Around the World
Pentagon releases map disputing claim US drone violated Iranian airspace; Iran’s version is very different
The Pentagon released a map Thursday indicating that the U.S. drone shot down by Iran was over international waters and not over Iran, contrary to what Iranian officials maintain.
Trump said to okay strikes against Iran, then suddenly cancel them
The US military made preparations Thursday night for limited strikes on Iran in retaliation for the downing of a US surveillance drone, but approval was abruptly withdrawn before the attacks were launched, a US official said.
Iran Shot Down a $176 Million U.S. Drone. Here's What to Know About the RQ-4 Global Hawk
In technical terms, the drone that Iran shot down was a U.S. Navy Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS-D) aircraft, which is a Navy version of the Air Force’s high-flying RQ-4A Global Hawk. In simple terms, it is an unmanned aircraft that is intended for surveillance at sea.
Mexico first to ratify new North American trade agreement
Mexico has become the first country to ratify the new trilateral trade deal pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump as a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In first test of army chief’s new strategy, IDF simulates war with Hezbollah
The Israeli military this week conducted a massive exercise simulating war against the Hezbollah terror group — its largest drill in two years — in a first test of army chief Aviv Kohavi’s new strategy for the Israel Defense Forces.
Iran crisis steals attention from Trump's Israel-Palestinian peace plans
Talk of war with Iran is drowning out President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring peace to another part of the Middle East.
Israeli Soldiers, Archaeologists Discover Watchtower from Biblical King Hezekiah’s Time
A 2700- year-old watchtower from the time of biblical King Hezekiah was recently discovered at a military base in southern Israel by an excavation that included members of the Israeli Paratroopers Brigade and recruits from commando units working alongside the Israel Antiquities Authority. The actual location of the site cannot be revealed for security purposes.

Inside the United States
U.S. appeals court lets Trump abortion referral 'gag rule' go into effect
A federal appeals court on Thursday cleared the way for the Trump administration to enforce a controversial rule barring clinics that receive federal funds for family planning services from referring patients to abortion providers.
'Peace Cross' Remains Standing After Landmark Religious Freedom Decision
A 40-foot cross memorializing fallen soldiers in World War I have been spared destruction after the Supreme Court ruled Thursday that its religious dimension did not violate the establishment clause of the First Amendment.
Government meeting opens with 'Hail Satan' prayer
A Satanic Temple member who won the right to open a regional Alaska government meeting declared 'Hail Satan' during her first invocation, prompting about a dozen officials and attendees to walk out.
Marijuana use by U.S. teens has increased tenfold since 1990s
As society relaxes its rules around marijuana, U.S. teens seem to be responding by using the drug in much bigger numbers than a generation ago, new research shows.
Defying Trump, GOP-led Senate votes to block Saudi arms sales
The Republican-led Senate voted Thursday to block $8.1 billion in US arms sales to Saudi Arabia and other Arab allies, as legislators outraged with the kingdom delivered a symbolic rebuke to President Donald Trump.

Christian News
Christian Pakistani Girls Continue to Face Kidnappings, Abuse at the Hands of Muslim Men
A Christian Pakistani girl was kidnapped and raped by five Muslims before being returned to her father a day later in a traumatized condition, ucanews.com reports.
Ethiopian Evangelical Church Faces Closure Due To Inexplicable Noise Pollution Complaint
An evangelical Protestant Church in Ethiopia received an eviction letter on May 15th citing noise complaints from local residents after operating peaceably for 10 years, according to World Watch Monitor.
ISIS Bomb Plot Against Pittsburgh Church Foiled by FBI
A 21-year-old Syrian refugee from Pittsburgh was arrested on a federal complaint Wednesday, after discussions with undercover FBI officials uncovered a plot to bomb a North Pittsburgh church in the name of ISIS.