Mention market; USS Lincoln; Crimea; Kennedy Center : NPR

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Federal regulators are reviewing “mention markets” on prediction market sites like Kalshi, according to two people with direct knowledge of the probe who spoke to NPR on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Mention markets allow bettors to wager on the word choices of public figures, including President Trump. Kalshi has removed all mention markets from its betting offerings as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission conducts its inquiry. While most sports betting on the site involves the action of the game, this form of betting has become increasingly popular. Kalshi is still allowing wagers related to what people say at political events, earnings calls and live TV newscasts. The CFTC’s probe notably comes after it was revealed last month that Trump’s teleprompter operator had been profiting from betting on his exact words during public appearances.

Federal regulators have opened an inquiry into so-called mention markets on prediction markets, where people bet millions of dollars on what a speak may or may not utter.

Erin Hooley/AP Photo/Erin Hooley/AP

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Erin Hooley/AP Photo/Erin Hooley/AP

Democratic lawmakers are calling on the Pentagon to investigate shortages of food, poor sanitation and a lack of mental healthcare on board the USS Abraham Lincoln. The aircraft carrier, which is home to more than 5,000 sailors, has been at sea for more than 250 days. After leaving San Diego in November, the USS Lincoln made one brief port visit and has since been stationed in the Middle East to support military operations against Iran.

• 🎧 The ships typically return to port every month or so to resupply, but the war with Iran has disrupted that routine, Steve Walsh of NPR network station WHRO tells Up First. After the conflict started in February, Iran attacked the Navy’s main hub in Bahrain, forcing the Navy to abandon its traditional supply center in the region. Fresh produce is usually the first thing to run out of stock. Most sailors spend their time below deck and may not see the sun for weeks. Morale starts to suffer, Walsh says. Navy officials have informed Walsh that the USS George Washington is currently in the Pacific. Walsh added that Navy planners had discussed the possibility of swapping the two carriers, even before the latest concerns emerged.

Russia has maintained a tight grip on Crimea since its initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Ukraine is determined to reclaim the territory. Its periodic drone strikes over the years have had limited effect, but it has ramped up its campaign dramatically in recent months, disrupting daily life on the peninsula. Yesterday, Ukrainian drones cut electricity in Sevastopol, Crimea’s largest city. Power was restored hours later, but this outage is just an example of the common conditions. Electricity and cellphone services are often down for days, water supplies are frequently cut, fuel is scarce and many shops often remain closed.