Bongino Announces ‘Conspiracy to Smuggle Biological Materials’ Charges Against 3 Chinese Nationals

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Federal authorities have arrested three Chinese nationals accused of conspiring to smuggle biological materials into the United States under the guise of academic research. The arrests mark the latest development in a series of investigations into Chinese nationals connected with American university research programs.

Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino announced the arrests Thursday on X, naming the suspects as Xu Bai, 28, Fengfan Zhang, 27, and Zhiyong Zhang, 30.

“An update for you on our efforts to protect the homeland: THREE research scholars from China — Xu Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang — have been charged with conspiracy to smuggle biological materials into the United States and for making false statements to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers,” Bongino wrote.

“These are the latest charges in a string of cases stemming from Chinese national students’ criminal activities at university research centers,” Bongino added. “FBI Counterintelligence will NOT tolerate any attempt to exploit American institutions to break the law, and we remain dedicated to protecting our communities and our educational institutions from threats like these.”

According to the Department of Justice, the three researchers were affiliated with the University of Michigan. Their arrests bring to six the number of Chinese nationals linked to the university who have faced criminal charges this year involving smuggling or false statements.

The Department of Justice stated that Bai and Fengfan Zhang were charged with conspiracy to smuggle biological materials into the country, while Zhiyong Zhang was charged with making false statements to federal agents. The materials involved were related to roundworm research.

Prosecutors allege the defendants received samples from another Chinese national, Chengxuan Han, who had previously been charged with similar offenses and later deported. Han’s case, filed in June 2025, involved the smuggling of biological materials and making false statements to U.S. authorities. His arrest led to a broader federal investigation that identified multiple individuals allegedly involved in the illegal importation of biological substances.

In a related case, two other Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian, 33, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, were charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the country, making false statements, and visa fraud. According to court filings, Jian and Liu attempted to bring into the United States a fungus that infects grain crops. Jian allegedly intended to study the fungus in a University of Michigan laboratory. Both were arrested earlier this year.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a statement emphasizing the national security implications of the case.

“Allegedly attempting to smuggle biological materials under the guise of ‘research’ is a serious crime that threatens America’s national and agricultural security,” Bondi said. “We will remain vigilant to threats like these from foreign nationals who would take advantage of America’s generosity to advance a malicious agenda.”

U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon, Jr. commented on the arrests, suggesting a recurring pattern of activity.

“At some point, pattern becomes practice. And, apparently, these three men are part of a long and alarming pattern of criminal activities committed by Chinese nationals under the cover of the University of Michigan. This is a threat to our collective security,” Gorgon stated.

Investigators revealed that after Han’s deportation, Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang refused to cooperate with federal agents and were subsequently terminated by the university. The three later attempted to leave the United States but were stopped before they could flee.

“This case underscores the vital importance of safeguarding the American people and addressing vulnerabilities within foreign student and exchange visitor programs,” said Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons. “Educational institutions must enhance their admissions procedures to prevent exploitation, which can pose risks to national security, as demonstrated in this instance.”

FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed the agency’s commitment to ongoing investigations involving foreign nationals attempting to bypass U.S. law through academic or research institutions.

“These charges show the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who violate our laws, and that academic research cannot excuse illegal activity,” Patel said. “The Chinese nationals charged today allegedly were involved in smuggling biological materials into the U.S. on several occasions. The FBI and our partners are committed to defending the homeland and stopping any illegal smuggling into our country.”
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/bongino-announces-conspiracy-to-smuggle-biological-materials-charges-against-3-chinese-nationals/

Los rusos LGBTQ encuentran un refugio en Argentina

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Argentina ha surgido como un refugio importante, aunque distante, para los rusos LGBTQ que huyen de la creciente represión antigay del presidente Vladimir Putin.

Este país sudamericano ofrece un espacio seguro donde las personas pueden vivir libremente y expresar su identidad sin temor a la persecución. A pesar de la distancia geográfica, Argentina se ha consolidado como un destino clave para quienes buscan protección frente a las políticas represivas en Rusia.

La comunidad LGBTQ rusa encuentra en Argentina no solo un lugar de asilo, sino también una oportunidad para integrarse en una sociedad que promueve la igualdad y los derechos humanos. Esta migración refleja la búsqueda global de espacios de libertad y respeto para todas las identidades sexuales.
https://www.nytimes.com/es/2025/11/09/espanol/america-latina/argentina-rusia-gay.html

SUI Price Prediction: $1.85 Target in Two Weeks Before $4.45 Recovery by Year-End 2025

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**SUI Price Prediction: Technical Correction Before Major Rally**

With SUI trading at $2.09 and down 3.40% in the last 24 hours, the cryptocurrency finds itself at a critical juncture. Multiple technical indicators and analyst predictions suggest a short-term correction before a significant medium-term recovery.

—

### SUI Price Prediction Summary

#### Short-Term Outlook

The trend structure for SUI appears compromised in the near term. The RSI reading of 36.63 sits in neutral territory but shows no oversold bounce signal yet. However, the MACD histogram at 0.0025 provides the first glimmer of bullish momentum, suggesting selling pressure may be exhausting.

SUI’s position within the Bollinger Bands at 0.23 indicates the price sits closer to the lower band ($1.89), typically a zone where reversals occur. The daily ATR of $0.21 shows moderate volatility, meaning any breakout moves could be substantial.

Trading volume of $62.4 million on Binance spot markets remains healthy, indicating continued institutional interest despite the recent price decline. This volume profile supports the thesis that the current weakness represents consolidation rather than capitulation.

—

### SUI Price Targets: Bull and Bear Scenarios

#### Bullish Case for SUI

The optimistic price prediction sees SUI testing $1.85 support followed by a sharp recovery toward immediate resistance at $2.72. Breaking this level would target the SMA 20 at $2.32, then the crucial $3.00 psychological milestone.

Success here opens the path to a medium-term target of $4.45 by year-end. The key technical catalysts for this bullish forecast include:

– MACD histogram turning positive
– RSI bouncing from oversold levels near 30
– Volume expansion on any price bounce

The 52-week high at $4.33 represents the ultimate bull target, requiring roughly a 107% gain from current levels.

#### Bearish Risk for SUI

The downside scenario involves SUI breaking below immediate support at $1.82, which could open the path toward the Bollinger Band lower bound at $1.89. Failure to hold this level sets sights on a major support zone between $1.60 and $1.70, where accumulation is expected to begin.

A break below $1.60 would signal a deeper correction toward strong support at $0.56. Although this scenario appears unlikely given current institutional interest and ongoing protocol development momentum, it remains a risk to monitor.

—

### Should You Buy SUI Now?

#### Entry Strategy

The current setup suggests a wait-and-see approach for new SUI positions. Conservative investors should wait for the anticipated test of $1.85 support before considering entry. This level offers an optimal risk-reward ratio, with a suggested stop-loss at $1.75 and upside targets at $2.72.

Aggressive traders might consider accumulating between $1.85 and $1.90 if the price reaches these levels within the next two weeks. Position sizing should remain modest due to the bearish short-term technical picture, with no more than 2-3% of portfolio allocation until bullish momentum confirms.

Dollar-cost averaging between $1.85 and $2.10 over the next month could also prove effective for long-term holders targeting the $4.45 to $7.01 range by year-end. Stop-losses should be placed below $1.60 to protect against unexpected fundamental deterioration.

—

### SUI Price Prediction Conclusion

The overall outlook for SUI suggests a classic “lower to go higher” pattern. Short-term weakness toward $1.85 appears likely based on current technical indicators and analyst consensus. However, this correction should create an attractive entry opportunity for the anticipated medium-term recovery.

There is medium confidence that the $1.85 target will be reached within two weeks, while there is high confidence supporting a $4.45 to $7.01 forecast for SUI by the end of 2025.

The combination of protocol upgrades, ETF speculation, and planned token unlocks creates a favorable fundamental backdrop once technical selling exhausts.

—

### Key Indicators to Monitor

– RSI approaching 30 for oversold signals
– MACD histogram maintaining positive readings
– Volume expansion on any bounce from the $1.85 to $1.90 support zone

—

### Timeline Outlook

Analysts expect the current correction to resolve by late November, followed by a sustained rally through the fourth quarter of 2025.

—

*Stay updated with the latest market insights and trade responsibly.*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/sui-price-prediction-1-85-target-in-two-weeks-before-4-45-recovery-by-year-end-2025/

Islanders take on the Devils following Horvat’s 2-goal performance

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**New York Islanders vs. New Jersey Devils Preview**
*Newark, New Jersey; Monday, 7 p.m. EST*

—

**BOTTOM LINE:**
The New York Islanders (7-6-2), currently in the Metropolitan Division, are set to visit the New Jersey Devils (11-4) for a Monday night matchup. The Islanders come off a convincing 5-0 victory over the New York Rangers, highlighted by Bo Horvat’s two-goal performance.

New Jersey holds an impressive 11-4 overall record and stands 2-1-0 within the division. The Devils have scored 51 goals while conceding 44, giving them a +7 scoring differential. Meanwhile, the Islanders sport a 3-3-1 record in Metropolitan Division play and 7-6-2 overall, with a +1 goal differential after totaling 50 goals for and 49 against.

Monday’s game marks the first meeting between these two teams this season.

—

**TOP PERFORMERS:**
– For the Devils, Connor Brown has contributed five goals and one assist. Jack Hughes has been particularly productive, tallying seven goals and five assists in the last 10 games.
– The Islanders rely on Mathew Barzal, who has three goals and nine assists on the season. Bo Horvat has also been a key player, scoring seven goals and adding five assists over the past 10 games.

—

**LAST 10 GAMES:**
– **Devils:** 7-3-0 record, averaging 3.2 goals, 4.7 assists, 3.1 penalties, and 6.8 penalty minutes per game, while surrendering 2.8 goals per game.
– **Islanders:** 5-3-2 record, averaging 3.4 goals, 5.8 assists, 4.2 penalties, and 10.6 penalty minutes per game, giving up 2.9 goals on average.

—

**INJURIES:**
– Devils: None listed
– Islanders: None listed

—

This highly anticipated Metropolitan Division clash promises exciting hockey action as both teams look to strengthen their position early in the season.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/islanders-devils-following-horvats-2-091032786.html

Portillo’s Selloff Is Likely To End Soon

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**Analyst’s Disclosure:**
I/we have no stock, option, or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

**Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure:**
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole.

Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker, US investment adviser, or investment bank. Our analysts are third-party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4841013-portillos-selloff-is-likely-to-end-soon?source=feed_all_articles

Pistons vs. 76ers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

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Pistons vs. 76ers | November 9, 2025

The Detroit Pistons (7-2) are on a five-game winning streak and will try to extend it when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers (6-3) on Sunday, November 9, 2025. The game will be held at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

For those looking to watch the game live, it will be broadcast on FDSDET and NBCS-PH. Tickets are available now through Vivid Seats, so be sure to secure your spot to catch the action in person.

Recent Performances

The Pistons most recently defeated the Brooklyn Nets 125-107 on Friday. Cade Cunningham led the team with an impressive 34-point performance. On the other hand, the 76ers secured their most recent win against the Toronto Raptors with a 130-120 victory on Saturday, with Tyrese Maxey leading the team with 31 points.

Game Preview & Key Insights

Pistons Stats, Odds & Insights

  • The Pistons have a strong record as favorites this season, winning five of their six such games.
  • They average 116.7 points per game, slightly below the 119.3 points their opponents allow.
  • Their three-point shooting is at 33.6%, with an average of 10.2 made three-pointers per game, which ranks 23rd in the NBA.
  • Defensively, they perform better on the road, allowing 109.8 points per game compared to 111.6 at home.

76ers Stats, Odds & Insights

  • The 76ers boast a +42 scoring differential, outscoring opponents by 4.7 points per game.
  • They average a league-third 124.0 points per game and allow 119.3, ranking 23rd in defensive points allowed.
  • Leading the team in scoring is Tyrese Maxey, averaging 33.2 points per game, with Joel Embiid contributing significantly when healthy.
  • The 76ers excel at three-point shooting, making 38.8% of their attempts and averaging 14.0 made three-pointers per game.

Key Players to Watch

Pistons

Name GP PTS REB AST STL BLK 3PM
Cade Cunningham 9 25.6 4.8 9.7 1.0 0.8 2.0
Jalen Duren 9 19.2 11.3 1.6 0.9 1.2 0.0
Ausar Thompson 9 13.9 6.8 3.3 1.7 0.8 0.3
Isaiah Stewart 9 10.7 6.7 1.6 0.2 2.1 1.2
Duncan Robinson 9 10.6 2.8 1.8 0.3 0.4 2.4

76ers

Name GP PTS REB AST STL BLK 3PM
Tyrese Maxey 9 33.2 5.0 8.3 1.1 1.1 4.1
Joel Embiid 6 19.7 5.5 3.3 0.8 1.5 1.5
Kelly Oubre Jr. 9 19.2 5.3 1.3 1.2 1.0 2.4
Quentin Grimes 9 17.7 4.0 4.4 1.0 0.4 2.6
VJ Edgecombe 9 16.9 5.8 4.7 1.6 0.2 2.0

Stay Updated & Tips

For more NBA game previews, live lines, and betting tips, visit Betsperts. Whether you’re looking for expert predictions or the latest player prop bets, we’ve got you covered. If you’re new to sports betting, check out our comprehensive guide on how to bet on basketball and find the best NBA betting sites.

Don’t miss this exciting matchup — mark your calendar for Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET, and enjoy all the action as the Pistons take on the 76ers!

https://www.bleachernation.com/how-to-watch/2025/11/09/pistons-vs-76ers-start-time-streaming-live-tv-channel-how-to-watch/

Space Coast launch schedule

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The Space Coast set a new record in 2024 with 93 launches from all providers, building off the 72 orbital missions flown in 2023. With SpaceX’s continued pace, more launches from United Launch Alliance (ULA), and the debut of Blue Origin’s New Glenn, the U.S. Space Force has indicated it could support as many as 156 launches in 2025. Check back for the latest information on upcoming launches.

—

### By The Numbers

**2025:**
– 93 Space Coast orbital launches, 1 hypersonic missile (updated Nov. 9)
– 72 launches from Cape Canaveral, 21 from Kennedy Space Center (KSC)
– 88 from SpaceX (all Falcon 9), 4 from ULA (3 Atlas V, 1 Vulcan), 1 from Blue Origin (New Glenn on NG-1)
– 4 human spaceflights (Crew-10, Fram2, Ax-4, Crew-11)

**2024:**
– 93 Space Coast launches
– 67 from Cape Canaveral, 26 from KSC
– 88 from SpaceX (86 Falcon 9, 2 Falcon Heavy), 5 from ULA (2 Vulcan, 1 Delta IV Heavy, 2 Atlas V)
– 5 human spaceflights (Axiom Space Ax-3, SpaceX Crew-8, Boeing Crew Flight Test, Polaris Dawn, Crew-9)

**2023:**
– 72 Space Coast launches
– 59 from Cape Canaveral, 13 from KSC
– 68 from SpaceX (63 Falcon 9, 5 Falcon Heavy), 3 from ULA (1 Delta IV Heavy, 2 Atlas V), 1 from Relativity Space
– 3 human spaceflights (Crew-6, Ax-2, Crew-7)

Details on past launches can be found at the end of this article.

—

### Most Recent Launches

**Nov. 9, 2025** (Delayed from Nov. 8):
SpaceX Falcon 9 launched the Starlink 10-51 mission carrying 29 satellites from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39-A at 3:10 a.m. This marked the 28th flight of the first-stage booster, which was recovered successfully downrange on the droneship *A Shortfall of Gravitas* stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. The previous day’s launch attempt was scrubbed due to bad weather in the booster recovery area. This launch tied the record for the number of launches from the Space Coast in a year, reaching 93 total launches, including 21 from KSC.

—

### Upcoming Launches (2025 and Beyond)

**Nov. 9, 2025** (Delayed from Oct. 13, 2024):
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is scheduled to launch twin ESCAPADE spacecraft—Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers—for NASA and the University of California, Berkeley’s Space Science Laboratory. The launch was postponed from October 2024 due to NASA’s concerns about the rocket’s readiness. The FAA has approved a launch window on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 2:45 to 5:11 p.m., with a backup window Monday, Nov. 10 from 2:40 to 5:06 p.m.

**Nov. 10, 2025:**
SpaceX Falcon 9 will launch the Starlink 6-87 mission carrying 29 satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40 between 5:12 and 9:12 p.m. This will be the third flight of the first-stage booster, with an intended recovery landing on the droneship *Just Read the Instructions* in the Atlantic.

**Nov. 13, 2025:**
A Falcon 9 will launch the Starlink 6-89 mission from KSC’s Launch Pad 39-A with 29 satellites during a window from 5:35 to 9:35 p.m. The booster is scheduled for its eighth flight and a downrange landing on *A Shortfall of Gravitas*.

**Nov. 14, 2025:**
SpaceX will launch Starlink 6-85 with 28 satellites from SLC-40 between 4:12 and 8:12 p.m., aiming for the booster’s 24th flight and recovery on *Just Read the Instructions*.

**Nov. 18, 2025:**
Another Falcon 9 launch on Starlink 6-94 is planned from SLC-40; timing and docking details to be announced. This booster will aim for its 12th flight and recovery on *A Shortfall of Gravitas*.

Additional launches from ULA’s Vulcan Centaur, Blue Origin’s New Glenn, and SpaceX Falcon 9 missions carrying lunar landers and commercial payloads are expected through 2025 and beyond, with significant activity planned for the Space Coast.

—

### Notable Upcoming Missions in 2026 and Beyond

– **Early 2026:** Boeing’s Starliner-1 crewed mission on Atlas V from SLC-41 (delayed launch).
– **Feb. – April 2026:** NASA Artemis II crewed lunar orbital mission from KSC Launch Pad 39-B.
– **Spring 2026:** Blue Origin New Glenn launching Blue Ring payload to Geostationary Orbit.
– **Mid-2026:** SpaceX Falcon 9 supporting payloads including the Firefly Blue Ghost lunar lander and Vast Haven uncrewed space station.
– **Late 2026:** ULA Vulcan Centaur supporting Sierra Space Dream Chaser ISS missions.
– **Summer 2027:** NASA Artemis III mission, crewed lunar landing from KSC Launch Pad 39-B.

—

### Selected Launch Highlights from 2025

– **Jan. 3:** SpaceX Falcon 9 launched Thuraya-4 from SLC-40, booster’s 20th flight; successful recovery on droneship *A Shortfall of Gravitas*.
– **Jan. 15:** SpaceX Falcon 9 launched Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost and ispace’s Hakuto-R lunar landers from Launch Pad 39-A.
– **Jan. 16 (Delayed):** Blue Origin’s New Glenn made its first flight on the NG-1 Blue Ring Pathfinder mission from SLC-36.
– **March 14:** SpaceX Crew-10 launched from Launch Pad 39-A, booster flight #2 landing at Landing Zone 1 after successful mission.
– **April 21:** CRS-32 resupply mission launched on Falcon 9 from 39-A, successful recovery at LZ-1.
– **April 28:** ULA Atlas V launched inaugural Amazon Project Kuiper mission with 27 satellites from SLC-41.
– **July 8:** Falcon 9 launched Turksat 6A communications satellite, booster’s 15th flight, recovery on droneship.
– **Aug. 1:** SpaceX Crew-11 launched with NASA and international crew; booster’s 3rd flight and final landing at LZ-1 for SpaceX at Cape Canaveral.
– **Oct. 14:** SpaceX Falcon Heavy launched NASA’s Europa Clipper mission from KSC’s Pad 39-A; side boosters recovered, center core expended.

For a detailed list of 2025 launches and recovery details, please refer to the archive section below.

—

### Selected Launch Highlights from 2024

– **Jan. 8:** ULA’s first Vulcan Centaur launch (Certification-1) from SLC-41, carrying Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander.
– **Feb. 8:** NASA’s PACE satellite launched by SpaceX Falcon 9 from SLC-40 with booster land landing at LZ-1.
– **June 5:** Boeing CST-100 Starliner Crew Flight Test on Atlas V from SLC-41 delayed multiple times throughout the year.
– **Aug. 31:** Falcon 9 launched 21 Starlink satellites, booster’s 18th flight, recovery on droneship *Just Read the Instructions*.
– **Oct. 14:** SpaceX Falcon Heavy launched the Europa Clipper mission; final boosters’ 6th and last flights, no recovery attempt.
– **Dec. 31:** SpaceX completed 93 launches on the Space Coast, including the Starlink 12-6 mission from KSC’s Pad 39-A.

—

### Selected Launch Highlights from 2023

– **Jan. 3:** Falcon 9 launched Transporter-6 mission carrying 114 payloads from SLC-40.
– **Feb. 2:** Falcon 9 launched Starlink 5-3 from Launch Pad 39-A; 200th Falcon 9 successful flight.
– **May 21:** Axiom 2 crewed mission to ISS launched on Falcon 9 from 39-A; first crewed flight from this pad in 2023.
– **June 22:** ULA Delta IV Heavy’s penultimate flight from SLC-37B.
– **Sept. 12:** Falcon 9 launched BlueBird mission supporting space-based cellular broadband from SLC-40 with booster recovery at LZ-1.
– **Nov. 11:** Falcon 9 launched Koreasat-6A with record 23rd booster recovery at LZ-1.

—

### Conclusion

The Space Coast continues to maintain its status as one of the world’s busiest and most significant space launch hubs, breaking records year after year through a strong mix of commercial, military, and scientific missions. With the integration of new vehicles like Blue Origin’s New Glenn and ULA’s Vulcan Centaur, alongside the robust flight rate of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, spaceflight activity is poised to grow dramatically into 2025 and beyond.

For the latest updates on upcoming launches and detailed mission information, stay tuned to our regular updates.

—

*End of Article*
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/09/space-coast-launch-schedule/

Pelicans’ Trey Murphy dominates despite loss to Spurs

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy lit up the court with a career-best performance in Saturday’s game, but it wasn’t enough to secure a third consecutive win. The Pelicans fell 126-119 to the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.

Murphy tied his career-high with 41 points, shooting an efficient 15-of-22 from the field, including 5-of-11 from three-point range. He also contributed nine rebounds. With key starters Zion Williamson (hamstring), Yves Missi (illness), and Jordan Poole (quad strain) sidelined, New Orleans leaned heavily on Murphy. He scored 16 points in the first half and added 25 in the second. One of the highlights was his impressive 38-foot buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 92-85.

Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears added 18 points, while Herb Jones contributed 15. Rookie forward Derik Queen delivered a well-rounded performance off the bench with 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two blocks in just 25 minutes. Queen also played the entire fourth quarter for a third consecutive game, helping the Pelicans close the gap to within one possession at 122-119 late in the contest.

Despite their efforts, all went unrewarded as the Spurs managed to hold on. San Antonio was led by De’Aaron Fox in his season debut. Fox, returning after missing the first eight games due to a hamstring injury, scored 24 points, including an impressive stretch of 13 consecutive points in the second quarter that helped build a halftime lead.

Victor Wembanyama posted a double-double with 18 points and 18 rebounds, while Devin Vassell added 16 points. Harrison Barnes chipped in 15, and Stephon Castle recorded a double-double of 14 points and 14 assists. Julian Champagnie also contributed 14 points. The Spurs maintained a 43-40 rebounding advantage over the Pelicans.

This game marked New Orleans’ second defeat to San Antonio this season, following a 120-116 overtime loss earlier in October. The Spurs, playing the second game of a home back-to-back, improved their record to 7-2. The Pelicans dropped to 2-7.

New Orleans will look to turn things around in their next game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-news-trey-murphy-dominates-loss-spurs

Nevada Tightly Hangs Onto 78-77 Win Over Pacific

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It was a stressful day for Nevada fans, who had to start their day with a tough 51-14 loss from the football program. However, turning the page to men’s basketball brought a bit of relief. While Nevada secured a win on the court, it was far from an easy victory—a truly stressful game from start to finish.

A few years ago, when these two programs faced off, Nevada dominated with a lopsided 88-39 victory. But this year’s matchup featured brand new teams and new seasons, bringing a much more competitive edge for both schools.

Nevada managed to build a 10-point lead in the first half, but the rest of the game was a constant back-and-forth battle. The first half ended tied at 40-40, with Tayshawn Comer leading the Pack with 14 points. While the rest of the offense took some time to warm up, the physicality was strong—nearly half of Nevada’s 40 points came from plays inside the paint.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Nevada opened with an early lead on a jumper by Joel Armotrading, but once again the game turned into a tug-of-war. At one point deep in the second half, Nevada found themselves down by as much as four points during a stretch where both teams traded baskets.

A pivotal moment came with 2:43 remaining when Tyler Rolison hit a three-pointer to give Nevada a 72-70 lead. From there, the Pack went on a 6-3 run and added some insurance with a layup from Comer with 40 seconds left.

Nevada finished the game shooting 43 percent from the field, 27 percent from three-point range, and 62 percent from the free-throw line. Comer led the offense with 19 points on 7-12 shooting, followed by Rolison (14), Corey Camper Jr. (12), Armotrading (11), and Elijah Price (10).

As the saying goes, a win is a win, but this was a game that shouldn’t have come down to the final seconds. Both Comer and coach Alford admitted after the game that their practices leading up to the matchup didn’t go as well as they should have, which showed during tonight’s performance.

“It’s always good to get a win, but I’m not the happiest with our performance as a team,” Comer said. “Pacific is a good team. I just feel like we didn’t prepare early on in practice before we played them, so that kind of dictated how we played today. We need to go back to the drawing board, get better, and focus on the next game.”

Coach Alford added, “They [Pacific] did a great job. They exploited us in some ways that we haven’t been exploited yet. This will be a great film for the staff to break down.”

Pacific proved to be an extremely pesky opponent throughout the game. Although Nevada held the lead most of the time, Pacific kept clawing its way back to tie the game at halftime. Forward Elias Ralph scored 12 points in the first half and finished as the Tigers’ leading scorer with 21.

In last week’s win against LA Tech, Nevada didn’t have to worry much about the deep ball. That was not the case against Pacific, who shot an impressive 44 percent from three-point range in the first half and 46 percent overall (15-33).

The lead changed hands 12 times and was tied 10 times during the contest. Coach Alford noted that the team’s attention to detail on defense was lacking, and a few lucky bounces ultimately made the difference.

With just five seconds remaining, Nevada was inbounding the ball when Rolison threw a pass that was stolen by Pacific. The Tigers drove into the paint for a chance to win the game, but the ball bounced off the rim, came back out, and their second attempt also missed as time expired.

Nevada narrowly avoided adding their name to the long list of Mountain West schools that have lost to weak non-conference opponents. Though the victory was close, coming away with a win is far easier to build upon.

“One, there’s a lot of parity. Two, early in the season, you have very little film to prepare. And three, with so many transfers and players from Division Two, Division Three, and NAIA levels moving up, you just don’t know what to expect,” Alford explained. “These teams are really good, so it’s difficult. That’s why I told the players I’m proud of them. Our defense was 30 points lower in efficiency today—that’s terrible. We did not guard the way we have to guard, and I hope our guys learn that lesson. But learning it in a win is much better than learning it in a loss. I’m proud of how they fought and got the win.”

Despite the challenges and late-game nerves, Nevada’s men’s basketball team showed resilience, earning a hard-fought win to build upon as the season moves forward.
https://www.mwcconnection.com/nevada-wolfpack-basketball/75369/nevada-tightly-hangs-onto-78-77-win-over-pacific

Russian Crypto Scammer Roman Novak Found Murdered in Dubai

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**From Crypto King to Crime Victim: The Tragic Demise of Roman Novak in Dubai**

When Roman Novak, a Russian entrepreneur once convicted of defrauding investors in elaborate crypto schemes, left for a meeting outside Dubai in early October, few imagined it would be his last. Hours later, Novak and his wife Anna vanished. Within weeks, their bodies were discovered mutilated near the border with Oman. The grim outcome, authorities now say, was the result of a failed ransom operation linked to Novak’s concealed digital wealth.

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### From Prison to Dubai’s Crypto Hype

Before entering Dubai’s glittering financial world, Novak had already made enemies. Known in St. Petersburg’s investment circles as a smooth-talking crypto evangelist, he swindled millions through false promises and flashy projects. Novak’s conviction in 2020 for large-scale fraud earned him a six-year sentence, but after serving only part of it, he resurfaced in the Emirates, rebranding himself as the visionary founder behind a new app called Fintopio.

The platform promised innovation. Instead, it attracted suspicion and, according to investigators, may have reconnected Novak with the same underworld networks that once bankrolled his scams.

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### The Setup

The trip that ended in tragedy was supposed to secure new investors. Novak arranged a private meeting near Hatta, a remote desert town far from Dubai’s skyscrapers. He and Anna reportedly changed vehicles before arriving at the meeting point—a detail that now haunts the investigation. Their driver returned to the city alone.

When calls went unanswered for days, Novak’s family in Russia raised the alarm. Investigators were able to piece together a chilling sequence of events: the couple had been lured to a rented villa, held captive, and pressured to unlock crypto wallets reportedly worth tens of millions. When the kidnappers failed to access the funds, the encounter turned fatal.

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### The Aftermath

According to reports from Russian media, seven suspects (including several men from St. Petersburg and one from Kazakhstan) have been detained across two countries. Early findings suggest the operation was meticulously planned, using encrypted communication and crypto transfers to obscure involvement.

For Novak’s two young children, the nightmare has left them orphaned. Their grandparents flew to Dubai to recover what little remained of their family’s life.

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### Crypto’s Shadow Economy

The murder underscores how the blurred lines between digital assets and organized crime continue to widen. As crypto wealth grows harder to trace, criminals are turning to physical coercion—wrench attacks, ransom abductions, and blackmail—to force victims to surrender their private keys and access their digital vaults. Security experts warn that Novak’s fate illustrates a dark evolution in crypto crime: the shift from online scams to real-world violence.

> “Every public display of crypto wealth can become a target marker,” says cybersecurity analyst Jameson Lopp, who has long cautioned against revealing financial details online.

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### An Industry Haunted by Its Own Success

The crypto world has long prided itself on independence from banks and governments. But Novak’s death exposes the paradox at its heart: the same decentralization that promises freedom also invites lawlessness. Following international outrage, UAE and Russian authorities are now collaborating to trace Novak’s missing digital assets and dismantle the network believed to have orchestrated the crime. Interpol is reportedly monitoring several related transactions involving wallets tied to Novak’s projects.

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### A Final Irony

In life, Novak thrived on risk. In death, he became its warning. What began as a quest to rebuild his fortune in a crypto hub ended as a brutal cautionary tale—a stark reminder that the digital frontier can be as dangerous as any physical one.

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**Disclaimer:**
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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**Author:**
*Reporter at Coindoo*
**Alexander Zdravkov** is a person who always looks for the logic behind things. He has more than three years of experience in the crypto space, skillfully identifying new trends in digital currencies. Whether providing in-depth analysis or daily reports, his deep understanding and enthusiasm make him a valuable member of the team.
https://coindoo.com/russian-crypto-scammer-roman-novak-found-murdered-in-dubai/