(File Photo of the Rivers Casino of Pittsburgh)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh reported via release yesterday that a theft occurred there on the evening of October 12th, 2025. A black Samsung Ultra S24 worth $750 was stolen from sixty-four-year-old Dwight McCrae of North Braddock, Pennsylvania at 8:55 p.m. at the casino on 777 Casino Drive.
(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – This combo of images shows, from left, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers’ Damon Jones. (AP Photo/File)
NEW YORK (AP) — The head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a player for the Miami Heat were arrested Thursday along with more than 30 other people in a takedown of two sprawling gambling operations that authorities said leaked inside information about NBA athletes and rigged poker games backed by Mafia families.
Portland coach Chauncey Billups was charged with participating in a conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games tied to La Cosa Nostra organized crime families that cheated unsuspecting gamblers out of at least $7 million. Heat guard Terry Rozier was accused in a separate scheme of exploiting private information about players to win bets on NBA games.
The two 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, multibillion-dollar legal sports-betting industry. Joseph Nocella, the top federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of New York, called it “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.”
“My message to the defendants who’ve been rounded up today is this: Your winning streak has ended,” Nocella said. “Your luck has run out.”
Both men face money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges. Also charged was former NBA assistant coach and player Damon Jones, who stands accused of participating in both schemes.
“The fraud is mind boggling,” FBI Director Kash Patel told reporters. “We’re talking about tens of millions of dollars in fraud and theft and robbery across a multiyear investigation.”
The alleged fraud, however, paled in comparison to the riches the athletes earned on the court. Billups, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year, had about $106 million in earnings over his 17-year career. Rozier made about $160 million in his stops in Boston, Miami and Charlotte.
Billups and Rozier have been placed on leave from their teams, according to the NBA, which said it is cooperating with authorities.
“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the NBA said in a statement.
Hours after his arrest, Rozier appeared in a federal court in Orlando, Florida, wearing a Charlotte Hornets sweatshirt, handcuffs and shackles. Billups appeared before a judge in Portland, Oregon. Both men were ordered released from custody on certain conditions.
Billups’ attorney, Chris Heywood, issued a statement Thursday evening denying the allegations, calling his client a “man of integrity.” “To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall-of-Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” Heywood said.
Rozier’s lawyer, Jim Trusty, said in a statement that his client is “not a gambler” and “looks forward to winning this fight.” Trusty criticized authorities for not allowing his client to surrender on his own and accused officials of wanting “the misplaced glory of embarrassing a professional athlete with a perp walk.”
Messages were left Thursday at a phone number and email address listed in public records for Jones.
Roughly 20 other defendants appeared in federal court in Brooklyn, where most of them pleaded not guilty. Many of those charged with violent crimes or with lengthy criminal records and ties to organized crime were detained.
The poker scheme lured unwitting players into rigged games with the chance to compete against former professional basketball players like Billups and Jones. The games were fixed using 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 cards, authorities allege.
The scheme often made use of illegal poker games run by New York crime families that required them to share a portion of their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonnano crime families, according to court papers. Members of those families, in turn, also helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and robbery, to ensure repayment of debts and the continued success of the operation, officials said in court documents.
In the sports betting scheme, Rozier and other defendants are accused of accessing private information from NBA players or coaches that could affect a player’s performance and giving that information to others so they could place wagers. Players sometimes altered their performance or took themselves out of games early to rig prop bets — a type of wager that allows gamblers to bet on whether a player will exceed a certain statistic, such as a total number of points, rebounds or assists, according to the indictment.
In one instance, Rozier, while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, told people he was planning to leave the game early with a supposed injury, allowing gamblers to place wagers earning them tens of thousands of dollars, authorities said. That game against the New Orleans Pelicans raised eyebrows at the time. Rozier played the first 9 minutes and 36 seconds of the game before leaving, citing a foot issue. He did not play again that season.
Posts still online from March 23, 2023, show that some bettors were furious with sportsbooks that evening when it became evident that Rozier was not going to return to the game after the first quarter, with many turning to social media to say that something “shady” had happened regarding the prop bets involving his stats for that night.
The indictments contain the descriptions 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 a game on March 24, 2023, involving the Portland Trail Blazers, and two games in 2023 and 2024 involving the Los Angeles Lakers.
The NBA had investigated Rozier previously. He was in uniform as the Heat played the Magic on Wednesday in Orlando, Florida, in the season opener for both teams, though he did not play in the game.
(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates with right wing Rickard Rakell (67) after scoring his team’s first goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Sidney Crosby had two goals and an assist for his fourth multipoint game of the season, Erik Karlsson and Evgeni Malkin each added two assists and the Pittsburgh Penguins topped the Florida Panthers 5-3 on Thursday night for their fourth consecutive win.
Crosby now has five goals in a four-game goal-scoring streak, his longest since a four-game stretch late in the 2021-22 season. Ben Kindel, Rickard Rakell and Connor Dewar also had goals for the Penguins, who improved to 6-2-0 and are off to their best start since 2019-20.
Brad Marchand had two goals and Sam Reinhart also scored for Florida, which got two-assist nights from Seth Jones and Mackie Samoskevich.
It was the first time that Crosby and Marchand both had two or more goals in the same game. Crosby is now two points away from joining Detroit’s Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman, along with fellow Penguins legend Mario Lemieux, as the only players with at least 1,700 career points for one franchise.
Both of Crosby’s goals were on the power play. It was his first two power-play goal game since Oct. 13, 2023 and the 11th such regular-season game of his career; the Penguins are 11-0-0 in those contests.
Tristan Jarry made 34 saves for Pittsburgh. Sergei Bobrovsky gave up five goals on just 16 shots in the Florida net.
The game marked just the second time that the Jones brothers — Pittsburgh’s Caleb and Florida’s Seth — went head-to-head in a regular-season game. Caleb Jones is now 2-0-0 in those games; he was with Colorado for a 5-0 win over Chicago, when Seth Jones played there, in 2024.
Florida outshot Pittsburgh 31-9 in the final 40 minutes — but the Penguins outscored the Panthers 4-3 in that span.
Penguins: Host Columbus on Saturday.
Panthers: Host Vegas on Saturday.
(File Photo: Source for Photo: This undated photo provided by the Philadelphia Police Department shows Kada Scott, 23, who has been missing since she stepped outside during her night shift at a nursing home on Oct. 4. (Philadelphia Police Department via AP)
(Philadelphia, PA- AP) Philadelphia authorities filed murder charges Thursday against a suspect for the death of 23-year-old Kada Scott, and investigators say they have video evidence suggesting that two people may have been involved in moving and burying her body.
Delaware resident Keon King, 21, was denied bail Thursday on charges that also include robbery, abuse of a corpse, theft and conspiracy. His attorney, Shaka Johnson, did not return a message seeking comment.
The medical examiner’s office said Thursday that Scott had been shot in the head.
To support arson and conspiracy charges against King in Scott’s disappearance, a city detective wrote in an affidavit this week that one of Scott’s co-workers reported seeing her upset outside their workplace at about 10 p.m. on Oct. 4, the night she disappeared. The coworker reportedly heard Scott say “I can’t believe you’re calling me” before she walked toward a parked SUV.
Video footage from the area where Scott’s body was found showed two people get out of a vehicle around 11:30 p.m. the night after Scott disappeared. Around 4 a.m., they are shown removing “a heavy object, consistent with a human body” out of the passenger’s side of a car and then carrying it “in the general direction” of where Scott’s body was recovered from a shallow grave nearly two weeks later, according to the police affidavit.
When an anonymous tip led police to again search that area, which is near an abandoned school, they found a spot with freshly disturbed earth. Scott’s remains were recovered and DNA was tested to confirm her identity.
Police also obtained texts between Scott and a person they believe was King over the week before Scott disappeared, saying King identified himself as Kel. At about 10 a.m. the morning Scott disappeared, she texted that number to say “kidnap me again,” the detective wrote. “Kel” responded “better be up too.”
King, of Dover, Delaware, was arrested earlier this year in another case, but posted $200,000 bail and was released. In that case King was accused of kidnapping a woman from in front of her house and forcing her into a car where she was assaulted and eventually let go. Charges were dropped after the victim and a witness did not appear for court proceedings.
Scott’s parents have described their daughter as exhibiting “light, kindness and beautiful spirit.”
(File Photo: Source for Photo: This undated photo provided by the Philadelphia Police Department shows Kada Scott, 23, who has been missing since she stepped outside during her night shift at a nursing home on Oct. 4. (Philadelphia Police Department via AP)
(Philadelphia, PA- AP) Investigators say they have video evidence suggesting that two people may have been involved in moving and burying the body of 23-year-old Kada Scott as Philadelphia prosecutors are preparing murder charges against a suspect in her disappearance.
Delaware resident Keon King, 21, is under arrest in the case. A newly released police affidavit filed this week to support arson and conspiracy charges against King in Scott’s disappearance includes a city detective writing that one of Scott’s co-workers reported seeing her upset outside their workplace at about 10 p.m. on Oct. 4, the night she disappeared. The coworker reportedly heard Scott say “I can’t believe you’re calling me” before she walked toward a parked SUV.
Video footage from the area where Scott’s body was found showed two people get out of a vehicle around 11:30 p.m. the night after Scott disappeared. Around 4 a.m., they are shown removing “a heavy object, consistent with a human body” out of the passenger’s side of a car and then carrying it “in the general direction” of where Scott’s body was recovered from a shallow grave nearly two weeks later, according to the police affidavit.
When an anonymous tip led police to again search that area, which is near an abandoned school, they found a spot with freshly disturbed earth. Scott’s remains were recovered and DNA was tested to confirm her identity.
After the medical examiner ruled Scott’s death a homicide, District Attorney Larry Krasner’s office announced late Wednesday it had approved charges against King of murder, robbery, theft, abuse of a corpse, gun offenses and conspiracy. King already faces charges of arson and kidnapping related to Scott’s disappearance.
A phone message seeking comment was left Thursday for King’s defense lawyer, Shaka Johnson.
Police also obtained texts between Scott and a person they believe was King over the week before Scott disappeared, saying King identified himself as Kel. At about 10 a.m. the morning Scott disappeared, she texted that number to say “kidnap me again,” the detective wrote. “Kel” responded “better be up too.”
King, of Dover, Delaware, has been in jail with bail set at $2.5 million bond for kidnapping, stalking and other offenses.
He was arrested earlier this year in another case, but posted $200,000 bail and was released. In that case King was accused of kidnapping a woman from in front of her house and forcing her into a car where she was assaulted and eventually let go. Charges were dropped after the victim and a witness did not appear for court proceedings.
Scott’s parents have described their daughter as exhibiting “light, kindness and beautiful spirit.”
(File Photo: Source for Headline Photo and First Photo Below: This undated photo released by the Philadelphia Police Department shows kidnapping suspect Keon King, who is charged in the disappearance of Kada Scott. King is also charged in the kidnapping of another woman earlier this year. (Philadelphia Police Department via AP)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Philadelphia, PA) According to an announcement yesterday from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, the suspect who was previously charged with kidnapping in connection with the disappearance of 23-year-old nursing student Kada Scott has now been charged with her murder. In addition to that charge, twenty-one-year-old Keon King also has charges including abuse of a corpse, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, possession of an instrument of crime, robbery, tampering with evidence, theft and related offenses. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office also identified remains belonging to Scott in a shallow grave on Monday and a spokesperson from that same office confirmed today that Scott was killed by a gunshot wound to her head. Scott died on Saturday and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office ruled that homicide was her cause of death. The grave where the human remains were found was located at Ada H.H. Lewis Middle School in East Germantown. A judge ruled today that King will be held in jail without bail.
(File Photo: Source for Second Photo Below: This undated photo provided by the Philadelphia Police Department shows Kada Scott, 23, who has been missing since she stepped outside during her night shift at a nursing home on Oct. 4. (Philadelphia Police Department via AP)
(File Photo of Fire Background)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Beaver County, PA) As Halloween gets closer, the holiday can be scary if safety regarding fires is overlooked, from candles to decorations to flowing costumes. According to a release from the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), here are some tips and guidelines for celebrating Halloween with fire safety in mind along with some online links with more information on fire safety:
Costumes: When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see clearly.
Flashlights: Give children flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
Decorations: Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
Candles: Only use battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in jack-o-lanterns. If you choose to use real candles, be sure to place them well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways, and yards.
Smoke Alarms: Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.
Visit the Halloween safety page by clicking here for more resources. Download the free NFPA Halloween Fire Safety Bundle by clicking here featuring Sparky the Fire Dog® for frightfully fun activities for kids and families.
For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research, and resources, please visit the NFPA Press Room by clicking here.
(File Photo of the Penn State Beaver Logo)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Monaca, PA) Jim and Evelyn Piazza, a couple from New Jersey, will speak at a special event on Wednesday, November 12th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Penn State Beaver Auditorium in Monaca. This free event that is open to the public is to raise awareness about the negative effects of alcohol because the son of the Piazzas, twenty-year-old Timothy Piazza, died on February 3rd, 2017 at Penn State University after a night of hazing which involved alcohol. The couple has also educated teens at colleges across the country about important life skills like binge drinking, social media, being a good friend, and doing the right thing. The Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law has been yielded from the work of the Piazzas, and their appearance at Penn State Beaver is part of a two-year program there to educate young people about the dangers of both drinking and drugs.
(File Photo: Caption for Photo: PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Robinson Township, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that on Saturday, October 25th, weather permitting, a single-lane restriction on eastbound Interstate 376 (Parkway West) in Robinson Township will occur. From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, a single-lane restriction will occur on eastbound I-376 (Parkway West) between the I-79 Erie/Washington (Exit 64A) interchange and the on-ramp from northbound I-79 as crews will conduct bridge deck repair work on the structure over Campbells Run Road.
(File Photo: Source for Headline Photo and First Photo Below: FILE – In this Dec. 2, 2018, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, right, and his brother, Los Angeles Chargers center Mike Pouncey pose after playing against each other in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh. The twin brothers announced their retirement from professional football on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Don Wright, File)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) Four former Pittsburgh Steelers football players have recently advanced in the voting process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame located in Canton, Ohio. They are kicker Gary Anderson, linebacker James Harrison, center Maurkice Pouncey, and wide receiver Hines Ward. These four players are now in further consideration along with forty-eight others for election as members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
(File Photo: Source for Second Photo Below: FILE – In this July 29, 2016, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison, left, talks with head coach Mike Tomlin during a practice at the NFL football team’s training camp in Latrobe, Pa. Former NFL linebacker James Harrison says Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not offer a bounty for an illegal hit on a member of the Cleveland Browns. Harrison told former teammate Willie Colon on a podcast that Tomlin handed him an envelope shortly after Harrison was fined in 2010 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massqoui. Harrison declined to specify what was in the envelope, but posted on Instagram that Tomlin never offered a bounty on opposing players. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
(File Photo: Source for Third Photo Below, Courtesy of Getty Images, PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 22: Gary Anderson #1 of the Pittsburgh Steelers kicks a field goal during a NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 22, 1992 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
(File Photo: Source for Fourth Photo Below: FILE – Hines Ward, at the time the New York Jets’ offensive assistant coach, walks on the field during the NFL football team’s training camp in Florham Park, N.J., July 25, 2019. Ward is getting his first opportunity to be a head coach with San Antonio in the new XFL. The league relaunches in February 2023. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
