A New Perspective on Constantine

Scientists and veterinarians in France have partnered in a project which trains dogs to detect the new coronavirus through smelling human sweat, en24News reports. The stated aim of the ‘Cynocov’ project is to provide a “complimentary solution” to the pandemic crisis at a time when “a comprehensive, rapid and non-invasive screening offering is needed.”

A new survey reveals that some pastors worry their church may not survive the COVID-19 pandemic because of financial pressures, Christian Today reports. Titled “Something other than a Building,” and compiled by Churches in Ireland and Queen’s University, Belfast, the survey shows finances have been a source of anxiety for most of the pastors who participated.

Oregon has become the first state to decriminalize possessing small quantities of hard drugs including methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, UPI reports. Following a ballot measure approved last year, the new ‘Measure 110’ law took effect on Monday.

A Moscow court has sentenced Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny to 3 ½ years as the Kremlin defied Western calls for his release.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Chicago’s International Mail Facility last week intercepted two parcels from China that contained different denominations of counterfeit currency totaling over $136,000, the Department of Homeland Security reports on its website.

U.S. President Joe Biden said Monday he was considering reimposing sanctions against Myanmar after the military seized power in a coup.

A new Israeli poll shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party is regaining popularity it had lost since the March 2020 election, Israel National News reports. Conducted by Midgam and released Sunday, the poll surveyed 505 respondents by phone and the internet.

A Christian family recovering from an assault by Muslims in Uganda last month was attacked again last week, Morning Star News reports. On January 24, Muslim villagers again attacked the family of Pastor Moses Nabwana, this time breaking into his Nankodo Sub-County home and injuring his wife and two of his children. The pastor and his wife Lovisa Naura were still recovering from being hospitalized after beatings by local Islamists on December 27.

Evangelical Christians in Mexico have been preaching the Gospel to their Syncretist Catholic neighbors, turning them toward Christ and away from idols, the Christian Post reports. According to a recent survey, the number of Mexican evangelical Christians has increased by 49% since 2010.

A Christian nurse in Pakistan was charged with blasphemy Friday, after an Islamist mob demanded police rescind their original decision to dismiss an allegation against her, Morning Star News reports. Accusations of blasphemy in Pakistan can result in lengthy jail sentences, and can also trigger mob lynchings and vigilante murders.