September 2018

Gridlock alert this week in the city as leaders from around the world convened for the Seventy-third session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Tuesday Trump delivered a speech to the UN Security Council. The highlight of the speech was Trump touting his accomplishments - which is meets with a round of approval while addressing his followers at a rally - but was met with laughter at the UN. This is what happened in case you missed it

Trump's Speech at the U.N. Triggers Laughter - and Disbelief   The New Yorker - September 25, 2018

The audible ripple of gasps and giggles began about a minute into President Trump's U.N. speech on Tuesday, as he bragged that his Administration had already accomplished more than any in U.S. history. The reaction in the cavernous General Assembly hall, where more than a hundred and thirty heads of state and dozens of other delegations were gathered, forced Trump off-script. "I didn't expect that reaction, but that's O.K.," he said, with an awkward laugh. He then went back to his teleprompter and a checklist of achievements, not all of which would pass muster with a fact checker - or, apparently, the audience. Trump later dismissed the reaction by claiming he intended to draw laughter, an unlikely claim in the context of his speech. It was an ironic moment. In his stump speeches at home, Trump often laments that the United States is the laughingstock of the world. But, on Tuesday, he was. Watch the Video

Space2030: Space as a Driver for Peace - World Leaders Proclaim Innovative Space Diplomacy as the New Frontier for Peace on Earth   Space.com - September 26, 2018

Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a new US-South Korean trade deal.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made history again this week, becoming the first female head of state to attend the United Nations General Assembly with her infant.

Last year Trump referred to North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un "Rocket Man". After their meeting June 12, 2018 - Trump now calls Kim a terrific man. Kim is not giving up his nukes and is allegedly increasing his nuclear arsenal, even if he has halted nuclear testing. An increase in earthquake activity is the main reason North Korea was forced to stop nuclear testing. How long will China, Russia and Japan allow him to destroy the plates? North Korea's 2017 bomb test set off later earthquakes, new analysis finds   PhysOrg - September 25, 2018