Today's Breaking News
Around the World
IS said to have lost half the area it once claimed in Iraq
The Islamic State group has continued losing control over territory across Iraq and Syria, a Pentagon spokesman said Monday, including almost half of what it had once held in Iraq.
U.S. forces on the ground in Libya: Report
U.S. forces are reportedly on the ground in Libya, conducting patrols and advising local militias fighting to oust Islamic State fighters from the country.
Iran: U.S. Encouraging Islamic Republic to Keep Illicit Missile Tests Secret
A senior Iranian military commander claimed that U.S. officials are quietly encouraging the Islamic Republic to keep its illicit ballistic missile tests a secret so as not to raise concerns in the region, according to Persian language comments.
Iran cracks down on women modeling without headscarves online
Iranian police recently arrested eight people in a new crackdown targeting 'un-Islamic acts' online such as female models posting images of themselves without the hijab, state media reported on May 16.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Rafael unveils 1,500-meter-range infantry missile
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems plans to unveil its Spike, short-range (SR) shoulder- fired (man portable) weapon Wednesday at the Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Rafael said.
Herzog reportedly ready to join Netanyahu's coalition, demands major portfolios
In coalition negotiations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opposition leader Isaac Herzog conditioned his party joining the government on landing either one of the justice, culture or communications portfolios, local media reported early Tuesday.
Methodist church meeting votes down BDS resolutions
The United Methodist Church has rejected several resolutions calling for the 12-million-member Protestant church to divest from companies engaging in business with Israel over its treatment of Palestinians.
Shin Bet: Hamas bringing weapons, rocket-making material into Gaza
The Israeli Navy arrested off the coast of Gaza last month a Hamas-affiliated smuggler who is accused of bringing weapons and illegal building materials into the Strip, the Shin Bet revealed Monday.

Inside the United States
Supreme Court ruling should clear the way to free birth control for women with religious employers
An evenly divided Supreme Court skirted the major legal questions arising from a dispute over President Obama's healthcare program and instead announced a compromise Monday designed to clear the way for women working for religious organizations to receive the free birth control promised under the Affordable Care Act.
Phoenix Artists Sue City Over LGBT Non-Discrimination Law
Two artists at a Phoenix calligraphy studio are suing the city over its non-discrimination law, saying they fear they could face jail or other penalties if they refuse to create art for same-sex weddings.
Obama: Transgender bathroom guidance meant to affirm kids' dignity
Responding to criticism of his administration's new guidance on transgender students' use of school bathrooms, President Barack Obama said Monday he wanted to ensure children were being treated with dignity.
Texas Governor Refuses Obama's Request to Lift State Sanctions on Iran; Says Nuclear Deal Undermines US Security
The governor of Texas sent a harsh letter to US President Barack Obama on Monday, announcing that his state would not only maintain its sanctions on Iran, but strengthen them, The Algemeiner has learned.
Congressman: Classified Details of Iran's Treatment of U.S. Sailors Will Shock Nation
The classified details behind Iran's treatment of several U.S. sailors who were captured by the Islamic Republic during a tense standoff earlier this year are likely to shock the nation, according to one member of the House Armed Services Committee, who disclosed to the Washington Free Beacon that these details are currently being withheld by the Obama administration.

U.S. Politics
With Trump atop GOP, conservatives could lose influence on Capitol Hill
Donald Trump hasn't only beaten the Republican establishment, he's also thrashed Washington's conservative establishment.
Hillary Clinton keeps losing. So how come she's winning?
Bernie Sanders is on a roll. He's won the last two Democratic primaries and stands a good chance Tuesday of adding Oregon and perhaps Kentucky to his pile of victories.

Christian News
Iranian church pastor released from detention; three church members still held
An Iranian pastor arrested last week has been released along with his wife, but three members of their church remain in custody, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
Franklin Graham Criticizes Obama for Transgender Bathroom Directive: 'Who Does He Think He is?'
Franklin Graham criticized President Obama's decision to direct public schools to allow transgender students to choose the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity.
Missing South Korea Christian minister possibly kidnapped to North
A Christian minister of South Korean nationality is missing, and could have possibly been abducted to the North in March.
Going To Church Could Help You Live Longer, Study Says
Many Americans say they attend church because it helps them stay grounded and gives them spiritual guidance. A new study suggests that regular attendance may also help increase their lifespan.
40,000 Christians Persecuted By Muslims In Germany
A new study shows that potentially thousands of Christians have been attacked and harassed in German migrant homes by Muslim guards and fellow migrants.