A U.S. Army soldier named Gannon Ken Van Dyke has pleaded not guilty to charges that he used secret government information to place bets on a prediction market about capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The case is being handled in a Manhattan federal court.
Key Facts
The soldier is accused of using classified information for personal gain.
He placed bets on Polymarket, a platform where people trade predictions on future events.
The bets related to a U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Gannon Ken Van Dyke pleaded not guilty to the charges on Tuesday.
The case involves federal charges and is taking place in Manhattan court.
The information he allegedly used was confidential government information.
Polymarket is known for allowing trades on outcomes of political and world events.
The military and federal authorities are investigating the matter.
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James Comey, former FBI Director, was indicted in a case linked to a social media photo that officials said was a threat against President Donald Trump. This is the second time the Justice Department has charged Comey in recent months, and the exact charges from this case are not yet public.
Key Facts
James Comey was indicted over a social media post showing seashells arranged to read "86 47," which officials interpreted as a threat to President Trump.
The phrase "86" can mean "to get rid of" and has more recently been linked to meaning "to kill," though this usage is rare.
Comey said he saw the image as a political message and not a call to violence; he removed the post after learning some saw it differently.
President Trump publicly accused Comey of knowing the post implied assassination.
This indictment follows a previous case where Comey was charged with lying and obstructing Congress, which was later dismissed due to illegal appointment of the prosecutor.
Comey was FBI Director when Trump took office in 2017, but their relationship was tense, especially after Comey refused to pledge personal loyalty to Trump.
Trump fired Comey in 2017 during an FBI investigation into possible ties between Trump’s campaign and Russia.
The Justice Department is also investigating other figures connected to the Russia probe, including former CIA Director John Brennan.
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Kid Rock and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took a ride in Army Apache attack helicopters near Washington, D.C., following criticism over similar helicopters flying near Kid Rock’s home in Tennessee. The helicopter pilots who flew near the musician’s house were initially suspended but later cleared after Hegseth’s intervention.
Key Facts
Kid Rock and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth flew in AH-64 Apache attack helicopters around Washington, D.C.
The same type of helicopters previously hovered near Kid Rock’s home in Nashville, Tennessee, causing controversy.
The pilots involved in the flyover near Kid Rock’s home were briefly suspended but were not punished after Hegseth intervened.
The helicopters belong to the 101st Airborne Division, a unit of the U.S. Army.
Hegseth has bypassed normal military procedures in this case, showing tension with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
Kid Rock is a well-known supporter of President Donald Trump and has appeared at Trump campaign events.
The recent flight with Kid Rock and Hegseth will be used in a Pentagon promotional video.
Military flyovers usually occur during public events, not near private homes.
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Master Sergeant Gannon Ken Van Dyke, a U.S. Army special forces soldier, pleaded not guilty to charges that he used secret information about the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to make over $400,000 by betting on a prediction market called Polymarket. Van Dyke was arrested and released on bond, and his case is ongoing in a federal court in Manhattan.
Key Facts
Van Dyke helped plan and take part in the operation to capture Venezuelan President Maduro.
He allegedly used classified information to place bets on the outcome of the operation before it happened.
Van Dyke opened a betting account on the prediction market Polymarket on December 26, 2025, and placed bets from December 27 to January 2, 2026.
He made approximately $409,881 from bets totaling $33,034 after President Trump announced the operation publicly.
Van Dyke was arrested at Fort Bragg and appeared in court in New York, where he pleaded not guilty.
He was released on a $250,000 personal bond with travel restrictions to California, North Carolina, and New York.
Evidence includes records from Polymarket, banks, cryptocurrency exchanges, emails, and classified material.
Van Dyke is currently on military leave, and his military status is uncertain.
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The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing Disney’s TV broadcast licenses after President Donald Trump called for the firing of Jimmy Kimmel, a late-night show host, over a joke about Melania Trump. This review could lead to the loss of Disney’s broadcast licenses, a rare move not done in over 40 years.
Key Facts
The FCC ordered an early review of licenses held by Disney’s ABC TV stations after complaints linked to Jimmy Kimmel’s joke about Melania Trump.
President Trump demanded ABC cancel Kimmel’s show, calling his joke a "call to violence."
Kimmel’s joke referred to Melania Trump as having the glow of an "expectant widow," made before a recent shooting at an event attended by the Trumps.
The shooting suspect was charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump.
The FCC’s review requires Disney to apply for license renewal within 30 days, though renewals were not due until 2028.
FCC Commissioner Anna M Gomez called the review a “political stunt” and supported companies standing up for free speech rights under the First Amendment.
White House officials continue to pressure ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel.
Jimmy Kimmel defended his joke, saying it was a light roast and not a call for violence, and cited his past work against gun violence.
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The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, will not face a parliamentary investigation over claims he misled MPs about how Lord Mandelson was appointed as US ambassador. The House of Commons voted against a motion to start an inquiry after a strong campaign by the government to oppose it.
Key Facts
The motion to investigate Sir Keir Starmer was rejected by 335 votes to 223.
The motion was led by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch.
Some Labour MPs wanted Starmer to refer himself for investigation but most opposed the motion.
Starmer denies misleading MPs about the ambassador appointment process and vetting.
The Ministerial Code says ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament should resign.
Several smaller parties and some independent MPs voted with the Conservatives in favor of the inquiry.
Fourteen Labour MPs broke party lines to support the investigation motion.
Labour MPs campaigning in Scotland were asked to return to Westminster to vote against the motion.
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Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted for a second time by the US Department of Justice over a photo he posted on Instagram that some officials say was a threat toward President Donald Trump. The new charges follow a previous case that was dismissed because the prosecutor was improperly appointed.
Key Facts
James Comey, former FBI director, faces new federal charges related to an Instagram photo showing seashells arranged as "86 47."
"Eighty-six" is slang for "remove" or "eject," and some officials view the photo as a threat against President Trump, the 47th president.
Comey said he did not know the meaning and opposed any form of violence; he deleted the Instagram post after the controversy.
Earlier charges against Comey involved lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding in 2020.
A federal judge dismissed the first case because the prosecutor was not properly authorized to bring the charges.
The new indictment was brought despite the dismissal, and Comey expects more legal actions from President Trump.
US Secret Service interviewed Comey last year about the seashell photo.
The case is ongoing with legal questions about the prosecutor's authority and Comey's intentions.
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Radio host Charlamagne Tha God criticized calls to reduce verbal attacks on President Donald Trump after a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. He said people often suggest toning down political criticism only when violence happens against the president or his allies.
Key Facts
Charlamagne Tha God is a radio host of "The Breakfast Club."
A shooting occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner.
Some people called for reducing harsh verbal attacks on President Trump after the shooting.
Charlamagne disagreed with this call to tone down criticism.
He pointed out that people often ask to ease attacks only when violence targets President Trump or his allies.
The WHCA dinner is an event involving the White House press and political figures.
Charlamagne’s comments were made on Monday after the shooting incident.
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Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted again by the U.S. Department of Justice under President Donald Trump's administration. This marks the second time Comey has faced charges from the Justice Department.
Key Facts
James Comey is a former director of the FBI.
The Department of Justice under President Donald Trump has indicted Comey twice.
The news was reported by CBS News with coverage anchored by Lindsey Reiser.
An indictment means formal charges have been filed against Comey.
Details about the charges or reasons for this second indictment were not provided in the article.
The development involves U.S. government legal actions.
President Donald Trump is currently leading the Justice Department responsible for this case.
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A new bill in Louisiana, House Bill 211, would make it illegal to sleep or camp in public places that are not authorized. People found breaking the law could face fines, jail time, or be forced to work without pay if they cannot pay for treatment programs. The bill has raised concerns from civil rights and homelessness groups who say it punishes poor people for being homeless.
Key Facts
House Bill 211 was introduced by Representative Debbie Villio, a Republican from Kenner, Louisiana.
The bill bans “unauthorized camping” on public property, including using tents or bedding outside of designated campgrounds.
First offenses carry up to six months in jail, fines up to $500, or both; repeat offenses have harsher penalties including up to two years in prison and fines up to $1,000.
Defendants can avoid jail by entering a 12-month treatment program but may have to pay for it.
If people cannot pay for treatment programs, courts can require unpaid labor to cover the costs.
Critics say the bill criminalizes poverty and could trap homeless people in a cycle of debt, jail, and unstable housing.
Advocates warn that an arrest record makes it harder for homeless people to find jobs and housing in the future.
Enforcement would depend on local police and prosecutors, raising concerns about inconsistent application of the law.
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James Comey, former FBI Director, has been indicted again by the Justice Department under President Donald Trump. The new charges relate to a photo Comey posted on Instagram last year showing seashells arranged as the numbers "86 47," which some Trump supporters saw as a threat against the president.
Key Facts
James Comey was indicted a second time by the Justice Department led by President Trump.
The charges come from a photo posted on Instagram with seashells arranged as "86 47."
Trump supporters viewed "86 47" as a call to remove the 47th president, President Trump.
Comey said he did not intend to promote violence and removed the photo after criticism.
Comey was first indicted in September for allegedly lying to Congress and obstructing a proceeding but pleaded not guilty.
The first case was dismissed due to questions about the prosecutor’s legal appointment, but the Justice Department appealed.
Comey's lawyers claimed the prosecutions were politically motivated by President Trump’s personal dislike.
President Trump has publicly called for action against Comey and others on Truth Social.
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A federal grand jury in North Carolina has charged former FBI Director James Comey over an Instagram post that showed the numbers "86 47" arranged with seashells. The post was seen by President Donald Trump and his administration as a possible threat against the president. Comey deleted the post and said he did not realize it could be linked to violence.
Key Facts
A federal grand jury indicted James Comey in North Carolina for a controversial Instagram post from 2025.
The post featured the numbers "86 47" written with seashells on the beach and was captioned as a "cool shell formation."
President Trump and his administration claimed the numbers were a secret call to harm or "assassinate" the president.
"86" is slang for getting rid of something or someone, which led officials to investigate the post.
Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service looked into the Instagram post.
Comey removed the photo and said he opposed violence and was unaware of the post’s violent interpretation.
Legal experts say proving the post was a true threat will be difficult because it must be shown that Comey intended it as a threat.
The case could affect free speech rights under the First Amendment since protestors have also used the phrase "86 47."
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A U.S. Army soldier, Gannon Ken Van Dyke, pleaded not guilty to charges that he used secret information about a mission to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to place bets and win money. He is accused of illegally trading on a website that lets people bet on events, using inside knowledge to predict Maduro's removal before it was public.
Key Facts
Gannon Ken Van Dyke is a 38-year-old U.S. Army master sergeant involved in the operation to capture Nicolás Maduro.
Van Dyke is charged with using confidential government information for personal financial gain and several fraud-related crimes.
He allegedly won over $400,000 by betting on the prediction market Polymarket that Maduro would be removed from office.
Van Dyke placed bets shortly after President Trump announced Maduro's capture, before the news was public.
Polymarket flagged the betting activity as suspicious and informed federal authorities.
U.S. prosecutors labeled the actions as clear insider trading, which means using secret information to gain an unfair advantage in betting.
Van Dyke had signed nondisclosure agreements about the mission but still placed bets related to it.
He was released on bond and will face trial in federal court in New York.
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A Gallup poll found that 55% of Americans feel their financial situation is getting worse. Many people are worried about paying bills, credit cards, retirement, and college costs, with rising prices making life harder.
Key Facts
55% of Americans say their finances are worsening, a record high since Gallup began asking in 2001.
The poll was done with 1,001 adults from April 1-15.
High costs include inflation, energy, housing, health care, college, transportation, and childcare.
About 13% mentioned rising oil and gas prices as a concern, up 10 points from last year.
Gas prices recently hit $4.18 per gallon, the highest since the Iran war began.
62% fear not having enough money for retirement, up 3 points from last year.
28% worry about paying credit card minimums, an 11-point rise since 2021.
Many Americans worry more about running out of money than dying, according to a retirement study.
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Mark Kassen, a writer and actor, stars in a new thriller called "PH-1." He plays a fictional senator obsessed with his social media image, and the film aims to warn real lawmakers about focusing too much on online popularity.
Key Facts
Mark Kassen is both the writer and an actor in the film "PH-1."
The film features a fictional independent senator who is close to passing a water bill.
The senator character is highly focused on how he appears on social media.
The story is meant to show how obsession with social media can affect lawmakers.
The film acts as a warning for politicians to avoid putting personal image over important decisions.
"PH-1" is described as a thriller, suggesting it has suspense and drama.
The movie highlights challenges around social media’s impact on politics and decision-making.
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James Comey, the former FBI Director and a critic of President Donald Trump, has been indicted by the Justice Department for a second time. The indictment reportedly involves a social media post by Comey that some Republicans saw as a threat against President Trump.
Key Facts
James Comey is the former FBI Director.
He has been indicted twice by the Justice Department.
The current indictment relates to a social media post with seashells arranged to show "8647."
Some Republicans interpreted this post as a threat against President Donald Trump.
The Justice Department previously tried to indict Comey in 2023 for lying to Congress in 2020, but that case fell apart.
The full indictment details have not yet been made public.
This news is developing and updates may follow.
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The Department of Justice has charged James Comey, the former FBI director, with a new crime. The exact charges are not yet clear but are reportedly connected to a photo he shared in May.
Key Facts
James Comey is the former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a second set of criminal charges against him.
The specific charges have not been publicly confirmed.
Reports suggest the charges are related to a photo Comey posted last May.
The photo showed seashells arranged on a beach.
James Comey has been a known opponent of President Donald Trump.
News about the indictment came from a source speaking to NewsNation, linked to The Hill.
CNN also reported on the possible connection of the charges to the seashell photo.
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The Pentagon has asked Congress to officially approve the renaming of a part of the military as the “Department of War.” They estimate it will cost about $52 million but say this will not affect President Trump’s defense budget request for 2027.
Key Facts
The Pentagon wants Congress to make the “Department of War” name official by law.
The estimated cost to complete the renaming is nearly $52 million.
The Defense Department stated these costs will be finalized during the process and shared later.
The renaming will not significantly change the defense budget that President Trump proposed for 2027.
This change involves a formal and legal update within the U.S. military structure.
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The U.S. State Department is planning to release new passport designs to celebrate America's 250th birthday. One of the new designs will include a portrait of President Donald Trump on the inside cover.
Key Facts
The new passports are being created to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
President Donald Trump's picture will be featured on the inside cover of some of these passports.
One design includes President Trump's signature in gold.
The passports will have special artwork and improved images.
Security features of the passports will remain the same to keep them safe.
This information was confirmed by the U.S. State Department.
The passports will be released in a limited number.
The announcement was first reported by The Bulwark and Fox News Digital.
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The Justice Department filed new criminal charges against James Comey, the former FBI director, related to a picture he posted on Instagram that some viewed as a threat to President Donald Trump. Comey was previously charged with lying to Congress, but that case was dismissed due to a legal issue with the prosecutor's appointment.
Key Facts
James Comey is the former FBI director.
The Justice Department filed new criminal charges against him on Tuesday.
The charges are connected to a photo Comey posted on Instagram last year.
The photo showed sea shells arranged to form “86 47,” interpreted by some as a threat to President Trump.
“86” is slang for getting rid of something, and Trump is the 47th president.
The earlier case against Comey accused him of lying to Congress but was dismissed by a judge.
The Justice Department has not provided an official comment yet.
Comey has been criticized by President Trump and his allies because of past investigations into Trump.
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