Weekly News Brief; Week of 5/3/23

Iran seizes second oil tanker in Gulf waters in a week

In the latest of a series of seizures or attacks on commercial vessels since 2019, Iran on Wednesday morning seized control of a second oil tanker in Gulf waters in a week, Reuters reports.

Iran’s President Raisi meets with Syrian President Assad in Damascus

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi met with Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus on Monday, marking the first time an Iranian president has visited Syria since the civil war took over the country in 2011, the Associated Press reports. Raisi’s meeting with Assad was part of a two-day visit to boost economic and political cooperation between Iran and Syria.

Teenager Detained As Belgrade School Shooting Kills Nine (Worthy News Radio)

Serbian police say they have detained a 14-year boy who was allegedly involved in killing at least eight students and a security guard at a primary school in Belgrade.

Latest World News Headlines

Hundreds Detained In France After Policeman Was Nearly Killed In Protests – May 2, 2023

Russia Rejects US Casualty Claims As Battle Continues (Worthy News Radio) – May 2, 2023

Mother of Kidnapped US Journalist Doubts Biden’s Assurances – May 2, 2023

BRICS Expands Threatening West’s Dominance – May 2, 2023

Russia Unleashes Missiles Strike in Ukraine Ahead of Counteroffensive (Worthy News Radio) – May 2, 2023

French police clash with violent protesters during mass May Day demonstrations – May 2, 2023

Turkish forces have killed leader of Islamic State, Erdogan says – May 1, 2023

Breaking Israel News

Israel, Gaza Armed Groups Agree to Cease-fire After Recent Flare-Up

Israel and Gaza armed groups agreed to a cease-fire early Wednesday after a day of increased violence, sparked by the death of a prominent Palestinian Islamic Jihad member during a hunger strike in an Israeli prison. According to Al Jazeera and Reuters, Palestinian sources confirmed that the truce went into effect before dawn, mediated by officials from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.

IDF hits terrorist targets in Gaza after series of day-long rocket barrages

The Israel Defense Forces struck terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday night following a series of rocket attacks throughout the day, the army said in a statement.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Netanyahu not in contempt of court, High Court rules – May 2, 2023

US Speaker McCarthy addresses Israel’s Knesset – May 2, 2023

Syria says Aleppo airport forced to shut after Israeli airstrike; 1 soldier killed – May 2, 2023

Israeli airstrikes hit targets near Homs, Syrian state media says – April 30, 2023

Breaking U.S. News

As evidence emerges in Hunter Biden probe, investigators see a political protection racket

A letter falsely insinuating a laptop was Russian disinformation. An IRS whistleblower. Suspicious activity bank reports. Suggestions of false testimony to Congress.

Customers Urged To Remain Calm After First Republic Collapse

Worried customers were urged Tuesday to remain confident in the U.S banking system after First Republic became the second-largest bank to fail in American history.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Kansas passes law defining gender as person’s biological sex at birth – May 2, 2023

Pennsylvania school district must allow After School Satan Club – May 2, 2023

US Dust Storm Kills Six and Injures Dozens – May 2, 2023

Treasury’s Yellen Says US Could Default as Soon as June 1 – May 2, 2023

In 3rd Major Bank Collapse, Regulators Seize First Republic Bank, Sell It to JPMorgan Chase – May 2, 2023

FDIC Recommends Raising Insured Deposit Limit for Businesses – May 2, 2023

U.S. military is tracking another mysterious balloon – May 2, 2023

Breaking Christian News

US Commission on International Religious Freedom publishes annual report, lists worst violators

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Monday published its annual report on the state of religious freedom around the world, listing those nations which it found to be the worst violators of such freedom, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Sudan: Christians killed, churches destroyed in ongoing violent conflict

While it is not yet clear if Christians are being specifically targeted in the violent civil conflict in Sudan, four churches have been destroyed and Christians have reportedly been killed, wounded, turned away from state hospitals, and barred from receiving humanitarian aid being given to Muslims, Baptist Press reported on April 28. The violence broke out on April 15 as the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fought for control of the government.

Uganda: Christian college student murdered for sharing the Gospel

A 24-year-old Christian college student in northern Uganda was murdered last month by a suspected radicalized Muslim because he had been sharing the Gospel on his school campus, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. While Christianity is legal in Uganda, Christians, especially evangelists, have been increasingly vulnerable to deadly attacks by radicalized Muslims.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Florida court rejects churches’ request to leave UMC with property and no exit fees – May 1, 2023

Nigeria: Slaughter of Christians continues, “We lost hope in the Nigerian Police” – May 1, 2023

Concerns About Abducted Christians In Nigeria After Killings – April 28, 2023

Nigeria: Christian community devastated by jihadist attacks worships God in burnt-out church on Good Friday – April 27, 2023

18 US Christian colleges forced to shut down since pandemic – April 27, 2023

100 Christian Families Freed From Pakistan Brick Kilns – April 26, 2023

Nigeria: Mass slaughter of Christians continues; 134 murdered by Fulani jihadists in Benue state – April 26, 2023

News from this Week-8/3/22

China’s Military Moves To Taiwan After Pelosi Visit

The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has left Taiwan after a visit that angered China and prompted a military response.

Britain’s Central Bank Announces Biggest Rate Hike In 27 Years; Warns Of Recession

The Bank of England (BoE) raised interest rates by the most in 27 years on Thursday and warned a prolonged recession is on its way.

US Senate gives overwhelming approval to Finland/Sweden NATO applications

The US Senate on Wednesday voted 95-1 in overwhelming approval of the applications by Sweden and Finland to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Axios reports. NATO was established in 1949 by 12 countries, including the US, Canada, Italy, and France, to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.

Latest World News Headlines

Explosions In Ukraine As Concerns Mount Over Suffering Civilians – August 4, 2022

Iran has installed three IR-6 centrifuges at enrichment plant – August 4, 2022

U.S. to sell Patriot missiles to Saudi Arabia in deal worth $3 billion – August 3, 2022

U.S. State Department Posts ‘Worldwide Caution’ Warning to Travelers Following Death of Bin Laden’s Successor – August 3, 2022

Iran, US, EU envoys heading to Vienna as nuclear talks expected to resume – August 3, 2022

Iceland: Volcano erupts near key Keflavik airport – August 3, 2022

Putin: NATO Expansion, US Oceans Policy Are Top Threats to Russia’s Security – August 2, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Israel: Archaeologists begin dig where Biblical Joshua is believed to be buried

Israeli archaeologists have begun excavating a site in the West Bank that is believed to be where the Biblical Joshua lived and was buried, the Jerusalem Post reports. Known as Khirbet Tibnah, the excavation site is located in southwest Samaria and is believed to have been inhabited from the Bronze Age until the beginning of the Ottoman rule.

Joint Israeli-Italian F-35 drill signifies key milestone in IAF’s international cooperation

The “Lightning Shield” international exercise involving F-35s from the Israeli and Italian air forces, held in late July in Israel, marked a significant moment in Israel’s military cooperation with partners, an IAF source has said.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Top Islamic Jihad official threatens to attack center of Israel – August 3, 2022

US Army ‘Successfully’ Tests Israel’s Iron Dome in Live Fire Interception – August 2, 2022

Lapid to hold security meeting following arrest of Islamic Jihad leader – August 2, 2022

In apparent warning to Iran, PM says Israel has ‘other capabilities’ – August 1, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

Biden Signs Pro-Abortion Executive Order, Defying Church

U.S. President Joe Biden signed a new executive order on Wednesday that he said aims “to protect access to reproductive healthcare” after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to abortion.

Abortion Victory in Kansas Stuns Pro-Lifers, Sparks Fears of Abortion Haven

It was a surprise setback for the pro-life movement in Kansas. Voters in the state rejected a ballot measure Tuesday that would have allowed the GOP-controlled legislature to tighten restrictions on abortion or ban it outright.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Household debt exceeds $16 trillion in second quarter of 2022 – August 3, 2022

Christian Flag to be Raised at Boston City Hall Wednesday Following Supreme Court First Amendment Ruling – August 3, 2022

Senate votes to let Sweden, Finland join NATO – August 3, 2022

President Biden signs executive order to collect data, cover travel expenses for women seeking abortions – August 3, 2022

Growing Number of California Cities Declare Monkeypox an ‘Emergency’ – August 3, 2022

Company to pay millions to employees over denying religious exemptions to COVID-19 shots – August 2, 2022

Breaking Christian News

Nigeria: Four children among seven Christians murdered

As the slaughter of Christians in Nigeria continues, four children were among seven Christians murdered by suspected Fulani jihadists in Nigeria’s Plateau state on Sunday, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Nigeria ranked number one in the world last year for Christians murdered by Islamic terrorists on account of their faith.

Nigeria: Islamic militants murder pastors and kidnap congregants from Evangelical Church Winning All denomination

Fulani militants and other Muslim extremists have murdered six pastors and kidnapped 27 congregants from Nigeria’s Evangelical Church Winning All this year alone, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Florida Christian school sues Biden administration of same-sex marriage stance

A Christian school in Florida is suing the Biden administration after being told it may lose federal funding for its school lunch program if it continues to publicly insist that marriage is only legitimate between one man and one woman, Christian Headlines (CH) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

US: Catholic school entitled to fire employee who entered same-sex marriage, appeals court rules – August 2, 2022

Christian university sues Washington state to preserve anti-LGBTQ hiring practices – August 2, 2022

China: Jailed Christian pastor awaits sentencing for holding worship service – August 2, 2022

Burkina Faso: Christians increasingly harassed by Islamic extremists – August 2, 2022

Vietnam Christians face severe persecution – August 1, 2022

Syria: Two killed in terrorist attack on church – August 1, 2022

Nepal: Pastor sentenced to a year in jail for alleged forced conversions – August 1, 2022

This news was taken in whole or part from Worthy News Ministries

News from this Week 7/27/22

Breaking World News

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

Adviser To Hungary’s Premier Quits Over ‘Pure Nazi Speech’

The longtime top adviser of Hungary’s hardline nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has resigned over a “pure Nazi speech” in which he spoke out against becoming a “mixed race.”

IAEA chief: Iran’s nuclear program is galloping ahead, we have very limited visibility

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi warned on Friday that Iran’s nuclear program is “galloping ahead” and his agency has very limited visibility on what is happening.

EU Agrees To Reduce Gas Consumption Despite Hungary’s Objections – July 26, 2022

As NATO Grows, China and Russia Seek to Bring Iran, Saudi Arabia Into Fold – July 26, 2022

Japanese volcano Sakurajima erupts triggering alert level 5 – July 26, 2022

Russia’s Gazprom says it’s cutting gas to Nord Stream to 20% of capacity – July 26, 2022

Wheat Prices Up Sharply After Strike On Odesa, Despite Moscow Denying Impact Of Attack – July 26, 2022

Myanmar’s Military Executes Four Activists – July 26, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Israeli scientists discover method to accurately predict major earthquakes

Israeli scientists have published a study detailing a method by which a major earthquake can be predicted with 80% accuracy 48 hours before it strikes, the Jerusalem Post reports. Devastating, deadly earthquakes have occurred in all parts of the world, including the Far East and Europe, and are not confined to specific regions.

Israel says Russians fired at its jets over Syria in May in ‘one-off’

Israel said on Tuesday that its military jets came under Russian anti-aircraft fire over Syria in May but they missed their target, describing the confrontation as a “one-off incident”.

Latest Israel News Headlines

‘All of Israel’s gas fields are under threat’: Nasrallah in fresh threat over offshore rigs – July 26, 2022

‘No one knows what Putin wants,’ say Israeli officials as rift with Russia deepens – July 26, 2022

Multiple Russian-Jewish organizations sent warnings by Russian gov’t – July 26, 2022

Syria says Israeli airstrikes near Damascus kill 3 soldiers, wound 7 – July 24, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

Biden administration plans ID cards for unauthorized immigrants

The Biden administration is hoping to roll out a pilot scheme that would provide unauthorized immigrants with temporary ID cards while they await a decision on their immigration cases, Axios reports. The government will seek Congressional approval for the plan before the midterm elections in November.

22 states sue to stop Biden administration from linking school lunches to gender-identity agenda

Twenty-two Republican attorneys general sued Tuesday to block the Agriculture Department’s newly announced guidance making student-lunch funds contingent on enforcing the Biden administration’s gender-identity agenda.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Democrats introduce bill to enact term limits for Supreme Court justices – July 26, 2022

ICE developing program to give ID cards to illegal immigrants, as border crisis rages – July 26, 2022

Fed set to impose another big rate hike to fight inflation – July 26, 2022

Kansans to vote on removing abortion protections from state constitution – July 26, 2022

Judge rules life beginning at conception is a ‘distinctly Christian’ idea, blocks Kentucky abortion ban – July 26, 2022

Protesters Gather Outside Indiana Statehouse While Lawmakers Debate Abortion Ban – July 26, 2022

House Intelligence Committee member warns DNA testing could lead to targeted bioweapons – July 24, 2022

Breaking Christian News

Four Baptist Christians Facing Death Hiding In Sudan

Four members of the Sudanese Baptist Church in western Sudan’s Central Darfur state are in hiding amid concerns they may be executed after the men were released on bail, Worthy News learned Monday.

UK: Christian fired for “hate speech” against gay community files suit against employer

A Christian mayoral candidate in the UK is suing her employer for wrongful dismissal after she was fired for spreading “hate speech” by including her belief in traditional Christian marriage in her election campaign leaflet, CBN News reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Uganda: Pentecostal Christian murdered by Islamic extremists – July 26, 2022

Canada: Pastor wins appeal against conviction for defying COVID-19 orders – July 26, 2022

Evangelist Graham Urges Prayers For Corona Suffering President Biden – July 24, 2022

Iran: Christian converts convicted of house-church membership – July 21, 2022

68 Christians Killed In Nigeria State – July 20, 2022

UK: Charges dismissed against elderly woman arrested for praying outside abortion clinic – July 20, 2022

Over 100 Florida churches file suit against United Methodist Church over LGBTQ stance – July 20, 2022