US budget deficit running 6.2 percent higher than last year
The federal government ran a bigger deficit in January, pushing the imbalance so far this budget year up 6.2 percent from the same period a year ago, AP reported.
Year: 2015
Obama’s War Authorization To Go After Jihadists Worldwide
President Barack Obama will soon give Congress his proposal for a new authorization for the use of military force against Islamic State fighters, and it will place strict limits on the types of U.S. ground forces that can be deployed, Bloomberg reported.
US, Britain Close embassies in Yemen amid rebel takeover
The United States and Britain closed their embassies in Yemen and evacuated staff late Tuesday and early Wednesday, officials said, amid security concerns following the takeover of much of the country by Shiite rebels, the Times of Israel reported.
Obama Administration Stonewalls FOIA Requests on IRS Scandal
The Obama administration is refusing to release more than 500 documents to the Hill newspaper concerning the IRS targeting scandal, the Washington Free Beacon reported.
Christians Demonstrating Against Church Attacks Arrested
Police in India have arrested hundreds of Christians while they were protesting attacks against five churches in just the past two months, according to International Christian Concern.
Hindu Mob Attacks House Church Leader
A covert to Christianity who heads a home fellowship near Mumbai is suffering with chest and back injuries after about 25 Hindus beat him with wooden rods and iron bars on Jan. 24, according to Morning Star News.
Protestants in Mexico Persecuted for Refusing to Renounce their Faith
Last month in Mexico’s Chiapas state, the village of Buenavista Bahuitz reneged on an agreement to allow 47 expelled evangelicals to return to their homes, according to Morning Star News.
Iranian Christian Still Imprisoned After Sentence Ends
An Iranian convert to Christ who should have been released after completing his sentence on Jan. 13 continues to be held in Rajaei-Shahr prison in Karaj, according to Barnabas Aid.
Christians in Niger Rebuild
Christians in Niger are meeting in private homes protected by police as they plan to rebuild the churches damaged by Islamic protests during the weekend of Jan. 16-18, according to Morning Star News.
Christian Genocide Rises While World Just Watches
Following the release of its latest World Watch List — ranking the top 50 countries in which Christians face the most persecution for their faith — Open Doors has accused world leaders of callous indifference, according to The Christian Post.
Syrian Christian sends Desperate Letter from Aleppo
A Christian doctor in Aleppo has recently updated Barnabas Fund about the desperate conditions in Syria after almost four years of continuous civil war.
Two Christians Fined by Kazakhan courts
In separate incidents, two Kazakh Christians have been issued large fines for practicing their religion without the state’s permission, according to Barnabas Aid.
India MP Vows Death for Hindus converting to Christ
An Indian lawmaker of the ruling Hindu nationalist party has promised a death sentence for any Hindu who converts to Christianity, according to the International Business Times.
Kenya: Christian Shot to Death Outside Church
Kenyan police are searching for a gunman who shot a Christian to death while on his way to a church in Mombasa on Jan. 11, according to Morning Star News.
Zimbabwe Authorities Threaten Christian Ministry
Zimbabwe government authorities are threatening to arrest any Christians who refuse to leave the Maleme farm in Bulawayo where the Shalom and Ebenezer Christian ministries are located, according to Barnabas Aid.
NC Residents Rally Over Removal of ‘Religious’ Memorial
North Carolina residents came together last week to protest the removal of a veterans’ memorial, according to Christian News.
Russia and Iran Sign Deal to Expand Military Cooperation
Russia and Iran have signed an agreement to expand their military ties and resolve a long-standing dispute over the sale of a controversial air defense system to the Islamic Republic, the Times of Israel reported.
Saudi King’s Health Connected to End Times According to some Shiites
In the last two years, media outlets have published conflicting reports on Saudi King Abdullah’s health. Just last week, Saudi Arabia’s Royal Court announced that the king has pneumonia and is temporarily using a breathing tube. In fact, every time the king’s health deteriorates, news agencies speculate on what will become of the Saudi dynasty and its leadership after the king’s death. But some Shiite scholars think differently about the matter, believing that Abdullah’s death will mark the beginning of a chain of great events that will shock the world, al-Monitor reported.
Online Petition Aimed at Obama
Before Barack Obama visits India, an online petition has urged the president to ask India’s Narendra Modi to “preserve and promote the religious freedom of minorities,” according to The American Bazaaar.
Nigerian Government Urged to Rebuild Churches
The Nigerian Federal Government has been urged to rebuild the churches that were razed by Boko Haram during its attacks in the northern part of the nation, according to All Africa.