Around the World
U.S. has seen evidence of Syria preparing chemical weapons in Idlib: envoy
There is 'lots of evidence' that chemical weapons are being prepared by Syrian government forces in Idlib in northwest Syria, the new U.S. adviser for Syria said on Thursday, as he warned of the risks of an offensive on the country’s last big rebel enclave.
NAFTA talks make progress; U.S., Canadian officials to work into night
The United States and Canada have made progress in talks to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement, and officials from the two sides will work together into the night to flesh out areas for further discussion, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Wednesday.
US says it will stay in Syria until jihadists defeated, demands Iran leave
The Trump administration is now pledging the US will remain in Syria until the 'enduring defeat' of the Islamic State group, a move that could signal open-ended American involvement in the war-torn country.
Political rows, worsening security greet Mattis in Afghanistan
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis arrived in Kabul on Friday to meet the new commander of NATO troops in Afghanistan and discuss progress on talks with the Taliban, despite deteriorating security and turmoil within the Afghan government.
6.3-earthquake shakes Ecuador capital Quito
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Ecuador's capital city of Quito late Thursday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Brazil's presidential election frontrunner Jair Bolsonaro stabbed at campaigning rally
Brazil's right-wing presidential frontrunner Jair Bolsonaro has undergone emergency surgery after he was stabbed in the stomach during a campaign event.
Kim Jong-un's dismantling of launch site means 'complete suspension' of rocket tests: South Korea
South Korea says North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told him that dismantling work at his main rocket launch site meant the 'complete suspension' of all future long-range ballistic missile tests.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump to US Jews: I won’t give Palestinians aid until they make deal with Israel
S President Donald Trump told Jewish leaders Thursday that the US would not give aid to the Palestinians until they reach an agreement with Israel. He also said the Iranian regime had 'lost their mojo' since he withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, and was now fighting for its survival. In quitting the deal, he said, he had done 'a great thing for Israel.'
Israel considered intervening in Syrian civil war before Russia stepped in
Israel considered military intervention in the Syrian civil war before Russia stepped in to aid President Bashar Assad, senior officials admitted Wednesday.

Inside the United States
Democrats, Republicans both claim victory in explosive Kavanaugh hearing
Democrats and Republicans were all smiles Thursday after fireworks erupted in the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing amid a heated battle over the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Unemployment claims fall to 49-year low
The number of U.S. workers filing for unemployment benefits fell to near a 49-year low last week, as the labor market continues to show strength.
Trump won't answer Mueller's obstruction questions, Giuliani says
President Donald Trump will not answer federal investigators’ questions, in writing or in person, about whether he tried to block the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election, one of the president’s attorneys told The Associated Press on Thursday.
'Incompetence': Bungling district attorney blasted for allowing terror suspects to go free
The New Mexico compound leaders suspected of running a terrorist training camp are back in custody, but the district attorney whose bungling allowed them to go free is facing calls for his resignation.
House passes cyber deterrence bill that would name and shame foreign hackers
The House of Representatives has passed legislation directing the president to essentially name and shame foreign hackers accused of participating in state-sponsored cyberattacks against the United States government and the nation’s most vital computer networks.
Fast-growing Northern California wildfire forces evacuations
A wildfire erupted in forest land in Northern California on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of dozens of homes and the closure of a stretch of an interstate highway near where a deadly blaze broke out in July, officials said.

Christian News
Church of England numbers in Britain are at record low: survey
The number of Britons who describe themselves as belonging to the Church of England has fallen to a record low with more than half now saying they have no religion, according to a survey published on Friday.
Over 4,500 Evangelicals and Organizations Endorse Statement Challenging Social Justice Warriors
A statement from evangelicals that challenges those who believe 'social justice' is compatible with Christian teaching has been signed by over 4,500 evangelical Christians and organizations.