Feds probe 'mention markets.' And, lawmakers call for investigation into USS Lincoln

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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 hide caption

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.

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.

The Kennedy Center's board voted yesterday for a second time to shut down most of the art complex for a significant two-year renovation. A person briefed on the vote revealed that they decided to close the main building but keep The REACH, a 2019 addition, open for limited programming. The $250 million project includes structural repairs, new marble floors, nearly $12 million in "acoustical improvements," and a strategy to temporarily relocate the eight-foot bronze bust of late President John F. Kennedy from the main foyer. The main campus is set to reopen in summer 2028. The board also voted to restore Trump's name to the center's entry. These decisions now await approval from a federal judge.

Jack Torney holds a crab, near Galesville Wharf in Galesville, Maryland, on June 16, 2026. Caroline Gutman for NPR hide caption

The average crabber in Maryland is in their late 50s. But two young men are shaking things up with the help of social media. Getting a crabbing license isn't easy, and Maryland limits the number to around 5,400 each year to protect the Chesapeake Bay's crab population, which declined between 2011 and 2023. Jack Torney says a solo crabber makes about $95,000 annually, but overhead can take a big bite out of that. That's why he has turned to Facebook to sell his crabs directly. Luke McFadden, another young crabber, is also using this model and has become a social media star. He's garnered more than 3 million followers from his content promoting the crab industry. Check out these photos of these two young crabbers day-to-day in the business.