New York City is piloting a groundbreaking Universal Basic Income program that distributes $12,000 in cryptocurrency to select residents.
- The experiment is sponsored by Coinbase and targets young adults in the city
- Participants receive payments in USDC stablecoin, a dollar-backed digital currency
- The pilot aims to explore how crypto-based aid could transform financial assistance programs
This initiative represents a significant shift in how government benefits could be delivered in the digital age. By using blockchain technology, the program potentially offers:
- Faster payment processing
- Reduced administrative costs
- Greater financial inclusion for underbanked populations
The pilot builds on growing interest in both UBI programs and cryptocurrency adoption at the municipal level. Early results will likely influence whether other cities consider similar crypto-based social programs.
This experiment could set a precedent for how cities integrate digital currencies into public welfare systems.
JUST IN: Some New Yorkers are getting $12,000 in crypto for a Universal Basic Income experiment, sponsored by Coinbase.
๐จ Hasan Piker Banned from Twitch
**Major streaming platform action**: Twitch has permanently banned popular political commentator Hasan Piker from its platform. **What we know**: - The ban was announced on January 30, 2026 - No official reason has been disclosed yet - Piker was one of Twitch's most-watched streamers **Context**: This follows a broader trend of platforms taking stricter content moderation actions. Australia recently moved to ban under-16s from creating YouTube accounts in July 2025. **Impact**: The ban removes a significant voice from Twitch's political commentary space and raises questions about platform moderation policies.
๐๏ธ Trump Set to Name Warsh as Fed Chair

**Trump is expected to nominate Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair tomorrow.** Warsh's odds of becoming Fed chair have surged to 92% following Trump's hints at the familiar pick. This potential appointment could signal a significant shift in monetary policy direction. **Key implications:** - Impact on financial markets globally - Changes to economic strategies - New direction for U.S. monetary policy The nomination would mark a return to familiar territory for Trump, who has previously considered Warsh for the position. Markets are already pricing in the likelihood of this appointment.
Spending Deal Reached to Avert U.S. Government Shutdown

**Deal Reached, But Uncertainty Remains** The New York Times reports that a spending deal has been reached to prevent a U.S. Government shutdown. However, prediction markets tell a different story. **Key Points:** - Spending agreement announced after weeks of political tension - Polymarket traders remain skeptical, pricing in a 38% chance of shutdown - Previous standoff centered on ICE funding amid national controversy **Market Context:** The disconnect between official announcements and market sentiment suggests traders see implementation risks. Earlier this month, shutdown probability peaked at 60% as Democrats opposed ICE funding provisions. Track the live probability: [Polymarket](https://poly.market/1lVOkvi)
๐จ Trump Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Against IRS Over Tax Return Leak
Former President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service seeking over $10 billion in damages related to the leak of his tax returns. **Key Details:** - The lawsuit targets both the IRS and Treasury Department - Damages sought exceed $10 billion - Case centers on unauthorized disclosure of private tax information The legal action represents one of the largest damage claims filed against a federal agency in recent history. The lawsuit alleges improper handling and release of confidential taxpayer data. This development follows years of controversy surrounding Trump's tax returns and their eventual public release. The case will likely test the boundaries of taxpayer privacy protections and government accountability for data breaches.
Polymarket Opens Market on North Korean Missile Launch Before Valentine's Day
Polymarket has launched a new prediction market asking whether North Korea will conduct a missile launch by February 14th, 2026. The market references "Rocket man," a nickname previously used for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Users can now trade on the probability of a missile test occurring within the next two weeks. **Recent Context:** - Similar markets have appeared on Polymarket regarding geopolitical tensions - A previous market in October 2025 asked about North Korean missile launches - Other active markets include Trump's State of the Union address and potential SpaceX/xAI merger The platform aggregates user predictions to generate real-time probability estimates for the event outcome. [View the market](https://poly.market/4Wydjre)