YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP | |
We made it to Friday. Here's the news: |
Arrests in NBA gambling scandal |
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones all were arrested as part of alleged involvement in extensive illegal gambling rings, FBI director Kash Patel said during a news conference Thursday. |
This scandal has rocked the NBA: The FBI secured multiple indictments for more than 30 people related to their alleged role in gambling (just as the 2025-2026 season tips off this week). |
| • | What the indictments say: The charges stem from separate but related federal investigations into rigged illegal poker games that reportedly involved members of organized crime families and a sports betting conspiracy that exploited confidential information about the NBA. | | • | Gambino. Bonanno. Genovese. Lucchese. Mafia members allegedly used high-tech tools, along with their old-fashioned racketeering schemes, to help orchestrate major aspects of the criminal operation. | | • | Ballers behind bars? The NBA placed Billups and Rozier on "immediate leave" after they were indicted. Billups was in court and arraigned in Portland Thursday afternoon. | | Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones. From left to right: Steph Chambers/Getty Images; Carmen Mandato/Getty Images; Emma McIntyre/Getty Images |
Atlantic may unleash one of its 'strongest storms ever' |
Tropical Storm Melissa's future path and strength still confound meteorologists, who are raising alarms about how strong the storm could become. And with the chances of a monstrous Category 5 storm still in play, there is potential for Melissa to be "the most impactful storm of the 2025 season," said Houston-based meteorologist Matt Lanza in a Substack post Wednesday. What's the worst-case scenario for the U.S.? |
Trump's White House construction 'loophole' |
President Donald Trump demolished the East Wing of the White House this week to make room for a $300 million ballroom he plans to pay for with private dollars. The project has raised questions about whether Trump has the legal authority to decide unilaterally to bulldoze a large chunk of "The People's House" — and to build a massive 90,000-square-foot structure in its place that will tower over the main White House building. Perhaps surprisingly, there are few legal restraints to stop him. | An excavator works to clear rubble after the East Wing of the White House was demolished on Thursday in Washington, DC. Eric Lee, Getty Images |
Why some troops can't just get fitter |
Pete Hegseth has made fitness standards a major focus since taking over the Department of War, formerly known as the Department of Defense. But some part-time military members say they lack access to gym, nutrition and health resources even though they're held to the same standards as their active-duty peers. In many cases, these troops are balancing two or even three jobs. And, unlike full-time force members, they don't receive disability benefits if they are injured while training off duty. Some told USA TODAY it's an issue of "fairness." |
| • | Crocs just dropped a "boots with the fur" collab with T-Pain. | | • | Nikki Pindor might be UMiami's biggest party girl, and she's sober. | | • | The Billboard Latin Music Awards are back! | | • | Take an early look at the top women's and men's college basketball teams. | |
Great American (and Canadian) pastime |
Los Angeles begins a mission on Friday to become Major League Baseball's first repeat World Series champion since the turn of the millennium. The Dodgers must win four of the next seven games against the Toronto Blue Jays. |
USA TODAY Sports has everything World Series for you: |
Photo of the day: Everyone cries |
Tears filled Carson Wentz's eyes during the fourth quarter of the Minnesota Vikings' "Thursday Night Football" battle against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Vikings lost 37-10 and Wentz bore the brunt of the barrage. | Carson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday. Luke Hales, Getty Images |
Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here . Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com. | | A federal indictment states Damon Jones sold injury information to bettors before games involving the Lakers as part of the NBA's gambling scandal. | | President Trump has authority over the White House and the right to turn the East Wing into a ballroom. But authority is not the same as stewardship. | | | | Americans may see larger tax refunds in 2026, thanks to the IRS updatng delays to account for Trump's retroactive tax provision, an economist says. | | | | Maine's Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate is getting national attention. But who is he and why? | | | | The ongoing recall was initiated in September after makeup wipes tested positive for a bacteria that can lead to infections in some people. | | | | Singer-songwriter Miguel is back after eight years with a new album, "Caos." He opens up about his new music, fatherhood and "talent being silenced." | | | | USA TODAY's daily news podcast, The Excerpt, brings you a curated mix of the most important headlines seven mornings a week. | | | | Our app gives you award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, eNewspaper and more. | | | | | Try our free Quick Cross! | Test your best time on our miniature crossword or check out one of our other games. | | | | |
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