Around the World
Pompeo angers China with Hong Kong threat, plan to send envoy to Taiwan
Washington may sanction those involved in the arrest of over 50 people in Hong Kong and will send the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to visit Taiwan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday, drawing anger and the threat of retaliation from Beijing.
U.S. Government Says Russia ‘Likely’ Behind Massive ‘Intelligence-Gathering’ Hack
The U.S. government said January 5 that Russia was “likely” behind a massive hack of government and private company networks discovered last month and the intrusion was an “intelligence-gathering effort.”
China has not authorized WHO experts to enter and investigation pandemic origin
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday that he is “very disappointed” China has not authorized a team of international experts to enter the country and investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters reports.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Sudan Signs on to Abraham Accords, Normalizing Relations With Israel
Sudan has officially signed the Abraham Accords, agreeing to normalize relations with Israel. The deal paves the way for Sudan to relieve its massive debt to the World Bank.
Syria claims “enemy” Israel conducted airstrikes near Damascus
Syrian media outlets have said Israel carried out a number of targeted airstrikes around Damascus late Wednesday night, the Times of Israel reports. Following standard policy about commenting on operations in Syria, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
Israeli intel expert: Virus likely ‘unnatural’
Retired Israeli Lt. Col. Dany Shoham, who was among the first to suggest that the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak may be linked to China’s military research, now believes there is a strong possibility that the virus escaped from a Chinese laboratory.
Israeli schools to shut amid tighter COVID-19 lockdown: “one final effort” Netanyahu says
Israeli government ministers voted Tuesday to further tighten the ongoing nationwide COVID-19 lockdown as the rate of virus contagion remains high despite Israel’s intensive vaccination campaign, the Times of Israel reports. Under the latest measure, schools and nonessential businesses will be closed for two weeks starting Thursday at midnight.

Inside the United States
Protesters gathered at statehouses across the nation, as U.S. Capitol building was breached
Protesters gathered outside several statehouses across the United States on Wednesday to rally in support of President Trump as Congress moved to certify the results of the electoral college in favor of Joe Biden and demonstrators in Washington, D.C. stormed the Capitol building.
Trump Promises Orderly Transition
Faced with a stream of defections and even threats of early eviction from the White House, U.S. President Donald J. Trump called for healing and reconciliation for the nation.
Capitol protests: FBI manhunt for riot suspects goes high-tech
A coalition of law enforcement agencies spearheaded by the FBI is hunting for anyone involved in Wednesday’s riots on Capitol Hill, and former special agents tell Fox News that advanced digital technology as well as traditional techniques will be used to find suspects.
Democrat Top Leader Schumer Wants President Trump’s Removal
U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer wants President Donald J. Trump’s Cabinet to remove him from office. He spoke after Wednesday’s deadly assault on the Capitol by rioters claiming to be Trump supporters.
Facebook Bans Trump From Platform
The chief executive officer of Facebook says the social media giant has banned U.S. President Donald J. Trump from the platform indefinitely.
Protesters who wore horned helmet, put feet up on Pelosi’s desk IDed
Two rioters whose images became emblematic of the chaos caused when pro-Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday have identified themselves.
Trump Accepts Congress Confirming Biden’s Election Victory
U.S. President Donald J. Trump pledged Thursday there would be "an orderly transition' after Congress certified Joe Biden's election victory.
Four Killed As Mob Storms U.S. Capitol
At least four people, including a female Air Force veteran, died as crowds angered over alleged election fraud stormed the U.S. Capitol, officials said.
Pentagon Activates 6,200 National Guard Members
The Defense Department has formally activated roughly 6,200 members of the National Guard from six northeastern states to help support the Capitol Police and other law enforcement in Washington in the wake of the deadly riot Wednesday that rocked the U.S. Capitol.

Christian News
Trump Faith Advisors and Other Christian Leaders Were Among First to Condemn Capitol Violence: ‘That’s Not Jesus’
As Americans watched in horror on their phones and televisions, a violent mob overwhelmed police at the US Capitol Wednesday, storming the building and taking over the legislative chambers. Evangelical leaders were quick to respond and urge an end to the rioting.