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Sunday, 1 November 2026Lagos · LondonUpdated 06:42 GMT

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Reported

US appeals court puts hold on order to reopen 2027 visa lottery

Sample of a US visa application confirmation page (stock image)
Stock image: U.S. Department of State / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Hopes of an imminent opening of the US Diversity Visa lottery for 2027 have been put on hold after a federal appeals court intervened, according to reports on Sunday, 1 November 2026.

What happened

The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reportedly granted an emergency stay on 29 October, pausing an order issued by District Judge Jinsook Ohta on 14 October. That order, made in a case brought by immigration law firm Red Eagle Law against Secretary of State Marco Rubio, had required the State Department to announce registration dates, open applications and notify selected entrants by 3 December. The lower court had set 29 October for publishing registration details and 1 November for opening the application window.

Why it was paused

The appeals judges reportedly found that the law firm had not shown that its financial interest in representing lottery winners was closely enough linked to the programme's goal of increasing immigration from under-represented countries. The court said its decision was not an endorsement of the State Department's failure to open the programme.

Who is affected

The lottery offers up to 55,000 US immigrant visas each year to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States, and African applicants have long made up a large share of winners. Tens of thousands of hopefuls across the continent now have no confirmed registration date. Nigeria has been excluded from the lottery for several years because of its high number of immigrants to the US, but many Nigerians follow the programme closely and some qualify through a spouse's or parent's country of birth.

What happens next

The registration window will remain closed until the appeal is decided or the State Department announces its own dates.

More gist

World & WestReported
A globe of the Earth
Stock image: Zde / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

US Embassy warns of credible threat of attack at Moscow museum

The US Embassy in Moscow has warned Americans of a credible threat of a mass-casualty attack at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve. Russia's security service said it received the information from US partners and was taking action, and the site was reportedly closed.

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The United States Embassy in Moscow has issued an urgent warning about a possible attack at one of the Russian capital's best-known historic sites.

What the embassy said

In a statement on Saturday, 31 October 2026, the embassy said it was aware of a credible threat of an event that could cause mass casualties at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve. It advised American citizens to avoid the site that day, stay alert and avoid crowds, and said the US government was coordinating with Russian authorities.

Russia's response

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed it had received information from its American counterparts about possible preparations for a terrorist attack in Moscow and said it was taking appropriate action. Russian media reported that the museum reserve was temporarily closed and that police restricted access to the surrounding park.

Background

Tsaritsyno is a large 18th-century palace and park complex in the south of Moscow, popular with tourists and families. The warning is reminiscent of March 2024, when the US Embassy warned of a possible attack on large gatherings in Moscow shortly before gunmen attacked the Crocus City Hall concert venue, killing more than 140 people. The rare cooperation between US and Russian security services comes at a time of high tension between Russia and the West over Ukraine and Europe.

What happens next

No attack had been reported at the time of writing. Russian authorities are expected to give further updates on their security operation.

World & WestReported
A globe of the Earth
Stock image: Zde / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

US congressman introduces bill to stop lobbyists working for Nigeria

US Representative Barry Moore has introduced a bill that would bar American lobbyists from being paid to represent Nigeria while it remains designated a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom. He accuses the Nigerian government of paying lobbyists to counter criticism over attacks on Christians.

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A United States congressman has introduced legislation aimed at stopping American lobbying firms from working for the Nigerian government.

What the bill does

Representative Barry Moore introduced H.R. 10939, which would bar people and firms in the United States from accepting payment to lobby on Nigeria's behalf for as long as Nigeria is designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom violations. Firms that take such payments during that period could face sanctions. The bill was reported on Saturday, 31 October 2026, and has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Why Moore introduced it

Moore reportedly accused the Nigerian government of paying expensive lobbyists in Washington to play down the persecution of Christians in the country. The allegations of persecution are disputed by the Nigerian government, which has said that insecurity affects people of all faiths and is driven by terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts.

Background

The United States designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, a label for countries accused of severe violations of religious freedom. The designation has strained relations between the two countries, and the Nigerian government has hired lobbying firms in Washington to present its position. The issue gained new attention this week after a Christian woman was convicted in Borno State over converting an adult, a case criticised by Christian groups.

What happens next

The bill must pass through committee and both houses of Congress before it can become law. The Nigerian government had not responded publicly at the time of the report.

World & WestReported
Pope Leo XIV
Photo: Edgar Beltrán / The Pillar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Pope Leo XIV casts mail-in ballot in US midterm elections

The Vatican says Pope Leo XIV has voted by mail in the US midterm elections in his home state of Illinois, believed to be the first time a pope has voted in an American election. The Vatican said he believes citizens have a right and duty to take part in democracy.

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Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has voted in the United States midterm elections, the Vatican has confirmed.

What happened

The Holy See press office said on Friday, 30 October 2026, that the Pope had cast a mail-in ballot in Illinois, where he was born. It said he had exercised his right to vote as a US citizen whenever he was eligible, and that he believes citizens have both a right and a duty to take part in democratic processes. His ballot is expected to include races for the US Senate, the governorship of Illinois and the House of Representatives. He is believed to be the first pope ever to vote in an American election.

Background

The Pope was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago and holds both American and Peruvian citizenship, having spent many years as a missionary and bishop in Peru. He was elected pope in May 2025 after the death of Pope Francis. Public records show he voted regularly in Illinois before becoming pope, including in the 2024 presidential election. The Vatican did not say who he voted for.

Why it matters

The US midterm elections in November will decide control of Congress, and the Pope's decision to vote has drawn wide attention because of his role as a global religious leader. Supporters praised him for setting an example of civic duty, while others questioned whether a pope should take part in a national election.

What happens next

The Pope is expected to continue his public schedule, including a planned visit to South America.

SportReported
Michael Carrick
Photo: Timmy96 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-0 as Carrick insists he will stay in charge

Manchester United lost 2-0 at Chelsea on Saturday, leaving them 17th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone. Manager Michael Carrick said he expects to remain in charge for Tuesday's Champions League game against Roma.

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Pressure on Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has grown after another defeat in the Premier League.

The match

Chelsea beat United 2-0 on Saturday, 31 October 2026, with both goals coming in the second half from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, according to reports. It was United's fourth league defeat of the season and leaves them 17th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone.

What Carrick said

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Carrick was asked directly whether he expected to still be in charge for United's next match, the Champions League tie against Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday. He reportedly answered simply that he did.

Background

Carrick, a former United midfielder, has faced growing criticism after a poor start to the season. Reports earlier this week said the club's board had decided against sacking him for now. The club is also facing decisions over several senior defenders whose contracts expire at the end of the season, with Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey among the players reportedly being considered as a replacement.

What happens next

Tuesday's Champions League match against Roma is now seen as an important test for the manager. Fans are divided, with some calling for patience and others for an immediate change.