In a shocking development, several high-profile figures from the National Basketball Association (NBA), including Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, have been arrested as part of a multi-year investigation into alleged fraud and organized crime. The arrests, announced by US authorities on Thursday, stem from two major cases involving illegal sports betting and an elaborate poker scam tied to New York’s infamous crime families. The FBI revealed that the investigation uncovered schemes where NBA players allegedly faked injuries to manipulate betting odds and participated in rigged poker games that stole millions of dollars. Authorities described the operation as ‘mind-boggling,’ with sophisticated technology like marked cards, X-ray tables, and crypto currency laundering playing key roles. The alleged crimes spanned 11 states and involved 34 defendants, including members of the Bonanno, Genovese, and Gambino crime families. Rozier, accused of tipping off associates about his planned early exit from a game, and Billups, a Hall of Famer, are among those indicted. The NBA has placed both on immediate leave, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. This case highlights the enduring influence of organized crime in the US, particularly the Five Families of New York, which have roots dating back to 1931.
标签： North America
北美洲
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Dinosaurs were thriving in North America before the mass-extinction asteroid strike, study suggests
The long-standing debate among scientists about whether dinosaurs were already in decline before the catastrophic asteroid impact 66 million years ago has taken a new turn. Recent research indicates that dinosaur populations in North America were flourishing right up until the asteroid struck, which triggered a mass extinction event. However, experts caution that this finding represents only a fragment of the global scenario. The study, published in the journal Science, focuses on the Kirtland Formation in northern New Mexico, a site renowned for its dinosaur fossils for over a century. Analysis of fossils and surrounding rocks suggests these remains date back to approximately 400,000 years before the asteroid impact—a brief period in geological terms. The dating was achieved by examining volcanic glass particles in sandstone and magnetic minerals in mudstone. Daniel Peppe, a paleontologist at Baylor University and co-author of the study, emphasized that the findings reveal diverse dinosaur communities thriving shortly before their abrupt extinction. The fossils discovered include species like Tyrannosaurus rex, a long-necked dinosaur, and a Triceratops-like herbivore. However, independent experts like Mike Benton from the University of Bristol warn that evidence from a single location may not reflect broader trends across North America or globally. Andrew Flynn, a paleontologist at New Mexico State University and study co-author, highlighted the challenges of accurately dating fossils, as carbon-based materials do not survive in them. Further research is needed to paint a comprehensive picture of dinosaur diversity worldwide on the eve of the asteroid impact.
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President Trump pardons Binance founder Changpeng Zhao
In a significant development for the cryptocurrency industry, former US President Donald Trump has granted a pardon to Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Zhao, widely known as “CZ,” was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024 after pleading guilty to violating US money laundering laws. Binance was also fined $4.3 billion following a US investigation that revealed the platform had enabled users to circumvent sanctions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the Biden administration’s handling of Zhao’s case, labeling it part of a broader “war on cryptocurrency.” She argued that Zhao was unfairly targeted despite no allegations of fraud or identifiable victims, and that the prosecution’s push for a three-year sentence had tarnished the US’s global reputation. “The Biden Administration’s war on crypto is over,” Leavitt declared. Trump’s pardon of Zhao aligns with his administration’s pro-cryptocurrency stance, which contrasts sharply with the policies of his predecessors. Trump has pledged to position the US as the “crypto capital” of the world, a vision underscored by the release of his own digital coin shortly before his inauguration in January. Since then, he has advocated for the creation of a national cryptocurrency reserve and sought to ease restrictions on using retirement savings for crypto investments. Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that representatives of the Trump family, who own the crypto firm World Liberty Financial, have recently engaged in discussions with Binance. The company has reportedly spent nearly a year lobbying for Zhao’s pardon, which comes after he completed his prison sentence in September 2024. Binance, headquartered in the Cayman Islands, continues to dominate the global cryptocurrency market as the most popular platform for trading digital assets. Zhao stepped down as CEO in November 2023, acknowledging his mistakes and emphasizing the importance of accountability. US officials had previously accused Binance and Zhao of “wilful violations” of US laws, alleging that the platform’s negligence facilitated illicit financial activities, including funding for terrorists and cybercriminals. Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen condemned Binance for prioritizing profits over legal obligations, stating that its failures had jeopardized US financial security.
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Dubai school postpones events after sudden death of former student
The GEMS Our Own Indian School in Dubai has postponed all upcoming events following the sudden and tragic death of Vaishnav Krishnakumar, an 18-year-old former student who passed away on Tuesday night. Vaishnav, who had recently graduated from the school in August 2025, collapsed during Diwali celebrations with friends. Preliminary reports suggest the cause of death was cardiac arrest. Vaishnav had spent 14 years at the school and was pursuing a BBA in Marketing at Middlesex University Dubai. His mother, Vidhu Krishnakumar, is a STEAM teacher at the school, and his younger sister is also a student there. The school community has been deeply affected by the loss, with the administration issuing a circular to parents expressing their grief and requesting prayers for the family. All planned festivities, including Pink Day and the Family First Carnival, have been deferred or rescheduled. Vaishnav was remembered by friends and faculty as a bright, accomplished, and beloved student who had served as Head of the School Council and excelled in debating and academics. His body has been repatriated to Kerala, and the community awaits the post-mortem report for further clarity on the cause of his untimely demise.
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Illinois candidate’s grandchildren among family killed in helicopter crash
Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy after four of his family members perished in a helicopter crash. The devastating incident occurred on Wednesday in Ekalaka, Montana, claiming the lives of Bailey’s son Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their two children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, seven. The couple’s third child, a 10-year-old boy, was not on board and survived the accident. Bailey and his wife, Cindy, expressed profound grief over the loss, describing it as ‘heartbreaking’ and requesting privacy as they navigate this deeply painful period. The family is drawing strength from their faith, the support of loved ones, and the outpouring of prayers from the community. Bailey, a Republican grain farmer, is currently campaigning for the Illinois governorship in the upcoming election. He previously ran for governor in 2022 but was defeated by Democrat JB Pritzker in a highly competitive race marked by significant financial contributions from both sides. Bailey also sought a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024 but was unsuccessful. He has a history of public service, having served in both houses of the Illinois state legislature, representing southern Illinois. Pritzker, upon learning of the tragedy, expressed his devastation and extended his condolences to the Bailey family. In a statement posted on X, he wrote, ‘Our prayers and deep condolences are with the Baileys in this time of grief. May the memories of their loved ones be a blessing.’
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Trump demolishes White House East Wing after saying he won’t touch it
In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has initiated the demolition of the White House East Wing, a move that contradicts his earlier assurances to preserve the historic structure. The East Wing, which housed the first lady’s office and ceremonial spaces, is being torn down to make way for a sprawling 90,000-square-foot ballroom, a project that significantly alters the iconic building’s profile. Trump, known for his bold and often controversial decisions, dismissed the East Wing as “never thought of as being much” and described it as “a very small building.” The demolition, expected to be completed by this weekend, marks the largest renovation to the White House in decades. The ballroom, now estimated to cost $300 million—$100 million more than initially projected—will nearly double the size of the White House residence. Trump initially pledged that the East Wing would remain untouched, stating in July that the new construction would “pay total respect to the existing building.” However, further evaluation revealed that demolishing the East Wing was both cheaper and more structurally sound than building an addition. The West Wing and the White House residence remain unaffected by the project. This decision has sparked debate, highlighting Trump’s determination to leave a lasting imprint on the White House, even if it means overriding traditional sensibilities.
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HONOR launches the unbreakable AI smartphone HONOR X9d 5G delivering toughness, power, and innovation in one sleek package
HONOR, a global leader in AI device ecosystems, has introduced the HONOR X9d 5G, a groundbreaking smartphone that combines rugged durability, exceptional battery life, and cutting-edge AI features. Designed for adventurers, professionals, and tech enthusiasts, this device is engineered to withstand the toughest conditions while delivering a seamless user experience. The HONOR X9d 5G has already made history by earning a Guinness World Record for surviving a 6.133-meter drop without a single crack, proving that durability and design can coexist harmoniously. The smartphone features a 6-layer drop-resistant structure and Ultra Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 3.0, offering 112% stronger protection than its predecessors. It also boasts an IP69K water resistance rating and extreme dust endurance, making it a reliable companion for any environment. The device’s 6.79-inch Eye-Comfort OLED display, with a 120Hz refresh rate and 6,000 nits of HDR brightness, ensures clarity even in direct sunlight. Powered by an 8,300mAh silicon-carbon battery, the X9d 5G can last up to two days on a single charge, supported by HONOR’s self-developed anti-aging algorithm for long-term performance. The smartphone also excels in photography, featuring a 108MP main camera with advanced stabilization and AI-powered editing tools for professional-grade results. With intuitive AI features like call translation and meeting summaries, the X9d 5G enhances productivity and connectivity. Available in four stylish colors, the HONOR X9d 5G will be available for pre-order in the UAE from October 24 to 30, starting at Dh1,299, with exclusive gifts for early adopters.
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The decades-old exemption that lets Trump reconstruct the White House
President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to demolish the White House East Wing to construct a new ballroom has ignited a fierce debate over historic preservation and presidential authority. Despite earlier assurances that the project would not disrupt the existing structure, the proposed demolition has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and conservation groups, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which has urged a public review process.
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Portland Trail Blazers coach and Miami Heat player arrested in NBA gambling case
In a significant crackdown on illegal sports betting, a National Basketball Association (NBA) player and coach have been implicated in separate cases, as reported by CBS News, a partner of the BBC. Miami Heat player Terry Rozier is among six individuals arrested in connection with alleged involvement in illegal sports gambling. Reports suggest that Rozier and other players may have feigned injuries to manipulate game outcomes. In a parallel investigation, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups is one of 31 individuals charged in a case involving illegal poker games linked to organized crime figures. Law enforcement sources revealed these details ahead of a scheduled news conference by New York prosecutors and FBI Director Kash Patel at 10:00 EST (15:00 BST). The BBC has reached out to the NBA for comment. Federal investigators have been scrutinizing unusual betting activity tied to a March 2023 game in which Rozier, then playing for the Charlotte Hornets, logged just nine minutes and scored five points against the New Orleans Pelicans, citing a sore right foot. This performance starkly contrasted with his season averages of 35 minutes and 21 points per game, raising suspicions of game manipulation for gambling purposes.
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Putin-Trump summit on hold, says White House
The highly anticipated summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been indefinitely postponed, according to a senior White House official. The decision comes as Moscow continues to reject calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict. Last week, Trump had announced plans to meet Putin in Hungary to broker peace, but Russia’s insistence on territorial concessions from Ukraine has stalled negotiations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that no specific dates for the summit had been finalized, emphasizing that both leaders had not committed to a timeline. Russia reiterated its demands for control over the Donbas region in a private communique sent to the U.S., effectively dismissing Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire based on current frontlines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed cautious optimism about Trump’s compromise but doubted Putin’s willingness to support it. Meanwhile, European leaders have urged Washington to maintain a firm stance on an immediate ceasefire, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte scheduled to meet Trump to discuss European perspectives on the crisis. The EU is set to reinforce its support for Ukraine at an upcoming summit in Brussels, followed by a meeting of European leaders in London to strategize next steps.