Handheld pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon on September 17, injuring over 1,000 people, including Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani. The blast also resulted in one death, a 10-year-old girl in the Bekaa Valley. Security officials suspect an Israeli attack. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah had warned against using cellphones due to tracking risks. Amani’s injuries were reported as superficial. The incident represents a significant security breach for Hezbollah amid ongoing conflicts with Israel.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s proposal to pedestrianize Oxford Street has ignited tensions with Westminster council. Khan’s plan envisions Oxford Street becoming a “traffic-free avenue,” rivalling destinations like Times Square. However, Westminster council, which Labour took control of in 2022, opposes the move due to concerns over traffic disruption in surrounding areas. The council has its own £150 million plan that maintains vehicular access while revitalizing the area. Despite opposition, Khan, with government backing, aims to begin changes within 2 years using new powers to push through the ban.

The White House condemned Elon Musk after he posted a comment on X suggesting "no one is even trying" to assassinate President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris. The comment, intended as a joke, was removed by Musk following backlash. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates criticized Musk, calling the rhetoric "irresponsible" and emphasizing that violence should not be trivialized. This post followed an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, which heightened scrutiny on public statements regarding political violence.

Donald Trump resumed his campaign in Michigan following a foiled assassination attempt at his Florida golf course over the weekend. This incident, the second such attempt in two months, has intensified the 2024 presidential race. Trump has blamed the rhetoric of Democratic rivals Kamala Harris and Joe Biden for the attack, accusing them of endangering his life. Harris, campaigning in Pennsylvania, has condemned the violence. With the election just seven weeks away, both candidates are focusing on swing states, with recent polls showing a tight race between Trump and Harris.

Dominique Pelicot, 71, has confessed to drugging his ex-wife Gisèle and orchestrating her abuse by 50 men over a decade in France. During the trial in Avignon, Pelicot admitted, “I am a rapist like the others in this room,” acknowledging his role in the horrific crimes. He explained that he filmed the assaults partly for "pleasure" and as "insurance" to track the perpetrators. Pelicot’s testimony revealed a traumatic past, including abuse he suffered as a child. Gisèle Pelicot, who waived her anonymity, expressed profound shock, stating she never believed her husband could commit such acts.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced a global ban on Russian state media networks including Rossiya Segodnya and RT. The ban follows claims that these networks used deceptive tactics for covert online influence operations. Meta's statement emphasized that the decision came after careful consideration of foreign interference activities. Enforcement will start soon. This move follows recent money-laundering charges against two RT employees, who were accused of hiring an American firm to influence the 2024 U.S. election. RT has criticized the U.S. actions as an attempt to stifle journalism.

A gunman concealed himself for nearly 12 hours at Trump International Golf Club in Florida before Donald Trump’s unscheduled golf game. Secret Service agents spotted the man, equipped with a semi-automatic rifle, in bushes near the sixth hole. A quick-thinking agent fired towards the suspect, who hadn’t fired any shots. Trump, unharmed, praised the agent’s actions. The gunman, identified as Ryan Routh, was arrested after fleeing. Investigators are still determining his motives. Trump later commented, "My resolve is only stronger after another attempt on my life."

Russian forces targeted energy infrastructure in Ukraine's Sumy region overnight, leading to power cuts in several districts. Authorities reported that air defenses intercepted 16 drones. Damage occurred in Konotop, Okhtyrka, and Sumy city, causing water facilities to switch to emergency power. Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar confirmed no casualties in Sumy, and repair work is underway. The UK government has highlighted that Russia's recent strategy includes attacking critical infrastructure like power plants and gas storage facilities. This tactic aims to disrupt essential services and infrastructure in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the latest apparent attempt on his life, Mr Trump praised the Secret Service and said it was a "much better result" than the first assassination attempt in July. Former US President Donald Trump recounted an alleged assassination attempt at his Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida. While golfing on a Sunday morning, Trump heard four to five gunshots, prompting Secret Service agents to intervene. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested and charged with federal gun offenses after a Secret Service agent spotted a rifle. The Secret Service confirmed their agent was the sole shooter. Trump described the incident as "quite something" but noted it "all worked out well." The event highlights the ongoing security concerns surrounding high-profile figures.  

The Taliban has introduced new laws in Kabul imposing stricter restrictions on Afghan women. The regulations, issued last month, prohibit women from speaking out, publicly reciting the Quran, or making eye contact with men outside their immediate family. Women are now required to cover their lower faces in addition to their head coverings. These measures formalize and intensify previous restrictions that were applied inconsistently. Enforcement of these laws has become more rigorous, especially in urban areas where restrictions were previously less strict. Afghan women report a significant increase in enforcement, leading to a more severe impact on their daily lives and freedoms.