Weekly News Brief: 5/1/24

Breaking World News

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

Dozens Detained As Freedom Riots Hit Georgia

The smoke cleared Wednesday in the streets of Georgia’s capital after dozens of people were detained while an opposition leader was seen bandaged and bruised, as security forces cracked down on the latest protest outside Parliament against a bill that demonstrators say threatens press freedom.

Sudan: “A Crisis of Epic Proportions is Brewing,” Warns US Ambassador to UN


The US ambassador to the United Nations warned Monday that “history is repeating itself” as Sudan faces a “crisis of epic proportions” that includes a “large-scale massacre” in El-Fasher in the Darfur region, AFP reports.

Australia: Church Leader Forgives Teenager Who Stabbed Him In The Eye During Worship Service


An Australian Assyrian church leader who was stabbed in the eye among other parts of his body during a livestream worship service on Apr. 15 has already returned to the pulpit saying he forgives the attacker, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

LATEST WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

UN Court Rejects Nicaragua’s Request To Halt Germany’s Aid To Israel – April 30, 2024

China Sending Robotic Spacecraft To Moon As Space Race Heats Up – April 30, 2024

NATO Chief: ‘Allies Delayed Arms For Ukraine’ – April 30, 2024

Russia Seizes Villages in Ukraine in Latest Offensive – April 30, 2024

Serbia Jails Attackers Of Journalist – April 29, 2024

China Could Soon Threaten US From Space, General Warns – April 28, 2024

US Delivers More Patriot Missiles To Ukraine As Kyiv Cried For Help – April 28, 2024

Dutch Fear More Antisemitic Attacks; Jews Consider Fleeing – April 28, 2024

Britain’s BBC Under Pressure Over Migrant Tragedy That Killed 5 – April 28, 2024

Dutch Anti-Islam Leader Pledges To Form Government – April 28, 2024

Breaking Israel News

Government Working on Immediate IDF Enlistment of Ultra-Orthodox Men
Amid ongoing legal proceedings to finalize the matter, Israel’s government has told the country’s Supreme Court justices that it is working on the immediate enlistment of army-age ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men into the Israel Defense Forces, i24News reports.

Israel’s Premier Condemns Planned Arrests By International Court


Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned reported plans by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Israeli government officials on charges related to the conduct of its war against Hamas.

European Academics Boycotting Israeli Researchers Since Oct. 7 War

A new report published by Israel’s Innovation, Science and Technology Ministry shows that, since the Oct. 7 massacre which triggered the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, academic researchers from European countries have been increasingly unwilling to cooperate with their Israeli counterparts, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports. The boycott primarily affects research in the fields of medicine, biology, physics, space, and computer science.

LATEST ISRAEL NEWS HEADLINES

Israel Threatens To Destroy Syria Regime If It Joins Gaza War – April 29, 2024

‘EU Nations To Recognize the State of Palestine’ – April 29, 2024

Hamas Reviewing Israeli Ceasefire/Hostage Release Proposal – April 29, 2024

Israel Moves to Prevent ICC Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Others Amid Gaza Conflict – April 28, 2024

US Building Maritime Aid Pier for Gaza – April 27, 2024

2,000 Year-Old Clay Token Uncovered at Temple Mount May Have Been Used by Pilgrims to Second Temple – April 25, 2024

IDF Reports Elimination of Half of Hezbollah Commanders in South Lebanon Following Strikes on 40 Hezbollah Locations – April 25, 2024

Breaking U.S. News

Texas Law Enforcement, Feds Seize Large Amounts of Cocaine, Weapons at Border

Texas Department of Public Safety and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are seizing large quantities of cocaine at the border.

US: Lawmakers Preparing Bill To Sanction ICC If It Issues Israel Arrest Warrants

A number of US lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties are working on legislation that would sanction the International Criminal Court if it decides to issue arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhyahu or other senior Israeli officials, Axios reported exclusively.

Multiple States Sue Over Biden Title IX Rule

Several Republican attorneys general have sued over the Biden administration’s Title IX rule change, arguing it is illegal. More states are expected to follow.

LATEST U.S. NEWS HEADLINES

Biden’s Student Debt Cancellation Could Cost Taxpayers $1.4 Trillion – April 30, 2024

Number Of Babies Born In US Drops To Historic Lows – April 29, 2024

House Committee Probes Banks Alleged to Have Helped Feds Spy on Americans – April 28, 2024

Elevated Inflation, Poor GDP Growth Raise Concerns – April 28, 2024

USA: Supreme Court Considering Whether Idaho Abortion Ban Supersedes Federal Emergency Care Requirement – April 25, 2024

Arizona Lawmakers Vote To Repeal Civil War-Era Abortion Ban – April 25, 2024

Florida Passes Law Allowing Chaplains In Public Schools – April 25, 2024

Breaking Christian News

Nigeria: Evangelical Pastor Murdered in Kaduna State, “We Can No Longer Bear This”
A Christian pastor in Nigeria’s Kaduna state was ambushed and murdered by gunmen as he traveled to visit members of his church last month, Christian Daily reports.

Mozambique: Christians Under Increasing Threat From Islamic Insurgents
Christians in northern Mozambique have come under increasing threat from Islamic extremist insurgents fighting the Mozambican government in order to impose their version of Muslim law and control on the country, The Roys Report (TRR) has said.

Nigeria: Fulani Terrorists Massacre Christians in Benue State, “I Am Afraid That By 2030 We Will Have Lost A Generation”

Fulani Islamic herdsmen are continuing a protracted, exceedingly brutal, violent campaign to clear rural areas in Nigeria’s Benue state of Christians, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. 

Latest Christian News Headlines

March for Martyrs in Washington DC Highlights Persecution of Christians Worldwide – April 29, 2024

Nigeria: 30 Christians Slaughtered in Plateau State, “No Effort Has Been Made by the Government to Curtail These Attacks” – April 29, 2024

Egypt: Islamic Extremists Destroy Homes in Christian Village – April 25, 2024

Christians Protest Antisemitism At US Universities – April 25, 2024

Christian Rights Group Renews Call For End To India’s Anti-Conversion Laws – April 25, 2024

Myanmar: US Calls For Release of Imprisoned Baptist Pastor – April 24, 2024

India: Pastor and Brother Attacked by Sikhs With Swords, “We Warned You Not To Convert People” – April 24, 2024

*Israel is at war!!* Weekly News Brief: 10/11/23

European Union reverses earlier announcement that it was suspending development aid to Palestinians

The European Union late Monday reversed an earlier announcement by an EU commissioner that the bloc was “immediately” suspending development aid for Palestinian authorities and instead said it would urgently review such assistance in the wake of the attacks on Israel by Hamas to make sure no money was misused.

IMF outlook worsens for a ‘limping’ world economy. Mideast war poses new uncertainty

The world economy has lost momentum from the impact of higher interest rates, the invasion of Ukraine and widening geopolitical rifts, and it now faces new uncertainty from the war between Israel and Hamas militants, the International Monetary Fund warned Tuesday.

U.S. demands condemnation of Hamas at U.N. meeting, but Security Council takes no immediate action

The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting behind closed doors Sunday, with the United States demanding all 15 members strongly condemn “these heinous terrorist attacks committed by Hamas,” but they took no immediate action.

Latest World News Headlines

UK Home Secretary calls for crackdown on public support for Hamas’ terrorism against Israel – October 9, 2023

Dutch Fishermen’s Town Prays For Israel; Lighthouse Lit For Jewish Nation – October 9, 2023

Denmark, Ireland, and Luxembourg refused to describe Hamas as “terrorists” in an EU statement condemning attack on Israel, diplomatic source says – October 9, 2023

100 Killed In Syria Drone Strike – October 8, 2023

Poland, Hungary Block EU Migration Statement at Summit (Worthy News Radio) – October 8, 2023

War torn Ukraine Supports Israel, Russia Muted In Its Response After Attacks Kill Hundreds – October 8, 2023

More Russian Strikes as Ukraine Region Mourns Scores Killed (Worthy News Radio) – October 8, 2023

Breaking Israel News

Israel Walks Back From Hostile Aircraft Warning; No Casualties Reported

Israel on Wednesday walked back from a warning that many “hostile aircraft” had entered the Jewish nation’s airspace from Lebanon, but rockets landed elsewhere. Alert systems showed several red warnings in northern Israel while sirens sounded in every town.

Israel Forms War Cabinet As Death Toll Rises To 1,200 

Israel formed a rare emergency government with opposition members to see the Jewish nation through its war with Hamas as the death toll of those killed by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Israel rose to 1,200. 

Latest Israel News Headlines

US does not intend to send ground troops to help Israel fight Hamas – October 11, 2023

Netanyahu and Gantz form emergency unity government – October 11, 2023

Israel instructs Gaza Palestinians on where to shelter from IDF counter-attack – October 11, 2023

Moscow sees ‘high risk’ of 3rd party opening front against Israel amid war on Hamas – October 10, 2023

Breaking U.S. News

House GOP report: ‘More than 99% of illegal aliens released’ by Biden administration remain in U.S.

More than 99% of illegal immigrants released by the Biden Administration from the border between Jan 20, 2021 and Mar 31, 2023 remain in the United States, according to a report released on Monday by Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee.

RFK Jr. declares independent 2024 presidential run, raises millions more

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, an environmental lawyer, anti-vaccine activist and son of the former senator, announced on Monday in Philadelphia that he is dropping his Democratic Party bid for president and will run as an independent.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

US wealth, income concentration resume upward climb in post-pandemic era – October 9, 2023

Biden says 11 Americans were killed in Israel; hostages unconfirmed – October 9, 2023

U.S. employers added surprisingly strong 336,000 jobs in September in sign of economic resilience – October 8, 2023

Biden administration trying to ‘disconnect the dots’ on Iranian assets and attack on Israel – October 8, 2023

Biden Says He Can’t Stop New Border Barrier Plan – October 5, 2023

Texas asks appeal judges to let it keep floating barrier in place on the Rio Grande – October 5, 2023

Trump lawyers: Mar-a-Lago documents trial shouldn’t start until ‘mid-November’ – October 5, 2023

Breaking Christian News

Nepal: Pastor to spend year in jail for allegedly converting Hindus to Christianity

A pastor in Nepal has lost his appeal against conviction on false charges of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity and will now spend a year in prison, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Nepal is no longer officially a Hindu state, but Nepalese Christians are subjected to persecution from radical Hindu groups who want the country to return to Hinduism.

US Christian anti-trafficking ministry has rescued more than 40,000 women and children from sexual predators

Amid the global plagues of sex trafficking and child pornography, the US-based Christian organization All Things Possible Ministries has helped to free 40,000 trafficked women and children around the world, CBN News reports.

Chinese government continues crackdown on Christianity

China’s ruling Communist Party is continuing its crackdown on Christianity by removing crosses from churches and adding new restrictions to religious activities, Missions Box reports. 

Latest Christian News Headlines

Malaysia: Court rules plaintiff cannot renounce Islam and revert to Christianity – October 9, 2023

Loren Cunningham, Founder Youth With A Mission, Dies At 88 – October 8, 2023

‘Laos Christians Expelled From Homes For Abandoning Traditional Belief’ – October 5, 2023

Uganda: Muslim extremist father locked up/starved his son for becoming a Christian – October 5, 2023

Nicaragua placed on Watch List of top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted – October 5, 2023

Nigeria: Fulani terrorists murder 11 Christians in Plateau state, “the terrorists are known to the Nigerian government” – October 4, 2023

Laos Authorities Ban Christian Worship In Southern Area (Worthy News In-Depth) – October 3, 2023

News from this Week- 6/1/22

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

Exposed: How China Helps Iran Evade Sanctions Through Multibillion-Dollar Oil Scheme

A network of Chinese petrochemical refiners is behind an upswing in the importation of illicit Iranian crude oil, providing the hardline regime in Tehran with at least $22 billion in revenue since President Joe Biden took office.

U.S. Sends Rocket Systems To Ukraine As Fighting Intensifies In East

United States President Joe Biden has pledged to send Ukraine more advanced rocket artillery systems despite concerns in Moscow that they may reach Russian cities. The announcement came as Ukraine struggled to defend itself in the east against the ongoing Russian invasion while Moscow launched nuclear drills on Russian territory.

WHO Strengthens Global Role

The World Health Organization (WHO) appeared to have strengthened its global role after member states agreed on an initial U.S.-led push to reform the rules around disease outbreaks.

Latest World News Headlines

China To Help Lead WHO Despite Controversy – June 1, 2022

Eurozone hits 8.1% inflation as energy costs soar – May 31, 2022

Kenyan Wins Restaurant Award For Feeding 40,000 Children – May 31, 2022

US National Guard planning ‘cooperation’ with Taiwan military – May 31, 2022

EU Agrees To Block Most But Not All Russian Oil – May 31, 2022

Canada’s Trudeau announces ‘national freeze’ on handgun ownership, mandatory gun buyback legislation – May 30, 2022

European Union agrees to ban most Russian oil imports – May 30, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Israeli Air Force simulates widescale strike on Iran nuclear facilities

Dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter jets conducted air maneuvers over the Mediterranean Sea on Tuesday night, simulating striking Iranian nuclear facilities.

Sa’ar’s New Hope said holding talks with Likud over potential new government

The coalition’s New Hope party is holding behind-the-scenes talks with the opposition Likud over options for a potential alternate government, Hebrew-language media reported on Wednesday.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel launches government program to support LGBT community – June 1, 2022

Israel Says Iran Used Stolen UN Watchdog Documents to Evade Nuclear Probes – May 31, 2022

IDF chief of staff in Cyprus for joint military exercise – May 31, 2022

Israel, UAE ink ‘groundbreaking’ free trade deal, in 1st with Arab state – May 31, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

Cyber agency: Voting software vulnerable in some states

Electronic voting machines from a leading vendor used in at least 16 states have software vulnerabilities that leave them susceptible to hacking if unaddressed, the nation’s leading cybersecurity agency says in an advisory sent to state election officials.

Supreme Court Blocks Social Media Anti-Censorship Law

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked a Texas anti-censorship law Tuesday that would ban social media platforms like Facebook from censoring dissenting opinions.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Biden doesn’t believe in hardening schools, White House says – May 31, 2022

Biden Justice Department appeals ruling that lifted federal mask mandate – May 31, 2022

Police Investigated Over US School Attack – May 30, 2022

Biden signals support for banning most popular U.S. handgun — the 9mm – May 30, 2022

Texas Police Admit ‘Wrong Decision’ In School Massacre – May 29, 2022

Fed government revises first-quarter GDP, contraction worse than originally estimated – May 29, 2022

Schumer blocks Senate GOP school safety bill, angering Republicans – May 29, 2022

Breaking Christian News

Nigeria: 31 people die in stampede for free food at church event

Thirty-one people, including numerous children, were killed Saturday during a stampede at a church’s free food event in Nigeria’s River state, the Associated Press reports.

First transgender Lutheran bishop has been asked to resign

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has asked Megan Rohrer, its first transgender bishop, to resign after the cleric fired a Hispanic pastor on a culturally important religious day for the Latinx community, Church Leaders (CL) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Head of Nigerian Methodist Church kidnapped, released next day – May 31, 2022

Police Burns Church Building In Central India – May 31, 2022

China Prevents Christian Wedding – May 31, 2022

India: Christian pastors ordered to cease all ministry – May 30, 2022

China: Christian coupled jailed and penniless for selling the Bible – May 30, 2022

India: Hindu authorities shut down church following complaints about conversions to Christianity – May 30, 2022

Pakistan: Catholic girl abducted, forced to marry Muslim man, family “pleading with police” for help – May 30, 2022

News from this Week 4/13/22

Breaking World News

Russia Warns Finland, Sweden Against Joining NATO

Moscow has warned Finland and Sweden against joining the U.S.-led NATO military alliance after both nations expressed concerns about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Iranian Americans, senators, security experts urge Biden to keep Iran’s IRGC on terror list

More than 500 Iranian American scholars, scientists, and professionals are urging President Biden not to lift the terrorist designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in order to close a new nuclear deal with Iran, warning such a move would fuel the Iranian regime’s aggression abroad and oppression at home.

Russia’s Putin Praises ‘Military Operation’ In Ukraine, Calls Mass Killings ‘Fake’

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday his nation’s “military operation” in Ukraine would continue because peace talks hit a “dead end,” and he called reported war crimes “fake.”

Latest World News Headlines

China: Authorities seize another Catholic bishop to unknown location – April 12, 2022

State Department orders non-emergency personnel to leave Shanghai – April 12, 2022

Hungary’s Orbán Facing Pressure Over Ukraine Massacres – April 12, 2022

Austria’s Leader In Russia As ‘20,000 Die’ In Mariupol, Ukraine – April 11, 2022

OPEC Tells EU That Russia Oil Crisis Is Beyond Its Control – April 11, 2022

Russia warns Finland and Sweden against joining NATO – April 11, 2022

Ukraine economy forecast to shrink by nearly half this year – April 11, 2022

Mass Killings As Ukrainian War Escalates – April 11, 2022

French President Macron Faces Far-Right Le Pen In Second Election Round – April 10, 2022

Breaking Israel News

What is ‘Plan B’ for Israel or America if Iran nuclear deal goes unsigned?

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz made it clear on Monday that if world powers do not reach an agreement with Iran, Israel will be forced to activate “Plan B” immediately.

Thousands attend Palm Sunday celebrations in Jerusalem

Jerusalem welcomed thousands of Christian Pilgrims attending Palm Sunday celebrations in the Old City this weekend, the Associated Press (AP) reports. The throngs of pilgrims arrived to commemorate the start of the Christian Holy Week, despite the recent new wave of Palestinian terrorist attacks in Israel.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel approves $93 million to fortify security barrier – April 11, 2022

IDF Operations in West Bank to Intensify, Gantz Says – April 10, 2022

Israel Condemns ‘Shocking’ Vandalism of Joseph’s Tomb as Palestinian Rioters Torch Holy Site – April 10, 2022

Syria accuses Israel of conducting rare daylight strike near Masyaf – April 10, 2022

Israeli security forces kill Tel Aviv gunman in shootout – April 7, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

Inflation up 8.5% from year ago, 40-year high, according Labor Department’s March CPI report

The cost of consumer goods increased 8.5 % in March, compared to 12 months earlier, the Labor Department reported Tuesday.

Oklahoma Gov. Stitt signs near-total abortion ban into law

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, signed a near-total abortion ban into law on Tuesday, making performing the procedure a felony.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Kemp signs constitutional carry bill into law for Georgia – April 12, 2022

22 AGs file brief with SCOTUS against federal firearm accessory ban – April 11, 2022

DeSantis Signs Bill To Provide $70 Million To Support Fatherhood In Florida – April 11, 2022

Yahoo Confirms Huge Hunter Biden Story – Weapon Sales to Africa, Chinese Intel, $1M Retainer – April 11, 2022

With Roe in the Balance, Blue States Push for Abortion on Demand – April 11, 2022

Biden to nominate new ATF director, release ghost gun rule – April 10, 2022

Alabama bans ‘sex change’ procedures for children, LGBT ideology in elementary schools – April 10, 2022

Kentucky governor vetoes 15-week abortion ban – April 10, 2022

2 Men Charged in Michigan Governor ‘Kidnapping’ Scheme Acquitted as FBI Sting Implodes – April 9, 2022

Senate votes to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to U.S. Supreme Court – April 7, 2022

Breaking Christian News

Indonesia: Christian sentenced to 10 years for posting videos critical of Islam

A Christian in Indonesia has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for uploading Youtube videos that were critical of Islam, his former faith, Christian Today (CT) reports.

Christian radio continues to broadcast Gospel to Ukraine despite forced evacuation

A Christian radio station team that had broadcast from Ukraine prior to the Russian invasion, is continuing to share the Gospel despite being forced to evacuate from its modern studio in Odessa to an apartment in Romania, WNG reports. Even while struggling with a staff shortage and lack of equipment in Romania, New Life Radio still broadcasts the Good News in Russian to Ukraine as well as to Russia and Belarus.

Egypt Priest Killing Raises Questions

A Coptic Orthodox priest has been killed in the coastal city of Alexandria in northern Egypt amid ongoing concerns about Islamic extremism in the country, rights activists confirmed Monday.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Nigeria: Slaughter of Christians headed toward Genocide if nothing is done say NGOs – April 11, 2022

Pakistan Christians To Australia After Massacre – April 11, 2022

Christian Radio Airs Story Of Jesus To Ukrainian Refugees – April 8, 2022

China Releases Street Evangelist – April 8, 2022

Christians Fear India State’s Conversion Law – April 8, 2022

Islamic Terrorists Kill Christians In North Nigeria’ – April 7, 2022

New survey finds sharp decrease of Bible users in the US – April 7, 2022

China releases Christians jailed for attending Gospel event – April 7, 2022

Ukraine: Dean of evangelical seminary found dead in Bucha – April 7, 2022

Egypt Detains Nine For Demanding New Church Building – April 7, 2022