Midday Brief – 3rd of Oct

Today’s briefing covers new humanitarian funding, international investigations, global health trends, trade technology, law enforcement, disaster preparedness and a missing-person appeal.

Top Stories

1. UN Allocates $160 Million from Central Emergency Response Fund for Underfunded Crises – The United Nations allocated $160 million to provide life-saving assistance in 12 underfunded humanitarian crises across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
2. US and French Authorities Arrest Suspects in Hamas Fundraising Investigation – US and French authorities arrested suspects in an investigation into alleged fundraising and financial support for Hamas.
3. Global Life Expectancy Nearly Rebounds to Pre-Pandemic Levels, WHO Reports – Global life expectancy rose to 73.3 years in 2023, nearly returning to the pre-pandemic level, according to the World Health Organization.
4. WTO Study Examines Stablecoins’ Potential and Risks in International Trade – A World Trade Organization study examines how stablecoins could affect international trade, along with their potential risks.
5. Two Men Charged After Police Seize $1.25 Million in Drugs and Firearms in South-West Sydney – Police charged two men after seizing an estimated $1.25 million in methylamphetamine, three firearms and an active clandestine laboratory in south-west Sydney.
6. European Parliament Intergroup Backs UNDRR Youth Disaster Resilience Campaign – A European Parliament intergroup backed a UN campaign encouraging young people and educators to improve disaster preparedness and school safety.
7. Police Renew Appeal to Locate Missing Elderly Man Last Seen on Mid North Coast – New South Wales police renewed an appeal for information to help locate 81-year-old John Flynn, who went missing on the Mid North Coast.