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: 895,813
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 08May2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: Pakistan Launches Artillery in Response to India Strikes / Sudan Cuts Dip Ties to UAE / Vatican Prepares for Pope Selection / Pres XI Meets With Pres Putin / Trump Call Powell "Fool" / Students Occupy Columbia Library / USS Truman Loses Another Plane / EU Says 'No' to Anon Wallets / G7 To Discuss North Korean Crypto Hacking Industry / US Banks Get Green Light For Digital Asset Activity / Bhutan Goes Crypto Tourism / Vivek Starts Bitcoin Treasury Company / Revolut Brings Lightning Network to EU / Trump Trade Deal with UK Today? / Bitcoin Hackers Hacked / SpaceX to Launch Every Other Week / Bitcoin Core to Lift Guardrails / Saifedean Teams With Scottish College on Austrian Economics and Bitcoin
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $99,505, 29.74 oz Gold, .23 Median US House
24hr Hi: $99,882 / Lo: $95,829
Vol: $54B (Up 60%)
Mkt Cap: $1.97T (Up 3%)
HashRate: 926 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 2 sats/vBtye (Up 100%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. Pakistan Reports Civilian Casualties from Indian Shelling: Pakistani military shelling in response to India’s air and missile strikes that killed 15 civilians and injured 43 in Poonch and Tangdhar along the Line of Control (LoC). A complete blackout was reported in Jaisalmer, India, amid escalations. India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated the strikes targeted only those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. (CNBC)
2. Sudan Cuts Diplomatic Ties with UAE: Sudan severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, citing undisclosed reasons. This move follows ongoing regional tensions and Sudan’s internal conflict. (Anadolu)
3. Vatican Conclave Prepares to Select New Pope: The Vatican’s conclave is underway to choose a new pope, with global anticipation high. The last two popes were selected on the second day of proceedings, and Thursday’s session is expected to be pivotal. (WaPo)
4. China's Xi arrives in Moscow in show of support for Putin after Ukrainian drones target capital: Xi is the most powerful world leader expected at a military parade on Moscow's Red Square on Friday to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies over Nazi Germany. (Reuters)
-US Events-
1. Trump calls Fed Chair Jerome Powell a ‘fool’ after central bank keeps rates steady: Trump's criticism followed Powell's decision to hold the benchmark rate at 4.25% to 4.5% despite pressure from the White House to cut rates. (GroundNews)
2. Columbia University: Police Arrest Pro-Palestinian Protesters Occupying Library: he protesters, many wearing masks and kaffiyehs, were seen pushing through the security entrance at the Butler Library on Wednesday afternoon, where they played drums and “posted signs and stickers to free Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia grad who’s been detained by ICE. (Breitbart)
3. Second Plane Falls Off US Aircraft Carrier In 10 Days: A US warplane plummeted into the Red Sea when trying to land on the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, a defense official said Wednesday, the second jet lost from the ship in just over a week. "The arrestment failed, causing the aircraft to go overboard," the defense official said. (IBTimes) (AC-High OPTEMPO could be the cause of so many accidents on the Truman, but from a collision earlier this year, to losing a third aircraft, there are some serious indicators of incompetence, mechanical failures, or even sabotage. With any of these possibilities, it's time to explore why and how to fix it.)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. EU law banning anonymous digital asset wallets by 2027, ‘final’: under Article 79 of the EU’s new Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR), “credit institutions, financial institutions, and crypto-asset service providers are prohibited from maintaining anonymous accounts” or handling privacy-preserving digital assets, such as Monero (XMR) and Zcash. (CoinGeek) (AC-There is no right to privacy in the new digital EU world.)
2. G7 Countries to Discuss North Korea's Use of Stolen Crypto Next Month: The G7 countries are planning to address and mitigate North Korea's long history of engaging in crypto hacks and malicious cyber activities. Investigations have shown that stolen funds from the crypto industry have been used to support North Korea's development of weapons of mass destruction. The summit, hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, will bring together leaders from the world's seven most advanced economies. (Decrypt)
3. US Banks Get Green Light to Handle Your Crypto? Here’s What OCC’s New Move Means: The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has officially confirmed that US banks and federal savings associations are allowed to provide crypto custody and execution services. This update also gives banks permission to outsource crypto-related services like custody and execution to third-party providers, as long as they follow proper risk management protocols. (CoinGape)
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
NSTR
-Institutional Concerns-
1. Bhutan Goes Fully Crypto for Tourism in Historic Partnership With Binance Pay: Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch the world’s first national crypto-based tourism payment system, allowing visitors to use digital assets for everything from hotels to market purchases, boosting financial inclusion and innovation. (BitcoinCom)
2. Strive Merges With Asset Entities to Become a Bitcoin Treasury Company Listed on Nasdaq: Strive Asset Management, co-founded by Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, plans to merge with Asset Entities to become a Bitcoin treasury company listed on Nasdaq. The merger allows accredited investors to exchange Bitcoin for shares tax-free under Section 351 of the U.S. tax code. (Decrypt)
3. Revolut Will Integrate Bitcoin Lightning Network Payments: Revolut is collaborating with Lightspark to introduce Bitcoin transactions on the Lightning Network in the U.K. and select EEA countries. The feature aims to reduce fees and processing time for crypto users, with no specified timeline for its launch. (Decrypt)
-Economic Indicators-
1. US Futures Jump as Trump Hints at Major Trade Deal: US stock futures jumped on Thursday after President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that there would be a news conference later today to announce a deal with a “big” country, reportedly the UK. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Concerns-
1. 60K Bitcoin addresses leaked as LockBit ransomware gang gets hacked: LockBit is one of the most notorious crypto ransomware groups. While almost 60,000 Bitcoin wallets were leaked, no private keys were included. The exposure of the addresses allows law enforcement and blockchain investigators to track patterns and potentially link past ransom payments to known wallets. (CoinTelegraph)
-Technology and Science-
1. SpaceX Starship Is Gearing Up to Launch Every Other Week From Starbase Following FAA Approval: SpaceX received an approved launch cadence from the FAA that guarantees 25 launches a year. (TechTimes)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. Bitcoin Core to Lift OP_RETURN Guardrails in Next Update: Move Is 'Aligned With Bitcoin's Ethos': A recent statement from the Bitcoin Core team revealed that the controversial change to lift the current guardrails on OP_RETURN restrictions will be implemented in the next version. The statement explains that the decision was made because it aligns with the current bitcoin ethos. (BitcoinCom)
2. Scotland’s Lomond School and Saifedean Ammous Launch New Bitcoin Scholarship Program: Lomond School partners with Dr. Saifedean Ammous to launch the world’s first Bitcoin-powered scholarship fund promoting Austrian economics—inviting Bitcoin benefactors to shape the next generation of economic thinkers. (BitcoinMag) (AC-Expect to see more of this.)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 65/100 (Down 2 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: 
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: 
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: 
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: 
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: 
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: 
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: