Around the World
Doubts linger after U.S. and China sign initial trade deal
China will boost spending on U.S. products in exchange for the rolling back of some tariffs under an initial trade deal signed by the world’s two largest economies on Wednesday, defusing an 18-month row but leaving numerous thorny issues unresolved.
'A Bloodless Revolution.' Putin’s Plan to Rewrite Russia’s Constitution Could Allow Him to Lead for Years to Come
In his annual state of the nation address in Moscow, Putin announced his wish to reform the Russian constitution. 'I truly believe that it is time to introduce certain changes to our country’s main law,' Putin said. Shortly afterward the government resigned en masse, not in protest but seemingly to pave the way for these reforms.
Iran Issues Threats, Russia and China React Negatively to E.U. Nuclear Deal Dispute Action
Russia and China have responded negatively to Tuesday’s decision by their European partners in the Iran nuclear deal to trigger a formal dispute resolution process in response to Tehran’s actions in violation of the 2015 agreement.
Putin Calls For Major Constitutional Amendments, and Medvedev and Cabinet Resign
Russian President Vladimir Putin called for major constitutional changes in his annual state of the nation address Wednesday, heightening speculation that the long-time leader is looking to hold onto power after his fourth presidential term expires in 2024.
Despite Trump’s Urging, Egypt, Ethiopia Still Deadlocked on Nile Dam
The latest talks hosted by the U.S. Treasury produced some progress but failed to achieve a comprehensive agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF Targets Hamas Sites in Gaza After Rockets Strike Southern Israel
Four rockets were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the IDF said, and it responded with airstrikes against Hamas facilities in the coastal enclave.
Jordan's king warns of Israeli annexation, 'untold chaos' of possible U.S.-Iran war
Jordan's King Abdullah II warned Wednesday that if Israel succeeds in imposing 'an unthinkable solution' by annexing parts of the West Bank, hopes for a two-state solution and Palestinian state would quickly come to an end.
New IDF Intel Assessment: Iran Could Have Enough Uranium for Nuke by Spring
The IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate issued its annual assessment for 2020 on Tuesday, warning that Iran might have enough enriched uranium for a nuclear bomb by this spring.

Inside the United States
House Sends Impeachment Effort and Pelosi's Prosecutors to Senate to Put Trump on Trial
After a month of delaying, Democrats in the House of Representatives finally voted Wednesday to send their articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump over to the Senate where an impeachment trial will now take place.
Michigan could add third gender option to driver's licenses by 2021
The state of Michigan is considering adding a third gender option for residents applying for driver's licenses.
Federal Judge Sides with Trump Administration Over ACLU in Family Separation Case
A federal judge in California has ruled that the Trump administration’s separation of immigrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border complies with the 2018 ruling that banned separations 'absent a determination that the parent is unfit or presents a danger to the child.'
Illinois Changing Birth Certificates to Show Mother Who Gave Birth as 'Father'
The state of Illinois is changing the parental designations on its birth certificates to accommodate the wishes of transgender people.
Immigration US Judge: States Cannot Block Refugee Arrivals
A federal judge in Maryland said U.S. states and localities cannot opt-out of receiving refugees for now, the latest move in a court case challenging a Trump administration order that reversed decades of standing practice that guided the arrivals of millions of displaced people.

Christian News
Al Shabaab strikes Kenya school, killing three Christian teachers
Al Shabaab extremists killed three Christian teachers in Kenya Monday, the attackers justifying the carnage by saying it was impermissible for 'infidels' to teach children.