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
Trump says open to bilateral Canada, Mexico pacts if NAFTA talks fail
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he was open to bilateral trade pacts with either Canada or Mexico if a three-way deal cannot be reached to substantially revise the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Military heats up battle in Libya as Islamic State militants seek refuge
The U.S. military is ramping up operations and bombing raids against the Islamic State in Libya, where the terrorist group’s fighters have increasingly found refuge as their territorial base shrinks in Syria and Iraq.
Trump says Iran deal decision coming ‘very shortly’
President Donald Trump says he will 'very shortly' announce his decision on U.S. participation in the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, as aides prepared for an end-of-the-week rollout.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas, Fatah reach agreement in Palestinian unity talks
Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have reached agreement on aspects of their reconciliation bid during talks mediated by Egypt in Cairo this week, Hamas said on Thursday.
Trump to Quit UNESCO Over anti-Israeli Bias, Report Says
The Trump administration is planning to withdraw from UNESCO, the United Nation's cultural and educational agency, over its bias against Israel, Foreign Policy reported on Thursday.
TV report: Islamic State chiefs gather near Israel border, set up training camp
Several senior commanders from Islamic State who recently fled from Iraq and northern Syria are now based in southern Syria, just across the Golan Heights border with Israel, and are training hundreds of new recruits there, an Israeli television report said.
Over 60 thousand participate in Jerusalem annual march
Over 60,000 people attended the annual Jerusalem March on Tuesday. Delegates from organizations and countries from all over the world participated in the 3-km. walk.
Inside the United States
Whole towns evacuated as Northern California firestorm grows; at least 23 people are dead, 285 missing
The death toll rose to 23 on Wednesday night from the rapidly spreading firestorm in California wine country as firefighters were battling the return of dangerous winds that sparked new evacuations.
Federal court upholds prayer in Congress
A federal court ruled Wednesday that Congress can continue to open its sessions each day with a prayer, and upheld the House’s ability to pick and choose who’s allowed to lead the prayer.
President Trump says TV networks should have their licenses challenged over ‘fake news,' calls press freedom 'disgusting'
President Trump made the First Amendment his No. 1 enemy on Wednesday, calling freedom of the press 'disgusting' and suggesting the TV networks he doesn’t like should lose their broadcasting licenses.
Border wall battle could spark a government shutdown
President Trump's proposal to fund an extension of the nation's southern border wall is pitting most Republicans against Democrats in a battle that could end up in a partial government shutdown.
Mattis Rebukes Reports That Trump Wanted 'Tenfold' Nuclear Increase
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis rebuked media reports that President Donald Trump wanted to increase the U.S. nuclear arsenal 'tenfold' after a meeting with defense officials in July.
Could Cyberattacks Knock Out Lights in the US? Not So Easily
Hackers likely linked to the North Korean government targeted a U.S. electricity company late last month, according to a security firm that says it detected and stopped the attacks.
ACLU sues over Kansas law that targets Israel boycotts
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of a teacher challenging Kansas’ new law barring state contractors from participating in boycotts against Israel, saying it’s a clear violation of her free speech rights.
Puerto Rico aid: FEMA approves $140M; House panel OKs $36B
The Federal Emergency Management Administration and a House commission both approved sizable financial assistance for relief efforts to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricanes Maria and Irma.
Majority of Households Paying Obamacare Penalty Are Low and Middle-Income
The majority of households paying the Obamacare penalty in 2015 were low- and middle-income households, according to the most recent data from the Internal Revenue Service.
Christian News
Libya says remains found of Copts beheaded by ISIL on beach
The remains have been unearthed of 21 Coptic Christians beheaded by jihadists on a Libyan beach two years ago, the interior ministry said on Saturday.
Trump says open to bilateral Canada, Mexico pacts if NAFTA talks fail
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he was open to bilateral trade pacts with either Canada or Mexico if a three-way deal cannot be reached to substantially revise the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Military heats up battle in Libya as Islamic State militants seek refuge
The U.S. military is ramping up operations and bombing raids against the Islamic State in Libya, where the terrorist group’s fighters have increasingly found refuge as their territorial base shrinks in Syria and Iraq.
Trump says Iran deal decision coming ‘very shortly’
President Donald Trump says he will 'very shortly' announce his decision on U.S. participation in the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, as aides prepared for an end-of-the-week rollout.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas, Fatah reach agreement in Palestinian unity talks
Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have reached agreement on aspects of their reconciliation bid during talks mediated by Egypt in Cairo this week, Hamas said on Thursday.
Trump to Quit UNESCO Over anti-Israeli Bias, Report Says
The Trump administration is planning to withdraw from UNESCO, the United Nation's cultural and educational agency, over its bias against Israel, Foreign Policy reported on Thursday.
TV report: Islamic State chiefs gather near Israel border, set up training camp
Several senior commanders from Islamic State who recently fled from Iraq and northern Syria are now based in southern Syria, just across the Golan Heights border with Israel, and are training hundreds of new recruits there, an Israeli television report said.
Over 60 thousand participate in Jerusalem annual march
Over 60,000 people attended the annual Jerusalem March on Tuesday. Delegates from organizations and countries from all over the world participated in the 3-km. walk.
Inside the United States
Whole towns evacuated as Northern California firestorm grows; at least 23 people are dead, 285 missing
The death toll rose to 23 on Wednesday night from the rapidly spreading firestorm in California wine country as firefighters were battling the return of dangerous winds that sparked new evacuations.
Federal court upholds prayer in Congress
A federal court ruled Wednesday that Congress can continue to open its sessions each day with a prayer, and upheld the House’s ability to pick and choose who’s allowed to lead the prayer.
President Trump says TV networks should have their licenses challenged over ‘fake news,' calls press freedom 'disgusting'
President Trump made the First Amendment his No. 1 enemy on Wednesday, calling freedom of the press 'disgusting' and suggesting the TV networks he doesn’t like should lose their broadcasting licenses.
Border wall battle could spark a government shutdown
President Trump's proposal to fund an extension of the nation's southern border wall is pitting most Republicans against Democrats in a battle that could end up in a partial government shutdown.
Mattis Rebukes Reports That Trump Wanted 'Tenfold' Nuclear Increase
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis rebuked media reports that President Donald Trump wanted to increase the U.S. nuclear arsenal 'tenfold' after a meeting with defense officials in July.
Could Cyberattacks Knock Out Lights in the US? Not So Easily
Hackers likely linked to the North Korean government targeted a U.S. electricity company late last month, according to a security firm that says it detected and stopped the attacks.
ACLU sues over Kansas law that targets Israel boycotts
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of a teacher challenging Kansas’ new law barring state contractors from participating in boycotts against Israel, saying it’s a clear violation of her free speech rights.
Puerto Rico aid: FEMA approves $140M; House panel OKs $36B
The Federal Emergency Management Administration and a House commission both approved sizable financial assistance for relief efforts to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricanes Maria and Irma.
Majority of Households Paying Obamacare Penalty Are Low and Middle-Income
The majority of households paying the Obamacare penalty in 2015 were low- and middle-income households, according to the most recent data from the Internal Revenue Service.
Christian News
Libya says remains found of Copts beheaded by ISIL on beach
The remains have been unearthed of 21 Coptic Christians beheaded by jihadists on a Libyan beach two years ago, the interior ministry said on Saturday.
Around the World
B-1B bombers fly over Korean Peninsula alongside Japanese, South Korean fighters
Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flew over the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday in a show-of-force exercise as tensions with a nuclear-armed North Korea continue to escalate.
U.S. Warship Sails Near Islands Beijing Claims in South China Sea
A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Tuesday, three U.S. officials told Reuters, even as President Donald Trump's administration seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.
UK reaffirms commitment to Iran nuclear deal in call with Trump
Prime Minister Theresa May has reaffirmed Britain's commitment to a 2015 Iran nuclear deal in a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump ahead of a key US decision on whether Tehran has stuck to the terms of the pact.
U.S. officials ramp up rhetoric against Iran-backed Hezbollah
U.S. officials elevated their public condemnation of Hezbollah on Tuesday, adding two of the Iran-backed terror group’s top operatives to a special State Department most-wanted list and asserting that all of the group’s factions — even those holding political office in Lebanon — are part of the same terrorist operation.
IMF Says Venezuela's Inflation Rate May Rise Beyond 2,300% in 2018
Venezuela’s triple-digit annual inflation rate is set to jump to more than 2,300 percent in 2018, the highest estimate for any country tracked by the International Monetary Fund.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel's defense minister says Hezbollah runs Lebanese army
Israel's defense minister says the Hezbollah militant group controls Lebanon's army.
Israel Hacked Kaspersky and Discovered Russia Stealing Top Secret U.S. Intel
Israeli intelligence officials spying on Russian government hackers found they were using Kaspersky Lab antivirus software that is also used by 400 million people globally, including U.S. government agencies, according to media reports on Tuesday.
Tens of thousands participate in annual Jerusalem March
Tens of thousands of participants from 80 different countries took part Tuesday in the annual march in Jerusalem marking the 50th anniversary of the city's unification.
Iron Dome goes on display in Washington amid reports on possible US purchase
Amid reports that the US military is considering purchasing Israel’s Iron Dome to plug a gap in its European defenses, the missile-defense system is on display in the US capital this week as part of the Association of the US Army (AUSA) annual meeting.
US tank brigade to be armed with Israel's Trophy system
A brigade of more than 80 Abrams tanks belonging to the US military are expected to be deployed to Europe in 2020 armed with Israel’s Trophy active-protection system to counter the growing threat from Russia.
Inside the United States
Trump asks Congress for $4.9-billion loan to Puerto Rico
U.S. President Donald Trump asked Congress on Tuesday for a loan of $4.9 billion to help the cash-strapped Puerto Rican government pay urgent bills as the U.S. territory struggles to recover from Hurricane Maria, an administration official said.
Supreme Court Tosses One of Two Travel Ban Challenges
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday threw out an appeals court ruling that struck down President Donald Trump’s previous temporary travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority nations countries that has now expired.
Twitter reverses decision to suspend Marsha Blackburn ad
Twitter has backtracked its initial position and is no longer suspending an ad from Tennessee Senate candidate Rep. Marsha Blackburn, after 'reconsidering the ad in the context of the entire message.'
Christian News
Mass Trials of Over 6,600 Boko Haram Suspects Accused of Slaughtering Christians, Children Begin
The mass trials of over 6,600 suspects believed to be members of Islamic radical group Boko Haram have begun in Nigeria, and are being carried out in secret by civilian court judges at a military facility in Kainji town.
Operation Bible Smuggling: How Christian texts infiltrate North Korea
On the nights when the winds are light and the skies are dark, hundreds of helium-filled balloons are sent up and away from multiple points in South Korea, destined a few miles away and into North Korea. Only these are no ordinary balloons — they are considered 'Bible Balloons,' adorned with the Words of God printed in Korean or flash drives featuring the entire texts of the Testament.
Study: Anti-Christian Bias Hasn’t Grown. It’s Just Gotten Richer.
While conservative Christians have long complained about worsening societal hostility and persecution for their beliefs, there’s been little empirical evidence to gauge such claims—until now.
B-1B bombers fly over Korean Peninsula alongside Japanese, South Korean fighters
Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flew over the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday in a show-of-force exercise as tensions with a nuclear-armed North Korea continue to escalate.
U.S. Warship Sails Near Islands Beijing Claims in South China Sea
A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Tuesday, three U.S. officials told Reuters, even as President Donald Trump's administration seeks Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.
UK reaffirms commitment to Iran nuclear deal in call with Trump
Prime Minister Theresa May has reaffirmed Britain's commitment to a 2015 Iran nuclear deal in a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump ahead of a key US decision on whether Tehran has stuck to the terms of the pact.
U.S. officials ramp up rhetoric against Iran-backed Hezbollah
U.S. officials elevated their public condemnation of Hezbollah on Tuesday, adding two of the Iran-backed terror group’s top operatives to a special State Department most-wanted list and asserting that all of the group’s factions — even those holding political office in Lebanon — are part of the same terrorist operation.
IMF Says Venezuela's Inflation Rate May Rise Beyond 2,300% in 2018
Venezuela’s triple-digit annual inflation rate is set to jump to more than 2,300 percent in 2018, the highest estimate for any country tracked by the International Monetary Fund.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel's defense minister says Hezbollah runs Lebanese army
Israel's defense minister says the Hezbollah militant group controls Lebanon's army.
Israel Hacked Kaspersky and Discovered Russia Stealing Top Secret U.S. Intel
Israeli intelligence officials spying on Russian government hackers found they were using Kaspersky Lab antivirus software that is also used by 400 million people globally, including U.S. government agencies, according to media reports on Tuesday.
Tens of thousands participate in annual Jerusalem March
Tens of thousands of participants from 80 different countries took part Tuesday in the annual march in Jerusalem marking the 50th anniversary of the city's unification.
Iron Dome goes on display in Washington amid reports on possible US purchase
Amid reports that the US military is considering purchasing Israel’s Iron Dome to plug a gap in its European defenses, the missile-defense system is on display in the US capital this week as part of the Association of the US Army (AUSA) annual meeting.
US tank brigade to be armed with Israel's Trophy system
A brigade of more than 80 Abrams tanks belonging to the US military are expected to be deployed to Europe in 2020 armed with Israel’s Trophy active-protection system to counter the growing threat from Russia.
Inside the United States
Trump asks Congress for $4.9-billion loan to Puerto Rico
U.S. President Donald Trump asked Congress on Tuesday for a loan of $4.9 billion to help the cash-strapped Puerto Rican government pay urgent bills as the U.S. territory struggles to recover from Hurricane Maria, an administration official said.
Supreme Court Tosses One of Two Travel Ban Challenges
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday threw out an appeals court ruling that struck down President Donald Trump’s previous temporary travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority nations countries that has now expired.
Twitter reverses decision to suspend Marsha Blackburn ad
Twitter has backtracked its initial position and is no longer suspending an ad from Tennessee Senate candidate Rep. Marsha Blackburn, after 'reconsidering the ad in the context of the entire message.'
Christian News
Mass Trials of Over 6,600 Boko Haram Suspects Accused of Slaughtering Christians, Children Begin
The mass trials of over 6,600 suspects believed to be members of Islamic radical group Boko Haram have begun in Nigeria, and are being carried out in secret by civilian court judges at a military facility in Kainji town.
Operation Bible Smuggling: How Christian texts infiltrate North Korea
On the nights when the winds are light and the skies are dark, hundreds of helium-filled balloons are sent up and away from multiple points in South Korea, destined a few miles away and into North Korea. Only these are no ordinary balloons — they are considered 'Bible Balloons,' adorned with the Words of God printed in Korean or flash drives featuring the entire texts of the Testament.
Study: Anti-Christian Bias Hasn’t Grown. It’s Just Gotten Richer.
While conservative Christians have long complained about worsening societal hostility and persecution for their beliefs, there’s been little empirical evidence to gauge such claims—until now.
Around the World
IRGC Chief Suggests Missile Strike If U.S. Bolsters Iran Sanctions
The head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has suggested that U.S. military forces in the Middle East could be in danger of an Iranian missile attack if Washington imposes new sanctions against Tehran.
Catalan leader under pressure to drop independence
Catalonia’s secessionist leader faced increased pressure on Monday to abandon plans to declare independence from Spain, with France and Germany expressing support for the country’s unity.
Moscow says escalation of tension on Korea peninsula unacceptable
Any escalation of tension on the Korean peninsula is unacceptable, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a phone call on Monday.
Russia threatens US media with legal crackdown
Russia on Monday threatened US media operating in the country with new legal restrictions after Kremlin-controlled broadcaster RT complained of persecution by Washington.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas and Fatah to take part in reconciliation talks in Cairo today
High-level Hamas and Fatah delegations are scheduled to participate in reconciliation talks in Cairo on Tuesday in a bid to start work on ending the decade-long territorial division between the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Thousands of Christian Pilgrims Stand with Israel 'Because the Bible Says So'
At a time of rising anti-Semitism, thousands of Christians are in Jerusalem to celebrate the biblical Feast of Tabernacles and stand with Israel.
Inside the United States
10 dead, 1,500 structures lost in California firestorm, among worst in state's history
At least 10 people have died and at least 1,500 homes, businesses and other structures have been destroyed as more than 14 fires ravaged eight counties throughout Northern California on Monday, authorities said.
White House plans order to expand health care options
The White House is finalizing an executive order that would expand health plans offered by associations to allow individuals to pool together and buy insurance outside their states, a unilateral move that follows failed efforts by Congress to overhaul the health care system.
Twitter Blocks Rep. Blackburn Ad Over Pro Life Message
Twitter blocked a video ad that announced the Senate candidacy of Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., because the social media giant said a pro life message in it was 'an inflammatory statement.'
Las Vegas gunman sprayed 200 shots at hotel security guard six minutes before opening fire on crowd
A hotel security guard was shot by the Las Vegas mass shooting’s gunman six minutes before he opened fire on concert-goers, authorities said on Monday, revising the timeline of the attack.
Google uncovers ads by Russian operatives: Report
Russian operatives spent tens of thousands of dollars on ads across Google products, including YouTube and Google search, according to reports.
$800M Tax Hike for Ministers? Judge Kills 'Most Important Tax Benefit'
For 60 years, ministers and clergy in the U.S. have relied on an IRS law that allows them a tax-exempt housing allowance. Now that key exemption is at risk.
Christian News
Violence Against Christians Increases as Elections Draw Close in India’s Karnataka State
On September 17, 2017, suspected Hindu radicals attacked an Assembly of God church in India’s Karnataka state. After the attack, church attendance has plummeted as Christians in the area fear another attack. It is not surprising that attacks are increasing in Karnataka as state elections are scheduled to occur early next year. Hindu hardline groups want to silence Christians and ensure that they are unable to practice their faith.
Cuban Activist Has Charges Against Him Dropped
A Cuban religious freedom activist was informed on 2 October that criminal charges against him have been dropped by Cuban state security.
IRGC Chief Suggests Missile Strike If U.S. Bolsters Iran Sanctions
The head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has suggested that U.S. military forces in the Middle East could be in danger of an Iranian missile attack if Washington imposes new sanctions against Tehran.
Catalan leader under pressure to drop independence
Catalonia’s secessionist leader faced increased pressure on Monday to abandon plans to declare independence from Spain, with France and Germany expressing support for the country’s unity.
Moscow says escalation of tension on Korea peninsula unacceptable
Any escalation of tension on the Korean peninsula is unacceptable, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a phone call on Monday.
Russia threatens US media with legal crackdown
Russia on Monday threatened US media operating in the country with new legal restrictions after Kremlin-controlled broadcaster RT complained of persecution by Washington.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas and Fatah to take part in reconciliation talks in Cairo today
High-level Hamas and Fatah delegations are scheduled to participate in reconciliation talks in Cairo on Tuesday in a bid to start work on ending the decade-long territorial division between the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Thousands of Christian Pilgrims Stand with Israel 'Because the Bible Says So'
At a time of rising anti-Semitism, thousands of Christians are in Jerusalem to celebrate the biblical Feast of Tabernacles and stand with Israel.
Inside the United States
10 dead, 1,500 structures lost in California firestorm, among worst in state's history
At least 10 people have died and at least 1,500 homes, businesses and other structures have been destroyed as more than 14 fires ravaged eight counties throughout Northern California on Monday, authorities said.
White House plans order to expand health care options
The White House is finalizing an executive order that would expand health plans offered by associations to allow individuals to pool together and buy insurance outside their states, a unilateral move that follows failed efforts by Congress to overhaul the health care system.
Twitter Blocks Rep. Blackburn Ad Over Pro Life Message
Twitter blocked a video ad that announced the Senate candidacy of Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., because the social media giant said a pro life message in it was 'an inflammatory statement.'
Las Vegas gunman sprayed 200 shots at hotel security guard six minutes before opening fire on crowd
A hotel security guard was shot by the Las Vegas mass shooting’s gunman six minutes before he opened fire on concert-goers, authorities said on Monday, revising the timeline of the attack.
Google uncovers ads by Russian operatives: Report
Russian operatives spent tens of thousands of dollars on ads across Google products, including YouTube and Google search, according to reports.
$800M Tax Hike for Ministers? Judge Kills 'Most Important Tax Benefit'
For 60 years, ministers and clergy in the U.S. have relied on an IRS law that allows them a tax-exempt housing allowance. Now that key exemption is at risk.
Christian News
Violence Against Christians Increases as Elections Draw Close in India’s Karnataka State
On September 17, 2017, suspected Hindu radicals attacked an Assembly of God church in India’s Karnataka state. After the attack, church attendance has plummeted as Christians in the area fear another attack. It is not surprising that attacks are increasing in Karnataka as state elections are scheduled to occur early next year. Hindu hardline groups want to silence Christians and ensure that they are unable to practice their faith.
Cuban Activist Has Charges Against Him Dropped
A Cuban religious freedom activist was informed on 2 October that criminal charges against him have been dropped by Cuban state security.