Around the World
Iranian parliament recognizes Jerusalem as 'capital of Palestine'
The Iranian parliament voted to approve a plan on Wednesday that would require the government of Iran to recognize Jerusalem as the permanent capital of the Palestinian people, Iranian news agency Fars reported.
US Imposes Sanctions Against Top North Korean Weapons Makers
The United States has imposed new sanctions on two of North Korea's key figures in its weapons program.
After Islamic State's defeat, a massive bill to rebuild Iraq
The Iraqi government estimates $100 billion is needed nationwide to rebuild cities and towns left in ruins by more than three years of war against the Islamic State group. Local leaders in Mosul, the biggest city held by IS, say that amount is needed to rehabilitate their city alone.
Blast rips through supermarket in Russia's St Petersburg, 10 hurt
A blast ripped through a supermarket in Russia’s St Petersburg on Wednesday evening, injuring at least 10 shoppers, investigators said.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hezbollah, Syrian forces advance on rebels 7 miles from Israel
Hezbollah and Syrian army forces have reportedly launched an assault on a besieged Syrian rebels’ stronghold some 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Israel’s border, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel will not accept Iranian proxies on its frontier.
Israeli security officials warn situation in Gaza may lead to new military conflict
Senior Israeli security officials have told the Security Cabinet that the current situation in Gaza resembles the one that existed just before Operation Protective Edge in 2014, warning that it might lead to a new military conflict with Hamas.

Inside the United States
Brrr! After Record Snow, Bitter Cold Ahead for Northern US
Freezing temperatures and below-zero wind chills socked much of the northern United States on Wednesday, even setting a record in a Minnesota city so cold it's called the Icebox of the Nation, and will stay put for days to come as snow-hardened Erie digs out from a record snowfall.
U.S. holiday sales set to break records in surprise boon to retail
The U.S. holiday shopping season is on track to break sales records on the back of surging consumer confidence and increased use of mobile devices, presenting an unexpected boon for retailers and the delivery companies they rely on.

Christian News
Christians murdered in Nigeria's Kaduna state over Christmas
Fulani herdsmen have launched two attacks on Christian worshippers in Nigeria's Kaduna State in the Christmas period.
Atlanta Fire Chief Fired for Christian Beliefs Wins Victory in Court
Atlanta Fire Chief, Kelvin Cochran claims he was terminated due to his religious beliefs and that his First Amendment rights were violated. However, the City of Atlanta and Mayor Kasim Reed hold firm that Cochran 'was fired because he did not comply with the City’s pre-clearance rules for outside employment and for facilitating a massive public relations campaign against the Mayor and the City.'