Grapevines Daily Digest: Crypto Chaos & Global Tensions
Welcome to Grapevines’ Daily Digest for February 15, 2026. From Bitcoin’s massive shorts liquidation to global protests against Iran, here’s your quick rundown of the past 12 hours.
Welcome to Grapevines’ Daily Digest for February 15, 2026. From Bitcoin’s massive shorts liquidation to global protests against Iran, here’s your quick rundown of the past 12 hours. Let’s dive into the biggest stories shaking up crypto, politics, world news, and iGaming.
Crypto: Bitcoin Bloodbath and Memecoin Woes
- Bitcoin Shorts Liquidation: Bitcoin witnessed its largest shorts liquidation event since 2024, wiping out leveraged traders. Bitcoin Sees Largest Shorts Liquidation Event. Analysts warn of heightened volatility ahead as market sentiment sways.
- Memecoin Market Breakdown: Santiment reports the memecoin sector may be collapsing, with declining interest and value. Memecoin Market May Be Breaking Down. Is this the end of the speculative frenzy?
- XRP Surge Amid Slump: Despite a 70% drop in on-chain payment volume, XRP’s price jumped 19%. XRP Price Gains 19%. Traders remain puzzled by the disconnect.
Politics: Trump’s Clemency and AI Alarms
- Trump’s Clemency Controversy: Reports suggest Donald Trump has redefined presidential clemency, with allegations of pardons tied to payments. A Pardon for a Price?. Critics call it a dangerous precedent for justice.
- AI Risks Under Scrutiny: Experts are sounding alarms over AI’s potential to disrupt democracy and privacy. Why Experts Sound Alarm on AI. Regulation debates intensify globally.
World News: Iran Protests and Gaza Strikes
- Global Iran Protests: Major cities worldwide saw protests demanding regime change in Iran after a brutal crackdown. Global Protests Call for Iran Change. The movement gains traction as outrage grows.
- Gaza Strikes: Eleven were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, according to rescuers. Eleven Killed in Gaza Strikes. Tensions in the region remain at a boiling point.
iGaming: Uber Eats Expands to Finland
- Uber Eats in Finland: Financial Times reports Uber Eats will expand to Finland this year, shaking up the delivery and iGaming-adjacent sectors. Uber Eats Expands to Finland. Expect new synergies with online platforms.
Key Takeaways
The news pulse today reflects a world on edge: crypto markets are a rollercoaster with Bitcoin’s liquidation event signaling caution; geopolitical unrest, from Iran to Gaza, underscores global instability; and tech disruptions like AI risks and Uber Eats’ expansion hint at rapid societal shifts. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories evolve.