In Other News

Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo xiv at the Vatican. The meeting was meant to ease tensions over the Iran war. The pope gave Rubio an olive branch in a wooden case, calling it “the plant of peace.” In return, Rubio handed the pope a small crystal football. The American-born pope looked at the gift and simply said, “Wow, OK.” Rubio joked, “What do you get someone who has everything?” Yet underneath the levity, deep diplomatic strains still exist between America and the Vatican. Pope Leo has openly opposed President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and Middle East foreign policy. Bible prophecy says a violent clash is soon coming between America and a Vatican-led Holy Roman Empire.

• What is a “ceasefire,” exactly? Yesterday, three U.S. naval vessels reported Iranian fire. The U.S. responded with what President Donald Trump called a “love tap” against three Iranian ports. Iran responded by bombarding the United Arab Emirates, an American ally. Despite all this, Trump claims the ceasefire is still “in effect” and hopes a deal can be negotiated.
• Iran can outlast the blockade for months. That is what a cia analysis reported yesterday by the Washington Post claims. One official speaking with the Post claimed Iran’s “leadership has gotten more radical, determined and increasingly confident they can outlast U.S. political will and sustain domestic repression to check any resistance.”

Yesterday, the New York Times reported that seven German intelligence officials said Germany and its neighbors fear becoming targets of bombings or other “hybrid” attacks carried out by Iranian proxy agents. Germany has allowed the U.S. to use American military bases on its soil for the war against Iran and has supported Israel with weapons exports, making Germany a particular target for Iranian retaliation. Jewish and American institutions in Germany are at particularly high risk. Four senior officials told the Times that intelligence agents and lawmakers have urged political leaders to express greater alarm. Germany is currently preparing a naval mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, which could make it an even bigger target for terrorism and possibly lead directly to a prophesied clash.

German manufacturing orders jumped 5 percent in March, the German government announced yesterday. This far exceeded the expected 1 percent growth theorized by a consensus of economists surveyed by the Wall Street Journal. As German manufacturing grows, it is important to understand the historic and prophetic implications of this trend.

The Anti-Defamation League announced on Wednesday that physical assaults against Jews in the U.S. in 2025 reached a high not seen in nearly half a century. Although anti-Semitic incidents declined by 33 percent to 6,274 cases in 2025, the year saw a record-high of 203 anti-Jewish assaults, surpassing the previous year’s 196 incidents. Thirty-two of those assaults involved deadly weapons, resulting in three deaths. To understand the root cause of hatred for the Jews, read “The One Minority Society Loves to Hate.”

At the end of April, U.S. public debt reached $31.27 trillion, surpassing the nation’s annual gross domestic product, $31.22 trillion, for the first time since World War ii. Total gross debt (including money borrowed from Social Security and other government funds) is even higher—about $39 trillion. Gross debt first surpassed gdp in 2012–2013. Experts worry that high debt means higher interest costs, higher prices for families, and less money for defense or other programs. When debt grows faster than gdp for a long time, nations go bankrupt if their leaders don’t fix the problem.

• The chance for a deal remains intact; some reports say the United States and Iran are closer to ending the war than at any time since hostilities began on February 28.
• U.S. forces suffered more damage than previously reported, the Washington Post claimed yesterday after analyzing available satellite images. It counts at least 228 structures damaged and over 400 personnel injured. These numbers exceed what the U.S. government has indicated.
• French carrier nears Hormuz: France’s Charles De Gaulle nuclear aircraft carrier and its strike group have transited the Suez Canal and entered the Red Sea for a potential Strait of Hormuz mission, President Emmanuel Macron announced yesterday. A German mine-hunter vessel is en route to join nato Mine Countermeasures Group 2 in the Mediterranean Sea for a similar purpose. Both countries have stressed that they will not intervene until the war officially ends.

The European Parliament reached a tentative agreement today that caves into Germany’s agenda for artificial intelligence despite protests from 10 other EU nations. Over the years, the European Union has instituted extensive regulations on information technology in the name of user privacy, yet this exemption for German industrial AI development shows not only that these regulations are a geopolitical tool for Europe to use (largely against the United States) but that they are subject to Europe’s increasingly dominant nation: Germany. Bible prophecy indicates that advanced technologies like AI will be weaponized.

Sudan recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia on Tuesday, claiming that four drone strikes on its borders, including an attack on the Khartoum airport, originated in Ethiopia. In the past, Ethiopia has allowed the Rapid Support Forces (rsf), a Sudanese rebel group, to train and launch attacks from within its borders. This comes only a few months after Sudan recalled its ambassador to Kenya after Kenya allowed rsf rebels to host meetings to establish a rival Sudanese government. Not only have events like these stoked fears that Sudan’s civil war and Ethiopia’s tensions could spread across international borders, but they are part of a wider trend that could jeopardize the relative stability of the entire Red Sea region and contribute to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

At least 23 passengers from the hantavirus-infected MV Hondius left the cruise ship in late April and returned home to Australia, England, the Netherlands, Taiwan and the United States without knowing they might have been exposed to hantavirus, which can kill 40 percent of those infected. Three people have died so far, one remains critically ill in intensive care in South Africa, and others have milder symptoms. Health officials are trying to contact everyone who disembarked the ship. Jesus Christ prophesied in Matthew 24 that plagues would be among the dire signs that precede His Second Coming.

Former President Barack Obama has increased his frequency of public statements over the past several months, claiming that Trump divided the country after the killing of Charlie Kirk, characterizing comments on autism as “violence against the truth,” and saying that Republicans would rather shut down the government than give people health care. Many Democrats welcome his rhetoric as the party lacks a clear leader two years into Trump’s second term. Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry identified Obama as the power that fundamentally transformed the United States during his presidency and usurped the presidency itself through Joe Biden. He also wrote in the September 2024 Trumpet issue that God “is beginning to silence this man! Barack Obama’s power is diminishing before our eyes.” Obama’s reemergence only highlights the fact that he no longer wields the same influence over the “deep state” and American culture and politics.

Russian military forces carried out devastating aerial attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets yesterday, claiming the lives of at least 27 people and wounding more than 70 others. The strikes, concentrated on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, used missiles, drones and glide bombs. Residential buildings and a vehicle repair shop were among the locations struck. “This was an absolutely cynical terrorist strike, with no military justification whatsoever,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media. The attacks come just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin had a call with United States President Donald Trump, proposing a ceasefire from May 8-9 that would coincide with Russia’s Victory Day observances. Zelenskyy responded to Putin’s proposal with calls instead for an open-ended ceasefire. Yesterday’s catastrophic attacks appear to be Putin’s answer.

The world’s largest contemporary art exhibition, Venice Biennale, allowed Russia to open a pavilion on Tuesday after years of banning the nation for its “grievous” war on Ukraine. More than 50 protesters demonstrated at the Russian exhibit today, performing songs, waving Ukrainian flags and setting off smoke bombs. “This pavilion stands on Ukrainian mass graves,” activist Inna Shevchenko said. “We are here to remind that the only Russian culture, the only Russian art today, is blood.” But the Russian exhibit continues to operate, reflecting a gradual rehabilitation of the country’s reputation.

“China Is Still Supplying Drone Factories in Iran, Russia Despite U.S. Sanctions,” the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday. According to former U.S. Treasury officials, China serves as a transit hub for American and European-made components to supply factories in Iran and Russia. For example, Xiamen Victory Technology is selling Iran and Russia Limbach L550 engines used in the Shahed-136 kamikaze drones. The engine was originally designed by a Chinese company’s German subsidiary. This means that the U.S. is not only fighting Iran but also Chinese and even Western technology. Bible prophecy reveals that these same world powers will soon openly work together against the U.S.

Two of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s most significant opponents were voted out of office on Monday. Mamata Banerjee and M. K. Stalin were some of the only major figures opposing the agenda of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, which has governed India for 12 years. As the New York Times put it, “Mr. Modi has made India look like a one-leader state.” Authoritarian leaders are becoming much more common than in previous decades. To learn how this trend matches Bible prophecy, read “The New Strongman Age.”

On Tuesday, Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan lost a vote of no confidence initiated by the far-right Unity of Romanians party and the socialist Social Democrat Party. A total of 281 of the 464 members of the legislature voted to effectively end his 10-month tenure: He remains a caretaker of the EU member state until the legislature forms a new government. Bolojan is Romania’s fourth prime minister in 5½ years. Far-right parties are gaining ground in Europe, and the fact that it was able to ally with the Social Democrat party, Romania’s largest party, in this vote is yet another sign of strength. European political instability is leading to a backlash against democracy as a whole and the rise of a more stable, decisive, autocratic, aggressive government under a German strongman.

Today, Belgian prosecutors announced their intent to charge two Jewish mohels with intentional assault and battery with premeditation against minors and the unlawful practice of medicine. A mohel is a specially trained Jewish officiant who performs the ritual circumcision on baby boys on the eighth day after birth, a custom that traces back to Genesis 17. Belgium allows non-medical circumcision, but the law requires a doctor to be involved. The case began last year after complaints, including some from within the Jewish community in Antwerp. Police conducted raids, seized items like knives, and gathered evidence. Judges will decide on June 18 whether the case goes to trial. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the prosecution, and U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White called it “wrong,” a “shameful stain on Belgium” and anti-Semitic.

Candidates endorsed by President Donald Trump won Republican primaries in Indiana and Ohio yesterday. Indiana challengers defeated five incumbent state senators who had opposed redrawing the state’s congressional districts. Trevor De Vries beat incumbent Dan Dernulc, 75 percent to 24 percent, while Blake Fiechter defeated incumbent Travis Holdman 61 percent to 39 percent. Indiana Governor Mike Braun called it a “historic night” for conservatives. In Ohio, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, an outspoken supporter of President Trump, easily won the Republican nomination for governor. The results show that the president remains a powerful force in shaping the Republican Party.

Russia is luring Africans to join its war against Ukraine, the New York Times reported yesterday. Kenya’s National Intelligence Service has reported that around 1,000 Kenyans have gone to Russia and joined its war effort, either willingly or not, with only 30 returning to their home country alive. Russia is reportedly promising African men normal jobs, then coercing them into deadly work supporting its attack on Ukrainians. Bible prophecy reveals that Russian President Vladimir Putin will soon be responsible for more deaths than any other human in history. His willingness to commit this kind of ruthless brutality is an indicator of his capability of fulfilling that prophecy.

Jeffrey K., a German national, drove through a crowd of people Monday afternoon, killing 2 and injuring 20. The suspect, who is married and the father of one child, reportedly had been in a psychiatric facility the day prior. While he reportedly admitted himself, he was expelled due to aggressive behavior toward other patients. What the mainstream media will not discuss is that there is a spiritual reason behind these tragedies.

Mark Carney became the first non-European leader to participate, as a guest, in the European Political Community summit in Armenia on Monday. The epc consists of 45 European nations and meets twice annually to enhance cooperation in economics, defense and other areas. Since becoming prime minister last year, Carney has pursued an agenda of pivoting away from the United States and toward Europe. At the summit, he concluded his remarks by stating that “the international order will be rebuilt, but it will be rebuilt out of Europe.” The Bible prophesies that a superpower will emerge from Europe, and it appears that Canada will help build it up and strengthen it in direct opposition to the United States.

• The U.S. will start escorting ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said today. In Project Freedom, he said, the U.S. Navy will deal “forcefully” with any Iranian attempts at disruption.
• Iran offered a peace deal plan Thursday, which Trump said on Saturday he was reviewing. The plan appears to cross all his red lines, calling for a resolution of all issues within 30 days, removal of U.S. forces, unfreezing Iranian assets, continuing enrichment of Iran’s uranium, and a guarantee not to attack again.
• Is Trump’s blockade working? The U.S. has intercepted at least 44 ships clandestinely sending Iranian oil to China. Over a million Iranians are unemployed, and the value of Iran’s currency has fallen sharply.
• Iran fired on a U.S. warship today, state media claimed. U.S. Central Command disputes this, but yesterday a cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz reported being attacked by smaller boats.
• Attacking Iran was a mistake, 61 percent of American adults said in an April 24–28 Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll. This is the same level of disapproval—for a conflict with few casualties lasting only a few weeks—as that of the years-long Vietnam War in which 50,000 Americans died.

The massive EU-mercosur Partnership Agreement took effect on Friday, four months after its signing and 25 years after negotiations began. That means the 27 members of the EU and the four members of mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) are now applying tariff cuts and allowing firms from across the Atlantic to bid on business and government contracts. The deal is provisional, however, because it is under review for legality by the Court of Justice of the European Union and has not been fully ratified. Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is pursuing implementation, with constitutional legality and the will of European people and nations as an afterthought, and is overpowering France in its push to create a $22 trillion economic zone of 720 million people that also encroaches on the United States’ trade. Bible prophecy warns that a rising European superpower is about to cut the U.S. off from the global market.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals suspended a Food and Drug Administration policy from the Biden presidency that allows suppliers to mail mifepristone without prior consent from a physician. Mifepristone is the main drug used in abortion pills. In 2023, United States President Joe Biden removed the restriction on women requiring an examination by a physician before they could order the drug. This effectively allowed mail-in abortions on demand, despite mifepristone being linked to problems like sepsis. The recent verdict does not suspend the drug from being sent out, but at least it restores some barrier to women being able to kill their unborn babies on demand.

A federal appeals court upheld Texas’s new law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in every public-school classroom. In a 9-8 decision on April 21, the Fifth Circuit ruled the law does not violate the United States Constitution. Judges overruled a lower court and said the Ten Commandments are part of America’s moral and legal history, and schools can honor that heritage. “This is a huge victory for religious liberty and Texas values,” said Jonathan Saenz, the leader of the Texas Values nonprofit. The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups are disappointed and plan to appeal to the Supreme Court. To learn more about what shaped America’s moral and legal history, read The Ten Commandments.

The Israeli Navy detained 175 activists aboard 22 vessels near Crete on Wednesday, part of the 58-vessel Global Sumud Flotilla, which plans to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza to supply aid to Palestinians, rather than providing it through the Israeli-secured port in Ashdod. Major flotillas like this are designed to portray Israelis as evil, part of the ongoing surge in anti-Semitism worldwide, often disguised as activism.