Crypto Hacks Surged to Record Highs in H1 2026, Yet Total Losses Fall Sharply Below $1 Billion
Cryptocurrency hacks reached a record 207 incidents in the first half of 2026, yet total losses fell below $1 billion. This represented the highest count of distinct incidents in any tracked six-month period according to blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs.
A struggling Nasdaq-listed company that tried to copy Saylor's Bitcoin playbook is completely dumping crypto for AI
A Korean media company that previously arranged $1 billion in financing to purchase 10,000 bitcoin has completely sold its crypto holdings, reducing its balance to zero. The company is now pivoting to AI infrastructure while working to maintain its Nasdaq listing.
The Download: a startup has a solution for AI’s groupthink problem
A startup is developing a solution to address how large language models tend to produce similar outputs due to training on comparable data sources. The company aims to reduce this groupthink problem that affects popular chatbots like Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini.
Circle Shares Insights on Programmable Money and its Role in Enterprise Payments
Blockchain-based programmable money can execute automated instructions and complex business logic directly onchain, moving beyond simple fund transfers. Circle, which issues USDC stablecoin, published a guide explaining how this technology is reshaping enterprise payments.
Why BNPL infrastructure needs to learn a new acronym: KYA (Know Your Agent)
AI agents are beginning to make purchasing and financing decisions autonomously on behalf of consumers, creating a mismatch with BNPL infrastructure designed for human purchasers. BNPL providers now face challenges verifying intent when software agents rather than people initiate transactions.
July Fireworks Include 2 Separate Meteor Showers to Light up the Night Sky Late in the Month
Two meteor showers will peak over the last nights of July, with the Southern Delta Aquariids reaching maximum intensity on July 30th/31st. The shower becomes visible starting July 12th, though the best viewing occurs at the end of the month.
Targeted conservation in Brazil could help protect the Amazon’s flying rivers
Water vapor flows westward across the Amazon Basin through atmospheric circulation driven by the forest's recycling of moisture via evapotranspiration. Scientists from twenty years ago termed these atmospheric moisture movements "flying rivers" that transport water from the Atlantic Ocean across the region.
Z.ai launches ZCode to challenge Cursor, Claude Code and GitHub Copilot in AI coding
Z.ai launched ZCode, a free desktop application for its GLM-5.2 language model that runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux with support for third-party models via bring-your-own-key configurations. The tool offers a 1.5x usage-quota bonus for GLM Coding Plan subscribers and competes with Cursor, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, and Google's Antigravity in the agentic coding agent market.
Crypto News, July 2: Circle USDC Hit by Blackrock and Ripple XRP Backed OUSD, Bitcoin and Ethereum Price Recovering
Bitcoin recovered to $60,000 after dropping to a 21-month low of $58,000, while Ethereum reached $1,600 during the bounce. OUSD launched as a new stablecoin backed by Ripple XRP and other partners.
British GP storylines to look out for as Sprint weekend returns
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone will feature a Sprint race format returning to the weekend schedule. Key storylines will focus on driver performances and championship competition during the European summer racing period.
The Google Health API Got a CLI: ghealth is an Open-Source Tool for Your Fitbit Air Data
An open-source command-line tool called ghealth exposes 40 data types from the Google Health API as JSON. The single Go binary is a community project that enables access to Fitbit and other health data through OAuth authentication.
3 On-Chain Signals Point to Deepening Bitcoin Capitulation
Bitcoin fell 20.48% in its worst month since June 2022 during a risk-off market period. Three on-chain indicators suggest deepening capitulation, with Bitcoin ETFs logging $8.475 billion in outflows near capitulation levels.
Sightings of humpback whales surge in Rio de Janeiro, fueling demand for whale-watching trips
Humpback whale sightings off Rio de Janeiro's coast are increasing as populations recover from commercial whaling. The surge in whale observations during annual migration has accelerated demand for whale-watching trips in the region.
Real-Time Payments Could Add $19.3 Billion to Argentina’s GDP
Real-time payments could add $19.3 billion to Argentina's GDP. Brazil's Pix platform, launched in 2020, now has more than 150 million users.
Core Banking’s New Mission Is Keeping Up With Instant Expectations
Core banking systems have shifted from invisible infrastructure handling basic transactions to central strategic assets. They now must support instant payment expectations and serve as the primary system of record for customer relationships.
AI’s Data Center Boom Creates a New Antitrust Challenge
Data center expansion to power AI development is creating new antitrust challenges that test century-old U.S. competition laws. The issue centers on building sufficient energy infrastructure to support the rapid growth of artificial intelligence systems.
42% of Issuers Say Fraud and Disputes Are Driving Up Costs
Fraud and disputes are increasing costs for card issuers, with 42 percent reporting these issues as significant financial drivers. Fraud prevention has shifted from a back-office function to a critical component of issuer growth strategy because each blocked purchase and failed dispute affects cardholder relationships.
SAP Restricts Hiring, Travel to Fund ‘Significant’ AI Push
SAP is reducing hiring and travel spending to fund increased investments in artificial intelligence development. The company is redirecting resources to compete against emerging rivals in the AI technology space.
Solana launches onchain governance and sets entry fee at 100,000 SOL staked
Solana introduced an onchain governance system requiring validators to stake 100,000 SOL to create proposals. Stakers can override their validator's voting decisions through Solana Governance Proposals.
Modric and Ronaldo reunited at World Cup as Croatia aim to snap Portugal’s streak
Luka Modric made his international debut for Croatia on March 1, 2006, the same evening Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal's 3-0 victory against Saudi Arabia. Both players have had parallel careers with their countries and may face each other at the World Cup in what could be their final meeting.
Good News in History, July 2
Caesar Rodney rode through a nighttime storm despite asthma and facial cancer to reach the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776. His arrival enabled Delaware to vote for American independence, providing the decisive support needed for the Declaration of Independence to pass.
Global Markets See Equities Advance, Led by Asia and Tech Sector, Private Markets and Credit Remain Active
Global equity markets advanced in June 2026, with Asia and the technology sector leading gains while private markets and credit remained active. PitchBook released its monthly snapshot on June 30, covering performance across public equities, private capital, debt, real estate, and commodities.
Ether, solana, dogecoin in the green after Warsh comments push bitcoin above $60,000
Bitcoin rose above $60,000 following Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's comments that inflation risks had declined. Solana gained approximately 16% during the week while a semiconductor selloff in Asian markets reduced capital flowing from crypto to AI investments.
Ten-man US into last 16 after gutsy win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
The United States advanced to the World Cup last 16 by defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 while playing with ten men after a player was sent off in the 64th minute. Folarin Balogun scored in the 45th minute before receiving a red card for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.
Senator Lummis Calls to Stop ‘Baseless Attacks’ on the Clarity Act
Senator Lummis defended the Clarity Act by identifying more than 16 safeguards against digital-asset illicit finance claims. She rejected Senator Warren's argument that the bill would weaken standards for crypto transactions.
NVIDIA Unlocks AI Compute at Scale, Inviting Partners to Power the AI Infrastructure Buildout
NVIDIA is enabling partners to access large-scale accelerated computing infrastructure for AI production inference and token generation at scale. The shift addresses growing compute demands from continuously operating AI factories that require multi-tenant systems with high utilization rates.
Sources: Brown heading to Philly in blockbuster
The Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks from 2028 and 2031, and two second-round selections. The 76ers acquired Brown, their longtime star player, as part of this blockbuster deal that reshapes both rosters.
New Indonesia roadmap aims to protect Indigenous knowledge for biodiversity
The Indonesian government is developing a roadmap to protect Indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation, with drafting that began in June 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen recognition and protection of Indigenous peoples and local communities whose traditional practices have safeguarded Indonesia's ecosystems.
'Absolutely No Sign' of Let Up in AI Demand, UBS Says
Semiconductor stocks remain in high demand with no indication of slowdown in overall AI demand. UBS Wealth Management maintains a slightly overweight position in semiconductor stocks based on this outlook.
New tool maps public land with potential for hundreds of thousands of affordable homes in British Columbia
A new research tool identifies over 50,000 publicly owned land parcels in British Columbia with potential for affordable housing development. The B.C. Public Lands Map combines federal, provincial, and municipal data and reveals up to 273,000 potential housing units on vacant and underused land in Metro Vancouver alone.