Top Stories

American Pastor Sentenced in Iran

We have an update on American Pastor Saeed Abedini.  A British newspaper says he has now been sentenced to eight years in one of Iran’s harshest prisons for preaching Christianity in Iranian homes.  Jordan Sekulow with the American Center for Law and Justice says, “These house churches are 25 people coming together, essentially a bible study size. Imagine if it was a crime to get together. They have to prove that this was intentionally a crime against their national security. That’s the official charge.” Pastor Abedini has been held since September.  His family tried to visit him then, but guards told them they didn’t know where he was.  The family is now trying to get the State Department involved.

Court Rules Obama Administration Overstepped Authority

President Barack Obama is overstepping his authority, that’s according to an appeals court. Friday, a federal appeals court made that decision in regards to some appointments he made last year. He appointed some members to the National Labor Relations Board. The White House says these appointments were made when the Senate was in recess. The court says because it was during a time the Senate was in session, his appointments are unconstitutional. The Department of Justice may appeal this decision. If the court decision stands, decisions made in the interim would be void. 

Israel Warns it May Strike Syria

Israel is issuing new warnings about a possible strike against Syria to try to prevent chemical weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists.  Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom says allowing those weapons into the hands of these extremist groups would be crossing a line.  This latest discussion comes as part of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system was moved.  President Obama says he’s still weighing whether to intervene in Syria.

Is Immigration Deal Imminent?

There’s word out of Washington that there may be a bipartisan agreement on changes to the nation’s immigration laws.  The deal is expected to be announced later today and is said to cover border security, guest workers, employer verification, and a path to citizenship for the 11-million people already here illegally.  Eight senators are said to be at the forefront of the deal, including both Senators from Arizona and Marco Rubio from Florida.

Brazil Night Club Fire

More than 230 people have died after a fire broke out in a night club in Brazil.  It was touched off by a band’s pyrotechnic display, and there’s some evidence to suggest that security may have briefly prevented people from leaving.  Police there are investigating.

Church Around the World

Christian Persecution in China

The family of a Christian human rights attorney from China was allowed to visit him in prison this month.  It’s the first visit Gao Zhisheng has been allowed since March of last year.  He’s been a vocal defendant of house churches in China, and was first detained in 2009.  International pressure led to his release, but he’s since been imprisoned again for allegedly violating his probation.   Authorities have not been allowing him any visitation or counsel, and Christian Solidarity Worldwide says they remain concerned for his safety.

Family & Relationships

Sleep Helps Your Marriage

A good night’s sleep may be the best thing for your marriage.  A new study out of UC-Berkeley shows that sleep deprivation can leave couples too tired to even say thank you, and that lack of gratitude leaves their honey feeling taken for granted.  One of the study’s authors says “You may have slept like a baby, but if your spouse didn’t – you’ll probably both be grouchy.”

Work

Hit the Interview Trail Early

You’re on time.  You’re dressed well.  You’ve even already made out the thank you note, but if you really want to land that job – pay special attention to when you interview.  New research out of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard suggests interviewing early in the day, and if you know who your competition is – pick a different day if you can.  They looked at nearly a decade of data and found that people who interview later in the day usually end up ranked lower because they get compared with solid candidates from earlier in the day.

Finances & Economy

Home Prices Up as Sales Dip

Not as many people bought a new house last month by comparison to November. The US Census Bureau says new home sales fell 7.3% last month. Even though the December numbers were down, 2012 saw more sales than 2011. 2012 posted the strongest home sale numbers in three years.

Health

Preventable Strokes?

New research suggests 80-percent% of strokes can be prevented.  Dr. Leigh Connealy says by doing three simple things – Not smoking, reducing your high blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy weight you can be pretty sure you’ll avoid a stroke.  He also recommends omega 3’s, garlic and ginger – and staying active.

Mental Health Focus

The nation continues to discuss mental health in the wake of the school shootings in Connecticut last month.  The National Council for Behavioral Health has started a new program they think will help – called Youth Mental Health First Aid.  It’s focused on 12-25 year olds and identifies not only the symptoms, but effective treatment options.  www.TheNationalCouncil.org has more.

Natural Remedies

For those of you who are concerned about getting the flu shot, Doctor Cass Ingram has some natural remedies to either prevent it, or clear it up. He says eating more garlic, onions, citrus and cinnamon will help. He has more advice in his book: The Cure is in the Cupboard.