‘1480 Holy Office in Spain v. Oval Office’ : Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah leaders among terrorists who pay Elon Musk for X subscriptions, study finds

The Independent

Adventist Angels Watchman Radio Live International 📻

When we reach the standard that the Lord would have us reach, worldlings will regard Seventh-day Adventists as odd, singular, straight-laced extremists. “We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” RH January 9,  1894, par. 10

[8] Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? [9] Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. [10] And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. [11] Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. [12] For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.Isaiah 60 : 8-12

Gustaf Kilander

Sun, May 18, 2025 at 11:04 PM GMT+34 min read

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Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah leaders among terrorists who pay Elon Musk for X subscriptions, study finds

High-ranking members of designated terrorist groups in the U.S. are among those who pay Elon Musk for X subscriptions, a study has found.

Included in the group are an Al-Qaeda advisor, one of the founders of Hezbollah, the leader of a militia group in Iraq known to attack American troops, and a top official with the Houthi rebels, according to the investigation by the Tech Transparency Project.

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) enforces regulations that forbid American companies from taking part in transactions with people or entities the U.S. government has sanctioned unless licensed or authorized by the government. X’s policies say that its premium benefits cannot be used by users who are under OFAC sanctions.

In the year 1480, during the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the holy office was established in Spain. It was inaugurated for the benefit of the Jews, not primarily because they were heretics, but because they were wealthy, and Rome and Spain needed money. This is a serious charge, but nevertheless a true one, and one which can be easily and clearly sustained.
These unfortunate members of the race of Israel were not only wealthy, but they had gradually risen in political eminence until they were the incumbents of the highest civil offices. They made great advancement in various departments of letters. The schools of Cordova, Toledo, Barcelona, and Grenada were crowded with students. It was the Jews and the Arabs who kept alive the flame of learning during the mythological gloom of the Middle Ages. They frequently resided at the courts of Catholic princes as ministers of finance, situations which they were eminently qualified to fill.
But royal patronage proved incompetent to save them from the bloody hand of the state church, when their “flourishing fortunes had risen to a sufficient height” to excite her envy. I quote from Prescott:—
“Stories were circulated of their contempt for the Catholic worship, their desecration of the most holy symbols, and of their crucifixion, or other sacrifice, of Christian children at the celebration of their own Passover…. At length toward the close of the fourteenth century the fanatical populace, stimulated in many instances by the no less fanatical clergy, and perhaps encouraged by the numerous class of debtors to the Jews, who found this a convenient mode of settling their accounts, made a fierce assault on this unfortunate people in Castile and Arragon, breaking into their houses, violating their most private sanctuaries, scattering their most costly collections and furniture, and consigning the wretched proprietors to indiscriminate massacre, without regard to sex or ago.”  PRUS 54.1 – PRUS 54.4

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They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.Lamentations 4 : 18

Twitter Flying 🐦 Bird Gone_ No Fly Zone!

However, the Tech Transparency Project found several terrorists and others under sanctions who have premium blue checkmark accounts on X. A number of these accounts also had a badge stating that they had been “ID verified,” which means that X has confirmed their identity after they sent in a government-issued ID and a selfie to the social media platform. Multiple users used money-generating features put forward by X, such as a button to receive tips.

In February last year, the Tech Transparency Project initially raised questions regarding sanctioned groups’ use of premium services on X. Just hours after the initial report was released, X removed checkmarks from all the accounts cited in the report and subsequently suspended many of those accounts.

Adhering to legal obligations

The X Safety account said in a post the same day, directly responding to the report, that the platform “has a robust and secure approach in place for our monetization features, adhering to legal obligations, along with independent screening by our payments providers.”

Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.Isaiah 65 : 5

Elon Musk has said that ‘any company’ uses controls to make sure payments don’t end up in the wrong hands (Reuters)
Elon Musk has said that ‘any company’ uses controls to make sure payments don’t end up in the wrong hands (Reuters)

“Several of the accounts listed in the Tech Transparency Report are not directly named on sanction lists, while some others may have visible account check marks without receiving any services that would be subject to sanctions,” they added. “Our teams have reviewed the report and will take action if necessary. We’re always committed to ensuring that we maintain a safe, secure and compliant platform.”

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Even so, the new investigation conducted between November 2024 and April 2025 by the Tech Transparency Project found many checkmarks on accounts seemingly held by individuals sanctioned by the U.S. Several appeared to have resubscribed to premium services or created new accounts.

The platform, formerly known as Twitter, previously distributed checkmarks to verify notable figures; however, after Musk took over the company, he made it a paid product and encouraged users to buy a premium subscription to access such services.

X’s transactions with people sanctioned by the U.S. government come as Musk has been leading President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency to slash the federal workforce. Musk, who has since stepped back from the day-to-day running of DOGE, criticised the Treasury Department in February for not having “basic controls” to track payments and to make sure they don’t end up in the hands of terrorists and other recipients the payments weren’t intended for.

Musk said that such controls are used by “any company” as he appeared alongside Trump in the Oval Office.

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X’s rules state that users must be subscribed to X Premium or Premium+ to get a blue checkmark. At $8 per month or $84 per year, X Premium is significantly cheaper than Premium+, which costs $40 per month or $395 per year.

To become a verified organization, you can either choose the Basic option for $200 per month or $2,000 per year, or the Full Access option for $1,000 per month or $10,000 per year.

X states that premium accounts can get a checkmark “after a review to ensure subscribed accounts meet all eligibility criteria.” However, the platform does clarify that users under U.S. sanctions, including OFAC sanctions, cannot use the premium service.

Subscribers to the premium service can edit posts, post longer texts, and create “communities” focused on specific issues. Premium users can also earn a portion of ad revenue and charge subscription fees.

The Independent has contacted X for comment.

‘Is America also the ‘King’ of the East?’ : Italy’s Meloni scores diplomatic win as ‘bridge builder’ by bringing US and EU to the same table

Adventist Angels Watchman Radio Live International 📻
Associated Press

And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?Luke 12 : 14

by GIADA ZAMPANO

Sun, May 18, 2025 at 9:20 PM GMT+34 min read

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Vice President JD Vance, from left, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meet at the Chigi Palace in Rome, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)
From left, Vice President JD Vance, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meet at the Chigi Palace in Rome, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table 💊. 1 Kings 18 : 19

Italy US EU Vance

Vice President JD Vance, from left, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meet at the Chigi Palace in Rome, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

ASSOCIATED PRESSMore

ROME (AP) — Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni hosted a key trilateral meeting in Rome on Sunday, bringing U.S. Vice President JD Vance and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the same table, hoping to usher in what she said could be a “new beginning.”

It was a diplomatic score for Meloni, who has been touted as a potential bridge-builder with the Trump administration, but so far had been unable to provide decisive breakthroughs amid increasingly strained relations with her main European partners.

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?1 Kings 19 : 9

“I am very proud to host two of the leaders of the EU and the U.S. to start a dialogue,” Meloni told the press ahead of the trilateral meeting, while sitting at a round table with her counterparts. The Italian premier recalled that she had proposed such an initiative a month earlier in the U.S. capital when she met President Donald Trump at the White House.

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“The need and the desire to promote dialogue.”

“I hope that today can be a first meeting and a new beginning,” Meloni said, noting that “for trade matters” the competence belonged to the EU Commission, but Rome’s role was linked to “the need and the desire to promote dialogue.”

Vance stressed that Meloni had become “a good friend,” acknowledging her will to act as “a bridge builder between Europe and the United States,” a role that both him and Trump supported.

Vance also admitted that the U.S. and the EU kept “some disagreements, as friends sometimes have, for example on tariffs, but we also have many things on which we agree.”

Von der Leyen responded she hoped that, on the trade issues, the EU and the U.S. could reach “an agreement that is good for both sides,” stressing that the two partners have the largest trade exchange in the world.

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Addressing the Ukrainian conflict, the EU leader noted that “what unites us on Ukraine is the pursuit of a just and lasting peace,” thanking the U.S. for its strong commitment in trying to stop the war.

O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:Isaiah 48 : 18

Von der Leyen urged parties to “push things forward,” adding she believed “the next week will be crucial” for Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

When we reach the standard that the Lord would have us reach, worldlings will regard Seventh-day Adventists as odd, singular, straight-laced extremists. “We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” RH January 9, 1894, par. 10

The meeting was a sigh of relief for Meloni, who had recently struggled to play a central role in Europe’s diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Earlier this week, she had openly distanced herself from the initiative led by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which she claimed was focused on the possible deployment of European troops to Ukraine.

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Even though Meloni initially joined a video call with the so-called c oalition of the willing — including UK, France, Germany and Poland — she was then excluded from a coordination meeting between the European quartet and Trump’s administration.

AMERICA FIRST! Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.Jeremiah 25 : 32

Tensions spiked on Friday when French President Emmanuel Macron accused Meloni of spreading “false information” to justify her absence from the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a joint call with Trump.

Political analyst and LUISS University professor Lorenzo Castellani noted that Meloni’s priority, reaffirmed by Sunday’s trilateral’s initiative, was to maintain a close alignment with her U.S. ally.

Our work is an aggressive one, and as faithful soldiers of Jesus, we must bear the blood-stained banner into the very strongholds of the enemy. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” If we will consent to lay down our arms, to lower the blood-stained banner, to become the captives and servants of Satan, we may be released from the conflict and the suffering. But this peace will be gained only at the loss of Christ and heaven. We cannot accept peace on such conditions. Let it be war, war, to the end of earth’s history, rather than peace through apostasy and sin.
The work of apostasy begins in some secret rebellion of the heart against the requirements of God’s law.  RH May 8,  1888, par. 9 – RH May 8,  1888, par. 10

“Her strategy scored a win on Sunday, as she continues to navigate a delicate balancing act between the EU and the U.S.” Castellani said. “She sees Washington as a key actor in any future resolution of the Ukrainian conflict and her aim is to push for a broader diplomatic effort that includes the U.S. and the main European allies.”

And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.Revelation 13 : 12

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In this scenario, analysts believe that Meloni could successfully position herself as a mediator, leveraging Italy’s role to help reaching a compromise between Europe and the U.S., also on the tariffs side.

Rome was at the core of international diplomacy on Sunday

Rome was at the core of international diplomacy on Sunday as Zelenskyy met with top U.S. officials and European leaders, ahead of a high-stakes phone call Monday between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine.

After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few decided to dissolve all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an absolute necessity if they would obey the Word of God. They dared not tolerate errors fatal to their own souls, and set an example which would imperil the faith of their children and children’s children. To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that even peace would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war. GC88 45.2

When we reach the standard that the Lord would have us reach, worldlings will regard Seventh-day Adventists as odd, singular, straight-laced extremists. “We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” RH January 9,  1894, par. 10

Zelenskyy spoke with Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the U.S. ambassador’s residence, after attending the inaugural Mass for Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, which attracted leaders from across the world.

Greece’s top diplomat calls war in Gaza a ‘nightmare’

Associated Press
Adventist Angels Watchman Radio Live International 📻

[2] Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. [3] And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.Daniel 7 : 2-3

EDITH M. LEDERER

Tue, May 20, 2025 at 7:15 AM GMT+34 min read

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Greece Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis responds to questions during an interview at the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations, in New York, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)More

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The world is facing the most turbulent times since World War II, Greece’s top diplomat says, pointing to a crossroads in democracy and saying Europe is facing a “political identity crisis.”

In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis weighed in on two of the globe’s major conflicts, saying the “nightmare” and escalating death toll in Gaza must end and Greece stands by Ukraine.

He also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs are not “good news.”

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Here are some takeaways from Monday’s interview:

A crisis in democracy tied to inequality

Gerapetritis, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the U.N. Security Council this month, said inequalities between nations and people are challenging “the essence of democracy and the rule of law.” As a result, “we have turned into an era where populism and demagogues are essentially ruling the state,” he said.

He said global turmoil is also the result of technology and the world’s mobility, which mean every challenge — from pandemics to climate and migration — touches everyone. The upheaval also follows a crisis in overall global cooperation and belief in international organizations, which have failed to address challenges in recent years.

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Nonetheless, Gerapetritis said, Greece believes “democracy has a self-corrective mechanism” and what’s needed at this challenging time is strong leadership in major nations and international organizations “to make people believe in the noble cause of being together in peace and prosperity.”

Europe is seeking resilience amid the war in Ukraine

The Greek foreign minister said the European Union’s requirement that decisions be adopted unanimously by its 27 members — giving a single nation veto power — has become an obstacle.

On the other hand, he said, the veto reflects national interests that should be at the core of European politics.

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At the moment, Gerapetritis said Europe is in a “political identity crisis.”

“It seems that on occasions, we forget what are the essential elements that brought us together as Europeans, and we do suffer from some divergences and conflict,” he said. “And now we’re suffering the post-shock syndrome after the war in Ukraine. So I think Europe needs again to find its resilience and identity.”

Greece stands by Ukraine because it supports the rule of law and its sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.

As for EU and U.S. sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Gerapetritis said they have been only partially successful because Moscow has found ways to circumvent their impact. The economic penalties have not become “a turning point for peace,” he said.

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Greece has good relations with both Israel and the Palestinians

Gerapetritis said his country supports a two-state solution, has discussed it and Gaza’s reconstruction extensively with Israel and the Palestinians, and sees itself as an “honest broker.”

We would like to be actively involved, but to be totally honest, it’s not a matter of who mediates, it’s a matter of stopping the nightmare,” he said.

Hamas’ killing of 1,200 people and taking of hostages from Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, was absolutely inhumane, he said. Also, “I cannot really tolerate what is happening now in the Middle East,” he said, pointing to the more than 53,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to its health ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count.

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Gerapetritis, who will preside at a Security Council meeting Thursday on protecting civilians in conflict, called for massive humanitarian aid for Gaza and a speedy ceasefire.

The first few aid trucks entered Gaza this week following nearly three months of an Israeli blockade of food, medicine and other supplies. Israel says a new distribution system will launch to prevent Hamas from accessing aid, which Israel says the militant group uses to bolster its rule in Gaza.

Looking for compromise on U.S. tariffs

Gerapetritis said U.S.-Greek ties are growing, citing investments by Amazon, Google, Pfizer and other companies, including in the energy field.

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Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration haven’t had a major influence in the country, he said, “because we are not overexposed to that type of bilateral trade.”

But Greece is in favor of free trade, he said, and while “we do not consider that tariffs are good news … we do believe that there must be a modus vivendi,” a Latin phrase that in international relations often means a compromise between parties.

Trump imposed a 20% levy on goods from the EU amid a series of such moves against trading partners but later paused them to give a chance to negotiate solutions to U.S. trade concerns. Countries subject to the pause will face Trump’s 10% baseline tariff.

A Texas man was mowing his property when a swarm of bees attacked. He died soon after.

USA TODAY

Adventist Angels Watchman Radio Live International

They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.Psalm 118 : 12

Greta Cross, USA TODAY

Mon, May 19, 2025 at 11:33 PM GMT+33 min read

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A Texas man has died after being attacked by a swarm of bees.

Steven William Daniel of Cisco died on April 27 in Eastland, Texas, about 130 miles southwest of Dallas, according to an incident report obtained by USA TODAY on Monday.

Daniel stopped breathing and became unresponsive

Eastland Police Department officers responding to a call about a crashed vehicle found Daniel swarmed by the bees, the agency said in a news release. Officers took Daniel out of his truck and put him in a police car until an ambulance could arrive and take him to a hospital. During the ambulance ride, Daniel stopped breathing and became unresponsive, the department said.

A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.Psalm 74 : 5

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Circulatory collapse

Although Daniel, 66, was not allergic to bees, he died later that evening of circulator collapse from the bee stings, according to the incident report. Circulatory collapse, or circulatory shock, occurs when the body’s circulation system is compromised, resulting in inadequate blood flow to the body’s vital organs.

Parents need to awake, and purify their souls by practicing the truth in their home life. When we reach the standard that the Lord would have us reach, worldlings will regard Seventh-day Adventists as odd, singular, straight-laced extremists. “We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.”
We are under  RH January 9,  1894, par. 10 – RH January 9,  1894, par. 11

Cyd Daniel, Daniel’s wife, told Texas television station KTAB/KRBC that her husband had been mowing a property they owned in Eastland when he encountered the bees. Over the seven years the couple owned the property, he had never had an issue with bees, Cyd said.

Over the seven years the couple owned the property, he had never had an issue with bees

And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah.Deuteronomy 1 : 44

Bee swarm: Bees attack and kill 3 horses in Texas: ‘They didn’t give up’

Cyd described her late husband to KTAB/KRBC as funny and quiet, someone who believe in safety first.

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Helps one person or one kid or people at a birthday party

For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.Psalm 35 : 20

“I believe this happened for a reason, and I think it’s to warn the rest of us,” Cyd told the local television station. “And if it helps one person or one kid or people at a birthday party, then he helped. He made a difference.”

[18] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: [19] And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.Job 1 : 18-19

Cyd did not immediately respond when contacted by USA TODAY on May 19.

More bees attack in region

Another fatal bee attack in region happened less than two weeks after Daniel’s death.

And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcass of the lion.Judges 14 : 8

On May 9, a swarm of what are believed to be Africanized honey bees, also known as killer bees, attacked and killed three horses in Comanche, Texas, just about 50 miles southeast of Eastland.

That attack involved millions of bees that also attacked the owner of the horses.

They attacked me as soon as I got outside,” Baillie Hillman told USA TODAY. “They were in my ears, my glasses, my hair.” She escaped and got back inside.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.John 15 : 4

It’s unclear what kind of bees attacked Daniel.

How many people die from bee stings each year?

Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.Deuteronomy 7 : 20

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 72 people died from hornet, wasp and bee stings each year between 2011 and 2021.

A bee seaches for nectar in the flowers of a blossoming cherry tree near downtown Stockton on Feb. 15, 2015.
A bee seaches for nectar in the flowers of a blossoming cherry tree near downtown Stockton on Feb. 15, 2015.

Keeping safe around bees this spring

Spring is a busy time for bees. They’re emerging to forage, reproduce and sometimes, look for a new home, Texas Beeworks founder Erika Thompson told USA TODAY. If you encounter bees this spring, the best thing to do is stay calm. Avoid sudden movements, swatting and loud noises because bees are sensitive to vibrations, Thompson said.

For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.Psalm 35 : 20

Thompson said if you are stung by a bee, remove the stinger as soon as possible because it can continue to release venom even after the sting.

Regularly inspect your property for gaps, cracks or open vents − areas that bees can squeeze into, Thompson said. Seal any unwanted openings with fine mesh, caulk or weather stripping. If you find a hive in an unwanted area on your property, contact a local beekeeper or bee removal specialist for ethical relocation. Don’t try to handle the hive on your own.

Maintenance: Here’s how to get rid of bees around your home

Contributing: Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas man mowing grass dies after being attacked by swarm of bees

‘Flying Angels Banned_No Fly Zone’ : Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ missile shield could cost hundreds of billions

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)2 Corinthians 10 : 4

Adventist Angels Watchman Radio Live International
CNN

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,Revelation 14 : 6

Zachary Cohen, Katie Bo Lillis and Natasha Bertrand, CNN

Mon, May 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM GMT+38 min read

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President Donald Trump is joined by Republican lawmakers Sen. Ashley Moody, her son Connor, Rep. Gary Palmer, Rep. Brian Jack, Rep. Stephanie Bice and Rep. Craig Goldman as Trump signed Congressional resolutions into law in the Oval Office at the White House on May 9, in Washington, DC. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
President Donald Trump is joined by Republican lawmakers Sen. Ashley Moody, her son Connor, Rep. Gary Palmer, Rep. Brian Jack, Rep. Stephanie Bice and Rep. Craig Goldman as Trump signed Congressional resolutions into law in the Oval Office at the White House on May 9, in Washington, DC. – Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesMore

The Pentagon has submitted small, medium and large options to the White House for developing “Golden Dome,” President Donald Trump’s vision for a cutting-edge missile shield that can protect the US from long-range strikes that will likely cost hundreds of billions of dollars, according to multiple sources familiar with the plans.

The space-based missile defense system_No Fly Zone!

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,Revelation 14 : 6

Trump is expected to announce his preferred option – and its price point – in the coming days, a decision that will ultimately chart a path forward for funding, developing and implementing the space-based missile defense system over the next several years.

But Romanism as a system is no more in harmony with the gospel of Christ now than at any former period in her history. The Protestant churches are in great darkness, or they would discern the signs of the times. The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined  conflict to regain control of the world, to re-establish persecution, and to undo all that Protestantism has done.  GC 565.4

Whatever option Trump opts for, it won’t be cheap; $25 billion has been carved out in next year’s defense budget for the system, but the Congressional Budget Office has estimated the US could have to spend more than $500 billion – over the course of 20 years – to develop a viable Golden Dome.

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The project will also present a bonanza for private contractors as the government won’t be able to build it alone, with companies including Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the running for highly lucrative contracts related to the system.

Golden Dome system that will protect Americans and our homeland from a wide range of global missile threats!

The Department of Defense “has developed a draft architecture and implementation plan for a Golden Dome system that will protect Americans and our homeland from a wide range of global missile threats,” chief Pentagon spokesman and senior adviser Sean Parnell told CNN in a statement.

“The Secretary of Defense and other Department leaders have engaged with the President to present options and look forward to announcing the path forward in the coming days,” Parnell added.

Golden dome czar” – who can oversee the development and deployment of the highly complex system!

A key part of the implementation plan will be the establishment of a direct reporting program manager – also known as a “golden dome czar” – who can oversee the development and deployment of the highly complex system, according to three sources familiar with the conversations.

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Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, vice chief of space operations at the US Space Force!

Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, vice chief of space operations at the US Space Force, is under close consideration for the role, the sources said, noting he is a four-star general with experience in the procurement of missile defense systems and emerging space-based capabilities.

For now, however, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Golden Dome and what it will ultimately look like.

Another person with direct knowledge of the options said the system would ultimately encompass about 100 programs, many of which already live within the Defense Department or are in development. The one “entirely new” aspect would be the command and control and integration layer of the architecture, this person said.

“There are a lot of different flavors of what this could look like,” said a senior congressional official familiar with the Pentagon’s proposed plans.

A huge challenge

A comprehensive missile defense shield is a concept the US has pursued for decades but never realized because of gaps in technology and cost.

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Iron Kingdom verse Gold Kingdom

Trump has repeatedly insisted the US needs a missile defense program similar to Israel’s Iron Dome, but the systems are orders of magnitude apart. In practical terms, the comparison is less apples to oranges, and more apples to aircraft carriers.

Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system selectively protects populated areas from short-range threats in a country the size of New Jersey; Trump wants a space-based missile defense system capable of defending the entire United States from advanced ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

The Defense Intelligence Agency recently released an unclassified assessment titled “Golden Dome for America,” underscoring how US adversaries like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea can target the American homeland with a variety of ballistic missiles, long-range cruise missiles, bombers and hypersonic missiles.

But Romanism as a system is no more in harmony with the gospel of Christ now than at any former period in her history. The Protestant churches are in great darkness, or they would discern the signs of the times. The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world, to re-establish persecution, and to undo all that Protestantism has done. GC 565.4

The core policy decision for Trump largely centers on next-generation capabilities to defend the US against ICBMs or hypersonic threats, the congressional official added, noting it is clear Golden Dome will require “a “significant research and development effort.”

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Developing such a complex system will require establishing a network of government agencies and private contractors, the makeup of which remains unclear at this early stage, multiple sources familiar with the planning process said.

SpaceX is among the companies vying for a role in developing Golden Dome and has briefed Trump officials on a possible collaboration with two other contractors: Anduril and Palantir, two sources familiar with the conversations told CNN. All three companies have made pitches directly to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has indicated he wants what they’re selling, one of the sources said.

High-profile defense contractors and tech companies have been jockeying for a slice of the pie since Trump’s election win in November.

And the lobbying campaign has ramped up since the president issued an executive order in January directing Hegseth to submit within 60 days options for developing Golden Dome.

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Musk’s ownership of SpaceX, combined with his proximity to Trump, has rankled Democrats who have urged the Defense Department’s inspector general to investigate the tech billionaire’s involvement in the process of awarding contracts related to Golden Dome.

But some defense officials, industry experts and congressional sources have defended SpaceX’s possible involvement in Golden Dome, with one source pointing out the company has already demonstrated expertise developing the sensor layer capability that the missile defense system will need.

“So, like, yes, SpaceX is probably the leading contender, but they’re the only legit shop in town for this right now,” the source told CNN.

The contract process is expected to be competitive, though, and carried out through the Defense Innovation Unit.

‘I’ve never seen an early estimate that was too high’

At a time the Pentagon is looking to cut budgets, the Trump administration has ordered military officials to ensure future funding for “Golden Dome” is reflected in new budget estimates for 2026, multiple sources told CNN.

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For now, lawmakers have committed to making a “down payment on Golden Dome” as part of its reconciliation bill, the congressional official said, earmarking $25 billion in next year’s defense budget for satellites, space-based sensors and interceptors, and launch infrastructure.

“If you look at the appropriations, we have $7.2 billion just for the development, procurement and integration of space-based sensors,” the official noted. “And then there’s $5.6 billion for the development, procurement and integration of space-based and boost-phase interceptor capability.”

But that funding would only be a drop in the bucket compared with the estimated total cost of developing, implementing and maintaining the system Trump has described, defense officials and industry experts say.

“I’m 34 years in this business. I’ve never seen an early estimate that was too high. It’s the nature of the business,” Gen. Chance Saltzman, the chief of space operations for US Space Force, said last week when asked about the CBO’s cost estimate during an event hosted by Politico.

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While defense officials and industry executives largely agree that it will take years before a system like Golden Dome is fully operational, the Trump administration is already on the clock to prove that the concept can work in order to justify future funding for the project.

“Once the president makes the decision, how do we execute in a way that gets to kind of initial operating capability, as fast as possible in these different areas that may end up being an official part of Golden Dome or not?” the congressional official told CNN.

But the project has already suffered from at least one self-inflicted delay in its earliest stages, CNN has learned.

Trump had ordered Hegseth to present options for developing and implementing the system by March 28, but the White House did not receive those plans until nearly a month after the President’s original deadline, the sources said.

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The early delay – coupled with broader dysfunction within the defense secretary’s inner circle – has raised more questions about whether Trump should allow someone else to assume responsibility for overseeing one of his most ambitious and expensive policy directives going forward, two of the sources familiar with internal discussions about the project told CNN.

Even before Hegseth missed the March deadline, several West Wing staffers had grown frustrated with what they described to others as a lack of responsiveness from his closest advisers – pointing to how it had specifically impacted efforts related to Golden Dome.

At one point toward the beginning of Hegseth’s tenure, the White House was trying to reach Hegseth’s now-former chief of staff, Joe Kasper, to get the Pentagon chief to sign a memo kickstarting the process of developing it, but the memo went unsigned for three weeks, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Hegseth has repeatedly insisted that Golden Dome is “under construction,” but Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, reaffirmed Thursday that the system is still largely just a concept at this stage.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

Former ambassador to Ukraine: ‘Peace at any price is not peace at all’

Politico

Adventist Angels Watchman Radio Live International

“We’ve seen the devastation that happens when we appease aggressors, and we do not want to do that again,” Brink said. “So my strong advice in terms of how to deal with Putin and Russia is not to give a single meeting or concession or legitimacy until Putin agrees to an unconditional ceasefire that’s verifiable and moves forward 

Gregory Svirnovskiy

Sun, May 18, 2025 at 9:32 PM GMT+32 min read

157

Bridget Brink, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, is speaking out about why she left her post last month.

“I resigned from Ukraine and also from the Foreign Service, because the policy since the beginning of the administration was to put pressure on the victim Ukraine, rather than on the aggressor, Russia,” Brink told host Margaret Brennan on Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “I fully agree that the war needs to end, but I believe that peace at any price is not peace at all. It’s appeasement and, as we know from history, appeasement only leads to more war.”

Brink spent three years in Ukraine after attaining unanimous Senate confirmation under former President Joe Biden in May 2022, shortly after Russia began its invasion. In an op-ed for the Detroit Free Press published last Friday, she wrote that she couldn’t in good faith adhere to the diplomatic instructions coming out of the new Trump White House.

https://www.bitchute.com/video/3aHMj0HxE25L/

Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine one of the central parts of his foreign policy prospectus. But for the first few months of his time at the White House, he often directed his ire at Kyiv, rather than Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“It has to be a peace that does things that advance our own interests, and those are really simple,” Brink told Brennan. “It’s how to keep Ukraine free, how to deter Russia, and how to send the right signal to China. And this is what we should be doing.”

Our work is an aggressive one, and as faithful soldiers of Jesus, we must bear the blood-stained banner into the very strongholds of the enemy. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” If we will consent to lay down our arms, to lower the blood-stained banner, to become the captives and servants of Satan, we may be released from the conflict and the suffering. But this peace will be gained only at the loss of Christ and heaven. We cannot accept peace on such conditions. Let it be war, war, to the end of earth’s history, rather than peace through apostasy and sin.
The work of apostasy begins in some secret rebellion of the heart against the requirements of God’s law. Unholy desires, unlawful ambitions, are cherished and indulged, and unbelief and darkness separate the soul from God. If we do not overcome these evils, they will overcome us. Men who have long been advancing in the path of truth, will be tested with trial and temptation. Those who listen to the suggestions of Satan, and swerve from their integrity, begin the downward path, and some masterful temptation hastens them on in the way of apostasy, till their descent is marked and rapid. Sins that were once most repugnant, become attractive, and are welcomed and practiced by those who have cast off the fear of God and their allegiance to his law. But the most pleasurable beginning in transgression, will end in misery, degradation, and ruin. RH May 8, 1888, par. 9 – RH May 8, 1888, par. 10

For Brink, the first sign was Trump’s combative Oval Office press conference with Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which Trump and Vance attacked Zelenskyy for being ungrateful and then kicked him out of the White House.

Zelenskyy was “not ready for peace,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform.

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Brink’s public turn comes with Trump scheduled to speak with Putin on the phone Monday. The president has grown increasingly frustrated with Moscow as he pushes for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between the two countries. Trump in April acknowledged Putin could be “tapping me along” and may not want to stop the war in Ukraine.

At least some Republicans in Congress, meanwhile, are aching to impose new sanctions on Russia.

“We’ve seen the devastation that happens when we appease aggressors, and we do not want to do that again,” Brink said. “So my strong advice in terms of how to deal with Putin and Russia is not to give a single meeting or concession or legitimacy until Putin agrees to an unconditional ceasefire that’s verifiable and moves forward 

‘Our Refuge and Damascus Tower’ : Tornadoes Just Wrecked Multiple States. Where Are Trump and FEMA?

The New Republic

Adventist Angels Watchman Radio Live International 📻

Opinion

They will lament the great wickedness in the world, and second the testimony of religious teachers, that the degraded state of morals is caused by the desecration of Sunday. Great will be the indignation excited against all who refuse to accept their testimony. Satan’s policy in this final conflict with God’s people is the same that he employed in the opening of the great controversy in Heaven. He professed to be seeking to promote the stability of the divine government, while secretly bending every effort to secure its overthrow.  GC88 591.1 – GC88 591.2

Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling

Tue, May 20, 2025 at 12:08 AM GMT+33 min read

191

More than two dozen people were killed by tornadoes across Missouri, Kentucky, and Virginia over the weekend—but come Monday, the White House and the executive agency responsible for the emergency response to natural disasters had not publicly addressed it.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer told MSNBC Monday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was “not on the ground” and that the area did “not have confirmed assistance” from FEMA, forcing local organizations such as the St. Louis Community Foundation to turn to crowdfunding to rebuild their community.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump made an appearance at the Rose Garden Monday afternoon, offering brief remarks during a bill signing focused on curbing revenge porn. Trump’s comments made mention of his wife Melania Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, a potential peace deal in Ukraine, and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, but notably did not address the storm system that killed 28 people across three states (two of which voted for him in November.)

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And FEMA announced Monday that there was less than a week left to apply for federal aid for homeowners in Kentucky who had their properties damaged during storms in February. The deadline is May 25. Survivors of storms in April have until June 25, the agency advised in a press release.

It made no mention of potential aid application deadlines for survivors of the weekend tornadoes, though the state is reportedly in the process of seeking FEMA assistance, according to the Kentucky Lantern.

While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and  desolation. Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hail-storms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous. Destruction will be upon both man and beast. “The earth mourneth and fadeth away,” “the haughty people … do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.” [Isaiah 24:4, 5.]
And then the great deceiver will persuade men that those who serve God are causing these evils. The class that have provoked the displeasure of Heaven will charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God’s commandments is a perpetual reproof to transgressors. It will be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday-sabbath, that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced, and that those who present the claims of the fourth commandment, thus destroying reverence for Sunday, are troublers of the people, preventing their restoration to divine favor and temporal prosperity. Thus the accusation urged of old against the servant of God will be repeated, and upon grounds equally well established. “And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.” [1 Kings 18:17, 18.] As the wrath of the people shall be excited by false charges, they will pursue a course toward God’s ambassadors very similar to that which apostate Israel pursued toward Elijah. GC88 589.3 – GC88 590.1

But getting the aid they need from the federal government is not a guarantee under the Trump Administration. Last month, FEMA rejected North Carolina’s application for an emergency aid extension as the state grapples to recover from Hurricane Helene, a Category Four storm that killed 250 people in September. It was the deadliest hurricane in state history.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.Psalm 20 : 7

In a letter to North Carolina Governor Josh Stein in April, acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton said that the agency had determined that an extension with a full cost share was “not warranted.”

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Trump our ‘Refuge and Tower’

Like Kentucky and Missouri, North Carolina had also voted for Trump in November, but months into his presidency, residents of devastated communities are still begging the president to send relief.

Since Helene, Trump and his allies have spread unfounded conspiracies that the lead response agency had run out of money, and that the Biden administration had diverted funds from FEMA to assist undocumented immigrants enter the country. (FEMA administrators have fervently and repeatedly denied this.) Conservatives, at the time, claimed that working with the White House to expedite disaster relief “seemed political” and even conspiratorially suggested that the hurricanes were a government manipulation.

Days after his inauguration, Trump pitched that it would be better to do away with FEMA altogether in favor of handing the money directly to the states, though that plan never seemed to gain traction.

Since then, Trump has actively worked to dismantle the agency. The administration has blocked states across the nation, including California and Michigan, from accessing pre-approved relief. A coalition of Democratic-led states have sued the federal government, claiming that “hundreds of millions of dollars in FEMA grants” are still inaccessible.

‘Take Whole Armour of God’ :Taiwan president pledges peace with China but says island must strengthen defences

Reuters

Adventist Angels Watchman Radio Live International

[4] He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. [8] I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. [10] Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.Isaiah 42 : 4, 8, 10

Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee

Tue, May 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM GMT+33 min read

20

Taiwan president pledges peace with China but says island must strengthen defences

By Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee

Strengthen the island’s defences

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan wants peace and dialogue with China but the government must continue to strengthen the island’s defences, President Lai Ching-te said on Tuesday as he completed one year in office.

China calls Lai a “separatist” and has rebuffed his multiple offers for talks. Lai rejects China’s sovereignty claims over the democratic and separately governed island, saying only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:Acts 24 : 5

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The government has warned that Beijing could mark the anniversary with military drills but speaking to reporters at the presidential office in central Taipei, Lai offered a message of peace.

“I, too, am committed to peace. Because peace is priceless and war has no winners. But when it comes to seeking peace, we cannot have dreams nor illusions,” he said.

Taiwan will continue to strengthen its defences as preparing for war is the best way to avoid it, Lai added.

“I also reiterate here – Taiwan is happy to have exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is reciprocal dignity. Using exchanges to replace hemming in, dialogue to replace confrontation.”

.” If we will consent to lay down our arms, to lower the blood-stained banner, to become the captives and servants of Satan, we may be released from the conflict and the suffering. But this peace will be gained only at the loss of Christ and heaven. We cannot accept peace on such conditions. Let it be war, war, to the end of earth’s history, rather than peace through apostasy and sin. RH May 8,  1888, par. 9

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China’s Taiwan Affairs Office on Tuesday called Lai’s speech a “two-faced tactic” that’s a “waste of effort and doomed to fail.”

The work of apostasy begins in some secret rebellion of the heart against the requirements of God’s law. Unholy desires, unlawful ambitions, are cherished and indulged, and unbelief and darkness separate the soul from God. If we do not overcome these evils, they will overcome us. Men who have long been advancing in the path of truth, will be tested with trial and temptation. Those who listen to the suggestions of Satan, and swerve from their integrity, begin the downward path, and some masterful temptation hastens them on in the way of apostasy, till their descent is marked and rapid. Sins that were once most repugnant, become attractive, and are welcomed and practiced by those who have cast off the fear of God and their allegiance to his law. But the most pleasurable beginning in transgression, will end in misery, degradation, and ruin. RH May 8,  1888, par. 10

“No matter what the leaders of the Taiwan region say or how they say it, it cannot change the fact that Taiwan is a part of China … nor can it stop the inevitable trend of national reunification,” the office’s spokesperson Chen Binhua said in a statement.

China’s defence ministry last week said Lai was a “Taiwan Strait crisis maker” who had increased antagonism and confrontation and undermined peace and stability.


And then the great deceiver will persuade men that those who serve God are causing these evils. The class that have provoked the displeasure of Heaven will charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God’s commandments is a perpetual reproof to transgressors. It will be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday-sabbath, that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced, and that those who present the claims of the fourth commandment, thus destroying reverence for Sunday, are troublers of the people, preventing their restoration to divine favor and temporal prosperity. Thus the accusation urged of old against the servant of God will be repeated, and upon grounds equally well established. “And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.” [1 Kings 18:17, 18.] As the wrath of the people shall be excited by false charges, they will pursue a course toward God’s ambassadors very similar to that which apostate Israel pursued toward Elijah. GC88 589.3 – GC88 590.1

Lai also faces a challenge from possible U.S. tariffs, currently on pause, and said talks with Washington were continuing “smoothly”.

Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.Habakkuk 1 : 4

The government also plans to establish a sovereign wealth fund to boost the tech-focused economy, he added.

“The government will set up a sovereign fund to create a national investment platform, making full use of Taiwan’s industrial strengths, led by the government, in collaboration with the strengths of private enterprises,” Lai said, without giving details.

After finishing his media event, Lai attended the opening ceremony for the ongoing Computex trade show, where Taiwan-born Jensen Huang, the CEO of AI darling Nvidia, is the star attraction.

Lai visited the booths of Nvidia suppliers and partners, including Foxconn and Mediatek, chatting with senior executives there.

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Last month, China held war games code-named “Strait Thunder-2025A” around Taiwan, the “A” at its end suggesting there could be more to come.

China called its May 2024 drills just after Lai took office “Joint Sword-2024A“, and in October of that year staged “Joint Sword-2024B”.

In a daily report detailing Chinese military activities, Taiwan’s defence ministry said in the past 24 hours it had detected six Chinese planes and 11 vessels near the island.

(Reporting by Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Saad Sayeed, Kate Mayberry and Conor Humphries)

‘Mixed Multitude’ : First ‘self-deportation’ flight from US lands in Honduras – with US citizen children aboard

CNN

Adventist Angels Watchman Radio Live International 📻

Human enactments, laws manufactured by satanic agencies under a plea of goodness and restriction of evil, will be exalted, while God’s holy enactments are despised and trampled under foot. And all who prove their loyalty by obedience to the law of Jehovah must be prepared to be arrested, to be brought before councils that have not for their standard the high and holy law of God, but have made stringent laws inspired by him whose attributes were manifested at the trial of Christ. “We have a law,” these men said, “and by our law he ought to die.” [John 19:7.] 12LtMs, Ms 104, 1897, par. 7

Michael Rios and Elvin Sandoval, CNN

Tue, May 20, 2025 at 12:30 AM GMT+33 min read

3.5k

Migrants who self-deported from the US board a bus in Honduras after landing at a local airport. - CNN
Migrants who self-deported from the US board a bus in Honduras after landing at a local airport. – CNN

The first flight carrying migrants who chose to self-deport from the United States as part of a new Department of Homeland Security initiative offering free flights and $1,000 stipends has landed in Honduras.

A group of 38 Hondurans arrived at Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport on Monday afternoon after applying through a mobile app provided by US Customs and Border Protection, Honduran Deputy Foreign Minister Antonio García said.

The Bible was held as the foundation of faith, the source of wisdom, and the charter of liberty. Its principles were diligently taught in the home, in the school, and in the church, and its fruits were manifest in thrift, intelligence, purity, and temperance. One might be for years a dweller in the Puritan settlement, “and not see a drunkard, or hear an oath, or meet a beggar.”—Bancroft, pt. 1, ch. 19, par. 25. It was demonstrated that the principles of the Bible are the surest safeguards of national greatness. The feeble and isolated colonies grew to a confederation of powerful states, and the world marked with wonder the peace and prosperity of “a church without a pope, and a state without a king.” GC 296.3

“There was a bit of everything. There were mothers with children. Each one was given $1,000, including the children,” García told reporters at the airport, saying that up to 19 children had arrived.

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At least four of the children were born in the US and one was born in Mexico. They left the US with their Honduran relatives to avoid family separation, according to Honduran Migration Director Wilson Paz Reyes.

“In this case, the US makes the decision, along with their families, that they return to the country so that family disintegration does not occur,” he said.

As the tidings spread through the countries of Europe, of a land where every man might enjoy the fruit of his own labor and obey the convictions of his own conscience, thousands flocked to the shores of the New World. Colonies rapidly multiplied. “Massachusetts, by special law, offered free welcome and aid, at the public cost, to Christians of any nationality who might fly beyond the Atlantic ‘to escape from wars or famine, or the oppression of their persecutors.’ Thus the fugitive and the downtrodden were, by statute, made the guests of the commonwealth.”—Martyn, vol. 5, p. 417. In twenty years from the first landing at Plymouth, as many thousand Pilgrims were settled in New England. GC 296.1

One of those deported, Wilson Sáenz, said that after he requested to be removed, authorities flew him to a hotel in Houston, Texas, and from there, he was dropped off at an airport and provided food before his flight home.

Another, Kevin Posadas, said that after applying for self-deportation, officials messaged migrants telling them when to present themselves, and “depending on what state they’re in, they move them to a place that’s closer to send them to Honduras.”

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In that grand old document which our forefathers set forth as their bill of rights—the Declaration of Independence—they declared: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And the Constitution guarantees, in the most explicit terms, the inviolability of conscience: “No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” GC 295.2

The flight carried 64 people, according to a Homeland Security official. It is expected to continue to Colombia to drop off the remaining migrants who opted for self-deportation, García said.

“Today, DHS conducted its first Project Homecoming charter flight of 64 individuals who voluntarily chose to self-deport to their home counties of Honduras and Colombia,” Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem said. “If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home.”

The US Department of Homeland Security announced on May 5 that it would offer undocumented immigrants financial and travel assistance to facilitate their return home through the CBP Home app, through which people can notify the government that they intend to leave the US voluntarily.

Any undocumented immigrant who uses the app to self-deport will receive a stipend of $1,000, to be paid after they confirm their return home through the app, according to the DHS.

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The DHS says the initiative will cut deportation costs, which it says currently average more than $17,000 per case.

Those who sign up for self-deportation through CBP Home will also be deprioritized for detention and removal, “as long as they demonstrate they are making meaningful strides in completing that departure,” according to the DHS, which portrays the procedure as a “dignified” and safe way to leave.

“If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home. If you don’t, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return,” Noem said.

The app was previously called CBP One and was used by Customs and Border Protection to schedule arrivals for people seeking asylum during the Biden administration.

“The framers of the Constitution recognized the eternal principle that man’s relation with his God is above human legislation, and his rights of conscience inalienable. Reasoning was not necessary to establish this truth; we are conscious of it in our own bosoms. It is this consciousness which, in defiance of human laws, has sustained so many martyrs in tortures and flames. They felt that their duty to God was superior to human enactments, and that man could exercise  no authority over their consciences. It is an inborn principle which nothing can eradicate.”—Congressional documents (U.S.A.), serial No. 200, document No. 271. GC 295.3

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The self-deportation initiative is part of a $200 million DHS ad campaign pressuring undocumented migrants to leave the US and “stay out.”

CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez, Ivonne Valdés, Ana Melgar contributed to this report.

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Netanyahu: Israel will control all Gaza, take over Macedonia aid deliveries

The Hill
Adventist Angels Watchman Radio Live International 📻

Angels Open a Philippian Prison TT 112 This chapter is based on Acts 16:7-40, RSV.
The time had come for the gospel to be proclaimed in Europe. At Troas “a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing beseeching him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.'”The call was imperative. “When he had seen the vision,” declares Luke, who accompanied Paul, Silas, and Timothy to Europe, “immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them… . Therefore … we made … voyage … to Philippi.” TT 112 – TT 112.2

Laura Kelly

Mon, May 19, 2025 at 6:11 PM GMT+33 min read

65

Netanyahu: Israel will control all Gaza, take over aid deliveries

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel would control all of the Gaza Strip and prevent Hamas from looting aid.

The prime minister made his remarks as the Israeli military started in earnest a large-scale operation, called Gideon’s Chariot, that Netanyahu said amounted to his country essentially taking over Gaza.

This is part of defeating Hamas, in parallel with the tremendous military pressure, our massive entry, to essentially take over all of Gaza and strip Hamas of all ability to plunder humanitarian aid,” Netanyahu said, according to a transcript provided by Reuters.

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.Luke 21 : 20

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“This is the war and victory plan.”

Netanyahu said the Israeli military would take control of food and aid distribution to Palestinians in the strip in coordination with American companies.

When we reach the standard that the Lord would have us reach, worldlings will regard Seventh-day Adventists as odd, singular, straight-laced extremists. “We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” RH January 9,  1894, par. 10

“The method is distribution points that are secured by the IDF [Israeli Defense Forces], preventing Hamass’ access and allowing American companies to distribute the food and medicine aid to the population,” Netanyahu said.

So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.2 Kings 4 : 40

“It takes time. We are going to set up the first points in a few days and add them later, eventually reaching a situation where we have an area that is entirely controlled by the IDF and the entire civilian population of Gaza can get there and receive the aid and Hamas receives nothing.”

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Reuters reported aid trucks were seen heading into the northern Gaza Strip, the first movement after nearly three months of a blockade that Israel said was necessary pressure on Hamas to release dozens of hostages it kidnapped from Israel during its attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

Israel’s blockade drew widespread international condemnation. President Trump earlier this month said the U.S. would help get aid into Gaza. The remarks came ahead of the president’s three-tour Middle Eastern trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, where support for Palestinians is a priority issue.

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:Amos 8 : 11

While Trump did not provide details on aid resumption at the time, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggested the U.S. was behind a newly established “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” that would facilitate distribution with private American companies.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday said Trump wants to see the conflict between Israel and Hamas end and all hostages be released. Trump, through negotiations with Hamas, secured the release last week of Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander.

As the messengers of the cross went about their work, a woman followed them, crying, “‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.’ And this she did for many days.” This woman was a special agent of Satan and had brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. Satan knew his kingdom was invaded, and he hoped to mingle his sophistry with the truths taught by those  proclaiming the gospel. The words of recommendation uttered by this woman were an injury to the cause of truth, bringing disrepute on the gospel; and by them many were led to believe that the apostles were actuated by the same spirit as this emissary of Satan.
For some time the apostles endured this. Then Paul commanded the evil spirit to leave the woman. Her immediate silence testified that the demon acknowledged the apostles to be the servants of God. Dispossessed of the evil spirit and restored to her right mind, the woman chose to follow Christ. Then her masters were alarmed. All hope of receiving money from her divinations was at an end. Their income would soon be entirely cut off if the apostles were allowed to continue.
Many others in the city were interested in gaining money through satanic delusions, and these brought the servants of God before the magistrates with the charge: “These men are Jews and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs which it is not lawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” TT 112.4 – TT 113.2

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Leavitt did not have a response to Netanyahu’s remarks about Israel taking over the strip. Trump has floated the U.S. taking over Gaza, encouraging Palestinians to migrate from the territory and remaking it into a Riviera-like vacation destination.

And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.1 Kings 21 : 2

“As for the prime minister’s comments, I’ll let the president himself respond to those,” Leavitt said.

Netanyahu said the mounting international pressure forced Israel to relent on the blockade, the Times of Israel reported, citing a video released by the prime minister on his Telegram channel. Netanyahu said Israel’s allies had voiced concern about “images of hunger” and lawmakers from an unnamed nation said Israel would lose support if mass hunger proliferated.

“We cannot accept images of hunger, mass hunger. We cannot stand that. We will not be able to support you,” Netanyahu said in his video message.

The women of my people have ye cast out from their pleasant houses; from their children have ye taken away my glory for ever.Micah 2 : 9

“On the Sabbath,” Luke continues, “we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart.” Lydia and her household received the truth gladly and were baptized. TT 112.3

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The war between Israel and Hamas started after Hamas’s October 2023 attack on southern Israel, where the U.S.-designated terrorist group killed approximately 1,200 people and took more than 250 people hostage. Israel launched a widespread military operation that has devastated the Gaza Strip and killed approximately 56,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,Acts 16 : 20, For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.Acts 18 : 10 

The U.S. had helped broker two ceasefires, in November 2023 and this January, that allowed for the return of hostages and a reprieve for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The second ceasefire fell apart in March. The Trump administration is working to broker a truce that would allow for the release of 58 hostages still held by Hamas, although a little more than 20 people are still believed to be alive.

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