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
Battle looms for rebel-held Syrian province after IS defeat
Syrian government forces and allied militiamen are advancing on the largest remaining rebel-held territory in the country's north, forcing thousands of civilians to flee toward the border with Turkey in freezing winter temperatures.
Yemen rebels fire missile at Saudi Arabia
Houthi fighters announced they had fired one in the direction of the city of Najran, which Saudi authorities confirmed was intercepted.
Report: Ex-Iranian president Ahmadinejad arrested for inciting unrest
Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been arrested by authorities for allegedly inciting unrest against the government, the London-based daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported Saturday, citing 'reliable sources in Tehran.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to lobby UN to recognize Palestinian state
Arab states will soon embark on a diplomatic drive to persuade the United Nations to recognize a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital on territory captured by Israel in the 1967 war, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said.
Report: Hamas agrees to give PA control of its weapons
Hamas officials have informed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas will agree to relinquish control of its weapons if it is allowed to join the Palestine Liberation Organization, the London-based pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat reported on Friday.
Islamic State Affiliate in Sinai Declares War on Hamas in Bloody Execution Video
The Islamic State affiliate in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula has called for attacks on the Palestinian terror group Hamas in a gruesome execution video posted online.
Inside the United States
U.S. to endure another day below freezing before relief comes
The bitter cold that has gripped much of the United States since the new year will last another day, forecasters said on Sunday, predicting an end to a frigid spell that featured a 'bomb cyclone' snowstorm and frozen iguanas falling from trees in Florida.
Trump, GOP leaders at Camp David set ambitious 2018 agenda
President Trump emerged Saturday from a meeting with Congress’ Republican leaders at Camp David and outlined an ambitious legislative agenda for 2018, including the budget, infrastructure, a border wall, immigration and beefing up the military.
Trump to unveil initiative to bring broadband to rural America
President Donald Trump plans to unveil an agriculture initiative seeking to bring broadband internet connection to rural America at the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention.
Over 100 companies giving 'Trump Bonuses' after tax victory, 'tsunami building'
The number of companies offering employee bonuses, pay hikes, and increases in benefits in reaction to President Trump’s December tax reform victory is now over 100, with thousands of workers impacted and charities too.
Battle looms for rebel-held Syrian province after IS defeat
Syrian government forces and allied militiamen are advancing on the largest remaining rebel-held territory in the country's north, forcing thousands of civilians to flee toward the border with Turkey in freezing winter temperatures.
Yemen rebels fire missile at Saudi Arabia
Houthi fighters announced they had fired one in the direction of the city of Najran, which Saudi authorities confirmed was intercepted.
Report: Ex-Iranian president Ahmadinejad arrested for inciting unrest
Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been arrested by authorities for allegedly inciting unrest against the government, the London-based daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported Saturday, citing 'reliable sources in Tehran.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to lobby UN to recognize Palestinian state
Arab states will soon embark on a diplomatic drive to persuade the United Nations to recognize a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital on territory captured by Israel in the 1967 war, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said.
Report: Hamas agrees to give PA control of its weapons
Hamas officials have informed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas will agree to relinquish control of its weapons if it is allowed to join the Palestine Liberation Organization, the London-based pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat reported on Friday.
Islamic State Affiliate in Sinai Declares War on Hamas in Bloody Execution Video
The Islamic State affiliate in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula has called for attacks on the Palestinian terror group Hamas in a gruesome execution video posted online.
Inside the United States
U.S. to endure another day below freezing before relief comes
The bitter cold that has gripped much of the United States since the new year will last another day, forecasters said on Sunday, predicting an end to a frigid spell that featured a 'bomb cyclone' snowstorm and frozen iguanas falling from trees in Florida.
Trump, GOP leaders at Camp David set ambitious 2018 agenda
President Trump emerged Saturday from a meeting with Congress’ Republican leaders at Camp David and outlined an ambitious legislative agenda for 2018, including the budget, infrastructure, a border wall, immigration and beefing up the military.
Trump to unveil initiative to bring broadband to rural America
President Donald Trump plans to unveil an agriculture initiative seeking to bring broadband internet connection to rural America at the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention.
Over 100 companies giving 'Trump Bonuses' after tax victory, 'tsunami building'
The number of companies offering employee bonuses, pay hikes, and increases in benefits in reaction to President Trump’s December tax reform victory is now over 100, with thousands of workers impacted and charities too.
Around the World
U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia Leading World to War with Iran, France Says
French President Emmanuel Macron has accused the U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia of instigating a war as their mutual foe, Iran, was rocked by a week of protests.
Trump's pressure on Pakistan is major test of new strategy to end war in Afghanistan
The Trump administration’s strategy for ending the war in Afghanistan and defeating terror groups in the region faces its first major test in its confrontation with Pakistan.
Blast hits police in Afghan capital Kabul, dozens of casualties
A suicide bomber in the Afghan capital caused dozens of casualties on Thursday after blowing himself up close to a group of security personnel who were carrying out an operation against illegal drugs and alcohol dealing, officials said.
UN Security Council to meet on Iran protests, at US request
The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting about Iran at the request of the U.S. which asked for the session to show support for anti-government protests.
Pentagon: Trump agreed to delay US-South Korean exercises
In a possible opening for diplomacy, the Trump administration on Thursday agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Religious Jews’ Ascent to Temple Mount Up 75%
The number of visits by religious Jews to the Temple Mount has increased by 75% in 2017, compared to 2016, according to the Yera’eh organization, which encourages Jewish ascent to the Temple Mount.
Inside the United States
'Bomb cyclone' winter storm brings snow, fierce winds to Northeast as bitter cold to follow
A rapidly-intensifying winter storm system known as a 'bomb cyclone' targeted the Northeast on Thursday after leaving its deadly mark across the Southeast, snarling travel across the region with snow, ice, bone-chilling winds and a central air pressure similar to that of the devastating Superstorm Sandy.
Dow closes above 25,000 for the first time
The Dow Jones industrial Average closed at more than 25,000 for the first time Thursday.
Donald Trump overturns Obama bans on drilling as he moves to vastly expand US offshore oil
Donald Trump's administration has announced plans to vastly expand oil and gas drilling in nearly all US coastal waters, reversing protections in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific.
Record-setting blizzard buries New England in over a foot of snow, brings travel to a halt
A powerful nor'easter continues to spread heavy snow and strong winds across New England with blizzard conditions bringing travel to a halt across the region.
Light quake shakes San Francisco; no immediate damage reported
A light earthquake shook California’s San Francisco Bay Area early on Thursday, waking many, but there were no immediate reports of damage.
Sessions targets legalized marijuana with directive
Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday rolled back an Obama-era directive saying the federal government should not interfere in the loosening of state marijuana laws.
Christian News
Louisiana Says Students Have Right to Pray, Read Bible in Public Schools
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., have released the Louisiana Students Rights Review, a 15-page guide that explains the religious freedom rightsof teachers and students in public schools.
U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia Leading World to War with Iran, France Says
French President Emmanuel Macron has accused the U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia of instigating a war as their mutual foe, Iran, was rocked by a week of protests.
Trump's pressure on Pakistan is major test of new strategy to end war in Afghanistan
The Trump administration’s strategy for ending the war in Afghanistan and defeating terror groups in the region faces its first major test in its confrontation with Pakistan.
Blast hits police in Afghan capital Kabul, dozens of casualties
A suicide bomber in the Afghan capital caused dozens of casualties on Thursday after blowing himself up close to a group of security personnel who were carrying out an operation against illegal drugs and alcohol dealing, officials said.
UN Security Council to meet on Iran protests, at US request
The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting about Iran at the request of the U.S. which asked for the session to show support for anti-government protests.
Pentagon: Trump agreed to delay US-South Korean exercises
In a possible opening for diplomacy, the Trump administration on Thursday agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Religious Jews’ Ascent to Temple Mount Up 75%
The number of visits by religious Jews to the Temple Mount has increased by 75% in 2017, compared to 2016, according to the Yera’eh organization, which encourages Jewish ascent to the Temple Mount.
Inside the United States
'Bomb cyclone' winter storm brings snow, fierce winds to Northeast as bitter cold to follow
A rapidly-intensifying winter storm system known as a 'bomb cyclone' targeted the Northeast on Thursday after leaving its deadly mark across the Southeast, snarling travel across the region with snow, ice, bone-chilling winds and a central air pressure similar to that of the devastating Superstorm Sandy.
Dow closes above 25,000 for the first time
The Dow Jones industrial Average closed at more than 25,000 for the first time Thursday.
Donald Trump overturns Obama bans on drilling as he moves to vastly expand US offshore oil
Donald Trump's administration has announced plans to vastly expand oil and gas drilling in nearly all US coastal waters, reversing protections in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific.
Record-setting blizzard buries New England in over a foot of snow, brings travel to a halt
A powerful nor'easter continues to spread heavy snow and strong winds across New England with blizzard conditions bringing travel to a halt across the region.
Light quake shakes San Francisco; no immediate damage reported
A light earthquake shook California’s San Francisco Bay Area early on Thursday, waking many, but there were no immediate reports of damage.
Sessions targets legalized marijuana with directive
Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday rolled back an Obama-era directive saying the federal government should not interfere in the loosening of state marijuana laws.
Christian News
Louisiana Says Students Have Right to Pray, Read Bible in Public Schools
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., have released the Louisiana Students Rights Review, a 15-page guide that explains the religious freedom rightsof teachers and students in public schools.
Around the World
Iran protests spread, even as military declares them over
Iran’s most influential military commander on Wednesday declared the wave of anti-regime protests rocking nation as over, despite reports that demonstrators continue to fill the streets in more than a dozen cities.
Koreas set up stunning direct bilateral talks with Trump, Olympics pressures mounting
North and South Korea are suddenly on a fast track to direct bilateral talks without the United States or China — an unexpected development at a moment of heightened tensions that intelligence sources say is being driven by several factors, including Pyongyang’s desire to sidestep Trump administration-backed sanctions.
Intel chips have major security flaws, billions of devices affected
Billions of devices might be at risk after researchers found two security flaws inside Intel chips that allow hackers to enter processors and steal sensitive data.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian intelligence network exposed in Judea and Samaria
The Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Defense Force recently exposed a network sponsored by the Iranian intelligence apparatus in Judea and Samaria. The network was recruited and funded by an Iranian intelligence agent living in South Africa, according to information released for publication on Wednesday.
Israel strikes Gaza terror infrastructure following rocket fire
The Israeli Air Force struck what it termed as 'major terror infrastructure' in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday night in response to rocket fire into Israel.
Multiple rocket attacks within hours raise risk of Gaza flare up
Multiple mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip towards southern Israel on Wednesday afternoon, causing no damage or injuries.
Inside the United States
Planned Parenthood enters transgender-hormone market as abortions decline, clinics close
As dozens of its clinics closed amid a dwindling U.S. abortion rate, Planned Parenthood has moved to diversify its business model by getting into transgender hormone therapy.
N.Y. to sue federal gov't over 'unconstitutional' tax law
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that he will sue the federal government over the recently passed tax law, which he said was unfair to his state and unconstitutional.
Massive winter storm set to slam Northeast
After dumping rare snowfall on parts of the southeastern coast, a powerful winter storm is set to hammer the Northeast with up to 12 inches of snow and strong winds. By the end of this week, parts of the Northeast will be colder than Mars.
U.S. construction spending hit record high in November
U.S. builders spent 0.8 percent more on construction projects in November, the fourth consecutive monthly gain.
Trump lawyers send cease and desist to Steve Bannon over comments in tell-all book
President Trump’s lawyers sent a letter to former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon on Wednesday night, insisting he stop making derogatory comments about Trump and his family.
Trump torches Steve Bannon after disparaging book excerpts: Steve 'not only lost his job, he lost his mind'
President Trump slammed his former chief strategist just hours after excerpts of a forthcoming book about the presidency revealed Steve Bannon had made disparaging comments about Trump's family and personal habits.
Christian News
Hindu Radicals Launch at Least 23 Attacks during 2017 Christmas Season in India
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that at least 23 religiously-motivated attacks took place during the 2017 Christmas season, including attacks on carolers and open threats against Christian celebrations. The attacks have led to several Christians' hospitalization and imprisonment. The persecution created such fear among the Christian community that many Christians did not celebrate Christmas this year.
Christians killed globally for faith at Christmas
The deaths of nearly 150 Christians have been reported in targeted attacks on religious minorities in Nigeria, Cairo and India during the 2017 Christmas season, according to various reports from religious liberty advocates and news agencies.
Iran protests spread, even as military declares them over
Iran’s most influential military commander on Wednesday declared the wave of anti-regime protests rocking nation as over, despite reports that demonstrators continue to fill the streets in more than a dozen cities.
Koreas set up stunning direct bilateral talks with Trump, Olympics pressures mounting
North and South Korea are suddenly on a fast track to direct bilateral talks without the United States or China — an unexpected development at a moment of heightened tensions that intelligence sources say is being driven by several factors, including Pyongyang’s desire to sidestep Trump administration-backed sanctions.
Intel chips have major security flaws, billions of devices affected
Billions of devices might be at risk after researchers found two security flaws inside Intel chips that allow hackers to enter processors and steal sensitive data.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian intelligence network exposed in Judea and Samaria
The Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Defense Force recently exposed a network sponsored by the Iranian intelligence apparatus in Judea and Samaria. The network was recruited and funded by an Iranian intelligence agent living in South Africa, according to information released for publication on Wednesday.
Israel strikes Gaza terror infrastructure following rocket fire
The Israeli Air Force struck what it termed as 'major terror infrastructure' in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday night in response to rocket fire into Israel.
Multiple rocket attacks within hours raise risk of Gaza flare up
Multiple mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip towards southern Israel on Wednesday afternoon, causing no damage or injuries.
Inside the United States
Planned Parenthood enters transgender-hormone market as abortions decline, clinics close
As dozens of its clinics closed amid a dwindling U.S. abortion rate, Planned Parenthood has moved to diversify its business model by getting into transgender hormone therapy.
N.Y. to sue federal gov't over 'unconstitutional' tax law
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that he will sue the federal government over the recently passed tax law, which he said was unfair to his state and unconstitutional.
Massive winter storm set to slam Northeast
After dumping rare snowfall on parts of the southeastern coast, a powerful winter storm is set to hammer the Northeast with up to 12 inches of snow and strong winds. By the end of this week, parts of the Northeast will be colder than Mars.
U.S. construction spending hit record high in November
U.S. builders spent 0.8 percent more on construction projects in November, the fourth consecutive monthly gain.
Trump lawyers send cease and desist to Steve Bannon over comments in tell-all book
President Trump’s lawyers sent a letter to former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon on Wednesday night, insisting he stop making derogatory comments about Trump and his family.
Trump torches Steve Bannon after disparaging book excerpts: Steve 'not only lost his job, he lost his mind'
President Trump slammed his former chief strategist just hours after excerpts of a forthcoming book about the presidency revealed Steve Bannon had made disparaging comments about Trump's family and personal habits.
Christian News
Hindu Radicals Launch at Least 23 Attacks during 2017 Christmas Season in India
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that at least 23 religiously-motivated attacks took place during the 2017 Christmas season, including attacks on carolers and open threats against Christian celebrations. The attacks have led to several Christians' hospitalization and imprisonment. The persecution created such fear among the Christian community that many Christians did not celebrate Christmas this year.
Christians killed globally for faith at Christmas
The deaths of nearly 150 Christians have been reported in targeted attacks on religious minorities in Nigeria, Cairo and India during the 2017 Christmas season, according to various reports from religious liberty advocates and news agencies.