Rev. Barbara Brown Zikmund, trailblazing religion scholar, dies at 87

Settler attacks threaten the West Bank’s final Christian village

(RNS) — As settler violence escalates in Taybeh, a Catholic priest and a papal charity are working to give Palestinian Christians security, jobs and community support to remain in the Holy Land.

Ceuta begins burials for migrants who died attempting to cross into the Spanish territory

CEUTA, Spain (AP) — The dead, whose identities are unknown, were among the more than 90 migrants who lost their lives during Spain’s deadliest border crisis three weeks ago.

Myanmar military strike kills 14 people at a Buddhist monastery, opposition group says

BANGKOK (AP) — The attack is the latest in a series of frequent and deadly aerial strikes targeting armed pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups in the country. The strikes often cause civilian casualties.

Chinese Valentine’s Day is rooted in legend and tradition, not just romance

BEIJING (AP) — The festival is observed on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, which fell on Aug. 19 in 2026. Celebrations are also held in Singapore, Vietnam and other Asian countries.

In Israel, military service debate spotlights ultra-Orthodox Jews and their growing clout

JERUSALEM (AP) — Mass protests over proposed changes to the exemption from the military draft for ultra-Orthodox men highlight the most contentious issue as the country approaches three years of war on multiple fronts — and national elections where ultra-Orthodox parties are likely to be kingmakers.