&P 500 Snaps 9-Day Win Streak: US stocks closed lower Monday, unable to shake losses as investors weighed strong economic data against trade tensions and the upcoming Fed meeting. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped 0.6% and 0.7% respectively, with the former snapping nine-day win streaks, while the Dow lost 98 points. (TradingEconomics) -Security Concerns- 1. Kenya court rules against Sam Altman's World, orders data deletion and halts biometrics collection: Kenya's High Court has ordered the World Foundation, formerly known as Worldcoin and co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, to delete the biometric data of local users, ruling that its collection violated the right to privacy. (TheBlock) (AC-This biometric privacy nightmare warrants continued scrutiny, especially now that it is available in the USA now.) 2. Militia Group Threatens NWS Radars, Calling Them 'Weather Weapons': The National Weather Service increased security after getting credible threats from a violent militia-style organization called Veterans on Patrol. In a NOAA security notice Veterans on Patrol is calling supporters to conduct "penetration drills" at radar facilities throughout the US to locate vulnerabilities and take advantage of them with the goal of sabotaging them. The notice threatens face-to-face contact with the organization and details field personnel's essential safety procedures. Though valuable, the radar towers have also been the focus of unfounded conspiracy theories, with Veterans on Patrol asserting that the structures are weather manipulation tools. (TechTimes) -Technology and Science- 1. It's last call for Skype as the once-popular video calling app shuts down: Skype, the pioneering online video calling service that has been around for more than two decades, will go offline for good after Monday. (NPR) -Bitcoin Community- 1. OP_RETURN Conflict: Ocean Mining Accuses Core Developers of Colluding to Fill Bitcoin With 'Spam': Bitcoin Mechanic, the pseudonymous global head of sales at Ocean Mining, stressed that Bitcoin Core developers were colluding with Citrea, a Bitcoin Zero Knowledge (ZK) expansion product, to facilitate the inclusion of so-called “spam” in the blockchain. (BitcoinCom) 2. Riot Platforms Sells $39M in Bitcoin in April to Improve Liquidity, Reduce Reliance on Equity Financing: In April, Riot Platforms sold $38.8 million worth of Bitcoin to boost liquidity, with 475 BTC sold at an average price of $81,731 per coin. The company aims to reduce reliance on equity financing and limit shareholder dilution amid tightening margins in the mining sector. (Decrypt) -Bitcoin Sentiment- 1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 59/100 (Down 7 pts) Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR Follow us on NOSTR: @Bitcoin Veterans Listen to us daily on X discuss the DIB and more: X Spaces, Bitcoin Veterans, 10amEST/7amPST Watch us on YouTube and X Spaces: Tuesdays at 9pmEST/6pmPST ____________________ Analyst: BV2A END REPORT NNNN *NSTR-Nothing Significant To Report
image BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 894,889 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 02May2025 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: Israel Air Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace / China-US Hint at Trade Negotiations / Spain, Portugal Power Outage Blamed on Solar / Texas Judge Says Alien Enemies Act Use Unlawful by Trump / Trump EO Cuts all NPR, PBS Funding / Mike Waltz Droped From NSC, Nominated for UN Ambassador / Sen Thune Wants Stablecoin Act Expedited / Eric Trumps Says Debanking Led to Crypto Adoption / Roswell, NM First to Fund Bitcoin Reserve in US / USD, Stocks Stabilize / Huione Was North Korea Scammer Conduit, US Treasury Says / Kraken Team Exposes North Korean Job Infiltrator / Fusion Reactor Construction Complete / Researchers Find New Photosynthesis Energy Tech / More Americans Turning to Bitcoin / Riot Revenues Up, No Profit Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $96,917, 29.70 oz Gold, .22 Median US House 24hr Hi: $97,437 / Lo: $95,877 Vol: $31B (Down 4%) Mkt Cap: $1.92T (Up 1%) HashRate: 857 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 4 sats/vBtye (Down 50%) ---Reports--- -International Events- 1. Israel strikes target near Damascus presidential palace in ‘message to Syrian regime’: “This is a clear message to the Syrian regime. We will not allow forces to be sent south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement. (TimesoFIsrael) 2. China Says Open To US Trade Talks Offer But Wants Tariffs Scrapped: China said Friday it is evaluating a US offer for negotiations on tariffs but insisted Washington must be ready to scrap levies that have roiled global markets and supply chains before talks can begin. (IBTimes) 3. Spain and Portugal blackout blamed by critics on solar power dependency: The inability of Spain’s electricity grid to manage an unusually high supply of solar power was a key factor in Monday’s catastrophic blackout, former regulators and some experts have said. About 55% of Spain’s supply was from solar sources when 15 gigawatts of electricity generation disconnected from the grid within five seconds on Monday afternoon, triggering a wide-ranging shutdown of power systems in Spain and Portugal. (FT) -US Events- 1. Trump-appointed judge says president’s use of Alien Enemies Act is unlawful in first-of-its-kind ruling: US District Judge Fernando Rodriguez of the Southern District of Texas said Trump had unlawfully invoked the sweeping 18th century wartime authority to speed up some deportations. His decision means Trump cannot rely on the law to detain or deport any alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua within his district. (CNN) 2. Trump signs executive order directing federal funding cuts to PBS and NPR: The executive order directs federal agencies to stop both direct and indirect funding to public broadcasters like PBS and NPR, which receive approximately $500 million annually from the federal government via the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. (GroundNews) 3. Trump Nominates Mike Waltz as UN Ambassador: President Trump announced Mike Waltz as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, following Waltz’s departure as National Security Adviser. (CBS) -Regulatory and Legal- 1. Senate Majority Leader John Thune Seeks to Expedite GENIUS Stablecoin Act: Sen. Thune is pushing for a vote on the GENIUS Act, a bill regulating stablecoins tied to the U.S. dollar. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Bill Hagerty, aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets and maintain the dollar's global dominance. (Decrypt) 2. Eric Trump Says He Turned to Crypto Due to Banks Canceling Accounts Over Politics: Eric Trump cited "woke cancel culture" targeting his family as the reason for his interest in cryptocurrency, following banks canceling their accounts due to political reasons. He expressed his belief in the future of crypto and criticized the traditional financial system's shortcomings. (Decrypt) -CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves- 1. Roswell First In US To Hold BTC Reserves: Roswell, New Mexico has made history in municipal finance by becoming the first city in the United States to have an official Bitcoin reserve. The city accepted its first cryptocurrency donation of 0.0305 BTC (around $2,845) on April 29, 2025, to kick off what officials have dubbed the “Roswell Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.” (Bitcoinist) (AC-How weird that the city known for aliens is the first to adopt a bitcoin reserve.) -Institutional Concerns- NSTR -Economic Indicators- 1. Dollar Set for Weekly Gain Amid Easing Trade Tensions: The US dollar index held above 100 on Friday and was on track for a second consecutive weekly gain, as easing global trade tensions reduced recessionary risks, lifting sentiment toward the currency. China announced it is evaluating the possibility of trade talks with the US, following multiple outreach attempts from Washington. (TradingEconomics) 2. Wall Street Extends Positive Momentum: US stocks kickstart May strong on Thursday, with the Dow Jones adding 70 points, the S&P 500 climbing 0.6% and the Nasdaq Composite jumping 1%, as Big Tech earnings drove gains. (TradingEconomics) -Security Concerns- 1. US Treasury Claims Huione Laundered $37 Million from North Korean Cyber Heists: US Treasury moves to block Cambodia's Huione Group from US banking system after finding it laundered $4 billion in crypto, including North Korean funds. The conglomerate operates payment platform Huione Pay, crypto exchange Huione Crypto, and illicit marketplace Haowang Guarantee. (Blockonomi) 2. North Korean Operative Exposed During Kraken Exchange Job Interview: The applicant joined video calls using a name different from what was on their application. During the calls, they “occasionally switched between voices,” suggesting they were being coached in real-time by others. Kraken Chief Security Officer Nick Percoco conducted impromptu identity verification tests. These included asking the candidate to show government ID, verify their city of residence, and name local restaurants from their supposed location. “At this point, the candidate unraveled,” Kraken stated. (Blockonomi) -Technology and Science- 1. ITER Completes Central Solenoid, Advancing Fusion Reactor Assembly: When operational in the 2030s, ITER aims to produce 500 megawatts from just 50 megawatts input, demonstrating fusion as a viable clean energy source. This breakthrough could revolutionize power generation, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and transform space travel capabilities. ources widely acknowledge ITER as an unprecedented model of international scientific cooperation, with over 30 nations setting aside geopolitical differences to pursue fusion energy. (GroundNews) 2. Scientists Develop Solar-Powered Artificial Leaf That Turns Carbon Dioxide into Liquid Fuel: Researchers at Berkeley National Laboratory, with the help of other scientists around the world, have discovered a device that replicates natural photosynthesis to transform carbon dioxide into usable liquid fuel using nothing but the sun. The revolutionary technology uses copper electrocatalysts with perovskite solar cells, a breakthrough achievement in renewable energy technology. (TechTimes) -Bitcoin Community- 1. 68% of Americans Turn to BTC Amid US Tariffs: According to a new NFT Evening study, 68% of Americans have bought bitcoin since U.S. President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs. This figure exceeds the proportion that bought gold by nearly 24%, indicating that Americans viewed the top cryptocurrency as a “modern hedge” against economic turmoil. (BitcoinCom) (AC-This is not really a well-documented 'study' and with major assumptions, but it is indicative of general attitude shifts this year.) 2. Riot Platforms posts net loss in Q1 despite doubling revenue amid AI pivot: Riot booked $161.4 million in total revenue in the first quarter of this year, up 103.5% year-on-year, however, it reported a net loss of $296.4 million, compared to net income of $211.8 million during the same period last year. (TheBlock) -Bitcoin Sentiment- 1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 67/100 (Up 11 pts) Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR Follow us on NOSTR: @Bitcoin Veterans Listen to us daily on X discuss the DIB and more: X Spaces, Bitcoin Veterans, 10amEST/7amPST Watch us on YouTube and X Spaces: Tuesdays at 9pmEST/6pmPST ____________________ Analyst: BV2A END REPORT NNNN *NSTR-Nothing Significant To Report
image BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 894,738 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 01May2025 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: US Ukraine Policy May be Shifting / US Tries to De-Escalate IN-PK Tensions / Judges Halt CBP Arrests in CA, Release Tesla Bomber / May Day in USA / NC House Passes Bitcoin Reserve Bill, Goes to Senate / Metaplanet Comes to USA / New EU Bitcoin Treasury Group Rises / GDP Contracts, Spin Results / Job Layoffs Up, Inflation Steady / WorldCoin Brings Biometric System to USA / Coinbase Files With SCOTUS For Privacy Issues / Fifth Gen Warfare Operation Used Claude AI / Blockstream Expanding Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $96.292, 30.01 oz Gold, .22 Median US House 24hr Hi: $96,373 / Lo: $92,979 Vol: $32B (Up 33%) Mkt Cap: $1.91T (Up 1%) HashRate: 852 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 9 sats/vBtye (Up 50%) ---Reports--- -International Events- 1. US and Ukraine sign natural resources deal and agree to establish investment fund: The deal followed prolonged negotiations amid a more-than-three-year war with Russia, with Ukraine securing full sovereignty over its mineral resources as compensation for U.S. Military aid. (GroundNews) (AC-The timing of this announcement seems to coincide with Russia's latest military push in Ukraine and the consternation the US is showing towards Russia for not seeking an end to hostilities. It also reveals a possible shift in attitude towards the Ukrainian plight.) 2. US Calls On India And Pakistan To 'De-escalate': SECState Rubio "urged Pakistani officials' cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack" and "encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia", said spokeswoman Tammy Bruce. (IBTimes) -US Events- 1. Judge Limits Border Patrol Stops in California, Citing Civil Rights Concerns: A federal judge in California’s Eastern District prohibited Border Patrol agents from arresting individuals suspected of being in the country unlawfully without first obtaining a warrant or having reasonable suspicion. (GroundNews) (AC-The war between activist judges and the Trump administration is in high gear now. The ability to mire the admin in legal injunctions and time-delaying tactics in having effects on Trump's momentum and ambitions. The results of the war will certainly degrade the trust in the legal system as well as executive power limits.) 2. Judge Orders Suspect Behind Firebombing of Missouri Tesla Released from Federal Custody: A federal judge ordered that the suspect behind the firebombing of a Tesla dealership in Kansas City, Missouri, be released from federal custody ahead of his upcoming court date. (Breitbart) 3. May Day Protests Expected Nationwide: May Day protests are set to intensify across the U.S. on May 1, 2025, with workers rallying against perceived anti-labor policies. Historians note the U.S. avoids officially recognizing May Day due to resistance to working-class unity. (NPR) -Regulatory and Legal- NSTR -CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves- 1. North Carolina House Approves Bitcoin Investment for $127 Billion Pension Fund: North Carolina House passes bills allowing 5% of $127 billion pension fund to be invested in Bitcoin, awaiting Senate approval. (Blockonomi) -Institutional Concerns- 1. Metaplanet to Set Up Florida Subsidiary, Eyes $250M Raise for Its Bitcoin Strategy: Metaplanet Inc. is establishing a wholly owned subsidiary in Florida to raise $250 million for its Bitcoin treasury strategy. The Tokyo-listed investment firm aims to expand access to U.S. institutional investors and operate 24/7 across time zones. (Decrypt) 2. The Rise of Europe’s First Bitcoin Treasury Company: In the United States, Strategy proved the Bitcoin treasury model. In Asia, Metaplanet took the baton ran with it. Now in Europe, a new name is emerging as a leader in balance sheet transformation—The Blockchain Group (ALTBG). In just six months, it has posted a 709.8% BTC Yield, far outpacing Bitcoin’s price performance and demonstrating how balance sheet engineering—when executed through the Bitcoin lens—can drive exponential shareholder value. (BItcoinMag) -Economic Indicators- 1. U.S. Economy Contracts in Q1 2025: The U.S. economy shrank by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, the first contraction since 2022, driven by a surge in imports as businesses stockpiled goods ahead of President Trump’s tariffs. Consumer spending slowed, with personal consumption expenditures up 1.8%, the lowest since Q2 2023. Economists warn tariffs could increase recession risks. (CBS) (AC-No mention in mainstream articles on the government component of GDP, which has been the more significant factor is GDP 'growth' for a number of years.) 2. US April Layoffs Highest for the Month Since 2020: U.S.-based employers announced 105,441 job cuts in April, down sharply by 62% from March’s 275,240 but still 63% higher than in April 2024. It marked the highest total for the month since April 2020, when a record 671,129 layoffs were reported. So far in 2025, employers have announced 602,493 job cuts—the most for this time of year since 2020—mainly in government, due to DOGE-related cost-cutting, as well as in the tech and retail sectors. (TradingEconomics) 3. US PCE Inflation Slows as Expected: The personal consumption expenditure price index in the US was unchanged in March from February 2025, the least in ten months, and following a 0.4% rise in each of the previous two months, in line with expectations. (TradingEconomics) -Security Concerns- 1. Worldcoin Launches in Six U.S. Cities with Iris-Scanning Technology and Cryptocurrency Rewards: The Sam Altman-founded company plans to deploy 7,500 scanning orbs across the U.S. by the end of 2025 and has partnered with Visa for a debit card and integrated with Match Group, Razer, and others. Despite having scanned 12 million users globally, the project faces ongoing privacy and regulatory concerns. (Blockonomi) (AC-It's like watching a cancer spread.) 2. Coinbase and Allies Seek Supreme Court Review on Digital Privacy Laws: Coinbase, along with other parties, filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider the application of the third-party doctrine in digital privacy laws. The case involves a John Doe summons issued by the IRS to Coinbase in 2016, seeking information on thousands of users suspected of tax violations. (Decrypt) -Technology and Science- 1. Claude AI Exploited to Operate 100+ Fake Political Personas in Global Influence Campaign: Artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic has revealed that unknown threat actors leveraged its Claude chatbot for an "influence-as-a-service" operation to engage with authentic accounts across Facebook and X. The now-disrupted operation, Anthropic researchers said, prioritized persistence and longevity over vitality and sought to amplify moderate political perspectives that supported or undermined European, Iranian, the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), and Kenyan interests. (HackerNews) (AC-The tools of 5Th Generation Warfare are becoming more and more leveraged and powerful. It will take a concerted effort to combat these influence operations.) -Bitcoin Community- 1. Blockstream Spins out Mining and ASIC Divisions in Major Restructuring Effort: The bitcoin-focused technology firm closed a $210 million funding round led by Fulgur Ventures last October and is now implementing key expansion initiatives. (BitcoinCom) -Bitcoin Sentiment- 1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 56/100 (Down 4 pts) Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR Follow us on NOSTR: @Bitcoin Veterans Listen to us daily on X discuss the DIB and more: X Spaces, Bitcoin Veterans, 10amEST/7amPST Watch us on YouTube and X Spaces: Tuesdays at 9pmEST/6pmPST ____________________ Analyst: BV2A END REPORT NNNN *NSTR-Nothing Significant To Report
image BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 894,464 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 29Apr2025 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: Liberals Win in Canada Election / Iran Port Death Toll Rises / Houthis Hit by US Strikes / Ukraine Holds 3-Day Ceasefire / Spain, Portugal Recover From Power Blackout / Tariff War Drops US Imports / MLK-Associated Church Burned Down / Congress Works on Budget / USS Truman Drops Plane Overboard / DOJ Seeks 20 Year Sentence for Celsius CEO / Sec. of Commerce Wants Bitcoin Paradise / Arizona Passes First US SBR, Sent to Governor / BTC ETFs Have Big Week / USD Rises, UST Yields Down / Cyberattack on Iran / Workers Hiding AI Use / Bitcoin Mining Sustainability Over 50% Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $95,158, 28.73 oz Gold, .22 Median US House 24hr Hi: $95,598 / Lo: $93,498 Vol: $29B (Up 23%) Mkt Cap: $1.89T (Even) HashRate: 846 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 2 sats/vBtye (Down 75%) ---Reports--- -International Events- 1. Canadian Election Results: Liberals Win Under Mark Carney: The Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, secured victory in Canada’s 2025 federal election, defeating the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre, who conceded defeat. (IndianExpress) 2. Iran Port Explosion Death Toll Rises to 40: A massive explosion at Bandar Abbas, Iran’s largest port, killed at least 40 people. Iranian state media reported firefighters were still working to extinguish the blaze. Local sources suggest negligent chemical storage as the cause, with Israeli officials denying involvement. (Reuters) 3. 68 Bodies Recovered in Yemen After U.S. Strike on Saada: Yemen’s Houthi TV reported that 68 bodies were recovered following a U.S. military strike on Saada. The strike’s context and targets were not detailed in the reports. (Reuters) 4. Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Announced for May 8-11: The Kremlin announced a 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to May 10, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Russia warned it would respond if Ukraine violates the truce. (AP) 5. Spain and Portugal Recover from Blackout: Electricity was restored to nearly all of Spain and parts of Portugal after an 18-hour blackout. The cause of the outage was not detailed in the reports. (NYT) -US Events- 1. Trump Tariffs: Automakers May Get Relief: The Trump administration is considering softening tariffs on automakers, with reports indicating potential relief from the 145% tariffs on Chinese imports imposed April 5, 2025. Cargo shipments from China have dropped 60%, impacting retailers like Walmart and Target, with inventory shortages expected by mid-May. (Yahoo) 2. Memphis Church Tied to MLK Destroyed: A historic Memphis church linked to Martin Luther King Jr.’s final campaign was destroyed by fire on April 28, 2025. The cause of the fire was not reported. (Reuters) 3. Congress Returns for Budget Reconciliation: Congress resumed sessions on April 28, 2025, after a two-week recess, focusing on budget reconciliation as a priority, with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune leading discussions. (NPR) 4. US Warplane Falls Off Aircraft Carrier Into Red Sea: "The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard," the Navy said in a statement. This is the second aircraft lost from the USS Truman in 5 months. (IBTimes) -Regulatory and Legal- 1. DOJ Seeks 20-Year Prison Sentence for Celsius Founder Alex Mashinsky: The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking a 20-year prison sentence for Alex Mashinsky, the founder of Celsius Network, for his involvement in a $7 billion fraud scheme. Prosecutors argued that Mashinsky's deliberate actions caused significant losses and that he refuses to take responsibility for his crimes. (Decrypt) 2. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick Has a Bitcoin Vision for America: Secretary Lutnick encourages Bitcoin businesses to set up shop in the United States, as he claims that the Trump administration is doing everything in its power to welcome such companies to the U.S. in the wake of the Biden administration’s hostile treatment of them. (BItcoinMag) -CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves- 1. Arizona Passes Landmark Bill To Have First Bitcoin Strategic Reserve in The U.S.: Arizona just made history. Today, on April 28 the Grand Canyon State became the first among U.S. regions to pass a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve bill. If signed into law, it would mark a major shift in how states handle digital assets. But before this becomes reality, Governor Katie Hobbs has to sign it off. Her stance on state-backed Bitcoin investments isn’t clear yet, and whether she greenlights the bill or shuts it down remains to be seen. (BitcoinSensus) (AC-Somebody had to be first.) -Institutional Concerns- 1. Bitcoin ETF demand skyrockets on price breakout leading to largest flows in 2025: After initially stumbling through a dry spell earlier this year, these funds roared back to life between April 21-25, pulling in a staggering $3 billion in net inflows. The April 22 frenzy alone netted $936.5 million, marking the most substantial one-day surge in recent memory. (CryptoSlate) -Economic Indicators- 1. Dollar Rises Amid Global Trade Developments: The dollar index rose above 99.1 on Tuesday, recouping some losses from the previous session as investors monitored global trade developments. China reiterated that it is not engaged in trade talks with the US, clarifying that President Xi Jinping has not called President Donald Trump. (TradingEconomics) 2. US 10-Year Yield Hovers at 3-Week Low: The yield on the US 10-year Treasury not hovered around 4.2% on Tuesday, lingering at its lowest levels in three weeks as investors awaited crucial economic data that could reveal the early impact of President Donald Trump’s new tariffs. (TradingEconomics) -Security Concerns- 1. Iran claims it stopped large cyberattack on country’s infrastructure: Iran repelled a “widespread and complex” cyberattack targeting the country’s infrastructure on Sunday, according to a senior official who spoke to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-linked Tasnim News Agency. (TheRecord) -Technology and Science- 1. Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks: The Lyrid meteor shower reached its peak, with NASA reporting 10 to 20 meteors visible per hour under optimal conditions. (CBS) 2. Workers Are Hiding Their AI Use—Study Reveals Why That's a Big Problem for Employers: New worldwide research has uncovered an increasing trend of employees secretly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the workplace, with implications for transparency, trust, and risk management in contemporary workplaces. The research revealed that most workers have no idea how AI operates or how to use it ethically. (TechTimes) -Bitcoin Community- 1. Cambridge University study says Bitcoin mining sustainable energy use hit 52.4%, exceeding Elon Musk's target to resume Tesla BTC payments: A new Bitcoin mining report from Cambridge University says that sustainable energy use by the industry has reached 52.4% — up from 37.6% in 2022. (TheBlock) -Bitcoin Sentiment- 1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 60/100 (Up 6 pts) Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR Follow us on NOSTR: @Bitcoin Veterans Listen to us daily on X discuss the DIB and more: X Spaces, Bitcoin Veterans, 10amEST/7amPST Watch us on YouTube and X Spaces: Tuesdays at 9pmEST/6pmPST ____________________ Analyst: BV2A END REPORT NNNN *NSTR-Nothing Significant To Report
image BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 894,305 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 28Apr2025 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: Iran Port Explodes / India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate / Israel Hits Hezbollah in Beirut / Car Attack in Vancouver Kills 11 / ICE Raids Underground Club, Nets 100 Illegals / ABC Settles With Trump on Defamation / Dr Oz Uncovers Large Fraud in Medicare / Russia Launches New Crypto Exchange / Swiss Bank Says No to Bitcoin / BTC ETFs Rise / BTC Exchanges Low on BTC / Bitcoin Hits 5th Largest Asset / Bitcoin $330M Theft Spooks / OpenAI CEO Says Safeguards to be Dynamic / Nuke-Powered Helo to be Built / Strike Launches BTC Lending / Swiss Supermarket Expands Lightning Point of Sale Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $95,305, 29.00 oz Gold, .22 Median US House 24hr Hi: $94,430 / Lo: $92,455 Vol: $24B (Up 31%) Mkt Cap: $1.89T (Up 1%) HashRate: 823 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 8 sats/vBtye (Up 175%) ---Reports--- -International Events- 1. Deadly Explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas Port: A massive explosion at Bandar Abbas, Iran’s largest port, killed at least 40 people and injured over 1,200. The blast, reported on April 27, 2025, is suspected to have been caused by a gas leak or sabotage, though investigations are ongoing. The port handles 50% of Iran’s maritime trade. (Reuters) 2. India-Pakistan Border Tensions Escalate: India reported “unprovoked” small arms fire from Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) for four consecutive nights, starting April 24. The skirmishes follow the Pahalgam attack, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting terrorism. Pakistan claims its actions were defensive. Both sides have reinforced troop deployments. (Reuters) 3. Israel Strikes Hezbollah in Beirut Suburb: Yesterday Israel conducted airstrikes on a Hezbollah missile storage site in Beirut’s southern suburb, violating a November 2024 ceasefire. The attack killed 12 and injured 60, with significant damage to residential areas. (Bloomberg) 4. 11 people killed, more than 20 hurt after SUV driven by man rams into Vancouver Filipino Heritage Festival: The driver, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident, was the lone occupant and Rai said evidence does not lead investigators to believe it was an act of terrorism, however, his motive remains unclear. Officials confirmed that barricades did not block the area where the driver entered the festival. (GLobalNewsCA) -US Events- 1. Over 100 Immigrants Arrested in Colorado Springs Raid: On Saturday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested over 100 undocumented immigrants in a raid on an underground nightclub in Colorado Springs. The operation, praised by President Trump, targeted individuals with prior deportation orders where most are from central American countries. Critics argue it signals a harsh new phase in immigration enforcement. (CNN) 2. ABC News settled a defamation lawsuit with President Donald Trump, agreeing to contribute $15 million to his presidential foundation and library. The lawsuit stemmed from statements made by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, who claimed Trump was found liable for rape in a civil case, which Trump’s legal team argued was misleading. (BBC) 3. Medicare Fraud Uncovered by Dr. Oz: As Medicare and Medicaid Administrator, Dr. Mehmet Oz announced yesterday the discovery of $10 billion in fraudulent claims. He established a “war room” to investigate and recover funds, targeting providers and intermediaries. (X) -Regulatory and Legal- 1. Russia to Launch Crypto Exchange: Russia’s central bank and Ministry of Finance proposed a crypto exchange allowing wealthy investors to trade Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies under a three-year experimental regime. This follows a 2021 ban on crypto payments. (CoinTelegraph) -CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves- 1. Swiss National Bank Rejects Bitcoin as Reserve Asset: The Swiss National Bank (SNB) Chairman Martin Schlegel rebuffed calls to hold Bitcoin as a reserve asset, stating that cryptocurrencies do not meet the bank’s standards due to low liquidity and high volatility. (Reuters) -Institutional Concerns- 1. Bitcoin ETF Inflows Surge to $2.7 Billion: Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded $2.7–$3 billion in weekly inflows, the highest in five months, signaling strong institutional adoption. Public companies now hold over 700,000 BTC, with projections suggesting they could control 3 million BTC by 2026. (Various, X) 2. Bitcoin Exchange Reserves Hit Historic Lows: Bitcoin reserves on exchanges dropped to their lowest levels since November 2018, indicating a potential supply shock. (CoinMarketCap) -Economic Indicators- 1. Bitcoin Surpasses Google as Fifth-Largest Asset: Bitcoin’s market capitalization exceeded Google’s, making it the fifth-largest asset globally. (X) 2. US 10-Year Yield Stabilizes Ahead of Key Economic Data: The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note held steady around 4.24% on Monday, as investors braced for key economic reports this week that could provide insight into the early effects of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Markets are focused on Friday’s April jobs report, along with first-quarter GDP figures and the Fed-preferred PCE inflation gauge on Wednesday. (TradingEconomics) -Security Concerns- 1. Apparent bitcoin theft worth $330 million spikes Monero price in laundering frenzy: A suspicious transaction involving approximately 3,520 BTC ($330.7 million) took place on Sunday, in what on-chain investigator ZachXBT believes may be a theft. Shortly after the transfer, the stolen funds were laundered through more than six exchanges and converted to Monero to obfuscate the activity. (TheBlock) 2. Sam Altman: AI privacy safeguards can’t be established before ‘problems emerge’: The CEO of OpenAI said on Thursday that it’s too early to implement privacy regulations for artificial intelligence because the technology — and how it impacts society — is rapidly evolving. “Dynamic response is the only way to responsibly figure out the right guardrails for new technology.” he said. (TheRecord) -Technology and Science- 1. NASA's Dragonfly nuclear-powered helicopter clears key hurdle ahead of 2028 launch toward huge Saturn moon Titan: Dragonfly, a car-sized, nuclear-powered rotorcraft designed to investigate Titan's potential to host life, passed its Critical Design Review. Equipped with cameras, sensors and samplers, Dragonfly will assess Titan's habitability, looking out for prebiotic chemistry as well as potential signs of life. (SpaceCom) -Bitcoin Community- 1. Jack Maller’s Strike to Launch BTC Lending Platform in the Coming Days: Bitcoin payments platform Strike is launching a BTC lending service, expanding how Bitcoin is used as a financial product. CEO Jack Mallers now leads both Strike and Twenty One Capital, fueling speculation about a potential financial strategy alignment. Industry insiders suspect Strike’s lending rollout could hint at a merger, potentially forming a Bitcoin-powered financial institution. (BitcoinSensus) 2. Major Supermarket Chain Spar to Launch Bitcoin Payments Across Switzerland: Spar supermarkets in Switzerland are preparing to roll out Bitcoin payments nationwide after a successful pilot backed by the crypto payments firm DFX Swiss, in a move that could make crypto a staple of everyday life. “Zug was just the prototype location — we will soon be rolling it out throughout Switzerland,” OpenCryptoPay confirmed on X. (Decrypt) -Bitcoin Sentiment- 1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 54/100 (Down 6 pts) Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR Follow us on NOSTR: @Bitcoin Veterans Listen to us daily on X discuss the DIB and more: X Spaces, Bitcoin Veterans, 10amEST/7amPST Watch us on YouTube and X Spaces: Tuesdays at 9pmEST/6pmPST ____________________ Analyst: BV2A END REPORT NNNN *NSTR-Nothing Significant To Report
image BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 893,911 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 25Apr2025 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: VIPs Gather in Rome / Saudi Arabia to Get Arms Package / India-Pakistan Relations Sour Quickly / Prosecution Seeks Death for CEO Killer / Teen Arrested for Arson in NJ Wildfire / NM Judge Arrested for Harboring Gang Member / Federal Reserve Drops Guidance for Banks on Crypto / SECTREAS Bessent Says Bretton Woods Needs Update / Sovereign Funds Buying Bitcoin / Tariff Shock to Hit LA Docks, Truckers / NK Hackers Target Crypto Devs / China Astronauts Arrive in Space Station / Helium Network Gets AT&T Deal / BTC Biz Funder Geyser Changes Structure Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $94,414, 28.63 oz Gold, .22 Median US House 24hr Hi: $94,430 / Lo: $92,455 Vol: $31B (Down 14%) Mkt Cap: $1.87T (Up 2%) HashRate: 822 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 3 sats/vBtye (Down 50%) ---Reports--- -International Events- 1. Trump and Zelenskyy among dignitaries converging on Rome for funeral of Pope Francis: The Vatican said 130 delegations are confirmed, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns. The work of the conclave to choose a new pope won’t start until at least May 5, after nine days of public mourning. (AP) 2. Trump Offers Saudi Arabia $100 Billion Arms Package: President Trump is reportedly preparing to offer Saudi Arabia an arms deal worth over $100 billion, strengthening US-Saudi ties. (Reuters) 3. India and Pakistan Suspend Trade, Visas as Tensions Rise over Kashmir Killings: India and Pakistan canceled visa services for each others’ nationals on Thursday amid rising tensions over a brutal terrorist attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir. The uneasy neighbors shut down airspace, closed border crossings, suspended trade, and exchanged increasingly aggressive remarks over India’s suspension of an important water treaty. (Breitbart) -US Events- 1. Federal prosecutors officially file intent to seek death penalty against Luigi Mangione: Federal prosecutors filed their intent to pursue the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, if convicted. (GroundNews) 2. NJ Wildfire: 19-Year-Old Charged With Arson As Blaze Burns 15,250 Acres: Joseph Kling was charged with arson after he allegedly set wooden pallets on fire and left them before they were fully extinguished. Several structures were still threatened by the wildfire after it already burned down a commercial building and multiple vehicles. (IBTimes) 3. New Mexico Judge, Wife Arrested After Allegedly Harboring Tren de Aragua Gang Members: A disgraced New Mexico magistrate judge and his wife are under arrest after they allegedly harbored reported Tren de Aragua gang members. The judge resigned from his position last week after Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials arrested a Venezuelan man said to be living on his property. (Breitbart) -Regulatory and Legal- 1. Federal Reserve Withdraws Crypto Rules for Banks, Ending 'Choke Point' Practices: The Federal Reserve said Thursday evening it will no longer obligate member banks to provide advanced notice of crypto and stablecoin-related ventures, and will instead monitor engagement with digital assets like it would any other banking activities. (Decrypt) (AC-This is the final domino to fall that is a serious hinderance to Bitcoin SOV adoption in the US and could lead to increased adoption of banks serving crypto and bitcoin customers.) -CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves- 1. Bretton Woods institutions must reorient, US Treasury secretary says: Speaking at the Institute of International Finance, Bessent called on the IMF and the World Bank to correct trade imbalances and protect the value of fiat currencies against exchange rate risk. Bessent added that the Trump administration will use stablecoins to protect the US dollar and its status as the global reserve currency. Bitcoin maximalist Max Keiser argued against this plan, predicting that gold-backed stablecoins would outcompete dollar-pegged tokens due to the desire for low-volatility, inflation-resistant money. (CoinTelegraph) (AC-Amazing to witness the discussions surrounding the decline of the 1944 Bretton Woods agreements as digital currencies rise and the most powerful decentralized money becomes more established (Bitcoin).) -Institutional Concerns- 1. Sovereign Wealth Funds Bought Bitcoin as Retail Pulled Back: Coinbase Exec: Institutional demand is tied to de-dollarization, inflation hedging, and a shift away from tech-stock correlations, the exec said. (Decrypt) 2. US spot bitcoin ETFs log $442 million in net inflows as BTC price shows resilience (TheBlock) -Economic Indicators- 1. First Tariff Shock Set To Hit Port Of Los Angeles, With Ripple Effects Across The Broader Economy: new data from Port Optimizer, a tracking system for vessel operators, showed that scheduled import volumes into the Port of Los Angeles are set to decline sharply beginning on Sunday. "Year-over-year trucking activity out of Los Angeles down 23%. It will likely drop to 50% in the coming weeks if there isn't trade war resolution," (ZeroHedge) 2. US Stocks Gain Ground: The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 were over 1.6% higher and the Dow gained 450 points on Thursday after a volatile week, as markets continued to assess the outlook for US trade flows and how it may impact corporate returns. (TradingEconomics) -Security Incidents and Concerns- 1. North Korean Hackers Create Fake U.S. Businesses to Target Crypto Devs: Two firms, Blocknovas LLC and Softglide LLC, were spun up by North Korea’s Lazarus Group, according to cybersecurity outfit Silent Push. (Decrypt) -Technology and Science- 1. China launches 3 astronauts to replace crew on Tiangong space station: China has launched three astronauts into space to replace the crew on the Chinese Tiangong space station, marking a further step in the country’s ambitions for a crewed mission to the moon and exploration of Mars. (NBC) 2. Solana-Based Helium Strikes Deal to Serve AT&T Customers in the US: Helium, a Solana-based, community-led distributed network, will now serve AT&T customers in the U.S., providing additional Wi-Fi coverage wherever a Helium hotspot is available. (BitcoinCom) -Bitcoin Community- 1. Bitcoin crowdfunding platform Geyser launches social-gated launchpad for Bitcoin projects: The Launchpad mechanism modifies how creators access Geyser’s core crowdfunding tools. Projects begin as draft listings placed in a public Launchpad stream for 30 days. During this period, they cannot receive funding and must secure at least 21 followers to unlock full campaign functionality. If the threshold is met, Geyser will email followers a notification and convert the listing into a standard fundraising page. (CryptoSlate) -Bitcoin Sentiment- 1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 60/100 (Down 3 pts) Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR Follow us on NOSTR: @Bitcoin Veterans Listen to us daily on X discuss the DIB and more: X Spaces, Bitcoin Veterans, 10amEST/7amPST Watch us on YouTube and X Spaces: Tuesdays at 9pmEST/6pmPST ____________________ Analyst: BV2A END REPORT NNNN *NSTR-Nothing Significant To Report
image BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 893,759 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 24Apr2025 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: More IDF Strikes in Gaza / US Cardinal Dolan Heads to Rome / Kyiv Hit Hard / Trump EO Tightens College Fundings / Sen Dick Durban to Retire / Tariff War Rakes in Revenues / SEC Crypto Roundtable Tomorrow / Missouri SBR Bill Advances / Jack Mallers to Head New Bitcoin Fund / Riot Mining Borrows on Bitcoin / Metaplanet Gets Aggressive with Buys / BTC ETFs on Strong Momentum / Stocks Rise on Tariff Pause / Elderly Targeted For Crypto Fraud / China, Russia to Build Moon Base With Nuke Reactor Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $92,612, 27.70 oz Gold, .21 Median US House 24hr Hi: $94,535 / Lo: $91,696 Vol: $36B (Down 40%) Mkt Cap: $1.83T (Down 1%) HashRate: 821 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 6 sats/vBtye (Even) ---Reports--- -International Events- 1. Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 10 at Shelter: Israeli airstrikes targeted a shelter in Gaza, killing 10 people, with Israel claiming the strikes were aimed at militants. The Gaza Health Ministry reported 39 deaths and 105 injuries in the region over the past 24 hours. (AlJazeera) 2. Cardinal Dolan Heads to Rome for Papal Election: Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, one of ten American cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope, departed for Rome following Pope Francis’s death. (NewYorkTimes) 3. Kyiv hit by deadly Russian missile and drone attack: At least eight people have been killed and more than 80 others injured, including children, in an overnight Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital Kyiv. (BBC) (AC-It seems the current military advantage rests with Russia.) -US Events- 1. Trump Tightens Control Over Higher Education With Executive Orders Targeting Accreditation, Foreign Grants: President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order aimed at tightening standards for college accreditation -- a critical requirement for institutions seeking access to billions of dollars in federal student financial aid. The order is designed to reshape how the federal government determined which colleges are eligible to receive federal student loans and Pell grants. (IBTimes) 2. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in Senate, announces he won’t seek reelection: Durbin expressed that he has a deep love for the job but believes now is the right time to pass the torch to the next generation. (GroundNews) 3. Trump Trade War Results In Record $12 Billion Surge In Customs Revenues: According to today's Daily Treasury Statement, on April 22, the US collected a record $11.7 billion in "customs and certain excise taxes", the biggest one day haul on record. To be sure, this is not a "one-day collection", but rather is a monthly accrual and is more indicative of the monthly total (which stands at about $15.4 billion). (ZeroHedge) -Regulatory and Legal- 1. Paul Atkins’ First Ever SEC Crypto Roundtable on April 25: Although the previous two discussions failed to bring any significant impact in the crypto industry and its status, the approaching one is anticipated to bring major changes, especially as Paul Atkins is set to attend. (CoinGape) -CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves- 1. Missouri Bitcoin Reserve Bill Passes First Committee: Missouri’s Bitcoin reserve bill passed its first committee with no opposition, signaling state-level interest in holding Bitcoin as a strategic asset.(X) -Institutional Concerns- 1. Twenty One Capital Launches with $3 Billion to Acquire Bitcoin: Jack Mallers, CEO of Strike, announced Twenty One, a public company backed by Cantor Fitzgerald, SoftBank, Tether, and Bitfinex, valued at $3.6 billion. It aims to acquire 42,000 Bitcoin through 21 Capital, positioning it as a competitor to MicroStrategy. Mallers joined as CEO, fueling bullish sentiment. (CNBC, X) 2. Coinbase Provides $100 Million Credit Facility to Bitcoin Mining Company Riot Platforms: This multiple drawdown term loan facility will be available to Riot over a two-month period following the execution date. The company plans to utilize the proceeds for key strategic initiatives and general corporate purposes. CEO Jason Les emphasized that this marks Riot’s first bitcoin-backed facility. (BitcoinCom) 3. Metaplanet hits 5,000 BTC milestone as corporate bitcoin accumulation race heats up: "We have reached 50% of our initial goal of 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025," Metaplanet CEO Simon Gerovich posted on X. "This is a big step forward in our aim to become one of the world's leading bitcoin holding companies. We will lead the global bitcoin race from Japan." (TheBlock) 4. Bitcoin ETFs grab $917 million flows Wednesday topping $2B for the week (CryptoSlate) (AC-BTC ETF market momentum persists, capturing 19,300 BTC in two days.) -Economic Indicators- 1. US Futures Hold Steady After Two-Day Rally: US stock futures were little changed on Thursday after the major averages posted a two-day rally, underpinned by easing US-China trade tensions and receding concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence. In Wednesday’s regular session, the Dow climbed 1.07%, the S&P 500 advanced 1.67%, and the Nasdaq Composite surged 2.5%. (TradingEconomics) -Security Incidents and Concerns- 1. FBI Data Shows 66% Increase in Crypto Fraud with Elderly Hardest Hit: Elderly Americans lost $2.8 billion in crypto scams in 2024, despite making up only 17% of the population, with ATM fraud rising rapidly. The average loss per senior victim was $83,000, which is more than four times the overall average loss of $19,372 for other online crimes. One of the most alarming trends in the report is the rapid increase in crypto ATM and kiosk fraud cases where criminals typically direct victims to withdraw money from financial accounts, including retirement or investment funds. (Blockonomi) -Technology and Science- 1. China Signals Support for Nuclear Reactor on Moon to Power Sino-Russian Lunar Station: China and Russia are collaborating to establish the International Lunar Research Station at the moon's south pole by 2035, featuring a nuclear reactor and solar arrays. The project aims to involve 50 countries and 500 research institutions worldwide. (GroundNews) -Bitcoin Community- NSTR -Bitcoin Sentiment- 1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 63/100 (Down 9 pts) Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR Follow us on NOSTR: @Bitcoin Veterans Listen to us daily on X discuss the DIB and more: X Spaces, Bitcoin Veterans, 10amEST/7amPST Watch us on YouTube and X Spaces: Tuesdays at 9pmEST/6pmPST ____________________ Analyst: BV2A END REPORT NNNN *NSTR-Nothing Significant To Report
image BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 893,638 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 23Apr2025 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: Terror Attack in Kashmir / Houthis Fire Missile at Northern Israel / Trump Backs Off China Tariffs / Rubio Looks to Slash State Dept / Trump Says He Won't Fire Powell / EU Looks to Control Blockchain Data / US Stablecoin Vs. EU CBDC Showdown / Cantor Starts Bitcoin Fund / Stocks Spike on Tariff News / Crypto Malware Sold as Service / Quantum Computing Helps Encryption / ISS Gets Resupplied / EU Fines Apple and Meta (Again) / Bitcoin Set to Transform Retirements Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $93,688, 28.26 oz Gold, .22 Median US House 24hr Hi: $94,459 / Lo: $88,515 Vol: $60B (Up 65%) Mkt Cap: $1.86T (Up 6%) HashRate: 837 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 6 sats/vBtye (Up 100%) ---Reports--- -International Events- 1. Militants kill at least 26 tourists at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir: Gunmen shot and killed at least 26 tourists Tuesday at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Two officers said at least four militants fired at dozens of tourists from close range. Most of the killed tourists were Indian, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity. (AP) 2. Houthi rebels fire a missile targeting northern Israel, a rare target for the group: Sirens sounded in Haifa, Krayot and other areas west of the Sea of Galilee, the Israeli military said. “An interceptor was launched toward the missile, and the missile was most likely successfully intercepted,” the Israeli military said. Those in the area could hear booms in the predawn darkness. (ABC) 3. Trump says China tariffs will drop ‘substantially – but it won’t be zero’: “I do say China is going to be a slog in terms of the negotiations,” SECTREAS Bessent said, according to a transcript obtained by the Associated Press. “Neither side thinks the status quo is sustainable.” (TheGuardian) -US Events- 1. Trump Admin Draws Flak Over Plans To Overhaul State Department: 'An Assault On American Diplomacy': "The sprawling bureaucracy created a system more beholden to radical political ideology than advancing America's core national interests," SECSTATE Rubio said of the Department. In his proposal, he touted the elimination of a division that oversees "civilian security, democracy and human rights", among others. (IBTimes) 2. Trump Has No Plans to Fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell: ‘The Press Runs Away with Things’: “No, I have no intention of firing him. I would like to see him be a little more active in terms of his idea to lower interest rates. This is a perfect time to lower interest rates.” Trump said. (Breitbart) -Regulatory and Legal- 1. Europe Rolls Out Draft Guidelines on Blockchain Data Storage: The European Data Protection Board has approved draft rules for storing and sharing personal data on blockchains, aligning with GDPR standards. The guidelines emphasize Data Protection by Design and by Default, urging organizations to avoid storing personal data on blockchains if it conflicts with data protection principles. (Decrypt) -CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves- 1. US Stablecoin Plans Ignite EU Regulatory Dispute: U.S. endorsement of cryptocurrencies and promotion of dollar-based stablecoins has reportedly sparked tensions between the European Commission and the European Central Bank. The Italian economy minister recently warned that dollar-based stablecoins pose an even greater threat to the euro than the ongoing trade war. In the past, the EU said it would prioritize promoting the digital euro, the continent’s answer to dollar-based stablecoins. They fear that an avalanche of dollar-based stablecoins could end up rerouting European savings into the U.S. (BitcoinCom) (AC-An interesting turn of events as world economic power centers vie for control over fiat mechanisms built upon digital currencies. The battle will continue not with just the EU, but also China, Russia and blocs such as BRICS. The 'third rail' of Bitcoin, however, will continue to capture economic power from the fiat systems over time.) -Institutional Concerns- 1. Bitcoin Bulls Unite: Cantor Fitzgerald’s $3 Billion Crypto Power Move: Cantor Fitzgerald is creating a $3 billion Bitcoin fund with Tether, SoftBank and Bitfinex, mirroring MicroStrategy's approach to Bitcoin accumulation. Brandon Lutnick, son of US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, will lead the new venture. (Blockonomi) -Economic Indicators- 1. US 10-Year Yield Falls on Trump Remarks: The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note declined by about 5 basis points to 4.35% on Wednesday, as markets responded positively to comments from President Donald Trump that eased investor anxiety. Trump stated that final tariffs on Chinese imports “won’t be anywhere near as high as 145%,” signaling a potentially softer approach to the ongoing trade dispute. (TradingEconomics) 2. US Stocks Set to Extend Gains: US stock futures surged on Wednesday, with S&P 500 contracts up 2.4%, Nasdaq 100 futures rallying 2.8%, and the Dow Jones gaining over 700 points, building on Tuesday’s strong rebound. (TradingEconomics) -Security Incidents and Concerns- 1. Crypto drainers now sold as easy-to-use malware at IT industry fairs: "Previously, entering the world of cryptocurrency scams required a fair amount of technical knowledge.” That is no longer the case. Under the DaaS model, “getting started isn’t significantly more difficult than with other types of cybercrime.” AMLBot CEO said. “Interestingly, some drainer groups have become so bold and professionalized that they even set up booths at industry conferences — CryptoGrab being one such example.“ (CoinTelegraph) 2. Quantum Computers Just Gave Cryptography a Huge Boost: Researchers from JP Morgan Chase and Quantinuum have demonstrated that quantum computers can produce certifiably random numbers, enhancing cybersecurity. Traditional computers use algorithms that mimic randomness, making them hackable. The breakthrough, published in Nature, showed that quantum randomness is unhackable and unpredictable. (Decrypt) -Technology and Science- 1. Dragon Docks to Station Delivering Science, Supplies to Crew: The spacecraft carried about 6,700 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo to the orbiting laboratory on SpaceX’s 32nd commercial resupply services mission for NASA. (NASA) 2. EU fines Apple €500M and Meta €200M for breaking Europe’s digital rules: The European Union imposed a €500 million fine on Apple for preventing app makers from guiding users to cheaper options outside its App Store. Meta was fined €200 million for requiring users to choose between ads or paying to avoid them. (GroundNews) -Bitcoin Community- 1. Bitcoin’s Transformative Role As A Retirement Asset: ...This is why the potential Bitcoin Strategic Reserve is such a monumental threshold. It would signal trust in Bitcoin from the very top, which would then trickle down to sanctification layers that supply the older demographic with cues. Even if the MSM is inimical to the Trump admin, the existence of BSR would change the tone of Bitcoin coverage, forever. (BitcoinMag) (AC-A well-done article on the value of trust in retirement (future) planning and how narrative development competes with technical understandings.) -Bitcoin Sentiment- 1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 72/100 (Up 25 pts) Analyst Comments (AC): We are in the early stages of a global conflict via economic control. The US is currently on the track to boost US Dollar hegemony via stablecoin legislation and money printing, while the EU and others look for control via some type of CBDC. Meanwhile, the Bitcoin global ecosystem grows at distinct odds to fiat control systems. The conflict will increase and take unexpected turns along the way as the stakes are globally consequential. Follow us on NOSTR: @Bitcoin Veterans Listen to us daily on X discuss the DIB and more: X Spaces, Bitcoin Veterans, 10amEST/7amPST Watch us on YouTube and X Spaces: Tuesdays at 9pmEST/6pmPST ____________________ Analyst: BV2A END REPORT NNNN *NSTR-Nothing Significant To Report
image BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 893,501 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 22Apr2025 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: Pope's Funeral on Saturday / Tariff War Targets Solar Panels / More Dem Lawmakers in El Salvador / NIH Cuts Grants to DEI, Anti-Semitic Universities / Concerted Narrative Effort Targets SECDEF / SEC Chair Atkins Sworn In / Coinbase Eyes Banking License / BTC ETFs Inflow Highest Since January / Gold Over $3,500, Stock Sinks, Bond Yields Up / SE Asia Fraud Industry Growing / AI Power Draw May Get Big / El Salvador Signs AI Lab Deal With NVIDIA Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $88,639, 25.65 oz Gold, .21 Median US House 24hr Hi: $88,821 / Lo: $86,408 Vol: $37B (Up 38%) Mkt Cap: $1.75T (Up 2%) HashRate: 843 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 3 sats/vBtye (Down 40%) ---Reports--- -International Events- 1. Pope Francis’ funeral to be held Saturday, with public viewing starting Wednesday. (AP) 2. US sets tariffs of up to 3,521% on South East Asia solar panels: The United States has announced tariffs up to 3,521 percent on solar panels from Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, aimed at countering alleged Chinese subsidies.(GroundNews) -US Events- 1. Four More Democrats Travel to El Salvador to ‘Pressure Trump Administration’ to Return Illegal Migrant: Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), and Robert Garcia (D-CA) — who is formerly an illegal immigrant himself — touched down in the Latin American country on Monday “to pressure the Trump Administration to abide by a Supreme Court order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. (Breitbart) 2. NIH bans all future grants to universities with DEI programs or Israel boycotts: Harvard University is expected to face significant impacts due to its $488 million in National Institutes of Health funding, with its medical school being hit the hardest, according to The Harvard Crimson. The funding cuts could lead to financial pressures for universities relying on federal research grants, which may result in layoffs and budget cuts. (GroundNews) 3. Elizabeth Warren Says We’re ‘Starting to See the Cracks of Fear’ in Trump After Latest Pete Hegseth Scandal: After the latest Signal story came out, there were leaks from within the Trump administration that they were actively seeking a replacement for the former Fox News host, though the White House soon denied those reports. (Yahoo) (AC-This article is a clear influence attempt in an very strong effort to target the SECDEF and good example of 5th Gen narrative warfare. Most legacy media headlines are carrying similar messages indicating a strong, organized campaign.) -Regulatory and Legal- 1. SEC's New Chairman Paul Atkins Officially Sworn In, Aims For Crypto-friendly Approach: Paul Atkins brings a crypto-friendly approach, aiming to facilitate capital formation, maintain market efficiency, and protect investors. He plans to resign from his private sector role at Patomak Global Partners within 90 days of confirmation. (Decrypt) -CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves- NSTR -Institutional Concerns- 1. Coinbase considering applying for US banking license: “This is something Coinbase is actively considering but has not made any formal decisions yet,” the spokesperson said. (CoinTelegraph) 2. Bitcoin ETFs Saw $381 Million In Inflows, Highest Since January: U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded their strongest single-day performance since January, with ARK's fund leading inflows amid broader bitcoin market strength. (BitcoinMag) -Economic Indicators- 1. Gold Prices Soar Over $3,500 on the Wings of a Weak Dollar: The precious metal broke again its all-time high price, blowing past the $3,500 mark in COMEX, with future contracts reaching $3,506.35 per troy ounce. (BitcoinCom) 2. US 10-Year Yield Holds Advance: The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note held its recent advance to above 4.4% on Tuesday as investors sold off US bonds, equities, and the dollar amid deepening concerns over economic policy and political stability. (TradingEconomics) 3. Wall Street Sinks as Trump Slams Fed: US stocks closed sharply lower on Monday after President Trump escalated his criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, stoking fears over the central bank’s independence and rattling investor confidence. The sell-off was swift and broad, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively. The Dow dropped 971 points. (TradingEconomics) -Security Incidents and Concerns- 1. Southeast Asian cyber fraud industry at ‘inflection point’ as it expands globally: Despite China- and Thailand-led crackdowns on scam compounds in Myanmar, the organized crime groups behind the industry are growing increasingly professional and deepening ties with other regions and illicit actors. Criminal groups are able to move operations seemingly overnight within the region in response to law enforcement activity, researchers said — and they are increasingly expanding abroad. (TheRecord) -Technology and Science- 1. AI Power Demand Is Remaking Our Energy Ecosystem, While Painting A Target On Its Own Back: Even in its most conservative projections, AI-driven booms in electricity use are poised to provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity—and imperative—to secure our grid against PRC cyber attacks. (ZeroHedge) 2. El Salvador sets ambitious AI goals with national lab launch amid NVIDIA deal: Bitcoin Office Director Stacy Herbert revealed that the initiative will focus on building domestic AI infrastructure and training local talent. She described the AI Lab as a first-of-its-kind project aligned with the country’s broader vision of technological self-sufficiency. (CryptoSlate) -Bitcoin Community- NSTR -Bitcoin Sentiment- 1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 47/100 (Up 8 pts) Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR Follow us on NOSTR: @Bitcoin Veterans Listen to us daily on X discuss the DIB and more: X Spaces, Bitcoin Veterans, 10amEST/7amPST Watch us on YouTube and X Spaces: Tuesdays at 9pmEST/6pmPST ____________________ Analyst: BV2A END REPORT NNNN *NSTR-Nothing Significant To Report
image BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 893,366 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 21Apr2025 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: Pope Francis Passes Away / IDF Investigates Gaza Medics Death / China Warns Countries to Not Deal With USA / Klaus Schwab Resigns / Boston Celebrates Revere Ride / FSU Shooting Kills 2 / Russian Trade Mostly Rubles / Circle Targets Remittances / Dollar Down, Futures Down, Gold, Bitcoin Up / North Korean Hackers Move Assets Into Bitcoin / NASAs Oldest Astronaut Returns to Earth / Swiss Supermarket Takes Bitcoin Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $86,955, 25.57 oz Gold, .20 Median US House 24hr Hi: $87,774 / Lo: $83,976 Vol: $27B (Up 81%) Mkt Cap: $1.72T (Up 3%) HashRate: 863 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 5 sats/vBtye (Up 150%) ---Reports--- -International Events- 1. Pope Francis, voice for the poor who transformed the Catholic Church, dies on Easter Monday: Pope Francis, a voice for the poor who overcame fierce resistance to reshape the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. The pope passed away the morning after the holiest day in the Christian year, when the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (CNN) 2. 'Professional failures' led to killing of Gaza medics, IDF inquiry says: Fourteen emergency workers and a UN worker were killed on 23 March after a convoy of PRCS ambulances, a UN car and a fire truck came under fire by the Israeli military. In a statement, the IDF said its troops opened fire believing they were facing a threat from enemy forces. (BBC) 3. China warns countries against making trade deals with the US unfavorable to Beijing: Governments including those of Taiwan, Japan and South Korea have begun negotiations with Washington after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs against almost all of America’s trading partners on April 2. “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement. “If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures in a reciprocal manner. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests.” (AP) (AC-The tariff war continues to escalate.) 4. Klaus Schwab Resigns from World Economic Forum: Klaus Schwab, the founder and long-time chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has resigned from his position with immediate effect after 55 years. The WEF has appointed Peter Brabeck-Letmathe as interim Chairman to ensure leadership continuity while a search for a permanent successor is conducted. (X) -US Events- 1. Boston Celebrates 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride with Warning ‘Tyranny Is at Our Door’: Crowds gathered in Boston, Massachusetts, on Friday evening to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s midnight ride to warn that British troops were approaching. (Breitbart) 2. FSU Suspected Shooter Son Of Sheriff's Deputy: A suspected gunman is in custody after an active shooter was reported Thursday at the university. The suspect has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, who currently attends FSU and is the son of a sheriff's deputy. It is reported that he killed two people and injured at least six others. (IBTimes) -Regulatory and Legal- NSTR -CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves- 1. Russia Reaches Historic Milestone by Paying for Over Half of Its Imports in Rubles: According to the Central Bank of Russia, 53.5% of all imports to the country were paid for with Russian rubles in February, marking a historic record. Currencies from unfriendly countries, including the U.S. dollar, accounted for only 17.2%, representing a success for a nation facing unilateral sanctions from the U.S. government. (BitcoinCom) 2. Circle to Launch New Payments Network Targeting Remittances: Circle, known for the USDC stablecoin, is launching a new payments network targeting remittances to compete with Mastercard and Visa. The firm's CEO will unveil the vision at an event in New York City, aiming to solidify its position in the evolving stablecoin space. (CoinDesk) (AC-The global remittance flows are approximately $900B last year with digital currencies capturing between $27 to $121B of that flow.) -Institutional Concerns- NSTR -Economic Indicators- 1. Dollar Crashes On Powell Removal Speculation, Gold Soars To All Time High And Bitcoin Suddenly Spikes: The plunge in the dollar is just what the admin quietly wants (they have repeatedly stated they want a strong dollar "in the long term", but certainly not in the short, when the collapse in the greenback will boost US exports). Gold which is storming to new record highs this evening, spiking above $3,373. This suggests that with gold approaching ridiculous prices, the next flight to safety away from the collapsing dollar will be bitcoin - after all, it's only a matter of time before all other central banks unleash a money printing frenzy to hammer their own currencies. (ZeroHedge) 2. US Futures Point to Losses at the Open: US stock futures fell about 1% on Monday, with contracts on the major indexes pointing lower as traders returned from the long weekend to renewed concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence. (TradingEconomics) -Security Incidents and Concerns- 1. North Korean Hackers Converted 84% of Stolen Bybit ETH to Bitcoin: North Korea's Lazarus Group stole $1.4 billion from Bybit; 68.6% remains traceable while hackers laundered funds through mixers and swaps. (Blockonomi) -Technology and Science- 1. NASA's oldest active astronaut returns to Earth on 70th birthday: Astronaut Don Pettit became a septuagenarian while hurtling toward Earth in a spacecraft to wrap up a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). (PhysOrg) -Bitcoin Community- 1. Swiss Supermarket SPAR Begins Accepting Bitcoin: SPAR in Zug, Switzerland now accepts Bitcoin payments using the Lightning Network, facilitated by DFX Swiss's OpenCryptoPay solution. This move aligns with Switzerland's progressive stance on Bitcoin adoption, with cities like Zug and Lugano leading the way in integrating cryptocurrency into daily transactions. (BItcoinMag) -Bitcoin Sentiment- 1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 39/100 (Up 8 pts) Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR Follow us on NOSTR: @Bitcoin Veterans Listen to us daily on X discuss the DIB and more: X Spaces, Bitcoin Veterans, 10amEST/7amPST Watch us on YouTube and X Spaces: Tuesdays at 9pmEST/6pmPST ____________________ Analyst: BV2A END REPORT NNNN *NSTR-Nothing Significant To Report