ChainCatcher reports that Bitcoin miner Core Scientific will repurpose its Pecos, Texas, mining facility into a high-density AI colocation data center with a planned total power capacity of 1.5 GW. The company expects about 1 GW of that capacity to be available for third-party leasing. As part of the conversion, roughly 300 MW of the site's mining capacity will be redirected to support data center operations. Core Scientific said the first data hall has finished foundation work and has moved into the main construction phase, with operations targeted to begin in early 2027. To fund the build-out, Core Scientific has acquired more than 200 acres of local land and plans to raise over $4 billion. The financing package includes issuing $3.3 billion of senior secured notes and drawing on a previously secured $1 billion credit facility from Morgan Stanley. Proceeds are intended to accelerate data center development across Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.

Core Scientific plans to repurpose its bitcoin mining facility in Pecos, Texas, into a high-density AI colocation data center, Cointelegraph reported. The company is targeting total power capacity of 1.5 GW, with about 1 GW expected to be available for lease. As part of the shift, roughly 300 MW of the site's existing mining capacity will be reassigned to data center operations. The first data hall has finished foundation work and has moved into the main construction phase, with an initial opening slated for early 2027. To support the buildout, Core Scientific has acquired more than 200 acres locally and outlined plans to raise over $4 billion. The funding package includes $3.3 billion in senior secured notes and a $1 billion credit facility previously secured from Morgan Stanley, to advance data center projects across Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.

UPDATE: Tom Lee's Bitmine staked an additional 112,656 ETH, valued at about $260 million. Total staked holdings now stand at 3,814,245 ETH, worth roughly $8.8 billion.

The Bank of Japan left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0.75% following a two-day monetary policy meeting. Policymakers pointed to geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices as key downside risks, with the ongoing Iran conflict adding to pressure on global economic stability.

April 28 — International crude prices firmed again after U.S.-Iran talks stayed stalled and flows through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted. WTI climbed back above $100 a barrel, while both WTI and Brent gained more than 2% on the session. The White House said President Trump and his national security team have reviewed Iran's latest proposal. Tehran is seeking the removal of U.S. port blockades and an end to hostile actions in return for resuming shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said sanctions relief would only be considered once any agreement is "100% implemented," and the two sides have yet to reach a consensus. Tamas Varga, senior analyst at PVM Oil Associates, said a break above $150 is "not impossible" if the conflict becomes prolonged. He argued the global market lacks sufficient alternative energy sources to offset the supply shortfall, and extended disruptions would outweigh the effect of softer demand. Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, added that even if tensions ease immediately, clearing mines, easing tanker congestion and restoring output would take months, with the market likely needing at least four to six months to stabilize. Several Wall Street firms have also lowered their expectations for an oil-market recovery. Goldman Sachs pushed back its timeline for Gulf energy exports to normalize to the end of June. Citigroup said that if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked through late June, Brent could reach $150 per barrel.

TRUMP fell more than 10% on April 26 after a security incident near a high-profile presidential dinner rattled risk appetite across the memecoin market. The token dropped from about $3 to around $2.65 within hours. CoinGlass and CoinMarketCap data showed a 10.65% daily decline. The move followed reports of shots fired near the Washington Hilton, venue for the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. The Secret Service moved Donald Trump and Melania Trump out quickly. One agent was reportedly struck but protected by body armor. Authorities later arrested a California suspect in his early 30s. Trump said he may have been the intended target, adding to market jitters. Derivatives positioning amplified the selloff. Liquidations totaled $7.61 million over 24 hours, with long positions taking the brunt as forced exits intensified downside pressure. Sentiment flipped quickly after earlier optimism tied to a private holder event. Despite the brief bursts of hype, TRUMP remains deeply underwater versus its prior peak. At roughly $2.65, it is more than 96% below the all-time high of $75.35 reached shortly after launch in early 2025. Political scrutiny continues to hang over the project. Senators Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, and Adam Schiff raised concerns earlier this month over access-related implications tied to private events at Mar-a-Lago, along with questions about token purchase incentives and fee generation. Reuters reporting also spotlighted financial disclosures indicating the Trump family earned over $800 million from crypto activity in 2025, with World Liberty Financial representing a significant share. The TRUMP memecoin was said to have contributed roughly $336 million, and crypto revenue reportedly accounted for more than 90% of family income. With security concerns and political pressure in focus, TRUMP remains highly sensitive to headlines. Near-term direction will hinge on whether sentiment stabilizes and broader market conditions improve.

U.S. Bitcoin spot ETFs posted $263 million in net outflows on April 27, according to SoSoValue Crypto data, ending a nine-session run of steady inflows. Fidelity's FBTC led the selling pressure, with $150.4 million leaving the fund. U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs also saw redemptions, recording $50.48 million in net outflows. Fidelity's FETH made up the bulk of the withdrawals at $48.43 million.

The Bank of Japan left its key policy rate unchanged at 0.75%, with the decision passing by a 6–3 vote, as the war in the Middle East adds uncertainty to the economic outlook. Analysts say the tone amounts to a "hawkish hold" and are increasingly pricing in a potential rate increase as soon as June. Market impact: › The yen firmed on the hawkish pause › Supportive for bitcoin and other risk assets › Stocks could see a relief rally

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has opened a review of a proposed NYSE Arca rule change that could tighten eligibility for crypto ETFs. The proposal centers on an 85% asset threshold, requiring funds to keep at least 85% of assets in holdings already approved under existing standards. The shift could affect exchange-listing efforts for products linked to Bitcoin ($BTC) and XRP ($XRP). XRP may meet criteria tied to futures-based exposure, but more complex structures, including OTC options, could leave some funds falling short of the 85% requirement. The result is added uncertainty for hybrid crypto strategies seeking listings. Clearer rules could also bolster long-term institutional confidence in the market.