April 9 — Per official sources, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (OCCIP) today rolled out a new initiative targeted at bolstering cybersecurity in the digital asset industry. The effort will deliver timely, actionable cybersecurity intelligence to qualified U.S. digital asset firms and industry organizations, enabling them to better detect, mitigate, and respond to threats targeting their customers and networks. The move puts into practice a key recommendation from the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets’ report, *Strengthening American Leadership in Financial Technology*.

April 9 (per AXIOS) — An Israeli official stated there will be no ceasefire in Lebanon. Negotiations with the Lebanese government are scheduled for the coming days.

TRUMP Meme Coin Announces Four-Day Extension of Luncheon Ranking Event On April 9, the TRUMP meme coin announced it has extended its Luncheon Ranking Event by four days, giving participants access to a meeting and grand luncheon featuring Donald Trump and 18 superstars. The ranking deadline is set for 12:00 p.m. ET on April 14. Prior reports noted Trump will host a grand luncheon for TRUMP token holders, with the top 297 qualifying for the April 25 Mar-a-Lago event. The top 29 holders will receive invites to a VIP reception, champagne toast, and the chance to share the stage with the former president.

On April 9, Bitcoin rebounded to break above $72,000, according to HTX market data, posting a 24-hour gain of 1.07%.

**April 9 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that he ordered Israeli officials yesterday to launch direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible, responding to repeated Lebanese requests for such talks.** The negotiations will center on two core objectives: disarming Hezbollah and establishing a peaceful relationship between Israel and Lebanon. Israel also expressed appreciation for the Lebanese Prime Minister’s call today to demilitarize Beirut.

April 9 (CNBC) — Maine is set to become the first U.S. state to ban data center construction statewide, a move that could prompt other states to follow suit and slow the rapidly growing industry. This week, Maine lawmakers approved a bill prohibiting data center construction in the state through November 2027. The measure is expected to get final approval in the coming days and will establish a committee to develop a regulatory framework ensuring data centers do not drive up energy prices or create other issues for Maine residents. While the bill has bipartisan support, it faces strong pushback from tech groups and businesses, which fear even a short construction delay would leave the state at a disadvantage. Glenn Adams, business development director at Maine-headquartered Sargent Corporation (currently building data centers in Virginia and North Carolina), said any pause in data center construction — even temporary — would set the company back.