President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference while flanked by FBI Director Kash Patel and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin at the White House on April 25, 2026. | Nathan Howard/Getty Images. Within hours of an armed gunman's attempt to enter the White House Correspondents Dinner, attended by top administration officials and hundreds of journalists, President Donald Trump did what he does best: use the assassination attempt to defend his ballroom project. During a White House press conference just hours after he and several cabinet members were evacuated, Trump told reporters that the Washington Hilton, the hotel where the WHCD historically takes place, was "not a particularly secure building. And I didn't want to say this, but this is why we have to have all of the attributes of what we're planning at the White House. It's act … Read the full story at The Verge.

Before Coachella, Tomora wasn't on my radar at all. It's actually only by chance that I stumbled upon them - I opened the wrong stream because my TV was lagging like a MFer. I paused for a few moments, entranced by the two ethereal Nordic women banging on giant drums to a techno beat. I made a mental note to check them out the following weekend, because Drain was the priority (especially since the Sonora stage wasn't streaming on weekend two). It was only later that I would find out that Tomora is a collaboration between Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora and Tom Rowlands, one-half of the Chemical Brothers. Suffice it to say, they were incr … Read the full story at The Verge.

Skylight’s color-coded smart calendar supports two-way syncing with Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and Apple’s iCloud calendar, among others. | Image: Skylight When you’re juggling more than just your own calendar, staying organized can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the Skylight Calendar 2 can help simplify things by syncing multiple calendars in a single spot, and now through May 7th, it’s available directly from Skylight for $259.99 ($40 off), its best price to date. Skylight Calendar 2 Where to Buy: $299.99 $259.99 at Skylight Skylight’s 15-inch smart calendar improves upon the original with a brighter screen, faster performance, and a slimmer design with swappable magnetic frames. Otherwise, though, it offers the same core experience, making it easy for the whole family to see events at a glance, whether you mount it on a wall or place it on a kitchen counter using the included adjustable stand. It automatically syncs with Google, Apple, Yahoo, Outlook, and Cozi calendars, pulling them into a single shared space that updates automatically. Each household member gets their own color, too, so it’s easy to keep track of who’s doing what. In addition to event planning, the Calendar 2 makes it easier to arrange and assign other day-to-day tasks. You can create and manage shared chore charts, grocery lists, and to-do lists directly on the touchscreen device or through the mobile app for Android and iOS, which makes it easy for everyone in your household to stay on track and contribute. Skylight also provides detailed weather forecasts for your events, so you know what to expect before heading out. If you subscribe to Skylight’s Calendar Plus plan, the Calendar 2 takes even more of the work off your plate. You can forward emails, upload PDFs, or snap photos of flyers and automatically turn them into calendar events. You also get meal planning tools that let you plan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for the week, as well as the ability to assign chores and reward kids for completing them. Plus, just for fun, there’s a screensaver mode that turns the display into an ad hoc digital photo frame when it’s not actively being used as a calendar.

Some relevant reading. In January I finally made good on my threat/promise to install Linux on my desktop. I wanted to see how far I could get using a Linux PC as my main computer without doing a bunch of research beforehand or troubleshooting afterwards. Since then I have booted into Windows exactly twice: once to scan a multipage document that wasn't scanning right in Linux, and once to print a photo for my kids' school on extremely short notice. There's a reason it's taken me three months to write the next installment in my Linux diary: nothing has gone horribly wrong. It didn't take long for my Linux install to stop feeling new and exciting and start feeling … Read the full story at The Verge.

So far, five Google icons have undergone gradient updates. 9to5Google can now report on a complete gradient redesign for Gmail and other Google Workspace apps. more…

This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on Hollywood trends and streaming culture, follow Charles Pulliam-Moore. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes on Sundays at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started Under David Zaslav's leadership, WBD got very into the practice of shelving its own nearly completed projects in order to cash in on subsequent tax write-offs. To help deal with its looming debt and operating costs, the studio killed Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah's live-action Batgirl feature and the Scoob! Holiday Haunt movie from Michael Kurinsky … Read the full story at The Verge.

Following the initial launch in two countries, Google Wallet for Android now supports three more passport IDs. more…

Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. It can take the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch new functionality in stable. From various reports, Google announcements, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages. more…

Multiple sources are reporting that the Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises the president and Congress on the National Science Foundation (NSF), which has already been funding research at historically low levels and has seen significant delays in doling out that funding. The NSF has been fundamental in helping develop technology used in MRIs, cellphones, and it even helped get Duolingo get off the ground. In a statement, Zoe Lofgren, the ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, said: "This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to … Read the full story at The Verge.

Part of what has held back electric cars has been the cost. But an influx of used vehicles over the next three years could bring prices down dramatically. In 2025, just 123,000 leases on EVs expired. That is expected to more than double to 300,000 in 2026, and double again to 600,000 in 2027 and 660,000 in 2028, according to Cox Automotive. Most leased vehicles end up entering the used market. This means more than a million used EVs could become available over the next few years, making them far more accessible. The vast majority of cars sold in the US are used - some 76 percent as of 2024, according to Consumer Affairs. A large part of th … Read the full story at The Verge.

Last year saw four Google Store openings, and the next one in San Diego marks the company’s 10th retail location in the US. more…

It wasn't necessarily a surprise given circulating rumors, but the biggest news in the Apple world this week was the announcement that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO, with John Ternus taking over the reins as of September 1. Other recent news included updated details on color options for the iPhone 18 Pro, as well as fresh rumors about the standard iPhone 18 and timing for the launch of the highly anticipated touch screen-equipped MacBook Pro and updated Mac Studio, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more! Top Stories Apple CEO Tim Cook Stepping Down, John Ternus Taking Over Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down as chief executive officer, and hardware engineering chief John Ternus is set to take over, Apple announced this week. Cook will continue on as Apple CEO through the summer, with Ternus set to join Apple's Board of Directors and take over as CEO on September 1, 2026. Cook is going to transition to executive chairman, and he will "assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world." In an all-hands meeting for Apple employees following the announcement, Cook said that he remains healthy and that he plans to stay in the executive chairman role "for a long time." Apple's current chip chief Johny Srouji will also be taking on an expanded role as Chief Hardware Officer, adding oversight of the Hardware Engineering group that had reported to John Ternus to his existing responsibilities with Apple's Hardware Technologies group. iPhone 18 Pro's Four Rumored Colors Revealed, Including 'Dark Cherry' A source said to be familiar with Apple's supply chain recently revealed the color options Apple is planning for the iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max. The information comes from Macworld, which says the signature new color for this year's Pro models will be Dark Cherry, a deep wine-like red. While other sources had previously reported on a "Dark Red" option, the hue is said to be considerably closer to wine than a brighter red. According to Macworld's source, Apple has been working on four color options for the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and Pro Max, with the following Pantone codes said to be in use internally: Light Blue (Pantone 2121), resembling the current iPhone 17's Mist Blue Dark Cherry (Pantone 6076), the headline new color Dark Gray (Pantone 426C) Silver (Pantone 427C), similar to the current generation MacBook Pro With Touch Screen and New Mac Studio Likely 'Postponed' The global memory chip shortage may result in the next MacBook Pro and Mac Studio models launching later than expected, according to the latest rumor. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has repeatedly stated that 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with a touch screen are slated to launch in late 2026 to early 2027. In his Power On newsletter this week, though, he said to be prepared for the laptops to potentially arrive towards the end of that timeframe due to the chip shortage. In other words, early 2027 is now more likely than late 2026. Gurman previously expected a new Mac Studio to launch around the middle of 2026, which pointed towards an announcement around WWDC 2026 in June. However, in his newsletter, he wrote that sources within Apple believe that the next Mac Studio models will not ship until around October this year as a result of the shortage. Leaker: Apple Downgrading iPhone 18 to Cut Costs Apple is downgrading the planned specifications of the standard iPhone 18 to cut costs, a leaker claims. In a new post on Weibo, the user known as "Fixed Focus Digital" said that the ‌iPhone 18‌ features "certain manufacturing downgrades" that bring it more into line with the low-cost iPhone 18e model. The decision is said to be "a cost-cutting measure" that will "effectively bring it in line with the '18e' model." In follow-up posts, the leaker provided further detail indicating the iPhone 18 is likely to see downgrades to the display and main chip

Amazon today has the AirPods 4 available for $99.00, down from $129.00. This remains one of the best deals on the AirPods 4 so far in 2026, and it's accompanied by a solid deal on the AirPods Max 2. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Apple's new AirPods Max 2 launched earlier this month, and Amazon is still one of the only retailers offering a discount on the headphones. You can get the Midnight and Starlight color options for $529.99 on Amazon, down from $549.00. $30 OFFAirPods 4 for $99.00 $19 OFFAirPods Max 2 for $529.99 Although this is only a $19 discount on the AirPods Max 2, it's the best markdown you'll find online if you're looking to order the new headphones. Free delivery has the AirPods Max 2 arriving around April 30, but they can be delivered as soon as tomorrow with Prime shipping. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Get AirPods 4 for $99 and AirPods Max 2 for $529.99 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

An errant message heard by some Google Home users seemed to imply that automations were going away – which would have been crazy. Thankfully, that’s not the case, but Google Home is doing away with its phone-related actions soon. more…

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 sounds pretty familiar based on initial leaks, but Samsung is apparently making a tweak to the selfie camera cutout that sounds interesting, but I’m curious if it’s something anyone really cares about. more…

Window cleaning robots have never really taken as much of the spotlight as robotic vacuums or, more recently, lawn mowers. Still, the new W3 Winbot from Ecovacs is worth your attention if you have any windows that are taller than you are. more…

Apple is planning to start showing ads in the Apple Maps app this summer, and signs of ads have already shown up in the iOS 26.5 beta as Apple prepares to roll them out. Where Ads Show Up Ads will be displayed in the ‌Apple Maps‌ search interface. Depending on the search, relevant ads will be shown first in search results. Apple is also implementing a new Suggested Places feature in Maps that will show recommendations based on what's trending nearby and the user's recent searches. Suggested Places The Maps app is getting a Suggested Places feature that recommends locations to visit based on trending places that are around you and your recent Maps searches. Ads will be shown in Suggested Places. No Opt-Out Similar to ads in the App Store, there will be no option to turn off ads in ‌Apple Maps‌. Ads will be displayed for all users in the U.S. and Canada. Countries Ads will be shown in ‌Apple Maps‌ in the United States and Canada first, and could expand to other countries in the future. Platforms Ads will be displayed in the Maps app on iPhone and iPad. What Ads Look Like Apple says that ads in Maps will be clearly marked as ads with an "Ad" label, similar to how ads show up in the ‌App Store‌ search results. Businesses will be able to bid for ad placement, which is how ads in the ‌App Store‌ work. The highest bidder for a given term will have their ad shown in the app. Privacy Your location and ads that you see and interact with in the Maps app are not associated with your Apple Account, and the data is not shared with third parties. Beta Testing Apple is laying the groundwork for Maps ads in the iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 betas. There's an ads splash screen in the Maps app along with underlying ad code, but ads are not yet live. Launch Date Apple only said "summer" for the ads launch. "Summer" in the Northern Hemisphere starts on June 21 and ends on September 22. iOS 26.5 is likely to launch in late May or early June, and it's possible ads will be tied to the update.Tag: Apple MapsThis article, "Ads Are Coming to Apple Maps This Summer: Here's What to Expect" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

X today launched XChat, a standalone messaging app for the iPhone and iPad, available now on the App Store. XChat allows users to chat with anyone on X in a private, focused space separate from the main X app. At launch, the app supports direct messaging and group chats, audio and video calls, and file sharing. X claims all messages are end-to-end encrypted and PIN protected, with no ads or tracking. Other features include disappearing messages, the ability to edit and delete messages for everyone in a chat, and a mechanism to block or alert users when a screenshot is attempted. The app is free to download and requires iOS 26.0 or later. Chat with anyone on X.Completely private.Now on your home screen.Download for iOS: https://t.co/wBBfjJyJmu pic.twitter.com/u0QeGs1Z3D— XChat (@chat) April 24, 2026 The app has been in testing with a small group of beta users since last year. X says more updates are still planned, with X lead designer Benji Taylor teasing that XChat is "just the beginning of what we're building for messaging." Unlike the main X app, XChat adopts iOS 26 design conventions, including the ‌iOS 26‌ keyboard. The app offers several customization options, including light and dark modes, message permissions, left-swipe interaction settings, and a selection of app icon options. There is also a prominent button within XChat for jumping back to the main X app. XChat can now be downloaded from the App Store in the United States. A release date for an Android version of the app has not yet been announced.Tag: TwitterThis article, "XChat App Now Available" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Welcome to episode 97 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien and Will are joined by Andrew Romero to talk through a couple of Pixel hardware leaks coming out of Android 17 Beta 4. First, they discuss the growing possibility of a Pixel Laptop, and wonder what Google needs to do to succeed in an ever-competitive space. Then they turn to “Pixel Glow,” a mysterious new notification light system seemingly on the way for Pixel 11. Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast. more…

Apple's standard iPhone 18 could feature 12GB of memory for the first time, according to analyst Dan Nystedt. In a new post on X, Nystedt said that the standard ‌iPhone 18‌ will match the 12GB of RAM Apple gave the iPhone 17 Pro and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max last September. It would mark the first time the entry-level iPhone model has shipped with that much memory. This rumor making the rounds again, add 12GB of RAM. https://t.co/vP14mEn5le— Dan Nystedt (@dnystedt) April 24, 2026 Nystedt also flagged an earlier rumor claiming that Apple has secured TSMC's first 2nm chip production run for the A20 chip set to power the ‌iPhone 18‌ lineup. According to that report, TSMC's 2nm process delivers 15% better computing performance than 3nm, with no loss in power efficiency. The iPhone 17 series uses TSMC's N3P ‌3nm‌ node. The jump to 12GB of RAM on the base model is likely tied to Apple Intelligence. Apple is expected to introduce expanded AI features with iOS 27, which the company is set to announce at WWDC on June 8. On-device AI workloads are memory-intensive, and keeping the entry-level iPhone capable of running ‌Apple Intelligence‌ in full would give Apple reason to push the standard model's memory up to par with last year's Pro tier. The ‌iPhone 18‌ is not expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro this fall. Apple is reportedly planning to delay the standard model until early 2027, alongside the iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air, while the Pro models and the long-anticipated foldable iPhone will ship in the usual fall time frame.Related Roundup: iPhone 18Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "iPhone 18 Could Come With 12GB of RAM" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

In a handy new tweak rolling out now, Google Maps now shows more prominent street labels on Android Auto. more…

Websites for some of the world’s most prestigious universities are serving explicit porn and malicious content after scammers exploited the shoddy record-keeping of the site administrators, a researcher found recently. The sites included berkeley.edu, columbia.edu, and washu.edu, the official domains for the University of California, Berkeley, Columbia University, and Washington University in St. Louis. Subdomains such as hXXps://causal.stat.berkeley.edu/ymy/video/xxx-porn-girl-and-boy-ej5210.html, hXXps://conversion-dev.svc.cul.columbia[.]edu/brazzers-gym-porn, and hXXps://provost.washu.edu/app/uploads/formidable/6/dmkcsex-10.pdf. All deliver explicit pornography and, in at least one case, a scam site falsely claiming a visitor’s computer is infected and advising the visitor to pay a fee for the non-existent malware to be removed. In all, researcher Alex Shakhov said, hundreds of subdomains for at least 34 universities are being abused. Search results returned by Google list thousands of hijacked pages. A handful of hijacked columbia.edu subdomains listed by Google One of the sites redirected by a UC Berkeley subdomain. Hijacking a university's good name Shakhov, founder of SH Consulting, said that the scammers—which a separate researcher has linked to a known group tracked as Hazy Hawk—are seizing on what amounts to a clerical error by site administrators of the affected universities. When they commission a subdomain such as provost.washu.edu, they create a CNAME record, which assignes a subdomain to a "canonical" domain. When the subdomain is eventually decommissioned—something that happens frequently for various reasons—the record is never removed. Scammers like Hazy Hawk then swoop in by hijacking the old record.Read full article Comments

Wisconsin has filed a civil complaint in Dane County Circuit Court accusing Kalshi, Robinhood, and Coinbase, along with affiliated subsidiaries, of operating what it describes as illegal sports betting through prediction markets and event contracts under state law. The complaint opens by reaffirming the state’s gambling restrictions, stating: “Sports betting has long been illegal in Wisconsin, with exceptions only for certain Native American tribal gaming operations.” It further alleges coordinated conduct among the companies: “Yet three companies—Kalshi, Robinhood, and Coinbase—are working together to facilitate illegal sports betting throughout the state.” State alleges disguised sports wagering through “event contracts” Wisconsin argues the platforms are effectively enabling sports wagering while rebranding it as financial trading. The complaint states: “Through their so-called ‘prediction markets,’ Kalshi, Robinhood, and Coinbase profit from Wisconsin residents placing bets on the outcome of sporting events, just like how ordinary casino sportsbooks profit from the bets people make there.” The filing contends that the underlying structure mirrors traditional gambling products despite its financial-market framing. College basketball betting used as key example As part of its argument, Wisconsin cites specific examples from college athletics betting activity. The complaint notes: For instance, Wisconsinites could use these companies’ services to place all kinds of bets on the recent NCAA college basketball tournament, including who would win the Final Four matchup between the University of Michigan and the University of Arizona, which team would cover the point spread, and even which team would first score ten points.” The state argues these offerings demonstrate that the platforms are functionally indistinguishable from sportsbook-style wagering. Allegation of “casino-style” mechanics behind trading language The complaint also focuses on how the platforms generate revenue, stating: “And for every bet made, these companies collect a fee akin to a casino’s rake at a poker table.” Wisconsin argues that this fee structure reinforces its claim that the companies are operating gambling services rather than neutral financial marketplaces. The filing further claims the companies use financial terminology to mask gambling mechanics. It states: “Kalshi, Robinhood, and Coinbase use a fig leaf to disguise the casino-style sports betting they facilitate in Wisconsin.” “They relabel their sports bets as ‘event contracts,’ meaning contracts traded between buyers and sellers at agreed-upon prices that mimic the odds of a sports-related outcome.” Pricing structure tied to implied probabilities Wisconsin also details how contract pricing reflects real-time probability estimates. “As of April 3, 2026, traders could buy contracts taking the position that the University of Michigan would win its Final Four matchup with the University of Arizona for around $0.53, which reflected a roughly 53% projected chance of Michigan winning.” It adds that payouts function in binary fashion: winning positions pay $1 per contract, while losing positions expire worthless, mirroring traditional betting outcomes. Broader legal pressure on prediction markets Separately, prediction market operators are facing increasing regulatory scrutiny across multiple jurisdictions. In New York, regulators and prosecutors have pursued actions involving Coinbase and Gemini over compliance and consumer protection concerns tied to trading products. Kalshi is also engaged in ongoing litigation, including an injunction request in Montana seeking to block state-level restrictions on its contracts, while an Arizona court is handling procedural disputes in a separate challenge involving the classification of event contracts. Wisconsin seeks injunction and legal classification Wisconsin is asking the court to halt the companies from offering sports-related event contracts within the

The Friday afternoon collection of Android game and app price drops has now arrived, featuring titles like Lia: Hacking Destiny, Ash of Gods: Redemption, Boxville 2, Guardian War: Ultimate Edition, Outliver: Tribulation, and more. On your way down scope out the up to $110 discount on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+, these new TCL mini-LED and RGB Google TVs with giant launch deals, and Google Pixel 10 Pro/XL at up to $456 off.  more…

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have accused a U.S. Army soldier of turning secret military knowledge into a lucrative betting scheme, saying he pocketed more than $400,000 by wagering on a classified operation. According to court filings, Van Dyke was stationed at Fort Bragg and had access to classified planning materials related to the operation, which aimed to capture Maduro. He had signed agreements explicitly barring him from disclosing or using that information. Bets on Maduro’s capture Prosecutors say he created a Polymarket account in late December 2025 and placed around 13 bets. Each wager backed outcomes tied to U.S. military involvement in Venezuela and Maduro’s removal from power. In total, authorities say he staked about $33,000, consistently betting “YES” on those scenarios. Events unfolded quickly. In the early hours of Jan. 3, 2026, U.S. special forces captured Maduro in Caracas. Once the operation became public, the prediction markets resolved in Van Dyke’s favor, bringing him roughly $409,881, according to prosecutors. Prosecutors: “Clear Insider Trading” Prediction markets are not a haven for using misappropriated confidential or classified information for personal gain,” Clayton said, calling the alleged conduct a direct breach of federal trust and national security obligations. Prosecutors argue that Van Dyke’s actions meet the definition of insider trading in substance, if not in traditional market form, because they relied on nonpublic military intelligence to generate profit. They say the trades were not based on analysis or speculation, but on advance knowledge of a real-world classified operation’s timing and outcome. Alleged attempts to conceal funds According to court filings, Van Dyke allegedly took steps to obscure the source and movement of his winnings shortly after the operation became public. Prosecutors say he transferred funds through cryptocurrency channels designed to mask transaction history, including routing assets through a foreign-based digital wallet service before moving them into a brokerage account. Authorities also allege he attempted to delete or deactivate his Polymarket account and modified related crypto account details in an effort to disrupt the financial trail. Blanche underscored the government’s position on misuse of classified access, stating that service members are entrusted with sensitive intelligence solely to execute missions, not to derive personal financial benefit from it. Growing Scrutiny of Prediction Markets The case arrives amid increasing scrutiny of prediction markets and event-based trading platforms. Regulators and lawmakers have raised concerns about insider access to politically or militarily sensitive information being used for profit. In a separate case, political candidates have also faced penalties tied to trading on election-related contracts, underscoring broader concerns about market integrity. FBI, DOJ response and potential sentencing “Today’s announcement makes clear no one is above the law,” Patel said, adding that the FBI would act to protect national security and classified information. If convicted, Van Dyke faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud count, along with additional penalties on related charges. Prosecutors say sentencing would ultimately be determined by a judge. Featured image: Wesley Tingey/Unsplash The post U.S. soldier accused of using classified intel in $400K betting scheme appeared first on ReadWrite.

Anthropic this week announced that Claude is adding integration with a ton of third-party services including Spotify, Uber, Resy, and others. more…

Google today teased an upcoming redesign of the “Fitbit Community” and “Google Home & Nest Community.” more…

Apple's first foldable iPhone, dubbed the "iPhone Ultra," could be missing at least five key features present on the iPhone 18 Pro models despite its $2,000 price point. Recent images of dummy models shared by Sonny Dickson and Vadim Yuryev seem to reveal two previously undiscussed missing features of the ‌iPhone Ultra‌: MagSafe and the Action Button. iPhone dummy units are intended to take the place of real devices for testing purposes, particularly for accessory manufacturers, who seek to mass produce items such as cases prior to the announcement of new devices, which necessitates a high level of accuracy and manufacturing precision. Both sets of dummy models show that the volume buttons will be located on the top edge of the device, aligned to the right, similar to the iPad mini. This aspect was first rumored by Weibo leaker "Instant Digital," who said that the motherboard is apparently located on the right side of the device. As to not run cables across the screen to the left side for the volume buttons (where they are located on all other iPhone models), Apple is said to have decided to run them directly upwards, which maximizes internal space. Image via Vadim Yuryev. While a power button and volume buttons in their new location are clearly visible on the dummy models, the Action button is curiously missing. This suggests that the ‌iPhone Ultra‌ will be the first iPhone model with no Action button or silent switch. Apple introduced the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro as a replacement for the silent switch, and it has since come to every available iPhone model. The images of the foldable iPhone dummy models shared so far have been shown alongside mock ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max units. These dupes for the high-end models, like most dummies, clearly show precise indentations for the internal array of ‌MagSafe‌ magnets to help manufacturers obtain correct alignment with their accessories. Image via Vadim Yuryev. Crucially, these indentations are absent on the foldable iPhone dummies, suggesting that the device may not have ‌MagSafe‌. This aspect remains speculative, but at 4.5mm, the ‌iPhone Ultra‌ is expected to be Apple's thinnest iPhone to date by a considerable margin, so it is not implausible that it could be too thin for ‌MagSafe‌. The ‌iPhone Ultra‌ is believed to be too thin to accommodate Apple's TrueDepth camera array, which is required for Face ID authentication and now located in the Dynamic Island. As a result, Apple is expected to revert to Touch ID on the device. The last iPhone to feature ‌Touch ID‌ was 2022's iPhone SE 3, where it was part of the device's budget offering. The last flagship iPhone with ‌Touch ID‌ was 2016's iPhone 7, so the return of ‌Touch ID‌ as the sole method of authentication on what will be the highest-end iPhone will be unprecedented. Image via Sonny Dickson. As visible on the dummy models, which corroborate a multitude rumors, the ‌iPhone Ultra‌ is expected to sport only two rear cameras. These are expected to be wide and ultra wide cameras, just like the iPhone 17. Unlike the Pro iPhones, there will be no third camera with telephoto capabilities. Previous rumors indicate that the ‌iPhone Ultra‌ will also not have a SIM card slot, again just like the iPhone Air, being compatible with eSIM only. As a result, the ‌iPhone Ultra‌ could be missing the following features: ‌Face ID‌/TrueDepth camera array Telephoto camera/third rear camera ‌MagSafe‌ Action Button Physical SIM card slot The ‌iPhone Air‌ lacks Ultra Wide and Telephoto rear cameras, a SIM card slot, and stereo speakers. With a super-thin design, a titanium frame, and a glass back, the ‌iPhone Ultra‌ is expected to be very similar to the ‌iPhone Air‌ in terms of design, and it is possible that similar feature concessions will be present on the device when it launches later this year. There are no indications that the ‌iPhone Ultra‌ will be missing stereo speakers, but it is n

While the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro were just updated with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips last month, bigger changes are reportedly around the corner. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the higher-end MacBook Pro models will be receiving a major redesign by early 2027, and he said that Apple might use "MacBook Ultra" branding for them. If so, the MacBook Ultra would likely be a higher-priced model at the top of the MacBook lineup, sitting above the MacBook Pro entirely. Up to six new features have been rumored so far, including an OLED display, touch capabilities, a Dynamic Island, M6 Pro and M6 Max chips manufactured with TSMC's advanced 2nm process, a thinner design, and built-in cellular connectivity. The exact launch timing remains to be seen, but Gurman recently said that early 2027 is now looking more likely than late 2026 due to the global memory chip shortage. Apple's supply of RAM is constrained, which might push back the launch. Keep in mind that the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M6 chip is not expected to receive many of the changes listed below. Apple last redesigned the MacBook Pro in 2021, when the M1 Pro and M1 Max models launched, so the MacBook Ultra would represent the first major redesign in at least five years and is a model that many customers are holding out for. Below, we recap rumored MacBook Ultra features. OLED Display Regardless of whether Apple uses MacBook Pro or MacBook Ultra branding, it is widely expected that these will be the first MacBooks with OLED displays. The current MacBook Pro models are equipped with LCD displays with mini-LED backlighting. The move to OLED technology would result in improved image quality, thanks to richer colors and higher contrast ratio with true blacks. All of the iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad Pro models that Apple sells today are already equipped with OLED displays, excluding refurbished models. Touch Screen Not only will the MacBook Ultra be moving to OLED, but the display will apparently have touch-screen capabilities too. This functionality would allow Mac users to use both their fingers and a keyboard and mouse/trackpad for input. Steve Jobs said that a touch-screen Mac would cause arm fatigue, but he made that comment a long time ago, and Apple does reverse course from time to time. Dynamic Island Yet another display-related change rumored for the MacBook Ultra is a hole-punch camera, and this will pave the way for a Dynamic Island instead of a notch. With a Dynamic Island, the MacBook Ultra would be another step towards a truly edge-to-edge display with thin bezels. Like on the iPhone, the Dynamic Island would display things such as low battery life alerts and AirPods connection indicators in the area surrounding the camera at the top-center part of the screen. M6 Pro and M6 Max Chips This one is obvious, but the MacBook Ultra is expected to be powered by Apple's next-generation M6 Pro and M6 Max chips. Notably, these chips are expected to be manufactured with TSMC's advanced 2nm process, which should result in greater year-over-year performance and efficiency gains than usual. The current M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are built with TSMC's third-generation 3nm process. Thinner Design MacBook Ultra is expected to have a thinner design compared to the MacBook Pro. The move from LCD with mini-LED backlighting to OLED would contribute to the thinner design, and there could be other changes that help to slim things down. As of now, there has been no indication that Apple plans to once again remove ports like HDMI, MagSafe, or the SD card slot in order to achieve this thinner design, but we shall see. That was a very unpopular decision the last time it happened. Cellular Macs can already connect to a cellular network via the Personal Hotspot feature on a nearby iPhone or iPad, but Apple has reportedly at least considered built-in cellular connectivity for future Macs. If these plans moved forward, the MacBook U

This week's best deals include lowest-ever prices on Apple Watch Series 11, M5 MacBook Air, and AirTag 1. We're also tracking some last-minute Earth Day deals on Anker accessories below. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. M5 MacBook Air What's the deal? Take $150 off M5 MacBook Air Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $150 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (16GB/1TB) for $1,149.00 $150 OFF15-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB) for $1,149.00 Amazon has a few record low prices on the new M5 MacBook Air this week, with $150 off select models of the brand new notebook. Stock has begun dwindling on these notebooks and we're no longer tracking an all-time low price on the 512GB 13-inch M5 MacBook Air, but most other configurations have availability. Apple Watch Series 11 What's the deal? Take $100 off Apple Watch Series 11 Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm GPS) for $299.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm GPS) for $329.00 Amazon this week has all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. This sale includes many aluminum models of the Series 11 on sale at record low prices. AirTag 1 What's the deal? Take $42 off first gen AirTag Where can I get it? Woot Where can I find the original deal? Right here $42 OFFAirTag 4-Pack (1st Gen) for $56.99 Woot this week introduced a great deal on Apple's first generation AirTag 4-Pack, and it's set to last only for a few more hours. You can get this accessory for $56.99, down from $99.00, which is a match of the all-time low price on this model. The AirTag 4-Pack is in new condition and comes with a 90-day Woot limited warranty. Anker What's the deal? Take $42 off first gen AirTag Where can I get it? Amazon and Anker Where can I find the original deal? Right here $29 OFFAnker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $119.99 We began tracking a few different Earth Day-related sales from Anker this week, including events on Amazon and Anker.com. This includes a wide array of charging accessories like the new Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $119.99, down from $149.99. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: Low Prices on Apple Watch, MacBook Air, AirTag 1, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple's new 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro with 24GB RAM and 1TB SSD has hit a new all-time low price today. It's available for $1,999.00 on Amazon, down from $2,199.00. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. This beats the previous deal we tracked on this model by about $50, and as of writing it's only available in Space Black. Amazon provides a free delivery estimate by around April 29, with earlier delivery for Prime members. $200 OFF14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB) for $1,999.00 You can also get $200 off every 16-inch MacBook Pro model right now on Amazon, with the 24GB RAM/1TB M5 Pro model hitting a new all-time low price of $2,499.00, down from $2,699.00. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Get the 2026 MacBook Pro for New Record Low $1,999 Price" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

OpenAI has announced the release of GPT-5.5, the latest upgrade to the company's family of models powering its ChatGPT and Codex apps. OpenAI describes GPT-5.5 as better at multi-step work, claiming it can plan, use tools, and verify its own output with less hand-holding. The model is said to offer gains in agentic coding, computer use, and early-stage scientific research. GPT-5.5 Thinking offers "faster help for harder problems," according to OpenAI, while GPT-5.5 Pro is being pitched as a research partner for tougher questions where accuracy matters more than speed. OpenAI argues that its latest model is more token-efficient, so Codex tasks should – in theory – finish with less overhead despite the bump. ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscribers get GPT-5.5 Thinking, while the more powerful GPT-5.5 Pro model is limited to ChatGPT Pro, Business, and Enterprise. In Codex, GPT-5.5 spans Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, Edu, and Go plans. API access is said to be coming "very soon."Tags: ChatGPT, OpenAIThis article, "OpenAI Debuts GPT-5.5 Claiming Agentic Coding and Research Gains" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

For its 20th-anniversary iPhone, Apple is tapping Samsung to produce a custom micro-curved OLED display that is brighter and thinner than existing panels, according to new supply chain information out of China. Apple is reportedly considering a radical redesign for the 20th-anniversary iPhone that could feature a completely bezel-less display that curves around all four edges of the device. To that end, Apple is said to be seeking from Samsung an equal-depth quad-curved panel design that uses "micro-curves" to keep the curve very shallow, as opposed to the aggressively curved "waterfall" edges of some existing Samsung panels. Apple's preference for slightly rounded edges may ensure that the device feels softer in the hand and that swipes from the edge of the display feel more natural. It could also prevent distortion of on-screen content around the edges. The latest supply chain information comes from Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station, who also says that Apple wants a "pol-less" display from Samsung – in other words, a panel design that removes the polarizer layer that sits on top of most current OLED screens. That claim lines up with a September 2025 report out of Korea that said Apple will adopt a Samsung-made OLED technology called COE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) to make the 20th-anniversary iPhone's display brighter and thinner than previous panels. COE displays remove the polarizing film from an OLED panel, applying the color filter directly onto the encapsulation layer of the display. The technique reduces the thickness of the overall display stack, and it lets more light through to improve brightness while reducing power draw. Reflections are harder to deal with when there's no polarizing film, but in its latest iPhones, Apple added a new anti-reflective coating that is expected to be improved for future versions of the iPhone. Apple is also said to be employing a crater-shaped light diffusion layer in the display to even out the brightness so that the screen looks uniformly lit across all areas. 2027 will mark the 20th-anniversary of the iPhone, and Apple reportedly wants to create a high-end all-glass model that doesn't have cutouts in the display. Display analyst Ross Young said that Apple won't have under-display ‌Face ID‌ ready to go for a 2027 iPhone, but other leakers think it's possible. If Apple can't get everything under the display, we may see under-display ‌Face ID‌ and then a small hole-punch cutout on the front for the front-facing camera. The latest rumors suggest that Apple is still testing an under-display iPhone camera for 2027, so it remains a possibility.Tags: 20th-Anniversary iPhone, Digital Chat Station, OLEDThis article, "20th Anniversary iPhone to Feature Custom 'Micro-Curved' OLED Panel" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Following the latest update of Apple's Invites app, hosts can now manually edit the guest list to update guest responses and adjust the number of additional guests. This v1.8.0 update appears to have focused on delivering a more streamlined experience for managing and sharing events. Within Messages, a new Invites iMessage app allows users to quickly share an existing invite without needing to leave the conversation. Elsewhere, the dashboard has been expanded with an All Events view, bringing both upcoming and past events into a single, unified interface. Sharing options have also been improved for hosts, who can now generate and download an image of their invite card. Additionally, music integration has been enhanced through the Apple Music Shared Playlist feature, which now provides personalised playlist suggestions based on listening habits. Finally, hosts can now specify a time zone for their event, and the update also contains bug fixes and performance improvements. Apple Invites is available on the iPhone, and on the web at iCloud.com/invites. Guests can RSVP in the iPhone app, or on the web from any device.Tag: Apple InvitesThis article, "Apple Invites App for iPhone Updated – Here's What's New" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

There are a lot of folks waiting for a new version of the Apple TV because the set-top box hasn't been updated since 2022. There is an update coming this year, but people will need to wait a bit longer because Apple is holding the next ‌Apple TV‌ until the new version of Siri comes out this fall. Design ‌Apple TV‌ design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing in 2026. The next ‌Apple TV‌ is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black plastic material. We're expecting the 2026 ‌Apple TV‌ to be indistinguishable from the existing ‌Apple TV‌ on the exterior, with no changes to size or design. New Chip The ‌Apple TV‌ 4K is going to get a new A-series chip, and that'll be the biggest upgrade. Rumors suggest Apple is planning to use the A17 Pro that was first introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro models. Compared to the A15 Bionic in the current ‌Apple TV‌, the A17 Pro is a solid update, and it's a good reason to hold off on buying the current model. The A17 Pro is built on a 3-nanometer process for faster speeds and better efficiency, and it has hardware-accelerated ray tracing for higher-quality graphics in games. The A17 Pro is the oldest chip Apple makes that supports Apple Intelligence, and it's also used in the iPad mini 7. Given that Apple has held the ‌Apple TV‌ update for so long, it's possible it'll get an even newer chip like the A18 or A19. A RAM update is possible too, especially if the ‌Apple TV‌ has any kind of ‌Apple Intelligence‌ support. Apple Intelligence and Siri The next ‌Apple TV‌ is ready to launch, but new ‌Siri‌ features are the holdup. Apple wants to release the ‌Apple TV‌ with the smarter version of ‌Siri‌ that's in the works, and it's not ready to go. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the Apple TV is linked to "new artificial intelligence features" that Apple has postponed until iOS 27, which is coming in September 2026. Apple intended to launch the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ ‌Siri‌ features in spring 2026, but the company was still experiencing issues with ‌Siri‌. At this point, we're not going to see new ‌Siri‌ capabilities until iOS 27, which also means a delay for all the devices that Apple is holding. Along with the ‌Apple TV‌, the rumored home hub and a new version of the HomePod are waiting on ‌Siri‌. Updated ‌Siri‌ features may require more RAM and a faster chip, so if you want the smarter ‌Siri‌ on the ‌Apple TV‌, that's another reason to wait before making a purchase. Wi-Fi The ‌Apple TV‌ could get Apple's N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Wi-Fi 7 works with the 6GHz band offered by newer routers. 6GHz connectivity is faster and less congested, which you want for a device designed for streaming content. Bluetooth and Thread The ‌Apple TV‌ 4K could get Bluetooth 6 for connecting devices like controllers and earbuds. Apple's N1 chip also supports Thread, so the ‌Apple TV‌ will be able to continue to serve as a Thread border router and a Matter hub for smart home devices. Pricing There have been rumors of a price drop, so it's possible Apple has plans for a cheaper ‌Apple TV‌. Apple could release two models, one that's higher-end and one that has lower specs and a lower price tag, or it could keep the existing ‌Apple TV‌ around as a low-cost option. Launch Date Since the new version of ‌Siri‌ has been pushed to ‌iOS 27‌ and the ‌Apple TV‌ is tied to that update, we're likely not going to see the ‌Apple TV‌ refreshed until September 2026 at the earliest.Related Roundup: Apple TVBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)Related Forum: Apple TV and Home TheaterThis article, "Here's What's Coming in the 2026 Apple TV" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Caesars Entertainment is now facing a proposed federal class action that says the casino and hotel company failed to protect customer information during a second cyber incident, coming after its widely reported 2023 breach. The case was filed in Nevada on behalf of plaintiff Mark Huddleston, a Texas resident who says he has belonged to Caesars Rewards since 2007 and has regularly gambled with Caesars both online and in person. He says Caesars gathered personal information through those transactions and loyalty program activity over many years. NEW: Caesars hit with class action alleging 2026 data breach exposed customer info after 2023 hack, raising fraud fears. @RWW pic.twitter.com/vLVEJAIQ5G— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 22, 2026 Huddleston is seeking to hold Caesars responsible for injuries allegedly caused by “Caesars’s inadequate data security,” which the complaint says resulted in private information being exposed to unauthorized third parties. The filing refers to the incident as the “Data Breach.” According to the lawsuit, reviewed by ReadWrite, Caesars had already experienced a data breach in September 2023. It alleges that despite that earlier event, the company “failed to implement the requisite security measures, and failed to prevent another Data Breach from occurring in early 2026.” The complaint says customer data was again taken by cybercriminals, leaving proposed class members exposed to “an elevated and significant risk of fraud and identity theft.” Caesars alleged data breach puts privacy promises under scrutiny The suit says information affected in the 2026 incident included at least customer contact details and dates of birth. It adds that based on what was exposed in 2023, “it can be expected that even more sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers were also stolen in 2026.” The complaint also points to Caesars’ privacy policy, which states: “We maintain physical, electronic and organizational safeguards that reasonably and appropriately protect against the loss, misuse and alteration of the information under our control.” Huddleston argues those promises were misleading. The lawsuit says Caesars “did not ‘maintain physical, electronic and organizational safeguards that reasonably and appropriately protect against the loss, misuse and alteration of the information under our control.’” It further claims customers still face long-term consequences because their information may remain in circulation. The filing says class members now face “a present and continuing risk of fraud and identity theft for years to come.” The proposed nationwide class would include “All persons in the United States whose Private Information was compromised in the Caesars’s Data Breach discovered in March, 2026.” Claims in the case include negligence, breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment, negligence per se, and alleged violations of the Nevada Consumer Fraud Act. The suit seeks damages, credit monitoring, identity theft protection services, and court-ordered security improvements.The Caesars case arrives as other gambling operators face similar scrutiny. ReadWrite recently reported the litigation tied to alleged Wynn Resorts data breaches, including a separate federal class action. We also found that German gambling company Merkur was hit by a major cyberattack. ReadWrite has reached out to Caesars Entertainment for comment. Featured image: Bernard Spragg via Flickr / CC0 1.0 The post Caesars faces new lawsuit after second alleged data security breach claims appeared first on ReadWrite.

Sportradar pushed back hard Wednesday after a short-selling firm accused the company of having meaningful links to unlawful betting sites. “A short report issued today contains factual inaccuracies about the company, and we unequivocally challenge these assertions,” a Sportradar spokesperson told ReadWrite. NEW: @Sportradar responds to claims its profits are tied to illegal gambling revenues, saying it "demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of our business."   @RWW pic.twitter.com/PYSOtJxBve— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 22, 2026 The company said the report misread both its operations and the wider betting market. The spokesperson added: “The report demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of our business and the industry and was authored by a short seller trying to erode shareholder value and profit from stock disruption.” Callisto Research published the report and disclosed that it held a short position in Sportradar shares. It says Sportradar’s image as a sports integrity specialist conflicts with allegations that some websites using its tools or feeds operate unlawfully. Callisto said it found “over 270 individual platforms” that it says use Sportradar products or services while operating illegally in regulated or prohibited markets. It also alleged that some lacked licences and that certain regulators had started reviews. ReadWrite has not independently verified those allegations. Sportradar compliance questions and short seller market reaction to alleged illegal betting Sportradar answered by pointing to its controls, licensing checks and public disclosures. “Sportradar works exclusively with licensed operators, follows strict global compliance, and due diligence standards, and we stand by our independently audited financial statements, risk disclosures, and information provided to investors and regulators,” the spokesperson said. The company also stressed its internal standards. The company added: “We conduct our business with the highest ethical standards consistent with company policies, laws and regulations.” The Callisto document focuses on examples where Sportradar widgets, virtual sports products, backend tools or branding allegedly appeared on sites aimed at places where gambling is limited or banned. Separate appendices released with research materials from Muddy Waters Research describe technical methods used to identify what the authors said were customer integrations. These included reviews of client IDs, widget loaders and licensing endpoints. Even so, code snippets, branding elements, old references or third-party integrations on external websites do not automatically prove a current commercial relationship. They also do not by themselves establish knowledge, misconduct or a regulatory breach by Sportradar. Short-seller reports are written by investors who benefit if a company’s share price drops. That does not mean every claim lacks merit, but it does mean the research comes from an interested party. Such reports commonly include disclaimers stating they are not investment advice. At the time of writing, Sportradar stock was down 23% ahead of reporting its first quarter results on May 6. The combo punch of @callistores and @muddywatersre has sent Sportradar reeling. $SRADTake your twenties, gentlemen. pic.twitter.com/Xv5kaozn4Q— Codfish Johnny (@CodfishJohnny) April 22, 2026 Sportradar sells sports data, integrity monitoring and betting technology to leagues, bookmakers and media groups around the world. Because the company has long promoted anti-match-fixing work and regulatory compliance, any prolonged scrutiny of those claims could draw investor attention even while management firmly rejects the accusations. As of publication, no regulator had publicly announced enforcement action against Sportradar tied to the specific allegations in the report. Featured image: Sportradar The post Sportradar denies short seller claims of links to illegal betting appeared first on ReadWrite.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order blocking state workers from using confidential government information to make money on prediction markets, calling the practice a threat to public trust. The order was signed on Wednesday (April 22) in Albany and took effect immediately. It applies to covered state officers and employees. They are barred from using “any nonpublic information obtained in the course of their official duties” to seek gains or avoid losses through trades on prediction market platforms. They also cannot help other people profit by passing along inside information. NEW: @GovKathyHochul signs EO No. 60 barring state workers from using insider info to profit on prediction markets, violation means firing @RWW #PredictionMarkets pic.twitter.com/b6kyiGngD5— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 22, 2026 Violations can bring dismissal, other discipline, and possible referrals to law enforcement or ethics agencies. “Getting rich by betting on inside information is corruption, plain and simple,” Hochul said in the state’s announcement. “Our actions will ensure that public servants work for the people they represent, not their own personal enrichment.” We’ve all seen it. Anonymous traders betting on government secrets and walking away with massive payouts.Washington is fine with it. New York isn’t. pic.twitter.com/LUKXG5szCL— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) April 22, 2026 Prediction markets let users buy and sell contracts based on whether future events happen. The governor’s office said those events can include “outcomes of military activity, election results, or the severity of natural disasters,” along with “obscure and manipulable events” such as “the attire of public officials at appearances” or “the volume of social media posts made by an individual.” How the Hochul insider trading order reaches prediction markets The executive order says ethics rules need to keep pace with newer trading platforms. It states that “the maintenance of public trust is founded on the principle that public servants are charged with using their positions to benefit the public good,” and that officials should not use access to government information “for personal financial gain.” It also says the “recent proliferation of prediction markets” has raised the risk that people with privileged knowledge may try to profit by “trading on insider information.” Each public authority in New York is directed to adopt matching policies for officers and employees who serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The order defines a prediction market as an exchange-traded platform or service not licensed or permitted by the New York State Gaming Commission, where participants trade contracts tied to future events including elections, sports, economic indicators, or the actions and speech of individuals. The move lands as prediction markets face heavier scrutiny across the country. We previously reported the controversy around a Polymarket contract tied to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, where questions were raised about settlement decisions and whether insiders could benefit from opaque processes. In a video statement posted on X, Hochul pointed to what she called “really suspicious bets with huge payoffs” including the Polymarket contract tied to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, markets on the timing and location of military actions in Iran, and even bets on the length of White House press briefings. She said insider trading in stocks has long been illegal, but argued similar conduct on prediction markets can happen with “zero consequences.” She also drew a contrast with Washington, saying, “some in Washington think this is fair, but here in New York, we say no.” The state has also been aggressive in policing other financial platforms. State regulators have pursued major crypto companies including Coinbase and Gemini in separate legal actions centered on compliance, disclosures, and consumer protections. At the same t

Prediction-market exchange Kalshi has publicly identified three political candidates it says violated rules that bar traders from betting on contests they can influence. Their names appeared in formal enforcement notices after the company first announced the cases without identifying anyone. Kalshi earlier published a company update titled “Enforcement update: Kalshi continues crackdown on political insider trading,” saying three investigations had been completed. The company wrote: “Today, we’re releasing notices related to three enforcement investigations.” It added that “All three cases concern political insider trading and were flagged because of our newly released safeguards to block political candidates from trading on their own elections.” Today, we're releasing notices related to three enforcement investigations.All three cases concern political insider trading and were flagged because of our newly released safeguards to block political candidates from trading on their own elections.Kalshi does not tolerate…— robertjdenault (@robertjdenault) April 22, 2026 It described the punishments but did not name the people involved. Public disciplinary records linked to the update identified them as Matt Klein, Mark Moran, and Ezekiel Enriquez.  Who are the alleged election candidates penalized by Kalshi? Prediction markets appear to be pushing deeper into the worlds of politics and sport, raising urgent questions about whether they can truly guard against insider advantage. Critics warn that when candidates, campaign operatives, donors, or others with privileged access are allowed to trade on election-linked contracts, the integrity of those markets is immediately called into question. Kalshi, for its part, says it is tightening the net. The company has stated stronger restrictions on politicians and athletes, increased automated surveillance, and improved reviews designed to identify conflicts before they can distort the market, following another two insider trading cases. The company said the three matters showed how internal controls can identify improper activity. In its update, Kalshi said the cases demonstrated how “developing proactive engineering solutions can help identify illicit trading activity.” Kalshi has also argued that prediction markets can function as information tools rather than gambling products. However, it depends heavily on confidence that insiders cannot profit from private knowledge or direct control over outcomes. The three candidate cases In the first matter, a settlement notice said Klein had “announced himself as a candidate for public office and was added as a market option for a contract on [election].” The notice continued: “As a candidate, Klein qualified as a direct decision maker for the contract and had direct influence on the outcome of the Underlying event.” Kalshi said Klein then traded “in violation of Rule 5.17(z),” which prohibits users from trading on markets where they are a decision-maker or have influence over the outcome. Under the settlement, Kalshi suspended Klein from direct or indirect access to the platform for five years and imposed a $539.85 financial penalty. Klein is a Democratic Minnesota state senator and reported he admitted making a $50 wager. In a statement on X, Klein wrote: “In October 2025 I heard from friends that there was a prediction market site with wagers on my primary race. I had never wagered on a predictions market previously. I was curious about how it worked. I set up an account and bet $50 of my own funds that I would win the primary.  !I was informed in March of 2026 that this was a violation of the platform rules. In compliance with their request, I paid a penalty and agreed to be suspended from the platform. That was the only wager I have ever made on a predictions market. This was a mistake, and I apologize.” pic.twitter.com/gjQgGGWxrx— Dr. Matt Klein (@DrMattKleinMN) April 22, 2026 The second case involved Mark Moran. Kalshi alleged that “in N

A federal appeals court has given the Comanche Nation a mixed but meaningful win in its fight over the Warm Springs Casino run by the Fort Sill Apache Tribe near Lawton, Oklahoma. In a decision filed Tuesday (April 21), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit said part of the lawsuit can keep moving even after arguments that tribal sovereign immunity should block the case. Judges said the Comanche Nation may continue claims under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, known as IGRA, against Fort Sill Apache officials sued in their official roles. NEW: Tenth Circuit splits casino immunity case: Comanche Nation IGRA claims survive, while Fort Sill Apache officials win partial RICO shield @RWW pic.twitter.com/W7xOcyrTNH— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 21, 2026 The dispute began after Warm Springs Casino opened in 2022. According to the ruling, the Comanche Nation runs nearby gaming properties and claimed that “The resulting competition made the Nation’s casinos less profitable.” The Nation asked the court to stop casino operations and award damages. The opinion says the Nation alleged the casino “was opened in violation of federal law.” Writing for the three-judge panel, Circuit Judge Timothy Tymkovich said the court would “affirm in part and reverse in part.” Why the Warm Springs Casino ruling supporting the Comanche Nation matters The panel said “the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) abrogates the Tribe’s sovereign immunity defense, so the Nation can proceed with its official-capacity claims under IGRA.” It keeps alive the central argument that Warm Springs Casino may be operating outside the Fort Sill Apache Tribe’s gaming compact with Oklahoma. The Comanche Nation contends the casino sits on land that does not qualify as Fort Sill Apache land under that compact. Judges said the complaint alleges the Tsalote Allotment remains Kiowa land, not Fort Sill Apache land. At this stage, the court said it had to accept properly pleaded allegations as true. The ruling also said the claim fits a federal provision allowing suits “initiated by a State or Indian tribe to enjoin a class III gaming activity located on Indian lands and conducted in violation of any Tribal-State compact.” But the Comanche Nation did not win across the board. The judges rejected official-capacity racketeering claims under RICO that sought injunctions and declarations. The panel said the Ex Parte Young exception could not be used here because the complaint did not tie the named officials to ongoing casino operations. As the panel put it, “Ex Parte Young does not help the Nation because its claims are not against officials charged with operating the casino.” The court separately allowed individual-capacity RICO damages claims to continue, saying those claims target officials personally rather than the tribe itself. Because of that, judges wrote, “they cannot raise the Tribe’s sovereign immunity.” The panel did not decide whether those officials might later assert qualified immunity. The case now returns to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. The decision lands amid wider tribal gaming battles, including a temporary casino deal involving Yocha Dehe, Vallejo, and Scotts Valley in California, and a paused northern California tribal casino lawsuit. Featured image: Google Maps The post Appeals court revives Comanche challenge to Oklahoma tribal casino lawsuit appeared first on ReadWrite.

MGM Resorts International said Tuesday (April 21) it finished the sale of the operating business at MGM Northfield Park, wrapping up a $546 million all-cash transaction that hands control of the Ohio property to funds managed by Clairvest Group Inc. The company announced the closing from Las Vegas and framed the move as another step in reshaping its holdings while unlocking money for other priorities. The sale had been expected and now formally removes the racino from MGM’s operating lineup. Dear guests, please see detailed FAQs about our property's transition here: https://t.co/f8w8gNlfcy pic.twitter.com/XVIJ0GwpPC— Northfield Park Racino (@RacinoNP) April 17, 2026 Executives said the Northfield Park property had become a leading venue in its region and credited employees for sustaining performance in a competitive market. “MGM Northfield Park is a market-leading property supported by a talented team that has consistently delivered outstanding guest experiences,” said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO & President, MGM Resorts International.  “The property has a strong foundation, and we extend our best wishes to the team and new ownership for continued success in the next chapter of the property’s evolution.” The transaction also changes MGM’s lease structure with VICI Properties Inc. MGM said its master lease, which previously included MGM Northfield Park, was amended at closing and will lower annual rent by $53 million. After taxes and deal expenses, MGM expects to receive about $420 million in net cash proceeds. That gives the company additional flexibility as it weighs investments, debt management, and shareholder returns. Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Halkyard said the sale showcases the strength of MGM’s operating assets while allowing the company to move on from a property it no longer views as core to long-term plans. “The closing of this transaction underscores the value of MGM’s high-quality operations and provides an opportunity to divest a non-strategic regional asset at a significantly higher multiple than currently ascribed to our premium portfolio,” said Jonathan Halkyard, CFO, MGM Resorts International. “The proceeds will be deployed in line with our priorities of maintaining a strong balance sheet, selectively investing in growth opportunities, and returning capital to shareholders.” MGM said Northfield Park produced roughly $142 million in adjusted EBITDAR for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025. The company noted that adjusted EBITDAR is a non-GAAP financial measure often used in gaming and hospitality to compare property-level performance. Advisers on the sale included Jefferies LLC and SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. Legal counsel was provided by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. Northfield Park sale gives MGM more room for capital plans The completed transaction adds liquidity while MGM continues to concentrate on larger resort destinations and digital gaming interests. The company has repeatedly said it wants to focus capital where returns can be strongest. MGM Resorts operates casino and hotel properties across the United States and in international markets. It also holds online sports betting and iGaming interests through BetMGM and related brands, while pursuing a major integrated resort project in Japan as part of its Asia growth strategy. Featured image: MGM Resorts via Facebook The post MGM completes Northfield Park sale for $546M appeared first on ReadWrite.

Resorts World New York City says it plans to open New York City’s first live table games casino on April 28, bringing blackjack, craps, baccarat and roulette to Queens in a major expansion beside Aqueduct Racetrack. The start still depends on final testing by the New York Gaming Commission this week. If regulators sign off, the property says it will become the first place in the five boroughs to run live dealer table games. A rebuilt third floor is set to debut with more than 240 tables and over 1,500 gaming positions spread across blackjack, craps, baccarat and roulette. Guests will also find more than 2,500 slot machines on opening day. The company says thousands of additional machines are expected later in 2026. Resorts World New York City will open its table games April 28, the casino announced earlier today; Resorts World in Queens will become the first legal casino in New York City to offer live dealer table games— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) April 21, 2026 “New York City has never seen anything like what we’re planning for April 28. Once the Gaming Commission’s final testing is complete, live table games will be open and operating right here in Queens for the first time in the history of New York City. We are ready to welcome New Yorkers to this exciting new experience,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East.  “Resorts World now employees over 2,200 Team Members and have already doubled our workforce and expect thousands more Team Members as the integrated resort is developed over the next three years. This is a transformational moment for Resorts World New York City, and we cannot wait to share it with our fellow New Yorkers.” Resorts World Queens casino hiring ramped up ahead of live tables opening Ahead of the launch, Resorts World says it added 1,250 jobs, including 950 new table-game dealers. Most of those hires completed orientation during several sessions this week. The company says its workforce now stands at about 2,200 people and could climb past 2,700 by summer as operations grow. Resorts World New York City lanyards are seen ahead of the casino’s live table games launch. Credit: Whitmore Studios / Resorts World Executives also pointed out a local training pipeline. Resorts World says its Introduction to Gaming program began in 2022 and has trained more than 350 residents for gaming careers. It also says the Resorts World Dealer School has already trained and hired more than 400 local residents in Queens, with another 500 graduates expected by May. A formal opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at 9:30 a.m. with plans calling for a ribbon-cutting and a ceremonial first roll of the dice. The company says Genting Chairman KT Lim and NAS are expected to attend alongside elected officials, community leaders and other guests. The property at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in Jamaica says it remains the city’s only casino-hotel and has generated nearly $5 billion for New York public education since 2011. It also includes the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York City, which opened in 2021. The expansion arrives as New York moves toward awarding three downstate casino licenses. Resorts World has submitted a reported $5.5 billion proposal to redevelop the site into a larger integrated resort, and its community advisory committee recently advanced the bid to the next stage. Featured: Whitmore Studios / Resorts World The post Resorts World Queens casino to debut first live tables in April appeared first on ReadWrite.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has opened what may become one of the biggest state fights yet over prediction markets, suing Coinbase and Gemini and accusing both companies of running illegal online gambling operations. The paired cases were filed in New York Supreme Court and ask judges for heavy financial penalties that could ripple across a fast-growing corner of crypto finance. State lawyers say residents were allowed to stake money on sports, elections, and entertainment results without the gaming licenses New York requires for legal wagering. In the attorney general’s view, calling those products market contracts does not change what they are. .@Gemini and @coinbase's so-called prediction markets are just illegal gambling operations that expose young people to addictive platforms.Gambling by another name is still gambling. I'm suing to stop these platforms from breaking the law.https://t.co/DosDKe2un1— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) April 21, 2026 James said the companies cannot sidestep gambling law by changing labels, and that “New Yorkers deserve the protections that come with legal, regulated gaming.” Her office said it wants the court to force both firms to surrender profits, compensate consumers, and “pay fines equal to three times the profits the companies made through their illegal actions.” The filings also ask for permanent court orders stopping the businesses from continuing in New York. New York AG launches sweeping state investigation against Coinbase and Gemini The complaints address how much direct testing state investigators say they carried out themselves. According to the filings, investigators placed about 22,000 bets on Coinbase and another 12,000 bets on Gemini over roughly two and a half months. The New York AG's Office placed 12,000 bets on Gemini over a two-and-a-half-month period. pic.twitter.com/k9AKRpCokL— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) April 21, 2026 The complaints indicate investigators tracked how accounts were opened, how wagers were entered, what fees were charged, and how payouts moved back to users. The timing matters because New York already runs one of the country’s most tightly controlled sports betting systems. Licensed mobile sportsbooks operate under strict rules, identity checks, and tax rates that have produced more than $1 billion a year for the state. Officials argue prediction markets cut around that structure while avoiding the same safeguards. James has recently tied the spread of prediction markets to concerns often raised about sports betting expansion, especially risks for young men and vulnerable consumers. State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., a key Albany voice on gaming issues, previously told ReadWrite that federally regulated event-contract platforms may be pushing into territory traditionally overseen by states. The allegations against Gemini Titan and Coinbase The Gemini complaint says Gemini Titan LLC rolled out Gemini Predictions in December 2025 and made the product available across the country, including New York. Prosecutors cite Gemini’s own statement that it was “now live across all 50 U.S. states.” State lawyers say users could take positions on outcomes ranging from the Super Bowl to college basketball and reality television, including “Survivor Season 50.” The petition argues Gemini “seeks to avoid the legal and financial consequences of New York’s close regulation of gambling by offering what is quintessentially wagering under the guise of offering ‘event contracts’ on a ‘prediction market.’” The state also claims the platform allowed users between ages 18 and 21 to participate, despite New York restricting sports wagering to those 21 and older. The Coinbase case follows the same blueprint. Prosecutors say Coinbase entered the prediction market business in December 2025 and later said its products were “live in all 50 states.” According to the complaint, users could wager on whether the New York Knicks would cover a point spread, who would win the

Kalshi went to federal court in Montana on Tuesday (April 21), asking a judge to stop state officials from using gambling laws against its federally regulated prediction market. The company says Montana is trying to shut down trading activity that falls under the sole authority of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The filing seeks a preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. On the same day, Kalshi also filed an unopposed request to pause case deadlines while both sides continue discussions. Defendants include Attorney General Austin Knudsen, the Montana Gambling Control Division, and other state officials. NEW: Kalshi sues Montana officials, claiming state crackdown on event contracts violates federal authority over derivatives markets #PredictionMarkets @RWW pic.twitter.com/K6RIjpB4Xk— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 13, 2026 Kalshi told the court state officials are “unconstitutionally threatening to prohibit trading on Kalshi’s federally designated contract market,” even though its contracts are “federally authorized” and Congress granted the CFTC “exclusive jurisdiction” over designated contract markets. Kalshi runs a federally licensed exchange offering event contracts. The contracts let users trade on whether future events will happen, from economic data to elections and sports outcomes. The company argues those products are derivatives governed by federal commodities law, not sports wagers or gambling products controlled separately by each state. According to the complaint, Montana regulators decided Kalshi’s offerings in the state “constitute illegal gambling” under Montana law and ordered the company to stop offering contracts to residents. The state warned that it “expect[ed]” Kalshi to “voluntarily comply” and that “[r]efusal to do so will result in legal action against Kalshi.” Why Kalshi is asking for a preliminary injunction against Montana Kalshi said Montana had previously agreed to a standstill in April 2025. Under that deal, the Gambling Control Division said it would “not initiate any civil or criminal enforcement against Kalshi during the pendency of” related Nevada litigation and would “defer any enforcement pending the outcome of the proceedings before Chief Judge Gordon in Nevada and any appeal to the Ninth Circuit.” The company says those Nevada proceedings were still active when Montana sent a new cease-and-desist letter dated April 6, 2026. Kalshi says it received that letter on April 11, asked officials for clarification, but “received no response and filed the Complaint.” In its latest brief, Kalshi argued Congress built a national framework for exchanges like its own, and letting states block trading one by one would break that system. The company cited legislative history saying that “different State laws would just lead to total chaos.” The Montana case follows similar fights around the country. Kalshi has recently pointed to favorable rulings in New Jersey, Arizona, and Tennessee, where judges found the company was likely to succeed on arguments that federal commodities law preempts state gaming enforcement. It has also sued Iowa while challenging similar state actions elsewhere. Kalshi says immediate relief is needed because Montana’s newest letter creates an “imminent threat” of enforcement. It asked the court to stop officials from enforcing Montana gambling statutes or “any other Montana law that attempts to regulate Kalshi’s exchange” while the lawsuit moves ahead. Featured image: Kalshi / Canva The post Kalshi seeks Montana court injunction over federal prediction market authority fight appeared first on ReadWrite.

Germany’s gambling regulator says it has intensified action against rapper Capital Bra after what it describes as repeated promotion of illegal online gambling across his social media accounts. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Länder, or GGL, said on Monday (April 20) that an ongoing case centers on videos and livestreams in which the artist allegedly showed himself using unauthorized gambling services while encouraging followers to engage with them. The news comes after reports that he was rushed to the hospital the same day following an alleged drug overdose. Capital Bra soll Werbung gemacht, selbst gespielt und das im Internet gezeigt haben. Die Glücksspielbehörde will, dass er zahlt, doch der Rapper reagiert nicht. https://t.co/Fq9g0Fz4Au— stern (@sternde) April 20, 2026 According to the authority, videos remained available on his channels after the streams ended, while banner advertising for related sites continued to appear. Regulators also allege he ran a comparison website that directed users toward illegal gambling providers. German law bars advertising for illegal gambling under Section 5, paragraph 7 of the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling. The GGL says showing participation in unlawful gambling can itself function as marketing because it normalizes the activity and drives traffic. How the illegal gambling crackdown grew against Capital Bra The authority said it first opened proceedings in October 2025 over suspected illegal gambling advertising. It says a hearing notice received no response. A prohibition order followed, including the threat of a coercive fine, and regulators say that order also went unanswered. The GGL then set a coercive penalty of 250,000 euros ($294,000). With assistance from West Hesse police, officials served the notice during one of the rapper’s club concerts in Wiesbaden last weekend. “We are not deterred even by well-known names. Anyone who promotes illegal gambling must expect decisive regulatory action,” Ronald Benter, executive board member of the GGL, said in the statement. The regulator says cases involving celebrities and influencers can be harder to enforce when individuals are difficult to contact or documents cannot be served easily. Even so, it says it will keep using available legal tools and police cooperation when needed. Germany has recently warned consumers about newer forms of illegal social betting that can spread quickly online through community-style platforms and creator promotion. Officials say those offers may appear harmless or game-like while still exposing users to unlicensed gambling risks. There has been increasing scrutiny of celebrity-linked gambling promotion internationally. Recent reporting has examined claims around high-profile streaming losses involving Drake and Stake, raising questions about whether sponsored personalities gamble with their own funds or promotional balances. Elsewhere in Europe, regulators have also stepped up enforcement. Finnish authorities recently moved against two influencers over gambling marketing tied to possible fines of 30,000 euros, while the Dutch gambling authority took action involving influencer LeftLanePapi over illegal gambling promotion. The GGL says its campaign is meant to protect consumers from sites outside state supervision. It warns those operators may lack player safeguards and can expose users to addiction, manipulated game presentations, and serious financial losses. Featured image: Stefan Brending / CC-BY-SA-3.0 de The post German regulator targets Capital Bra over alleged illegal gambling promotion case appeared first on ReadWrite.

A former finance manager for the Fresno Arts Council has pleaded guilty after federal prosecutors accused her of siphoning more than $1.8 million from the nonprofit, and spending part of the money to gamble at local casinos, pay for vacations, and cover other personal expenses. Suliana Caldwell, 46, of Fresno, admitted one count of wire fraud in federal court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California said. Prosecutors contend the losses mounted while she controlled key accounts and handled internal financial reporting. The former Fresno Arts Council operations manager pleaded guilty today to federal wire fraud charges following an investigation by the FBI and the @FresnoPolice. She embezzled more than $1.8 million from the organization. Please visit https://t.co/otOrH4iwxb for more information. pic.twitter.com/XdNBCs7vgC— FBI Sacramento (@FBISacramento) April 20, 2026 According to court records, Caldwell worked as the council’s operations manager from 2021 until February 2026. The position gave her authority over bank accounts, payroll, grants, donations and other day-to-day finances. She also assembled financial updates that were shared with the executive director, board members and local government officials. Investigators say the theft started in 2022, when Caldwell began making “unauthorized transfers from the FAC’s bank accounts to her own personal PayPal and to her bank accounts.” Prosecutors said the amounts grew sharply the following year after new public money reached the organization. The plea agreement says those transfers “increased significantly in 2023” after the council began receiving Measure P funds. Measure P is a voter-approved Fresno tax measure that supports parks, trails, arts programming and other community projects. Federal prosecutors said the Fresno Arts Council received $9.4 million in August 2023, followed by another $5.7 million in October 2024. How Fresno Arts Council manager hid money used for gambling and personal expenses Federal prosecutors said Caldwell used a position of trust to keep the scheme from being detected. According to the plea agreement, she “altered and misreported the financial figures in the reports to make the reports appear as though no unauthorized transfers were occurring.” They were then provided to council leaders and public officials as if they were accurate, prosecutors said. The filing says that between June 2022 and February 2026, Caldwell took more than $1.8 million. It adds: “She then used the funds to gamble at local casinos, pay for vacations, and for other improper personal expenses.” Investigators said Caldwell later met with the Fresno Police Department and the FBI on March 26, 2026. During that interview, authorities said, she confessed and described the organization’s financial procedures during her time there. Caldwell’s defense attorney, Kevin Rooney, told reporters outside the court: “Ms Caldwell had some emotional problems, alcohol problems, all of it spiralled into a gambling addiction. “Ms Caldwell’s extremely distraught about what she’s done. It’s impacted her family; it’s impacted the Fresno Arts Council.” Suliana Caldwell walked into federal court on Monday to plead guilty after prosecutors said she stole $1.8 million from the Fresno Arts Council.I exclusively reported on the investigation and her identity in February.Watch my latest reporting for @ABC30 pic.twitter.com/01g9CzutJD— Gabe Ferris (@GabeABC30) April 21, 2026 When asked about the artists impacted by the theft, Rooney added, “I can’t speak exactly to what Ms. Caldwell would say. She’s very upset. It’s just unfortunate all around for the artists, for the community, for Ms Caldwell, for her family.” The FBI and Fresno Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody S. Chapple and Joseph D. Barton are leading the prosecution. Caldwell is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on August 10, 2026. She fa

Fanatics Markets has introduced a new product called Combos, giving customers another way to trade sports outcomes as the basketball playoffs get underway. The feature was rolled out Monday (April 20). It allows users to bundle multiple outcomes into one new contract inside Fanatics Markets. The selections can include player props, winners, spreads and totals. Customers can mix picks from different sports, different games, or keep everything inside a single matchup. .@Fanatics Markets launches Combos, letting users bundle sports predictions across leagues. Available on iOS and Android in 24 states today. @RWW pic.twitter.com/oXffK0FYWT— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 20, 2026 The launch adds to Fanatics’ push into prediction markets, an area the company entered in 2025 when it rolled out Fanatics Markets. Earlier reporting around the launch said Fanatics was moving into the space through a partnership with Crypto.com, in a bid to offer event-based trading tied to sports results. How Fanatics Markets Combos works Fanatics said customers can find eligible markets by looking for the combo icon, then building a custom contract from there. The company says Combos is currently available for professional basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, football, boxing, MMA and tennis, with more sports expected later. The company said it is launching the product “just in time for basketball’s postseason,” while making it usable across several major leagues at the same time. Fanatics Markets is available on iOS and Android in 24 states and four U.S. territories. The company also says web access is offered in those same approved jurisdictions. Among the states specifically named were California, Texas and Florida. Fanatics Markets has combos now pic.twitter.com/XEwHK3G11l— Dustin Gouker (@DustinGouker) April 15, 2026 The company says the platform runs on infrastructure provided by Crypto.com Derivatives North America, or CDNA, which Fanatics identified as a CFTC-registered exchange. Fanatics has argued that structure gives users a regulated venue to trade contracts tied to sports moments such as game winners, player milestones and championship outcomes. The regulatory backdrop has drawn attention across the industry. Coverage this year also noted a Nevada court dispute involving Crypto.com, which may end up affecting the partnership. Fanatics states it is also introducing consumer safeguards alongside the new product. According to the company, Fanatics Markets includes tools intended to help customers manage exposure and make informed decisions while trading. This includes deposit limits, session limits, timeouts and self-exclusion options. The company says those settings are designed to support responsible use of the platform. Featured image: Fanatics via Instagram The post Fanatics Markets launches Combos feature as basketball postseason trading starts appeared first on ReadWrite.

A fight over prediction markets, federal authority, and Arizona gambling law is moving onto a slower track after all sides asked for more time, even as they continue arguing over what a temporary court order actually blocks. In a joint status report filed Monday (April 20) in U.S. District Court in Arizona, the United States, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Kalshi, and Arizona officials said they had met under a prior court order and were updating the judge on scheduling. LATEST: Arizona seeks June delay in Kalshi case; TRO remains as parties clash over state probe powers and betting contracts. #PredictionMarkets pic.twitter.com/FgPeJxPL9m— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 20, 2026 Arizona asked to cancel the current May 6 hearing on the federal plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction and reset it for June 3 or another date later in June. The state also said, “Defendants consent to extending the current Temporary Restraining Order through the hearing date and to such time as the Court decides the Motion for Preliminary Injunction.” The temporary restraining order was issued earlier this month after a federal judge temporarily halted Arizona enforcement tied to the disputed contracts, preserving the status quo while the case moved forward. The parties also noted that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals may soon rule in related consolidated appeals argued April 16. This involves similar clashes over event contracts and whether states can act against federally regulated markets. Federal plaintiffs said they do not need another round of briefing. They told the court that “the best course of action would be to convert the TRO to a preliminary injunction and to stay the case pending a decision in the Ninth Circuit.” Kalshi said it agrees. Arizona dispute over Kalshi scope remains amid delays Arizona wants a fuller record before any injunction decision. State lawyers said the court would benefit from information “regarding standing and any financial, economic, commercial consequences associated with sports or election event contracts traded on designated contract markets.” The state added that it expects witness testimony at the hearing and declarations with its opposition filing. Arizona also said supplemental briefing would help after the restraining order and recent appellate arguments. It plans to address “standing, merits (what instruments do or do not qualify as swaps, or as properly listed event contracts, and why), irreparable harm, and the balance of equities.” Federal plaintiffs pushed back, saying the judge already has substantial briefing and heard argument on April 10. They said more briefing “would be duplicative, especially with the Ninth Circuit likely to issue a decision quickly.” Kalshi likewise said more briefing is unnecessary, though it wants to participate if future filings affect its interests. The filing also touched on an intervention request from North American Derivatives Exchange, doing business as Crypto.com Derivatives North America. Arizona said it does not oppose intervention if the company joins the federal plaintiffs’ injunction request and avoids repetitive briefing. If approved, CDNA would be added as an intervenor-plaintiff, permitted to file its complaint in the consolidated action, and formally join the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order. Arizona said it does not oppose the move after receiving assurances that CDNA would avoid duplicative briefing. Another major issue centers on the restraining order’s reach. Arizona said it reads the order as blocking new enforcement actions, but not investigations or subpoenas. Federal plaintiffs objected, arguing investigations burden federally regulated designated contract markets, unsettle traders, and interfere with the CFTC’s claimed exclusive oversight role. Kalshi said it agrees with that reading. The Arizona case follows other recent rulings, including appellate decisions that favored K