a16z has submitted an 18-page comment letter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on May 1, expressing concerns over state-level prediction market regulations. According to NS3.AI, the firm warned that these rules could potentially drain liquidity and restrict user access. a16z highlighted that cease-and-desist orders and proposed state bans create obstacles that conflict with the CFTC's rules on fair market access. Additionally, a16z emphasized that blockchain-based prediction markets offer greater transparency due to the auditability of on-chain transactions.

The Compromise Clarity Act, unveiled on Friday, aims to prohibit stablecoin issuers from offering yield solely for holding payment stablecoins, while allowing certain activity-based rewards. According to NS3.AI, Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks released the text following extensive negotiations to differentiate crypto rewards from traditional bank deposit products. Cody Carbone from the Digital Chamber expressed optimism that the release could advance the bill towards a Senate Banking Committee markup.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States will not withdraw from the Strait of Hormuz, defending the blockade as a strong measure. According to Odaily, Trump asserted that the blockade is effective and predicted a significant drop in energy prices once the war concludes. "After this war ends, the prices of oil, gas, and everything else will plummet," he remarked. He also praised the U.S. stock market for reaching record highs and noted that projects during his administration are being completed "on time" and "on budget."

Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) has disclosed its acquisition of approximately 1.38 million shares of MicroStrategy (MSTR) in the first quarter, with an investment amounting to $172 million. According to Odaily, the current market value of this holding has risen to approximately $241 million, reflecting a profit of around $69 million. AIMCo's average purchase price was about $125 per share. AIMCo previously held shares in the company from 2019 to 2020 but sold them shortly after MicroStrategy adopted a Bitcoin reserve strategy.

Canadian asset management firm Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) disclosed that it purchased approximately 1.38 million shares of Strategy (MSTR) in the first quarter, investing approximately $172 million. Based on the current share price of approximately $175, the holding is now worth approximately $241 million, representing a paper profit of approximately $69 million. AIMCo's average cost per share was approximately $125. AIMCo previously held shares in the company from 2019 to 2020, but liquidated its position shortly after the company shifted to a Bitcoin reserve strategy.

Prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi reached a cumulative trading volume of $150 billion in April. According to Odaily, this milestone marks the end of a seven-month streak of monthly growth. Data reveals that Polymarket's active trading users decreased from 733,000 in March to approximately 643,000, contributing to a decline in overall market trading volume. Despite this, Polymarket's U.S. operations continue to expand, and Kalshi's performance remains on an upward trajectory.

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has expressed concerns to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regarding state-level regulations on prediction markets. According to Odaily, a16z argues that these regulations create 'barriers to fair access' and could potentially reduce market liquidity. The firm highlighted that requiring platforms to restrict user access based on state laws affects market uniformity and conflicts with federal principles of fair access. Additionally, frequent bans and enforcement actions may diminish overall trading depth. a16z emphasized the significant role of prediction markets in information discovery and probability pricing, advocating for unified federal regulation. Meanwhile, the CFTC maintains that related contracts fall under its exclusive regulatory jurisdiction.

U.S. President Donald Trump informed Congress on Friday that hostilities with Iran concluded in April, allowing the White House to bypass congressional authorization. According to Odaily, under the 1973 War Powers Act, the U.S. President can deploy military forces overseas for up to 60 days without congressional approval. Trump's 60-day war authority expired on May 1. In his letter, Trump stated that the U.S. ceased military operations against Iran on April 7, following a temporary ceasefire agreement between the two nations, which has since been extended. If hostilities resume, the 60-day countdown will reset and begin anew—a legal interpretation likely to be challenged by Senate Democrats. "Since April 7, 2026, there has been no exchange of fire between U.S. forces and Iran. Hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have now ended," Trump wrote in the letter.

US President Trump stated that the US is not currently "leaving" the Strait of Hormuz, defending the US blockade and calling it "very powerful." Trump claimed the blockade is working and asserted that energy prices will plummet once the war ends. "After this war, oil, gas, and everything will crash," he said. He also praised the record high US stock market and stated that projects under his administration are being completed "on time" and "on budget."

Iran has submitted a new proposal to Washington aimed at ending the war, showing signs of compromise and a desire to restart negotiations to resolve the deadlock that is taking a heavy toll on its economy. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Iran's new proposal moves closer to the United States: it proposes to discuss Tehran's conditions for opening the Strait of Hormuz alongside a U.S. commitment to cease attacks and lift the blockade on Iranian ports. Previously, Iran had demanded that the U.S. lift the blockade as a prerequisite for starting negotiations and that the U.S. reach an agreement on the terms of ending the war before discussing the future management of the Strait and its nuclear program. Sources also indicated that the new proposal subsequently suggested discussing issues related to Iran's nuclear program in exchange for U.S. sanctions relief. Iran has indicated to mediators that it is prepared to travel to Pakistan early next week for talks if Washington is open to the new proposal. (Wall Street Journal)

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