Weekly News Brief: 2/2/24

Spain Declares Drought Emergency In Northeastern Catalonia Region


Spanish authorities have declared a drought emergency in and around Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city and the capital of its autonomous northeastern Catalonia region.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Withdraw Officers from Syria Following Alleged Israeli Airstrikes (Update)


Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have reduced the number of their high-ranking officers stationed in Syria following a series of fatal strikes attributed to Israel according to the Reuters News Agency.

EU Leaders Agree On $54 Billion For Ukraine After Hungary Lifts Opposition (Worthy News Radio)


European Union leaders have agreed to create a 50 billion euro ($54 billion) fund for Ukraine after getting on board Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had threatened to veto the deal.

Latest World News Headlines

US Preemptively Strikes Houthi Missile It Says Posed “Imminent Threat” To Aircraft – February 1, 2024

China’s Forced Organ Harvesting From Minorities Highlighted At International Religious Freedom Summit – February 1, 2024

US Blames Iran-Backed Islamic Resistance Group For Attack That Killed 3 US Troops – January 31, 2024

NATO With Largest Exercise Since Cold War Amid Fears Of Large Conflict – January 31, 2024

Ambassador: Israeli Embassy In Sweden Target Of ‘Attempted Attack’ – January 31, 2024

Antisemitic Incidents in France Surge by 1,100% Following October 7 – January 30, 2024

Hungary Condemns EU Plan To Cripple Its Economy – January 30, 2024

Paris In Crisis As Farmers Besiege French Capital – January 30, 2024

Billionaire Musk’s Brain Chip Implanted In Human For First Time – January 29, 2024

World Awaits Biden’s Response To Death Of U.S. Service Members In Drone Strike – January 29, 2024

Breaking Israel News

Hostages Freed In Turkey As Police Detain Armed Man Protesting Israel’s War in Gaza


Seven workers seized at a Proctor & Gamble (P&G) plant in northwestern Turkey were freed after a nine-hour standoff with a gunman protesting against Israel’s war in Gaza, Turkish officials confirmed.

‘Biden Doctrine’: Steps to Unilaterally Recognize Palestinian State Despite Israel Opposition
The Biden Administration is considering a ‘new doctrine’ to unilaterally recognize a demilitarized Palestinian State despite strong opposition to statehood within Israel.

Defense Minister: ‘Israel Facing Imminent War With Hezbollah’


Israel’s defense minister has urged his nation to prepare for an imminent war with the massive Iran-backed Hezbollah militia based in neighboring Lebanon and a broader armed conflict in the Middle East.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel Flooding ‘Hamas Terror Tunnels’ As Battles Rage In Gaza, West Bank (Worthy News In-Depth) – January 31, 2024

Israeli Defense Minister Gallant Claims Half of Hamas Terrorists Have Been Wounded or Killed – January 30, 2024

Netanyahu: We Will Only Accept Total Victory; We Will Not Release Thousands of Terrorists – January 30, 2024

Hamas Rejects Hostage Deal, Hamas Fires Rockets into Central Israel – January 29, 2024

Jerusalem: Discovery of Byzantine-Era Weights May Point to Pre-Islamic Christian Presence on Temple Mount – January 29, 2024

World Remembers Holocaust Amid Rising Antisemitism (Worthy News Radio) – January 27, 2024

EU: ‘UN Likely Involved In Hamas Attacks Against Israel’ (Worthy News Investigation) – January 27, 2024

Breaking U.S. News

Tax Bill Heads to Senate, Faces Uncertain Future
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan tax bill with a vote of 357-70 late Wednesday, but that bill now faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

New York Officials Outraged Over Beating of NYPD Officers by Migrants
New York Republicans are calling for the deportation of a group of undocumented migrants who were released without bail after a brutal beating of two NYPD police officers in Times Square.

Colorado SOS Files Brief With U.S. Supreme Court in Trump Case
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case involving former President Donald Trump’s removal from the 2024 Colorado Republican presidential primary ballot.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

US Federal Reserve Leaves Rates Unchanged – January 31, 2024

California: Child Evangelism Ministry Accuses Public School District Of Unlawful Discrimination – January 31, 2024

FBI Director Wray Warns of Chinese Hackers Targeting America’s Infrastructure to ‘Wreak Havoc’ – January 31, 2024

US: Homelessness Surges As Pandemic-Era Safety Net Provisions Expire – January 31, 2024

US Civil War Fears As Texas Sets Up Wires At Mexico Border Over ‘Migrant Invasion’ (Worthy News In-Depth) – January 31, 2024

After Hours of Debate, House Committee Advances Mayorkas Impeachment Articles – January 31, 2024

Speaker Johnson Works On FISA Overhaul By April Deadline – January 30, 2024

Breaking Christian News

Hamas ‘Unlikely’ To Reject Hostage Deal; ‘Will Demand War Ends’ As Battles Rage (Worthy News In-Depth)
Hamas is unlikely to reject a Gaza ceasefire proposal it received from mediators this week but will not sign it without assurances that Israel has committed to ending the war, sources say.

Islamists Attack DRC Church, Villages, Killing 8; Dozens Kidnapped
Christians faced major challenges in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Friday after at least eight people died and thirty were taken hostage in Islamist attacks on a Pentecostal church and other targets.

Nicaraguan Regime Charges US Missionaries/Nicaraguan Pastors With Financial Crimes After Large Gospel Events
Nicaragua’s Attorney General has charged three US missionaries and 11 Nicaraguan pastors with money laundering and organized crime, months after the Christians led large Gospel outreaches in the country, CBN News reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Pakistan: Govt. Announces Christian Children Can Study The Bible Instead Of Islam In School – January 31, 2024

Nigeria: Slaughter of Christians Continues, “More Believers Are Killed For Their Faith In Nigeria Than Everywhere Else In The World Combined” – January 31, 2024

National Day of Prayer and Repentance in Washington D.C. on Jan. 31 – January 30, 2024

Comoros: Christians Face Ongoing Persecution Following Reelection Of President Assoumani – January 30, 2024

US: Churches Open Doors To Homeless In Extreme Cold, Run Afoul Of Local Authorities – January 30, 2024

Eritrea Releasing Hundreds Of Christians; 300 Still Detained – January 30, 2024

Iran: New Testament Now Available in 12 New Dialects as Underground Church Grows – January 25, 2024

Weekly News Brief: 10/4/23

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

Thai Police Detain Teenager After Shooting Kills, Injures Several People At Bangkok Mall

Police in Thailand have detained a 14-year-old boy suspected of killing two people in a shooting at Bangkok’s luxurious Siam Paragon shopping mall, one of Asia’s most visited touristic spots.

US and Russia to hold nationwide emergency drills on the same day

Amid heightened tensions between the two countries over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US and Russia have each announced they will be holding nationwide emergency alert exercises on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Newsweek reports.

President Zelensky: ‘Ukraine To Start EU Membership Talks’ (Worthy News Radio)

Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has made clear his nation expects to start talks on joining the European Union as early as this year despite divisions within the EU about that issue. Zelensky made the announcement after a surprise EU foreign ministers meeting in Ukraine’s capital.

Latest World News Headlines

Mexico Church Mourns 10 Killed In Baptism Service – October 3, 2023

Ukraine hit Russia’s navy base in Crimea so hard that it is likely pulling some missions back to safer waters, UK intel says – October 3, 2023

Pope Francis suggests blessings for same-sex unions possible in response to 5 conservative cardinals – October 2, 2023

Hungarian and US Colleague Win Nobel Prize for Controversial COVID Vaccine – October 2, 2023

1 Million Attend Poland Opposition Rally – October 2, 2023

Turkey Targets PKK Militants After Blast Rocks Ankara – October 2, 2023

US: Tehran can make nuclear bomb in less than two weeks – October 1, 2023

Breaking Israel News

Iran can’t stop Israel-Saudi peace, Netanyahu says in message to ayatollah

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday shot down Iran’s attempts at sowing criticism toward Israel’s growing normalized status in the Middle East.

Ancient aqueduct from time of Roman occupation discovered in Jerusalem

Archaeological excavations in the Giv’at Hamatos neighborhood of Jerusalem uncovered an ancient Aqueduct that once carried water throughout Jerusalem’s upper city during the time of Rome’s occupation, the Israel Antiquities Authorities announced on October 2.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israeli, Saudi officials say US hampering normalization with focus on Palestinians – October 2, 2023

Israel reportedly attacks Iranian arms shipment in Syria – October 2, 2023

Syrian media report Israel strike west of capital – October 1, 2023

Israel, Germany Sign ‘Historic’ Arrow-3 Missile Defense Deal – October 1, 2023

Check our Israel Total News page which is updated minute by minute — 24 hours a day – 7 days a week!

Breaking U.S. News

Federal Court upholds Kentucky and Tennessee bans on sex-change surgeries/treatments for minors

The US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals last week upheld legislation passed by Tennessee and Kentucky which bans sex-change surgeries and gender hormonal treatments, including “experimental” procedures for minors aged 17 and under, CBN News reports. In its September 28 ruling, the federal court reversed a preliminary injunction issued by a lower court which had prevented the legislation from taking effect.

Multiple People Shot At Morgan State University

Morgan State University in the U.S. city of Baltimore was rocked by gunfire late Tuesday, wounding five people, but none critically, police and other sources said.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Trump Mentioned As New House Speaker After Removal McCarthy – October 4, 2023

US President Joe Biden’s Son Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ On Gun Charges (Worthy News-Focus) – October 4, 2023

Kevin McCarthy Removed as Speaker Following Historic Vote – October 3, 2023

SCOTUS starts new term: gun rights, gerrymandering, access to abortion on a full agenda of important cases – October 3, 2023

House Republicans investigate reported Chinese targeting of U.S. military bases – October 3, 2023

Supreme Court Rejects Long Shot’s Bid to Disqualify Trump in ’24 – October 2, 2023

Pentagon warns Congress it is running low on money to replace weapons sent to Ukraine – October 2, 2023

Breaking Christian News

Laos Authorities Ban Christian Worship In Southern Area (Worthy News In-Depth)

Christian villagers in southern Laos have been threatened with detention and “huge fines” if they continue their church services, well-informed Christians told Worthy News.

Nigeria: Islamic terrorists inflict years-long campaign of terror on Pastors, Christians in Kaduna state

One of several northern Nigerian states in which Christians have faced genocidal murder and terror campaigns by Islamic militants determined to impose their version of Sharia law, Kaduna state has seen many Christians murdered, no fewer than 23 pastors killed, and more than 200 churches forcibly shut down since 2019, Barnabas Aid reports.

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

The annual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is set for Sunday, November 5th this year, Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Nigeria: Fulani herdsmen murder 15 Christians in one week, “the blood of innocent Christians cries profusely for justice” – October 2, 2023

Indonesia: Large group of Muslims hold anti-Christian protest outside church – October 2, 2023

Dutch Christian Destroys Hundreds Of ‘Idols’ In Netherlands – October 1, 2023

Study links decline of Christianity to collapse of marriage and fatherhood – September 29, 2023

Nigeria: Fulani herdsmen slaughter villagers in Kaduna state – September 28, 2023

US Christian groups call on Congress to act on behalf of persecuted Myanmar Christians – September 28, 2023

US: Police thwart “diabolical” mass shooting at Virginia church – September 28, 2023

News from this Week- 6/8/22

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

UN Watchdog Condemns Nuclear Traces In Iran

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has condemned Iran after finding nuclear material at three undeclared sites amid concerns the Islamic nation will soon have atomic weapons.

Iran Removes Two IAEA Surveillance Cameras From Nuclear Facility

Iran removed two surveillance cameras of the International Atomic Energy Agency from one of its nuclear facilities on Wednesday, state television reported, a move that is likely to raise tensions with the UN nuclear watchdog.

FBI seizes retired general’s data, accuses him of being agent for Qatar

A retired Marine Corps general who once led U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan and later publicly backed Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign is facing scrutiny over allegations that he illegally lobbied government officials on behalf of the Persian Gulf nation of Qatar.

Latest World News Headlines

Massive 8.4 Earthquake Hits Russia’s Lake Baikal At Tough Time – June 8, 2022

Developing countries face hunger due to Russian invasion of Ukraine – June 8, 2022

Police Detain Driver After Crashing Car In Berlin Crowd, Killing One – June 8, 2022

American serviceman suspected of deliberately causing blast at US base in Syria – June 8, 2022

Moscow To Annex More Territory In Ukraine – June 8, 2022

Iran Train Derailment Kills Many, Injures Dozens – June 8, 2022

Every cancer patient enters remission after drug trial, study reveals – June 7, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Israel Rejects US-Brokered Peace Talks With Palestinian Authority

Israel has rejected a proposal by U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration to hold a high-level summit with the Palestinian Authority, officials said Wednesday.

Israel makes dramatic upgrades to military plans to attack Iran

In face of Iran’s continued development of a nuclear capability, the Israeli Air Force has developed a new capability to be able to fly its F-35 stealth fighter jets from Israel to the Islamic Republic without requiring mid-air refueling.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Netanyahu in talks to court MK from PM’s party in bid to end government – June 8, 2022

Israel slams UNHRC: ‘Biased one-sided report tainted with hatred for Israel’ – June 7, 2022

Iran threatens to ‘raze Tel Aviv and Haifa’ amid revenge attack concerns – June 7, 2022

Syria reports Israeli attack on Damascus – June 6, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

New York pro-life pregnancy center allegedly ‘firebombed’ by left-wing group, investigation launched

Authorities in New York launched an arson investigation after a pro-life Christian pregnancy center in Buffalo was allegedly targeted by vandals and lit on fire.

Armed Man Detained Near Conservative Judge Kavanaugh

An armed man who made threats against Brett Kavanaugh was detained early Wednesday near the conservative U.S. Supreme Court justice’s Maryland home, the court confirmed.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Idaho Satanic Temple promotes ‘family friendly’ drag dance party with ‘unbaptisms’ – June 7, 2022

US has thrown away 82 million COVID-19 vaccines, CDC – June 7, 2022

Internal Capitol Police review found sweeping intelligence, security failures on Pelosi’s watch – June 7, 2022

Arizona judge declines Republican request to block mail voting – June 6, 2022

Migrant in potentially the largest caravan ever demands Biden keep asylum promise – June 6, 2022

U.S. bars Cuba, Venezuela from Americas summit; Mexican leader sits out – June 6, 2022

Supreme Court abortion case sparks debate over how ruling may impact IVF, fertility industry – June 6, 2022

Breaking Christian News

State Department report highlights constitutional violations of religious freedom in Nigeria

The Nigerian government has actively persecuted religion, contrary to the provision of religious freedom in Nigeria’s constitution, the US State Department found in its Annual Report on International Religious Freedom (IRF) published on June 2.

US State Department publishes annual report on worldwide religious freedom

The US Department of State has now published its 2021 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom, setting out the status of religious freedom in each country in the world, International Christian Concern (ICC reports). The USIRF report to Congress found that a number of countries with poor records on religious freedom had made significant improvements: these countries include Morocco, Taiwan and Iraq, ICC said. However, the situation is extremely severe and/or deteriorating in numerous other countries, including Pakistan and Yemen.

Pakistan Bails Mentally Challenged Christian After 3 Years In Jail

A mentally challenged Christian man has been released on bail after spending three years in a Pakistani jail on trumped-up charges of blasphemy against Islam, his lawyer told Worthy News late Tuesday.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Iran Pastor 10 Years In Jail After Losing Appeal – June 7, 2022

Myanmar: Military junta continues systematic destruction of Christian homes – June 7, 2022

SBC sex abuse survivors release statement proposing immediate reforms – June 7, 2022

India States Detain Pastors Over ‘Forced Conversions,’ Death – June 7, 2022

50 Killed In Nigeria Church Attack – June 6, 2022

India: Christians suffer arrest and imprisonment in Uttar Pradesh, ”Our lives are in danger” – June 6, 2022

Uganda: Youth pastor killed in Islamic terror attack on church – June 6, 2022