Weekly News Brief 8/7/25

Featured Stories

Russia and China Conduct Joint Anti-Submarine Drills After Trump Deploys U.S. Nuclear Subs Near Region

Russia and China conducted joint anti-submarine warfare drills Wednesday in the Sea of Japan, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to reposition near Russian waters following incendiary remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Trump Orders Two U.S. Nuclear Submarines Moved in Response to Medvedev’s Threats – Aug.3.2025

Declassified Durham Annex Exposes Clinton Campaign Plot, FBI Failures, and Politicization of Intelligence Agencies – Jul.31.2025

Arab Nations Join Unprecedented Call for Hamas to Disarm, Cede Gaza Rule in Push for Two-State Solution – Jul.29.2025

Breaking World News

Iran Executes Nuclear Scientist Accused of Spying for Israel

The Iranian judiciary announced Wednesday that it has executed Rouzbeh Vadi, a prominent nuclear scientist accused of spying for Israel and providing intelligence that led to the assassination of Iranian nuclear personnel during the 12-day war with Israel in June.

Pakistan Removes Death Penalty For Some Crimes For EU Trade But Christians ‘Remain At Risk’

Pakistan’s Senate has voted to remove the death penalty for two crimes in what officials admit is a bid to safeguard $3 billion in annual trade benefits from the European Union, while maintaining controversial blasphemy laws that have sent dozens of Christians to death row.

Switzerland in Shock Over Trump’s 39 Percent Tariff (Worthy News Focus)

Switzerland was hours away from facing the highest U.S. tariff on imports of any developed country after its president left Washington without a deal, upsetting the Alpine nation’s business elite.

Breaking Israel News

Netanyahu Outlines Gaza War Vision: No Annexation, Transitional Arab Control Proposed

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has clarified Israel’s long-term strategy for the Gaza Strip, stating in two separate interviews that while Israel will take temporary military control of the territory, it has no intention of annexing or permanently governing it.

Netanyahu-Backed Gaza Occupation Plan to Be Presented to Security Cabinet as Trump Weighs In

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to present a sweeping new military and governance plan for the Gaza Strip to Israel’s security cabinet on Thursday, according to government sources who spoke with The Jerusalem Post. The proposal is expected to greenlight a large-scale IDF operation to occupy additional portions of the coastal enclave over a five-month period.

Speaker Mike Johnson Vows to Eliminate “West Bank” Terminology, Declares Support for Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria

In a historic visit to the biblical heartland of Israel, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson declared his intention to remove the term “West Bank” from U.S. federal government language and replace it with the biblical names “Judea and Samaria,” reinforcing America’s growing alignment with Israel’s ancestral claims to the disputed region.

Breaking U.S. News

FBI Data Shows Rise in Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes in 2024

Newly released data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reveals a continued rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2024, reinforcing concerns among Jewish advocacy groups and faith leaders about escalating hostility and the need for stronger government action.

Trump Orders New Census to Exclude Illegal Immigrants, Rekindling Legal and Political Firestorm

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has instructed the Department of Commerce to begin developing a new census that will explicitly exclude illegal immigrants from the population count, reigniting a constitutional debate over representation and federal funding.

FBI Releases 2024 Crime Data: Violent Crime Drops Sharply Nationwide

The FBI has released its comprehensive “Reported Crimes in the Nation” statistics for 2024, revealing a significant decline in violent crime across the United States. According to the report, violent crime dropped an estimated 4.5% nationwide compared to 2023, with murder and non-negligent manslaughter down nearly 15%.

Breaking Christian News

US Evangelist Graham Welcomes Trump’s Faith Move In Federal Agencies

American evangelist Franklin Graham has welcomed a decision by U.S. President Donald J. Trump to allow federal employees, including Christians, to openly express their faith while at work, in a move that changes decades of policies.

35,000 Worship in Portland as 3,200 Embrace Christ in One of America’s Most Secular Cities

In a city often dubbed one of the most unchurched in America, more than 35,000 people gathered this past weekend at the Moda Center for the first major evangelistic crusade in Portland in over 25 years — and more than 3,200 made public decisions to follow Christ.

News from this Week 11/9/22

Breaking World News

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

U.S. Talks With Russia Over Nuclear Escalation (Worthy News Radio)

The United States says it has talked with high-level Russian officials to prevent the armed conflict in Ukraine from escalating into nuclear warfare. Tuesday’s announcement comes after Ukraine said it would not negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin following reports that Washington asked Kyiv to signal it is open to peace.

Massive Outages As Kyiv Fears More Russian Strikes (Worthy News Radio)

Authorities urged residents in Ukraine’s capital to make plans to leave after the president warned of more Russian air strikes that could cut off Kyiv’s power supplies.

19 Killed In Tanzania’s Worst Plane Crash In Decades

At least 19 people died when a passenger plane crashed into Lake Victoria in Tanzania on Sunday as it approached the airport, the country’s prime minister said.

Latest World News Headlines

Major conflict with China ‘is coming,’ outgoing Strategic Command chief warns – November 8, 2022Russia Says US ‘Lowering Nuclear Threshold’ With New Atomic Bomb (Worthy News In-Depth) – November 8, 2022Thousands Surround Hungary’s TV Complex – November 8, 2022Dutch Police Intervene In ‘Conspiracy Protest’ – November 8, 2022Ukraine: ‘Russia looting Kherson homes ahead of battle’ – November 8, 2022North Korea Says Missile Launches Were ‘Simulated Strikes’ On U.S., South Korea – November 6, 2022Green Activists Storm Amsterdam Airport; ‘Medical Flight Endangered’ – November 6, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Mysterious strikes in Syria hit fuel convoy from Iraq; Iranians killed

Late night airstrikes in eastern Syria along the border with Iraq targeted Iran-backed militiamen, inflicting casualties, Syrian opposition activists said Wednesday. According to two paramilitary officers in Iraq, some of those killed in the attack were Iranian nationals.

Israel joins Mideast nations, including Iraq, Lebanon, to agree on climate action

Israel’s environmental protection minister attended a regional meeting Tuesday alongside Iraqi and Lebanese leaders at the global climate conference taking place in Egypt, the minister’s office said, where the group pledged to work together to tackle climate change.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Abraham Accords’ lasting impact may be eventual peace between Israel and Saudis: ex-ambassador – November 8, 2022Major new gas deposit discovered off Israeli coast – November 7, 2022Netanyahu starts coalition negotiations with bloc leaders – November 6, 2022IDF to hold a military exercise in northern Israel – November 6, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

Republicans Seek To Take Congress As Christians Pray

U.S. Senate incumbents, including Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and senior Republican John Thune, won re-election in Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections during heightened political and social turmoil.

Abortion-Related Ballot Measures: A Disheartening Night For Pro-Life Americans

While abortion was indirectly on the ballot for many voters across the nation in Tuesday’s midterm election, it was also the subject of specific ballot measures in five states – with results disappointing for pro-lifers.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Nail-biter: Control of Senate hangs in the balance – November 9, 2022Less than a third of Americans believe Bible should determine right and wrong – November 8, 2022Attacks on pro-life centers far outnumber those on abortion clinics, report shows – November 8, 2022Republicans, Democrats File Over 100 Lawsuits in Run-up to Midterms – November 8, 2022Biden: ‘Give Me Two More Democrats in the Senate and…We’re Going to Codify Roe v. Wade’ – November 8, 2022DOJ will monitor polls in 24 states to ensure voting law compliance – November 7, 2022Judge blocks New York’s ban on carrying guns in places of worship – November 6, 2022

Breaking Christian News

Jailed Canadian Pastor acquitted of breaching COVID-19 restrictions on church services

A pastor in Canada who was jailed for breaching COVID-19 restrictions on in-person worship services was acquitted this week of charges that he violated public health orders, the Christian Post (CP) reports.

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

In an apparent violation of Indonesia’s constitutional protection of religious freedom, two local officials in Java Island joined forces with Islamist organizations to block the construction of a Christian church building, the Christian Post (CP) reports.

Church of England Evangelicals reject Bishop’s proposal to allow blessing of same-sex marriages

Church of England Evangelicals have rejected a theological essay published by the Bishop of Oxford which argues Anglican clergy should be able to bless and marry same-sex couples if they choose, the Christian Post (CP) reports. The Church of England does not allow the blessing of civil partnerships or the marrying of same-sex couples.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Nigeria: Islamic militants murder 15 Christians, including community leaders, in Plateau state – November 8, 2022India: Off-duty police officer among Hindu mob attacking Christian prayer meeting – November 8, 2022Hungary’s Premier Awarded For Supporting Persecuted Christians – November 3, 2022Two Christians suddenly released from jail after convictions for leading churches – November 3, 2022US Christian organization delivers 225,000 children’s Bibles to North Macedonia – November 2, 2022Nigeria: Slaughter of Christians continues – November 1, 2022

News from this Week 10/20/22

Breaking World News

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

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss resigns after less than 2 months in office

Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned Thursday after less than two months in office amid pressure following a reversal of economic policies that led to economic instability.

Britain Says Russian Warplane Fired Missile Close To U.K. Spy Aircraft Over Black Sea

A Russian fighter jet last month released a missile near an unarmed British spy plane in international airspace over the Black Sea, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace told Parliament on October 20.

Central Bank Digital Currencies Spark Outrage; Dutch Queen Questioned

Dutch Queen Maxima has come under pressure over embracing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which could enable governments to control people’s spending.

Latest World News Headlines

Russia’s Putin declares martial law in 4 annexed Ukrainian regions – October 19, 2022

Hundreds Die In Nigeria’s Worst Flooding In Decade – October 19, 2022

Russian Missiles Destroy Ukraine’s Infrastructure After Crash – October 18, 2022

US fighter jets intercept Russian bombers near Alaska – October 18, 2022

Saudi prince sends threat to the West after Biden warns of consequences for kingdom – October 17, 2022

NATO kicks off nuclear drills amid tensions with Russia over Ukraine war – October 17, 2022

Netherlands In Turmoil Over Cruise Ships For Migrants (Worthy News In-Depth) – October 17, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Israeli military launches week-long drill across northern Israel

The Israel Defense Forces said Thursday it had begun a week-long military drill across northern Israel, as tensions remained high with the Lebanese Hezbollah terror group.

Hamas in first Syria visit in decade as relations thaw

A Hamas delegation arrived in Damascus Wednesday for talks with President Bashar Al-Assad in the first such visit since the Palestinian Islamist group severed ties with Syria a decade ago.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel eyes blockchain tech to issue government bonds – October 19, 2022

Israel’s PM Against Jewish Prayer At Temple Mount, Arabs Welcome – October 19, 2022

Gantz, Netanyahu both reiterate Israel’s unwillingness to sell weapons to Ukraine – October 18, 2022

Russian ex-president: If Israel sends weapons to Ukraine it will destroy Moscow ties – October 17, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

Biden announces release of 15 million barrels of emergency reserve oil

President Joe Biden has announced he will release 15 million barrels of oil from America’s emergency Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a move analysts say is intended to show voters in next month’s midterm elections that he is concerned about high gas prices, USA Today reports.

Texas has seized over 336 million ‘lethal doses’ of fentanyl during Operation Lone Star, DPS says

A border security mission launched by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has resulted in 336 million “lethal doses” of fentanyl being seized since it began earlier this year, enough to kill the entire population of the United States, he said.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

DOJ prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to charge Trump after Mar-a-Lago raid: Report – October 19, 2022

California: 2020 wildfires wiped out all state reductions in greenhouse gas emissions since 2003 – October 19, 2022

Report: The US military is “weak” and risks inability to properly defend America’s interests – October 19, 2022

Biden pledges to prioritize abortion rights codification if Democrats increase House majorities in midterms – October 18, 2022

House GOP preps bills for first 100 days if Republicans capture majority – October 18, 2022

Prosecutor says U.S. voting leak to Chinese workers ‘probably largest data breach in U.S. history’ – October 18, 2022

Supreme Court to hear major elections challenge and LGBT, religious rights dispute in December – October 18, 2022

Breaking Christian News

Iran Christians Freed From Troubled Evin Prison

Iranian authorities have freed two Christian converts from one of Iran’s most notorious prisons after a fire there killed eight inmates and injured dozens of others, well-informed Christians told Worthy News Wednesday.

Iran: Concerns raised for Christian couple jailed in harsh prison for house church activity

There has been increasing concern for the well-being of an Iranian Christian couple who were imprisoned in a notoriously harsh Tehran jail in August following their convictions for leading and belonging to a house church, the Christian Post reports.

Several Killed In Nigeria Church Attack

Suspected Islamic gunmen have attacked a church in north-central Nigeria during a service, killing a woman and her young daughter, as part of an ongoing anti-Christian campaign, authorities say.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Myanmar: Baptist pastor murdered in his home – October 18, 2022

India government stalling on affirmative action for Dalit Christians – October 18, 2022

China: Christian man fined over $20,000 for illegal religious activity – October 17, 2022

Ukrainian church driven underground in Russian-occupied areas – October 17, 2022

Hungary Urges More Support For Persecuted Christians – October 16, 2022

Pastors Reveal Troubled US Economy Is Having Negative Impact on Churches – October 13, 2022

Nigeria: ISWAP murder three more Christians – October 13, 2022

News from this Week 8/24/22

Breaking World News

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

Biden Pledges Nearly $3 Billion To Ukraine In Largest U.S. Military Aid Package Yet

U.S. President Joe Biden has announced nearly $3 billion in new U.S. military aid for Kyiv as Ukraine marked its independence day six months after Russia invaded the country.

US carries out airstrikes on Iran-backed forces in Syria

The US military on Tuesday carried out a series of airstrikes on Iran-backed forces in Syria, emphasizing these were conducted solely to protect American troops in the region and not to escalate tensions, the Washington Examiner reports.

UN General Assembly moves closer to adopting resolution declaring abortion a ‘human right’

Delegates at the United Nations General Assembly are finalizing negotiations on a resolution that would require all U.N. agencies to declare abortion a human right, reportedly due to pressure from the European Union and the Biden administration.

Latest World News Headlines

Drought inflicting ‘severe impacts’ on EU energy production, as Putin tightens squeeze on gas – August 23, 2022

Nuclear deal moves closer as US says Iran has ‘finally crossed the Rubicon’ – August 23, 2022

Iran suffers another blow as IRGC officer killed in Syria – August 23, 2022

Russia Blames Ukraine For Killing Putin Ally’s Daughter – August 22, 2022

US buys massive shipment of Ukrainian grain for poor countries, other rich countries must follow suit, says WFP chief – August 22, 2022

Ukraine Suspected Of Drone Attack In Crimea – August 22, 2022

Iran must answer to IAEA probe, US says – August 22, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Israeli warplanes entered Iranian airspace undetected

Israeli fighter planes have entered Iran’s airspace multiple times in recent months without being detected by either Iranian or Russian radar, the Jerusalem Post reports. The news that Israeli Air Force F-35 stealth planes had penetrated Iranian airspace in the last two months was reported by the Saudi media outlet Elaph.

Lavrov condemns ‘dangerous’ Israeli strikes in Syria, as relations with Russia sour

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday condemned “dangerous” Israeli missile strikes in Syria, underscoring the growing chill in Moscow-Jerusalem relations, which have been increasingly strained since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Gantz heads to US, vowing Israel will do ‘everything it can’ to sway Iran deal – August 23, 2022

Gantz cites parts of Jerusalem as ‘possible’ Palestinian capital – August 22, 2022

Hezbollah Attack on Israel Gas Field May Spark War With Lebanon, Israel’s Defense Head Warns – August 22, 2022

As deal looms, Lapid tells Macron Israel ‘will do everything’ to avert nuclear Iran – August 22, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

Biden announces cancellation of student debt

President Biden responded to pressure from progressives on Wednesday by canceling $10,000 in student debt for borrowers who earn less than $125,000 per year and $20,000 in debt for those who received Pell Grants.

California county saw 70% of criminal suspects released on $0 bail commit new crimes: DA

A California district attorney has found that more than 70% of criminal suspects released on $0 bail between 2020 and 2021 in his county committed new crimes.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

‘Once in a Thousand Years’: Dallas Deluged by Massive Rainfall, Flooding – August 23, 2022

Nearly 2 million students have left public schools since 2020: report – August 23, 2022

US new home sales plunge for sixth straight month to lowest level since 2016 – August 23, 2022

America’s Top Doctor Fauci Resigns After Controversies – August 22, 2022

Judge Reinhart formally rejects DOJ argument to keep Trump affidavit sealed, calls raid ‘unprecedented’ – August 22, 2022

Durham loses key prosecutor in case against source of anti-Trump dossier as trial looms – August 22, 2022

‘In God We Trust’: Texas Law Requiring Public Schools Display National Motto Draws Backlash – August 22, 2022

Breaking Christian News

Church in Afghanistan is growing amid harsh conditions

The house church movement in Afghanistan is slowly growing, despite a surrounding environment of brutal tribalism and Islamic extremist violence that forces evangelism and worship to be carried out in secret, Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) reports.

China: House churches raided, leaders taken away

Chinese authorities raided four house churches this month, taking their leaders away for questioning on false allegations, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Nigeria: Secular High Court upholds death penalty for blasphemy

In a move that has caused severe consternation among rights groups, the secular High Court in Nigeria’s Kano state has upheld a recent death sentence given by a Sharia court to a man accused of blasphemy, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Controversially, Kano is one of 12 northern Nigerian states whose legal system operates under both the secular Nigerian penal code and the Islamic Sharia law.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Young Children Of Late Deacon Killed In Sudan – August 24, 2022

DRC: 17 Christians murdered by Islamic State-affiliated terrorists – August 24, 2022

Pakistan: Couple escape to Europe after years on death row for blasphemy – August 24, 2022

Evangelist Burnt To Death In India – August 23, 2022

China: Evangelical pastor sentenced to imprisonment for holding worship services – August 23, 2022

31 United Methodist conservative churches want to leave denomination immediately over LGBTQ issues – August 23, 2022

Conservatives split from Australian Anglican church over LGBTQ issues – August 22, 2022