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
B-1B bombers fly over Korean Peninsula alongside Japanese, South Korean fighters
Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flew over the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday in a show-of-force exercise as tensions with a nuclear-armed North Korea continue to escalate.
U.S. Warship Sails Near Islands Beijing Claims in South China Sea
A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Tuesday, three U.S. officials told Reuters, even as President Donald Trump's administration seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.
UK reaffirms commitment to Iran nuclear deal in call with Trump
Prime Minister Theresa May has reaffirmed Britain's commitment to a 2015 Iran nuclear deal in a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump ahead of a key US decision on whether Tehran has stuck to the terms of the pact.
U.S. officials ramp up rhetoric against Iran-backed Hezbollah
U.S. officials elevated their public condemnation of Hezbollah on Tuesday, adding two of the Iran-backed terror group’s top operatives to a special State Department most-wanted list and asserting that all of the group’s factions — even those holding political office in Lebanon — are part of the same terrorist operation.
IMF Says Venezuela's Inflation Rate May Rise Beyond 2,300% in 2018
Venezuela’s triple-digit annual inflation rate is set to jump to more than 2,300 percent in 2018, the highest estimate for any country tracked by the International Monetary Fund.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel's defense minister says Hezbollah runs Lebanese army
Israel's defense minister says the Hezbollah militant group controls Lebanon's army.
Israel Hacked Kaspersky and Discovered Russia Stealing Top Secret U.S. Intel
Israeli intelligence officials spying on Russian government hackers found they were using Kaspersky Lab antivirus software that is also used by 400 million people globally, including U.S. government agencies, according to media reports on Tuesday.
Tens of thousands participate in annual Jerusalem March
Tens of thousands of participants from 80 different countries took part Tuesday in the annual march in Jerusalem marking the 50th anniversary of the city's unification.
Iron Dome goes on display in Washington amid reports on possible US purchase
Amid reports that the US military is considering purchasing Israel’s Iron Dome to plug a gap in its European defenses, the missile-defense system is on display in the US capital this week as part of the Association of the US Army (AUSA) annual meeting.
US tank brigade to be armed with Israel's Trophy system
A brigade of more than 80 Abrams tanks belonging to the US military are expected to be deployed to Europe in 2020 armed with Israel’s Trophy active-protection system to counter the growing threat from Russia.
Inside the United States
Trump asks Congress for $4.9-billion loan to Puerto Rico
U.S. President Donald Trump asked Congress on Tuesday for a loan of $4.9 billion to help the cash-strapped Puerto Rican government pay urgent bills as the U.S. territory struggles to recover from Hurricane Maria, an administration official said.
Supreme Court Tosses One of Two Travel Ban Challenges
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday threw out an appeals court ruling that struck down President Donald Trump’s previous temporary travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority nations countries that has now expired.
Twitter reverses decision to suspend Marsha Blackburn ad
Twitter has backtracked its initial position and is no longer suspending an ad from Tennessee Senate candidate Rep. Marsha Blackburn, after 'reconsidering the ad in the context of the entire message.'
Christian News
Mass Trials of Over 6,600 Boko Haram Suspects Accused of Slaughtering Christians, Children Begin
The mass trials of over 6,600 suspects believed to be members of Islamic radical group Boko Haram have begun in Nigeria, and are being carried out in secret by civilian court judges at a military facility in Kainji town.
Operation Bible Smuggling: How Christian texts infiltrate North Korea
On the nights when the winds are light and the skies are dark, hundreds of helium-filled balloons are sent up and away from multiple points in South Korea, destined a few miles away and into North Korea. Only these are no ordinary balloons — they are considered 'Bible Balloons,' adorned with the Words of God printed in Korean or flash drives featuring the entire texts of the Testament.
Study: Anti-Christian Bias Hasn’t Grown. It’s Just Gotten Richer.
While conservative Christians have long complained about worsening societal hostility and persecution for their beliefs, there’s been little empirical evidence to gauge such claims—until now.
B-1B bombers fly over Korean Peninsula alongside Japanese, South Korean fighters
Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flew over the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday in a show-of-force exercise as tensions with a nuclear-armed North Korea continue to escalate.
U.S. Warship Sails Near Islands Beijing Claims in South China Sea
A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Tuesday, three U.S. officials told Reuters, even as President Donald Trump's administration seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.
UK reaffirms commitment to Iran nuclear deal in call with Trump
Prime Minister Theresa May has reaffirmed Britain's commitment to a 2015 Iran nuclear deal in a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump ahead of a key US decision on whether Tehran has stuck to the terms of the pact.
U.S. officials ramp up rhetoric against Iran-backed Hezbollah
U.S. officials elevated their public condemnation of Hezbollah on Tuesday, adding two of the Iran-backed terror group’s top operatives to a special State Department most-wanted list and asserting that all of the group’s factions — even those holding political office in Lebanon — are part of the same terrorist operation.
IMF Says Venezuela's Inflation Rate May Rise Beyond 2,300% in 2018
Venezuela’s triple-digit annual inflation rate is set to jump to more than 2,300 percent in 2018, the highest estimate for any country tracked by the International Monetary Fund.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel's defense minister says Hezbollah runs Lebanese army
Israel's defense minister says the Hezbollah militant group controls Lebanon's army.
Israel Hacked Kaspersky and Discovered Russia Stealing Top Secret U.S. Intel
Israeli intelligence officials spying on Russian government hackers found they were using Kaspersky Lab antivirus software that is also used by 400 million people globally, including U.S. government agencies, according to media reports on Tuesday.
Tens of thousands participate in annual Jerusalem March
Tens of thousands of participants from 80 different countries took part Tuesday in the annual march in Jerusalem marking the 50th anniversary of the city's unification.
Iron Dome goes on display in Washington amid reports on possible US purchase
Amid reports that the US military is considering purchasing Israel’s Iron Dome to plug a gap in its European defenses, the missile-defense system is on display in the US capital this week as part of the Association of the US Army (AUSA) annual meeting.
US tank brigade to be armed with Israel's Trophy system
A brigade of more than 80 Abrams tanks belonging to the US military are expected to be deployed to Europe in 2020 armed with Israel’s Trophy active-protection system to counter the growing threat from Russia.
Inside the United States
Trump asks Congress for $4.9-billion loan to Puerto Rico
U.S. President Donald Trump asked Congress on Tuesday for a loan of $4.9 billion to help the cash-strapped Puerto Rican government pay urgent bills as the U.S. territory struggles to recover from Hurricane Maria, an administration official said.
Supreme Court Tosses One of Two Travel Ban Challenges
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday threw out an appeals court ruling that struck down President Donald Trump’s previous temporary travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority nations countries that has now expired.
Twitter reverses decision to suspend Marsha Blackburn ad
Twitter has backtracked its initial position and is no longer suspending an ad from Tennessee Senate candidate Rep. Marsha Blackburn, after 'reconsidering the ad in the context of the entire message.'
Christian News
Mass Trials of Over 6,600 Boko Haram Suspects Accused of Slaughtering Christians, Children Begin
The mass trials of over 6,600 suspects believed to be members of Islamic radical group Boko Haram have begun in Nigeria, and are being carried out in secret by civilian court judges at a military facility in Kainji town.
Operation Bible Smuggling: How Christian texts infiltrate North Korea
On the nights when the winds are light and the skies are dark, hundreds of helium-filled balloons are sent up and away from multiple points in South Korea, destined a few miles away and into North Korea. Only these are no ordinary balloons — they are considered 'Bible Balloons,' adorned with the Words of God printed in Korean or flash drives featuring the entire texts of the Testament.
Study: Anti-Christian Bias Hasn’t Grown. It’s Just Gotten Richer.
While conservative Christians have long complained about worsening societal hostility and persecution for their beliefs, there’s been little empirical evidence to gauge such claims—until now.
Around the World
IRGC Chief Suggests Missile Strike If U.S. Bolsters Iran Sanctions
The head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has suggested that U.S. military forces in the Middle East could be in danger of an Iranian missile attack if Washington imposes new sanctions against Tehran.
Catalan leader under pressure to drop independence
Catalonia’s secessionist leader faced increased pressure on Monday to abandon plans to declare independence from Spain, with France and Germany expressing support for the country’s unity.
Moscow says escalation of tension on Korea peninsula unacceptable
Any escalation of tension on the Korean peninsula is unacceptable, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a phone call on Monday.
Russia threatens US media with legal crackdown
Russia on Monday threatened US media operating in the country with new legal restrictions after Kremlin-controlled broadcaster RT complained of persecution by Washington.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas and Fatah to take part in reconciliation talks in Cairo today
High-level Hamas and Fatah delegations are scheduled to participate in reconciliation talks in Cairo on Tuesday in a bid to start work on ending the decade-long territorial division between the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Thousands of Christian Pilgrims Stand with Israel 'Because the Bible Says So'
At a time of rising anti-Semitism, thousands of Christians are in Jerusalem to celebrate the biblical Feast of Tabernacles and stand with Israel.
Inside the United States
10 dead, 1,500 structures lost in California firestorm, among worst in state's history
At least 10 people have died and at least 1,500 homes, businesses and other structures have been destroyed as more than 14 fires ravaged eight counties throughout Northern California on Monday, authorities said.
White House plans order to expand health care options
The White House is finalizing an executive order that would expand health plans offered by associations to allow individuals to pool together and buy insurance outside their states, a unilateral move that follows failed efforts by Congress to overhaul the health care system.
Twitter Blocks Rep. Blackburn Ad Over Pro Life Message
Twitter blocked a video ad that announced the Senate candidacy of Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., because the social media giant said a pro life message in it was 'an inflammatory statement.'
Las Vegas gunman sprayed 200 shots at hotel security guard six minutes before opening fire on crowd
A hotel security guard was shot by the Las Vegas mass shooting’s gunman six minutes before he opened fire on concert-goers, authorities said on Monday, revising the timeline of the attack.
Google uncovers ads by Russian operatives: Report
Russian operatives spent tens of thousands of dollars on ads across Google products, including YouTube and Google search, according to reports.
$800M Tax Hike for Ministers? Judge Kills 'Most Important Tax Benefit'
For 60 years, ministers and clergy in the U.S. have relied on an IRS law that allows them a tax-exempt housing allowance. Now that key exemption is at risk.
Christian News
Violence Against Christians Increases as Elections Draw Close in India’s Karnataka State
On September 17, 2017, suspected Hindu radicals attacked an Assembly of God church in India’s Karnataka state. After the attack, church attendance has plummeted as Christians in the area fear another attack. It is not surprising that attacks are increasing in Karnataka as state elections are scheduled to occur early next year. Hindu hardline groups want to silence Christians and ensure that they are unable to practice their faith.
Cuban Activist Has Charges Against Him Dropped
A Cuban religious freedom activist was informed on 2 October that criminal charges against him have been dropped by Cuban state security.
IRGC Chief Suggests Missile Strike If U.S. Bolsters Iran Sanctions
The head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has suggested that U.S. military forces in the Middle East could be in danger of an Iranian missile attack if Washington imposes new sanctions against Tehran.
Catalan leader under pressure to drop independence
Catalonia’s secessionist leader faced increased pressure on Monday to abandon plans to declare independence from Spain, with France and Germany expressing support for the country’s unity.
Moscow says escalation of tension on Korea peninsula unacceptable
Any escalation of tension on the Korean peninsula is unacceptable, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a phone call on Monday.
Russia threatens US media with legal crackdown
Russia on Monday threatened US media operating in the country with new legal restrictions after Kremlin-controlled broadcaster RT complained of persecution by Washington.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas and Fatah to take part in reconciliation talks in Cairo today
High-level Hamas and Fatah delegations are scheduled to participate in reconciliation talks in Cairo on Tuesday in a bid to start work on ending the decade-long territorial division between the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Thousands of Christian Pilgrims Stand with Israel 'Because the Bible Says So'
At a time of rising anti-Semitism, thousands of Christians are in Jerusalem to celebrate the biblical Feast of Tabernacles and stand with Israel.
Inside the United States
10 dead, 1,500 structures lost in California firestorm, among worst in state's history
At least 10 people have died and at least 1,500 homes, businesses and other structures have been destroyed as more than 14 fires ravaged eight counties throughout Northern California on Monday, authorities said.
White House plans order to expand health care options
The White House is finalizing an executive order that would expand health plans offered by associations to allow individuals to pool together and buy insurance outside their states, a unilateral move that follows failed efforts by Congress to overhaul the health care system.
Twitter Blocks Rep. Blackburn Ad Over Pro Life Message
Twitter blocked a video ad that announced the Senate candidacy of Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., because the social media giant said a pro life message in it was 'an inflammatory statement.'
Las Vegas gunman sprayed 200 shots at hotel security guard six minutes before opening fire on crowd
A hotel security guard was shot by the Las Vegas mass shooting’s gunman six minutes before he opened fire on concert-goers, authorities said on Monday, revising the timeline of the attack.
Google uncovers ads by Russian operatives: Report
Russian operatives spent tens of thousands of dollars on ads across Google products, including YouTube and Google search, according to reports.
$800M Tax Hike for Ministers? Judge Kills 'Most Important Tax Benefit'
For 60 years, ministers and clergy in the U.S. have relied on an IRS law that allows them a tax-exempt housing allowance. Now that key exemption is at risk.
Christian News
Violence Against Christians Increases as Elections Draw Close in India’s Karnataka State
On September 17, 2017, suspected Hindu radicals attacked an Assembly of God church in India’s Karnataka state. After the attack, church attendance has plummeted as Christians in the area fear another attack. It is not surprising that attacks are increasing in Karnataka as state elections are scheduled to occur early next year. Hindu hardline groups want to silence Christians and ensure that they are unable to practice their faith.
Cuban Activist Has Charges Against Him Dropped
A Cuban religious freedom activist was informed on 2 October that criminal charges against him have been dropped by Cuban state security.
Around the World
Iran: We will consider US Army equivalent to Islamic State
Iran will consider the U.S. Army equivalent to the Islamic State group if Washington designates its Revolutionary Guards Corps a terrorist group, Iran's Tasnim news agency quoted the Guards' commander as saying on Sunday.
EU braces for Brexit talks collapse as May falters
As in-fighting consumes the British government, Europeans have stepped up quiet preparations for a possible collapse of Brexit talks that could see Britain crash out of the EU without a deal 18 months from now.
Huge demonstration against Catalan independence in Barcelona
Hundreds of thousands of people are marching in Barcelona to demand Catalonia rejects independence and stays with Spain.
U.S. approves possible $15 billion sale of THAAD missiles to Saudi Arabia
The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of a THAAD anti-missile defense system to Saudi Arabia at an estimated cost of $15 billion, the Pentagon said on Friday, citing Iran among regional threats.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump: I want to give peace a shot before I even think of moving embassy
US President Donald Trump said in an interview broadcast on Saturday that he wanted to give a shot at achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinians before moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Hamas vows it won't disarm until Palestine is liberated
With the ink on the reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas not yet dry, with the mutual declarations of 'real reconciliation on behalf of Palestinian national strength' still reverberating in the background, the first signs of division over the implementation of understandings began to surface over the weekend.
Israel strikes Hamas post after Gaza rocket fire
The Israeli military said on Sunday it destroyed an outpost belonging to the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Sunday after Gaza militants fired a rocket toward Israel.
Inside the United States
Sessions outlines broad exemptions for religious freedom
Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued government-wide legal guidance Friday that urges sweeping protection for religious freedom and could impact a series of pending policy decisions involving health care, LGBT rights and even disaster relief.
The FBI’s New U.S. Terrorist Threat: ‘Black Identity Extremists’
As white supremacists prepared to descend on Charlottesville, Virginia, in August, the FBI warned about a new movement that was violent, growing, and racially motivated. Only it wasn’t white supremacists; it was 'black identity extremists.'
For First Time Since 2005, Four Hurricanes Make U.S. Landfalls in One Season
Nate made landfall around 7 p.m. CDT Oct. 7 near the mouth of the Mississippi River as a Category 1 hurricane, then made its final landfall near Biloxi, Mississippi, just after midnight Oct. 8.
Trump unveils new strict 70-point immigration enforcement plan
Determined to finally solve illegal immigration, the White House submitted a 70-point enforcement plan to Congress Sunday proposing the stiffest reforms ever offered by an administration — including a massive rewrite of the law in order to eliminate loopholes illegal immigrants have exploited to gain a foothold in the U.S.
California's deadly hepatitis A outbreak could last years, official says
California’s outbreak of hepatitis A, already the nation’s second largest in the last 20 years, could continue for many months, even years, health officials said Thursday.
Christian News
Awaken the Dawn: A Weekend of Worship Fills the National Mall
The big swath of park land between Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial known as the National Mall was filled with an unprecedented event this weekend: 24/7 worship meant to bless God and call His presence down on America.
Thousands of Women to Repent for Racial Sins of America in Worship Rally on National Mall
This weekend's worship festivities on the National Mall will culminate on Monday in the form of a day-long women-led worship rally in which people from all across the United States will be called to pray for a 'Jesus Movement' to sweep the nation and foster racial reconciliation, gender equality, and for an end to abortion.
Christians and Yazidis in Iraq Stand on the Brink of Extinction
Astonishingly, for three years U.S. government bureaucrats have refused to help endangered religious minority communities like Christians and Yazidis survive the genocide ISIS began in 2014. These communities stand on the brink of extinction.
Iran: We will consider US Army equivalent to Islamic State
Iran will consider the U.S. Army equivalent to the Islamic State group if Washington designates its Revolutionary Guards Corps a terrorist group, Iran's Tasnim news agency quoted the Guards' commander as saying on Sunday.
EU braces for Brexit talks collapse as May falters
As in-fighting consumes the British government, Europeans have stepped up quiet preparations for a possible collapse of Brexit talks that could see Britain crash out of the EU without a deal 18 months from now.
Huge demonstration against Catalan independence in Barcelona
Hundreds of thousands of people are marching in Barcelona to demand Catalonia rejects independence and stays with Spain.
U.S. approves possible $15 billion sale of THAAD missiles to Saudi Arabia
The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of a THAAD anti-missile defense system to Saudi Arabia at an estimated cost of $15 billion, the Pentagon said on Friday, citing Iran among regional threats.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump: I want to give peace a shot before I even think of moving embassy
US President Donald Trump said in an interview broadcast on Saturday that he wanted to give a shot at achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinians before moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Hamas vows it won't disarm until Palestine is liberated
With the ink on the reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas not yet dry, with the mutual declarations of 'real reconciliation on behalf of Palestinian national strength' still reverberating in the background, the first signs of division over the implementation of understandings began to surface over the weekend.
Israel strikes Hamas post after Gaza rocket fire
The Israeli military said on Sunday it destroyed an outpost belonging to the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Sunday after Gaza militants fired a rocket toward Israel.
Inside the United States
Sessions outlines broad exemptions for religious freedom
Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued government-wide legal guidance Friday that urges sweeping protection for religious freedom and could impact a series of pending policy decisions involving health care, LGBT rights and even disaster relief.
The FBI’s New U.S. Terrorist Threat: ‘Black Identity Extremists’
As white supremacists prepared to descend on Charlottesville, Virginia, in August, the FBI warned about a new movement that was violent, growing, and racially motivated. Only it wasn’t white supremacists; it was 'black identity extremists.'
For First Time Since 2005, Four Hurricanes Make U.S. Landfalls in One Season
Nate made landfall around 7 p.m. CDT Oct. 7 near the mouth of the Mississippi River as a Category 1 hurricane, then made its final landfall near Biloxi, Mississippi, just after midnight Oct. 8.
Trump unveils new strict 70-point immigration enforcement plan
Determined to finally solve illegal immigration, the White House submitted a 70-point enforcement plan to Congress Sunday proposing the stiffest reforms ever offered by an administration — including a massive rewrite of the law in order to eliminate loopholes illegal immigrants have exploited to gain a foothold in the U.S.
California's deadly hepatitis A outbreak could last years, official says
California’s outbreak of hepatitis A, already the nation’s second largest in the last 20 years, could continue for many months, even years, health officials said Thursday.
Christian News
Awaken the Dawn: A Weekend of Worship Fills the National Mall
The big swath of park land between Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial known as the National Mall was filled with an unprecedented event this weekend: 24/7 worship meant to bless God and call His presence down on America.
Thousands of Women to Repent for Racial Sins of America in Worship Rally on National Mall
This weekend's worship festivities on the National Mall will culminate on Monday in the form of a day-long women-led worship rally in which people from all across the United States will be called to pray for a 'Jesus Movement' to sweep the nation and foster racial reconciliation, gender equality, and for an end to abortion.
Christians and Yazidis in Iraq Stand on the Brink of Extinction
Astonishingly, for three years U.S. government bureaucrats have refused to help endangered religious minority communities like Christians and Yazidis survive the genocide ISIS began in 2014. These communities stand on the brink of extinction.