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By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Ukraine was under an ongoing Russian ballistic missile and drone attack early Friday, shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on air bases deep inside Russia. Multiple explosions were heard in Kyiv, the capital, with ongoing strikes wounding at least three people, officials and witnesses said. Falling debris sparked fires across several districts as air defense systems attempted to intercept incoming targets, said Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv City. Timestamped video footage seen by Worthy News confirmed that assessment. Three people were wounded, local officials said. They urged residents to seek shelter, including in an underground metro railway station. Worthy News observed that many, including men, women, and children, were anxiously awaiting the end of the massive strike on their city of 3 million people. Not everyone found a hiding place in time, including in Kyiv’s Solomyanskyi district, a transport hub for train and air traffic, where a fire broke out on the 11th floor of a 16-story residential building. EVACUATIONS UNDERWAY Emergency services evacuated three people from the apartment, and rescue operations were ongoing. Officials said another fire broke out in a metal warehouse. Elsewhere in the northern Chernihiv region, an Iran-made Shahed drone exploded near an apartment building, shattering windows and doors, according to regional military administration chief Dmytro Bryzhynskyi. He added that explosions from ballistic missiles were also recorded on the outskirts of the city. It came hours after U.S. President Donald J. Trump said Ukraine and Russia may need to keep fighting for a while. He compared the two warring neighboring nations to squabbling children in an armed conflict he once promised to end in a day. Since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than a million people are believed to have been killed or injured on both sides. The post Ukraine Under Massive Russian Attack appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief WASHINGTON/BERLIN/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald J. Trump praised Germany for spending more money on defense and, in a turnaround, pledged that he would not withdraw all remaining American troops from there. Trump spoke in the White House Oval Office with recently elected German Chancellor Frederich Merz sitting beside him. Part of their discussions was the ongoing war in Ukraine and how to prevent an outright transatlantic trade war over tariffs between the U.S. and Europe. Trump has agreed to delay 50 percent tariffs on goods from the European Union until July 9 unless a deal is struck. Contrary to previous chancellors, Merz said the Nordstream 2 natural gas pipeline project from Russia to Germany “was a mistake” and underscored Germany’s readiness to deepen ties with the United States. Trump recalled that he had told former German Chancellor Angela Merkel that he did not understand why she agreed to this multibillion-dollar pipeline with Russia, while the U.S. was defending Germany and Europe. This time, the German and U.S. leaders, both conservatives, avoided the verbal fireworks that marred recent visits by other foreign leaders to the White House, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Merz, 69, was reportedly briefed on how to handle Trump, especially during a meeting with reporters in the Oval Office. At one point, Trump called Merz “difficult” but said it was meant as “a compliment” because he showed he stood up for the interests of Germany, Europe’s largest economy. ‘TERROR WAR’ “I’m here, Mr. President, to talk with you later on how we could contribute to that goal. And we all are looking for measures and for instruments to bring this terror war [in Ukraine] to an end,” Merz said. The two leaders met on the eve of the 81st anniversary of D-Day, when Americans and allies participated in the largest seaborne invasion in history. The operation began on June 6, 1944, with the Normandy landings and the liberation of France, followed by the rest of Western Europe, recalled Merz. “And may I remind you that we are having June 6 tomorrow. This is the D-Day anniversary when the Americans once ended a war in Europe,” Merz told Trump. “That was not a pleasant day for you,” Trump said, laughing. Merz seemingly corrected President Trump speaking about the meaning of the Allied victory over the Nazis in World War Two to modern-day Germans. The chancellor began to reply that it was indeed “not a pleasant day” before stopping himself to say: “In the long run, Mr. President, this was the liberation of my country from Nazi dictatorship.” Merz continued saying by Germans know “what they owe to America” for liberating their country from the Nazis, telling Trump that the U.S. is “again in a very strong position” to help end Russia’s war by throwing steadfast support to Ukraine’s defensive efforts. “We know what we owe you, but this is the reason why I’m saying that America is again, in a very strong position to do something on this war and ending this war. So let’s talk about what we can do jointly, and we are ready to do what we can,” he said. NATO COMMITMENTS Asked if Germany is doing enough to meet its commitments to the NATO military alliance by spending a set percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense needs, Trump replied that he knows Germany is now “spending more money on defense now and quite a bit more money.” Merz has backed Trump’s demand for NATO members to commit to a target of more than doubling defence spending to 5 percent of economic output in the future, earning praise last weekend from U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Teump called the development “a positive thing” before referring to late American General Douglas MacArthur’s views of Germany, which started two world wars. “I’m not sure that General MacArthur would have said it’s positive, you know, he wouldn’t like it, but I sort of think it’s good,” Trump said. “He made a statement: ‘Never let Germany rearm.’ And I said, I always think about that. When he says, ‘Sir, we’re spending more money on defense,’ I say, ‘Oh, is that a good thing or a bad thing?’ I think it’s a good thing,” Trump stressed. “But you know, at least to a certain point, there’ll be a point where I say: ‘Please don’t arm anymore. If you don’t mind,” the American president added. Regarding Germany’s war past, Trump joked that the U.S. would be “watching” Germany’s rearmament efforts with “skepticism.” MANY TROOPS Tens of thousands of American troops in Germany will also be there to help watch the country’s militarization. Asked whether the U.S. would continue to base troops in Merz’s country, Trump replied: “The answer is yes,” despite his earlier pledge to withdraw them. “We’ll talk about that. But if they’d like to have them there, yeah,” he said. “We have a lot of them, about 45,000, it’s a lot of troops. It’s a city,” Trump explained, adding that their presence is good for Germany’s economy because they’re “highly paid” and “spend a lot of money” there. However, despite the smiles, handshakes, and even golfing in the White House, Thursday’s meeting’s success was not guaranteed. Merz publicly criticized Trump shortly before the 2024 presidential election and recently pushed back hard after Vice President JD Vance and others criticized Germany for classifying the Alternative für Germany (AFD) as an “extremist party” over its perceived far-right views. Yet that issue did not come up on Thursday and is now settled, Merz told broadcaster Fox News. However, he added that Germany was a mature, stable democracy with free speech rights and did not “need any lectures from outside.” The post Germany’s Chancellor And US President Mend Fences Ahead Of D-Day appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungary’s ruling party has delayed a planned vote on Russian-style legislation that would fine and potentially ban foreign-funded media and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) deemed a “threat” to Hungarian sovereignty and culture. Wednesday’s announced decision followed weeks of protests, including Tuesday in Budapest and the European Union’s threat to remove Hungary’s voting rights through a so-called Article 7 procedure. Additionally, 90 editors-in-chief and publishers from across Europe, including newspapers The Guardian in Britain, Libération in France, and Gazeta Wyborcza in Poland, urged the EU to take action. They expressed concern about the so-called “Transparency Law” that critics compared to similar “foreign agent” legislation in autocratically ruled Russia. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s right-wing nationalist party, Fidesz, introduced a law last month allowing the government to monitor, penalize, and potentially ban organizations that receive foreign funding, including donations or EU grants. Any organization could be targeted if it was deemed to “threaten the sovereignty of Hungary by using foreign funding to influence public life.” BROAD VIEW Experts say the law takes a broad view of what constitutes a threat, describing it as acts undermining Hungary’s constitutional identity or Christian culture or challenging the primacy of marriage, the family, and biological sexes. Zoltán Kovács, a spokesperson for the Hungarian government, had said the bill had been introduced amid worries that foreign-funded organizations, primarily from the U.S. and Brussels, were shaping the country’s political discourse. The parliamentary vote on it had been expected to take place in mid-June. Despite critics likening the legislation to Russia’s “foreign agent” law, it was forecast to be passed by parliament as Fidesz holds a two-thirds majority. But on Wednesday, Fidesz’ parliamentary party leader, Mâté Kocsis, told local media that the vote would be postponed until autumn as the government had received several suggestions regarding the law. “We are united in our intentions, but there is still debate about the means,” he added on social media. Sources said several key ministers oppose the law, fearing a public backlash and EU retaliation via suspending Hungary’s voting rights. “There seems to be a division between technocrats, moderates, and hardliners,” noted Hungarian investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi. CRACKDOWN FEARED Orbáb, in power since 2010, pledged in March to crack down on foreign funding of independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs, whom he described as bugs needing a spring cleaning. Critics view the measures as part of a move to strengthen his position ahead of the 2026 elections when he faces an unprecedented challenge from a new opposition party, the Tisza, named after Hungary’s second-largest river. Tisza leader Péter Magyar, a former Fidesz insider, said the postponement of the law would enable the government to “squeeze even more” out of the proposed bill and “further divert attention from … the livelihood and housing crisis, Orbán’s galloping inflation and the destruction of education.” Rights activists celebrated the delay, with Amnesty International calling it a “huge joint success.” “Of course, we can only rest easy once this unlawful bill has been scrapped for good,” the group said on social media. “Unfortunately, one thing is certain: the government will not give up its attempts to silence independent voices, as has been its goal since 2010.” The government denies these allegations. The post Hungary Postpones ‘Russian-Style Foreign Agent Law’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief PARIS/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – The European Jewish Congress (EJC) has welcomed “the unanimous decision” by French legislators to posthumously promote a captain to the rank of brigadier general, 130 years after his wrongful conviction in “one of the most infamous antisemitic scandals in modern European history.” The French parliament on Monday, June 2, backed a bill that would promote Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish French army captain who was wrongly found guilty of treason in 1894 amid hatred toward Jews The lower house, Assemblée Nationale, unanimously approved the legislation as an act of reparation and a symbolic step in the fight against antisemitism in modern France. “This symbolic act is a meaningful gesture of historical justice. It honours the memory of a man whose loyalty to the French Republic never wavered, even as he became a target of hatred and falsehood,” said the ECJ, which claims to represent 42 national Jewish communities and 2.5 million Jews across Europe. “The Dreyfus Affair not only exposed the dangers of antisemitism and institutional bias, but also helped awaken public conscience in defence of truth and justice,” the group added. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who leads President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party, proposed the draft law. DEPUTIES IN FAVOR Observers said the promotion still needs to be approved by the upper house, Sénat, at a date that has yet to be fixed before it takes effect. All 197 deputies present voted in favor in the Assemblée. The rapporteur of the proposed law, Renaissance lawmaker Charles Sitzenstuhl, said the vote “will go down in history” and called on senators “to adopt the text quickly.” Dreyfus’s condemnation came amid rampant antisemitism in the French army and broader society in the late 19th century, legislators recalled, at a time of renewed growing alarm over hate crimes against Jews in the country. France has Europe’s biggest Jewish community and the world’s third-largest after Israel and the United States. “Promoting Alfred Dreyfus to the rank of brigadier general would constitute an act of reparation, a recognition of his merits, and a tribute to his commitment to the Republic,” said Attal, who was France’s youngest prime minister during a spell in office that lasted less than eight months last year. “The anti-Semitism that hit Alfred Dreyfus is not a thing of the past,” stressed Attal, whose father was Jewish, adding that France must reaffirm its “absolute commitment against all forms of discrimination.” SECRET INFORMATION Dreyfus, a 36-year-old army captain from the Alsace region of eastern France, was accused in October 1894 of passing secret information on new artillery equipment to a German military attaché. The accusation was based on comparing handwriting on a document found in the Germans’ wastepaper basket in Paris. Dreyfus was put on trial amid a virulent anti-Semitic press campaign. But novelist Emile Zola then penned his famous “J’accuse” (“I accuse…”) pamphlet in support of the captain. Despite a lack of evidence, Dreyfus was convicted of treason, sentenced to life imprisonment in the infamous Devil’s Island penal colony in French Guiana, and publicly stripped of his rank. But Lieutenant Colonel Georges Picquart, head of the intelligence services, reportedly reinvestigated the case secretly and found that the handwriting on the incriminating message was of another officer, Ferdinand Walsin Esterhazy. When Picquart presented the evidence to the French army’s general staff, he was driven out of the military and jailed for a year. At the same time, Esterhazy was acquitted, according to historical records. SECOND TRIAL In June 1899, Dreyfus was brought back to France for a second trial. He was initially found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison before being officially pardoned, though he was not cleared of the charges. Only in 1906, after lengthy legal wrangling, did the High Court of Appeal overturn the original verdict, exonerating Dreyfus. He was reinstated with the rank of major, served during World War I, and died in 1935, aged 76. French media reported that the bill’s backers believe that had Dreyfus been able to pursue his career under normal circumstances, he would have risen to the top of the French army. Sitzenstuhl has also suggested that Dreyfus could be entombed in the Panthéon, the Paris mausoleum reserved for France’s “greatest heroes.” Such a decision rests with President Macron. There has been a rise in reported attacks against members of France’s Jewish community since Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and the Israeli military responded with a devastating military offensive on the Gaza Strip. France’s Holocaust memorial, three Paris synagogues, and a restaurant were vandalized with paint overnight at the weekend, in what the Israeli embassy denounced as a “coordinated antisemitic attack.” The ECJ said that “At a time when antisemitism is once again rising across Europe, this recognition [of Dreyfus] sends a powerful message: that democracies must confront past injustices with clarity and integrity, and that no society is immune to the corrosive effects of prejudice.” The post European Jewish Congress Welcomes French Promotion Of Persecuted Officer appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Iran has ordered thousands of tons of ballistic missile propellant from China to rebuild its arsenal and arm its terrorist proxy forces across the Middle East, according to the Wall Street Journal. The shipments—primarily ammonium perchlorate, a key component in solid-fuel missiles—are expected to arrive in the coming months, potentially fueling the production of up to 800 short-range ballistic missiles. The move comes as Iran ramps up pressure in nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration. President Donald Trump confirmed this week that he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin to mediate a diplomatic resolution. “It is my opinion that Iran has been slowwalking their decision on this very important matter, and we will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time!” Trump warned on a TruthSocial Post. Meanwhile, the U.S. has a significant military buildup in the Middle East, including the deployment of additional naval and air assets to deter Iranian aggression and protect regional allies. Defense officials say the deterrent posture is a direct response to Iran’s expanding missile activities and ongoing uranium enrichment. According to a recent report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has amassed enough highly enriched uranium to build one nuclear bomb every month, potentially. The watchdog’s findings have escalated concerns in both Washington and Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Thursday that Israel “will never allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons,” calling Tehran’s missile buildup and enrichment progress an existential threat. U.S. intelligence suggests that some of the imported missile fuel will be transferred to Iranian-backed terrorist proxy groups, including the Houthis in Yemen and Shia militias in Iraq–forces that have previously targeted U.S. and Israeli interests. Iran is also attempting to reconstitute its regional militia network following setbacks from Israeli and American military operations in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, and Yemen. Analysts say Iran’s domestic missile production remains constrained due to Israeli strikes last year on critical manufacturing infrastructure. While Tehran is working to repair the damage, officials believe the regime is increasingly reliant on foreign-sourced materials to avoid delays. The risk of mishandling these dangerous materials remains high. In April, a massive explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port–attributed to the IRGC’s Quds Force–killed dozens and reportedly destroyed part of a prior chemical shipment. Western officials view Iran’s renewed missile push as a calculated strategy to strengthen its regional posture while leveraging its nuclear program in ongoing negotiations. The next phase of diplomacy may be shaped not only by sanctions and enrichment levels, but by how close Iran is to turning material into missiles that can carry a warhead. PROPHECTICAL SIGNIFICANCE We’re approaching a significant historical milestone: the anniversary of Israel’s daring 1981 airstrike on Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor, known as Operation Opera or Operation Babylon, carried out on June 7, 1981. Remarkably, this date closely aligns with another monumental event in Israeli history — the liberation of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War, which began on June 5, 1967, and saw Israeli forces recapture the Old City by June 7. For many prophecy watchers, this convergence of dates is more than a historical coincidence — it is prophetic in nature. In biblical patterns, anniversaries often mark moments of divine intervention or turning points. Just as Israel acted preemptively in 1981 to prevent a hostile regime from acquiring nuclear weapons, and in 1967 reclaimed its ancient capital, some believe the first week of June could again hold significance for Israel and the region. With tensions escalating across the Middle East — from Iran’s expanding nuclear program to increasing hostility on Israel’s northern and southern borders — many are watching this timeframe closely. The alignment of past military victories and preventative actions with the current geopolitical climate is prompting renewed discussion about divine patterns, national destiny, and prophetic fulfillment. The post Iran Secures Chinese Missile Fuel to Boost Ballistic Arsenal, Re-Arm Regional Proxies appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, be His Beachhead--and find His rest! Psalms 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall rest under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of Jehovah, my refuge and my fortress; my God; in Him I will trust. 7 A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; it shall not come near you. 15 He shall call on Me, and I will answer Him; I will be with Him in trouble; I will deliver Him, and honor Him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation (Yeshua). A beachhead is the first critical objective in a military invasion--the spot where a force lands on enemy territory and secures a position for greater advancement. It's the place of breakthrough. And it's also the place of fiercest resistance. On June 6, 1944--D-Day--Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in one of the most dangerous and decisive moments of World War II. The cost was staggering. Thousands laid down their lives to establish that beachhead. But securing it turned the tide of the war. The enemy understands what's at stake at a beachhead: it's the beginning of the end for his territory. That's why he defends it with fury. But it's also where courageous soldiers — committed, focused, and unshaken — make history. For us as believers in Yeshua (Jesus), the metaphor is rich. Each of us is called to be a beachhead for the Kingdom--a place where God's light pierces the darkness, where His truth, love, and righteousness begin to take ground. But here's the key: before we can be effective beachheads, we must be secured. Our hearts must first be yielded. God must take hold of us--shining His light into our inner battles, tearing down strongholds, and establishing His peace where chaos once reigned. This spiritual war is real, and it can be costly. But in the midst of it, the Lord does not just call you to fight—He also calls you to dwell in Him. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). The battle rages, but the safest place you can be is in His presence. Yes, there is sacrifice. Yes, there is warfare. But Yeshua is your Commander—and your Shelter. In Him, you’ll find both covering and rest. Even as He uses you to bring breakthroughs in others, He invites you to abide in Him. Let your heart become His secure place--not just for warfare, but also for worship. Not just a battlefield--but a sanctuary. Friend, so if the battle feels intense and the cost seems high, remember D-Day--and remember this: every life laid down that day was part of a greater freedom. Your surrender, your faithfulness, your rest in Him will echo in eternity. And one day, Yeshua will say to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant... you were My beachhead." Shabbat Shalom -- See you on Monday! Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (George, Baht Rivka & Obi - Baltimore, Maryland | Elianna - Married living in Missouri) Editor's Note: We’re heading back to Israel leading an incredible 10-day, 10-night journey from October 19–30. As always, we’re keeping the group to just one bus to ensure a more personal and intimate experience — so space is limited! Read More... Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce. Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out! Around the World Trump and Xi Revive Trade Talks, Pledge Visits Amid Breakthrough on Rare Earth Dispute President Donald Trump announced a renewed round of U.S.-China trade talks following what he called a "very positive" phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first direct conversation between the leaders since the trade war erupted. Wave of Antisemitic Attacks Rocks France, Sparks Outcry from Jewish Community A disturbing surge in antisemitic attacks has swept across France in recent days, triggering alarm among Jewish communities and prompting renewed calls for urgent government action. Kremlin Vows Retaliation Over Drone and Train Attacks, Rejects Talks with “Terrorist” Ukraine Regime The Kremlin declared Thursday that Russia will retaliate for a string of Ukrainian attacks--most notably a deadly explosion targeting a passenger train in Bryansk--at a time of its own choosing, firmly rejecting Ukraine's offer of a summit and ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled Ukraine's leadership a "terrorist regime" and vowed that the response will be decisive. Numerous Killed As Bridges Collapse In Russia Residents were reeling Wednesday from the collapse of two bridges in Russian regions bordering Ukraine that killed seven people after authorities said they were “caused by explosions” in "acts of terrorism." Europe Faces Escalating Water Crisis as Drought Hits Record Levels Europe is on the front lines of a growing water crisis, as climate change accelerates drought conditions and threatens water security for millions across the continent. With over 50% of European and Mediterranean territory experiencing drought in mid-May — the highest level since monitoring began in 2012 — experts warn that the situation demands urgent, coordinated action. Putin Vows Retaliation for Ukrainian Drone Strike, Offers to Help Trump With Iran Nuclear Talks Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Donald Trump on Wednesday that Moscow will retaliate for Ukraine’s surprise drone strike deep inside Russian territory, while also offering to assist U.S. efforts to bring Iran to the negotiating table over its nuclear ambitions. Israel-Palestinian Conflict France Weighs Tougher Stance on Israel as Macron, Lula Slam Gaza War French President Emmanuel Macron signaled Thursday that France may take concrete action against Israel in response to the ongoing war in Gaza, warning that a decision will be made "in the coming days" regarding a possible shift in policy. Israeli Support for Two-State Solution Plummets to Record Low, Pew Survey Finds Public support for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians has reached its lowest point on record, according to a new Pew Research Center poll released this week. Only 21% of Israelis now believe peaceful coexistence is possible -- a dramatic decline from the 50% recorded in 2013 when the question was first polled. Israel Arming Gaza Militia to Undermine Hamas, Security Officials Confirm Israeli security officials have confirmed that the government has been arming a local militia operating in southern Gaza in an effort to undermine Hamas’s grip on the enclave, following public allegations made by opposition leader Avigdor Liberman. BBC Denies Wrong Reporting Over Alleged Israeli Shooting Britain’s public broadcaster rejected what it called “incorrect White House criticism” of its Gaza coverage, describing a claim that it had taken down a story as "completely wrong." AI Redates the Dead Sea Scrolls, Suggesting They’re Older Than Previously Believed A groundbreaking new study using artificial intelligence has re-dated many of the Dead Sea Scrolls to significantly earlier periods, challenging long-held views of ancient Judaism, the development of Hebrew script, and the roots of early Christianity. Britain Threatens New Sanctions Against Israel Britain’s prime minister threatened Wednesday to impose more sanctions on Israel over its war against Hamas in Gaza and the Jewish nation’s expansion of settlements in the West Bank, also known as Judea and Samaria. Inside the United States Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects Mexico’s Lawsuit Against U.S. Gun Manufacturers In a landmark 9-0 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday rejected Mexico's attempt to hold American gun manufacturers liable for the rampant violence fueled by cartel weapons south of the border, saying the lawsuit lacked legal merit under federal law. Trump Threatens to Cut Billions in Musk Subsidies Amid Explosive Feud Over ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ The political bromance between President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has imploded into a high-profile feud, with Trump threatening to terminate federal subsidies and contracts tied to Musk’s business empire, including Tesla and SpaceX. Supreme Court Rules Wisconsin Discriminated Against Catholic Charity, Upholds Religious Freedom n a major victory for religious liberty, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled Thursday that the state of Wisconsin unconstitutionally discriminated against a Catholic charity by denying it tax exemptions available to other religious organizations. U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows by Record Margin as Imports Collapse, Exports Climb The U.S. trade deficit shrank by more than half in April, falling to $61.6 billion from March's record $138.3 billion--a historic one-month improvement driven by a steep plunge in imports and a modest rise in exports. Trump Administration Rescinds Biden-Era Abortion Mandate in Emergency Rooms The Trump administration has officially rescinded a controversial 2022 directive from the Biden administration that threatened to force emergency room physicians in pro-life states to perform abortions against their medical judgment and in defiance of state laws. Emails Show WA AGO, Perkins Coie Colluded On Federal Lawsuit Against President Trump Seattle-based private law firm Perkins Coie and Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown collaborated on an amicus brief – or “friend of the court” – filed on behalf of the firm’s lawsuit in federal court against the Trump administration, emails obtained by The Center Square reveal. Those emails also reveal the private law firm received advice from the Attorney General's Office on where and when to file the lawsuit. Trump Reinstates Travel Ban on 12 Countries, Cites Terror Threat After Colorado Attack U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new presidential proclamation reinstating and expanding a travel ban on foreign nationals from a dozen countries, citing national security threats and visa overstay risks. Judge Blocks Order To Deport Boulder Suspect’s Family The family of the suspect in the Boulder, Colo. “terror attack” have been given a reprieve from “immediate” deportation after a federal judge blocked their deportation order. Christian News Bold Gospel Outreach in London: Korean Choir and British Evangelists Lead 52 to Christ in Street Revival In a powerful display of international unity and evangelistic zeal, a 140-member choir from Zion Mission (Korea) based in Vancouver, Canada, joined British believers for a bold street outreach in central London last month, resulting in 52 people making commitments to Christ and more than 8,000 gospel tracts distributed. Dozens Of Christians Killed In Nigeria After Previous Massacre Dozens of Christians have been killed in Nigeria in recent days, several sources said after Worthy News already reported the killing of more than 100 Christians by Islamists since May 24 in the troubled African nation. Worthy Insights American Jihadists Target Pro-Israel Summit in Texas, Forcing Shutdown One of the largest pro-Israel events planned for 2025 has been indefinitely postponed, after escalating terror threats left organizers without a secure venue just days before it was set to begin. View the full article

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – In a landmark 9-0 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday rejected Mexico’s attempt to hold American gun manufacturers liable for the rampant violence fueled by cartel weapons south of the border, saying the lawsuit lacked legal merit under federal law. The high court found that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which broadly shields gunmakers from liability when their firearms are criminally misused, applied squarely in this case. The lawsuit, Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, marked the first time the 2005 law had reached the Supreme Court. Justice Elena Kagan, writing for the court, acknowledged that American-made weapons are indeed used in cartel violence in Mexico. However, she emphasized that Mexico failed to prove that U.S. gun manufacturers “knowingly aided and abetted” illegal gun trafficking. “The manufacturers cannot be charged with assisting in criminal acts just because Mexican cartel members like those guns too,” Kagan wrote. “Its complaint does not plausibly allege the kind of ‘conscious and culpable participation in another’s wrongdoing’ needed to make out an aiding-and-abetting charge.” Mexico had sought $10 billion in damages, arguing that gunmakers deliberately marketed weapons in ways attractive to drug cartels and supplied them to U.S. dealers who then funneled them to traffickers. But the justices unanimously concluded that the allegations didn’t meet the high bar required to override PLCAA’s immunity. Justice Clarence Thomas, in a concurring opinion, warned against allowing “mere allegations” to pierce federal immunity. “Plaintiffs must point to an actual adjudicated violation of law,” he wrote, warning that otherwise, defendants could be forced into civil trials resembling criminal prosecutions without constitutional protections. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, also concurring, said allowing Mexico’s suit to proceed would have turned courts into “common-law regulators,” contrary to Congress’s intent in passing PLCAA. Mexico’s case had previously been dismissed by a federal district judge but was revived by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court’s decision reverses that ruling, siding with manufacturers including Smith & Wesson, Glock, Beretta, Colt, and Ruger. Smith & Wesson CEO Mark Smith called the ruling “a big win for our company, our industry, American sovereignty, and every American who wishes to exercise Second Amendment rights.” Senator Richard Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, criticized the outcome, calling for legislative action. “Gun trafficking from the United States to Mexico is fueling a cycle of tremendous violence,” he said. “Lawless gun manufacturers and drug cartels are weaponizing our lax gun laws to wreak havoc.” The Mexican government has not yet issued a formal response. The post Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects Mexico’s Lawsuit Against U.S. Gun Manufacturers appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump announced a renewed round of U.S.-China trade talks following what he called a “very positive” phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first direct conversation between the leaders since the trade war erupted. The 90-minute call focused almost entirely on trade issues and paved the way for high-level negotiations between the world’s two largest economies. Both leaders accepted reciprocal invitations for state visits, marking a diplomatic thaw after years of tariff battles and mounting geopolitical strain. “Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products.” Representing the U.S. in upcoming talks will be Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. At the heart of the renewed negotiations is the thorny issue of rare earth minerals–critical for defense, technology, and clean energy industries. China dominates the global supply chain, producing 61% of the world’s rare earths and controlling over 90% of their refining, according to the International Energy Agency. Beijing’s recent export controls on key minerals like neodymium, yttrium, and europium escalated tensions, prompting urgent diplomacy. “We were straightening out some of the points having to do mostly with rare-earth magnets and some other things,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “We have a deal with China, and we’re going to just make sure that everybody understands what the deal is.” The agreement, described as a framework or “deal in principle,” includes tariff reductions and commitments from China to open its markets, reduce state subsidies, and stem the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. Trump called the deal a “total reset” of trade relations, with both sides eager to avoid further economic damage after tit-for-tat tariffs soared past 100% last year. Though specifics remain to be finalized, tariffs have already been scaled back — U.S. levies on Chinese goods dropped to 30%, while Beijing’s duties on U.S. exports fell to 10%. Both sides have pledged to hold the line during the final negotiations. The Trump-Xi call comes as U.S. trade officials simultaneously advance talks with the European Union. Trump met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday to discuss transatlantic trade and tariffs, which remain a sticking point due to U.S. increases on foreign steel and aluminum. Back on the China front, additional friction remains. The Chinese government recently criticized the U.S. for issuing warnings about Huawei’s AI chips and for revoking student visas. Trump, while reiterating support for foreign students, emphasized increased scrutiny. “Chinese students are coming. No problem, no problem,” Trump said. “It’s our honor to have them… but we want them to be checked.” Commerce Secretary Lutnick echoed broader concerns, warning Congress that China has used U.S. academic and industrial systems to replicate innovation. “The Chinese Communist Party seeks to become the dominant culture of the world,” Lutnick said. “They copy our innovation.” Despite the longstanding complaints of unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and market manipulation, the Trump administration believes the new agreement marks a significant course correction. “Everything you can switch on or off likely runs on rare earths,” said Thomas Kruemmer, Director of Ginger International Trade and Investment. “The importance of this deal can’t be overstated.” As both nations prepare for their next round of talks, the message from the Trump administration is clear: negotiations are back on track, and both leaders are betting that personal diplomacy can deliver the breakthrough needed to stabilize global trade. The post Trump and Xi Revive Trade Talks, Pledge Visits Amid Breakthrough on Rare Earth Dispute appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – The political bromance between President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has imploded into a high-profile feud, with Trump threatening to terminate federal subsidies and contracts tied to Musk’s business empire, including Tesla and SpaceX. Trump lashed out Thursday on Truth Social following Musk’s blistering critique of the president’s signature budget legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill, which Musk labeled a “disgusting abomination.” The bill, which expands tax cuts while phasing out electric vehicle incentives, is currently being debated in the Senate. “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump wrote. “I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it!” The fallout is dramatic for two men who once publicly embraced—both politically and personally. Musk, who previously led Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), helped craft early spending reforms and was often seen aboard Air Force One and at Mar-a-Lago. In February, Musk said he “loved Trump as much as a straight man can love another man.” But on Thursday, that camaraderie gave way to accusations and economic blows. Tesla stock plunged 13.8% by late afternoon, shaving billions off Musk’s net worth. Analysts attributed the drop in part to investor fears that the federal spigot propping up Musk’s ventures—$3.8 billion for SpaceX last year and $2 billion in EV tax credits—may soon be shut off. Musk Fires Back Musk didn’t hold back. In a series of fiery posts on X, he claimed Trump was retaliating over policy disagreements and suggested more sinister motives. “Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” Musk wrote, later adding: “The truth will come out.” He also claimed credit for Trump’s 2024 election win: “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Such ingratitude.” A Trump campaign adviser dismissed the post as “fantasy fiction,” while House Speaker Mike Johnson urged calm, saying he hoped to speak with Musk directly. “He seems pretty dug in right now,” Johnson said. Bill at Center of Storm The One Big Beautiful Bill, a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term agenda, aims to cut taxes on overtime while slashing spending—partly by phasing out electric vehicle subsidies. It also rolls back mandates that Trump says forced consumers to buy “Electric Cars that nobody else wanted.” “Elon was ‘wearing thin,’ I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate… and he just went CRAZY!” Trump posted. Musk denied Trump’s version of events. “False,” he wrote. “This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!” He also posted screenshots of Trump’s past opposition to debt ceiling increases, calling the president’s current stance hypocritical and urging Republicans to stick to fiscal discipline. From Allies to Adversaries The deterioration of the Trump-Musk relationship marks a stunning reversal from the early days of Trump’s second term. Musk’s companies had benefited greatly under Trump’s policies, from high-level space missions to White House Starlink contracts. Trump even purchased a red Tesla Model S in March, parking it in front of the White House in a show of solidarity after anti-DOGE boycotts targeted the company. But the goodwill has since evaporated. Trump now accuses Musk of sabotage, while Musk accuses Trump of deceit, censorship, and personal vendettas. Political observers say the feud could have ripple effects. Musk has hinted he may use his vast resources to challenge Trump-aligned Republicans in 2026, while Trump allies warn that Musk’s businesses could face sharp oversight in retaliation. What’s Next? The bill’s fate in the Senate remains uncertain. Lawmakers are now caught between two of the nation’s most influential voices—one occupying the White House, the other commanding global tech and communication platforms. As the political theater intensifies, one thing is clear: the Trump-Musk split is no longer just about policy—it’s personal, and the stakes are rising fast. The post Trump Threatens to Cut Billions in Musk Subsidies Amid Explosive Feud Over ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Europe Staff PARIS (Worthy News) – A disturbing surge in antisemitic attacks has swept across France in recent days, triggering alarm among Jewish communities and prompting renewed calls for urgent government action. The latest series of incidents comes amid heightened security following last month’s antisemitic shooting in Washington, D.C., yet has failed to stem a wave of assaults, vandalism, and threats targeting Jews across the country. On Friday, Rabbi Eli Lemel, a respected Jewish leader, was assaulted by three intoxicated individuals in Deauville, Normandy. The attack occurred in broad daylight, with the assailants allegedly punching Lemel in the stomach while hurling antisemitic slurs. Police have opened an investigation, though no arrests have yet been made. “I was struck and verbally abused in a language I didn’t understand,” Lemel said in a post on X, adding that he was “deeply moved” by the outpouring of support and urging fellow Jews to find spiritual strength amid rising hostility. The next day, in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a 21-year-old man was arrested for climbing a synagogue, tearing down an Israeli flag, and attempting to set it ablaze. The suspect, who reportedly confessed while intoxicated, faces charges of religiously motivated vandalism and trespassing. “We express our solidarity with the Jewish community directly targeted by these unacceptable acts,” said Sandrine Dos Santos, mayor of nearby Poissy. “No form of racism or rejection of others has a place in our society.” Meanwhile, three Serbian nationals were detained near Antibes, suspected of defacing Jewish buildings with green paint in Paris, including the city’s Holocaust Memorial, three synagogues, and a Jewish restaurant. French officials are investigating potential foreign interference in the coordinated acts of vandalism. On Monday, an elementary school in Lyon was set on fire and defaced with swastikas and antisemitic, pro-Palestinian graffiti. Though the school has no Jewish affiliation, the attack adds to a growing list of incidents targeting Jewish symbols and institutions. Authorities confirmed the fire was limited in damage but found antisemitic slogans and symbols scrawled in classrooms. Yonathan Arfi, head of CRIF (Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France), condemned the attacks, blaming the radicalization of pro-Palestinian rhetoric. “When a populist pro-Palestinian narrative is allowed to take hold, it is French Jews who ultimately pay the price,” Arfi posted on X. “The Nazification of Israel serves as fuel for crass antisemitism.” In response to the rising violence, some prophecy teachers are pointing to the ancient words of Jeremiah as a possible explanation for these troubling developments. In Jeremiah 16:16, God declares, “Behold, I will send for many fishers… and after will I send for many hunters…”–a verse that has often been interpreted as referring to the different ways God would regather His people to the Land of Israel. While past aliyah movements were fueled by Zionist passion or economic opportunity (the “fishers”), many believe the current wave of antisemitism in Europe represents the “hunters” — external pressures being used by God to drive the Jewish people back to their ancient homeland. As conditions worsen, some suggest, the biblical prophecy of Jewish return may once again be unfolding in real time. France’s Interior Ministry has yet to issue a comprehensive response, but Jewish leaders are demanding immediate and decisive measures to counter what they describe as a dangerous escalation in antisemitic violence. The post Wave of Antisemitic Attacks Rocks France, Sparks Outcry from Jewish Community appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – The Kremlin declared Thursday that Russia will retaliate for a string of Ukrainian attacks–most notably a deadly explosion targeting a passenger train in Bryansk–at a time of its own choosing, firmly rejecting Ukraine’s offer of a summit and ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled Ukraine’s leadership a “terrorist regime” and vowed that the response will be decisive. “The president described the Kyiv regime as a terrorist regime, because it was the regime’s leadership that consciously gave the order to blow up a passenger train,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, referring to the Sunday derailment that killed at least seven civilians and injured dozens more after explosives detonated on tracks and a key railway bridge collapsed. The statement marked Putin’s first public remarks since the attack, which came in tandem with a widespread Ukrainian drone operation dubbed “Operation Spider’s Web.” According to Russian sources, the drone assault reached deep into Russian territory–including strikes near strategic airbases and industrial hubs. U.S. President Donald Trump, who spoke with Putin for over an hour on Wednesday, confirmed via Truth Social that the Russian leader was adamant about a retaliatory response. “President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields,” Trump said. Security alerts have since intensified. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued new warnings to American citizens in Ukraine, urging them to prepare for possible massive aerial strikes. A NATO official told The Moscow Times that “significant retaliation is coming,” predicting that Russia may target major Ukrainian command centers and cities like Kyiv and Odessa in a possible “shock and awe” campaign. The Kremlin’s rejection of a summit and ceasefire comes after months of stalemated frontline movement and failed negotiations. Tens of thousands have perished in the grinding three-year conflict, with neither side making significant territorial gains in recent months. In the broader geopolitical context, the Trump-Putin call also touched on Iran. Trump said that both leaders agreed that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” and hinted that Putin might assist in bringing Tehran back to the negotiating table. Russia and Iran have deepened their military alliance since 2024, with Iran reportedly supplying ballistic missiles in exchange for advanced Russian fighter jets. As regional tensions surge, analysts warn that the latest attacks and Russia’s vowed response could mark a turning point–possibly triggering the most intense phase of the war since its start. The post Kremlin Vows Retaliation Over Drone and Train Attacks, Rejects Talks with “Terrorist” Ukraine Regime appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – French President Emmanuel Macron signaled Thursday that France may take concrete action against Israel in response to the ongoing war in Gaza, warning that a decision will be made “in the coming days” regarding a possible shift in policy. Speaking at the Élysée Palace alongside visiting Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Macron said France is considering whether to “toughen the tone and take concrete measures” if the humanitarian situation in Gaza does not improve. The statement marks a significant escalation in rhetoric from Paris amid growing European pressure over the conflict. Lula went further, accusing Israel of committing “a premeditated genocide” in Gaza and labeling the Israeli government “far-right” and guilty of “waging a war against the interests of its own people.” He called for immediate international recognition of a Palestinian state, describing it as both a “moral and human duty.” Brazil formally recognized a Palestinian state in 2010 and has since been an advocate of the two-state solution. The Franco-Brazilian remarks come ahead of a major diplomatic summit France is co-hosting with Saudi Arabia at the United Nations beginning June 17, where recognition of Palestinian statehood is expected to be a central topic. Macron’s comments align with his previously stated openness to recognizing Palestinian statehood if the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains unresolved. He has described conditions in the coastal enclave as “intolerable” and urged immediate relief efforts. However, Macron’s positioning has not only drawn criticism from Israel but also sparked unrest at home. Just days earlier, during a visit to Vietnam, Macron publicly expressed support for recognizing a Palestinian state. Within 24 hours of those remarks, large-scale riots broke out across Paris, lasting for two consecutive nights. Protesters clashed with police, torched vehicles, and vandalized property in scenes that underscored deep divisions within French society. Israel reacted strongly to Macron’s latest remarks. A statement from Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the French president’s language, accusing him of “leading a crusade against the Jewish state” and of “ignoring the realities on the ground while empowering terrorist actors.” The growing diplomatic rift comes even as Israel, with U.S. support, recently launched the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a joint aid initiative that has delivered millions of meals to civilians in recent weeks. Israeli officials point to the program as evidence of their commitment to minimizing civilian suffering while continuing efforts to dismantle Hamas. France and Saudi Arabia’s upcoming UN-hosted summit aims to push for a roadmap toward Palestinian statehood while pledging to address Israel’s security concerns. However, Israel remains deeply opposed to unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing that it rewards terrorism and undermines peace negotiations. This opposition is reflected in recent public opinion polls. A Pew Research Center survey conducted between February and March 2025 found that only 21% of Israelis believe that peaceful coexistence with a Palestinian state is possible, the lowest level recorded since Pew began polling the question in 2013. Among Jewish Israelis, the figure is even lower at 16%, while 40% of Arab Israelis express belief in a possible two-state future. The survey also highlighted deep-seated mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians, with 75% of respondents identifying it as a major obstacle to lasting peace. Other significant concerns include the status of Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank. As international efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue, the divergence between global diplomatic initiatives and Israeli public opinion presents a complex challenge for policymakers advocating for a two-state solution. The post France Weighs Tougher Stance on Israel as Macron, Lula Slam Gaza War appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Residents were reeling Wednesday from the collapse of two bridges in Russian regions bordering Ukraine that killed seven people after authorities said they were “caused by explosions” in “acts of terrorism.” In Russia’s Bryansk region bordering Ukraine, a blast caused a road bridge to collapse onto a railway line late Saturday, derailing a passenger train heading to Moscow and killing seven people, authorities said. A separate rail bridge in the neighboring Kursk region was blown up hours later in the early hours of Sunday, derailing a freight train and reportedly injuring the driver. Authorities did not say who was behind the explosions, but investigators said a criminal inquiry was underway. However, Ukraine has been blamed for several attacks on Russia, including attacks on numerous military air bases across the country over the weekend that destroyed billions of dollars in military planes and facilities. The Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the incidents throughout the night on the latest attacks against bridges. He has pledged to retaliate for these and other suspected Ukrainian attacks. Videos posted on social media from the Bryansk region showed rescuers clambering over the mangled chassis of a train belonging to national operator Russian Railways. At the same time, screams could be heard in another video. SEVEN DEAD “There are seven dead as a result of the collapse of a bridge onto railway tracks,” Alexander Bogomaz, the Bryansk region’s governor, wrote on the social media platform Telegram. Additionally, at least 71 people were injured, 44 of whom were in hospital, he told reporters. In the incident in the Kursk region, a rail bridge collapsed onto a road, derailing a freight train. “Last night… in the Zheleznogorsk district, a bridge collapsed while a freight locomotive was passing. Part of the train fell onto the road below the bridge,” Kursk region governor Alexander Khinshtein said on Telegram. “One of the locomotive drivers suffered leg injuries, and the entire crew was taken to hospital,” he said. A spokeswoman for Russia’s Investigative Committee said the incidents had been “classified as acts of terrorism” without elaborating. But senior ruling party lawmaker Andrey Klishas blamed Ukraine, describing it as a “terrorist enclave.” STRATEGIC TARGETS Ukraine, which Russia has blamed for previous incidents, did not immediately comment. Kyiv says Russia uses railroads to transport troops and weaponry to its forces fighting in Ukraine, which it invaded in February 2022. As fighting continues, relatives waiting for loved ones arrive from the Bryansk region at a station in central Moscow. “Russian Railways said that those who had survived would be coming here,” said 30-year-old entrepreneur Sergey Trinkinets. “My dad finally got in touch. He said he had some bruises and wasn’t feeling very well, so I came to meet him,” he told reporters. In one video posted on social media, purportedly taken at the scene of the incident in the Bryansk region, someone could be heard screaming as eyewitnesses rushed to find help. “How did the bridge collapse? There are children there!” a woman shouted in the video. Moscow’s three-year assault on Ukraine is believed to have killed and injured more than a million people. Russia currently occupies around a fifth of its neighbor, far less than Moscow expected in more than three years of fighting. The post Numerous Killed As Bridges Collapse In Russia appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – Public support for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians has reached its lowest point on record, according to a new Pew Research Center poll released this week. Only 21% of Israelis now believe peaceful coexistence is possible — a dramatic decline from the 50% recorded in 2013 when the question was first polled. The survey, conducted between February 5 and March 11 during a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, reveals a deep erosion of faith in the viability of a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel. Among Jewish Israelis, optimism has dropped to just 16%, while Arab Israelis remain more hopeful, with 40% expressing belief in a peaceful future. Mistrust Dominates Public Sentiment The dominant theme emerging from the data is a pervasive lack of trust. A staggering 75% of respondents cited mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians as a “major obstacle” to peace. The status of Jerusalem — claimed by both peoples as their capital — followed closely at 70%, while 52% pointed to Israeli settlements in the West Bank as a significant hindrance. Despite decades of international negotiations and diplomatic efforts, Pew found that core issues remain unresolved in the minds of most Israelis, with skepticism running deep across the political and ethnic spectrum. Shift in Views Since October 7 Attacks The survey shows a sharp decline in support for the two-state framework following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre and subsequent war. Among Israeli Jews, support dropped from 32% in 2023 to 19% in 2024, and now stands at just 16%. Arab Israeli optimism rose slightly to 49% in 2024 but fell again to 40% in 2025. These findings echo similar results from Gallup in late 2023, which found only 25% of Israelis still supported a Palestinian state, down from 61% in 2013 — a near-total reversal in just over a decade. Public Divided on Gaza’s Future On the question of who should govern the Gaza Strip after the war, Israelis remain divided. Only 33% support Israeli governance of Gaza — a drop from 40% in 2024. Among Jewish Israelis, support is higher at 42%, while 45% of Arab Israelis believe Gazans should choose their own leaders. Just 1% of all respondents said Hamas should govern Gaza in the future. A unity government involving the Palestinian Authority garnered little enthusiasm, with just 6% supporting a model under President Mahmoud Abbas, and 10% without him. A UN-administered Gaza received only 2% support. US Still Trusted, But Trump’s Role Divides Opinion Despite growing skepticism toward international institutions, the United States remains the most trusted foreign actor. A full 81% of Israelis view the U.S. as playing a helpful role in the peace process. In contrast, the UN, Iran, and European countries were seen as unhelpful or irrelevant. President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January, remains a divisive figure. While 42% say he strikes the right balance in Middle East policy, 51% believe he favors Israel too much. Across the Board, Leaders Lack Public Confidence The survey highlights a broad crisis of confidence in both Israeli and Palestinian political leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is viewed unfavorably by 53% of Israelis, with opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid faring little worse (54% unfavorable). On the Palestinian side, views are even harsher: 85% of Israelis hold an unfavorable opinion of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and 80% say the same about imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti. As the war with Hamas drags into its second year and casualties mount, the Pew survey underscores a bleak shift in public attitudes — a profound loss of hope in the once-dominant idea that two peoples could live peacefully side by side. The post Israeli Support for Two-State Solution Plummets to Record Low, Pew Survey Finds appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – In a major victory for religious liberty, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled Thursday that the state of Wisconsin unconstitutionally discriminated against a Catholic charity by denying it tax exemptions available to other religious organizations. At the heart of the case was a Wisconsin-based Catholic Charities group that had been denied unemployment tax credits typically granted to faith-based institutions. The state had argued that the charity did not qualify because it did not “operate primarily for religious purposes,” citing its employment of non-Catholics and its failure to directly proselytize clients. In a 9-0 decision authored by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the Court rejected the state’s rationale, stating that Wisconsin’s actions violated the First Amendment by drawing impermissible distinctions between religious organizations. “When the government distinguishes among religions based on theological differences in their provision of services, it imposes a denominational preference that must satisfy the highest level of judicial scrutiny,” Sotomayor wrote. The Court found that Wisconsin engaged in “unnecessary entanglement” by attempting to judge the charity’s religious authenticity through its service methods, a practice the justices warned could lead to unconstitutional government oversight of faith-based missions. The ruling overturns a decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which had sided with the state. That court previously determined that the Catholic organization did not qualify for the exemption because it served a broad public audience and did not “attempt to imbue program participants with the Catholic faith.” The Supreme Court reversed that judgment and remanded the case for further proceedings, asserting that the state’s test imposed a religious litmus test not permissible under the Constitution. The ruling delivers a significant victory for faith-based institutions, many of whom had feared that such state-level decisions would set a precedent allowing governments to narrowly define what qualifies as “religious” activity. The post Supreme Court Rules Wisconsin Discriminated Against Catholic Charity, Upholds Religious Freedom appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – Israeli security officials have confirmed that the government has been arming a local militia operating in southern Gaza in an effort to undermine Hamas’s grip on the enclave, following public allegations made by opposition leader Avigdor Liberman. The revelation, which has sparked fierce political backlash and international concern, centers on a group led by Yasser Abu-Shabab, a 32-year-old Bedouin from Rafah with a criminal background. According to defense sources, the group has received assault rifles, including Kalashnikovs seized from Hamas, with coordination between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet — but without formal approval from the Israeli security cabinet. “The Israeli government is giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons, identified with Islamic State, at the direction of the prime minister,” Liberman charged during an interview with Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan. He claimed the decision bypassed standard cabinet protocols, with approval allegedly coming directly from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite the mounting scrutiny, the Prime Minister’s Office did not deny the reports, instead stating: “Israel is working to defeat Hamas in various ways, based on the recommendations of all heads of the security establishment.” Abu-Shabab’s militia, known as The Popular Forces, has claimed to be protecting civilians and distributing aid in Israeli-controlled areas near the Kerem Shalom border crossing. However, humanitarian organizations and Palestinian sources accuse the group of looting aid convoys and extorting local residents. Footage online shows the militia manning checkpoints with uniforms labeled “Counter-Terrorism Mechanism,” though it has no official mandate. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-based NGO, publicly disassociated itself from the group, clarifying it has “no connection to armed actors” in Gaza. Palestinian sources say Abu-Shabab escaped Hamas detention during an Israeli airstrike early in the war. He has since emerged as a symbol of Israeli-backed opposition to Hamas, though many see him as a warlord with a criminal past. His family has publicly disowned him, and Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, recently published video footage of a targeted explosion on his fighters — marking the first public acknowledgment of the group’s threat to Hamas. Security officials cited humanitarian concerns and a need to protect aid convoys from Hamas as justification for arming the militia. Still, some within Israel’s security establishment warn that the weapons may eventually be turned against Israeli forces or civilians. “This is not a sustainable strategy,” one unnamed official said. “We’re empowering unstable elements on the assumption they’ll act in our interests long-term — that’s a dangerous gamble.” Critics have also pointed to Netanyahu’s previous policies of supporting Hamas financially to weaken the Palestinian Authority (PA), suggesting a continued pattern of manipulating Gaza’s internal divisions for strategic advantage. Left-wing politician Yair Golan slammed the move as reckless and ideologically driven: “Netanyahu, who once funneled suitcases of cash to Hamas, is now arming a jihadist militia linked to ISIS. This is not accidental — it’s systematic. He’s endangering Israel’s security to hold onto power.” While the government remains tight-lipped, the fallout from Liberman’s revelation may intensify calls for transparency — and heighten concerns over Israel’s long-term strategy in Gaza. The post Israel Arming Gaza Militia to Undermine Hamas, Security Officials Confirm appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – The U.S. trade deficit shrank by more than half in April, falling to $61.6 billion from March’s record $138.3 billion–a historic one-month improvement driven by a steep plunge in imports and a modest rise in exports. According to data released by the Commerce Department, the 55.5% narrowing in the trade gap marks the sharpest month-to-month drop ever recorded. The shift came as President Donald Trump’s new 10% blanket tariffs on foreign goods took effect, triggering a dramatic reshaping of global trade flows. Imports plummeted 16.3% in April, the largest drop on record, to $351 billion. Analysts attribute the decline to both the new tariff schedule and a sharp reversal following a surge of front-loaded imports in March, when businesses scrambled to beat the implementation of higher duties. Consumer goods bore the brunt of the pullback, with pharmaceutical imports plunging and overall consumer goods imports declining by $33 billion. Imports from China–long a central focus of Trump’s trade agenda–dropped to their lowest level since March 2020, shrinking the bilateral trade deficit to a five-year low of $19.7 billion. Meanwhile, U.S. exports rose by 3% to $289.4 billion, buoyed by increased shipments of capital goods, industrial materials, and nonmonetary gold. Services exports also climbed, driven by travel and financial services, expanding America’s longstanding services surplus to $25.8 billion. “The April data does not suggest a trade war–it suggests a rebalancing,” said one senior administration official. “We are exporting more, importing less, and beginning to restore strategic domestic production.” The net improvement in exports is expected to make a positive contribution to second-quarter GDP, reversing trade’s negative impact in Q1. Analysts suggest that the combination of reciprocal tariffs, sourcing shifts, and ongoing trade negotiations are all playing a role in the reshaping of U.S. trade policy. The goods deficit with Ireland shrank from $29.3 billion to $9.5 billion, while shortfalls with Mexico and Canada also narrowed significantly. Sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles further contributed to the decline in inbound shipments. While critics have warned that tariffs could stifle global commerce and risk retaliatory measures, early data suggests otherwise. “The world is still buying American,” said one economist, noting that fears of widespread boycott or economic retaliation have so far failed to materialize. Still, uncertainty looms. President Trump’s temporary pause on heightened tariffs for the EU and Japan is set to expire in early July, and trade negotiations with China remain volatile. A scheduled call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is widely viewed as pivotal in determining whether a longer-term truce can be reached. For now, however, the numbers signal that the U.S. economy is adapting rapidly–realigning supply chains, restoring domestic industry, and setting the stage for a more resilient and self-reliant growth model. The post U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows by Record Margin as Imports Collapse, Exports Climb appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Staff London, UK (Worthy News) – In a powerful display of international unity and evangelistic zeal, a 140-member choir from Zion Mission (Korea) based in Vancouver, Canada, joined British believers for a bold street outreach in central London last month, resulting in 52 people making commitments to Christ and more than 8,000 gospel tracts distributed, Christian Daily reported. Hosted by London Shepherd Church, a Pentecostal congregation in South London, the event was more than a musical performance—it was a public declaration of faith that culminated in worship, preaching, and spontaneous ministry in one of the world’s busiest urban centers. British evangelist Alistair Knight, founder of the UK-based Jesus Pulse ministry, led the gospel presentation. “The sun was out, the air gentle, and the streets alive with energy,” Knight said, describing the afternoon as a divine setup for open-air revival. “Amid the usual noise and movement, we set up—ready to lift up the name of Jesus through worship and preaching.” The choir, joined by singers from local UK churches, delivered a stirring performance that caused many passersby to pause. “When they began to sing, it wasn’t just music—it was anointed,” Knight said. “People stopped in their tracks… visibly moved. You could feel the presence of God resting on that place.” Knight then preached, sharing how Jesus rescued him from a life of drug dealing and sexual sin at age 18. “I shared my testimony and the Gospel plainly—how Jesus came to save sinners, how He took our place on the cross,” he said. “That part always hits home. People can feel it when you’ve really been changed.” As the preaching went forth, local church members moved through the crowd—praying, counseling, and leading people to Christ. Some mocked, but many listened. “It became a holy moment in the middle of an ordinary street,” Knight added. The outreach was part of a larger effort by Jesus Pulse, which plans to launch weekly “Jesus Marches” around the globe. Knight confirmed that 75 evangelists are already committed to the vision, with a long-term goal of mobilizing 8,100 full-time evangelists in major cities worldwide. The visit also included performances at the iconic Royal Albert Hall and pilgrimages to historic sites like the grave of John Bunyan and the birthplace of John Wesley—connecting past revival history with present-day gospel mission. “This wasn’t a concert or a performance,” Knight said. “It was an offering—and God showed up. In the warmth of a London afternoon, heaven touched earth.” The post Bold Gospel Outreach in London: Korean Choir and British Evangelists Lead 52 to Christ in Street Revival appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News ABUJA (Worthy News) – Dozens of Christians have been killed in Nigeria in recent days, several sources said after Worthy News already reported the killing of more than 100 Christians by Islamists since May 24 in the troubled African nation. Fulani herdsmen killed at least nine Christians this week in Nigeria’s northern Plateau state, following “the slaughter” of 27 others days before, Christians said. The attacks took place in Bokkos County in the predominantly Christian communities of Hokk, Pangkap, Fokoldep, Kopmur, Margif, Horop, Mbor, Mushere, and Kwahas, news outlets Christian Daily International and Morning Star News quoted residents as saying. Resident Emmanuel Auta reportedly said nine Christians were killed in the Mushere area of Bokkos County on Sunday and Monday, June 1-2. “Bokkos has never been this insecure, with Christians being butchered like what we are currently witnessing,” Auta said in published remarks. “Two Christians were killed on Sunday, June 1, and an additional seven Christians were killed on Monday, June 2, all in the Mushere area of Bokkos Local Government Area.” Another resident, Lilian Madaki, said the herdsmen had been attacking Bokkos County villages days before. “For six days, Fulanis have continued to attack our communities, which are predominantly Christian villages,” Madaki added in a reported text message. “Among some of the Christian victims that I know is a 14-year-old Christian teenager who was shot and wounded and is currently being treated at a hospital.” MORE ATTACKS Resident Dorcas Ishaya added that herdsmen on May 27 attacked Mbor, Margif, and Mijing, “all Christian villages, and set fire to houses and killed many Christians. The attacks occurred at about 11 p.m.” Late Monday night, June 2, the herdsmen “invaded the predominantly Christian villages of Hokk, Pangkap, and Fokoldep and were still shooting when area resident Yakubu Kefas sent an alert to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News on Tuesday, June 3.” Christians are “currently under intense and sustained gunfire from Fulani terrorist elements in Hokk, Pangkap, and Fokoldep Christian communities in Bokkos Local Government Area,” Kefas explained. The attacks began at about 11 p.m. local time the night before, he said. “The attackers, who we believe are Fulani terrorists, are carrying out indiscriminate shootings, killings, and large-scale arson, resulting in widespread terror, Christian casualties, and destruction of property,” Kefas recalled. Residents also reported the May 27 kidnapping and killing of the Reverend Mimang Lekyil, the 70-year-old pastor of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) congregation in the Kwahas area of Mushere. Masara Kim, a Christian journalist from the area, said 11 other area Christians were killed on May 25. “The full name of the slain cleric is Reverend Mimang Lekyil; he was a pastor in charge of COCIN Kwahas, Kawel in Mushere,” Kim told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. “It was a case of kidnap. The pastor’s wife broke her leg during the incident; 11 other Christians were also killed in Bokkos on Sunday, May 25.” Herdsmen killed eight Christians in Kopmur village and another seven in Mbor community, said area resident Nanlop Joy. “These are all Christian villages,” Joy added. POLICE DEPLOYED Police have been deployed to the communities alongside military personnel, officials said. “Those responsible for this would be made to face justice as the Plateau State Police Command would not leave any stone unturned in the bid to ensure that the perpetrators face the law,” pledged command spokesman Emmanuel Adesina. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, experts say. However, some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, Britain’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. “They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity,” the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt area are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians’ lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Nigeria remained among the most dangerous places on earth for Christians, according to the advocacy group Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List (WWL) of the 50 countries where it says it is most difficult to be a Christian. Of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period, 3,100, 69 percent were in Nigeria, according to the WWL. WWL METHODOLOGY “The measure of anti-Christian violence in the country is already at the maximum possible under World Watch List methodology,” the report stated, adding that Nigeria ranks 7th on the annual WWL. In the country’s North-Central zone, where Christians are more common than they are in the North-East and North-West, Islamic extremist Fulani militia attacks farming communities, killing many hundreds, Christians above all, according to investigators. Islamic groups designated as terrorist organizations by authorities, such as Boko Haram and the splinter group Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), among others, are also active in the country’s northern states. Nigeria’s government has come under pressure to increase security as Christians reportedly face raids, sexual violence, and roadblock killings, while kidnappings for ransom have also risen in recent years. The violence has spread to southern states, and a new jihadist terror group, Lakurawa, has emerged in the northwest, “armed with advanced weaponry and a radical Islamist agenda,” according to WWL investigators. Lakurawa is linked to the Al-Qaida-affiliated Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, or JNIM, originating in Mali. This week’s reported killings came after more than 100 Christians, including children, pastors, farmers, and “even people attending a funeral,” were killed in three Nigerian states, Worthy News reported earlier, citing Open Doors. Around 5,000 Christians were reportedly displaced in those attacks by Islamist militants. They are among an estimated 16.2 million believers in sub-Saharan Africa forced to leave their homes, often due to anti-Christian attacks. The post Dozens Of Christians Killed In Nigeria After Previous Massacre appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief LONDON/BUDAPEST/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Britain’s public broadcaster rejected what it called “incorrect White House criticism” of its Gaza coverage, describing a claim that it had taken down a story as “completely wrong.” At Tuesday’s White House briefing, U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) of taking “the word of Hamas” when reporting on the number of people killed in a shooting near an aid distribution site on Sunday. She also claimed that the BBC had retracted a story, which the broadcaster denied. “The claim the BBC took down a story after reviewing footage is completely wrong. We did not remove any story, and we stand by our journalism,” the BBC stressed in a statement. Karoline Leavitt criticized the BBC for changing the number of casualties in the story’s headline. The corporation said its coverage was updated with new figures throughout the day, which is “totally normal practice on any fast-moving news story.” The numbers were “always clearly attributed, from the first figure of 15 from medics, through the 31 killed from the Hamas-run health ministry to the final Red Cross statement of ‘at least 21’ at their field hospital,” the statement said. Conflicting reports exist about what happened on Sunday near an aid distribution center in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah. CIVILIAN WITNESSES The BBC cited “civilian witnesses, NGOs, and health officials” as saying people were “shot at” while waiting for food at an aid distribution point. But the Israeli military said the reports were false and denied that its troops fired at civilians near or within the site. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S. and Israel-backed group that now runs the aid distribution, said the reports were “outright fabrications.” Worthy News also reported the denial. However, the BBC said Israel “does not allow” international news organizations, including the BBC, into Gaza, making verifying what is happening in the territory difficult. It was also unclear how much space Hamas gives to independent journalists, with intimidation and shootings of critics widely reported. On Tuesday, there was a similar incident when Hamas-linked officials said Israeli forces fired at civilians as they attempted to collect aid, killing at least 27 people. ‘SUSPECTS SHOT’ The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its troops fired shots after identifying “suspects” who moved towards them “deviating from the designated access routes.” The White House press secretary also accused the BBC of removing a story because it “couldn’t find any evidence of anything” – referring to a report by the BBC Verify service examining a video widely distributed on social media. In its statement, the BBC explained that this report on Monday, which examined the footage, found that “a viral video posted on social media was not linked to the aid distribution center it claimed to show.” However, the broadcaster stressed that the video did not run on BBC news channels or inform its reporting. “Conflating these two stories is simply misleading. It is vital to bring people the truth about what is happening in Gaza. International journalists are not currently allowed into Gaza and we would welcome the support of the White House in our call for immediate access,” the BBC stated. However, the BBC has come under fire over previous reports. In November 2023, the BBC apologized after an anchor misquoted a Reuters news agency report, mistakenly saying during a live broadcast that “Israel’s military siege and raid of a Gaza hospital” targeted medical staff and Arabic speakers, prompting an outcry from some Jewish groups. The Reuters report quoted an IDF spokesperson saying, “Our medical teams and Arabic-speaking soldiers are on the ground to ensure that these supplies reach those in need.” MISQUOTING REUTERS The news anchor said that the Israeli military was “targeting people including medical teams as well as Arab speakers” in Gaza’s Al Shifa hospital, a misquote of the Reuters report. Earlier in October 2023, the BBC admitted one of its reporters was wrong to “speculate” on what caused a large explosion at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital’s parking lot when the reporter speculated the blast came from an Israeli strike, adding, “It’s hard to see what else it could be.” Israel denied its involvement, with both the U.S. and Israel later stating a misfired rocket, saying it likely came from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad that is believed to have killed and injured hundreds of people. The Jewish nation launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas’ cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. At least 54,470 people have been killed in Gaza since then, including 4,201 since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry. Israel has given somewhat lower figures and says some 20,000 Hamas fighters are among those killed. It also says that people in Gaza have been used “as human shields” by Hamas, which is hiding in tunnels and elsewhere near civilian sites, including hospitals and schools as well as churches. The post BBC Denies Wrong Reporting Over Alleged Israeli Shooting appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – The Trump administration has officially rescinded a controversial 2022 directive from the Biden administration that threatened to force emergency room physicians in pro-life states to perform abortions against their medical judgment and in defiance of state laws. The reversal was announced Tuesday by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which declared that it would “rectify any perceived legal confusion and instability” caused by the Biden-era guidance on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). “CMS will continue to enforce EMTALA, which protects all individuals who present to a hospital emergency department seeking examination or treatment,” the agency stated, emphasizing that this includes “emergency medical conditions that place the health of a pregnant woman or her unborn child in serious jeopardy.” The original 2022 guidance, issued weeks after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, was authored by then-HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. It asserted that EMTALA superseded state abortion bans, effectively pressuring hospital staff to perform abortions or risk losing Medicare funding — a move critics slammed as an unconstitutional federal overreach. “Led by Dr. Oz, the Trump administration has delivered another win for life and truth — stopping Biden’s attack on emergency care for both pregnant moms and their unborn children,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of SBA Pro-Life America. Dr. Ingrid Skop, vice president and director of medical affairs at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, welcomed the rescission, calling the Biden policy “never medically necessary.” She added, “Every state pro-life law already permitted physicians to intervene in a pregnancy emergency to protect a woman’s life. I have always been able to provide quality care in obstetric emergencies, seeking to preserve the lives of both mother and child.” The Biden administration’s guidance sparked a wave of legal battles. The Department of Justice sued Idaho, claiming the state’s abortion law conflicted with EMTALA. But that case was quietly dropped by Trump’s DOJ in March, with both sides agreeing to a stipulation of dismissal. The legal tide turned even further in October 2024, when the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Biden administration’s request to overturn a lower court decision that blocked the abortion mandate in Texas emergency rooms. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) praised the move to undo the Biden directive. “EMTALA is a decades-old statute that was originally designed to protect mother-patients and their unborn children in emergency situations,” she said. “The Biden administration manipulated the law’s purpose by issuing guidance that forced emergency room doctors to perform abortions, regardless of their states’ life-affirming laws.” “Restoring EMTALA to its original purpose brings much-needed clarity to our incredible emergency room doctors across the country and peace of mind to the patients they serve,” Hyde-Smith added. With the guidance now formally rescinded, pro-life advocates view the move as another victory in restoring states’ rights and reaffirming protections for both mothers and their unborn children in emergency medical situations. The post Trump Administration Rescinds Biden-Era Abortion Mandate in Emergency Rooms appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Europe Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – Europe is on the front lines of a growing water crisis, as climate change accelerates drought conditions and threatens water security for millions across the continent. With over 50% of European and Mediterranean territory experiencing drought in mid-May — the highest level since monitoring began in 2012 — experts warn that the situation demands urgent, coordinated action. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), one-fifth of Europe already faces water stress annually, and demand is expected to double by 2050. The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service has confirmed that increasingly extreme weather — including record heat waves and irregular rainfall — is contributing to prolonged droughts, shrinking water reserves, and damaged ecosystems. The European Drought Observatory reported that 53% of land in Europe and the Mediterranean was affected by drought between May 11–20, 2025. This marked a 20-point increase over the average recorded between 2012 and 2024. During this period, 42% of soil across the region was classified at a “warning” level due to low moisture, while 5% reached the more serious “alert” status, indicating abnormal vegetation growth. Countries across Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe are facing increasing pressure: 19% of Ukrainian territory and 17% of Belarus are on drought alert, along with 10% of Poland. To the south, alert conditions were reported in Syria, Cyprus, and the Palestinian territories. The United Kingdom, though not in full alert, saw 98% of its land impacted by drought since mid-March — its driest and warmest spring in over 50 years, according to the UK Met Office. The worsening outlook has pushed the European Commission to finalize its long-awaited Water Resilience Strategy, expected to be unveiled this month. The strategy was previously delayed amid political backlash over climate regulations. EU Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resilience Jessika Roswall stated that the plan aims to address the core issues of water scarcity, pollution, and climate impacts, while bolstering Europe’s water-related industries. “We want to address the root causes of water challenges,” Roswall told Parliament in May, pointing to a focus on efficiency, water reuse, and innovation across industry and agriculture. However, environmental groups have criticized what they see as an overreliance on high-tech, energy-intensive solutions while weakening nature-based approaches. “You cannot repair broken water cycles without working with nature,” said the Living Rivers Europe coalition. They argue that restoring wetlands, removing river barriers, and increasing urban green infrastructure are more sustainable and cost-effective than traditional “grey” infrastructure. Athenais Georges of the European Water Movement added that privatization and profit-driven models often exclude vulnerable communities and create long-term environmental trade-offs. “What’s easier and more cost-efficient?” she asked. “Just giving space back to nature.” At the policy level, EU lawmakers are urging the Commission to propose enforceable water efficiency and abstraction targets tailored to individual sectors and river basins. “We cannot afford to treat water as infinite,” said MEP Thomas Bajada, who authored a key report on the issue. “It’s time for binding action.” Meanwhile, economic risk is mounting. The European Central Bank warned on May 23 that drought conditions could threaten up to 15% of eurozone production as extreme weather events become more frequent and more disruptive. As Europe faces its most widespread water crisis in modern history, the decisions made in the coming months may shape not only the continent’s ecological future — but its economic and political stability as well. The post Europe Faces Escalating Water Crisis as Drought Hits Record Levels appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By TJ Martinell | The Center Square (Worthy News) – Seattle-based private law firm Perkins Coie and Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown collaborated on an amicus brief – or “friend of the court” – filed on behalf of the firm’s lawsuit in federal court against the Trump administration, emails obtained by The Center Square reveal. Those emails also reveal the private law firm received advice from the Attorney General’s Office on where and when to file the lawsuit. A former Washington GOP attorney general candidate said the revelations raise ethics concerns. In March, Perkins Coie filed a lawsuit in federal court against President Donald Trump’s executive orders cancelling the law firm’s federal contracts and revoking its security clearance. The day after the lawsuit was filed, an amicus brief written by the Washington AGO and signed by 20 other state attorneys general was filed in defense of the law firm. A prior exclusive story by The Center Square revealed that the Washington AGO has 10 active contracts with Perkins Coie, which it did not disclose in its amicus brief that highlighted instances where the law firm challenged state laws defended by the AGO. Newly obtained internal emails reveal that prior to either the lawsuit or the amicus brief being filed in court, numerous AGOs and Perkins Coie attorneys communicated about both. “I’ve always considered it a badge of honor to be a Perkins alum, and even more so now,” Washington Solicitor General Noah Guzzo Purcell wrote in a March 9 email to several Perkins Coie attorneys. In the email to Perkins Coie, Purcell sought guidance on how the AGO should write the amicus brief, which included: When the AGO needed to file the amicus brief to be helpful What claims Perkins Coie intended to raise in their lawsuit Any claims Perkins Coie would want the AGO to emphasize in its amicus brief Purcell also requested draft copies of the complaint, and any emergency relief papers Perkins Coie had. In an email sent that same day, a Perkins Coie attorney wrote to Purcell he had been in touch with State Attorney General Nick Brown about the amicus brief, and that another attorney at the law firm would be “helping coordinate” with the AGO on it. On March 11, a Perkins Coie attorney emailed copies of the law firm’s draft complaint and request for a temporary restraining order to Deputy Solicitor General Emma Grunberg with the Washington AGO. In an email to the Perkins Coie attorney, Grunberg also requested the draft complaint and TRO, noting that “we’ve received some questions from other states wanting to see the filing. Thanks so much and we are working on the amicus in support!” In an email on March 10, Grunberg wrote to both Purcell and several Perkins Coie attorneys that “just to chime in, Judge Chutkan in the DOGE case in DDC denied a TRO because there wasn’t sufficient evidence of truly irreparable harm even though she thought there was a strong merits case. It seems like (it) may be worth waiting a couple days for a hearing if there’s a greater chance of winning.” That case involves more than a dozen states alleging that the Department of Government Efficiency is exercising illegal authority including accessing government data systems and cancelling federal contracts. Grunberg’s email and many others exchanged between the Washington AGO and Perkins Coie contained the subject line “work product, common interest privileged,” which was initially used by the AGO Public Records Office as justification to deny the release of those emails in their entirety. The records were eventually released unredacted after a lawsuit was threatened. On March 12, a Perkins Coie attorney emailed both Purcell and Brown, writing, “great brief!” A federal judge ruled in favor of Perkins Coie on May 2. The Justice Department has yet to file an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals. An ethics complaint was filed against the Washington AGO regarding the amicus brief after its contracts with Perkins Coie were reported by The Center Square, but the complaint was dismissed by Washington State Ethics Board Executive Director Kate Reynolds, who noted in an email that she reports to Purcell. Silent Majority Foundation Director General Counsel and Pasco Mayor Pete Serrano was the Republican candidate for attorney general during last year’s election. He told The Center Square that the collaboration between the Washington AGO and Perkins Coie on the lawsuit and amicus brief is “beyond concerning. It begs the question of where the ethical lines should be drawn. Personally, I draw it well before that. They’re giving advice to the people they’re contracting with.” He added that “if it were the Silent Majority Foundation, they wouldn’t be telling us how to stick the landing with another judge. I’ve had tons of firearm dealers say they’ve called (the AGO) asking for some information on how to interpret the law. AGO flatly refuses to do it. Why does Perkins Coie get preferential treatment?” “To me, that’s the most scandalous part of the story,” he said. “It’s all done on the back of the taxpayer.” After The Center Square reached out to the AGO for comment, Deputy Communications Director Mike Faulk wrote that “we’ve already told you that we were in touch with Perkins and that there was nothing unusual or inappropriate about it.” In a prior story revealing the AGO had 10 active contracts with Perkins Coie that it did not disclose in the amicus brief, The Center Square asked the AGO whether or not it had had any communication with Perkins Coie regarding the lawsuit and amicus brief before they were filed. Faulk wrote then that “when our office files an amicus brief supporting a party, we routinely contact that party to let them know we will be filing and to consult about the filing deadlines and the litigation generally. We did the same here. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that or out of the ordinary about it.” He wrote “the premise that there was something ethically questionable about this is an absurd fiction. It’s about as meritorious as the claim that the Earth is flat. There is no rule, law, precedent or any other standard that would indicate this is unethical or even unusual. If there is, I certainly haven’t seen it mentioned in any of The Center Square’s coverage of this issue.” When asked why the emails were released despite claims by the senders of common interest privilege, Faulk wrote that The Center Square was “making broad assumptions about the records disclosure process. These labels are tools to flag potentially non-disclosable materials. That doesn’t mean they don’t end up being disclosed after further review.” The Center Square reached out to numerous legal ethics sources in Washington state and throughout the country for comment as to whether or not the AGO’s communications with Perkins Coie were appropriate, but none were willing to do so or did not respond. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Emails Show WA AGO, Perkins Coie Colluded On Federal Lawsuit Against President Trump appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new presidential proclamation reinstating and expanding a travel ban on foreign nationals from a dozen countries, citing national security threats and visa overstay risks. The order, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on June 9, fully suspends entry for citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Yemen, and partially restricts travelers from seven others, including Venezuela and Cuba. The move comes just days after a violent attack in Boulder, Colorado, where an Egyptian national allegedly hurled firebombs and sprayed gasoline at pro-Israel demonstrators, injuring 15. Authorities say the suspect, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, was in the U.S. illegally after overstaying a tourist visa. “The recent terror attack in Boulder has underscored the extreme dangers posed by foreign nationals who are not properly vetted,” Trump said in a video address. “We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably screen people. We will not let what happened in Europe happen in America.” The proclamation mirrors the controversial 2017 “travel ban” implemented during Trump’s first term, which targeted several majority-Muslim nations and was later upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. The newly issued ban draws from an April 9 report by national security agencies identifying countries with insufficient identity-management systems, terrorism ties, or high visa overstay rates. Countries under a full suspension include: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Countries under partial restrictions include: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. While Egypt is not included on the banned list, Trump ordered an immediate review of Egypt’s screening procedures “in light of recent events.” The proclamation noted alarming statistics from the FY2023 Department of Homeland Security Overstay Report: Equatorial Guinea had a 70% visa overstay rate, while Afghanistan’s student visa overstay rate topped 29%. Chad saw the highest business/tourist visa overstay rate at 49.5%. National Security and Legal Exceptions The order emphasizes that no visas issued prior to June 9 will be revoked and that lawful permanent residents, asylum seekers, and individuals covered under the Convention Against Torture will not be affected. Those whose entry is deemed in the national interest may also qualify for waivers. “It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks and other public-safety threats,” Trump stated in the proclamation. “These restrictions are necessary to prevent entry from nations about which we lack sufficient information to assess the risks they pose.” According to Jewish Insider and JNS, senior Trump administration officials briefed Jewish faith leaders at the White House ahead of the announcement. Attendees included Orthodox Union Advocacy Center’s Nathan Diament and Israel Allies Foundation President Josh Reinstein. The meeting highlighted growing concerns over antisemitic violence in the U.S., including the Colorado attack and recent murders outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Participants described the meeting as focused and urgent, with senior officials from the White House, Justice Department, and National Security Council pledging a robust, cross-agency response to antisemitism and terrorism. The Trump administration is expected to release additional announcements in the coming days regarding further security initiatives, visa policy enforcement, and international cooperation. The White House fact sheet accompanying the proclamation emphasized that the United States remains open to working with countries that improve their screening standards. “The world is a dangerous place,” Trump concluded. “But we will not sacrifice the safety of the American people on the altar of political correctness. This is about survival, and we will always put America first.” The post Trump Reinstates Travel Ban on 12 Countries, Cites Terror Threat After Colorado Attack appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch | The Center Square (Worthy News) – The family of the suspect in the Boulder, Colo. “terror attack” have been given a reprieve from “immediate” deportation after a federal judge blocked their deportation order. Judge Gordon Gallagher of the U.S. District Court of Colorado ordered the Department of Homeland Security to halt the deportation of the wife and five children of Mohamed Soliman, an Egyptian national charged in Sunday’s firebombing. The family members of Soliman were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials Tuesday. At the time, the White House claimed the family members could be deported immediately. However, Gallagher granted a request from the family to block their deportation, citing due process. “The court finds that deportation without process could work irreparable harm and an order must issue without notice due to the urgency this situation presents,” the judge wrote in his order. None of the family members have been charged in connection to the attack, which left 12 people injured. The FBI said Soliman used a “makeshift flame thrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd” during a pro-Israel event organized by Run for Their Lives. The group was advocating for the return of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on a Jewish music festival in Gaza. In a social media post on Tuesday afternoon, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Soliman’s family is also under investigation. “We’re also investigating to what extent his family knew about this horrific attack, if they had any knowledge of it, or if they provided support to it,” Noem said. Following the attack, DHS confirmed that Soliman had overstayed his visa and had remained in the country “illegally.” “He entered the country in August 2022 on a B2 visa that expired in February 2023. He filed for asylum in September 2022,” according to Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. According to reports, Soliman was heard yelling, “Free Palestine” during the attack. Soliman reportedly told law enforcement that “he wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead.” “At least 14 unlit Molotov cocktails and a backpack weed sprayer, potentially containing a flammable substance, were found nearby,” according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Colorado. Soliman faces multiple felony charges in addition to a federal hate crime charge. He is being held in the Boulder County Jail on a $10 million bond. Soliman could face hundreds of years behind bars if convicted on all charges. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Judge Blocks Order To Deport Boulder Suspect’s Family appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article