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
Iran president: If US scraps nuke deal, they’ll see impact ‘within a week’
Iran’s president lashed out at the United States on Monday and threatened to immediately reboot nuclear efforts if Washington walks away from the deal between Tehran and world powers, as Iran marked 'National Nuclear Day,' dedicated to its achievements in nuclear technology.
Turkey's Erdogan declares early elections on June 24
President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called snap elections for June 24, saying economic challenges and the war in Syria meant Turkey must switch quickly to the powerful executive presidency that goes into effect after the vote.
'We are watching you': Political killings shake Mexico election
An explosion of political assassinations in Mexico has cast a pall over nationwide elections slated for July 1, when voters will choose their next president and fill a slew of down-ballot posts.
Global debt is at historic highs and governments should start cutting levels now, the IMF says
Global debt hit its highest levels ever and governments should take actions to reduce their indebtedness while the going is still good, the International Monetary Fund said.
Magnitude 5.5 quake strikes southern Iran, near nuclear plant
An earthquake of at least magnitude 5.5 struck in southern Iran near the country's sole nuclear power plant on Thursday morning, shaking Bahrain and other areas around the Persian Gulf.
Despite strikes, Syria's Assad can still wage chemical attacks
U.S. assessments following the U.S., British and French missile strikes on Syria show they had only a limited impact on President Bashar al-Assad's ability to carry out chemical weapons attacks, four U.S. officials told Reuters.
China’s One Belt One Road economic investment also expands military footprint
China is using its $1 trillion-plus investment initiative in infrastructure projects as a way to expand its military footprint, projecting power and influence around the globe from the Horn of Africa into the Middle East and South Asia, says a report released this week.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
New Russian Weapons Alarm Israel, May Trigger Next Syrian Crisis
Angered by last week’s U.S. attack on Syria, Russia warned that there would be consequences. Only one of them was spelled out: The Kremlin said it may supply its Syrian ally with state-of-the-art air defenses.
Netanyahu issues veiled warning to Iran over Syria tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday issued a veiled warning to Iran, saying in a Memorial Day speech that his country will defend itself against anyone that tries to harm it.
Israel planning for direct retaliatory attack from Iran
Israel is preparing for a crossborder attack by the Revolutionary Guard Corps, in response to a strike allegedly carried out by the Jewish state against an Iranian-operated air base in Syria that killed seven of its soldiers.
Inside the United States
Iranian-Backed ‘Sleeper Cell’ Militants Hibernating in U.S., Positioned for Attack
Iranian-backed militants are operating across the United States mostly unfettered, raising concerns in Congress and among regional experts that these 'sleeper cell' agents are poised to launch a large-scale attack on the American homeland, according to testimony before lawmakers.
San Diego County Joins California’s ‘Sanctuary-State’ Revolt
San Diego County, California's second-most populous county, on Tuesday joined at least a dozen other municipalities in supporting the Trump administration's lawsuit against the state over its so-called 'sanctuary' law.
Trump’s Tax Reform Law is Fueling a Positive Economic Outlook in the States
Less than six months old, the tax reform law championed by President Donald Trump is already fueling an increasingly positive economic outlook for state governments across the country.
Appeals court calls Ohio's Planned Parenthood defunding unconstitutional
A three-judge panel in a federal appeals court said Wednesday that Ohio's defunding of Planned Parenthood is unconstitutional.
Americans waste 150,000 tons of food per day: study
Americans waste nearly 150,000 tons of food per day, amounting to about one pound (422 grams) per person, and fruits and vegetables are mostly what gets tossed, said a study Wednesday.
Christian News
Two Pastors in Burma Freed from Prison
After spending more than a year in prison, two assistant pastors arrested by the Burma (Myanmar) army were freed on Tuesday (17 April) under a government amnesty program.
Iran president: If US scraps nuke deal, they’ll see impact ‘within a week’
Iran’s president lashed out at the United States on Monday and threatened to immediately reboot nuclear efforts if Washington walks away from the deal between Tehran and world powers, as Iran marked 'National Nuclear Day,' dedicated to its achievements in nuclear technology.
Turkey's Erdogan declares early elections on June 24
President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called snap elections for June 24, saying economic challenges and the war in Syria meant Turkey must switch quickly to the powerful executive presidency that goes into effect after the vote.
'We are watching you': Political killings shake Mexico election
An explosion of political assassinations in Mexico has cast a pall over nationwide elections slated for July 1, when voters will choose their next president and fill a slew of down-ballot posts.
Global debt is at historic highs and governments should start cutting levels now, the IMF says
Global debt hit its highest levels ever and governments should take actions to reduce their indebtedness while the going is still good, the International Monetary Fund said.
Magnitude 5.5 quake strikes southern Iran, near nuclear plant
An earthquake of at least magnitude 5.5 struck in southern Iran near the country's sole nuclear power plant on Thursday morning, shaking Bahrain and other areas around the Persian Gulf.
Despite strikes, Syria's Assad can still wage chemical attacks
U.S. assessments following the U.S., British and French missile strikes on Syria show they had only a limited impact on President Bashar al-Assad's ability to carry out chemical weapons attacks, four U.S. officials told Reuters.
China’s One Belt One Road economic investment also expands military footprint
China is using its $1 trillion-plus investment initiative in infrastructure projects as a way to expand its military footprint, projecting power and influence around the globe from the Horn of Africa into the Middle East and South Asia, says a report released this week.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
New Russian Weapons Alarm Israel, May Trigger Next Syrian Crisis
Angered by last week’s U.S. attack on Syria, Russia warned that there would be consequences. Only one of them was spelled out: The Kremlin said it may supply its Syrian ally with state-of-the-art air defenses.
Netanyahu issues veiled warning to Iran over Syria tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday issued a veiled warning to Iran, saying in a Memorial Day speech that his country will defend itself against anyone that tries to harm it.
Israel planning for direct retaliatory attack from Iran
Israel is preparing for a crossborder attack by the Revolutionary Guard Corps, in response to a strike allegedly carried out by the Jewish state against an Iranian-operated air base in Syria that killed seven of its soldiers.
Inside the United States
Iranian-Backed ‘Sleeper Cell’ Militants Hibernating in U.S., Positioned for Attack
Iranian-backed militants are operating across the United States mostly unfettered, raising concerns in Congress and among regional experts that these 'sleeper cell' agents are poised to launch a large-scale attack on the American homeland, according to testimony before lawmakers.
San Diego County Joins California’s ‘Sanctuary-State’ Revolt
San Diego County, California's second-most populous county, on Tuesday joined at least a dozen other municipalities in supporting the Trump administration's lawsuit against the state over its so-called 'sanctuary' law.
Trump’s Tax Reform Law is Fueling a Positive Economic Outlook in the States
Less than six months old, the tax reform law championed by President Donald Trump is already fueling an increasingly positive economic outlook for state governments across the country.
Appeals court calls Ohio's Planned Parenthood defunding unconstitutional
A three-judge panel in a federal appeals court said Wednesday that Ohio's defunding of Planned Parenthood is unconstitutional.
Americans waste 150,000 tons of food per day: study
Americans waste nearly 150,000 tons of food per day, amounting to about one pound (422 grams) per person, and fruits and vegetables are mostly what gets tossed, said a study Wednesday.
Christian News
Two Pastors in Burma Freed from Prison
After spending more than a year in prison, two assistant pastors arrested by the Burma (Myanmar) army were freed on Tuesday (17 April) under a government amnesty program.
Around the World
Syria: Chemical weapons experts await UN security team clearance to enter Douma
Syria's UN ambassador told the United Nations Security Council Tuesday that a UN security team traveled to the town of Douma, outside the capital Damascus, to ascertain whether it was safe for global chemical weapons experts to visit the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack last week that killed dozens.
Mike Pompeo secretly met with Kim Jong-un to set up Trump meeting
CIA Director Mike Pompeo met secretly with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in recent weeks to set up a meeting between Mr. Kim and President Trump, two administration officials said Tuesday.
Russia Sees No Need for U.N. Inquiry Into Syria Toxic Gas Attacks
Russia told the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday there was no point establishing a new inquiry to determine blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria because the United States and its allies had already acted as judge and executioner.
Miniature human brain implants survive, grow inside mice for months
Miniature human brains, or human brain organoids, can survive and grow after being implanted in the skulls of mice. It's the first time human cerebral organoids have been installed inside another species.
Kudlow tamps down possibility of U.S. rejoining Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal
White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Tuesday downplayed the likelihood of the U.S. rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, saying the request by President Trump is more of a 'thought than a policy' right now.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria
Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian 'air force' deployed in neighboring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate.
Thousands attend Israeli-Palestinian Remembrance Day ceremony amid threats
Almost 7,000 people attended the joint Israeli-Palestinian memorial ceremony held at the Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv Tuesday night.
Inside the United States
As GOP balks, McConnell shuts down bill to protect Mueller
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday thwarted a bipartisan effort to protect special counsel Robert Mueller’s job, saying he will not hold a floor vote on the legislation even if it is approved next week in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Supreme Court makes it harder to deport legal immigrants who commit crimes
The Supreme Court on Tuesday created a new deportation 'loophole' for legal immigrants, ruling that the federal law mandating removal for those convicted of violent felonies is unconstitutionally 'vague.'
New York City mice carry life-threatening superbugs, viruses, study finds
Rats may be the biggest rodents to plague New York City, but they may not be the germiest. Researchers recently made a disturbing discovery after studying mice in apartment buildings across the city in the past year: they're covered in disease-causing bacteria.
FEC hit with lawsuit over ignoring civil complaint accusing Clinton, DNC in election scheme
The Hillary Clinton Campaign and the Democratic National Committee allegedly used state chapters as strawmen to launder as much as $84 million in an effort to circumvent campaign donation limits, and the Federal Election Commission ignored complaints exposing the practice, a lawsuit filed Monday claims.
Cruz Introduces Legislation to Make Individual Tax Cuts Permanent
Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) introduced comprehensive legislation Tuesday that would make the lowered individual tax rates included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.
Barbara Bush, wife and mother of U.S. presidents, dies at 92
Former US first lady Barbara Bush, the only woman to see her husband and son both sworn in as president, died on Tuesday, the Bush family said. She was 92.
Judge in Michael Cohen’s case officiated George Soros’ wedding
Federal Judge Kimba Wood, who is overseeing the court case against Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Michael Cohen, officiated the 2013 wedding of George Soros, a billionaire supporter of liberal political causes, according to news reports at that time.
Christian News
Trump Tweets support for American pastor on trial in Turkey
U.S. President Donald Trump voiced his support on Tuesday for Pastor Andrew Brunson, who is on trial in Turkey on charges he was linked to a group accused of orchestrating a failed 2016 military coup, in a case that has compounded strains in U.S.-Turkish relations.
Syria: Chemical weapons experts await UN security team clearance to enter Douma
Syria's UN ambassador told the United Nations Security Council Tuesday that a UN security team traveled to the town of Douma, outside the capital Damascus, to ascertain whether it was safe for global chemical weapons experts to visit the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack last week that killed dozens.
Mike Pompeo secretly met with Kim Jong-un to set up Trump meeting
CIA Director Mike Pompeo met secretly with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in recent weeks to set up a meeting between Mr. Kim and President Trump, two administration officials said Tuesday.
Russia Sees No Need for U.N. Inquiry Into Syria Toxic Gas Attacks
Russia told the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday there was no point establishing a new inquiry to determine blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria because the United States and its allies had already acted as judge and executioner.
Miniature human brain implants survive, grow inside mice for months
Miniature human brains, or human brain organoids, can survive and grow after being implanted in the skulls of mice. It's the first time human cerebral organoids have been installed inside another species.
Kudlow tamps down possibility of U.S. rejoining Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal
White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Tuesday downplayed the likelihood of the U.S. rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, saying the request by President Trump is more of a 'thought than a policy' right now.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria
Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian 'air force' deployed in neighboring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate.
Thousands attend Israeli-Palestinian Remembrance Day ceremony amid threats
Almost 7,000 people attended the joint Israeli-Palestinian memorial ceremony held at the Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv Tuesday night.
Inside the United States
As GOP balks, McConnell shuts down bill to protect Mueller
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday thwarted a bipartisan effort to protect special counsel Robert Mueller’s job, saying he will not hold a floor vote on the legislation even if it is approved next week in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Supreme Court makes it harder to deport legal immigrants who commit crimes
The Supreme Court on Tuesday created a new deportation 'loophole' for legal immigrants, ruling that the federal law mandating removal for those convicted of violent felonies is unconstitutionally 'vague.'
New York City mice carry life-threatening superbugs, viruses, study finds
Rats may be the biggest rodents to plague New York City, but they may not be the germiest. Researchers recently made a disturbing discovery after studying mice in apartment buildings across the city in the past year: they're covered in disease-causing bacteria.
FEC hit with lawsuit over ignoring civil complaint accusing Clinton, DNC in election scheme
The Hillary Clinton Campaign and the Democratic National Committee allegedly used state chapters as strawmen to launder as much as $84 million in an effort to circumvent campaign donation limits, and the Federal Election Commission ignored complaints exposing the practice, a lawsuit filed Monday claims.
Cruz Introduces Legislation to Make Individual Tax Cuts Permanent
Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) introduced comprehensive legislation Tuesday that would make the lowered individual tax rates included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.
Barbara Bush, wife and mother of U.S. presidents, dies at 92
Former US first lady Barbara Bush, the only woman to see her husband and son both sworn in as president, died on Tuesday, the Bush family said. She was 92.
Judge in Michael Cohen’s case officiated George Soros’ wedding
Federal Judge Kimba Wood, who is overseeing the court case against Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Michael Cohen, officiated the 2013 wedding of George Soros, a billionaire supporter of liberal political causes, according to news reports at that time.
Christian News
Trump Tweets support for American pastor on trial in Turkey
U.S. President Donald Trump voiced his support on Tuesday for Pastor Andrew Brunson, who is on trial in Turkey on charges he was linked to a group accused of orchestrating a failed 2016 military coup, in a case that has compounded strains in U.S.-Turkish relations.
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.