Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/putin-legalizes-crypto-mining-u-s-backs-ukraine-offensive/
Geopolitics
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law legalizing cryptocurrency mining, marking a shift in the country’s approach to digital currencies. The legislation, reported by TASS, introduces concepts such as digital currency mining, mining pools, and mining infrastructure operators. Only Russian legal entities and registered individual entrepreneurs can engage in mining, though individual miners can participate within government-set energy limits. The law also permits trading foreign digital financial assets on Russian blockchain platforms, with the Bank of Russia retaining the authority to ban certain assets if they threaten financial stability. Putin emphasized the need for proper regulation and infrastructure to harness digital currencies for economic development. The law will take effect ten days after its official publication, with some provisions having different implementation dates.
In a related development, the Pentagon has confirmed that Ukraine’s use of American weapons in its incursion into Russia’s Kursk region aligns with U.S. policy. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated that the U.S. supports Ukraine’s need for “crossfire” against Russian positions, framing the actions as defensive. The Ukrainian offensive, involving up to 1,000 troops and armored vehicles, has penetrated 10 kilometers into Russia, leading to the destruction of U.S.-supplied equipment, including a Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. The fighting has continued for four days, resulting in the evacuation of thousands and a state of emergency in Kursk. Ukraine is pressing the U.S. to allow the use of ATACMS long-range missiles to strike deeper into Russia, aiming to gain leverage in negotiations. President Zelensky has emphasized the need for Russia to feel the consequences of its invasion, with Ukraine claiming to have captured 100 square kilometers of territory and taken hundreds of Russian soldiers as prisoners.
Politics
Meanwhile, a series of new laws have taken effect in Louisiana. Among these is a law allowing judges to impose surgical castration on offenders convicted of certain sex crimes against children under 13. This punishment is discretionary and aims to deter such crimes, though critics argue it is cruel and unusual punishment. New restrictions on absentee ballots have also been implemented, limiting assistance with filling out, witnessing, and delivering ballots, potentially creating hurdles for elderly voters. Previously vetoed anti-LGBTQ measures have now become law, including a prohibition on discussing gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. Additionally, a new law establishes a 25-foot buffer zone around police officers, penalizing those who approach within this distance under certain conditions. Critics fear it could impede the public’s ability to film police actions. Another law allows individuals 18 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit, raising concerns about increased gun violence due to the lack of required training. Louisiana is the 28th state to adopt such legislation.
In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed an executive order to enhance election security for the 2024 election. Measures include using paper ballots, tracking ballot possession during early voting, and ensuring the number of ballots matches the number of voters. Absentee ballots must be requested with the last four digits of the voter’s Social Security number and birth year. The state uses paper ballot counting machines that are not connected to the internet and are tested before elections. The order also mandates updating voter rolls by adding or removing individuals based on eligibility, removing deceased voters, and ensuring non-citizens cannot vote. Since Youngkin took office, over 6,300 non-citizens and nearly 80,000 deceased voters have been removed from the rolls. Virginia has 24/7 camera monitoring at drop box locations, and the Department of Elections will inform voters about prohibited activities such as electoral intimidation. Youngkin emphasized that election integrity is a non-partisan issue, with significant Senate and House races in November and a competitive presidential race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Lastly, the FBI has described Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as “strikingly intelligent” with an SAT score over 1500. Despite his intelligence, Crooks exhibited odd behaviors and may have had an undiagnosed disorder. He worked at an assisted-living center and lived with his parents. The FBI’s investigation revealed no known motive for the attack, with Crooks having researched both Democratic and Republican politicians. During a nearly 90-minute interview with Trump, the former president asked numerous questions about Crooks, including potential foreign connections, but authorities found no evidence of external involvement. The investigation continues to struggle with understanding what drove Crooks to attempt the assassination. The Trump campaign has not commented on the incident.
Sources
Putin Legalizes Cryptocurrency Mining in Russia, Emphasizes Economic Potential
Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially signed a law that legalizes cryptocurrency mining in Russia.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Pentagon’s Shocking Stance: Strikes on Moscow Not Ruled Out Amid Ukraine’s Kursk Offensive
I’m not going to put a specific range on it
Source | Submitted by nickythec
Louisiana Enacts Controversial Laws: Surgical Castration, ‘Don’t Say Gay,’ and Absentee Voting Restrictions
A slew of Louisiana legislation, including a first-of-its-kind law that allows judges to impose the punishment of surgical castration for offenders guilty of certain sex crimes against children, went into effect Thursday.
Source | Submitted by Walberga
New Butler, PA Bodycam Footage Reveals Police Intervention Moments Before Shooting
“New footage just released helps fill in timeline moments before assassin Thomas Crooks opened fire”
Source | Submitted by CM191
Virginia Implements Stringent Election Security Measures Ahead of 2024
“This isn’t a Democrat or Republican issue, it’s an American and Virginian issue,” he said. “Every legal vote deserves to be counted without being watered down by illegal votes or inaccurate machines. In Virginia, we don’t play games and our model for election security is working.”
Source | Submitted by nickythec
FBI Reveals Complex Portrait of Trump Shooter: ‘Strikingly Intelligent’ with 1500 SAT Score
The FBI said in the meeting it believes Crooks was “strikingly intelligent” but likely had an undiagnosed disorder.
Source | Submitted by ArmyAviator75