EU Unveils $580 Billion Aid Package Amid Virus Lockdowns

After the U.S. unveiled similar measures, the European Union has approved a $580 billion aid package to help limit the devastating economic consequences of coronavirus pandemic lockdowns in member states. However, beyond the immediate aid, the dispute remains over the structure – and funding – of a long-term recovery plan. It emerged this weekend that the European Commission, the EU’s executive, has now been tasked to make proposals by May 6, when another video conference will be held.

U.S. Top Court Rejects States’ Coronavirus Appeal Against Trump Policy

Concerns remained Sunday that certain immigrants suffering from the coronavirus disease COVID-19 would not seek medical help after a U.S.Supreme Court ruling. The top court declined a request by U.S.states to halt a Trump administration policy temporarily on health grounds.

Pakistan Church Has Rooftop Services Amid Lockdown and Saves Slaves

An evangelical church and mission group has launched rooftop services in Pakistan after authorities banned regular church meetings amid a national lockdown to halt the coronavirus pandemic. Besides providing alternative worship, the church also saved 100 Christian families from slavery in some of Pakistan’s notorious brickyards, a pastor said in an extensive interview.

Saudi Arabia Ends Flogging As Punishment

Saudi Arabia is ending flogging as a form of punishment amid efforts to modernize the judicial system, according to a document obtained by several media outlets. The kingdom’s top court said in written remarks that flogging would be replaced by prison sentences or fines, or a mixture of both.

Christian organization calling on US churches to reopen May 3

The Liberty Counsel (LC) Christian non-profit organization has launched the ReOpen Church Sunday campaign, calling on US churches to resume congregating in person on May 3, the Christian Post reports. As the campaign follows weeks of on-line worship services due to the coronavirus pandemic, LC advises that congregations should continue to observe social-distancing and sanitation measures at in-person services. However, LC says: ‘Now is the time to act.’

U.S. Unemployment Hits 26 Million, Worst Since Great Depression

U.S. unemployment is nearing levels of the Great Depression of the 1930s, with one in 6 Americans of working age out of a job as the coronavirus pandemic essentially shut down the economy. About 4.4 million Americans filed for unemployment insurance last week alone, reported the U.S. Labor Department on Thursday.

Iran Threatens “Crushing Response” To U.S. Attacks

Iran threatens a ‘crushing response’ to any American military attacks in the Persian Gulf after United States President Donald Trump threatened to ‘shoot down and destroy’ Iranian vessels. The leader of Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that the security of the Gulf is among Iran’s strategic priorities.

US says Israeli annexation of parts of West Bank is for Israel to decide

Concerning Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said: ‘The Israelis will ultimately make those decisions. That’s an Israeli decision,’ the Times of Israel reports. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Pompeo added that the US would share its views on the issue in a private setting.

Iran Guards reveal secret space program in satellite launch

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched its first satellite into space Wednesday, dramatically revealing what experts described as a secret military space program that could advance its ballistic missile development amid wider tensions between the Islamic Republic and the US.

Trump, Congress agree on new stimulus package

President Donald Trump and congressional leaders have agreed on a new, nearly $500 billion stimulus package to help small businesses impacted by stay-at-home orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump to order temporary suspension on immigration to US

President Trump announced on Monday night that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he will be ordering a temporary suspension on immigration to the US. In a post on Twitter, the President said: ‘In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!’

Federal judge allows Kansas churches exemption from 10-person limit on gatherings

A federal judge in Kansas issued a temporary restraining order Saturday, giving churches exemption from Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order banning gatherings of more than 10 people. The governor’s order was issued on March 23 to slow the spread of COVID-19, but was not extended to houses of worship until just before Easter as the virus infection rate climbed to a projected peak.

President Trump Asks States To Reopen By May 1

U.S. President Donald Trump has told governors that some could begin reopening their states by May 1 or earlier if they wanted despite ongoing coronavirus infections, according to audio recordings distributed Thursday.

Americans Protest U.S. Lockdown

Protests continue in the United States against the perceived ‘tyrannical’ lockdown orders to halt the coronavirus pandemic. In Richmond, Virginia, dozens of people gathered outside the state legislature Thursday in defiance of stay-at-home rules, which the governor instituted until June 10. ‘STOP the MADNESS! It’s just a COLD VIRUS! End the shutdown for the GOOD of U.S. all!’ read one sign.

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