Weekly News Brief: 12/6/23

Australia Unveils Digital Identity Scheme; Switzerland Also Interested

Australia’s central government has unveiled a digital identity document (ID) scheme that it hopes will be rolled out nationwide by July next year.

Philippines Reeling From Deadly Earthquakes

The Philippines experienced aftershocks Wednesday of powerful earthquakes that impacted the capital, Manila, and other areas of the Asian nation, killing at least three people.

Prayers After Philippines Church Blast Kills 4, Injures Dozens

Christians urged prayers after the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a bomb blast at a church service in the southern Philippines that killed at least four people and injured dozens.

Latest World News Headlines

US Joins COP28 Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy Production and Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 – December 5, 2023

Digital ID Soon Reality For World Population (Worthy News Investigation) – December 5, 2023

23 Feared Dead As Indonesian Volcano Erupts – December 5, 2023

Yemeni Iranian-Backed Houthi Rebels Strike 3 Commercial Ships in Red Sea – December 4, 2023

Venezuelan Referendum Indicates Strong Support for Its Claiming Of An Oil-Rich Region in Guyana – December 4, 2023

Russia Plans 15% Increase in Troop Numbers Amidst Ukraine War and Threats from NATO – December 4, 2023

Ukraine Probing ‘Russians Shooting At Surrendering Troops’ (Worthy News In-Depth) – December 4, 2023

Detained Ex-US Ambassador ‘Was Agent For Cuba’ – December 4, 2023

US Warship, Vessels Under Attack In Red Sea – December 3, 2023

Paris Islamist Attack Kills One, Wounds Two – December 3, 2023

Breaking Israel News

Hamas Weaponized Rape of Israeli Women on Oct. 7, Advocates Say

Following weeks of silence by the United Nations and major women’s rights groups in the face of evidence Hamas used rape as a weapon against Israeli women on Oct. 7, a special meeting was convened at the UN to raise awareness of the issue, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.

Israel Launches Third Phase of Ground Offensive in Gaza: Marking Significant and Intense Period of the Conflict

Thousands of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) infantry and engineering troops, accompanied by armored forces, are currently engaged in combat against Hamas militants in Jabaliya, Shijaiyah, and Khan Younis. The IDF characterizes this as “the most significant and intense combat period since the beginning of the war.”

IDF Will Stay in Gaza Until Hamas Is Destroyed, Hostages Are Returned, Defense Minister Says

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated Monday that IDF forces will stay and keep fighting in the Gaza Strip until Israel’s dual goals of the destruction of Hamas and the return of the Israeli hostages have been achieved, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Released Israeli Hostage Was Held Captive in Gaza by Teacher from United Nations Agency – December 5, 2023

Israel Expands Ground Campaign in Southern Gaza – December 4, 2023

Netanyahu: Palestinian Authority Cannot Lead Gaza Because It Rejects Israel’s Right to Exist – December 4, 2023

Iran Alleges Israeli Airstrikes Near Damascus – December 2, 2023

Israel Destroys Hundreds Of Terror Sites As Truce Collapses – December 2, 2023

Israel Plans to Assassinate Hamas Leaders After War – December 1, 2023

Ceasefire Ends: Simchat Torah War Reignited – December 1, 2023

Breaking U.S. News

FBI Director Says ‘Blinking Lights Everywhere’ as Threat Levels Hit All-Time Highs

On Tuesday, during his testimony before a Congressional Committee, FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that the United States has been confronting unprecedented terrorist threats since the start of the Israel–Hamas conflict in October.

Speaker Johnson’s Firm Stance on Ukraine Funding and Border Security

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La) sent a letter today, reiterating to the Biden Administration that funding for the Ukraine war would not be authorized unless the Biden Administration takes action to address issues at the nation’s border.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Texas Governor Vows to Approve Legislation Empowering Law Enforcement to Arrest Unauthorized Immigrants – December 5, 2023

Over 135 Abortion Clinics Closed Over Past Two Years – December 4, 2023

White House Urges Congress to Act to Approve Funding for Ukraine War – December 4, 2023

Biden’s Immigration Policies Have Resulted in Highest Proportion of Immigrants in U.S. History – December 4, 2023

US: 11 States Under Winter Storm Warnings – December 4, 2023

Texas Must Remove Controversial Floating Barrier in Rio Grande, Federal Court of Appeals Rules – December 4, 2023

US Appeals Court Clears the Way for Lawsuits Against Trump Over US Capitol Attack – December 1, 2023

Breaking Christian News

Prison Sentence Reduced Of Algeria Church Leader

A senior church leader in Algeria has seen his original prison sentence for holding an “unauthorized” church service reduced on appeal, well-informed Christians told Worthy News Wednesday.

Indonesia: Muslims Block Construction of Authorized Christian School In Their Neighborhood

Muslims in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, are blocking a Christian school from being built in their neighborhood despite the school having been granted the requisite building permit by the authorities, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Britain: Nearly a Quarter of Young Adults Would Be Willing to Ban the Bible, Poll Shows

A new poll shows that nearly a quarter of young people in the United Kingdom would ban the Bible if they believed it contained “hate speech,” Christian Today (CT) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Nigeria: Pastor’s Wife Shot Dead by Terrorists in Taraba State – December 1, 2023

Kenya Christians Call for Greater Protection From al-Shabaab Terrorists – December 1, 2023

Christian School Sues Vermont After Being Excluded From Tuition and Sports Programs for its Religious Beliefs on LGBT Issues – November 30, 2023

Nigeria: At Least 10 Christians Slaughtered in Taraba State – November 30, 2023

Abducted German Missionary Priest Released After One Year In Captivity – November 30, 2023

DRC: United Methodist Church is a Symbol of Hope to Internally Displaced Congolese – November 29, 2023

Pakistan: Islamist Murders Christian Man After Claiming to Hate Jews and Christians – November 29, 2023

News from this Week 12/28/22

Breaking World News

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

Taiwan extends mandatory military service amid rising China threat

The mandatory military service in Taiwan has been extended, President Tsai Ing-wen announced on Tuesday.

Serbia Puts Army On High Alert Near Kosovo (Worthy News Radio)

Serbia says it has put the army on high alert near its border with Kosovo while inside Kosovo, Serbs have erected more roadblocks amid escalating tensions. The standoff comes as Serbia and Kosovo accuse each other of preparing for an armed confrontation.

Latest World News Headlines

North Korean drones ‘violate airspace’ – South Korea scrambles fighter jets and and fires warning shots in response – December 26, 2022

Taiwan Claims China Staged Huge Military Incursion – December 26, 2022

Iran to Israel: Strike Our Nuclear Plant, ‘Tel Aviv Will Re Razed to the Ground’ – December 26, 2022

Moscow: ‘Ukraine Attacks Military Deep Inside Russia, Killing 3’ (Worthy News Radio) – December 26, 2022

Ukraine’s president urges Christmas hope despite attacks (Worthy News Radio) – December 25, 2022

Hungary’s Premier: ‘Dissolve EU Parliament’ – December 25, 2022

Russia warns of military confrontation with the United States (Worthy News Radio) – December 25, 2022

Breaking Israel News

As fears for LGBTQ+ rights mount, Israel may appoint first-ever openly gay Knesset speaker

As Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu continues to dole out jobs to fellow lawmakers from his conservative Likud party ahead of the establishment of the new government, it seems increasingly likely that Amir Ohana will be named the next speaker of the Knesset, becoming the first openly gay person to hold the position.

Netanyahu government set for swearing-in Thursday, but hurdles remain

Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu will attempt to swear in his governing coalition of far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties on Thursday, Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin said Monday, with the former premier looking to retake power before a deadline to get his unruly partners in line.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Biblical Siloam Pool next to Temple Mount to be fully excavated – December 27, 2022

Israeli military holds exercise along Lebanon border – December 26, 2022

Netanyahu to freeze annexation for Saudi peace deal – December 25, 2022

Israel’s Christian population grew 2% last year – Central Bureau of Statistics – December 25, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

House Ways and Means Committee to release Trump tax returns on Friday

The House Ways and Means Committee will release former President Donald Trump’s tax returns on Friday, ending a years-long effort by Democrats to force the 45th president to release his personal finances.

Federal Judge Says San Francisco Can’t Clear Homeless Camps

A federal judge has temporarily banned San Francisco from clearing homeless encampments, saying the city violated its own policies by failing to offer other shelter.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Supreme Court temporarily halts termination of Title 42, will hear case in February – December 27, 2022

White House slams migrant buses to veep’s residence despite releasing 1.4 million border crossers – December 26, 2022

Biden Declares Federal Emergency for Bilzzard-Ravaged New York State – December 26, 2022

Powerful Winter Storm Leaves 19 Dead, and nearly 2 Million Without Power – December 25, 2022

Congress will have spent nearly $100 billion on Ukraine war once $1.7T omnibus bill is enacted – December 25, 2022

New DHS data shows border is deteriorating even before end of Title 42 – December 25, 2022

Drug overdose deaths topped 106,000 in 2021, CDC says in final report – December 25, 2022

Breaking Christian News

Iran: Regime warns Chaldean and Assyrian Christians not to participate in anti-government protests

Christians belonging to the Chaldean Catholic Church and Assyrian Church of the East denominations in Iran have been threatened by state security forces not to join the ongoing nationwide anti-regime protests or even to post support for the uprising on social media, on pain of arrests and persecution, the Christian Post reports.

Algeria: Christian convert from Islam imprisoned for three years on account of his faith

An Algerian Christian man has now been sentenced to three years in prison on account of his faith after having been brought back from Tunisia against his will in 2021, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

India: Hindu extremists attack, displace Christians in pre-Christmas riots

Radicalized Hindu nationalists in India’s Chhattisgarh state carried out a series of violent riots earlier this month, attacking Christian communities in 20 villages during the run-up to Christmas, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. 

Latest Christian News Headlines

Scores Of Christians Killed In Nigeria Ahead Of Christmas – December 25, 2022

Myanmar Military Detains Prominent Church Leader As Unrest Spreads – December 24, 2022

Wife Of Jailed Chinese Church Leader Urges Prayers – December 24, 2022

Gallup: 31% of Americans Go to Church Every Week or Almost Every Week – December 22, 2022

Sudan church burned down by suspected Islamic extremist – December 22, 2022

Persecuted Chinese congregation seeks refuge in the US – December 22, 2022

Uganda: Christian teacher and son violently attacked by Muslim extremists, “We survived by the grace of the Lord Jesus” – December 22, 2022

News from this Week 11/16/22

Breaking World News

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

Suspected Russian Missiles Enter NATO State Poland, Killing Two; U.S. Concerned

U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday that he spoke with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda to express “deep condolences for the loss of life in Eastern Poland,” where two people were killed in an alleged Russian missile strike.

Israeli-led study show dramatic decrease in sperm count worldwide

A new peer-reviewed study by Israeli and US scientists shows that sperm counts worldwide have fallen by 62 percent since 1973, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.

UN emblem blue.svg

World population reaches 8 billion with continued increase predicted

The United Nations predicted in a recent report that the world population would reach eight billion people on November 15 this year and around 9.7 billion in 2050, the Associated Press reports.

Latest World News Headlines

Iran may use mass executions to quell anti-hijab protests across country, human rights group warns – November 15, 2022

G20 Tensions Over War In Ukraine (Worthy News Radio) – November 15, 2022

Biden Claims “No New Cold War” With China – November 15, 2022

Moscow Denies Russian Foreign Minister Rushed To Hospital – November 15, 2022

Turkey Detains Scores Of People Over Deadly Istanbul Blast – November 15, 2022

Ukraine’s President Visits Recaptured Kherson As US, Russia Talk (Worthy News Radio) – November 14, 2022

CIA chief meets Russian counterpart in Turkey, warns of consequences if Putin uses nukes in Ukraine – November 14, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Israel Mobilizes Against UN Resolution Calling for Probe of Israel’s ‘Occupation’ in Judea, Samaria

“A prize for terrorist organizations and their campaign against Israel.” That is how outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid characterized a vote last week in the United Nations.

‘400 seconds’ to Tel Aviv: Iranian media publishes Hebrew hypersonic missile threat

Iran’s Sobh-e-Sadegh newspaper published a threat in Hebrew on its front page on Monday, warning that a new Iranian hypersonic missile could reach Israel in 400 seconds.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel abstains from UN vote on Russia-Ukraine reparations – November 14, 2022

Israeli air force attacks Hezbollah and Iranian forces in Syria – November 13, 2022

UN votes 98-17 to take Israel to Int’l Criminal Court, ‘occupation will need to end’ – November 13, 2022

Israeli F-35 jets escort US bombers in show of force to Iran – November 10, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

Trump Again Running For President Despite Controversies

Donald J. Trump announced Tuesday night that he was running for president in 2024 to recapture the White House after raising doubts that he lost the 2020 election.

U.S. Senate poised to vote on protection for same-sex marriage

The U.S. Senate is expected to hold a procedural vote Wednesday on the Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify same-sex marriage rights.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

New York Fed announces test of digital dollar with major banks – November 15, 2022

FBI Director Refuses To Answer Whether Agency Had Sources ‘Dressed As Trump Supporters’ In J6 Riots – November 15, 2022

Nevada Supreme Court rejects petition to stop hand count of county ballots – November 15, 2022

Democrat Overturns Republican Victory in House Seat After Recount – Wins by 1 Vote – November 15, 2022

Georgia judge strikes down six-week abortion ban, declaring it unconstitutional – November 15, 2022

Texas governor declares invasion at border, invokes constitutional powers in historic action – November 15, 2022

Suspect Detained After U.S. University Shooting Kills 3 – November 15, 2022

Breaking Christian News

58 US churches vote to disaffiliate from United Methodist Church over LGBTQ stance

As the US United Methodist Church continues to lose congregations over its acceptance of same-sex marriage and ordination of noncelibate homosexuals, 58 churches in Louisiana officially disaffiliated from the denomination at the weekend, the Christian Post (CP) reports.

Algeria has closed 16 evangelical churches in crackdown on proselytization

A major new report shows the government of Algeria has closed down 16 Evangelical churches in the past year as part of a crackdown on proselytization and perceived blasphemy against Sunni Islam, the Christian Post (CP) reports.

Laos: Pastor murdered on his way to Christian event

A Christian pastor in Laos was tortured before being murdered last month in an attack police was likely on account of his faith, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Nigeria: At least 4,000 Christians killed by Islamic extremists in 2022 alone – November 14, 2022

Christians Kidnapped, Killed In Ethiopia As Clashes Escalate (Worthy News In-Depth) – November 10, 2022

Significant number of churchgoers have not returned to in-person services – November 9, 2022

Myanmar: Burmese army bombs Baptist seminary – November 9, 2022

China: Government officials detain Christian house church leaders and members on false charges – November 9, 2022

Jailed Canadian Pastor acquitted of breaching COVID-19 restrictions on church services – November 8, 2022

Indonesia: Two government officials sign Islamist petition to block church building, violation of Indonesian constitution – November 8, 2022