Chauncey Billups, a prominent NBA coach and Hall of Famer, pleaded not guilty in a Brooklyn federal court on Monday to charges related to his alleged involvement in a mafia-linked illegal poker operation. The case has sent shockwaves through the professional basketball community. Billups, who appeared alongside approximately 30 other defendants, faces accusations of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Prosecutors claim he acted as a ‘face card,’ lending the illegal scheme an air of prestige and luring unsuspecting players into rigged games. US District Judge Ramos E Reyes set Billups’ bond at $5 million, with his wife and daughter serving as signatories. Billups is currently free but under travel restrictions. His attorney, Marc Mukasey, formally entered the plea on his behalf. The courtroom was packed with defendants, attorneys, family members, and observers, creating a scene described as ‘controlled chaos.’ Billups responded minimally during the hearing, affirming his understanding of his rights and charges. Defense attorneys debated logistical arrangements for the large group of defendants, with Judge Reyes ultimately deciding to keep them together for now. The trial is estimated to begin by September 2026, with the next procedural hearing set for March 4, 2026. Billups, who was drafted into the NBA in 1997, is among several high-profile figures implicated in gambling-related indictments unveiled by the FBI in October. The case involves allegations of an underground poker operation using cheating devices like X-ray tables and rigged shuffling machines. A separate case involving insider information and online betting has further rocked the NBA. Following the charges, the NBA placed Billups, the coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, on leave.
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Pentagon reviewing ‘misconduct’ allegations against Senator Mark Kelly
The Pentagon has initiated an investigation into Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, citing ‘serious allegations of misconduct.’ The announcement, made via the Department of War’s social media account, did not specify the nature of the allegations but emphasized the legal obligations of service members under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Kelly, a retired US Navy captain and former NASA astronaut, recently joined five other Democratic lawmakers in urging service members to refuse unlawful orders. The Pentagon’s statement underscored that orders are presumed lawful unless proven otherwise. Kelly responded defiantly on social media, asserting that the investigation would not deter him from fulfilling his congressional duties. He highlighted his extensive service to the nation, including his combat experience during the Gulf War and his NASA missions, and accused the administration of prioritizing power over constitutional principles. Despite his retirement, Kelly remains subject to the UCMJ, which allows the military to recall retirees for offenses that undermine military discipline. The Pentagon hinted at potential further actions, including a recall to active duty for court-martial or administrative measures.
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Morgan Geyser, ‘Slender Man’ stabber, captured after fleeing group home
Morgan Geyser, the woman convicted in the infamous 2014 Slender Man stabbing case, was apprehended by Illinois police after escaping from a group home in Madison, Wisconsin. Geyser, now 23, removed her monitoring bracelet and fled the facility on Saturday night, remaining at large until her capture at a truck stop in Posen, Illinois, on Sunday. When confronted by officers, Geyser reportedly told them to ‘just Google’ her name, acknowledging she had ‘done something really bad.’
Geyser was just 12 years old when she and her friend Anissa Weier lured their classmate, Payton Leutner, to a park and stabbed her 19 times in an attempt to appease Slender Man, a fictional online character. The victim survived the attack, which shocked the nation and drew widespread media attention. In 2018, Geyser was sentenced to 40 years in a mental hospital but was granted conditional release in July 2023.
At the time of her capture, Geyser was found with a 42-year-old man, who was charged with trespassing and obstructing identification before being released. Police reported that the pair were discovered sleeping on the sidewalk near the truck stop, approximately 170 miles south of Madison. Geyser initially provided a false name but eventually revealed her identity, leading to her detention.
The Slender Man case, which involved Geyser and Weier’s belief that the character would harm their families if they did not commit the attack, has become a haunting example of the influence of online folklore on vulnerable minds. Weier, who was also 12 at the time, was sentenced to 25 years in a psychiatric hospital but was released in 2021. Slender Man, a shadowy figure created in 2009 as part of an online contest, has since been the subject of numerous cautionary tales and warnings.
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Carney says trade talks with Trump to resume ‘when it matters’
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has downplayed the urgency of resuming trade negotiations with the United States, stating that discussions with President Donald Trump will resume “when it’s appropriate.” Carney dismissed questions about his recent communication with Trump, remarking, “Who cares? It’s a detail. I’ll speak to him again when it matters.” His comments follow a breakdown in trade talks last month, triggered by Trump’s reaction to an anti-tariff advertisement aired by Ontario featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. The ad, which included Reagan’s 1987 radio address criticizing tariffs, was perceived by Trump as a direct challenge to his policies. Despite the tensions, Trump has yet to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports, as previously threatened. The U.S. has already levied a 35% tariff on most Canadian goods, with sector-specific tariffs reaching 50% on metals and 25% on automobiles. Ottawa is actively seeking to reduce these tariffs. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney’s approach, arguing that it neglects the urgency for sectors heavily impacted by the levies. With three-quarters of Canada’s exports destined for the U.S., the Canadian economy remains highly vulnerable. In response, Carney has prioritized diversifying Canada’s trade partnerships. Over the weekend, he announced a new agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to begin negotiations on a long-awaited trade deal, signaling a shift in focus. Carney also met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announcing progress on a critical minerals deal. Both sides expressed optimism about expanding trade in the coming years. However, Carney’s efforts to strengthen ties with countries like India and the UAE have drawn criticism, particularly given allegations of Indian interference in Canadian affairs and the UAE’s alleged involvement in Sudan’s civil war. Carney acknowledged potential friction with India but emphasized its reliability as a trading partner. He also highlighted the UAE’s role in delivering aid to Gaza, though the Sudan conflict remains a point of discussion.
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Dharmendra dies: Celebrities offer tribute to their beloved icon
The Indian film industry mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. A towering presence in Bollywood, Dharmendra was celebrated for his roles in timeless classics such as ‘Sholay’, ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, and ‘Yaadon Ki Baraat’. His death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving fans and colleagues heartbroken. Filmmaker Karan Johar, who directed Dharmendra in the 2023 romantic drama ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, expressed his grief on social media, calling him ‘the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema’ and ‘an enigmatic screen presence’. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, describing Dharmendra as ‘an iconic film personality’ whose diverse roles resonated with millions. Modi highlighted the actor’s humility and warmth, extending condolences to his family and fans. Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan shared nostalgic photos of Dharmendra with her grandfather, Raj Kapoor, while Shilpa Shetty praised his kindness and originality. Sanjay Dutt and Akshay Kumar also shared heartfelt messages, with Kumar referring to Dharmendra as ‘the industry’s original He-Man’. Dharmendra’s legacy as a versatile actor and a beloved figure in Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations.
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UAE residents turn balconies, backyards into cosy winter hangouts
As the UAE experiences a drop in temperatures, residents are creatively adapting their homes to embrace the winter season. Families are crafting cosy indoor and outdoor spaces, enabling them to relish the cooler evenings without stepping outside. In Al Ain, Maha A., an Emirati resident, shared that her family erects a traditional tent in their backyard annually. ‘We spend most winter evenings there, whether it’s with friends, family, or simply relaxing with karak and coffee,’ she explained. The tents, which range from Dh1,800 to Dh12,000 depending on size, are carefully selected based on fabric, color scheme, and interior layout. Once summer arrives, the tents are packed away to prevent damage. Many families prioritize durable materials, with some opting for heavier fabrics to block the wind and others choosing lighter, decorative options. Interior touches like carpets, cushions, and even chandeliers are added to enhance the ambiance. In Dubai, Lebanese expat Marwa Aalim transforms her balcony into a winter retreat. During summer, it serves as a laundry area, but as the weather cools, she brings out bean bags, a small swing, and warm lights. ‘It becomes the designated chill area during winter, so we move from the couch to the balcony. We even had a movie night outdoors once,’ she said. Marwa ensures affordability by updating the space annually without overspending. Similarly, Dubai resident Shams Mubarak dedicates a winter budget to his balcony and backyard. ‘We live on the first floor and have a larger outdoor space, so I add games for the kids along with a full outdoor seating setup,’ he explained. For Shams, winter is the ideal time to maximize the use of outdoor spaces, creating a simple yet inviting area for family gatherings without the need to venture out every evening.
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US, Ukrainian, European officials discuss draft plan
In a high-stakes diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe convened in Geneva on November 23, 2025, to deliberate on a draft peace plan proposed by Washington. The discussions, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukraine’s Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, aimed to address concerns raised by Kyiv and its allies over perceived concessions to Moscow. The 28-point plan, unveiled by US President Donald Trump, calls for Ukraine to relinquish territory, accept military restrictions, and abandon its NATO aspirations. However, European allies expressed frustration over their exclusion from the drafting process. A US official emphasized that the Geneva talks were intended to finalize details beneficial to Ukraine, with no agreement to be reached until Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet directly. Trump hinted that the current proposal is not his final offer, leaving room for further negotiation. The Geneva meeting included participation from national security advisers of the E3 alliance (France, Germany, and the UK), the European Union, and Italy, underscoring the international significance of the discussions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also planned to engage with Zelensky regarding the plan. While Western leaders acknowledged the proposal as a starting point, they stressed the need for additional refinements to secure a favorable outcome for Ukraine before the looming Thursday deadline.
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Premier League: Eze treble fuels Arsenal’s derby rout of Tottenham
In a thrilling North London derby, Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a hat-trick to secure a commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The win extends Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points, solidifying their title aspirations. The match, held at the Emirates Stadium, saw Arsenal dominate from the outset, with Leandro Trossard opening the scoring in the first half. Eze, who joined Arsenal in the summer after rejecting Tottenham’s advances, added two more goals before the break, showcasing his exceptional skill and composure. Tottenham’s Richarlison managed a spectacular long-range goal in the second half, but it was merely a consolation as Eze completed his treble with a clinical finish. This victory marks Arsenal’s biggest win over Tottenham since 2012 and extends their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 games. The defeat raises questions about Tottenham’s tactical approach under manager Thomas Frank, whose conservative style failed to contain Arsenal’s attacking prowess. With crucial fixtures ahead, including a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, Arsenal’s form suggests they are serious contenders for their first Premier League title since 2004.
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Outcomes of COP30 show multilateralism is alive despite headwinds
The 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), held in Belem, Brazil, concluded with significant outcomes, underscoring the enduring strength of multilateralism despite global challenges. The conference adopted a comprehensive package of decisions, including a commitment to triple adaptation finance by 2035, emphasizing the need for developed nations to enhance climate finance for developing countries. A set of 59 voluntary indicators was finalized to track progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation, covering sectors such as water, food, health, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Additionally, COP30 introduced a just transition mechanism to foster international cooperation and equitable transitions. A historic framework titled ‘Global Mutirao: Uniting Humanity in a Global Mobilization Against Climate Change’ was also adopted, featuring the Global Implementation Accelerator to support countries in meeting their climate commitments. Chinese officials, including Wang Yi and Li Gao, highlighted the importance of these outcomes, particularly the inclusion of mechanisms to counter unilateral measures. UN officials, including Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, praised the conference for its unprecedented political signals and called for continued global efforts to address the climate crisis. The event marked a pivotal moment in global climate governance, reaffirming the collective resolve to combat climate change despite political and economic headwinds.
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Donald Glover reveals on stage he had a stroke last year
In a heartfelt revelation during his performance at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles, multi-talented artist Donald Glover, known by his stage name Childish Gambino, disclosed that he suffered a stroke last year. The 42-year-old actor and rapper shared the harrowing experience with the audience, explaining that the stroke occurred shortly after he began his New World tour in August 2024. Glover recounted feeling severe head pain during a show in Louisiana, which he initially ignored. However, after experiencing vision problems in Houston, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a stroke. The health scare forced him to postpone and eventually cancel the remainder of his tour. Glover also revealed that doctors discovered a hole in his heart, necessitating two surgeries. During his emotional on-stage confession, Glover reflected on the fragility of life, stating, ‘They say everybody has two lives, and the second life starts when you realize you have one.’ He expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of health and resilience. Glover’s candid disclosure has sparked widespread concern and admiration, highlighting the challenges faced by performers in balancing their careers and well-being.