Digital System to Track Entries and ExitsBeginning October 12, 2025, the European Union will roll out the Entry/Exit System (EES), changing how Americans and other non-EU visitors are processed at its borders. The scheme replaces passport stamps with a digital record, requiring travelers to submit biometric data. A facial image and four fingerprint scans will be taken at airports, land crossings, and seaports throughout the Schengen area. Impact on Travelers and ExemptionsThe new checks apply to all short-term visitors from outside the EU, including those who travel visa-free, such as U.S. passport holders. Enrollment happens during a traveler’s first entry,…
Author: Lester Holt
Lester Holt
Lester Holt is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 25 years of experience reporting on Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. He earned his degree in Journalism from California State University, Sacramento. Throughout his career, he has contributed to outlets such as NBC News, MSNBC, and The New York Times. Known for his clear reporting and insightful storytelling, Lester delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on national and global developments.
Petro’s Participation in Demonstration Draws Rebuke Colombian President Gustavo Petro has had his visa to the United States revoked, a decision unveiled by the State Department in response to his actions while attending the UN General Assembly in New York. Officials said his involvement in a public rally and the remarks he delivered there constituted “reckless and incendiary” behavior inconsistent with the responsibilities of a visiting head of state. Calls for Soldiers to Defy Orders and Form Global Force Speaking at a pro-Palestinian protest close to the United Nations, Petro told U.S. troops to ignore directives and called for a…
Authorities Investigate Possible Coordinated Threat Danish officials reported that drones flew over four airports from Wednesday night into early Thursday, in what is being treated as a potential coordinated threat. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the flights as methodical and likely executed by a professional operator. Intelligence sources noted similarities to other drone incidents across Europe, raising concerns about potential Russian involvement, though no responsible party has been confirmed. Airports Experience Delays and Precautions The incidents affected Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup airports, causing flight delays for several hours. Aalborg, which also hosts military operations, experienced the most significant…
Massive Infrastructure Effort Expands OpenAI, together with partners Oracle and SoftBank, confirmed a major expansion of the Stargate initiative, revealing five additional data-center projects across the United States. The facilities are planned for Shackelford County in Texas, Doña Ana County in New Mexico, Milam County in Texas, Lordstown in Ohio, and another Midwestern site still to be identified. With these additions, the consortium says Stargate will reach close to 7 gigawatts of computing capacity, part of a long-term vision that could channel as much as $500 billion into AI infrastructure. Division of Responsibilities According to the announcement, Oracle will take…
Rising Demand Boosts Fundraising After a period of sluggish performance, Europe’s IPO market has started to bounce back. Data from 2024 show that money raised from public listings more than doubled year-on-year. Flagship debuts such as Puig Brands in Spain and Galderma in Switzerland each attracted close to €2 billion, signaling a stronger appetite among investors for large European floats. Private Equity Brings Major Deals to Market Private equity-owned firms are at the center of this rebound. Security provider Verisure, backed by Hellman & Friedman, is preparing a Stockholm listing expected to generate about €3.1 billion. If completed, it would…
Arms Deliveries Put on Hold Washington has introduced quiet restrictions on the export of certain military systems to European partners, citing concerns about limited stockpiles. Defense officials have placed particular emphasis on interceptors for the Patriot air-defense system, holding back shipments to ensure American forces retain sufficient supplies as global security demands continue to rise. Denmark Redirects to European Suppliers The shift became apparent when Denmark sought to purchase Patriot systems as part of a large-scale defense package. U.S. officials declined to approve the transaction, arguing the units were essential for domestic readiness. In response, Denmark finalized its biggest defense…
Airspace Breach Raises ConcernsPolish authorities have reported that Russian jets intruded into the designated safety area surrounding a Baltic Sea oil platform. The Ministry of Defence described the maneuver as risky and conducted without prior clearance, marking another episode in a series of military airspace violations that have alarmed NATO countries in the region. NATO Scrambles Jets Over EstoniaSeparately, NATO forces confirmed that Italian F-35 fighters intercepted Russian MiG-31 planes over Estonian territory near Vaindloo Island. The aircraft reportedly flew without filing flight plans, had their transponders switched off, and failed to establish communication with local controllers. Estonia denounced the…
Nationwide Walkouts Bring DisruptionsFrance experienced a day of turmoil on September 18, 2025, as unions organized widespread strikes to oppose government austerity plans. Transport services were scaled back, classrooms closed, and pharmacies offered limited hours as workers across multiple sectors joined the protests. Organizers claimed that several hundred thousand people took part throughout the country. Clashes in the Capital Amid Largely Peaceful MarchesMajor demonstrations were staged in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Nantes, and Montpellier. While most gatherings remained orderly, Paris saw confrontations between protesters and police, with banks targeted during the unrest. Authorities mobilized tens of thousands of officers to keep…
Mass Rallies Across LondonOn September 17, 2025, large crowds gathered in central London to oppose U.S. President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom. Organized by the Stop Trump Coalition, the demonstrations attracted environmental activists, anti-racism campaigners, and supporters of Palestinian causes. Marchers traveled from Portland Place to Parliament Square, waving banners, chanting slogans, and expressing disapproval of Trump’s policies. Police maintained a strong presence, ensuring that the event remained largely peaceful. Protest Activity in WindsorSmaller demonstrations occurred in Windsor, where Trump was formally welcomed by King Charles III. Activists projected images linking Trump to convicted sex offender…
Massive Profits Alleged by ProsecutorsA high-profile trial has begun in Brussels for Belgian national Flor Bressers, accused of running a vast cocaine trafficking enterprise. Prosecutors estimate that Bressers reaped €230m from ten separate shipments, while Brazilian co-defendant Sérgio Roberto de Carvalho allegedly earned €200m. Together with other suspects, the prosecution claims the network generated close to €500m in illegal profits. Rotterdam Seizure at Heart of the CaseThe investigation was launched after Dutch authorities discovered 3.2 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a cargo of manganese ore in Rotterdam in 2020. That seizure, officials say, was part of a broader pattern of…