US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to relocate matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from cities he deems unsafe. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, with the US set to host 78 games, including the final. Eleven US cities—Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle—are slated to host matches. However, Trump’s unilateral decision to move games has raised questions about his authority and the logistical challenges involved. FIFA, the global governing body of football, is responsible for organizing the tournament and selecting host cities. Despite this, Trump’s close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his role as chair of the World Cup taskforce may influence the process. In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump emphasized, ‘It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city.’ He specifically mentioned Democratic-led cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, which are set to host multiple games. Trump’s focus on safety aligns with his broader agenda on crime reduction. In recent months, he has deployed National Guard troops to cities like Washington DC, Memphis, and Chicago, citing concerns over public safety. The 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, will be the largest in history. Trump’s comments add to his controversial history with the tournament, including past remarks about Russia’s participation and tensions with co-hosts Canada and Mexico.
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Interpol says 260 suspects in online romance scams have been arrested in Africa
In a sweeping operation coordinated by Interpol, 260 individuals suspected of involvement in online romance and extortion scams have been arrested across 14 African countries. The crackdown, conducted in July and August, targeted schemes where perpetrators manipulated victims into financial exploitation or blackmail using explicit images. According to Interpol, these scams affected over 1,400 victims, resulting in losses nearing $2.8 million. Cyril Gout, acting executive director of police services at Interpol, highlighted the surge in digital-enabled crimes, emphasizing the dual impact of financial and psychological harm on victims. Among the arrests, Ghanaian authorities detained 68 suspects accused of using fake identities to deceive victims into paying fraudulent fees and recording explicit videos for blackmail. In Senegal, 22 individuals were apprehended for impersonating celebrities on social media and dating platforms, scamming over 100 people out of approximately $34,000. Similarly, Ivory Coast authorities arrested 24 suspects for exploiting fake profiles to blackmail victims with intimate images. Interpol, headquartered in Lyon, France, serves as the world’s largest international police network, facilitating collaboration among 196 member countries to combat crimes ranging from cybercrime to organized crime. The organization continues to address emerging challenges, including the escalating caseload of cybercrime and child sex abuse, amid growing divisions among its members.
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Taiwan convicts ex-presidential aide of spying for China
A Taiwan court has convicted four individuals, including a former presidential aide, for espionage activities on behalf of China. Among the convicted is Huang Chu-jung, a former assistant to a Taipei councillor, who received the harshest sentence of 10 years. The other three, including Ho Jen-chieh, a former staffer in the office of then Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, were sentenced to jail terms ranging from four to 10 years. The court revealed that the espionage activities spanned a significant period and involved the leakage of critical diplomatic intelligence. Huang was accused of instructing Ho to gather information from Wu, which was then transmitted to Chinese Communist Party intelligence using encrypted software. Additionally, Huang collaborated with Chiu Shih-yuan, another ex-DPP staffer, to collect further intelligence, including details about President Lai Ching-te’s travel itineraries. The court disclosed that Huang received nearly NT$5 million from the Chinese government, while Chiu was paid over NT$2 million. The convictions are part of Taiwan’s intensified efforts to combat alleged Chinese espionage, with 64 individuals prosecuted in 2024 alone, a notable increase from previous years. The espionage cases have further strained Taiwan-China relations, with President Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) taking a firm stance against China, while the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) advocates for more dialogue. Critics of the DPP accuse the ruling party of using espionage allegations to suppress opposition voices. Meanwhile, China continues to assert its claims over Taiwan, regularly testing the island’s naval and air defenses.
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Sikh granny deported after ‘unacceptable’ treatment by US immigration
A 73-year-old Sikh grandmother, Harjit Kaur, who had lived in the United States for over three decades, has been deported to India. Kaur, who had unsuccessfully applied for asylum in the US, was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on September 8, causing widespread shock and sympathy within the Sikh community. Kaur moved to California in 1991 with her two young sons to escape political turmoil in Punjab. Despite living and working in the US for years, her asylum attempts were repeatedly denied. Her lawyer, Deepak Ahluwalia, has criticized ICE’s treatment of Kaur, describing it as ‘unacceptable.’ He alleged that Kaur, who has no criminal record, was forced to sleep on the floor for 60-70 hours despite having undergone double knee replacements. She was also reportedly given ice to take medication and denied appropriate food. Kaur was moved to a holding facility in Georgia on September 19 and deported to India on September 22, without the opportunity to bid farewell to her family and friends. Her deportation has sparked outrage in the Sikh community, with protests held in California. Kaur’s case highlights the broader crackdown on immigration under the Trump administration, which has targeted both undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers. Critics argue that even individuals without criminal records, who follow due process, have been affected. Kaur’s story underscores the challenges faced by long-term residents caught in the complexities of US immigration policy.
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China, US need to find right way to get along in new era — Chinese premier
Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of fostering constructive and mutually beneficial relations between China and the United States during a meeting with representatives from US-friendly organizations in New York on September 25, 2025. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, included participants from the US-China Business Council, the National Committee on US-China Relations, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the Council on Foreign Relations, alongside scholars and business leaders. Premier Li underscored that China-US relations are the most significant bilateral ties globally, with both nations capable of being partners and friends. Reflecting on history, he noted that friendly exchanges have consistently been the mainstream trend between the two countries. Echoing President Xi Jinping’s vision, Li highlighted that the vast Pacific Ocean is ample space for both nations to coexist peacefully, respect each other, and pursue win-win cooperation. Economic and trade relations were identified as a cornerstone of bilateral ties, with Li emphasizing the complementary nature of their market structures and industrial systems. He expressed confidence in China’s ability to maintain stable economic growth and create opportunities for global businesses, including those from the US. Li reiterated China’s commitment to expanding openness, relaxing market access, and addressing foreign businesses’ concerns to ensure a favorable operating environment. He also stressed the importance of grassroots connections in strengthening the China-US relationship and called for enhanced mutual understanding and practical cooperation. US participants acknowledged China’s remarkable achievements in economic growth and innovation, expressing optimism about the future of bilateral relations and their potential to bring stability to the international community.
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Pride and excitement as Africa hosts road cycling world championships for the first time
In a groundbreaking moment for African sports, Rwanda is hosting the Road Cycling World Championships for the first time in the event’s 104-year history. The championships, held in Kigali, have drawn elite cyclists from around the globe, including Uganda’s Ronald Yiga, who sees this as a pivotal opportunity to elevate cycling’s profile across the continent. Yiga, a 32-year-old cellphone repairer turned cyclist, began riding during the COVID-19 pandemic and now dreams of racing alongside his idol, Tadej Pogačar, the reigning world champion and Tour de France winner. For Yiga and his teammates from the Fun Cycling Club, this event is more than a competition—it’s a chance to showcase African talent and inspire a new generation of riders. Despite racing on vintage bikes compared to the high-end equipment of professionals, African cyclists remain undeterred, driven by the hope of attracting sponsors and advancing their careers. Jacques Landry, director of the World Cycling Center, believes the championships could mark a turning point for cycling in Africa, igniting interest and investment in the sport. Rwanda’s investment in cycling infrastructure and its ambition to become a global sports hub have been met with enthusiasm, though critics accuse the government of using high-profile events to divert attention from human rights concerns. Nonetheless, the event has united communities, with thousands of fans lining the hills of Kigali to cheer on riders, symbolizing a shared pride in Africa’s sporting potential.
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Comey indictment escalates Trump’s promise of political retribution
In a dramatic turn of events, former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted on charges of making false statements and obstruction of justice, following a Senate panel testimony in 2020. The indictment, announced by the Department of Justice late Thursday, comes less than a week after former President Donald Trump publicly called for the prosecution of his political critics on his Truth Social platform. This development has sparked widespread concern over the potential politicization of the Justice Department under US Attorney General Pam Bondi. Legal experts, including former federal prosecutor Laurie Levinson, have described the situation as unprecedented, noting the apparent collapse of the traditional firewall between the Justice Department and the White House. Trump’s recent appointment of Lindsey Halligan, a former personal lawyer with no federal prosecution experience, to oversee the case has further fueled accusations of vindictive prosecution. Comey, who has denied the charges, is expected to face a trial that could reignite controversies from the Russian election-meddling investigation during Trump’s first term. While the indictment has been celebrated by Trump and his supporters as a step toward accountability, critics argue it may be part of a broader strategy to target political adversaries and undermine the credibility of past investigations.
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Former FBI director James Comey indicted on two charges
In a significant development, former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Virginia on two charges related to his testimony before Congress. The charges, which include making false statements and obstruction of justice, stem from his September 2020 testimony regarding the alleged authorization of leaking classified information to the media. The investigation is being led by Lindsey Halligan, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who previously served as President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer. Comey, who has long been a target of Trump’s criticism, has vehemently denied the charges, expressing confidence in the federal judicial system. His arraignment is scheduled for October 9 in Alexandria, Virginia. US Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the Department of Justice’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for misleading the public. The case, which is considered one of the highest-profile indictments during Trump’s second term, has sparked debates about the integrity of the justice system and the separation of powers. Legal experts, including former federal prosecutor Laurie Levenson, have noted the challenges in prosecuting the case, particularly in proving intent. The indictment comes amid ongoing tensions between Trump and his critics, with the former president expressing frustration over the pace of prosecutions against his political adversaries. Comey’s tenure as FBI director, marked by controversies including the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails and his subsequent firing by Trump, continues to be a focal point in US political discourse.
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How US megastar Luke Combs helped Britain fall in love with country music
Country music is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity, particularly in the UK, where it has become the fastest-growing genre among listeners. Last year alone, the genre amassed three billion streams, a testament to its expanding global appeal. Grammy-nominated artist Luke Combs, a leading figure in the country music scene, recently shared his insights on this phenomenon in an exclusive interview with BBC News. Combs, who boasts over 25 million monthly Spotify listeners and 7.5 million Instagram followers, attributes the genre’s success to its universal resonance. ‘Country music is a place that everybody can go and enjoy,’ he remarked. Combs has been a trailblazer in bringing country music to the UK, where he has performed multiple times, including a historic one-off performance of the Grand Ole Opry at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running live radio show, has never before left the United States, making this event a landmark moment in country music history. Combs, known for hits like ‘When It Rains It Pours,’ expressed his excitement about the performance, calling it a ‘bucket list’ experience. The sold-out show also featured other prominent artists, including Darius Rucker, Marty Stuart, and British group Mumford and Sons. Combs noted the unique enthusiasm of UK fans, who often engage with entire albums rather than just singles, a contrast to his American audience. He also highlighted the role of streaming platforms in broadening the genre’s reach. Award-winning singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde, who joined Combs on the bill, emphasized the impact of cross-genre collaborations in expanding country music’s fan base. Opry boss Colin Reed hinted that the success of the London show could pave the way for future international performances. Combs concluded by expressing his confidence in the Royal Albert Hall as the perfect venue for this historic event, marking a new chapter in the global journey of country music.
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Trump announces new tariffs on drugs, trucks and kitchen cabinets
In a significant move to bolster domestic manufacturing, former President Donald Trump unveiled a series of new tariffs on Thursday, targeting a wide range of imported goods. The measures include a 100% levy on branded pharmaceuticals unless the manufacturer establishes a production facility within the United States. Additionally, heavy-duty trucks will face a 25% tariff, while kitchen and bathroom cabinets will be subject to a 50% duty. Upholstered furniture will also incur a 30% tariff starting next week. Trump announced these industry-focused tariffs via his Truth Social platform, emphasizing the need to shield American manufacturers from what he described as the ‘flooding’ of foreign products into the US market. He argued that these measures would protect companies like Peterbilt and Mack Trucks from ‘unfair outside competition’ and support local manufacturers impacted by high import levels. The new tariffs expand on Trump’s existing trade policies, which have targeted over 90 countries since August, aiming to boost US jobs and manufacturing. However, the US Chamber of Commerce has voiced concerns, warning that many truck parts are sourced from allies like Mexico, Canada, Germany, Finland, and Japan, and that domestic sourcing is impractical, potentially driving up costs for the industry.