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
North Korea Covertly Building Missiles, Nuclear Arms at Civilian Sites
North Korea is covertly developing and testing nuclear arms and ballistic missiles at civilian facilities in a bid to prevent a "decapitation" military strike against its weapons plants and storage depots, according to a report by a UN panel of experts.
Brexit chaos: British Parliament overwhelmingly rejects May’s Brexit deal
British MPs overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal for a second time on Tuesday, pitching Britain into the unknown just 17 days before it is due to split from the European Union.
3,000 ISIS members in Syria surrender
About 3,000 Islamic State members in the group’s last holdout in Syria surrendered.
Woolly mammoth nuclei come alive inside mouse cells
Researchers in Japan have activated woolly mammoth cell nuclei transplanted in mouse cells.
Turkey says it is discussing Syria offensive with Russia, U.S.
Turkey is discussing with Russia and the United States a potential military offensive in a region of northeast Syria controlled by Kurdish fighters, a Turkish defense official was cited as saying by state media on Tuesday.
U.S. envoy: United States, Taliban reach draft agreement in peace talks
The United States and the Taliban have reached a draft agreement on counter-terrorism assurances and troop withdrawal in a step toward ending the 17-year-long war, U.S. presidential envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said Tuesday.
U.S. Senate to vote Wednesday on Saudi Yemen war resolution
The U.S. Senate will vote on Wednesday on a resolution to end Washington’s support for the Saudi Arabia-led military campaign in Yemen, as lawmakers push President Donald Trump to toughen his policy toward the kingdom.
Venezuela Blames U.S. for Record Blackout and Orders American Diplomats to Leave
With resentment percolating over a record-setting blackout, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro lashed out at the U.S., blaming the U.S. for the country-wide outages and ejecting American diplomats from the country on Tuesday, Reuters reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran warns Israel of ‘crushing response’ to any naval intervention
Iran’s defense minister warned Wednesday that the Islamic Republic would give a 'crushing response' if Israel followed through on a threat by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stymie Iranian oil shipments.
Temple Mount shuttered after firebomb thrown at police post
Police sealed off the Temple Mount holy site in Jerusalem on Tuesday after a firebomb was thrown at officers, leading to several arrests and low-level clashes.
Record $158.3 billion in worldwide debts owed to Israel
Israel is owed a record $158.3 billion in debts from countries around the world, according to figures published by the Bank of Israel and Central Bureau of Statistics on Monday.
Inside the United States
Trump flips 3rd Circuit federal appeals court with 'Bridgegate' attorney
With the confirmation of a nominee to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, President Trump has for the first time in his presidency flipped an appeals court to have a majority of Republican-appointed judges.
Planned Parenthood has ‘no right to perform abortions,' Ohio can defund: 6th Circuit
The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned an earlier ruling against an Ohio law that strips Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics public health funding.
Measles, once eradicated from the US, reported in 12 states
Measles cases have cropped up across 12 states over the last ten weeks — nearly two decades since the highly contagious disease was said to be eradicated in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kentucky Becomes 16th Permitless Gun-Carry State
Kentucky became the latest state to adopt a permitless gun-carry system when Republican governor Matt Bevin signed Senate Bill 150 into law on Monday.
Christian News
Asia Bibi's daughter pleads for mother's release; Bibi still hidden away in Pakistan
Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi, who served approximately nine years on death row for blasphemy before being acquitted in October, remains hidden away in Pakistan as her daughter pleads for the government to release her.
Egypt legalizes 156 church buildings; about 3,000 more awaiting approval
The Egyptian government legalized 156 more Christian churches and church-affiliated buildings last Tuesday as it continues to slowly make its way through thousands of applications from churches seeking legal recognition.
North Korea Covertly Building Missiles, Nuclear Arms at Civilian Sites
North Korea is covertly developing and testing nuclear arms and ballistic missiles at civilian facilities in a bid to prevent a "decapitation" military strike against its weapons plants and storage depots, according to a report by a UN panel of experts.
Brexit chaos: British Parliament overwhelmingly rejects May’s Brexit deal
British MPs overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal for a second time on Tuesday, pitching Britain into the unknown just 17 days before it is due to split from the European Union.
3,000 ISIS members in Syria surrender
About 3,000 Islamic State members in the group’s last holdout in Syria surrendered.
Woolly mammoth nuclei come alive inside mouse cells
Researchers in Japan have activated woolly mammoth cell nuclei transplanted in mouse cells.
Turkey says it is discussing Syria offensive with Russia, U.S.
Turkey is discussing with Russia and the United States a potential military offensive in a region of northeast Syria controlled by Kurdish fighters, a Turkish defense official was cited as saying by state media on Tuesday.
U.S. envoy: United States, Taliban reach draft agreement in peace talks
The United States and the Taliban have reached a draft agreement on counter-terrorism assurances and troop withdrawal in a step toward ending the 17-year-long war, U.S. presidential envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said Tuesday.
U.S. Senate to vote Wednesday on Saudi Yemen war resolution
The U.S. Senate will vote on Wednesday on a resolution to end Washington’s support for the Saudi Arabia-led military campaign in Yemen, as lawmakers push President Donald Trump to toughen his policy toward the kingdom.
Venezuela Blames U.S. for Record Blackout and Orders American Diplomats to Leave
With resentment percolating over a record-setting blackout, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro lashed out at the U.S., blaming the U.S. for the country-wide outages and ejecting American diplomats from the country on Tuesday, Reuters reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran warns Israel of ‘crushing response’ to any naval intervention
Iran’s defense minister warned Wednesday that the Islamic Republic would give a 'crushing response' if Israel followed through on a threat by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stymie Iranian oil shipments.
Temple Mount shuttered after firebomb thrown at police post
Police sealed off the Temple Mount holy site in Jerusalem on Tuesday after a firebomb was thrown at officers, leading to several arrests and low-level clashes.
Record $158.3 billion in worldwide debts owed to Israel
Israel is owed a record $158.3 billion in debts from countries around the world, according to figures published by the Bank of Israel and Central Bureau of Statistics on Monday.
Inside the United States
Trump flips 3rd Circuit federal appeals court with 'Bridgegate' attorney
With the confirmation of a nominee to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, President Trump has for the first time in his presidency flipped an appeals court to have a majority of Republican-appointed judges.
Planned Parenthood has ‘no right to perform abortions,' Ohio can defund: 6th Circuit
The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned an earlier ruling against an Ohio law that strips Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics public health funding.
Measles, once eradicated from the US, reported in 12 states
Measles cases have cropped up across 12 states over the last ten weeks — nearly two decades since the highly contagious disease was said to be eradicated in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kentucky Becomes 16th Permitless Gun-Carry State
Kentucky became the latest state to adopt a permitless gun-carry system when Republican governor Matt Bevin signed Senate Bill 150 into law on Monday.
Christian News
Asia Bibi's daughter pleads for mother's release; Bibi still hidden away in Pakistan
Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi, who served approximately nine years on death row for blasphemy before being acquitted in October, remains hidden away in Pakistan as her daughter pleads for the government to release her.
Egypt legalizes 156 church buildings; about 3,000 more awaiting approval
The Egyptian government legalized 156 more Christian churches and church-affiliated buildings last Tuesday as it continues to slowly make its way through thousands of applications from churches seeking legal recognition.
Around the World
Last Islamic State enclave in eastern Syria pounded in U.S.-backed assault
Islamic State’s final enclave in eastern Syria was pounded with air strikes and artillery on Monday in a U.S.-backed assault aimed at wiping out the last shred of its territorial rule that once spanned a third of Syria and Iraq.
Brexit: UK and EU hail breakthrough in talks
British Prime Minister Theresa May said Monday that she had secured legal guarantees from the European Union that should convince British lawmakers to back her Brexit deal.
Russian defense ministry boasts about revived military power
Russia's defense minister says the military has commissioned more than 1,000 new aircraft and thousands of tanks in the past few years.
Iranian president meets Iraqi leader in historic bid for 'new start'
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani began a historic three-day visit to Iraq Monday to strengthen the nations' relationship amid sanctions and isolation efforts by the United States.
U.S. Set to Become World's Leading Exporter of Oil
By 2024, the United States will begin to export more oil than Saudi Arabia and become the world's leading exporter by 2024, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US senator vows to seek recognition of Israeli rule in Golan
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on Monday vowed to push for U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, in what would represent a new contentious political gift to Israel from the Trump administration.
Trump spending cuts leave military aid to Israel untouched
The 2020 budget proposal that the White House sent to Congress includes the full $3.3 billion aid in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by President Obama.
In Israel, A Stand Out Year For Artificial Intelligence Technologies
Artificial Intelligence technologies in Israel saw significant growth in 2018, in the number of companies raising funding, the amounts invested, as well as new products released, a new report by Start-Up Nation Central shows.
Inside the United States
GOP senators eye 'nuclear' move to change rules on Trump nominees
Senate Republicans are preparing to change the rules to cut down on the time it takes to confirm hundreds of President Trump's nominees later this month.
Trump budget calls for adding almost as much to the debt as Obama did
President Trump’s fiscal year 2020 budget projects that he would add nearly as much to the national debt in eight years as former President Barack Obama did during his tenure.
Republicans brush off Trump budget request
Congress loves to ignore presidential budget requests, and this year, lawmakers are even more eager to dismiss President Trump’s spending blueprint.
U.S. retail sales rise in January; December revised sharply lower
U.S. retail sales unexpectedly rose in January, lifted by an increase in purchases of building materials and discretionary spending, but receipts in December were much weaker than initially thought.
Christian News
Chinese Government Continues Crusade Against Christian Symbolism as Part of 'Sinicization'
A cross was recently removed from Zhongxin Church in Henan, Province, China, and replaced with a Chinese flag, as the Chinese government continues its campaign to reinvent Christianity.
80 Nigerian Pastors Meet with Wycliffe Associates To Accelerate Bible Translation in the Shadow of Boko Haram
Wycliffe associates recently hosted a conference on Bible translation for 80 Nigerian Pastors, in a country where Islamic militancy has displaced millions and led to severe persecution against Nigeria's sizeable Christian population.
Washington State to Churches: 'Pay for Abortions or Break the Law'
The attorneys for a church in Seattle filed a federal lawsuit on Friday against Washington state officials for forcing churches to pay for elective abortions in their health insurance.
Last Islamic State enclave in eastern Syria pounded in U.S.-backed assault
Islamic State’s final enclave in eastern Syria was pounded with air strikes and artillery on Monday in a U.S.-backed assault aimed at wiping out the last shred of its territorial rule that once spanned a third of Syria and Iraq.
Brexit: UK and EU hail breakthrough in talks
British Prime Minister Theresa May said Monday that she had secured legal guarantees from the European Union that should convince British lawmakers to back her Brexit deal.
Russian defense ministry boasts about revived military power
Russia's defense minister says the military has commissioned more than 1,000 new aircraft and thousands of tanks in the past few years.
Iranian president meets Iraqi leader in historic bid for 'new start'
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani began a historic three-day visit to Iraq Monday to strengthen the nations' relationship amid sanctions and isolation efforts by the United States.
U.S. Set to Become World's Leading Exporter of Oil
By 2024, the United States will begin to export more oil than Saudi Arabia and become the world's leading exporter by 2024, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US senator vows to seek recognition of Israeli rule in Golan
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on Monday vowed to push for U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, in what would represent a new contentious political gift to Israel from the Trump administration.
Trump spending cuts leave military aid to Israel untouched
The 2020 budget proposal that the White House sent to Congress includes the full $3.3 billion aid in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by President Obama.
In Israel, A Stand Out Year For Artificial Intelligence Technologies
Artificial Intelligence technologies in Israel saw significant growth in 2018, in the number of companies raising funding, the amounts invested, as well as new products released, a new report by Start-Up Nation Central shows.
Inside the United States
GOP senators eye 'nuclear' move to change rules on Trump nominees
Senate Republicans are preparing to change the rules to cut down on the time it takes to confirm hundreds of President Trump's nominees later this month.
Trump budget calls for adding almost as much to the debt as Obama did
President Trump’s fiscal year 2020 budget projects that he would add nearly as much to the national debt in eight years as former President Barack Obama did during his tenure.
Republicans brush off Trump budget request
Congress loves to ignore presidential budget requests, and this year, lawmakers are even more eager to dismiss President Trump’s spending blueprint.
U.S. retail sales rise in January; December revised sharply lower
U.S. retail sales unexpectedly rose in January, lifted by an increase in purchases of building materials and discretionary spending, but receipts in December were much weaker than initially thought.
Christian News
Chinese Government Continues Crusade Against Christian Symbolism as Part of 'Sinicization'
A cross was recently removed from Zhongxin Church in Henan, Province, China, and replaced with a Chinese flag, as the Chinese government continues its campaign to reinvent Christianity.
80 Nigerian Pastors Meet with Wycliffe Associates To Accelerate Bible Translation in the Shadow of Boko Haram
Wycliffe associates recently hosted a conference on Bible translation for 80 Nigerian Pastors, in a country where Islamic militancy has displaced millions and led to severe persecution against Nigeria's sizeable Christian population.
Washington State to Churches: 'Pay for Abortions or Break the Law'
The attorneys for a church in Seattle filed a federal lawsuit on Friday against Washington state officials for forcing churches to pay for elective abortions in their health insurance.
Around the World
Britain braces for make-or-break Brexit vote
British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to reveal on Monday what changes, if any, she has secured to her EU divorce deal, on the eve of a crucial vote in parliament less than three weeks before Brexit day.
Nerves Fray, Tempers Flare as Venezuela Blackout Hits 4th Day
Furious Venezuelans lined up to buy water and fuel on Sunday as the country entered a fourth day of a nationwide blackout that has left already-scarce food rotting in shops, homes suffering for lack of water and cell phones without reception.
Shi’ite militia leader in Iraq threatens U.S., slams ‘Zionist regime’
Two Shi’ite militia leaders spoke out over the weekend, with one threatening the US, and the other demanding American troops leave Iraq.
As caliphate crumbles, ISIS fighters rage over absent leader al-Baghdadi
As the once-powerful Islamic State (ISIS) crumbles, and its desperate fighters make a last stand in its final enclave surrounded by U.S.-backed coalition forces, its ideological leader is nowhere to be found.
Germany Fails to Classify Hezbollah as a Terrorist Organization
Germany will not designate Hezbollah, an Iranian-back Shiite group, as a terrorist organization according to various news reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu warns Hamas: Don’t count on elections preventing major Gaza operation
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip should not assume that Israel won’t respond to their recent attacks with a major military operation in the territory just because of approaching elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, warning that the country will do whatever is necessary to restore security to southern communities.
Hamas is willing to risk war to avoid economic collapse
Tensions between Israel and Hamas are surging again, following a string of attacks from Gaza and Israeli retaliation airstrikes.
Nasrallah: Israel is scared of war and is not prepared for one
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said Israel fears another war with the Lebanese Shi’ite group, and that the United States has imposed sanctions against it because the US and Israel 'failed in their military campaigns.'
Trump’s Mideast envoy meets UN Security Council, offers no details on peace plan
US President Donald Trump’s Middle East adviser Jason Greenblatt met with the UN Security Council on Friday but gave no details of a much-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, diplomats said.
Trump Aiming to Complete Obama-era Trade Negotiations with Israel
Donald Trump’s drive to reshape global trade won’t spare one of his country’s closest allies and its oldest free-trade partner — Israel.
Inside the United States
Trump's 2020 budget calls for $2.7T in spending cuts, promises to erase deficit in 15 years
President Trump will unveil his fiscal 2020 budget request to Congress on Monday which calls for $2.7 trillion in spending cuts and balances in 15 years, according to the White House budget office.
US adds only 20,000 workers in February; jobless rate at 3.8 percent
U.S. payrolls added just 20,000 workers in February, slowing sharply after outsize gains in January despite a government shutdown.
Pelosi, Schumer warn of another government shutdown over Trump's $8.6B wall proposal
President Trump's pursuit of additional border wall funding in his fiscal 2020 budget proposal will only lead to another government shut down, warned Democratic leaders on Sunday.
Federal Judges Increasingly Block Presidential Orders
In January, a little-known federal judge in Pennsylvania blocked new Trump administration rules that would have allowed employers to deny women free birth control benefits on religious and moral grounds.
House Democrats push to make Mueller report public
Six U.S. House committee leaders introduced a nonbinding resolution on Friday expressing their desire to see the report from special counsel Robert Mueller to be released to the public once it is complete.
White House Seeks Additional Wall Funding
On Monday, the White House will request from the U.S. Congress an additional $8.6 billion to help cover the wall that was promised by President Donald Trump to be built along the southern border with Mexico to fight illegal immigration and drug trafficking, Reuters reported.
Alabama Judge Allows Lawsuit Of Aborted Fetus
An Alabama judge has allowed a wrongful death lawsuit to be filed with respect to an aborted embryo.
Christian News
Qu'ran Desecration Hoax Forces 200 Christian Families to Flee Mob Violence in Pakistan
Two hundred Christian families were recently driven out of their homes in Karachi, Pakistan, after a Muslim couple instigated a mob against four women whom they claimed had desecrated a Koran.
Trump Signs Bibles for Tornado Survivors in Alabama, Operation Blessing Helping Victims: 'Please Be Praying for Us'
President Trump visited Alabama where a deadly tornado hit Sunday. The powerful EF-4 storm tore through the rural countryside with 170 mph winds leaving 23 people dead.
Family continues ministry of missionary killed in Africa 3 years ago; 1,000 kids helped
It’s been over three years since American missionary Michael Riddering was among dozens of Christians killed by al-Qaeda in West Africa. But today, his ministry to the orphaned and poor there continues with national partners and the help of his family.
Britain braces for make-or-break Brexit vote
British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to reveal on Monday what changes, if any, she has secured to her EU divorce deal, on the eve of a crucial vote in parliament less than three weeks before Brexit day.
Nerves Fray, Tempers Flare as Venezuela Blackout Hits 4th Day
Furious Venezuelans lined up to buy water and fuel on Sunday as the country entered a fourth day of a nationwide blackout that has left already-scarce food rotting in shops, homes suffering for lack of water and cell phones without reception.
Shi’ite militia leader in Iraq threatens U.S., slams ‘Zionist regime’
Two Shi’ite militia leaders spoke out over the weekend, with one threatening the US, and the other demanding American troops leave Iraq.
As caliphate crumbles, ISIS fighters rage over absent leader al-Baghdadi
As the once-powerful Islamic State (ISIS) crumbles, and its desperate fighters make a last stand in its final enclave surrounded by U.S.-backed coalition forces, its ideological leader is nowhere to be found.
Germany Fails to Classify Hezbollah as a Terrorist Organization
Germany will not designate Hezbollah, an Iranian-back Shiite group, as a terrorist organization according to various news reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu warns Hamas: Don’t count on elections preventing major Gaza operation
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip should not assume that Israel won’t respond to their recent attacks with a major military operation in the territory just because of approaching elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, warning that the country will do whatever is necessary to restore security to southern communities.
Hamas is willing to risk war to avoid economic collapse
Tensions between Israel and Hamas are surging again, following a string of attacks from Gaza and Israeli retaliation airstrikes.
Nasrallah: Israel is scared of war and is not prepared for one
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said Israel fears another war with the Lebanese Shi’ite group, and that the United States has imposed sanctions against it because the US and Israel 'failed in their military campaigns.'
Trump’s Mideast envoy meets UN Security Council, offers no details on peace plan
US President Donald Trump’s Middle East adviser Jason Greenblatt met with the UN Security Council on Friday but gave no details of a much-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, diplomats said.
Trump Aiming to Complete Obama-era Trade Negotiations with Israel
Donald Trump’s drive to reshape global trade won’t spare one of his country’s closest allies and its oldest free-trade partner — Israel.
Inside the United States
Trump's 2020 budget calls for $2.7T in spending cuts, promises to erase deficit in 15 years
President Trump will unveil his fiscal 2020 budget request to Congress on Monday which calls for $2.7 trillion in spending cuts and balances in 15 years, according to the White House budget office.
US adds only 20,000 workers in February; jobless rate at 3.8 percent
U.S. payrolls added just 20,000 workers in February, slowing sharply after outsize gains in January despite a government shutdown.
Pelosi, Schumer warn of another government shutdown over Trump's $8.6B wall proposal
President Trump's pursuit of additional border wall funding in his fiscal 2020 budget proposal will only lead to another government shut down, warned Democratic leaders on Sunday.
Federal Judges Increasingly Block Presidential Orders
In January, a little-known federal judge in Pennsylvania blocked new Trump administration rules that would have allowed employers to deny women free birth control benefits on religious and moral grounds.
House Democrats push to make Mueller report public
Six U.S. House committee leaders introduced a nonbinding resolution on Friday expressing their desire to see the report from special counsel Robert Mueller to be released to the public once it is complete.
White House Seeks Additional Wall Funding
On Monday, the White House will request from the U.S. Congress an additional $8.6 billion to help cover the wall that was promised by President Donald Trump to be built along the southern border with Mexico to fight illegal immigration and drug trafficking, Reuters reported.
Alabama Judge Allows Lawsuit Of Aborted Fetus
An Alabama judge has allowed a wrongful death lawsuit to be filed with respect to an aborted embryo.
Christian News
Qu'ran Desecration Hoax Forces 200 Christian Families to Flee Mob Violence in Pakistan
Two hundred Christian families were recently driven out of their homes in Karachi, Pakistan, after a Muslim couple instigated a mob against four women whom they claimed had desecrated a Koran.
Trump Signs Bibles for Tornado Survivors in Alabama, Operation Blessing Helping Victims: 'Please Be Praying for Us'
President Trump visited Alabama where a deadly tornado hit Sunday. The powerful EF-4 storm tore through the rural countryside with 170 mph winds leaving 23 people dead.
Family continues ministry of missionary killed in Africa 3 years ago; 1,000 kids helped
It’s been over three years since American missionary Michael Riddering was among dozens of Christians killed by al-Qaeda in West Africa. But today, his ministry to the orphaned and poor there continues with national partners and the help of his family.