2025 Umrah visa updates: What every pilgrim must know before the journey October 03, 2025 at 12:42AM

Saudi Arabia has rolled out major updates to the 2025 Umrah visa process, effective June 10. Pilgrims must now secure confirmed hotel and transportation bookings via the Nusuk platform before applying. Tourist visas are no longer valid for Umrah, and new rules require host's Saudi ID for family stays.

‘Possessed firearms’: Former Des Moines school superintendent detained by ICE faces federal charges; held four guns October 02, 2025 at 11:14PM

Former Des Moines superintendent Ian Roberts was detained by ICE and faces federal charges for illegal firearm possession. His work authorization expired in 2020, and he had a 2024 deportation order, despite the school district claiming he was a US citizen. Multiple firearms were found, prompting a DOJ civil rights investigation into the district.