Nova Newsletter
October 22, 2025
☕ Good morning. 1,688 words for you today - 8 minute read.
The Spotlight
1. U.S. Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Dies at 29
This undated photo released by Charlotte Chess Center shows Daniel Naroditsky playing chess on the board. (Kelly Centrelli/Charlotte Chess Center via AP
Daniel Naroditsky, a prominent American chess grandmaster and online educator, died Monday at age 29, according to the Charlotte Chess Center.
Takeaways
The Charlotte Chess Center confirmed his death but did not specify the cause.
Naroditsky became a grandmaster at 18 and recently won the 2025 U.S. National Blitz Championship.
Known as “Danya,” he built a major following through livestreams on Twitch and YouTube.
Fellow players praised his role in popularizing modern chess.
Naroditsky began his rise as a child prodigy, winning the World Under-12 Championship before publishing chess strategy books as a teenager.
He was ranked among the world’s top 200 classical players and maintained a top 25 spot in blitz chess. Fans admired his ability to teach while entertaining, often analyzing matches live online.
Colleagues and players across the globe shared tributes Monday, calling him a brilliant mind and generous mentor.
Naroditsky’s death leaves a lasting void in the global chess community he helped modernize and inspire. Read More
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2. Trump Orders Troops to Portland and ICE Facilities
A Pennsylvania man who messaged his victim “So I raped you” was sentenced Monday to two to four years in prison for a 2013 sexual assault at Gettysburg College.
Takeaways
Ian Cleary, 32, pleaded guilty and was extradited from France in 2024.
The judge gave a sentence below guidelines, citing remorse and mental illness.
Victim Shannon Keeler said the message reopened deep wounds from the attack.
Prosecutors faced criticism for years of inaction in campus assault cases.
Cleary assaulted Keeler in her dorm during her first semester at Gettysburg. The case stalled for nearly a decade until Keeler renewed her complaint after receiving his Facebook message.
He was later tracked down in France and returned to the U.S. for trial.
Keeler said the conviction brought long-delayed accountability but came at a painful cost. Read More
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3. Louvre Robbery Suspects Will Be Caught, but Jewels Likely Lost Forever
French police officers stand in front of the Louvre museum after robbery, in Paris, France, Oct. 19, 2025. DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty
A criminologist predicts French police will capture the thieves behind the daring $102 million Louvre heist but says the stolen royal jewels are likely gone for good. The robbers used a crane and power tools to enter the museum and escape with priceless crown jewels in broad daylight.
Takeaways
The robbery occurred Sunday while tourists were inside; no one was hurt.
DNA and tools were recovered, giving police strong leads.
Experts say the jewels, though historically priceless, could be dismantled for black market sale.
France’s Justice Minister admitted the heist exposed major security failures at the Louvre. Read More
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Quick Headlines
Putin and Trump last met in August in Alaska and the US president had said further talks would take place in Budapest
The White House has scrapped plans for a Trump-Putin meeting in Budapest after U.S.-Russia peace terms clashed, ending hopes for progress on Ukraine talks despite recent high-level calls. Read More
A U.S. Marshal and an illegal immigrant were injured when federal agents opened fire during a Los Angeles immigration operation after the suspect rammed vehicles; both are hospitalized and expected to recover. Read More
Jacoby Tillman, accused of choking a woman unconscious on a Florida trail and telling his girlfriend he wanted to “know what it’s like to choke someone out,” was released on $9,500 bond before a judge revoked it Tuesday. Read More
The U.S. has deployed bombers, warships, Marines, and drones across the Caribbean in its largest regional buildup in decades, forming a new task force to target drug cartels and “narco-terrorist” networks near Venezuela. Read More
In a new memoir, Finding My Way, Malala Yousafzai shares stories from her college years at Oxford, where she tested boundaries and faced lingering trauma from surviving a Taliban attack. She opens up about anxiety, therapy, and learning to embrace imperfection while continuing her global advocacy for girls’ education. Read More
A Change.org petition with over 55,000 signatures urges the NFL to replace Bad Bunny with George Strait for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, citing “American values.” Critics call it racially motivated, noting Bad Bunny’s cultural impact and 81 million Spotify listeners far surpass Strait’s 8 million. Read More
Deep Dive
4. Who is Paying for Trump’s $250 Million White House Ballroom?
The White House has started tearing down part of the East Wing to build the ballroom President Donald Trump wants added to the building. Demolition started Monday.
Construction on a massive new ballroom at the White House has begun, raising questions about who is footing the bill for the $250 million project and what donors might expect in return.
Takeaways
Trump says he will personally cover part of the cost, with outside donors contributing millions more.
The Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, will handle donations.
Critics warn the setup risks becoming a “pay-to-play” scheme tied to corporate access.
YouTube is the only confirmed donor so far, contributing $22 million as part of a legal settlement.
The ballroom will seat nearly 1,000 guests and could reshape how presidents use the White House.
Groundbreaking began Monday as crews tore into the East Wing to make space for the 90,000-square-foot addition. Trump has billed the ballroom as a legacy project that future presidents can use for state dinners and major events, eliminating the need for temporary outdoor tents.
Yet the source of its funding has drawn scrutiny. A White House dinner earlier this month included executives from Microsoft, Palantir, Google, and Amazon, who were reportedly invited to pledge donations of $20 million or more. A pledge form reviewed by CBS suggested donors could receive “recognition” within the structure.
Ethics watchdogs say the optics are troubling. “It’s using access to the White House to raise money,” said Richard Painter, a former Bush ethics lawyer. “These corporations all want something from the government.”
Trump insists no taxpayer funds will be used and that the project is fully compliant with ethics laws.
The ballroom may cement his influence over White House culture long after his presidency ends. Read More
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On Our Radar
5. East Coast Prepares for Hurricane Imelda
During his rookie season with Tampa Bay in 2012, Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and scored 11 touchdowns
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Doug Martin died after a struggle with police while being detained in Oakland on Saturday, officials said. He was 36.
Takeaways
Police say Martin became unresponsive after being arrested during a break-in investigation.
His family said he was struggling with mental health issues and fled his home before the incident.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine cause of death.
Multiple agencies, including the DA’s office, are investigating the case.
Martin, a two-time Pro Bowl running back, was arrested after officers responded to reports of a break-in. Authorities said a “brief struggle” occurred before he lost consciousness and was taken to a hospital.
His former agent said Martin’s family had sought help for his worsening mental health. Oakland’s mayor and police officials have offered condolences.
Martin’s death adds to growing scrutiny over police responses involving people in mental health crises. Read More
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6. White House Denies Trump Plans to Pardon Sean Combs
A White House official on Tuesday rejected reports that President Donald Trump is considering commuting Sean “Diddy” Combs’ prison sentence.
Takeaways
TMZ reported Monday that Trump was debating a commutation for Combs.
The White House called the report “fake news” and said the president makes pardon decisions.
Combs was sentenced to 50 months in prison on prostitution-related charges.
His lawyers have filed an appeal seeking to overturn the conviction.
TMZ cited a “high-ranking White House official” claiming Trump was wavering on the decision. The administration pushed back, saying the outlet did not seek comment before publication.
Combs was convicted in July and sentenced earlier this month but maintains his innocence. His request to serve time at a New Jersey facility is still pending.
Trump’s team says no pardon discussions are underway at this time. Read More
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8. 🎉 This day in history
On This Day — October 22
“Pretty Boy” Floyd Killed, 1934 – Infamous Depression-era bank robber Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd is gunned down by FBI agents in a cornfield near East Liverpool, Ohio, ending one of America’s most notorious crime sprees.
Disney Welcomes 100 Millionth Guest, 1979 – Walt Disney World in Florida celebrates a milestone as its 100 millionth visitor passes through the gates, cementing its status as the world’s premier family vacation destination.
Taylor Swift Releases Red, 2012 – Taylor Swift’s fourth studio album Red debuts to massive acclaim, blending pop and country sounds and earning Billboard’s Album of the Year for both 2012 and 2013.
9. Poll
Life Hack of the day
🧅❄️ Ice Cube Onion Trick
Hate tearing up while chopping onions? Try chilling them first! Place onions in the fridge or freezer for about 10–15 minutes before cutting. The cold slows down the release of tear-causing gases, making the chopping process much easier on your eyes.
That’s your morning brief. Now go show someone how smart you are. 🧠
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