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; 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 9/14/22

Breaking World News

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

U.S. considers China sanctions to deter Taiwan action, Taiwan presses EU

The United States is considering options for a sanctions package against China to deter it from invading Taiwan, with the European Union coming under diplomatic pressure from Taipei to do the same, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Charles III Declared King; Britain’s Queen Buried On Sep. 19

Queen Elizabeth II will be buried on September 19, the Royal Family announced, shortly after Charles III was publicly declared the new monarch.

Russia Admits Defeat In Key Areas Of Ukraine

Russia has admitted losing control over key cities in Ukraine’s north-eastern Kharkiv region, in what some military experts see as a potential breakthrough in the war. The comments came after Ukraine’s president said the Ukrainian gains are part of a significant counter-offensive against Russia.

LATEST WORLD NEW HEADLINES

Ukraine Discovers ‘Tortured Bodies’ In Recaptured Territories – September 12, 2022

Queen Coffin Taken Amid Funeral Controversy In Britain – September 12, 2022

Iran Unveils Drone Designed For ‘Attacking Haifa, Tel Aviv’ – September 12, 2022

German Chancellor urges Iran to sign new Iran deal – September 12, 2022

‘Nuclear deal will be delayed at least until after US midterm elections’ – September 11, 2022

Tsunami Warning After Powerful Earthquake Hits Papua New Guinea – September 11, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Gantz: Iran has hundreds of new centrifuges that can enrich uranium to high levels

Iran’s financing and support for terror proxies is the foremost cause of instability in the Middle East, and the country’s nuclear program could spark a regional arms race, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said on Monday.

Mossad head: Nuclear deal won’t give Iran ‘immunity’ from Israeli operations

Mossad chief David Barnea on Monday said Israel would not participate in the “charade” of a renewed nuclear deal between world powers and Iran, and warn that the emerging agreement would “not provide immunity” for Tehran from the spy agency’s operations.

Breaking U.S. News

Ken Starr, US Prosecutor In Clinton-Lewinsky Case, Dies At 76

Starr passed away Tuesday at Baylor St Luke’s medical center in Houston of complications from surgery, his family said.

Navy wants new destroyer with lasers, hypersonic missiles

The U.S. Navy’s workhorse destroyer went into production more than 30 years ago, when Tom Stevens was a young welder.

VP Harris Promotes Abortion at National Baptist Convention

Vice President Kamala Harris used her speech at the 142nd annual National Baptist Convention in Houston, Texas, on Thursday to push abortion rights, saying that women should have the freedom “to make decision about their own bodies.”

BREAKING US NEWS

Senate Republicans look to protect Americans earning less than $400k from IRS audits – September 13, 2022

Faculty, students sue Christian school over LGBTQ hiring ban – September 12, 2022

DOJ open to one of Trump’s special master candidates – September 12, 2022

400-Plus Republican Officials Sign Letter Backing Gay Marriage – September 12, 2022

Fauci: ‘We don’t have time to do a clinical trial’ for updated COVID-19 boosters (Video) – September 11, 2022

Gun, ammunition purchases by credit card will be coded – September 11, 2022

Breaking Christian News

India: Supreme Court orders government to investigate and establish facts in reported attacks on Christians

In a move welcomed by Christian human rights advocates, India’s Supreme Court has ordered the Hindu nationalist government to investigate and establish the facts on the reported cases of Christians being attacked over 500 times last year, Christian Today (CT) reports.

Nigeria: Fulani state governor admits Islamic terrorists have taken control in Kaduna

As Christians in Nigeria continue to be slaughtered by Fulani and other Muslim extremist militants, the controversial governor of Kaduna state Nasir El-Rufai has been forced to admit that Islamic terrorists have an even stronger hold on his part of Nigeria than when he took office seven years ago, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS

China: Christian online content now heavily restricted – September 13, 2022

Libya Court Sentences Christian To Death – September 12, 2022

Indonesia: Authorities deny church building permit in ‘unconstitutional’ move against religious freedom – September 12, 2022

Uganda: 5 evangelist-church planters murdered by Islamic extremists – September 12, 2022

Sudan Dismisses Apostasy Charges Against Christians, But Concerns Remain – September 11, 2022

Church Rush To Pakistan’s Flooded Christian Slums – September 11, 2022