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
U.S. sharpens focus on ISIS in Asia and Africa
U.S. officials expanded their targeting of the Islamic State beyond its Mideast stomping grounds Tuesday by adding three of the groups’ far-flung affiliates — in the Philippines, Bangladesh and West Africa — to the State Department’s 'Specially Designated Global Terrorists' list.
North Korea helping Syria manufacture chemical weapons, reports claim
North Korea has been sending equipment to Syria that could be used in the manufacturing of chemical weapons, according to a New York Times report citing United Nations experts.
EU's Brexit treaty set to reignite tensions
EU negotiator Michel Barnier will unveil a long-awaited draft Brexit divorce treaty on Wednesday (Feb 28) which threatens to trigger new arguments with Britain on key issues.
Papua New Guinea: at least 16 dead after strongest ever earthquake hits
The impoverished Pacific nation of Papua New Guinea has been devastated by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that has claimed at least 16 lives and brought the heartland of the country to its knees.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Satellite image said to show new Iranian military base in Syria
Satellite images of an area near Damascus appear to show an Iranian military base which could house missiles capable of hitting Israel, according to a report early Wednesday.
Israel aims to eliminate use of coal, gasoline and diesel by 2030
The Energy Ministry forecast Tuesday that within 12 years Israel would be fully reliant on natural gas and alternative fuels for the production of electricity and for transportation.
Inside the United States
Heritage Foundation: 64% of Trump's agenda already done, faster than Reagan
With unprecedented speed, the Trump administration has already implemented nearly two-thirds of the 334 agenda items called for by the Heritage Foundation, a pace faster than former President Reagan who embraced the conservative think tank’s legendary 'Mandate for Leadership' blueprint.
Judge sides with Trump on challenge to Mexico border wall
A judge who was taunted by Donald Trump during the US presidential campaign sided with the president Tuesday on a challenge to building a border wall with Mexico, removing what could have been a major obstacle to the signature campaign pledge.
ICE arrests more than 150 people in Bay Area following Democratic mayor's warning
Federal immigration officials have arrested more than 150 individuals in violation of federal U.S. immigration law in Northern California this week despite the Oakland mayor warning of an impending raid.
Dow falls 299 points after Powell signals Fed will keep raising rates to contain inflation
U.S. stocks fell for the first time in four days Tuesday after comments from new Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell sent rates higher.
Christian News
Anne Graham Lotz Says Dad's Death Is Heaven's Wake-Up Call to the Church: 'We've Lost Our Focus'
Billy Graham's daughter, Anne Graham Lotz, says that she believes her father's death will serve as a 'Heaven's shot across the bow' to the Church today and stated that, in general, the failure of churches are the reason why the United States is in a spiritual 'mess.'
U.S. sharpens focus on ISIS in Asia and Africa
U.S. officials expanded their targeting of the Islamic State beyond its Mideast stomping grounds Tuesday by adding three of the groups’ far-flung affiliates — in the Philippines, Bangladesh and West Africa — to the State Department’s 'Specially Designated Global Terrorists' list.
North Korea helping Syria manufacture chemical weapons, reports claim
North Korea has been sending equipment to Syria that could be used in the manufacturing of chemical weapons, according to a New York Times report citing United Nations experts.
EU's Brexit treaty set to reignite tensions
EU negotiator Michel Barnier will unveil a long-awaited draft Brexit divorce treaty on Wednesday (Feb 28) which threatens to trigger new arguments with Britain on key issues.
Papua New Guinea: at least 16 dead after strongest ever earthquake hits
The impoverished Pacific nation of Papua New Guinea has been devastated by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that has claimed at least 16 lives and brought the heartland of the country to its knees.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Satellite image said to show new Iranian military base in Syria
Satellite images of an area near Damascus appear to show an Iranian military base which could house missiles capable of hitting Israel, according to a report early Wednesday.
Israel aims to eliminate use of coal, gasoline and diesel by 2030
The Energy Ministry forecast Tuesday that within 12 years Israel would be fully reliant on natural gas and alternative fuels for the production of electricity and for transportation.
Inside the United States
Heritage Foundation: 64% of Trump's agenda already done, faster than Reagan
With unprecedented speed, the Trump administration has already implemented nearly two-thirds of the 334 agenda items called for by the Heritage Foundation, a pace faster than former President Reagan who embraced the conservative think tank’s legendary 'Mandate for Leadership' blueprint.
Judge sides with Trump on challenge to Mexico border wall
A judge who was taunted by Donald Trump during the US presidential campaign sided with the president Tuesday on a challenge to building a border wall with Mexico, removing what could have been a major obstacle to the signature campaign pledge.
ICE arrests more than 150 people in Bay Area following Democratic mayor's warning
Federal immigration officials have arrested more than 150 individuals in violation of federal U.S. immigration law in Northern California this week despite the Oakland mayor warning of an impending raid.
Dow falls 299 points after Powell signals Fed will keep raising rates to contain inflation
U.S. stocks fell for the first time in four days Tuesday after comments from new Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell sent rates higher.
Christian News
Anne Graham Lotz Says Dad's Death Is Heaven's Wake-Up Call to the Church: 'We've Lost Our Focus'
Billy Graham's daughter, Anne Graham Lotz, says that she believes her father's death will serve as a 'Heaven's shot across the bow' to the Church today and stated that, in general, the failure of churches are the reason why the United States is in a spiritual 'mess.'
Around the World
U.S. threatens action against Iran after Russia U.N. veto
The United States threatened unilateral action against Iran on Monday after Russia vetoed a western bid for the United Nations Security Council to call out Tehran for failing to prevent its weapons from falling into the hands of Yemen’s Houthi group.
Violence rages in Syria as U.N. calls to stop ‘hell on Earth’
Syrian forces launched a ground offensive Monday on a rebel-held eastern Damascus suburb despite a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding a 30-day cease-fire across Syria. The U.N. chief denounced the violence in the embattled region, describing it as 'hell on Earth.'
US opens tough Saudi nuke talks in shadow of Iran deal
The Trump administration is opening talks with Saudi Arabia on a potentially lucrative atomic energy agreement that’s inextricably linked to an Obama-era nuclear deal with Iran. At stake: Billions of dollars in contracts for US companies and bigger questions about America’s ability to keep friend and foe alike from reaching nuclear weapons capability.
Rome blanketed by snow as Arctic storm sets European records
The Arctic storm dubbed the 'Beast from the East' set record temperatures across much of Europe on Monday and brought a rare snowstorm to Rome, paralyzing the city and giving its residents an unusual chance to ski, sled and build snowmen in its famous parks and piazzas.
Trump Admin to Reverse Obama Deal to Loosen Sanctions on Iranian Terrorists
U.S. officials are finalizing a new effort to crackdown on Iran's top terror organization as part of an effort to reverse sweeping sanctions originally granted by the Obama administration as part of a little known deal to enrich entities tied to the powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, according to sources familiar with the effort.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
EU, Arab League affirm Jerusalem must be joint capital
European Union and Arab League countries insisted on Monday that Jerusalem must be the joint capital of Israel and a future Palestinian state, after US President Donald Trump announced its embassy would be moved to the city later this year.
Shin Bet foils ISIS-inspired attack on Temple Mount
Three Arab citizens from the village of Um el-Fahm were indicted on Monday for plotting a terrorist attack on the Temple Mount in the name of Islamic State, the Shin Bet security agency announced.
Inside the United States
Trump and Congress move on guns after Florida
Many are hoping Congress will finally move on stalled gun control legislation in the wake of the latest deadly school shooting, but the effort on Capitol Hill still faces the same kinds of hurdles that have made it impossible for decades to pass measures that make significant changes to current gun laws.
In blow to Trump, Supreme Court won’t hear appeal of DACA ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear the Trump administration's appeal of a federal judge's ruling that requires the government to keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program going.
Appeals Court: Gay Employees Can Sue Employers for Sexual-Orientation Discrimination
A federal appeals court on Monday ruled gay employees can sue their employers for discrimination on the basis of sexual-orientation under the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
House Republicans push for vote on national instant check system expansion
Nearly two dozen House Republicans are pushing Speaker Paul D. Ryan for a quick vote on a bill to get more records into the national instant check system, as lawmakers search for a legislative response to the most recent mass shooting that has a realistic shot at passing Congress.
Lawsuit: 100,000 noncitizens registered to vote in Pennsylvania
More than 100,000 noncitizens are registered to vote in Pennsylvania alone, according to testimony submitted Monday in a lawsuit demanding the state come clean about the extent of its problems.
20 states sue Trump administration to end Obamacare after mandate repeal
Twenty states are suing the Trump administration over the individual mandate in Obamacare that obligates people have health insurance or pay a fine, seeking an end to the entire law.
Florida passes new gun legislation, votes down assault weapons ban
Florida's Senate approved a bill Monday imposing new restrictions on gun purchases, but voted down an assault weapon ban and other measures.
Trump will visit San Diego, see border wall prototypes
The president, who has rarely crossed the Mississippi River during his first 13 months in office, is scheduled to visit San Diego in mid-March to see prototypes for a potential border wall and learn more about the construction, according to administration officials involved in the planning.
Christian News
Franklin Graham Thanks Supporters, Says His Dad Would Want Memorial to be 'More About Jesus'
Franklin Graham thanked the thousands of people who gathered to pay their respects to famed evangelist Billy Graham, who died Wednesday at age 99.
U.S. threatens action against Iran after Russia U.N. veto
The United States threatened unilateral action against Iran on Monday after Russia vetoed a western bid for the United Nations Security Council to call out Tehran for failing to prevent its weapons from falling into the hands of Yemen’s Houthi group.
Violence rages in Syria as U.N. calls to stop ‘hell on Earth’
Syrian forces launched a ground offensive Monday on a rebel-held eastern Damascus suburb despite a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding a 30-day cease-fire across Syria. The U.N. chief denounced the violence in the embattled region, describing it as 'hell on Earth.'
US opens tough Saudi nuke talks in shadow of Iran deal
The Trump administration is opening talks with Saudi Arabia on a potentially lucrative atomic energy agreement that’s inextricably linked to an Obama-era nuclear deal with Iran. At stake: Billions of dollars in contracts for US companies and bigger questions about America’s ability to keep friend and foe alike from reaching nuclear weapons capability.
Rome blanketed by snow as Arctic storm sets European records
The Arctic storm dubbed the 'Beast from the East' set record temperatures across much of Europe on Monday and brought a rare snowstorm to Rome, paralyzing the city and giving its residents an unusual chance to ski, sled and build snowmen in its famous parks and piazzas.
Trump Admin to Reverse Obama Deal to Loosen Sanctions on Iranian Terrorists
U.S. officials are finalizing a new effort to crackdown on Iran's top terror organization as part of an effort to reverse sweeping sanctions originally granted by the Obama administration as part of a little known deal to enrich entities tied to the powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, according to sources familiar with the effort.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
EU, Arab League affirm Jerusalem must be joint capital
European Union and Arab League countries insisted on Monday that Jerusalem must be the joint capital of Israel and a future Palestinian state, after US President Donald Trump announced its embassy would be moved to the city later this year.
Shin Bet foils ISIS-inspired attack on Temple Mount
Three Arab citizens from the village of Um el-Fahm were indicted on Monday for plotting a terrorist attack on the Temple Mount in the name of Islamic State, the Shin Bet security agency announced.
Inside the United States
Trump and Congress move on guns after Florida
Many are hoping Congress will finally move on stalled gun control legislation in the wake of the latest deadly school shooting, but the effort on Capitol Hill still faces the same kinds of hurdles that have made it impossible for decades to pass measures that make significant changes to current gun laws.
In blow to Trump, Supreme Court won’t hear appeal of DACA ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear the Trump administration's appeal of a federal judge's ruling that requires the government to keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program going.
Appeals Court: Gay Employees Can Sue Employers for Sexual-Orientation Discrimination
A federal appeals court on Monday ruled gay employees can sue their employers for discrimination on the basis of sexual-orientation under the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
House Republicans push for vote on national instant check system expansion
Nearly two dozen House Republicans are pushing Speaker Paul D. Ryan for a quick vote on a bill to get more records into the national instant check system, as lawmakers search for a legislative response to the most recent mass shooting that has a realistic shot at passing Congress.
Lawsuit: 100,000 noncitizens registered to vote in Pennsylvania
More than 100,000 noncitizens are registered to vote in Pennsylvania alone, according to testimony submitted Monday in a lawsuit demanding the state come clean about the extent of its problems.
20 states sue Trump administration to end Obamacare after mandate repeal
Twenty states are suing the Trump administration over the individual mandate in Obamacare that obligates people have health insurance or pay a fine, seeking an end to the entire law.
Florida passes new gun legislation, votes down assault weapons ban
Florida's Senate approved a bill Monday imposing new restrictions on gun purchases, but voted down an assault weapon ban and other measures.
Trump will visit San Diego, see border wall prototypes
The president, who has rarely crossed the Mississippi River during his first 13 months in office, is scheduled to visit San Diego in mid-March to see prototypes for a potential border wall and learn more about the construction, according to administration officials involved in the planning.
Christian News
Franklin Graham Thanks Supporters, Says His Dad Would Want Memorial to be 'More About Jesus'
Franklin Graham thanked the thousands of people who gathered to pay their respects to famed evangelist Billy Graham, who died Wednesday at age 99.
Around the World
Russia deploys advanced stealth jets in Syria with warning aimed at Israel
Russia has deployed two of its most advanced and sophisticated stealth jets in Syria, in a power move likely to draw US criticism, as the Pentagon expressed its alarm earlier this month over recent close calls with Russian planes in the war-torn country.
Trump vows to continue ‘maximum pressure’ on North Korea, but keeps door open for talks
The White House responded cautiously to North Korea’s expression of interest in diplomatic talks with the U.S. Sunday, suggesting the Trump administration may be interested, but remains committed to 'achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.'
Russia sets stage for U.N. veto of western bid to call out Iran
Russia has laid the groundwork for a likely veto on Monday of a British, U.S. and French bid for the United Nations Security Council to call out Iran over its weapons falling into the hands of Yemen’s Houthi group.
Iran says Damascus suburbs assault to continue as fighting rages
Iran said pro-Damascus forces would press ahead with attacks on an insurgent enclave near the Syrian capital, as ground fighting raged on there in defiance of a U.N. resolution demanding a 30-day truce across the country.
Magnitude-7.5 earthquake rattles Papua New Guinea
A large earthquake has struck the middle of Papua New Guinea.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu to invite Trump to inaugurate US embassy in Jerusalem in May
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to invite US President Donald Trump to Israel in May to inaugurate the US embassy, which Washington announced on Friday will be relocated to Jerusalem on Israel’s Independence Day, Hadashot TV news reported on Saturday.
Judge and lawyer Coordinated Ruling in Corruption Probe
A judge presiding over hearings in a major corruption case asked to be removed from her duties after Channel 10 exposed that she had coordinated rulings with a government lawyer working the hearing, the Justice ministry said Sunday.
Poll: Likud gaining strength despite Netanyahu graft allegations
A poll published Saturday showed the ruling Likud party gaining strength despite the graft allegations surrounding its leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and well placed to win elections should they be held today.
Oldest Hebrew mention of Jerusalem found on rare papyrus from 7th century BCE
A rare, ancient papyrus dating to the First Temple Period — 2,700 years ago — has been found to bear the oldest known mention of Jerusalem in Hebrew.
Inside the United States
CPAC celebration: Conservatives who doubted Trump now glad they were wrong
A CPAC/Washington Times poll of more than 1,100 attendees found that 93 percent of conservatives approve of the job Mr. Trump has done over his first year in office — up from 86 percent last year.
Democratic rebuttal to GOP House Intelligence memo released
The Democratic rebuttal memo to the Republican House Intelligence Committee memo on alleged government surveillance abuses was released Saturday afternoon after receiving a number of redactions.
At least 4 dead after reported tornadoes, flooding sweep through the South
Three reported tornadoes swept through the South overnight, while flooding and other severe weather also wrecked havoc on the region, resulting in at least four deaths.
Nunes Says Obama was in Cahoots with Russia
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes is blaming former President Obama for being in cahoots with Russia for eight years and setting the stage for orchestrating a conspiracy theory of collusion between Moscow and Donald Trump during the 2016 election.
RNC chair: Raising gun purchase age to 21 is 'on the table'
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel believes that raising the age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21 is 'on the table' as Republicans toss out potential legislative ideas in response to last week's school shooting in Parkland, Fla.
Christian News
Church Leaders Close the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Tax Protest
The leaders of the major Christian sects in Jerusalem closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, for several hours on Sunday to protest an Israeli plan to tax their properties.
South Carolina church vandalized with satanic messages, derogatory comments about Billy Graham
Yet another church community in Greenville County went to Sunday service only to be welcomed by satanic messages spray painted on to the church walls, some of it involving Billy Graham.
Christian college wins battle with HHS over birth control mandate
A district court ruled that the federal government can’t force a small Christian college to provide reproductive services such as the morning-after pill in its healthcare plans because it violates the college's religious beliefs.
Russia deploys advanced stealth jets in Syria with warning aimed at Israel
Russia has deployed two of its most advanced and sophisticated stealth jets in Syria, in a power move likely to draw US criticism, as the Pentagon expressed its alarm earlier this month over recent close calls with Russian planes in the war-torn country.
Trump vows to continue ‘maximum pressure’ on North Korea, but keeps door open for talks
The White House responded cautiously to North Korea’s expression of interest in diplomatic talks with the U.S. Sunday, suggesting the Trump administration may be interested, but remains committed to 'achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.'
Russia sets stage for U.N. veto of western bid to call out Iran
Russia has laid the groundwork for a likely veto on Monday of a British, U.S. and French bid for the United Nations Security Council to call out Iran over its weapons falling into the hands of Yemen’s Houthi group.
Iran says Damascus suburbs assault to continue as fighting rages
Iran said pro-Damascus forces would press ahead with attacks on an insurgent enclave near the Syrian capital, as ground fighting raged on there in defiance of a U.N. resolution demanding a 30-day truce across the country.
Magnitude-7.5 earthquake rattles Papua New Guinea
A large earthquake has struck the middle of Papua New Guinea.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu to invite Trump to inaugurate US embassy in Jerusalem in May
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to invite US President Donald Trump to Israel in May to inaugurate the US embassy, which Washington announced on Friday will be relocated to Jerusalem on Israel’s Independence Day, Hadashot TV news reported on Saturday.
Judge and lawyer Coordinated Ruling in Corruption Probe
A judge presiding over hearings in a major corruption case asked to be removed from her duties after Channel 10 exposed that she had coordinated rulings with a government lawyer working the hearing, the Justice ministry said Sunday.
Poll: Likud gaining strength despite Netanyahu graft allegations
A poll published Saturday showed the ruling Likud party gaining strength despite the graft allegations surrounding its leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and well placed to win elections should they be held today.
Oldest Hebrew mention of Jerusalem found on rare papyrus from 7th century BCE
A rare, ancient papyrus dating to the First Temple Period — 2,700 years ago — has been found to bear the oldest known mention of Jerusalem in Hebrew.
Inside the United States
CPAC celebration: Conservatives who doubted Trump now glad they were wrong
A CPAC/Washington Times poll of more than 1,100 attendees found that 93 percent of conservatives approve of the job Mr. Trump has done over his first year in office — up from 86 percent last year.
Democratic rebuttal to GOP House Intelligence memo released
The Democratic rebuttal memo to the Republican House Intelligence Committee memo on alleged government surveillance abuses was released Saturday afternoon after receiving a number of redactions.
At least 4 dead after reported tornadoes, flooding sweep through the South
Three reported tornadoes swept through the South overnight, while flooding and other severe weather also wrecked havoc on the region, resulting in at least four deaths.
Nunes Says Obama was in Cahoots with Russia
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes is blaming former President Obama for being in cahoots with Russia for eight years and setting the stage for orchestrating a conspiracy theory of collusion between Moscow and Donald Trump during the 2016 election.
RNC chair: Raising gun purchase age to 21 is 'on the table'
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel believes that raising the age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21 is 'on the table' as Republicans toss out potential legislative ideas in response to last week's school shooting in Parkland, Fla.
Christian News
Church Leaders Close the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Tax Protest
The leaders of the major Christian sects in Jerusalem closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, for several hours on Sunday to protest an Israeli plan to tax their properties.
South Carolina church vandalized with satanic messages, derogatory comments about Billy Graham
Yet another church community in Greenville County went to Sunday service only to be welcomed by satanic messages spray painted on to the church walls, some of it involving Billy Graham.
Christian college wins battle with HHS over birth control mandate
A district court ruled that the federal government can’t force a small Christian college to provide reproductive services such as the morning-after pill in its healthcare plans because it violates the college's religious beliefs.