Global affairs, geopolitics, international relations, war & peace
Newly uncovered FBI internal emails reveal that the Biden White House coordinated with the Department of Justice ahead of the Mar-a-Lago raid. The documents contradict previous claims that the DOJ acted independently in pursuing the classified documents case against then-former President Trump.
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. has placed the NIH director in charge of the CDC as well, consolidating control over America's top two health agencies under a single leader. The move is part of a broader reorganization that has alarmed public health experts while energizing supporters of Kennedy's health reform agenda.
Israeli settlers have killed a 19-year-old Palestinian-American man in a West Bank attack, making him the sixth American citizen killed by Israeli settlers or soldiers there in the past two years. His family is demanding accountability as the incident adds to growing international pressure on Israel over settler violence.
A United Nations fact-finding mission has released a report stating that Sudan's Rapid Support Forces carried out a 'coordinated campaign of destruction against non-Arab communities' with hallmarks pointing to genocide. It marks the first time the UN has used the word genocide in connection with the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed.
— Psalm 10:17-18
As the world slowly acknowledges what may be genocide in Sudan, God has never been unaware. He hears the cries of the afflicted and will bring justice in His time.
North Korea has opened a major party congress with Kim Jong Un mapping out a new five-year agenda for the hermit kingdom. The congress comes as geopolitical tensions remain elevated and North Korea continues to develop its nuclear and missile capabilities.
FBI Director Kash Patel is touting a major restructuring of the bureau, announcing that 1,000 agents have been moved from headquarters to field offices across the country. The move fulfills a key campaign promise to refocus the FBI on frontline law enforcement rather than Washington bureaucracy.
The White House is circulating a bill that would ban institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, targeting Wall Street firms that have bought up hundreds of thousands of properties and driven up housing costs for ordinary Americans. The proposal addresses a bipartisan concern as homeownership becomes increasingly out of reach for young families.
Venezuela has approved a historic amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of political prisoners held by the Maduro regime. The legislation marks a potential turning point for the country, which has faced years of international condemnation for its detention of dissidents, journalists, and opposition leaders.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.
— Isaiah 61:1
The prophetic vision of Isaiah speaks directly to moments like this — when captives are set free and those held in darkness see light again.
Video captured the moment a man allegedly drove a truck into the Brisbane Synagogue gates in Australia before fleeing. The suspect is facing hate crime charges in an attack that adds to growing concerns about rising antisemitism worldwide.
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.
— Genesis 12:3
An attack on a synagogue is an attack on God's covenant people. Scripture's promise to Abraham echoes through the ages — those who target the Jewish community invite judgment upon themselves.
Vietnam War veterans have filed a lawsuit to block construction of President Trump's proposed 'Independence Arch,' a 250-foot structure planned for Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery. The veterans argue the monument would dishonor their service and obstruct views of the sacred burial grounds. The project, dubbed 'Arc de Trump' by critics, has drawn bipartisan opposition.
President Trump approved a federal emergency declaration for the Potomac River sewage spill — described as the largest in US history — after a 54-mile sewer main collapsed. FEMA has been authorized to coordinate disaster relief as millions of gallons of raw sewage continue pouring into the river, threatening the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations planned for Washington this summer.
About 3,000 people marched in Lyon after a nationalist activist was beaten to death, exposing deep political tensions in France ahead of next year's presidential vote. The killing has thrown the French far left into crisis, with Italian PM Meloni hitting back at Macron in a diplomatic spat over the incident. US officials have also weighed in, adding an international dimension to what is becoming a major fault line in European politics.
Blizzard warnings have been issued for New York City for the first time since 2017 as a major nor'easter threatens to dump over two feet of snow across the Northeast with wind gusts exceeding 55 mph. The storm is expected to hit Sunday, prompting school closures and flight cancellations from Boston to New Jersey. NYC's new mayor urged residents to sign up as emergency shovelers as the city prepares for its most significant winter storm in nearly a decade.
Lawyers for imprisoned Ghislaine Maxwell are fighting the release of 90,000 pages of Epstein-related documents, arguing the disclosure law is unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Epstein survivor Maria Farmer has denounced billionaire Les Wexner's testimony before the House as 'abhorrent,' referencing her 1996 filing accusing Epstein of abusing her at Wexner's Ohio residence. The Epstein estate has settled for $35 million as the UK pursues the Prince Andrew case.
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
— Luke 12:2
As powerful figures fight to keep documents sealed, the pursuit of truth continues — and Scripture promises that what is hidden will ultimately be brought to light.
Iranian students have staged the first significant anti-government protests since authorities killed over 7,000 demonstrators in a crackdown last month. The student protesters honored those killed in the mass protests that began in December, signaling that the resistance movement has not been extinguished despite brutal government suppression. At least 19 Iranian Christians have been confirmed dead amid the unrest, with reports of believers being targeted and scapegoated during the political upheaval.
He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.
— Psalm 72:14
As Iranian students risk their lives to protest a regime that has killed thousands, Scripture reminds us that God sees every act of oppression and values every life lost to tyranny.
Governor Mike Dunleavy hailed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's decision to open over two million acres of Alaska land for oil, gas, and critical mineral development, calling it 'a milestone for Alaska's self-determination.' The move revokes decades-old Public Land Orders, unlocking resource-rich territory that state leaders argue will boost domestic energy production and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.
Federal immigration officials are purchasing warehouses in a Texas border town to convert into detention facilities, bypassing local government notification. The quiet acquisitions have sparked alarm among community leaders who say they were left out of the loop on decisions that will significantly impact their towns.
Kenya's intelligence service warns that over 1,000 citizens may have been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, many lured under false pretenses with promises of lucrative employment. Survivors describe being 'given a gun and sent to die,' revealing a disturbing pattern of exploitation targeting young men in developing nations desperate for opportunity.
Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.
— Deuteronomy 24:14
Scripture's ancient command against exploiting vulnerable workers speaks directly to this modern horror — young Kenyans deceived into fighting a war that is not their own, their poverty weaponized against them.
The Labor Department has deployed a specialized 'strike team' to California to investigate alleged unemployment fraud and $21 billion in improper payments during the pandemic. The operation signals an aggressive federal push to recover taxpayer funds lost to waste and criminal exploitation of emergency relief programs.
A YouGov survey finds 60% of Americans say the Supreme Court was right to block Trump's emergency tariffs, exposing sharp divisions among Republicans. While Trump vows to press ahead with a 15% global levy under alternative legal authorities, vulnerable GOP incumbents face growing pressure from voters uneasy about rising prices ahead of the midterm elections.
Fox News obtained internal FBI emails that reportedly prove the Biden White House coordinated with the Justice Department ahead of the 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago. The revelations fuel longstanding Republican allegations that the raid was politically motivated and raise new questions about the chain of command behind the unprecedented search of a former president's home.
More than 30 years after its creation, the Palestinian Authority faces increasing warnings of imminent collapse as Israel tightens its hold over the West Bank. The erosion of PA governance has accelerated amid ongoing military operations and political pressures from all sides.
The Department of Justice's release of millions of Jeffrey Epstein files has renewed attention on law enforcement's failure to stop the convicted sex offender — including an accuser who provided an extensive account of abuse in 2011 yet saw no action taken. Questions mount over why multiple agencies failed to act on years of evidence.
Two Detroit police officers were suspended without pay for 30 days after calling Customs and Border Protection on suspects who were then taken into federal custody. In a pointed response, ICE invited the suspended officers to apply for federal jobs, intensifying the standoff between local sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement.
Far-left militants are suspected of killing Quentin Deranque, a young nationalist student in France, plunging Jean-Luc Mélenchon's party into widespread condemnation ahead of looming elections. The violence has reshaped the French political landscape as the far left faces a reckoning over extremism in its ranks.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 10 people in Lebanon on Saturday in among the deadliest attacks since the ceasefire that ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah. The escalation raises fresh concerns about the fragility of the truce and the broader regional security situation.
President Trump unleashed on his own Supreme Court nominees — Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch — after they joined the majority in striking down his sweeping tariff agenda. The two justices sided with the court's three liberal members and Chief Justice Roberts in the landmark 6-3 decision, drawing the president's fury as he vowed to rebuild his trade regime using alternative legal authorities.
President Trump announced $10 million in economic assistance to East Palestine, Ohio, as the community continues its recovery from the catastrophic 2023 train derailment and chemical spill. Trump vowed to 'never forget' the affected Americans and criticized the previous administration's response to the disaster.
A joint annual report on rights violations in Iran warns that 254 Christians were arrested in the country last year for their faith, with believers increasingly used as scapegoats amid political tensions. The crackdown comes as international attention focuses on Iran's nuclear program, with Christian communities bearing the brunt of internal instability and ideological enforcement.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
— Romans 8:35
Iranian Christians face arrest, imprisonment, and worse — yet Paul's ancient assurance remains: no earthly power can sever the bond between Christ and His people.
The FBI and Las Vegas police are investigating a suspected act of terrorism after an armed man drove a vehicle into a Nevada power substation and was found dead inside the car alongside a cache of weapons and extremist literature. The incident triggered an emergency response and has raised concerns about infrastructure security. Authorities are examining the suspect's background and potential ideological motivations.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
— Psalm 9:9
In a world shaken by acts of violence, God remains the unshakeable refuge for those who turn to Him.
The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's sweeping 'Liberation Day' tariffs in a 6-3 decision, ruling he overstepped his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The ruling invalidates the 10% baseline tariff on all trading partners and higher reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, putting more than $175 billion in collected revenue in question. Trump called the decision 'deeply disappointing' but immediately announced plans to impose new tariffs through alternative legal authorities. Markets seesawed on the news as trade partners worldwide responded with cautious optimism.
The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.
— Proverbs 21:1
Even the decisions of the most powerful leaders and courts remain under the sovereign direction of God, who works all things according to His purposes.
FBI Director Kash Patel outlines a major restructuring of the bureau, including moving 1,000 agents from Washington D.C. to field offices, eliminating what he calls 'politicized units,' and establishing new partnerships. Patel claims the changes have made America safer in his first year leading the agency.
Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank shot and killed a 19-year-old Palestinian American man during an attack on a village, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry and witnesses. The incident adds to growing tensions in the region.
A federal appeals court temporarily blocked California's new law that would have required ICE and other federal law enforcement officers to wear identifying information on their uniforms. The ruling is seen as a blow to Governor Newsom and a win for the Trump administration's immigration enforcement approach.
The Jeffrey Epstein case continues to send shockwaves across the Atlantic. His estate agreed to a $35 million class-action settlement for trafficking victims, while former Prince Andrew faces criminal proceedings in Britain. Bill Gates abruptly cancelled a major keynote in India amid renewed questions about his Epstein ties, and newly released files suggest Epstein eyed music industry investments to access women.
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
— Luke 8:17
As more details emerge from the Epstein files and investigations expand across continents, this truth from Luke reminds us that wickedness done in secret will ultimately be brought to light.
The Pentagon is deploying the USS Gerald Ford to the Middle East, creating a rare dual-carrier presence as President Trump reportedly weighs a limited strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. Trump gave Iran a '10 to 15 day' window to agree to a deal, while Iran conducted joint military drills with Russia. Satellite images reveal new tunnel entrances near Iranian nuclear sites.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
— Psalm 46:9
As tensions escalate toward potential military conflict, this psalm reminds us that God remains sovereign over the affairs of nations and ultimately brings peace.
Veterans Affairs has pulled back on a controversial rule that would have cut disability benefits for veterans whose PTSD symptoms were treated, amid bipartisan outrage from veterans groups including DAV and the American Legion. The rare reversal came after widespread criticism that the policy would have punished veterans for seeking treatment.
The World Council of Churches has publicly condemned the ongoing military strikes on civilians in Myanmar, following the bombing of a predominantly Mennonite village in western Myanmar earlier this month. The ruling junta frequently targets ethnoreligious minority communities in a conflict that has raged for decades.
North Korea has opened its most important political event in years, where leader Kim Jong Un is expected to lay out his domestic and foreign policy agenda for the next five years and further entrench his family's authoritarian rule. The congress is emphasizing economic development, signaling a shift in messaging even as the regime remains one of the most isolated on earth.
Venezuela's legislature approved an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of politicians, activists, and lawyers held for political reasons. The bill effectively acknowledges that the government has detained hundreds on political motivations — a remarkable concession from a regime that long denied political persecution. Venezuelan business leaders are also working to raise up to one billion dollars for an investment fund to rebuild the country's infrastructure.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.
— Isaiah 61:1
The prospect of hundreds of political prisoners being freed in Venezuela echoes the prophetic vision of liberation. After years of authoritarian crackdown, this amnesty represents a tangible step toward the freedom and justice that Scripture calls God's people to champion.
The White House has begun circulating draft legislation to ban institutional investors like Blackstone from purchasing single-family homes, hoping Congress will include it in a larger bipartisan housing bill. The effort to share legislative text on Capitol Hill signals a concrete policy move beyond rhetoric on housing affordability — an issue that has emerged as a key midterm concern.
Dr. Shawn DeRemer, husband of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, has been barred from the Department of Labor after at least two female employees accused him of sexual assault inside agency headquarters. One incident was reportedly caught on security camera. The allegations come as the Labor Secretary herself faces a separate misconduct investigation.
The fallout from the Epstein files continues to expand as former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee next week. Rep. James Comer said 'real bad people' continued communicating with Epstein after his conviction. New Mexico has reopened a criminal investigation into Epstein's Zorro Ranch. Meanwhile, Bard College hired WilmerHale to investigate its president's communications with Epstein, and documents revealed Epstein was pitched a $387 million Pentagon real estate deal after his 2008 conviction.
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
— Luke 8:17
As the Epstein files continue to be released, the web of connections and complicity stretches ever wider. Scripture promises that what is done in darkness will be brought to light — a sobering reminder that accountability, though delayed, comes to all.
An attempted arsonist targeted a building housing Department of Homeland Security offices in Meridian, Idaho, by stealing an ambulance, coating it in accelerant, and ramming it into the building. Meridian Police described the Wednesday night attack at a Thursday press conference. The incident adds to a pattern of increasing hostility toward federal agencies and immigration enforcement facilities.
The Florida State House has passed a constitutional amendment that would phase out all non-school property taxes for Florida homeowners. The measure now heads to the Senate in what could become one of the most significant tax reform proposals in state history, potentially reshaping how Florida funds local government services.
The United Kingdom has refused to allow the Pentagon to use British military air bases, including Diego Garcia, for a potential strike on Iran, citing concerns over international law. The decision comes as Trump warns Iran has 10 days to reach a 'meaningful' nuclear deal or face 'bad things,' and US forces continue surging into the Middle East.
Peru's Congress has removed yet another president from office, marking the seventh such ouster in just ten years. The South American nation's deepening political instability reflects systemic dysfunction in its institutions, with no faction able to establish durable governance amid widespread public frustration.
A United Nations fact-finding mission has declared that atrocities committed during the capture of el-Fasher by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces bear the 'hallmarks of genocide.' The report, which follows months of investigation, documents widespread killings and displacement in what has become one of the world's most devastating but least-covered humanitarian crises.
You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.
— Psalm 10:17-18
While the world's attention is pulled toward other headlines, Scripture reminds us that God hears the cries of the oppressed in Sudan. The silence of the international community does not reflect the heart of the God who defends the afflicted.
President Trump convened the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace at the White House, pledging $10 billion in US support for Gaza reconstruction while international donors committed an additional $7 billion. FIFA president Gianni Infantino donned a red 'USA' hat during the ceremony. Though Trump declared it 'looks like' Hamas will disarm, the group shows signs of regrouping, and critics question how grandiose plans will translate into reality on the devastated ground.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
— Matthew 5:9
The pursuit of peace in war-torn regions is a calling that echoes Scripture. Whether this initiative bears lasting fruit depends on whether the peacemaking goes beyond pledges to genuine reconciliation and justice for the suffering.
Despite suffering devastating losses in its war with Israel, Hamas is quietly reasserting control across the Gaza Strip. Gazans report the group is extending its grip over security, tax revenue, and government services, raising concerns about the long-term prospects for post-conflict governance in the territory.