Daily Digest: Crypto Crash, Gaza Reopening, Shutdown

Welcome to Grapevines’ Daily Digest for February 2, 2026. We’re breaking down the biggest stories from the past 12 hours across crypto, politics, world news, and iGaming. Let’s dive into the headlines shaping the globe right now.

Top Stories

Crypto Chaos

• Bitcoin Slides to $74K: Jim Cramer’s latest jab at Bitcoin bulls comes as the crypto king dips to $74,000 after a brutal weekend selloff erased $290 billion from the market. Despite a slight rally with global markets opening bullish, volatility reigns. Bitcoin Price Slide
• BitMine’s $7B Loss: BitMine faces a staggering $7 billion paper loss as ETH treasuries buckle under market pressure. Investors are rattled, with $1.7 billion in outflows hitting crypto funds for the second straight week. BitMine Market Crash

Political Tensions

• US Shutdown Drags On: The partial US government shutdown enters its third day with no resolution in sight. Funding standoffs continue to paralyze operations, raising concerns over long-term economic impact. US Shutdown Update
• Zimbabwe’s Funeral Insurance Trend: Millions in Zimbabwe are opting for funeral insurance over costly medical cover, a grim reflection of economic hardship and healthcare access issues. Zimbabwe Insurance Crisis

World News

• Rafah Crossing Reopens: Gaza’s Rafah border crossing partially reopens under a fragile ceasefire deal, offering a glimmer of hope for aid delivery amidst ongoing conflict. However, NGOs defy Israel’s threats to continue operations. Rafah Crossing Reopen
• Russia-Ukraine Escalation: Russia kills 12 Ukrainian miners in a bus attack just hours after peace talks were postponed, signaling no end to hostilities despite cold weather challenges. Russia-Ukraine Attack

Regional Highlights

• Finland’s Rare Sight: A rare phenomenon is expected in the Gulf of Finland, drawing attention from locals and nature enthusiasts alike. Details remain scarce but anticipation is high. Finland Gulf Phenomenon

iGaming Developments

• Louisiana Sweepstakes Law: A new Louisiana bill adds sweepstakes gambling crimes to racketeering laws, tightening regulations as the industry braces for Super Bowl LX betting surges. Louisiana Gambling Law

Key Takeaways

• Market Jitters: Crypto’s $290 billion wipeout and ongoing outflows signal investor caution, even as Bitcoin shows signs of recovery.
• Global Flashpoints: From Gaza’s tentative reopening to Ukraine’s deadly attacks, geopolitical instability remains a dominant theme.
• Local Impacts: Economic struggles in regions like Zimbabwe and regulatory shifts in iGaming highlight how global trends hit close to home.

Stay tuned to Grapevines for real-time updates on these evolving stories!