News

U.S. to Consolidate Troops in Syria, Overhauls Policy After “Century of Failure”
U.S. to Consolidate Troops in Syria, Overhauls Policy After “Century of Failure”
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

The United States will drastically scale back its military presence in Syria, consolidating forces into a single base, part of a sweeping policy overhaul declared by newly appointed U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack.

Washington Church Defends Hiring Freedom as Ninth Circuit Weighs Religious Exemption Case
Washington Church Defends Hiring Freedom as Ninth Circuit Weighs Religious Exemption Case
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

A three-judge panel from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Tuesday in a case testing the limits of religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws, as the state of Washington seeks to overturn an injunction shielding a church-run nonprofit from enforcement of hiring restrictions under state law.

Chinese Nationals Charged in Plot to Smuggle ‘Agroterrorism Weapon’ Into U.S.
Chinese Nationals Charged in Plot to Smuggle ‘Agroterrorism Weapon’ Into U.S.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Two Chinese nationals have been charged in what federal officials are calling a “grave national security threat” after allegedly smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States with the intent to conduct research at the University of Michigan. Authorities say the scheme involved a toxin-laced fungus capable of decimating America’s agricultural system and causing severe illness in humans and livestock.

Churches Shut After Easter Attacks as Revival and Persecution Intensify in India
Churches Shut After Easter Attacks as Revival and Persecution Intensify in India
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

More than a month after coordinated attacks on Easter Sunday by Hindu nationalist groups, several Christian churches in Gujarat remain closed, exposing a rising tide of religious persecution even as India experiences significant Christian revival over the past two decades.

Iran Reinforces Air Defenses Ahead of Possible Israeli or U.S. Strikes
Iran Reinforces Air Defenses Ahead of Possible Israeli or U.S. Strikes
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Iran is rebuilding its air defense systems around key nuclear sites amid fears of potential Israeli or U.S. strikes, according to the Financial Times. Satellite imagery and intelligence reports show Tehran has moved missile launchers, including Russian-made S-300s, to protect uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow.

Israel Strikes Syria After Syrian and Houthi Rocket Attacks
Israel Strikes Syria After Syrian and Houthi Rocket Attacks
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Israel’s military said it struck Syria early Wednesday after a “barrage of rockets” launched by forces in southern Syria and Houthis in Yemen entered Israel, forcing millions to seek shelter.

Three Bombs Found In Cologne; 20,000 Rushed To Safety
Three Bombs Found In Cologne; 20,000 Rushed To Safety
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

The biggest evacuation in the German city of Cologne since the Second World War is underway after the discovery of three unexploded bombs dropped by Allied forces 80 years ago.

More than 100 Christians Killed In Nigeria
More than 100 Christians Killed In Nigeria
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

More than 100 Christians, including children, pastors, farmers, and “even people attending a funeral,” have been killed and around 5,000 displaced in attacks by Islamist militants in Nigeria, a Christian advocacy group confirmed Tuesday.

IDF: Claims of Massacres at Gaza Aid Sites Are ‘Total Lies’
IDF: Claims of Massacres at Gaza Aid Sites Are ‘Total Lies’
Tuesday, June 3, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) firmly rejected accusations Tuesday night that its troops were responsible for the killing of civilians at humanitarian aid distribution points in Gaza, calling the claims “total lies” and accusing Hamas of manipulating the narrative.

Trump-Era Economic Rebound: Atlanta Fed Projects Major Q2 GDP Growth Surge
Trump-Era Economic Rebound: Atlanta Fed Projects Major Q2 GDP Growth Surge
Tuesday, June 3, 2025

In a striking reversal of recent years’ economic sluggishness, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has sharply revised its GDP growth forecast for the second quarter of 2025, now predicting a robust 4.6% surge–up from its earlier estimate of 3.8%.