Around the World
Trump says China trade deal may be signed shortly after January 15
U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced last month that the Phase 1 trade deal with China would be signed on Jan. 15, said on Thursday the agreement could be signed 'shortly thereafter.'
UN to vote Friday on new Syria cross-border aid resolution
Facing a Friday deadline that could halt the delivery of humanitarian aid to more than 1 million Syrians every month, the divided U.N. Security Council is set to vote on rival resolutions that would continue deliveries through border crossings to mainly rebel-held areas.
Iranian missile now thought to be the cause of downed Ukrainian jet
Western officials are now leaning toward the conclusion that Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet Wednesday that was leaving the airport in Tehran and bound for Kyiv.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
U.S. senators back bill to provide $3.3 billion for Israel
Republican and Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday to provide $3.3 billion in annual aid to Israel, seeking to put into law an aid agreement between the two countries reached in 2016 amid concern over rising Middle East tensions.
Israel unveils new laser to intercept missiles
Israel has developed a new high-energy laser that requires only electricity to operate, the Defense Ministry's Directorate of Defense Research and Development revealed Wednesday.
Serious Flooding Occurring Throughout Israel
Heavy rains continued to cause mass flooding throughout Israel, during which time the Sea of Galilee has drastically risen approximately 9 inches over the past 24 hours.

Inside the United States
Democrats pass measure aimed at curbing Trump military authority in Iran
House Democrats Thursday passed a resolution to curb President Trump’s authority to use military force against Iran.
Continuous tremors across Puerto Rico see larger earthquakes, possibly more to come
At least one person is dead and unknown damage sustained in Puerto Rico from a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Tuesday, as President Trump devoted $5 billion in aid relief to the island.

Christian News
More than 400 Language Groups Worldwide without the Scriptures are Ready to Begin Bible Translations
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, announces that Bible translators from more than 400 language groups around the globe are ready to begin work on translating the Scriptures.
American Pastor jailed in India may be released soon
An American Pastor arrested in India at the beginning of October may be released, though attorneys representing him say the Indian government has committed an 'injustice' against the leader of IHOP in Shelbyville, TN.