Hungary’s Premier Defends Anti-LGTB Law As EU Pressure Mounts
Hungary’s embattled prime minister condemns mounting European Union criticism over a new homosexual and transgender law that he says protects children against pedophilia.
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Global Online Outages Impact US Airlines, Australian Banks
U.S. airlines and Australian banks are among firms around the world suffering online outages.
Israel is issuing new proof-of-vaccination document
Israeli authorities have begun rolling out a new document showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery, the Times of Israel reports. However, the Health Ministry has stated it is acting to ensure that current certification remains valid so that people can travel in the interim without having to undergo expensive testing.
IRS denies Christian political activism group tax-exempt status, says its Bible teachings are affiliated with Republican party
The Internal Revenue Service has denied tax-exempt status to the non-profit political activism group Christians Engaged, asserting that the group’s Bible teachings typically align with Republican party policies, and that it engages in “prohibited political campaign intervention.” The Texas-based organization is appealing the decision, asserting that the IRS denied tax exemption because Christians Engaged “teaches biblical values.”
Biden Says US Could Strike Russia in “Cyber Way”
U.S. President Joe Biden says he has made it clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin he would not accept more cyberattacks and election interference. Biden suggested that America could respond in a “cyber way.”
US, Russia Ambassadors Return To Posts; Talks “Constructive”
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he and U.S. President Joe Biden have agreed to return their ambassadors to their posts in a bid to lower tensions.
Israeli Army Bombs Gaza After Terror Balloons Reach Israel
Israel’s new government ordered airstrikes against militants in the Gaza Strip early Wednesday in response to incendiary balloons that crossed into the country from the Palestinian territory.
China sends 28 warplanes near Taiwan in year’s largest exercise
China’s air force sent 28 aircraft close to Taiwan, the largest sortie this year, further ratcheting up military pressure on the government in Taipei as it seeks to strengthen ties with the US.
House Republicans demand Congress reviews any new Iran nuclear deal
Republican members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs have sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken demanding a congressional review of any nuclear agreements reached with Iran.
Belarus Parades Opposition Journalist At News Conference
Several journalists and diplomats left a news conference in Belarus after authorities unexpectedly paraded the detained opposition journalist Roman Protasevich at the briefing. With Protasevich appearing under duress, the uniformed officials gave their version of the Ryanair passenger plane diversion of May 23.
‘Thousands Of Christian Leaders Dead In India, Nepal’
Christian leaders in India and Nepal are dying of COVID-19 at such a rate that “scores of Christian ministries” are in danger of closing as there is no one to lead them, aid workers say. ‘Black fungus’ now poses an additional deadly threat in India, where thousands of pastors and other Christian leaders reportedly died.
NATO Fears China’s Military Threat And Cooperation With Russia
Leaders of the NATO military alliance warned Monday that the military threat posed by China and its cooperation with Russia is a “systemic challenge.”
Group of Seven Rollout World Vaccination and Global Tax Plan
The Group of Seven (G7) nations have agreed to participate in a worldwide vaccination plan “to halt the coronavirus pandemic.” It comes amid concerns among G7 leaders that impoverished countries are being left out in the global jab drive. They also want a global tax as they seek to raise their contributions to meet an overdue spending pledge of 100 billion dollars a year by rich countries to help poorer ones cut carbon emissions. And, the leaders made clear they will be seeking to rival China in reaching out to lower and middle-income countries.
Report: China Expands Nuclear Weapons Arsenal
China is expanding its nuclear arsenal as tensions with the United States escalate, according to a report.
Hamas Calls for ‘Day of Rage’ Could Be First Test for New Israeli Government
Israel’s brand new government may already be tested less than two days after being sworn into office. Hamas and other Palestinian groups are calling for a ‘Day of Rage’ on Tuesday if the planned ‘Flag March’ takes place through Jerusalem’s Old City.
Russia Is Testing New Advanced ICBM’s
Thousands of missile troops are holding drills with Russia’s latest mobile intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system and other “special hardware.”
‘Pakistan Muslims Kill Christian Man Who Tried To Defend Sister’
A Christian man who defended his sister against sexual violence has been killed by “militant Muslims” in Pakistan’s Punjab province, according to Christians familiar with the situation.
Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu Ousted
Israel’s longtime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was ousted from power Sunday by parliament, the Knesset, which approved a new coalition government.
US-Russia relations at lowest point in years, Putin warns
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview with US broadcaster NBC ahead of his first meeting with US President Joe Biden, said relations between Moscow and Washington were at their lowest point in years.
Dozen Killed In China Gas Blast
A natural gas explosion in central China left at least a dozen people dead and scores injured amid broader concerns about safety standards in the Communist-run nation.