Weekly News Brief 5/1/25

Posted on May 1, 2025 by doyouknowmyfather

Featured Stories

U.S. Labs Using Chinese Military Supercomputers in Pentagon-Funded Research, Sparking National Security Fears

U.S. national laboratories and Pentagon-funded universities are reportedly using Chinese supercomputers in ways that jeopardize American national security

Nuclear Armed India, Pakistan Clash In Kashmir After Deadly Attack (Worthy News Focus)

Tensions between nuclear-armed powers India and Pakistan rapidly escalated Friday with forces from both nations firing across their highly militarized frontier in Kashmir following a deadly attack that killed scores of tourists in the disputed Himalayan region.

China’s Drone Swarm Surge Sparks U.S. ‘Hellscape’ Defense Strategy Amid Taiwan Invasion Fears (Investigation)

China’s PLA is advancing drone swarm warfare for strikes and surveillance, outpacing manned-unmanned integration, a U.S. Air Force report says. As tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait, Admiral Paparo warns China’s buildup is a “rehearsal” for invasion. In response, the U.S. plans a “hellscape” of drones, while Taiwan boosts its drone production and arms purchases.

Iran Builds New Security Perimeter Around Secret Nuclear Tunnel Complexes – Apr.24.2025

Russia and Iran Seal 20-Year Strategic Pact to Deepen Military and Diplomatic Ties – Apr.21.2025

Breaking World News

Ukraine’s President Urges Help After Russia Hits Black Sea Port
Ukraine’s president has urged the world to pressure Russia to stop continuing attacks on his war-torn nation after authorities said at least two people were killed and 15 injured in a Russian drone strike on the Black Sea port city of Odesa.

U.S. Sanctions Hit Iranian Oil Smuggling Network Ahead of Renewed Nuclear Talks
The United States imposed a sweeping set of sanctions Wednesday targeting an international network of companies and vessels accused of facilitating the illicit trade of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. The move, announced just days ahead of renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, marks the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran.

Russia, North Korea Intensifying Ties With Bridge Despite North Korean Deaths
Russia and North Korea have begun constructing a road bridge to strengthen their “strategic partnership” despite reports that hundreds of North Korean soldiers have died fighting for Russia.

Latest World News Headlines

U.S. Strikes Major Minerals Deal with Ukraine Despite Explosive Trump-Zelensky White House Clash – Apr.30.2025

Three Killed In Sweden’s Shooting – Apr.30.2025

Women Attacked In Netherlands Reviving Migration Debate (Worthy News Investigation) – Apr.30.2025

Portugal, Spain Investigating Deadly Power Outage (Worthy News Focus) – Apr.30.2025

Trump Secures Water Rights for South Texas, Enforcing Mexico Treaty – Apr.29.2025

Breaking Israel News

Netanyahu Sparks Uproar After Calling ‘Victory’ the Superior Goal Over Hostage Return
Posted on: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignited a firestorm of criticism during Israel’s Independence Day celebrations after declaring that winning the war against Hamas is a “superior objective” to retrieving the remaining hostages held in Gaza.

Israel Strikes Near Damascus to Protect Druze as Sectarian Violence Escalates
Israel carried out an airstrike near Damascus on Wednesday, targeting what it called an extremist group plotting an attack on Syria’s Druze community. Describing it as a “warning operation,” Israel said the strike aimed to prevent further sectarian violence amid rising tensions in the region.

Latest Israel News Headlines

‘National Emergency’: Suspected Arson-Terror Fires Engulfs Israel As Independence Day Events Canceled – Apr.30.2025

Israel’s Population Nears 10.1 Million as Leaders Honor the Fallen and Vow to Bring Hostages Home – Apr.30.2025

Israel Prepares to Expand Gaza Operation as Hostage Talks Stall – Apr.29.2025

Israel Rejects Hamas Five-Year Truce Proposal, Citing Security Concerns – Apr.29.2025

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Missile Warehouse in Beirut, Citing ‘Significant Threat’ – Apr.27.2025

Breaking U.S. News

U.S. Economy Shrinks 0.3% in First Quarter; Trump Blames Biden ‘Overhang’
The U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, marking its first decline in three years, according to preliminary data released Wednesday by the Commerce Department.

ICE: Over 65,000 Illegal Immigrants Removed in Trump’s First 100 Days
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that it has removed more than 65,000 illegal immigrants from the United States during the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term in office. The agency reported a total of 66,463 arrests, with 65,682 individuals removed from the country between January 20 and April 29.

S&P Global Warns States About Slower Growth, Recession
A top credit-rating agency warned Wednesday that the most significant credit risks from President Donald Trump’s tariffs are tied to the potential for slower growth or an all-out recession.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Nevada Abortion Law Paused as Planned Parenthood Goes to Court – Apr.30.2025

100 Days of Hoaxes: Exposing the Avalanche of Media Hoaxes in Trump’s Second Term – Apr.30.2025

100 Days in Office: Trump’s Legislative Accomplishments – Apr.30.2025

Poll: Democrats Don’t Know Who Their Party’s Leader Is – Apr.29.2025

Trump Order Strips Funding From Sanctuary Cities Engaged in ‘Insurrection’ – Apr.29.2025

Trump Border Policies ‘Making America Safe Again,’ Homan Says (Video) – Apr.28.2025

Senate Committee to Vote on Bills Combating Antisemitism on Campuses – Apr.27.2025

Breaking Christian News

Afghan Christians Face US Deportation Despite Death Threats
At least nearly two dozen Christian refugees from Afghanistan have been ordered to leave the United States despite facing death in their home country for their faith in Christ, their church and other groups say.

YouVersion CEO: Record Bible Engagement Signals Global Spiritual Awakening
The founder of YouVersion, the world’s most popular Bible app, says unprecedented engagement with Scripture reflects a global spiritual revival. On Easter Sunday 2025, 18.95 million people used the app—an all-time high and a 12% jump over the previous year.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Pakistan Detains Three After Raping Christian (Worthy News In-Depth) – Apr.30.2025

Christians Receive Prison Sentences and Fines for Distributing Bibles in China – Apr.27.2025

Dutch Christians for Israel Attacked By Pro-Palestine Crowds (Worthy News Investigation) – Apr.27.2025

Christians Fear Expulsion, Threats In Mauritania – Apr.24.2025

Christians Urge Prayers For Jailed Iranian Believers – Apr.24.2025

Pope’s Death Raising Eternity Questions – Apr.24.2025

Nigeria Easter Crash Kills 5 Christians; Group Urges Calm – Apr.22.2025

Weekly News Brief 4/21/25

Posted on April 21, 2025 by doyouknowmyfather

Featured Stories

Trump Says He Didn’t ‘Wave Off’ Israeli Strike on Iran, But Is ‘Not in a Rush to Do It’ (Video)

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he was in no rush to approve military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, following a New York Times report that he had blocked an Israeli proposal for a joint attack next month.

Trump: Decision on Iran Coming ‘Very Quickly,’ Says Nuclear Threat ‘Easy to Solve’

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, telling reporters Monday, “They cannot have a nuclear weapon. Iran has to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon.”

US, Iran End High-Level Talks, Set Second Round for Next Week

The U.S. and Iran held talks in Oman on Saturday and agreed to resume negotiations next week, aiming to curb Tehran’s nuclear program. The meeting followed an April 12 session, with President Trump warning of military action if no deal is reached.

Iran Arms Iraqi Proxies with Missiles Despite Warnings From Trump – Apr.9.2025

China Moves to Outlaw All Missionary Work – Apr.7.2025

Breaking World News

Iran, US Held Second Round of Talks In Rome
Iran and the United States held a second round of nuclear talks Saturday in Rome, where both sides agreed to begin drafting a potential deal. Iran’s foreign minister confirmed the move, while a U.S. official reported “very good progress.”

Violent Easter Sunday In Ukraine (Worthy News Radio)
Easter Sunday remained far from peaceful in Ukraine as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia intensified shelling and the use of drones. The reported attacks came despite Moscow’s announcement of an Easter ceasefire.

Russia, Ukraine Exchange Hundreds Of Prisoners This Easter (Worthy News Radio)
As Easter approached, there was some hope for hundreds of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war and scores of injured soldiers, with officials saying they were being exchanged on Saturday. It also came after U.S. Vice President JD Vance cautiously expressed optimism about an end to the more than three-year war following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Latest World News Headlines

Rubio: U.S. May Abandon Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Within Days – Apr.18.2025

Trump To Visit Italy, Prime Minister Says – Apr.18.2025

Cable Crash Kills Four In Italy – Apr.18.2025

Ukraine and U.S. Forge Path Toward Landmark Economic Partnership, Says Kyiv Official – Apr.17.2025

Trump Expects Russian Response on Ceasefire Proposal Within Days, Says He Wants “Death and Killing to Stop” (Video) – Apr.17.2025

Breaking Israel News

Netanyahu Vows “No Surrender” in Defiant Statement on Hostage Deal
In a forceful Saturday night address following Hamas’s rejection of the latest hostage deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “I will not surrender to murderers.”

Hamas Rejects Israeli Ceasefire Plan, Dismisses Netanyahu’s ‘Partial Deals’
Posted on: Friday, April 18, 2025
Hamas has formally rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, criticizing it as a “partial” deal that fails to guarantee a complete end to the war or a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Hamas Faces Financial Crisis, Unable To Pay Its Fighters – Apr.17.2025

Trump Says He Didn’t ‘Wave Off’ Israeli Strike on Iran, But Is ‘Not in a Rush to Do It’ (Video) – Apr.17.2025

US to Pull Troops from Syria Within 2 Months, Informs Israel of Exit Plan – Apr.17.2025

U.S. Approves Major Arms Shipment to Israel, Sets Sights on Iran – Apr.15.2025

Hostage Deal Stalls as Hamas Rejects Disarmament Demand, Netanyahu Speaks to Hostage Families – Apr.14.2025

Breaking U.S. News

White House Endorses COVID-19 Wuhan Lab Leak Theory
The White House on Friday officially endorsed the theory that the COVID-19 virus leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, a Chinese lab.

Supreme Court Temporarily Halts Some Venezuelan Deportations
The U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting some Venezuelans in the country who’ve been identified as members of violent gangs, including the terrorist organization, Tren de Aragua.

US President Trump Urges Nation To Turn To Christ In Easter Message
The White House has been hosting events in observance of “Holy Week,” acknowledging Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His victory over death. “What a contrast to Easter last year at the White House when President [Joe] Biden declared the most holy day of the year [Easter Sunday] on the Christian calendar ‘Transgender Day of Visibility’ (TDOV),” noted evangelist Franklin Graham, who attended this week’s White House Easter Prayer Dinner.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Shooting Kills 2 At Florida State University; Gunman Detained – Apr.17.2025

Colorado Parents May Lose Custody For ‘Misgendering’ Child – Apr.17.2025

California Losing Another Refinery, Impacting AZ and NV; Fuel Shortages Possible – Apr.17.2025

DOGE Deactivates Nearly Half a Million Government Credit Cards – Apr.16.2025

Trump Admin Gives U.S. Army Control of Federal Land Along US-Mexico Border for Security – Apr.16.2025

RFK Jr. Says ‘Autism Epidemic’ Linked to Environmental Toxins, Not Just Genetics – Apr.16.2025

Illegal Border Crossings Hit Record Low Second Month In Row – Apr.16.2025

Breaking Christian News

Pakistan Christian Gets Death Sentence On Good Friday
A Pakistani anti-terrorism court sentenced a Christian man to death on Good Friday on controversial charges of blasphemy against Islam, Christians told Worthy News.

Churches in Nicaragua Facing Crackdown This Easter
Christians across autocratically-ruled Nicaragua “are celebrating Holy Week” leading up to Easter under the watchful eye of police and paramilitary forces, Christians told Worthy News on Good Friday.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Good Friday Prayers For Persecuted Church At US Capitol – Apr.17.2025

Kidnapped US Pastor Rescued In South Africa, 3 Suspects Dead After ‘Miracle’ – Apr.16.2025

Pakistani Christian Kids Die Of Poisoned Sweets – Apr.16.2025

At Least 113 Christians Feared Dead In Nigeria Attacks (Worthy News In-Depth) – Apr.16.2025

US Missionary Returns Home After Detention In Tunisia – Apr.15.2025

Togo Pastor Killed, Others Persecuted By Islamists – Apr.15.2025

Over 50 Christians Massacred in Nigeria’s Plateau State Amid Ongoing Attacks – Apr.14.2025

Weekly News Brief 4/13/25

Posted on April 13, 2025 by doyouknowmyfather

Featured Stories

Iran Arms Iraqi Proxies with Missiles Despite Warnings From Trump

Iran has delivered long-range missiles to its militia proxies in Iraq, expanding its military influence despite warnings from President Donald Trump to hold Tehran accountable for its proxies’ actions, the Times of London reported.

China Moves to Outlaw All Missionary Work

This week, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) unveiled stringent new regulations that will take effect May 1 that clamp down on missionary activities within the country, according to a prominent Christian persecution advocacy organization.

US Delivers Advanced Missile Defense Systems to Israel Ahead of Possible Iranian Strike

The U.S. has delivered advanced missile systems to Israel amid a wave of ballistic missile attacks by Houthi terrorists and escalating tensions with Iran, fueling growing fears of a looming military confrontation with Iran.

Breaking World News

Russian Palm Sunday Strike Kills Over 30 In Sumy
A Russian missile strike on Palm Sunday killed at least 32 people and injured nearly 100 others, including children, in the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy, local authorities said.

Gold Hits Record High Amid Global Trade War; Biblical Experts Not Surprised (Worthy News Focus)
Gold, mentioned often in Biblical times, appeared a safe- haven for investors fleeing turbulent stock markets amid an unprecedented trade war between the world’s largest economies vying for global dominance.

Trade War China, US Escalates With Beijing Imposing 125 Percent Tariffs; Markets React
The standoff between the world’s largest economies turned into a full-fledged trade war Friday, with China raising tariffs on imported goods from the U.S. to 125 percent and claiming further American levies would be seen around the globe as a “joke.”

Latest World News Headlines

China Stands Firm After Putting 125% Tariffs on U.S. Imports – Apr.11.2025

Panama, US To ‘Protect Panama Canal Against China’s Threats’ – Apr.10.2025

Asia Shares Climb After Record Wall Street Rally – Apr.10.2025

Europe Urges US To Avoid Shock Withdrawal Of Troops – Apr.9.2025

Trump Pauses Most Tariffs, Raises Tariffs on China to 125% – Apr.9.2025

Breaking Israel News

Trump States Israel Will Lead Military Strike Against Iran if Diplomacy Fails
President Donald Trump warned that if Iran doesn’t agree to Washington’s terms in the upcoming nuclear talks starting this Saturday, the U.S. might resort to military action, with Israel taking a lead role.

France Plans June Recognition Palestine If Arabs Recognize Israel
French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested a road to peace in the Middle East, saying his nation could recognize a Palestinian state in June if “in turn” countries in the Middle East “recognize” the state of Israel.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel Expands Buffer Zone in Gaza, Majority of Hamas Tunnels Remain Intact – Apr.9.2025

Senate: ‘Mike Huckabee US Ambassador to Israel’ – Apr.9.2025

Israel, Turkey Talks On Avoiding Military Clash Over Syria – Apr.8.2025

Netanyahu Advocates for ‘Libyan-Style’ Dismantling of Iran’s Nuclear Program – Apr.8.2025

High Court Temporarily Blocks Netanyahu from Dismissing Security Chief After Turbulent Hearing – Apr.8.2025

Breaking U.S. News

Helicopter Crash In Hudson River Kills 6, Including Children (Video)
Six people, including three children, have died after a sightseeing helicopter crashed into New York City’s Hudson River Thursday, officials confirmed.

House Passes Voting Bill To Stop Illegal Immigrant Voting
The House approved the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, aimed at enhancing federal election security by restricting noncitizen voting, despite 208 Democrats opposing the measure supported by President Donald Trump.

House Passes $5.8 Trillion Budget Resolution to Make Trump Tax Cuts Permanent
President Donald Trump’s tax cuts are set for permanent extension after the House narrowly passed a $5.8 trillion over ten years concurrent budget resolution that seemed poised to fail.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

House Passes Budget Resolution in Narrow 216-214 Vote to Advance Trump’s Agenda – Apr.10.2025

House Passes Bill Limiting District Court Judges From Pausing Executive Actions – Apr.10.2025

Inflation Slows in March, Surprising Experts – Apr.10.2025

DOGE Lists Over $380 Million in Likely Unemployment Fraud – Apr.10.2025

US Stocks See Biggest Gains Since World War Two – Apr.9.2025

$5.8 Trillion Budget Resolution One Step Away From Adoption – Apr.9.2025

Stocks Soar After Trump Suspends Tariffs – Apr.9.2025

Breaking Christian News

US Missionary Kidnapped In South Africa; Prayers Urged
A U.S. missionary has been kidnapped in South Africa’s port city of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape province, and his family has urged prayers for his “safe return,” Christians confirmed Friday.

England Council Threatens Banning Street Peachers With Prison Terms
A Labour Party-run council in England wants to ban Christian street preachers with “an injunction,” or judicial order, that could result in lengthy prison sentences for violators.

Latest Christian News Headlines

England Primary School Axes Easter Celebrations Citing Diversity – Apr.10.2025

Muslim Man Kills His Wife for Converting to Christianity During Ramadan – Apr.9.2025

Youth With A Mission ‘Regrets Spiritual Abuse, Manipulation’ Closes Location (Worthy News Investigation) – Apr.8.2025

Church Attacked In Pakistan After Kidnappings And Murders (Worthy News In-Depth) – Apr.7.2025

Anti-Christian Violence Kills 60 In Nigeria’s Plateau State (Worthy News Investigation) – Apr.6.2025

11 Killed in Night Attack on Christian Farming Community in Nigeria – Apr.3.2025

Pastor in China Sentenced to 5 Years in Jail – Apr.3.2025

Weekly News Brief 4/7/25

Posted on April 7, 2025 by doyouknowmyfather

Featured Stories

US Delivers Advanced Missile Defense Systems to Israel Ahead of Possible Iranian Strike

China’s Military Surrounds Taiwan After Trump Comments (Worthy News Focus)

China staged massive war games near Taiwan Tuesday, just weeks after U.S. President Donald J. Trump declined to commit military support for the territory.

Countdown to Conflict: Missiles Ready, Preemptive Strike Urged, Tensions Escalate

In response to Trump’s bombing threats, Iran has put U.S. troops on alert, urged a preemptive strike on Diego Garcia, and readied underground ballistic missiles as tensions rise with the arrival of a U.S. carrier group and B-52 bombers in the region.

Breaking World News

Russia Hits Ukraine President’s Town; Scores Killed and Inured (Worthy News In-Depth)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown plunged into mourning Saturday after at least 19 people reportedly died and scores were injured in Russian missile and drone strikes over the weekend.

South Korea’s Top Court Fires Impeached President
Thousands of protesters cheered in Seoul Friday as they watched a broadcast announcing that South Korea’s top court voted unanimously to dismiss the country’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol.

Hungary To Withdraw From International Court; Netanyahu Visits Country
As the Israeli prime minister visited the nation, Hungary announced Thursday that it would withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.