Around the World
'Big One' talk swirls as 69 massive earthquakes hit the Pacific's Ring of Fire in 48 hours
A large swath of earthquakes hit the Pacific's so-called Ring of Fire earlier this week, prompting some to wonder if it is a precursor to the oft-discussed massive earthquake, colloquially known as 'the Big One.'
US, China impose further tariffs, escalating trade war
The United States and China escalated their acrimonious trade war on Thursday (Aug 23), implementing punitive 25 percent tariffs on US$16 billion worth of the other's goods.
Top Iranian cleric threatens Tehran will target Israel if US attacks
A senior Iranian cleric on Wednesday warned that Tehran would target Israel if the United States harmed the Islamic Republic, continuing an escalating war of words over sanctions reimposed by Washington.
U.S. and China officials meet as Thursday tariff deadline looms
U.S. and Chinese officials met for the first time in more than two months to try find a way out of their deepening trade conflict, but there was no evidence that the low-key discussions would halt a new round of U.S. tariffs due on Thursday.
China Shifts to Iranian Tankers to Keep Oil Flowing Amid US Sanctions
Chinese buyers of Iranian oil are starting to shift their cargoes to vessels owned by National Iranian Tanker Co (NITC) for nearly all of their imports to keep supply flowing amid the re-imposition of economic sanctions by the United States.
2 typhoons target Japan, South Korea
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued advisories throughout the country Wednesday as two typhoons bore down on the island nation.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu angers settlers by only advancing 1,400 homes
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu angered settlers and right-wing politicians by only advancing plans for close to 1,400 new Jewish homes in West Bank settlements on Wednesday.
US, Israel officials downplay Trump’s warning of ‘price’ over Jerusalem moves
US and Israeli officials on Wednesday downplayed a remark made by US President Donald Trump a day earlier in which the American leader said Israel would pay 'a higher price' in peace talks with the Palestinians to compensate for Washington’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocate its embassy to the city.

Inside the United States
Federal court strikes down Alabama abortion law
A federal appeals court found Wednesday that an Alabama state law that bans a common abortion procedure is unconstitutional, becoming the first appeals court to weigh in on such a ban.
Robert Mueller prosecutions embolden Trump opponents, don't prove collusion
Special counsel Robert Mueller has now won or assisted in guilty pleas or convictions against a number of figures in the president’s inner circle during the 2016 campaign -- but has yet to prove a more fundamental case of Russia-Trump collusion.
Navy moves Pearl Harbor fleet as Hurricane Lane nears Hawaii
The U.S. Navy is moving its ships and submarines away from Hawaii on Wednesday as the state braces for the oncoming Hurricane Lane.

Christian News
Church Near Kampala, Uganda Closes after Months of Islamist Attacks
A church outside Kampala, capital of Uganda, has closed after months of area Muslims pelting its gatherings with rocks, sources said.
Billboards Removed After Image of Pastor Holding a Bible Was Called 'Offensive'
If ever you needed proof that Christianity is under attack, this Bible billboard controversy is it. Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California was forced to remove his billboard ads at local malls, all because he was shown holding a Bible!