Chimpers, a popular Ethereum NFT collection, is expanding its brand into physical products by collaborating with IP incubator 223. The first offering is a blind box plush keychain collection, which includes digital perks like an NFT proof-of-collectible on Ethereum’s Base layer-2 network. With millions of social media followers, Chimpers aims to convert fans into long-term believers by offering tangible connections to its ‘Chimpverse.’ The move follows the success of other NFT projects like Pudgy Penguins, which achieved mainstream retail distribution. Chimpers NFT holders will get presale access, and the keychains will be sold at an affordable price, payable in fiat or crypto. The brand sees this as the first step in a broader strategy to bring Web3 IP into mainstream markets.
about Chimpers NFTs Expand into Physical Plush KeychainsAndrew Hayward
0 posts last weekStrong Jobs Report Dampens Rate Cut Hopes, Bitcoin Wavers
The June jobs report revealed a stronger-than-expected U.S. labor market, with 147,000 nonfarm jobs added and unemployment dropping to 4.2%. This resilience reduced the likelihood of a Fed rate cut later this month, with traders adjusting their expectations from 24% to just 4.7%. Bitcoin’s price fluctuated in response, initially dipping before recovering slightly. Ethereum, XRP, and Solana also saw gains. Grayscale’s Zach Pandl noted that Bitcoin remains supported by concerns over U.S. fiscal health and political pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Meanwhile, former President Trump’s criticism of Powell intensified amid allegations of deceptive testimony. The Fed’s cautious stance on rate cuts reflects ongoing economic uncertainty, with only four meetings left in 2024.
about Strong Jobs Report Dampens Rate Cut Hopes, Bitcoin WaversSEC Pauses Grayscale’s Altcoin ETF Approval Indefinitely
The SEC has issued an indefinite pause on the approval of Grayscale’s ETF, which includes exposure to altcoins such as Solana, XRP, and Cardano alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum. While the agency initially fast-tracked the conversion of Grayscale’s GDLC fund into an ETF, a subsequent letter from SEC leadership halted the order. Analysts suggest the SEC may be developing a framework for crypto ETFs before granting final approval. The GDLC fund, currently trading as a closed-end fund, holds significant Bitcoin and Ethereum exposure with minor allocations to altcoins. The SEC’s decision reflects ongoing regulatory uncertainty around crypto ETFs, with approval likely delayed until later this year.
about SEC Pauses Grayscale's Altcoin ETF Approval IndefinitelyBitcoin Hits 3-Week High as Altcoins Surge
Bitcoin reached a three-week high above $109,600, while Ethereum and Dogecoin spearheaded an altcoin rally with gains of nearly 8%. Analysts attribute the surge to growing investor confidence fueled by potential Fed rate cuts, recent crypto ETP approvals, and improving U.S. regulatory clarity. Despite macroeconomic uncertainties, traders are focusing on looser monetary policy prospects, with experts predicting new highs for many tokens later this year. Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin ETF flows turned negative after a 15-day streak, reflecting lingering market caution.
about Bitcoin Hits 3-Week High as Altcoins SurgeCrypto Billionaire’s Kidnap Ordeal Highlights Security Risks
Australian crypto billionaire Tim Heath testified in an Estonian court about a brutal kidnapping attempt last year, where he bit off an assailant’s finger to escape. The attackers used GPS trackers, burner phones, and forged passports in a meticulously planned assault. Heath has since invested €2.7 million in personal security, while experts link such ‘wrench attacks’ to regulatory privacy gaps, particularly the FATF Travel Rule, which ties wallet addresses to real identities. Recent cases, including Ledger co-founder David Balland’s abduction, highlight a surge in crypto-related violence. Raido Saar of Estonia’s Web3 Chamber warns that without privacy-preserving tools, anti-money laundering rules could endanger investors by making them easy targets for criminals.
about Crypto Billionaire's Kidnap Ordeal Highlights Security RisksCloudflare Blocks AI Crawlers by Default, Launches Pay-Per-Crawl
Cloudflare is now blocking AI crawlers by default for all new domains, with over 1 million clients and 35% of top global websites joining the effort. The company’s ‘pay-per-crawl’ marketplace allows publishers to charge AI firms for access, creating a potential revenue stream. Major publishers like the Associated Press and Universal Music Group support the initiative, which aims to address the disproportionate scraping ratios by AI companies—some as high as 60,000:1. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince argues this move is essential to sustain content creation and the internet’s future. The initiative has garnered praise from SEO experts and investors, though some worry about reduced visibility in AI searches. Cloudflare’s new model leverages the HTTP 402 ‘payment required’ code, giving publishers control over access and pricing.
about Cloudflare Blocks AI Crawlers by Default, Launches Pay-Per-CrawlSolana’s xStocks Bring Tokenized Equities to Crypto Wallets
Backed’s xStocks enables users to trade tokenized versions of major U.S. equities like Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia on the Solana blockchain, with 1:1 backing by real shares held by a regulated custodian. Available on centralized exchanges Kraken and Bybit in select regions, as well as via decentralized protocols like Jupiter, xStocks allows 24/7 trading, global access, and integration with DeFi. Unlike previous ‘mirrored’ assets, xStocks ensures redeemability and custody of underlying shares. Meanwhile, platforms like Coinbase and Robinhood are also advancing tokenized stock offerings, signaling a growing trend in bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology.
about Solana's xStocks Bring Tokenized Equities to Crypto WalletsNobitex Resumes Services After $90M Pro-Israel Hack
Nobitex, Iran’s largest crypto exchange, is slowly reactivating services after losing $90 million in a mid-June hack by pro-Israeli group Gonjeshke Darande. The attackers claimed to target only the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), but experts confirm civilians were heavily affected, with many losing access to funds. The stolen assets included $49.3M on Tron, $24.3M on Ethereum-linked chains, $6.7M in Dogecoin, and $2M in Bitcoin. Nobitex has started restoring wallet balance visibility for verified users, with withdrawals and trading to follow. The hack coincided with an attack on Bank Sepah, disrupting salary payments. Iran’s high crypto adoption—driven by sanctions evasion and 38.7% inflation—makes Nobitex critical for 7.6% of the population. Analysts suggest the hack aimed to stir anti-regime sentiment but instead fueled nationalism. Meanwhile, prediction markets give a 79% chance Iran’s leadership remains stable through September.
about Nobitex Resumes Services After $90M Pro-Israel HackBitMine Launches $250M Ethereum Treasury with Tom Lee
BitMine Immersion Technologies, a Bitcoin mining firm, has raised $250 million through a private placement to create an Ethereum treasury, with participation from major crypto investors like Founders Fund and Galaxy Digital. Fundstrat’s Tom Lee joins as Chairman, emphasizing the convergence of traditional finance and crypto. The funds will be used for Ethereum-based activities, including DeFi, staking, and stablecoins, aiming to increase ETH holdings per share. BitMine’s shares surged 447% following the announcement, breaking from the trend of Bitcoin treasuries.
about BitMine Launches $250M Ethereum Treasury with Tom LeeBitcoin Firm Strategy Faces Copycat Lawsuits as Coinbase Hits Record High
At least five law firms have filed nearly identical class action lawsuits against Bitcoin treasury firm Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), accusing it of misrepresenting risks tied to its BTC buying plans. Legal experts suggest these filings are a tactic to compete for leadership in the eventual consolidated case, with fees potentially reaching tens of millions. Separately, Coinbase hit an all-time closing high of $375.07, with analysts setting bullish price targets. The exchange also revealed plans to launch U.S.-regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual futures next month, tapping into a market with billions in daily volume. Additionally, Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network, expanded its wrapped assets to include Cardano and Litecoin, enhancing DeFi interoperability.
about Bitcoin Firm Strategy Faces Copycat Lawsuits as Coinbase Hits Record HighEU to Allow Dollar-Backed Stablecoins Despite ECB Protests
The EU is preparing to allow foreign, dollar-backed stablecoins into its markets, overriding protests from the European Central Bank. This policy reversal is driven by the anticipated U.S. stablecoin legislation, the GENIUS Act, which is pressuring global markets to integrate stablecoins more seamlessly. Analysts warn that without such changes, the EU risks becoming a ‘flyover zone’ for digital assets, lagging behind the U.S. and Asia. The European Commission’s new guidance would treat foreign stablecoins as interchangeable with their EU-specific counterparts, a significant shift from current restrictions that require most reserves to be held in European banks. Moody’s highlights this as a global trend, with potential ripple effects in Asia, the Middle East, and the UK.
about EU to Allow Dollar-Backed Stablecoins Despite ECB ProtestsForgotten Playland Embraces Web3 with Beam Network Integration
Forgotten Playland has officially integrated with Beam Network, an Avalanche-based L1 chain, marking a significant step into Web3. The update enables tradeable in-game assets, including two types of NFTs—cosmetic and toybox—which players can earn or purchase. A play-to-airdrop campaign rewards users with points based on in-game activity and NFT ownership. The game also introduces new content, seasonal challenges, and German language support. Developed by Vermillion, a collaboration between Duckland Games and the Beam Foundation, Forgotten Playland aims to combine fun gameplay with low gas fees and fast processing. The free-to-play game is available on the Epic Games Store for Windows PC.
about Forgotten Playland Embraces Web3 with Beam Network Integration