Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin responds to Jason Chaskin’s call for layer-1 blockchains to become Ethereum layer-2s, suggesting an approach to L2 design.

Vitalik Buterin proposes minimalism as key to layer-2 blockchain success

After funneling 40,000 BTC to Galaxy Digital, the elusive whale behind the 
massive Fourth of July 80,000 BTC shuffle moved yet another 10,000 BTC. As of 
now, three wallets are still untouched, holding a hefty 30,000 BTC—roughly 
$3.5 billion—sitting idle. Another 10,000 BTC Shifted as Whale’s Trail Grows 
Colder At block height 905705, the original […]

Fourth of July OG Whale Strikes Again: Another 10,000 BTC Moved as 30,000 Still Sit Idle

The EU has sanctioned multiple entities for using cryptocurrencies to evade 
restrictions, channel funds, and propagate pro‑Russian disinformation and 
election interference.

EU Sanctions crypto entities for election interference, disinformation

Bitcoin price has more room to run, with big overhead resistance between 
$124,000-$126,000 in place and several key support levels below.

Bitcoin 'not at peak yet': Watch these BTC price levels next

U.S. stocks traded slightly higher on Wednesday as investors digested strong 
earnings results from major banks and the latest producer price index data. 
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&amp;P 500 were up 140 points and 0.16% 
respectively, while Nasdaq…

Dow rises as Wall Street digests earnings, inflation data

Mary-Catherine Lader just stepped down as President and COO of Uniswap Labs 
after a four-year run that transformed the platform into the biggest 
decentralized exchange on Ethereum. During her time at the helm, Uniswap went 
from scrappy startup to DeFi juggernaut, pulling in over $73B in trading 
volume in the last month alone. That number alone has crypto optimists 
buzzing. So what’s next? Well, as Uniswap looks for its next leader, the rest 
of DeFi is doing what it does best – evolving fast. New crypto projects are 
stepping up to fill the innovation gap and take decentralized finance to the 
next level. And in true Web3 fashion, it’s not just about serious finance 
anymore. Why Lader’s Exit Matters Mary-Catherine Lader wasn’t just another 
name on the masthead. She was a driving force behind Uniswap’s rise to 
dominance in decentralized finance. Joining as President and COO in 2021, she 
played a central role in turning Uniswap from a developer-first protocol into 
a fully operational, structured business. Under her leadership, the company 
raised $165M in October 2022, achieving a valuation of $1.66B. But perhaps her 
most impressive feat was navigating the SEC investigation that loomed over 
Uniswap for nearly a year. That probe concluded in February 2025 with no 
enforcement action, a massive win for the entire DeFi sector. Lader’s 
departure after this victory feels intentional – a well-timed baton pass now 
that Uniswap stands on solid ground. It’s a clear signal: Uniswap is strong, 
mature, and ready for what’s next. Just like the DeFi ecosystem it helped 
build. Let’s take a look at three top meme coins that could ride this next 
wave. 1. Best Wallet Token ($BEST) – Your DeFi Wallet Just Got Smarter With 
DeFi entering a more mature phase, thanks to leaders like Mary-Catherine Lader 
pushing for transparency and regulation, it’s no surprise that users are 
demanding smarter tools. Enter Best Wallet Token ($BEST), a next-gen crypto 
wallet aiming to outpace clunky legacy apps like MetaMask with advanced 
features, clean design, and serious security. Right now, you can buy $BEST for 
just $0.025335, and the project has already pulled in a hefty $13.9M during 
the presale. That’s not hype – it’s momentum. Best Wallet is packed with 
features that make it feel more like Apple Wallet (if Apple actually cared 
about DeFi). Its standout tool? Upcoming Tokens, which lets you buy presale 
tokens safely and directly inside the app – no sketchy mirror sites or third- 
party scams. Add to that Fireblocks-powered MPC-CMP security, reduced 
transaction fees, iGaming perks, and governance rights, and $BEST starts 
looking like a wallet token with real-world muscle. If Uniswap’s $73B surge 
fuels optimism for meme coins, $BEST is where you might safely store them. 2. 
SUBBD Token ($SUBBD) – Turning Clout Into Crypto The creator economy is 
booming, but most platforms still take a massive cut while leaving creators 
fighting for scraps. SUBBD Token ($SUBBD) wants to change that by putting the 
power – and earnings – back into the hands of influencers, artists, and yes, 
even meme lords. Built as the first AI-driven, premium content platform on the 
blockchain, SUBBD lets users create and monetize content with game-changing 
tools. At the core is an AI agent that automates chat, edits videos, and helps 
creators engage fans without burning out. And with over 250M combined 
followers across SUBBD’s platform, Honny brand, and ambassador network, it’s 
already got a massive audience primed for Web3. Currently, you can buy $SUBBD 
for $0.055925, with $810K raised in presale – a strong signal of early 
traction. $SUBBD also offers 20% APY staking during the presale, plus real- 
time, low-fee crypto payments that make tipping and subscribing a breeze. In a 
DeFi world shaped by leaders like Mary-Catherine Lader, who bridged 
traditional finance with blockchain, $SUBBD is extending that legacy – 
bringing AI and creator freedom to the next generation of decentralized 
platforms. 3. Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) – Meme Power Meets Layer‑2 Muscle 
Following Uniswap’s $73B surge, DeFi’s energy isn’t confined to Ethereum 
alone. Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) seizes that momentum by launching the first 
meme‑focused Layer‑2 blockchain built on Ethereum. It combines the fun of meme 
coins with real utility, offering zero‑tax trading, lightning‑fast, low‑fee 
transactions, bot protection, staking, and DAO governance. Currently, 1 
$LILPEPE = $0.0015, and its presale has raised $7,2M. That funding level 
underscores enthusiastic backing for its vision: a Layer‑2 chain for memes. 
The heart of the project is the Little Pepe Chain – EVM‑compatible, 
ultra‑scalable infrastructure built to launch new tokens via a meme launchpad, 
protect users from sniper bots, and host NFTs. It aims for seamless edge 
utility for creators and traders alike, reflecting the kind of platform 
Uniswap’s surge inspires. Alongside blockchain utility, it boasts a $777K 
giveaway, strong community traction, and plans for Tier‑1 exchange listings – 
that’s meme culture backed by infrastructure. As Uniswap settles into its next 
chapter, Little Pepe shows how the Uniswap $73B surge fuels optimism for meme 
coins – fusing humor, community, and real tech into the future of DeFi. The 
Torch Is Being Passed Lader’s exit doesn’t mean DeFi is slowing down. If 
anything, it&#8217;s accelerating. With projects like $BEST, $SUBBD, and $LILPEPE 
stepping up, the crypto world might be entering a new golden age – one that&#8217;s 
decentralized, community-driven, and just a little chaotic. This article is 
for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute financial advice. 
Always do your own research (DYOR) before investing in crypto.