The Daily Brief: Monday, October 30, 2017

The Daily Brief: Monday, October 30, 2017 (Short form)

1. Paul Manafort, Rick Gates indicted by federal grand jury in Russia probe - Fox News

Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his associate Rick Gates have been indicted by a federal grand jury Monday on 12 counts, according to the special counsel's office.

The special counsel's office told Fox News that the counts include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading Foreign Agent Registration (FARA) statements, false statements and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign banks and financial accounts.

Manafort and Gates will appear before Magistrate Judge Deborah Robinsonat 1:30pm on Monday for an initial appearance and arraignment, the special counsel's office said.

In addition, a guilty plea by former Trump campaign policy adviser George Papadopolous was announced by Mueller. He admitted to making false statements to FBI agents as part of the investigation. (Read more)
- Father, with all the money that has been spent here, it appears that these charges did not require a special prosecutor and had nothing to do with any Russian meddling in the election. We ask Your wisdom to prevail over this investigation, that people will not be distracted from the real Russian collusion.

- "You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up." (Psalm 18:35a)

2. REPORT: Pentagon Plans "National Blackout Drill During Antifa Protests In November" - Teaparty.org

The U.S. Department of Defense will carry out a blackout drill during the national Antifa protests in November. The executive order mandating the drill states, "Space weather has the potential to simultaneously affect and disrupt health and safety across entire continents. Successfully preparing for space weather events is an all-of-nation endeavor that requires partnerships across governments, emergency managers, academia, the media, the insurance industry, non-profits, and the private sector." (Read more)
- Lord this is a planned exercise so many of the parts are supposed to be "simulated," not entirely real. We speak peace to all plans, from the Pentagon to the Communist-Anarchist "protests" across the country. Let no one do anything outside Your perfect will and mercy over America.

- "His truth shall be your shield and buckler." (Psalm 91:4c)

3. US Antifa and other Leftist groups met in Germany with al-Qaeda and ISIS to plot Trump's destruction - Jihad Watch

These hard-Leftist groups, although they claim to be against fascism, are fascist to the core, wanting to shut down, violently if necessary, anyone who disagrees with them. They claim to be against hate, but are more hateful than anyone, and so they see natural allies in al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Both hate the West, both hate the U.S., both hate the Judeo-Christian tradition, so they see each other as kindred spirits. (Read more)
- Lord, we pray that You will destroy these plots in every corner of the world where they have arisen, from Islamists to Federal employees involved in the "Deep State."

- "Evil shall slay the wicked" (Psalm 34:21a)

4a. DOJ: Yes, IRS targeted tea party - One News Now

An attorney whose law firm defends liberty cases says it was satisfying to learn the U.S. Justice Department has admitted wrongdoing by the Obama-era Internal Revenue Service.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Oct. 26 that the DOJ has settled lawsuits with conservative organizations that claimed they were unfairly targeted by the IRS.

In a statement that can be read here, Sessions said it was "clear" that the Obama administration used "inappropriate criteria" to screen 501(c) applications using words such as "Tea Party," "Patriots," and "9/12." The allegations aren't new - after first denying wrongdoing, the IRS claimed it made innocent mistakes - but the DOJ's actions vindicate claims that the IRS "weaponized" itself, during the height of the tea party movement, to single out and illegally scrutinize conservatives. (Read more)

4b. Conservatives Targeted by IRS Celebrate Settlement - Washington Free Beacon

The group that led a lawsuit against the IRS for illegally targeting conservative non-profit organizations celebrated the Justice Department's multi-million dollar settlement on Thursday.

Mark Meckler, president of Citizens for Self-Governance, hailed the $3.5 million settlement that came "after years of stonewalling." Citizens for Self-Governance spearheaded a lawsuit brought by a coalition of conservative groups that were subjected to enhanced scrutiny from the IRS delaying their approval for non-profit status. The plaintiffs asserted that the agency unconstitutionally policed their freedom of speech and harmed their chances of raising money in order to punish the Obama administration's political opponents.

"We all know the IRS unconstitutionally target tea party groups to shut down their political speech in a violation of the First Amendment. That has been unequivocally proven by the statements of IRS employees," he said in a statement. "After years of stonewalling by the federal government, the litigation against the IRS for their unconstitutional behavior has been settled and the targeted groups will receive substantial payments." (Read more)
- Lord, we ask for justice for those targeted unfairly by the IRS during the Obama administration. We pray that You would cause any persons directly connected to that situation to be removed or converted.

- "So I will drive you out of your office, and from your position he will pull you down." (Isaiah 22:19)

- Thank You, Lord, for this settlement. We also pray that no agency or entity of any kind will ever be able to target Americans like this again.

"He raises the poor out of the dust." (Psalm 113:7a)

5. Jeff Sessions slams 'activist' judges for ruling against Trump - Washington Examiner

Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday blasted federal judges for making decisions against President Trump's executive orders, and said those rulings represent an unacceptable level of interference. "This is especially problematic when district courts take the dramatic step of issuing activist nationwide injunctions - orders that block the entire United States government from enforcing a statute or a presidential policy nationwide," Sessions said in remarks to the Heritage Foundation. He was referring to rulings against Trump's travel ban executive order, and nationwide injunctions issued by Washington, Maryland and Hawaii courts.

Sessions said he feels "strongly" about judges acting strictly "because of a political agreement. Today, more and more judges are issuing nationwide injunctions and in effect single judges . . . are making themselves super-legislators for the entire United States," he said.

"A single judge's decision that can enjoin the entire federal government from acting is an extreme step, and too often, district court judges are doing it without following the law." Sessions noted that the U.S. Constitution does not allow for judges to "veto a president's action because they disagree with him on policy grounds." (Read more)
- Father, we thank you for a strong stand from Attorney General Sessions in what we've all seen as partisanship in the rulings of activist judges. We pray that You will correct this problem quickly, and that new judges will replace the ones set by Obama.

- "Do not envy the oppressor and choose none of his ways." (Proverbs 3:31)

6. How Team Hillary played the press for fools on Russia - New York Post

Hillary Clinton's campaign didn't just pay for the Kremlin-aided smear job on Donald Trump before the election; she continued to use the dirt after the election to frame her humiliating loss as a Russian conspiracy to steal the election. Exhibit A is the book "Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton's Doomed Campaign," by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes. In light of this week's revelation that Hillary's campaign funded the dirty anti-Trump "Steele" dossier, the book takes on a new significance.

It reveals: "Within 24 hours of her concession speech, [campaign chair John Podesta and manager Robby Mook] assembled her communications team at the Brooklyn headquarters to engineer the case that the election wasn't entirely on the up-and-up. For a couple of hours, with Shake Shack containers littering the room, they went over the script they would pitch to the press and the public. Already, Russian hacking was the centerpiece of the argument."

The plan, according to the book, was to push journalists to cover how "Russian hacking was the major unreported story of the campaign," and it succeeded to a fare-thee-well. After the election, coverage of the Russian "collusion" story was relentless, and it helped pressure investigations and hearings on Capitol Hill and even the naming of a special counsel, which in turn has triggered virtually nonstop coverage. (Read more)
- Lord, we praise You that the truth is coming out, and that the mainstream media is finally being called out for their bias. You are the God of truth, so we ask that every ounce of truth, as horrid as it may appear, be revealed.

- "And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another." (Matthew 24:10)

7. Trump to bypass U.N. and send aid directly to persecuted Christians in Middle East - Washington Times

Vice President Mike Pence announced Wednesday night that President Trump has ordered the State Department to shut off funding for "ineffective" United Nations programs to help persecuted Christians in the Middle East, saying the administration will take over those efforts directly. "From this day forward, America will provide support directly to persecuted communities through USAID," Mr. Pence said at the In Defense of Christians annual solidarity dinner in Washington.

"We will no longer rely on the United Nations alone to assist persecuted Christians and minorities in the wake of genocide and the atrocities of terrorist groups."

Saying Christians have been victims of a genocide at the hands of the Islamic State across the Middle East, Mr. Pence said the "sad reality" is that the U.N. spends about $1 billion per year on humanitarian aid in the region that doesn't help Christians enough.

"While faith-based groups with proven track records and deep roots in these communities are more than willing to assist, the United Nations too often denies their funding requests," Mr. Pence said. "My friends, those days are over. This is the moment. Now is the time. And America will support these people in their hour of need."

The vice president said the U.S. will "stand with those who suffer for their faith because that's what Americans have always done because the common bond of our humanity demands a strong response." (Read more)
- Lord, thank You for this bit of good news! We pray that Your power and encouragement will flow through our brothers and sisters, granting them hope.

- "We know that we have passed form death to life, because we love the brethren."
(1 John 3:14a)

8. Editorial: The Richmond Times-Dispatch endorses Ed Gillespie for governor - Richmond Times Dispatch

Despite the occasional nasty campaign flier or 30-second TV spot, this year's race for governor of Virginia is a cause for at least modest celebration. The two major-party candidates are both admirable men - able, honest, and well-qualified to execute the high office they seek. Not so long ago, this might have seemed unremarkable. But in the 2013 gubernatorial election, The Times-Dispatch decided that no candidate was worthy of endorsement. And last year, after careful consideration, we endorsed the Libertarian candidate for president, much to the chagrin of many readers.

This year poses no such dilemma. Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, the Democratic nominee for governor, is an honorable man, with a long record of service to country and commonwealth. He is fit for the job of governor. But he is the second-best choice to lead Virginia, not so much because of any defects on his part, but because of the abundant strengths of his opponent. Republican Ed Gillespie has run an energetic, inclusive, moderate-conservative, solutions-oriented campaign. His detailed, in-depth proposals reflect a refreshing respect for the intelligence of the voters. (Read more)
- Lord, we ask that You choose who to lead the state of Virginia. We pray for a move of Your Spirit among the people and the leadership, leading them into Your Light.

- "Come and let us walk in the light of the Lord." (Isaiah 2:5)

9. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince: We Will Return To Moderate Islam And 'Destroy Extremist Ideas' - Daily Wire

Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, told an investment conference in Riyadh Tuesday that he plans to move the country toward a more moderate form of Islam, and will do more to combat extremist Islamic elements who have taken refuge in his country. "We want to go back to what we were, the moderate Islam that is open to the world, open to all the religions," Prince bin Salman said. "We will not waste 30 years of our lives dealing with extremist ideas, we will destroy them today."

The 32-year-old Prince bin Salman officially became heir to the Saudi throne earlier this year, and is responsible for a handful of shocking reforms inside the country, including a recent decision to allow women to obtain drivers' licenses and operate cars in public without fear of retribution from religious police - a ban that has been in place more than six decades. Apparently, Millennials can make big changes - or, at least, suggest them.

Women in Saudi Arabia are still required to wear a headscarf, and must be under the guardianship of a male family member at all times. And although Prince bin Salman has been outspoken about reforms, the changes don't sit well with the country's Wahhabi clerics, who define the Islamic religion for the government. (Read more)
- Lord, we see the dichotomy between what this leader of Saudi Arabia says and the realities of living in the country. We ask for a move of Your Holy Spirit there, changing the direction of their nation and the thoughts of their minds.

- "Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." (Matthew 23:28)

10. Actor Corey Feldman Has A Plan To Expose Hollywood Pedophiles, Sex Abusers [VIDEO] - Daily Caller

Actor and singer Corey Feldman stated in a YouTube video published Wednesday that he wants to make a documentary film to name and expose abuse and pedophilia in Hollywood.

Feldman said, "Right off the bat I can name six names one of them who is still very powerful today, and a story that links all the way up to a studio. It connects pedophilia to one of the major studios. I am very afraid to do this, it's not easy. I've been living in fear and living with this my entire life. As most victims have, I've been made to feel awkward, misunderstood, and I've been degraded at great levels."

He continued, "Rumors have been told, stories have been made up about me, I've been insulted and degraded in ways that are unimaginable to me, all because they fear what I know as the truth. I'm not alone. I know that there's thousands others that have experienced what I have experienced in the entertainment industry." (Read more)
- Lord, in repentance for the sexual sins of America, we ask that You will have mercy upon us and change the lives of these people who seem to be obsessed with disgusting acts upon the children of our nation.

- "Thus they were defiled by the own works." (Psalm 106:39a)

The Daily Brief: Monday, October 23, 2017

The Daily Brief: Monday, October 23, 2017

1. Trump hints that he's leaning toward Powell or Taylor for Fed chair - Politico

President Donald Trump hinted Friday that his top two candidates to chair the Federal Reserve are Fed Governor Jerome Powell and Stanford economist John Taylor - though he left the door open to other contenders. POLITICO reported Thursday that Powell is the leading candidate to chair the central bank after current Chair Janet Yellen's term ends in January. The president has interviewed five finalists: Powell, Taylor, Yellen, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn.

White House spokeswoman Natalie Strom said Thursday that all five candidates are "at the same level of consideration," and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday was careful not to step on Trump's forthcoming announcement. "We still don't have an announcement on that," Sanders told reporters. Asked about the possibility of Powell and Taylor both joining the Fed as chair and vice chair, Sanders said it's "certainly under consideration." (Read more)
- Father God, we ask that You guide our President with Your eye, that He might know Your wisdom in making this critical decision. The position of the Chairman of the Federal Reserve is one of the most powerful on earth. May President Trump rely upon Your power, in choosing wisely. Amen.

- " . . . see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart . . ." (I Kings 3:12)

2. McMaster says Trump 'absolutely' prepared to terminate Iran deal - Jerusalem Post

US President Donald Trump is prepared to withdraw from a nuclear agreement reached with Iran and other international powers in 2015, his national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, said on Thursday.

Speaking at a forum hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a think tank that contributed research and scholarship to the Trump administration's new strategy on Iran unveiled last week, McMaster said the president's first choice is to get Congress and European allies on board with a "pressure" strategy that will force Iran back to the negotiating table.

Trump's national security team hopes to negotiate an addendum to the nuclear deal that will address its greatest concerns with the current agreement: its expiration dates, its omission of any restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile work and its opaque language on granting international nuclear inspectors swift access to Iran's military bases. If Congress fails to pass legislation that helps bolster Trump's diplomatic leverage, and if European powers refuse to come along with his strategy, the president will "absolutely" terminate the deal, McMaster said. Trump last week threatened to terminate the accord wholesale if his more measured approach fails to deliver. (Read more)
- Lord God, we thank You for a President who stands by his word. We ask Your Hand of blessing to rest upon President Trump, today and always, in Your Name, amen.

- "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)

3. John Kelly shames the shameless media - Washington Examiner

Kelly said at the press briefing Thursday that he was "stunned" and "brokenhearted" when he saw Wilson in TV interviews and quoted in news reports divulging details about a personal call from Trump to Myeisha Johnson, whose husband died in an enemy ambush earlier this month in Niger. In front of a room of uncharacteristically hushed reporters, Kelly said he was dismayed to see Wilson politicize one of the few sacred things left: The mourning of a fallen soldier. In this case, Sgt. La David T. Johnson.

Wilson told reporters earlier in the week that she was there for the on-speaker call between President Trump and Myeisha Johnson. She said Trump was "insensitive" because, according to Wilson, Trump told Johnson, "Well, I guess he knew what he signed up for, but I guess it still hurts."

There is no recording of the conversation to corroborate Wilson's quote or even her ungenerous interpretation of the phone call. Assuming the quote is accurate, Kelly said he had told Trump to say something along those same lines, because it was what most comforted Kelly after his own son died serving in Afghanistan.

News publications running articles on Wilson's story botched it even further, readily printing the first half of Wilson's Trump quote ("He knew what he was getting into when he signed up . . .") while disregarding the rest (". . . but I guess it still hurts.") The New York Times, the Associated Press, the Washington Post, and NBC all ran pieces that included the first half of Wilson's quote without the second. (Read more)
- Father in heaven, we pray that You will cover President Trump with Your presence so the attacks by the enemy against him will be dropped. Block and render powerless all that Rep. Wilson said in TV interviews that would swing the minds of the public away from the mourning of the death of Sgt Johnson. May the memory of this man's bravery and faithful service to our country long outlive any words spoken by Ms. Wilson. We pray in the Name of Jesus.

- "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive not in him the lips of knowledge." (Proverbs 14:7)

4. Frank Gaffney: Abandoning Kurds in Iraq Is a 'Strategic Mistake of Epic Proportions' - Breitbart

Marlow turned to the conflict between independence-seeking Kurds and the Iraqi government, which launched military operations against Kurdish positions this week with the assistance of Iran-backed Shiite militia forces. Marlow expressed concern that the Trump administration is remaining neutral while the Kurds, a vital U.S. battlefield ally in the successful war against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, are assaulted by Baghdad and Tehran.

Gaffney said it was "tragic" and a "strategic mistake of great proportions" for President Trump to withhold his support from the Kurds. "Their enemies are our enemies, virtually without exception," he noted. "The Kurds are surrounded by nations that are not just hostile to them, but hostile to us. What I think has happened here, tragically, is a very clear byproduct of the bad advice the president has been getting from H.R. McMaster, his national security adviser," Gaffney postulated. (Read more)

See also: Report: Shiite Militias Hang Photo of Ayatollah Khamenei in Kirkuk Following Invasion - Breitbart

(Read here)
- Father God, we repent before Your Throne of Grace that we have so terribly let these precious ones down. Lord God, the Kurds were there for us when we needed them, and now we are not there for them when they need us. Forgive us, Lord, and bring forth policy that will fully undergird the Kurdish people in their time of need, we pray, amen.

- "Do unto others as You would have them do unto You." (Matthew 7:12)

5. Congress Probes Whether Obama DOJ Used The 'Trump Dossier' Before Surveillance Court - Daily Caller

Both the House and the Senate are investigating whether the former President Barack Obama's administration used intelligence in a salacious "Trump Dossier" as "evidence" before a secret federal surveillance court to obtain permission to spy on Donald Trump campaign aides and later his transition team. The FBI used the dossier to secure permission to monitor the communications of Trump associate Carter Page, based on U.S. officials briefed on the Russia investigation, CNN reported in April.

The latest inquiries began Oct. 4, when the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence subpoenaed Fusion GPS, a political opposition research firm based in Washington, D.C., to appear before the committee and turn over bank documents. The committee is also seeking all Justice Department applications before the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Court, also called the FISA court, to determine if any of the applicants rely on information from the dossier. The Senate Judiciary inquiry is also questioning ethical decisions demonstrated by former director James Comey when the bureau reportedly sought to pay Steele for his services, according to The Washington Post. (Read more)
- God, we pray that no invasion into President Trump's Dossier will go unpunished. Father God, we ask that all bank documents and all Justice Department applications will reveal just how deep this information was used against Trump. Stand against any damage that resulted in this invasion of privacy. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

- "That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning these secret things." (Daniel 2:18)

6. Trump admin scraps EPA's deceitful 'sue and settle' trick - WND

Limited government advocates and property-rights champions are cheering Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt for publicly announcing he will scrap the tactic known as "sue and settle" for as long as he is in office.

"We will no longer go behind closed doors and use consent decrees and settlement agreements to resolve lawsuits filed against the Agency by special interest groups where doing so would circumvent the regulatory process set forth by Congress," Pruitt said in a statement.

So what is "sue and settle?" In short, it's a way that politicians and bureaucrats shift policy by pretending to be in a legal fight with a political ally and altering a specific rule to supposedly avoid a lawsuit. Patrick Hedger, manager of the Regulatory Action Center at the FreedomWorks Foundation, offers a more detailed description of how this political and legal charade plays out. (Read more)
- Jesus, let the truth be unveiled and let confusion and disorder be brought to light to be dealt with as You see fit. It seems too hard for our lawmakers to move forward in agreement on so many government issues. Let the Holy Spirit lead the Congress and all agencies to the right decisions with no strongholds of confusion. Amen.

- "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace-as in all the congregations of the Lord's people." (1 Corinthians 14:33)

7. Trump administration considers pausing U.S. refugee family reunification program - Reuters

President Trump's administration has drafted a plan to pause a program that allows family members join refugees already settled in the United States until they can undergo increased security checks, two sources with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. The proposals, if implemented, could significantly slow down refugee admissions and leave refugees who thought they were headed to the United States in perilous situations abroad, say refugee advocates and former officials.

Refugees currently undergo differing levels of security checks when applying for admission to the United States in a process that can take 18-24 months. "When you put in additional security checks you can basically halt the system," said Robert Carey, the former director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement under former President Barack Obama, a Democrat.

"Every check is only good for a finite period of time and they expire and the whole process has to start all over again," he said, adding that the level of scrutiny is higher for refugees than most any other visa applicant to the United States.

Trump also lowered the maximum number of refugees to be allowed into the United States in 2017 to 50,000 from the 110,000 originally set by Obama. The 2018 level has been set at 45,000, the lowest number in decades. (Read more)
- Father, let the refugees coming into the U.S. be those that You say may come. There are laws required for legal entrance into our country. If limiting the number who enter so be it. As U.S. citizens we are required to follow the laws of the land. Give President Trump the wisdom to lead the U.S. in the ways directed by You. We ask in Your Holy name.

- "Solomon son of David established himself over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great." (2 Chronicles 1:1)

8. Florida police arrest 277, including cops and doctors, in sex sting - Fox News

Florida police arrested 277 people -- including doctors, cops and pharmacists -- during a weeklong undercover sex sting operation. "Operation No Tricks, No Treats" began Oct. 10 and ran until Oct. 15, according to a press release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Judd identified some of the other suspects arrested as a cancer surgeon, teacher, pediatrician, Air Force veteran, retired deputy sheriff, retired police officer, active colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps and several pharmacists. They range in age from 16 to 74 years old.

"That's the most we have ever arrested in the history of the sheriff's office," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. The suspects face 334 charges, including human-trafficking and soliciting another for prostitution. The office stated 215 people traveled to Polk County from other areas in Florida or were visiting the state from Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. "We are committed to fighting human trafficking, by arresting those who engage in prostitution and trying to identify human trafficking victims," Judd said. "It's no secret. You need to stay out of Polk County if you're going to commit crime." (Read more)
- Praise God from the highest heaven for guiding Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to set up this sting operation and bring down this major sex trap working to enslave hundreds of victims. God, we ask that You surround the entire area of Polk County and even the State of Florida with angels dispatched by the Lord to uncover every hidden area where human sex trafficking, prostitution and kidnapping of innocent victims has been taking place. Encircle Sheriff Judd with godly protection so no harm can reach him. Empower him with holy intelligence to see into the hidden areas of evil and rout out all enemy forces. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth, for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them. And I will send the sword, the famine and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers." (Jeremiah 24:9-10)

9. Illegal immigrant's abortion demand turns into major battle over Constitution - Washington Times

The fight over whether the government must facilitate an illegal immigrant girl obtaining an abortion has exploded into a full-blown legal battle over the future and limits of Roe v. Wade, according to pro-life and pro-choice groups anxiously awaiting a ruling. A federal appeals court in D.C. heard oral argument on the case Friday and the judges are rushing to rule, with the girl's advocates saying she's 15 weeks pregnant and needs to have the abortion now or else she'll run into later-term restrictions that would make the procedure complicated.

But the Trump administration is balking, saying the 17-year-old girl - known in court documents only as "J.D." - is a juvenile in the custody of federal health officials in a shelter in Texas, and they cannot facilitate the abortion or else they'll run afoul of federal prohibitions on spending taxpayer money on abortion.

Texas, meanwhile, says it fears become a "sanctuary state for abortion" if the courts rule in favor of the girl, while pro-life groups say they fear a surge of illegal immigrant women and girls hoping to take advantage of relatively unfettered access to abortion in the U.S.

"This is a case which would incentivize an abortion-import business for illegal immigrant minor girls in defiance of state laws. And who is being asked to run the business? Taxpayers and the government Office of Refugee Resettlement," said Majorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List. (Read more)
- Abba Father, abortion is murder no matter citizen or refugee. God bless Texas for trying to avoid becoming the "sanctuary state of abortion." Protect the babies and give them the opportunity to live the life You have designed for them. Let the mothers protect their children and teach them Your ways. If the mothers know You not, send someone to lead them to You. Thank You for the love and mercy You give each of us. Amen.

- "You shall speak to him saying, "Thus says the Lord, have you murdered and taken possessions?" And you shall speak to him saying, "Thus says the Lord: In the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth, the dogs shall lick your blood, even your blood." (1 Kings 21:19)

10. Air Force punishes colonel who refused to affirm gay marriage, attorney says - Fox News

The Air Force has punished a highly-decorated and respected colonel after he refused to publicly affirm the same-sex spouse of a retiring subordinate. Col. Leland Bohannon, who was on the verge of being promoted to a one-star general, was suspended from command and orders were handed down recommending he not be promoted. "His career is likely over and he will likely have to retire as a colonel instead of as a general," First Liberty Institute attorney Michael Berry told the Todd Starnes Show.

First Liberty Institute, one of the nation's most prominent religious liberty law firms, is representing the distinguished military officer. "This sends a clear message - if you do not have the politically correct viewpoint, you are not welcome in the military," Berry said. "The military is no longer a place of diversity and inclusion if you are a person who holds to a traditional belief on marriage." (Read more)

- Dear Lord, we are grieved at the hearing of this misapplication of justice and of good being called evil. We pray for a turnaround in this case and that the righteousness of the Lord will prevail. Thank You for this brave and honorable man who is willing to stand up to the god of political correctness. Please provide for the future for him and his family.

- "Judge me, O Lord my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me." (Psalms 35:24)

11. Why millennials are ditching religion for witchcraft and astrology - MarketWatch

Melissa Jayne, owner of Brooklyn-based "metaphysical boutique" Catland, said she has seen a major uptick in interest in the occult in the past five years, especially among New Yorkers in their 20s. The store offers workshops like "Witchcraft 101," "Astrology 101," and a "Spirit Seance."

"Whether it be spell-casting, tarot, astrology, meditation and trance, or herbalism, these traditions offer tangible ways for people to enact change in their lives," she said. "For a generation that grew up in a world of big industry, environmental destruction, large and oppressive governments, and toxic social structures, all of which seem too big to change, this can be incredibly attractive." (Read more)

- Father in heaven, we pray Your powerful healing, which is accomplished through the Blood of Jesus Christ, go all over the world at large. Dispatch a myriad of angels from heaven to walk across the land and minister holiness into every dark, sinister area where witchcraft and satan's deceptive practices are wooing the millennials, and all the world irrespective of age, into a web of evil that will destroy their lives, and ultimately they all will spend eternity in a lake of fire with satan. God, we pray for lost souls to be saved by believing in Jesus' sacrifice of Himself on the Cross. We pray this in the Name of Jesus.

- "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)

The Daily Brief: Tuesday, October 17, 2018

The Daily Brief: Tuesday, October 17, 2018

1. Bowe Bergdahl pleads guilty in desertion case - Fox News

Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl pleaded guilty Monday at Fort Bragg to charges he endangered comrades by walking away from his post in Afghanistan in 2009 -- the court case wrapping up three years after a stunning Rose Garden spectacle in which former President Barack Obama, flanked by Bergdahl's parents, triumphantly announced the soldier's release from captivity.

"I understand that leaving was against the law," said Bergdahl, whose decision to walk off his remote post in Afghanistan in 2009 prompted intense search and recovery missions, during which some of his comrades were seriously wounded and other soldiers died. (Read more)
- Lord, we thank You that this chapter is closing, finally. We ask for justice in this situation, even as we remember the lives that were lost or wounded in the search for a deserter.

- "For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him."
(Isaiah 30:18d)

2. EU Vows to Save Iran Deal, Fears for North Korea Mediation - Jerusalem Post

The European Union vowed on Monday to defend a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers and urged US lawmakers not to reimpose sanctions after President Donald Trump chose not to certify Tehran's compliance with the accord.

Germany and France led a chorus of warnings to the United States, normally the EU's closest foreign policy ally, that any weakening of the agreement to prevent Iran obtaining nuclear weapons could have serious consequences for peace.

As Europeans together, we are very worried that the decision of the US president could lead us back into military confrontation with Iran," German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told reporters at a meeting with his EU counterparts. (Read more)
- Lord, the EU must not interfere in the poorly crafted Nuclear Deal that left the world vulnerable to Iran's deceptions. We ask for You to show truth and change their hearts to follow Your will.

- " . . . for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)

3. 'This is not the remnants of a hurricane, this IS a hurricane' - Red weather warning extended nationwide as Hurricane Ophelia barrels in- The Independent Irish News

Hurricane Ophelia will be the most severe weather event to his this country since Hurricane Debbie hit in 1961 - resulting in 15 deaths - Met Eireann has warned. This evening Met Eireann confirmed that a red weather warning has been extended nationwide.

Speaking on this evening's weather forecast, meteorologist Joanna Donnelly told viewers "this is not the remnants of a hurricane - this is a hurricane".

Every school and college in the country will remain closed tomorrow as a result, the Department of Education has said. The public have been urged not to make unnecessary journeys. Employers have also been urged to give their employees guidance how working arrangements have been affected in light of the national red warning. (Read more)
- Lord, we pray for Ireland in the wake of this hurricane. They have not had one there in many years, so preparations have been minimal. We ask for Your Presence and help in this time of trouble.

- "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

4. The Military Is Practicing Rapid Evacuations of Americans From South Korea - Time

The U.S. military will practice evacuating noncombatant Americans out of South Korea as tensions escalate over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. The annual drills, which will take place on Oct 23-27, aims to prepare "service members and their families to respond to a wide range of crisis management events such as noncombatant evacuation and natural or man-made disasters," the U.S. military said in a statement Monday. The U.S. military stressed in the statement that the exercise was a "routinely scheduled drill" and was not tied to current events.

"Although not directly tied to current geopolitical events, our forces must be ready in all areas," General Vincent K. Brooks, commander of United States Forces Korea, said. "This training is as important to readiness as our other routine events such as tank gunnery and fighter wing exercises." (Read more)
- Lord, we thank You that the US military and South Korea are cooperating on plans to protect their citizens in the event North Korea commits a horrifying nuclear act. Lord, large numbers of South Koreans are Christians, we ask for Your hedge of protections about them.

- "He shall call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble."
(Psalm 91:15)

5. Louisiana oil rig explodes, at least 7 injured - Fox News

At least seven people are injured and one person is missing after an oil rig exploded Sunday night in Louisiana. Kenner Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kriss Fortunato said that at least seven people were injured and authorities were actively searching for one missing person, The Times-Picayunereported.

Officials from the St. Charles Parish wrote on Facebook that "The Emergency Operations Center is aware that an oil platform is currently on fire in Lake Pontchartrain and that it caused the loud sound earlier tonight.

Officials are responding." The U.S. Coast Guard is also responding, according to a Facebook post from the Jefferson Parish. Rescue boats are being dispatched from the Kenner Boat Launch and officials with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office are assisting with rescue efforts, The Times-Picayune reported.

Mike Guillot, director of East Jefferson Emergency Medical Services said that the two individuals brought in are in stable condition but the other five brought to the University Medical Center are in critical condition with "blast type injuries and burns," the Times-Picayune reported. (Read more)
- Father, we pray not only for those who have been affected by this explosion, but that You would move to protect America's oil industry from eco-terrorists and others who wish to destroy the American economy.

- "Let Your work appear to Your servants." (Psalm 90:16a)

6. California declares state of emergency over deadly hepatitis A outbreak - LA Times

California Gov. Brown declared a state of emergency Friday because of a hepatitis A outbreak that has killed at least 18 people in the state.

The declaration allows state health officials to buy additional doses of the hepatitis A vaccine to try to halt the outbreak, which is already the nation's second largest in more than two decades.

"We have the capacity to use as much vaccine as we can get our hands on," said Dr. Gil Chavez, state epidemiologist with the California Department of Public Health. The outbreak began in San Diego's homeless community late last year, but has since spread outside the region. Los Angeles and Santa Cruz counties are also now experiencing outbreaks. (Read more)
- Lord we stand in the gap for California, praying for Your mercy, asking for a move of Your Holy Spirit across the state. We lift up Your Bride in that state, whom You love; and we intercede for all who have not yet come to know you in salvation. In Your Name, amen.

- "Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous." Psalm 1:5

7. Mogadishu truck bomb: 500 casualties in Somalia's worst terrorist attack - Guardian

The death toll in the bombing that hit the centre of Mogadishu on Saturday continues to rise, with more than 300 people now believed to have been killed and hundreds more seriously injured. The scale of the loss makes the attack, which involved a truck packed with several hundred kilograms of military-grade and homemade explosives, one of the most lethal terrorist acts anywhere in the world for many years.

On Monday morning, Somalia's information minister announced that 276 people had died in the attack with at least 300 people injured. Within hours, however, Abdikadir Abdirahman, the director of Amin ambulances, said his service had confirmed that 300 people died in the blast. "The death toll will still be higher because some people are still missing," Abdirahman told Reuters.

(Read more)
- Father, Somalia has been under horrific destruction for decades, primarily because of the influence of a false religion. We pray that Your Holy Spirit would be released into the nation, bringing Your truth and light to all.

- "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

8. Sen. Cochran out sick, illness threatens tax-related vote - CNN Affiliate

Mississippi Republican Sen. Thad Cochran remains ill and won't return to his Senate duties Monday as was expected, his office announced. The 79-year-old's absence raises doubts about the ability of GOP leaders to pass a key budget resolution -- a vote is planned later this week -- that is needed to advance tax reform, a top legislative priority for Republicans and President Donald Trump.

"Mrs. Cochran informed me late Saturday night that Senator Cochran has developed another urinary tract infection," said the statement from Cochran's chief of staff Brad White. "After a day of monitoring his condition, and on the advice of his physicians and other health care professionals, Senator Cochran has postponed his return to Washington. He will continue his recuperation at home in Mississippi." (Read more)
- Father, first we pray that You will grant Senator Cochran complete healing. Second, we ask that tax reform would pass, bringing much needed relief to Americans.

- "Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases." (Psalm 103:3)

9. North Korea rejects diplomacy with US for now, source says - CNN

A North Korean official reaffirmed Pyongyang's commitment to developing a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching "all the way to the East coast of the mainland US," on Monday, telling CNN that the rogue nation is currently not interested in diplomacy with the US until it achieves that goal.

North Korea is not ruling out diplomacy, but "before we can engage in diplomacy with the Trump administration, we want to send a clear message that the DPRK has a reliable defensive and offensive capability to counter any aggression from the United States," the official said. The comments offer a sobering challenge to the US and the Trump administration which has offered mixed messages regarding diplomatic efforts with North Korea.

White House chief of staff John Kelly said last week that Americans should be concerned about North Korea's ability to reach the United States with an intercontinental ballistic missile, cryptically telling reporters that if the threat grows "beyond where it is today, well, let's hope that diplomacy works." (Read more)
- Lord, we ask that you protect all Western nations in the areas surrounding the Korean peninsula from any and all actions by the rogue North Korean Regime.

- "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19)

10. North Korea suspected source of 'mad dog' Trump leaflets - Fox News

First, there was "little rocket man." Now, Kim Jong Un has returned fire in the nickname game with "mad dog Trump." Pro-North Korean propaganda posters likening the U.S. president to a raging dog have begun popping up across the South Korean capital, Reuters reported Monday, citing social media posts and people that found them.

"Let's behead mad dog Trump for the future of a peaceful and warless world and mankind!" one bizarre poster pleads, showing the body of a dog with Trump's head, being decapitated by an axe. "Death to old lunatic Trump!" read another, which showed a North Korean soldier stomping on a head that appears to be Trump's. (Read more)

- Lord as the war of words continues, we ask that You will bring wisdom and peace into this conflict before it grows any wider.

- "A scoffer does not listen to rebuke." (Proverbs 13:1b)