Around the World
Iran, N. Korea Grow Stockpile of Ballistic Missiles Capable of Striking U.S. Troops, Allies, Israel
Iran and North Korea are growing their stockpile of ballistic missiles, including long-range missiles capable of striking U.S. assets, American allies, and even the continental United States, according to new congressional reports that shine a light on efforts by these rogue nations to advance their military capabilities.
Russia likens US sanctions to economic war — and threatens response 'by other means'
Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev reportedly warned the U.S. on Friday that sanctions it plans to impose against Moscow over the nerve-agent attack of a former spy living in Britain could be treated as a declaration of an economic war.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA leader Abbas talks US peace plan with Jordan's Abdullah
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman on Wednesday to discuss the regional situation ahead of the expected unveiling of the U.S. administration's Middle East peace plan.
No rockets or airstrikes as fragile Gaza truce lasts through the night
After two days that saw the worst exchange of fire between Israel and Hamas since the 2014 war, a fragile truce prevailed Friday in Gaza, with no rocket attacks or airstrikes since an apparent ceasefire went into effect at midnight.
IDF says war in Gaza approaching, communities near Strip could be evacuated
A senior army official warned Thursday morning that Israel was nearing a full-blown military confrontation in the Gaza Strip after hundreds of rockets were launched overnight by Palestinian terror groups, adding that the government could begin evacuating communities near the coastal enclave in preparation.
US condemns Hamas rocket attacks, supports Israel’s right to defend itself
The United States condemned the Hamas terror group on Thursday for launching some 180 rockets and mortar shells at Israeli population centers and defended Israel’s military response in the worst exchange of fire since the 2014 war.
Israel 'surprised' by reports of Columbia recognition of Palestinian state
Israel's foreign ministry said on Thursday that it was "surprised" by media reports saying Columbia decided to recognize the State of Palestine.

Inside the United States
Bipartisan Bill Moves to Protect Religious Foster Care
Lawmakers are considering a bill to protect religious foster care and adoption agencies in response to recent crackdowns on religious charities by state and local governments.
Man arrested at New Mexico compound is son of imam with possible link to 1993 World Trade Center bombing
The man arrested at a squalid New Mexico compound is the son of a controversial Brooklyn imam who was on a list of people who 'may be alleged as co-conspirators' to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, according to court documents released by prosecutors Wednesday. Siraj Wahhaj, who shares a name with his son who was arrested Saturday, testified as a character witness for Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, the notorious 'blind sheikh' who was convicted in 1995 of plotting terror attacks in the U.S.
Pence unveils Space Force to counter Russia, China
Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday announced the first steps in the Trump administration's bid to establish a standalone military Space Force by 2020, including creating an elite group of space troops in the same vein as current special operations forces.
Judge threatens to hold Jeff Sessions in contempt over asylum deportation
A frustrated federal judge lashed the Trump administration Thursday and threatened to hold Attorney General Jeff Sessions in contempt after being told the government had deported an asylum seeker despite clear assurances she wouldn’t be touched.

Christian News
Losing Faith: Why South Carolina is abandoning its churches
South Carolina churches are shedding thousands of members a year, even as the state’s population grows by tens of thousands.