The U.S. military struck their eighth boat suspected of drug smuggling, the Trump administration allowed oil and gas drilling on an Arctic wildlife refuge, Trump pardoned former U.S. Rep George Santos and a crypto company founder, the U.S. hit $38 trillion in debt and more happened. Here are our picks for the top stories of the week.
U.S.
White House East Wing demolished as Trump moves forward with ballroom construction, AP photos show (AP)
The entire East Wing of the White House was demolished this week to make room for Trump’s proposed $300 million ballroom, set to be nearly twice the size of the White House.
The demolition began without approval from the federal agencies that oversee these projects on historical sites.
Trump said “me and some friends of mine” will pay for the ballroom at no cost to taxpayers.
The East Wing was a two-story structure that held drawing rooms and offices, including workspace for first ladies and their staffs.
International
Everything we know about the Louvre jewellery heist (BBC)
The Lourve, located in Paris and the most visited museum in the world, was robbed on Sunday, Oct. 19. Eight items were taken, all from the 19th century, and once belonged to French royalty or imperial rulers. Together, they’re worth about $102 million.
The search is on for four suspects, and investigators are studying CCTV footage from the escape route. The thieves appeared to be “experienced” and “calmly” smashed display cases to steal the jewels. Prosectuors theorize that the robbers were under orders for a criminal organization.
The thieves “are not going to keep them intact, they are going to break them up, melt down the valuable metal, recut the valuable stones and hide evidence of their crime,” Chris Marinello, the chief executive of Art Recovery International, said.
Local
New NU Era: The University of Nebraska long banked on state funding. That support is crumbling. (Flatwater Free Press)
The University of Nebraska system is facing harsh financial strain as decades of declining state support force new cuts, tuition hikes and reliance on alternative revenue sources. State funding, which once covered a third of the university’s budget, now accounts for just 19%, leading to $20 million in systemwide cuts and a $27.5 million reduction at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Lawmakers cite competing budget priorities, such as K-12 education, Medicaid, prisons and recent tax cuts, for limiting the university funding. University leaders warn that underfunding is driving up tuition and student debt. As tuition and fees rise, enrollment decreases, and federal research funding declines, NU President Jeffrey Gold predicts more years of cuts ahead.
GEHS
GEHS and GHS face off tonight, marching band performs at State
The Battle of 370 starts tonight at 7 p.m. GEHS and GHS’s football teams will face off for the Class B D-2 District Championship. Gretna East is the home team and the theme is blackout.
Also, the Griffin Pride Marching Band will perform at the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association’s state band competition tomorrow at 7:15 p.m. at Buell Stadium.
Sports
NBA head coach and player charged in sprawling sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested Thursday, along with more than 30 others, in two federal cases alleging Mafia-backed gambling and poker schemes. Former NBA player Damon Jones was also charged. These schemes, linked to New York crime families and involving rigged poker games and insider sports betting, reportedly defrauded victims of millions. Both Billups and Rozier denied any wrongdoing and were released after court appearances and placed on leave by the NBA.
Entertainment
Misty Copeland takes final bow with American Ballet Theatre (ABC)
Misty Copeland, the 43-year-old trailblazing ballerina, took her final bow with the American Ballet Theatre at Lincoln Center on Wednesday night. This also marked her return to the stage after a five-year hiatus.
Copeland became the first African American woman promoted to principal dancer in the ABT’s 85-year history, and she worked to raise awareness about representation in ballet.
Caught our attention
Maine Senate candidate Platner says tattoo recognized as Nazi symbol has been covered (AP)
The viral oyster farmer and Maine Democratic Senate candidate running on a progressive agenda, Graham Platner, said he has covered a nearly 20-year-old tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi symbol after it sparked controversy in his campaign. Platner, a former Marine and first-time candidate, said he got the skull and crossbones tattoo in 2007 while drinking overseas and was unaware of its Nazi ties until recently. The incident follows a wave of scrutiny over old online posts in which Platner made offensive remarks about women, Black patrons and the LGBTQ+ community, which he has since apologized for, citing struggles with PTSD and depression. He remains committed to his campaign to unseat longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Have a great weekend, Griffins. Thank you for staying informed.
Please note that our recap highlights a small collection of stories selected by the Wingspan staff for our Gretna East and Gretna community audience. Also, because this article is published on Friday mornings, major news events over the weekend may be covered in the following edition.
