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
BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 895,649
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 07May2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: India Air Strikes Hit Pakistan / US-China Meet for Trade Talks / US-Houthi Ceasefire Does Not Include Israel / Canada PM Visits Trump / REAL ID In Effect / SCOTUS Allows Trump Military Transgender Ban / 5 Killed in Human Smuggling Op in San Diego / GENIUS Act Faces Uphill Battle / New US Bill Proposes Lawmaker, President Divestiture of Crypto / New Hampshire is First to Enact Bitcoin Reserve / Bitcoin ETFs Continue Inflow / Fed Meets Today / Stocks Up on US-China Meeting / NSA to Cut 8% of Workforce / Saylor Used AI to Help Design Strategy / Strike Offers Bitcoin Loans /
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $96,963, 28.67 oz Gold, .22 Median US House
24hr Hi: $97,625 / Lo: $93,399
Vol: $34B (Up 47%)
Mkt Cap: $1.92T (Up 3%)
HashRate: 906 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 0 sats/vBtye (Down 100%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. India Confirms Strikes On 9 Pakistan "Terrorist Camps"; Pakistan Claims 5 Jets Shot-Down: ndia said it had launched the operation against Pakistan after gathering evidence “pointing towards the clear involvement of Pakistan-based terrorists” in last month’s attack on civilians in Kashmir. While unconfirmed, a senior Pakistani intelligence source said three Indian jets (and a drone) were shot down in locations “within Indian territory.” (ZeroHedge)
2. Top US officials will meet with Chinese delegation in Switzerland in first major talks of trade war: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that reducing tensions is a necessary first step before any progress can be made, highlighting that the meeting’s primary goal is to ease conflicts rather than finalize a major trade agreement right away. (GroundNews)
3. US-Houthi ceasefire deal does not include Israel: A ceasefire deal between Yemen's Houthis and the U.S. does not include sparing Israel, the group said on Wednesday, suggesting its shipping attacks that have disrupted global trade and challenged world powers will not come to a complete halt. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the U.S. would stop bombing the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, saying that the group had agreed to stop attacking U.S. ships. (Reuters)
4. Canadian Prime Minister Carney arrives in Washington for a high-stakes meeting with President Trump: The meeting follows Trump's imposition of 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods and his repeated suggestion that Canada could become the 51st US state. (GroundNews)
-US Events-
1. REAL ID Enforcement Begins for Domestic Flights in the U.S.: Starting May 7, 2025, travelers must present REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security is enforcing the regulation after multiple delays since 2008. (Fox)
2. US Supreme Court allows Trump to enforce transgender military ban: The US Supreme Court temporarily allowed President Donald Trump to enforce his ban on transgender people serving in the military while legal challenges to the policy move forward. (BBC)
3. 5 people charged after 3 dead, 1 missing in alleged human smuggling operation in San Diego: Five people were charged Tuesday for their involvement in an alleged human smuggling operation after a small boat capsized off the San Diego coast Monday morning. “Human smuggling, regardless of the route, is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. Yesterday’s heartbreaking events are a stark reminder of the urgent need to dismantle these criminal networks driven by greed.” an official at HSI San Diego said. (CNN)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. US Stablecoin Bill GENIUS Act Faces Stiff Bipartisan Opposition, Crypto Legislation in Doubt: The GENIUS Act, aimed at regulating stablecoins, faces opposition from both Democrats and Republicans. Despite bipartisan support in the Senate Banking Committee, recent revisions have caused uncertainty. Senate Republicans are pushing for a vote, possibly to shift blame onto Democrats before the 2026 midterms. (Decrypt)
2. Senate bill seeks to block presidential crypto gains amid TRUMP memecoin controversy: Senate Democrats introduced legislation that would bar sitting presidents, lawmakers, and their families from issuing, endorsing, or holding cryptocurrency. The End Crypto Corruption Act, announced May 6, seeks to prevent elected officials from personally benefiting from digital assets while shaping policy. (CryptoSlate) (AC-Obviously this Dem bill will not get anywhere in the current Congress but it also reeks of hypocrisy, even if there is an ounce of validity,)
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
1. New Hampshire just became the first state to establish a crypto reserve: The bill allows the state treasure to invest as much as 5% of New Hampshire's public funds into precious metal and digital assets with a market cap of over $500 billion. Among crypto tokens, that would include only bitcoin. (BusinessInsider)
-Institutional Concerns-
1. Bitcoin ETFs Start the Week With $425 Million Inflow: Bitcoin ETFs opened the week strong with a $425 million net inflow, entirely driven by Blackrock’s IBIT. Ether ETFs stayed quiet, recording no activity for the day. (BitcoinCom)
-Economic Indicators-
1. Fed Expected to Keep Rates Steady: The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep the federal funds rate unchanged at 4.25%–4.50% for a third consecutive meeting in May 2025, as policymakers weigh slowing inflation against a still-resilient labor market and heightened uncertainty over trade policy. (TradingEconomics)
2. US Futures Jump on News of US-China Trade Talks: US stock futures climbed on Wednesday after reports emerged that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and top trade official Jamieson Greer are set to meet with Chinese counterparts in Switzerland this week to discuss economic and trade issues. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Concerns-
1. NSA to cut up to 2,000 civilian roles as part of intel community downsizing: The largest electronic spy agency in the world must axe 8 percent of its civilian workforce, which covers everything from administrative staff to defense and offensive cybersecurity operators. While the total number of non-military personnel who work at NSA is classified, between 1,500 and 2,000 positions are expected to be cut. (TheRecord) (AC-Where will these highly skilled people go?)
-Technology and Science-
1. Strategy's AI Embrace: Michael Saylor Says He Built His Bitcoin Empire With Chatbot Help: Saylor explained how artificial intelligence helped engineer innovative financial products that powered its Bitcoin treasury, which now holds a staggering $52 billion worth—a more than 200x increase from its $250 million starting stake five years ago. Strategy’s AI-powered approach wasn't just for information gathering. Saylor revealed that his company's financing structures were designed with artificial intelligence. (Decrypt)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. Bitcoin-Backed Loans Now Offered by Jack Mallers' Strike to US Customers, Expanding to Europe Soon: Strike's American customers can now secure Bitcoin-backed loans, with amounts ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 depending on the state. CEO Jack Mallers announced the new service, which will soon expand to other regions, including Europe. (Decrypt)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 67/100 (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
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: