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21 Jan 2026, 08:56
Sam Altman clashes with Elon Musk over Tesla and Grok

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and xAI founder Elon Musk exchanged words on the social media platform X, with the latter telling netizens, “not to let their loved ones use ChatGPT.” According to a report circulating on X, OpenAI’s large language model ChatGPT allegedly contributed to the demise of nine users. Musk took a dig at Sam Altman’s company on Monday, saying the findings were “diabolical.” Don’t let your loved ones use ChatGPT https://t.co/730gz9XTJ2 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 20, 2026 In a response posted on Tuesday, the OpenAI CEO reminded him that he once claimed ChatGPT was excessively restrictive to its userbase and was now blaming it for becoming “too relaxed.” “Almost a billion people use it, and some of them may be in very fragile mental states. We will continue to do our best to get this right, and we feel a huge responsibility to do the best we can, but these are tragic and complicated situations that deserve to be treated with respect,” Altman wrote . OpenAI is alleged to have caused five suicidal cases According to a BBC report from last October, OpenAI estimated that 0.07% of ChatGPT users active in a given week showed signs of mania, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts. The company also reckoned that 0.15% of users had conversations with explicit indicators of suicidal intent. OpenAI said it updated the chatbot to recognize and respond “safely and empathetically to signs of delusion or mania.” In his answer to Musk’s allegations, Altman admitted it was genuinely “hard to protect vulnerable users.” “It is genuinely hard because we need to protect vulnerable users, while also making sure our guardrails still allow all of our users to benefit from our tools,” the CEO surmised. Musk and Altman co-founded the organization in 2015 as a nonprofit research lab focused on developing artificial intelligence for the public good. Musk left OpenAI’s board in 2018 and later bashed the company for trying to change its non-profitable business structure and its partnership with Microsoft. He then created xAI and AI model Grok, which has recently been slammed with legal charges for sexualizing images of minors. “I won’t even start on some of the Grok decisions,” Altman said, insinuating Musk’s product had more problems than ChatGPT. Since late December 2025, Grok has been responding to prompts to undress people in photographs. xAI issued a statement on January 3, warning “anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content,” claiming they would be treated as if they had uploaded illegal content. Musk also dismissed the claims that Grok was sexualizing pictures of minors, writing on X: “I am not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero…Obviously, Grok does not spontaneously generate images; it does so only according to user requests.” Altman talks Tesla’s safety, electric car autopilot crashes, and deaths Altman extended his criticism to Musk’s automotive business, Tesla, citing reports of fatal crashes. “Apparently, more than 50 people have died from crashes related to Autopilot. I only ever rode in a car, using it once, some time ago, but my first thought was that it was far from a safe thing for Tesla to have released.” A late-December Bloomberg report examining fatal crashes in the US identified at least 15 deaths over the past decade, where occupants or rescuers were unable to open Tesla doors after crashes that led to fires. The automaker said it was considering engineering changes, including disabling locks automatically when battery voltage drops and releasing doors shortly before battery power is lost. Tesla’s design chief told Bloomberg in September that the company was working on a redesign of its door handles to improve electric and manual release prompts. The decision came against the backdrop of a lawsuit in November, when a crash in Wisconsin killed all five occupants of a Model S. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
21 Jan 2026, 08:15
The Truth About XRP and Why Banks Aren’t Yet Using It

Crypto influencer Ledger Man recently shared content addressing a recurring question in the digital asset space: why major banks and financial institutions are not yet using XRP on a global scale for transaction settlement. His post directs attention to a video explanation that challenges the assumption that the absence of widespread XRP usage reflects a lack of institutional interest or technological readiness. Instead, the material emphasizes sequencing, infrastructure, and trust as central factors shaping adoption timelines. The message presented alongside the video acknowledges that critics often dismiss the idea that the XRP Ledger , Ripple, and XRP were designed to play a significant role in global finance. Ledger Man’s contribution, however, centers on clarifying why current conditions do not yet reflect the end goal many observers expect. The truth about #XRP and why banks aren't yet using it. This video explains it clearly, and critics may disagree with the idea that the XRP Ledger, Ripple, and XRP are built to play a major role in global finance. pic.twitter.com/3q2DWW0W2j — Ledger Man (@strivex_) January 19, 2026 Infrastructure as the First Priority According to the speaker in the attached video, the initial phase of Ripple’s strategy focused on building foundational infrastructure rather than driving immediate XRP usage among banking partners. The explanation stresses that large-scale financial innovation does not begin with instant deployment across global institutions. Instead, it started with constructing settlement rails capable of handling institutional volumes securely and efficiently. The XRP Ledger is described as having been engineered to support the movement of large sums of value at high speed, with low cost and operational reliability. While retail activity and market liquidity exist on the network, the speaker argues these were not the primary design objectives. The core focus was creating a system capable of operating at an institutional scale and meeting the operational expectations of banks, payment providers, and central financial authorities. Establishing Trust Through Integration The video further explains that once the infrastructure was in place, the next phase involved integration with existing financial systems. This stage emphasized building trust with institutions that oversee and manage monetary activity rather than compelling them to use XRP immediately. The partnerships formed during this period are characterized as strategic integrations rather than direct endorsements of instant settlement via digital assets. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 By embedding its technology into established financial plumbing, Ripple aimed to demonstrate reliability over time. The speaker argues that financial institutions cannot be expected to transact on new systems without a proven operational record, particularly when those systems are expected to support critical payment flows. Why Immediate XRP Usage Was Not the Objective Ledger Man’s shared content reinforces the idea that XRP adoption was never intended to precede infrastructure readiness and institutional confidence. The video asserts that introducing a new financial standard requires gradual alignment with regulatory, technical, and operational requirements already governing global finance. From this perspective, the current lack of universal XRP usage by banks is presented not as a failure, but as a reflection of a deliberate strategy. The underlying argument is that infrastructure development and trust-building must come first, with broader utilization following only after those foundations are firmly established. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post The Truth About XRP and Why Banks Aren’t Yet Using It appeared first on Times Tabloid .
21 Jan 2026, 04:30
Coinbase Signals Next Financial Supercycle—Onchain Markets Poised to Reshape Global Wealth Creation

Tokenization is emerging as a potential fix for global financial inequality, with Coinbase research arguing that bringing stocks and bonds onchain could unlock broader market access and reshape how wealth is created worldwide. A New Capital Era Is Forming: Tokenization Could Expand Global Market Access and Wealth Creation Global financial inequality increasingly reflects disparities in
21 Jan 2026, 01:00
XRP Faces Fresh Pressure: Is a Drop to $1.40 Coming?

XRP has come under renewed pressure in recent days, moving in line with broader weakness across the cryptocurrency market. After reaching a local high in mid-January, the asset has experienced a notable correction, raising questions about where meaningful support may emerge if selling pressure continues. While XRP has staged a modest recovery from its most recent low, technical analysis suggests that deeper declines remain a possibility under unfavorable market conditions. From its January 14 high near $2.19, XRP declined by more than 10%, briefly trading as low as $1.84 earlier today. This move triggered significant forced liquidations, with data showing more than $29 million in long positions wiped out during the downturn. Although XRP has since rebounded to approximately $1.93 , the recovery has not yet invalidated the broader corrective structure. Market Context and Near-Term Outlook On a broader timeframe, XRP remains down roughly 18% from its yearly peak near $2.41. While short-term price action has stabilized, uncertainty across the crypto market continues to weigh on sentiment. Macroeconomic pressures and declining risk appetite have limited upside momentum across many digital assets, including XRP. In the near term, a recovery above the $2.00 level could help restore confidence and potentially open the door to a retest of higher resistance zones. However, analysts caution that such a move may face significant obstacles, particularly if overall market conditions remain fragile. I currently see a 3 wave corrective move up into the 5 Day ribbon for #xrp into the resistance of a red sell dot. If $xrp nukes I have my eyes on this multi year supporting trendline where we have been buying each dip HUGE with success since 2020. I would like to see XRP… pic.twitter.com/Jw5gR5huS2 — CoinsKid (@Coins_Kid) January 18, 2026 Potential Rebound Toward Overhead Resistance Market analyst CoinsKid recently addressed XRP’s technical position using a five-day chart, outlining both upside and downside scenarios. According to his analysis, XRP could attempt a short-term recovery from recent lows, but any upward movement may encounter selling pressure near the region he identifies as the five-day ribbon. This ribbon aligns with a potential resistance zone near $2.50, an area also reinforced by a descending trendline. CoinsKid views this region as a likely point where selling interest could re-emerge, limiting further upside unless XRP can decisively reclaim and hold above it. Multi-Year Support Trendline Comes Into Focus If XRP fails to sustain a recovery and instead resumes its decline, attention may shift to a long-standing ascending support trendline that has been in place since 2020. CoinsKid highlights this trendline as a critical structural level on the five-day chart, noting that it has consistently absorbed downside pressure during prior corrections. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 According to the analyst, XRP has historically found demand each time the price approached this support, preventing more severe breakdowns. Based on current chart positioning, this trendline now intersects near the $1.40 level. A move toward this area would represent an additional decline of nearly 30% from current prices. CoinsKid notes that he has personally used this trendline as a reference point for long-term entries over several years, citing repeated instances where it coincided with meaningful price reversals. However, he emphasizes that reaching this zone would require further downside confirmation and continued weakness in the broader market. Historical Precedent Strengthens Support Significance The last notable interaction with this ascending support occurred in November 2024, when XRP declined sharply during a fourth-quarter correction. At that time, the price approached the lower end of the $0.50 region, aligning closely with the trendline. CoinsKid identified that move as a high-probability entry point, which was later followed by a substantial rally into early 2025. Additional caution comes from XRP’s position relative to what CoinsKid refers to as the “CoinsKid Ribbon,” a technical zone that serves as a broader trend filter. XRP has remained below this ribbon since October 2025, recording multiple closes beneath it. This behaviour reinforces the view that bearish momentum has not yet been fully resolved. According to CoinsKid’s wave analysis, further declines could represent an extension of a corrective structure that began after XRP’s July 2025 peak near $3.66. Unless a sharp recovery invalidates this setup, the multi-year ascending support trendline remains a key level to monitor in the event of continued downside. While XRP has shown signs of short-term stabilization, the technical landscape suggests that risk remains elevated. Should selling pressure intensify, the multi-year support near $1.40 stands out as a critical area that could determine the asset’s next major move. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post XRP Faces Fresh Pressure: Is a Drop to $1.40 Coming? appeared first on Times Tabloid .
21 Jan 2026, 01:00
Trend Research ETH Purchase: Strategic $20M Accumulation Signals Bullish Institutional Conviction

BitcoinWorld Trend Research ETH Purchase: Strategic $20M Accumulation Signals Bullish Institutional Conviction In a significant move underscoring deepening institutional conviction, Trend Research, a subsidiary of the prominent venture firm LD Capital, has executed a substantial Trend Research ETH purchase , acquiring an additional $20 million worth of Ethereum. This transaction, conducted on March 15, 2025, via the Binance exchange, represents a continuation of a calculated accumulation strategy that began in late 2023. Consequently, the firm now commands a staggering portfolio of 651,310 ETH, valued at approximately $1.91 billion. This strategic maneuver provides critical insight into sophisticated capital flows within the digital asset ecosystem. Decoding the $20 Million Trend Research ETH Purchase The recent transaction by Trend Research involved a multi-step process common in institutional crypto treasury management. Initially, the firm borrowed 20 million USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. Subsequently, it deployed this capital to purchase 6,656 ETH on the Binance spot market. Finally, Trend Research deposited the newly acquired Ethereum into Aave, a leading decentralized lending protocol. This action allows the firm to potentially earn yield on its assets or use them as collateral for future borrowing, creating a leveraged long position on ETH. This methodical approach highlights a shift from simple buying to active portfolio management using decentralized finance (DeFi) infrastructure. The Mechanics of Leveraged Accumulation Trend Research has consistently utilized debt to fund its Ethereum acquisitions since November 2023. At that time, ETH traded around $3,400. By repeatedly borrowing stablecoins like USDT to buy more ETH, the firm employs a strategy that amplifies its exposure to potential price appreciation. However, this approach also carries inherent risks, particularly if Ethereum’s price declines significantly, potentially triggering liquidation events on borrowed positions. The firm’s continued use of this tactic, especially at current price levels, suggests a strong, long-term bullish thesis on Ethereum’s fundamental value proposition. Institutional Context and Market Impact The scale of Trend Research’s holdings—now over 651,000 ETH—positions it as a major non-exchange entity holder. For context, this stash represents roughly 0.54% of Ethereum’s total circulating supply. Movements of this magnitude are closely monitored by market analysts as indicators of smart money sentiment. Furthermore, the deposit into Aave directly impacts the DeFi landscape by increasing the total value locked (TVL) in the protocol and providing deeper liquidity for other users. This activity reinforces the symbiotic relationship between traditional venture capital strategies and the decentralized financial system. Key implications of this accumulation include: Supply Shock Dynamics: Large, long-term withdrawals from exchanges reduce readily available sell-side liquidity. Validation of DeFi: Institutional use of protocols like Aave legitimizes the DeFi sector as a financial utility. Strategic Confidence: The persistent buying, even after a significant price rally from the $3,400 entry point, signals expectation of further upside. Trend Research Ethereum Accumulation Timeline Date Period Key Action Approximate ETH Price Strategic Note November 2023 Initial accumulation phase begins $3,400 Strategy of borrowing USDT to buy ETH is initiated 2024 Continued periodic purchases $2,800 – $4,000 Building core position through market fluctuations March 2025 Latest $20M purchase ~$3,000 (est. for 6,656 ETH) Assets deposited into Aave protocol for yield/collateral Current Total Holdings ~$2,934 per ETH 651,310 ETH worth $1.91B Expert Analysis: Reading the Strategic Signals From an analytical perspective, Trend Research’s actions extend beyond mere speculation. The parent company, LD Capital, is a well-established venture player in the blockchain space with a history of early investments in foundational projects. Therefore, its subsidiary’s treasury strategy likely reflects deep, research-driven conviction in Ethereum’s long-term network effects. The choice to use Aave, rather than a custodial solution, is particularly noteworthy. It demonstrates a comfort with DeFi’s smart contract risks in pursuit of capital efficiency, a sign of maturation in institutional crypto operations. Moreover, this pattern of accumulation during both lower and higher price ranges suggests a dollar-cost averaging approach on a grand scale. It is a tactic designed to mitigate volatility risk while building a target position size. The commitment to holding and leveraging the asset, rather than actively trading it, aligns with the view of Ethereum as a productive digital commodity—a core holding for a crypto-native investment firm. This behavior often precedes broader institutional adoption cycles, as early movers establish positions before larger, more conservative capital enters the market. Broader Implications for Ethereum’s Ecosystem Substantial holdings being moved off exchanges and into DeFi have tangible effects. First, they reduce the liquid supply on trading venues, which can decrease selling pressure and increase price stability. Second, they contribute to the security and utility of the Ethereum network itself by locking value within its ecosystem. Finally, they set a precedent for other institutional actors, showcasing a viable blueprint for managing crypto assets on-chain. As a result, the actions of a single firm like Trend Research can have a ripple effect, influencing the strategies of peer funds and corporate treasuries. Conclusion The latest Trend Research ETH purchase of $20 million is a definitive data point in the ongoing narrative of institutional cryptocurrency adoption. It reflects a sophisticated, leveraged accumulation strategy rooted in long-term conviction rather than short-term trading. By utilizing decentralized finance protocols like Aave, Trend Research bridges traditional venture capital tactics with the innovative tools of Web3. This move, expanding their holding to 651,310 ETH, not only solidifies their position as a major Ethereum holder but also provides a compelling case study in how informed capital is navigating and shaping the future of digital asset management. The market will watch closely to see if this confidence foreshadows a new phase of institutional engagement with core blockchain assets. FAQs Q1: What exactly did Trend Research do? Trend Research, part of LD Capital, borrowed $20 million in USDT, used it to buy 6,656 Ethereum (ETH) on Binance, and then deposited that ETH into the Aave lending protocol as part of its ongoing accumulation strategy. Q2: How much Ethereum does Trend Research now own? Following this purchase, Trend Research’s total holdings have reached 651,310 ETH. At current prices, this portfolio is valued at approximately $1.91 billion. Q3: Why would they deposit ETH into Aave? Depositing ETH into Aave allows Trend Research to potentially earn interest (yield) on their assets. More strategically, it enables them to use the ETH as collateral to borrow other assets, which can fund further purchases or other investments without selling their core ETH position. Q4: When did Trend Research start buying Ethereum? The firm began its systematic accumulation of Ethereum in November 2023, when the price was around $3,400. It has consistently used a strategy of borrowing stablecoins to finance additional purchases since then. Q5: What does this mean for the average Ethereum investor? While not direct financial advice, large-scale accumulation by informed institutions can signal strong long-term conviction. It also reduces the amount of ETH available on exchanges, which can influence market liquidity and volatility. Investors often view such actions as a validation of the asset’s fundamental value. This post Trend Research ETH Purchase: Strategic $20M Accumulation Signals Bullish Institutional Conviction first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
21 Jan 2026, 00:00
Analyst: XRP Will Surge to $9 Once It Breaks This Resistance

XRP continues to trade near a technically significant price zone that may determine its next major market phase. After more than a year of sustained sideways movement, long-term chart analysis suggests that a resolution of this consolidation could set the stage for a substantial price expansion, with projections extending toward the $9 level. At present, XRP is trading around $1.93, remaining confined within a narrow range between approximately $1.90 and $2.00. This structure has persisted for over a year, during which many alternative cryptocurrencies experienced notable declines. XRP’s ability to hold this zone throughout 2025 has drawn attention from analysts who interpret the behavior as relative strength rather than stagnation. Extended Range Signals Structural Stability According to recent market commentary from analyst Matt Hughes, also known as The Great Mattsby, XRP’s prolonged consolidation reflects a market that has absorbed selling pressure without losing key historical levels. Hughes’ analysis emphasized that XRP has successfully reclaimed several former cycle highs, a development that often signals a shift in long-term market structure. $XRP 's been grinding sideways for 1+ year while many other alts were bleeding. Not IF it hits $9—it's WHEN. Key flip: $3.09 becomes support and then its go time. Buckle up, holders. What’s your $XRP target? #XRP #Ripple #Crypto pic.twitter.com/XIHouhpSO5 — The Great Mattsby (@matthughes13) January 18, 2026 Historical price data shows that XRP spent years trading well below its current valuation. Between 2014 and 2016, the asset remained largely suppressed before entering a powerful expansion phase in 2017. That move culminated in early 2018, when XRP reached a peak near $3.30. This high later became a critical reference point for long-term technical analysis, including Fibonacci extension calculations. Following its 2018 peak, XRP entered a prolonged corrective phase. From 2018 through 2020, price action was characterized by declining momentum and limited volatility, with XRP largely confined to a range between $0.20 and $0.50. Multiple attempts to recover higher levels failed during this period, reinforcing bearish market control. Recovery Attempts and Structural Shift A renewed bullish attempt emerged in 2021, pushing XRP toward the $1.96 level. However, this move lacked durability, and the market again retreated. It was not until late 2024 that XRP demonstrated a more decisive structural shift. During this period, the token rallied from approximately $0.50, coinciding with broader macro and political developments, and eventually reclaimed levels not seen since the prior cycle. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 By early 2025, XRP briefly revisited the $3.30 region , marking a return to its historical high zone. While the asset did not sustain that level, the move altered its broader market positioning. Since then, XRP has settled into a tight consolidation band just below $2.00, holding above nearly all former cycle highs except the absolute 2018 peak. Hughes’ analysis identifies a key technical threshold at approximately $3.09, derived from the 2.272 Fibonacci extension. This level represents a major pivot on the weekly chart and is viewed as the dividing line between extended consolidation and renewed expansion. XRP last traded near this area in October 2025 before pulling back into its current range. A confirmed move above this level, followed by sustained support, would signal a transition into a new market phase. Such a development would likely indicate that long-term buyers have regained control, increasing the probability of further upside. Long-Term Projection Toward $9 Beyond the $3.09 pivot, the next significant level identified on the weekly chart is the 2.618 Fibonacci extension, located near $9.00. This projection is based on historical price behavior and established technical frameworks rather than speculative assumptions. Analysts note that similar extension levels have played defining roles in previous XRP market cycles. While this scenario remains conditional on a confirmed breakout and broader market support, the extended consolidation XRP has displayed suggests that a significant move, once initiated, could be sustained. XRP’s current price behavior reflects a market in balance rather than decline. The resolution of its long-standing range, particularly around the $3.09 range, is likely to determine whether the asset enters a new expansion phase with longer-term targets extending toward $9. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Analyst: XRP Will Surge to $9 Once It Breaks This Resistance appeared first on Times Tabloid .









































