Weekly News Brief 6/8/23

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Breaking World News

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

NATO to hold largest ever European air drills over Germany

Germany is set to host NATO’s largest air force deployment over Europe in the alliance’s history, officials said on Wednesday.

Blinken visits Saudi Arabia to expand Abraham Accords

Three years after the signing of the Abraham Accords, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday on a mission to steady Washington’s relationship with Riyadh after Biden’s insulting 2021 election statements, ongoing oil disagreements, and disputes on Iran policy.

Flooding Threatens Tens of Thousands in Ukraine (Worthy News Radio)

Kyiv pleaded for international help on Wednesday as tens of thousands of people were at risk of drowning following the collapse of a gigantic dam in a Russian-occupied region of southern Ukraine.

Latest World News Headlines

French Pension Reform Protesters Storm Olympic Headquarters – June 7, 2023

US and Israel outraged as Iran elected rapporteur to UN international security committee, “UN has reached a new low” – June 6, 2023

Kyiv Says Russia ‘Blew Up Dam’ As Thousands Flee Flooding (Worthy News Radio) – June 6, 2023

Turkish Re-elected President Hopes To Tackle Economic Crisis – June 6, 2023

Russia Says It Prevented Ukraine Offensive Killing 250 Troops – June 6, 2023

Iran to reopen embassy in Saudi Arabia following years of severed diplomatic ties – June 5, 2023

Serbia Soul Searching After Rally Over Shootings – June 5, 2023

Breaking Israel News

Ministers’ hawkish posture suggests Netanyahu would have votes to strike Iran

If Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant present the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet with a plan to strike Iran, it would pass by a large majority, unlike the situation 10 years ago, when Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Ehud Barak could not get such support in that forum.

Israel conducts first drone air taxi test

Israel carried out its first drone air taxi test this week, as part of a new initiative to relieve traffic congestion on the roads, i24News reports. This week’s test involved 11 drone companies, and represents the first time Israel has tried drone technology for the purpose of operating taxis.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel and Egypt reaffirm commitment to peace and security after border killings – June 6, 2023

The Israelis set for new Jewish temple on Al-Aqsa site – June 6, 2023

Iran unveils hypersonic missile it says can reach Israel in 400 seconds – June 6, 2023

IDF attacked secret Iranian weapon factories in Syria – June 5, 2023

Breaking U.S. News

Biden vetoes measure halting student debt relief

President Joe Biden on Wednesday vetoed a plan to cancel his student debt relief plan.

Louisiana House approves ban on gender treatments for minors

The Louisiana state House on Wednesday approved a ban on gender-related treatments for minors by a veto-proof margin.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Bipartisan resolution introduced to Congress calling for recognition of Semele Massacre/Assyrian Genocide of 1933 – June 7, 2023

Federal judge blocks Florida ban on medicalized gender transition for children – June 6, 2023

House to Charge FBI Director with Contempt if Unclassified ‘Biden’ Doc Not Handed Over – June 6, 2023

Ex-VP Mike Pence Enters US Presidential Race – June 5, 2023

Utah school district bans KJV Bible in lower schools for “vulgarity and violence” – June 5, 2023

Sonic Boom Over Washington D.C. Caused By Jets Intercepting Plane – June 5, 2023

Biden orders 20-year ban on oil, gas drilling to protect New Mexico tribal sites – June 5, 2023

Breaking Christian News

South Sudan: Christian leaders urgently call for peace following abduction of Bishop

Christian leaders in South Sudan have issued urgent calls for peace after the Bishop of Morobo and his driver survived a violent abduction by armed insurgents on Monday, Christian Today (CT) reports. The kidnappers claimed to be members of the National Salvation Front, a militant group opposed to the South Sudanese government.

Nigeria: 43 more Christians murdered in Nasarawa state, “Where is the outcry? Where is effective action?”

As the genocidal slaughter of Christians in Nigeria continues, Fulani Islamic jihadists murdered 43 Christians, including a pastor and his wife, in Nasarawa state last month, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. 

Christians in Syria at risk of “genocidal” attacks from NATO member Turkey

Christians in Syria continue to face “genocidal” attacks not only from jihadists inside the country but also from Islamist-affiliated, NATO member Turkey, Algemeiner reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Fewer Protestant churchgoers now engaged with fostering or adoption than five years ago, poll shows – June 1, 2023

Pakistan: Young Christian man sentenced to death for blasphemy, “Our faith in Christ has not waivered” – May 31, 2023

Nigeria: 50 members of Plateau Baptist Convention murdered by jihadists – May 30, 2023

Indonesia: Muslim extremists disrupt two church services; “If a church is seen to spreading the gospel, they soon run into opposition” – May 30, 2023

Nigeria Christians Fear New Muslim President And Muslim VP (Worthy News-Focus) – May 30, 2023

North Korea: Two-year old boy sentenced to life in prison after parents found with Bible – May 30, 2023

Burkina Faso: 15 more civilians slaughtered as jihadist insurrection continues – May 30, 2023

News from this Week 1/4/23

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

China, Russia to Boost Ties ‘At All Levels’ in 2023 Despite U.S. Pressure

Determined to thwart the ongoing efforts of the United States to simultaneously counter both of its top rivals, China and Russia have made a joint resolution to increase their cooperation on a variety of fronts in the New Year.

Russia to modernize nuclear forces in 2023, add more multi-warhead nukes

Russia is bolstering its strategic nuclear forces in 2023 with further deployment of multi-warhead nuclear missiles and further modernization of its long-range strategic bomber division, the Russian Defense Ministry announced this week.

Putin’s Military Criticized After Deadliest Ukraine Attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin faced embarrassment Tuesday after one of Ukraine’s deadliest attacks on Russian troops was reportedly caused by the unauthorized use of mobile phones.

Latest World News Headlines

UK set to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terror organization – January 3, 2023

Zelensky signs controversial law to increase governmental control of Ukrainian media – January 3, 2023

One-third of world economy expected to be in recession in 2023, says IMF chief – January 2, 2023

Ukraine says it shot down 39 Iran-made kamikaze drones during wave of Russian air strikes, “one terrorist has found another” – January 2, 2023

Ukraine Facing New Year “Terror” – January 2, 2023

Croatia Welcomes 2023 With Euro And Schengen – January 2, 2023

Brazil’s Controversial Lula Sworn In President – January 1, 2023

Breaking Israel News

Ben Gvir faces dilemma as activists ask to hold Passover sacrifice on Temple Mount

A fringe religious group on Monday night asked newly installed National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for permission to perform the Passover ritual sacrifice on the Temple Mount this coming spring.

Hezbollah chief: Middle East could ‘explode’ after Ben-Gvir’s Temple Mount visit

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah warned on Tuesday of consequences for Israeli Cabinet member Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.

Latest Israel News Headlines

UN Security Council slated to meet on widely decried Temple Mount visit by Ben Gvir – January 3, 2023

UN General Assembly condemned Israel more than all other countries combined last year – January 3, 2023

Blinken tells Israel’s new FM: US will oppose steps that undermine 2-state solution – January 2, 2023

Syria says IAF strikes briefly put Damascus airport out of service, kill 2 soldiers – January 2, 2023

Breaking U.S. News

Christian affiliation dominates roster of 118th Congress; majority is Protestant

A higher percentage of members of the 118th Congress, 88%, identify as Christian than the share of Christians in the U.S. population, which stands at 63%, a Pew Research Center analysis revealed Tuesday.

Bomb Cyclone to Hit California Days After Deadly Floods

California is set to get battered by another intense rainstorm, just days after a previous storm caused severe flooding throughout the Golden State.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

US House Adjourns After Not Electing Speaker – January 3, 2023

S&P 500 companies suffer worst losses since 2008 global financial meltdown – January 3, 2023

Trump takes fire from right after blaming abortion issue for GOP midterm defeats – January 2, 2023

Appeals Court Upholds Florida School Board’s Bathroom Policy – January 2, 2023

Ohio School Board Ignores Parents, Clergy with Trans Bathroom Policy Even as US Court Issues Big Trans Ruling – January 2, 2023

U.S. sees major housing price correction, nearly the largest since World War II – January 2, 2023

Ex-President Trump Under Pressure Over Tax Returns – January 1, 2023

Breaking Christian News

Pakistan Christians Help Family Of Raped, Killed Widow

Christians in Pakistan said Tuesday they will support five orphans left behind after their widowed mother was gang raped and killed by five suspected Muslim men, now in custody.

Dozens Of Christians Kidnapped In Nigeria After Mass Killings

Christians in northern Nigeria were searching Tuesday for scores of believers reportedly abducted in a Christmas Day attack by Islamic fighters that killed at least one person.

Uganda: Evangelist almost completely blind after acid attack by Islamic extremists

Islamic extremists enraged at the preaching of the Gospel sprayed acid in the face of evangelist Pastor Frank Mutabaazi in Kampala, Uganda last month, causing severe burns and almost completely blinding him, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. While Christianity is legal in Uganda, Christians have come under increasing violent attacks from extremists in the minority Muslim population.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Pakistan Christian Girl Awaits Justice After Abuse – January 2, 2023

Afghanistan Christians Fear Imminent Death – January 1, 2023

Nigeria Islamists Burn Homes After Killing Christians – December 30, 2022

Christian Families Expelled From India Town – December 30, 2022

‘Nigerian Woman Still In Jail For Condemning Christian’s Death’ – December 30, 2022

China Frees Church Elder, But Online Gathering Interrupted – December 29, 2022

News from this Week 9/27/22

Breaking World News

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

British Pound Plunges To Record Lows

The British pound plunged to an all-time low against the U.S. dollar Monday as investors ran for the exits after the new government’s fiscal plan threatened to stretch Britain’s finances to their limits.

Gunman Opens Fire At Russian School

A suspected Nazi gunman opened fire at a school in the Russian city of Izhevsk, killing at least nine people, including five children, and injuring numerous others before committing suicide, investigators said.

Ukraine Urges Russian Troops To Surrender

Ukraine’s president asked Russian soldiers on Sunday to surrender and pledged they would be treated in a “civilized manner.”

Latest World News Headlines

Belgian Justice Minister Threatened With Weapons, Explosives – September 26, 2022

China’s President Pressured After ‘False Coup’ Reports – September 25, 2022

Far-Right Giorgia Meloni Wins Italy Elections, Exit Poll Shows – September 25, 2022

Iranians Protest For 10th Night Despite ‘No Leniency’ Warnings – September 25, 2022

Powerful typhoon hits north Philippines, thousands evacuated – September 25, 2022

Russians arrested in thousands while protesting Putin’s mobilization, human rights group says – September 25, 2022

Ukraine’s Breakaway Regions Hold Referendums As Troops Approach – September 23, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Over half of Israelis would support attack on Iranian nuclear facilities without US agreement

A new survey by the Israel Democracy Institute has shown that more than half of Israel’s population would be in favor of an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, even if the strike were carried out without the support and agreement of the United States, the Jerusalem Post reports.

Blinken: US will not be able to stop Israel if Hezbollah attacks over gas

The United States will not be able to stop Israel from retaliating against Lebanon if Hezbollah decides to attack it over the Karish gas field, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly told the Lebanese prime minister in a recent meeting.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israeli Navy and US Fifth Fleet complete ‘Digital Shield’ joint exercise – September 25, 2022

At UN, Lapid calls for two-state solution, says world choosing ‘easy option’ on Iran – September 22, 2022

Israel begins rollout of COVID vaccines tailored to Omicron – September 22, 2022

Israel condemns Putin’s nuclear threats and mobilization of reservists – September 22, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

Supreme Court to hear challenge against NYC’s COVID vaccine mandate

The Supreme Court will consider a New York Police Department detective’s challenge against New York City’s municipal coronavirus vaccine mandate — after initially deciding against picking up the case.

Dow officially enters bear market

The Dow Jones Industrial Average officially entered bear market territory on Monday, following a precipitous drop.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Judge rules Arizona’s ban on abortions can be enforced, setting up legal showdown before election – September 25, 2022

Roughly 98% of people eligible to receive latest COVID booster have not received one – September 25, 2022

Tropical Storm Watches Issued For Florida Keys Ahead of Ian – September 25, 2022

Senate GOPers Will Propose Labeling Drug Cartels ‘Foreign Terrorist Organizations’ – September 22, 2022

House Democrats agree on police spending package, to hold vote before midterms – September 22, 2022

Indiana judge halts enforcement of abortion ban – September 22, 2022

Former Los Alamos nuclear scientists aid China’s advanced weapons, private study says – September 22, 2022

Breaking Christian News

China: Congregants attacked with stones during baptismal service

Members of China’s Trinity Harvest Gospel Church in Shenzhen were attacked with stones as they held a baptismal service on a beach earlier this month, China Aid reports.

India: Christian man believed to have been killed by Hindu relatives

A formerly Hindu man who converted to Christianity in India’s West Bengal state is missing, and it is believed he has been murdered by his Hindu family on account of his faith, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Chinese Christians seek refuge in Thailand after asylum denial from South Korea

Concerns Over 5 Jailed Christians in China’s Southwest – September 25, 2022

‘Many Turn To Christ At Queen’s Funeral’ – September 25, 2022

‘Cities Covered in the Glory of God’: Christians Unite Worldwide for ’10 Days of Awe’ Prayer Event – September 23, 2022

Nigeria: 45 Christians abducted during church service in Kaduna – September 22, 2022

Nigeria: Fulani jihadists slaughter 25 Christians in spate of attacks in Benue state – September 21, 2022

Myanmar: Junta lays landmines around church – September 19, 2022

Pakistan: Christian jailed for blasphemy is denied bail – September 19, 2022