Daily Digest: Crypto Losses, Iran Tensions, iGaming Raids

Welcome to Grapevines’ Daily Digest for March 10, 2026. We’re diving into the biggest stories from the past 12 hours across crypto, politics, world news, and iGaming. Here’s what you need to know, sharp and fast.

Crypto Chaos and Capital Shifts

• XRP Investors Reeling: Over $50 billion of XRP supply is now underwater as prices slump. Investors are in pain, with a critical resistance level stalling any bullish recovery. (XRP Investors In Pain)
• Bitcoin vs. Gold: ETF flow data hints at early capital rotation from gold to Bitcoin. Analysts see this as a sign of growing mainstream trust in crypto as a store of value. (Bitcoin vs Gold ETF Flows)

Political Firestorms

• Iran’s New Hardline Leader: Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as Iran’s supreme leader draws global concern. Experts warn he’s a more extreme version of his father, signaling tougher policies ahead. (Khamenei Appointment Reaction)
• US Politics Heat Up: Over 40 House Republicans back Markwayne Mullin for DHS, citing border security as a ‘critical moment.’ Meanwhile, Trump clashes with Thune over voter ID demands. (Mullin for DHS)

Global Flashpoints

• Iran Tensions Escalate: Iranian Kurdish fighters signal readiness to strike Tehran if an opening emerges, while Pete Hegseth warns of more casualties in Operation Epic Fury. (Kurdish Fighters Ready)
• Russia’s Losses Mount: staggering casualty figures from Russia’s war efforts are revealed in Finland’s press, underscoring the conflict’s brutal toll. (Russia’s Losses in Harkova)

iGaming Under Scrutiny

• Crime Bust in Japan: Police raided a Japanese crime gang’s offices tied to an underground slots center, exposing organized crime’s grip on illicit gambling. (Japanese Slots Raid)
• Tennis Blackmail Shock: Another women’s tennis player faces pre-match threats in a chilling blackmail plot, raising alarms over athlete safety. (Tennis Blackmail Threat)

Key Takeaways

• Geopolitical Risks Spike: Iran’s leadership shift and military posturing dominate headlines, with ripple effects on markets and global stability.
• Crypto at a Crossroads: Investor losses in XRP contrast with Bitcoin’s ETF momentum, highlighting a polarized market.
• Crime in Focus: From iGaming raids to election meddling via crypto schemes, illicit activities are under the spotlight.

Stay tuned to Grapevines for real-time updates as these stories unfold.