Around the World
Iran, IAEA start talks on unexplained uranium traces
The U.N. nuclear watchdog and Iran on Monday started talks aimed at obtaining explanations from Tehran on the origin of uranium traces at found at undeclared locations in Iran, an issue which could affect efforts to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal.
Russian military build-up near Ukraine numbers more than 150,000 troops, EU says
Russia has concentrated more than 150,000 troops on Ukraine's border and in annexed Crimea, the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday after EU foreign ministers were briefed by Ukraine's foreign minister.
UK Considers ‘Britcoin’ Digital Currency
British authorities are exploring the possibility of creating a new digital currency that Treasury chief Rishi Sunak indicated could be known as “Britcoin.”
Talks On Summit As Ukraine Conflict Escalates
Top advisers to the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany have begun consultations on holding a possible summit aimed at easing tensions over the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
US Warns Russia Of Consequences If Kremlin-Critic Navalny Dies
The United States had warned Russia of “consequences” if jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny dies amid mounting concerns about his health.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli Military Officials Unite in Opposition to Biden Admin’s Iran Deal
A group of more than 2,000 former high-ranking Israeli military, law enforcement, and intelligence community officials are warning the Biden administration against inking a new nuclear deal with Iran, saying the rush to negotiate with Iran directly endangers Israel and its newfound Arab allies.
Netanyahu backs direct election for PM to end Israel’s ‘political mess’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday expressed support for a direct election for the premier as a way of ending Israel's two-year cycle of inconclusive elections and to prevent a potential fifth national vote since April 2019.

Inside the United States
Minneapolis braces itself for unrest as Derek Chauvin trial concludes
Business owners in Minneapolis have once again begun boarding up windows and storefronts as the city braces for the conclusion of the Derek Chauvin murder trial.
Planned Parenthood cancels founder Margaret Sanger for eugenics and white supremacist ties
Planned Parenthood says it is distancing itself from founder Margaret Sanger over what it considers her beliefs in eugenics and past associations with white supremacist groups.
Ron DeSantis signs ‘anti-rioting’ bill into law
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis put his signature on what he pitched as the country’s “strongest anti-rioting” legislation on Monday.
Senate Democrats settling on 25% corporate tax rate
The universe of Democratic senators concerned about raising the corporate tax rate to 28% is broader than Sen. Joe Manchin, and the rate will likely land at 25%, parties close to the discussion tell Axios.

Christian News
Missouri: Christian college sues Biden administration claiming LGBT executive order violates freedom of religion
A Christian college in Missouri has filed suit against the US government, claiming that President Joe Biden’s ‘Executive order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation’ violates the school’s First Amendment right to exercise freedom of religion.
Iran: Christian imprisoned for faith released early with COVID-19; “Please Pray”
MajidReza Souzanchi Kushani, a Christian who was charged and imprisoned in Iran for promoting house churches, was given early release from jail because he caught COVID-19, Christian Response reported Friday. Iran ranks no. 8 on the US World Watch List 2021 of countries that persecute Christians.
Eritrean soldiers raid prayer meetings, detain Christians; “vital to pray”
Thirty-five Christians were arrested and detained in Eritrea after government forces raided two prayer meetings at separate locations last month, International Christian Concern reports. Thirteen of those arrested were still imprisoned as of April 17.
India persecution: Christian family confined to home after tribal animists attack
A Christian family is confined to their home after being attacked and harassed by tribal animists in India’s Jharkhand state, Morning Star News reports. India now ranks 10th on the US Open Doors Watch List of countries where Christians are persecuted: the country ranked 31st in 2013, just before Hindu nationalists Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in May 2014.

Worthy Watch
Capitol Police Officer Sicknick ‘Died Of Natural Causes’, Medical Examiner Admits