‍TRUMP Meme Coin Company in Talks to Acquire Republic.com's US Business Fight Fight Fight LLC, the entity behind the "TRUMP" meme coin, is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire the U.S. operations of crowdfunding platform Republic.com. This move could expand the utility of political meme coins and impact crypto fundraising. The acquisition may allow Fight Fight Fight LLC to encourage the use of the TRUMP token for transactions and facilitate fundraising for crypto startups via Republic's platform. This would significantly broaden the token's application beyond speculation.
‍Bitchat Sees Surge in Jamaica Amid Hurricane Melissa, Highlighting Decentralized Resilience The decentralized messaging app Bitchat has experienced a significant increase in downloads in Jamaica, becoming the second most downloaded app on both Apple App Store and Google Play. This adoption surge coincides with the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which has disrupted internet services across the Caribbean. Bitchat utilizes Bluetooth mesh networks for internet-free, encrypted communication, proving vital for Jamaican residents as traditional internet access falters. Its prominence, second only to weather platform Zoom Earth, underscores the critical need for resilient communication in crisis situations. The hurricane has tragically resulted in over 30 deaths across the region. The app's utility extends beyond natural disasters, offering a solution for communication disruptions caused by government interference or civil unrest. Previous surges in downloads were observed in Nepal, Indonesia, and Madagascar during periods of social and political instability. This trend highlights a growing global demand for robust, decentralized communication tools that offer resilience against both natural disasters and governmental restrictions. Bitchat's technology provides a vital pathway for secure and accessible communication in environments where traditional networks are compromised.
‍Powell's Caution: Rate Cuts Unlikely, Shutdown Risks Crypto Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that a December interest rate cut is "far from a done deal." His cautious economic outlook, coupled with warnings about a potential government shutdown's impact, is creating uncertainty in risk asset markets, including cryptocurrencies. Powell cited moderate expansion, a cooling labor market, and still-elevated inflation, noting a government shutdown will temporarily weigh on economic activity. This stance suggests a sustained period of higher interest rates, which typically makes riskier investments like cryptocurrencies less appealing. Higher rates can draw capital away from non-yielding assets such as crypto. Persistent inflation may lead the Fed to maintain restrictive monetary policy, creating a headwind for crypto valuations.
‍Mastercard Reportedly in Talks to Acquire Zerohash for Up to $2 Billion Global payments leader Mastercard is in advanced discussions to acquire Zerohash, a crypto and stablecoin infrastructure startup, for an estimated $1.5 to $2 billion. This move signals Mastercard's intensified focus on expanding its digital asset capabilities, particularly in stablecoin technology and tokenization. Zerohash, an API-first provider, enables financial institutions to integrate cryptocurrency and tokenization features. The company has facilitated over $2 billion in tokenized fund flows and supports major tokens like BlackRock’s BUIDL. Mastercard's interest in Zerohash follows its previous attempt to acquire BVNK, a stablecoin startup, which was reportedly outbid by Coinbase. The company's strategic push aligns with the increasing importance of stablecoin legislation and the broader trend of traditional finance giants embracing digital assets.
‍Russia Tests "Poseidon" Nuclear Drone: Deterrence or Brinkmanship? President Putin announced the testing of the "Poseidon" nuclear-powered underwater drone, designed to create radioactive tsunamis. First revealed in 2018, the system aims to bypass U.S. missile defense. While independent verification is limited, SIPRI lists Poseidon as an active program. Experts suggest it acts as a "psychological weapon," intended to sow fear and influence geopolitical negotiations. Claims of apocalyptic tsunamis are often exaggerated, but an undersea nuclear detonation would cause severe local destruction and contamination. The testing of Poseidon, if confirmed, signifies an advancement in Russia's strategic arsenal, potentially impacting global uncertainty across financial markets, including crypto.
‍Securitize and BNY Mellon Launch Tokenized AAA CLO Fund Securitize and BNY Mellon have partnered to launch the Securitize Tokenized AAA CLO Fund (STAC) on the Ethereum network. This initiative brings AAA-rated collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) on-chain, aiming to enhance accessibility and efficiency in the $1.3 trillion CLO market. BNY Mellon will safeguard the underlying assets, with Insight Investment managing the portfolio. Grove plans a $100 million anchor investment. This development is part of the accelerating trend of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, with over $35.5 billion now represented on-chain.
‍Innovate NY Endorses Andrew Cuomo for NYC Mayor Innovate NY, a pro-digital assets political organization, has officially backed former Governor Andrew Cuomo for the NYC mayoral election. The endorsement centers on Cuomo's agenda promoting "blockchain, tokenization, public-benefit stablecoins, and artificial intelligence." Cuomo has pledged to establish an Innovation Council, including advisory committees for crypto and AI, if elected. This move highlights the growing influence of the digital assets sector in political campaigns.
‍Prosecutors Oppose Broad Crypto Policy Arguments in Ethereum MEV Trial US prosecutors are challenging attempts to broaden cryptocurrency policy discussions in the trial of Anton and James Peraire-Bueno, accused of a $25 million Ethereum MEV exploit. They argue such policy matters belong in Congress, not the courts. The defense counters that cryptocurrency advocacy group Coin Center’s input offers a necessary perspective on blockchain activity. This case could set legal precedents for advanced trading strategies in DeFi.
‍Democratic Senators Criticize Trump Administration's Crypto 401(k) Proposal A coalition of Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, has voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration's initiative to incorporate cryptocurrency investments into 401(k) plans. They argue that exposing the $31 trillion retirement savings market to high-risk digital assets could lead to significant financial harm for millions of Americans. The senators cited a GAO study highlighting that crypto tokens do not generate cash flow, likening their profit model to gambling due to extreme price unpredictability. They also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given President Trump's own exposure to the crypto market, questioning the administration's advice. The senators have requested detailed information from the SEC and Department of Labor regarding fiduciary duty rules, risk assessments, and potential benefits to the Trump family.
‍MoviePass Launches Crypto-Powered Prediction Market Mogul MoviePass has launched the public beta of Mogul, a crypto-based platform for Hollywood box office predictions. Users form fantasy teams based on movies, actors, and directors, with performance measured by box office success and cultural impact. Instead of direct wagers, Mogul uses in-game currency. Successful forecasters can share in a $100,000 prize pool. The platform aims to be the "first fantasy entertainment market," transforming passive viewers into active participants. MoviePass previously partnered with the Sui Foundation for stablecoin payments and received seed funding from Animoca Brands.