Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
Syrian media: Explosions at largest Iranian base in Syria
Mixed and contradictory reports emerged from Syria Saturday night over a mystery blast that rocked an Iranian base located on the outskirts of Aleppo.
US, Britain warn of Russian campaign to hack networks
Russian government-sponsored hackers are compromising the key hardware of government and business computer networks like routers and firewalls, giving them virtual control of data flows, Britain and the United States warned on Monday (Apr 16).
France's Macron to outline his vision for Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline his vision for the future of Europe as he addresses the European Parliament.
China and Iran reportedly set to cooperate on building of nuclear reactors
China has expressed its intention, amid ongoing talks, to assist Iran in building several small nuclear power plants for civilian use, an Iranian lawmaker stated on Sunday according to Fars news agency.
Researchers accidentally engineer plastic-eating enzyme
Researchers in the US and Britain have accidentally engineered an enzyme which eats plastic and may eventually help solve the growing problem of plastic pollution, a study said on Monday (Apr 16).
EU ponders new sanctions on Syria, Iran, Russia
EU foreign ministers have discussed new sanctions on Syria, Iran, and Russia in light of the chemical warfare in Syria.
Syrian media: Missile attacks near Homs
Syria's air defense system responded to a missile attack on the Shayrat airbase in the city of Homs early Tuesday morning Hezbollah and Syrian army sources reported, according to Lebanon's Daily Star. The missiles were intercepted and shot down, the report claims.
Trump puts brakes on Russian sanctions over Syria
President Trump on Monday ordered a hold on new economic sanctions against Russia over its support for Syria and said he remain committed to pulling U.S. troops out of the war-torn nation, despite what was widely seen as a successful strike with allies on President Bashar Assad’s chemical weapons infrastructure over the weekend.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF official said to confirm attack in Syria: ‘First strike on Iranian targets’
An Israeli military official confirmed Monday that Israel carried out last week’s strike on Iranian forces in a Syrian airbase, the New York Times reported.
Europe to Hamas: Disarm and we'll rebuild Gaza
European groups recently passed on to Hamas a wide-reaching proposition to solve the humanitarian crises in Gaza, The Jerusalem Post's sister publication Maariv reported on Monday.
Inside the United States
Senators introduce new war powers resolution days after Syria strike
Lawmakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee introduced new Authorization for the Use of Military Force legislation to replace current war authorizations from 2001 and 2002 that have not been revised since they were passed.
Trump Loses Initial Bid to Review Seized Records From Cohen
President Donald Trump suffered a setback as a federal judge rejected his initial request to keep prosecutors from immediately reviewing evidence seized by the FBI last week from his longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Christian News
Islamic State Guns Down Churchgoers in Ongoing Terror Wave Against Pakistani Christians
An Islamic State terrorist attack against Christians in Quetta Sunday has led one Christian leader to warn that Pakistan has never been more dangerous for non-Muslims than it is now.
Syrian media: Explosions at largest Iranian base in Syria
Mixed and contradictory reports emerged from Syria Saturday night over a mystery blast that rocked an Iranian base located on the outskirts of Aleppo.
US, Britain warn of Russian campaign to hack networks
Russian government-sponsored hackers are compromising the key hardware of government and business computer networks like routers and firewalls, giving them virtual control of data flows, Britain and the United States warned on Monday (Apr 16).
France's Macron to outline his vision for Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline his vision for the future of Europe as he addresses the European Parliament.
China and Iran reportedly set to cooperate on building of nuclear reactors
China has expressed its intention, amid ongoing talks, to assist Iran in building several small nuclear power plants for civilian use, an Iranian lawmaker stated on Sunday according to Fars news agency.
Researchers accidentally engineer plastic-eating enzyme
Researchers in the US and Britain have accidentally engineered an enzyme which eats plastic and may eventually help solve the growing problem of plastic pollution, a study said on Monday (Apr 16).
EU ponders new sanctions on Syria, Iran, Russia
EU foreign ministers have discussed new sanctions on Syria, Iran, and Russia in light of the chemical warfare in Syria.
Syrian media: Missile attacks near Homs
Syria's air defense system responded to a missile attack on the Shayrat airbase in the city of Homs early Tuesday morning Hezbollah and Syrian army sources reported, according to Lebanon's Daily Star. The missiles were intercepted and shot down, the report claims.
Trump puts brakes on Russian sanctions over Syria
President Trump on Monday ordered a hold on new economic sanctions against Russia over its support for Syria and said he remain committed to pulling U.S. troops out of the war-torn nation, despite what was widely seen as a successful strike with allies on President Bashar Assad’s chemical weapons infrastructure over the weekend.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF official said to confirm attack in Syria: ‘First strike on Iranian targets’
An Israeli military official confirmed Monday that Israel carried out last week’s strike on Iranian forces in a Syrian airbase, the New York Times reported.
Europe to Hamas: Disarm and we'll rebuild Gaza
European groups recently passed on to Hamas a wide-reaching proposition to solve the humanitarian crises in Gaza, The Jerusalem Post's sister publication Maariv reported on Monday.
Inside the United States
Senators introduce new war powers resolution days after Syria strike
Lawmakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee introduced new Authorization for the Use of Military Force legislation to replace current war authorizations from 2001 and 2002 that have not been revised since they were passed.
Trump Loses Initial Bid to Review Seized Records From Cohen
President Donald Trump suffered a setback as a federal judge rejected his initial request to keep prosecutors from immediately reviewing evidence seized by the FBI last week from his longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Christian News
Islamic State Guns Down Churchgoers in Ongoing Terror Wave Against Pakistani Christians
An Islamic State terrorist attack against Christians in Quetta Sunday has led one Christian leader to warn that Pakistan has never been more dangerous for non-Muslims than it is now.
Around the World
Russia's Putin predicts global 'chaos' if West hits Syria again
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Sunday that further Western attacks on Syria would bring chaos to world affairs, as Washington prepared to increase pressure on Russia with new economic sanctions.
U.S., allies launch missile attack on Syria in retaliation for using chemical weapons on civilians
The U.S. launched missile strikes on Syria Friday night in coordination with Britain and France in retaliation for Syria’s chemical-weapons attack on civilians last weekend.
US to Hit Russia With New Sanctions for Aiding Syria’s Assad
President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his use of the phrase 'Mission Accomplished' to describe a U.S.-led missile attack on Syria’s chemical weapons program, even as his aides stressed continuing U.S. troop involvement and plans for new economic sanctions against Russia for enabling the government of Bashar Assad.
Russia stocks open lower after US vows further sanctions; Rusal tanks 14%
Russia's stock market opened lower on Monday morning, amid renewed concerns over the prospect of imminent U.S. sanctions.
Biggest Naval force since Iraq on course for Syria
An armada of 12 warships — the largest US strike force since the 2003 Iraq war – is steaming toward the Middle East as President Trump mulls an attack on Syria in retaliation for a chemical weapons attack on civilians, according to a report.
Syria, Russia say over 100 missiles fired, many intercepted
The US and its allies fired more than 100 cruise missiles at Syria, a significant number of which were intercepted by Syrian air defenses, Russia and Syria said Saturday.
Allies hit three facilities to degrade Syria's chemical weapons program
The Defense Department said Friday night that U.S., British and French forces struck three Syrian facilities that officials believe play a key role in Syria's ability to research, produce and store chemical weapons.
Russia vows ‘consequences’ for Syria strike
Russia warned late Friday there would be 'consequences' for President Trump’s decision to proceed with airstrikes against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s chemical weapons facilities, according to Moscow’s representative to the U.S.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hezbollah threatens possibility of 'direct fight' between Israel and Iran
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah pointed on Friday to an Israeli air strike against a Syrian air base that killed some Iranian Revolutionary Guards, saying it opened the prospect of conflict between the two enemy states.
IDF: Gazans hurl explosives, firebombs, burn Israeli flags, try to damage fence
Palestinian protesters in Gaza on Friday hurled an explosive device and firebombs at Israeli troops deployed at the border, during what the Israel Defense Forces described as 'several attempts' to damage the fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip and cross over into Israeli territory.
Russian supply of S-300 systems to Syria major threat to IAF
With Russia considering supplying the S-300 surface-to- air missile systems to Syria, Israel’s air superiority is at risk of being challenged in one of its most difficult arenas.
Four Palestinian Islamic Jihad Members Killed in Gaza Blast
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group said four of its members were killed in an apparent accidental blast in the Gaza Strip on Saturday.
Inside the United States
U.S., Mexico and Canada hasten NAFTA talks as elections loom
The United States, Mexico and Canada will expedite NAFTA talks in a push to reach a deal in coming weeks, Mexico’s president said on Saturday after a meeting with the U.S. vice president and Canadian prime minister.
Trump lawyer presses for access to seized Cohen files
A lawyer for President Donald Trump is pressing a federal judge to allow Trump's attorneys to sift through the records the FBI seized last week in high-profile searches tied to Trump's longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Tennessee Defunds Planned Parenthood, All Abortion Providers
Any health care facility providing abortions in Tennessee will no longer receive any government funding, thanks to a new state law.
lG Report: Andrew McCabe Repeatedly Leaked And Lied About It
A newly released report from the Office of the Inspector General at the Justice Department states that former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe repeatedly leaked information to the press and lied about it.
Christian News
Jailed Chinese pastor's US family seeks mercy
The Rev. John Sanqiang Cao paid no more than three dollars for the trip that would end up costing him his freedom.
U.S. pastor held in Turkey for his Christian faith, lawyer says
The lawyer for a U.S. pastor who goes on trial in Turkey on Monday over alleged links to a group accused of orchestrating a failed military coup said the preacher had been arrested for his Christian faith.
Russia's Putin predicts global 'chaos' if West hits Syria again
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Sunday that further Western attacks on Syria would bring chaos to world affairs, as Washington prepared to increase pressure on Russia with new economic sanctions.
U.S., allies launch missile attack on Syria in retaliation for using chemical weapons on civilians
The U.S. launched missile strikes on Syria Friday night in coordination with Britain and France in retaliation for Syria’s chemical-weapons attack on civilians last weekend.
US to Hit Russia With New Sanctions for Aiding Syria’s Assad
President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his use of the phrase 'Mission Accomplished' to describe a U.S.-led missile attack on Syria’s chemical weapons program, even as his aides stressed continuing U.S. troop involvement and plans for new economic sanctions against Russia for enabling the government of Bashar Assad.
Russia stocks open lower after US vows further sanctions; Rusal tanks 14%
Russia's stock market opened lower on Monday morning, amid renewed concerns over the prospect of imminent U.S. sanctions.
Biggest Naval force since Iraq on course for Syria
An armada of 12 warships — the largest US strike force since the 2003 Iraq war – is steaming toward the Middle East as President Trump mulls an attack on Syria in retaliation for a chemical weapons attack on civilians, according to a report.
Syria, Russia say over 100 missiles fired, many intercepted
The US and its allies fired more than 100 cruise missiles at Syria, a significant number of which were intercepted by Syrian air defenses, Russia and Syria said Saturday.
Allies hit three facilities to degrade Syria's chemical weapons program
The Defense Department said Friday night that U.S., British and French forces struck three Syrian facilities that officials believe play a key role in Syria's ability to research, produce and store chemical weapons.
Russia vows ‘consequences’ for Syria strike
Russia warned late Friday there would be 'consequences' for President Trump’s decision to proceed with airstrikes against Syrian President Bashar Assad’s chemical weapons facilities, according to Moscow’s representative to the U.S.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hezbollah threatens possibility of 'direct fight' between Israel and Iran
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah pointed on Friday to an Israeli air strike against a Syrian air base that killed some Iranian Revolutionary Guards, saying it opened the prospect of conflict between the two enemy states.
IDF: Gazans hurl explosives, firebombs, burn Israeli flags, try to damage fence
Palestinian protesters in Gaza on Friday hurled an explosive device and firebombs at Israeli troops deployed at the border, during what the Israel Defense Forces described as 'several attempts' to damage the fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip and cross over into Israeli territory.
Russian supply of S-300 systems to Syria major threat to IAF
With Russia considering supplying the S-300 surface-to- air missile systems to Syria, Israel’s air superiority is at risk of being challenged in one of its most difficult arenas.
Four Palestinian Islamic Jihad Members Killed in Gaza Blast
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group said four of its members were killed in an apparent accidental blast in the Gaza Strip on Saturday.
Inside the United States
U.S., Mexico and Canada hasten NAFTA talks as elections loom
The United States, Mexico and Canada will expedite NAFTA talks in a push to reach a deal in coming weeks, Mexico’s president said on Saturday after a meeting with the U.S. vice president and Canadian prime minister.
Trump lawyer presses for access to seized Cohen files
A lawyer for President Donald Trump is pressing a federal judge to allow Trump's attorneys to sift through the records the FBI seized last week in high-profile searches tied to Trump's longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Tennessee Defunds Planned Parenthood, All Abortion Providers
Any health care facility providing abortions in Tennessee will no longer receive any government funding, thanks to a new state law.
lG Report: Andrew McCabe Repeatedly Leaked And Lied About It
A newly released report from the Office of the Inspector General at the Justice Department states that former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe repeatedly leaked information to the press and lied about it.
Christian News
Jailed Chinese pastor's US family seeks mercy
The Rev. John Sanqiang Cao paid no more than three dollars for the trip that would end up costing him his freedom.
U.S. pastor held in Turkey for his Christian faith, lawyer says
The lawyer for a U.S. pastor who goes on trial in Turkey on Monday over alleged links to a group accused of orchestrating a failed military coup said the preacher had been arrested for his Christian faith.
Around the World
Trump meets with national security team as Britain joins U.S., France in planning Syria strike
President Trump huddled with his national security team Thursday amid mounting speculation of a military attack in response to Syria’s suspected use of chemical weapons, while Britain’s Cabinet gave the green light to join the U.S. and France in planning a strike.
Macron says there is ‘proof’ of chemical weapons attack in Syria
France has proof the Syrian government carried out a chemical weapons attack last week and will decide whether to strike back when all the necessary information has been gathered, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday.
Inspectors head to site of suspected gas attack in Syria
A team of inspectors from the international chemical weapons watchdog was on its way to Syria on Thursday to begin an investigation into a suspected chemical weapons attack near the capital that has brought the war-torn country to the brink of a wider conflict, amid Western threats of retaliation and Russian warnings of the potential for 'a dangerous escalation.'
US said planning to hit 8 sites in Syria after confirming chemical attack
The White House is considering eight potential Syrian targets in retaliation for a chemical weapons assault, a US official told CNBC Thursday.
Jim Mattis: Trump hasn't decided whether to strike Syria yet
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said no decision had been reached Thursday by President Trump about a strike on Syria and that the U.S. was still waiting to see the evidence of a chemical attack.
CIA chief confirms U.S. strike killed ‘hundreds’ of Russian mercenaries in Syria in February
CIA Director Mike Pompeo confirmed Thursday that U.S. forces killed 'a couple hundred' Russian mercenary troops in Syria in a strike earlier this year that he said sent a distinct signal to Moscow.
Trump weighs Syria options, Russia envoy says he 'cannot exclude' war
President Donald Trump and his national security aides on Thursday discussed U.S. options on Syria, where he has threatened missile strikes in response to a suspected poison gas attack, as a Russian envoy voiced fears of wider conflict between Washington and Moscow.
A massive, 'semi-infinite' trove of rare-earth metals has been found in Japan
Researchers have found hundreds of years' worth of critical rare-earth metals beneath Japanese waters -- enough to supply to the world on a 'semi-infinite basis,' according to a study published on Tuesday.
Trump orders aides to pursue reopening of Trans-Pacific Partnership
President Trump directed U.S. trade officials Thursday to explore rejoining the Obama administration’s free-trade deal with Pacific Rim nations, an agreement that Mr. Trump withdrew from last year, as he sought to ease farmers’ concerns about a tariff feud with China.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinians prepare to burn Israeli flags on third weekend of protests
The hashtags #RaisingFlag, referring to the Palestinian flag, and #BurningFlag, referring to the Israeli flag, have been prevalent in recent days among Palestinians on social media as they prepare for protests Friday near the Gaza border fence. Mass burning of Israeli flags is planned for Friday as the "Great March of Return" enters its third weekend.
Iran official threatens to destroy Israel if it continues ‘childish game’
Iran will destroy Israel if it doesn’t stop its 'childish game,' a senior military leader in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened Thursday.
Palestinian Authority FM says Arab states will block Israel Security Council bid
A campaign by Arab states to block Israel’s bid for a Security Council seat has gained support weeks ahead of a scheduled UN vote, the Palestinian Authority foreign minister said Thursday.
Inside the United States
Trump orders an evaluation of the Postal Service following his criticism of Amazon
President Donald Trump on Thursday issued an executive order to set up a task force to study the United States Postal Service and recommend reforms.
Media black out pro-life walkout after pushing anti-gun protests: Study
The media appear more than willing to cover student walkouts — unless, of course, the students are protesting abortion.
Suspect accused of killing Massachusetts cop had 111 prior offenses
The suspect accused of fatally shooting a Massachusetts police officer on Thursday while he was being served a warrant had 111 prior adult offenses and was on probation, authorities said.
CDC investigating E. coli outbreak now in 7 states
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an outbreak of a particularly nasty strain of E. coli that's sickened people in seven states. The illnesses from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 has landed six people in the hospital.
Speaker Paul Ryan’s retirement sparks GOP soul-searching
House Speaker Paul D. Ryan said Wednesday that he will retire from the House at the end of this year, closing out a two-decade career in Congress and igniting soul-searching in a party bracing for a rough election season.
Christian News
'We Never Fear Bombs or Death': Church in Egypt Grows Despite Jihadist Threats
It was a year ago this week that twin suicide bombings struck two churches in Egypt killing 45 people.
Former Muslim Who Hated Christians Plants First Church Town Has Seen in 700 Years
A man is helping take the gospel to the four corners of the earth by planting the first church a town in Kosovo has seen in 700 years.
Dozens of Megachurch Pastors Meet With Mike Pence, White House Staff During Retreat
Dozens of Southern Baptist megachurch pastors and their wives met with Vice President Mike Pence and senior White House officials on Wednesday to cap off the annual Southern Baptist Convention MegaMetro retreat.
Trump meets with national security team as Britain joins U.S., France in planning Syria strike
President Trump huddled with his national security team Thursday amid mounting speculation of a military attack in response to Syria’s suspected use of chemical weapons, while Britain’s Cabinet gave the green light to join the U.S. and France in planning a strike.
Macron says there is ‘proof’ of chemical weapons attack in Syria
France has proof the Syrian government carried out a chemical weapons attack last week and will decide whether to strike back when all the necessary information has been gathered, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday.
Inspectors head to site of suspected gas attack in Syria
A team of inspectors from the international chemical weapons watchdog was on its way to Syria on Thursday to begin an investigation into a suspected chemical weapons attack near the capital that has brought the war-torn country to the brink of a wider conflict, amid Western threats of retaliation and Russian warnings of the potential for 'a dangerous escalation.'
US said planning to hit 8 sites in Syria after confirming chemical attack
The White House is considering eight potential Syrian targets in retaliation for a chemical weapons assault, a US official told CNBC Thursday.
Jim Mattis: Trump hasn't decided whether to strike Syria yet
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said no decision had been reached Thursday by President Trump about a strike on Syria and that the U.S. was still waiting to see the evidence of a chemical attack.
CIA chief confirms U.S. strike killed ‘hundreds’ of Russian mercenaries in Syria in February
CIA Director Mike Pompeo confirmed Thursday that U.S. forces killed 'a couple hundred' Russian mercenary troops in Syria in a strike earlier this year that he said sent a distinct signal to Moscow.
Trump weighs Syria options, Russia envoy says he 'cannot exclude' war
President Donald Trump and his national security aides on Thursday discussed U.S. options on Syria, where he has threatened missile strikes in response to a suspected poison gas attack, as a Russian envoy voiced fears of wider conflict between Washington and Moscow.
A massive, 'semi-infinite' trove of rare-earth metals has been found in Japan
Researchers have found hundreds of years' worth of critical rare-earth metals beneath Japanese waters -- enough to supply to the world on a 'semi-infinite basis,' according to a study published on Tuesday.
Trump orders aides to pursue reopening of Trans-Pacific Partnership
President Trump directed U.S. trade officials Thursday to explore rejoining the Obama administration’s free-trade deal with Pacific Rim nations, an agreement that Mr. Trump withdrew from last year, as he sought to ease farmers’ concerns about a tariff feud with China.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinians prepare to burn Israeli flags on third weekend of protests
The hashtags #RaisingFlag, referring to the Palestinian flag, and #BurningFlag, referring to the Israeli flag, have been prevalent in recent days among Palestinians on social media as they prepare for protests Friday near the Gaza border fence. Mass burning of Israeli flags is planned for Friday as the "Great March of Return" enters its third weekend.
Iran official threatens to destroy Israel if it continues ‘childish game’
Iran will destroy Israel if it doesn’t stop its 'childish game,' a senior military leader in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened Thursday.
Palestinian Authority FM says Arab states will block Israel Security Council bid
A campaign by Arab states to block Israel’s bid for a Security Council seat has gained support weeks ahead of a scheduled UN vote, the Palestinian Authority foreign minister said Thursday.
Inside the United States
Trump orders an evaluation of the Postal Service following his criticism of Amazon
President Donald Trump on Thursday issued an executive order to set up a task force to study the United States Postal Service and recommend reforms.
Media black out pro-life walkout after pushing anti-gun protests: Study
The media appear more than willing to cover student walkouts — unless, of course, the students are protesting abortion.
Suspect accused of killing Massachusetts cop had 111 prior offenses
The suspect accused of fatally shooting a Massachusetts police officer on Thursday while he was being served a warrant had 111 prior adult offenses and was on probation, authorities said.
CDC investigating E. coli outbreak now in 7 states
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an outbreak of a particularly nasty strain of E. coli that's sickened people in seven states. The illnesses from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 has landed six people in the hospital.
Speaker Paul Ryan’s retirement sparks GOP soul-searching
House Speaker Paul D. Ryan said Wednesday that he will retire from the House at the end of this year, closing out a two-decade career in Congress and igniting soul-searching in a party bracing for a rough election season.
Christian News
'We Never Fear Bombs or Death': Church in Egypt Grows Despite Jihadist Threats
It was a year ago this week that twin suicide bombings struck two churches in Egypt killing 45 people.
Former Muslim Who Hated Christians Plants First Church Town Has Seen in 700 Years
A man is helping take the gospel to the four corners of the earth by planting the first church a town in Kosovo has seen in 700 years.
Dozens of Megachurch Pastors Meet With Mike Pence, White House Staff During Retreat
Dozens of Southern Baptist megachurch pastors and their wives met with Vice President Mike Pence and senior White House officials on Wednesday to cap off the annual Southern Baptist Convention MegaMetro retreat.