Weekly News Brief; 5/10/23

Breaking World News

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

Russian President Says Nation In War With West

Russian President Vladimir Putin used a Victory Day speech on Tuesday to warn that “a war has been unleashed” against Russia in what seemed an attempt to prepare the nation for a change in the narrative about Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. So far, the Kremlin has described its battle against Ukraine only as no more than a “special military operation” aimed at defending Russian interests but limited in scope.

Cleric Lynched In Pakistan Over Muhammad Remarks

An Islamic cleric has been beaten to death by a Muslim mob in northwestern Pakistan after comparing a political candidate to Islam’s prophet Muhammad, Worthy News learned Tuesday.

China: Changsu city to pay public sector workers entirely in digital yuan

As part of a new phase in promoting China’s currency, the Chinese city of Changsu in Jiangsu province has confirmed it will start paying its public sector employees entirely in digital yuan, Asia Nikkei reports.

Latest World News Headlines

Russia Launches Huge Drone Attack On Ukraine – May 9, 2023

Dutch Government Apologizes For Groningen Earthquakes (Worthy News Radio) – May 9, 2023

Myanmar: Military junta releases over 2,000 political prisoners but many thousands, including Christians, remain imprisoned – May 9, 2023

US providing Ukraine $1.2B in military aid ahead of expected spring offensive against Russia – May 9, 2023

Russia’s Wagner Group Stays In Bakhmut, As Ukraine ‘Launches Attacks’ (Worthy News Radio) – May 8, 2023

Senior US official in Saudi Arabia to discuss massive rail project with UAE, India – May 8, 2023

Britain’s King Charles III Crowned – May 7, 2023

Breaking Israel News

‘No terrorist is immune’: Netanyahu says Gaza fighting could last days

After a tense day following Israel’s initiated Shield and Arrow to eliminate Islamic Jihad’s high command in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Tuesday that any escalation on the Palestinians’ part will be “answered with a decisive response.”

Thousands evacuated from Gaza border to Dead Sea hotels

Thousands of Sderot residents were evacuated from the city Tuesday evening, accompanied by members of the Home Front Command as part of Mashav Ruach (Breeze) program, a response to Operation Shield and Arrow launched by the Israel Defense Forces early in the morning. The first phase of the evacuation included hundreds of families leaving on 25 buses. Most of them traveled to hotels in the Dead Sea.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israeli Defense Systems In Wartorn, Ukraine – May 10, 2023

Israeli Eliminates Senior Gaza Terror Leaders in ‘Operation Shield and Arrow’ – May 9, 2023

Hezbollah builds 27 new bases in Lebanon under cover of fake NGO – May 9, 2023

New polls show Gantz still ahead of Netanyahu and Lapid – May 8, 2023

Breaking U.S. News

Biden under pressure as McCarthy, McConnell align on spending reforms tied to debt limit increase

President Biden is under pressure to negotiate with congressional Republicans over the debt limit as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell align on spending reforms in exchange for a debt limit increase.

Jury: ‘Ex-President Trump Sexually Abused Columnist’; Trump Denies Charges

A Manhattan jury comprised of six men and three women concluded Tuesday that former U.S. President Donald J. Trump “sexually abused” a columnist and also held him financially liable for “defaming” her.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Children Among Victims Of Texas Mall Shooting – May 9, 2023

White House says Congress must ‘get to work’ on raising debt ceiling – May 9, 2023

Abbott activates ‘Texas Tactical Border Force,’ 545 more National Guardsmen deployed before Title 42 expires – May 9, 2023

Arizona school district reinstates evangelical student-teachers after Christian university files religious discrimination suit – May 9, 2023

Seven Killed In US As Car Hits Migrants – May 8, 2023

‘Man Who Killed Eight At Mall Identified’ – May 8, 2023

Several Fatalities, Nine Injured In Texas Mall Shooting – May 7, 2023

Breaking Christian News

Nigeria: Two Christian girls abducted by Boko Haram rescued after 9 years in captivity

Two young Christian women in Nigeria have been rescued after being abducted by Boko Haram terrorists over nine years ago, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

India: Six killed and 25 churches burned down in Hindu nationalist violence

At least six people were killed and 25 churches burned down during Hindu nationalist violence in India’s Manipur state this month, Christian Headlines (CH) reports.

India: Dramatic escalation of violence in Manipur, 58 dead, 50 churches burned

Christian leaders in India’s Manipur state have accused the Hindu nationalist government of supporting the violent attacks carried out by ethnic Hindu Meitei rioters, which began last week, and which have now resulted in the destruction of 50 churches and the deaths of 58 people, many of whom were Christians, the Christian Post (CP) reports. 

Latest Christian News Headlines

UK: Court rules against Christian parent who claims primary school indoctrinates small children in LGBT issues – May 9, 2023

‘Raise the Alarm’: How Artificial Intelligence Could Further Terrorize Persecuted Christians Across the Globe – May 8, 2023

Thousands Of Christians Flee Deadly Attacks In India; Churches Torched – May 5, 2023

National Day of Prayer to reach 110 million households: ‘We’re praying for an awakening in America’ – May 5, 2023

Presbyterian Church USA sees ongoing decline in membership, new report shows – May 4, 2023

Christian evangelists at Boston’s SatanCon claim about 100 people converted: ‘We’re in a battle’ – May 4, 2023

US Commission on International Religious Freedom publishes annual report, lists worst violators – May 3, 2023

News from this Week-7/6/22

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

Britain’s Johnson In Crisis As Ministers Resign

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced mounting pressure to resign Tuesday after the finance and health ministers stepped down to protest his leadership style.

Hungary Hosts Religious Jews Fleeing Ukraine

Hungary will host hundreds of religious Jewish refugees from Ukraine who require kosher food, a rabbi says.

Iran: Five dead, dozens injured in magnitude 6.1 earthquake

Five people were killed and 49 others injured when a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Iran’s coastal province of Hormozgan on Saturday, Reuters reports. The region was struck again a short while later by two further earthquakes of over 6.0 magnitude.

Latest World News Headlines

Ukraine: Russia gunning for Donetsk following capture of Luhansk – July 5, 2022

Iran, Russia, China To Run War Drills in Latin America – July 5, 2022

Russian Lawmaker Proposes Declaring U.S. ‘Terrorist State’ – July 5, 2022

Pope Francis Denies Resignation Reports; Wants To Visit Moscow, Kyiv – July 4, 2022

US and Iran likely to try reviving nuke talks after Biden Mideast trip – July 4, 2022

Russia Strikes Massive Oil Reserve In Arctic As War Sends Barrel Price Skyrocketing – July 4, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Hezbollah launches drones toward Israeli gas platform, move criticized by Lebanese government

The IDF on Saturday shot down three drones launched by Iran-backed Lebanese terror group Hezbollah toward an Israeli gas platform, the Washington Times reports.

Gantz: Iran’s maritime activity in Red Sea is ‘most significant’ in a decade

Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Tuesday revealed satellite images he said showed the “most significant” Iranian military maritime activity in the Red Sea in a decade.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Russia demands Israel unconditionally cease its ‘unacceptable’ Syria airstrikes – July 4, 2022

Presbyterian Church Declares Israel’ Apartheid State’ Resembling Nazi-Germany – July 4, 2022

Biden: Visit is meant to integrate Israel in the region – July 1, 2022

Israel’s New PM Facing Security Challenges – July 1, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

U.S. military’s newest weapon against China and Russia: Hot air

The high-altitude inflatables, flying at between 60,000 and 90,000 feet, would be added to the Pentagon’s extensive surveillance network and could eventually be used to track hypersonic weapons.

Justice Department sues Arizona over citizenship voter ID requirements

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Arizona challenging its law that requires proof of citizenship for residents to vote in presidential elections.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Attacks against police skyrocketing across the country; 178 officers shot so far this year – July 5, 2022

6 Killed In Shooting At Chicago Independence Parade – July 4, 2022

Abortion criminalized again in Texas following state Supreme Court intervention – July 4, 2022

Democratic Senators introduce to bill to “crack down” on pro life crisis pregnancy centers – July 4, 2022

US Police Killed Black Man; Violence Feared – July 3, 2022

US Supreme Court Backs Biden On Migration – July 1, 2022

US Supreme Court Curbs Government’s Greenhouse Gas Rules – June 30, 2022

Breaking Christian News

Rights Groups Rank Afghanistan Number 1 in the world for Christian Persecution

International Christian persecution watchdog groups have ranked Afghanistan the number one most dangerous country in the world for believers since the Taliban takeover of the country in August 2021, Christian Today reports.

Iran: Five-year sentences for Christians accused of having “deviant beliefs” upheld

Iranian authorities have upheld the five-year prison sentences handed to each of three Christians convicted of “engaging in propaganda” and sharing “deviant beliefs contrary to Holy Sharia law” through practicing their faith at a house church, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Dutch Village Turns To Christ, ‘New Jerusalem,’ Amid Turmoil (Video) – June 30, 2022

Fulani dressed as police kidnap 6 intercessors from Christian center – June 30, 2022

Diverse reactions to reversal of Roe from US Christian Denominations – June 30, 2022

New study shows engaging with the Bible develops hope and resilience – June 29, 2022

Egypt: Christian faces 5 years imprisonment for private social media content that allegedly insults Islam – June 28, 2022

Burkina Faso: Jihadists murder over 100 Christians; UN/EU condemn attack – June 27, 2022

Pakistan: Christian man in prison for 4 years awaiting trial for blasphemy – June 27, 2022

News from this Week- 6/8/22

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

UN Watchdog Condemns Nuclear Traces In Iran

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has condemned Iran after finding nuclear material at three undeclared sites amid concerns the Islamic nation will soon have atomic weapons.

Iran Removes Two IAEA Surveillance Cameras From Nuclear Facility

Iran removed two surveillance cameras of the International Atomic Energy Agency from one of its nuclear facilities on Wednesday, state television reported, a move that is likely to raise tensions with the UN nuclear watchdog.

FBI seizes retired general’s data, accuses him of being agent for Qatar

A retired Marine Corps general who once led U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan and later publicly backed Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign is facing scrutiny over allegations that he illegally lobbied government officials on behalf of the Persian Gulf nation of Qatar.

Latest World News Headlines

Massive 8.4 Earthquake Hits Russia’s Lake Baikal At Tough Time – June 8, 2022

Developing countries face hunger due to Russian invasion of Ukraine – June 8, 2022

Police Detain Driver After Crashing Car In Berlin Crowd, Killing One – June 8, 2022

American serviceman suspected of deliberately causing blast at US base in Syria – June 8, 2022

Moscow To Annex More Territory In Ukraine – June 8, 2022

Iran Train Derailment Kills Many, Injures Dozens – June 8, 2022

Every cancer patient enters remission after drug trial, study reveals – June 7, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Israel Rejects US-Brokered Peace Talks With Palestinian Authority

Israel has rejected a proposal by U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration to hold a high-level summit with the Palestinian Authority, officials said Wednesday.

Israel makes dramatic upgrades to military plans to attack Iran

In face of Iran’s continued development of a nuclear capability, the Israeli Air Force has developed a new capability to be able to fly its F-35 stealth fighter jets from Israel to the Islamic Republic without requiring mid-air refueling.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Netanyahu in talks to court MK from PM’s party in bid to end government – June 8, 2022

Israel slams UNHRC: ‘Biased one-sided report tainted with hatred for Israel’ – June 7, 2022

Iran threatens to ‘raze Tel Aviv and Haifa’ amid revenge attack concerns – June 7, 2022

Syria reports Israeli attack on Damascus – June 6, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

New York pro-life pregnancy center allegedly ‘firebombed’ by left-wing group, investigation launched

Authorities in New York launched an arson investigation after a pro-life Christian pregnancy center in Buffalo was allegedly targeted by vandals and lit on fire.

Armed Man Detained Near Conservative Judge Kavanaugh

An armed man who made threats against Brett Kavanaugh was detained early Wednesday near the conservative U.S. Supreme Court justice’s Maryland home, the court confirmed.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Idaho Satanic Temple promotes ‘family friendly’ drag dance party with ‘unbaptisms’ – June 7, 2022

US has thrown away 82 million COVID-19 vaccines, CDC – June 7, 2022

Internal Capitol Police review found sweeping intelligence, security failures on Pelosi’s watch – June 7, 2022

Arizona judge declines Republican request to block mail voting – June 6, 2022

Migrant in potentially the largest caravan ever demands Biden keep asylum promise – June 6, 2022

U.S. bars Cuba, Venezuela from Americas summit; Mexican leader sits out – June 6, 2022

Supreme Court abortion case sparks debate over how ruling may impact IVF, fertility industry – June 6, 2022

Breaking Christian News

State Department report highlights constitutional violations of religious freedom in Nigeria

The Nigerian government has actively persecuted religion, contrary to the provision of religious freedom in Nigeria’s constitution, the US State Department found in its Annual Report on International Religious Freedom (IRF) published on June 2.

US State Department publishes annual report on worldwide religious freedom

The US Department of State has now published its 2021 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom, setting out the status of religious freedom in each country in the world, International Christian Concern (ICC reports). The USIRF report to Congress found that a number of countries with poor records on religious freedom had made significant improvements: these countries include Morocco, Taiwan and Iraq, ICC said. However, the situation is extremely severe and/or deteriorating in numerous other countries, including Pakistan and Yemen.

Pakistan Bails Mentally Challenged Christian After 3 Years In Jail

A mentally challenged Christian man has been released on bail after spending three years in a Pakistani jail on trumped-up charges of blasphemy against Islam, his lawyer told Worthy News late Tuesday.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Iran Pastor 10 Years In Jail After Losing Appeal – June 7, 2022

Myanmar: Military junta continues systematic destruction of Christian homes – June 7, 2022

SBC sex abuse survivors release statement proposing immediate reforms – June 7, 2022

India States Detain Pastors Over ‘Forced Conversions,’ Death – June 7, 2022

50 Killed In Nigeria Church Attack – June 6, 2022

India: Christians suffer arrest and imprisonment in Uttar Pradesh, ”Our lives are in danger” – June 6, 2022

Uganda: Youth pastor killed in Islamic terror attack on church – June 6, 2022