U.S. trade deficit shrinks in June
The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in June as exports rebounded following several months of decreases, suggesting an improvement in global demand after being depressed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
EU
Turkey has begun forcing foreign Christians to leave
Foreign Christians are being told to leave Turkey and others have been barred from re-entering the country, Morning Star News reported Sunday. Rights advocates have said the Turkish government seems to be purposefully aiming such actions against Protestant Christians.
North Korea has ‘probably’ developed nuclear devices to fit ballistic missiles, U.N. report says
North Korea is pressing on with its nuclear weapons program and several countries believe it has “probably developed miniaturized nuclear devices to fit into the warheads of its ballistic missiles,” according to a confidential U.N. report.
Europeans Struggling With Heatwave and Coronavirus Lockdowns
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, millions of Europeans are crowding beaches and other areas amid a massive heatwave. That has added to deaths at sea, including in the Netherlands.
Europe’s Economies Plunging Into Coronavirus Recession
The European Union’s statistics agency has reported the most significant economic falls within the 27-nation bloc since it began recording the figures 25 years ago.
Eurozone suffers 40.3% annualized contraction, greatest drop on record
The Eurozone suffered its greatest contraction on record, exceeding the U.S. economy’s record plunge.
California Christians gather for outdoor and indoor services in spite of coronavirus restrictions
Despite California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s COVID-19 lockdown measures, thousands of Christians have been gathering in both indoor and outdoor services across the state, Fox News reports.
Concerns Growing Over Press Crackdown in Hungary
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has urged the European Union to help end an alleged government crackdown on independent media in Hungary.
Five aid workers killed by Islamic terrorists in northeast Nigeria
Islamic militants in northeast Nigeria have murdered four aid workers and a security guard after abducting them while they worked for the International Rescue Committee and Action Against Hunger, Reuters reported last week. In a video released by the militants last month, those who died were first shown alive and then shot dead on camera.
Many Christians Killed In New Nigeria Attacks
Christians in northwest Nigeria have plunged into mourning after at least 10 people were killed and 11 seriously injured in a massive attack by suspected Muslim militants, rights activists say.
80 Journalists Resign From Hungary’s Leading News Site
Some 80 journalists have resigned from Hungary’s leading news website Index.hu amid mounting government pressure on independent and critical media.
Europe On Edge Amid Rise Of Coronavirus Infections
Spain and several other European nations are taking new measures to halt an increase in reported coronavirus cases. The decisions come amid fresh warnings by authorities of a widespread “second wave” of infections.
China orders US to close Chengdu consulate as spying spat worsens
China on Friday ordered the United States to close its consulate in the western city of Chengdu, in retaliation for the closure of China’s Houston consulate earlier this week.
German States Ask Congress Not to Remove U.S. Troops
The leaders of four German states wrote to Congress asking for a halt to Washington’s troop withdrawal plan from the country, Reuters reported Sunday.
Planned Parenthood’s New York chapter disavows founder Margaret Sanger over racist eugenics
Planned Parenthood of Greater New York is removing the name of Margaret Sanger, the founder of the nation’s largest abortion provider, from its New York City clinic due to her “harmful connection to the eugenics movement,” the group said Tuesday.
U.S. accuses Chinese nationals of hacking spree for COVID-19 data, defense secrets
The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday indicted two Chinese nationals over their role in what the agency called a decade-long cyber espionage campaign that targeted defense contractors, COVID researchers and hundreds of other victims worldwide.
California churches sue Governor over COVID-19 ban on indoor services
A group of California churches filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gavin Newsom Friday because state COVID-19 lockdown orders prohibit indoor services, even while people are allowed to gather in ongoing racial injustice protests, Fox News reports.
EU Agrees On Coronavirus Fund After Disputes
Leaders of the European Union have agreed on an unprecedented 1.82 trillion euro ($2.1 trillion) budget and coronavirus recovery fund after tense negotiations that included table banging and meeting walkouts.
U.S. congressional Democrats, White House to meet on coronavirus aid
Advisers to President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were set to discuss the next steps in responding to the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday, with congressional Republicans saying they were working on a $1 trillion relief bill.
EU Leaders Continue Corona Talks Amid Abuse and Table Banging
Leaders of the 27 European Union nations are trying to agree on a massive EU coronavirus recovery fund and a budget amid reports of quarrels. As talks entered their fourth day, there was some hope of a breakthrough. However, the European Union delegates appeared weary and even bleary as they began another round of fighting over an unprecedented 1.85 trillion-euro ($2.1 trillion) EU budget.