The United States State Department announced on Friday its decision to revoke the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, citing his ‘incendiary actions’ during a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the United Nations headquarters in New York. Petro, a leftist leader, had earlier criticized the Trump administration’s airstrikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea, labeling them as ‘acts of tyranny’ in an interview with the BBC. During the protest, Petro addressed a large crowd through a megaphone, urging ‘nations of the world’ to contribute soldiers for an army ‘larger than that of the United States’ and calling on U.S. soldiers to ‘disobey Trump’s order’ and ‘obey the order of humanity.’ The State Department condemned his remarks as reckless and inflammatory, leading to the visa revocation. Petro, who was already en route back to Bogota, has been a vocal critic of U.S. policies, particularly regarding the drug trade and Venezuela. Colombia’s Interior Minister Armando Benedetti defended Petro, suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visa should have been revoked instead. This incident further strains the already tense relations between Colombia and the Trump administration, which has also denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 officials, preventing their attendance at the UN General Assembly.
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Trump to declassify files over aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart
In a significant announcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared his intention to declassify all government records pertaining to the mysterious 1937 disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. Earhart, who vanished while attempting to circumnavigate the globe, has remained a subject of fascination and speculation for decades. Trump emphasized the enduring intrigue surrounding her case in a social media post on Friday, stating that her story ‘has captivated millions.’ Earhart’s disappearance over the Pacific Ocean has spawned numerous theories, ranging from a crash due to fuel exhaustion to claims of Japanese capture or U.S. government espionage. While some FBI files and Navy search reports have been declassified over the years, certain records have remained sealed, fueling conspiracy theories about a potential cover-up. The official explanation suggests Earhart failed to locate Howland Island for refueling, lost communication, and ultimately crashed into the ocean. However, the absence of definitive evidence, such as plane debris, has kept alternative theories alive. These include the possibility that she crash-landed near the then-Japanese Marshall Islands or survived as a castaway on Nikumaroro Island near Kiribati. A skeleton found on Nikumaroro in 1940 was initially thought to be Earhart’s, but medical analysis concluded it belonged to a male. Trump’s pledge to release ‘all government records related to Amelia Earhart, her final trip, and everything else about her’ could shed new light on this enduring mystery. Interest in Earhart’s case remains strong, with recent efforts, including sonar imaging, claiming to have located her long-lost plane at a depth of 4,877 meters in the Pacific Ocean. The declassification of these records could finally provide answers to one of the 20th century’s most perplexing aviation mysteries.
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Moldova holds key election as Russia’s shadow looms large
As Moldova approaches its pivotal parliamentary elections on Sunday, the nation finds itself at a crossroads, torn between its aspirations for European Union membership and the looming shadow of Russian influence. Prime Minister Dorin Recean, leading the pro-European PAS party, has framed the election as a ‘final battle’ for Moldova’s future, warning of unprecedented Russian interference aimed at destabilizing the country and installing pro-Kremlin politicians.
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Premier calls for efforts to enhance China-US ties
Premier Li Qiang has emphasized the critical importance of fostering a stable and mutually beneficial relationship between China and the United States. Speaking during a meeting with representatives from key US organizations, including the US-China Business Council, the National Committee on US-China Relations, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the Council on Foreign Relations, Li underscored the necessity for both nations to find a harmonious way to coexist and collaborate. The meeting took place in New York on September 25, 2025, coinciding with the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Li highlighted that China-US relations are among the most significant bilateral ties globally, urging both countries to act as partners rather than adversaries. He stressed the importance of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, particularly in the realm of economic and trade relations. The Premier expressed confidence in China’s ability to sustain stable economic growth, which he believes will create opportunities for businesses worldwide, including those from the US.
Reiterating China’s commitment to foreign enterprises, Li pledged to provide greater certainty for their development, regardless of external challenges. He also affirmed China’s dedication to working with the US to stabilize and enhance bilateral economic and trade ties, grounded in principles of equality, respect, and mutual benefit.
The meeting followed a recent phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, marking their third discussion this year. Both leaders have been actively working to stabilize the relationship between their nations. Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, described the meeting as a crucial platform to address the concerns of the US business community in China and to advance discussions on trade and investment issues.
In a related development, Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in New York. Their discussions focused on China-US relations and regional issues, with Ma emphasizing the importance of the US adhering to the one-China policy to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
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ICE arrests top educator at Iowa’s largest school district
In a significant development, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, Ian Andre Roberts, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday. Roberts, a citizen of Guyana, is accused of overstaying his student visa and faces additional charges related to firearms possession. ICE officials revealed that Roberts’ work permit expired in 2020, and he was apprehended on a fugitive warrant. The arrest occurred amidst a broader U.S. crackdown on immigration under President Donald Trump’s administration, which aims to deport all illegal migrants. Roberts is currently detained at an immigration center near Des Moines. ICE reported that he was found with a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a hunting knife. Authorities stated that Roberts initially fled from police in a vehicle provided by the school district but was later located with assistance from the Iowa State Patrol. Records indicate that Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 and was ordered to be deported by a federal judge in 2024. He also has a prior weapons charge from February 2020. The investigation into the handgun has been transferred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as undocumented immigrants are prohibited from possessing firearms in the U.S. Roberts, who leads a district of approximately 30,000 students, has a distinguished background, including degrees from Georgetown and Harvard, and represented Guyana in track and field at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. School Board Chair Jackie Norris expressed uncertainty about the case’s details but emphasized Roberts’ integral role in the school community. ICE Director Sam Olson criticized the hiring process, questioning how Roberts was employed without proper authorization and with a prior weapons charge, calling it a wake-up call for the community.
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The record-breaking Nigerian chef ready to take on the world
Hilda Baci, the Nigerian celebrity chef and double Guinness World Record holder, is a force to be reckoned with. At just 30 years old, Baci has carved out a name for herself as Nigeria’s most celebrated culinary figure, blending her love for food with a sharp business acumen. Born in Calabar and raised in Abuja, Baci’s journey to stardom began in her mother’s eatery, where she honed her skills and developed a passion for cooking. Today, she is the face of the My Food by Hilda brand, which boasts over a million Instagram followers and includes a Lagos-based restaurant, cookery classes, and a private chef service. Baci first gained international attention in 2023 with her 93-hour, 11-minute cook-a-thon, a feat that broke a world record and inspired a wave of endurance challenges across Nigeria. More recently, she set a new Guinness record by cooking over 8.7 tonnes of jollof rice in a single pot. Baci’s success is no accident; it is the result of meticulous planning and a deep understanding of brand building. She envisions a global legacy for Nigerian cuisine, with plans to expand her brand to the UK, US, Canada, and South Africa. Beyond her culinary achievements, Baci is also a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, challenging societal expectations around marriage and gender roles. Her story is one of resilience, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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King Charles to meet Pope Leo on rearranged Vatican visit
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to embark on a significant state visit to the Vatican later this month, where they will meet Pope Leo XIV. This visit, announced by Buckingham Palace, underscores the enduring and amicable relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, of which King Charles is the supreme governor. The trip was initially scheduled earlier this year but was postponed due to the declining health of the late Pope Francis. In April, the royal couple paid a private visit to Pope Francis on their 20th wedding anniversary, marking one of the pontiff’s final high-profile meetings before his passing. The upcoming visit coincides with a special ‘jubilee’ year for the Catholic Church, celebrated every 25 years, and will focus on the theme of ‘pilgrims of hope.’ King Charles has long championed interfaith dialogue, and this visit symbolizes unity between Catholic and Anglican traditions. Earlier this month, the King and Queen attended the first Catholic funeral for a member of the Royal Family in modern times, honoring the Duchess of Kent. Additionally, the King visited the Oratory of St Philip Neri in Birmingham, founded by the 19th-century Catholic theologian St John Henry Newman, further highlighting his commitment to fostering religious harmony. The royal couple’s private meeting with Pope Francis in April 2025, held during their state visit to Italy, left a profound impression, with Buckingham Palace noting their deep appreciation for the pontiff’s kind words on their anniversary. Following Pope Francis’s death, Robert Prevost, a Chicago native, was elected as Pope Leo XIV by the conclave of cardinals.
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Sinclair and Nexstar to reinstate Kimmel on ABC stations
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’, has been reinstated across all ABC channels following a week-long suspension. The decision comes after Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group, which operate numerous ABC affiliates nationwide, reversed their initial ban on the show. The controversy stemmed from Kimmel’s comments regarding the death of conservative figure Charlie Kirk during his September 15 monologue. Kimmel’s remarks, which criticized former President Donald Trump and his allies for their response to Kirk’s murder, sparked widespread backlash. Sinclair and Nexstar initially pulled the show, citing concerns over Kimmel’s tone, but later reinstated it after receiving feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders. Kimmel, who was briefly suspended by ABC, returned to the network on Tuesday, addressing the controversy in his opening monologue. He expressed regret for his earlier comments but also criticized Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr for what he described as ‘mob’ censorship tactics. The reinstatement of the show has reignited debates about free speech, with some viewers canceling their Disney+ subscriptions in protest. Despite the controversy, Kimmel’s return episode drew record ratings, with 6.26 million viewers tuning in live. Meanwhile, Trump expressed disappointment over Kimmel’s reinstatement, calling it a ‘fake news’ decision. Sinclair and Nexstar have stated that discussions with ABC and Disney are ongoing, with both companies emphasizing their commitment to protecting the First Amendment.
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Trump pressed to prosecute Comey, but his own actions could undermine the case
The indictment of former FBI Director James Comey has sparked a heated debate over the integrity of the legal process, with former federal prosecutors warning that President Donald Trump’s public pressure on the case could undermine its credibility. Comey, a long-standing political adversary of Trump, faces charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing an investigation. Trump has openly celebrated the indictment, labeling Comey a “dirty cop” and demanding accountability for his alleged misconduct. However, legal experts argue that Trump’s vocal involvement and the unusual circumstances surrounding the indictment could weaken the prosecution’s case. The indictment itself is notably brief, offering minimal details, which has raised questions about the strength of the evidence. Former prosecutors, including Kevin Flynn and Marcos Jiménez, have expressed concerns that the case appears rushed and politically motivated. They emphasize that securing a conviction would require proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Comey knowingly lied to Congress, a high bar given the current circumstances. Additionally, Trump’s public statements and his replacement of a Virginia prosecutor with a loyalist to pursue the indictment have further fueled allegations of selective prosecution. Columbia Law School professor Annemarie McAvoy noted that while indicting high-ranking officials for lying to Congress is not unprecedented, the political context of this case complicates matters. As the legal battle unfolds, the case has become a focal point for discussions about the intersection of politics and justice in the United States.
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Champions League football: Why Israel competes in Europe – and what Uefa could do
Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, demands for a sporting boycott of Israel have gained momentum across Europe, particularly in football. Several European nations recently recognized Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly, further fueling the debate. Human rights experts from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) have urged football’s governing bodies to ban Israel, emphasizing that they must not ignore grave human rights violations or allow their platforms to normalize injustices.