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On the 24th, the U.S. Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Visa, accusing the company of using its market position in financial debit cards to force merchants and banks to use its payment network, thereby restricting competition and increasing costs for both merchants and consumers, in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, "Through the transactions restricted by Visa’s financial debit cards, the company has generated over $7 billion in network usage fees." This amount far exceeds what could be charged in a competitive market, resulting in higher prices for all goods involved in these transactions.

Deputy Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki also emphasized that "Visa has achieved its monopoly and profits through exclusionary practices and punitive measures, rather than through innovation or normal competition."

Visa is currently the largest payment network operator in the world, handling over 60% of credit transactions in the U.S. The company stated that these allegations are unfounded and that it will directly confront the Department of Justice’s lawsuit in defense.

Two senior Iranian security officials revealed to Reuters that following last week's deadly chain explosion, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has ordered all members to stop using any form of communication devices. This directive came after thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon were found.

According to one of the security officials, the IRGC is conducting a large-scale equipment inspection, which is not limited to communication devices. Most of this equipment is either locally made or imported from China and Russia. Additionally, Iran is concerned about potential infiltration by Israeli agents and is now focusing on mid- and high-level IRGC members, carrying out thorough personal investigations, including reviewing members' and their families' bank accounts and travel histories both within Iran and abroad.

As for how the 190,000-member IRGC communicates, officials did not reveal many details but mentioned that "we are currently using end-to-end encryption technology for communication systems." Furthermore, the IRGC has contacted its ally Hezbollah to conduct a technical evaluation, and the remnants of the explosive devices have been sent to Tehran for examination by Iranian experts.

As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon intensifies, the U.S. State Department on the 21st urged American citizens in Lebanon to leave while commercial flights are still available. The State Department reiterated that U.S. citizens should "depart immediately" from southern Lebanon, areas near the Syrian border, and near refugee settlements.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the State Department stated in its latest advisory: "Given the unpredictability of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, and the recent explosions across Lebanon, including in Beirut, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial options remain available. Commercial flights are still operating, but with reduced capacity. If the security situation worsens, commercial departure options may no longer be available."

In late July, after an Israeli strike in southern Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah commander, the U.S. raised its travel advisory for Lebanon to the highest "Do Not Travel" level.

On the 20th, Israel launched a heavy offensive on southern Lebanon, with airstrikes on Beirut, including parts of Nabatiyeh and the more northern area of Jezzine, claiming to have killed key leaders and other commanders of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force.

Hezbollah responded by firing rockets at at least seven military positions in northern Israel and the annexed Golan Heights, raising concerns of an "all-out war." Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported that 37 people were killed in the attack. Earlier this week, explosives planted in pagers and two-way radios used by Hezbollah detonated, killing dozens and injuring thousands.

Dr. Hong presents several distinguished guests with the "Compass Clocks of Conscience,” reminding people to follow their conscience, seize the moment, and practice goodwill and good deeds in their lives.

Constellation Energy, a U.S. energy company, has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft, planning to restart Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant by 2028 to supply electricity for Microsoft’s AI data centers. This initiative focuses on restarting the Unit 1 reactor, which is expected to provide 835 megawatts of power, sufficient to supply electricity to 700,000 homes.

This move highlights the growing demand for reliable and low-carbon energy among tech companies, particularly with the rapid expansion of AI and cloud computing, which significantly increases power needs. Nuclear energy, known for its stable power output and low carbon emissions, has become an attractive option for companies like Microsoft.

According to reports by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the agreement between Constellation Energy and Microsoft aims to restart Unit 1, which was unaffected by the 1979 meltdown. Constellation Energy noted in a statement that Unit 1 had "operated for decades with industry-leading safety and reliability until it was shut down five years ago due to economic reasons." However, this plan still requires approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the plant’s operation is expected to extend until 2054. Three Mile Island’s Unit 1 was shut down in 2019​.

On the 20th, the Israeli Air Force launched an airstrike against targets in Lebanon, killing Hezbollah's top commander, Ahmad Ali. He was considered one of the core leaders of the organization, significantly influencing Hezbollah's strategic planning and armed activities.

According to Israeli military sources, the airstrike targeted Hezbollah's command center in southern Lebanon, aiming to weaken the organization’s military capabilities. Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion was deafening, causing severe damage to surrounding buildings and prompting local residents to flee in panic. The airstrike resulted in at least 8 deaths and 59 injuries in the area.

Hezbollah subsequently condemned the airstrike and vowed to retaliate against Israel. A spokesperson for the organization stated that Ahmad Ali's death would be viewed as a "historic failure" for Israel and called on supporters to remain vigilant.

This incident has heightened tensions between Israel and Lebanon, drawing concern from the international community. The United Nations urged both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.

Analysts noted that Ahmad Ali's death could have some impact on Hezbollah's internal structure, but the organization’s influence in Lebanon and the surrounding region remains formidable. The future development of the situation warrants continued attention.

On September 18, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted to pass a resolution proposed by Palestine, calling for Israel to withdraw from Gaza within one year and to end its occupation of Palestinian territories, including dismantling parts of the separation wall built in the West Bank. The vote resulted in 124 in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions. While UNGA resolutions are not legally binding, they hold significant political weight internationally. This has put Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a diplomatically isolated position, especially with his planned speech at the UNGA on the 26th.

The resolution is part of the Palestinian National Authority's (PNA) new rights, including UNGA membership and the ability to propose resolutions. The first resolution called for Israel to "immediately end its illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territories."

Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour stated, "We are using the pressure of the international community at the UNGA and the historic ruling of the International Court to compel Israel to change its behavior." He urged countries to vote on the "right side of history" and to uphold international law, freedom, and peace. The Palestinian Islamic group Hamas welcomed the resolution, viewing it as international support for the Palestinian people.

Fourteen countries, including the U.S. and Israel, voted against the resolution. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein criticized it as a "distorted decision" that encourages terrorism and undermines peace, reflecting the cynicism of international politics.

European countries had mixed positions: France, Portugal, Malta, Belgium, Spain, and Norway voted in favor, while Germany, Sweden, Italy, the UK, Austria, and the Netherlands abstained. The Czech Republic and Hungary voted against.

The resolution also called for a halt to the import of any products from Israeli settlements and to stop supplying or transferring weapons, ammunition, and related equipment to Israel, particularly if there is a risk of those weapons being used in Palestinian territories.

Distinguished guests joined Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze for the cake-cutting ceremony during the anniversary celebration of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Pasadena.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Middle East this week with the goal of promoting a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This marks his tenth visit to the region since the outbreak of conflict. As hostilities escalate, resulting in significant civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis, Blinken’s diplomatic efforts have become increasingly urgent.

The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories has intensified, particularly in Gaza, where thousands have lost their lives and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Blinken's visit primarily aimed to hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to seek a lasting ceasefire agreement.

On the first day of his visit, Blinken emphasized U.S. support for Israel while also calling for respect for the rights of civilians. He pointed out that ongoing military actions only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and could have long-term implications for regional stability. He expressed hope that all parties would work together to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Following their meeting, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's security needs, emphasizing that Hamas must cease its attacks to achieve peace. He also thanked the U.S. for its support and pledged to consider the international community's calls for a peaceful resolution.

Blinken then traveled to Egypt for in-depth discussions with el-Sisi. As a key player in the Middle East, Egypt has long played an important role in mediating between Israel and Hamas. El-Sisi indicated that Egypt is willing to continue providing a platform for dialogue among the parties and called on the international community to increase support for humanitarian aid. After their meeting, Blinken and el-Sisi held a joint press conference, reaffirming their commitment to peace. Blinken stressed that the international community must work together to promote dialogue between Israel and Palestine, laying the groundwork for lasting peace.

This visit has attracted significant attention, with experts noting that Blinken's frequent trips reflect the U.S. commitment to the Middle East situation and the urgent need within the international community to address the current crisis. As the regional situation grows more complex, all parties continue to face substantial challenges in their pursuit of peace.

South Korean hospital doctors have been on strike for over six months. In response to a shortage of medical personnel during the Chuseok holiday, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 15th a new guideline for "appropriate reasons for refusing treatment under the Emergency Medical Act." This is the first time emergency rooms are allowed to refuse patients, with specific criteria set for patient rejection, which can continue after the holiday.

According to the new guidelines, if hospitals lack the necessary personnel or equipment to provide emergency care, they can refuse patients. Based on the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS), emergency rooms can turn away patients classified as level 4-5, such as those with mild conditions like colds, gastroenteritis, or diarrhea, without facing penalties. Additionally, emergency staff can refuse treatment if they encounter verbal abuse, threats, or violence.

Reports indicate that during the Chuseok holiday, there was little difference in emergency room activity compared to regular days. However, one male patient who had severed a finger was delayed for two hours before being sent to a hospital 94 kilometers away for surgery due to local medical staff shortages. Another man in his sixties, who injured himself after a family argument, was refused by ten hospitals before finally receiving treatment after more than four hours. South Korean media have reported that this year’s biggest wish for Chuseok is "not to get sick."