Typhoon Lan sweeps across Japan; 2 reported dead
A powerful typhoon has caused flooding and landslides along the Pacific coast of Japan. Japanese media say two people have died and one is missing.
Worthy News
Limbless Evangelist Nick Vujicic Says 400,000 Ukrainians Chose to Repent of Sins, Follow Jesus
Famous evangelist Nick Vujicic said his team witnessed 400,000 people repent for their sins and choose to follow Jesus Christ at a recent event in Ukraine. That was the largest response that the Life Without Limbs ministry has seen.
Challenge to California’s prostitution ban may proceed, judges rule
A federal appeals court gave the go-ahead Thursday to activists seeking to overturn California’s 145-year ban on commercial sex.
CIA Director: Iran deal ‘failed’ to permanently block Tehran’s path to nukes
The Iran nuclear deal failed to permanently cut off Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon, as well as thwart its Middle East terror activities, CIA Director Mike Pompeo said at a conference Thursday.
North Korea ‘months’ away from capability to nuke US, CIA Director Mike Pompeo says
North Korea could acquire the ability to deliver a nuclear weapon to the United States within “months,” a top American spy official said Thursday.
120 arrested as hard-line religious Jews protest against Israeli army service
At least 120 demonstrators were arrested in Israel on Thursday as several thousand ultra-Orthodox Jews blocked a major intersection in central Jerusalem to protest against efforts to force them to enlist in the Israeli military like their secular compatriots.
Israel strikes Syria, responding to errant mortar fire
The Israeli military says it has struck Syria in response to a mortar fired from the territory.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vow to step up fight against Israel
Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards on Thursday threatened a ‘relentless fight’ against Israel, a day after the US urged the international community to confront Tehran over its ‘destructive conduct’ across the Middle East.
New study suggests insect populations have declined by 75% over 3 decades
A new scientific study has found ‘dramatic’ and ‘alarming’ declines in insect populations in areas in Germany, which researchers say could have far-reaching consequences for the world’s crop production and natural ecosystems.
Storm Brian: UK braces for ‘weather bomb’ set to bring 70mph winds and heavy rain
Storm Brian is expected to batter Britain’s coast just days after Storm Ophelia wreaked destruction. Heavy rain and gusts of 50mph are expected across southern England and the west of Wales on Saturday, and winds could reach 70mph in exposed areas.
6 Police Officers Arrested for Beating Christian Teen to Death in Pakistan, Activists Say
Six police officers in Pakistan have been arrested and charged with murder after they allegedly beat to death a Pakistani Christian teenager earlier this month, according to human rights advocates.
Fewest Jobless Claims Since 1973 Show Firm U.S. Job Market
Filings for unemployment benefits plunged last week to the lowest level since 1973 as workers affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma continued to return to their jobs, Labor Department figures showed Thursday.
Barrasso Seeks Documents Related to Russia Uranium Investigation
Sen. John Barrasso (R., Wyo.) is asking the Department of Justice for documents related to the FBI’s investigation into the Russia-Uranium One deal, which found evidence of Russian officials engaging in bribery, kickbacks, and millions of dollars flowing to the Clinton Foundation before the deal was approved by the U.S. government.
FBI uncovered Russian bribery plot before Obama administration approved controversial nuclear deal with Moscow
Before the Obama administration approved a controversial deal in 2010 giving Moscow control of a large swath of American uranium, the FBI had gathered substantial evidence that Russian nuclear industry officials were engaged in bribery, kickbacks, extortion and money laundering designed to grow Vladimir Putin’s atomic energy business inside the United States, according to government documents and interviews.
George W. Bush’s veiled shots at Trump open new front in Republican civil war
A fresh battle in the Republican civil war flared Thursday as former President George W. Bush took veiled shots at President Trump in a speech that warned against the rising tide of ethno-nationalism on the Right.
Senate paves the way for tax reform by passing a budget
The Senate passed a 2018 budget resolution late Thursday that will serve as the vehicle for comprehensive tax reform, the Republican Party’s top legislative goal.
IRS to crack down on Obamacare declarations next year
The Internal Revenue Service will not accept electronically filed tax returns for the upcoming filing season in which people fail to note whether they have health insurance, according to an agency announcement that is a reversal of informal policy under the Obama administration.
Chinese House Church Leaders and Toddler Arrested After Singing in Public Park
A Chinese house church pastor, her daughter, and her young grandson have been arrested, weeks after being accused of overstepping the country’s newly tightened religious restrictions.
Federal court rules World War I memorial cross must be torn down
Back in 1925, the American Legion erected a memorial in Bladensburg, Md., to honor the memory of 49 men who perished during World War I.
Obamacare deal hits the skids in Senate
A bipartisan deal to fund Obamacare payments stalled in the Senate Wednesday after President Trump derided the payments as ‘bailouts,’ but Republicans behind the package are trying to keep the deal alive.