CBO says Democrat social spending bill to grow deficit by $367 billion, undercutting Biden claim
The Congressional Budget Office estimated on Thursday that President Biden’s Build Back Better Act will increase the nation’s deficit by $367 billion.
Month: November 2021
Hundreds Turn To Christ Despite Myanmar Military Crackdown
At least hundreds of people have turned to faith in Christ since Myanmar’s military staged a coup and ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, an advocacy group said Thursday.
Uganda Convert Killed For Christian Faith
Christians in eastern Uganda have been plunged into mourning after a Christian convert was killed for leaving Islam, several sources said.
Iran persecution: Two believers jailed for “promoting Christianity”
Following unsuccessful appeals, on November 11 two Christian converts from Islam were summoned to prison in Iran to serve one-year sentences they received in February for “promoting Christianity,” Christian Persecution reports.
Florida legislature approves bill to limit COVID-19 vaccine mandates
Florida Senate Republicans on Wednesday succeeded in passing a bill to limit COVID-19 vaccine mandates for public and private employers in the state, the Hill reports. Senate Bill 1 has now been sent to Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law.
UN atomic agency: Iran is steadily increasing stockpile of enriched uranium
The United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency reported Wednesday that Iran now has an estimated 17.7 kilograms (39 pounds) of uranium enriched at up to 60% fissile purity, a level that can easily be refined to make atomic weapons, The Associated Press (AP) reports.
Oklahoma: Julius Jones facing execution today despite parole board clemency recommendations, Pastor says “we will exhibit our faith”
Death row inmate Julius Jones faces execution today unless Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt follows parole board recommendations to grant clemency and commute his sentence to life imprisonment, AP reports. The Oklahoma Pardons and Parole board has twice voted for clemency, saying there are doubts about the evidence that led to Jones’ conviction for the 1999 shooting of Oklahoma businessman Paul Howell.
Touring northern, southern borders, US envoy pledges Iron Dome replenishment
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield toured Israel’s northern and southern borders on Tuesday, with IDF officials briefing the envoy on the diverse array of security challenges posed by Iran’s influence in the region.
US Intends to Move Forward on F-35 Sale to UAE, US Official Says
The United States intends to move forward with the sale of 50 F-35 stealth fighters jets to the United Arab Emirates but there must be a clear understanding of “Emirati obligations,” a US official said on Tuesday as progress on the sale slows.
OSHA suspends enforcement of COVID-19 vaccine mandate for businesses
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is suspending enforcement of the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for large private businesses after a federal appeals court upheld a stay on it last week.
Vials labeled ‘smallpox’ found by lab worker cleaning freezer in Pennsylvania
Vials labeled as smallpox were discovered at a Pennsylvania lab, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.
Ukraine says Russia amassed 100K troops near border, Blinken raises ‘real concerns’ of invasion
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia amassed nearly 100,000 troops near his country’s border as concerns over an invasion continue to mount.
HHS memo shows department moving to undo Trump-era action aimed at better protecting religious liberty
The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) is considering revoking authority the former Trump administration delegated for the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to prevent violations of religious liberty – prompting concerns about conscience protections under Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Texas abortion ban stays in force as justices mull outcome
More than two weeks have passed since the Supreme Court‘s extraordinarily rushed arguments over Texas’ unique abortion law without any word from the justices.
Americans want ‘fair shake’ for faith-based groups, protection for vaccine refusers, survey suggests
Most Americans say that religious groups providing community services should qualify for government funding alongside their secular counterparts, according to the 2021 Religious Freedom Index survey released Wednesday.
New IAEA report says Iran has boosted stockpile of highly enriched uranium
Iran has increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, defying commitments made under the 2015 nuclear deal, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said in its latest report.
Feds estimate 100,000 Americans in 12-month period died of an overdose, setting record
An estimated 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in a recent, 12-month period, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday.
Poll: Large number of US pastors in poor health; considered quitting ministry in the last year
A new poll shows that only 35% of Protestant pastors consider themselves to be in good mental, spiritual and physical health, and 38% of Protestant pastors said they were so stressed they had considered quitting full-time ministry in the last 11 months, the Barna research group reports.
Uganda: Islamists murder pastor who refused to close church
Islamic terrorists murdered a Christian pastor in eastern Uganda last month, after he refused to close his church located near a mosque, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Isolated Christians Turn To Satellite TV
A global Christian broadcaster says “isolated Christians” in the Middle East and North Africa use visual and digital technology to keep their faith alive amid mounting persecution.