Facebook Changing Name Amid Controversy
Social media giant Facebook says it will change its company name amid controversy over services that critics say are biased, can be addictive to especially youngsters, and infringe on privacy.
EU
Coalition discord as some 3,000 settler homes okayed amid left-wing, US ire
Israel advanced the construction of some 3,000 housing units in West Bank settlements on Wednesday, despite condemnation from within the government as well as by the US administration.
US reacts warily after Iran says nuclear talks will restart next month
Washington on Wednesday responded skeptically after Iran’s chief negotiator announced that Tehran was ready to return to nuclear negotiations in Vienna by the end of next month.
Poland Ordered To Pay EU Fines Over Rule of Law Concerns
The European Union’s top court has ordered EU member state Poland to pay fines of 1 million euro per day for “not adhering” to a ruling over Warsaw’s judicial reforms.
Moldova, Europe’s Poorest Nation, Facing Gas Crisis
Europe’s poorest nation is immersed in a natural gas crisis. Moldova’s government says Russia threatens to take off natural gas supplies if it does not pay hundreds of millions of dollars ahead of winter.
Iran expanding uranium enrichment at Natanz site, says UN nuclear watchdog
Iran has taken another step to increase its enrichment activities in purifying uranium beyond 20 percent, Reuters reported Monday, citing a report by the International Atomic Agency.
China launches suspected anti-satellite weapon into space
China has launched a new satellite that analysts say can be used as a weapon capable of grabbing and crushing American satellites.
Rival Rallies Mark Hungary’s 1956 Revolution Anniversary (Worthy News In-Depth)
Hungary’s opposition candidate for prime minister has pledged to “fight for freedom and a new constitution but against corruption” amid European Union worries about the future of his nation.
Hungary Condemns EU Climate Plans
Hungary’s nationalist conservative prime minister has accused the European Union’s executive of seeking to “destroy Europe’s middle classes” with a climate package.
France Citizens To Receive ‘Inflation Allowance’ Amid Price Hikes
As Europe faces widespread discontent over world energy prices hikes, France’s government rushed Friday to promise a one-off payment of 100 euro ($116) to each of its 38 million citizens.
Myanmar Military Frees Pastors Jailed For Prayer Rally
Three Kachin Baptist pastors detained for organizing prayers for peace are among more than 5,000 inmates freed in Myanmar, also known as Burma, church sources say.
Iran kicks off 2nd air defense drill with bombers, drones, laser-guided missiles
Iran on Thursday kicked off an air force drill across the country, a week after holding another massive exercise in air defense, state TV reported.
‘Thousands Turn To Christ In Malawi’
Tens of thousands of people in Malawi indicated their decision to follow Jesus Christ at a massive evangelism campaign by preachers Andrew and Wendy Palau, organizers say.
Jailed Kremlin Critic Navalny Wins Europe’s Rights Prize
Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been awarded the European Parliament’s top human rights prize for his “bravery” in challenging autocratic President Vladimir Putin.
China, Russia navy ships jointly sail through Japan strait
A group of 10 naval vessels from China and Russia sailed through a strait separating Japan’s main island and its northern island of Hokkaido on Monday, the Japanese government said, adding that it is closely watching such activities.
Archaeologists uncover first evidence of Crusader camp in northern Israel
Archaeologists excavating in northern Israel have uncovered evidence of a European Crusader encampment in the Galilee region, All Israel News (AIN) reports. The Crusaders had conducted military campaigns in the Levant to liberate the Holy Land from Muslim control between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
Conservative Catholic Wins Hungary’s Opposition Primaries For Prime Minister
After winning Hungary’s first-ever primaries, a conservative Catholic mayor has become the opposition’s prime ministerial candidate.
Nigeria “killing field”: Fulani militants murder two Christians and child
The slaughter of Christians by Islamic extremists in Nigeria continues: on Friday 15 October, Fulani militants murdered a father and his 8-year old son together with the driver for a representative of rights organization International Christian Concern (ICC) as the three traveled on a motorbike in Plateau state, ICC reports. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom said in its annual report this year that Nigeria is becoming a killing field for Christians.
Facebook announces it’s hiring 10,000 people in EU to build ‘metaverse’
Facebook on Monday announced plans to hire 10,000 people in the European Union to build the “metaverse,” a virtual reality version of the internet that the tech giant sees as the future.
Virginia: Archaeologists uncover one of America’s oldest black church buildings
Archaeologists in Virginia believe they have uncovered the foundation of an early 19th-century building that used to house Williamsburg’s First Baptist Church, one of America’s oldest black churches, Religious News Service (RNS) reports.