Nova Newsletter
October 24, 2025
☕ Good morning. 1,571 words for you today - 8 minute read.
The Spotlight
1. Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups Charged in Mafia-linked Poker Scheme
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Portland, Ore. Jenny Kane/AP
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has been charged in an illegal poker operation tied to the Mafia, part of a federal gambling probe that also ensnared Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
Takeaways:
Prosecutors say poker games were rigged using X-ray tech and fake shuffling machines.
The operation ran since 2019, netting over $7 million.
Rozier faces related charges for insider betting on NBA games.
34 defendants, including mob associates, were named in two connected cases.
FBI officials called it a “massive, nationwide takedown” involving Bonano, Gambino, and Genovese crime families. Some victims reportedly lost millions and were threatened when they refused to pay.
Rozier’s lawyer denied wrongdoing, saying the NBA had previously cleared him.
The NBA says it is cooperating fully with the federal investigation. Read More
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2. Another French Museum Robbery Sees 2,000 Gold and Silver Coins Stolen
Thieves stole around 2,000 gold and silver coins worth about €90,000 during a raid on the Maison des Lumières museum in Langres, France just hours after the Louvre’s crown jewel heist.
Takeaways:
Coins from 1790–1840 were stolen from a smashed display case.
The collection was discovered during 2011 renovations.
It follows major thefts in Paris and Limoges in recent months.
Experts say the stolen artifacts are “unsaleable” due to traceability.
The back-to-back museum raids have raised nationwide concern over weak security in French cultural institutions. Louvre director Laurence des Cars admitted CCTV and alarm failures allowed jewel thieves to strike undetected. Read More
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3. US Military Strikes 2 Boats In Pacific In Apparent Expansion Of Campaign Against Alleged Drug Trafficking
Pete Hegseth on X
The US military carried out lethal strikes on two boats in the eastern Pacific this week, killing everyone on board, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed marking the first known expansion of strikes from the Caribbean into the Pacific.
Takeaways:
These were the 8th and 9th known US strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels since September.
Hegseth said the boats were operated by designated terrorist organizations involved in narcotics trafficking.
At least 37 people have been killed across all nine strikes so far.
The Trump administration reportedly drafted a classified opinion allowing lethal force against certain cartels.
Officials compared the traffickers to terrorist groups like al Qaeda, vowing no “refuge or forgiveness.” The expansion raises questions about the legal justification for using military force against alleged traffickers on the high seas. Read More
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Quick Headlines
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and European Council President Antonio Costa (AP Photo/ Harry Nakos)
The European Union imposed new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and tech sectors, aligning with U.S. measures to cut Moscow’s war funding and push Vladimir Putin into Ukraine peace talks. Oil prices spiked as Russia dismissed the actions as ineffective. Read More
Archbishop Steve Wood of the Anglican Church in North America is accused of sexual harassment, bullying, and plagiarism in a complaint signed by at least 10 members, marking the denomination’s latest scandal amid broader leadership crises. Read More
U.S. cattle ranchers accuse President Trump of “selling us out” after his plan to quadruple low-tariff Argentine beef imports, saying it undercuts struggling family farms already hit by record beef prices and trade fallout with China. Read More
Illinois Republican candidate Darren Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana on Wednesday night, his campaign confirmed, with investigations into the cause still underway. Read More
America’s national debt hit a record $38 trillion, rising by $1 trillion since August, the fastest climb outside the pandemic as economists warn of higher inflation, borrowing costs, and long-term strain on future generations. Read More
Author Michael Wolff filed suit against First Lady Melania Trump, alleging she tried to silence him with a $1 billion legal threat over comments linking her to Jeffrey Epstein, which he says were misrepresented by the media. Read More
Deep Dive
4. White House Releases Donor List for Trump Ballroom Amid East Wing Demolition
Heavy machinery tears down a section of the East Wing of the White House as construction begins on Donald Trump's planned ballroom. Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
The White House revealed Thursday a full list of corporate and private donors funding President Trump’s new $300 million ballroom, confirming contributions from some of the world’s largest companies as demolition of the East Wing continues.
Takeaways
Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are among major donors supporting the ballroom project.
The East Wing is being demolished to make room for the structure, sparking backlash from historians and preservationists.
The project’s cost has risen from $200 million to $300 million since July.
Trump says “many presidents have made changes” and calls the ballroom “something they’ve wanted for 150 years.”
Donations are fully private, with a dinner hosted last week to thank contributors.
The White House said funding for the new ballroom which Trump described as “the grandest space ever built for the American people” comes entirely from private donations. Among the corporate donors are Booz Allen Hamilton, Caterpillar, Coinbase, Comcast, HP, Lockheed Martin, NextEra Energy, Palantir Technologies, Ripple, T-Mobile, and Union Pacific Railroad.
Private contributors include Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, Harold Hamm, Paolo Tiramani, Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, and the Adelson Family Foundation, among others.
The East Wing demolition has stirred strong opposition from preservation groups, who argue the project permanently alters the original White House footprint. The administration maintains the addition will “expand event capacity and create a lasting legacy of American excellence.”. Read More
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On Our Radar
5. “Deeply Grateful” Bon Jovi Announces First Tour After Vocal Surgery, Releases New Single
Jon Bon JoviAlberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Jon Bon Jovi is officially back. After undergoing vocal surgery in 2022 documented in Hulu’s Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story the rock legend announced his first tour in four years and said he’s “deeply grateful” to sing again.
Takeaways:
The band’s seven-date Forever Tour will visit the UK, Ireland, and feature four nights at Madison Square Garden.
A new single, “Red, White & New Jersey,” was released alongside the announcement.
A video shows Bon Jovi performing the song and confirming he’s ready to return to the stage.
The comeback marks a major milestone for the front man, who had spent years recovering and retraining his voice following surgery. Read More
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6. Bad Bunny Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Not Being Reconsidered
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reaffirmed that Bad Bunny will remain the headliner for Super Bowl LX’s halftime show, despite criticism from President Trump and his supporters. Goodell said the league stands by its decision, emphasizing the artist’s global influence and popularity.
Takeaways:
The NFL is not reconsidering its decision to feature Bad Bunny as the main performer.
Goodell said backlash is inevitable with “hundreds of millions” watching, but the show will be “a united moment.”
Trump claimed he had “never heard of” the Puerto Rican artist and called the decision “crazy.”
Goodell defended the choice, noting Bad Bunny is “one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world.”
The Super Bowl will be held February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, hosted by the San Francisco 49ers. Read More
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8. 🎉 This day in history
President Harry S. Truman and the entire American delegation.
On This Day – October 24
United Nations Charter Takes Effect, 1945 – The Charter of the United Nations officially comes into force, establishing a new international body dedicated to maintaining peace, security, and cooperation among nations after World War II.
Disney Concert Hall Opens in L.A., 2003 – The Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by architect Frank Gehry, debuts in downtown Los Angeles as the striking new home of the L.A. Philharmonic and a modern architectural landmark.
Jordan’s Game-Worn Nikes Set Auction Record, 2021 – Michael Jordan’s 1984 Nike Air Ships sell for $1.47 million at Sotheby’s, becoming the most expensive sneakers ever auctioned and cementing the legend of Air Jordan in sports history.
9. Poll
Life Hack of the day
🍋 💪🏻 Lemon for Elbows & Knees Whitening
Dealing with dark elbows or knees? Try this natural brightening trick! Rub half a lemon directly on the area for a few minutes, letting the citric acid gently lighten and exfoliate the skin. Rinse afterward and follow up with moisturizer for softer, smoother results.
That’s your morning brief. Now go show someone how smart you are. 🧠
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