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By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA (Worthy News) – A U.S. missionary has been kidnapped in South Africa’s port city of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape province, and his family has urged prayers for his “safe return,” Christians confirmed Friday. Josh Sullivan was abducted Thursday evening while delivering a sermon at the Fellowship Baptist Church Motherwell at around 7 p.m. local time, his family said. In comments monitored by Worthy News, the family’s spokesperson, Jeremy Hall, explained that his wife and their children were at the church when the kidnapping happened but escaped unharmed. “They [the attackers] knew his name,” Hall said in published remarks. “The men entered the church and initially held Meagan and walked her towards the door before saying, ‘Josh, is this your wife?’ They then pushed her to the ground and took Josh before driving off in his vehicle.” He added, “The car was found a few kilometers [miles] away shortly afterward.” FAMILY SHOCKED He told local media that the family was “still shocked by the incident” as there had been “no warning signs” before Thursday night’s incident, “and no ransom” demand had been made since. “We are just praying for his safe return,” Hall stressed Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said four armed and masked men abducted the 45-year-old pastor. “They stole two cellphones and then took the 45-year-old male pastor with them and fled the scene in the pastor’s vehicle. The silver Toyota Fortuner was recovered shortly later in [the nearby township of] Motherwell.” He said “a kidnapping and armed robbery case was opened” by local law enforcement agencies, adding that residents were encouraged to contact police if they have information. Sullivan is “a church planter missionary” who specializes in establishing new churches or planting new congregations in areas where there are few or no existing Christian communities for the Fellowship Baptist Church denomination. He has been a missionary to South Africa for almost seven years, having moved to the country with his family in November 2018 to establish a church within the Xhosa-speaking community, Worthy News learned BAPTIST CHURCH Together with his wife, Meagan, he established the Fellowship Baptist Church Motherwell, and sources said they have been providing humanitarian aid to families in the area. The case in Gqeberha, formerly named Port Elizabeth, has been closely followed by an advocacy group in Pakistan where Christians have also reported violence and kidnappings. Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, said his group has urged prayers for fellow believers in South Africa, which is known for its massive crime problems. “This incident has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of missionaries and religious workers in volatile regions, highlighting the ongoing risks they face in the pursuit of faith-based service,” Gill told Worthy News. “We have issued an urgent appeal to the global Christian community to unite in prayer for the safe return of American missionary Josh Sullivan.” The post US Missionary Kidnapped In South Africa; Prayers Urged appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News SUMY, UKRAINE (Worthy News) – A Russian missile strike on Palm Sunday killed at least 32 people and injured nearly 100 others, including children, in the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy, local authorities said. “The Russians hit the city of Sumy with missiles, killing civilians,” Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian president’s chief of staff, wrote on social media platform X. Sunday’s strike, the worst attack on civilians this year, comes a day after Russia and Ukraine’s top diplomats accused each other of violating a temporary U.S.-brokered truce to pause strikes on energy infrastructure. Footage reviewed by Worthy News showed bodies lying on the streets while the injured were being treated between burning buildings and cars. The carnage interrupted Palm Sunday, the Christian holiday celebrated a week before Easter when many Ukrainians attend church. Officials said besides those killed, 99 people had been injured, including 11 children, underscoring the challenges to negotiate an end to the 3-year-old war. An injured mother was seen consoling her crying child. ‘DELIBERATE TERROR’ With the dead and injured mounting, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of deliberate terror. “Enemy missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life: houses, educational institutions, cars on the street … And this on a day when people go to church: Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem,” he wrote on social media. Zelenskyy said the Kremlin ignored a U.S. proposal for a complete and unconditional ceasefire. “Unfortunately, there in Moscow, they are convinced they can keep killing with impunity.” The attack on Sumy followed a deadly missile strike on Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih on April 4 that killed some 20 people, including nine children. Evelyn, a 23-year-old pharmacist in Kryvyi Rih, told Worthy News recently that she lives with her parents due to the armed conflict. “I’m scared to be alone because of the war,” she added. Kryvyi Rih is my city. Sometimes, it [a missile or drone] flies into residential buildings at night. It’s scary and very loud.” Zelenskyy demanded a “tough reaction” from the United States, Europe, and the rest of the world. U.S. President Donald J. Trump has expressed frustration over the troubled road to the peace he has been campaigning for. “Russia has to get moving. Too many people are DYING, thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war,” Trump remarked Friday on social media. His comments came as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Friday. They met after Trump urged his Russian counterpart to “get moving” on a ceasefire in Ukraine. LENGTHY TALKS The Kremlin said the talks lasted more than four hours and focused on “aspects of a Ukrainian settlement.” Russia’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev described Saturday’s meeting, Witkoff’s third with Putin this year, as “productive.” However, Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, denied suggesting the country could be partitioned. In an interview, Kellogg reportedly proposed that British and French troops could adopt zones of control in the west of Ukraine as part of a “reassurance force.” Russia’s army could then remain in the occupied east. “You could almost make it look like what happened with Berlin after World War Two,” The Times newspaper quoted him as saying Kellogg claimed on social media that the article had “misrepresented” his explanation. The post Russian Palm Sunday Strike Kills Over 30 In Sumy appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News NEW YORK (Worthy News) – Gold, mentioned often in Biblical times, appeared a safe- haven for investors fleeing turbulent stock markets amid an unprecedented trade war between the world’s largest economies vying for global dominance. It came as Beijing announced a 125 percent rise on imported goods from the United States after Washington made a similar move on Chinese goods. Market watchers said gold continues to gain, on pace to establish a new all-time high as investors seek refuge from the market volatility in haven assets. The price hit an all-time intraday high Friday above $3,248 a troy ounce. That level puts it on pace to settle at a new record for the second consecutive day, based on Dow Jones data from January 1975, reported the Wall Street Journal newspaper on its online news service. “Investors often flock to gold because of its reputation for retaining its value during periods of economic and stock-market volatility. It’s also considered a hedge against inflation and a way to diversify holdings,” the paper commented. Biblical experts aren’t surprised saying beyond material wealth, gold in the Bible “represents God’s glory, majesty, purity, perfection, value, wisdom, knowledge, unchanging nature, and sovereignty.” In descriptions of heaven and the New Jerusalem, they say gold symbolizes otherworldly perfection, immense value, preciousness, permanence, and incorruptibility. Gold was also used “extensively in the Tabernacle and Temple to create a sense of awe, symbolize divine attributes, set apart sacred spaces, and facilitate worship,” noted ChristianPure.com, providing “faith-based guidance” to “seekers and believers.” The site added that gold “symbolizes divinity, kingship, power, authority, holiness, consecration, wisdom, enlightenment, tested faith, and God’s promises in the Bible.” The “words of the Lord are flawless, . . . like gold refined seven times,” added another Christian site, gotquestions.org, referring to Biblical verse Psalm 12:6. https://worthynews-1fe3e.kxcdn.com/wordpressimages/2025/04/gold-780x720.jpeg The post Gold Hits Record High Amid Global Trade War; Biblical Experts Not Surprised (Worthy News Focus) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BUDAPEST/BEIJING/NEW YORK (Worthy News) – The standoff between the world’s largest economies turned into a full-fledged trade war Friday, with China raising tariffs on imported goods from the U.S. to 125 percent and claiming further American levies would be seen around the globe as a “joke.” The Dow industrials, the S&P 500, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite indexes in New York were all muted in morning trading, with more dramatic moves in other markets, such as gold and the dollar. The U.S. bond market remained under pressure, with benchmark 10-year Treasury yields briefly topped 4.5 percent. In Europe, the Stoxx Europe 600 index edged down in global markets, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 index dropped 3 percent to close the week. The dollar extended its weeklong decline. In corporates, influential JP Morgan announced it put aside $973 million in the first quarter of this year to help protect the U.S. bank from potential defaults by its borrowers amid a worsening economic outlook. That marked a sharp shift from last year, when a brighter outlook reportedly led to the release of $72 million from its reserves. Analysts said it comes amid concerns that customers could struggle to repay their loans if new sweeping tariffs harm economic growth. Yet a real roller coaster was seen in Europe where investors seemed to enjoy a brief morning rally in stocks only to make a significant u-turn to dump British, German, and French stocks an hour later after China announced retaliatory moves, raising tariffs on US goods to 125 percent from previous levels of 84 percent. Trump escalated tariffs on China, saying the US will now charge an extra 145 percent on all Chinese goods arriving there. The move came after the rest of the world received a 90-day respite. Trump told reporters on Thursday that he is looking to cut a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that he is hopeful to “end up working out something that’s very good for both countries.” However, not seeking to look weak, China’s authoritarian leader wasn’t in a hurry to make the call. “For over 70 years, China’s development has relied on self-reliance and hard work – never on handouts from others, and it is not afraid of any unjust suppression,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV during his meeting with the Spanish prime minister. The post Trade War China, US Escalates With Beijing Imposing 125 Percent Tariffs; Markets React appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Brett Rowland | The Center Square (Worthy News) – Trade between the world’s two largest economies could soon come to a standstill as the U.S. and China dig in on trade war. President Donald Trump hit China with 145% tariffs on imports from the globe’s second-largest economy. China hit back with 125% tariffs, but said there’s no point in going higher. “Even if the U.S. continues to impose higher tariffs, it will no longer make economic sense and will become a joke in the history of world economy,” China’s Finance Ministry said a statement. “At the current tariff level, there is no market acceptance for U.S. goods exported to China. If the U.S. continues to play the tariff numbers game, China will ignore it. However, if the U.S insists on continuing to substantially infringe on China’s interests, China will resolutely counterattack and fight to the end.” China’s Commerce Ministry called the U.S. approach “unilateral bullying.” Trump remained optimistic Thursday about reaching a deal with Xi Jinping, president of the People’s Republic of China. “We’ll see what happens with China. They’ve really taken advantage of our country for a long period of time. They’ve ripped us off,” Trump said. “We’re resetting the table. We’ll end up working out something that’s very good for both countries.” On the campaign trail and since inauguration, Trump has made unconventional promises about his tariffs. He has said tariffs will make the U.S. “rich as hell,” bring back manufacturing jobs lost to lower-wage countries in decades past and shift the tax burden away from U.S. families. He’s also promised to help working Americans with his tariffs. A tariff is a tax on imported goods. The importer pays the tax and can either absorb the loss or pass the tax on to consumers in the form of higher prices. In his “Liberation Day” speech, Trump said foreign nations for decades have stolen American jobs, factories and industries. He said the tariffs would bring in new jobs, factories and industries and return the U.S. to a manufacturing superpower. “Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years,” Trump said. “But it is not going to happen anymore.” Trump’s executive order also gives him authority to increase the tariffs “if trading partners retaliate” or “decrease the tariffs if trading partners take significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements and align with the United States on economic and national security matters,” according to the White House. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post China Stands Firm After Putting 125% Tariffs on U.S. Imports appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News RUSHMOOR, ENGLAND (Worthy News) – A Labour Party-run council in England wants to ban Christian street preachers with “an injunction,” or judicial order, that could result in lengthy prison sentences for violators. The Rushmoor borough council in Hampshire county sought an injunction banning Christians from preaching, praying, and handing out leaflets in the centers of the towns of Farnborough and Aldershot. The local authority claimed preachers were “offensive” and caused “alarm and distress” to passers-by. It has prompted claims that the council is attempting to “criminalize” Christians because the maximum sentence for breaching an injunction is two years imprisonment. Sally McGuinness, one of the preachers, said: “If this is not challenged and stopped in its tracks now, it will spread and will be terrible for Christian freedoms and freedom in general in this country.” However, “I couldn’t believe it when I read it; it is unashamedly stopping the Gospel from being shared and treating us like unwanted criminals,” the preacher added. PUBLIC COMPLAINTS The council applied for the injunction in February, citing “disruption and distress being caused to the public and local businesses” by preachers over a “prolonged period.” It also referred to complaints received by the public about the use of portable public address systems such as microphones and loudspeakers, stating that the preaching made them feel “angry and upset.” It was not clear whether similar measures would be taken against street artists. Under the terms of the drafted injunction, Christians would have been banned from praying for anyone “without their prior permission,” offering leaflets or Bibles by hand, and laying hands on anyone in prayer even if they consented. Other proposed prohibitions included approaching people to discuss Christianity and the preaching of any sermons that were “hostile towards anyone with the protected characteristic of the age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.” The preachers maintain that being seen as “hostile” is unavoidable when attempting to convince non-believers of the truth of the Christian faith. ‘MAKING MISTAKE’ One of the preachers said: “When I first read the injunction, I thought: ‘They must have made a mistake.’ “I felt complete unbelief that it was saying that you can’t have religious discussions, you can’t pray or sing, and people have to come to you, you can’t go to them and share the gospel, which Christians have done freely in this country for centuries. The preacher said, “As a Christian, I am commanded to share the good news and am therefore compelled to share the gospel.” The preacher added: The Gospel is not my idea; I am being obedient to God.” The council has now withdrawn the initial terms of the injunction it applied for and says it will “rewrite it” while seeking “greater consultation” with local Christians. However, with an injunction still on the table, Christians view it as part of growing restrictions on devoted believers to express their faith publicly, following similar measures near abortion clinics. The post England Council Threatens Banning Street Peachers With Prison Terms appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News NEW YORK, USA (Worthy News)— Six people, including three children, have died after a sightseeing helicopter crashed into New York City’s Hudson River Thursday, officials confirmed. https://www.worthynews.com/wordpressimages/2025/04/Hudson-River.mp4 The victims, the pilot, and five passengers were believed to include a family from Spain, said New York Mayor Eric Adams. “At this time, all six victims have been removed from the water. And sadly, all six victims have been pronounced deceased,” Adams told reporters. It was not immediately clear what caused the accident. However, investigators reported that the chopper was found upside down in 50-degree (10-degree Celsius) water when rescuers arrived at the scene. Witnesses reacted in shock when the helicopter came down followed by a massive splash of water, revealed video footage reviewed by Worthy News. Landing skids were seen beside a tunnel vent in the river as several boats clustered around the impact site. Witnesses saw police from both New York and New Jersey, which is on the opposite side of the river from Manhattan, responding to the scene along with fire department vessels. The New York Helicopters tour aircraft departed at 2:59 p.m. local time and later lost control. At around 3:15 p.m., it hit the water upside down near Lower Manhattan and became submerged in the river, officials said. REMOVING VICTIMS Specially trained divers helped remove the victims from the water. Four were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were taken to area hospitals, where they succumbed to their injuries, according to authorities. Adams called it a “heartbreaking and tragic crash.” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the helicopter was a Bell 206. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate, with the NTSB leading the investigation. Thursday’s crash in the Hudson River came 16 years after nine people died when a tour helicopter and a small private airplane collided over the waterway on August 8, 2009. However, earlier that year, on January 15, 2009, pilots Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles decided to glide their Airbus A320 aircraft into the Hudson River near Midtown Manhattan. The plane flying as US Airways Flight 1549 was struck by a flock of birds shortly after takeoff from New York’s LaGuardia, losing all engine power. Given their position relative to the available airports and their low altitude, the pilots saw gliding into the Hudson River as the only option. It became known as the “miracle on the Hudson,” as all 155 people on board were rescued by nearby boats, although 100 were injured, five of them seriously. The post Helicopter Crash In Hudson River Kills 6, Including Children (Video) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, pass over! Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Tomorrow night, thousands will begin celebrating the feast of Pesach (Passover), the day we remember God's merciful redemption of the Jewish people from Egypt. When the final plague struck Pharoh and the Egyptians in Exodus, those who were spared were the ones who applied blood to their doorposts as God warned. Interestingly, the blood that God required them to apply then was the blood of a spotless, unblemished lamb. As believers in Messiah, we are blessed to have the blood of Yeshua (Jesus), our Passover Lamb, applied upon the doorposts of our hearts. The judgment we deserve has passed over us! And thankfully we can celebrate His redemption in our lives as well this season. While this is a special time to celebrate God's passing over our sins, there is one thing we sometimes overlook. Not only should we remember the Lord's passing over our sins, but equally important is our obedience in passing over others' sins. Forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. This is the way Yeshua taught us to pray, is it not? Today we have the opportunity to make this prayer a reality in our lives. Has someone offended you? Committed a sin against you? It happens, and unfortunately, it will probably happen again, as we live in a world full of sin. But we need to pass over those offenses just as God has passed over ours. Friend, Passover is the season to give our hurts to the Lord. Let's allow Him to heal and free us, and those we've hurt and who've hurt us. We have been forgiven many offenses by the innocent blood of our Messiah. How much more should we forgive? Chag Pesach Sameach (Happy Passover Holiday), Shabbat Shalom and have a blessed weekend! Until Monday... Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (George & Obi - Mansfield, Texas | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri) 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 Panama, US To ‘Protect Panama Canal Against China’s Threats’ The United States and Panama have agreed to secure the strategic Panama Canal after Washington expressed concern about China’s perceived threats in the world’s busiest waterway. Asia Shares Climb After Record Wall Street Rally Asian shares climbed, and a manic bond selloff stabilized on Thursday after U.S. President Donald J. Trump said he would temporarily lower the hefty duties he had just imposed on dozens of countries. Israel-Palestinian Conflict Trump States Israel Will Lead Military Strike Against Iran if Diplomacy Fails President Donald Trump warned that if Iran doesn't agree to Washington's terms in the upcoming nuclear talks starting this Saturday, the U.S. might resort to military action, with Israel taking a lead role. France Plans June Recognition Palestine If Arabs Recognize Israel French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested a road to peace in the Middle East, saying his nation could recognize a Palestinian state in June if “in turn” countries in the Middle East “recognize” the state of Israel. Inside the United States House Passes Voting Bill To Stop Illegal Immigrant Voting The House approved the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, aimed at enhancing federal election security by restricting noncitizen voting, despite 208 Democrats opposing the measure supported by President Donald Trump. House Passes $5.8 Trillion Budget Resolution to Make Trump Tax Cuts Permanent President Donald Trump’s tax cuts are set for permanent extension after the House narrowly passed a $5.8 trillion over ten years concurrent budget resolution that seemed poised to fail. House Passes Budget Resolution in Narrow 216-214 Vote to Advance Trump’s Agenda After securing GOP support, the House passed a budget resolution on Thursday with a narrow 216-214 vote, enabling Congress to advance President Donald Trump's extensive legislative agenda. House Passes Bill Limiting District Court Judges From Pausing Executive Actions Legislation banning federal district court judges from issuing nationwide injunctions passed the U.S. House Wednesday evening in an effort to address what Republicans call judicial overreach. Inflation Slows in March, Surprising Experts Inflation slowed last month, the first time inflation decreased in monthly data since 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to nee federal data. DOGE Lists Over $380 Million in Likely Unemployment Fraud The Department of Government Efficiency shared several examples of alleged unemployment fraud on its X account Thursday, the latest in its string of examples since President Donald Trump took office. Christian News England Primary School Axes Easter Celebrations Citing Diversity A primary school in England is facing a Christian backlash over its decision to scrap Easter celebrations to “respect diverse religious beliefs,” with Muslims and other religious groups vying for attention. Worthy Insights RFK, Jr. Tackles ‘Big Food’, Vaccines and More as MAHA Movement Advances, Full Steam Ahead The movement to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) is alive and well under new Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. From food dyes to baby formula, he and his team are moving at breakneck speed to address America's chronic disease epidemic. ‘Hundreds Accepting Jesus Christ’: UniteUS Collegiate Revival Arrives at SMU Another signal fire of revival was ignited on an American college campus last night, this time at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. MAPS Global Ministry Launches 50-Hour Prayer Meeting to Flood 10/40 Window with Power of God Fifty hours of continuous prayer, worship, and gospel proclamation within nations where 3.3 billion people live in a spiritual desert is about to rise simultaneously from seven locations across the 10/40 Window. Double whammy: Two new reports point to Biden Pentagon cover-up on COVID-19 origins search Two new bombshell reports this week pointed to a cover-up by the Biden-era Pentagon related to the search for COVID-19’s origins. New information is spilling out years after the fact and pointing to Wuhan and its coronavirus lab as the origin of the pandemic all along. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump warned that if Iran doesn’t agree to Washington’s terms in the upcoming nuclear talks starting this Saturday, the U.S. might resort to military action, with Israel taking a lead role. When asked to clarify his Monday statement that “Iran would be in great danger” if it failed to secure a deal, President Trump confirmed, “absolutely,” referring to military action “if necessary.” He added, “With Iran, if it requires military, we’re going to have military. Israel will obviously be very much involved in that and be the leader in that.” In remarks to reporters in the Oval Office, the President, for the first time, suggested that Israel could lead strikes on Iran, but he quickly emphasized, “Nobody leads us. We do what we want to do.” During remarks about the upcoming summit scheduled for this Saturday, Trump stated that it marks the beginning of a process, cautioning, “We have a little time, but we don’t have much time because we’re not going to let them have a nuclear weapon.” When questioned about when he might end negotiations, the President responded, “I can’t really be specific. But … when you start talks you know if they’re going along well or not. And I would say the conclusion [of the talks] would be when I think they’re not going along well.” He added, “We’re going to let them thrive. I want them to thrive. I want Iran to be great. The only thing they can’t have is a nuclear weapon. They understand that.” Trump’s remarks mirrored those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who spoke with the president in Washington, D.C. on Monday. “We agree that Iran will not have nuclear weapons. This can be done by agreement, but only if this agreement is Libyan-style: They go in, blow up the installations, dismantle all of the equipment under American supervision and carried out by America—this would be good,” Netanyahu said. He added, “The second possibility—that will not be—is that they drag out the talks, and then there is the military option. Everyone understands this. We spoke about this at length.” IRAN UNVEILS NUCLEAR ACHIEVEMENTS Just days before talks with the United States on its nuclear program, Iran unveiled new nuclear achievements. The exhibition, organized by Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) to commemorate National Nuclear Technology Day, showcased advancements in the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear energy production, and other nuclear technology applications. U.S. ISSUES NEW SANCTIONS ON IRAN On Wednesday, the United States implemented new sanctions against Iran, the Treasury Department confirmed. The sanctions targeted five entities and one individual based in Iran, linked to their support of Iran’s nuclear program, with the goal of preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating, “The Iranian regime’s reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons remains a grave threat to the United States and a menace to regional stability and global security.” He further declared, “Treasury will continue to leverage our tools and authorities to disrupt any attempt by Iran to advance its nuclear program and its broader destabilizing agenda.” MILITARY PREPARED IF DIPLOMACY FAILS If diplomacy fails, the United States, along with Israel, is ready to proceed with military action against the Iranian nuclear program as the Pentagon has deployed two carrier strike groups in the region along with the build-up of fighter jets, bombers, and support aircraft positioned near Iran. The U.S. also deployed additional air defense systems in Israel in the event a war broke out with Iran. The post Trump States Israel Will Lead Military Strike Against Iran if Diplomacy Fails appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – The House approved the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, aimed at enhancing federal election security by restricting noncitizen voting, despite 208 Democrats opposing the measure supported by President Donald Trump. The SAVE Act, which passed the House with a 220-208 vote with only 4 Democrats supporting the measure, cleared a procedural “rule vote” on Wednesday, allowing for further debate and eventual voting. As it moves to the Senate, it confronts a 60-vote barrier, requiring some Democratic backing despite opposition and despite polls indicating bipartisan support for voter ID laws. “The SAVE Act is a crucial step to ensure only American citizens vote in American elections — without exception,” GOP Rep. Ronny Jackson told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “I’m proud to stand with President Trump and my Republican colleagues to defend the integrity of our elections and put Americans first.” Jackson also added, “The Left will make every excuse to continue rigging elections, but we’re taking our country back — one commonsense policy at a time.” Opponents of the legislation argue that it could exclude millions of Americans who lack easy access to documents like passports or birth certificates. They also note that existing laws already require proof of citizenship for voting in federal elections. Democrats also pointed to the absence of evidence for noncitizen voting in elections as a reason not to support the measure. “Coupled with President Trump’s recent anti-voter election executive order, the SAVE Act would radically change the voter registration process for all Americans as we know it. Republicans have consistently failed to provide any evidence that noncitizen voting at the federal level has impacted any election outcomes,” said Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., in his critique of what he described as the “extremist anti-voter SAVE Act.” If approved by the Senate and enacted by President Trump, the SAVE Act would mandate that voters provide proof of citizenship in person before registering for federal elections and require the removal of noncitizens from voting rolls. Ahead of the 2024 election, a Gallup Poll revealed strong support for voter ID laws, with 84% favoring photo ID requirements and 83% backing proof of citizenship for first-time voter registration. Introduced in May 2024, the bill aims to revise the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 by mandating that states “shall not accept and process an application to register to vote in an election for Federal office unless the applicant presents documentary proof of United States citizenship.” Acceptable forms of documentation include REAL ID-compliant IDs, military IDs, passports, certified birth certificates, and other naturalization documents. The proposed legislation would require states to “take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only United States citizens are registered to vote.” Additionally, it would permit private citizens to sue if election officials register voters lacking proper documentation and impose criminal penalties for such violations. The post House Passes Voting Bill To Stop Illegal Immigrant Voting appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Thérèse Boudreaux | The Center Square (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump’s tax cuts are set for permanent extension after the House narrowly passed a $5.8 trillion over ten years concurrent budget resolution that seemed poised to fail. If the Trump tax cuts expire, as they are set to do at the end of this year, the average taxpayer will see a 22% tax hike as well as their guaranteed deduction slashed in half. The child tax credit would also reduce from $2,000 per child to $1,000 per child, The Center Square previously reported. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had to postpone the Wednesday night vote after too many Republicans balked around supporting the bill, which authorizes a $5 trillion debt ceiling increase. The 216-214 vote held Thursday morning saw only two Republicans present voting no, Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Victoria Spartz, R-Ind. Johnson was able to convince all other hardliners to vote yes with promises of deeper spending cuts than the bill requires. The Senate’s amendment to the House’s $4.5 trillion budget resolution keeps the House’s savings targets — $1.5 trillion in House committee cuts — but establishes only a $4 billion savings floor for its own committees. To do so, it changes the way the costs of extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are calculated. By using a current policy baseline, which treats the extension as a continuation of current law rather than new policy, the Senate-revised resolution would theoretically subtract $3.8 trillion from the budget’s price tag. The resolution also gives Senate committees an extra $1.5 trillion to spend and make Trump’s tax cuts permanent since it puts the costs of extension at zero. Normally, the chambers adopt identical budget resolutions giving House and Senate committees the same savings targets before moving forward in the budget reconciliation process. But Thune and Johnson decided the quickest way to enact Trump’s priorities was by taking a two-tier approach that saves the alignment and other details for later. Critics have called the use of current policy baseline a “gimmick.” The Congressional Budget Office has estimated the Senate’s plan will in reality add at least $37 trillion to the national debt over the next 30 years, a more than 100% increase from the current level. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget warned that the Senate’s plan will add at least $5.8 trillion to the federal deficit over the next ten years, costing as much as the 2017 TCJA, CARES Act, American Rescue Plan, and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law combined. “The Senate’s excuses – that they need flexibility, that this is just a step to unlock the process, that they promise they will come up with trillions of spending cuts – don’t hold water,” CRFB President Maya McGuineas said. “And their use of the egregious ‘current policy’ gimmick should show plainly to every fiscal hawk that they have no intention of actually coming up with the savings necessary.” Democrats are saying that the concurrent resolution necessitates future cuts to Medicaid since it requires the House Energy and Commerce Committee to find $880 billion in spending cuts. The passage of the resolution kicks off the budget reconciliation process in earnest, as House and Senate committees will begin crafting program-specific legislation fulfilling the spending and saving requirements to enact Trump’s tax, border, and energy agenda. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post House Passes $5.8 Trillion Budget Resolution to Make Trump Tax Cuts Permanent appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – After securing GOP support, the House passed a budget resolution on Thursday with a narrow 216-214 vote, enabling Congress to advance President Donald Trump’s extensive legislative agenda. The lower chamber narrowly approved the Senate’s budget blueprint with a 216–214 vote, despite concerns from some Republicans about its financial implications. Republican Representatives Thomas Massie (KY) and Victoria Spartz (IN) voted against the resolution. The passage of the budget resolution by the lower chamber is crucial for advancing President Trump’s legislative priorities on southern border security, tax cuts, and energy policy, as it enables Republicans to bypass a Senate filibuster by Democrats. With both the House and Senate now working on the resolution, they will draft the language that includes policies, appropriations, and spending cuts for the final package. On TRUTH Social, President Donald Trump praised the House’s approval of the bill. “Congratulations to the House on the passage of a Bill that sets the stage for one of the Greatest and Most Important Signings in the History of our Country,” he stated. “Among many other things, it will be the Largest Tax and Regulation Cuts ever even contemplated. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” The post House Passes Budget Resolution in Narrow 216-214 Vote to Advance Trump’s Agenda appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Thérèse Boudreaux | The Center Square (Worthy News) – Legislation banning federal district court judges from issuing nationwide injunctions passed the U.S. House Wednesday evening in an effort to address what Republicans call judicial overreach. Multiple district judges have recently slapped universal injunctions on Trump’s rapid-fire government reforms in response to lawsuits filed in district courts. The nationwide edicts have raised questions on whether judges should be able to grant relief to parties not included in a case. The bill, passed 218-214, states that “no United States district court shall issue any order providing for injunctive relief, except in the case of such an order that is applicable only to limit the actions of a party to the case before such district court.” U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., sponsored the bill, which he says will remedy “a major malfunction of judicial activism.” “My bill – The No Rogue Rulings Act of 2025 – won’t only deal with excesses like Judge Boasberg’s outrageous demands on the President and the Trump Administration,” Issa state, “it is the comprehensive solution we need to ensure that this problem does not occur anywhere in our federal judiciary and resets the proper and appropriate balance in our courts.” All Democrats present opposed the bill, while all but two Republicans supported it. The passage follows a Monday decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which that a federal district court does not have the jurisdictional authority to prevent the president from deporting Venezuelan prison gang members. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post House Passes Bill Limiting District Court Judges From Pausing Executive Actions appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Casey Harper | The Center Square (Worthy News) – Inflation slowed last month, the first time inflation decreased in monthly data since 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to nee federal data. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released it Consumer Price Index, which decreased 0.1% in March. Overall the index has risen 2.4% in the past 12 months, lower than the predicted 2.5%. “Inflation much better than expected in March CPI. Overall price level fell as gasoline prices down. Core inflation also very muted,” Harvard economist and former economic advisor to President Barack Obama, Jason Furman, wrote on X. “Core goods prices fell in March, driven by large declines in prices for used cars and prescription drugs with muted increases elsewhere,” he added. “Services also muted as shelter increases moderated and airfares and car insurance fell.” The latest decrease was driven by a decline in gasoline prices. “The index for energy fell 2.4 percent in March, as a 6.3-percent decline in the index for gasoline more than offset increases in the indexes for electricity and natural gas,” BLS said. “The food index, in contrast, rose 0.4 percent in March as the food at home index increased 0.5 percent and the food away from home index rose 0.4 percent over the month.” The index rose 0.2% in February. “Well, that didn’t take long,” Heritage Foundation economist E.J. Antoni wrote on X. “It’s only the 2nd CPI print of the Trump admin and inflation has not only slowed but turned negative M/M, meaning prices fell from Feb to Mar; GREAT news for consumers!” Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Inflation Slows in March, Surprising Experts appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Morgan Sweeney | The Center Square (Worthy News) – The Department of Government Efficiency shared several examples of alleged unemployment fraud on its X account Thursday, the latest in its string of examples since President Donald Trump took office. DOGE’s “initial survey of Unemployment Insurance claims since 2020″ included tens of thousands of claims for hundreds of millions of dollars from people over 115 years old, between 1 and 5 years old and even some who haven’t yet been born. Since 2020, DOGE said it found that “24.5k people over 115 years old claimed $59M in benefits,” as well as “28k people between 1 and 5 years old claimed $254M in benefits,” and “9.7k people with birth dates over 15 years in the future claimed $69M in benefits.” The post concluded by listing a discovery of claims amounting to $41,000 for someone with a birthday in 2154. DOGE estimates it has saved Americans $150 billion or about $930 per taxpayer through a “combination of asset sales, contract/lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions.” DOGE’s work has been controversial, as many have pushed back against the mass terminations of government employees and funding cuts, all done without official backing from Congress, as Trump created the department through an executive order. Elon Musk’s role as the public face of the department and its apparent leader while being listed as a “special government employee” has drawn widespread scrutiny as well. As such, he is limited to working 130 days in a year. Some have reported that Musk was set to be leaving DOGE soon. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to that story on social media. “Elon Musk and President Trump have both *publicly* stated that Elon will depart from public service as a special government employee when his incredible work at DOGE is complete,” Leavitt wrote on April 2. Trump recently told reporters that Musk will leave in a “few months.” Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer shared DOGE’s unemployment claims post on X Thursday morning, vowing to catch those behind the fraud. “We will catch these thieves and keep working to root out egregious fraud…” she wrote. The post DOGE Lists Over $380 Million in Likely Unemployment Fraud appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News PANAMA CITY/BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – The United States and Panama have agreed to secure the strategic Panama Canal after Washington expressed concern about China’s perceived threats in the world’s busiest waterway. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino signed a memorandum of understanding “on cooperative security activities” and a declaration on the security and operation of the Panama Canal. Under the deal, US warships and auxiliary ships will sail “first and free” through the Panama Canal. Hegseth said the Panama Canal faces ongoing threats from China but that the United States and Panama will keep it secure together. Following the signing ceremony in Mulino’s palace in Panama City, China quickly condemned the deal. “Who represents the real threat to the Canal? People will make their own judgment,” Beijing said. Yet, speaking at a ribbon cutting for a new US-financed dock at the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Naval Base, after a meeting with Panama President José Raúl Mulino, Hegseth said the U.S. will not allow China or any other country to threaten the canal’s operation. NATIONAL PRIDE The Panama Canal is a point of national pride for Panamanians, and officials have said any suspected infringement on their sovereignty is considered problematic. Sources familiar with the talks said U.S. Defense Department officials flew to Panama to prepare for this week’s high-level talks, hoping to overcome tensions President Mulino had angrily attacked U.S. President Donald J. Trump for saying he wanted “to retake” the Panama Canal due to China’s influence on the region. Yet, by the time Hegseth departed the country, he had signed the agreement on Panama Canal cooperation. In Panama, officials seem to hope this will convince Trump to abandon his plans to annex the waterway. The post Panama, US To ‘Protect Panama Canal Against China’s Threats’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News PARIS/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested a road to peace in the Middle East, saying his nation could recognize a Palestinian state in June if “in turn” countries in the Middle East “recognize” the state of Israel. “We must move towards recognition, and we will do so in the coming months,” Macron, who this week visited Egypt, told France 5 television. “Our aim is to chair this conference with Saudi Arabia in June, where we could finalize this movement of mutual recognition [of a Palestinian state] by several parties,” he added. “I will do it (…) because I believe that at some point it will be right and because I also want to participate in a collective dynamic – which must also allow all those who defend Palestine to recognize Israel in turn, which many of them do not do,” Macron stressed. He suggested he could make the move at a United Nations conference in New York in June on settling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Such recognition would allow France “to be clear in our fight against those who deny Israel’s right to exist – which is the case with Iran – and to commit ourselves to collective security in the region,” he explained. SUMMIT TALKS Macron spoke Wednesday after holding summit talks in Egypt with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. The Palestinian Authority welcomed his comments as “a step in the right direction.” France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood “would be a step in the right direction in line with safeguarding the rights of the Palestinian people and the two-state solution,” added Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. France has long supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, including after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel that Israeli authorities say killed 1,200 people. Critics claim that formal recognition by Paris of a Palestinian state would mark a significant policy switch and risk tensions with Israel, which insists such moves by foreign states “are premature.” However, France seems to believe that the related recognition by numerous Arab states of Israel would lead to peace in Jerusalem and beyond. The post France Plans June Recognition Palestine If Arabs Recognize Israel appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News NEW YORK/TOKYO/LONDON (Worthy News) – Asian shares climbed, and a manic bond selloff stabilized on Thursday after U.S. President Donald J. Trump said he would temporarily lower the hefty duties he had just imposed on dozens of countries. But market watchers said U.S. stock futures, which indicate stock prices after the stock markets open in New York, and the dollar were left out of Thursday’s relief rally despite an overnight surge on Wall Street. Critics said investors’ confidence in the U.S. administration crumbled, and the “sell America” trade heated up. Following a days-long market rout that erased trillions of dollars from global stocks and jolted U.S. Treasury bonds and the dollar, Trump on Wednesday announced a 90-day pause on many of his new tariffs in a shock reversal. “The world, political and financial, is looking on with horror, not bemusement, at an administration that prioritizes the signing of an executive order for more water-power in shower heads, on the same day that the bond market breaks and investors question the long-term credibility of the administration having flip-flopped on the largest of their policies, tariffs,” said Martin Whetton, head of financial markets strategy at Westpac, the Australian multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Sydney. He spoke as Trump’s lower tariffs for most nations and a 125 percent tariff on Chinese imports came into force. Beijing said it would raise levies on U.S. imports to 84 percent from 34 percent. Oil prices continued to climb in late trading Wednesday, with benchmark U.S. crude futures rising to about $63 a barrel. The Magnificent Seven tech stocks gained more than $1.8 trillion in market value on Wednesday, a record. Nvidia led the way with a $440 billion market-value gain as its stock rose 19 percent. Tesla soared 23 percent, while Apple and Meta Platforms added 15 percent. Stock markets in Europe were also expected to rally after Asia. Ironically, Trump told his followers on the social media platform Truth Social to invest in the stock market. Those who did made a small fortune as stocks soared to one-day levels not seen since World War Two. The post Asia Shares Climb After Record Wall Street Rally appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News EASTLEIGH, ENGLAND (Worthy News) – A primary school in England is facing a Christian backlash over its decision to scrap Easter celebrations to “respect diverse religious beliefs,” with Muslims and other religious groups vying for attention. In recent days Christian protesters gathered outside the Norwood Primary School in the English town of Eastleigh in Hampshire county expressing fury over the decision. They suggested that Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Christ from death, is the Christian faith’s most important day. The demonstrators from the Living Word Church, based in Fareham, Hampshire, held England flags outside the school with the words “Jesus: the way, the truth, the life” and “Jesus is King” printed on them. Banners also included slogans such as “Headteacher Stephanie Mander wants to cancel Easter – let’s cancel her!” The rally came after headteacher Mander told parents that the school would no longer hold an Easter Bonnet Parade or Easter Service out of “respect for diversity.” However, she claimed that the school would be “celebrating inclusivity” by participating in Refugee Week. The move sparked outrage among some parents and other Christians, who criticized it as a “cultural surrender.” RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS However, “By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honors and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families,” Mander wrote. “We understand that this change may be disappointing for some, especially those who have cherished these traditions over the years. However, we believe that this decision aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for diversity.” Mander added: “We are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season in future years that will be inclusive of all children and reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community.” Critics said, however, that parents always had a free choice to allow their children to attend the Easter celebration in a nation that is still primarily “Christian” despite the influx of mainly Muslim asylum seekers. One person on social media platform X wondered, “Are you planning to cancel Christmas too?” Former British Home Secretary Suella Braverman joined the furor, stating: “This isn’t inclusivity; it’s cultural surrender. Britain’s Christian roots are being erased by spineless leaders who’d rather appease than preserve”. Amid growing pressure, a school statement said later, “To be clear, we are marking Easter in school, and as with other religious festivals, children continue to learn about and celebrate Easter both educationally in our [Religious Education] RE lessons and in our assemblies across the whole half term.” DOUBTS REMAIN Yet Christian protesters raised their doubts. The tensions come amid a broader debate over the role of Christian faith and religious observance in schools. Recently, legislators discussed the Education (Assemblies) Bill, which, if adopted, would effectively scrap Christian assemblies in public schools. The Bishop of the Church of England Diocese of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani, condemned the legislation in remarks seen by Worthy News. “I am concerned that, if the Bill is passed in its current form, one consequence may be to make anything more than a wholly secular assembly illegal and contested in our schools,” she told the House of Lords, the upper house of Britain’s parliament. “Most children would not know about the Christmas or Easter stories, nor have the opportunity to learn about other faiths, if it were not for collective worship,” the bishop added. The post England Primary School Axes Easter Celebrations Citing Diversity appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – European allies are urging the United States to coordinate its plans to reduce thousands of troops from Europe amid concerns it could leave the continent vulnerable to attacks from Russia and other nations. U.S. sources say the administration of President Donald J. Trump is considering pulling as many as 10,000 troops out of Eastern Europe, the area facing most threats from Moscow. Before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. had reportedly some 65,000 personnel based in Europe, which peaked at as many as 100,000 after the war broke out. European officials said they have “accepted” that President Trump will likely withdraw thousands of the roughly 80,000 American forces currently in Europe. Among these countries are Eastern European nations that were occupied for decades by Russian forces before they withdrew in the early 1990s, several sources confirmed. Many are now part of the NATO military alliance, seen as the best guarantee against possible Russian aggression. Senior NATO diplomats in Europe have reportedly agreed that the “burden shift” is necessary. COMMITMENT REQUESTED Yet, in return, they want “a commitment” from the U.S. “to communicate in advance” about any pullout of troops to allow Europe to prepare for more military tasks. Bloomberg News, monitored by Worthy News, quoted a German diplomat as saying that allies expected the U.S. military withdrawals to be announced earlier, such as during Vice President JD Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference in February. NATO’s foreign ministers welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the alliance’s headquarters last week, Bloomberg News reported. Europeans “sought to reassure” him that they are increasing work on their own defense and ramping up military spending—a key demand from Trump. Yet despite coordination, Eastern European leaders appeared unable Wednesday to prevent a massive U.S. military pullout from Europe, with attention shifting toward China and other hotspots in Asia and the Middle East. It was not immediately clear how a possible withdrawal could impact Ukraine’s war against Russia. A senior U.S. security diplomat has told Worthy News that U.S. forces have been in Ukraine, though the White House has in the past denied combat forces are in the country. As more U.S. forces from Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenzkyy made clear Wednesday that his military will need more American weapons to fight invading Russian troops. PAYING BILLIONS However, in a policy shift, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his war-torn nation is willing to buy the next tranche of military assistance from the United States. Ukraine has requested aid from Washington worth $30 billion to $50 billion, and it’s willing to pay for it – “either directly to the U.S. or as a contribution to the joint mineral deal fund, which is yet to be created,” Zelenskyy told reporters in the capital Kyiv. “We did not ask for the next package free of charge,” Zelenskyy stressed. Trump seeks a deal with Kyiv to share future profits from Ukrainian minerals, which he views “as compensation for the tens of billions of dollars in assistance” given to Ukraine since the start of the war more than three years ago. Kyiv reportedly seeks a more significant U.S. investment as part of any agreement amid concerns that giving Washington vast privileges could complicate its bid to join the European Union. It also wants U.S. “security guarantees” that Trump has so far refused to provide. (With reporting by the Worthy News Europe Bureau in Budapest, Hungary.) The post Europe Urges US To Avoid Shock Withdrawal Of Troops appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have made substantial progress in southern Gaza with minimal combat, broadening their buffer zone along the border, and launching over 1,000 airstrikes against Hamas, resulting in the elimination of more than 40 of its leaders and the discovery of numerous tunnels. However, only about a quarter of Hamas’s tunnels have been destroyed, according to security sources. In the strategic Morag Corridor between Rafah and Khan Younis, which spans roughly 15 kilometers from Sufa to the coastal strip, parallel to the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border, the IDF has expanded its control. Despite these advancements, many smuggling tunnels between Egypt and Gaza remain operational, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. The military has destroyed approximately 25% of Hamas’s tunnels in Gaza, concentrating on those used for attacks, command, and weapons manufacturing, with many in these having been destroyed. The extensive tunnel network used for movement within the Strip, however, largely remains intact. The contentious Philadelphia Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border continues to be a focal point due to ongoing concerns about weapons smuggling. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking at a conference in February, noted, “I saw with my own eyes quite a few tunnels crossing into Egypt; some were closed, and several were open,” as reported by N12. He also revealed that there was intelligence indicating Hamas’s intentions to attack Israeli soldiers and settlements during the ceasefire. During a visit to the Morag Corridor, Katz emphasized that the offensive’s goal is to “increase the pressure on Hamas for the sake of releasing the hostages” and to lay the groundwork for Israel’s strategy to “defeat Hamas.” He also highlighted the “great achievements” of the IDF in the ongoing conflict, including evacuating civilians in Rafah and encircling the city. Nonetheless, these achievements have not significantly impacted Hamas thus far. Talks to release the 59 hostages held by Hamas have stalled, with Hamas fighters largely avoiding direct engagements with Israeli forces. Katz also mentioned that the IDF’s offensive would “immediately” cease if a hostage deal were reached. However, he noted that the military is preparing for “the big move,” involving the mobilization of numerous reservists aimed at decisively defeating Hamas, stating, “This will happen eventually.” Despite being reduced to approximately 20,000 active fighters—half of its strength prior to the conflict—Hamas continues to recruit and replenish its weapons supplies actively. With no signs of surrender, Hamas is gearing up for a significant battle, which could endanger the 24 remaining living hostages. The post Israel Expands Buffer Zone in Gaza, Majority of Hamas Tunnels Remain Intact appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Mike Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist pastor noted for his Evangelical and pro-Israel views, prepares to take up his job as the United States ambassador to Israel. The Senate agreed Wednesday with Huckabee’s nomination in a 53-46 vote, installing a staunch supporter of Israel in the key Mideast post. Analysts say the 69-year-old ex-governor of Arkansas may prove crucial to U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to seek an end to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the armed conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and threats posed to Israel by Iran. Huckabee, also known as a political commentator and former presidential hopeful, became an ambassador after a vote that went almost entirely along party lines. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania — an ardent supporter of Israel and virtually the only Democratic ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — was the only lawmaker to break with his party to join Republicans in backing Huckabee’s nomination. Most Democrats questioned his views on Israel, including referring to the West Bank by its Biblical name of “Judea and Samaria,” a term the U.S. has so far refused to accept. Huckabee also opposes the idea of a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinian people. He reportedly said he does not even believe in referring to Arab descendants of people in then British-controlled Palestine as “Palestinians.” PERSONAL AGENDA Despite his conservative views on Israel, which include support for Israel annexing the West Bank, Huckabee stressed during his confirmation hearing that he would work to advance the policies of the Trump administration, not his own personal agenda. “I am not here to articulate or defend my own views or policies but to present myself as one who will respect and represent the president, whose overwhelming election by the people will hopefully give me the honor of serving as ambassador to the state of Israel,” Huckabee told the U.S. Senate hearing. He said he hopes to arrive in Israel by Passover, which starts on Saturday evening. Huckabee’s arrival was due to be welcomed by Israel’s right-wing government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left his meeting with Trump largely empty-handed, in contrast to his triumphant visit two months ago, commentators said. During an hourlong Oval Office appearance, Trump appeared reluctant to end 17 percent tariffs on Israeli imports. He also announced that the United States and Iran would hold talks over the Iranian nuclear program beginning this weekend. Netanyahu has been very wary of any discussions with Iran, which Israelis regard as an existential threat amid concerns about the Islamic State’s nuclear program. The Israeli prime minister has made clear the Jewish nation would never accept Iran having nuclear weapons and did not rule out military action against the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities. The post Senate: ‘Mike Huckabee US Ambassador to Israel’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News NEW YORK (Worthy News) – Stocks surged to one of their biggest single-day gains since World War Two after U.S. President Donald J. Trump paused tariffs on imported goods from most nations except China. The S&P 500 index of the leading U.S.-based stocks rallied to one of its biggest post-war days. With stocks rising to one of their biggest post-war gains, Wall Street traders were seen smiling again. The tech-heavy Nasdaq stock exchange soared to its best performance since 2001 after Trump announced he would pause numerous tariffs for 90 days, giving traders reasons to smile. However, he increased the rate of imports from China, the world’s second-largest economy, by 125 percent. The Nasdaq roared ahead 12 percent, its best day in 24 years. The S&P 500 added 9.5 percent, its biggest gain since 2008, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved ahead 7.9 percent, its biggest day since 2020. The 2,963-point rally in the blue-chip index was its largest point gain on record, according to Dow Jones Market Data. TURBULENT DAY It came after a turbulent day that saw significant stock indexes sinking in Asia and Europe. The moves started shortly after 1 p.m. in New York when the president’s writings on his Truth Social media platform lifted all three major indexes in minutes. “More than 75 Countries,” Trump wrote, “have called to negotiate a solution..and have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form.” Because of that, he wrote, “I have authorized a 90-day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately.” Ironically, the White House earlier denied reports that the president was considering pausing the tariffs, Worthy News reported. With Wall Street souring, similar rallies were due in Asia and Europe, though the world still faces uncertainty over global trade relations in the Trump era. The post US Stocks See Biggest Gains Since World War Two appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, keep your head up! John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. I read a story about a new young partner in a law firm. The senior partners had set extremely high standards and had coached him carefully. He did well in some minor trials but lost his first big case. When the partners reviewed the trial, they pointed out his errors and suggested different strategies. Even with all their critique, he lost the next big one. He felt terrible. Were they ready to give him the boot? Amidst his uncertainty, one compassionate partner pulled him aside. With a reassuring tone, the partner said, "You're learning from each experience. Keep pushing forward; victories will come. Your position here is solid. You're one of us." These words provided the encouragement he desperately needed at that moment. As believers, we often need to encounter moments of divine reassurance, especially when we struggle. This story reflects the compassionate reassurance we sometimes need. God, in His infinite wisdom and kindness, gently reminds us, "Yes, you have made mistakes, but do not fear—your place in My kingdom is secure." God’s assurance of our security is a gift that sustains us daily. We must embrace this truth, allowing it to bring peace to our hearts. When we truly grasp the depth of God's security, we are empowered to extend similar compassion and reassurance to our brothers and sisters in faith. Max Lucado encapsulates this beautifully: "Our task is to stand tall in God’s love, secure in our place, sparkling in kindness, surrounded by His goodness, freely giving to all who come our way." This is a call to not only receive God’s love but also actively live it out by extending grace and kindness to those around us. Friend, everyone needs affirmation now and then—this is your reminder that your relationship with God is unshakable and secure despite your imperfections. Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (George & Obi - Mansfield, Texas | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri) 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 Europe Urges US To Avoid Shock Withdrawal Of Troops European allies are urging the United States to coordinate its plans to reduce thousands of troops from Europe amid concerns it could leave the continent vulnerable to attacks from Russia and other nations. Trump Pauses Most Tariffs, Raises Tariffs on China to 125% resident Donald Trump ordered a 90-day pause on his wave of reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday, but he turned up the pressure on China boosting his 104% tariff on imports from China to 125%. Iran Arms Iraqi Proxies with Missiles Despite Warnings From Trump Iran has delivered long-range missiles to its militia proxies in Iraq, expanding its military influence despite warnings from President Donald Trump to hold Tehran accountable for its proxies' actions, the Times of London reported. Stock Markets in Asia and Europe Continue to Sink Major stock indexes sank in Asia Wednesday, and similar moves were due in Europe as U.S. President Donald J. Trump's eye-watering 104 percent tariffs on China took effect. Israel-Palestinian Conflict Israel Expands Buffer Zone in Gaza, Majority of Hamas Tunnels Remain Intact The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have made substantial progress in southern Gaza with minimal combat, broadening their buffer zone along the border, and launching over 1,000 airstrikes against Hamas, resulting in the elimination of more than 40 of its leaders and the discovery of numerous tunnels. However, only about a quarter of Hamas's tunnels have been destroyed, according to security sources. Senate: ‘Mike Huckabee US Ambassador to Israel’ - Mike Huckabee, an ordained Southern Baptist pastor noted for his Evangelical and pro-Israel views, prepares to take up his job as the United States ambassador to Israel. Inside the United States US Stocks See Biggest Gains Since World War Two Stocks surged to one of their biggest single-day gains since World War Two after U.S. President Donald J. Trump paused tariffs on imported goods from most nations except China. $5.8 Trillion Budget Resolution One Step Away From Adoption Republicans in the House narrowly cleared a procedural hurdle to tee up a final vote on the Senate's amended budget. Stocks Soar After Trump Suspends Tariffs President Donald Trump continued ahead Wednesday with his on-again, off-again tariffs, with his latest tariff suspension sending U.S. markets soaring. Trump Explains Exactly Why He Paused Tariffs After Liberation Day President Donald Trump paused his latest wave of tariffs on Wednesday after making big promises to Americans about how the tariffs would reshape the global economy with the U.S. at the center. Trump Signs Four Executive Orders Promoting Coal Industry President Donald Trump signed four executive orders Tuesday promoting the deregulation and expansion of the “beautiful, clean coal” industry in the U.S. Christian News Muslim Man Kills His Wife for Converting to Christianity During Ramadan A mother of six was fatally stabbed by her Muslim husband in Uganda following her attendance at her first church service, according to Morning Star News. Worthy Insights Researcher Teases Shocking Bible, Faith Findings That Will Surprise Americans A researcher who specializes in assessing Christianity in America said he recently “woke up” to the positive changes happening surrounding faith in America when he observed shocking spikes in Bible sales. Scientists getting closer to proving Turkish site as Noah’s ark Scientists are getting closer to proving a Turkish find discovered in the 1990s is the Biblical Noah’s ark, with soil samples consistent with the presence of rotting wood, the UK newspaper The Sun reported on Sunday. View the full article

By Thérèse Boudreaux | The Center Square (Worthy News) – Republicans in the House narrowly cleared a procedural hurdle to tee up a final vote on the Senate’s amended budget. The House passed the first version of the budget in February, which extended President Donald Trump’s tax cuts for ten years, and then sent it to the Senate. The Senate then passed a similar version, with the notable difference of making President Donald Trump’s tax cuts permanent, but changed the accounting of the spending so that costs much less on paper. Unlike the House’s original budget resolution, which had priced a 10-year extension of President Donald Trump’s tax cuts at $3.8 trillion, the Senate’s budget framework assumes the extension will cost nothing. By adopting a current policy baseline, which treats renewing the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as a continuation of current law rather than new policy, Senate Republicans drastically reduced the amount of spending cuts they’d need to make in order to offset the plan. Three Republicans broke with the party in a 216-215 vote that set the stage for the House to adopt the Senate’s amended budget resolution. If enough Republicans vote in favor of final passage, the chambers can finally move forward in the next step of the budget reconciliation process to fulfill President Donald Trump’s tax, border, and energy agenda. The next step will involve combining the House and Senate bills, which means agreeing on where the specific cuts will be made to help pay for the tax cuts. The trio of Republican holdouts — Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., and Mike Turner, R-Ohio — are concerned that the Senate-amended budget resolution will explode the deficit. Turner, however, says he will vote yes on final passage. House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, called the Senate’s amendment “unserious and disappointing.” “It is critical that the reconciliation bill be guided by the House’s resolution framework. Otherwise, we risk adding trillions of dollars to the debt,” Arrington said prior to the vote. “As we unlock the reconciliation process, we must hold fast to the principles established in the House’s budget resolution.” Outside fiscal organizations like the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget say the actual cost of the Senate’s resolution hovers around $5.8 trillion. Fiscal hawk Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, voted to move the resolution forward but said he “cannot support the current Senate Budget plan,” because while the House’s blueprint is “arguably budget neutral,” the Senate’s “math does not add up.” Democrats, all of whom voted no, are concerned primarily about potential cuts to entitlement programs like Medicaid. “The reckless Republican budget scheme will slash nutritional assistance for working families and make the largest cut to Medicaid in history, all so they can give massive tax breaks to billionaire donors like Elon Musk,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated. But House Rules Committee Chair Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., called Democrats’ claims about program cuts “lies.” “This is more than a budget. It’s a blueprint to take our country back,” Foxx said. “We’re done playing defense. It’s time to lead, fight, and win, all for the American people.” Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post $5.8 Trillion Budget Resolution One Step Away From Adoption appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article