Secretary of State

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered remarks suggesting that the world's major powers have overstated their strength, saying 'their power isn't so super'. The comments are being read as a veiled criticism of Donald Trump and Washington's unilateral approach to global affairs. The speech has drawn wide attention as a rare rebuke of great-power politics from the UN's top official.

Attention is turning to the contest for the next United Nations Secretary-General as world leaders gather in New York for the General Assembly's high-level week. With the current term's end in view, diplomatic maneuvering over potential candidates is intensifying among member states, and observers are watching how the race unfolds on the sidelines of the annual meeting.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan said renewed dialogue between China and the United States will help ease concerns, but he expects competition between the two powers to continue. His remarks reflect cautious optimism among policymakers that talks can stabilise relations, even as underlying economic and strategic rivalry remains unresolved.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed American diplomats abroad to press foreign governments for swift action against Iran, citing what the State Department calls an elevated risk of attack. The directive signals a sharpened US diplomatic posture toward Tehran, with envoys instructed to rally international support for measures aimed at countering the perceived threat.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said a cyclosporiasis outbreak is under control even as at least 1,600 cases have been reported across five US states. The intestinal illness, typically linked to contaminated food or water, has driven renewed scrutiny of the federal response, with critics questioning the assessment given the case count and uncertainty over the outbreak's source.

The race to select the next UN secretary-general is under way, with candidates framed as needing to be a 'mediator-in-chief' for a divided world. Commentary on the contest argues it highlights the multiple crises confronting the United Nations, from wars to institutional gridlock, as member states weigh who can restore the organisation's diplomatic clout.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States has sufficient munitions to sustain its military campaign against Iran 'as long as we need to'. The statement, reported by ABC News, signals Washington's readiness for a prolonged conflict and comes as the war with Iran continues to draw close attention worldwide.

The US Air Force secretary has publicly acknowledged that the United States maintains weapons in space, a rare official confirmation of a capability long rumored. The statement is drawing attention given years of ambiguity around American space-based military systems and ongoing debates about space militarization and arms control.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres met with South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Co-operation at UN headquarters. The meeting is part of regular diplomatic engagements between the UN leadership and member state representatives. No details of the discussion have been released, but such talks typically cover cooperation on peace and security, development priorities, and South Africa's role in African and global affairs.

The Department of Justice has ordered Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore to preserve 2024 election records that contain private voter information. The directive ensures the materials, which include sensitive personal data of voters, remain intact, likely for an ongoing review or investigation. The order puts Rhode Island's election administration under federal scrutiny.

Maine's Secretary of State has issued a public warning about websites and online sources spreading misleading information about elections. Officials are urging voters to verify details through official state channels before trusting or sharing claims they encounter online. The advisory comes amid heightened concern over misinformation affecting voter confidence.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres met with Tunisia's Minister for Foreign Affairs at United Nations headquarters. The meeting is part of the Secretary-General's regular diplomatic engagements with member states. Details of the discussions, including topics such as regional stability or bilateral cooperation, have not been disclosed, and reaction so far has been limited to the official readout of the encounter.

Mississippi's Secretary of State has laid out key information for voters ahead of the midterm election, covering what residents need to know before heading to the polls. The guidance comes as voters across the state prepare to cast ballots, with officials aiming to reduce confusion over registration deadlines, polling places and identification requirements for the vote.

A group of Missouri voters has filed a second class action lawsuit against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, the second such suit brought against him in less than a week. The cases target his conduct in office, though details of the specific claims have not been widely reported. The rapid succession of filings has drawn attention to the growing legal pressure on the state's top election official.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber laid out her case for reelection in a CA Politics 360 interview with KCRA, detailing her record in overseeing the state's elections. She emphasized her administration's work on voter access and election administration as she seeks another term. The interview is part of local coverage of California's statewide races and gives voters a direct look at the incumbent's platform.

Shirley Weber, California's Secretary of State, has laid out her reasons for seeking another term in office. In remarks covered by KCRA, she argued her record in overseeing the state's elections justifies returning her to the post. Weber, a former state assemblywoman who became the first Black person to serve as California's chief elections officer, is campaigning to keep the role as voters weigh her stewardship of election administration in the nation's most populous state.