Sunday☕️

19 Jan 2025 — 5 min read

Economics & Markets:

Yesterday, President-elect Donald Trump launched a new cryptocurrency called $TRUMP, which quickly reached a peak market value of $6.5 billion and is now at $5.3 billion. The token is built on the Solana blockchain and started with 200 million tokens, with a total supply planned to reach 1 billion. Currently, 80% of the tokens are held by Trump-affiliated groups, with the rest set to be released gradually over the next three years.
Creating a cryptocurrency like $TRUMP is relatively easy using platforms like Solana or Ethereum, which provide tools to build and launch tokens. The $TRUMP token is described as a digital collectible, not an investment or financial security. Whether Trump or the groups involved can sell their tokens depends on the rules set during the launch and financial regulations they need to follow.

Geopolitics & Military Activity:

Yesterday, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv, marking one of the most significant escalations in recent weeks. Ukrainian air defenses reported intercepting 24 out of 39 drones and two of four missiles, though some projectiles successfully struck their targets. The attack is believed to have been aimed at Ukrainian infrastructure, causing multiple explosions throughout the capital and leaving at least three people dead and several others injured. Emergency services responded to the incidents, working to extinguish fires and assist those affected.

This assault highlights the ongoing intensity of the conflict, now nearing its third year. In response, Ukrainian forces reportedly launched drone strikes targeting industrial sites in Russia’s Kaluga and Tula regions. These strikes caused fires but no reported casualties. The exchange of attacks comes at a critical moment, with heightened international attention on potential peace talks as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to engage Russian President Vladimir Putin in negotiations aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

Environment & Weather:

The U.S. National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center forecasts two winter storms expected to begin tomorrow, impacting both the Northeast and the Deep South. In the Northeast, snow is predicted to bring accumulations of 3 to 5 inches in areas such as New York City, with some spots potentially receiving up to 6 inches. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to slippery roads and reduced visibility. Following the storm, temperatures will drop significantly, with highs on Monday around 27°F and lows near 10°F. This cold snap will continue into Tuesday, with daytime temperatures near 21°F and nighttime lows around 13°F.

At the same time, another winter storm is expected to affect parts of the Deep South, including Atlanta, Georgia. By Monday night, temperatures are forecast to fall to 19°F, with light snow possible on Tuesday afternoon. This could lead to icy roads and dangerous driving conditions. In some areas, wind chills may drop below 0°F, intensifying the cold. These forecasts, based on the latest models, suggest widespread impacts across both regions. Residents are advised to monitor updates from the National Weather Service and prepare for severe winter weather.

Security & Privacy:

Science & Technology:

Recently, Climeworks has been making significant progress in advancing Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, which removes carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from the atmosphere. The process works by using large fans to pull in air, which then passes through specialized filters that trap the CO₂. Once the filters are full, they are heated to release the captured CO₂ in a pure form. This CO₂ can either be stored deep underground for long-term removal or used in industrial applications. Powered by renewable energy, such as geothermal power and waste heat, the system is designed to be both effective and sustainable.

Climeworks has been expanding its operations to scale this technology and make it more affordable. Their Mammoth plant in Iceland, capable of capturing up to 36,000 tons of CO₂ annually, is one of the largest DAC facilities in the world. The company has also announced plans for a new DAC hub in Louisiana, supported by $50 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, Climeworks has partnered with Morgan Stanley to remove 40,000 tons of CO₂ by 2037. While the current cost of removing CO₂ ranges from $500 to $1,000 per ton, Climeworks is working to bring this down to $100–$200 per ton, making the technology more accessible for large-scale climate action.

Statistic: