Around the World
Koreas to reconnect roads, rail, U.S. concerned over easing sanctions
The two Koreas agreed on Monday to begin reconnecting rail and road links, another step in an improving relationship in spite of U.S. concerns that the rapid North-South thaw could undermine efforts to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.
EU paves way for Russia sanctions over chemical weapons
The European Union on Monday unveiled a legal framework to allow sanctions against the use of chemical weapons.
Saudi Arabia considers saying activist Jamal Khashoggi was killed by mistake, reports say
The Saudi government is considering whether to say that rogue intelligence operatives murdered activist and writer Jamal Khashoggi by mistake inside the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul earlier this month, multiple media outlets reported Monday.
Future energy: Inside the nuclear fusion reactor that will 'recreate sun on earth'
A nuclear reactor that uses the same energy source as the sun is taking shape in the south of France.
'Hyperalarming' study shows massive insect loss
Insects around the world are in a crisis, according to a small but growing number of long-term studies showing dramatic declines in invertebrate populations. A new report suggests that the problem is more widespread than scientists realized. Huge numbers of bugs have been lost in a pristine national forest in Puerto Rico, the study found, and the forest's insect-eating animals have gone missing, too.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
First day of Knesset overshadowed by talk of elections
The Knesset opened its winter session on Monday amid speculation about when the parliament will be dispersed and when the next election will be initiated.
Australia considers moving embassy to Jerusalem
Australia’s prime minister said on Tuesday he was open to shifting the Australian embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in line with President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize the contested holy city as Israel’s capital.

Inside the United States
America’s budget deficit jumps by 17% as spending surges
The U.S. federal budget deficit rose in fiscal 2018 to the highest level in six years as spending climbed, the Trump administration said Monday.
New York City Legalizes 'Third' Gender 'X' on Birth Certificates, Mayor Signs Bill
As of Jan. 1, 2019, the 'third' gender, designated as 'X' instead of 'M' or 'F,' will be an officially recognized option for birth certificates in the largest city in the United States.
FBI Has Evidence That 'Directly Refutes' Premise of Trump-Russia Probe, GOP Rep Says
Republican lawmakers have hinted for months that the FBI failed to provide federal judges on the surveillance court with information that undercut the government’s premise for opening the Trump-Russia probe in 2016.

Christian News
Christian Filmmakers Appeal to 8th Circuit to Make Films Celebrating Marriage Between One Man, One Woman
Two Christian filmmakers will appear before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Paul Tuesday to challenge Minnesota state law which they say illegally forces them to produce and create films expressing messages that contradict their core beliefs.