Florida’s 15-week abortion ban faces ACLU and Planned Parenthood lawsuit
A group of healthcare providers filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to prevent Florida’s 15-week abortion ban from going into effect next month.
Year: 2022
In Cyprus, IDF runs drills for potential war with Hezbollah, Lebanon ground assault
The Israel Defense Forces on Thursday wrapped up a major military exercise in Cyprus, simulating a military ground offensive deep inside Lebanon in a potential war against the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group.
Iran could have multiple nukes within years, foreign policy think tank says
Iran could be capable of developing multiple nuclear weapons within weeks, according to a new report from a foreign policy nonprofit group.
Iron Beam laser defense system will ‘bankrupt’ Israel’s foes
The Iron Beam, a new laser defense system under development, will “bankrupt” Israel’s foes, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said after a visit to the project’s Haifa facility on Wednesday.
35 Arkansas congregations consider disaffiliation from United Methodist Church over LGBT stance
Thirty-five Methodist congregations in Arkansas are considering disaffiliation from the mainline United Methodist Church (UMC) denomination amid concerns that the UMC is headed away from its traditional stance on LGBT issues and toward blessing same-sex marriage and allowing noncelibate homosexuals to serve as clergy, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Israel and US to cooperate in blocking Iran from obtaining nuclear weapon
Israel and the USA this week pledged to continue coordinating their economic, diplomatic, and military efforts to block Iran from producing nuclear weapons, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports. Israeli and US defense officials have met several times since the beginning of the Biden administration to coordinate efforts in dealing with the Iranian threat.
Four Killed In US Hospital Shooting
Authorities say four people were killed as a gunman opened fire inside a U.S. Oklahoma state hospital Wednesday, after a bloody Memorial Day weekend.
Middle East Council of Churches meets in Egypt
The General Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) has been able to hold a meeting in Egypt for the first time, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. That this Christian organization was allowed to meet in Egypt is notable, given that the country ranks 20 on the US Open Doors World Watch List of top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Russia stages nuclear drills after US announces rockets to Ukraine
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced Wednesday that around 1,000 members of its nuclear forces staged drills outside of Moscow following an announcement by President Biden that the U.S. is sending “more advanced rocket systems and munitions” to Ukraine.
Russia Warns It Could Strike US Over Rockets Deliveries To Ukraine
Moscow warned Wednesday that Washington’s decision to supply advanced rocket systems and munitions to Ukraine could lead to a direct military confrontation between Russia and the United States.
Israeli Air Force simulates widescale strike on Iran nuclear facilities
Dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter jets conducted air maneuvers over the Mediterranean Sea on Tuesday night, simulating striking Iranian nuclear facilities.
Sa’ar’s New Hope said holding talks with Likud over potential new government
The coalition’s New Hope party is holding behind-the-scenes talks with the opposition Likud over options for a potential alternate government, Hebrew-language media reported on Wednesday.
Israel launches government program to support LGBT community
Israel is launching its first-ever government plan to support the Israeli LGBT community, Newsrnd reports. Emphasizing security and the creation of equal opportunities for LGBT citizens, the program is part of a coalition agreement between the Yesh Atid and Meretz governing parties.
Cyber agency: Voting software vulnerable in some states
Electronic voting machines from a leading vendor used in at least 16 states have software vulnerabilities that leave them susceptible to hacking if unaddressed, the nation’s leading cybersecurity agency says in an advisory sent to state election officials.
Supreme Court Blocks Social Media Anti-Censorship Law
The U.S. Supreme Court blocked a Texas anti-censorship law Tuesday that would ban social media platforms like Facebook from censoring dissenting opinions.
Nigeria: 31 people die in stampede for free food at church event
Thirty-one people, including numerous children, were killed Saturday during a stampede at a church’s free food event in Nigeria’s River state, the Associated Press reports.
Exposed: How China Helps Iran Evade Sanctions Through Multibillion-Dollar Oil Scheme
A network of Chinese petrochemical refiners is behind an upswing in the importation of illicit Iranian crude oil, providing the hardline regime in Tehran with at least $22 billion in revenue since President Joe Biden took office.
U.S. Sends Rocket Systems To Ukraine As Fighting Intensifies In East
United States President Joe Biden has pledged to send Ukraine more advanced rocket artillery systems despite concerns in Moscow that they may reach Russian cities. The announcement came as Ukraine struggled to defend itself in the east against the ongoing Russian invasion while Moscow launched nuclear drills on Russian territory.
WHO Strengthens Global Role
The World Health Organization (WHO) appeared to have strengthened its global role after member states agreed on an initial U.S.-led push to reform the rules around disease outbreaks.
First transgender Lutheran bishop has been asked to resign
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has asked Megan Rohrer, its first transgender bishop, to resign after the cleric fired a Hispanic pastor on a culturally important religious day for the Latinx community, Church Leaders (CL) reports.