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

Breaking News this Week 3/29/23

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

IAEA head: Increased combat around Ukrainian nuclear plant

Fighting has intensified near a nuclear power plant in Ukraine that is Europe’s largest, further increasing the possibility of a war-related nuclear accident, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday.

Hungary’s Parliament Votes For Finland In NATO, Delays Sweden (Worthy News Radio)

Hungary’s parliament overwhelmingly approved the inclusion of Finland into NATO on Monday, but delayed a vote on Sweden’s membership application.

‘U.S. Dollar Losing Status As World’s Reserve Currency’ Experts Warn (Worthy News In-Depth)

Leading experts warn that the U.S. dollar will soon lose its status as the “world’s reserve currency” after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would start using China’s currency for international payments.

Latest World News Headlines

‘Hotel Rwanda’ Man Released From Jail – March 27, 2023

Hungary Votes For Finland’s NATO Membership, But Sweden Not Welcome – March 27, 2023

Ukraine Condemns Russian Nuclear Weapons in Belarus (Worthy News Radio) – March 26, 2023

Russia to Station Nuclear Weapons In Belarus – March 26, 2023

Hungary Won’t Extradite Russia’s Putin To ICC Court – March 26, 2023

US carries out airstrikes on Iran-linked groups in Syria after attack on base – March 26, 2023

‘Montenegro Detains Thief In $40 Billion Crypto Scandal’ (Worthy News-Focus) – March 24, 2023

Breaking Israel News

Coalition, opposition hold first talks on judicial overhaul with President Herzog

Representatives from coalition and opposition parties gathered at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening to begin negotiations over the government’s contentious judicial overhaul plans, in the first face-to-face talks between the sides after three turbulent months of a legislative blitz and nationwide mass protests.

Yesh Atid delegation says it urged Herzog to push for creation of Israeli constitution

Following the first round of talks with President Isaac Herzog to reach a compromise on judicial reform, the Yesh Atid delegation says they pushed for a significant reform — including a constitution.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel’s Netanyahu Urges Nation To Avoid Civil War (Video) – March 27, 2023

Israeli scientists develop medical micro robot that can capture damaged cells – March 27, 2023

Israel’s PM Delays Overhaul Judicial Reforms – March 27, 2023

Israel’s PM Urges Calm As Strikes Paralyze Nation (Videos) – March 27, 2023

Breaking U.S. News

US House passes bipartisan law to crack down on Chinese organ harvesting industry

On Monday, the US House of Representatives passed overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation to crack down on China’s organ harvesting industry.

Spate of massive rain storms devastate California farming sector

A spate of massive, deadly rain storms has not only killed 28 people but has also devastated the farming sector in California, leading to well over a $1 billion in financial losses for farmers as thousands of acres of cropland are destroyed by flooding, Bloomberg reports.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Christian ministries rush to help after massive storms tear into Mississippi – March 28, 2023

Nearly $100 billion in deposits pulled from banks; officials call system ‘sound and resilient’ – March 27, 2023

Confronted by FBI abuses, Congress ready to add civil liberty protections to key surveillance law – March 27, 2023

Nashville school shooter was transgender, had ‘manifesto,’ police say – March 27, 2023

Silicon Valley Bank To Be Sold To First Citizens After Bank Run – March 27, 2023

US Chocolate Factory Blast Kills Several In Pennsylvania – March 26, 2023

Dozens Killed In Deadliest Mississippi Tornado – March 26, 2023

Breaking Christian News

India: Christians face ongoing intense persecution, “Please pray for their protection, provision, and peace”

Many Christians in India face intense persecution from both their neighbors and communities and from government officials; ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party since 2014, India ranks 11th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.

Iran: Historic Assemblies of God church building put up for sale by Islamic regime

A historically significant former Assemblies of God church building in Iran has been put up for sale by the country’s authoritarian Islamic government after first being forcefully closed to its congregation, Article 18 reports.

Six People, Including Children, Killed At US Christian School

U.S. President Joe Biden was briefed about a massive shooting at a Christian primary school that killed six people, including three children, the White House said.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Abducted Missionary Freed After Nearly 7 Years; Christians Urge Prayers – March 27, 2023

Evangelical Nigeria Pastor Killed, Wife Kidnapped – March 26, 2023

US ministry is sharing the Gospel with Iranians fleeing to Armenia – March 22, 2023

US: Revival breaking out at Historically Black Universities – March 22, 2023

Indonesia: Christians continually face opposition in building churches – March 21, 2023

California ministry calls for 10,000 Christian volunteers in massive Gospel outreach – March 21, 2023

Nigeria: 10 Christians slaughtered ahead of gubernatorial election in  Kaduna state – March 20, 2023

News from this Week 9/27/22

Breaking World News

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

British Pound Plunges To Record Lows

The British pound plunged to an all-time low against the U.S. dollar Monday as investors ran for the exits after the new government’s fiscal plan threatened to stretch Britain’s finances to their limits.

Gunman Opens Fire At Russian School

A suspected Nazi gunman opened fire at a school in the Russian city of Izhevsk, killing at least nine people, including five children, and injuring numerous others before committing suicide, investigators said.

Ukraine Urges Russian Troops To Surrender

Ukraine’s president asked Russian soldiers on Sunday to surrender and pledged they would be treated in a “civilized manner.”

Latest World News Headlines

Belgian Justice Minister Threatened With Weapons, Explosives – September 26, 2022

China’s President Pressured After ‘False Coup’ Reports – September 25, 2022

Far-Right Giorgia Meloni Wins Italy Elections, Exit Poll Shows – September 25, 2022

Iranians Protest For 10th Night Despite ‘No Leniency’ Warnings – September 25, 2022

Powerful typhoon hits north Philippines, thousands evacuated – September 25, 2022

Russians arrested in thousands while protesting Putin’s mobilization, human rights group says – September 25, 2022

Ukraine’s Breakaway Regions Hold Referendums As Troops Approach – September 23, 2022

Breaking Israel News

Over half of Israelis would support attack on Iranian nuclear facilities without US agreement

A new survey by the Israel Democracy Institute has shown that more than half of Israel’s population would be in favor of an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, even if the strike were carried out without the support and agreement of the United States, the Jerusalem Post reports.

Blinken: US will not be able to stop Israel if Hezbollah attacks over gas

The United States will not be able to stop Israel from retaliating against Lebanon if Hezbollah decides to attack it over the Karish gas field, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly told the Lebanese prime minister in a recent meeting.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israeli Navy and US Fifth Fleet complete ‘Digital Shield’ joint exercise – September 25, 2022

At UN, Lapid calls for two-state solution, says world choosing ‘easy option’ on Iran – September 22, 2022

Israel begins rollout of COVID vaccines tailored to Omicron – September 22, 2022

Israel condemns Putin’s nuclear threats and mobilization of reservists – September 22, 2022

Breaking U.S. News

Supreme Court to hear challenge against NYC’s COVID vaccine mandate

The Supreme Court will consider a New York Police Department detective’s challenge against New York City’s municipal coronavirus vaccine mandate — after initially deciding against picking up the case.

Dow officially enters bear market

The Dow Jones Industrial Average officially entered bear market territory on Monday, following a precipitous drop.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Judge rules Arizona’s ban on abortions can be enforced, setting up legal showdown before election – September 25, 2022

Roughly 98% of people eligible to receive latest COVID booster have not received one – September 25, 2022

Tropical Storm Watches Issued For Florida Keys Ahead of Ian – September 25, 2022

Senate GOPers Will Propose Labeling Drug Cartels ‘Foreign Terrorist Organizations’ – September 22, 2022

House Democrats agree on police spending package, to hold vote before midterms – September 22, 2022

Indiana judge halts enforcement of abortion ban – September 22, 2022

Former Los Alamos nuclear scientists aid China’s advanced weapons, private study says – September 22, 2022

Breaking Christian News

China: Congregants attacked with stones during baptismal service

Members of China’s Trinity Harvest Gospel Church in Shenzhen were attacked with stones as they held a baptismal service on a beach earlier this month, China Aid reports.

India: Christian man believed to have been killed by Hindu relatives

A formerly Hindu man who converted to Christianity in India’s West Bengal state is missing, and it is believed he has been murdered by his Hindu family on account of his faith, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Chinese Christians seek refuge in Thailand after asylum denial from South Korea

Concerns Over 5 Jailed Christians in China’s Southwest – September 25, 2022

‘Many Turn To Christ At Queen’s Funeral’ – September 25, 2022

‘Cities Covered in the Glory of God’: Christians Unite Worldwide for ’10 Days of Awe’ Prayer Event – September 23, 2022

Nigeria: 45 Christians abducted during church service in Kaduna – September 22, 2022

Nigeria: Fulani jihadists slaughter 25 Christians in spate of attacks in Benue state – September 21, 2022

Myanmar: Junta lays landmines around church – September 19, 2022

Pakistan: Christian jailed for blasphemy is denied bail – September 19, 2022