Damon Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, is set to plead guilty in a large gambling case involving rigged poker games and sharing secret injury information about basketball stars. The case has led to over 30 arrests, including sports figures and reputed criminals.
Key Facts
Damon Jones will have a change-of-plea hearing on April 28 in Brooklyn federal court.
Jones faces charges for profiting from rigged poker games and selling secret injury tips about players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
He was charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.
Jones was arrested last October along with Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier.
Prosecutors say Jones gave a tip about LeBron James being injured before a February 2023 game, which helped bettors place bets.
Jones received $2,500 for giving insider tips about Anthony Davis’s playing time before a game, but that tip turned out to be wrong.
The poker games were rigged using special devices like altered shuffling machines and hidden cameras.
The gambling operations were linked to New York crime families who shared profits among themselves.
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President Donald Trump said he must do what is right by opposing Iran’s development of nuclear weapons. He responded to Pope Leo XIV, saying the pope should understand this stance and noted he has no personal issues with the pope.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about Iran and nuclear weapons during a press event.
He emphasized stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump disagreed with the pope’s focus on peace in relation to the Iran conflict.
He said the pope should understand the need to prevent Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump mentioned the pope’s brother supports the MAGA movement.
The U.S. president criticized Iran’s leaders for harming their own people.
There is a video clip showing Trump’s remarks on this topic.
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A federal judge blocked the above-ground construction of a $400 million White House ballroom but allowed below-ground work on a bunker and other national security facilities to continue. President Donald Trump criticized the judge’s decision, calling it an effort to delay the project.
Key Facts
The planned ballroom is a 90,000-square-foot space replacing the old East Wing of the White House.
The total cost of the ballroom project is $400 million.
Above-ground construction is halted, but below-ground work on security-related facilities can proceed.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued the ruling after instructions from an appeals court.
President Trump publicly criticized Judge Leon on social media.
Judge Leon was nominated by Republican President George W. Bush.
The project is intended as a significant addition to the White House property.
The dispute centers around the balance between construction progress and national security concerns.
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The FBI is examining new DNA evidence from Nancy Guthrie’s home as part of the ongoing investigation into her disappearance. Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since January 31 in Tucson, Arizona.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie, age 84, has been missing for over two months.
She was last seen at her home in Catalina Foothills, Tucson, Arizona, on January 31.
New DNA samples from her home, including hair, were recently sent to the FBI from a private Florida lab.
The FBI is using advanced technology to analyze this new DNA evidence.
A glove found two miles from her home was tested but did not match any DNA in the national system called CODIS.
Blood found on the porch of Nancy’s home was confirmed to be hers.
Investigators say they have usable DNA they believe can help with the case.
Multiple agencies, including local police and the FBI, are involved in the search and investigation.
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President Donald Trump nominated Erica Schwartz, his former deputy surgeon general, to be the permanent director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He also appointed several other officials to top roles at the agency, which has faced leadership challenges and staff morale problems.
Key Facts
Erica Schwartz was nominated by President Trump to lead the CDC.
The CDC has lacked a permanent political leader since August, after Susan Monarez was fired.
Schwartz served 24 years in the Coast Guard and reached the rank of rear admiral.
She holds a medical degree from Brown University and a law degree from the University of Maryland.
Trump appointed Sean Slovenski as CDC deputy director and chief operating officer.
Jennifer Shuford was named deputy director and chief medical officer at the CDC.
Sara Brenner was appointed senior counselor for public health to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The CDC director nomination requires Senate approval, and Schwartz’s public health background may help her confirmation.
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On Tax Day, the U.S. government collects trillions of dollars in taxes. A recent analysis shows much of this money pays for war, defense contractors, and border enforcement, while healthcare and food aid are facing cuts and challenges.
Key Facts
The U.S. government receives over $5 trillion in taxes annually.
A large portion of tax money goes to military spending and defense companies.
Funds for border enforcement also take a significant share of the budget.
Healthcare programs and food assistance are encountering budget cuts.
Growing government deficits and rising living costs are affecting budget priorities.
These spending choices highlight different priorities in how tax money is used.
The discussion includes views from Lindsay Koshgarian, Program Director at the National Priorities Project.
The analysis was presented in a podcast episode with a team of producers and editors.
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Two members of the US House of Representatives, Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, have resigned following accusations of sexual misconduct. Lawmakers from both parties, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Lauren Boebert, are calling for stronger accountability and consequences for sexual misconduct in Congress.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell (Democrat) and Tony Gonzales (Republican) resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations.
Swalwell faces accusations from five women, including claims of rape and inappropriate messages; he denies the abuse but admits to poor judgment.
Gonzales admitted to having an affair with a staff member, who later died by suicide.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Lauren Boebert, from opposite political sides, both support tougher punishments for misconduct in Congress.
Two other representatives plan to introduce resolutions to expel Swalwell and Gonzales.
Boebert is working to have Swalwell and Gonzales lose their federal pensions.
Ocasio-Cortez has called for Republican Cory Mills, under investigation for sexual misconduct, to also resign.
Swalwell also dropped out of the California governor race just before resigning.
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The Senate voted narrowly to remove environmental protections put in place during President Biden’s administration for a wilderness area in Minnesota. The bill aims to allow mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and now goes to President Trump, who is expected to sign it into law.
Key Facts
The Senate vote was 50-49 to repeal Biden-era protections.
The protections blocked mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota.
The bill had already passed the House of Representatives.
The Senate’s action reverses a restriction put in place under President Biden.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill into law.
The issue concerns whether mining should be allowed near a protected wilderness area.
The vote was closely divided, showing strong disagreement among lawmakers.
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Russell Vought, head of the Office of Management and Budget, told Senate lawmakers he does not have current figures on how much money the U.S. government has spent on the Iran war. He said the costs change daily, so an exact number is not available right now.
Key Facts
Russell Vought is the director of the Office of Management and Budget.
He spoke to the Senate Budget Committee during a hearing on Thursday.
Lawmakers asked him about the federal spending on the Iran war so far.
Vought said they do not have exact figures at this time.
He explained that spending amounts keep changing every day.
Senator Patty Murray asked if he could at least provide a spending range.
Vought did not provide a range or estimate during the hearing.
The article mentions a recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon but does not link it directly to the spending question.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she will fight after the Trump administration announced it would take away $73.5 million in federal funds. The money is being cut because New York did not revoke nearly 33,000 commercial driver’s licenses held by undocumented immigrants.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is pulling $73.5 million in federal funding from New York.
The cut is due to New York allowing undocumented immigrants to keep commercial driver’s licenses.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said the state refused to revoke about 33,000 questionable licenses.
Governor Kathy Hochul promised to fight back against the funding cut.
The withheld funds support New York’s roads, subways, and infrastructure.
The Trump administration also agreed to release money for the Second Avenue Subway extension after a separate review.
Concerns about undocumented immigrants with commercial licenses come after crashes involving truck drivers in other states.
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A new poll shows former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper leading Republican Michael Whatley in the race for a U.S. Senate seat. The election is expected to be competitive, with Cooper holding about 50% support among likely voters compared to Whatley's 42%.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by High Point University Survey Research Center and YouGov between March 26 and April 6.
The sample included 800 North Carolina adults, with a margin of error around 4.1% to 4.3%.
Cooper has 50% support among likely voters, while Whatley has 42%.
Among registered voters, Cooper leads 49% to 39%.
About 6% of likely voters and 9% of registered voters are undecided.
President Donald Trump's approval rating in the state is 42% among likely voters and 39% among registered voters, with disapproval ratings over 55%.
A different poll by Healthier United also showed Cooper leading with 50% to Whatley's 32%, with 14% undecided.
Cooper and Whatley have criticized each other on economic, tax, and immigration issues.
The general election will take place on November 3, 2024.
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President Donald Trump said he has the right to disagree with Pope Leo about the war involving Iran. He defended his criticisms of the Pope’s views on the conflict.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Pope Leo’s position on the Iran war.
Trump said he has the right to disagree with the Pope.
The comments came during an interview aired by CBS News.
CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand reported on the story.
The discussion focused on differing opinions about the Iran conflict.
President Trump made these remarks on a Thursday interview.
The Pope’s full stance on the Iran war was not detailed in the report.
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President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to be the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Schwartz, who served as deputy surgeon general during Trump’s first term, needs Senate approval before taking the job.
Key Facts
President Trump announced Dr. Erica Schwartz as his nominee for CDC director.
Schwartz is a rear admiral in the US Coast Guard and former deputy surgeon general (2019-2021).
She has experience in the US Navy, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and Coast Guard.
Schwartz holds degrees in biomedical engineering, medicine, public health, and law.
The current acting CDC director, Jay Bhattacharya, left the position last month due to legal limits on acting appointments.
The CDC has faced challenges including layoffs, low staff morale, and a fatal shooting near its Atlanta campus.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US health secretary under Trump’s second term, has worked to slow vaccine research and guidance.
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The French government has asked the United States to free an 86-year-old woman, Marie-Therese Ross, who is being held in U.S. immigration detention. She is the widow of an American soldier, and French officials are actively working to secure her release.
Key Facts
Marie-Therese Ross is 86 years old and is currently detained by U.S. immigration authorities.
She is the widow of an American G.I. (soldier).
The French government, including the consul general in New Orleans, has called for her release.
French officials say they have fully mobilized efforts to help her.
Ross is being held by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The case has attracted international attention due to her age and connection to a U.S. military veteran.
No details were given about why she was detained.
French authorities are working with U.S. officials to resolve the situation.
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President Donald Trump has chosen Erica Schwartz to be the new leader of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Schwartz is a Coast Guard rear admiral and previously served as Trump’s deputy surgeon general.
Key Facts
Erica Schwartz was nominated by President Trump to lead the CDC.
She is a rear admiral in the US Coast Guard and served as deputy surgeon general under Trump’s first term.
The CDC had no Senate-confirmed director for months after Susan Monarez was removed from the position.
Monarez was fired after disagreements with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine policies.
Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, was acting leader of the CDC before Schwartz’s nomination.
Schwartz has a medical degree from Brown University and a law degree from the University of Maryland.
President Trump’s first choice for CDC leader, Dave Weldon, withdrew after doubts about his confirmation chances.
Under Kennedy’s leadership, the CDC has undergone major staff changes and shifts in vaccine policy, some of which were legally challenged.
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Recent fundraising reports show that Democrats raised large amounts of money in important House and Senate races during the first quarter. These filings suggest that Democrats have strong momentum as they prepare for the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
The first-quarter campaign fundraising reports were released this week.
Democrats raised significant money in key House and Senate races.
The fundraising data comes from the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
The reports highlight Democrats’ growing strength ahead of midterm elections.
Primaries are starting to shape who will run in the November elections.
Fundraising totals can influence the chances of candidates winning seats in Congress.
Control of Congress is at stake in the upcoming midterm elections.
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The Army’s top leader, Gen. Randy George, was recently fired, which was a main topic at a House defense committee hearing. Lawmakers asked questions to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and acting Army chief Gen. Christopher LaNeve about the firing and other defense matters.
Key Facts
Gen. Randy George, the Army chief of staff, was recently fired.
The firing was a major topic during a House Appropriations defense subcommittee hearing.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and acting Army chief Gen. Christopher LaNeve attended the hearing.
Lawmakers from both political parties asked questions about the firing.
President Trump requested a $1.5 trillion defense budget.
The U.S. is currently involved in a war against Iran.
The hearing covered topics related to the Army’s leadership and budget.
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Golf player Tiger Woods was arrested for suspected driving under the influence after a crash in Florida. Court papers say he had taken several prescription medications that day and made unusual comments about drones and speaking with "the president" during the police encounter.
Key Facts
Tiger Woods crashed his car in Hobe Sound, Florida, on March 27.
Police arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).
Woods told police he took medications like Vicodin, ibuprofen, and medicines for blood pressure and cholesterol.
A breath test found no alcohol, but Woods refused a urine drug test.
He mentioned drones flying over his home and said he had talked to "the president" during the incident.
Prosecutors want access to Woods’s prescription records before the crash; his lawyers object, citing privacy.
Woods pleaded not guilty and said he was looking at his phone to change the radio when the crash happened.
He is focusing on his health and will enter an inpatient treatment program abroad as ordered by a judge.
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President Donald Trump said he recently had a meeting about unconfirmed reports of missing nuclear scientists. He called the situation serious but did not provide further details.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to reporters on Thursday about the issue.
He said he just left a meeting on reports of missing nuclear scientists.
The reports about deaths and disappearances are not confirmed.
The topic has raised questions in the scientific community.
President Trump described the situation as "pretty serious stuff."
No additional information was shared by the President during the comments.
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Karen Read was found not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, after a retrial in June 2025. She was, however, convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol related to the incident in 2022.
Key Facts
Karen Read was retried in 2025 after a mistrial in her first murder trial in 2024.
The jury acquitted Read of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges.
She was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol.
John O’Keefe died in January 2022, and Read was accused of hitting him with her SUV and leaving the scene.
Defense lawyers claimed Read was framed by people including law enforcement.
Texts and voicemails showed a troubled relationship between Read and O’Keefe before the incident.
Read was seen on surveillance near O’Keefe’s SUV the morning he died, but no tail light pieces were found in the driveway.
There was disagreement over the timing of a Google search on how long a person can survive in the cold.
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