China bans Christmas activities

Chinese government authorities increased their persecution of Christians this Christmas season by banning numerous worship services and carol events, the Christian Post reports.

Iran warns U.S. and Israel not to cross “red lines” in Persian Gulf

Iran warned both the US and Israel Monday that they must not cross “red lines” in the Persian Gulf, the Washington Times reports. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh issued the warning amid reports that Israel had sent submarines to the Gulf and that US nuclear submarines had gone through the Strait of Hormuz off Iran’s coast.

California Supreme Court: Nonviolent sex offenders may be eligible for early parole

The California Supreme Court ruled Monday that prisoners convicted of nonviolent sex crimes may be eligible for early parole, the LA Times reports. This eligibility excludes anyone serving time for violent acts like rape and sodomy but may result in early parole for prisoners convicted of crimes the state does not consider violent – including pimping, incest, indecent exposure, and possessing child pornography.