JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas boy injured when a vehicle struck the electric scooter he was riding on October 13 has died.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/prayers-and-support-for-duke-ommert">Click here to see the online fundraiser</a>

At approximately 6 p.m. on Monday, emergency crews responded to an injury crash on Lee Boulevard just north of W 103rd Street, according to a media release from Leawood Police.

Duke Ommert, a 4th grader at Brockwood Elementary in Leawood, was on an e-scooter crossing Lee Boulevard in Leawood after an afternoon of playing with friends when he was struck by a vehicle, according to the online fundraiser.

He had a severe head injury and a fractured leg from the crash. He was taken to an area hospital before being transferred to Children's Mercy. He died earlier this week, according to the online fundraiser.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761301582903.png" alt="Duke Ommert-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Duke Ommert-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas boy injured when a vehicle struck the electric scooter he was riding on October 13 has died.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/prayers-and-support-for-duke-ommert">Click here to see the online fundraiser</a>At approximately 6 p.m. on Monday, emergency crews responded to an injury crash on Lee Boulevard just north of W 103rd Street, according to a media release from Leawood Police.Duke Ommert, a 4th grader at Brockwood Elementary in Leawood, was on an e-scooter crossing Lee Boulevard in Leawood after an afternoon of playing with friends when he was struck by a vehicle, according to the online fundraiser.He had a severe head injury and a fractured leg from the crash. He was taken to an area hospital before being transferred to Children's Mercy. He died earlier this week, according to the online fundraiser.

Kan. boy dies days after struck by a car while riding a scooter

Linda Colleen Cady, age 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Good Shepherd Care Center in Versailles, Missouri with her daughter holding her hand. She was born March 5, 1948, in Colby, Kansas to Chester and Gladys (Gfeller) Collins.  Linda grew up on a farm near Winona, Kansas and attended Triplains School District where she graduated in 1966.

After graduating from high school, she moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she attended business college, got married, and had children.

While living in Kansas City, Linda had an in-home daycare for more than 10 years.  She cared for numerous children throughout that time and her love for being around small children never faded.   In 1985, her love for the water however drew her to move her family to the Lake of the Ozarks where she worked in the food industry until her retirement.

Linda always loved to be out and about.  She enjoyed traveling and sightseeing. She would say she was going to take a road and just see where she ended up.  She also loved the water, whether it was the ocean, a lake or the pool.  During the summer months, she was usually found out in the boat or in her pool.  Most of all though, she loved her family and spending time with them. During her final years she cherished the time she was able to spend with her daughter and great-granddaughter, Brendalynn.

Survivors include her children; daughter, Marla Humphrey of Sunrise Beach, Missouri and son, Travis Cady (Michelle) of Eldon, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Jane Lacy of Eldon, Missouri; two sisters, Diana Jenkins of Scott City, Kansas and Nancy Wilford (Craig) of Derby, Kansas; and brother, Phillip Collins (Lori) of Grinnell, Kansas. Linda was blessed to have nine grandchildren, Mathew Humphrey, Nicholas Humphrey, Hayley Purington (Kenny), Rebecca Van Pelt (Nikki), Rene Van Pelt, Brian Van Pelt, Christopher Cady, Jennifer Stringberg, Darren Stringberg and eight great-grandchildren, Kamryn, Brendalynn, Charlie, Teddy, Marissa, Faith, Cassandra and Addi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Gladys Collins; her husband, Alden Cady; her son, Jason Lacy; her son-in-law, Chuck Humphrey; and her brother-in-law, Roland Jenkins. 

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Winona Cemetery in Winona, Kansas.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Compassus.

Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com.  Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761321184813.jpeg" alt="Linda Colleen Cady" />
 <figcaption>Linda Colleen Cady</figcaption>
 </figure>Linda Colleen Cady, age 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Good Shepherd Care Center in Versailles, Missouri with her daughter holding her hand. She was born March 5, 1948, in Colby, Kansas to Chester and Gladys (Gfeller) Collins. Linda grew up on a farm near Winona, Kansas and attended Triplains School District where she graduated in 1966.After graduating from high school, she moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she attended business college, got married, and had children.While living in Kansas City, Linda had an in-home daycare for more than 10 years. She cared for numerous children throughout that time and her love for being around small children never faded. In 1985, her love for the water however drew her to move her family to the Lake of the Ozarks where she worked in the food industry until her retirement.Linda always loved to be out and about. She enjoyed traveling and sightseeing. She would say she was going to take a road and just see where she ended up. She also loved the water, whether it was the ocean, a lake or the pool. During the summer months, she was usually found out in the boat or in her pool. Most of all though, she loved her family and spending time with them. During her final years she cherished the time she was able to spend with her daughter and great-granddaughter, Brendalynn.Survivors include her children; daughter, Marla Humphrey of Sunrise Beach, Missouri and son, Travis Cady (Michelle) of Eldon, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Jane Lacy of Eldon, Missouri; two sisters, Diana Jenkins of Scott City, Kansas and Nancy Wilford (Craig) of Derby, Kansas; and brother, Phillip Collins (Lori) of Grinnell, Kansas. Linda was blessed to have nine grandchildren, Mathew Humphrey, Nicholas Humphrey, Hayley Purington (Kenny), Rebecca Van Pelt (Nikki), Rene Van Pelt, Brian Van Pelt, Christopher Cady, Jennifer Stringberg, Darren Stringberg and eight great-grandchildren, Kamryn, Brendalynn, Charlie, Teddy, Marissa, Faith, Cassandra and Addi.She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Gladys Collins; her husband, Alden Cady; her son, Jason Lacy; her son-in-law, Chuck Humphrey; and her brother-in-law, Roland Jenkins. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Winona Cemetery in Winona, Kansas.Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Compassus.Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Linda Colleen Cady

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday that the U.S. military conducted its 10th strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs overnight, killing six people and bringing the death toll of the campaign against drug cartels to at least 46 people.

In a post to social media, Hegseth said that the vessel was operated by the Tren de Aragua gang and the strike occurred in the Caribbean.

The pace of the strikes has quickened in recent days from one every few weeks in September when they first began to three in one week now.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-drug-boat-strike-ffb1b720fa018336316238463924b78a" rel="nofollow">Two of the strikes this week</a>&nbsp;were also carried out in the eastern Pacific, expanding the area in which the military was willing to conduct the strikes.

(Click below to watch President Trump's answer on a possible declaration of war for the drug boat attacks)

In a 20-second black and white video of the strike that was posted to social media, a small boat can be seen apparently sitting motionless on the water when a long thin projectile descends on it resulting in an explosion. The video ends before the explosion dies down enough for the remains of the boat to become visible again.

In his post, Hegseth said that the strike was conducted in international waters and boasted that it was the first one conducted at night.

“If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda,” Hegseth said in the post. “Day or NIGHT, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and kill you.”

The strike also came hours after the U.S. military&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-supersonic-bombers-03b246ca6cf7ed9fa6d39e1f716b1754" rel="nofollow">flew a pair of supersonic, heavy bombers</a>&nbsp;up to the coast of Venezuela on Thursday. The flight was just the most recent move in what has been an unusually large military buildup in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d" rel="nofollow">the Caribbean Sea</a>&nbsp;and the waters off Venezuela that has raised speculation that President Donald Trump could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-strike-caribbean-drug-trafficking-trump-1061debe2f983ef7bc9666d3f002b3a0" rel="nofollow">try to topple Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>. Maduro faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-indictments-armed-forces-united-states-miami-d82797206561db03851e47df125c243f" rel="nofollow">charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S.</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday that the U.S. military conducted its 10th strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs overnight, killing six people and bringing the death toll of the campaign against drug cartels to at least 46 people.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Overnight, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO), trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean Sea. The vessel was known by our… <a href="https://t.co/lVlw0FLBv4">pic.twitter.com/lVlw0FLBv4</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1981706596972372446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a post to social media, Hegseth said that the vessel was operated by the Tren de Aragua gang and the strike occurred in the Caribbean.The pace of the strikes has quickened in recent days from one every few weeks in September when they first began to three in one week now.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-drug-boat-strike-ffb1b720fa018336316238463924b78a" rel="nofollow">Two of the strikes this week</a>&nbsp;were also carried out in the eastern Pacific, expanding the area in which the military was willing to conduct the strikes.(Click below to watch President Trump's answer on a possible declaration of war for the drug boat attacks)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Drugs = Dead <a href="https://t.co/rbM8IgsOFU">pic.twitter.com/rbM8IgsOFU</a>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1981553144099147809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a 20-second black and white video of the strike that was posted to social media, a small boat can be seen apparently sitting motionless on the water when a long thin projectile descends on it resulting in an explosion. The video ends before the explosion dies down enough for the remains of the boat to become visible again.In his post, Hegseth said that the strike was conducted in international waters and boasted that it was the first one conducted at night.“If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda,” Hegseth said in the post. “Day or NIGHT, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and kill you.”The strike also came hours after the U.S. military&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-supersonic-bombers-03b246ca6cf7ed9fa6d39e1f716b1754" rel="nofollow">flew a pair of supersonic, heavy bombers</a>&nbsp;up to the coast of Venezuela on Thursday. The flight was just the most recent move in what has been an unusually large military buildup in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d" rel="nofollow">the Caribbean Sea</a>&nbsp;and the waters off Venezuela that has raised speculation that President Donald Trump could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-strike-caribbean-drug-trafficking-trump-1061debe2f983ef7bc9666d3f002b3a0" rel="nofollow">try to topple Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>. Maduro faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-indictments-armed-forces-united-states-miami-d82797206561db03851e47df125c243f" rel="nofollow">charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S.</a>

🎥Trump: They're going to be like, dead; U.S. strikes another drug boat 

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)

Friday, October 24
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Louisville (exhibition), 6:00pm KKQY: Thunder Ridge FB at Osborne, 6:00pm&nbsp; KFIX: Hays High FB at Liberal, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Plainville, 6:30pm

Saturday, October 25
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs.
Kansas State, 9:30am KJLS: Fort Hays State FB at Washburn, 12:00pm

KAYS - (1400/94.3) KFIX - (96.9) KHAZ - (99.5) KJLS - (103.3) KKQY - (101.9)Friday, October 24
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB at
Louisville (exhibition), 6:00pm KKQY: Thunder Ridge FB at Osborne, 6:00pm&nbsp; KFIX: Hays High FB at Liberal, 6:30pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian FB vs. Plainville, 6:30pmSaturday, October 25
 KAYS: Kansas FB vs.
Kansas State, 9:30am KJLS: Fort Hays State FB at Washburn, 12:00pm Sunday, October 26
 none

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The Fort Hays chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is hosting Soup Fest at the Herndon Clinic on the Fort Hays State University campus. This fundraiser features a soup competition where our students prepare soups, and attendees purchase tickets to taste and vote for their favorite.

All proceeds from Soup Fest directly support our clients at the Herndon Clinic by helping offset treatment costs for services such as speech, voice, language, and cognitive-communication therapy.

We are reaching out for your support in helping us advertise Soup Fest. You can make a big difference by:

Your help will allow us to spread the word and bring more people together for this fun event that supports such an important cause.

📍 Event Location:&nbsp;Albertson Hall lobby, FHSU Campus 📅 Event Date/Time:&nbsp;October 24th, 5-7 PM 🎟️ Details: Soup tastings, voting, and community fun — all benefiting clients at the clinic

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760390952531.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Fort Hays chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is hosting Soup Fest at the Herndon Clinic on the Fort Hays State University campus. This fundraiser features a soup competition where our students prepare soups, and attendees purchase tickets to taste and vote for their favorite.All proceeds from Soup Fest directly support our clients at the Herndon Clinic by helping offset treatment costs for services such as speech, voice, language, and cognitive-communication therapy.We are reaching out for your support in helping us advertise Soup Fest. You can make a big difference by:<ul>
 <li>Posting or sharing our event flyer at your location&nbsp;</li><li>Sharing the event on your social media channels&nbsp;</li><li>Including Soup Fest in your email newsletters or community calendars ✉️</li>
 </ul>Your help will allow us to spread the word and bring more people together for this fun event that supports such an important cause.📍 Event Location:&nbsp;Albertson Hall lobby, FHSU Campus 📅 Event Date/Time:&nbsp;October 24th, 5-7 PM 🎟️ Details: Soup tastings, voting, and community fun — all benefiting clients at the clinic<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760390786543.png" alt="Soup.PNG" />
 <figcaption>Soup.PNG</figcaption>
 </figure>

Fifth-annual Soup Fest to take place tonight

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A third suspect accused in a fatal drug overdose involving a 15-year-old Kansas girl&nbsp; is no longer in custody.

Danielle D. Wheeler, 53, made her first court appearance on Tuesday and was charged with&nbsp; involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in the death of 15-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cozine.com/obituaries/kennedy-herren" target="_blank">Kennedy Herren</a>, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

Just after 10a.m. Wednesday, she was booked into the Sedgwick County jail. She met the requirement of bond and was released just after 5p.m. Wednesday, according to online jail records.

On September 14, police responded to the report of a deceased 15-year-old in Wichita, according to a media release from police. The investigation determined the death of Kennedy Herren was the result of a drug overdose.

Since then, Wichita police overdose analyst worked to pursue justice and ensure accountability for the people responsible for this senseless death.&nbsp;

On October 15,&nbsp;K-9 officers arrested 24-year-old Isaac L. Hord and on October 19 they arrested 24-year-old Niklas Wiley in connection with this case. 

They have both been harged with first-degree murder and aggravated  endangering a child. Wiley is also facing charges of criminal sodomy,&nbsp; sexual exploitation of a child and&nbsp; aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the district attorney's office.

Both remain in custody in the Sedgwick Count Jail on a one-million dollar bond, according to online jail records.

All three suspects are scheduled to return to court on November 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760610637070.png" alt="Hord photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hord photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A third suspect accused in a fatal drug overdose involving a 15-year-old Kansas girl&nbsp; is no longer in custody.Danielle D. Wheeler, 53, made her first court appearance on Tuesday and was charged with&nbsp; involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in the death of 15-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cozine.com/obituaries/kennedy-herren" target="_blank">Kennedy Herren</a>, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761260796231.png" alt="Wheeler photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wheeler photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 10a.m. Wednesday, she was booked into the Sedgwick County jail. She met the requirement of bond and was released just after 5p.m. Wednesday, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761079684304.png" alt="<a href="https://www.cozine.com/obituaries/kennedy-herren" target="_blank">Kennedy Herren</a>&nbsp;-photo courtesy Cozine Memorial Group" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.cozine.com/obituaries/kennedy-herren" target="_blank">Kennedy Herren</a>&nbsp;-photo courtesy Cozine Memorial Group</figcaption>
 </figure>On September 14, police responded to the report of a deceased 15-year-old in Wichita, according to a media release from police. The investigation determined the death of Kennedy Herren was the result of a drug overdose.Since then, Wichita police overdose analyst worked to pursue justice and ensure accountability for the people responsible for this senseless death.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761265375529.png" alt="Wiley-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wiley-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 15,&nbsp;K-9 officers arrested 24-year-old Isaac L. Hord and on October 19 they arrested 24-year-old Niklas Wiley in connection with this case. They have both been harged with first-degree murder and aggravated endangering a child. Wiley is also facing charges of criminal sodomy,&nbsp; sexual exploitation of a child and&nbsp; aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the district attorney's office.Both remain in custody in the Sedgwick Count Jail on a one-million dollar bond, according to online jail records.All three suspects are scheduled to return to court on November 3.

Woman accused in Kan. teen's overdose death is out of jail

Portland Trail Blazers head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trail-blazers-chauncey-billups-57c920d0fcace5dbce25cd474468cd40">Chauncey Billups</a>, Miami Heat guard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/terry-rozier">Terry Rozier</a>&nbsp;and former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rozier-billups-jones-betting-arrests-4241238cb43d998f1b9eac47b8d326a7">Damon Jones</a>&nbsp;are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-heat-terry-rozier-gambling-probe-de98ecb76bb8f13b85f4c5ac62f66221">among 34 people charged</a>&nbsp;in connection with schemes involving illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by the Mafia, authorities said on Thursday.

<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eT7xaYmsbTNbHsaP1mTkMy2MSPYQiV0G/view">Click here to read the complete charging documents.</a>

Rozier is accused in participating in an illegal sports betting scheme using private insider NBA information, officials said. Billups is charged in a separate indictment alleging a wide-ranging scheme to rig underground poker games, authorities said.

FBI Director Kash Patel and other law enforcement officials said the multiple charges involve four of the five leading mafia families and organized crime networks, and “mind-boggling” amounts of fraud. Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, accused the FBI of aiming for “misplaced glory” by embarrassing the professional athlete with a perp walk, rather than allowing him to self-surrender.

More defendants appear in federal court in Brooklyn

Roughly 20 of the defendants — from alleged high-ranking mobsters to money launderers — appeared in Brooklyn federal court late Thursday. Most pleaded not guilty during packed court hearings attended by family members.

Many of those charged with violent crimes or with lengthy criminal records and ties to organized crime were detained.

Others, including some of the poker players who participated in the rigged games, were released on bond.

Defense attorney discusses Rozier exit from 2023 game key to case

Rozier’s attorney told reporters outside the federal courthouse after Thursday’s hearing about the March 23, 2023, game between Charlotte and New Orleans that was the focus of the charges. The NBA star played the first 9 minutes and 36 seconds in the first quarter before exiting and did not play again in that game or the final eight games of the season.

Some bettors were furious with sportsbooks, posting on social media that something “shady” had gone on regarding the prop bets involving Rozier’s stats for that night.

Trusty said that Rozier had confided in several people that he was injured that night.

“He’s like, ‘Why am I going to make this injury worse? I shouldn’t be playing,’” Trusty said.

Rozier was interviewed twice during an NBA investigation, and officials downloaded his phone, Trusty said.

“And at the end of the day, they said, ‘There’s nothing to see here,’ and cleared him,” Trusty said. “And that was a very professional investigation. It wasn’t something that was perfunctory.”

Billups made his first federal court appearance in Portland on Thursday afternoon, wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt as he sat next to his attorney before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie Russo.

Lawyers from both sides told the judge they have agreed on Billups’ release from custody pending trial on certain conditions.

Under the release conditions, Billups must secure “a substantial bond” with the court in the Eastern District of New York, where the case was filed; abide by certain travel restrictions; and surrender his passport, among others. He is also prohibited from gambling related activity. The dollar amount of the bond was not discussed during the court hearing.

Billups’ attorney, Chris Heywood, declined to comment after the hearing.

Rozier attorney describes ‘chicaner’ by prosecutors and federal agents

Trusty, Rozier’s attorney, described what he said was “chicanery” of prosecutors and federal agents. The defense attorney said he got a predawn call saying that federal agents were downstairs at Rozier’s hotel in downtown Orlando and that the attorney should call his client to tell him to go downstairs.

Within minutes, federal agents were at the door to Rozier’s hotel room, Trusty told the judge.

“It has had a damaging effect on his career,” Trusty said.

Another condition of Rozier’s release is that he can have no contact with any others named in the indictment, as well as any listed individuals the government provides.

Judge says Rozier can be released by putting house up as bond and surrendering passport

A federal magistrate judge said Thursday that Rozier could be released from custody by putting up his Florida home as bond and surrendering his passport. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Norway also restricted Rozier’s travel to the continental United States and prohibited him from gambling as conditions for his release.

Federal prosecutors had asked for a $10 million bond but Rozier’s attorney said that was excessive given that the NBA star had no prior record.

“I think it’s Draconian,” said Jim Trusty, Rozier’s attorney. “He is a man of high character.”

In court, Rozier wore a black Charlotte Hornets sweatshirt with green lettering and was shackled and handcuffed. He didn’t speak much except when answering basic questions from the judge.

Rozier is facing two counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Hu. Each count carries no more than 20 years in prison.

Trail Blazers name Tiago Splitter as interim head coach

Assistant coach and former NBA player Tiago Splitter has been named as the team’s interim head coach, according to a statement released Thursday by the Portland Trail Blazers.

“We are aware of the allegations involving head coach Chauncey Billups, and the Trail Blazers are fully cooperating with the investigation. Billups has been placed on immediate leave, and Tiago Splitter will assume head coaching duties in the interim. Any further questions should be directed to the NBA,” the brief statement said.

The six defendants in the sports betting indictment include former NBA player and coach Damon Jones, current NBA player Terry Rozier, one of Rozier’s close friends. Two of the defendants portrayed themselves on Instagram as successful sports bettors and sold sports betting picks through their profiles, according to the indictment.

Jones is also a defendant in the rigged poker game indictment, as is Portland Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups.

The 31 defendants named in the second indictment include 12 people who are identified as either members or associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese or Lucchese Crime Families.

Portland Trail Blazers cancel scheduled practice

The Portland Trail Blazers canceled their scheduled practice on Thursday.

The team is set to play its first game without head coach Chauncey Billups on Friday night at Portland’s Moda Center against the Golden State Warriors.

Indictments describe several unnamed NBA players

The indictments contain the description of several unnamed NBA players whose injury status and availability for certain games were the source of betting activity. Those players are not accused of any wrongdoing and there is no indication that they would have even known what was being said about their status for those games.

Those players include LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard. Their identities are clear based on a review of corresponding injury reports surrounding games mentioned in the indictment.

The indictments show that certain defendants shared information about the availability of those players in games on March 24, 2023, involving the Portland Trail Blazers, and two in 2023 and 2024 involving the Los Angeles Lakers.

For the Portland game, defendant Eric Earnest, investigators said, was given information that a player who had been listed as probable and then questionable to play that day would not play at all. Those details perfectly match how Lillard was listed on injury reports that day.Similar patterns were found with Lakers games involving James and Davis, with Jones alleged to have shared their injury information before it was publicly known. In one of the cases, investigators said, Jones got the details wrong and caused some bettors who placed large wagers to lose.

Prosecutors ask judge to detain 13 defendants

Federal prosecutors asked a judge to detain 13 defendants pending trial, including six reputed crime family members, and to not release other defendants unless they post substantial bonds.

“The Court should consider that each of those defendants has taken a lifetime oath to commit crimes and put their crime families above all else,” prosecutors said about the alleged mob associates in a court filing. “Those crime families have a long history of committing crimes, including obstruction of justice.”

Court documents describe violent encounter at poker game run by Gambino associate

Court documents also describe a violent encounter in 2023 at a poker game in Manhattan run by a Gambino crime family associate. Two members of rival crime families that had a poker game in another location on the same night busted into the Gambino associate’s game armed with a gun and baton, sparked a brawl and assaulted the Gambino member, the documents say.

Court documents say proceeds from the rigged card games were laundered through shell companies and cryptocurrency.

FanDuel calls allegations ‘deeply disturbing’

FanDuel, one of the largest sportsbooks, released a statement expressing its concern over Thursday’s developments.

“Today’s events are deeply disturbing, and should concern fans, athletes, and everyone who loves sports and values integrity and fair play,” the company said. “They also illustrate the stark contrast between legal and illegal betting markets. At FanDuel, we use advanced technology and real-time monitoring to identify suspicious activity and work closely with leagues, data monitoring groups, and law enforcement. We are unwavering in our commitment to rooting out abuses by those who seek to undermine fair competition and the games we love.”

The National Basketball Players Association said it would do all it can to protect the league’s players, including Rozier.

“The integrity of the game is paramount to NBA players, but so is the presumption of innocence, and both are hindered when player popularity is misused to gain attention,” the union said. “We will ensure our members are protected and afforded their due process rights through this process.“

Black Sox, Ohtani’s interpreter and more: A look at notable sports betting scandals

Betting scandals have been a concern for professional sports leagues for as long as they’ve existed, but a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3fa1f71b8f44378a7e2c51d321b13b4">U.S. Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;in May 2018 has led to a wave of gambling incidents involving athletes and officials.

The ruling struck down a federal law that barred sports betting in most states and opened the doors for online sportsbooks to take up a prominent space in the sports ecosystem.

▶ Here is a lineup of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-gambling-suspensions-nba-mlb-nhl-54b526162ebd86b1f1d8886cc46efc6b">betting scandals involving pro sports</a>

What polling shows Americans think about legal sports betting

As legalized&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sports-betting">sports betting</a>&nbsp;expands, recent polling suggests Americans are increasingly critical of its role in U.S. society and sports — although they’re more tolerant of it for professional sports.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biggest-sports-betting-scandals-0098b62195eab133d4d03f143db42445">Betting scandals</a>&nbsp;have multiplied since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3fa1f71b8f44378a7e2c51d321b13b4">a U.S. Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;in May 2018 struck down a federal law that barred sports betting in most states. Waves of cases have involved athletes and officials — including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-heat-terry-rozier-gambling-probe-de98ecb76bb8f13b85f4c5ac62f66221">those arrested Thursday</a>.

In the years since the Supreme Court’s ruling, sports betting has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-sports-betting-taxes-571a3fe28a9986ff8f4a4334f71b783f">brought revenue to state governments</a>, but it’s also prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-baseball-coach-fired-bets-bohannon-0471b144a9348caa456a22cab23b9a8b">concerns about the potential for wrongdoing</a>, as well as the impact on athletes.

▶ Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-gambling-poll-b7a989cf5ad01f4e224a3f62cecabbeb">what polls suggest Americans think about the impact of legal sports betting</a>

FBI probe poked at the massive industry in legal sports betting

The indictments unsealed in New York create a massive cloud for the NBA — which opened its season this week — and show how certain types of wagers are vulnerable to massive fraud in the growing, multi-billion-dollar legal sports-betting industry.

“We’re talking about tens of millions of dollars in fraud and theft and robbery across a multi-year investigation,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “This is the insider trader saga of the NBA — that’s why we are going to take heat for this.”

Former NBA assistant coach Damon Jones also charged

Jones is accused in both indictments announced Thursday — of participating in rigged poker games as well as an illegal sports betting scheme using private insider NBA information.

Messages were left Thursday at a phone number and email address listed in public records for Jones.

Jones, 49, has been coaching since at least 2014 after an 11-year NBA playing career. He was an unofficial assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23 when he allegedly was involved with the sports betting scheme, according to the indictment.

Jones is from Galveston, Texas, and played for Houston in college before suiting up in New Jersey, Boston, Golden State, Dallas, Vancouver, Detroit, Sacramento, Milwaukee, Miami and Cleveland. He also worked as a TV analyst for ESPN in 2018.

Authorities say Jones was coached — in real time — about how to play his hands during the poker games, and that at one point, he snapped back, saying: “Y’all know I know what I’m doing!! Let me hibachi like Gilbert Arenas.”

Billups was winning so much, he had to lose on purpose, prosecutors say

The detention memo says Billups and Damon Jones, a former NBA player, served as “face cards” in the scheme, luring victims drawn by the chance to play alongside former professional athletes. Others were charged with supplying the cheating technology, or arranging the underground games and bringing in the “fish” as well as big-money players known as “whales.”

Text messages between the defendants as they carried out their scheme show that in one such game in Las Vegas on April 2019, Billups was winning so many improbable hands with the help of a rigged shuffling machine that his overseers said he needed to lose on purpose, to avoid being suspected of cheating.

Following another rigged game in October 2020, Billups was wired $50,000 for his participation, the memo states.

Detention memo reveals more details of poker rigging

The memo notes that the rigged poker scheme began as early as 2019 and involved locations across the US, including the Hamptons, Manhattan, Las Vegas, and Miami.

The memo describes sophisticated technology such as card shuffling machines that had been secretly altered to incorporate concealed technology that could read the cards in the deck, predict which players at the table had the best poker hand, and relay that information to offsite operators in other states.

Prosecutors say in the memo that defendants also used other cheating technology, including a poker chip tray analyzer, which secretly read cards using hidden cameras, an X-ray device that could read cards as they were kept face down on the table, and special contact lenses or eyeglasses that could read pre-marked cards.

Prosecutors want poker rigging defendants to meet bail conditions

Prosecutors, in their detention memo, asked a judge to impose “substantial bail conditions” before releasing all the defendants in the poker rigging case, including a prohibition on any form of gambling, travel restrictions, surrendering their passport, and prohibiting the transfer of assets valued at or greater than $10,000 without the permission of the court.

For Billups, they noted that he has “substantial financial resources.”

“As an NBA player from 1997 to 2013, his lifetime career earnings exceeded $100 million, and he currently has a multi year contract to serve as the head coach of the Portland Trailblazers for an undisclosed salary,” the memo reads.

‘Face cards’ were used to lure in the ‘fish’, authorities say

Nocella said the scheme targeted victims known as “fish,” who were lured to participate in the rigged games with the chance to play alongside former athletes who were known as “face cards.” Billups was one of those celebrities, Nocella said.

The games were rigged through sophisticated cheating technology, such as altered card shuffling machines, hidden cameras in poker chip trays, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into the table to read the cards of unsuspecting players.

And once the “fish” lost, the mafia used extortion and violence to make sure they paid their gambling debts, Nocella said.

Losses from the rigged poker games top $7 million — and counting, commissioner says

Organizers brought in well-known former and current players and coaches to appear legitimate and used hidden cameras, bar-coded decks and shuffling machines that could read the order of cards, Tisch said.

“Victims believed that they were sitting at a fair table,” she said. “Instead, they were cheated out of millions.”

Losses exceed $7 million and continue to grow, with one victim losing $1.8 million, Tisch said. When people refused to pay, the defendants used threats, intimidation, and violence, she said.

New York’s formidable crime families were involved, police commissioner says

Investigators found that the scheme involved members and associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese and Genovese crime families, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at the news conference.

NBA gambling scandal: Former Big 12 star won so much, had to lose on purpose

HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State and Southern Nazarene played to a scoreless draw on Thursday evening (Oct. 23) at FHSU Soccer Stadium. The No. 5 ranked Tigers dominated the overall shot count 16-4, but could never find a way to break through against the Crimson Storm. FHSU, now 11-0-3 overall and 7-0-1 in the GAC, ran its unbeaten streak to 14-straight matches to open the year, while SNU went to 5-5-3 overall and 3-3-2 in the GAC.

Fort Hays State dominated the first half with an aggressive offensive approach, recording 14 shots compared to Southern Nazarene's three. Southern Nazarene goalkeeper Aimar Aramendia made three key saves to keep the Tigers out of the net. Payton Roehrich picked up his lone save of the game in the first half and the Tigers also had to make a team save to keep the Crimson Storm off the board.

Fort Hays maintained offensive pressure throughout the second half, but the SNU defense was always up to the task of keeping the match level. Aramendia made a tremendous diving save on a Juan Linares strike in the 62nd minute to keep the match scoreless. By the end of the match, FHSU had eight corner kicks compared to five for SNU.

Elias Ovelar Semeniuk led the Tigers with four shots. Roehrich secured another individual shutout, now with seven on the season. For the Tigers, it was their 10th shutout of the season as a team.

Fort Hays State saw its second-longest win streak in school history snapped at 10 matches, but its unbeaten streak of 14 is the second longest in school history, just two behind the streak of 16 set by the 2018 squad.

Fort Hays will host No. 17 ranked Rogers State on Saturday at 1 p.m. It will be the final home match of the regular season for FHSU, though it may be in position to host postseason matches later down the line pending on what transpires over the final four matches of the regular season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761300739578.png" alt="Fort Hays State freshman goalkeeper Payton Roehrich attempts to block a shot against Southern Nazarene on Thursday, October 24, 2025 at the FHSU Soccer Stadium in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jordan Bredenberg)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State freshman goalkeeper Payton Roehrich attempts to block a shot against Southern Nazarene on Thursday, October 24, 2025 at the FHSU Soccer Stadium in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jordan Bredenberg)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State and Southern Nazarene played to a scoreless draw on Thursday evening (Oct. 23) at FHSU Soccer Stadium. The No. 5 ranked Tigers dominated the overall shot count 16-4, but could never find a way to break through against the Crimson Storm. FHSU, now 11-0-3 overall and 7-0-1 in the GAC, ran its unbeaten streak to 14-straight matches to open the year, while SNU went to 5-5-3 overall and 3-3-2 in the GAC.Fort Hays State dominated the first half with an aggressive offensive approach, recording 14 shots compared to Southern Nazarene's three. Southern Nazarene goalkeeper Aimar Aramendia made three key saves to keep the Tigers out of the net. Payton Roehrich picked up his lone save of the game in the first half and the Tigers also had to make a team save to keep the Crimson Storm off the board.Fort Hays maintained offensive pressure throughout the second half, but the SNU defense was always up to the task of keeping the match level. Aramendia made a tremendous diving save on a Juan Linares strike in the 62nd minute to keep the match scoreless. By the end of the match, FHSU had eight corner kicks compared to five for SNU.Elias Ovelar Semeniuk led the Tigers with four shots. Roehrich secured another individual shutout, now with seven on the season. For the Tigers, it was their 10th shutout of the season as a team.Fort Hays State saw its second-longest win streak in school history snapped at 10 matches, but its unbeaten streak of 14 is the second longest in school history, just two behind the streak of 16 set by the 2018 squad.Up nextFort Hays will host No. 17 ranked Rogers State on Saturday at 1 p.m. It will be the final home match of the regular season for FHSU, though it may be in position to host postseason matches later down the line pending on what transpires over the final four matches of the regular season.

⚽ No. 5 Tigers play to scoreless draw with Crimson Storm

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest following a pursuit.

Just before 10:30p.m.&nbsp;October 20, sheriff's deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle near Main and Liberty Street in Cherryvale, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

The vehicle did not display a visible rear license plate. The driver failed to stop, and a short vehicle pursuit ensued. The vehicle eventually came to a stop at a residence in the 200 block of Neosho Street in Cherryvale. 

Deputies made contact with the driver, later identified as Jacob Hamilton, of Cherryvale, Kansas. Hamilton resisted arrest but was quickly taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections. During the investigation, deputies determined that Hamilton had discarded approximately 48 grams of methamphetamine from the vehicle during the pursuit. 

A loaded firearm was also located inside the vehicle. Deputies developed probable cause and obtained a narcotics search warrant for Hamilton’s residence. With the assistance of the Cherryvale Police Department, deputies executed the search warrant and located additional drug paraphernalia, evidence indicating narcotics had been destroyed, and multiple stolen items linked to thefts in Cherryvale, Coffeyville, Labette County, Wilson County, and Neosho County.

Hamilton was booked into the Montgomery County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp; Possession of drug paraphernalia, Interference with law enforcement, Fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, Transporting an open container, Failure to use a turn signal, No vehicle registration and No vehicle insurance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761254237537.png" alt="Hamilton photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Hamilton photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest following a pursuit.Just before 10:30p.m.&nbsp;October 20, sheriff's deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle near Main and Liberty Street in Cherryvale, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.The vehicle did not display a visible rear license plate. The driver failed to stop, and a short vehicle pursuit ensued. The vehicle eventually came to a stop at a residence in the 200 block of Neosho Street in Cherryvale. Deputies made contact with the driver, later identified as Jacob Hamilton, of Cherryvale, Kansas. Hamilton resisted arrest but was quickly taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections. During the investigation, deputies determined that Hamilton had discarded approximately 48 grams of methamphetamine from the vehicle during the pursuit. A loaded firearm was also located inside the vehicle. Deputies developed probable cause and obtained a narcotics search warrant for Hamilton’s residence. With the assistance of the Cherryvale Police Department, deputies executed the search warrant and located additional drug paraphernalia, evidence indicating narcotics had been destroyed, and multiple stolen items linked to thefts in Cherryvale, Coffeyville, Labette County, Wilson County, and Neosho County.Hamilton was booked into the Montgomery County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp; Possession of drug paraphernalia, Interference with law enforcement, Fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, Transporting an open container, Failure to use a turn signal, No vehicle registration and No vehicle insurance.

Kan. man accused of throwing meth from vehicle during chase

FORD COUNTY—A man who told police he shot his wife has made his first court appearance.

Judge Sidney Thomas charged 31-year-old Israel Esquivel-Ibarra with First Degree, Premeditated, Murder and Criminal Discharge of a Firearm in&nbsp;the death of 31-year-old Emma Prieto Benitez, according to the Ford County Attorney's office.

Just before 6a.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 3000 block of Gary Avenue in Dodge City in response to reports of shots fired, according to a media release.

While officers were arriving in the area, a man later identified as Ibarra approached officers at the Police Department and stated that he had just shot his wife.

Based on the information provided, officers responded to the location given by Ibarra and discovered Emma Prieto Benitez in her vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, she died her injuries at the scene.

Ibarra&nbsp; was taken into custody without incident and remains jailed on a one-million dollar bond. He scheduled to return to court October 30, according to the county attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761257197576.png" alt="Ibarra photo Ford County" />
 <figcaption>Ibarra photo Ford County</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY—A man who told police he shot his wife has made his first court appearance.Judge Sidney Thomas charged 31-year-old Israel Esquivel-Ibarra with First Degree, Premeditated, Murder and Criminal Discharge of a Firearm in&nbsp;the death of 31-year-old Emma Prieto Benitez, according to the Ford County Attorney's office.Just before 6a.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 3000 block of Gary Avenue in Dodge City in response to reports of shots fired, according to a media release.While officers were arriving in the area, a man later identified as Ibarra approached officers at the Police Department and stated that he had just shot his wife.Based on the information provided, officers responded to the location given by Ibarra and discovered Emma Prieto Benitez in her vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, she died her injuries at the scene.Ibarra&nbsp; was taken into custody without incident and remains jailed on a one-million dollar bond. He scheduled to return to court October 30, according to the county attorney.

SW Kan. man who told police he shot his wife faces a judge

WASHINGTON (AP) — Construction started this week on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-trump-ballroom-ea5c645a45e8f8846ebc98d5b2976678">$250 million ballroom</a>&nbsp;that President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is adding to the White House as construction crews began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-demolish-a3efb2973d4d4e45f98b02e55210c538">tearing down the facade of the East Wing</a>, where the new space is being built.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/visit/">Click here for a closer </a>look at the ball room project

The Republican president and top White House officials had initially said nothing would be demolished during construction.

The 90,000-square-foot ballroom will dwarf the main White House itself, at nearly double the size, and Trump says it will accommodate 999 people.

Trump said on social media that the ballroom won’t cost taxpayers a dime because it is being privately funded by “many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly.”

Here are some things to know about the newest White House construction project:

Trump says the White House needs a large entertaining space and has complained that the East Room, the current largest space in the White House, is too small, holding about 200 people. He has frowned on the past practice of presidents hosting state dinners and other large events in tents on the South Lawn.

Trump said $350M in donations have come in for the ballroom

But the wealthy president is still being vague about his own personal contribution to the $300 million project.

Trump has said the ballroom will be paid for with money donated by his friends and from his own pocket.

But he’s hasn’t said how much money he’s giving.

“I’ll donate whatever’s needed,” he said.

Why tear down the East Wing to build the ballroom?

Associated Press photos show the entire White House East Wing has been demolished as President Donald Trump moves ahead with building a ballroom. The two-story structure of drawing rooms and offices, including a walkway to the White House, has been turned into rubble. 

The wing has been demolished as part of the Republican president’s plan to build a ballroom nearly twice the size of the White House itself that he now says will cost $300 million. Trump said Wednesday that keeping the East Wing would have “hurt a very, very expensive, beautiful building,” referring to the ballroom that he said presidents have wanted for years.

He's moving ahead with construction despite the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-national-planning-commission-approval-f537fa373705d560a9842b6250aee9ef">lack of sign-off from the National Capital Planning Commission,</a>&nbsp;the executive branch agency that has jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the region.

Trump named a top White House aide, Will Scharf, to head the commission. Scharf has made a distinction between demolition work and rebuilding, saying the commission was only required to vet the latter.

By Trump's telling, it will become a space where guests will mingle, sip cocktails and eat hors d'oeuvres until they are called into the ballroom for dinner. Trump said a set of windows in the room will be removed to create a passageway to and from the ballroom.

Renderings released by the White House suggest a strong resemblance to the gilded ballroom at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club and home in Palm Beach, Florida.

The project also has grown in size since it was announced, going from accommodating 650 seated guests to holding 999 people, big enough to fit an inauguration if needed, he said at a recent White House dinner for donors. Windows will be bulletproof, he said.

The White House has said the ballroom will be ready for use before Trump's second term ends in January 2029, an ambitious timeline.

Has Trump made other changes to the White House?

Yes. He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-decor-flagpoles-gold-bd95330220d2d6af43d3a08281f8ccce">heavily redecorated the Oval Office</a>&nbsp;by adding numerous portraits, busts and gold-toned adornments. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-rose-garden-club-e862eba55133195f0297c3595ba4122f">converted the Rose Garden into a stone-covered patio</a>, installed towering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-flagpoles-a0928efcdcb6d1362a0e1827e96d0344">flagpoles</a>&nbsp;on the north and south lawns, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-presidential-portraits-biden-autopen-white-house-e8624154e72631e723930ea549bb8910">decorated an exterior wall with portraits of every president</a>&nbsp;except his immediate predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump also said he renovated the bathroom in the famous Lincoln Bedroom in the private living quarters and laid down marble floors in a passageway leading to the South Lawn.

How has construction changed the White House over the years?

Presidents have added to the White House since construction began in 1792 for a host of reasons, and Trump aides say his decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/10/white-house-ballroom-proud-presidential-legacy/">build a ballroom follows that long tradition</a>.

Many of the prior projects were criticized as being too costly or too lavish, but eventually came to be accepted, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/an-ever-changing-white-house">White House Historical Association</a>.

Thomas Jefferson added the east and west colonnades.

Andrew Jackson built the North Portico on the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the White House, aligning with the South Portico that James Monroe added after the original mansion was rebuilt after the British burned it during the War of 1812.

Theodore Roosevelt added the West Wing to provide dedicated space for the president and key staff, while Franklin D. Roosevelt added the East Wing, which over time became the home base for the first lady's staff and social functions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753991748963.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Construction started this week on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-trump-ballroom-ea5c645a45e8f8846ebc98d5b2976678">$250 million ballroom</a>&nbsp;that President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is adding to the White House as construction crews began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-demolish-a3efb2973d4d4e45f98b02e55210c538">tearing down the facade of the East Wing</a>, where the new space is being built.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/visit/">Click here for a closer </a>look at the ball room project<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;This is going to be probably the finest ballroom ever built — and we&#39;re doing it NO COST to the country... in order to do it properly, we had to take down the existing structure.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/AEjJ4Iy3Ja">pic.twitter.com/AEjJ4Iy3Ja</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1981111853498630155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Republican president and top White House officials had initially said nothing would be demolished during construction.The 90,000-square-foot ballroom will dwarf the main White House itself, at nearly double the size, and Trump says it will accommodate 999 people.Trump said on social media that the ballroom won’t cost taxpayers a dime because it is being privately funded by “many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/jZYqy45GLM">https://t.co/jZYqy45GLM</a> 💅 <a href="https://t.co/vuhj76CkzM">pic.twitter.com/vuhj76CkzM</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1981466536947683548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Here are some things to know about the newest White House construction project:<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom... The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly.&quot; - President Trump <a href="https://t.co/GibeLevvFP">pic.twitter.com/GibeLevvFP</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1980385123037270023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A lot of FAKE OUTRAGE over construction of the big, beautiful (and privately funded) White House Ballroom. FACT: Presidents have been renovating and expanding the White House for more than 100 years. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt built the West Wing . In 1909,… <a href="https://t.co/p7opxjsNAm">pic.twitter.com/p7opxjsNAm</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1980411112307700146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>Why is Trump building a ballroom?</h2>Trump says the White House needs a large entertaining space and has complained that the East Room, the current largest space in the White House, is too small, holding about 200 people. He has frowned on the past practice of presidents hosting state dinners and other large events in tents on the South Lawn.<h2>Trump said $350M in donations have come in for the ballroom</h2>But the wealthy president is still being vague about his own personal contribution to the $300 million project.Trump has said the ballroom will be paid for with money donated by his friends and from his own pocket.But he’s hasn’t said how much money he’s giving.“I’ll donate whatever’s needed,” he said.<h2>Why tear down the East Wing to build the ballroom?</h2>Associated Press photos show the entire White House East Wing has been demolished as President Donald Trump moves ahead with building a ballroom. The two-story structure of drawing rooms and offices, including a walkway to the White House, has been turned into rubble. The wing has been demolished as part of the Republican president’s plan to build a ballroom nearly twice the size of the White House itself that he now says will cost $300 million. Trump said Wednesday that keeping the East Wing would have “hurt a very, very expensive, beautiful building,” referring to the ballroom that he said presidents have wanted for years.<h2>Can Trump build a ballroom?</h2>He's moving ahead with construction despite the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-national-planning-commission-approval-f537fa373705d560a9842b6250aee9ef">lack of sign-off from the National Capital Planning Commission,</a>&nbsp;the executive branch agency that has jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the region.Trump named a top White House aide, Will Scharf, to head the commission. Scharf has made a distinction between demolition work and rebuilding, saying the commission was only required to vet the latter.<h2>What happens to the East Room?</h2>By Trump's telling, it will become a space where guests will mingle, sip cocktails and eat hors d'oeuvres until they are called into the ballroom for dinner. Trump said a set of windows in the room will be removed to create a passageway to and from the ballroom.<h2>What will the new ballroom look like?</h2>Renderings released by the White House suggest a strong resemblance to the gilded ballroom at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club and home in Palm Beach, Florida.The project also has grown in size since it was announced, going from accommodating 650 seated guests to holding 999 people, big enough to fit an inauguration if needed, he said at a recent White House dinner for donors. Windows will be bulletproof, he said.<h2>When will the ballroom be completed?</h2>The White House has said the ballroom will be ready for use before Trump's second term ends in January 2029, an ambitious timeline.<h2>Has Trump made other changes to the White House?</h2>Yes. He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-decor-flagpoles-gold-bd95330220d2d6af43d3a08281f8ccce">heavily redecorated the Oval Office</a>&nbsp;by adding numerous portraits, busts and gold-toned adornments. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-rose-garden-club-e862eba55133195f0297c3595ba4122f">converted the Rose Garden into a stone-covered patio</a>, installed towering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-flagpoles-a0928efcdcb6d1362a0e1827e96d0344">flagpoles</a>&nbsp;on the north and south lawns, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-presidential-portraits-biden-autopen-white-house-e8624154e72631e723930ea549bb8910">decorated an exterior wall with portraits of every president</a>&nbsp;except his immediate predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden.Trump also said he renovated the bathroom in the famous Lincoln Bedroom in the private living quarters and laid down marble floors in a passageway leading to the South Lawn.<h2>How has construction changed the White House over the years?</h2>Presidents have added to the White House since construction began in 1792 for a host of reasons, and Trump aides say his decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/10/white-house-ballroom-proud-presidential-legacy/">build a ballroom follows that long tradition</a>.Many of the prior projects were criticized as being too costly or too lavish, but eventually came to be accepted, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/an-ever-changing-white-house">White House Historical Association</a>.Thomas Jefferson added the east and west colonnades.Andrew Jackson built the North Portico on the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the White House, aligning with the South Portico that James Monroe added after the original mansion was rebuilt after the British burned it during the War of 1812.Theodore Roosevelt added the West Wing to provide dedicated space for the president and key staff, while Franklin D. Roosevelt added the East Wing, which over time became the home base for the first lady's staff and social functions.One of the most significant White House renovations happened under Harry Truman, when the mansion was found to be so structurally unsound that he ordered a complete gutting of the interior that lasted from 1948 to 1952. The project, including Truman's addition of a balcony to the second floor of the South Portico, was highly controversial.Other changes include the creation of the Rose Garden during John F. Kennedy's administration and Richard Nixon's decision to convert an indoor swimming pool that was built for FDR's physical therapy into a workspace for the growing White House press corps.