Weekly News Brief 6/20/24

Breaking World News

Mark Rutte Becomes NATO Secretary General After Romania Withdrawal Bid
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has withdrawn his bid for NATO’s leadership, clearing the way for Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to become the military alliance’s secretary-general.

Terminally Ill Man Meets Government After Losing Right-To-Die Case In Hungary
A terminally ill Hungarian lawyer who lost his right-to-die case at the European Court of Human Rights has met Hungary’s government, which refused to allow active euthanasia.

France President Says Raped Jewish Girl Victim Of ‘Scourge of Antisemitism’
French President Emmanuel Macron warned Wednesday that schools in France are threatened by the “scourge of antisemitism” after a 12-year-old Jewish girl was raped in what police called “a hate crime” amid ongoing attacks against Jewish people.

Latest World News Headlines

North Korea, Russia Sign Military Pact – June 19, 2024

Russian Warships and Nuclear Submarine Have Now Left Cuba – June 19, 2024

Romania To Approve Mark Rutte As NATO Chief – June 19, 2024

Russia’s Putin In North Korea Shopping For Weapons – June 19, 2024

Iran Moving Towards Nuclear Bomb, Computer Models Suggest – June 18, 2024

Ukraine Strikes Russia Despite Nuclear Fears (Worthy News Radio) – June 18, 2024

US and Saudi Arabia Close to Negotiating a Security Pact – June 18, 2024

Iran Defiant in the Face of G7 Statement Condemning Its Nuclear Program – June 18, 2024

Pope Urges End To Massacres In DRC – June 18, 2024

Hungary Has the Right to Ban Assisted Suicide, Europe’s Top Human Rights Court Rules – June 18, 2024

Breaking Israel News

Number of Israeli Hostages Still Alive in Gaza “Could Be As Low As 50”, WSJ Report
The number of Israeli hostages who are still alive in Gaza following their capture by Hamas on Oct. 7 “could be as low as 50,” the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Thursday, June 20. The WSJ report cites hostage mediators and a US official with knowledge of current intelligence on the issue of Israeli captives in Gaza.

Just Over Half of Arab Israelis Feel They Have “Shared Destiny” With Jewish Israelis, Poll
A new poll shows that just over half (51.6%) of Arab Israeli citizens believe Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza has produced a sense of “shared destiny” between them and Jewish Israeli citizens, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports. Conducted by the Moshe Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, the survey was presented during a conference titled “The Future of Israel” at TAU on Wednesday.

Hamas Is An “Idea” That Cannot Be Destroyed, Senior IDF Official Says
Amid Israel’s ongoing war to destroy Hamas’ terrorist capabilities in Gaza, a senior spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces has stated that the threat posed by Hamas cannot be eliminated because the jihadist group represents an “idea” that cannot be destroyed by military means, the Jerusalem Post reports.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel Warns Of ‘All-Out War’ With Hezbollah Despite US Envoy Visit – June 19, 2024

Israel Announces Approval of Offensive Battle Plans Against Hezbollah Following Terrorist Threat – June 18, 2024

Rafah Offensive Has Destroyed Half of Hamas, Israel Expects Full Control in Two Weeks – June 17, 2024

Netanyahu Dissolves War Cabinet After Gantz Departure – June 17, 2024

International Christian Speaker Nick Vujicic Encourages Wounded Israeli Soldiers – June 17, 2024

Eight Israeli Soldiers Killed In Rafah – June 15, 2024

Overall Palestinian Support for Hamas Increases to Double the Support for Fatah – June 13, 2024

Breaking U.S. News

In First Five Years, 79,000 of DACA Recipients Admitted to U.S. Had Arrest Records
Within five years of a new program created to prevent deportation of minors brought into the country illegally by their parents, nearly 80,000 were released into the U.S. with arrest records. The majority were between the ages of 19 and 22 when they were arrested, according to the latest available data published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

US Federal Budget Deficit Now Projected to be $1.9 Trillion for 2024
The US Congressional Budget Office on Tuesday published a new report showing the Budget Deficit for the 2024 fiscal year is now projected to be $1.9 trillion – an increase of around $400 billion from a projection offered in February.

ICE Agents Apprehend Fugitives Wanted for Violent Crimes Nationwide
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents continue to apprehend fugitives wanted for committing violent crimes. Many fled to and entered the U.S. illegally to avoid incarceration in their home country.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Biden Announces Widespread Amnesty Plan for Illegal Immigrants – June 18, 2024

Kansas Sues Pfizer for Alleged Misleading Statements About Risks, Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccine – June 18, 2024

More Companies Announce Bankruptcies, Shutter Operations, Citing Inflation – June 18, 2024

Trump Makes His Case for Presidential Immunity – June 17, 2024

More Officials Issue ‘Imminent Terrorist Attack’ Warnings – June 17, 2024

Supreme Court Ruling Upholds Immigration Law and Deportation Process – June 16, 2024

Supreme Court Says Bump Stocks Don’t Turn Firearms into Machine Guns – June 16, 2024

Breaking Christian News

“Unbelievable Revival” Reported in Transnistria, Eastern Europe
Journalists with the US-based Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) have reported that, despite opposition from Moscow, a “remarkable” revival is underway in Transnistria, a Russian-controlled part of Moldova in eastern Europe.

India: 11 Christians Freed After Two Years Imprisonment Under Anti-Conversion Law
Eleven Christians in India’s Madhya Pradesh state have just been released from prison after being jailed in 2022 on baseless charges of forcing people to leave Hinduism for Christianity, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Indonesia: Established Church Faces Eviction for Proximity to Islamic University, “We Hold Onto Hope”
A well-established in Indonesia has been threatened with eviction from its worship center because a new Islamic university has been opened in proximity to it, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. 

Latest Christian News Headlines

DRC: Islamic State Affiliates Murder 80 Christians in Spate of Attacks, “These Attacks Continue Unabated” – June 17, 2024

5 Christian Sanitation Workers Killed In Pakistan – June 13, 2024

Pakistani Christian Young Man Brutally Tortured and Murdered by Employer – June 13, 2024

U.S. Megachurch Pastor Resigns Over “Sin” – June 12, 2024

China: Christian Taken Into Custody for Posting Commemoration of Tiananmen Square Massacre – June 12, 2024

DRC: Islamic Terrorists Murder Nine in Village Attack, “A Trail of Sorrow and Despair” – June 12, 2024

70,000 People Turn Out to Hear the Gospel in Central London – June 11, 2024

Weekly News Brief: 12/27/23

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

Iran Tripling Production Near Weapons-Grade Uranium; Armed Confrontation Closer


A nuclear arms confrontation between Iran and Israel and its allies has come closer after confirmation that Tehran tripled production of nearly weapons-grade uranium, Worthy News established Wednesday.

German Ex-Finance Minister Schäuble Dies, Leaving Behind Strong Nation


Wolfgang Schäuble, the Christian Democratic politician who helped lead Europe’s largest economy through the worst financial challenges since World War Two, has died at the age of 81, his family said.

UK Government Publishes Draft Guidance for Schools to Inform Parents If Child Wants to Change Gender


The UK’s Conservative government last week published draft guidelines indicating that schools in England should tell the parents if a child wants to change their gender identity, Politico reports.

Latest World News Headlines

Hungary’s Premier Defends Trump Actions; Promises Talks With Ukrainian Leader – December 27, 2023

US Military Downs Houthi Missiles And Drones – December 27, 2023

Russia Admits Warship Hit In Turbulent Christmas (Worthy News Radio) – December 26, 2023

Russia Completes Nuclear Deliveries To Belarus – December 26, 2023

US Hit Terror Groups In Iraq – December 26, 2023

Iran Vows Retaliation After Israel Kills General – December 26, 2023

Tensions in Middle East Intensify As Iran Adds ‘Fully Smart’ 1000-Km Cruise Missiles to its Arsenal – December 25, 2023

U.S. Alleges China’s Theft of AI Technology Boosting Espionage Against American Citizens – December 25, 2023

Ukraine Christmas Overshadowed By Russian Attacks (Worthy News Radio) – December 24, 2023

Iran Denies Planning Houthi Attacks – December 24, 2023

Breaking Israel News

Israel Fighting Multi-Front War, Israeli Defense Minister Says


Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel is currently engaged in a multi-front war, being attacked from seven different sides. Gallant warned of a long, brutal war with a heavy price and stressed the need for national determination and unity in the coming months.

Hezbollah Hit Israel’s Church And Troops, Injuring Several


Israel’s military said Tuesday an anti-tank missile fired from the “terror group Hezbollah” in Lebanon had struck a church in northern Israel and injured a civilian in the latest cross-border attacks that also moderately injured nine Israeli soldiers.

Pre-Emptive Strike Against Hezbollah Thwarted by Biden


President Biden reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel a preemptive strike against Hezbollah, citing concerns about the possibility of a broader regional conflict, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel Hits Hezbollah with ‘Wide-Scale’ Airstrikes As Rockets Fall From Lebanon – December 25, 2023

War Prompts Cancelation Bethlehem Christmas – December 25, 2023

UN Security Council Passes Resolution to Increase Humanitarian Aid to Gaza; U.S. Abstains and Expresses Criticism of UN – December 22, 2023

Israel Claims 2,000 Hamas Terrorists Killed in December, 8,000 Overall; Lebanon Border Heats Up – December 21, 2023

Breaking U.S. News

ICE Agents Arrest 26 Convicted Sexual Predators in 2-Day Operation in LA


ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) Los Angeles agents arrested 26 convicted criminals who were illegally living in the U.S. during a two-day enforcement operation that took place between Dec. 18 and Dec. 20, ICE says.

US Messianic Congregation Vandalized


Messianic Jewish believers in New Jersey were searching for answers after their congregation’s property was attacked and turned into “a war zone.”

Michigan: Christian Parents File Lawsuit After School Uses Masculine Pronouns for 13-Year Old Autistic Daughter Without Informing Them


Two parents have filed suit against the Rockford Public School District in Michigan after teachers at their 13 year-old autistic daughter’s teachers began using her stated preferred masculine name and pronouns without telling them, the Hill reports.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Trump Vows To End ‘War On Christians’ – December 26, 2023

US Marks Anniversary of Repeal of Exclusion Act As Surge of Chinese Immigrants Come to America – December 25, 2023

School Boards Begin Voting On New Measure to Allow Chaplains to Volunteer in Schools – December 25, 2023

US Government Backs Anti-Israel Groups Through ‘Dark Money’ Scheme – December 25, 2023

Michigan’s Capitol Faces ‘Satanic’ Christmas – December 24, 2023

Biden Approves $886 Billion Defense Bill and FISA Extension on Friday, Right Before Christmas – December 22, 2023

SCOTUS Rejects Special Counsel’s Request to Decide Trump’s Immunity Claim, Handing Trump a Win – December 22, 2023

Breaking Christian News

Nigeria: At Least 160 Christians Massacred in “Well Coordinated” Genocidal Christmas Attacks


Islamic terrorists slaughtered at least 160 Christians in Nigeria’s Plateau state during “well-coordinated” genocidal attacks carried out from Saturday night through Christmas Day, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

China: Government Directs Christian Groups to Emphasize Identification with Chinese Culture


China’s governing Communist Party has instructed state-approved Christian church organizations that they must “strictly” manage their religious affairs in a manner that emphasizes their identification with the Chinese communist government and with Chinese culture and nationalism, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports.

Arizona: Street Evangelist Who Was Shot in the Head is Making “Miraculous” Steps Toward Recovery, Wife Says


A US military veteran who was shot in the head while street preaching in Arizona last month is making such remarkable steps toward recovery that his wife has described them as “miracles,” CBN News reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Mauritania: Authorities Arrest 15 Christian Leaders After Circulation of Baptism – December 27, 2023

Indonesia: Rights Advocates Call for Amendment/Revocation of Blasphemy Law Against Islam – December 26, 2023

Uganda: Two Christians Jailed, Charged With Blaspheming Islam by Preaching Gospel – December 26, 2023

Arrests And Security Around European Churches Amid Fears Of Christmas Attacks – December 25, 2023

Vietnamese Christian Refugees Facing Arrest and Harassment in Thailand – December 22, 2023

Christian Colleges Have Increased Their Support for Abortion/Planned Parenthood Since 2021, Study Shows – December 22, 2023

Nigeria: Slaughter of Christians Continues, 8 Murdered in Plateau State – December 21, 2023

News from this Week-5/25/22

Breaking World News

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

Food Supplies Under Pressure As Ukraine Conflict Spreads

There are growing concerns over the impact the conflict in Ukraine could have on food supplies. Ukraine is a significant grain exporter, but clashes continue.

Hungary In State Of Emergency Over Ukraine War

Hungary’s hardline prime minister said his government had assumed emergency powers Tuesday in response to the war in Ukraine after his allies amended the constitution.

Russian, Chinese Bombers Near Japan and South Korea

Russian and Chinese bombers flew joint patrols near Japanese and South Korean air defense zones on Tuesday in an apparent warning to U.S. President Joe Biden visiting the region.

Latest World News Headlines

UN expert predicts global food crisis may be 10 weeks away – May 23, 2022

Top Russian Diplomat Quits Over War In Ukraine – May 23, 2022

Anthony Albanese Sworn In As Australia’s PM – May 23, 2022

Expert: Monkeypox likely spread by sex at 2 raves in Europe – May 23, 2022

Germany To Deliver Tanks To Ukraine – May 22, 2022

Russia Claims A Victory Amid Concerns About Churches In Ukraine – May 22, 2022

Lebanese Christian leader calls for Hezbollah’s grip on country to end – May 22, 2022

Breaking Israel News

U.S. sanctions Hamas official and financial network, Treasury Dept. says

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on a Hamas finance official and a network of financial facilitators and companies that have generated revenue for the Palestinian militant group, the Treasury Department said.

Netanyahu says case against him ‘dead’ as prosecutors forced to revise indictment

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared the main criminal case against him “dead,” after state prosecutors were forced to alter the charge sheet, Israeli media reported last week.

Latest Israel News Headlines

US Mediating Talks Between Egyptians, Saudis and Israelis – May 23, 2022

Israel’s government coalition crisis reaching an end – May 22, 2022

Knesset Member Resigns Which Could Lead to Early Elections in Israel – May 19, 2022

Israel To Join WHO Rules Despite Controversy – May 19, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

Massive super tornado has hit Texas, residents told to shelter

Texans were told to shelter in place as a massive super tornado hit northern Texas near Morton and was making its way across the state on Tuesday morning, Fox News reports. The tornado has wind gusts up to 70 mph, National Weather Service officials in Lubbock said.

Backlash prompts State Farm to end program donating trans books to schools

Insurance company State Farm is discontinuing its support for the controversial GenderCool Project amid backlash following reports that the company was donating books about transgender issues, targeted at 5-year-olds, to schools.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Heated ‘Jim Crow’ Rhetoric by Democrats and Media Gets Debunked by Georgia’s Record-Breaking Voter Turnout – May 24, 2022

Teenage Gunman Kills 21 In US School Shooting (Updated) – May 24, 2022

Durham puts FBI investigators on stand to substantiate materiality of alleged Sussmann lie to bureau – May 24, 2022

Appeals Court: Florida Law on Social Media Unconstitutional – May 23, 2022

US: ‘Christian Unvaccinated Cadets Not Commissioned’ – May 23, 2022

‘Major Legal Victory’: VA Judge Rules Gender Identity Books Too Obscene for Minors – May 22, 2022

ICE data shows dramatic drop in deportations under Joe Biden – May 22, 2022

Breaking Christian News

Nigeria: Islamic extremists set fire to Christians homes and businesses in Bauchi

Young Islamic men in Nigeria’s Bauchi state set Christian homes and businesses state on fire Friday as they searched for a Christian woman rumored to have made a blasphemous comment insulting Muhammad, Morning Star News reports. The incident happened days after a mob of Islamic extremists in Soroko state murdered Christian student Deborah Emmanuel, after accusing her of insulting Muhammad in a WhatsApp comment.

China introducing new financial regulations in clampdown on churches

Continuing its clampdown on churches and other minority religious organizations, China’s communist regime is bringing in new regulations for governing the management of revenues, local and foreign donations and expenses of religious organizations, the Barnabas Fund reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Southern Baptists Refused to Act on Abuse, Despite Secret List of Pastors – May 23, 2022

Eritrea: Christians continue to worship God despite brutal persecution – May 23, 2022

Nigeria: Islamic State release video showing execution of 20 Christians – May 23, 2022

India: Christians wait for authorities to investigate policeman who burned down church building – May 23, 2022

Nigeria: Armed police stood by as Christian student was murdered – May 23, 2022

Pakistan Pastor Facing Death For “Blasphemy” – May 22, 2022

Nearly half of US pastors find congregants’ political views a challenge – May 19, 2022