Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Scientists Create Artificial Leaves That Can Serve As 'Mini-Factory' For Drugs
A garden filled with 'plants' that manufacture medicines on demand might sound like an idea straight out of the fevered imagination of a science fiction writer, but a team of Dutch researchers has now taken the first step toward making it real.
NATO's 2nd-largest military is 'bending' to Russia -- and leaving the US out in the cold
The US was not invited to a meeting held Tuesday in Moscow between Turkish, Russian, and Iranian officials aimed at solving the crisis in Syria -- and it's not the first time Washington has been left out in the cold.
Pentagon: Iran Seeking New Missiles, War Equipment
Pentagon officials are downplaying declarations by Iran that it is spending some $1.7 billion provided by the United States on new advanced weapons systems, while also acknowledging that the Islamic Republic continues to build its military arsenal at an increasing rate, according to a Defense Department assessment obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
Russia Conducts Fifth Test of New Anti-Satellite Missile
Russia successfully flight tested a new missile capable of knocking out strategic U.S. communications and navigation satellites, according to Pentagon officials.
Minister: Suspect in Berlin attack was known to German security agencies
A Tunisian man suspected of involvement in a truck attack in Berlin was in contact with Islamist militants in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and was known to German security agencies, the state's Interior Minister said on Wednesday.
German investigators seek Tunisian suspect in Berlin market truck attack
Investigators hunted Wednesday for a Tunisian man whose documents were found in the truck that plowed into a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people and injuring 48 others, German media reported.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
UN Security Council to vote Thursday on Israeli settlements
The United Nations Security Council is due to vote on Thursday afternoon on a draft resolution that would demand that Israel "immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem."
Hezbollah Fighting in Syria With U.S. Weapons Supplied to Lebanese Army, IDF Says
Israel has informed the United States that Lebanese Hezbollah fighters in Syria are using US armored personnel carriers originally supplied to the Lebanese Army, a senior Israeli military officer said on Wednesday.
Military official says low chances of war in 2017
A senior Israeli military officer says the army believes Middle East's chaos has weakened the country's enemies, creating a low probability of war involving Israel in 2017.
Archaeologists unearth new Dead Sea Scroll fragments in desert cave
Israeli Authorities have discovered new Dead Sea Scroll fragments in the Cave of the Skulls located in the Judean Desert, the Haaretz daily reported Tuesday.
Moving US embassy to Jerusalem would be step toward peace, says Israel envoy
Israel's Ambassador to the United States on Tuesday joined a growing list of people who have voiced their support over moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, calling it a 'great step forward' for peace.
UN Chief Admits Biased Treatment of Israel
As he nears the end of his term, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon admitted Friday the organization has a 'disproportionate' amount of resolutions against Israel.

Inside the United States
Republicans on House panel seek criminal probes of abortion providers
The Republican chairman of a congressional panel wrapping up its investigation into the medical and business practices of abortion providers said Wednesday it has submitted 15 criminal referrals to federal and state officials for further investigation into possible violations of the law.
Boeing CEO says he'll build Air Force Ones for less than $4 billion after Trump meeting
Boeing will build the new Air Force One for less than $4 billion, the CEO told reporters Wednesday after meeting with President-elect Trump.
Can Trump Reverse Obama's Arctic, Atlantic Drilling Ban? Probably Not
On Tuesday, President Barack Obama announced that he was earmarking huge swaths of U.S. waters in the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans as 'indefinitely' off-limits to offshore oil and gas leasing and drilling. Although the decision was hailed as a historic one by climate activists, representatives of the energy industry slammed it, terming it a move in the 'wrong direction.'
Trump names Carl Icahn special adviser on regulatory overhaul
President-elect Donald Trump has made investor Carl Icahn a special adviser on regulatory reform, Trump's transition team announced Wednesday.
Congress: Obama admin fired top scientist to advance climate change plans
A new congressional investigation has determined that the Obama administration fired a top scientist and intimidated staff at the Department of Energy in order to further its climate change agenda, according to a new report that alleges the administration ordered top officials to obstruct Congress in order to forward this agenda.
Obama Admin Keeping Syrian Refugee Vetting Details Classified, Hiding Potential Flaws
The Obama administration is keeping details about how it is vetting Syrian refugees for terrorism ties classified, drawing concerns from Congress that the administration is using a flawed screening process that expedites the timeframe needed to fully vet foreign individuals, according to new congressional communications obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
'Refugee' resettlement accelerates in Obama's final months
Through the first 11 weeks of fiscal year 2017, the United States welcomed 23,428 individuals as 'refugees,' according to the Refugee Processing Center. At this rate, the U.S. will resettle roughly 110,580 this fiscal year, which would exceed President Obama's target of 110,000.
Texas officially removes Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood
State health officials officially kicked Planned Parenthood out of Texas' Medicaid program.

Christian News
Middle East Christians celebrate Christmas under yoke of genocide
The ISIS bombing of St. Mark's cathedral in Cairo on Dec. 11 2016, the largest church in the Middle East, momentarily brought the suffering of Middle East Christians to the forefront of American consciousness.
Car bomb targets Christian group fighting ISIS genocide
Police are investigating a fire and blast at the Canberra offices of the Australian Christian Lobby following the explosion of a van filled with gas bottles that had been driven into the building late Wednesday night.
Franklin Graham Joins Donald Trump on Election Victory 'Thank You Tour'
Evangelical leader Franklin Graham joined President-elect Donald Trump at the Republican's last 'Thank You Tour' stop in Alabama, where Graham prayed alongside thousands for Trump and America's future.