Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Russia: 'We Are Close' to Deal With US on Aleppo
Russia and the United States are close to reaching an understanding on Syria's Aleppo, the Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying Thursday.
Death toll in Indonesia earthquake passes 100
The death toll in Indonesia's Aceh province passed 100 early Thursday as a massive search for missing people after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake Wednesday has been mounted in flattened parts of the area.
As Syrian troops gain ground, Aleppo rebels propose truce
Staring a punishing and brutal defeat in the face, several Syrian rebel factions on Wednesday proposed a five-day cease-fire in the eastern part of the city of Aleppo so the wounded, sick and other civilians can be evacuated.
Iowa Gov. Branstad is Trump's pick for ambassador to China
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, the incoming Trump administration's pick for ambassador to China, has long promoted his state's abundant agricultural products to China, but he would be thrust into the middle of increasing talk of a trade war with the United States' largest trading partner.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hezbollah alleges IAF struck major airfield near Damascus
Arab media alleged Wednesday that Israeli fighter jets struck a major airfield near Damascus. According to reports, the Mezzeh Military Airport was hit around 4 a.m. The reports have not been corroborated by any official government or military source in Israel.
Germany Tells Israel Not to Legalize West Bank Settlements
Germany urged Israel in unusually strong language on Wednesday to scrap legislation that would legalize Israeli settlement homes built on private Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank, saying this would break international law.
Netanyahu accepts Paris invite to meet Abbas, if France drops conference
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday accepted French President François Hollande's invitation to meet with him and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Paris later this month, as long as there is no international conference.

Inside the United States
Federal judge halts recount, sealing Trump's Michigan win
A federal judge who ordered Michigan to begin its recount effectively ended it on Wednesday, tying his decision to a state court ruling that found Green Party candidate Jill Stein had no legal standing to request another look at ballots.
U.S. Senate joins House to pass sweeping new health bill
The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to support sweeping legislation that will reshape the way the Food and Drug Administration approves new medicines.
Trump's EPA Pick Spooks Liberals and the Environmental Lobby
Liberals and the environmental left have gone into a tizzy over the selection of Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt as Donald Trump's pick to head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Trump Renews Vow to 'Destroy Terrorists, Make America Safe Again'
During the latest stop on Donald Trump's 'thank you' tour, the president-elect reiterated his promise to make America safe and secure again.
Trump stacks top defense posts with retired generals, raising eyebrows
He's not yet finished picking, but President-elect Donald Trump already has named three retired generals to top posts, raising questions as to why there will be so much military brass in cabinet-level jobs.

Christian News
Anti-Discrimination Laws Are Being 'Weaponized' Against Christians, UK Report Warns
A new report on the erosion of religious liberties, such as those seen in several high-profile court cases concerning Christians in the U.K., warns that anti-discrimination laws are being used as a 'weapon,' and could end up suppressing the freedoms of many people in society.
Pearl Harbor attack cited as evangelism catalyst
As Americans commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, some Christians also are remembering a series of evangelistic harvests that emerged from the death and destruction.