Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Iran: $100b. in assets 'fully released' under nuclear deal
Iran said Monday it now has access to more than $100 billion worth of frozen overseas assets following the implementation of a landmark nuclear deal with world powers.
US, 11 other countries sign free-trade deal in New Zealand
Trade ministers from 12 Pacific Rim countries including the United States gathered Thursday in New Zealand for the ceremonial signing of a free-trade deal they say will significantly boost trade.
U.N. halts Syria talks as government closes in on Aleppo
A United Nations envoy halted his attempts to conduct Syrian peace talks on Wednesday after the army, backed by Russian air strikes, advanced against rebel forces north of Aleppo, choking opposition supply lines from Turkey to the city.
Donald Trump and Pope Francis Are 2016 Nobel Peace Prize Nominees
Donald Trump and Pope Francis are among the nominees for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize, experts confirmed Wednesday.
Germany considers $5,450 limit on cash transactions
The German government is considering introducing a limit of 5,000 euros ($5,450) on cash transactions in an effort to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism.
State admits Kerry downplayed Iran's $100 billion payday
The State Department admitted Tuesday that Iran will get about $100 billion in frozen assets under the Iran nuclear agreement, just weeks after Secretary of State John Kerry ridiculed that number as 'fictional.'

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
France considers recognition of a Palestinian state
The French foreign minister says France will recognize a Palestinian state if its efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks fail.
Poll: 63% of Israelis Rank President Obama 'Worst for Israel in The Last 30 Years'
A survey shows that Jewish Israelis rank Barack Obama as the 'worst' U.S. president in relation to Israel in the last 30 years -- 63% of Israelis put Obama in the 'worst' category while 16% rated Jimmy Carter as the second 'worst' president.
One killed, two wounded in J'lem terror attack
Three terrorists committed a combined stabbing and shooting attack Wednesday afternoon at Jerusalem's Damascus gate, wounding two female Border Police officers and a young man.
Hamas calls for Palestinian elections 10 years on
Islamist movement Hamas on Tuesday marked the 10th anniversary of the legislative election it won in 2006 with a call for new parliamentary and presidential polls in the Palestinian territories.

Inside the United States
January Gun Sales Set Yet Another Record
The FBI conducted more gun-related background checks this January than in any other January since the system was created.
Pro-life group releases Planned Parenthood video ahead of court appearances
Apparently neither lawsuits nor indictments can stop the Center for Medical Progress from releasing anti-Planned Parenthood videos.
Pentagon Said to Seek 35% Fund Boost for Islamic State Fight
The Pentagon will seek a 35 percent increase in funding for the fight against Islamic State in its next budget, bringing the request for U.S. military efforts against the terrorist group to $7.5 billion, according to a defense official.
Obama to seek 1.6 percent pay raise for federal government workers
The Obama administration next week will propose a 1.6 percent pay increase for federal employees, an administration official said on Wednesday.
Obama visits US mosque, says impression of Muslims distorted
President Barack Obama sought Wednesday to correct what he called a 'hugely distorted impression' of Muslim-Americans as he made his first visit to a U.S. mosque. He said those who demonize all Muslims for the acts of a few are playing into extremists' hands.
Subpoenaed Documents Reveal Obama Admin Deliberately Kept Congress in Dark Over Debt Ceiling Plans
The Obama administration deliberately withheld information and kept Congress in the dark on how it was going to prioritize payments if the debt ceiling was not raised, according documents subpoenaed by the House Financial Services Committee.
White House veto threats keep on coming
The White House has issued two more veto threats against Republican-sponsored bills, picking up the pace of confrontation with GOP leaders.

U.S. Politics
In big shift since 2008, red states now outnumber blue states in U.S.: Gallup
For the first time in eight years, there are more "red" states than "blue" states in the country, according to new analysis of political party affiliations in the U.S. from Gallup.
Rick Santorum endorses Marco Rubio after suspending campaign
Rick Santorum endorsed Marco Rubio for president on Wednesday evening, just hours after it was widely reported that he'd drop out of the race himself.
Ryan asks conservatives: Don't revolt in 2016
House Speaker Paul Ryan kicked off a policy summit at the Heritage Foundation with a clear message for the conservatives who have been his allies over the years but made life hard for former Speaker John Boehner: Please don't revolt, at least not this year.

Christian News
Nigeria: Twin bombings leave dozens dead, injured
Suicide bombings in two predominantly Christian communities in northeast Nigeria last week left at least 26 dead and dozens more injured.
Mexico: Baptists families expelled
Ten Baptist families were unceremoniously expelled from the community of Tuxpan de Bolanos in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, last week for refusing to recant their faith.
Rev. Graham: America Is Being Systematically Stripped of its Christian Heritage By Politicians Hostile to Christianity
Secularism has infiltrated our government, schools, and society to such a vast extent that it is stripping America of its 'Christian heritage,' and replacing it with 'a worldview that embraces atheistic humanism and is devoid of biblical values,' said Rev. Franklin Graham, son of world-renowned preacher Billy Graham.
Why Nepal Has One Of The World's Fastest-Growing Christian Populations
Famous for its high peaks and wind-whipped prayer flags, Hindu-majority Nepal used to be a nation unreached by Christianity.