NBA Figures Charged in Major Gambling and Mafia-Backed Poker Schemes

Authorities in New York have arrested the head coach of the Portland basketball team and a Miami player, along with over 30 others, in connection with two extensive illegal gambling operations. The schemes allegedly involved leaking confidential information about basketball athletes and rigging high-stakes poker games backed by organized crime families, cheating gamblers out of millions. The indictments, which also include a former assistant coach and player, cast a shadow over the basketball league as its season begins and highlight vulnerabilities in the expanding legal sports-betting industry.

Trump Administration Opens Alaska Wildlife Refuge to Oil Drilling

The Trump administration has finalized plans to allow oil and gas drilling in the coastal plain of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, reigniting debate over environmental protection versus economic development. The decision paves the way for future lease sales and fulfills previous pledges to reopen the area, which is considered sacred by some Indigenous communities and vital for local wildlife. The move follows a court ruling that the previous administration lacked authority to cancel existing leases.

Trump Backs Off Federal Agent Surge in San Francisco

President Trump announced he is backing off a planned deployment of federal agents to San Francisco after discussions with the city's mayor and business leaders. The move comes amid declining crime rates and ongoing protests against increased immigration enforcement. While the president said he could still send agents in the future, local officials maintain that federal intervention is unnecessary.

White House East Wing Demolished for Ballroom Construction

Photos show the complete demolition of the White House East Wing as President Trump moves forward with plans to build a massive ballroom. The new structure, expected to cost around $300 million, will be privately funded and replace the historic wing that housed offices and hosted state events. The project has seen rising costs and changes during construction.

Black Enrollment Drops at Elite Colleges After Affirmative Action Ban

An analysis reveals that Black student enrollment at many top colleges has declined since the Supreme Court banned affirmative action in admissions. Some campuses now report Black populations as low as 2% among freshmen, raising concerns about diversity and access to elite education. The trend coincides with new federal efforts to enforce the court's ruling.

Russian Military Planes Violate Lithuanian Airspace

Lithuania's president reported that Russian military aircraft briefly entered the country's airspace, calling it a blatant breach of territorial integrity. The incident has heightened concerns in the Baltic region amid ongoing tensions with Russia and recent airspace violations.

Trump Pardons Cryptocurrency Figure Changpeng Zhao

President Trump has pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, after Zhao served prison time for enabling money laundering. The pardon follows recommendations from prominent figures and comes after Zhao's support for Trump family crypto ventures.

U.S. Vice President Criticizes Israeli Parliament Vote on West Bank Annexation

Vice President JD Vance condemned a symbolic vote in Israel's parliament supporting annexation of parts of the West Bank, calling it an insult and contrary to U.S. policy. The bill is unlikely to become law, and Vance also shared plans for reconstruction in Gaza, warning that rebuilding could take years.

Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over TV Ad Dispute

President Trump announced the termination of all trade negotiations with Canada, citing a television ad that he claims misrepresented U.S. tariffs and interfered with court decisions. The abrupt move could escalate trade tensions between the two countries, as both leaders prepare for upcoming international summits.