Weekly News Brief 8/7/25

Featured Stories

Russia and China Conduct Joint Anti-Submarine Drills After Trump Deploys U.S. Nuclear Subs Near Region

Russia and China conducted joint anti-submarine warfare drills Wednesday in the Sea of Japan, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to reposition near Russian waters following incendiary remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Trump Orders Two U.S. Nuclear Submarines Moved in Response to Medvedev’s Threats – Aug.3.2025

Declassified Durham Annex Exposes Clinton Campaign Plot, FBI Failures, and Politicization of Intelligence Agencies – Jul.31.2025

Arab Nations Join Unprecedented Call for Hamas to Disarm, Cede Gaza Rule in Push for Two-State Solution – Jul.29.2025

Breaking World News

Iran Executes Nuclear Scientist Accused of Spying for Israel

The Iranian judiciary announced Wednesday that it has executed Rouzbeh Vadi, a prominent nuclear scientist accused of spying for Israel and providing intelligence that led to the assassination of Iranian nuclear personnel during the 12-day war with Israel in June.

Pakistan Removes Death Penalty For Some Crimes For EU Trade But Christians ‘Remain At Risk’

Pakistan’s Senate has voted to remove the death penalty for two crimes in what officials admit is a bid to safeguard $3 billion in annual trade benefits from the European Union, while maintaining controversial blasphemy laws that have sent dozens of Christians to death row.

Switzerland in Shock Over Trump’s 39 Percent Tariff (Worthy News Focus)

Switzerland was hours away from facing the highest U.S. tariff on imports of any developed country after its president left Washington without a deal, upsetting the Alpine nation’s business elite.

Breaking Israel News

Netanyahu Outlines Gaza War Vision: No Annexation, Transitional Arab Control Proposed

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has clarified Israel’s long-term strategy for the Gaza Strip, stating in two separate interviews that while Israel will take temporary military control of the territory, it has no intention of annexing or permanently governing it.

Netanyahu-Backed Gaza Occupation Plan to Be Presented to Security Cabinet as Trump Weighs In

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to present a sweeping new military and governance plan for the Gaza Strip to Israel’s security cabinet on Thursday, according to government sources who spoke with The Jerusalem Post. The proposal is expected to greenlight a large-scale IDF operation to occupy additional portions of the coastal enclave over a five-month period.

Speaker Mike Johnson Vows to Eliminate “West Bank” Terminology, Declares Support for Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria

In a historic visit to the biblical heartland of Israel, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson declared his intention to remove the term “West Bank” from U.S. federal government language and replace it with the biblical names “Judea and Samaria,” reinforcing America’s growing alignment with Israel’s ancestral claims to the disputed region.

Breaking U.S. News

FBI Data Shows Rise in Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes in 2024

Newly released data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reveals a continued rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2024, reinforcing concerns among Jewish advocacy groups and faith leaders about escalating hostility and the need for stronger government action.

Trump Orders New Census to Exclude Illegal Immigrants, Rekindling Legal and Political Firestorm

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has instructed the Department of Commerce to begin developing a new census that will explicitly exclude illegal immigrants from the population count, reigniting a constitutional debate over representation and federal funding.

FBI Releases 2024 Crime Data: Violent Crime Drops Sharply Nationwide

The FBI has released its comprehensive “Reported Crimes in the Nation” statistics for 2024, revealing a significant decline in violent crime across the United States. According to the report, violent crime dropped an estimated 4.5% nationwide compared to 2023, with murder and non-negligent manslaughter down nearly 15%.

Breaking Christian News

US Evangelist Graham Welcomes Trump’s Faith Move In Federal Agencies

American evangelist Franklin Graham has welcomed a decision by U.S. President Donald J. Trump to allow federal employees, including Christians, to openly express their faith while at work, in a move that changes decades of policies.

35,000 Worship in Portland as 3,200 Embrace Christ in One of America’s Most Secular Cities

In a city often dubbed one of the most unchurched in America, more than 35,000 people gathered this past weekend at the Moda Center for the first major evangelistic crusade in Portland in over 25 years — and more than 3,200 made public decisions to follow Christ.

Weekly News Brief 6/28/23

Breaking World News

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

Germany saw 2,480 antisemitic incidents in 2022, monitoring group says

A group tracking antisemitism in Germany said Tuesday that it documented 2,480 incidents in the country last year — just under seven incidents per day on average.

US Plans Action Against Prigozhin’s Wagner for Activities in Africa

The United States will this week announce actions to hold the Russian mercenary Wagner Group accountable, the U.S. State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday, for its activities in Africa and unrelated to its aborted mutiny in Russia.

Russia’s Weakened Putin Thanks Troops For Preventing Civil War After Mutiny (Worthy News Radio)

Moscow says preparations are underway for the Wagner mercenary group to hand over its heavy military hardware following Saturday’s failed rebellion. The move came after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he would abandon Wagner and thanked his troops for preventing civil war.

Latest World News Headlines

U.S. to send $500 million in weapons, military aid to Ukraine, officials say – June 26, 2023

Guatemala Votes After Turbulent Season – June 26, 2023

Greek Conservative Prime Minister Wins Second Term But Challenges Ahead (Worthy News Radio) – June 26, 2023

Germany: Federal court rules ban on prayer assembly outside abortion clinics is unconstitutional – June 26, 2023

Russia’s Mutiny Ends, But Putin’s Position Weakens (Worthy News Radio) – June 25, 2023

Russian President Condemns Armed Rebellion (Worthy News Radio) – June 24, 2023

Russia Facing Prospect Of Coup, Civil War – June 24, 2023

Breaking Israel News

Web of biblical cities depicts King David as major ruler, says Israeli archaeologist

A network of fortified cities around Jerusalem has been dated to the time of King David, more than 200 years earlier than previously thought, offering support to the theory that King David ruled over a complex and large kingdom. The proof, however, wasn’t freshly excavated from the earth, but rather came to light after an archaeologist spent years digging through old archaeological publications.

‘Iran is already in the West Bank,’ Palestinian Authority official says

Following their recent visit to Iran, leaders of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad organization, the second largest terror group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas, on Monday called for stepping up armed attacks against Israel.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel seizes millions in Iran Quds Force, Hezbollah crypto assets – June 27, 2023

Protest leaders vow to ramp up anti-government demonstrations, blockade airport – June 27, 2023

Israel set to resume judicial reform legislation on Sunday – June 26, 2023

Protest turns violent at Messianic worship concert in Jerusalem, as far-right anti-Christian activists attempt to stop the event – June 26, 2023

Breaking U.S. News

Audio tape of Trump appears to contain classified docs conversation that may shape DOJ indictment

An audio recording of former President Donald Trump appears to contain discussion of his possession of classified materials and his belief that he had not declassified at least one of the documents in his possession while president.

Supreme Court says state courts can review election law, rejects independent state legislator theory

The Supreme Court rejected the independent state legislature theory in a ruling Tuesday, deciding that courts do have a role to play in refereeing how elections are conducted.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Huge House Defense Bill Aims to Strengthen US Military Might, Take Care of Service Members – June 26, 2023

Senate Republicans Seek to Block Biden From Declaring Climate National Emergency – June 26, 2023

U.S. intelligence report suggests government divided on COVID-19 lab leak theory – June 25, 2023

McCarthy backs effort to expunge Trump impeachments – June 25, 2023

US House Votes For Impeachment Procedure Against Biden – June 22, 2023

Senate votes to keep Biden rule toughening requirements on stabilizing braces for firearms – June 22, 2023

US prison ministry has distributed over 1 million Bibles since 2019, “the demand right now is unlike anything we have ever seen” – June 22, 2023

Breaking Christian News

Indonesia: Muslims block two separate Christian services on the same day

Muslims in Indonesia disrupted Christian Sunday services at a house church in West Java Province and at a church site in Central Java Province on 18 June, arguing that such worship is illegal and should be prohibited, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

Uganda: Islamic extremists hack prayer leader to death in church attack

Islamic extremists in western Uganda hacked a prayer leader to death and severely injured a number of others during a brutal machete attack on the Katikara Anglican Church in Kakumiro District last week, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Christianity is legal in Uganda but violent Islamic extremism has taken an increasing hold on the country.

New offline YouVersion Bible app launched for use in countries with poor internet access

Responding to the needs of Christians in parts of the world where it is difficult to access the internet, the developers of the popular YouVersion Bible app have launched a new version of it which can be used offline, Christianity Today (CT) reports. App developers from Life.Church in Oklahoma joined with the global Bible ministry Biblica in creating the offline YouVersion Bible App Lite.

Latest Christian News Headlines

Nigeria: 700 Christians murdered in Plateau state in May, new report says – June 26, 2023

Vietnam: Persecuted evangelical Christians may be blamed for anti-government violence – June 26, 2023

Kenya: Five villagers beheaded by al-Shabaab terror group, homes destroyed – June 26, 2023

Nigeria: 15 more Christians killed in Plateau state – but new governor gives message of hope – June 22, 2023

Turkey “weaponizes” law to block Protestant missionaries from entry – June 22, 2023

Uganda: Two newly Christian brothers beaten and disowned by Muslim family, “we need prayers so that God may comfort us” – June 21, 2023

Watching church services online instead of attending in person remains popular, poll finds – June 21, 2023

News from this Week 2/22/23

Breaking World News

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

US officials: Russia carried out failed “Satan II” nuclear missile test ahead of Biden visit to Ukraine

US officials have stated Russia carried out a failed test of its intercontinental “Satan II” ballistic missiles ahead of President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to Ukraine this week, the London Standard reports.

Russia Will Never Be Victorious In Ukraine,’ Biden Says

U.S. President Joe Biden has told a crowd in Poland that “Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia, never.”

Activists Condemn Jailing Belarus Journalist

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has decried Belarusian authorities for sentencing journalist Yury Hladchuk to 2.5 years in prison.

Latest World News Headlines

Genocide Watch warns of possible new war between Armenia and Azerbaijan this year – February 21, 2023

Russia Suspends Key Nuclear Treaty; NATO Concerned (Worthy News Radio) – February 21, 2023

President Biden Visiting War-Torn Ukraine Pledged More Military Aid – February 20, 2023

Again Powerful Earthquake In Turkish-Syrian Border Area – February 20, 2023

Kosovo Has 15th Independence Anniversary Amid Tensions – February 20, 2023

Iran: Protests erupt for first time in weeks – February 20, 2023

China Considers Sending Weapons to Russia Further Escalating Tensions – February 20, 2023

Breaking Israel News

4.5-magnitude tremor felt in Israel amid uptick in seismic activity

The Israel Geological Institute said a 4.5-magnitude tremor was recorded in the country on Wednesday morning, for the second time this week.

Netanyahu said to huddle repeatedly with military brass over possible attack on Iran

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly held a series of secret high-level meetings with top military officials aimed at upping preparations for a possible confrontation with Iran.

Latest Israel News Headlines

Israel: Tens of thousands protest government bill to restrict Supreme Court power – February 21, 2023

Israel passes several judicial reforms on first reading – February 21, 2023

Senior Boeing official in Israel to push sale of advanced F-15 jets for Iran strike – February 21, 2023

Israel hits back at UN Security Council for denouncing West Bank settlement activity – February 20, 2023

Breaking U.S. News

Supreme Court Hears Arguments Concerning Tech Giants’ Liability for Social Media Content

The Internet could soon face a significant transformation, courtesy of the Supreme Court.

Moderna enters R&D collaboration for mRNA gene-editing therapies

Moderna Inc will collaborate with privately-owned Life Edit Therapeutics Inc under an agreement to discover and develop mRNA gene-editing therapies, the companies said on Wednesday.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Supreme Court rejects ACLU challenge to state laws banning anti-Israel boycotts – February 21, 2023

Democratic governors form alliance on abortion rights – February 21, 2023

IRS leaked thousands of Americans’ tax filings; Congress demands to know if it was political – February 21, 2023

Coast-to-coast winter storm to blast millions with threats of blizzard – February 20, 2023

James O’Keefe ousted from Project Veritas after power struggle with board – February 20, 2023

Brain implant startup backed by Bezos and Gates is testing mind-controlled computing on humans – February 20, 2023

U.S. Police Detain Man After Mississippi Mass Shooting – February 19, 2023

Breaking Christian News

Nicaragua Removes Citizenship Church Leaders And Many Others

Nicaragua has stripped more than 90 people of their Nicaraguan citizenship, including the bishop of Managua and a Catholic priest, as part of a crackdown on opponents of the country’s autocratic President Daniel Ortega.

Pakistan Christian Family Faces Deportation Despite Death Threats (Worthy News In-Depth)

A Christian family who fled Pakistan after angry Muslim crowds torched their home and one of them was nearly beaten to death, face forced deportation from Thailand, Worthy News established.

China: Government persecution of Christians worsened last year, report says

The US-based ChinaAid persecution watchdog organization attests in a new report that China’s ruling Communist Party intensified its notorious harassment and mistreatment of Christians in the country last year, the Christian Post reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

10 Anglican Archbishops say Church of England is “disqualified” as “Mother Church” over blessings for same-sex marriages – February 21, 2023

Persecuted Christians in South Asia Bravely Translating the Bible with Help from Wycliffe Associates – February 21, 2023

Nigeria: Christian leaders mark 5th year in captivity of schoolgirl Leah Sharibu abducted by Boko Haram – February 21, 2023

Mozambique: Imprisoned missionaries denied bail – February 21, 2023

20,000 Join Asbury Revival in Weekend Explosion, but Outpouring Will Now Be Moved Off Campus – February 20, 2023

Six Egyptian Coptic Christians released by kidnappers in Libya – February 20, 2023

Asbury University revival moving to new sites to accommodate people arriving from around the world – February 20, 2023