US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing for a "generational investment" of nearly $1.5 trillion for 2027 military spending, a 44% increase, while also seeking emergency funds for the ongoing, unpopular Iran war. This comes despite a previous order for budget cuts and questions about $75bn in unobligated funds from a prior bump.
The 2024 NBA Draft saw tanking teams like the Wizards, Jazz, Grizzlies, and Bulls secure generational talents, benefiting from new rules not yet in effect. The "Jalen Brunson Effect" led to a surge in guard selections, while the Thunder and Spurs drafted new big men. However, the draft lacked blockbuster trades and some players, like Labaron Philon Jr., fell unexpectedly.
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested eight high-ranking immigration officials, including Deputy Minister Silmy Karim, for allegedly extorting over $8 million from foreigners seeking permits between 2022 and 2026. Nine visa agents were also detained.
The NBA has proposed a significant rule change called the '3-2-1 lottery' to address tanking, with a board of governors vote expected May 28. The proposal would expand the lottery from 14 to 16 teams and restructure odds so that teams finishing fourth-worst to tenth-worst receive the best chances at top picks, while the three worst teams see their odds reduced. If approved, the changes would take effect for the 2027 NBA Draft and include a sunset clause through 2029.
The NBA has proposed a new '3-2-1 lottery' system to combat tanking, expanding the draft lottery from 14 to 16 teams and creating a relegation zone for the bottom three teams. Under the proposal, teams in spots 4-10 get three lottery balls, bottom-three teams get just two balls with a floor of the 12th pick, play-in teams get 1-2 balls. The system also blocks consecutive top picks and three straight top-five picks. The board of governors will vote May 28 on the plan, which would begin with the 2027 draft and expire after 2029.
