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
EU-US Trade Deal Not Quite Dead Despite Reports
News of the death of the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP, have been largely exaggerated.
Explosion at China's Kyrgyzstan embassy a suicide car bomb attack
An explosion near China's embassy in Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday was a 'suicide car bombing attack', state news agency Xinhua said, citing a Kyrgyz security official.
Obama plunges toward Internet surrender to globalists
Will the United Nations gain control over the Internet under Barack Obama's giveaway plan? That is the question being asked around Washington, D.C., right now. The Wall Street Journal answered with its explosive article, 'An Internet Giveaway to the U.N.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
3,000 year old treasures dated to the time of King David unveiled
The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem offered a unique preview on Monday of an exhibition showcasing 3,000 year-old artifacts recovered from Khirbet Qeiyafa which archaeologists believe could be the biblical city of Sha'arayim, meaning 'Two Gates', that is mentioned in the story of the battle of David and the Philistine giant, Goliath.
UN sees surge in Israeli settlements after Quartet report
Israeli settlement expansion has surged in the two months since the diplomatic Quartet called for a halt to the construction of Jewish outposts on Palestinian land, the UN envoy said Monday.
PM to meet with religious party leaders in bid to resolve coalition crisis
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with the heads of the United Torah Judaism and Shas parties on Tuesday in an effort to resolve a coalition crisis over Israel Railways work being done on Shabbat.
Palestinian authorities abuse journalists, activists, human rights group says
Palestinian authorities are silencing dissent by cracking down on free speech and abusing local journalists and activists critical of their policies, a leading international human rights group said Tuesday.
Inside the United States
ObamaCare coverage options disappearing across country, report finds
Nearly a third of U.S. counties will be left with just one insurance option next year on the ObamaCare exchanges, according to a new analysis fueling warnings about the impact of the insurance company exodus from markets across the country.
Obama Bypassing Senate on Paris Climate Deal
The White House on Monday defended President Obama’s decision to enter into the Paris climate accord without Senate ratification but stopped short of confirming a Chinese report that he will do so this week during his trip to China.
August most violent month in Chicago in nearly 20 years
More than 400 people have been shot in Chicago this month. There have been at least 78 homicides, marking August as the most violent month in the city in almost 20 years, according to data provided by the Chicago Police Department. And there are two more days to go.
U.S. Politics
State Election Systems Penetrated by Foreign Hackers according to FBI
The FBI has uncovered evidence that foreign hackers penetrated two state election databases in recent weeks, prompting the bureau to warn election officials across the country to take new steps to enhance the security of their computer systems, according to federal and state law enforcement officials.
Obama's own executive order requires intel briefings for Trump, Clinton
President Obama says he's obligated by law to allow Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to receive classified intelligence briefings.
Christian News
Muslims in Lebanon turn to Jesus Christ as they minister to Syrian refugees
Many Muslims in Lebanon turned to Christ as they discovered His presence despite the dangers that face them as they minister to displaced Syrian refugees.
Prayer or politics? Evangelist rallying Christians in Boston
The son of famed evangelist Billy Graham is holding a mass prayer rally in Boston as part of a 50-state tour to urge evangelicals to vote.
Anglicans consider new synod to oppose gay marriage
Nearly a dozen evangelical churches in the Church of England that oppose gay marriage are to align themselves with the world's leading conservative Anglican coalition.
Around the World
EU-US Trade Deal Not Quite Dead Despite Reports
News of the death of the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP, have been largely exaggerated.
Explosion at China's Kyrgyzstan embassy a suicide car bomb attack
An explosion near China's embassy in Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday was a 'suicide car bombing attack', state news agency Xinhua said, citing a Kyrgyz security official.
Obama plunges toward Internet surrender to globalists
Will the United Nations gain control over the Internet under Barack Obama's giveaway plan? That is the question being asked around Washington, D.C., right now. The Wall Street Journal answered with its explosive article, 'An Internet Giveaway to the U.N.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
3,000 year old treasures dated to the time of King David unveiled
The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem offered a unique preview on Monday of an exhibition showcasing 3,000 year-old artifacts recovered from Khirbet Qeiyafa which archaeologists believe could be the biblical city of Sha'arayim, meaning 'Two Gates', that is mentioned in the story of the battle of David and the Philistine giant, Goliath.
UN sees surge in Israeli settlements after Quartet report
Israeli settlement expansion has surged in the two months since the diplomatic Quartet called for a halt to the construction of Jewish outposts on Palestinian land, the UN envoy said Monday.
PM to meet with religious party leaders in bid to resolve coalition crisis
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with the heads of the United Torah Judaism and Shas parties on Tuesday in an effort to resolve a coalition crisis over Israel Railways work being done on Shabbat.
Palestinian authorities abuse journalists, activists, human rights group says
Palestinian authorities are silencing dissent by cracking down on free speech and abusing local journalists and activists critical of their policies, a leading international human rights group said Tuesday.
Inside the United States
ObamaCare coverage options disappearing across country, report finds
Nearly a third of U.S. counties will be left with just one insurance option next year on the ObamaCare exchanges, according to a new analysis fueling warnings about the impact of the insurance company exodus from markets across the country.
Obama Bypassing Senate on Paris Climate Deal
The White House on Monday defended President Obama’s decision to enter into the Paris climate accord without Senate ratification but stopped short of confirming a Chinese report that he will do so this week during his trip to China.
August most violent month in Chicago in nearly 20 years
More than 400 people have been shot in Chicago this month. There have been at least 78 homicides, marking August as the most violent month in the city in almost 20 years, according to data provided by the Chicago Police Department. And there are two more days to go.
U.S. Politics
State Election Systems Penetrated by Foreign Hackers according to FBI
The FBI has uncovered evidence that foreign hackers penetrated two state election databases in recent weeks, prompting the bureau to warn election officials across the country to take new steps to enhance the security of their computer systems, according to federal and state law enforcement officials.
Obama's own executive order requires intel briefings for Trump, Clinton
President Obama says he's obligated by law to allow Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to receive classified intelligence briefings.
Christian News
Muslims in Lebanon turn to Jesus Christ as they minister to Syrian refugees
Many Muslims in Lebanon turned to Christ as they discovered His presence despite the dangers that face them as they minister to displaced Syrian refugees.
Prayer or politics? Evangelist rallying Christians in Boston
The son of famed evangelist Billy Graham is holding a mass prayer rally in Boston as part of a 50-state tour to urge evangelicals to vote.
Anglicans consider new synod to oppose gay marriage
Nearly a dozen evangelical churches in the Church of England that oppose gay marriage are to align themselves with the world's leading conservative Anglican coalition.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Iran deploys long-range missiles to Fordo nuclear site
Tehran has deployed a recently delivered Russian-made long-range missile system to central Iran to protect its Fordo nuclear facility, state television said Sunday.
UN condemns 4 North Korean ballistic missile launches
The U.N. Security Council strongly condemned four North Korean ballistic missile launches in July and August on Friday night, calling them “grave violations” of a ban on all ballistic missile activity.
Kerry Meets With Russian Counterpart to Hammer Out Syria Plan
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov began talks in Geneva Friday in an effort to negotiate a peaceful end to the fighting in Syria.
Iran to start construction on two more nuclear plants
Iran said Sunday that it will soon start construction on two nuclear plants in the country, as part of a deal with Russia announced two years ago called Bushehr Phase II.
Iran arrests nuclear negotiator suspected of spying
Iran has arrested a member of the negotiating team that reached a landmark nuclear deal with world powers on suspicion of spying, a judiciary spokesman said on Sunday.
Brexit may send EU 'down the drain' - German vice chancellor
Germany's vice-chancellor has warned the future of the EU could be in doubt if the UK's exit is handled badly.
Khamenei warns Iran will 'hit hard' in response to US aggression
Amid escalating tensions between US and Iranian vessels in the Persian Gulf, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday warned any military aggression against the Islamic Republic would be met with a harsh response.
Russian journalist critical of Vladimir Putin found dead on his birthday with gunshot wound to head
A well-known Russian journalist and critic of President Vladimir Putin has been found dead in his Kiev apartment with a gunshot wound to the head.
Revealed: ISIS sends new waves of jihadis to attack Europe
Britain was today warned of a rising threat from Islamic State fighters sent 'on mission' from Syria.
Global central bankers, stuck at zero, unite in plea for help from governments
Central bankers in charge of the vast bulk of the world's economy delved deep into the weeds of money markets and interest rates over a three-day conference here, and emerged with a common plea to their colleagues in the rest of government: please help.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and Abbas may meet in Moscow in October
Contacts have recently been established regarding a possible meeting in Moscow between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Israeli to be extradited to US over Iran arms sale allegations
Israel's Supreme Court on Sunday ruled that a national charged with selling US defense equipment to Iran can be extradited to the United States, the justice ministry said.
'IDF preparing for scenario in which hundreds of terrorists from Sinai attack'
Brigade commander, Col. Yehuda Hacohen finishes his term on the Egyptian border where the agriculture is flourishing and a dangerous enemy sits on the other side of the border.
Israel First to Deploy Autonomous Military Robots
Several militaries are currently working on a range of not only unmanned, but autonomous military vehicles. Israel this summer became the first to actually deploy such machines to active duty.
Inside the United States
U.S. GDP Growth Just 1.1 Percent in the Second Quarter
U.S. economic growth was a bit more sluggish than initially thought in the second quarter as businesses aggressively ran down stocks of unsold goods, offsetting a spurt in consumer spending.
Obama's $400m cash payout to Iran is unprecedented, say legal experts
A $400 million cash delivery to Iran to repay a decades-old arbitration claim may be unprecedented in recent US history, according to legal experts and diplomatic historians, raising further questions about a payment timed to help free four American prisoners in Iran.
10,000th Syrian reaches US this week in resettlement program
The U.S. will reach its target this week of taking in 10,000 Syrian war refugees in a year-old resettlement program, the U.S. ambassador to Jordan said Sunday, after meeting families headed to California and Virginia.
Obama administration expects to close Guantanamo prison: White House
U.S. President Barack Obama is still committed to closing the U.S. prison for terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and his administration expects to complete the task, White House said on Thursday.
House panel seeks criminal charges for University of New Mexico in abortion research
A prominent southwest university's medical school could face a criminal probe after it was revealed that students dissected aborted fetal brains and other body parts at a summer camp.
Baltimore Police Respond To Report Of Secret Aerial Surveillance Program
Since January, the city of Baltimore has been under intermittent surveillance from the sky, and the public was never told, according to a report out this week in Bloomberg Businessweek.
U.S. Politics
Donald Trump Ratings Among Evangelical Leaders Double After His Pro-Life Supreme Court Shortlist
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's support among evangelical leaders and influencers has doubled, from 22 percent in May to now 44 percent, as he has released a pro-life Supreme Court shortlist, according to WORLD magazine's monthly surveys.
Clinton warns of 'alt-right' rise; Trump dismisses attacks as sign of campaign's weakness
Donald Trump's campaign has become a haven for racism and bigotry, allowing hate to become part of the political debate, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton charged Tuesday in a blistering speech intended to make her Republican opponent too poisonous for voters.
Christian News
American Bapist Minister Targeted Under New Anti-Evangelism Law in Russian
An American man is among the first group of people to be targeted under new anti-evangelism laws in Russia.
Russian Believers May Need to Disobey New Law
Christians in Russia are grappling with a new law that effectively makes it illegal for them to share their faith, preach or pray outside of officially designated sites.
Indonesia: Catholic Priest Stabbed by ISIS Terrorist During Mass
A 60-year-old Catholic priest in Indonesia was stabbed during Sunday morning mass by an ISIS jihadi wielding an axe.
Around the World
Iran deploys long-range missiles to Fordo nuclear site
Tehran has deployed a recently delivered Russian-made long-range missile system to central Iran to protect its Fordo nuclear facility, state television said Sunday.
UN condemns 4 North Korean ballistic missile launches
The U.N. Security Council strongly condemned four North Korean ballistic missile launches in July and August on Friday night, calling them “grave violations” of a ban on all ballistic missile activity.
Kerry Meets With Russian Counterpart to Hammer Out Syria Plan
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov began talks in Geneva Friday in an effort to negotiate a peaceful end to the fighting in Syria.
Iran to start construction on two more nuclear plants
Iran said Sunday that it will soon start construction on two nuclear plants in the country, as part of a deal with Russia announced two years ago called Bushehr Phase II.
Iran arrests nuclear negotiator suspected of spying
Iran has arrested a member of the negotiating team that reached a landmark nuclear deal with world powers on suspicion of spying, a judiciary spokesman said on Sunday.
Brexit may send EU 'down the drain' - German vice chancellor
Germany's vice-chancellor has warned the future of the EU could be in doubt if the UK's exit is handled badly.
Khamenei warns Iran will 'hit hard' in response to US aggression
Amid escalating tensions between US and Iranian vessels in the Persian Gulf, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday warned any military aggression against the Islamic Republic would be met with a harsh response.
Russian journalist critical of Vladimir Putin found dead on his birthday with gunshot wound to head
A well-known Russian journalist and critic of President Vladimir Putin has been found dead in his Kiev apartment with a gunshot wound to the head.
Revealed: ISIS sends new waves of jihadis to attack Europe
Britain was today warned of a rising threat from Islamic State fighters sent 'on mission' from Syria.
Global central bankers, stuck at zero, unite in plea for help from governments
Central bankers in charge of the vast bulk of the world's economy delved deep into the weeds of money markets and interest rates over a three-day conference here, and emerged with a common plea to their colleagues in the rest of government: please help.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and Abbas may meet in Moscow in October
Contacts have recently been established regarding a possible meeting in Moscow between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Israeli to be extradited to US over Iran arms sale allegations
Israel's Supreme Court on Sunday ruled that a national charged with selling US defense equipment to Iran can be extradited to the United States, the justice ministry said.
'IDF preparing for scenario in which hundreds of terrorists from Sinai attack'
Brigade commander, Col. Yehuda Hacohen finishes his term on the Egyptian border where the agriculture is flourishing and a dangerous enemy sits on the other side of the border.
Israel First to Deploy Autonomous Military Robots
Several militaries are currently working on a range of not only unmanned, but autonomous military vehicles. Israel this summer became the first to actually deploy such machines to active duty.
Inside the United States
U.S. GDP Growth Just 1.1 Percent in the Second Quarter
U.S. economic growth was a bit more sluggish than initially thought in the second quarter as businesses aggressively ran down stocks of unsold goods, offsetting a spurt in consumer spending.
Obama's $400m cash payout to Iran is unprecedented, say legal experts
A $400 million cash delivery to Iran to repay a decades-old arbitration claim may be unprecedented in recent US history, according to legal experts and diplomatic historians, raising further questions about a payment timed to help free four American prisoners in Iran.
10,000th Syrian reaches US this week in resettlement program
The U.S. will reach its target this week of taking in 10,000 Syrian war refugees in a year-old resettlement program, the U.S. ambassador to Jordan said Sunday, after meeting families headed to California and Virginia.
Obama administration expects to close Guantanamo prison: White House
U.S. President Barack Obama is still committed to closing the U.S. prison for terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and his administration expects to complete the task, White House said on Thursday.
House panel seeks criminal charges for University of New Mexico in abortion research
A prominent southwest university's medical school could face a criminal probe after it was revealed that students dissected aborted fetal brains and other body parts at a summer camp.
Baltimore Police Respond To Report Of Secret Aerial Surveillance Program
Since January, the city of Baltimore has been under intermittent surveillance from the sky, and the public was never told, according to a report out this week in Bloomberg Businessweek.
U.S. Politics
Donald Trump Ratings Among Evangelical Leaders Double After His Pro-Life Supreme Court Shortlist
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's support among evangelical leaders and influencers has doubled, from 22 percent in May to now 44 percent, as he has released a pro-life Supreme Court shortlist, according to WORLD magazine's monthly surveys.
Clinton warns of 'alt-right' rise; Trump dismisses attacks as sign of campaign's weakness
Donald Trump's campaign has become a haven for racism and bigotry, allowing hate to become part of the political debate, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton charged Tuesday in a blistering speech intended to make her Republican opponent too poisonous for voters.
Christian News
American Bapist Minister Targeted Under New Anti-Evangelism Law in Russian
An American man is among the first group of people to be targeted under new anti-evangelism laws in Russia.
Russian Believers May Need to Disobey New Law
Christians in Russia are grappling with a new law that effectively makes it illegal for them to share their faith, preach or pray outside of officially designated sites.
Indonesia: Catholic Priest Stabbed by ISIS Terrorist During Mass
A 60-year-old Catholic priest in Indonesia was stabbed during Sunday morning mass by an ISIS jihadi wielding an axe.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
U.N. confirms Syria, Islamic State used chemical weapons
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces carried out at least two chemical attacks in Syria in the past two years and the Islamic State also used mustard gas as a weapon, the United Nations reported Wednesday.
Iran vessels make 'high speed intercept' of U.S. ship: U.S. official
Four of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vessels "harassed" a U.S. warship on Tuesday near the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. defense official said, amid Washington's concerns about Iran's posture in the Gulf and in the Syrian civil war.
Euro area banks see net profit fall 20 pct in first quarter - ECB
Euro area banks saw their profits fall by a fifth in the first three months of this year as they made less money from trading and most other business areas, European Central Bank data showed on Wednesday.
Terrorists Attack American University in Afghan Capital
Militants attacked the American University of Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing at least one person and wounding another 18, officials said.
Italy town destroyed by powerful earthquake was preparing for food festival
In three days, the rugged residents of the medieval Italian hill town of Amatrice had planned to hold one of their most joyful events of the year: the 50th edition of a food festival celebrating their beloved Amatriciana pasta dish, which is made from local ingredients.
Turkey invades Syria, targets ISIL-held border town ahead of Kurdish militia
Turkish tanks and special forces rolled across the border on Aug. 24 in an unprecedented operation to drive Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) out of the Syrian town of Jarabulus.
Iran keen to join China in rival to Panama Canal
Iran has expressed interest in joining forces with a Chinese company that plans to build a $50 billion canal across Nicaragua that links the Atlantic and Pacific and rivals the Panama Canal.
Italy quake toll rises to nearly 250 as rescuers struggle to find survivors
The death toll from a devastating earthquake in central Italy rose sharply to almost 250 people early on Thursday after rescue teams worked through the night to try to find survivors under the rubble of flattened towns.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
U.S. Warns Americans to Leave Gaza 'as soon as possible'
The United States on Tuesday called on Americans in the Gaza Strip to leave the coastal enclave “as soon as possible.”
Could Putin make peace between Israel, Palestinians?
Earlier this week, Russia's Vladimir Putin reportedly told Egypt's President Abdul Fattah Sisi that he would be willing to host direct talks between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Moscow.
Mideast Analyst: PA President Views New Israeli Defense Minister's 'Carrot-and-Stick' Plan as Threat to His Rule
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas feels threatened by the 'carrot-and-stick' plan forged by new Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, a Mideast expert assessed on Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Crews battling 35 large, uncontained wildfires in the West
Thirty-five large, uncontained wildfires were burning in the West, and firefighters were making initial attacks on another 112 new blazes to prevent them from spreading.
Tornadoes slam central Indiana, demolishing homes
Several tornadoes plowed through central Indiana on Wednesday, demolishing numerous homes and a Starbucks cafe in the town of Kokomo and cutting off power to thousands of Indianapolis-area residents, but no serious injuries were reported.
Taxpayers to help foot bill with Obamacare premiums expected to spike
Obamacare's premiums will likely spike over the next year as health insurance companies grow more pessimistic about the law, the administration acknowledged Wednesday, but officials insisted consumers won't be stuck with the entire bill.
U.S. Politics
CNN Interview with Hillary Clinton about foundation turns testy
Hillary Clinton responded sharply Wednesday evening when she was pushed by CNN's Anderson Cooper to answer for a recent Associated Press report showing she met with dozens of Clinton Foundation donors when she served at the State Department.
Donald Trump's backslide on immigration angers base, does no good with Hispanics
Donald Trump was supposed to deliver a major address on immigration Thursday, laying out a plan that would win over swing voters while reassuring his base that he is serious about enforcing the law.
'Alt right' conservative movement embraces the Trump campaign
Hillary Clinton is set to launch a full-fledged attack Thursday on a newly evolving group that's embracing the Trump candidacy: the so-called 'alt right.'
Trump says government can 'work with' illegal immigrants
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump continued to insist Wednesday in a 'Hannity' town hall with Fox News' Sean Hannity that there will be 'no amnesty' for illegal immigrants, but suggested that he would be willing to 'work with them.'
Christian News
Pew: Americans giving up on God, miracles
Half of Americans who have left their church no longer believe in God, leading a surge of nearly one quarter of the nation who have no affiliation with any religion, according to a new survey.
Good Lord! Cop says Red Cross told him not to pray with flood victims
A law enforcement officer said he was asked to leave a Red Cross shelter in Lafayette, Louisiana after he prayed with several flood victims.
Mother of Iranian Christian Imprisoned for His Faith in Jesus Christ Begs Authorities to Release Her Son
The disabled mother of an Iranian Christian prisoner has asked authorities to release her son, who is being held in Rajaei-Shahr prison for his faith, explaining that because she is visually impaired she has not even been able to visit him.
Around the World
U.N. confirms Syria, Islamic State used chemical weapons
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces carried out at least two chemical attacks in Syria in the past two years and the Islamic State also used mustard gas as a weapon, the United Nations reported Wednesday.
Iran vessels make 'high speed intercept' of U.S. ship: U.S. official
Four of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vessels "harassed" a U.S. warship on Tuesday near the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. defense official said, amid Washington's concerns about Iran's posture in the Gulf and in the Syrian civil war.
Euro area banks see net profit fall 20 pct in first quarter - ECB
Euro area banks saw their profits fall by a fifth in the first three months of this year as they made less money from trading and most other business areas, European Central Bank data showed on Wednesday.
Terrorists Attack American University in Afghan Capital
Militants attacked the American University of Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing at least one person and wounding another 18, officials said.
Italy town destroyed by powerful earthquake was preparing for food festival
In three days, the rugged residents of the medieval Italian hill town of Amatrice had planned to hold one of their most joyful events of the year: the 50th edition of a food festival celebrating their beloved Amatriciana pasta dish, which is made from local ingredients.
Turkey invades Syria, targets ISIL-held border town ahead of Kurdish militia
Turkish tanks and special forces rolled across the border on Aug. 24 in an unprecedented operation to drive Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) out of the Syrian town of Jarabulus.
Iran keen to join China in rival to Panama Canal
Iran has expressed interest in joining forces with a Chinese company that plans to build a $50 billion canal across Nicaragua that links the Atlantic and Pacific and rivals the Panama Canal.
Italy quake toll rises to nearly 250 as rescuers struggle to find survivors
The death toll from a devastating earthquake in central Italy rose sharply to almost 250 people early on Thursday after rescue teams worked through the night to try to find survivors under the rubble of flattened towns.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
U.S. Warns Americans to Leave Gaza 'as soon as possible'
The United States on Tuesday called on Americans in the Gaza Strip to leave the coastal enclave “as soon as possible.”
Could Putin make peace between Israel, Palestinians?
Earlier this week, Russia's Vladimir Putin reportedly told Egypt's President Abdul Fattah Sisi that he would be willing to host direct talks between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Moscow.
Mideast Analyst: PA President Views New Israeli Defense Minister's 'Carrot-and-Stick' Plan as Threat to His Rule
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas feels threatened by the 'carrot-and-stick' plan forged by new Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, a Mideast expert assessed on Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Crews battling 35 large, uncontained wildfires in the West
Thirty-five large, uncontained wildfires were burning in the West, and firefighters were making initial attacks on another 112 new blazes to prevent them from spreading.
Tornadoes slam central Indiana, demolishing homes
Several tornadoes plowed through central Indiana on Wednesday, demolishing numerous homes and a Starbucks cafe in the town of Kokomo and cutting off power to thousands of Indianapolis-area residents, but no serious injuries were reported.
Taxpayers to help foot bill with Obamacare premiums expected to spike
Obamacare's premiums will likely spike over the next year as health insurance companies grow more pessimistic about the law, the administration acknowledged Wednesday, but officials insisted consumers won't be stuck with the entire bill.
U.S. Politics
CNN Interview with Hillary Clinton about foundation turns testy
Hillary Clinton responded sharply Wednesday evening when she was pushed by CNN's Anderson Cooper to answer for a recent Associated Press report showing she met with dozens of Clinton Foundation donors when she served at the State Department.
Donald Trump's backslide on immigration angers base, does no good with Hispanics
Donald Trump was supposed to deliver a major address on immigration Thursday, laying out a plan that would win over swing voters while reassuring his base that he is serious about enforcing the law.
'Alt right' conservative movement embraces the Trump campaign
Hillary Clinton is set to launch a full-fledged attack Thursday on a newly evolving group that's embracing the Trump candidacy: the so-called 'alt right.'
Trump says government can 'work with' illegal immigrants
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump continued to insist Wednesday in a 'Hannity' town hall with Fox News' Sean Hannity that there will be 'no amnesty' for illegal immigrants, but suggested that he would be willing to 'work with them.'
Christian News
Pew: Americans giving up on God, miracles
Half of Americans who have left their church no longer believe in God, leading a surge of nearly one quarter of the nation who have no affiliation with any religion, according to a new survey.
Good Lord! Cop says Red Cross told him not to pray with flood victims
A law enforcement officer said he was asked to leave a Red Cross shelter in Lafayette, Louisiana after he prayed with several flood victims.
Mother of Iranian Christian Imprisoned for His Faith in Jesus Christ Begs Authorities to Release Her Son
The disabled mother of an Iranian Christian prisoner has asked authorities to release her son, who is being held in Rajaei-Shahr prison for his faith, explaining that because she is visually impaired she has not even been able to visit him.