1. Pope Benedict told diplomats at the United Nations that promoting human rights is the best way to bring equality and security to the world. The Pope is also visiting a synagogue on the first day of the New York leg of his US trip.

2. A magnitude 5.2 earthquake rattled much of the Midwest early this morning. But there wasn’t major damage or injuries that occurred along the fault line responsible for a series of major earthquakes in the early 1800s.

3. The Canadian government has labeled a common ingredient in water bottles dangerous. The rule has put pressure on the US government and retailers to stop carrying items with bisphenol A. Wal-Mark says it plans to be BPA-free by next year.

4. Snickers, the cocker spaniel is on his way to a new home after being abandoned on a remote Pacific island for four months. The ship that rescued his owners wouldn’t take the animal, but cruise ship workers and others banded together to rescue him in style.