Joy Villa showcases memecoin dress and political stance at Grammy Awards

At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, Joy Villa made a bold statement by wearing a DOGWIFHAT $WIF memecoin dress and a red hat reading “The hat stays on,” symbolizing her support for President Trump and her views on cryptocurrency as a means of financial independence. Villa, who has faced backlash for her conservative beliefs, emphasized the importance of her faith and the need for America to embrace religious values while advocating for strict immigration policies. She criticized fellow celebrities for their stances on immigration, asserting that illegal entry into the U.S. is a crime.

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New Jersey Man Convicted for Fentanyl Trafficking and Crypto Money Laundering

A New Jersey man, William Panzera, was convicted for his involvement in a fentanyl trafficking and money laundering scheme that utilized wire transfers and cryptocurrency over six years. He imported synthetic opioids from China and distributed them in New Jersey, moving hundreds of thousands of dollars to overseas suppliers. Panzera faces a minimum of ten years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment for drug trafficking and an additional 20 years for money laundering.

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Trump threatens tariffs on BRICS as Russia denies currency challenge

Russia has dismissed Donald Trump’s threat of 100% tariffs on BRICS nations, asserting that the group is not pursuing a common currency to rival the US dollar. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that BRICS focuses on investment projects rather than currency competition, despite ongoing discussions about a gold-backed currency for trade. Trump’s warnings reflect his stance against any efforts to diminish the dollar’s dominance in global trade.

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The Urgency of Strategic Bitcoin Reserves for Nations and Protocols

Businesses and layer-1 blockchains must act swiftly to adopt strategic Bitcoin reserves (SBRs) to avoid being outpaced by traditional nation-states and competitors. As Bitcoin solidifies its status as a deflationary asset, countries like Brazil and Japan are considering SBRs, while El Salvador’s successful adoption showcases the potential benefits. The first mover advantage in accumulating Bitcoin could significantly impact economic strategies and national debt management.

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Trump Threatens Tariffs as BRICS Denies Plans for Common Currency

Russia has responded to former President Trump’s tariff threats regarding BRICS, asserting that the group does not aim to replace the US dollar or create a common currency. Instead, BRICS is focused on establishing joint investment platforms to enhance mutual investments among its member countries. Despite discussions about a potential BRICS currency, Trump warned that any move away from the dollar would result in severe tariffs, reiterating his stance against the group’s financial initiatives.

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South Dakota Considers Bitcoin Reserve Amid Growing State Interest

South Dakota is set to debate a bill to establish a Bitcoin reserve, joining a growing number of states, including Texas, Florida, and Ohio, in recognizing cryptocurrency as a state asset. This movement aligns with President Trump’s pro-crypto policies, as several countries are also considering Bitcoin reserves to combat inflation and financial deficits.

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International Crackdown on Major Crypto Money Laundering Operations in Europe

An international investigation has dismantled a sophisticated money laundering ring operating between Spain and Cyprus, resulting in 23 arrests and the freezing of $28 million in cryptocurrencies. The group laundered over $100 million, utilizing commercial flights and public transport to transport cash. Authorities from Spain, Cyprus, and Germany collaborated with Europol to trace illicit cryptocurrency flows, leading to multiple raids across Europe.

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Rosseti Group Explores Bitcoin Mining to Optimize Energy Capacity in Russia

Rosseti Group, Russia’s leading electric grid operator, is exploring opportunities in Bitcoin mining to utilize underloaded power supply centers and enhance economic growth. The initiative aims to optimize unused capacity, increase tariff revenues, and stimulate regional economies through tax contributions. Meanwhile, the Russian government has extended a ban on local cryptocurrency mining until 2031 due to energy consumption concerns, as mining currently accounts for 1.5% of the country’s energy use.

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Markets React to DeepSeek’s AI Launch Causing Major Liquidations in Crypto

US markets are reeling after the launch of DeepSeek, a low-cost Chinese AI model, which has raised concerns over the profitability of established rivals like OpenAI. Stocks, including Nvidia, have seen significant declines, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq down 1.75% and 3.19%, respectively. In the crypto market, nearly $983 million in liquidations occurred as traders faced losses, with Bitcoin trading at $99,789.

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Rosseti Group Explores Cryptocurrency Mining at Underutilized Power Centers

Rosseti Group, Russia’s largest power grid operator, is exploring cryptocurrency mining at its underutilized power centers to enhance revenue and tax contributions. The company aims to coordinate mining infrastructure deployment nationwide, leveraging spare capacity while ensuring reliable power supply. Following a law signed by President Putin regulating crypto mining, only registered entities can engage in large-scale operations, with a ban on mining in certain regions set to take effect in 2025.

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Venture Global Shares Close Below IPO Price on First Trading Day

Shares of liquefied natural gas exporter Venture Global closed their debut trading day at $23.94, falling below the initial public offering price of $25. The company raised $1.75 billion by pricing 70 million shares, having initially aimed for a higher valuation with a proposed price range of $40 to $46 for 50 million shares. In the first nine months of 2024, Venture Global reported a profit of $604 million on revenue of $3.45 billion, both significantly lower than the previous year, amid ongoing arbitration challenges related to its LNG sales strategy following geopolitical tensions.

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