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?"
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Iran seeking nuclear weapons technology, German intel says
Damning German intelligence reports emerged in June and July revealing the Iranian regime’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and missile technology in defiance of international sanctions and UN resolutions.
U.S. Bombers Carry Out Exercise in South Korea in Show of Force to North Korea
Two U.S. B-1B bombers and American and South Korean fighter jets on Friday conducted an exercise that included practicing attack capabilities at a training range, in a show of force to North Korea days after that regime tested an intercontinental ballistic missile.
U.S. plans to test THAAD missile defenses as North Korea tensions mount
The United States plans to carry out a new test of its THAAD missile defense system against an intermediate-range ballistic missile in the coming days, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday, as tensions with North Korea climb.
Hamburg protests continue even after G-20 summit ends
The 'G-20 Welcome to Hell' anti-capitalist protests which rocked Hamburg, Germany last week continued even after the leaders of the G-20 summit had left the city.
ISIS claims responsibility for Egyptian military attack
Islamic State (ISIS) took credit for Friday's attack at a remote Egyptian army checkpoint on the Sinai Peninsula that killed at least 23 soldiers. ISIS released a statement online late Friday saying it carried out the attack to stop the army from assaulting the terror group's positions in the territory bordering Gaza and Israel.
Syrian ceasefire holds as UN peace talks set to start in Geneva
Combat was halted in the three southern provinces covered by the truce - Daraa, Quneitra, and Sweida - after the ceasefire started at noon local time, a monitor told the French news agency AFP.
Huge crowd rallies in Istanbul against Turkey's post-coup crackdown
Turkey's main opposition leader told a huge protest rally on Sunday that the country was living under dictatorship and pledged to keep challenging the crackdown launched by the authorities after last year's failed military coup.
DIA Reveals New Details of Russian Information Warfare
Russian military forces are using information warfare tools to confront the United States, according to a new Defense Intelligence Agency report.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump's push to renew Israel-PA peace talks likely to fail
Israelis are pessimistic about the prospects for a peace deal in the foreseeable future and fear a new war with Hamas may be in the offing, but are confident Israel’s security forces can overcome any challenge they may face, a new poll shows.
Cease-fire in Syrian region near Israel's Golan takes effect
A 'de-escalation agreement' meant to halt fighting in southwestern Syria, near the Israeli border, took effect at noon on Sunday.
Inside the United States
Congress returns to battles over health care, budget
Congress is still trying to send President Donald Trump his first unqualified legislative triumph, nearly six months after Republicans grabbed full control of Washington. Now, lawmakers are returning from their July 4 recess with an added objective — averting some full-blown political disasters.
Arkansas to install Ten Commandments monument after original destroyed
A 6-foot stone adorned with the Ten Commandments will be re-installed on the grounds of the Arkansas state capitol after the original one was destroyed last month.
Planned Parenthood funding faces new threat from Texas
Texas is on the verge of setting a new national precedent for states looking to defund Planned Parenthood.
Rubio pushes back on media for calling Bible verses 'Republican'
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) on Sunday pushed back at a news article that claimed the conservative lawmaker was tweeting 'the most Republican part of the Bible.'
Donald Trump Jr. met with Kremlin-connected lawyer after promise of dirt on Hillary Clinton: report
Donald Trump Jr., the son of President Trump, met with a Russian lawyer with connections to the Kremlin after being promised he would receive information damaging to Hillary Clinton, according to a report.
Comey's private memos on Trump conversations contained classified material
More than half of the memos former FBI chief James Comey wrote as personal recollections of his conversations with President Trump about the Russia investigation have been determined to contain classified information, according to interviews with officials familiar with the documents.
Trump tweets defend confrontation with Putin over election meddling
President Trump scored a series of successes on his trip to Europe for the Group of 20 summit, including finalizing a regional cease-fire in Syria and confronting Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he couldn't escape the dispute over Russian interference in the November election that clouds every accomplishment.
Christian News
Iran: Four Christians Receive 10 Year Sentences
A judge in Iran has sentenced four Christians to 10 years imprisonment each for engaging in missionary activities and “conducting activities against national security.”
Tanzanian Christians Arrested for Cooking on Ramadan
CSW is concerned to learn that three Christians were arrested in Zanzibar on 16 June for cooking food in a private home during the Muslim Ramadan fast.
Thousands Attend the Largest UK Evangelism Event Since Billy Graham
The UK's largest evangelism event since Billy Graham's crusade decades ago hit the heart of Britain today and thousands responded to the Gospel message, putting their faith in Jesus Christ.
Christian Slapped with $12,000 'Shariah Fine' for Not Removing Shoes
Canada is now fining its citizens for offending people of the Islamic faith. John Alabi, 53, is a Christian and a landlord who lives in the Toronto area and is being ordered to pay a fine of $12,000 by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal because he failed to remove his shoes when he entered the apartment he was renting to a Muslim couple.
Around the World
Iran seeking nuclear weapons technology, German intel says
Damning German intelligence reports emerged in June and July revealing the Iranian regime’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and missile technology in defiance of international sanctions and UN resolutions.
U.S. Bombers Carry Out Exercise in South Korea in Show of Force to North Korea
Two U.S. B-1B bombers and American and South Korean fighter jets on Friday conducted an exercise that included practicing attack capabilities at a training range, in a show of force to North Korea days after that regime tested an intercontinental ballistic missile.
U.S. plans to test THAAD missile defenses as North Korea tensions mount
The United States plans to carry out a new test of its THAAD missile defense system against an intermediate-range ballistic missile in the coming days, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday, as tensions with North Korea climb.
Hamburg protests continue even after G-20 summit ends
The 'G-20 Welcome to Hell' anti-capitalist protests which rocked Hamburg, Germany last week continued even after the leaders of the G-20 summit had left the city.
ISIS claims responsibility for Egyptian military attack
Islamic State (ISIS) took credit for Friday's attack at a remote Egyptian army checkpoint on the Sinai Peninsula that killed at least 23 soldiers. ISIS released a statement online late Friday saying it carried out the attack to stop the army from assaulting the terror group's positions in the territory bordering Gaza and Israel.
Syrian ceasefire holds as UN peace talks set to start in Geneva
Combat was halted in the three southern provinces covered by the truce - Daraa, Quneitra, and Sweida - after the ceasefire started at noon local time, a monitor told the French news agency AFP.
Huge crowd rallies in Istanbul against Turkey's post-coup crackdown
Turkey's main opposition leader told a huge protest rally on Sunday that the country was living under dictatorship and pledged to keep challenging the crackdown launched by the authorities after last year's failed military coup.
DIA Reveals New Details of Russian Information Warfare
Russian military forces are using information warfare tools to confront the United States, according to a new Defense Intelligence Agency report.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump's push to renew Israel-PA peace talks likely to fail
Israelis are pessimistic about the prospects for a peace deal in the foreseeable future and fear a new war with Hamas may be in the offing, but are confident Israel’s security forces can overcome any challenge they may face, a new poll shows.
Cease-fire in Syrian region near Israel's Golan takes effect
A 'de-escalation agreement' meant to halt fighting in southwestern Syria, near the Israeli border, took effect at noon on Sunday.
Inside the United States
Congress returns to battles over health care, budget
Congress is still trying to send President Donald Trump his first unqualified legislative triumph, nearly six months after Republicans grabbed full control of Washington. Now, lawmakers are returning from their July 4 recess with an added objective — averting some full-blown political disasters.
Arkansas to install Ten Commandments monument after original destroyed
A 6-foot stone adorned with the Ten Commandments will be re-installed on the grounds of the Arkansas state capitol after the original one was destroyed last month.
Planned Parenthood funding faces new threat from Texas
Texas is on the verge of setting a new national precedent for states looking to defund Planned Parenthood.
Rubio pushes back on media for calling Bible verses 'Republican'
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) on Sunday pushed back at a news article that claimed the conservative lawmaker was tweeting 'the most Republican part of the Bible.'
Donald Trump Jr. met with Kremlin-connected lawyer after promise of dirt on Hillary Clinton: report
Donald Trump Jr., the son of President Trump, met with a Russian lawyer with connections to the Kremlin after being promised he would receive information damaging to Hillary Clinton, according to a report.
Comey's private memos on Trump conversations contained classified material
More than half of the memos former FBI chief James Comey wrote as personal recollections of his conversations with President Trump about the Russia investigation have been determined to contain classified information, according to interviews with officials familiar with the documents.
Trump tweets defend confrontation with Putin over election meddling
President Trump scored a series of successes on his trip to Europe for the Group of 20 summit, including finalizing a regional cease-fire in Syria and confronting Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he couldn't escape the dispute over Russian interference in the November election that clouds every accomplishment.
Christian News
Iran: Four Christians Receive 10 Year Sentences
A judge in Iran has sentenced four Christians to 10 years imprisonment each for engaging in missionary activities and “conducting activities against national security.”
Tanzanian Christians Arrested for Cooking on Ramadan
CSW is concerned to learn that three Christians were arrested in Zanzibar on 16 June for cooking food in a private home during the Muslim Ramadan fast.
Thousands Attend the Largest UK Evangelism Event Since Billy Graham
The UK's largest evangelism event since Billy Graham's crusade decades ago hit the heart of Britain today and thousands responded to the Gospel message, putting their faith in Jesus Christ.
Christian Slapped with $12,000 'Shariah Fine' for Not Removing Shoes
Canada is now fining its citizens for offending people of the Islamic faith. John Alabi, 53, is a Christian and a landlord who lives in the Toronto area and is being ordered to pay a fine of $12,000 by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal because he failed to remove his shoes when he entered the apartment he was renting to a Muslim couple.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Russia nixes U.S.-drafted U.N. resolution against North Korea
Russia on Thursday blocked a U.N. Security Council Resolution drafted by the U.S. that called for “significant measures” in response to North Korea’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
Untreatable gonorrhoea 'superbug' is spreading worldwide, WHO experts warn
At least three people worldwide are infected with totally untreatable 'superbug' strains of gonorrhoea which they are likely to be spreading to others through sex, the World Health Organisation has warned.
Trump commits to NATO defense, slams Russian aggression
President Trump voiced a clear commitment Thursday to NATO's 'Article 5' principle of common defense, reassuring nervous Europeans who had worried about his support for the alliance.
6.5 Mag Earthquake Kills 2, Injures 100 in Philippines
The quake had a magnitude of 6.5 and a depth of 4 miles in Leyte province, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Filipino seismologists said the tremor was caused by movement along the Philippine Fault, and the strongest shaking was felt in the Leyte town of Kananga.
Pro-Life Leaders Raise Voice in Support of Baby Charlie Gard, Blast European Courts and Hospital
American pro-life leaders are raising their voices in support of baby Charlie Gard, decrying the decision by European courts that a London hospital has the authority to withdraw life support against the wishes of his parents. They view this move as a flagrant violation of parental rights and are pleading with England to reconsider in an appeal to save his life.
Trump's 'remarkable' speech in Poland
Some observations on what Matthew Continetti rightly calls Donald Trump's 'remarkable' speech in Warsaw, Poland.
G20 in Hamburg: Police and protesters clash
Thursday's big demonstration against the summit, titled 'Welcome To Hell,' was the first serious test for the police. Flyers from the organizers instructed people to 'be noisy, angry and combative.' The police knew that this would be the first proper gathering of the 'Black Block' - the extreme anarchist end of the anti-capitalist movement.
Protests turn violent for Trump's maiden G20
Demonstrations turned violent late Thursday ahead of a tricky first G20 summit for U.S. President Donald Trump, as German police clashed with a hard core of masked anti-capitalist activists hurling bottles and stones.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel's Iron Dome becomes golden ticket
Israel's high-tech industry is brimming with products that have made the jump from military application to civilian markets, both software and hardware, from cybersecurity to drones and from navigation to imaging. And the bigger the military reputation, the more impact the technology is likely to have.
Israel to enter era of closed-hatch combat, see-through tanks
As part of a major, multi-phased upgrade of its armored forces, Israel will soon demonstrate a smart helmet-mounted system -- almost identical to that used for the F-35 fighter and other aircraft worldwide -- that allows commanders to essentially see through the walls of tanks for safe and effective ground-maneuvering combat.
Israel Reportedly Pushing for Establishment of Demilitarized Zone in Southern Syria
Syria was the main agenda item during a telephone conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, media reports said.
Will UNESCO inscribe Cave of Patriarchs as Muslim mosque today?
Israel is working to thwart attempts to ascribe Hebron's Cave of the Patriarchs to 'Palestine' on Friday, a move the city's Deputy Mayor Yousef al Jabari said would clarify that the site was 'a pure Muslim mosque.'
Mennonite Church USA votes to divest in protest of Israeli policies
The Mennonite Church USA voted Thursday to sell its holdings in companies they say are profiting from business in territories occupied by Israel, the latest American Christian group to do so.
Inside the United States
Federal judge leaves Trump's travel ban in place
A federal judge in Hawaii on Thursday left Trump administration rules in place for a travel ban on citizens from six majority-Muslim countries.
GOP lawmakers ask AG to intervene after Bernie Sanders imposes 'religious test' on Trump nominee
Sixty-four Republican lawmakers sent a letter Friday asking Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reaffirm the constitutional prohibition against religious tests for public office.
How the GOP could go nuclear on Obamacare repeal
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has promised that senators will get unlimited opportunity for amendments in any health care floor fight next week. Senate Democrats aren't so sure.
Investigation: Trump Admin Hit With at Least One National Security Leak a Day, Threatening U.S. Operations
The Trump administration is battling an unprecedented wave of national security leaks that are appearing in the press at least once a day, significantly more than either the former Obama or Bush administration experienced in the same time frame, according to a new Senate investigation that warns these leaks are endangering U.S. security operations and relations with allied nations.
Christian News
Hostility to Christian Sexuality Beliefs Up 114 Percent in 3 Years, Report Finds
A new report produced by one of the nation's leading social conservative activist organization claims that there has been 76 percent increase in religious freedom violations and a 114 percent surge in documented hostility toward Christian views on marriage and sexuality in the last three years.
Muslims Offended at Hearing Bible Verses, So Christians Prosecuted
After Muslims had a violent reaction as two street preachers cited quotes from the Bible, the preachers were brought to court by prosecutors in the United Kingdom - and now they've both been cleared of charges.
Around the World
Russia nixes U.S.-drafted U.N. resolution against North Korea
Russia on Thursday blocked a U.N. Security Council Resolution drafted by the U.S. that called for “significant measures” in response to North Korea’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
Untreatable gonorrhoea 'superbug' is spreading worldwide, WHO experts warn
At least three people worldwide are infected with totally untreatable 'superbug' strains of gonorrhoea which they are likely to be spreading to others through sex, the World Health Organisation has warned.
Trump commits to NATO defense, slams Russian aggression
President Trump voiced a clear commitment Thursday to NATO's 'Article 5' principle of common defense, reassuring nervous Europeans who had worried about his support for the alliance.
6.5 Mag Earthquake Kills 2, Injures 100 in Philippines
The quake had a magnitude of 6.5 and a depth of 4 miles in Leyte province, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Filipino seismologists said the tremor was caused by movement along the Philippine Fault, and the strongest shaking was felt in the Leyte town of Kananga.
Pro-Life Leaders Raise Voice in Support of Baby Charlie Gard, Blast European Courts and Hospital
American pro-life leaders are raising their voices in support of baby Charlie Gard, decrying the decision by European courts that a London hospital has the authority to withdraw life support against the wishes of his parents. They view this move as a flagrant violation of parental rights and are pleading with England to reconsider in an appeal to save his life.
Trump's 'remarkable' speech in Poland
Some observations on what Matthew Continetti rightly calls Donald Trump's 'remarkable' speech in Warsaw, Poland.
G20 in Hamburg: Police and protesters clash
Thursday's big demonstration against the summit, titled 'Welcome To Hell,' was the first serious test for the police. Flyers from the organizers instructed people to 'be noisy, angry and combative.' The police knew that this would be the first proper gathering of the 'Black Block' - the extreme anarchist end of the anti-capitalist movement.
Protests turn violent for Trump's maiden G20
Demonstrations turned violent late Thursday ahead of a tricky first G20 summit for U.S. President Donald Trump, as German police clashed with a hard core of masked anti-capitalist activists hurling bottles and stones.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel's Iron Dome becomes golden ticket
Israel's high-tech industry is brimming with products that have made the jump from military application to civilian markets, both software and hardware, from cybersecurity to drones and from navigation to imaging. And the bigger the military reputation, the more impact the technology is likely to have.
Israel to enter era of closed-hatch combat, see-through tanks
As part of a major, multi-phased upgrade of its armored forces, Israel will soon demonstrate a smart helmet-mounted system -- almost identical to that used for the F-35 fighter and other aircraft worldwide -- that allows commanders to essentially see through the walls of tanks for safe and effective ground-maneuvering combat.
Israel Reportedly Pushing for Establishment of Demilitarized Zone in Southern Syria
Syria was the main agenda item during a telephone conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, media reports said.
Will UNESCO inscribe Cave of Patriarchs as Muslim mosque today?
Israel is working to thwart attempts to ascribe Hebron's Cave of the Patriarchs to 'Palestine' on Friday, a move the city's Deputy Mayor Yousef al Jabari said would clarify that the site was 'a pure Muslim mosque.'
Mennonite Church USA votes to divest in protest of Israeli policies
The Mennonite Church USA voted Thursday to sell its holdings in companies they say are profiting from business in territories occupied by Israel, the latest American Christian group to do so.
Inside the United States
Federal judge leaves Trump's travel ban in place
A federal judge in Hawaii on Thursday left Trump administration rules in place for a travel ban on citizens from six majority-Muslim countries.
GOP lawmakers ask AG to intervene after Bernie Sanders imposes 'religious test' on Trump nominee
Sixty-four Republican lawmakers sent a letter Friday asking Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reaffirm the constitutional prohibition against religious tests for public office.
How the GOP could go nuclear on Obamacare repeal
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has promised that senators will get unlimited opportunity for amendments in any health care floor fight next week. Senate Democrats aren't so sure.
Investigation: Trump Admin Hit With at Least One National Security Leak a Day, Threatening U.S. Operations
The Trump administration is battling an unprecedented wave of national security leaks that are appearing in the press at least once a day, significantly more than either the former Obama or Bush administration experienced in the same time frame, according to a new Senate investigation that warns these leaks are endangering U.S. security operations and relations with allied nations.
Christian News
Hostility to Christian Sexuality Beliefs Up 114 Percent in 3 Years, Report Finds
A new report produced by one of the nation's leading social conservative activist organization claims that there has been 76 percent increase in religious freedom violations and a 114 percent surge in documented hostility toward Christian views on marriage and sexuality in the last three years.
Muslims Offended at Hearing Bible Verses, So Christians Prosecuted
After Muslims had a violent reaction as two street preachers cited quotes from the Bible, the preachers were brought to court by prosecutors in the United Kingdom - and now they've both been cleared of charges.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Russia Military Uses New War Weapon to Fight ISIS in Syria
Russia’s air force has struck positions held by the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) in Syria from more than 600 miles away using its most modern cruise missile technology.
Merkel to take charge of G-20 agenda, press multilateralism message to Trump
When President Trump arrives late Thursday for his inaugural gathering of leaders from the world's 20 largest economies, he will be contending not only with Russian President Vladimir Putin in their fraught first face-to-face meeting, but also with host Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, an experienced leader who has clashed with Mr. Trump and hopes to keep the summit tightly focused on her favored agenda.
Chemotherapy may spread cancer and trigger more aggressive tumours, warn scientists
Researchers in the US studied the impact of drugs on patients with breast cancer and found medication increases the chance of cancer cells migrating to other parts of the body, where they are almost always lethal.
North Korea missile test: How big a technological breakthrough?
North Korea's missile test on Tuesday suggests the rogue nation may have dramatically expanded its missile range. They can't yet reach the continental United States, but doing so is only a matter of time, defense experts say.
U.S. suggests military response to North Korea as international community weighs bad options
The Trump administration and the international community on Wednesday were weighing a range of bad policy options after North Korea's ballistic missile program cleared a dangerous milestone this week, leaving the White House and its allies scrambling for diplomatic -- and potentially military -- solutions to curb Pyongyang's increasingly potent nuclear capabilities.
Arab ministers in Cairo agree to maintain boycott of Qatar
Senior diplomats from across the Arab world met in Cairo on Wednesday and rejected Qatar's response to their demands, characterizing it as 'negative.'
Canadian Baby Issued Gender-Free Health Card; Franklin Graham Calls It 'Nonsense'
A baby in Canada was given a health card without a gender designation, supposedly making it the world's first gender-free baby. U.S. evangelist Franklin Graham has denounced as 'nonsense' the parent's argument that it's a human rights violation to assign a sex to the child.
Turkey says it's not 'declaring war' in Syria, but ready to respond
Turkish military preparations in northwest Syria are legitimate measures against a threat from Kurdish forces in the Afrin region, and Turkey will retaliate against any hostile move, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told Reuters on Wednesday.
U.S. Ready to Discuss Syrian No-Fly Zones With Russia, Secretary Tillerson Says
The United States is willing to work with Russia to establish no-fly zones and other measures to stabilize Syria, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blocking Hezbollah weapons gains is IDF's top priority
Eleven years after the Second Lebanon War, stopping Hezbollah from improving the accuracy of its missiles and rockets is the “top priority” of the army, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot said on Wednesday.
1,500 Jerusalem homeowners up in arms over secret sale of church land
Some 1,500 owners of properties in Jerusalem's wealthiest neighborhoods have discovered that the land on which their homes sit has been sold, in secret, to private real estate companies.
Hamas praises UNESCO for panning Israel's Jerusalem activity
The Hamas terror group on Wednesday praised a resolution by the United Nations' cultural body condemning Israeli activity in East Jerusalem and the Old City, and urged the UN to prevent the 'Judaization' of those areas.
Inside the United States
Hacked computer server that handled DNC email remains out of reach of Russia investigators
It is perhaps the key piece of forensic evidence in Russia’s suspected efforts to sway the November presidential election, but federal investigators have yet to get their hands on the hacked computer server that handled email from the Democratic National Committee.
Fed minutes suggest increasing tensions on inflation shortfall
Federal Reserve policymakers were increasingly split on the outlook for inflation and how it might affect the future pace of interest rate rises, according to the minutes of the Fed's last policy meeting on June 13-14 released on Wednesday.
Western Montana rattled by strong earthquakes
Two strong earthquakes have hit western Montana. The U.S. Geological Survey says a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck early Thursday about 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) southeast of Lincoln. A magnitude 4.5 quake rattled the same general area within a half-hour of the bigger one.
Hobby Lobby Fined $3M, Agrees to Return Smuggled Iraqi Artifacts
The arts-and-crafts chain Hobby Lobby will pay $3 million to settle a federal case over smuggled Iraqi antiquities it bought to demonstrate its 'passion for the Bible.'
New York police officer 'assassinated' by gunman: official
A New York City police officer was shot dead early on Wednesday morning by a gunman who was killed by police as he ran from the scene, an attack the city's top police official called an assassination.
At least 101 shot, 15 killed during violent Fourth of July weekend in Chicago
The city of Chicago flooded the streets with 1,000 extra police officers during the Independence Day weekend. But they could not stop an eruption of gun violence.
New York Times, Associated Press Correct Claims that All 17 Intelligence Agencies Agreed on Russian Interference
The New York Times and Associated Press posted corrections last week walking back the widely reported claim that all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies agreed that the Russians interfered in the 2016 election with the goal of helping Donald Trump.
Christian News
Sweden: Pastors Told They Cannot Refuse to Marry Same-Sex Couples
Ministers in Sweden's state church cannot 'refuse to marry same-sex couples', the country's Prime Minister has said.
Around the World
Russia Military Uses New War Weapon to Fight ISIS in Syria
Russia’s air force has struck positions held by the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) in Syria from more than 600 miles away using its most modern cruise missile technology.
Merkel to take charge of G-20 agenda, press multilateralism message to Trump
When President Trump arrives late Thursday for his inaugural gathering of leaders from the world's 20 largest economies, he will be contending not only with Russian President Vladimir Putin in their fraught first face-to-face meeting, but also with host Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, an experienced leader who has clashed with Mr. Trump and hopes to keep the summit tightly focused on her favored agenda.
Chemotherapy may spread cancer and trigger more aggressive tumours, warn scientists
Researchers in the US studied the impact of drugs on patients with breast cancer and found medication increases the chance of cancer cells migrating to other parts of the body, where they are almost always lethal.
North Korea missile test: How big a technological breakthrough?
North Korea's missile test on Tuesday suggests the rogue nation may have dramatically expanded its missile range. They can't yet reach the continental United States, but doing so is only a matter of time, defense experts say.
U.S. suggests military response to North Korea as international community weighs bad options
The Trump administration and the international community on Wednesday were weighing a range of bad policy options after North Korea's ballistic missile program cleared a dangerous milestone this week, leaving the White House and its allies scrambling for diplomatic -- and potentially military -- solutions to curb Pyongyang's increasingly potent nuclear capabilities.
Arab ministers in Cairo agree to maintain boycott of Qatar
Senior diplomats from across the Arab world met in Cairo on Wednesday and rejected Qatar's response to their demands, characterizing it as 'negative.'
Canadian Baby Issued Gender-Free Health Card; Franklin Graham Calls It 'Nonsense'
A baby in Canada was given a health card without a gender designation, supposedly making it the world's first gender-free baby. U.S. evangelist Franklin Graham has denounced as 'nonsense' the parent's argument that it's a human rights violation to assign a sex to the child.
Turkey says it's not 'declaring war' in Syria, but ready to respond
Turkish military preparations in northwest Syria are legitimate measures against a threat from Kurdish forces in the Afrin region, and Turkey will retaliate against any hostile move, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told Reuters on Wednesday.
U.S. Ready to Discuss Syrian No-Fly Zones With Russia, Secretary Tillerson Says
The United States is willing to work with Russia to establish no-fly zones and other measures to stabilize Syria, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blocking Hezbollah weapons gains is IDF's top priority
Eleven years after the Second Lebanon War, stopping Hezbollah from improving the accuracy of its missiles and rockets is the “top priority” of the army, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot said on Wednesday.
1,500 Jerusalem homeowners up in arms over secret sale of church land
Some 1,500 owners of properties in Jerusalem's wealthiest neighborhoods have discovered that the land on which their homes sit has been sold, in secret, to private real estate companies.
Hamas praises UNESCO for panning Israel's Jerusalem activity
The Hamas terror group on Wednesday praised a resolution by the United Nations' cultural body condemning Israeli activity in East Jerusalem and the Old City, and urged the UN to prevent the 'Judaization' of those areas.
Inside the United States
Hacked computer server that handled DNC email remains out of reach of Russia investigators
It is perhaps the key piece of forensic evidence in Russia’s suspected efforts to sway the November presidential election, but federal investigators have yet to get their hands on the hacked computer server that handled email from the Democratic National Committee.
Fed minutes suggest increasing tensions on inflation shortfall
Federal Reserve policymakers were increasingly split on the outlook for inflation and how it might affect the future pace of interest rate rises, according to the minutes of the Fed's last policy meeting on June 13-14 released on Wednesday.
Western Montana rattled by strong earthquakes
Two strong earthquakes have hit western Montana. The U.S. Geological Survey says a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck early Thursday about 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) southeast of Lincoln. A magnitude 4.5 quake rattled the same general area within a half-hour of the bigger one.
Hobby Lobby Fined $3M, Agrees to Return Smuggled Iraqi Artifacts
The arts-and-crafts chain Hobby Lobby will pay $3 million to settle a federal case over smuggled Iraqi antiquities it bought to demonstrate its 'passion for the Bible.'
New York police officer 'assassinated' by gunman: official
A New York City police officer was shot dead early on Wednesday morning by a gunman who was killed by police as he ran from the scene, an attack the city's top police official called an assassination.
At least 101 shot, 15 killed during violent Fourth of July weekend in Chicago
The city of Chicago flooded the streets with 1,000 extra police officers during the Independence Day weekend. But they could not stop an eruption of gun violence.
New York Times, Associated Press Correct Claims that All 17 Intelligence Agencies Agreed on Russian Interference
The New York Times and Associated Press posted corrections last week walking back the widely reported claim that all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies agreed that the Russians interfered in the 2016 election with the goal of helping Donald Trump.
Christian News
Sweden: Pastors Told They Cannot Refuse to Marry Same-Sex Couples
Ministers in Sweden's state church cannot 'refuse to marry same-sex couples', the country's Prime Minister has said.