Kazakh President Urges Diplomatic Resolution in Meeting with Ukraine's Zelensky in New York

During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to a statement from the Kazakh presidential press office on Tuesday, President Tokayev stressed the critical need for continued diplomatic engagement to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The statement highlighted, \"On the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Volodymyr Zelensky. The President of Kazakhstan expressed his view that under such an extremely complex situation, it is essential to pursue diplomatic efforts to identify pathways to end the conflict.\" Additionally, the press office noted that President Zelensky shared his perspective on the situation in Ukraine during their discussion. Both leaders also addressed cooperation between Kazakhstan and Ukraine, focusing on economic ties and humanitarian assistance, reflecting a mutual interest in strengthening bilateral relations amid the crisis.

US Secret Service Foils Telecommunications Attack Targeting New York During UN Assembly

The US Secret Service announced on Tuesday that it had successfully dismantled a complex network of electronic devices intended to disrupt New York City’s telecommunications infrastructure in an attack timed around the United Nations General Assembly. While the agency refrained from directly naming the perpetrators, it linked the devices to "nation-state" actors and individuals known to federal law enforcement. A law enforcement source revealed that investigators suspect involvement from the Chinese government. Secret Service Director Sean Curran emphasized the threat’s magnitude, stating, \"The potential for disruption to our country’s telecommunications posed by this network of devices cannot be overstated.\" The discovery was made in response to anonymized telephonic threats targeting senior US officials, raising concerns about the possibility of various telecommunications attacks. The agency noted that the devices could have disabled cell phone towers, initiated denial-of-service attacks, and enabled encrypted, anonymous communications among threat actors and criminal organizations. Special Agent Matt McCool confirmed efforts are ongoing to identify those responsible and their motives, including whether the attack was specifically planned to affect the UN General Assembly. No arrests have been made to date. Investigations began this spring after authorities detected a series of fraudulent calls aimed at high-ranking officials. The dismantled network spanned multiple locations within a 35-mile radius of the UN headquarters and included approximately 300 computer servers and 100,000 SIM cards. The Secret Service acted swiftly given the potential timing and scale of disruption. Early assessments show communications between foreign threat actors and individuals known to federal law enforcement. Further analysis identified links to at least one foreign nation and connections with drug cartel operatives. In addition to the electronic equipment, authorities found 80 grams of cocaine and illegal firearms at some of the seizure sites, underscoring the criminal dimension intertwined with this plot.

Philippines Leads International Effort on Maritime Security at UN Assembly

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), led by Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, convened a Foreign Ministerial Meeting focused on enhancing cooperation to ensure a secure and stable maritime domain. The session took place on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24. Approximately 40 countries participated, with the Philippines co-hosting the event alongside Australia, Estonia, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The meeting addressed shared maritime concerns, including the safeguarding of freedom of navigation and commerce. The DFA highlighted the global challenges in maintaining maritime security and underscored the renewed commitment among participating nations to multilateralism and collective responsibility for managing the world’s oceans. It was emphasized that upholding international law and promoting cooperation are essential for protecting the marine environment, ensuring free navigation and trade, enhancing global connectivity, and securing vital underwater infrastructure. "As a growing coalition across regions, we reaffirmed international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as the constitution of the ocean and the legal framework in addressing global challenges to security and stability at sea," Secretary Lazaro stated. In addition to the maritime meeting, Secretary Lazaro announced the Philippines’ engagement with the "Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT)," an international group dedicated to restricting the production of fissile materials such as highly enriched uranium and plutonium used in nuclear weapons. Sharing on her official social media account, Lazaro remarked, "Honored to join Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya, along with Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty in sustaining international efforts toward a safe world through #FMCT." The FMCT aims to establish an international agreement to ban the future production of fissile materials intended for nuclear arms, reinforcing global non-proliferation efforts.

Multiple Earthquakes Strike Northwestern Venezuela, Including Two Strong Tremors

Four earthquakes impacted northwestern Venezuela late Wednesday through early Thursday, with two registering above magnitude 6.0. The US Geological Survey reported that the seismic events, measuring between 4.9 and 6.3, were all located near Mene Grande in the Zulia state. These tremors occurred at shallow depths ranging from 7.8 to 14 kilometers beneath the surface. Despite the significant intensity of the quakes, authorities have not yet confirmed any casualties or substantial damage. Zulia, an oil-producing region bordering Colombia and the Gulf of Venezuela, remains under observation as the situation develops.

Floods Displace Over 129,000 in Pampanga Amidst Tropical Storms and Monsoon Rains

In Pampanga, Philippines, persistent flooding continues to impact 67 barangays as the combined effects of Tropical Depressions Nando and Mirasol, along with Severe Tropical Storm Opong, have caused widespread inundation. The provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO) reported that as of Wednesday, approximately 40,301 families or 129,951 individuals have been displaced by the rising floodwaters. These severe weather conditions were further intensified by the high tide and the southwest monsoon, exacerbating the flooding situation, according to the PDRRMO. The municipality of Masantol recorded the highest number of displaced residents, with 24,045 families or 75,943 people affected across 26 barangays. Following Masantol, Macabebe saw 11,495 families, totaling 39,937 individuals, displaced in 17 barangays. Flood levels in some low-lying areas have reportedly reached up to five feet. Currently, 87 families, representing 288 persons, are accommodated in 13 evacuation centers throughout the province. Due to the calamity, classes in both public and private schools have been suspended, and local government offices in Macabebe have ceased operations temporarily. In neighboring Bulacan, authorities recovered the body of a 16-year-old drowning victim, Christopher Andrew Gatbalayan, from the Angat River in Plaridel. He was last seen swimming with friends before being swept away by a sudden rise in water levels. Meanwhile, anticipation of Severe Tropical Storm Opong's landfall in the Bicol region has prompted the dioceses of Legazpi, Daet, and Sorsogon to open their churches and chapels as evacuation centers. Sorsogon Bishop Jose Alan Dialogo confirmed that this initiative is coordinated with local government units and includes the deployment of volunteers to assist evacuees and manage relief distribution. The dioceses will conduct parish bell ringing to alert residents to prepare ahead of the storm, with updates provided every two hours during the event. Special prayers, known as oratio imperata, have also been issued to seek protection from the storm’s impact.

Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi Hits Eastern Samar, Threatens Central Philippines with Strong Winds and Heavy Rain

Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi, known locally as Opong, made its initial landfall over Eastern Samar and is advancing toward Romblon, bringing threats of destructive winds and heavy rainfall, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The storm, which intensified momentarily into typhoon status, first struck San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Thursday. As of the 8:00 a.m. advisory, Bualoi had weakened back to a severe tropical storm with sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center and gusts reaching up to 150 kph. It was located over the coastal waters of Mandaon, Masbate, and is moving west-northwest at 30 kph with a possibility of making landfall in Romblon. PAGASA has maintained various tropical cyclone wind signals across more than a dozen locations spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: - **Signal No. 3 (storm-force winds):** Areas in Luzon such as Sorsogon, Masbate, Albay, Camarines Sur, southern Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, both Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Batangas, and southern Laguna. In the Visayas, this includes western Northern Samar, western Samar, northern Biliran, northwestern Capiz, northern Aklan, and the Caluya Islands. - **Signal No. 2 (gale-force winds):** Certain parts of Luzon including Catanduanes, other areas of Camarines Sur and Northern Camarines, Quezon (rest), Laguna (rest), Rizal, Cavite, Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and southern Zambales. In the Visayas, areas include the remainder of Northern Samar, northern Eastern Samar, northern and central Samar, rest of Biliran, northern Leyte, northern Cebu with Camotes and Bantayan Islands, northern Negros Occidental, northern Iloilo, remaining Capiz and Aklan, and northwestern Antique. - **Signal No. 1 (strong winds):** Additional provinces in Luzon such as Quirino, central and southern Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, remainder of Zambales, Cuyo Islands, and northern mainland Palawan. In the Visayas, this includes the rest of Eastern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, eastern and central Bohol, central Cebu, northern Negros Oriental, central and northern Negros Occidental, central Iloilo, and central Antique. In Mindanao, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands are under this signal. Additionally, PAGASA issued a storm surge warning for coastal regions near Bualoi, projecting moderate to high risks of surges up to three meters in areas such as Albay, Batangas, Romblon, and various parts of Samar within the subsequent 24 hours. In response to the storm's impact, Malacañang Palace announced the suspension of classes and government work on Friday in Metro Manila and several provinces including Biliran, Eastern Samar, Masbate, Northern Samar, Romblon, Samar, and Sorsogon. Classes at all levels were also suspended in Aklan, Albay, Antique, Bataan, Batangas, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Cavite, Catanduanes, Guimaras, Iloilo, Laguna, Leyte, Marinduque, Negros Occidental, Oriental Mindoro, Rizal, and Quezon. Authorities continue to monitor the storm's trajectory and urge residents to remain vigilant and heed safety advisories.

Iran Warns Cooperation with IAEA at Risk if UN Sanctions Resume

UNITED NATIONS — Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a stark warning yesterday, stating that Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will collapse if United Nations sanctions are reinstated. The UN Security Council was unable to pass a resolution aimed at extending the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), by six months. This delay was intended to provide additional time for diplomatic efforts and to prevent the automatic reimposition, or "snapback," of UN sanctions against Iran. Britain, France, and Germany—the European signatories of the JCPOA—initiated the snapback mechanism on August 28 by informing the Security Council of Iran’s alleged non-compliance. Unless the Council intervenes, the sanctions will be reimposed on September 28, marking the end of the 30-day notification period. Following the Security Council vote, Araghchi addressed reporters, emphasizing the consequences of these developments. He stated, "We have already said that this action by the E3 and the Security Council’s decision would impact Iran’s cooperation with the agency." Earlier this month, Iran and the IAEA reached a cooperation agreement in Cairo on September 9. Araghchi lamented the potential fallout, saying, "It is very unfortunate that if everything is activated, then this agreement between Iran and the agency would also be nullified and cannot be implemented." He reiterated that IAEA inspectors are currently present in Iran and continuing their work despite the tensions surrounding the dispute. The growing crisis highlights escalating diplomatic strife over Iran’s nuclear program and the fragility of international agreements designed to monitor and restrict its activities.

Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi Claims 11 Lives in the Philippines Ahead of Vietnam Landfall

Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi has resulted in 11 fatalities in the Philippines as it advanced toward Vietnam, officials confirmed Saturday. The storm battered several small islands in the central Philippines on Friday, uprooting trees, toppling power lines, damaging homes, and triggering widespread floods that forced around 400,000 residents to evacuate. Biliran Island was among the hardest hit areas, with eight confirmed dead and two individuals reported missing, according to Noel Lungay, provincial disaster official. He described the situation, stating, \"There was widespread flooding and some roads remained submerged early today. Evacuees are beginning to return to their homes as the weather conditions improve.\" The country’s civil defence office in Manila reported three additional deaths on the nearby islands of Masbate and Ticao. Two victims died after being struck by a falling tree and a collapsing wall, both caused by the storm’s strong winds. The total number of missing persons across the central Philippines stands at 14, though further details have not been disclosed. Meanwhile, more than 200,000 displaced individuals remain sheltered in evacuation centers along the storm’s path. Bualoi follows closely on the heels of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which tragically claimed 14 lives in northern parts of the Philippines earlier this month. As of Saturday, Philippine weather authorities report that Bualoi is moving over the South China Sea with typhoon-strength winds of 120 kilometers (75 miles) per hour. The storm is forecast to approach the coast of central Vietnam by Sunday afternoon. The Philippines faces an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year, often impacting vulnerable and impoverished communities with limited capacity for disaster resilience. Experts warn that climate change, driven by human activities, is intensifying these tropical systems. The storms have compounded tensions in the country, where public outrage has grown following revelations of fraudulent flood-control projects allegedly costing taxpayers billions. Thousands participated in peaceful protests on Sunday to express their frustration, though some demonstrations escalated into violent clashes, resulting in police vehicles being set on fire and damage to police station windows.

Philippines Vows Strong Commitment to Peace as It Pursues UN Security Council Seat

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to promoting international peace during her address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Speaking on Sunday, she highlighted the country's intent to leverage its experience in peace efforts as it vies for a nonpermanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term. "We seek to be a part of it to advance the cause of global peace, with the depth of experience earned from our struggles for peace," Secretary Lazaro stated in a livestreamed presentation. The upcoming election, scheduled for mid-2026, will fill five of the ten nonpermanent seats, marking the Philippines' fifth attempt to secure a position on this influential council. The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed plans to actively lobby for support during the UN gathering. Secretary Lazaro emphasized the country's readiness to engage with the wider UN membership and collaborate with key organs if elected, expressing that, "This is a challenge that the Philippines is ready to rise up to, as we seek a nonpermanent seat in the Security Council. We look ahead to the solemn honor of serving this body." As the most authoritative body within the UN framework for peace and security matters, the UNSC comprises five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—who wield veto power, alongside ten nonpermanent members elected to serve two-year terms with full voting rights but no veto authority. Secretary Lazaro underscored the country's adherence to diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of disputes, referencing ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. She stressed the indispensable nature of a rules-based international order grounded in international law and sovereign equality. "There is no alternative to the United Nations. There is no good global order other than one based on international law and the principle of the sovereign equality of states," she said. She pointed to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that invalidated China's extensive claims in the South China Sea as fundamental to the Philippines’ stance. "While our government vessels and fisherfolk continue to be harassed in our own waters, and as we remain on the receiving end of illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous actions in the South China Sea, we abide by the UNCLOS as reinforced by the binding 2016 arbitral award," Secretary Lazaro emphasized. Despite the ruling, China has not acknowledged the decision and persists in asserting control over regions within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, leading to frequent maritime confrontations. Beyond security concerns, the Philippines called attention to the need for reforms in UN development financing, noting recent budget constraints attributed to geopolitical disputes. "Amidst current funding shortfalls, we must support reforms to help it deliver value to UN member states, in tight accord with national priorities, with less bureaucracy and fragmentation," Secretary Lazaro remarked. She highlighted how these financial limitations hamper resources that could otherwise advance sustainable development goals, particularly impacting developing and middle-income countries.

Multiple Injuries Reported in Church Shooting and Fire in Grand Blanc, Michigan

Multiple individuals sustained injuries following a shooting incident at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, authorities reported on Sunday. Concurrently, the church building caught fire and was seen emitting significant smoke as firefighters responded to the scene. Emergency crews including fire trucks and ambulances were present near the site, actively combating the blaze and providing medical assistance. Video footage circulating on social media captured dense smoke rising from the premises. The Grand Blanc Township Police Department confirmed via a Facebook statement that "there are multiple victims and the shooter is down. There is no threat to the public at this time. The church is actively on fire," and advised residents to avoid the vicinity for their safety. Additional information regarding the condition of the victims or the cause of the fire has not yet been released. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon church, is located in Grand Blanc, a community of approximately 7,700 residents situated roughly 60 miles northwest of Detroit.