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 'months' away from capability to nuke US, CIA Director Mike Pompeo says
North Korea could acquire the ability to deliver a nuclear weapon to the United States within "months," a top American spy official said Thursday.
CIA Director: Iran deal 'failed' to permanently block Tehran's path to nukes
The Iran nuclear deal failed to permanently cut off Iran's path to a nuclear weapon, as well as thwart its Middle East terror activities, CIA Director Mike Pompeo said at a conference Thursday.
New study suggests insect populations have declined by 75% over 3 decades
A new scientific study has found 'dramatic' and 'alarming' declines in insect populations in areas in Germany, which researchers say could have far-reaching consequences for the world's crop production and natural ecosystems.
Storm Brian: UK braces for 'weather bomb' set to bring 70mph winds and heavy rain
Storm Brian is expected to batter Britain's coast just days after Storm Ophelia wreaked destruction. Heavy rain and gusts of 50mph are expected across southern England and the west of Wales on Saturday, and winds could reach 70mph in exposed areas.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vow to step up fight against Israel
Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards on Thursday threatened a 'relentless fight' against Israel, a day after the US urged the international community to confront Tehran over its 'destructive conduct' across the Middle East.
Israel strikes Syria, responding to errant mortar fire
The Israeli military says it has struck Syria in response to a mortar fired from the territory.
120 arrested as hard-line religious Jews protest against Israeli army service
At least 120 demonstrators were arrested in Israel on Thursday as several thousand ultra-Orthodox Jews blocked a major intersection in central Jerusalem to protest against efforts to force them to enlist in the Israeli military like their secular compatriots.
Inside the United States
Fewest Jobless Claims Since 1973 Show Firm U.S. Job Market
Filings for unemployment benefits plunged last week to the lowest level since 1973 as workers affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma continued to return to their jobs, Labor Department figures showed Thursday.
Senate paves the way for tax reform by passing a budget
The Senate passed a 2018 budget resolution late Thursday that will serve as the vehicle for comprehensive tax reform, the Republican Party's top legislative goal.
Challenge to California's prostitution ban may proceed, judges rule
A federal appeals court gave the go-ahead Thursday to activists seeking to overturn California's 145-year ban on commercial sex.
Barrasso Seeks Documents Related to Russia Uranium Investigation
Sen. John Barrasso (R., Wyo.) is asking the Department of Justice for documents related to the FBI's investigation into the Russia-Uranium One deal, which found evidence of Russian officials engaging in bribery, kickbacks, and millions of dollars flowing to the Clinton Foundation before the deal was approved by the U.S. government.
FBI uncovered Russian bribery plot before Obama administration approved controversial nuclear deal with Moscow
Before the Obama administration approved a controversial deal in 2010 giving Moscow control of a large swath of American uranium, the FBI had gathered substantial evidence that Russian nuclear industry officials were engaged in bribery, kickbacks, extortion and money laundering designed to grow Vladimir Putin’s atomic energy business inside the United States, according to government documents and interviews.
George W. Bush's veiled shots at Trump open new front in Republican civil war
A fresh battle in the Republican civil war flared Thursday as former President George W. Bush took veiled shots at President Trump in a speech that warned against the rising tide of ethno-nationalism on the Right.
IRS to crack down on Obamacare declarations next year
The Internal Revenue Service will not accept electronically filed tax returns for the upcoming filing season in which people fail to note whether they have health insurance, according to an agency announcement that is a reversal of informal policy under the Obama administration.
Christian News
6 Police Officers Arrested for Beating Christian Teen to Death in Pakistan, Activists Say
Six police officers in Pakistan have been arrested and charged with murder after they allegedly beat to death a Pakistani Christian teenager earlier this month, according to human rights advocates.
Limbless Evangelist Nick Vujicic Says 400,000 Ukrainians Chose to Repent of Sins, Follow Jesus
Famous evangelist Nick Vujicic said his team witnessed 400,000 people repent for their sins and choose to follow Jesus Christ at a recent event in Ukraine. That was the largest response that the Life Without Limbs ministry has seen.
North Korea 'months' away from capability to nuke US, CIA Director Mike Pompeo says
North Korea could acquire the ability to deliver a nuclear weapon to the United States within "months," a top American spy official said Thursday.
CIA Director: Iran deal 'failed' to permanently block Tehran's path to nukes
The Iran nuclear deal failed to permanently cut off Iran's path to a nuclear weapon, as well as thwart its Middle East terror activities, CIA Director Mike Pompeo said at a conference Thursday.
New study suggests insect populations have declined by 75% over 3 decades
A new scientific study has found 'dramatic' and 'alarming' declines in insect populations in areas in Germany, which researchers say could have far-reaching consequences for the world's crop production and natural ecosystems.
Storm Brian: UK braces for 'weather bomb' set to bring 70mph winds and heavy rain
Storm Brian is expected to batter Britain's coast just days after Storm Ophelia wreaked destruction. Heavy rain and gusts of 50mph are expected across southern England and the west of Wales on Saturday, and winds could reach 70mph in exposed areas.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vow to step up fight against Israel
Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards on Thursday threatened a 'relentless fight' against Israel, a day after the US urged the international community to confront Tehran over its 'destructive conduct' across the Middle East.
Israel strikes Syria, responding to errant mortar fire
The Israeli military says it has struck Syria in response to a mortar fired from the territory.
120 arrested as hard-line religious Jews protest against Israeli army service
At least 120 demonstrators were arrested in Israel on Thursday as several thousand ultra-Orthodox Jews blocked a major intersection in central Jerusalem to protest against efforts to force them to enlist in the Israeli military like their secular compatriots.
Inside the United States
Fewest Jobless Claims Since 1973 Show Firm U.S. Job Market
Filings for unemployment benefits plunged last week to the lowest level since 1973 as workers affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma continued to return to their jobs, Labor Department figures showed Thursday.
Senate paves the way for tax reform by passing a budget
The Senate passed a 2018 budget resolution late Thursday that will serve as the vehicle for comprehensive tax reform, the Republican Party's top legislative goal.
Challenge to California's prostitution ban may proceed, judges rule
A federal appeals court gave the go-ahead Thursday to activists seeking to overturn California's 145-year ban on commercial sex.
Barrasso Seeks Documents Related to Russia Uranium Investigation
Sen. John Barrasso (R., Wyo.) is asking the Department of Justice for documents related to the FBI's investigation into the Russia-Uranium One deal, which found evidence of Russian officials engaging in bribery, kickbacks, and millions of dollars flowing to the Clinton Foundation before the deal was approved by the U.S. government.
FBI uncovered Russian bribery plot before Obama administration approved controversial nuclear deal with Moscow
Before the Obama administration approved a controversial deal in 2010 giving Moscow control of a large swath of American uranium, the FBI had gathered substantial evidence that Russian nuclear industry officials were engaged in bribery, kickbacks, extortion and money laundering designed to grow Vladimir Putin’s atomic energy business inside the United States, according to government documents and interviews.
George W. Bush's veiled shots at Trump open new front in Republican civil war
A fresh battle in the Republican civil war flared Thursday as former President George W. Bush took veiled shots at President Trump in a speech that warned against the rising tide of ethno-nationalism on the Right.
IRS to crack down on Obamacare declarations next year
The Internal Revenue Service will not accept electronically filed tax returns for the upcoming filing season in which people fail to note whether they have health insurance, according to an agency announcement that is a reversal of informal policy under the Obama administration.
Christian News
6 Police Officers Arrested for Beating Christian Teen to Death in Pakistan, Activists Say
Six police officers in Pakistan have been arrested and charged with murder after they allegedly beat to death a Pakistani Christian teenager earlier this month, according to human rights advocates.
Limbless Evangelist Nick Vujicic Says 400,000 Ukrainians Chose to Repent of Sins, Follow Jesus
Famous evangelist Nick Vujicic said his team witnessed 400,000 people repent for their sins and choose to follow Jesus Christ at a recent event in Ukraine. That was the largest response that the Life Without Limbs ministry has seen.
Around the World
Terrorist groups planning another 9/11-style attack, top US official warns
Islamic State and other terrorist groups are planning to target aircraft as they aim to carry out another major attack on the scale of 9/11, a top US security official has said.
Haley to UN Security Council: Don't turn a blind eye to Iran
The UN Security Council must not ignore Iran's aggressive behavior, its ballistic missile testing and its violation of this body's resolutions regarding its military activity, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Wednesday.
Spain to trigger direct rule over Catalonia as deadline passes
The Spanish government is to suspend Catalonia’s autonomy and impose direct rule after the region’s president refused to abandon the push for independence that has led to Spain’s biggest political crisis for 40 years.
U.S. wants quick vote on Syria chemical weapons inspectors
U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said Wednesday the United States is circulating a resolution that would extend by another year the work of inspectors seeking to determine who is behind chemical weapons attacks in Syria.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and Putin Discuss Iran Nuclear Program, Syria in Phone Call
Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the Iran nuclear program, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.
US demands Hamas renounce violence, disarm before unity deal
The United States called Thursday for the Hamas terror group to disarm and renounce violence before being allowed to implement a highly touted unity deal with Palestinian rival Fatah, in a first detailed response to the agreement.
8 European countries demand Israel pay for West Bank structures it destroyed
Eight European Union member states are demanding that Israel pay them back for the demolition and confiscation of buildings and other installations constructed for the benefit of Bedouin encampments in Area C of the West Bank by the EU’s mission in Israel.
Inside the United States
US judge orders government to allow abortion for undocumented teen
A 17-year-old immigrant who was detained after entering the country illegally should not be 'obstructed' by government officials from having an abortion, a US federal judge ruled on Wednesday in Washington DC.
Obamacare deal hits the skids in Senate
A bipartisan deal to fund Obamacare payments stalled in the Senate Wednesday after President Trump derided the payments as 'bailouts,' but Republicans behind the package are trying to keep the deal alive.
84 Children Rescued, 120 Human Traffickers Arrested Across U.S., FBI Says
The FBI rescued 84 children from the grips of a multi-state human trafficking ring and arrested 120 traffickers Wednesday, announcing the successful sting in a statement.
FDA approves revolutionary cancer gene therapy
U.S. regulators approved on Wednesday a new therapy for a type of lymphoma, which was developed by Gilead Science Inc’s Kite Pharma, marking the second approval for this potentially revolutionary approach to fighting cancer.
Death toll from San Diego hepatitis A outbreak rises to 19; more than 500 cases confirmed
San Diego’s hepatitis A outbreak added another death Tuesday, pushing the total to 19 as the number of confirmed cases passed 500.
Trump’s former aides caught up in Russia election mess begin to fight back
Former campaign aides to President Trump have begun to fight back against what they consider libelous allegations in the Russia election saga.
Christian News
Chinese House Church Leaders and Toddler Arrested After Singing in Public Park
A Chinese house church pastor, her daughter, and her young grandson have been arrested, weeks after being accused of overstepping the country’s newly tightened religious restrictions.
Christian Persecution Hits All-Time High Worldwide: Report
The persecution of Christians is now "worse than at any time in history," according to a report by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, which states that not only are Christians more persecuted than any other faith group, they are also experiencing the worst forms of persecution.
Federal court rules World War I memorial cross must be torn down
Back in 1925, the American Legion erected a memorial in Bladensburg, Md., to honor the memory of 49 men who perished during World War I.
Good without God? More Americans Say Amen to That (Link is now Fixed!)
For the first time, a majority of Americans — 56 percent — say it is possible to be a good person without a religious belief.
Terrorist groups planning another 9/11-style attack, top US official warns
Islamic State and other terrorist groups are planning to target aircraft as they aim to carry out another major attack on the scale of 9/11, a top US security official has said.
Haley to UN Security Council: Don't turn a blind eye to Iran
The UN Security Council must not ignore Iran's aggressive behavior, its ballistic missile testing and its violation of this body's resolutions regarding its military activity, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Wednesday.
Spain to trigger direct rule over Catalonia as deadline passes
The Spanish government is to suspend Catalonia’s autonomy and impose direct rule after the region’s president refused to abandon the push for independence that has led to Spain’s biggest political crisis for 40 years.
U.S. wants quick vote on Syria chemical weapons inspectors
U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said Wednesday the United States is circulating a resolution that would extend by another year the work of inspectors seeking to determine who is behind chemical weapons attacks in Syria.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and Putin Discuss Iran Nuclear Program, Syria in Phone Call
Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the Iran nuclear program, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.
US demands Hamas renounce violence, disarm before unity deal
The United States called Thursday for the Hamas terror group to disarm and renounce violence before being allowed to implement a highly touted unity deal with Palestinian rival Fatah, in a first detailed response to the agreement.
8 European countries demand Israel pay for West Bank structures it destroyed
Eight European Union member states are demanding that Israel pay them back for the demolition and confiscation of buildings and other installations constructed for the benefit of Bedouin encampments in Area C of the West Bank by the EU’s mission in Israel.
Inside the United States
US judge orders government to allow abortion for undocumented teen
A 17-year-old immigrant who was detained after entering the country illegally should not be 'obstructed' by government officials from having an abortion, a US federal judge ruled on Wednesday in Washington DC.
Obamacare deal hits the skids in Senate
A bipartisan deal to fund Obamacare payments stalled in the Senate Wednesday after President Trump derided the payments as 'bailouts,' but Republicans behind the package are trying to keep the deal alive.
84 Children Rescued, 120 Human Traffickers Arrested Across U.S., FBI Says
The FBI rescued 84 children from the grips of a multi-state human trafficking ring and arrested 120 traffickers Wednesday, announcing the successful sting in a statement.
FDA approves revolutionary cancer gene therapy
U.S. regulators approved on Wednesday a new therapy for a type of lymphoma, which was developed by Gilead Science Inc’s Kite Pharma, marking the second approval for this potentially revolutionary approach to fighting cancer.
Death toll from San Diego hepatitis A outbreak rises to 19; more than 500 cases confirmed
San Diego’s hepatitis A outbreak added another death Tuesday, pushing the total to 19 as the number of confirmed cases passed 500.
Trump’s former aides caught up in Russia election mess begin to fight back
Former campaign aides to President Trump have begun to fight back against what they consider libelous allegations in the Russia election saga.
Christian News
Chinese House Church Leaders and Toddler Arrested After Singing in Public Park
A Chinese house church pastor, her daughter, and her young grandson have been arrested, weeks after being accused of overstepping the country’s newly tightened religious restrictions.
Christian Persecution Hits All-Time High Worldwide: Report
The persecution of Christians is now "worse than at any time in history," according to a report by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, which states that not only are Christians more persecuted than any other faith group, they are also experiencing the worst forms of persecution.
Federal court rules World War I memorial cross must be torn down
Back in 1925, the American Legion erected a memorial in Bladensburg, Md., to honor the memory of 49 men who perished during World War I.
Good without God? More Americans Say Amen to That (Link is now Fixed!)
For the first time, a majority of Americans — 56 percent — say it is possible to be a good person without a religious belief.
Around the World
ISIS cleared from Syria's Raqqa
US-backed militias have completely taken Syria's Raqqa from ISIS, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Tuesday.
UN, US failed to prevent ethnic cleansing in South Sudan
Until the summer of 2016, South Sudan's Yei region was a leafy oasis in the midst of the country's civil war. But when a national peace deal broke down and government soldiers ransacked the area, a handful of U.N. and U.S. officials begged their leaders for help.
Catalan lawmakers protest jailing of secession leaders
About 50 Spanish and Catalan party lawmakers have held up posters in Spain's parliament demanding the release of two pro-Catalonia independence movement leaders, describing them as political prisoners.
Call for athletes to be fitted with microchips in fight against drug cheats
Athletes need to be fitted with microchips, in a similar way that dogs are, in the fight against drug cheats in sport, according to a leading representative of international sports people.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Report: Russia agreed to move Iran, Hezbollah forces away from Israeli border
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has told Israel that Moscow has agreed to expand a buffer zone along the Israeli-Syrian border, where Iranian and Hezbollah forces will not be allowed to enter.
Netanyahu to Russian defense minister: Israel won't allow Iranian presence in Syria
Israel will not allow a permanent Iranian military presence in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told visiting Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday, a day after Israel destroyed an SA-5 anti-aircraft battery in Syria that fired on IAF planes over Lebanon.
Israel's Rare Strike in Syria Is an Explosive Message Delivered Personally to Russia
Hours after Israel's rare strike in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that, 'If anyone tries to hurt us, we’ll hurt them.' What was defined by the Israeli army as a Syrian provocation in the morning had become a chance to reinforce Israel’s red lines by the afternoon.
Inside the United States
Hawaiian judge blocks latest version of Trump's travel ban
A federal judge in Hawaii has blocked President Trump’s revised travel ban – just hours before it was expected to go into effect across the United States.
FBI: 118 Law Enforcement Officers Died in Line of Duty in 2016; 57,180 Assaulted
118 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty last year in the United States, the FBI reported on Monday.
Pro-life groups rally as late-term abortion clinic opens in Bethesda
More than 100 pro-life activists rallied Tuesday outside an abortion clinic that opened its doors this week in Bethesda, reigniting a seven-year war to drive one of the nation’s most notorious late-term abortionists out of Maryland.
Christian News
7 Dead as ISIS Radicals Attack Church, Bank in Egypt With Grenades and Rifles
At least seven people were killed after suspected Islamic State terror group radicals attacked a bank and the Church of Saint George in El-Arish, Egypt. The militants were seen waving their black flags through the streets in celebration.
Good without God? More Americans Say Amen to That
For the first time, a majority of Americans — 56 percent — say it is possible to be a good person without a religious belief.
ISIS cleared from Syria's Raqqa
US-backed militias have completely taken Syria's Raqqa from ISIS, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Tuesday.
UN, US failed to prevent ethnic cleansing in South Sudan
Until the summer of 2016, South Sudan's Yei region was a leafy oasis in the midst of the country's civil war. But when a national peace deal broke down and government soldiers ransacked the area, a handful of U.N. and U.S. officials begged their leaders for help.
Catalan lawmakers protest jailing of secession leaders
About 50 Spanish and Catalan party lawmakers have held up posters in Spain's parliament demanding the release of two pro-Catalonia independence movement leaders, describing them as political prisoners.
Call for athletes to be fitted with microchips in fight against drug cheats
Athletes need to be fitted with microchips, in a similar way that dogs are, in the fight against drug cheats in sport, according to a leading representative of international sports people.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Report: Russia agreed to move Iran, Hezbollah forces away from Israeli border
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has told Israel that Moscow has agreed to expand a buffer zone along the Israeli-Syrian border, where Iranian and Hezbollah forces will not be allowed to enter.
Netanyahu to Russian defense minister: Israel won't allow Iranian presence in Syria
Israel will not allow a permanent Iranian military presence in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told visiting Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday, a day after Israel destroyed an SA-5 anti-aircraft battery in Syria that fired on IAF planes over Lebanon.
Israel's Rare Strike in Syria Is an Explosive Message Delivered Personally to Russia
Hours after Israel's rare strike in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that, 'If anyone tries to hurt us, we’ll hurt them.' What was defined by the Israeli army as a Syrian provocation in the morning had become a chance to reinforce Israel’s red lines by the afternoon.
Inside the United States
Hawaiian judge blocks latest version of Trump's travel ban
A federal judge in Hawaii has blocked President Trump’s revised travel ban – just hours before it was expected to go into effect across the United States.
FBI: 118 Law Enforcement Officers Died in Line of Duty in 2016; 57,180 Assaulted
118 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty last year in the United States, the FBI reported on Monday.
Pro-life groups rally as late-term abortion clinic opens in Bethesda
More than 100 pro-life activists rallied Tuesday outside an abortion clinic that opened its doors this week in Bethesda, reigniting a seven-year war to drive one of the nation’s most notorious late-term abortionists out of Maryland.
Christian News
7 Dead as ISIS Radicals Attack Church, Bank in Egypt With Grenades and Rifles
At least seven people were killed after suspected Islamic State terror group radicals attacked a bank and the Church of Saint George in El-Arish, Egypt. The militants were seen waving their black flags through the streets in celebration.
Good without God? More Americans Say Amen to That
For the first time, a majority of Americans — 56 percent — say it is possible to be a good person without a religious belief.