Weekly News Brief 1/16/25

Breaking World News

Russia Launches Missiles Drones At Ukraine
Russia launched missiles and drones at Ukrainian energy facilities on Wednesday, one day after Kyiv claimed it carried out its most significant aerial attack of the war on Russian army factories and energy hubs hundreds of kilometers (miles) from the frontline.

Ukraine Launches Largest Aerial Strike on Russian Territory to Date
In its biggest aerial strike against Russia to date, Ukraine fired six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles and UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russian territory overnight on Tuesday, Reuters reports.

Pakistan: Violent Islamist Gang Traps Innocent People Into Blasphemy Charges, Human Rights Lawyers Say
An Islamist gang in Pakistan has targeted and trapped more than 450 people, including Christians, into being wrongfully charged with blasphemy, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

Latest World News Headlines

Russia, Iran To Ink Partnership On Military Cooperation, Trade And Energy – January 14, 2025

NATO Chief: ‘Ukraine Not Strong Enough For Peace Talks With Russia’ (Worthy News Focus) – January 14, 2025

China’s Invasion Barges Signal Potential Invasion of Taiwan – January 14, 2025

Europe Must Tackle Antisemitism as Jews Leave in Thousands, Leader Warns – January 14, 2025

Hungary’s Jews Mourn Star Ágnes Keleti, Olympian and Holocaust Survivor – January 13, 2025

Jewish Community Targeted In Protests Over Egypt Youth’s Death In Italy – January 13, 2025

Islamists Seek To Topple’ Egypt’s Sisi After Ousting Syrian Leader (Worthy News Investigation) – January 12, 2025

Yemen Rocked By Deadly Gas Blast After Houthis Attack US Warship, Tel Aviv – January 12, 2025

Egypt: Archaeologists Uncover 3,600-Year-Old Tombs and Artifacts Near Luxor – January 10, 2025

Iranian General: ‘Ouster Assad Major Defeat For Iran’ (Worthy News In-Depth) – January 9, 2025

Breaking Israel News

Negotatiators From Israel, Hamas Reach Ceasefire
Negotiators from Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, officials said on Wednesday, in the hope of ending the 15-month-war that has killed thousands.

Biden Praises Ceasefire Deal Between Hamas And Israel
After 15 long months of bloodshed in Gaza sparked by the Hamas massacre of 1,200 people in Israel, a hostage and ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel was reached Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said.

Iran Accuses Israel of Placing Explosives in Iranian Centrifuge
Iran’s Vice-President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad Javad ZarMif, has accused Israel of planting explosives in Iranian centrifuge equipment, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Holocaust Survivors Tell Their Stories on 80th Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation – January 14, 2025

Israel’s FireDome Wildfire Defense System May Offer Hope For California – January 14, 2025

Hamas Rebuilding Despite Israeli Attacks (Worthy News Analyse) – January 14, 2025

Hamas-Israel Ceasefire Nearing – January 13, 2025

Palestine Group Launches Global Hunt For Israeli Soldiers (Worthy News Investigation) – January 12, 2025

Israel Advances In-House Weapons Production With Two Major Deals – January 9, 2025

Ancient Mosaic Floor with Deuteronomy Bible Verse Uncovered in Southern Israel – January 9, 2025

Breaking U.S. News

Both Sides Raise Concern of Weaponized Justice Department at Bondi Hearing
Accusations of weaponizing the U.S. Department of Justice were hurled by Republicans and Democrats during the confirmation hearing of Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi Wednesday.

Rubio: U.S. Foreign Policy Must Serve National Interests
Safety, strength and prosperity will be the key objectives of the U.S. Department of State under the second Trump administration, Secretary of State nominee Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said during his confirmation hearing Wednesday.

Republicans Introduce Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act
Republicans in the U.S. Senate and House introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which President-elect Donald Trump has said he will sign.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Over 1,000 Inmates Battle LA Wildfires, Earning Pathways to Firefighting Jobs – January 14, 2025

FBI, DHS Warn of Likely Terrorist Attacks – January 14, 2025

House Passes Bill to Ban Transgender Students from Women’s Sports – January 14, 2025

Republican Lawmakers Introduce Bill To Allow Concealed Carry Across US States – January 13, 2025

Zuckerberg Criticizes Biden’s Social Media Censorship Policy, Ends Fact-Checking Program – January 13, 2025

Supreme Court to Consider Reinstating Preventative Care Insurance Coverage Requirements – January 13, 2025

Death Toll Rising In California Fires – January 12, 2025

Breaking Christian News

Africa: Most Deadliest Region for Christians
Africa remains the deadliest region for Christians, with Nigeria ranking as the country where a Christian is most likely to be killed for his or her faith, according to a new report by the Global Christian Relief (GCR) charity and advocacy group.

YouVersion Bible App Saw Nearly 800,000 Installations on First Sunday of 2025
The hugely popular YouVersion Bible App was installed nearly 800,000 times on January 5 this year alone, the Christian Post reports. Launched in 2008 by the US-based Life.Church ministry, YouVersion is available in 2,100 languages and has been installed on 850 million devices worldwide.

Colombia: Christian Leaders and Family Killed in “Premeditated, Targeted Assassinations”
Two protestant Christian church leaders and three Christian family members were recently assassinated in two premeditated incidents in Colombia, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Nigeria: Two Kidnapped Church Pastors Released Amid Ongoing Violence – January 14, 2025

India: Christian Couple Released on Bail Amid Surge in Persecution – January 14, 2025

India: Christian Woman Stripped and Brutalized by Hindu Nationalists on Boxing Day – January 13, 2025

Dozens Of Christians Killed In Nigeria’s Christmas Season Attacks (Worthy News Focus) – January 13, 2025

US Churches Broken In Fires Keep Faith Amid Flames (Worthy News Focus) – January 12, 2025

India Christians Reeling From Attacks (Worthy News Focus) – January 10, 2025

Nigeria: Christians Warned to Remain on High Alert as Fulani Militias Continue Murderous Rampage in Plateau state – January 10, 2025

Weekly New Brief 8/22/24

Breaking World News

Switzerland Starts Instant Cashless Payments System
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) unveiled a new instant payment system Monday, saying it will bolster the future of cashless payments in Switzerland.

Italian Experts: ‘Evidence About Jesus’ Burial Clothing
Italian researchers have reopened the 600-year-old debate over the Shroud of Turin, the linen cloth that some believe was used to wrap the body of Jesus after his crucifixion.

Netherlands Shaken By Turmoil Over Nord Stream Blasts (Worthy News Radio)
The Netherlands has been shaken by political turmoil over revelations that Dutch government members knew about Ukraine’s involvement in blowing up Nord Stream pipelines transporting Russian natural gas to Europe, even before it happened. Information about the planned sabotage in September 2022 was shared by the Dutch secret service with the United States, officials say, which raised questions about former Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is due to become the secretary general of the NATO military alliance.

Latest World News Headlines

German Chancellor Defends Less Support For Ukraine – August 22, 2024

Study Warns US Army Not Ready For China’s Nuclear Strikes – August 21, 2024

Azerbaijan Joining BRICS Bloc, Raising EU Concerns – August 21, 2024

Anxiety After Taiwan Fires Missiles – August 20, 2024

Ukraine Seeks Peace Talks With Russia, Without Putin – August 20, 2024

US Says Iran Launches Cyber Attacks Against Presidential Candidates – August 19, 2024

Indonesia Christians Pray Amid Massive Earthquake Warning – August 19, 2024

Indonesia’s Independence Day Attracts Sorrow and Hope in Two Nations – August 19, 2024

Egypt holds talks on Middle East Crisis with UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey – August 19, 2024

65 Million People Affected by El Nino Drought in Southern Africa – August 19, 2024

Breaking Israel News

Israel and Hezbollah Escalate Conflict with Cross-Border Fire
Israel Defense Forces bombed several of its arms depots in Lebanon for the second consecutive night, Hezbollah responded by firing over 50 rockets into civilian areas in northern Israel on Wednesday morning.

Hezbollah Fires 50 Rockets at Golan Heights, Hitting Israeli Homes, “This is a Great Miracle that Happened Here”
Continuing a campaign of terror against Israel that it began in solidarity with Hamas’ attack against the Jewish state, the Lebanese Hezbollah terror organization launched 50 rockets at the Golan Heights on Wednesday morning, with several missiles hitting homes, All Israel News (AIN) reports.

‘Hamas Rafah Brigade has been defeated’, Gallant Says
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the defeat of Hamas’ Rafah Brigade during his visit to troops stationed along the Egypt-Gaza Strip border, emphasizing the destruction of over 150 tunnels.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israeli Scientists Discover New Method of Fighting Cancer – August 21, 2024

Deal Increasingly Unlikely as Hamas Accuses U.S. of Bias Toward Israel – August 20, 2024

Israel Prepares Expanded Conflict with Hezbollah As It Destroys Hezbollah Weapons Depots, Hezbollah Fires Over 100 Rockets – August 20, 2024

Israeli Military Recovers Bodies Of 6 Hostages – August 20, 2024

Blinken: ‘Israel Accepts US Ceasefire Proposal For Gaza’ – August 19, 2024

Jerusalem: Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Artefacts From Jesus’ Time – August 19, 2024

Ceasefire Unlikely As Hamas Refuses To Accept Demilitarization of Gaza – August 18, 2024

Breaking U.S. News

SCOTUS Declines to Enforce Protections for LGBTQ Public School Students
The US Supreme Court last week (August 16) rejected a request by the Biden administration to enforce a new federal rule that Title IX’s prohibition of discrimination in public schools “on the basis of sex” includes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, Reuters reports.

Pro-life Democrats Condemn Planned Parenthood Mobile Abortion Clinic Outside DNC, “It Overlooks the Need to Provide Support for a Pregnant Woman”
The Democrats for Life anti-abortion organization has vehemently condemned the Planned Parenthood abortion provider for offering free abortion pills from a mobile van parked near the ongoing Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Abortion giant Planned Parenthood Great Rivers in St. Louis announced last week that its mobile van would be parked near the DNC on Monday and Tuesday, the first two days of this week’s convention.

US Job Market Faces Largest Revision Since 2009, with 818K Fewer Jobs Than Previously Reported
The government acknowledged that job creation was significantly slower than initially reported on Wednesday, cutting over 800,000 jobs from previous figures. This admission came just 24 hours before Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for president.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

More Inflationary Woes: Credit Card Debt Hits Record $1.14 Trillion – August 21, 2024

March Outside Israeli Consulate Leads to Confrontation, Arrests – August 21, 2024

Obamas Headline Night Two of the DNC, Harris Skips to Stump in Wisconsin – August 21, 2024

Biden Explains Why He Dropped Out of Presidential Race – August 20, 2024

RFK Jr’s Campaign Considers “Joining Forces With Trump” to Avoid Risk of a Harris/Walz Presidency – August 20, 2024

Tearful Biden Admits Mistakes In DNC Speech Amid Pro-Palestine Protests – August 20, 2024

Protesters Get Police, Democratic Officials’ Attention During DNC in Chicago – August 19, 2024

Breaking Christian News

Whereabouts of Abducted Pastor and 13-Year-Old Daughter Are Not Known Despite Ransom Payment
The fate of a Protestant pastor and his 13-year-old daughter who were abducted in Gusau, northwestern Nigeria last month is not known, despite a ransom having been paid for their release, Christian Daily International (CDI) reports.

Nicaragua: Government Shuts Down Hundreds of Evangelical NGOs
In a move seen as punishment for not aligning with Nicaragua’s authoritarian communist regime, Nicaraguan authorities have revoked the legal status of hundreds of evangelical NGOs and transferred their assets to the state, CBN News reports. 

India: Uttar Pradesh Police Arrested Over 1,600 People on Anti-Conversion Charges in Last Four Years
In the last four years, authorities in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state arrested 1,682, people under an extreme anti-conversion law designed to suppress non-Hindu religious freedom, the International Christian Concern (ICC) advocacy organization reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Turkmenistan Pastor Facing Threats, Arrest – August 20, 2024

Nicaragua: Six Christian Women Imprisoned for Their Faith – August 19, 2024

Attacked Pakistani Christian Widow Detained For Blasphemy – August 18, 2024

Afghanistan: The Church Is In a “Precarious” Position on Third Anniversary of Taliban Takeover – August 15, 2024

Iran Denies Jailed Christian Woman Psychological Care – August 15, 2024

Nigeria Government Continues to Tolerate Extreme Human Rights Abuses by Islamic Militants, USCIRF Report – August 15, 2024

Christian Ministries Report Revival in the Islamic World, ‘One Million Iranians Have Turned to Christ’ – August 14, 2024

Weekly News Brief: 6/26/24

Breaking World News

International Court Indicts Top Russia Officials

The International Court of Justice (ICC) has indicted Russia’s former defense minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, chief of the staff of the Russian Armed Forces, for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

WikiLeaks’ Assange Pleading Guilty For Espionage
Julian Assange, the founder of the secrets-leaking website WikiLeaks, was freed by a court on the U.S. Pacific island territory of Saipan on Wednesday after pleading guilty to violating U.S. espionage law in a deal that will see him return home to Australia.

Several Killed As Crowd Storms Kenya Parliament
Kenya’s president condemned the deadly storming of parliament on Tuesday, the most direct assault on the government in decades, and said it was “a national security threat.”

Latest World News Headlines

EU Membership Talks With War-torn Ukraine – June 25, 2024

Africa Has Seen a Massive Surge in Islamic Jihadist Terrorism Since 2008, Top US General says – June 25, 2024

Wikileaks Says Jailed Founder Assange Left Britain After Striking Plea Deal With US – June 25, 2024

Dozens Killed In China Flooding – June 25, 2024

Hungary Fumes Over EU’s Use Of Russian Assets To Buy Weapons For Ukraine – June 25, 2024

Iran Enhances Underground Nuclear ‘Bunker’, Heightening Fears of Accelerated Weapons Development – June 24, 2024

Hungary Under US, EU Pressure Over LGTBQ+ Policies – June 24, 2024

Russia’s Dagestan Region Mourning As 19 Are Killed at Churches, Synagogues (Worthy News Radio) – June 24, 2024

Drone, Missile Strikes Kill Numerous People In Russia and Ukraine (Worthy News Radio) – June 23, 2024

15 Police Killed, 12 Injured In Shooting At Russian Synagogues and Churches (Worthy News In-Depth) – June 23, 2024

Breaking Israel News

Israel Court: ‘Ultra-Orthodox Must Serve In Army’ (Worthy News Focus)
In a historic move, Israel’s High Court of Justice has decided that the state must draft ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the army, prompting government anger but praise from the opposition.

Gallant Tells US: “Time Is Running Out” to Prevent Iran From Obtaining a Nuclear Bomb
Israel’s Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant has told US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that “time is running out” to stop Iran, the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism, from obtaining a nuclear bomb, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.

Wife of Israeli PM Accuses Israeli Army Chiefs Of ‘Coup’ Against Her Husband, Sources Say
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, has accused military chiefs of “attempting to carry out a coup against her husband,” Israeli sources say.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Hezbollah Is Using Beirut Civilian Airport to Store Iran-Made Weapons For Use Against Israel – June 25, 2024

U.S. Military Chief Doubts Ability to Support Israel in Conflict with Hezbollah – June 24, 2024

Netanyahu: Intense Rafah Military Operation Against Hamas Nearing End, Shifts Focus to Hezbollah – June 24, 2024

Armenia Officially Recognizes State of Palestine, Reprimanded by Israel – June 24, 2024

Thousands of Iran-Backed Fighters Ready to Join Hezbollah in All-Out War Against Israel – June 24, 2024

Netanyahu Points to ‘Dramatic Drop’ in U.S. Arms Deliveries – June 23, 2024

U.S. Aircraft Carrier Strike Group Positioned in Mediterranean Sea Amid Tensions with Lebanon – June 23, 2024

Breaking U.S. News

Feds Can’t Find Foreign Nationals Released Into US As Terrorism Threats Heightened
Nine months after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General expressed alarm that under the Biden administration, DHS agencies couldn’t locate where illegal foreign nationals were after they released them into the U.S., ongoing problems persist and terrorism threats are heightened.

Louisiana: Families File Suit to Challenge Law Requiring the Ten Commandments to be Displayed in K-College Classrooms
Several families, including clergy, are suing the state of Louisiana over a new law that requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in an “easy-to-read, poster-sized” format in all public classrooms from kindergarten to colleges, Reuters reports.

Supreme Court Sides With Biden Administration Over Online Free Speech
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court decided in a landmark case that the Biden administration may pressure social media companies to restrict content it considers harmful, including topics related to COVID-19 and election security, in order to censor speech on the internet.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

US House Passes Bill to End Persecution of Falun Gong in China, Targets Forced Organ Harvesting – June 26, 2024

Judge Keeps Trump Under Partial Gag Order Ahead of Sentencing – June 25, 2024

Federal Judges Block Biden’s Plan to End Student Loan Repayments – June 25, 2024

Trump Encourages Christians to Vote, Supports Displaying Ten Commandments in Schools – June 24, 2024

Supreme Court Decision on Presidential Immunity Looms Large – June 24, 2024

Trump Calls for Drug Tests Before First Presidential Debate – June 24, 2024

Supreme Court Will Hear Tennessee Gender-Affirming Care Ban Case – June 24, 2024

Breaking Christian News

Pakistan: Court grants Bail to 52 Islamists Accused of Lynching Elderly Christian, “There’s Very Little Hope for Justice for the Victim”
Following reported pressure from a powerful hardline Islamic group, a court in Punjab Province, Pakistan last week granted bail to 52 Islamists accused of lynching 74-year-old Nazeer Masih Gill in Sargodha on May 25 over false blasphemy accusations, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

Laos Detains Devoted Christian Villagers (Worthy News In-depth)
There was concern Tuesday about the plight of a Lao church leader and five other Christians who were detained in central Laos amid a crackdown on Christian worship in the openly communist Asian nation, representatives told Worthy News.

India: Rajasthan State Considering Implementation of Anti-Conversion Law
Lawmakers in India’s Rajasthan state are considering approving the type of anti-conversion law that has led to the intense persecution of Christians and other non-Hindus in Indian states that already have such legislation.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Iran: Five Christian Converts Sentenced to Prison Terms on Unspecified Charges, “Conversion From Islam to Christianity is Illegal in Iran” – June 25, 2024

Christians In Kyrgyzstan Fear More Hostilities Despite Law Rejection (Worthy News Focus) – June 24, 2024

Fire Hits Nigeria’s Christ Embassy Megachurch After Controversies – June 24, 2024

Christian Sports Ministry to distribute 200,000 Bibles – June 24, 2024

Iraq Forcing Christian Woman To Convert To Islam – June 22, 2024

Mob Kills Man In Pakistan For Koran ‘Desecration’ – June 21, 2024

Bodies Found Of Murdered Christian Passengers In Nigeria – June 20, 2024

World news Brief 3/28/24

Breaking World News

The following news is taken in whole or part from Worthy News Ministries.

China Threatens Taiwan With More Jets And Ships (Worthy News Focus)
Taiwan’s defense ministry said Thursday that 20 Chinese fighter jets and eight warships were seen over the past 24 hours around the democratically-ruled island, the highest number in days.

Beijing Condemns US British Attacks
Beijing has condemned the United States and Britain for imposing sanctions over alleged Chinese government-backed cyberattacks affecting millions of people.

US Tech Giant Unveiling Eerily Life-Like Robots; Churches Critical About AI
U.S. tech giant Nvidia has unveiled an eerily life-like robot that, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), will assist people, including with “work that humans do not want to do” despite ethical concerns.

Latest World News Headlines

Britain’s Cancer-Suffering Princess Thankful For Prayers, Support – March 26, 2024

People Soon Paying With Hand, Face And Eyes – March 25, 2024

Italy, France Raise Terror Alert After ISIS Claims Moscow Attacks (Worthy News Alert) – March 25, 2024

Russia Mourning Worst Terror Attack In Decades – March 25, 2024

EU To Use Frozen Assets For Wartorn Ukraine – March 25, 2024

Russia Violates Polish Airspace As It Attacks Ukraine; Russian Ships Also Hit – March 24, 2024

Putin Suggests Ukraine Involved In Moscow Shootings That Killed 133 People (Worthy News In-Depth) – March 24, 2024

Israel, US Condemn Moscow Massacre As World Reacts – March 23, 2024

‘Ukraine Behind Moscow Massacre’ Russia’s Putin Suggests (Worthy News Radio) – March 23, 2024

Islamic State Claims Moscow Massacre; Scores Killed, Many Injured In Concert Hall (Worthy News Alert) – March 22, 2024

Breaking Israel News

Israel Condemns US Role In UN Ceasefire Resolution
Israel’s Foreign Minister has condemned the U.S. decision to withhold a veto on a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for “an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” saying it will make it more difficult to free hostages.

Israel Ready To Release Hundreds Of Palestinians For 40 Hostages; Hamas Wants More
Israel has agreed to release “some 700-800 Palestinian prisoners” in return for 40 hostages as part of a temporary ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, but Hamas rejected the deal, several Israeli sources said Wednesday.

Israel Has No “Moral Right” To Cease War Against Hamas, Defense Minister Says
As Israel’s strongest ally, the United States, has now joined the European Union and the UN in demanding an immediate ceasefire in the war against Hamas, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Monday that Jerusalem has “no moral right” to stop fighting before it has completely dismantled the Palestinian terror group’s capabilities in Gaza, Israel365 News reports.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel Strikes Lebanon and Syria As It Prepares For War In the North – March 27, 2024

Israel: ‘EU Plans On Palestinian Statehood ‘Rewards Terrorism’ – March 26, 2024

Netanyahu Calls Off Delegation to U.S. After UNSC Vote – March 25, 2024

UN Security Council Passes Resolution Calling For An “Immediate Ceasefire” in Gaza (Worthy News Alert) – March 25, 2024

Netanyahu Tells Blinken, Israel Will Finish the Job With Or Without U.S. Support – March 22, 2024

Russia, China Veto US Ceasefire Resolution For Gaza – March 22, 2024

IDF Confirms Houthi Cruise Missile Landed In Israel – March 21, 2024

Breaking U.S. News

USA: Just Three In Ten Americans Attend Weekly Religious Services, Poll
A new poll by Gallup shows that just 30% of Americans attend a religious service every week or nearly every week in 2024, compared to an average of 42% attending every week or nearly every week twenty years ago.

Bridge: Experts Expect Regional Economic Impact In, Near Baltimore
The closure of the Port of Baltimore caused by the ship collision that collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge will likely have a greater impact on the local economy, but the ultimate strain may be on increased and longer ground transport, according to supply chain experts.

Six Feared Dead In Baltimore Bridge Collapse, Governor Urges Prayers
Authorities said Tuesday that emergency workers were suspending the search for six people missing after a major bridge collapsed in the city of Baltimore in the U.S. state of Maryland.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

USA: Number Of Self-Managed Medical Abortions Increased Substantially Following Revocation Of Federal Right To Abortion – March 26, 2024

Baltimore Bridge Collapses After Cargo Ship Hit – March 26, 2024

Former U.S. President Wins Request To Reduce Bond To $175 Million – March 25, 2024

More Than 11 million Have Illegally Entered U.S. Since Fiscal 2021 – March 25, 2024

Gay Couples Soon To Have Children As Scientists Create Human Embryos – March 25, 2024

Biden Signs $1.2 Trillion Budget Bill Funding Government Through Fiscal Year – March 23, 2024

Over 256,000 Illegal Border Crossers In February, Highest For The Month In History – March 23, 2024

Breaking Christian News

Nigeria: Gunmen Slaughter A Pastor And Five Farmers In Nasarawa State, “A Trail of Grief and Trauma”
As the slaughter of Christians by Islamic extremists in Nigeria continues unabated and with impunity, unidentified gunmen murdered six people, including a pastor, in Nasarawa state in the north of the country at the weekend, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Vietnam: Evangelical Pastor Found Dead After Encounter With Police
A Vietnamese evangelical pastor whose body was found hanging in a cemetery in Vietnam’s Dak Lak Province is believed by local Christians to have been killed by government authorities who had forced him to renounce his faith in Christ and leave his church, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Nigeria: Two Public Universities Ban Christian Meetings On Campus But Allow Islamic Religious Activity
As Nigeria’s government turns a blind eye to the slaughter of tens of thousands of the nation’s Christians by Islamic jihadists, authorities in Katsina state are being sued for banning Christian groups from meeting and worshiping on two university campuses, Premier Christian News (PCN) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Haiti: Christian Ministry Attacked By Armed Gang – March 26, 2024

India: Mob of 200 Hindus Attack Methodist Church in Telangana State, Five Christians Arrested – March 25, 2024

Kenya: Former Muslim Evangelist Murdered for Leading Muslims to Christ – March 25, 2024

3-Day Evangelistic Event On U.S. Southern Border: “Jesus Is The Only Answer” – March 25, 2024

Report: Almost Every Country In The World Imposed Restrictions On Religion In 2021 – March 25, 2024

India: Persecuted Christian Couple Forced Into Hiding, “I Will Not Renounce Christ” – March 21, 2024

Christian Ministry Serves Thousands Of Ukrainian Refugees In Moldova, “Pray For Us” – March 20, 2024

Weekly News Brief: 2/8/24

U.S. Airstrike Kills Top Commander of Iranian Backed Militia Group in Iraq


According to US officials, a drone strike carried out by the US in Baghdad resulted in the deaths of three individuals associated with the Iranian-backed Kata’ib Hezbollah militia organization, among them the leader of the group’s activities in Syria.

Pakistan Blast Kills Dozens Ahead Of Elections


Two bomb explosions have killed at least 22 people in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on the eve of general elections, officials say.

Dutch Coalition Talks With Anti-Islam Party Collapse


The hopes of the anti-Islam Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders’ to become prime minister of the Netherlands were dwindling Wednesday after coalition talks collapsed.

Latest World News Headlines

New Report Details Iran Closer Than Ever To Building a Nuclear Weapons – February 6, 2024

China-Born Australian Activist Sentenced To Death – February 6, 2024

Australia Rushing To Become World’s First Functionally Cashless Society – February 6, 2024

Grandson Munich Massacre Victim Hospitalized After Anti-Jewish Attack In Berlin – February 6, 2024

Hungary Refuses To Ratify Sweden’s NATO Membership – February 6, 2024

Charles III Diagnosed With Cancer, Suspends Public Duties – February 5, 2024

Iran Building a New Nuclear Reactor In Isfahan – February 5, 2024

Iran to Participate in Joint Naval Exercises with Russia and China – February 5, 2024

Russia: Ukraine Kills Dozens In Bakery – February 5, 2024

Europe Sees Massive Farmers’ Unrest – February 5, 2024

Breaking Israel News

IDF Says Iran Transferred $150 Million To Hamas, “They Invested the Money In Their Personal Survival”


The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has disclosed that Iran’s Islamic regime has transferred more than $150 million to the Hamas Palestinian terror organization, i24News reports. The disclosure is consistent with a 2021 report by the US State Department that Iran is the “leading state sponsor of terrorism.”

Israel Hits Syria, Killing Several Soldiers


Several civilians were killed and injured in an Israeli strike on Syria’s Homs area, Syrian officials said Wednesday.

U.K. Signals It May Recognize Palestinian State After Gaza War


During a visit to Lebanon, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated achieving peace would be unattainable as long as Hamas controlled Gaza. However, he emphasized that offering Palestinians the opportunity for statehood was “absolutely vital for the long-term peace and security of the region.”

Latest Israel News Headlines

US Considers Aiding Gaza Palestinians Through Other Agencies Amid Continuing Suspension of UNRWA Funding – February 6, 2024

Israel Defense Minister States Over 50% of Hamas Beaten – February 5, 2024

Netherlands Drops Medical Supplies Over Gaza – February 5, 2024

IDF Strikes 3,000 Hezbollah Sites in Lebanon and Syria So Far – February 4, 2024

Hamas ‘Unlikely’ To Reject Hostage Deal; ‘Will Demand War Ends’ As Battles Rage (Worthy News In-Depth) – February 2, 2024

Hostages Freed In Turkey As Police Detain Armed Man Protesting Israel’s War in Gaza – February 1, 2024

‘Biden Doctrine’: Steps to Unilaterally Recognize Palestinian State Despite Israel Opposition – February 1, 2024

Breaking U.S. News

SCOTUS To Hear Arguments In Trump’s Disqualification From Election Ballots Case


The US Supreme Court will today hear arguments over whether states can remove former president Donald Trump from 2024 presidential election ballots because of his conduct before and during the breach of the US Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021.

Federal Interest Costs to Hit Record in Two Years, CBO Says


The federal government is on track to spend $1.6 trillion more than it brings in this fiscal year with new projections published Wednesday showing federal spending is projected to remain unsustainable in the decades to come. 

Senate Border Bill Fails, Ukraine Funding Vote Expected


A $118 billion deal that combined a batch of foreign funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with a slew of controversial border provisions failed in the U.S. Senate Wednesday. The text of that bill was unveiled Sunday, but support imploded almost immediately.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

U.S. House Votes Against Impeaching Mayorkas – February 6, 2024

Speaker Johnson Criticizes Biden For Turning Its Back on Israel – February 6, 2024

Trump Doesn’t Have Presidential Immunity, Federal Appeals Court Says – February 6, 2024

U.S. House Begins Debate on Mayorkas Impeachment Articles – February 6, 2024

State of Emergency Declared in California As State Hit With Historic Storm – February 5, 2024

Six Pro-Life Activists Face Up to 10 Years in Prison For Protest Outside Abortion Clinic In Tennessee – February 5, 2024

‘Don’t Fall For It’: Trump Blasts Senate Border Bill – February 5, 2024

Breaking Christian News

Global South Has The Most Christians, Asia Has Fastest Growing Christian Populations, Report Shows
A recent report on the status of Christianity around the world shows that – despite intense persecution in many countries there – the largest number of Christians are in the Global South, and that Asia (five regions) has the fastest growing Christian populations of all. Titled ‘Status of Global Christianity, 2024, in the Context of 1900–2050,’ the report was published by the US-based Center for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC).

Pakistan: Islamic Man Attacks Two Christian Women With Ax, Attempts Rape
A spate of extremely violent attacks on Christians in Pakistan’s Punjab Province was manifest again when a Muslim man attacked two Christian women with an ax and attempted to rape one of them last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

North Korea Has Imprisoned Tens Of Thousands Of Christians In Extreme Labor Camps, Global Ministries Say
Two US Christian aid and advocacy organizations have reported that North Korea’s government is so hostile to Christians that it has imprisoned tens of thousands of believers in labor camps described as “comparable to Nazi death camps.”

Latest Christian News Headlines

Vietnam: Christian Man Sentenced To 4 1/2 Years Imprisonment For Home Prayer Meeting, “Part of a Wider Pattern” – February 7, 2024

“Multiplied:” Pioneering Film Documenting Christianity Around The World, “Christianity Is Exploding” – February 7, 2024

India: Aid Group Assists 50 Persecuted Christian Farmers Attacked by Hindu Nationalists – February 6, 2024

Historic Christian Community Dwindling In Iraq – February 6, 2024

UN Asks Hungary’s Advice On Persecuted Christians – February 5, 2024

Pakistan: Christian Brothers Tortured, Forced to Confess Allegiance to Islam or Die – February 5, 2024

Islamists Attack DRC Church, Villages, Killing 8; Dozens Kidnapped – February 2, 2024

Weekly News Brief 1/17/24

The following news is taken in whole or part from Worthy News Ministries.

IMF Reports 40% of Jobs Could Be Replaced by Artificial Intelligence


The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that approximately 40% of jobs worldwide by the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). The IMF also warned that this technological shift in the global job market would intensify social inequalities and potentially lead to increased social unrest.

US Navy Intercepts Iranian Weapons Destined for Houthi Rebels in Yemen During Mission Where Two Seals Went Missing


U.S. Navy SEALs recently intercepted a vessel carrying Iranian-made missile components and other armaments intended for Yemen’s Houthi rebels. During this operation, conducted last week, two SEALs were reported missing, according to a statement released by the U.S. military on Tuesday.

Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles Into Sites in Syria, Iraq
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for an attack on what they referred to as Israel’s “intelligence center” in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, the Iranian state media reported on Monday.

Latest World News Headlines

Britain Warns Houthis Of Further Western Strikes After US Ship Is Hit – January 15, 2024

US Jet Shoots Down Houthi Missile As Fighting Intensifies – January 15, 2024

Dutch Mosques Demand Koran Burning Ban – January 14, 2024

Britain Detains 6 Over Plot To Attack Stock Exchange – January 14, 2024

Frederik X, Now King of Denmark After Historic Succession (Worthy News Radio) – January 14, 2024

‘Disease X’ 20 Times Deadlier Than COVID-19’ – January 14, 2024

Dutchman Sabotaged Iran’s Nuclear Program’ Causing Turmoil – January 14, 2024

Lai Ching-te Elected Taiwan’s President Despite China’s Threats – January 14, 2024

EU Turmoil Over Nazi Events And Plot To Deport Millions (Worthy News Focus) – January 12, 2024

Mideast War Near As Iran-Backed Groups Vow To Attack US, Allies – January 12, 2024

Breaking Israel News

Battles Rage Despite Hamas-Israel Aid Deal


Battles raged between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip even after both agreed on delivering medicines to Israeli hostages and aid to Palestinians in the war-ravaged territory.

Qatar Facilitates Deal for Israel and Hamas to Transfer Medical Aid to Hostages in Gaza


The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared on the social media platform X that a groundbreaking agreement has been successfully brokered between Israel and Hamas, facilitating the delivery of medical supplies for hostages held by the terrorist organization.

Hamas Tunnel Network Spanned Hundreds of Miles Under Gaza


The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the tunnel network built by Hamas under the Gaza Strip is far more extensive than previously thought, spanning between 350 and 450 miles, significantly larger than the original estimate of 250 miles given in December.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Hamas Announces Death Of Two Hostages, Blames Israel – January 16, 2024

Hamas Leader Calls on Muslims Worldwide to Liberate Jerusalem – January 15, 2024

Terror Attack Kills 1, Injures Dozen In Israel – January 15, 2024

Turkey Detains Israeli Soccer Player For Remembering Hamas Massacre – January 15, 2024

Hamas Posting Video Of Hostages As Biden Pledges Support – January 14, 2024

Hamas Warns ‘Many Israeli Hostages Killed’ – January 14, 2024

Israel Vows Victory On 100th Day Of War Against Hamas – January 14, 2024

Breaking U.S. News

Alabama Can Enforce Ban On Sex Change Treatments For Minors, Appeals Court Rules


A court of appeals has ruled that Alabama can at least temporarily enforce a law that bans sex change treatments, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for minors, CBN News reports. A full trial on the constitutionality of the ban is set for August 2024.

All US States Except One Have Seen An Increase In Gender Dysphoria Diagnoses, Report Shows

A new study shows that every US state except South Dakota has seen a rise in the number of patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria in the last few years, the Christian Post (CP) reports.

Senate Rejects Bernie Sanders Resolution To Condition Aid to Israel To Human Rights Record


On Tuesday, the US Senate rejected Senator Bernie Sanders’ resolution to conditionally suspend all US security aid to Israel. The military aid was to be contingent on a State Department report, due within 30 days, to investigate potential human rights violations by Israel in its war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

‘Only Getting Started’: Trump Full Steam Ahead, DeSantis Faltering As Primary Moves Forward – January 16, 2024

Trump Wins Iowa Handily, Calls For Party Unity as GOP Primaries Continue – January 15, 2024

News networks call Iowa for Trump 30 minutes into caucuses – January 15, 2024

Antisemitic Incidents Increased in US 360% After Hamas Attacked Israel – January 15, 2024

Arctic Cold Blast Could Smash Records as Millions of Americans Face Below-Zero Temperatures – January 15, 2024

Congress Prepares for Vote on Stopgap Bill to Prevent Partial Shutdown Next Week – January 14, 2024

Texas Transports Over 100,000 Foreign Nationals to ‘Sanctuary Cities’ – January 14, 2024

Breaking Christian News

Armed Palestinians Attack Christian Holy Site in West Bank


A mob of armed Palestinians in the West Bank targeted and extensively damaged Jacob’s Well, a Christian holy site in Nablus (Shechem), on Sunday night, the Tazpit Press Service (TPS) reports. Christian tradition holds that the site of the well was purchased by the Biblical Patriarch Jacob and is referred to in the New Testament as the Well of Sychar.

Nigeria: Mass Slaughter of Christians Continues Unabated, “A Trail of Grief and Trauma”


Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists slaughtered 10 more Nigerian Christians during coordinated attacks on three villages in central Nigeria’s Benue state on Jan. 7, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

India: Christian Watchdog Group Reports Surge in Violence Against Believers


A watchdog group which monitors persecution against Christians in India has reported a surge in violent incidents against believers there, Christian Today India (CTI) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Iranian Converts Start New Year Behind Bars – January 17, 2024

Wycliffe Associates Receives a Boost from Volunteers in Orlando and Elsewhere As Organization Looks to Accelerate Bible Translation Efforts Worldwide – January 16, 2024

US: 100,000 Young People Attend Gospel Events to Mark New Year – January 16, 2024

US Designates Pakistan as a “Country of Particular Concern” for Violating Religious Freedom – January 16, 2024

Baptist Missionaries See Nearly 5,000 People Respond to the Gospel in Cuba – January 16, 2024

Decision Point Founder, Warren Willis Passes Away – January 16, 2024

Nigeria: Boko Haram Murder 15 Christians, Kidnap Young Girl in Borno State – January 15, 2024