Daily Digest: Crypto Crash, Global Tensions Rise

Welcome to Grapevines’ Daily Digest for February 13, 2026. From Bitcoin’s volatile plunge to geopolitical shifts, here’s your quick rundown of the past 12 hours’ biggest stories.

Top Stories Across the Globe

• Crypto Chaos: Bitcoin Dips to $65K - Bitcoin crashed to $65,000, with analysts calling it a ‘necessary correction’ amid market capitulation. Experts point to over-leveraged positions and broader economic fears as triggers. Read More
• Crypto Betting Scandal - Israel indicted two individuals for secret bets on military operations via Polymarket, raising ethical and security concerns about decentralized betting platforms. Read More
• Politics: Trump’s Climate Rollback - President Trump celebrated a sweeping climate policy reversal, dubbed the ‘biggest rollback yet,’ drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists and Democrats. Read More
• US Politics: Shutdown Looms - Democrats eye a GOP zero-vote margin as a government shutdown threatens over ICE reform gridlock, with Tim Walz demanding federal accountability. Read More
• Geopolitical Shock: Iran’s UN Role - Outrage erupted as Iran was named vice-chair of a UN body promoting democracy and women’s rights, with critics slamming the decision as hypocritical. Read More
• Global Move: US Withdraws from Syria - US forces completed their withdrawal from the strategic al-Tanf Garrison in Syria, signaling a shift in Middle East policy under the Trump administration. Read More
• Finland Tragedy - A person died after falling from a parking structure in Helsinki’s Jätkäsaari district, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in urban areas. Read More
• Estonia Security - Estonian police deported a man with alleged ties to Russian intelligence, underscoring heightened security measures in the Baltic region. Read More
• iGaming Shakeup - DraftKings’ disappointing 2026 guidance led to a 15% stock crash, while FanDuel joined in ending credit card deposits amid compliance pressures. Read More

Key Takeaways

• Economic Volatility: Bitcoin’s crash reflects broader market jitters, with crypto remaining a high-risk arena amid global uncertainty.
• Geopolitical Strain: From Iran’s controversial UN role to US strategic withdrawals, international tensions are reshaping alliances.
• Policy Battles: Domestic US gridlock and bold policy reversals signal a contentious political landscape ahead.

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