BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 892,674
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 16Apr2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: UK Court Says Biology Defines 'Woman' / US Pastor Rescued in South Africa / China Says Show Respect, US Raises Tariffs Again / SCOTUS vs. Trump Over Deported Immigrant / Two SECDEF Advisors Sacked for Leaks / ChokePoint 2.0 Continues, Implicates Fed Reserve / South Korean Presidential Candidate Wants Crypto / Oklahoma Kills SBR Bill / BitBonds Draw Interest for US Debt / China May Sell 15K Bitcoin / Mortgage Applications Drop on Higher Rates / China Says NSA Hacked Winter Games / New Grok Release Facilitates Coding / Bitcoin Miners Have to Sell Some BTC
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $84,035, 25.41 oz Gold, .19 Median US House
24hr Hi: $86,429 / Lo: $83,100
Vol: $28B (Down 2%)
Mkt Cap: $1.66T (Down 2%)
HashRate: 902 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 2 sats/vBtye (Down 83%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. UK Supreme Court says legal definition of ‘woman’ excludes trans women, in landmark ruling: Britain’s Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the definition of a woman in equality legislation refers to “a biological woman and biological sex.” “This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges, and sports clubs,” the spokesperson added. “Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this Government.” (CNN)
2. American pastor kidnapped in South Africa rescued after deadly police shootout: The pastor, 34-year-old Josh Sullivan, of Tennessee, was kidnapped by several armed, masked men last week at his church in the Eastern Cape, Fellowship Baptist Church Motherwell. Police said they received tips that Sullivan was inside a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha. When they arrived at the home, suspects inside a car on the premises began firing at law enforcement and attempted to flee. A "high-intensity shootout" took place and three unidentified suspects were killed. (Fox)
3. China Open to Talks If US Shows Respect: In response to increased tariffs by the U.S., China is open to negotiations if treated with respect, according to a statement from Lin Jian, a Foreign Ministry spokesman. Meanwhile, The U.S. has escalated trade tensions by announcing a 245% tariff on imports from China. This measure was disclosed in response to what the White House describes as China's retaliatory trade actions. (GroundNews, X)
-US Events-
1. Supreme Court Ruling Ignored: Trump vs. El Salvador Over Deported Immigrant: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member and illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was ordered to remain in the United States by a court but was deported during the Trump administration. Despite a unanimous 9-0 Supreme Court decision stating that his removal was illegal, President Trump has maintained that foreign policy, not judicial rulings, dictates the handling of such cases. This has led to a standoff between judicial authority and executive action, with El Salvador's President Bukele refusing to return Garcia, citing national security concerns. (X)
2. Two Top Advisers to Pete Hegseth Escorted Out of the Pentagon for Alleged Leaking: The officials were Dan Caldwell, a top adviser to Hegseth, and Darin Selnick, the Pentagon deputy chief of staff. It is not clear what their motives were, but one official said Caldwell leaking information to “far-left reporters to hurt the secretary.” (Breitbart)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. Crypto’s debanking problem persists despite new regulations: The early days of the second administration of President Donald Trump have seen many of these repealed or changed. One of the first was the repeal of Staff Accounting Bulletin 121. Despite these victories, Caitlin Long, founder and CEO of Custodia Bank, said on March 21 that debanking is likely to remain a problem for crypto firms into 2026. Long said the non-partisan board of governors of the Federal Reserve is “still controlled by Democrats,” alluding to Democrats’ more skeptical stance on crypto. Long claimed that “there are two crypto-friendly banks under examination by the Fed right now, and an army of examiners was sent into these banks, including the examiners from Washington, a literal army just smothering the banks.” (CoinTelegraph)
2. South Korean presidential contender vows to push crypto 'as much as' Trump: "To foster blockchain and virtual assets as an industry, I will reform regulations as much as the Trump administration in the United States," Hong Joon-pyo, a candidate for People Power Party's presidential primary. (TheBlock)
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
1. Oklahoma Kills Bitcoin Reserve Proposal in Senate Committee Vote: With the failure of Oklahoma’s Bitcoin reserve bill, New Hampshire, Texas, and Arizona now lead the push for state-level BTC reserves. (Deecrypt)
2. VanEck proposes Bitcoin-linked Treasury bonds to offset $14 trillion in US debt: VanEck’s head of digital assets research, Matthew Sigel, has proposed the introduction of “BitBonds,” a hybrid debt instrument combining US Treasuries with Bitcoin (BTC) exposure, as a novel strategy for managing the government’s looming $14 trillion refinancing requirement. (CryptoSlate)
3. China Plans To Sell 15,000 Bitcoin On Offshore Exchanges: China has its sights on a mass sale of a cache of Bitcoins confiscated from illicit activities, threatening to sink prices in the short term. Chinese authorities are sitting on 15,000 Bitcoin, sparking debates over the handling of seized cryptocurrencies. (CoinGape)
-Institutional Concerns-
1. Semler Scientific Aims to Boost Its Bitcoin Holdings Through a $500 Million Securities Offering: Semler Scientific, a healthcare tech firm, plans to raise $500 million through a securities offering to increase its Bitcoin holdings. (Decrypt)
-Economic Indicators-
1. US Mortgage Rates Jump, Applications Drop: The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances in the US soared to 6.81% in the week ended April 11th 2025, from 6.61% in the previous week. Meanwhile, mortgage application volumes in the US slumped by 8.5% (TradingEconomics)
2. US 10-Year Holds Steady Ahead of Powell Speech: The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury note held steady around 4.33% on Wednesday after sliding for two straight sessions, as investors awaited a key speech from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. China accuses NSA of launching cyberattacks on Asian Winter Games: China on Tuesday accused three alleged employees of the U.S. National Security Agency of carrying out cyberattacks on the Asian Winter Games in February. The public security bureau in Harbin, where the games were held, said the purported operatives were involved in the attacks on behalf of the agency’s Office of Tailored Access Operations. (TheRecord)
-Technology and Science-
1. xAI Grok's New 'Studio' Feature Lets You Build Apps, Write Docs, and Even Game Like a Pro: With the new functionality on the platform, users can expect to see a canvas-style space where they can create and edit documents, apps, and code in real time. It's available for free and paid users. (TechTimes) (AC-The AI race between X and OpenAI is not only blistering, it's personal. The animosity between Musk and Sam Altman is entertaining at least and a multi billion-dollar conflict at most. AI users are presently the beneficiaries.)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. Miners Sell $1.1 Billion Worth of Bitcoin Following Low Price, High Mining Costs: Bitcoin miners faced increased pressure as they sold 15,000 BTC in a day, worth at least $1.12 billion, due to low prices and high mining costs. President Trump's announcements on tariffs added to market volatility, leaving miners uncertain about their operations. (Decrypt)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 29/100 (Down 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: 893,638
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 23Apr2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: Terror Attack in Kashmir / Houthis Fire Missile at Northern Israel / Trump Backs Off China Tariffs / Rubio Looks to Slash State Dept / Trump Says He Won't Fire Powell / EU Looks to Control Blockchain Data / US Stablecoin Vs. EU CBDC Showdown / Cantor Starts Bitcoin Fund / Stocks Spike on Tariff News / Crypto Malware Sold as Service / Quantum Computing Helps Encryption / ISS Gets Resupplied / EU Fines Apple and Meta (Again) / Bitcoin Set to Transform Retirements
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $93,688, 28.26 oz Gold, .22 Median US House
24hr Hi: $94,459 / Lo: $88,515
Vol: $60B (Up 65%)
Mkt Cap: $1.86T (Up 6%)
HashRate: 837 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 6 sats/vBtye (Up 100%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. Militants kill at least 26 tourists at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir: Gunmen shot and killed at least 26 tourists Tuesday at a resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Two officers said at least four militants fired at dozens of tourists from close range. Most of the killed tourists were Indian, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity. (AP)
2. Houthi rebels fire a missile targeting northern Israel, a rare target for the group: Sirens sounded in Haifa, Krayot and other areas west of the Sea of Galilee, the Israeli military said. “An interceptor was launched toward the missile, and the missile was most likely successfully intercepted,” the Israeli military said. Those in the area could hear booms in the predawn darkness. (ABC)
3. Trump says China tariffs will drop ‘substantially – but it won’t be zero’: “I do say China is going to be a slog in terms of the negotiations,” SECTREAS Bessent said, according to a transcript obtained by the Associated Press. “Neither side thinks the status quo is sustainable.” (TheGuardian)
-US Events-
1. Trump Admin Draws Flak Over Plans To Overhaul State Department: 'An Assault On American Diplomacy': "The sprawling bureaucracy created a system more beholden to radical political ideology than advancing America's core national interests," SECSTATE Rubio said of the Department. In his proposal, he touted the elimination of a division that oversees "civilian security, democracy and human rights", among others. (IBTimes)
2. Trump Has No Plans to Fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell: ‘The Press Runs Away with Things’: “No, I have no intention of firing him. I would like to see him be a little more active in terms of his idea to lower interest rates. This is a perfect time to lower interest rates.” Trump said. (Breitbart)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. Europe Rolls Out Draft Guidelines on Blockchain Data Storage: The European Data Protection Board has approved draft rules for storing and sharing personal data on blockchains, aligning with GDPR standards. The guidelines emphasize Data Protection by Design and by Default, urging organizations to avoid storing personal data on blockchains if it conflicts with data protection principles. (Decrypt)
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
1. US Stablecoin Plans Ignite EU Regulatory Dispute: U.S. endorsement of cryptocurrencies and promotion of dollar-based stablecoins has reportedly sparked tensions between the European Commission and the European Central Bank. The Italian economy minister recently warned that dollar-based stablecoins pose an even greater threat to the euro than the ongoing trade war. In the past, the EU said it would prioritize promoting the digital euro, the continent’s answer to dollar-based stablecoins. They fear that an avalanche of dollar-based stablecoins could end up rerouting European savings into the U.S. (BitcoinCom) (AC-An interesting turn of events as world economic power centers vie for control over fiat mechanisms built upon digital currencies. The battle will continue not with just the EU, but also China, Russia and blocs such as BRICS. The 'third rail' of Bitcoin, however, will continue to capture economic power from the fiat systems over time.)
-Institutional Concerns-
1. Bitcoin Bulls Unite: Cantor Fitzgerald’s $3 Billion Crypto Power Move: Cantor Fitzgerald is creating a $3 billion Bitcoin fund with Tether, SoftBank and Bitfinex, mirroring MicroStrategy's approach to Bitcoin accumulation. Brandon Lutnick, son of US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, will lead the new venture. (Blockonomi)
-Economic Indicators-
1. US 10-Year Yield Falls on Trump Remarks: The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note declined by about 5 basis points to 4.35% on Wednesday, as markets responded positively to comments from President Donald Trump that eased investor anxiety. Trump stated that final tariffs on Chinese imports “won’t be anywhere near as high as 145%,” signaling a potentially softer approach to the ongoing trade dispute. (TradingEconomics)
2. US Stocks Set to Extend Gains: US stock futures surged on Wednesday, with S&P 500 contracts up 2.4%, Nasdaq 100 futures rallying 2.8%, and the Dow Jones gaining over 700 points, building on Tuesday’s strong rebound. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. Crypto drainers now sold as easy-to-use malware at IT industry fairs: "Previously, entering the world of cryptocurrency scams required a fair amount of technical knowledge.” That is no longer the case. Under the DaaS model, “getting started isn’t significantly more difficult than with other types of cybercrime.” AMLBot CEO said. “Interestingly, some drainer groups have become so bold and professionalized that they even set up booths at industry conferences — CryptoGrab being one such example.“ (CoinTelegraph)
2. Quantum Computers Just Gave Cryptography a Huge Boost: Researchers from JP Morgan Chase and Quantinuum have demonstrated that quantum computers can produce certifiably random numbers, enhancing cybersecurity. Traditional computers use algorithms that mimic randomness, making them hackable. The breakthrough, published in Nature, showed that quantum randomness is unhackable and unpredictable. (Decrypt)
-Technology and Science-
1. Dragon Docks to Station Delivering Science, Supplies to Crew: The spacecraft carried about 6,700 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo to the orbiting laboratory on SpaceX’s 32nd commercial resupply services mission for NASA. (NASA)
2. EU fines Apple €500M and Meta €200M for breaking Europe’s digital rules: The European Union imposed a €500 million fine on Apple for preventing app makers from guiding users to cheaper options outside its App Store. Meta was fined €200 million for requiring users to choose between ads or paying to avoid them. (GroundNews)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. Bitcoin’s Transformative Role As A Retirement Asset: ...This is why the potential Bitcoin Strategic Reserve is such a monumental threshold. It would signal trust in Bitcoin from the very top, which would then trickle down to sanctification layers that supply the older demographic with cues. Even if the MSM is inimical to the Trump admin, the existence of BSR would change the tone of Bitcoin coverage, forever. (BitcoinMag) (AC-A well-done article on the value of trust in retirement (future) planning and how narrative development competes with technical understandings.)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 72/100 (Up 25 pts)
Analyst Comments (AC): We are in the early stages of a global conflict via economic control. The US is currently on the track to boost US Dollar hegemony via stablecoin legislation and money printing, while the EU and others look for control via some type of CBDC. Meanwhile, the Bitcoin global ecosystem grows at distinct odds to fiat control systems. The conflict will increase and take unexpected turns along the way as the stakes are globally consequential.
Follow us on NOSTR: @Bitcoin Veterans
Listen to us daily on X discuss the DIB and more: X Spaces, Bitcoin Veterans, 10amEST/7amPST
Watch us on YouTube and X Spaces: Tuesdays at 9pmEST/6pmPST
____________________
Analyst: BV2A
END REPORT
NNNN
*NSTR-Nothing Significant To Report
BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 893,501
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 22Apr2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: Pope's Funeral on Saturday / Tariff War Targets Solar Panels / More Dem Lawmakers in El Salvador / NIH Cuts Grants to DEI, Anti-Semitic Universities / Concerted Narrative Effort Targets SECDEF / SEC Chair Atkins Sworn In / Coinbase Eyes Banking License / BTC ETFs Inflow Highest Since January / Gold Over $3,500, Stock Sinks, Bond Yields Up / SE Asia Fraud Industry Growing / AI Power Draw May Get Big / El Salvador Signs AI Lab Deal With NVIDIA
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $88,639, 25.65 oz Gold, .21 Median US House
24hr Hi: $88,821 / Lo: $86,408
Vol: $37B (Up 38%)
Mkt Cap: $1.75T (Up 2%)
HashRate: 843 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 3 sats/vBtye (Down 40%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. Pope Francis’ funeral to be held Saturday, with public viewing starting Wednesday. (AP)
2. US sets tariffs of up to 3,521% on South East Asia solar panels: The United States has announced tariffs up to 3,521 percent on solar panels from Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, aimed at countering alleged Chinese subsidies.(GroundNews)
-US Events-
1. Four More Democrats Travel to El Salvador to ‘Pressure Trump Administration’ to Return Illegal Migrant: Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), and Robert Garcia (D-CA) — who is formerly an illegal immigrant himself — touched down in the Latin American country on Monday “to pressure the Trump Administration to abide by a Supreme Court order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. (Breitbart)
2. NIH bans all future grants to universities with DEI programs or Israel boycotts: Harvard University is expected to face significant impacts due to its $488 million in National Institutes of Health funding, with its medical school being hit the hardest, according to The Harvard Crimson. The funding cuts could lead to financial pressures for universities relying on federal research grants, which may result in layoffs and budget cuts. (GroundNews)
3. Elizabeth Warren Says We’re ‘Starting to See the Cracks of Fear’ in Trump After Latest Pete Hegseth Scandal: After the latest Signal story came out, there were leaks from within the Trump administration that they were actively seeking a replacement for the former Fox News host, though the White House soon denied those reports. (Yahoo) (AC-This article is a clear influence attempt in an very strong effort to target the SECDEF and good example of 5th Gen narrative warfare. Most legacy media headlines are carrying similar messages indicating a strong, organized campaign.)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. SEC's New Chairman Paul Atkins Officially Sworn In, Aims For Crypto-friendly Approach: Paul Atkins brings a crypto-friendly approach, aiming to facilitate capital formation, maintain market efficiency, and protect investors. He plans to resign from his private sector role at Patomak Global Partners within 90 days of confirmation. (Decrypt)
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
NSTR
-Institutional Concerns-
1. Coinbase considering applying for US banking license: “This is something Coinbase is actively considering but has not made any formal decisions yet,” the spokesperson said. (CoinTelegraph)
2. Bitcoin ETFs Saw $381 Million In Inflows, Highest Since January: U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded their strongest single-day performance since January, with ARK's fund leading inflows amid broader bitcoin market strength. (BitcoinMag)
-Economic Indicators-
1. Gold Prices Soar Over $3,500 on the Wings of a Weak Dollar: The precious metal broke again its all-time high price, blowing past the $3,500 mark in COMEX, with future contracts reaching $3,506.35 per troy ounce. (BitcoinCom)
2. US 10-Year Yield Holds Advance: The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note held its recent advance to above 4.4% on Tuesday as investors sold off US bonds, equities, and the dollar amid deepening concerns over economic policy and political stability. (TradingEconomics)
3. Wall Street Sinks as Trump Slams Fed: US stocks closed sharply lower on Monday after President Trump escalated his criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, stoking fears over the central bank’s independence and rattling investor confidence. The sell-off was swift and broad, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively. The Dow dropped 971 points. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. Southeast Asian cyber fraud industry at ‘inflection point’ as it expands globally: Despite China- and Thailand-led crackdowns on scam compounds in Myanmar, the organized crime groups behind the industry are growing increasingly professional and deepening ties with other regions and illicit actors. Criminal groups are able to move operations seemingly overnight within the region in response to law enforcement activity, researchers said — and they are increasingly expanding abroad. (TheRecord)
-Technology and Science-
1. AI Power Demand Is Remaking Our Energy Ecosystem, While Painting A Target On Its Own Back: Even in its most conservative projections, AI-driven booms in electricity use are poised to provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity—and imperative—to secure our grid against PRC cyber attacks. (ZeroHedge)
2. El Salvador sets ambitious AI goals with national lab launch amid NVIDIA deal: Bitcoin Office Director Stacy Herbert revealed that the initiative will focus on building domestic AI infrastructure and training local talent. She described the AI Lab as a first-of-its-kind project aligned with the country’s broader vision of technological self-sufficiency. (CryptoSlate)
-Bitcoin Community-
NSTR
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 47/100 (Up 8 pts)
Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR
Follow us on NOSTR: 
BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 893,366
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 21Apr2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: Pope Francis Passes Away / IDF Investigates Gaza Medics Death / China Warns Countries to Not Deal With USA / Klaus Schwab Resigns / Boston Celebrates Revere Ride / FSU Shooting Kills 2 / Russian Trade Mostly Rubles / Circle Targets Remittances / Dollar Down, Futures Down, Gold, Bitcoin Up / North Korean Hackers Move Assets Into Bitcoin / NASAs Oldest Astronaut Returns to Earth / Swiss Supermarket Takes Bitcoin
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $86,955, 25.57 oz Gold, .20 Median US House
24hr Hi: $87,774 / Lo: $83,976
Vol: $27B (Up 81%)
Mkt Cap: $1.72T (Up 3%)
HashRate: 863 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 5 sats/vBtye (Up 150%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. Pope Francis, voice for the poor who transformed the Catholic Church, dies on Easter Monday: Pope Francis, a voice for the poor who overcame fierce resistance to reshape the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. The pope passed away the morning after the holiest day in the Christian year, when the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (CNN)
2. 'Professional failures' led to killing of Gaza medics, IDF inquiry says: Fourteen emergency workers and a UN worker were killed on 23 March after a convoy of PRCS ambulances, a UN car and a fire truck came under fire by the Israeli military. In a statement, the IDF said its troops opened fire believing they were facing a threat from enemy forces. (BBC)
3. China warns countries against making trade deals with the US unfavorable to Beijing: Governments including those of Taiwan, Japan and South Korea have begun negotiations with Washington after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs against almost all of America’s trading partners on April 2. “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement. “If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures in a reciprocal manner. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests.” (AP) (AC-The tariff war continues to escalate.)
4. Klaus Schwab Resigns from World Economic Forum: Klaus Schwab, the founder and long-time chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has resigned from his position with immediate effect after 55 years. The WEF has appointed Peter Brabeck-Letmathe as interim Chairman to ensure leadership continuity while a search for a permanent successor is conducted. (X)
-US Events-
1. Boston Celebrates 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride with Warning ‘Tyranny Is at Our Door’: Crowds gathered in Boston, Massachusetts, on Friday evening to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s midnight ride to warn that British troops were approaching. (Breitbart)
2. FSU Suspected Shooter Son Of Sheriff's Deputy: A suspected gunman is in custody after an active shooter was reported Thursday at the university. The suspect has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, who currently attends FSU and is the son of a sheriff's deputy. It is reported that he killed two people and injured at least six others. (IBTimes)
-Regulatory and Legal-
NSTR
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
1. Russia Reaches Historic Milestone by Paying for Over Half of Its Imports in Rubles: According to the Central Bank of Russia, 53.5% of all imports to the country were paid for with Russian rubles in February, marking a historic record. Currencies from unfriendly countries, including the U.S. dollar, accounted for only 17.2%, representing a success for a nation facing unilateral sanctions from the U.S. government. (BitcoinCom)
2. Circle to Launch New Payments Network Targeting Remittances: Circle, known for the USDC stablecoin, is launching a new payments network targeting remittances to compete with Mastercard and Visa. The firm's CEO will unveil the vision at an event in New York City, aiming to solidify its position in the evolving stablecoin space. (CoinDesk) (AC-The global remittance flows are approximately $900B last year with digital currencies capturing between $27 to $121B of that flow.)
-Institutional Concerns-
NSTR
-Economic Indicators-
1. Dollar Crashes On Powell Removal Speculation, Gold Soars To All Time High And Bitcoin Suddenly Spikes: The plunge in the dollar is just what the admin quietly wants (they have repeatedly stated they want a strong dollar "in the long term", but certainly not in the short, when the collapse in the greenback will boost US exports). Gold which is storming to new record highs this evening, spiking above $3,373. This suggests that with gold approaching ridiculous prices, the next flight to safety away from the collapsing dollar will be bitcoin - after all, it's only a matter of time before all other central banks unleash a money printing frenzy to hammer their own currencies. (ZeroHedge)
2. US Futures Point to Losses at the Open: US stock futures fell about 1% on Monday, with contracts on the major indexes pointing lower as traders returned from the long weekend to renewed concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. North Korean Hackers Converted 84% of Stolen Bybit ETH to Bitcoin: North Korea's Lazarus Group stole $1.4 billion from Bybit; 68.6% remains traceable while hackers laundered funds through mixers and swaps. (Blockonomi)
-Technology and Science-
1. NASA's oldest active astronaut returns to Earth on 70th birthday: Astronaut Don Pettit became a septuagenarian while hurtling toward Earth in a spacecraft to wrap up a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). (PhysOrg)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. Swiss Supermarket SPAR Begins Accepting Bitcoin: SPAR in Zug, Switzerland now accepts Bitcoin payments using the Lightning Network, facilitated by DFX Swiss's OpenCryptoPay solution. This move aligns with Switzerland's progressive stance on Bitcoin adoption, with cities like Zug and Lugano leading the way in integrating cryptocurrency into daily transactions. (BItcoinMag)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 39/100 (Up 8 pts)
Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR
Follow us on NOSTR: 
BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 892,836
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 17Apr2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: Xi Building New Trade Partners / DPRK Threatens Over Bombers / FAA Contractor Spied For Iran / Greece Excited for New US Ambassador / Puerto Rico Loses All Power / CA Sues Trump Over Tariffs / US Sen. Van Hollen in El Salvador Advocating for Deportee / Panama City Takes Bitcoin Payments / A16Z Want RIAs to Self-Custody / Fed's Powell Tried to Calm Markets / 1 BTC Reward for Quantum Crack of Bitcoin Encryption / AI Deepfake of CZ Worries / Chemicals on Exoplanet Hints at Life / US May Ban DeepSeek / Bitcoin Miners Challenged / Bitcoin Core V29 Released
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $84,752, 25.42 oz Gold, .20 Median US House
24hr Hi: $85,428 / Lo: $83,314
Vol: $25B (Down 9%)
Mkt Cap: $1.68T (Up 1%)
HashRate: 917 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 2 sats/vBtye (Even)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. China’s Xi wraps up Malaysia visit with jet, chip deals before heading to Cambodia: Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his first visit to Malaysia in over a decade on Thursday with a flurry of trade and investment pledges – including support for Chinese-made aircraft sales and semiconductor cooperation – as Beijing seeks to position itself as Southeast Asia’s most dependable partner amid Washington’s intensifying trade war. (SCMP)
2. North Korea threatens a response to US flying long-range bombers over South Korea: The ministry described the bombers' deployment as a 'reckless and unnecessary abuse of strength' and a 'grave provocation.' The North warned that U.S. Military actions could have 'serious negative consequences' for its own security situation. (GroundNews)
3. Former FAA contractor pleads guilty to spying for Iran, sharing private info on US airports, energy industry: Abouzar Rahmati pleaded guilty to conspiring to act and acting as an agent of the Iranian government in the US without prior notification to the attorney general. (Fox)
4. Guilfoyle-Mania Sweeps Greece: Hellenic Republic Ready for Kimberly as U.S. Ambassador: The top ally of President Donald Trump, who the president nominated as his U.S. Ambassador to Greece, is eagerly awaited here in the Hellenic Republic. Leaders from the Prime Minister on down through his top officials throughout government to cultural, business, and political leaders throughout the nation are excited to have such a high profile ambassador coming as soon as she is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. (Breitbart)
-US Events-
1. ‘Massive Blackout’ Leaves All of Puerto Rico Without Power: More than 1.4 million customers in Puerto Rico lost electricity on Wednesday when all of the island’s power plants were knocked out of service, the latest frustrating blackout for residents who have suffered years of them. (NYTImes)
2. California Sues Trump Administration Over Sweeping Tariffs: California filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to block Trump's broad tariffs on foreign trade partners. California's lawsuit argues that only Congress has the constitutional authority to impose tariffs. It claims that the law Trump used to justify the tariffs—the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—does not give him the power to apply broad taxes on imports without proper justification. (IBTimes)
3. Senator Van Hollen's El Salvador Mission Stalls: Senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to advocate for the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported following a controversial court ruling. Despite his efforts, including discussions with U.S. embassy staff and Salvadoran officials, Van Hollen was unable to secure a meeting or a phone call with Garcia. (X)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. Panama City Mayor Announces Bitcoin and Ether Acceptance for Government Payments: Panama City will accept Bitcoin, Ether and stablecoins for taxes and fees, joining Colorado, Lugano and other crypto-friendly jurisdictions. (Blockonomi)
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
NSTR
-Institutional Concerns-
1. A16z Urges SEC to Allow RIAs to Self-custody Crypto Assets, Proposes New Guidance: Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has submitted a formal letter to the SEC's Crypto Task Force, advocating for registered investment advisers to directly hold crypto assets under specific conditions. The firm outlined five core "Crypto Custody Principles" to guide reform efforts and ensure investor protections. (Deccyrpt)
-Economic Indicators-
1. US 10-Year Yield Holds Steady as Powell Signals Patience: The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note held above 4.3% on Thursday, steadying after three consecutive days of declines, as investors weighed Federal Reserve policy signals against a backdrop of evolving trade dynamics. In a speech on Wednesday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautioned that tariffs could stoke inflation and dampen economic growth, complicating the central bank’s dual mandate of price stability and full employment. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. Quantum Computing Competition Tests Bitcoin Security with 1 BTC Reward: Project Eleven launched “Q-Day Prize” offering 1 BTC to whoever cracks the largest Bitcoin elliptic curve cryptography key using Shor’s algorithm on a quantum computer. Over 10 million Bitcoin addresses with exposed public keys could be at risk from quantum computing advances. Participants have until April 5, 2026 to complete the challenge, with even small successes (like cracking a 3-bit key) considered newsworthy. (Blockonomi)
2. AI deepfake perfectly clones ex-Binance CEO CZ’s voice, reigniting fraud fears: Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, former CEO of Binance, stated Thursday that he had encountered an AI-generated video that replicated his voice so accurately that he could not distinguish it from a real recording. (CryptoSlate)
-Technology and Science-
1. Chemical Signals Detected on Exoplanet Suggests Potential for Alien Life: The University of Cambridge announced the discovery of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b. This finding, detected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, could indicate the presence of life beyond Earth. (Decrypt)
2. US Mulls DeepSeek Ban Amid Fears of China's AI Dominance: The U.S. government is considering penalties against Chinese AI company DeepSeek to prevent China from gaining a technological edge in AI. DeepSeek's breakthrough with a cost-effective chatbot has raised concerns about China's AI capabilities surpassing the U.S. (Decrypt)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. Bitcoin Mining Struggles With Declining Hashprice, Network Security Risks, and Trump's Trade War Impact: Bitcoin mining faces challenges as hashprice drops to $44, risking network security and profitability. Trump's trade war exacerbates the situation, leading to concerns about centralization and Bitcoin's long-term trust. The high network difficulty and declining hashprice are causing turmoil in the mining industry. (DLNews)
2. Bitcoin Core V29 Ends Battle Dating Back To Satoshi: he announcement arrived with a statement in the release notes explaining that, starting with v28.0, the “-mempoolfullrbf” startup option had defaulted to 1 and that, with widespread adoption of the practice, the option was now removed entirely. Full Replace-by-Fee (Full-RBF) is a policy that allows any unconfirmed transaction sitting in the mempool to be replaced by another transaction that pays a higher fee, regardless of whether the initial transaction signaled replaceability. (Bitcoinist)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 30/100 (Up 1 pts)
Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR
Follow us on NOSTR: 
BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 891,339
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 07Apr2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: Global Markets Dump / Iran Militias in Iraq Consider Trump's Threats / Netanyahu at WH Today / 'Hands Off' Protest Nationwide / US Southern Storms Kill 17 / Budget Battle This Week in Congress / Brazil Can Now Take Crypto on Exchanges / Stablecoin Legislation in Congress / Russia Delays CBDC Rollout / Money Rolls Out of BTC ETFs / New Malware Targets Seed Phrases / Exploding Star May be Seen in Night Sky / Dorsey says Bitcoin SOV Not Enough
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $76,719, 25.17 oz Gold, .18 Median US House
24hr Hi: $82,765 / Lo: $74,436
Vol: $71B (Up 427%)
Mkt Cap: $1.52T (Down 7%)
HashRate: 903 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 2 sats/vBtye (Up 100%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. Market Panic Mounts As World Scrambles To Temper Trump Tariffs: Global stock markets experienced significant declines, with Hong Kong's market seeing the largest drop at 13.2%, marking its biggest one-day fall since 1997. China's stock market also suffered, recording its worst single-day loss since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. Other markets, including those in Taiwan, Japan, Italy, Singapore, and Sweden, also saw substantial decreases. Bitcoin is currently down 5%. (Various)
2. Iran-backed Iraqi militias consider disarming amid threats from Trump administration: Several powerful Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq are prepared to disarm for the first time to avert the threat of an escalating conflict with the US Trump administration, 10 senior commanders and Iraqi officials told Reuters. The commanders said their main ally and patron, Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) military force, had given them its blessing to take whatever decisions they deemed necessary to avoid being drawn into a potentially ruinous conflict with the United States and Israel. (Reuters)
3. Trump, Netanyahu to meet at White House as Israel seeks tariff relief, discussions on Iran, Gaza hostages: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, with Washington’s recently imposed global tariffs set to be part of their talks. (Fox)
-US Events-
1. Nationwide 'Hands Off!' Protests Draw Over Half a Million Against Trump and Musk Policies: Over 1,200 protests organized by 150+ groups across all 50 states oppose Trump administration's federal worker firings, agency closures, and social program cuts. Thousands gather at National Mall and major cities with Elon Musk's DOGE department facing criticism. (GroundNews) (AC-The protest looked well-organized and funded, even if the purpose was to support big government.)
2. US Storms, 'Devastating' Flooding Death Toll Climbs To 17: Flood warnings remain in effect, particularly in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama, according to forecasters. Tennessee has been the hardest hit, with 10 deaths recorded in the western part of the state. (Breitbart)
3. Johnson faces fraught week as House takes up Trump budget blueprint: A handful of conservatives have explicitly said they plan to vote against the Senate’s budget resolution, which sets up Trump’s legislative agenda of tax cuts, border funding and energy policy. (TheHill)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. Cryptocurrency Assets Are Now Legally Seizable in Brazil: In a historic decision, the National High Court of Brazil decided that when funds are not available for seizure in the banking system, judges can directly send letters to cryptocurrency exchanges to investigate if debtors have crypto and seize it. (BitcoinCom) (AC-Legislation like this may justSta push self-custody adoption.)
2. Stablecoin bill advances in Senate: After years of uncertainty, stablecoin regulation is finally gaining momentum on Capitol Hill. Three competing bills—the GENIUS Act, the STABLE Act, and an unnamed proposal from Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA)—are vying to define the future of digital dollars in the U.S. This long-overdue push for clear rules could determine whether stablecoins could become a mainstream financial tool or remain stuck in regulatory limbo. (CryptoSlate)
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
1. Russia’s CBDC Delay and Its Impact on Global Cryptocurrency Regulation and Financial Innovation: The CBDC launch in Russia has been officially delayed until mid-2026. The Bank of Russia had initially planned to roll out the CBDC for mass use by July 2025, but various technical challenges and implementation concerns have forced a significant delay in the project’s timeline. (WatcherGuru)
-Institutional Concerns-
1. Spot bitcoin ETFs see nearly $100 million in net outflows as stocks tumble on Trump’s tariff news: Spot bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. saw $99.86 million leave the products on Thursday, reversing the previous day’s inflows of $220.76 million. (TheBlock)
-Economic Indicators-
1. US Futures Drop as Market Rout Deepens: US stock futures plunged on Monday, extending the market rout to a third consecutive session as the White House continued push for aggressive tariffs on major trading partners despite the selloff. Dow and S&P 500 futures declined around 4%, while Nasdaq 100 futures dropped another 5%. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. PoisonSeed Exploits CRM Accounts to Launch Cryptocurrency Seed Phrase Poisoning Attacks: A malicious campaign dubbed PoisonSeed is leveraging compromised credentials associated with customer relationship management (CRM) tools and bulk email providers to send spam messages containing cryptocurrency seed phrases in an attempt to drain victims' digital wallets. Targets of PoisonSeed include enterprise organizations and individuals outside the cryptocurrency industry. Crypto companies like Coinbase and Ledger, and bulk email providers such as Mailchimp, SendGrid, Hubspot, Mailgun, and Zoho are among the targeted crypto companies. (HackerNews) (AC- Never let your seed phrase become digitized-no photos, notes, or inputted onto any device.)
-Technology and Science-
1. Blaze star to explode in a dazzling display visible to the naked eye from Earth despite being 3,000 lightyears away: A rare celestial event is about to dazzle the night sky. The Blaze Star, or T Coronae Borealis, located 3,000 lightyears away, is on the verge of a powerful explosion. Visible as brightly as Polaris, this once-in-80-years event could occur anytime. To witness it, look towards the Corona Borealis constellation between Arcturus and Vega. (EconomicTimes)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. Jack Dorsey: Bitcoin Can Fail If Only Used As Digital Gold, Store of Value: Twitter founder and Block Inc. CEO Jack Dorsey has recently shared his thoughts on why Bitcoin would fail if pursued only as a store of value of “digital gold”. Although BTC is often seen as a hedge to the equity market, it has largely moved in tandem with it and is still considered a risk-ON asset considering volatility. Dorsey believes that it’s high time that BTC enters mainstream financial payments. (CoinGape)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 23/100 (Down 5 pts)
Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR
Follow us on NOSTR: 
BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 890,877
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 04Apr2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: South Korea President Removed From Office / IDF Advances Hamas Operations / China Retaliates with 34% Tariff / DIRNSA Fired / Fauci's Wife Fired From NIH / Anti-CBDC Bill Moves Forward / Money Flows Out of BTC ETFs, Stocks, USTs Down on Tariffs / Bitcoin Companies Get Funded / Senators to Look Increase USSS Ability to Prosecute Digital Asset Crimes / Wrench Attack Nets $50M / AI Sucking Up All Data / BTC Miners Drop
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $82,406, 26.47 oz Gold, .19 Median US House
24hr Hi: $84,696 / Lo: $81,282
Vol: $41B (Down 22%)
Mkt Cap: $1.63T (Down 1%)
HashRate: 850 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 1 sats/vBtye (Down 86%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. South Korean court removes impeached President Yoon from office: South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has been removed from office over his brief martial law declaration last December that saw troops deployed to the National Assembly. Yoon is due to stand trial on insurrection charges in relation to the emergency declaration that sparked massive protests and threw the U.S. ally into political turmoil before he rescinded it. His supporters swarmed the streets of the South Korean capital Seoul and video from the scene showed a heavy police presence as the court's verdict was delivered. (Axios)
2. IDF widens ground operation in northern Gaza, kills senior Hamas official in Lebanon: The IDF said that so far, troops have killed several terror operatives and destroyed infrastructure, including a Hamas command center. Israel had issued sweeping evacuation orders for parts of northern Gaza ahead of ground operations. The UN humanitarian office said around 280,000 Palestinians have been displaced since the ceasefire with Hamas fell apart last month. (TimesOfIsrael)
3. China to impose 34% retaliatory tariff on all goods imported from the U.S.: China will impose a reciprocal 34% tariff on all imports from the United States starting April 10. China stated that this action violates WTO rules and undermines multilateral trade systems. The country indicated that there may be a phased retaliation, reserving stronger actions for potential escalation. (GroundNews)
-US Events-
1. National Security Agency Director Gen. Haugh fired, civilian deputy director reassigned: The Trump administration fired National Security Agency Director Gen. Timothy Haugh and civilian Deputy Director Wendy Noble. Haugh also served as commander of the U.S. Cyber Command – a position from which he was also dismissed. Noble was reassigned to serve in the office of the undersecretary of defense for intelligence. An undisclosed number of NSC employees were dismissed on Thursday, but Trump has said Loomer was not involved in those firings. (Fox) (AC-For context, Laura Loomer met with Trump yesterday, allegedly giving him a list of officials not 'supporting' the MAGA movement. There were a number of firings following this meeting, indicating a limited purge of non-loyalists.)
2. RFK Jr. Fires Fauci’s Wife Christine Grady from NIH Bioethics Department: Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has fired Anthony Fauci’s wife, Christine Grady, from her post heading up the National Institutes of Health Clinical Centers’ bioethics department. (Breitbart)
-Regulatory and Legal-
NSTR
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
1. US House Committee Votes to Move Forward on Anti-CBDC Bill: Minnesota Republicans’ Anti-CBDC Act passes key committee, aiming to curb federal surveillance through digital currencies. (Decrypt)
-Institutional Concerns-
1. Spot bitcoin ETFs see nearly $100 million in net outflows as stocks tumble on Trump’s tariff news: U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds logged $99.86 million in net outflows Thursday, as the U.S. stock market tumbled following Trump's tariff announcement. Grayscale's GBTC led the outflows with $60.2 million, followed by Bitwise BITB's outflows of $44.19 million and Fidelity FBTC's $23.27 million. (TheBlock)
2. Bitcoin-native startups see funding boost despite overall capital decline in 2024: The report highlighted that the number of unique Bitcoin-native companies funded rose 27.5% on a yearly basis, while the number of individual transactions grew 31.8%. TVP defined a “Bitcoin-native” company as one founded on the principle that Bitcoin serves as a foundational global monetary asset and digital cash, with business models aligned to the Bitcoin protocol stack. This emerging category includes startups building infrastructure, applications, and services that leverage the base Bitcoin network or related layers. (CryptoSlate) (AC-Interesting study on startups committed to Bitcoin 'Unit of Account' and 'Medium of Exchange' methods.)
-Economic Indicators-
1. US 10-Year Treasury Yield Tumbles to 6-Month Low: The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note dropped by as much as 16 basis points to 3.89%, its lowest level in six months, after China retaliated against US tariffs. China’s finance ministry announced a 34% tariff on all US imports starting April 10, in response to recent US tariffs imposed by President Trump. (TradingEconomics)
2. US Stocks Suffer Sharp Declines Amid Tariff Concerns: US equities faced their steepest decline in over two years on Thursday, as major stock indexes suffered sharp losses. The S&P 500 plunged 4.8%, erasing roughly $2 trillion in market value, marking its largest drop since 2020. The Dow fell nearly 1,680 points, while the Nasdaq dropped 5.9%. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. Lawmakers seek to close loophole limiting Secret Service investigations into cyber laundering: U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said the Secret Service works with the Treasury Department, DOJ and other law enforcement to investigate cybercrimes but are hampered by rules that limit their jurisdiction over unlicensed money transmitting businesses. The reintroduced Combatting Money Laundering in Cyber Crime Act would update current laws to authorize the Secret Service to investigate all new forms of criminal activity involving digital assets. (TheRecord)
2. A Thriller Gone Real: Alleged Scammer Kidnapped by Fake Police, Loses $50 Million: An individual wanted by Interpol, lost $50 million in a kidnapping that involved drugs, fake police officers, and a daring escape in Brazil. Rodrigo Perez was kidnapped on March 24 by fake police officers who kept him drugged and handcuffed to a bed for five days. Perez’s kidnapping marks an increase in the prevalence of $5 wrench attack cases in the crypto industry.(BitcoinCom) (AC-A tale too long for the DIB, but another interesting wrench attack.)
-Technology and Science-
1. Wikimedia Complains About AI Bots Scraping as It Strains Servers, Causing Bandwidth to Surge by 50%: AI bots that are scraping data from their platforms have already caused a significant strain to their servers, and while many organic users still head to their websites for information, bots make up the majority. (TechTimes) (AC-Interesting developments at AI and LLMs platforms scrape data, storing it other places. The data shift could have important ramifications.)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. Bitcoin Mining Stocks Fall Hard as Trump Tariffs Rattle Investors: Shares of top U.S. Bitcoin mining companies dropped between 6-8% following President Trump's announcement of global tariffs. The tariffs, including a 10% baseline and 34% on Chinese imports, could impact companies relying on Chinese ASIC manufacturers. (Decrypt)
2. Bitcoin hashrate hits record 972 EH/s as US miners capture 30% of market (CryptoSlate)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 28/100 (Up 3 pts)
Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR
Follow us on NOSTR: 
BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 890,703
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 03Apr2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: Hungary Withdraws From ICC / Israel Air Strikes Throughout Syria / Tariff Trade War Ignites / WA Roofing Company Raided by ICE / New LA Homeless Tax Confounds / WH Says 'Not so fast" on Elon Departure / FTX Bankruptcy Court Says 'No KYC, No Refund' / Anti-CBDC Bill Passes US Committee / JPMorgan Says Gold Still the Hedge King / Bitcoin, Stocks, Bonds All Dislike Tariffs / Rise in Job Cuts Due to DOGE / X Data Breach of Most Users / North Korea Infiltrates EU Crypto Industry / New Camera in Orbit Sees Far
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $82,859, 26.87 oz Gold, .19 Median US House
24hr Hi: $88,466 / Lo: $82,182
Vol: $54B (Up 95%)
Mkt Cap: $1.64T (Down 2%)
HashRate: 836 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 6 sats/vBtye (Up 500%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. Hungary says it is withdrawing from ICC as Israeli leader visits: Hungary's government has decided to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, it said on Thursday, shortly after Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, sought under an ICC arrest warrant, arrived in the country for a state visit. (Reuters)
2. In Warning To Turkey, Israel Strikes Several Bases Across Syria: Israel on Tuesday carried out several major airstrikes on Syria, including targeting the capital of Damascus, according to state agency SANA. Since Bashar al-Assad's ouster on December 8, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes on army bases, weapons storehouses, and alleged chemical weapons sites. The timing of these fresh strikes is interesting especially given Turkey's growing closeness to the new Jolani regime. (ZeroHedge)
3. Trump Sparks Trade War With Sweeping Global Tariffs: US President Donald Trump ignited a potentially ruinous trade war Wednesday as he slapped sweeping 10 percent tariffs on imports from around the world and harsh additional levies on key trading partners. "For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike," Trump said. said that he was "very kind" and so was only imposing half the amount that the "worst offenders" taxed US exports. For the rest, Trump said he would impose a "baseline" tariff of 10 percent, including another key ally, Britain. (IBTimes) (AC-Do research before coming to a conclusion on this one-it is a nuanced issue.)
-US Events-
1. Immigration officials raid Washington state roofing company and arrest over 3 dozen people: ICE agents arrested 37 individuals at Mt. Baker Roofing in Bellingham on Wednesday.Authorities enforced immigration law, leading to the arrests for misrepresentation of immigration status. Owner Mark Kuske said federal actions targeting workers harm small businesses like his roofing company. (GroundNews) (AC-Shot across the bow for small businesses using illegal labor, this may effect many trades/industries throughout the US.)
2. Shock for L.A. Consumers as ‘Homeless Tax’ — Which They Voted for — Takes Effect: Consumers in Los Angeles County were shocked Tuesday as a new quarter-percent sales tax, ostensibly to raise funds for services for the homeless, went into effect following a referendum in November. L.A. residents recently learned that $2.3 billion spent on homeless services in Los Angeles had been unaccounted for — and the money had come from the same sales taxes that referendums like Measure A had been designed to fund. Two cities in the county, Lancaster and Palmdale, are now paying a sales tax of 11.25% — the highest in the U.S. (Breitbart) (AC-Funny, not funny.)
3. White House Responds to Report Elon Musk 'Will Leave Soon': White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded on social media platform X.
“This ‘scoop’ is garbage,” she wrote. Elon Musk and President Trump have both *publicly* stated that Elon will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete. (WesternJournal)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. FTX bankruptcy team rejects claims from non-compliant creditors amid KYC crackdown: Bankrupt FTX has received court approval to reject creditor claims from users who failed to begin the Know Your Customer (KYC) process before March 3, 2025. He added that the exchange could disqualify up to $655 million in claims under $50,000 and around $1.9 billion in more significant claims if users fail to submit KYC documents. (CryptoSlate) (AC-This situation reminds us of the bitcoin maxim, 'Not your keys, not your coins'.
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
1. Reintroduced anti-CBDC bill passes US House Financial Services Committee: The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act (H.R. 1919) passed voting in the U.S. House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday, with 27 in favor and 22 opposed. The bill, introduced by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., aims to prevent the use of central bank digital currency for monetary policy and prohibit Federal Reserve banks from offering products and services directly to an individual. (TheBlock) (AC-There is still a lot of wiggle room for a nation-run digital currency.)
-Institutional Concerns-
1. JPMorgan says bitcoin's 'digital gold' narrative is under pressure, highlights gold's strength in debasement trade: "Bitcoin's volatility and correlation with equities raises questions over its 'digital gold' narrative," JPMorgan analysts said. "Looking forward, we see gold continuing to rise as the major beneficiary of the debasement trade." (TheBlock)
-Economic Indicators-
1. Trump’s Tariffs Erase $74B From Bitcoin’s Market Cap in Under an Hour: Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs send shockwaves through financial markets, triggering a $74 billion Bitcoin market cap drop, $2.5 trillion erased from the S&P 500, and $220 million in crypto liquidations. The Dow Jones futures plunge 1,100 points, while the Nasdaq 100 drops 900 points, marking one of the worst pre-market performances in recent history as investors scramble to reassess risk exposure. (BitcoinSensus)
2. US Job Cuts Hit Fresh 2020-Highs on DOGE Layoffs: US employers announced 275.240K job cuts in March 2025, the highest value since May 2020, compared to 172.017K in February. March 2025 figure is the third-highest monthly total ever recorded. “Job cut announcements were dominated last month by DOGE plans to eliminate positions in the federal government. (TradingEconomics)
3. US 10-Year Treasury Yield Falls as Tariffs Heightened Growth Concerns: The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note fell to 4.08% on Thursday, its lowest level since mid-October, as President Trump’s latest reciprocal tariff announcement triggered a broad flight to safety. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. Massive X Data Breach Exposes Information on 200 Million Users: A hacker named ThinkingOne exposed a 34GB file containing data of 201 million X users, combining information from a recent 2025 breach with email addresses from a 2023 leak. The breach allegedly originated from a disgruntled employee during mass layoffs. The leaked data includes user IDs, full names, locations, email addresses, follower counts, and profile data. While no passwords or payment information were exposed, the breach raises serious identity theft and impersonation risks for affected users. (GroundNews)
2. Google Uncovers North Korean Infiltration in European Crypto Firms: North Korean-linked IT workers have reportedly expanded their operations beyond the United States, targeting crypto, blockchain and web development projects in the United Kingdom and Europe, according to a new report from Google’s Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG). These individuals, operating under false identities, have allegedly embedded themselves into remote crypto, blockchain-related positions in order to generate revenue for the North Korean regime. (Bitcoinist)
-Technology and Science-
1. NASA’s SPHEREx Takes First Images, Preps to Study Millions of Galaxies: NASA’s SPHEREx (short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) has turned on its detectors for the first time in space. Initial images from the observatory, which launched March 11, confirm that all systems are working as expected. (NASA)
-Bitcoin Community-
NSTR
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 25/100 (Up Down 19 pts)
Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR
Follow us on NOSTR: 
BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 890,543
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 02Apr2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: WHO Hurting for Money / China's Xi Blocks Panama Port Sale / Russia Shuts Down Kazakhstan Oil Pipeline / Liberal Wins WI Court Seat / Tariffs Announced Today / Blackrock Approved for ETP in EU / USG to Announce Crypto Holdings / Circle Under Fire During IPO / Signal App Has Human Weakness / EU Want Encryption Keys and New FBI-like Powers / Starliner Flight Was Precarious / Coal Use Down With Bitcoin Miners / Are Hardware Wallets Keeping Bitcoin Adoption Down?
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $84,539, 27.12 oz Gold, .20 Median US House
24hr Hi: $85,487 / Lo: $82,550
Vol: $28B (Up 1%)
Mkt Cap: $1.67T (Up 1%)
HashRate: 830 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 1 sats/vBtye (Down 50%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. WHO Facing $2.5-bn Gap Even After Slashing Budget: As the United Nations health agency has been bracing for the planned full US withdrawal next January, it has gradually shrunk its two-year budget for 2026-2027 from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion. (IBTimes)
2. China Blocks Panama Canal Port Sale — Report Claims Xi Jinping Infuriated by Deal Sought Without His Approval: Chinese antitrust regulators on Friday blocked a deal by the Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison conglomerate to sell two ports along the Panama Canal to a consortium led by investment giant BlackRock. (Breitbart)
3. Russia Halts Large Chunk Of Kazakhstan's Oil Export Capacity: Russia has ordered shut two of the three moorings of the main oil export terminal on the Black Sea handling Kazakhstan’s oil exports, which could seriously disrupt Kazakh crude shipments if the suspension lasts more than a few days. The port handles most of Kazakhstan’s crude exports from giant oilfields in Kazakhstan operated by international oil firms, including U.S. supermajor Chevron. (ZeroHedge)
-US Events-
1. Liberal candidate wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race in blow to Trump, Musk: Susan Crawford won the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, defeating Brad Schimel, which maintains the 4-3 liberal majority on the court. Over $90 million was spent by the candidates and their allies during the race, making it one of the most expensive court races in U.S. History. Crawford's campaign received support from Planned Parenthood and emphasized Schimel's anti-abortion stance. Elon Musk and groups he funded contributed over $21 million to the election effort. (GroundNews)
2. Trump’s tariff strategy: Boost US production, reduce trade imbalances: Using economic pressure to force the world’s manufacturers to set up shop in the United States, President Trump hopes to slash the roughly $1.2 trillion annual trade deficit, boost national self-sufficiency, raise federal revenues, and unleash a jobs boom. On Wednesday, which he calls “Liberation Day,” he’s due to announce his reciprocal tariffs – taxing imported goods at levels that, the administration says, are equivalent to trade barriers that other nations impose on the U.S. (CSM)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. BlackRock approved to offer crypto services in UK, expanding digital asset footprint: BlackRock's FCA approval restricts operations to ETP support, significantly narrowing its crypto asset activities. (CryptoSlate)
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
1. US Government To Unveil Crypto Holdings: The US Government is expected to unveil its Bitcoin and altcoin holdings this week. The audit will bring clarity to the government's plan to include XRP, SOL & ADA to crypto reserves. The move could also expose the government's reserve management strategies. (CoinGape)
-Institutional Concerns-
1. Circle holds just 73 BTC, raising questions about its Bitcoin commitment amid $5 billion valuation: Circle’s crypto holdings show a surprising underweight position in Bitcoin and Ethereum. As of Dec. 31, 2024, the company held just 73 BTC, valued at roughly $6.78 million, and 1,746 ETH, worth about $5.82 million. These figures are notably small, especially compared to Tether’s 92,000 BTC, worth approximately $7.64 billion. (CryptoSlate) (AC-Circle is conducting an IPO, which is opening it up to disclosures and the resultant critical analysis.)
-Economic Indicators-
1. US Futures Steady as Markets Brace for Trump Tariffs: US stock futures held steady on Wednesday as investors awaited the implementation of President Donald Trump’s reciprocal and other tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly assured lawmakers that the new tariffs would act as a “cap,” allowing countries to take measures to reduce them. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. Secure Messaging Apps Are Not as Safe as You Think, Says NSA: The NSA's latest alert, prompted by Google's Threat Intelligence Group, highlighted that Russia's GRU had influenced Ukrainian officials to provide access to their Signal accounts. This was not a result of Signal or other messaging apps' vulnerability, but resulted from users' behavior. The NSA's warning was stern. Users should alter their messaging settings to prevent such an occurrence. The first weak link is the Linked Devices. This option synchronizes your messages from more than one device. Take some time to review and unlink any unknown devices in your app's settings to avoid unauthorized use. Another one is the Group invite links, which are convenient for adding new members, but can share sensitive conversations with the wrong users. Signal provides disabling group links under group settings. (TechTimes) (AC-Conduct a security self-audit often to find these threat openings. Close them immediately!)
2. European Commission takes aim at end-to-end encryption and proposes Europol become an EU FBI: Among its aims is establishing Europol as “a truly operational police agency to reinforce support to Member States,” something potentially comparable to the U.S. FBI, with a role “in investigating cross-border, large-scale, and complex cases posing a serious threat to the internal security of the Union.” Alongside the new Europol, the Commission said it would create roadmaps regarding both the “lawful and effective access to data for law enforcement” and on encryption. (TheRecord) (AC-Centralization of power will continue in the EU until crisis hits hard.)
-Technology and Science-
1. Starliner’s flight to the space station was far wilder than most of us thought: As it flew up toward the International Space Station last summer, the Starliner spacecraft lost four thrusters. A NASA astronaut, Butch Wilmore, had to take manual control of the vehicle. But as Starliner's thrusters failed, Wilmore lost the ability to move the spacecraft in the direction he wanted to go. (Arstechnica) (AC-A dramatic read that may end up as a movie, though Boeing may squash it.)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. Bitcoin Mining’s Energy Shift: Coal Use Drops While Renewables Rise: Coal energy usage, which once made up 63% of Bitcoin’s mining energy in 2011, has now dropped dramatically to just 20% in 2024. This transition comes amid growing concerns over environmental impact and increasing pressure for sustainable mining practices. (Bitcoinist)
2. Hardware Wallets: Bitcoin’s Biggest Adoption Barrier: There are roughly half a billion crypto users around the world and, at the most generous estimate, only 2.5% are using hardware wallets. Hardware wallets’ underlying technology is essentially unchanged from the days when their primary utility was as a secure, offline keysafe. It’s the same with UX, with users still expected to write down their seed words and then squint at a tiny screen every time they want to approve a transaction. Hardware wallets’ continued reliance on closed, proprietary systems is not just a security nightmare: it’s also terrible for Bitcoin innovation and adoption. (BitcoinMag) (AC-Editorials usually don't make the DIB, but there are relevant facts in this article to Bitcoiners to consider and debate.)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 44/100 (Up 10 pts)
Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR
Follow us on NOSTR: 
BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 890,391
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 1Apr2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: China Circles Taiwan / Hamas Spokesman Call to Arms Worldwide / Three of Four Missing Soldier Bodies Found / Milei Releases Nazi Docs / WI Court Election Today / States Cases Against Coinbase Dropped / CA Amendment May Protect Digital Asset Rights / Tether Buys More BTC / Tariff Day Weighs on Markets / Darknet Move Back to Bitcoin / ChatGPT Sees Spike / Brazilians Like Crypto / MIT Freedom Tech /
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $84,008, 26.79 oz Gold, .19 Median US House
24hr Hi: $83,476 / Lo: $81,725
Vol: $28B (Up 32%)
Mkt Cap: $1.66T (Up 2%)
HashRate: 831 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 2 sats/vBtye (Down 88%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. Chinese military launches large-scale drills around Taiwan: The Chinese military announced large-scale drills in the waters and airspace around Taiwan on Tuesday that include an aircraft carrier battle group, as it again warned the self-ruled island democracy against seeking formal independence. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said it had tracked 19 Chinese navy vessels in the waters surrounding the island in a 24-hour period from 6 a.m. (AP)
2. Hamas Issues Call To Arms Against Displacement As Israel Orders New Evacuations: A senior Hamas official urged supporters worldwide on Monday to take up weapons and fight plans to displace Gaza's people, as Israel issued a sweeping evacuation order in the territory's south, stepping up its renewed offensive. "In the face of this sinister plan -- one that combines massacres with starvation -- anyone who can bear arms, anywhere in the world, must take action," Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement Monday. "Do not withhold an explosive, a bullet, a knife, or a stone. Let everyone break their silence." (IBTimes)
3. Bodies of three out of four US soldiers whose vehicle was submerged in Lithuania are recovered: The four soldiers were assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia. Their identities are being until their families are notified. Search and recovery operations continue to find the fourth soldier, the statement said. (CNN)
4. Milei Releases Documents on Nazis in Argentina: Argentinian President Javier Milei has ordered the release of documents related to Nazis who fled to Argentina after World War II. These documents have sparked discussions and claims on social media that Adolf Hitler escaped to Argentina and lived there until the mid-1960s. (X)
-US Events-
1. Wisconsin Supreme Court Election: Schimel vs. Crawford: The Wisconsin Supreme Court election, taking place on April 1st, features candidates Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford. Recent polls indicate a close race, with Crawford at 50.8% and Schimel at 49.2%. The outcome of this election could influence the redistricting of congressional seats in Wisconsin, which may have implications for the control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Both candidates have been actively campaigning, with endorsements and calls for voter turnout being highlighted on social media platforms. (X)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. Kentucky, South Carolina, and Vermont Have Now All Dismissed Lawsuits Against Coinbase: Kentucky has joined South Carolina and Vermont in dropping its lawsuit against Coinbase over staking services, citing violations of state securities laws. The move follows a trend of states retracting enforcement actions against the exchange, with seven states still pursuing legal action. (Decrypt)
2. California’s Amended Digital Assets Act Would Protect Crypto Payments, Self-Custody: Introduced on Friday, the new amendment from Democrat assembly member Avelino Valencia renames the bill as the Digital Assets Act. Its main focus is on authorizing individuals and businesses within California to accept cryptocurrencies as payment for goods and services, as well as in payments between private individuals. The amendment also prohibits “public entities from prohibiting, restricting, or imposing any requirements on that use,” while also preventing the state of California from imposing taxes on the use of crypto as payment for goods and services. (Decrypt)
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
NSTR
-Institutional Concerns-
1. Tether bought 8,888 bitcoin in Q1, bringing its total holdings to $7.8 billion — the sixth largest in a single wallet: Stablecoin issuer Tether purchased an additional 8,888 bitcoin in the first quarter of 2025 for about $735 million, bringing its total holdings to 92,646 BTC, worth roughly $7.8 billion at current prices. (TheBlock)
-Economic Indicators-
1. Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of Fresh Tariffs: The US dollar index hovered around 104 on Tuesday, trading sideways as investors awaited the implementation of President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs to gain clarity on the economic outlook. Uncertainty persists regarding the scope of the levies, as Trump has indicated they will apply broadly to all countries, while reports suggest he is urging advisors to take a more aggressive trade stance. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. It's Back to Bitcoin for Darknet Markets After Monero's Binance Delisting: Chainalysis: Darknet markets are returning to bitcoin as their primary cryptocurrency after privacy-focused coin monero was delisted from major exchanges including Binance. Only some 0.14% of all crypto transactions, or about $50 billion, involve illicit activity. (CoinDesk)
2. Firefox fixes flaw similar to Chrome zero-day used against Russian organizations: Mozilla has patched a critical security flaw in its Firefox browser, just days after Google addressed a similar vulnerability that had been exploited as a zero-day in espionage attacks against Russian organizations. The Firefox flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-2857, allows attackers to escape the browser’s sandbox protections and gain broader system access. (TheRecord)
-Technology and Science-
1. OpenAI Celebrates ChatGPT Earning 1M Users in Only an Hour—Is It Because of AI Image Generation: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has shared a new post via X which details the latest milestone that the company is currently celebrating for ChatGPT, particularly as the chatbot platform saw one million users sign up in only an hour. The latest ChatGPT feature allows users to create AI-generated images directly from their prompts. (TechTimes)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. More Brazilians Invest in Cryptocurrency Than in Dollars, Gold and Stocks: The survey, commissioned by Coinbase and Hashdex, found that while savings accounts were Brazil’s most used investment instrument, cryptocurrency was more popular than other options, including stocks and gold, among Brazilians. (BitcoinCom)
2. The MIT Bitcoin Expo 2025: Freedom Tech: The MIT Bitcoin Club—a passionate coalition of students, alumni, researchers, and community members—presents the 12th annual MIT Bitcoin Expo (April 5–6, 2025), a landmark event exploring how Bitcoin and freedom technologies empower individuals worldwide. (BitcoinMag)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 34/100 (Even)
Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR
Follow us on NOSTR: 
BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 889,521
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 26Mar2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: Palestinians Protest Against Hamas / Russia, Ukraine Agree on Black Sea / US SECDEF Meets Philippine Leadership / Trump EO Mandates Proof of Citizenship for Voting / Trump Advisor Waltz Takes Responsibility for Chat Snafu / SEC Sets Roundtables for Crypto Talks / Congress to Vote on Dropping Broker Rule for De-Fi Firms / NC to Vote on Bitcoin Reserves / StableCoin Use Up / GameStop Adopts Bitcoin / Chinese Hackers in Telecoms for Years / USG Looks to Starlink for Rural Areas / Zambia Bitcoin Mine Pairs Well with Stranded Hydro Power
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $88,058, 29.05 oz Gold, .20 Median US House
24hr Hi: $88,542 / Lo: $86,997
Vol: $28B (Down 12%)
Mkt Cap: $1.74T (Up 1%)
HashRate: 842 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 13 sats/vBtye (Up 325%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. Hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza protest against Hamas after conflict resumes: Hundreds of Palestinians have protested in northern Gaza to demand an end to war and chanting "Hamas out," social media posts showed, in a rare public show of opposition to the militant group that sparked the latest war with its October 7, 2023 raid on Israel. (Reuters)
2. Russia, Ukraine agree to truce at sea and ban on energy attacks: The United States has reached agreements with both Ukraine and Russia to ensure safe navigation and eliminate the use of force in the Black Sea, according to statements from the White House. While naval hostilities may cease, the agreement does not end the ongoing land conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a durable peace. (GroundNews)
3. Pentagon chief to visit Philippines for security talks: Hegseth will be in Manila on March 28-29 to meet his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Talks will touch on increasingly assertive actions by Beijing in the South China Sea and “more significant support” to Philippine security forces by the Trump administration. (DefenseNews)
-US Events-
1. Trump Signs Executive Order Mandating Proof Of Citizenship In Major Election Overhaul: U.S. President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, signed an executive order that would require voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship at the polls and seeks to block states from counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day. The order also seeks to reduce federal funding for states that do not comply with the new rules, a release from White House said. (IBTimes)
2. Trump Advisor Waltz Takes Responsibility For Yemen Chat Leak: National Security Advisor Mike Waltz accepted "full responsibility" for mistakenly adding Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a group chat discussing strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, as reported by Fox News. Waltz indicated that an investigation into the information leak is ongoing, and he emphasized that some of the "best technical minds" are involved. (GroundNews)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. SEC's Crypto Task Force to Hold More Roundtables for Clearer Industry Regulations: The SEC's Crypto Task Force will host four roundtables on crypto regulation from April to June to create clearer rules for the industry. Commissioner Hester Peirce leads the task force to understand current regulatory issues and potential solutions. (Decrypt)
2. Congress moves to overturn IRS broker rule targeting DeFi platforms, potential Trump signing on March 28: The US Senate is preparing to hold a final vote on March 27 to nullify the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) broker reporting rule for DeFi operators. If approved, the resolution could be sent to President Donald Trump’s desk as early as March 28 for signing. (CryptoSlate)
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
1. North Carolina bills would add crypto to state’s retirement system: North Carolina lawmakers have introduced twin bills in the House and Senate which could see up to 5% of crypto assets allocated to state retirement funds. (CoinTelegraph)
2. USDC stablecoin supply surpasses all-time high, topping $60 billion market cap: Circle’s USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin has surpassed a market cap of $60 billion, its record high. The overall market cap for stablecoins has also reached new highs, exceeding $230 billion. (TheBlock)
-Institutional Concerns-
1. GameStop Adds Bitcoin to Treasury: GameStop has announced the inclusion of Bitcoin in its treasury reserve assets, a decision that has led to a significant increase in its stock price during pre-market trading. With approximately $4.75 billion in cash, GameStop's move positions it as the second-largest publicly-listed company holder of Bitcoin, following Strategy. (Various)
-Economic Indicators-
1. S&P 500, Nasdaq Rise for 3rd Day: The S&P 500 rose 0.1% on Tuesday, and the Nasdaq gained 0.5%, marking their third consecutive session of gains. The Dow Jones remained flat as investors weighed the impact of looming tariffs and economic uncertainty. (TradingEconomics)
2. US Home Prices Rise at Faster Pace in January: The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-city home price index in the U.S. rose 4.7% year-on-year in January, up from 4.5% in December, but falling short of the expected 4.8% increase. (TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. Chinese Hackers Breach Asian Telecom, Remain Undetected for Over 4 Years: A major telecommunications company located in Asia was allegedly breached by Chinese state-sponsored hackers who spent over four years inside its systems, according to a new report from incident response firm Sygnia. The cybersecurity company is tracking the activity under the name Weaver Ant, describing the threat actor as stealthy and highly persistent. The name of the telecom provider was not disclosed. (HackerNews)
-Technology and Science-
1. US Commerce Secretary: Prioritize Starlink in Rural Areas, Satellite Internet Over Broadband: The current United States Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, has recently spoken to leaders of the government's rural broadband initiative. Here, he urged them to "prioritize" Starlink. (TechTimes)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. Bitcoin in the bush - the crypto mine in remote Zambia: We're in the far north-western tip of Zambia near the border with the DRC, and of all the bitcoin mines I've visited - this one is the strangest. Philip's mine is plugged directly into a hydro-electric power plant that channels some of the Zambezi's torrent through enormous turbines to generate continuous, clean electricity. More importantly for bitcoin mining - it's cheap. The power plant provides power for around 15,000 people in the local area but was a economic loss until Bitcoiners set up shop. (BBC) (AC-Great article on the benefits of bitcoin mining on stranded electricity areas.)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 47/100 (Up 1 pts)
Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR
Follow us on NOSTR: 
BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)
Block: 889,364
DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 25Mar2025
Precedence: Routine (RR)
Controls: Public Release
QQQQ
__________________________
BLUF: Ukraine Talks Resume / Two Journalists Killed in Gaza / 'Moonies' Church Ordered Closed in Japan / NatSec Officials Accidentally Add Liberal Journalist to Signal Chat / Dr. Susan Monarez Nominated for CDC Director / US Crypto Czar Meets With UAE / New KY Law Protects Self-Custody / Binance Insider Fired Over Pre-Trading / Tornado Cash Free From US Sanctions / Blackrock BTC ETP Opens in EU / Bitcoin Stocks Up / MSTR Over 500K BTC / Stocks Up / 23andMe Data Up for Grabs / Carbon Molecules Found on Mars / Bitcoin Whales on the Move
Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $87,267, 28.90 oz Gold, .20 Median US House
24hr Hi: $88,758 / Lo: $86,346
Vol: $32B (Up 47%)
Mkt Cap: $1.73T (Even)
HashRate: 834 EH/s
Avg Fee Rate: 4 sats/vBtye (Up 25%)
---Reports---
-International Events-
1. US, Ukraine Officials In New Saudi Talks, No Breakthrough With Russia: Washington and Kyiv held brief talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, a day after hours of US-Russia negotiations on halting the fighting in Ukraine ended without any breakthroughs announced. (IBTimess)
2. Two Journalists Killed in Gaza Strikes: Two journalists, Hossam Shabat from Al Jazeera and Mohammad Mansour from Palestine Today, were killed in separate Israeli attacks in Gaza on March 24, 2025. The attacks come amidst a renewed offensive in the region, with Shabat and Mansour reportedly targeted while covering the conflict. (X)
3. A court orders the dissolution of the Unification Church in Japan: A court ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church in Japan, upholding a government request for a revocation spurred by the investigation into the 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Tokyo District Court’s revocation of the church’s legal status means it will lose its tax-exempt privilege and must liquidate its assets. (CNN)
-US Events-
1. Trump Officials Accidentally Add Journalist to Signal Chat on Yemen Strikes: An American reporter was accidentally included in a group chat discussing airstrikes on Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis by officials in Donald Trump's government, including US Vice President JD Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, noted that many celebrated the strikes with messages like 'good job' and 'God bless.' The White House confirmed the incident and stated they are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain, according to National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes. Goldberg was aware of the strikes two hours before they occurred, indicating a breach in communication protocol. (GroundNews)
2. Dr. Susan Monarez Nominated for CDC Director Role: Dr. Susan Monarez has been nominated by President Trump to serve as the next Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her appointment has stirred controversy among some groups advocating for different public health leadership, such as those supporting Dr. Joseph Ladapo. (X)
-Regulatory and Legal-
1. White House Crypto Czar Meets UAE Leader: White House crypto czar David Sacks met UAE leadership to discuss digital currency’s disruptive impact, signaling potential global policy shifts and deepening strategic financial alliances. Bringing together a senior U.S. technology policymaker and one of the Gulf region’s primary decision-makers, the session highlighted an emerging pattern of bilateral engagement around complex digital ecosystems. (BitcoinCom)
2. New Kentucky Law Secures Bitcoin and Ethereum Self-Custody Rights: House Bill 701 in Kentucky provides enhanced protections for individuals who self-custody Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, ensuring full control over private keys. The unanimous support from the House and Senate reflects the state's commitment to safeguarding crypto rights. (Decrypt)
3. Binance suspends staff, bans market maker to tackle insider trading and manipulation: On March 25, Binance Wallet confirmed the suspension of an employee who engaged in front-running trades using privileged information. The individual previously held a business development role at BNB Chain, which granted them access to sensitive details, including upcoming token launches. (CryptoSlate)
4. US Treasury Removes Tornado Cash From OFAC Sanctions List: The Department of Treasury has lifted Sanctions on Tornado Cash, the Ethereum based smart contract mixer, following a series of legal defeats and administrative challenges. (BitcoinMag)
-CBDCs/World Currencies/Strategic Reserves-
NSTR
-Institutional Concerns-
1. BlackRock Will List Its First Crypto ETP in Europe With Reduced Fee: BlackRock, the asset manager of the largest U.S. spot bitcoin ETF, will launch its first crypto ETP in Europe. (CoinDesk)
2. Strategy, Coinbase Shares Surge Alongside Bitcoin Mining Firms as Markets Rebound: On Monday, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) saw a more than 10% increase in share price, closing at $335.72, while Coinbase rose by 7% to $203. Bitcoin mining companies like CleanSpark, Riot Platforms, and MARA Holdings also experienced significant gains. (Decrypt)
3. Strategy Bitcoin Holdings Exceed 500,000 Coins After Recent Stock Sales: Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, disclosed holding over 500,000 Bitcoin valued at $44.2 billion after recent stock sales. The company bought Bitcoin at an average price of $84,500 per coin, slightly higher than previous purchases. (Decrypt) (AC-One half of Satoshi's stack...)
-Economic Indicators-
1. US Futures Steady After Strong Rally: US stock futures held steady on Tuesday following a strong rally in major indices, fueled by hopes that the Trump administration may take a more targeted approach to tariffs. On Monday, the Dow climbed 1.42%, the S&P 500 jumped 1.76%, and the Nasdaq surged 2.27%.(TradingEconomics)
-Security Incidents and Concerns-
1. 23andMe files for bankruptcy, putting customers’ genetic data at risk: The genetic testing company 23andMe has begun Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, alarming regulators and privacy advocates who are warning customers to delete genetic information retained by the company. (TheRecord)
-Technology and Science-
1. Largest Carbon Molecules Found on Mars Build The Case For Ancient Life: Chains of up to a dozen carbon atoms have been detected in what appears to have been an ancient lakebed on Mars, contributing to a growing library of compounds that could be a vital clue about the history of life on the red planet. The finding was made by a sampling instrument on NASA's Curiosity rover, with an international team confirming the results in a laboratory here on Earth. (ScienceAlert)
-Bitcoin Community-
1. Massive Bitcoin whale buys $200M in BTC, another wakes up after 8 years: A massive Bitcoin whale wallet holding has just added $200 million worth of Bitcoin to its position after selling over 11,400 Bitcoin over the last few months. Data shared by the firm shows the whale holds over 15,000 Bitcoin in its wallet, worth over $1.3 billion, at current prices. Another Bitcoin whale has woken up after eight years of dormancy, moving over 3,000 Bitcoin, worth $250 million, in one transaction on March 22. (CoinTelegraph)
-Bitcoin Sentiment-
1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 46/100 (Up 1 pts)
Analyst Comments (AC): Although uncertainty still exists in global geopolitics, it seems that markets and investors are beginning to rationalize the actions of the Trump administration, which have stirred up turmoil for the last few months.
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