U.S. regulators probe prediction markets, lawmakers demand carrier inspection, and Kennedy Center plans major renovation

Federal regulators are examining "mention markets" on prediction-betting sites such as Kalshi, where users can place wagers on the exact words spoken by public figures, including the president. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has asked Kalshi to suspend these markets while it investigates, after reports that a former White House teleprompter operator profited from betting on the president's phrasing. Kalshi continues to allow bets on statements made at political events, earnings calls and live news broadcasts.

Democratic members of Congress have urged the Pentagon to launch an investigation into alleged shortages of food, inadequate sanitation and insufficient mental-health services on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for more than 250 days. The carrier, home to over 5,000 sailors, has made only one brief port call since leaving San Diego in November and remains stationed in the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran. Navy officials indicated that a carrier swap with the USS George Washington is being considered.

In Crimea, Ukrainian drone attacks have recently disrupted electricity and other services, with a strike on Sevastopol cutting power for several hours. Ukraine says it has targeted more than 200 Russian vessels in the past month, affecting the supply chain for Russian forces and civilian shipping in the Black Sea.

The Kennedy Center's board voted to close the main building for a two-year, $250 million renovation that includes structural repairs, new marble flooring and acoustic upgrades. The REACH annex will remain open for limited programming, and the eight-foot bronze bust of President John F. Kennedy will be temporarily relocated. The center plans to reopen the main campus in summer 2028, pending federal court approval.