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by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Authorities are investigating the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, which killed one person and injured seven, as a potential terrorist attack. Video footage captured the truck spontaneously detonating outside the hotels’s front entrance. Local authorities confirmed that one person inside the truck was killed, according to media reports. While speaking to the nation, President Joe Biden confirmed that federal authorities were investigating the incident and any possible links to the New Orleans terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve. “[W]e’re tracking the explosion of a cyber truck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Law enforcement and the intelligence community are investigating this as well, including whether there’s any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans. Thus far, there’s nothing to report on that score,” he said. The individual who died was inside the Cybertruck at the time of the incident. Authorities have not yet identified the person or determined their gender, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The post Feds Investigating Tesla Truck Explosion At Trump Hotel As Possible Terror Attack appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, learn what this means! Matthew 24:15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), As we conclude the celebration of Chanukah tonight, I want to highlight the prophetic significance of this feast. Yeshua (Jesus) gave a remarkable parenthetic instruction in the middle of His Olivet discourse on the time of His coming and the end of the age. While it is unlikely that He himself said this, He certainly inspired Matthew to insert, "..let the reader understand", concerning this critical event prophesied by Daniel, the Abomination of Desolation. His exhortation intended us (the readers of Matthew's gospel) to learn what this means. Many people have approached me over the years and asked, why do you believe we are in the last days? My response is to point to Yeshua's words, “When you see ALL of these things" … [Matthew 24:33] Many of the signs He pointed to are nearly everyday occurrences in our world, yet this Abomination of Desolation is unquestionably a critical crossroad in human history, as indicated by this unique parenthetic exhortation. What exactly are we intended to understand? The Feast of Chanukah is instructive about it. A Greek monarch named Antiochus Epiphanes "sacrificed a great swine at the image of Moses, and at the altar of God that stood in the outward court, and sprinkled them with the blood of the sacrifice. He commanded likewise that the books, by which they were taught to hate all other nations, should be sprinkled with the broth made of the swine's flesh. And he put out the lamp (called by them immortal) which burns continually in the temple. Lastly he forced the high priest and the other Jews to eat swine's flesh,” according to the ancient Greek historian Diodorus of Silicy. His intention was to eliminate the worship of YHVH, the Jewish Sabbath, and Biblical worship, by desecrating the altar and destroying the Torah scrolls in the temple, so as to erect an altar to Zeus, the king of the Greek pantheon. This act of desecration has been historically referenced as an "abomination of desolation", thus becoming a type of the future event prophesied by Yeshua in Matthew 24. The Maccabean revolt recounts the virtually miraculous victory over Antiochus by a small but relentless army of zealous Jews. Many are familiar with this narrative, yet there are events that took place during Chanukah that aren’t widely spoken of. A recently published book written by a reader of Worthy News, “The Last Days Pride Parade” [The Last Days Pride Parade|eBook] details some of the strange cultural shifts taking place today which reflect the times of the Maccabean revolt. There are elements and seasons in history which seem to repeat. We should take note of this... Friend, may we suggest that "let the reader understand" points to this prophetic/historical parallel between Antiochus and the coming Man of Sin who will perform the final Abomination of Desolation? The signs of this eventuality are growing by the day. Yeshua wants us to learn what this means, to grow in the exciting realization that we're living in the last paragraph of this age and that the Lord’s return is at the very door. This understanding shouldn’t paralyze us with fear, or cause us to hide away, but rather to ‘light a fire’ (pun intended since its’ the festival of lighting candles) with a sense of divine urgency about the hour in which we are living! Daniel said, “And the wise among the people shall make many understand”. Prophetic parallels provide an excellent opportunity to do just that. Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (Dallas, Texas) Editor's Note: Latest message: The Mysteries of Yeshua's Birth and Chanukah 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! Editor's Note: Dear friends — we are going to be heading WEST!!! Now booking in the following states: Texas, New Mexico and Arizona …. If you know Pastors, Rabbis or Ministry Leaders who might be interested in some powerful Israeli style Hebrew/English worship and a refreshing word from Worthy News about what’s going on in the Land, please let us know how to connect with them and we will do our best to get you on our schedule! You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information. Around the World Several Killed In Montenegro’s Restaurant Shooting Several people have died in a shooting at a restaurant in Montenegro near the Balkan nation’s historical capital of Cetinje, police said Wednesday. Biden Announces $2.5 Billion in Security Aid for Ukraine as His Presidency Winds Down With just three weeks remaining of his presidency, US President Joe Biden has re-emphasized his commitment to helping Ukraine resist Russia’s invasion: on Monday, December 30 he announced the provision of nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine. Israel-Palestinian Conflict From Jan. 1, All Visitors to Israel Must Apply for Online Digital Authorization to Enter Triggering concerns for Israel’s already struggling tourism industry, the government has announced that, as of January 1, 2025, all foreign visitors must now apply online for digital authorization to enter the country, even those from countries such as the US and UK that were once visa-exempt, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports. Rare 2,000-Year-Old Coins Found in Jordan Valley During Hannukah Israeli archaeologists digging in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) on Friday unearthed a rare collection of ancient coins they believe belonged to King Alexander Jannaeus, a Hasmonean high priest who ruled over Judea from around 103–76 BC, CBS News reports. Inside the United States Feds Investigating Tesla Truck Explosion At Trump Hotel As Possible Terror Attack Authorities are investigating the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, which killed one person and injured seven, as a potential terrorist attack. 10 Killed, Scores Injured In New Orleans After ‘Islamic Truck Attack’ Ten people were killed and 30 injured when a vehicle drove into a crowd in an apparent Islamic “act of terrorism” in the U.S. city of New Orleans before the suspect was shot dead, law enforcement officials confirmed Wednesday. Christian News Uganda: Christian Father Murdered for Leaving Islam A Christian father was murdered by Islamic extremists in eastern Uganda earlier this month, after he and his wife received death threats for leaving Islam and putting his faith in Christ, Morning Star News reports. Sudan: RSF Paramilitary Group Attacks Church Service While fighting each other for the power to rule Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been killing and attacking civilians, not least Christians, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – A Christian father was murdered by Islamic extremists in eastern Uganda earlier this month, after he and his wife received death threats for leaving Islam and putting his faith in Christ, Morning Star News reports. James Mukenye Habiibu, 29, converted to Christianity together with his wife in January 2022. He was found stabbed to death in Kagumu Sub-County, Kibuku District, Uganda on December 17. Habiibu leaves behind three children, ages 2, 4, and 7, MSN reports. Habibu’s wife, whose name is withheld for security reasons, told MSN that his relatives began threatening them after they became Christians. “The whole family threatened to kill us if we continued with the Christian faith,” she said. One message left for Habib by a relative read: “Soon we are going to behead you and get a big reward from Allah,” Habibu’s wife said. Habibu was last heard on December 16 when he left his home for a gospel outreach with another evangelist from a Presbyterian church in Buseta. “At about 7:30 p.m. I received a call from my husband telling me of people who have been following/tracking him for about half an hour and requesting prayers,” his wife said. “Since then, there was no communication from him.” The next morning his wife was told Habibu had been killed. “A neighbor escorted me, and when we arrived at the scene of the incident, I found my husband lying in a pool of blood,” she said. “The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented,” MSN said in its report. “Uganda’s constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate one’s faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12 percent of Uganda’s population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.” The post Uganda: Christian Father Murdered for Leaving Islam appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – While fighting each other for the power to rule Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been killing and attacking civilians, not least Christians, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Since conducting a military coup and deposing the fledgling transitional democratic government that took over from brutal dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019, the SAF and the RSF have destroyed all steps taken to promote religious liberty in Muslim-majority Sudan: the war-torn country ranked 8 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted. In the latest violent attack against Christians in Sudan, militants from the RSF targeted a prayer meeting at the Sudanese Church of Christ (SCOC) congregation in the town of Al Hasaheisa in Al Jazirah state on Monday, December 30, MSN reports. Accusing the Christians who had gathered of supporting the SAF, the militants attacked congregants and destroyed property. Fourteen congregants were severely wounded, including the 18-year-old daughter of a church elder, MSN reports. “The RSF has often accused civilians of supporting SAR as they attack, rape, kidnap and loot,” MSN said in its report. In a 2024 website statement about the effect of the war on Christians, the Open Doors international Christian advocacy organization said: “There are long-term concerns that the conflict will give Islamic extremists a renewed foothold in the country, undoing the reforms made by the transitional civilian government which gave more freedom to Christians, including abolishing the apostasy law and removing Islam as the state religion.” The post Sudan: RSF Paramilitary Group Attacks Church Service appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News CETINJE, MONTENEGRO (Worthy News) – Several people have died in a shooting at a restaurant in Montenegro near the Balkan nation’s historical capital of Cetinje, police said Wednesday. Local media said a brawl in the afternoon preceded the New Year’s Day shooting, adding that five people were killed. Police did not immediately specify the number of casualties. However, police said they sent special units to the area and urged people to remain inside their homes. Montenegro’s Police Directorate added that “all available police units are on the ground, undertaking activities within their jurisdiction” to apprehend the suspect. The incident comes amid concerns about Montenegro’s deeply rooted gun culture, a phenomenon also seen in several other Balkan nations. In 2022, 11 people, including two children and a gunman, were killed in a mass shooting in Montenegro, and six others were injured. Despite strict gun laws, the Western Balkans remain awash with illegal weapons dating back to World War One, according to experts. Many weapons were also distributed during the Balkan wars of the 1990s, which led to the breakup of Yugoslavia. The post Several Killed In Montenegro’s Restaurant Shooting appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News NEW ORLEANS, USA (Worthy News) – Ten people were killed and 30 injured when a vehicle drove into a crowd in an apparent Islamic “act of terrorism” in the U.S. city of New Orleans before the suspect was shot dead, law enforcement officials confirmed Wednesday. “The attack” occurred around 3:15 a.m. local time on New Year’s Day near the city’s famed intersection of Canal and Bourbon streets, New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced that the alleged attacker is dead “after engaging” with local law enforcement. The FBI named the suspect as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old American citizen from Texas. It stressed they are investigating the crash “as an act of terrorism” while New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell referred to it as a likely “terrorist attack.” The FBI added that a flag of the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, was found in the Ford pickup truck the suspect was driving, which appeared to be rented. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the violence. Wednesday’s attack, which turned New Year celebrations into a tragedy, left a trail of destruction, witnesses saw. BYPASSING BARRICADES The suspect reportedly bypassed barricades and fired on officers after crashing his vehicle. Two officers were shot but are in stable condition, according to authorities. “He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” said Kirkpatrick, adding that reports of injuries were still coming in. “The city of New Orleans was impacted by a terrorist attack,” Mayor Cantrell said. She said she had been in direct contact with the White House, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, and a unified command team operating on the scene. Landry described the incident on social media as a “horrific act of violence.” The White House explained that U.S. President Joe Biden called the New Orleans mayor Wednesday morning to offer full federal support following the news overnight. “I have directed my team to ensure every resource is available as federal, state, and local law enforcement work assiduously to get to the bottom of what happened as quickly as possible and to ensure that there is no remaining threat of any kind,” Biden said in a statement. WHITE HOUSE The White House said the president “was briefed” on the latest developments by senior law enforcement officials from the FBI and his homeland security team. It added that he would be briefed on the incident throughout the day. The New Orleans attack came after similar violence in Europe, where on December 20 a BMW sports utility vehicle was driven into a crowd at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg, killing five people, including a nine-year-old child, officials said. At least 235 others were reportedly injured. The detained suspect was named Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi citizen who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had worked as a doctor. Earlier in 2016, Anis Amri, a Tunisian man who failed to gain asylum in Germany and had links to the Islamic State group, drove a truck into crowds gathered at a church market in Berlin, killing 12 and injuring 49 others, investigators said. Two years later, a gunman opened fire on a Christmas market in the eastern French city of Strasbourg, killing five and injuring another 11 people. The gunman was shot dead by police two days later. Only last month, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser talked about the need for “greater vigilance” and also called for stricter laws on weapons in public spaces after a knife attack in Solingen, West Germany, in August in which three people died. The post 10 Killed, Scores Injured In New Orleans After ‘Islamic Truck Attack’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Steve Wilson | The Center Square (Worthy News) – At least 10 people are dead and 35 are injured after a man drove a truck through a Bourbon Street New Year’s crowd early Wednesday. According to the New Orleans Police Department, the driver exchanged fire with and was later killed on the scene by officers. Explosive devices were found in the truck, but the driver’s identity has not been revealed. The Police Department said two of its officers were hit and injured in the gunfire exchange. Both were transported via emergency medical services to a local hospital and were last listed in stable condition. In an initial briefing, the FBI called it an “incident,” but the FBI changed its view later. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the incident a terrorist attack. “This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others,” the FBI said in a statement. “The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now deceased. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism.” According to Fox News, the truck was spotted crossing the border at Eagle Pass, Texas, on Nov. 16 and had a Texas license plate. Early Wednesday afternoon, law enforcement agencies had not publicly released information connecting the suspect to any activity at the border. Fox News Digital reported the driver was Shamsud Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Houston resident. The outlet said an ISIS flag was on the truck. President Joe Biden said he had been continually briefed about the attack. “I will continue to receive updates throughout the day, and I will have more to say as we have further information to share,” Biden said in the White House statement. “My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday. There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nation’s communities.” President-elect Donald Trump blasted the attack in a statement released on his Truth Social platform. “When I said that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true,” Trump said. “The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. Our hearts are with all of the innocent victims and their loved ones, including the brave officers of the New Orleans Police Department. “The Trump administration will fully support the city of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!” On social media, Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill said, “Many of us woke up this morning to devastating news of the brutal intentional slaughter of innocent people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans. I’m praying for the victims and their families and will ensure they get justice for this appalling act. Please avoid the immediate area at this time and listen to the law enforcement officers who are still on the scene.” Also on social media, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry said, “This is a fluid situation and we are in coordination with numerous local and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure a complete and thorough investigation to bring those who may have been part of this incident to justice. We recognize that there are tourists around us, and we urge all to avoid the French Quarter as this is an active investigation. “We understand the concerns of the community and want to reassure everyone that the safety of the French Quarter and the city of New Orleans remains our top priority.” Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post At Least 10 Dead in ‘Terrorist Attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Triggering concerns for Israel’s already struggling tourism industry, the government has announced that, as of January 1, 2025, all foreign visitors must now apply online for digital authorization to enter the country, even those from countries such as the US and UK that were once visa-exempt, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports. The additional bureaucratic hoops have been explained as necessary for Israel’s security, TOI reports. Other countries are reportedly implementing similar measures. The Electronic Travel Authorization – ETA-IL – costs $6.80 and applies to all travelers wanting to stay for up to 90 days. “Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority advises that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours before booking flight tickets, hotel rooms, and other similar expenses related to planned travel to Israel,” TOI said in its report. “Once the application form is filled out online with information about identity, length of stay, and reason for travel, a reply is sent via email within 24 to 72 hours. The electronic authorization is valid for travel on multiple trips to and from Israel within a period of two years or until the traveler’s passport expires. Obtaining a new passport or a name or gender change will require an application for a new travel authorization,” TOI explains. In a statement to TOI about the impact of the new measure, Yossi Fatael, director general of the Israel Inbound Tour Operators Association, said: “We don’t think it’s wise to introduce any bureaucratic burden in our war situation when coming to Israel is not something that people are considering easily. Right now, we need to be as open as we can for those who are interested in visiting Israel.” The post From Jan. 1, All Visitors to Israel Must Apply for Online Digital Authorization to Enter appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Israeli archaeologists digging in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) on Friday unearthed a rare collection of ancient coins they believe belonged to King Alexander Jannaeus, a Hasmonean high priest who ruled over Judea from around 103–76 BC, CBS News reports. More than 2,000 years old, the collection of 160 coins was found in the Jordan Valley by researchers from Israel’s University of Haifa and Zinman Institute of Archaeology, CBS said. The coins are inscribed with an eight-pointed star and the words “King Alexander 25” in Aramaic, CBS reports. “The site where the treasure was discovered is, apparently, a way station, which had not been recognized in research until now,” researcher Shai Bar said in a statement. The way station was on a main road leading to the Alexandrion fortress built on a mountain in the Jordan Valley by King Alexander Jannaeus. The researchers also noted they found the coins on the third day of Hannukah this year, and that King Alexander had descended from leaders of a revolt in 167 BC which, according to the Talmud, resulted in the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem and the first celebration of Hanukkah, CBS reports. The post Rare 2,000-Year-Old Coins Found in Jordan Valley During Hannukah appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – With just three weeks remaining of his presidency, US President Joe Biden has re-emphasized his commitment to helping Ukraine resist Russia’s invasion: on Monday, December 30 he announced the provision of nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine. The package includes an additional $1.25 billion drawdown package for the Ukrainian military and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package, the president said in a White House press statement. “Since Russia launched its further assault against Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the Ukrainian people, and it has been a top priority of mine to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail,” the president said. The president noted that the Department of Defense has now allocated all remaining USAI funds appropriated by Congress in the supplemental he signed in April and that his Administration is using funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of US equipment for Ukraine. “I’ve directed my Administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible—including drawing down older U.S. equipment for Ukraine, rapidly delivering it to the battlefield, and then revitalizing the US defense industrial base to modernize and replenish our stockpiles with new weapons,” the president explained. “The Department of Defense is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles which will strengthen Ukraine’s hand as it heads into the winter,” he continued. “At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office,” the president added. The post Biden Announces $2.5 Billion in Security Aid for Ukraine as His Presidency Winds Down appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – With just three weeks remaining of his presidency, US President Joe Biden has re-emphasized his commitment to helping Ukraine resist Russia’s invasion: on Monday, December 30 he announced the provision of nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine. The package includes an additional $1.25 billion drawdown package for the Ukrainian military and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package, the president said in a White House press statement. “Since Russia launched its further assault against Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the Ukrainian people, and it has been a top priority of mine to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail,” the president said. The president noted that the Department of Defense has now allocated all remaining USAI funds appropriated by Congress in the supplemental he signed in April and that his Administration is using funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of US equipment for Ukraine. “I’ve directed my Administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible—including drawing down older U.S. equipment for Ukraine, rapidly delivering it to the battlefield, and then revitalizing the US defense industrial base to modernize and replenish our stockpiles with new weapons,” the president explained. “The Department of Defense is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles which will strengthen Ukraine’s hand as it heads into the winter,” he continued. “At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office,” the president added. The post Biden Announces $2.5 Billion in Security Aid for Ukraine as His Presidency Winds Down appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Casey Harper | The Center Square (Worthy News) – The U.S. Supreme Court has released a string of landmark rulings recently, from sending the abortion issue back to the states to granting a measure of presidential immunity to the overturning of Chevron deference, significantly weakening federal rulemaking power. Supreme Court terms begin and end in October, and heading into the new year there are major cases awaiting. Here are five of the biggest cases in which the Supreme Court is expected to weigh in by the end of this term: Tik Tok Ban Many lawmakers and national security experts have raised concerns about the invasive software attached to Tik Tok, a hugely popular entertainment app that reportedly has about 150 million active users. China is the parent company for the app and has access to millions of Americans personal data through the Tik Tok software, which is unusually invasive and collects much more personal data on its users than other similar apps. President Joe Biden signed into law a ban on the app unless it is sold to a U.S. company, citing these concerns. While that ban had bipartisan support, President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on the case this week, asking the Supreme Court to delay the ban from going into effect. “In light of these interests – including, most importantly, his overarching responsibility for the United States’ national security and foreign policy – President Trump opposes banning TikTok in the United States at this juncture, and seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office,” Trump’s lawyer said in a brief filed with the court. During the presidential campaign, Trump promised to “save Tik Tok.” “Furthermore, President Trump alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform while addressing the national security concerns expressed by the Government – concerns which President Trump himself has acknowledged,” the brief read. Transgender Surgeries for Minors The Supreme Court heard oral arguments last fall in United States v. Skrmetti, a case that considers the constitutionality of a Tennessee bill that bans transgender surgeries and hormones for minors. Those medical procedures have become increasingly controversial since they can sterilize the recipients and are sometimes later regretted when the children come of age. The Supreme Court ruling could kill or encourage similar efforts in states around the country. Ghost Guns In Garland v. VanDerStok, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives faces a legal challenge to its Biden-era rule attempting to block “ghost guns,” firearms without serial numbers that can be 3-D printed or put together by someone who acquires individual parts. In particular, kits can be bought online that allow buyers to assemble a weapon. The case in question will require the justices to determine whether a disassembled kit of firearm parts is still considered a “firearm” and therefore subject to federal rules, especially rules requiring a serial number. During oral arguments last fall, justices seemed skeptical of the legal challenge to the federal rule. Age Verification for Pornography The Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments Jan. 15 in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, a legal challenge to a Texas law requiring pornography sites to use age verification to prevent minors from seeing their pornographic content. Critics have cited free speech concerns while proponents of the law have pointed out that there is legal precedent for age verification which is required for other products like alcohol and tobacco and has been required to view R-rated movies in theaters. Pornography sites have pushed back on the law, which has been adopted in a similar fashion in about 20 Republican states around the country. “Let me put this simply: these companies do not have a right to expose children to pornography,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement. “Texas has a clear interest in protecting children, and we have been successful defending this commonsense age verification law against a powerful global industry.” Environmental Impact The Supreme Court in December heard oral arguments in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, a case where justices will consider just how expansive the environmental constraints can become on federal agency actions. Under the National Environmental Policy Act, federal agencies are required to assess the “foreseeable impact” on the environment of their actions. However, just how broad that assessment must be is up for consideration. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post U.S. Supreme Court to Rule on Major Cases in 2025 appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News DOHA (Worthy News) – At Qatar’s main international airport in Doha, waiters hurried to open champagne bottles for passengers stranded in a lounge. A Worthy News reporter noticed migrants from many nations and tourists celebrating what they hope will be a more peaceful 2025. Elsewhere in the world, grand light shows, embraces, and ice plunges were some ways to ring in the New Year. Auckland became the first major city to welcome 2025, with thousands of revelers counting down to the New Year and cheering at colorful fireworks launched from New Zealand’s tallest structure, Sky Tower, and a spectacular downtown light show. Thousands also celebrated downtown or climbed the city’s ring of volcanic peaks for a fireworks vantage point and a light display recognizing Auckland’s Indigenous tribes. It follows a year marked by protests over Māori rights in the nation of 5 million. Countries in the South Pacific Ocean are the first to ring in the New Year, with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours before the ball drop in Times Square in New York. More than 1 million people in Australia visited Sydney Harbor to see the traditional fireworks. British pop star Robbie Williams led a singalong, and Indigenous ceremonies and performances were planned to acknowledge the land’s first people. Much of Japan had shut down ahead of the nation’s biggest holiday, as temples and homes were thoroughly cleaned, including swatting floor mats called “tatami” with big sticks. YEAR OF SNAKE The new Year of the Snake in the Asian zodiac is heralded “as one of rebirth” — alluding to the reptile’s shedding skin. Stores in Japan, which observes the zodiac cycle from Jan. 1, have been selling tiny figures of smiling snakes and other snake-themed products. Other places in Asia will start marking the Year of the Snake later, with the Lunar New Year. In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim nation, Christians told Worthy News they have been praying for the country before the New Year. Jakarta’s New Year celebrations featured a massive fireworks display, including an 800-drone drone show, followed by countdowns to midnight at the city’s iconic Hotel Indonesia Roundabout. Elsewhere in Europe, residents spend millions on fireworks despite economic difficulties, such as high energy prices caused by the war in Ukraine. A key natural gas delivery contract between Moscow and Kyiv ended at midnight, adding to uncertainty in the energy market. Yet for a moment, revelers in Ukraine briefly forgot the nation’s war against Russia, which experts believe killed and injured some 1 million people. BIG GOALS Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Ukrainians “who’ve been fighting” there since the war with Russia began in February 2022. In his address to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia has “set big goals for ourselves and achieved them, and we overcame difficulties more than once because we were together.” China has maintained ties and robust trade with Russia since the latter invaded Ukraine in 2022, helping to offset Western sanctions and attempts to isolate Putin. New Year’s celebrations are likely to be subdued in Israel as its war with Hamas in Gaza grinds through a 15th month and scores of hostages remain in captivity. In his address to the nation, Putin said Russia has “set big goals for ourselves and achieved them, and we overcame difficulties more than once because we were together.” China has maintained ties and robust trade with Russia since Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, helping to offset Western sanctions and attempts to isolate Putin. New Year’s celebrations were subdued in Israel as its war with Hamas in Gaza grinds through a 15th month, and scores of hostages remain in captivity. In the United States, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced increased security measures statewide to ensure public safety during holiday celebrations. New York always attracts thousands eager to usher in the New Year. The post World Ushers In 2025 Amid Wars appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, reality check! Phillipians 3:13-15 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. New Year's Eve celebrations have come and gone. Now the reality is settling in -- it's 2025 and we've entered into another new year!! Some of us are wondering where in the world the time went... the Lord knows I am. A famous preacher, Henry Ward Beecher once said: "We have passed through one more year. One more long stage in the journey of life, with its ascents and descents and dust and mud and rocks and thorns and burdens that wear the shoulders, is done. The old year is dead. Roll it away. Let it go. God, in His providence, has brought us out of it. It is gone; . . . its evil is gone; its good remains. The evil has perished, and the good survives." I say amen to that -- how 'bout you? Friend, let's be sure to confess the sins of 2025 today. Roll them away. Let them go. Rest assured in the fact they are forgiven so we can confidently look towards the future. Today is the beginning of a fresh new year. Let's press forward to do exciting and new things for the Lord --- 'cause there's sooooo much work to be done!! Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (Dallas, Texas) Editor's Note: Latest message: The Mysteries of Yeshua's Birth and Chanukah 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! Editor's Note: Dear friends — we are going to be heading WEST!!! Now booking in the following states: Texas, New Mexico and Arizona …. If you know Pastors, Rabbis or Ministry Leaders who might be interested in some powerful Israeli style Hebrew/English worship and a refreshing word from Worthy News about what’s going on in the Land, please let us know how to connect with them and we will do our best to get you on our schedule! You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information. Around the World World Ushers In 2025 Amid Wars At Qatar’s main international airport in Doha, waiters hurried to open champagne bottles for passengers stranded in a lounge. A Worthy News reporter noticed migrants from many nations and tourists celebrating what they hope will be a more peaceful 2025. French President Regrets Early Elections In a significant concession to the nation, French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that he “regrets” his decision to call early parliamentary elections in June. Finland Seizes Russian-Linked Oil Tanker Suspected of Severing Baltic Sea Power and Internet cables Finland last week seized an oil tanker that was taking oil to Russia after Finnish authorities suspected the Russian-linked vessel of involvement in “grave sabotage” by severing power and internet cables in the Baltic Sea on Christmas Day, Sky News reports. Mexico Takes Tougher Stance Toward Drug Cartels In a significantly more aggressive approach to dealing with Mexican drug cartels, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum recently sent thousands of troops and heavy weaponry to quell an eruption of intra-cartel violence in Sinaloa state, Reuters reports. Israel-Palestinian Conflict Netanyahu Leaves Hospital Early To Vote For ‘War Bill’ Faced with battles on the frontlines and in politics, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu left the hospital on Tuesday against the advice of his doctors. 1,700 Year-Old Oil Lamp Engraved with Menorah Uncovered in Jerusalem Archaeologists excavating in Jerusalem announced last week that they unearthed a rare 1,700-year-old oil lamp with a clearly defined Jewish Temple Menorah engraving on it, Crosswalk reports. Inside the United States U.S. Supreme Court to Rule on Major Cases in 2025 The U.S. Supreme Court has released a string of landmark rulings recently, from sending the abortion issue back to the states to granting a measure of presidential immunity to the overturning of Chevron deference, significantly weakening federal rulemaking power. Christian News Hungary Concerned About Mounting Persecution Of Christians Hungary has expressed concern about mounting “Anti-Christian sentiments and the persecution of Christians.” India: Christian Group Calls For Government Inquiry Into Unprecedented Level of Persecution Against Believers The United Christian Forum (UCF) has called on India’s Hindu nationalist-led government to open a national inquiry into the exponential surge in incidents of violence against Christians in the country, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Nigeria: 11 Christians Murdered in Benue State Christmas Day Attacks, “A Trail of Grief and Trauma” In keeping with similar attacks during major Christian holidays, Islamic militants in Nigeria slaughtered 11 people on Christmas Day during murderous raids in Christian communities in Kwande County, Benue state, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News PARIS (Worthy News) – In a significant concession to the nation, French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that he “regrets” his decision to call early parliamentary elections in June. In his New Year’s address, Macron admitted the move had caused greater political instability in the country. The speech marked the conclusion of a tumultuous 2024 for Macron, who shocked the nation mid-year by calling early elections. Critics said the political gamble backfired, resulting in a divided parliament and an increase in the number of “far-right” members. “Clarity and humility compel me to acknowledge that this decision has, at this time, brought more instability than peace, and I fully admit that,” Macron explained. Macron made the decision to call for an early vote following poor results of his party in the European elections. He justified the new vote by arguing that it was necessary to “clarify the political situation.” However, he lost his majority in parliament and it took two months to form a minority government, which ultimately collapsed in December. It was the first time a coalition collapsed in France since 1962. As a result, France failed to approve a 2025 budget by the required deadline. Earlier this month, Macron appointed his fourth prime minister of the year, centrist François Bayrou, but it remains unclear whether his political ambitions will inspire legislators in the New Year. The post French President Regrets Early Elections appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Faced with battles on the frontlines and in politics, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu left the hospital on Tuesday against the advice of his doctors. The Netanyahu 75-year-old statesman, who had prostate surgery on Sunday, said he wanted to ensure parliament would help fund the Jewish nation’s wars as the legislation failed to get the backing of his entire coalition. Netanyahu left for the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, after National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of one of the coalition parties, said he and others in his party would oppose the bill. In published remarks, Ben-Gvir said he wouldn’t back the law because the draft 2025 budget was a “blow to the police force.” He said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had refused to negotiate. Yet the Bank of Israel said it was crucial that the legislation related to undistributed profits be approved. “The bill is expected to generate a permanent revenue stream of significant volumes, which is required to balance the increase in permanent expenses resulting from the costs of the war,” the central bank said. Israel has faced mounting costs due to its ongoing wars, especially against Hamas in Gaza, after the group massacred some 1,200 people in Israel on October 7, 2023. However, Netanyahu’s move to leave the hospital early to vote for the law worried doctors. His decision was over “the strenuous opposition of the doctors,” added Hadar Elboim, a spokeswoman for Hadassah Medical Center. However, the hospital said Monday that the prime minister was “feeling well” and his condition “was improving”. Netanyahu’s personal doctor accompanied him to the Knesset, and the premier will return to hospital after the vote, a spokesman for the prime minister pledged. The post Netanyahu Leaves Hospital Early To Vote For ‘War Bill’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Archaeologists excavating in Jerusalem announced last week that they unearthed a rare 1,700-year-old oil lamp with a clearly defined Jewish Temple Menorah engraving on it, Crosswalk reports. Experts have said discovery of the lamp is all the more remarkable as little evidence has been uncovered of Jewish life in Jerusalem from the third to the fifth centuries, after Roman Emperor Hadrian suppressed the Bar Kochba rebellion and expelled Jews from the city in 135 AD. Announcing the find on Thursday December 26, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said the ancient lamp is believed to be a “Beit Nattif-type” named after an ancient workshop unearthed nearly 100 years ago near Bet Shemesh, a town west of Jerusalem. “Oil lamps with menorah decorations are exceedingly rare, and only a few similar Beit Nattif-type lamps can be found in the National Treasures archive, IAA research archaeologist Benjamin Storchan said in a statement. “The choice of symbols on the lamp is not accidental. This is a fascinating testimony connecting everyday objects and faiths among ancient Jerusalem’s inhabitants. It seems that the lamp belonged to a Jew, who purchased it because of its religious affiliation and memorial to the Temple,” Storchan explained. “It is evident that the lamp maker dedicated a great deal of time and effort to its decoration,” Storchan added. “The molds were made in two parts (upper and lower). To create the lamp, the potter pressed the clay into the molds and then pressed them together. Finally, the vessel was fired, and it could be used. This method of producing lamps in molds allowed for refined designs, as well as the addition of delicate and intricate decorations,” he said. The post 1,700 Year-Old Oil Lamp Engraved with Menorah Uncovered in Jerusalem appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – Finland last week seized an oil tanker that was taking oil to Russia after Finnish authorities suspected the Russian-linked vessel of involvement in “grave sabotage” by severing power and internet cables in the Baltic Sea on Christmas Day, Sky News reports. Nations around the Baltic Sea, including Estonia and Finland have been on high alert for acts of sabotage since the Baltic connector gas pipeline linking Finland and Estonia was damaged last year. The ship seized on Wednesday, December 25 was named as the Eagle S Panamaz, Sky News said. The vessel is understood to belong to a shadow fleet of ageing Russian tankers that try to evade sanctions on the sale of Russian oil. The Eagle S is suspected of causing the outage of an undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia as it crossed the Estlink 2 electricity cable at 10.26am on Wednesday, the same time Finland reported a power outage, Sky News said in its report. The tanker is also suspected of involvement in the severance of three internet lines and the damaging of a fourth, Sky News said. In a statement after a Finnish coastguard crew boarded the Eagle and sailed it Finnish waters, Robin Lardot, director of the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, said in a statement: “From our side we are investigating grave sabotage. According to our understanding, an anchor… has caused the damage.” The post Finland Seizes Russian-Linked Oil Tanker Suspected of Severing Baltic Sea Power and Internet cables appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungary has expressed concern about mounting “Anti-Christian sentiments and the persecution of Christians.” In a message ahead of the New Year, Tristan Azbej, Hungary’s state secretary for assisting persecuted Christians, said his country would help those suffering for their Christian faith through the Hungary Helps Program. Azbej mentioned Nigeria as an example, saying “nearly no Christmas passes without an anti-Christian terrorist attack” in the African nation. Thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria in recent years by Islamic fighters linked to a variety of groups, Worthy News documented. Azbej said Hungary’s government recently sent aid worth 100 million forints ($260,000) to support Christians in that country as part of a broader effort to help persecuted believers. He told Hungarian radio that the donation was aimed at saving lives as well as to help local Christians “find a safe future” in their homeland “rather than having to emigrate.” Hungary’s government has been criticized by the European Union over its strict anti-migration policies, but the government says it seeks to support refugees in their own region. HUNGARY HELPS “Hungary Helps aims to facilitate fast humanitarian aid but also to strengthen Christian communities in the long run,” in their own nations, Azbej stressed. He noted that in Lebanon some 60 churches have been renovated through Hungary’s program. The state secretary added that the scheme “was similarly instrumental in preserving the cultural heritage in Syria and Iraq.” “These are small sums for the Hungarian budget, but in those countries they could make a difference between staying in the homeland or emigration,” the state secretary added. He earlier said that Christians are the single most persecuted group in the world. More than 360 million Christians, or 1 in 7 believers worldwide, face persecution, according to advocacy group Open Doors and other researchers, up from 1 in 8 in 2021. The post Hungary Concerned About Mounting Persecution Of Christians appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – In a significantly more aggressive approach to dealing with Mexican drug cartels, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum recently sent thousands of troops and heavy weaponry to quell an eruption of intra-cartel violence in Sinaloa state, Reuters reports. While Sheinbaum had said she intended to follow in the footsteps of her predecessor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in adopting the “hugs not bullets” approach of dealing with social root causes rather than targeting cartels, the newly elected first female and Jewish president to lead Mexico appears to be taking a tough stance toward the drug lords instead. Some experts have suggested the new approach follows US President-elect Donald Trump’s threat of imposing tariffs on Mexican products if illegal immigration and drug trafficking from Mexico to the US are not brought under control, Reuters reports. Other experts have said the “hugs not bullets” strategy has failed and a new approach was required. The US ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, has publicly asserted the soft approach did not work and that “Mexico is not safe.” “There is a change without a doubt … we are seeing signs that the strategy of hugs and not bullets is on the way out,” Vicente Sanchez, a security expert and member of Mexico’s National System of Investigators, told Reuters. The post Mexico Takes Tougher Stance Toward Drug Cartels appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – The United Christian Forum (UCF) has called on India’s Hindu nationalist-led government to open a national inquiry into the exponential surge in incidents of violence against Christians in the country, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Addressing what has been described as a “dramatic” rise in the persecution of Christians by radical Hindus, A. C. Michael, UCF national coordinator and former member of the Delhi Minorities Commission, on December 20 called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to appoint a secretary-level official to lead an inquiry into the matter. Not taking into account the sectarian violence that has engulfed Manipur since May 2023, the UCF documented a record 745 incidents of persecution against believers by the end of November 2024. The figure represents a steep increase from the 127 incidents recorded by the UCF in 2014. “Many other incidents may have occurred that were not reported through our hotline and, therefore, are not included in the total number,” the UCF said in a statement. “Last year, the tragic violence, bloodshed, and the demolition of over 200 churches in Manipur were also not reflected in the UCF figures,” UCF stated. In a 2024 website statement about the situation facing Christians in India, the Open Doors international Christian advocacy organization reports: “Christians around the nation of India find themselves increasingly under threat. This hostility is often driven by an ongoing belief among some Hindu extremists that Indians ought to be Hindu—and any faith outside of Hinduism is not welcome in India. This mindset has led to violent attacks across the country and impunity for the people who perpetrate this violence, especially in places where the authorities are also Hindu hardliners.” Led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party since 2014, India ranks 11 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted; prior to the rise of the BJP 10 years ago, India had ranked 31 on the WWL. The post India: Christian Group Calls For Government Inquiry Into Unprecedented Level of Persecution Against Believers appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – In keeping with similar attacks during major Christian holidays, Islamic militants in Nigeria slaughtered 11 people on Christmas Day during murderous raids in Christian communities in Kwande County, Benue state, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. While the 15-year-long wholesale slaughter of Christians in Nigeria by Islamic militants has been repeatedly brought to the attention of the Nigerian government and the international community, nothing of any substance has been done to stop the killings, kidnappings, rapes, and displacement of believers in the northern section of this country especially. The largest Christmas Day attack was carried out during actual services in the predominantly Catholic Tiv community near the borders of Taraba state and Cameroon, ICC reports. “Despite recent peace-building initiatives by local leaders, including efforts by Bishop Isaac Bundepuun Dugu through a state-sponsored amnesty program, the community’s challenges persist,” ICC said in its report. “The once-thriving community of Turan now faces an uncertain future, with four out of five community areas largely deserted.” In a 2024 website report on the catastrophic situation facing believers in Nigeria, the Open Doors international Christian advocacy organization reports: “Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the Muslim-majority north, continue to live under immense pressure and to be terrorized with devastating impunity by Islamic militants and armed ‘bandits.’” “More believers are killed for their faith in Nigeria each year than everywhere else in the world combined,” Open Doors adds. “The attacks are often brutal in nature and can involve destruction of properties, abductions for ransom, sexual violence, and death. Believers are stripped of their livelihoods and driven from their homes, leaving a trail of grief and trauma.” The post Nigeria: 11 Christians Murdered in Benue State Christmas Day Attacks, “A Trail of Grief and Trauma” appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BEIJING (Worthy News) – Corruption suspects in China prepare for a Chinese New Year behind bars across the Communist-run nation. Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly built or expanded more than 200 specialized detention facilities nationwide to interrogate those allegedly involved in graft. The revelations come as Xi extends an anti-corruption crackdown beyond his ruling Communist Party to public sectors, reported the U.S.-based Cable News Network (CNN). Chinese insiders say alleged corrupt or disloyal officials and political rivals have already been removed “at an unprecedented speech” since Xi came to power in 2012. However, his latest reported move suggested that Xi, now in his third term, is further consolidatingcontrol over the party and military. The expanded detention regime, named”liuzhi,” or “retention in custody,” comes with facilities with “padded surfaces and round-the-clock guards in every cell,” where inmates can be held for up to six months without ever seeing a lawyer or family members, CNN said. And increasingly, according to Chinese sources, some of the “most fearsome tools” he has wielded to keep officials in line are being used against a much broader section of society. Those targeted reportedly range from private entrepreneurs to school and hospital administrators – regardless of whether they are members of the 99-million-strong party. HIGH-PROFILE INMATES High-profile liuzhi detainees include Bao Fan, a billionaire investment banker, and Li Tie, a former English Premier League soccer star and coach of China’s national men’s team. Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison for corruption this month. According to company announcements cited by CNN, at least 127 senior executives of publicly listed firms—many of them private businesses—have been taken into liuzhi custody, with three-quarters of the detentions taking place in the past two years alone. The latest reported crackdown was also expected to raise concerns among other communities deemed dangerous to Xi’s power base, including Christians worshiping outside Communist-sanctioned churches. Earlier this year, a pastor who the United States said had been wrongfully detained in a Chinese prison was released after nearly two decades behind bars David Lin, 68, was detained in China in 2006 after helping to construct an unapproved church building. He was later sentenced to life in prison for “contract fraud,” a charge often used against perceived opponents of China’s ruling party. Lin has denied wrongdoing. The liuzhi detention centers are part of constitutional revisions that cleared the way for Xi to rule for life, according to Chinese sources familiar with the situation. There had been some hope that Xi would end the policy of secret detentions in 2018 following growing criticism over widespread abuse, torture, and forced confession: Xi scrapped the controversial practice known as “shuanggui,” or “double designation” – a nod to the party’s power to summon members for investigation at a designated time and place. CONCERNS REMAIN However, human rights watchers soon discovered that the Chinese leader did not abolish secret detention but placed it under the purview of a powerful new state agency, the National Supervisory Commission (NSC). The NSC merged with the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), which had run a secretive, extralegal detention system to interrogate Communist Party cadres suspected of corruption and other misdeeds. Officials under investigation disappeared into party compounds, hotels, or other covert locations for months at a time, with no access to legal counsel or family visits. A criminal defense lawyer, who has represented Chinese officials in corruption cases, said there had been “little improvement in the protection of detainees’ rights under liuzhi.” The lawyer, who requested anonymity due to fears of retribution from the government, told CNN many of their clients had “detailed abuse, threats and forced confessions while in liuzhi custody.” It is now feared that many more people will face similar treatment in the special detention facilities. The post China Extends Feared Detention Centers appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – Investigations into a significant security breach were ongoing Tuesday after China-backed experts allegedly managed to hack the U.S. Treasury Department’s computers, “stealing” documents in what officials called a “major incident.” In a letter to legislators, the Treasury Department acknowledged that Chinese state-sponsored hackers “compromised” third-party cybersecurity service provider BeyondTrust and were able to access “unclassified documents.” Hackers “gained access to a key used by the vendor to secure a cloud-based service used to remotely provide technical support for Treasury Departmental Offices (DO) end users,” the letter said. With access to “the stolen key,” the “threat actor was able to override the service’s security, remotely access certain Treasury DO user workstations, and access certain unclassified documents maintained by those users.” Officials said the hack is being treated as a “major cybersecurity incident” in an ongoing investigation. According to sources familiar with the case, the U.S. Government initially became aware of the alleged cyber attack on December 8, after hackers were said to have compromised a third-party software provider. The alleged Chinese involvement in accessing computers in the heart of the U.S. government comes amid broader concerns about China’s alleged increased spying activities in the United States. In September earlier this year, the U.S. Justice Department said it combatted a cyberattack network that plagued 200,000 devices internationally, claiming that hackers supported by Beijing allegedly ran it. Additionally, in February, U.S. officials reportedly announced they had dismantled “Volt Typhoon,” a network of hackers believed to have been active since 2021 and are known to target American infrastructure, including water treatment plants and transport systems. China did not immediately comment on the latest findings, but they were expected to increase pressure on U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump to deal with Beijing following his inauguration on January 20. The post China Hacks US Treasury In Major Security Breach’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News MOSCOW/KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates, officials confirmed. The Russian defense ministry said it had swapped 150 Ukrainian soldiers held captive for an equal number of Russian troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 189 Ukrainians had returned home. Reporters witnessed freed Ukrainians reuniting with their loved ones in the country’s north. Reporters witnessed emotional scenes with prisoners of war reuniting with their families after weeks, months, and – for some – close to three years. “I’m euphoric; I don’t understand that I’m already free, although I’ve waited every minute, and my family waited. Unfortunately, Mariupol is lost; my hometown in which I lived for 40 years is no longer there, but my family remains alive,” a released Ukrainian prisoner said. The 36-year-old Vasyl Neshcheret recalled he was guarding the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine when he was taken prisoner at the very beginning of the war in February 2022. He said he couldn’t believe he was free in his homeland once more and “free of abuse” from Russian captors. COUNTRY’S FLAG “The most important thing is that I am on my land; I saw my country’s flag and my family. This is just… the best; it’s just amazing. After everything that happened to us in Russia, after what they did to us.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the United Arab Emirates for facilitating the exchange. Worthy News also learned that the Vatican has been involved in or pressured prisoner exchanges. Zelenskyy said that those freed from Russian captivity also included defenders of the Snake Island off the Black Sea port of Odesa, which Russia seized in the opening days of its invasion, and troops who defended the city of Mariupol, which Moscow’s forces captured early in the war after a nearly three-month siege. “The return of our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for each of us,” Zelenskyy said. “And today is one of those days: our team managed to return 189 Ukrainians home.” There have been ten exchanges of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine in 2024 and 59 exchanges overall since Russia’s invasion. Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two has stretched on from what was supposed to be a fast-moving Russian invasion since February 2022. US SUPPORT The almost three-year grueling tug-of-war between the two countries has killed or wounded about a million people, according to U.S. estimates. As the exchange was underway, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration hurried to confirm almost $ 6 billion in military and budget aid for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month. “I’ve directed my administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible,” Biden said in a statement. “At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office,” he added. Trump has expressed reluctance to support Kyiv’s military, saying he wants to focus on peace between Russia and Ukraine. The post Russia, Ukraine Exchange Hundreds Of Prisoners appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article