This week, optimism pulses through the headlines. Jack Dorsey unlocks Bitcoin payments for 4 million Square merchants, a milestone in making crypto an everyday currency. Meanwhile, altcoins bounce back hard as Bitcoin hits $106.5K, fueled by optimism over economic stimulus. At Art Basel Miami Beach, digital art is no longer on the sidelines—it's center stage, with Zero 10 redefining what it means to be an art collector in 2025. And in Rome, the Pope reminds us: even in an AI-powered world, our humanity is the most vital code of all.

From decentralized money to decentralized media to the future of medicine—one thing’s clear: we’re living through radical reinvention. But change doesn’t have to mean chaos. These stories point to what’s possible when innovation meets intention.

Square unlocks Bitcoin payments for 4 million businesses—zero fees until 2026, powered by Lightning. Jack Dorsey just took a bold leap toward mainstream Bitcoin adoption. Starting this week, over 4 million merchants using Square can now accept Bitcoin at checkout, seamlessly integrated into their existing point-of-sale systems. Thanks to the Lightning Network, transactions are instant, cheap, and final—no chargebacks, no middlemen. Block Inc. is waiving all fees until 2026, making this rollout not only frictionless but free.

Dorsey has long called Bitcoin “the currency of the internet.” This move makes that vision tangible for businesses of every size—from mom-and-pop coffee shops to global e-commerce brands. In an era where crypto is often siloed as a speculative asset, Square’s Bitcoin integration pushes it back into everyday life—one cup of coffee, one dinner bill, one online order at a time.

In a move that affirms digital art’s place at the center of contemporary culture, Art Basel has announced the launch of Zero 10 — a dedicated platform for the art of the digital era, debuting at Art Basel Miami Beach 2025. Presented in collaboration with OpenSea and curated by digital art strategist Eli Scheinman, Zero 10 brings generative art, blockchain-based works, robotics, sound, and immersive media directly into the heart of the traditional art world. With exhibitors ranging from Pace Gallery and Beeple Studios to digital-first players like Art Blocks and Fellowship, this initiative bridges the experimental energy of the digital space with the prestige and infrastructure of the global art market.

But Zero 10 is more than a showcase — it’s a strategic signal. By referencing the avant-garde legacy of Malevich’s historic 0,10 exhibition and backing it with curatorial and market credibility, Art Basel is institutionalizing the digital frontier. The numbers speak volumes: over 50% of high-net-worth collectors now include digital art in their collections, and this demand is accelerating. Zero 10 responds to that shift with substance and vision, validating the medium’s artistic, cultural, and economic significance. As digital artists step onto the biggest stage in the art world, a new chapter begins — one where code is canvas, and the future is now.

Pope Leo XIV addressed a global gathering at the Vatican this week with a powerful reminder: as AI reshapes medicine, human dignity and care must remain central. Speaking at the “AI and Medicine: The Challenge of Human Dignity” conference, the Pope acknowledged AI’s potential in diagnostics and treatment—but warned that healthcare must never become “just problem-solving.”

He emphasized that AI should enhance, not replace, the vital relationships between caregivers and patients. “We must never forget the dignity that belongs to the person simply because they exist and are loved,” he said. In a world of economic interests and rapid advancement, the Pope called for international cooperation and ethical reflection, urging AI to serve—not erode—the human spirit.

Market optimism surges as Trump’s proposed dividend fuels hopes for retail-driven growth. After two weeks of losses, Bitcoin has reclaimed ground above the $100,000 mark, stabilizing at $106,000 as the market digests President Trump’s proposal of a $2,000 “tariff dividend” for American households. While Bitcoin rose 4% in the last 24 hours, the real story is altcoins: XRP, XLM, and HBAR all posted double-digit gains, signaling what may be the start of another “alt season.”

With Bitcoin dominance dropping to 59.1% and CoinMarketCap’s altcoin strength indicator rising from 23 to 34, traders are betting that fresh liquidity could flow into the broader crypto ecosystem—much like the stimulus-fueled retail wave of 2021. Total value locked (TVL) climbed to $142.8B, led by Starknet Bridge and Suilend, both seeing 20% inflows. If momentum continues, we may be entering a new phase of rotation, where infrastructure protocols and L1 alternatives steal the spotlight from Bitcoin’s headline gains.

From Square’s Bitcoin rollout to the Vatican’s AI ethics, from crypto-fueled market rallies to digital art’s coronation at Art Basel—one thing’s clear: the future is here, and it’s showing up everywhere.

What once felt fringe is fast becoming foundational. Whether it’s blockchain at checkout, generative code on gallery walls, or conversations about dignity in machine-driven healthcare, the world is waking up to what’s possible.

The takeaway? Technology is no longer just transforming our screens—it’s reshaping our lives. The smart money, the bold builders, and the curious creatives are already in motion.

Stay alert. Stay inspired. The signal is getting louder.

DYOR / NFA:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) before making investment decisions. Not financial advice (NFA).