Surprise awakening of Papua New Guinea volcano forces evacuations
An island volcano in Papua New Guinea has begun spewing ash into the air, forcing the evacuation of more than 500 residents, media and non-profit groups have said.
Month: January 2018
8 Earthquakes Strike Along Iran-Iraq Border
A series of eight earthquakes hit the Iran-Iraq border area and rattled Baghdad on Thursday, apparent aftershocks of a temblor that struck the mountainous region in November and killed over 530 people. Four people suffered minor injuries in Iran, state television reported.
House passes NSA spying bill after Trump tweets cause confusion
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to renew the National Security Agency’s warrantless internet surveillance program, overcoming objections from privacy advocates and confusion prompted by morning tweets from President Donald Trump that initially questioned the spying tool.
PA security forces expose Hamas’ top terror architects in West Bank
The Palestinian Authority’s security forces revealed on Wednesday the identities of senior Hamas operatives behind efforts to rehabilitate the group’s terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria, chief among them Maher Obeid, the organization’s newly appointed military commander in the West Bank.
Test Launch of Israel’s Arrow Defense System Canceled for 2nd Time in a Month
The Israeli Defense Ministry on Wednesday canceled a test launch for the Arrow 3 missile defense system, citing a problem with its ground control’s data systems.
Iranian Christian Receive Eight Year Sentences
Two Iranian Christians were sentenced to a total of eight years in prison by a revolutionary court in December 2017, after being convicted of national security-related crimes.
A Message to North Korea? US Sends 3 B-2 Stealth Bombers to Guam
The U.S. Air Force has sent three B-2 nuclear-capable stealth bombers to Andersen Air Force Base on the island territory of Guam.
Court Rules in Favor of Constitutional Amendment Saying There’s No ‘Fundamental Right to Abortion’
In a resounding victory for pro-life Tennesseans, judges on the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals have rejected the pro-abortion effort to overturn the 2014 voter passage of Amendment 1, which states: ‘Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion.’
Moody Bible President, COO Resign Amid Controversy, Provost Retires
The president and chief operating officer of Moody Bible Institute have resigned amid controversy over the theological direction of the institution and allegations of shady administration practices, the school announced Wednesday. One of the school’s provosts will also be retiring.
Russia, US hold talks about nuclear pact, Putin says
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is holding negotiations with Washington regarding a pivotal nuclear arms pact.
Norway, EU call meeting in bid to ‘speed up’ efforts for 2-state solution
Norway and the European Union said Wednesday they would convene an ‘extraordinary session’ of donor countries to the Palestinians, saying efforts to reach a peace deal needed to be hurried up.
A Federal Judge Has Blocked Trump’s Plan to End the DACA Program for Young Immigrants
A federal judge on Tuesday night temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s decision to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation.
Support for Israel among young evangelicals dips, says new survey
A new study has some troubling news for Israel and its supporters, who have come to rely on the political and financial support of the 25 percent of Americans who identify as evangelical Christians.
Europe, Iran to meet on backing nuclear deal as Trump decision looms
Europe and Iran are to put on a united front in support of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal at talks in Brussels Thursday as Washington mulls reimposing sanctions on Tehran.
Growing number of retirements threatens Republican House majority
The Republican Party’s tenuous grip on the House majority slipped Wednesday after Rep. Darrell Issa became the second California Republican this week to opt for retirement over fighting an uncertain battle for re-election.
GOP gambles with vote on controversial surveillance bill
House Republicans on Thursday will try to reauthorize a key but controversial counterterrorism tool, despite a split among lawmakers that could end up sinking the bill.
U.S. Could Send Stranded Iranian Christians Back to Iran
The U.S. government could send 100 mostly Christian Iranians stranded in Austria back to Iran this week, where they would face harsh persecution by Iran’s Islamic government.
California’s Brown Raises Prospect of Pension Cuts in Downturn
California Governor Jerry Brown said legal rulings may clear the way for making cuts to public pension benefits, which would go against long-standing assumptions and potentially provide financial relief to the state and its local governments.
Iranian FM in Russia for talks on nuclear deal, Syria
Iran’s foreign minister is visiting Moscow for talks focusing on the future of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and the situation in Syria, where both nations support President Bashar Assad.
Dollar bruised by worries over China’s stance on US bonds
The dollar nursed its losses against the yen on Thursday, having suffered its biggest one-day drop in nearly eight months following a report that China was ready to slow or halt its purchases of US Treasuries.