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
China responds to Trump tariffs with proposed list of 128 US products to target
The world's second-largest economy has responded to President Donald Trump's controversial trade tariffs.
Britain, EU make significant progress in Brexit talks: May
Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday Britain and the European Union had made significant progress in Brexit talks and that she was looking forward to talks on their future economic partnership.
U.S. warship sails near disputed islands in South China Sea, officials say
A U.S. Navy destroyer carried out a 'freedom of navigation' operation on Friday, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea, U.S. officials told Reuters.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, US end biennial Juniper Cobra exercise with live-fire air defense test
The Israel Defense Forces and US military ended their joint Juniper Cobra missile defense exercise this week, with live-fire tests of two anti-aircraft systems over the skies of central Israel.
Jerusalem on high alert ahead of holidays
The two terror attacks in the past seven days in Mevo Dotan and Jerusalem's Old City, which claimed the lives of three Israelis in total, naturally put defense forces across the country on high alert ahead of the coming Passover holiday, but doubly so in the capital.
Inside the United States
‘Lone DNC Hacker’ Guccifer 2.0 Slipped Up and Revealed He Was a Russian Intelligence Officer
Guccifer 2.0, the 'lone hacker' who took credit for providing WikiLeaks with stolen emails from the Democratic National Committee, was in fact an officer of Russia’s military intelligence directorate (GRU), The Daily Beast has learned. It’s an attribution that resulted from a fleeting but critical slip-up in GRU tradecraft.
Congress clears massive spending bill in midnight vote
The House approved a $1.3 trillion spending bill Thursday to fund the government for the rest of fiscal year 2018 and the Senate followed suit early Friday morning, beating the shutdown deadline and leaving Republicans and Democrats to fight over credit and blame.
Congress Gives Itself a Bonus in Omnibus
The House and Senate increased their own budgets in the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending package.
John Bolton to Replace McMaster as National Security Advisor
The White House announced Thursday that former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton will replace Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor.
Pro-life movement rallies behind student walkout to protest abortion
A California student is challenging his school’s double standard on which causes are permissible to protest by calling for a national school walkout against abortion.
State and Local Income, Sales and Property Taxes All Hit Records in 2017
Real state and local income, sales and property taxes all hit records in 2017, according to data released this week by the Census Bureau.
Christian News
Islamic Terrorists Keep Christian Girl Hostage Because She Refused to 'Denounce Christ'
A Christian girl named Liya Sharibu is reportedly being held captive by Islamic terrorists in Nigeria because she refused to renounce her faith in Jesus Christ.
China responds to Trump tariffs with proposed list of 128 US products to target
The world's second-largest economy has responded to President Donald Trump's controversial trade tariffs.
Britain, EU make significant progress in Brexit talks: May
Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday Britain and the European Union had made significant progress in Brexit talks and that she was looking forward to talks on their future economic partnership.
U.S. warship sails near disputed islands in South China Sea, officials say
A U.S. Navy destroyer carried out a 'freedom of navigation' operation on Friday, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea, U.S. officials told Reuters.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, US end biennial Juniper Cobra exercise with live-fire air defense test
The Israel Defense Forces and US military ended their joint Juniper Cobra missile defense exercise this week, with live-fire tests of two anti-aircraft systems over the skies of central Israel.
Jerusalem on high alert ahead of holidays
The two terror attacks in the past seven days in Mevo Dotan and Jerusalem's Old City, which claimed the lives of three Israelis in total, naturally put defense forces across the country on high alert ahead of the coming Passover holiday, but doubly so in the capital.
Inside the United States
‘Lone DNC Hacker’ Guccifer 2.0 Slipped Up and Revealed He Was a Russian Intelligence Officer
Guccifer 2.0, the 'lone hacker' who took credit for providing WikiLeaks with stolen emails from the Democratic National Committee, was in fact an officer of Russia’s military intelligence directorate (GRU), The Daily Beast has learned. It’s an attribution that resulted from a fleeting but critical slip-up in GRU tradecraft.
Congress clears massive spending bill in midnight vote
The House approved a $1.3 trillion spending bill Thursday to fund the government for the rest of fiscal year 2018 and the Senate followed suit early Friday morning, beating the shutdown deadline and leaving Republicans and Democrats to fight over credit and blame.
Congress Gives Itself a Bonus in Omnibus
The House and Senate increased their own budgets in the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending package.
John Bolton to Replace McMaster as National Security Advisor
The White House announced Thursday that former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton will replace Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor.
Pro-life movement rallies behind student walkout to protest abortion
A California student is challenging his school’s double standard on which causes are permissible to protest by calling for a national school walkout against abortion.
State and Local Income, Sales and Property Taxes All Hit Records in 2017
Real state and local income, sales and property taxes all hit records in 2017, according to data released this week by the Census Bureau.
Christian News
Islamic Terrorists Keep Christian Girl Hostage Because She Refused to 'Denounce Christ'
A Christian girl named Liya Sharibu is reportedly being held captive by Islamic terrorists in Nigeria because she refused to renounce her faith in Jesus Christ.
Around the World
Trump to announce trade sanctions against China for intellectual property theft
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump is set to announce new sanctions against China for stealing US intellectual property, according to a White House official.
US Makes Contingency Plans in Case Iran Nuclear Talks Fail
The United States has had constructive talks about the Iran nuclear deal with Britain, France and Germany but is making contingency plans should they fail, the lead US negotiator said on Wednesday.
Zuckerberg Breaks Silence on Facebook Crisis as Criticism Grows
Facebook Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg broke his silence on the crisis over political-advertising firm Cambridge Analytica’s access to user data on the social network, outlining concrete steps the company is taking to make sure such a leak doesn’t happen again. Critics were underwhelmed.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League aims to stop Israel from gaining UN Security Council seat
Arab League nations will meet in Riyadh on April 15 to work to prevent Israel from gaining a seat on the U.N. Security Council, Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit said in a statement on Tuesday.
Israel to deploy tear gas-dropping drones on planned Gaza border protests
Border Police are planning to deploy a newly developed drone that can drop tear gas canisters against Palestinian demonstrators expected to march on the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip in the coming weeks, according to a report Wednesday.
Palestinian claim to Dead Sea Scrolls may be next up at UNESCO
The next 'prize' the Palestinians will likely claim as their own at UNESCO will probably be the archeological site of Qumran and its Dead Sea Scrolls, Shimon Samuels of the Simon Wiesenthal Center said on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Fed raises rates as it weighs tighter money over the next few years
The Federal Reserve announced an increase in its target interest rate Wednesday afternoon, continuing its careful efforts to withdraw its crisis-era stimulus measures, while also hinting at faster rate hikes over the next two years.
Congress introduces $1.3 trillion, 2,232-page funding bill, hopes for passage this week
House and Senate lawmakers introduced a $1.3 trillion fiscal 2018 spending bill late Wednesday night, and hope lawmakers can pass it all in the next day or two.
White House national security team fingered in Trump’s Putin call leak
The White House national security team, already facing calls for the ouster of top adviser H.R. McMaster, was tagged by a key lawmaker with leaking confidential notes ordering President Trump not to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin for his election win.
Abortion Speech Law Case Heard at Supreme Court; Pro-Life Advocates Anticipate Win
Hundreds of pro-life advocates assembled on the steps of the Supreme Court to rally in support of crisis pregnancy centers, contesting a California law which compels them to advertise and promote abortion.
Christian News
24 Vietnamese Christians Attacked, Forced to Renounce Christ
Two dozen Christians in Vietnam were recently attacked by a mob for their faith.
Turkey Calls Evangelism An Act of 'Terrorism,' Charges American Pastor
Andrew Brunson, an American pastor who's been locked up in a Turkish jail for more than 500 days, could spend the rest of his life in prison.
‘I Can Only Imagine’ resonates with Christian audience, surprises Hollywood
In an age when superheroes and antiheroes rule the box office, a small film depicting a Christian songwriter’s relationship with his abusive father has surprised Hollywood with its third-highest take in ticket sales.
Trump to announce trade sanctions against China for intellectual property theft
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump is set to announce new sanctions against China for stealing US intellectual property, according to a White House official.
US Makes Contingency Plans in Case Iran Nuclear Talks Fail
The United States has had constructive talks about the Iran nuclear deal with Britain, France and Germany but is making contingency plans should they fail, the lead US negotiator said on Wednesday.
Zuckerberg Breaks Silence on Facebook Crisis as Criticism Grows
Facebook Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg broke his silence on the crisis over political-advertising firm Cambridge Analytica’s access to user data on the social network, outlining concrete steps the company is taking to make sure such a leak doesn’t happen again. Critics were underwhelmed.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League aims to stop Israel from gaining UN Security Council seat
Arab League nations will meet in Riyadh on April 15 to work to prevent Israel from gaining a seat on the U.N. Security Council, Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit said in a statement on Tuesday.
Israel to deploy tear gas-dropping drones on planned Gaza border protests
Border Police are planning to deploy a newly developed drone that can drop tear gas canisters against Palestinian demonstrators expected to march on the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip in the coming weeks, according to a report Wednesday.
Palestinian claim to Dead Sea Scrolls may be next up at UNESCO
The next 'prize' the Palestinians will likely claim as their own at UNESCO will probably be the archeological site of Qumran and its Dead Sea Scrolls, Shimon Samuels of the Simon Wiesenthal Center said on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Fed raises rates as it weighs tighter money over the next few years
The Federal Reserve announced an increase in its target interest rate Wednesday afternoon, continuing its careful efforts to withdraw its crisis-era stimulus measures, while also hinting at faster rate hikes over the next two years.
Congress introduces $1.3 trillion, 2,232-page funding bill, hopes for passage this week
House and Senate lawmakers introduced a $1.3 trillion fiscal 2018 spending bill late Wednesday night, and hope lawmakers can pass it all in the next day or two.
White House national security team fingered in Trump’s Putin call leak
The White House national security team, already facing calls for the ouster of top adviser H.R. McMaster, was tagged by a key lawmaker with leaking confidential notes ordering President Trump not to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin for his election win.
Abortion Speech Law Case Heard at Supreme Court; Pro-Life Advocates Anticipate Win
Hundreds of pro-life advocates assembled on the steps of the Supreme Court to rally in support of crisis pregnancy centers, contesting a California law which compels them to advertise and promote abortion.
Christian News
24 Vietnamese Christians Attacked, Forced to Renounce Christ
Two dozen Christians in Vietnam were recently attacked by a mob for their faith.
Turkey Calls Evangelism An Act of 'Terrorism,' Charges American Pastor
Andrew Brunson, an American pastor who's been locked up in a Turkish jail for more than 500 days, could spend the rest of his life in prison.
‘I Can Only Imagine’ resonates with Christian audience, surprises Hollywood
In an age when superheroes and antiheroes rule the box office, a small film depicting a Christian songwriter’s relationship with his abusive father has surprised Hollywood with its third-highest take in ticket sales.
Around the World
Trump seeks Saudi Arabia’s help in eastern Syria
The Trump administration is trying to determine its long-term goals in eastern Syria as Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman visits the United States.
U.S., South Korea to restart new round of wargames
Top defense officials in Washington and Seoul plan to restart a new round of massive military drills on the peninsula, initially delayed due to the recent winter Olympic games, within the coming weeks in a move assured to draw a harsh response from North Korea.
Trump, Saudi Arabia prince bond over arms deals, hostility to Iran
President Trump forged a bond Tuesday with Saudi Arabia’s new crown prince over increased U.S. military sales to the kingdom and their shared disapproval of the Iran nuclear deal, as they sought to erase eight years of strained relations under former President Obama.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Amid crisis, PM declares: 61-seat coalition is not an option
If Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman pulls out of the coalition, there will be no choice but to hold early elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Likud ministers on Sunday.
Israeli Intelligence Minister: Strike on Syrian Reactor Shows Israel Won't Accept Nuclear Iran
Israel's intelligence minister said that the operation to destroy Syria's nuclear reactor in 2007, which was cleared for publication on Wednesday, shows Israel will not allow 'those threatening our existence to have nuclear weapons. Syria then and Iran today.'
Israeli red tape may hold up US embassy move to Jerusalem – report
The planned move of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Israel declaring independence, may be delayed due to Israeli bureaucracy, according to a Tuesday report.
Israel admits striking suspected Syrian nuclear reactor in 2007
Israel's military has formally admitted that it destroyed a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor in 2007.
Inside the United States
White House, Dems restart negotiations over DACA, funding border wall
The White House and congressional Democrats traded proposals over the weekend about how to fix an Obama-era program protecting hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children from deportation, Fox News has learned.
Mississippi Passes 15-Week Abortion Ban, Becomes Most Pro-life State
Mississippi has become the state with the most restrictive ban on abortion after Gov. Phil Bryant signed a 15-week abortion ban bill into law on Monday, March 19.
Austin bombing suspect kills self with explosive as police close in: report
Police in Austin, Texas, were preparing to stage a media briefing early Wednesday about an officer-involved shooting, amid local media reports that the Austin bombing suspect had killed himself with an explosive device.
49% of Americans: Trump affair allegations are of ‘very little importance’ to the nation’ says poll
Eight-out-of-10 Americans have heard the news of an adult film actress who says she had an alleged sexual encounter with President Trump in 2006 — a percentage which is shared almost equally between Republicans, independents and Democrats according to a new Economist/YouGov poll released Tuesday.
Democratic, Republican voter bases are more different than ever, study finds
Now, a new, large-scale study has documented how much the mix of voters who support each of the two parties has changed. The conclusion: The two party coalitions are now more different than at any point in the past generation.
Supreme Court Justices Skeptical that Pro-Life Clinics Should Be Forced to Advertise Abortion
Should the state of California be allowed to force non-profit, often Christian, pregnancy centers to provide free advertising for abortion centers?
Another Blast Rocks Austin, but Unrelated to Other Bombings
Emergency teams rushed Tuesday night to another reported explosion in Austin — this one at a Goodwill store — but police and federal authorities said the blast wasn’t related to recent bombings that have killed and injured people and caused panic across Texas’ capital for weeks.
Christian News
Christians Wounded in Muslim Attack on Church Service in Pakistan
At least seven Christian worshippers were injured in an armed attack by local Muslims on a church service on Sunday (March 18) in southern Punjab Province, Pakistan, the church pastor told Morning Star News.
Syrian Christians Fear Persecution Under Turkish Rule
A city in Northern Syria, once a refuge for those fleeing the fighting all around them, is now the scene of suffering and death. Afrin is a Kurdish city, but it has welcomed Christian and Yazidi refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war and ISIS militants.
Trump seeks Saudi Arabia’s help in eastern Syria
The Trump administration is trying to determine its long-term goals in eastern Syria as Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman visits the United States.
U.S., South Korea to restart new round of wargames
Top defense officials in Washington and Seoul plan to restart a new round of massive military drills on the peninsula, initially delayed due to the recent winter Olympic games, within the coming weeks in a move assured to draw a harsh response from North Korea.
Trump, Saudi Arabia prince bond over arms deals, hostility to Iran
President Trump forged a bond Tuesday with Saudi Arabia’s new crown prince over increased U.S. military sales to the kingdom and their shared disapproval of the Iran nuclear deal, as they sought to erase eight years of strained relations under former President Obama.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Amid crisis, PM declares: 61-seat coalition is not an option
If Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman pulls out of the coalition, there will be no choice but to hold early elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Likud ministers on Sunday.
Israeli Intelligence Minister: Strike on Syrian Reactor Shows Israel Won't Accept Nuclear Iran
Israel's intelligence minister said that the operation to destroy Syria's nuclear reactor in 2007, which was cleared for publication on Wednesday, shows Israel will not allow 'those threatening our existence to have nuclear weapons. Syria then and Iran today.'
Israeli red tape may hold up US embassy move to Jerusalem – report
The planned move of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Israel declaring independence, may be delayed due to Israeli bureaucracy, according to a Tuesday report.
Israel admits striking suspected Syrian nuclear reactor in 2007
Israel's military has formally admitted that it destroyed a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor in 2007.
Inside the United States
White House, Dems restart negotiations over DACA, funding border wall
The White House and congressional Democrats traded proposals over the weekend about how to fix an Obama-era program protecting hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children from deportation, Fox News has learned.
Mississippi Passes 15-Week Abortion Ban, Becomes Most Pro-life State
Mississippi has become the state with the most restrictive ban on abortion after Gov. Phil Bryant signed a 15-week abortion ban bill into law on Monday, March 19.
Austin bombing suspect kills self with explosive as police close in: report
Police in Austin, Texas, were preparing to stage a media briefing early Wednesday about an officer-involved shooting, amid local media reports that the Austin bombing suspect had killed himself with an explosive device.
49% of Americans: Trump affair allegations are of ‘very little importance’ to the nation’ says poll
Eight-out-of-10 Americans have heard the news of an adult film actress who says she had an alleged sexual encounter with President Trump in 2006 — a percentage which is shared almost equally between Republicans, independents and Democrats according to a new Economist/YouGov poll released Tuesday.
Democratic, Republican voter bases are more different than ever, study finds
Now, a new, large-scale study has documented how much the mix of voters who support each of the two parties has changed. The conclusion: The two party coalitions are now more different than at any point in the past generation.
Supreme Court Justices Skeptical that Pro-Life Clinics Should Be Forced to Advertise Abortion
Should the state of California be allowed to force non-profit, often Christian, pregnancy centers to provide free advertising for abortion centers?
Another Blast Rocks Austin, but Unrelated to Other Bombings
Emergency teams rushed Tuesday night to another reported explosion in Austin — this one at a Goodwill store — but police and federal authorities said the blast wasn’t related to recent bombings that have killed and injured people and caused panic across Texas’ capital for weeks.
Christian News
Christians Wounded in Muslim Attack on Church Service in Pakistan
At least seven Christian worshippers were injured in an armed attack by local Muslims on a church service on Sunday (March 18) in southern Punjab Province, Pakistan, the church pastor told Morning Star News.
Syrian Christians Fear Persecution Under Turkish Rule
A city in Northern Syria, once a refuge for those fleeing the fighting all around them, is now the scene of suffering and death. Afrin is a Kurdish city, but it has welcomed Christian and Yazidi refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war and ISIS militants.