Around the World
China stages military activity near Taiwan before high level US official visit to Taipei
China has staged military activity near Taiwan ahead of a Jan. 13 official visit to Taipei by US Ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, Just the News reports.
Newly public document shows US has intensified spying operations against China
A formerly-secret National Security Council strategy document publicly confirms that the CIA and other US agencies have increased their intelligence and spying activity against China in an effort to counter Beijing’s global network of spying operations, the Washington Times (WT) reports.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel: Jerusalem authorities approve plan for permanent US embassy
A key Jerusalem panel has approved the plans to expand the US diplomatic presence in the Israeli capital on Wednesday.
US official: Target of Syria airstrikes was used for Iran’s nuclear program
Airstrikes near the Syria-Iraq border early Wednesday targeted sites used for Iran's nuclear program, a senior US intelligence official told AlJazeera Wednesday.
Iranian lawmakers debate bill seeking destruction of Israel by 2041, “decisive act of revenge” against US
Iranian lawmakers have begun debating a bill which includes the goal of destroying Israel in 20 years. Introduced to Iran’s parliament on Dec.30 2020, the bill describes Israel as the "aggressor Zionist regime" and states the Jewish nation constitutes a threat to Iran.

Inside the United States
Washington Bracing For Huge Military Operation
Thousands of troops are stationed in Washington D.C. amid mounting tensions ahead of Joe Biden's "virtual" inauguration as the 46th president of the United States.
Trump Denies True Supporters Among Rioters Storming Capitol
U.S. President Donald J. Trump urged his supporters to remain peaceful after being impeached by the House for a record second time with Republican voters.
Federal deficit up more than 60% in first fiscal quarter
The federal deficit is up more than 60% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to the same period last year, rising to a record-breaking $572.9 billion amid increased spending and declines in revenues.
McConnell: Trump impeachment trial to start after Biden sworn in
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Wednesday that President Trump's second impeachment trial will not start until at least next week, formally rejecting calls to return the Senate to Washington early.
Trump Is 1st US President Impeached Twice
Donald J. Trump became the first president in US history to be impeached twice and is now facing a Senate trial over the Capitol riots that sparked outrage across America.
McConnell will not reconvene Senate early to vote on impeachment
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell made clear Wednesday that he will not be reconvening his chamber early to accept the article of impeachment on President Trump.
Trump Denies Wrongdoing In Deadly Assault; Condemns Impeachment
In his first public comments since last week’s deadly assault on the US Congress, President Donald J. Trump condemned those seeking to impeach him over the violence.

Christian News
Muslim gang attack Uganda pastor and his wife, destroy church building
Incited by local mosque leaders, a gang of Muslims in eastern Uganda beat up a pastor and his wife because they offered help to an Imam who recently came to faith in Christ, Morning Start News reports.