BV - Daily Intelligence Bulliten

BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 880,208 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 22Jan25 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ  BLUF: Panama Complains to UN / 50 Heads of State in Davos / EU Starts Calling for Increased Defense / All USG DEI Staff Put on Paid Leave / ACLU Hits Trump With Suit Over Birthright Citizenship / Trump Greenlights ICE to Go Anywhere in US / Ross Ulbricht Given Full Pardon / SEC Forms New Crypto Task Force / Court Overturns Tornado Cash Sanctions / US CBDC Dead, Stablecoins to Rise / China OKs Sale of Half of TikToc / Is Roger Ver Next for Pardon? / Bitcoin Hashprice at ATH Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $104,999, 38.05 oz Gold, .24 Median US House 24hr Hi: $107,180 / Lo: $102,768 Vol: $68B (Down 33%) Mkt Cap: $2.07T (Even) HashRate: 773 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 6 sats/vBtye (Up 20%) Nodes: 21,474 —Reports— -International Events- Panama Complains To UN Over Trump Canal Threat, Starts Audit: Panama has complained to the United Nations over US President Donald Trump’s “worrying” threat to seize the Panama Canal, even as it launched an audit of the Hong Kong-linked operator of two ports on the interoceanic waterway. “The canal is and will remain Panama’s,” Mulino said in response to Trump’s threats. (IBTimes)Over 50 heads of state and government are gathering at Davos 2025: The summit, taking place from 20 -25 January 2025, is being held under the theme of “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” and is welcoming close to 3,000 attendees from over 130 countries. Participants include over 50 heads of state and government and hundreds of other top governmental leaders. (WEFormum) (AC-Both globalists and nationalists will be speaking at this, which is giving the venue a more (barely) balanced approach of recent times. Trump and Milei will speak as will EU heads of state. Although fundamental philosophies differ greatly, at least some international dialogue is beginning to occur instead of the echo chamber that the WEF has been.)Trump Effect: Top E.U. Diplomat Backs Calls for Defense Spending Boost: Top European Union (E.U.) diplomat Kaja Kallas said Wednesday the bloc must heed U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for more defense spending as she issued a stark warning over the expansionist threat posed by Russia. Her call came less than 24-hours after French President Emmanuel Macron told Europe to “wake up” and spend more on defense. (Breitbart) -US Events-Trump administration directs all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff be put on leave: The memo requires agencies to cancel DEI-related trainings and remove public DEI webpages by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Agencies must report any renamed DEI programs to the Office of Personnel Management within 10 days or face consequences. (GroundNews)ACLU Sues Trump Over Order Ending Birthright Citizenship: The groups say the order violates the U.S. Constitution’s citizenship clause, which states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” Trump’s order, signed within hours of his taking office, states that the clause “has never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally to everyone born within the United States” and “has always excluded from birthright citizenship persons who were born in the United States but not ’subject to the jurisdiction thereof.’” (ZeroHedge)Trump rescinds guidance protecting ‘sensitive areas’ from immigration raids: The administration of newly inaugurated United States President Donald Trump has revoked longstanding protections barring immigration raids on schools, hospitals, churches and other “sensitive areas”. For more than a decade, federal agencies have issued guidance against carrying out immigration enforcement efforts in places like schools and medical centres, on the basis that such raids might discourage people from seeking necessary services. (AlJazeera) -Regulatory and Legal-Ross Ulbricht Is Free: A Victory for Bitcoin and Freedom: Ross Ulbricht’s full pardon by President Trump marks a monumental victory for Bitcoiners, symbolizing justice for a man who became a beacon for freedom and innovation. This long-awaited moment proves the power of persistence and reminds us to keep advocating for Bitcoin and freedom. (BitcoinMag)SEC Forms Task Force to Establish Clearer Crypto Regulations: The SEC launches a groundbreaking crypto task force, aiming to replace reactive enforcement with clear, innovation-friendly regulations. Led by “Crypto Mom,” Hester Peirce, this initiative promises seismic shifts in the digital asset landscape. (BitcoinCom)US court overturns Tornado Cash sanctions in pivotal case for crypto: A US court has overturned the sanctions against the Tornado Cash cryptocurrency mixing protocol in a decision that could signal a shift significant toward more innovation-friendly regulations for privacy-preserving technologies. De

BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 880,208 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 21Jan25 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQBLUF: Trump Inaugurated, Starts EO Marathon / South Korean President Yoon In Court / Taliban-US Prisoner Exchange / Houthis Say Will Target Only Israeli Ships Now / Jan 6th Prisoners Pardoned / Rubio Approved For SECSTATE / CBP Officer Shot, Killed in VT / Winter Storm Blankets South / Trump Ghosts Crypto, Bitcoin on 1st Day / Vivek Bows Out of DOGE / Trump MemeCoins Crash / Rumble Buys 1st Bitcoin / TradFi Markets Unsteady / CIA Analyst Guilty of Passing Data / TikToc Alive, For NowMarket Data: Price: 1 BTC= $104,742, 38.16 oz Gold, .24 Median US House 24hr Hi: $107,965 / Lo: $100,103 Vol: $103B (Down 9%) Mkt Cap: $2.07T (Down 2%) HashRate: 779 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 5 sats/vBtye (Down 62%) Nodes: 21,469—Reports— -International Events-South Korea’s Yoon defends actions at impeachment hearing over martial law decree: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attended on Tuesday a Constitutional Court hearing of his impeachment trial where he denied ordering military commanders to drag lawmakers out of parliament during his short-lived bid to impose martial law. His lawyers outlined arguments in defence of Yoon’s martial law declaration, saying it was meant to sound the alarm over abuses committed by the opposition Democratic Party. (Reuters)Afghan Taliban Government Announces Prisoner Swap With US: The Taliban government said Tuesday it had released American citizens from prison in return for an Afghan fighter held in the United States, in a deal brokered by Qatar. The family of US citizen Ryan Corbett, who was detained by the Taliban in 2022, confirmed he was released and expressed “overwhelming gratitude” that he was coming home. US media named William McKenty as the second American detainee, noting little was known about what he was doing in Afghanistan and that his family had asked the US government for privacy in his case. (IBTimes)Yemen’s Houthis signal they’ll now limit their attacks in the Red Sea corridor to Israeli ships: Yemen’s Houthi rebels signaled Monday they now will limit their attacks in the Red Sea corridor to only Israeli-affiliated ships after a ceasefire began in the Gaza Strip, but warned wider assaults could resume if needed. (AP)-US Events-Supporters Rally Outside D.C. Jail After Trump Pardons J6ers: Demonstrators rally outside the Central Detention Facility, also known as the D.C. Jail, after President Donald Trump pardoned and commuted thousands sentences of participants in the January 6 Capitol riot. (Breitbart) (AC-There are a large number of executive orders signed by President Trump, many of which has significant ramifications globally.First Trump Cabinet Pick Approved: Senate Confirms Marco Rubio as Secretary of State: The U.S. Senate confirmed Rubio in a 99-0 vote, with his former colleagues voicing no opposition to the appointment. (Breitbart)US Border Patrol agent killed in Vermont traffic stop: The DHS said that a Border Patrol agent was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Coventry, Vermont on Monday at 3:15 p.m. Coventry is near the U.S.-Canada border. During the traffic stop, two suspects were in the car. Officials confirmed that one of the suspects was dead. (Fox)Dangerous ‘rare winter storm’ hits Gulf Coast as it braces for historic snowfall: “A bitterly cold airmass will remain in place for much of the South and eastern U.S. over the next couple of days,” the National Weather Service said early Tuesday in a forecast as it advised the public about the prospect of heavy snow, freezing rain and a “significant winter storm.” (NBC)-Regulatory and Legal-Crypto Absent from President Trump’s First Day Executive Orders: President Donald Trump’s second term began without any mention of crypto in his inaugural speech or executive actions, disappointing the community. Despite expectations, he did not address key issues like a Bitcoin reserve or the SEC’s rule “SAB 121.” The absence of immediate action has left the crypto industry in limbo, with market optimism dampened by the president’s silence. (Decrypt)Vivek Ramaswamy exits DOGE role as Elon Musk takes control: Ramaswamy announced this in a Jan. 20 post on X, stating that he would no longer co-lead DOGE, a department focused on streamlining US government operations. Observers believe Ramaswamy may be preparing to launch a gubernatorial campaign, although he has yet to confirm these reports. (CryptoSlate)-Central Bank Digital Currencies/World Currencies-Trump Meme Coins Crash Following US Presidential Inauguration: First Lady Melania Trump’s newly launched meme coin, Melania Meme (MELANIA), has fallen more than 60% from its debut high. MELANIA now sits with a market cap of $625.5 million, per CoinGecko data. At the same time, Donald Trump’s meme coin, Official Trump (TRUMP), also took a sharp hit, falling 43% to $45 from a peak of $73.43 earli

BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)Block: 880,061DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 20Jan25Precedence: Routine (RR)Controls: Public Release QQQQ__________________________BLUF: Hamas Frees 3 Hostages, Israel 90 / Columbia Violence Kills 80 / Biden Pardons Fauci, Milley, Jan 6th Committee / Trump Inauguration Today Sure to Be Spectacle / Trump EOs Lined Up / Bitcoin USD Price Surges / Memecoins Draw Ire / UK CBDC Sandbox Launches / Stocks Up Too / Treasury Goes After Chinese Hackers / TikTok Deal Between Trump and Xi / Crypto Ball in DC Feels Strange / Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $106,887, 37.96 oz Gold, .24 Median US House 24hr Hi: $109,114 / Lo: $99,471Vol: $112B (Up 100%)Mkt Cap: $2.1T (Up 2%)HashRate: 772 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 12 sats/vBtye (Up 100%) Nodes: 21,346---Reports---  -International Events-1. Hamas frees hostages, Israel releases Palestinian prisoners on day one of ceasefire: The Israel Prison Service announced the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners early Monday in exchange for three Israeli hostages released earlier today. (GroundNews)2. More than 80 people killed in Colombia as truce between rebel groups collapses: Violence between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) has rapidly escalated in the lawless region bordering Venezuela since Thursday, forcing at least 5,000 people to flee their homes. The current clashes are the among the worst Colombia has seen since its first leftist president Gustavo Petro took office in 2022 with a promise to bring “total peace” to the warring nation. (TheGuardian)-US Events-1. Biden Pardons Fauci, Milley, and Jan. 6 Committee: President Joe Biden has issued preemptive pardons for key figures including Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark A. Milley, members of the January 6th Select Committee, and associated police officers. These actions are perceived as protective measures against possible future legal challenges under a different administration, rather than an acknowledgment of wrongdoing. The pardons were announced in Biden's final hours in office. (Various, X) (AC-This is a first and sure to be challenged in court.)2. Trump’s inauguration will be first attended by foreign leaders: For the first time in U.S. history, a president-elect will welcome foreign leaders for one of the most American political traditions — the peaceful transfer of power. Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping and conservative world leaders such as Argentine President Javier Milei and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni to the inauguration. Xi sent his vice president as his representative. (AP)3. Donald Trump plans blitz of executive orders for first days in White House: Donald Trump and his top advisers are finalising about 100 executive actions that he will sign in his first days in office beginning on Monday. The first measures by Trump are set to include curbing immigration, increasing tariffs and deregulating sectors ranging from energy to cryptocurrencies. (FT)-Regulatory and Legal- 1. Bitcoin Surges Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration in Anticipation of Crypto-Friendly Policies: The price of bitcoin surged to over $109,000 early Monday, just hours ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, as a pumped up cryptocurrency industry bets he’ll take action soon after returning to the White House. (Time)-Central Bank Digital Currencies/World Currencies-1. Trump Coin Sparks Fury As Industry Grapples With Pump-And-Dump Dread: At the stroke of 8 p.m., Trump set social media ablaze with a bold announcement on Truth Social stating he launched his very own memecoin, dubbed $TRUMP. In the hours after launching, $TRUMP coin reached a market cap of $13.6 billion, with its fully diluted valuation soaring to roughly $67.6 billion. Then, at 3:05 PM ET on January 19, 2025, less than 48 hours after launch, the coin began a steep decline. British bitcoiner and podcast host Peter McCormack, founder of What Bitcoin Did, sharply criticized the move: "Trump coin is embarrassing. It is the opposite of what you voted for." (Forbes)2. UK’s CBDC advances with creation of sandbox-like laboratory: The Bank of England (BoE) announced the creation of a ‘Digital Pound Lab’ to enable “hands-on experimentation,” as part of its ongoing preparation for a potential central bank digital currency (CBDC). (CoinGeek)-Institutional Concerns-NSTR-Economic Indicators-1. US Equities Rise, Led by Tech: Stocks in the US closed sharply higher on Friday, fueled by a tech sector rebound and significant gains across major indices. The S&P 500 rose 1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 advanced 1.6%, the Dow Jones climbed 0.8%, or 334 points. Big tech stocks led the rally, with Tesla jumping 3%, Nvidia gaining 3.1% and Microsoft rising 1%. (TradingEconomics)-Security Incidents and Concerns- 1. US sanctions hacker and company allegedly behind Treasury and telecom breaches: The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Yi

BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 879,637 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 17Jan25 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release  QQQQBLUF: Israel to Vote on Hamas Peace Deal / Iran-Russia Sign Strategic Treaty / Biden Commutes 2,500 Drug Felons / Krisi Noem in Congressional Hotseat for DHS Lead / GA Senator Banned From Session, Arrested / Developer Sues DOJ Over Code Freedom / Trump Treasury Nominee Says No to CBDC / GM Slapped For Selling Driver Data / FBI Foils Wrench Attack in Miami / China Hacks Yellen's Computer / Tick-Toc Users Move to RedNote, Start Learning Mandarin / EU Targets Musk and X / Exploding Starship Provides Fireworks / Bitcoin Loans About to BoomMarket Data: Price: 1 BTC= $102,749, 37.96 oz Gold, .24 Median US House  24hr Hi: $102,889 / Lo: $97,364 Vol: $61B (Up 6%) Mkt Cap: $2.03T (Up 3%) HashRate: 784 EH/s  Avg Fee Rate: 6 sats/vBtye (Up 50%)  Nodes: 21,276---Reports---  -International Events-Israeli security cabinet meet to discuss ceasefire and hostage deal: Israel’s security cabinet are convening to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to an Israeli official. The Friday meeting comes ahead of a wider cabinet vote to approve the deal, expected on Saturday. (CNN)Iran Spurns Russia's Crimea Annexation in New Strategic Treaty: In a new treaty with Russia to be signed on Friday, Iran has rejected Moscow's annexation of Crimea. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are set to sign a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty, which is meant to establish Russia-Iran relations for the next 20 years and strengthen the partnership between the two countries. he new treaty, which has been in the works for five years, is meant to replace a previous long-term agreement between Russia and Iran that dates back to 2001 and was extended to 2020. (Newsweek) (AC-This help to set the stage for a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire agreement once Trump engages.)-US Events-Biden commutes sentences for 2,500 non-violent drug offenders in one of his final acts: The clemency action, which likely won’t be Biden’s last as president, applies to “individuals who relieved lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes,” he said. (Politico) (AC-Recurring themes here.)Noem faces senators Friday in bid to lead Homeland Security: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) will cap off a packed week of confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees when she appears Friday on Capitol Hill. Trump has tapped the former congresswoman to join his circle of top advisers and lead the agency tasked with protecting the U.S. from terror threats, securing American borders and enforcing immigration law. (TheHill)Georgia Senator Moore Arrested at State Session: Moore was arrested by state troopers after attempting to attend the State of the State joint session, following a ban from the chambers by the House Speaker Jon Burns. The incident involved a physical altercation where Moore was reportedly knocked to the ground. He was charged with Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers and held at Fulton County Jail with a bond set at $1,000. (Various)-Regulatory and Legal- Developer Files Constitutional Challenge Against DOJ’s Crypto Enforcement Approach: A cryptocurrency developer has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Department of Justice's authority to regulate non-custodial software tools under money transmission laws, bringing constitutional arguments to the ongoing debate over crypto regulation. The case parallels recent prosecutions of Tornado Cash and Samourai Wallet developers and incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi will inherit the case as Merrick Garland prepares to leave. (Blockonomi)-Central Bank Digital Currencies/World Currencies-Trump Treasury nominee Scott Bessent rejects need for US CBDC: Scott Bessent questions necessity of US CBDC, aligning with Trump’s business-friendly agenda during Senate hearing. (CryptoBriefing)-Institutional Concerns- NSTR-Economic Indicators-US Mortgage Rates Rise for 5th Consecutive Week, Reaching Highest Since May 2024: The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage backed by Freddie Mac rose to 7.04% as of January 16th, marking the fifth consecutive week of increases and reaching the highest level since early May 2024. (TradingEconomics)-Security Incidents and Concerns- FTC hands GM a 5-year ban on selling sensitive driver info to data brokers: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Thursday announced a settlement agreement with General Motors and its OnStar subsidiary that requires the automaker to stop sharing millions of customers’ sensitive geolocation data with consumer reporting agencies, including data brokers, for five years. (TheRecord) FBI Foiled 'Goons' Who Plotted to Kidnap and Steal $2 Million in Crypto From

BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 879,363 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 15Jan25 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: South Korean President Arrested / Ukraine Fires US Missiles Far into Russia / NATO Announces New Mission to Stop Cable Sabotage / President Biden Says Goodbye / Hegseth Grilled by Congress, Holds Steady / Trump Announces New External Revenue Service in US / Rep. Emmer Appointed Vice-Chair of New Digital Asset Subcommittee / Russia and Myanmar Drop USD in Trade / USDC Usage Up / Bitcoin Outperforms Crypto Hedge Funds / PPI Rises Less / Musk Sued by SEC Over Twitter Buy / TikToc To Cease in US on Sunday / Tether Sues SwanMarket Data: Price: 1 BTC= $97.189, 36.12 oz Gold, .23 Median US House 24hr Hi: $97,650 / Lo: $95,330 Vol: $50B (Down 21%) Mkt Cap: $1.92T (Up 1%) HashRate: 796 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 7 sats/vBtye (Down 14%) Nodes: 21,176—Reports— -International Events- 1. South Korea’s impeached president arrested: South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested at his presidential residence on Wednesday morning local time following an hours-long standoff. It’s the first time an incumbent president has been detained in South Korea and marks the second attempt by anti-corruption investigators to arrest him for questioning related to his brief martial law declaration last month that triggered protests and shocked allies. South Korean police are investigating Yoon for possible insurrection in connection with his declaration that saw him impeached and suspended from presidential duties. Yoon could face life in prison or the death penalty if he were charged and convicted of the offenses he’s accused of as presidential immunity doesn’t extend to insurrection or treason in South Korea. (Axios)2. Ukraine fires US, British missiles into Russia, launches one of largest drone attacks so far: Russia’s military on Tuesday said it would retaliate against Ukraine after Kyiv attacked Russian regions by firing six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles, six UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles and launching one of the biggest drone attacks to date. Russia’s defence ministry said it had shot down all of the Western missiles fired by Ukraine at the Bryansk region, as well as 146 drones outside the war zone. It said two more Storm Shadows had been shot down over the Black Sea. (CNN)3. NATO launches ‘Baltic Sentry’ to increase critical infrastructure security: NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte announced the launch of a new military activity by NATO to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure. “Baltic Sentry” will enhance NATO’s military presence in the Baltic Sea and improve Allies’ ability to respond to destabilizing acts. “Baltic Sentry” will involve a range of assets, including frigates and maritime patrol aircraft. The Secretary General also announced the deployment of new technologies, including a small fleet of naval drones, and highlighted that NATO will work with Allies to integrate national surveillance assets – all to improve the ability to protect critical undersea infrastructure and respond if required. (NatoHQ)-US Events- 1. President Biden releases farewell letter, says it’s been ‘privilege of my life to serve this nation’: “Today, we have the strongest economy in the world and have created a record 16.6 million new jobs. Wages are up. Inflation continues to come down,” he added ahead of a speech tonight from the Oval Office. (Fox)2. Pete Hegseth faces grilling from Democrats at confirmation hearing as GOP senators voice support: Republican senators defended his nomination, arguing his status as an outsider and combat veteran make him well-suited to take the reins of the Pentagon and its workforce of 3 million people. The GOP majority in the Senate could vote to confirm Hegseth soon after Trump takes office next week. Democrats grilled Hegseth about his past comments that women should not serve in combat roles in the military. (CBS)3. Trump Announces ‘External Revenue Service’ To Collect Tariffs And Foreign Revenue: In a social media post, Trump shared that the “External Revenue Service” will officially launch on his presidential inauguration day, Jan. 20, 2025. He criticized the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), asserting that Americans have been overtaxed for years. “We will begin charging those that make money off of us with Trade, and they will start paying, FINALLY, their fair share,” he added. (IBTimes)-Regulatory and Legal- 1. Rep. Tom Emmer has been appointed vice chairman of the House Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, signaling a focus on digital assets regulation and innovation. The committee oversees the development of cryptos, financial technologies, and AI in financial services. Sen Lummis was previously named chairman. (Decrypt)-Central Bank Digital Currencies/World Currencies- 1. Russia

BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB) Block: 879,221 DTG/ICOD: 1200Z 14Jan25 Precedence: Routine (RR) Controls: Public Release QQQQ __________________________ BLUF: Gaza Peace Talks Making Progress / South Korean President Impeached, Still Bunkered / US Sanctions Russian O&G Sector / Hegseth Confirmation Begins / Looters Arrested in LA / Trump Readies Crypto EO / NY, BOE Collaborate on Crypto Regs / Tether Follows Rumble to El Salvador / First Bank Buys Bitcoin in Italy / Allstate Spied on American’s Movements / Tik Tok Out, RedNote In / US Tightens AI Chip Exports / Starlink, T-Mobile Step Up in LA / BTC Shrimps Buying More / Bukele Wants a Node in Every HomeMarket Data: Price: 1 BTC= $95,807, 35.96 oz Gold, .22 Median US House 24hr Hi: $97,352 / Lo: $89,260 Vol: $64B (Up 40%) Mkt Cap: $1.89T (Up 5%) HashRate: 771 EH/s Avg Fee Rate: 8 sats/vBtye (Up 12%) Nodes: 21,176—Reports— -International Events- 1. Israel to release 50 Palestinian prisoners including 30 serving life sentences for each female soldier hostage: According to a draft of the deal being negotiated between Israel and Hamas, Israel will pay a steep price to secure the release of female soldiers being held hostage. The three-phase agreement would begin with the gradual release of 33 hostages over a six-week period, including women, children, older adults and wounded civilians, in exchange for potentially hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel. (TimesOfIsrael)2. Top aide of impeached South Korean president pleads for investigators to halt detention efforts: Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk said President Yoon could instead be questioned at a “third site” or at his residence and said the anti-corruption agency and police were trying to drag him out like he was a member of a “South American drug cartel.” Yoon Suk Yeol has not left his official residence in Seoul for weeks, and the presidential security service prevented dozens of investigators from detaining him after a nearly six-hour standoff on Jan. 3. (AP)3. US targets Russia’s oil sector with ‘sweeping’ sanctions: The sanctions on Friday targeted two major Russian oil producers and 183 vessels that help transport the petrol, as well as 80 individuals and entities involved in the production and export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia. The sanctioned companies include Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, two of Russia’s largest oil companies. (AlJazeera)-US Events- 1. Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth expected to face contentious confirmation hearing: Hegseth’s past includes allegations of sexual assault and controversial views on women in combat, which he has softened in recent meetings. He has promised not to drink alcohol if confirmed and has support from some veterans’ groups. The hearing is part of a weeklong review of Trump’s cabinet choices, with potential opposition from both sides of the aisle. (GroundNews)2. Nine Charged as Looting Surges in Wake of L.A. Wildfires: The affluent Pacific Palisades, devastated by the fire that raged there last week, has been a particular target. Many neighborhoods were destroyed, but some homes remain intact — enticing looters. The latest charges include for one burglary that netted $200,000 and one in which an Emmy statuette was stolen, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman told reporters. (Breitbart)-Regulatory and Legal- 1. President-elect Trump Plans to Issue a Crypto Executive Order, Starting With a Presidential Crypto Council: Sources indicate that President-elect Donald Trump is expected to issue a crypto-related executive order, establishing a presidential crypto council and instructing the SEC to repeal a rule discouraging American banks from holding crypto. Additional orders may follow to address more complex issues in the crypto industry. (Decrypt)2. New York and Bank of England collaborate to align global crypto regulations: The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) has announced a partnership with the Bank of England (BOE) to launch an international regulatory initiative aimed at harmonizing crypto regulations. The program, known as the Transatlantic Regulatory Exchange (TRE), is designed to promote collaboration, share expertise, and align regulatory approaches for digital assets and emerging payment systems. (CryptoSlate)-Central Bank Digital Currencies/World Currencies- NSTR-Institutional Concerns- 1. Tether Relocating to El Salvador After Receiving Stablecoin Issuer License: Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, described this move as a natural progression that will allow the company to strengthen its focus on emerging markets. (BitcoinCom)2. Intesa Sanpaolo Becomes the First Italian Bank to Invest Directly in Bitcoin: Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s largest banking group, has made a significant move by purchasing 11 Bitcoins for approximately 1 million euros, marking the first direct i