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From Columbia Radio News in New York, I'm Euna Lhee.
In Manhattan, Pope Benedict told diplomats at the United Nations today that respect for human rights was the key to solving many of the world's problems. He cautioned that international cooperation was threatened by "the decisions of a small number." Benedict is only the third pope to address the United Nations. The pope's New York visit will also include a visit to ground zero and a Mass at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.
In Afghanistan today, a roadside bomb killed the son of the Netherlands' top military officer. Twenty-three year-old Dennis van Uhm was killed in an explosion near Camp Holland, a Dutch military base, a day after his father took command of the country's armed forces. A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack. The Dutch Prime Minister called the soldier's death "an unprecedented tragedy."
In Zimbabwe today, independence celebrations were overshadowed by the turmoil from last month's unresolved elections.. Andrea Mustain reports.
Today marks the 28th anniversary of Zimbabwe's independence from Britain. President Robert Mugabe addressed a cheering crowd of 30,000 in a stadium in the capital Harare. Mugabe has held on to power since independence. He praised Zimbabwe as a country that upholds human rights, and is a true democracy.
Mugabe:
We, not the British, established decomcracy based on one person one vote.
But votes from last month's contested elections will be recounted this weekend, against the wishes of Mugabe's opposition. A judge today ruled against the party of Morgan Tsangerai, Mugabe's opponent, and the possible winner of the March elections. Under Mugabe, Zimbabwe's economy has collapsed—it is suffering from the highest rates of inflation in the world, and food is scarce. Andrea Mustain, Columbia Radio News
President Bush today announced that he's chosen Steve Preston to lead Housing and Urban Development, the government's housing agency. Preston is credited with correcting major problems at the Small Business Administration, where he used to work. Bush called Preston "a skilled manager."
Bush_HUD TIME: 0:14
He'll be entrusted with one of the most rewarding jobs in the federal government, helping our fellow Americans have a place called a home. These are important responsibilities. I'm confident I picked the right person for the job.
Preston has already earned the support of many Democrats. If confirmed by the Senate, Preston would replace HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson, who resigned last month amid a criminal investigation and allegations of political favoritism.
Hard-plastic Nalgene water bottles will be pulled from stores over the next few months. The recall was announced after health concerns were raised about the safety of bis-phenol A, a chemical in the bottles. In experiments with rats, scientists linked the chemical to changes in behavior and the brain and early puberty.
Residents across the Midwest were awakened early today by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake. It was centered in southeastern Illinois. The quake was felt in distant cities, from skyscrapers in Chicago to homes in Cincinnati. No major injuries or damage have been reported.
AT&T plans to cut about 4,600 jobs as it shifts resources to growing parts of its business. The nation's largest telecommunications provider said most of the layoffs will be among managers.
The Dow is up 240 points. Nasdaq is up 64 points.
Euna Lhee, Columbia Radio News.