At the UN, world leaders try to lay out a vision for the future — and actually make it happen — 22 September 2024 (LINK)

— The U.N. General Assembly adopted a 42-page "Pact for the Future" to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Now comes the hard part: uniting the world's divided nations to move quickly to implement its 56 actions.

— U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres thanked the 193-member world body for approving the pact and unlocking the door for nations to join forces to tackle challenges ranging from climate change and artificial intelligence to escalating conflicts and increasing inequality and poverty — and improve the lives of the world's more than 8 billion people.

— "We are here to bring multilateralism back from the brink," he said. "Now it is our common destiny to walk through it. That demands not just agreement, but action."

— Russia proposed an amendment that would have significantly watered down the pact. "No one is happy with this pact," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said.

— But Africa's 54 nations opposed Russia's amendments and speaking on their behalf, the Republic of Congo countered with a motion not to vote on the amendments. Mexico supported the Africans, and in a vote on their motion, the Africans got support from 143 countries, with only six countries supporting Russia — Iran, Belarus, North Korea, Nicaragua, Sudan and Syria. 15 countries abstained.

— In a rare move at a high-level U.N. meeting where leaders often exceed the announced time limit, Yang announced at the start of their speeches that they would be muted after five minutes. Among those who kept talking after their mics were silenced: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Sabah and Irish President Michael Higgins.

— Guterres singled out a number of key provisions in the pact and its two accompanying annexes, a Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations. The pact commits world leaders to reform the 15-member Security Council, to make it more reflective of today's world and "redress the historical injustice against Africa," which has no permanent seat, and to address the under-representation of the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America. It also "represents the first agreed multilateral support for nuclear disarmament in more than a decade," Guterres said, and it commits "to steps to prevent an arms race in outer space and to govern the use of lethal autonomous weapons."

Swiss reject biodiversity and pension reform proposals — 22 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 46 media reports (LINK)

One person killed, 23 hurt in Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine — 22 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 45 media reports (LINK)

At least 51 dead in Iran coal mine blast: State TV — 22 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 323 media reports (LINK)

Ukraine's Zelensky arrives in US to present 'victory plan' to defeat Russia — 22 September 2024 (LINK)

The cities creating a blueprint for climate-resilient and net-zero urban life: Rotterdam, Toronto, San Francisco — 22 September 2024 (LINK)

Palestinians say Israeli strike killed at least 21 in shelter, army says militants hit — 21 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 280 media reports (LINK)

— In a separate incident on Saturday, Gaza's health ministry said an Israeli air strike hit a warehouse in a "densely populated" area in the south, killing "three health ministry personnel and a passer-by" and injuring six others. "The warehouse was directly targeted with several missiles while doctors and staff were performing their duties, preparing to transport the medicines stored there to hospitals… that are facing severe shortages," a statement said.

New Zealand pilot is freed after 19 months in rebel captivity in Indonesia's Papua region — 21 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 170 media reports (LINK)

The head of Boeing's defence and space business is out as company tries to fix troubled contracts — 21 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 46 media reports (LINK)

— Boeing's defence division amassed billions of dollars in cost overruns and NASA felt it risky to use Starliner to bring two astronauts back from space.

Knoxville woman sentenced to 8 years in prison after failed Bitcoin murder-for-hire plot through Online Killers Market on dark web: investigators uncovered a bitcoin address hidden under cash — 21 September 2024 (LINK)

Birmingham, Alabama, shooting leaves 4 people dead, 17 injured — 21 September 2024 (LINK)

Israel targets senior Hezbollah figure in Beirut strike — 20 September 2024 (LINK)

— Sources told CNN that senior Hezbollah military figure Ibrahim Aqil was the target of Israel's strike on southern Beirut that leveled a building, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens of others.

— Last year the US State Department announced a reward of up to $7 million for information on Aqil, a key leader of the militant group. The US has accused Aqil of involvement in the 1983 Beirut embassy strike, which killed 63 people, as well as the Hezbollah bombing of the Beirut Marine barracks, which killed 241 US personnel later that year.

Potential cancer breakthrough: common antidepressant vortioxetine effective against brain tumors — ETH Zurich — 20 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 6 media reports (LINK)

What to know about the new covid-19 XEC variant: it may spread more easily than past variants, but current vaccines are still effective against it — 20 September 2024 (LINK)

— XEC is a combination of two other SARS-CoV-2 variants known as KP.3.3 and KS.1.1. It formed when the two variants infected the same organism — such as an animal or person — simultaneously, allowing them to share genetic material. It shares many of the same characteristics as other omicron subvariants, such as spreading easily and causing less severe disease than the earliest SARS-CoV-2 strains. XEC was first identified in August among samples collected in Berlin 2 months earlier.

New Scientist: Genetic evidence points to Wuhan market as source of covid-19 outbreak — 20 September 2024 (LINK)

— A new study by an international team concludes it is more likely that the virus emerged from wild animals sold at the market and not from a lab escape. The researchers re-analysed data from 800 samples collected at the Huanan market by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention beginning on 1 January 2020, and also studied viral genomes from the earliest covid-19 cases.

— Contrary to some statements made by Chinese investigators, the team found evidence for a variety of wildlife being sold at the market that could have been an intermediate host for the virus, including common raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) and hoary bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus).

— Traces of these animals were found in exactly the same stalls as SARS-CoV-2. "This suggests — but does not prove — that the animals were infected. Hence, it is very likely that SARS-CoV-2 emerged in a live animal market."

Constellation Energy to restart Three Mile Island nuclear plant, sell the power to Microsoft for AI — 20 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 164 media reports (LINK)

Donald Trump Stock: Trump Media drops 5.4% and hits new low as former President, insiders can sell DJT stock — 20 September 2024 (LINK)

Heather Cox Richardson: U.S. Presidential election system — 20 September 2024 (LINK)

Scientists discover surprising link between dishwashers and chronic medical conditions: harmful effects of an ingredient in commercial rinse agents on the human gastrointestinal tract. — 20 September 2024 (LINK)

— A recent study by researchers at the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), linked with the University of Zurich (UZH), has unveiled the harmful effects of an ingredient in commercial rinse agents on the gastrointestinal tract. This discovery has significant public health implications, as the toxic substance may initiate various chronic diseases.

— The study found that many dishwashers lack an extra wash cycle to remove leftover rinse aid, allowing potentially toxic substances to dry on the dishes. When these dishes are reused, the dried chemical residue can easily enter the gastrointestinal tract.

Israel cites 'new phase' in regional war after Lebanon blasts — 19 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 162 media reports (LINK)

Hezbollah leader says pager attack crossed a 'red line' and vows to retaliate against Israel — 19 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 122 media reports (LINK)

Exploding pagers and radios: A terrifying violation of international law, say UN experts — 19 September 2024 (Türk statement LINK)

— not yet online: "These attacks violate the human right to life, absent any indication that the victims posed an imminent lethal threat to anyone else at the time," the experts said. "Such attacks require prompt, independent investigation to establish the truth and enable accountability for the crime of murder.

— The attacks reportedly killed at least 32 people and maimed or injured 3,250, including 200 critically. Among the dead are a boy and a girl, as well as medical personnel. Around 500 people suffered severe eye injuries, including a diplomat. Others suffered grave injuries to their faces, hands and bodies.

— UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, 18 September: "Simultaneous targeting of thousands of individuals, whether civilians or members of armed groups, without knowledge as to who was in possession of the targeted devices, their location and their surroundings at the time of the attack, violates international human rights law and, to the extent applicable, international humanitarian law."

Hezbollah's exploding pagers were manufactured by a shell company created by Israeli spies in 2022: NYT — 19 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 28 media reports (LINK)

Israel foiled Iranian plot to assassinate top officials including Netanyahu: Israeli security services — 19 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 104 media reports (LINK)

— An Israeli citizen, 73, was arrested for allegedly being recruited by Iran to assassinate top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Israeli police and Shin Bet. The individual was smuggled into Iran twice and received payment for his missions, targeting Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The arrested individual, a businessman with connections to Turkey and Iran, was detained in August after an investigation by Israeli authorities.

UN to add nutrients to second round of Gaza polio vaccinations — 19 September 2024 (LINK)

— The first round of the polio vaccination campaign, which began on Sept. 1, reached its target of 90% of children under 10 years of age, the head of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) said on 16 September.

Growing public debt is choking sub-Saharan African countries, leaving them with little fiscal room to finance health and critical HIV services, new report: Domestic revenues, debt relief and development aid: Transformative pathways for ending AIDS by 2030 — 19 September 2024 (LINK)

— Debt servicing now exceeds 50% of government revenues in Angola, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia. Even after debt relief measures, Zambia will still be paying two-thirds of its budget on debt servicing between 2024 and 2026.

Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of the organization 2024 — 19 September 2024 (LINK)

— Following the traditional text-focused report that was issued in August, this version draws on data, infographics, maps, and imagery to highlight achievements.

Scientists reviewed 7,000 studies on microplastics. Their alarming conclusion puts humanity on notice — 19 September 2024 (LINK)

— "Microplastics are widespread, accumulating in the remotest parts of our planet. There is evidence of their toxic effects at every level of biological organisation, from tiny insects at the bottom of the food chain to apex predators. Microplastics are pervasive in food and drink and have been detected throughout the human body."

UN experts urge United Nations to lay foundations for global governance of artificial intelligence — 19 September 2024 (LINK)

The World podcast: Ian Bremmer, the rapporteur who wrote the proposal on behalf of the secretary-general's AI advisory board, explains what the panel would do and why it could be important — (LINK)

New center-right government in France announced 2 months after divisive elections — 21 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 126 media reports (LINK)

Iceland: Police shoot 1st polar bear sighted since 2016 — 22 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 97 media reports (LINK)

Silvio Berlusconi posthumously wins longstanding banking dispute in EU's highest court — 19 September 2024 (LINK)

— The ECB, as the EU's chief financial supervisor, is responsible for ensuring anyone owning more than 10% of a bank's shares is of good repute. In 2016, the regulator took issue with the stake held by Berlusconi, via his investment company Fininvest, in the bank, due to his fraud conviction.

— The European Central Bank (ECB) "could not lawfully oppose Mr Berlusconi's ownership of a qualifying holding in Banca Mediolanum," the Court said, as he had merely "continued to own a qualifying holding which he had acquired prior to the transposition of the provisions of EU law on which the ECB had relied."

US ranks last on key health care measures compared with other high-income nations, despite spending the most, The Commonwealth Fund says — 19 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 29 media reports (LINK)

Venezuela's opposition ex-candidate says he was forced to sign letter that effectively admits defeat — 19 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 128 media reports (LINK)

US interest rate cut by 0.5% to 4.75%-5.00% range on 18 September, oil prices rise, but Brent was still hovering around its lowest levels of the year, below $75, on expectations of weaker global demand — 19 September 2024 (LINK)

Ex-Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed accused of multiple rapes by staff — 19 September 2024 (LINK)

— "The women we have spoken to say his portrayal as pleasant and gregarious was far from the truth. "He was vile," says one of the women, Sophia, who worked as his personal assistant from 1988 to 1991. She says he tried to rape her more than once.'That makes me angry, people shouldn't remember him like that. It's not how he was.'"

— Harrods told the BBC in a statement these had been the actions of an individual "intent on abusing his power" which it condemned in the strongest terms. It said: "The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010, it is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do."

— The BBC has spoken to 13 women who say Fayed sexually assaulted them at 60 Park Lane. Four of them, including Rachel, say they were raped. "Eight other women have also told us they were sexually assaulted by Fayed at his properties in Paris. Five women described the assaults as an attempted rape."

— "The abuse of women, I was aware of it when I was on the shop floor," says Tony Leeming, a Harrods department manager from 1994 to 2004. It "wasn't even a secret", recalls Mr Leeming, who says he did not know about more serious allegations of assault or rape. "And I think if I knew, everybody knew. Anyone who says they didn't are lying, I'm sorry". Mr Leeming's testimony is backed up by former members of Fayed's security team. "We were aware that he had this very strong interest in young girls," says Eamon Coyle, who joined Harrods in 1979 as a store detective, then became deputy director of security from 1989-95.

Video from Simone Biles' Netflix documentary could help Jordan Chiles get her medal back: shows her coach, Cecile Landi, submitting an inquiry about her score 49 seconds after it was announced—well within the 60-second deadline — 19 September 2024 (LINK)

'Walkie-talkies' explode across Lebanon in second day of blasts against Hezbollah targets — 18 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 283 media reports (LINK)

— The pagers, the AR-924 model, are from a Taiwanese company named Gold Apollo. Gold Apollo said in a statement Wednesday that it has licensed its technology to a Hungarian company, BAC Consulting KFT, which manufactured the pagers that detonated in Lebanon. Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács denied the pagers were made in Hungary, writing that the "company in question is a trading intermediary, with no manufacturing or operational site in Hungary."

Lebanon's official news agency reports that home solar energy systems exploded in several areas of Beirut — 19 September 2024 (LINK)

UN General Assembly votes 124-14 on Palestinian resolution demanding Israel withdraw from Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem within the next 12 months — 18 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 181 media reports (LINK)

North Korea test-fired ballistic missiles in latest military display, neighbours say — 18 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 105 media reports (LINK)

Voting for local government opens in Indian-controlled Kashmir for first time after losing autonomy — 18 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 70 media reports (LINK)

Geneva / United in Science WMO REPORT — 18 September 2024 (LINK)

FIFA teams up with WHO for campaign to educate world soccer about concussion — 18 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 19 media reports (LINK)

WFP-chartered plane with aid workers and aid damaged in an Islamist attack in Mali — 18 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 7 media reports (LINK)

China hits 9 US firms with property freeze over weapons sales to Taiwan — 18 September 2024 (LINK)

Tupperware planning to file for bankruptcy as it struggles with $700M debt: report — 18 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 66 media reports (LINK)

Israel says halting Hezbollah attacks is now a war goal as officials warn of a wider operation — 17 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 86 media reports (LINK)

Pagers explode across Lebanon 'killing 9' and 'injuring thousands' — including Hezbollah members — 17 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 486 media reports (LINK)

Gold Apollo says the pagers that exploded in Lebanon and Syria were made by a company in Budapest — (LINK)

Israel planted explosives in Taiwan-made pagers sold to Hezbollah: US officials: Taiwan's Gold Apollo says it did not make pagers used in Lebanon explosions — 17 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 61 media reports (LINK)

At least 30 killed as factions of the Sinaloa Cartel clash in northern Mexico — 17 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 34 media reports (LINK)

Gunmen from al Qaeda-linked JNIM attack military police base in Mali capital — 17 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 53 media reports (LINK)

UN rights experts decry worsening repression in Venezuela in wake of contested election result — 17 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 21 media reports (LINK)

Floods and mudslides kill more than 200 in Myanmar, displace 320,000 — 17 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: media reports (LINK)

Virus that can cause polio-like symptoms in children spiking in US — 17 September 2024 (LINK)

— US wastewater samples are showing an alarming increase in a respiratory virus that has been linked to polio-like symptoms: enterovirus variant, EV-D68, can lead to acute flaccid myelitis, which can cause weakness or paralysis, typically in kids.

United Nations to revolutionize homebuilding with futuristic technology that builds houses for $1,000 each —UN deploys unique 3D printer to build homes from dirt, waste in Colombia — 17 September 2024 (LINK)

Drug resistant bacteria expected to kill tens of millions by 2050 — 17 September 2024 (LINK)

— The analysis has been billed as the first research to track the global impact of superbugs over time, and estimate what could happen next.

Meta bans RT and other Russian state media networks — 17 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 203 media reports (LINK)

Venezuela's government says fourth US citizen was detained in alleged plot to kill President Maduro — 17 September 2024 (LINK) — ground.news: 63 media reports (LINK)

— Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello told the National Assembly that an American man was arrested in Caracas after he was found taking photos of electrical and oil installations and military units.

Scientific American makes presidential endorsement for only the second time in its 179-year history: "Vote for Kamala Harris to Support Science, Health and the Environments" — 17 September 2024 (LINK)

Gisele Pelicot, 'drugged by husband and raped by strangers', walks out of French court amid thunderous applause — 17 September 2024 (LINK)

Putin orders expansion of Russia's military to 1.5M active troops — 16 September 2024 (LINK)

Moderna's 'off-the-shelf' cancer vaccine shows promise in early human trial data: the therapeutic vaccine, codenamed mRNA-4359, is intended to boost people's immunity to a variety of advanced solid tumour cancers — 16 September 2024 (LINK)

Switzerland to host Ukraine mine action conference in Lausanne on 17 and 18 October — 16 September 2024 (LINK)

China frees David Lin, American pastor who U.S. government says was wrongfully detained for 18 years — 16 September 2024 (LINK)

Rupert Murdoch's 'Succession' court battle begins — 16 September 2024 (LINK)

Home Depot to pay nearly $2M penalty for allegedly overcharging customers — 16 September 2024 (LINK)