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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

US soldier pleads not guilty to charges of betting on Nicolás Maduro’s ouster

US soldier pleads not guilty to charges of betting on Nicolás Maduro’s ouster

April 28, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A US Army soldier named Gannon Ken Van Dyke pleaded not guilty to charges that he used secret government information to bet $33,000 on the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which earned him $400,000. Van Dyke, a special forces master sergeant, is accused of insider trading on a prediction market and faces several criminal charges.

Key Facts

  • Gannon Ken Van Dyke is a 38-year-old US Army master sergeant stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
  • He is charged with using secret government information to place bets on Polymarket predicting Maduro’s ouster and US forces entering Venezuela.
  • His bets totaled $33,000 and earned him $400,000 due to low odds on those events.
  • This is the first US insider trading case involving a prediction market.
  • The Commodity Futures Trading Commission filed civil charges against Van Dyke.
  • Van Dyke was involved in planning the January raid that captured Maduro and his wife.
  • He faces five criminal counts, including fraud, unlawful use of information, and theft of government information.
  • Polymarket reported Van Dyke’s suspicious trades to authorities and helped with the investigation.
  • Van Dyke was arrested on April 23 and released on $250,000 bond after a court appearance in North Carolina.
  • US District Judge Margaret Garnett in Manhattan will oversee the case.
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Guardian World Guardian US
No 10 dismisses Reeves’s reported plan for freeze on private rents

No 10 dismisses Reeves’s reported plan for freeze on private rents

April 28, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Downing Street has rejected plans to freeze private sector rents, despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves considering it to help reduce living costs after the Middle East conflict raised housing expenses. Reeves did not fully rule out the rent freeze idea and said she would use all tools available to lower the cost of living for renters.

Key Facts

  • The UK government said it will not freeze private rents as a way to control housing costs.
  • Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been reported to support a one-year rent freeze on private landlords, excluding new homes.
  • The plan aims to help households affected by inflation caused by the Middle East conflict and rising oil prices.
  • Rent freeze proposals caused some UK buy-to-let lender shares to fall.
  • Some Labour MPs support the rent freeze, while others worry it would reduce rental home supply.
  • Experts say rent controls lower rents where applied but increase rents on uncontrolled properties nearby.
  • Labour recently introduced renters’ rights reforms that do not include rent controls.
  • There is debate within Labour about whether rent freezes or building more homes will best reduce housing costs.
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Guardian World
US soldier accused of betting on Maduro's removal pleads not guilty to fraud charges

US soldier accused of betting on Maduro's removal pleads not guilty to fraud charges

April 28, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A US Army Special Forces soldier, Gannon Ken Van Dyke, pleaded not guilty to charges of using secret government information to bet on the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He is accused of making over $400,000 by placing bets on a crypto-based platform before the operation was public knowledge.

Key Facts

  • Gannon Ken Van Dyke is a 38-year-old US Army master sergeant at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
  • He was charged with using classified information about a covert operation to remove Maduro for personal financial gain.
  • Van Dyke made at least 13 bets on Polymarket, a prediction market platform using cryptocurrency, related to Maduro’s capture and removal.
  • The bets were placed between December 27 and January 2, before the event became public.
  • He faces charges including unlawful use of confidential information, theft of government information, commodities fraud, wire fraud, and illegal monetary transactions.
  • A federal judge released him on a $250,000 bond, ordered him to surrender his passport, and limited his travel.
  • This case is the first insider trading prosecution involving a prediction market brought by the US Department of Justice.
  • The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has also filed a separate civil lawsuit against Van Dyke for insider trading.
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BBC Top Stories BBC US
Missing, Dead Scientists Update: Congressman Adds 'New Name' to List

Missing, Dead Scientists Update: Congressman Adds 'New Name' to List

April 28, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Congressman Eric Burlison added the name of NASA engineer Joshua LeBlanc to a list of scientists who died or disappeared under unclear circumstances. Federal agencies, led by the FBI, are investigating several cases of scientists involved in sensitive aerospace, defense, and nuclear work, but no connections between the cases have been confirmed.

Key Facts

  • Joshua LeBlanc, a NASA electrical engineer working on nuclear propulsion, died in a car crash in Missouri in July 2025.
  • LeBlanc was reported missing before his Tesla was found burned in a crash; his body was badly burned and identified later.
  • Congressman Burlison believes LeBlanc’s death may be linked to other cases of scientists dying or disappearing and calls for deeper federal investigation.
  • The FBI is coordinating a multi-agency review involving NASA, the Department of Energy, and local law enforcement.
  • Another scientist, Amy Eskridge, who researched antigravity, died in Huntsville in 2022, the same city where LeBlanc worked.
  • Authorities have not found evidence connecting these deaths or disappearances.
  • Some lawmakers and President Donald Trump have expressed concern but acknowledged no confirmed links.
  • Families and experts have warned against unsupported conspiracy theories circulating online about these cases.
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Newsweek
Trump admin revives COVID origins debate with indictment

Trump admin revives COVID origins debate with indictment

April 28, 2026 • Axios

Summary

The Trump administration has charged David Morens, a former top adviser to Anthony Fauci, with conspiracy and record tampering related to hiding information about the origins of COVID-19. The case revives debates about how the U.S. government handled the pandemic and may influence political discussions ahead of upcoming elections.

Key Facts

  • David Morens, former senior adviser at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was indicted for deleting emails and hiding records about COVID-19 origins.
  • Morens allegedly used his personal email to avoid Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for federal documents.
  • The indictment was unsealed in U.S. District Court for Maryland, with Judge Paula Xinis presiding.
  • The case came after a 2024 congressional investigation released emails showing Morens advised deleting emails on sensitive topics.
  • Both Republicans and Democrats criticized Morens for trying to avoid transparency.
  • President Trump has promoted the theory that COVID-19 leaked from a lab and that government officials covered it up.
  • The White House changed its COVID information website to highlight the lab leak theory last year.
  • Intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI support the lab leak theory, but most scientists support the idea that the virus came from animals.
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Axios
Ex-player Damon Jones first to plead guilty in basketball gambling sweep

Ex-player Damon Jones first to plead guilty in basketball gambling sweep

April 28, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Damon Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to illegal sports betting and rigged poker games. Prosecutors said he used private information about NBA players' injuries to help gamblers win money and acted as a public figure to attract high-stakes poker players.

Key Facts

  • Damon Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
  • The case involves sports betting fraud and rigged poker games.
  • Jones used insider information about NBA players' injuries to benefit sports bettors.
  • He admitted to being a "face card" in poker games to attract wealthy gamblers.
  • Jones apologized to the court, his family, and the NBA for his actions.
  • The crimes occurred between December 2022 and March 2024.
  • Jones faces a combined prison sentence ranging from about 4 to 5 years.
  • Prosecutors are seeking more charges against other individuals, including former player Terry Rozier.
  • Jones agreed to forfeit $73,000 as part of his plea deal.
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PBS NewsHour
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James Comey Indicted Again by Trump's DOJ: Report

James Comey Indicted Again by Trump's DOJ: Report

April 28, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

James Comey, former FBI Director, has been charged again by the U.S. Justice Department under President Donald Trump. The specific charges are not yet public, but this case restarts an earlier legal effort that had been stopped last year.

Key Facts

  • James Comey has been indicted a second time by the U.S. Justice Department.
  • The indictment was made while President Donald Trump is in office.
  • The original case against Comey involved accusations of lying to Congress.
  • The previous case was dismissed due to problems with the prosecutor’s appointment.
  • The new legal action seems influenced by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
  • There is pressure from the White House to pursue criminal charges against political opponents.
  • The exact details of the new charges against Comey have not been released.
  • Comey has been a vocal critic of President Trump since being fired in 2017.
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Newsweek
Florida Republican announces he will retire from House after term ends

Florida Republican announces he will retire from House after term ends

April 28, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Representative Daniel Webster from Florida said he will not run for reelection after his current term ends. He is one of 36 House Republicans who have decided to leave Congress amid ongoing problems in the government.

Key Facts

  • Daniel Webster is a Republican representative from Florida.
  • He announced he will retire after his current term in the House of Representatives.
  • A total of 36 House Republicans have said they will leave Congress at the end of their terms.
  • These retirements come during a time of congressional dysfunction, meaning the government is struggling to work well.
  • The decisions reflect broader dissatisfaction among some members of the Republican Party in the House.
  • Webster’s retirement adds to the significant number of GOP members stepping down ahead of upcoming elections.
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The Hill
Applying for US Visa? Two New Questions Could See Tourists, Workers Denied

Applying for US Visa? Two New Questions Could See Tourists, Workers Denied

April 28, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. State Department has issued new rules for visa applicants that include two questions about harm or fear of harm in their home country. Answering "yes" to these questions could lead to denial of temporary visas. This change is part of efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to further restrict asylum applications.

Key Facts

  • Visa applicants must now answer if they have experienced harm or mistreatment in their home country or last place they lived.
  • They must also say whether they fear harm or mistreatment if they return.
  • Answering yes to either question may cause the visa application to be denied.
  • These questions are asked at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
  • The new rules aim to limit the number of asylum seekers entering the U.S. temporarily.
  • The change comes from a directive issued under President Donald Trump’s administration.
  • Newsweek contacted the State Department for comment but no response is included yet.
  • This update was reported by The Washington Post and The Guardian, among others.
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Newsweek
Details on FBI raid of daycares in Minnesota

Details on FBI raid of daycares in Minnesota

April 28, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Federal agents searched about 20 daycare centers in Minnesota on Tuesday morning. The searches were part of an investigation into suspected fraud at these daycare centers.

Key Facts

  • The FBI and other federal agents conducted the searches.
  • Around 20 daycare centers in Minnesota were searched.
  • The raids took place on a Tuesday morning.
  • The investigations focus on possible fraud activities.
  • Multiple officials confirmed the operation to CBS News.
  • The searches were carried out using search warrants.
  • The FBI led the action as part of a law enforcement effort.
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CBS News
Teen mariachi trio detained by ICE to open for Kacey Musgraves in Texas

Teen mariachi trio detained by ICE to open for Kacey Musgraves in Texas

April 28, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Three teenage mariachi brothers who were briefly detained by ICE in February will open for singer Kacey Musgraves at shows in Texas in May. The family was detained because they are living in the U.S. without legal permission after seeking asylum due to threats in Mexico.

Key Facts

  • The Gámez-Cuéllar brothers, Antonio (18), Caleb (14), and Joshua (12), are teenage mariachi musicians.
  • They were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in February along with their parents.
  • The two younger boys and their parents were held in a family detention center; Antonio was separated and placed in an adult facility.
  • The family entered the U.S. in 2023 seeking asylum from cartel threats in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
  • They complied with court check-ins but were detained after reporting to a required ICE appointment.
  • Their detention drew bipartisan political attention, including from Congressman Joaquin Castro and Representative Monica De La Cruz.
  • After their release in March, Kacey Musgraves invited them to join her tour, opening shows at Gruene Hall in Texas from May 3 to 5.
  • Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on the last show date, marks a Mexican military victory and is widely observed in the U.S.
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Guardian World
What Can Trump Do About His Jimmy Kimmel Problem

What Can Trump Do About His Jimmy Kimmel Problem

April 28, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized comedian Jimmy Kimmel for a joke Kimmel made about the first lady and called for ABC and Disney to fire him. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing Disney’s broadcast licenses after complaints, but experts say the president has little legal power to force action against Kimmel or the network due to First Amendment protections.

Key Facts

  • Jimmy Kimmel made a joke on his show about Melania Trump that upset President Trump and the first lady.
  • President Trump and Melania Trump both called for ABC and Disney to fire Kimmel.
  • The FCC is reviewing Disney’s broadcast licenses amid concerns raised by Christian broadcasters about Kimmel’s joke.
  • Experts say the FCC only regulates local broadcast stations, not entire networks like ABC.
  • Political commentary and jokes are generally protected under the First Amendment, limiting legal actions against Kimmel.
  • FCC rules restrict certain content only during times when children are likely watching, and political jokes usually do not violate these rules.
  • The FCC is an independent agency, but political appointees might try to apply pressure in limited ways.
  • Experts agree there is no clear regulatory rule that Kimmel’s joke breaks, making official punishment unlikely.
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Newsweek
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Secret Service director defends agency's response to correspondents' dinner shooting

Secret Service director defends agency's response to correspondents' dinner shooting

April 28, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Sean M. Curran, the director of the Secret Service, spoke on Tuesday to defend how his agency handled a shooting that happened at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday. He responded to questions about the agency’s actions during the incident.

Key Facts

  • The shooting took place on Saturday at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
  • Sean M. Curran is the director of the Secret Service.
  • Curran defended the Secret Service’s response to the shooting.
  • The update was provided on Tuesday.
  • The White House Correspondents' Dinner is a major event attended by journalists and political figures.
  • The report was shared by CBS News journalists Nikole Killion and Sam Vinograd.
  • The article focuses on the Secret Service’s role and reaction to the shooting incident.
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CBS News
Former Fauci adviser indicted for attempting to avoid FOIA laws

Former Fauci adviser indicted for attempting to avoid FOIA laws

April 28, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Justice Department charged David Morens, a former top adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci at the National Institutes of Health. Morens is accused of trying to hide public records from requests made under the Freedom of Information Act.

Key Facts

  • David Morens previously worked as a senior adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci.
  • He was involved with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  • The Justice Department announced charges against Morens on Tuesday.
  • Morens allegedly tried to keep public records from being released.
  • The records were requested through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a law that lets people ask the government for information.
  • The indictment is a formal accusation in court.
  • The DOJ made the announcement in a press release.
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The Hill
'Are they gunshots?' BBC correspondent's minute-by-minute account of dinner shooting

'Are they gunshots?' BBC correspondent's minute-by-minute account of dinner shooting

April 28, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

During the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 25, there was a shooting incident that caused panic among guests, including President Donald Trump and other government officials. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump and related gun offenses.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
  • BBC correspondent Tom Bateman was in the room and gave a minute-by-minute account of the event.
  • Guests hid under tables when the shots were heard.
  • The suspect is 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen.
  • Allen faces charges of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.
  • He is also charged with two firearms offenses.
  • The motive for the attack is currently unknown.
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BBC US
Federal agents serve search warrants in Minnesota fraud probe

Federal agents serve search warrants in Minnesota fraud probe

April 28, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Federal agents conducted multiple search warrants in Minnesota as part of an ongoing fraud investigation into publicly funded social programs for children. The investigation involves allegations of fraud connected to childcare centers, some operated by Somali immigrants, and is supported by both state and federal authorities.

Key Facts

  • Federal agents served search warrants at childcare centers in Minneapolis related to a fraud probe.
  • The investigation targets misuse of publicly funded social programs for children.
  • Some targeted businesses include childcare centers, autism centers, and healthcare agencies, many operated by Somali immigrants.
  • The probe began during the Biden administration and is continuing under President Donald Trump’s administration.
  • Minnesota’s state child welfare agency cooperated by sharing information with federal investigators.
  • Armed agents, including those from the Department of Homeland Security, took records during the searches.
  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz welcomed the raids and expressed willingness to work with federal authorities.
  • There have been past tensions between Minnesota officials and the federal government, including over immigration enforcement and fraud allegations.
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PBS NewsHour
Trump wraps meeting with King Charles

Trump wraps meeting with King Charles

April 28, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump met privately with King Charles at the White House. This meeting happened before King Charles gave a special speech to both parts of the U.S. Congress.

Key Facts

  • President Trump and King Charles had a closed-door meeting at the White House.
  • The meeting was in preparation for King Charles’ address to Congress.
  • King Charles was scheduled to speak to a joint session of Congress on the following Tuesday.
  • The meeting was covered by CBS News.
  • Natalie Brand reported on this event for CBS News.
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CBS News
Starmer sees off Tory calls for inquiry into Mandelson role after No 10 flexes muscle

Starmer sees off Tory calls for inquiry into Mandelson role after No 10 flexes muscle

April 28, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Keir Starmer, the UK Labour leader, stopped a vote that would have sent him to a standards committee over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador. The government won the vote with support from some Labour members, while opposition parties united to push for an inquiry into the role and security vetting issues.

Key Facts

  • The vote was about whether the privileges committee should investigate if the prime minister misled Parliament about Mandelson’s appointment.
  • Mandelson was appointed before his security clearance was fully completed, which broke advice given in November.
  • Some government officials, including Olly Robbins, overturned a recommendation to deny Mandelson security clearance.
  • The vote was led by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and supported by opposition parties like the Liberal Democrats, SNP, and Reform.
  • Labour leader Keir Starmer instructed his MPs to oppose the inquiry vote, which passed 335 to 223.
  • Some Labour MPs criticized Starmer for putting them in a difficult position seen as covering up.
  • The Liberal Democrat leader compared Starmer’s defense to Boris Johnson’s in a past inquiry.
  • The government said accusations of dishonesty against the prime minister were disproved by an official’s testimony.
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Guardian World
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Trump resumes attacks on press hours after correspondents’ dinner shooting

Trump resumes attacks on press hours after correspondents’ dinner shooting

April 28, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump resumed criticizing the press shortly after a shooting incident occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The article discusses the tension between calls for unity and ongoing conflicts between the president and news media.

Key Facts

  • A shooting happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner event.
  • President Donald Trump quickly returned to criticizing the press after the shooting.
  • The article suggests that moments of unity are short-lived when fear passes.
  • There is ongoing tension between President Trump and the news media.
  • The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual event attended by journalists and political figures.
  • The article points out a contrast between moments of fear-driven unity and regular discord.
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The Hill
Democrats Dealt Blow by Virginia Supreme Court After Redistricting Win

Democrats Dealt Blow by Virginia Supreme Court After Redistricting Win

April 28, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The Virginia Supreme Court refused to stop a lower court’s order that blocks officials from certifying the results of a recent redistricting referendum. This leaves uncertain the fate of a new congressional map approved by voters, which was created by Democratic lawmakers.

Key Facts

  • Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment for a new congressional map.
  • The redistricting map was drawn by Democratic lawmakers.
  • A judge in Tazewell County ruled the amendment invalid and stopped certification.
  • Democrats appealed the judge’s decision, warning about undoing voter decisions.
  • The Virginia Supreme Court decided not to lift the lower court’s block while they review the case.
  • The court’s action means the referendum’s results remain uncertain for now.
  • This legal dispute could affect several congressional seats.
  • The case is ongoing, with more updates expected.
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Newsweek
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