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
U.S. threatens action against Iran after Russia U.N. veto
The United States threatened unilateral action against Iran on Monday after Russia vetoed a western bid for the United Nations Security Council to call out Tehran for failing to prevent its weapons from falling into the hands of Yemen’s Houthi group.
Violence rages in Syria as U.N. calls to stop ‘hell on Earth’
Syrian forces launched a ground offensive Monday on a rebel-held eastern Damascus suburb despite a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding a 30-day cease-fire across Syria. The U.N. chief denounced the violence in the embattled region, describing it as 'hell on Earth.'
US opens tough Saudi nuke talks in shadow of Iran deal
The Trump administration is opening talks with Saudi Arabia on a potentially lucrative atomic energy agreement that’s inextricably linked to an Obama-era nuclear deal with Iran. At stake: Billions of dollars in contracts for US companies and bigger questions about America’s ability to keep friend and foe alike from reaching nuclear weapons capability.
Rome blanketed by snow as Arctic storm sets European records
The Arctic storm dubbed the 'Beast from the East' set record temperatures across much of Europe on Monday and brought a rare snowstorm to Rome, paralyzing the city and giving its residents an unusual chance to ski, sled and build snowmen in its famous parks and piazzas.
Trump Admin to Reverse Obama Deal to Loosen Sanctions on Iranian Terrorists
U.S. officials are finalizing a new effort to crackdown on Iran's top terror organization as part of an effort to reverse sweeping sanctions originally granted by the Obama administration as part of a little known deal to enrich entities tied to the powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, according to sources familiar with the effort.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
EU, Arab League affirm Jerusalem must be joint capital
European Union and Arab League countries insisted on Monday that Jerusalem must be the joint capital of Israel and a future Palestinian state, after US President Donald Trump announced its embassy would be moved to the city later this year.
Shin Bet foils ISIS-inspired attack on Temple Mount
Three Arab citizens from the village of Um el-Fahm were indicted on Monday for plotting a terrorist attack on the Temple Mount in the name of Islamic State, the Shin Bet security agency announced.
Inside the United States
Trump and Congress move on guns after Florida
Many are hoping Congress will finally move on stalled gun control legislation in the wake of the latest deadly school shooting, but the effort on Capitol Hill still faces the same kinds of hurdles that have made it impossible for decades to pass measures that make significant changes to current gun laws.
In blow to Trump, Supreme Court won’t hear appeal of DACA ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear the Trump administration's appeal of a federal judge's ruling that requires the government to keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program going.
Appeals Court: Gay Employees Can Sue Employers for Sexual-Orientation Discrimination
A federal appeals court on Monday ruled gay employees can sue their employers for discrimination on the basis of sexual-orientation under the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
House Republicans push for vote on national instant check system expansion
Nearly two dozen House Republicans are pushing Speaker Paul D. Ryan for a quick vote on a bill to get more records into the national instant check system, as lawmakers search for a legislative response to the most recent mass shooting that has a realistic shot at passing Congress.
Lawsuit: 100,000 noncitizens registered to vote in Pennsylvania
More than 100,000 noncitizens are registered to vote in Pennsylvania alone, according to testimony submitted Monday in a lawsuit demanding the state come clean about the extent of its problems.
20 states sue Trump administration to end Obamacare after mandate repeal
Twenty states are suing the Trump administration over the individual mandate in Obamacare that obligates people have health insurance or pay a fine, seeking an end to the entire law.
Florida passes new gun legislation, votes down assault weapons ban
Florida's Senate approved a bill Monday imposing new restrictions on gun purchases, but voted down an assault weapon ban and other measures.
Trump will visit San Diego, see border wall prototypes
The president, who has rarely crossed the Mississippi River during his first 13 months in office, is scheduled to visit San Diego in mid-March to see prototypes for a potential border wall and learn more about the construction, according to administration officials involved in the planning.
Christian News
Franklin Graham Thanks Supporters, Says His Dad Would Want Memorial to be 'More About Jesus'
Franklin Graham thanked the thousands of people who gathered to pay their respects to famed evangelist Billy Graham, who died Wednesday at age 99.
U.S. threatens action against Iran after Russia U.N. veto
The United States threatened unilateral action against Iran on Monday after Russia vetoed a western bid for the United Nations Security Council to call out Tehran for failing to prevent its weapons from falling into the hands of Yemen’s Houthi group.
Violence rages in Syria as U.N. calls to stop ‘hell on Earth’
Syrian forces launched a ground offensive Monday on a rebel-held eastern Damascus suburb despite a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding a 30-day cease-fire across Syria. The U.N. chief denounced the violence in the embattled region, describing it as 'hell on Earth.'
US opens tough Saudi nuke talks in shadow of Iran deal
The Trump administration is opening talks with Saudi Arabia on a potentially lucrative atomic energy agreement that’s inextricably linked to an Obama-era nuclear deal with Iran. At stake: Billions of dollars in contracts for US companies and bigger questions about America’s ability to keep friend and foe alike from reaching nuclear weapons capability.
Rome blanketed by snow as Arctic storm sets European records
The Arctic storm dubbed the 'Beast from the East' set record temperatures across much of Europe on Monday and brought a rare snowstorm to Rome, paralyzing the city and giving its residents an unusual chance to ski, sled and build snowmen in its famous parks and piazzas.
Trump Admin to Reverse Obama Deal to Loosen Sanctions on Iranian Terrorists
U.S. officials are finalizing a new effort to crackdown on Iran's top terror organization as part of an effort to reverse sweeping sanctions originally granted by the Obama administration as part of a little known deal to enrich entities tied to the powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, according to sources familiar with the effort.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
EU, Arab League affirm Jerusalem must be joint capital
European Union and Arab League countries insisted on Monday that Jerusalem must be the joint capital of Israel and a future Palestinian state, after US President Donald Trump announced its embassy would be moved to the city later this year.
Shin Bet foils ISIS-inspired attack on Temple Mount
Three Arab citizens from the village of Um el-Fahm were indicted on Monday for plotting a terrorist attack on the Temple Mount in the name of Islamic State, the Shin Bet security agency announced.
Inside the United States
Trump and Congress move on guns after Florida
Many are hoping Congress will finally move on stalled gun control legislation in the wake of the latest deadly school shooting, but the effort on Capitol Hill still faces the same kinds of hurdles that have made it impossible for decades to pass measures that make significant changes to current gun laws.
In blow to Trump, Supreme Court won’t hear appeal of DACA ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear the Trump administration's appeal of a federal judge's ruling that requires the government to keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program going.
Appeals Court: Gay Employees Can Sue Employers for Sexual-Orientation Discrimination
A federal appeals court on Monday ruled gay employees can sue their employers for discrimination on the basis of sexual-orientation under the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
House Republicans push for vote on national instant check system expansion
Nearly two dozen House Republicans are pushing Speaker Paul D. Ryan for a quick vote on a bill to get more records into the national instant check system, as lawmakers search for a legislative response to the most recent mass shooting that has a realistic shot at passing Congress.
Lawsuit: 100,000 noncitizens registered to vote in Pennsylvania
More than 100,000 noncitizens are registered to vote in Pennsylvania alone, according to testimony submitted Monday in a lawsuit demanding the state come clean about the extent of its problems.
20 states sue Trump administration to end Obamacare after mandate repeal
Twenty states are suing the Trump administration over the individual mandate in Obamacare that obligates people have health insurance or pay a fine, seeking an end to the entire law.
Florida passes new gun legislation, votes down assault weapons ban
Florida's Senate approved a bill Monday imposing new restrictions on gun purchases, but voted down an assault weapon ban and other measures.
Trump will visit San Diego, see border wall prototypes
The president, who has rarely crossed the Mississippi River during his first 13 months in office, is scheduled to visit San Diego in mid-March to see prototypes for a potential border wall and learn more about the construction, according to administration officials involved in the planning.
Christian News
Franklin Graham Thanks Supporters, Says His Dad Would Want Memorial to be 'More About Jesus'
Franklin Graham thanked the thousands of people who gathered to pay their respects to famed evangelist Billy Graham, who died Wednesday at age 99.
Around the World
Russia deploys advanced stealth jets in Syria with warning aimed at Israel
Russia has deployed two of its most advanced and sophisticated stealth jets in Syria, in a power move likely to draw US criticism, as the Pentagon expressed its alarm earlier this month over recent close calls with Russian planes in the war-torn country.
Trump vows to continue ‘maximum pressure’ on North Korea, but keeps door open for talks
The White House responded cautiously to North Korea’s expression of interest in diplomatic talks with the U.S. Sunday, suggesting the Trump administration may be interested, but remains committed to 'achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.'
Russia sets stage for U.N. veto of western bid to call out Iran
Russia has laid the groundwork for a likely veto on Monday of a British, U.S. and French bid for the United Nations Security Council to call out Iran over its weapons falling into the hands of Yemen’s Houthi group.
Iran says Damascus suburbs assault to continue as fighting rages
Iran said pro-Damascus forces would press ahead with attacks on an insurgent enclave near the Syrian capital, as ground fighting raged on there in defiance of a U.N. resolution demanding a 30-day truce across the country.
Magnitude-7.5 earthquake rattles Papua New Guinea
A large earthquake has struck the middle of Papua New Guinea.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu to invite Trump to inaugurate US embassy in Jerusalem in May
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to invite US President Donald Trump to Israel in May to inaugurate the US embassy, which Washington announced on Friday will be relocated to Jerusalem on Israel’s Independence Day, Hadashot TV news reported on Saturday.
Judge and lawyer Coordinated Ruling in Corruption Probe
A judge presiding over hearings in a major corruption case asked to be removed from her duties after Channel 10 exposed that she had coordinated rulings with a government lawyer working the hearing, the Justice ministry said Sunday.
Poll: Likud gaining strength despite Netanyahu graft allegations
A poll published Saturday showed the ruling Likud party gaining strength despite the graft allegations surrounding its leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and well placed to win elections should they be held today.
Oldest Hebrew mention of Jerusalem found on rare papyrus from 7th century BCE
A rare, ancient papyrus dating to the First Temple Period — 2,700 years ago — has been found to bear the oldest known mention of Jerusalem in Hebrew.
Inside the United States
CPAC celebration: Conservatives who doubted Trump now glad they were wrong
A CPAC/Washington Times poll of more than 1,100 attendees found that 93 percent of conservatives approve of the job Mr. Trump has done over his first year in office — up from 86 percent last year.
Democratic rebuttal to GOP House Intelligence memo released
The Democratic rebuttal memo to the Republican House Intelligence Committee memo on alleged government surveillance abuses was released Saturday afternoon after receiving a number of redactions.
At least 4 dead after reported tornadoes, flooding sweep through the South
Three reported tornadoes swept through the South overnight, while flooding and other severe weather also wrecked havoc on the region, resulting in at least four deaths.
Nunes Says Obama was in Cahoots with Russia
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes is blaming former President Obama for being in cahoots with Russia for eight years and setting the stage for orchestrating a conspiracy theory of collusion between Moscow and Donald Trump during the 2016 election.
RNC chair: Raising gun purchase age to 21 is 'on the table'
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel believes that raising the age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21 is 'on the table' as Republicans toss out potential legislative ideas in response to last week's school shooting in Parkland, Fla.
Christian News
Church Leaders Close the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Tax Protest
The leaders of the major Christian sects in Jerusalem closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, for several hours on Sunday to protest an Israeli plan to tax their properties.
South Carolina church vandalized with satanic messages, derogatory comments about Billy Graham
Yet another church community in Greenville County went to Sunday service only to be welcomed by satanic messages spray painted on to the church walls, some of it involving Billy Graham.
Christian college wins battle with HHS over birth control mandate
A district court ruled that the federal government can’t force a small Christian college to provide reproductive services such as the morning-after pill in its healthcare plans because it violates the college's religious beliefs.
Russia deploys advanced stealth jets in Syria with warning aimed at Israel
Russia has deployed two of its most advanced and sophisticated stealth jets in Syria, in a power move likely to draw US criticism, as the Pentagon expressed its alarm earlier this month over recent close calls with Russian planes in the war-torn country.
Trump vows to continue ‘maximum pressure’ on North Korea, but keeps door open for talks
The White House responded cautiously to North Korea’s expression of interest in diplomatic talks with the U.S. Sunday, suggesting the Trump administration may be interested, but remains committed to 'achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.'
Russia sets stage for U.N. veto of western bid to call out Iran
Russia has laid the groundwork for a likely veto on Monday of a British, U.S. and French bid for the United Nations Security Council to call out Iran over its weapons falling into the hands of Yemen’s Houthi group.
Iran says Damascus suburbs assault to continue as fighting rages
Iran said pro-Damascus forces would press ahead with attacks on an insurgent enclave near the Syrian capital, as ground fighting raged on there in defiance of a U.N. resolution demanding a 30-day truce across the country.
Magnitude-7.5 earthquake rattles Papua New Guinea
A large earthquake has struck the middle of Papua New Guinea.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu to invite Trump to inaugurate US embassy in Jerusalem in May
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to invite US President Donald Trump to Israel in May to inaugurate the US embassy, which Washington announced on Friday will be relocated to Jerusalem on Israel’s Independence Day, Hadashot TV news reported on Saturday.
Judge and lawyer Coordinated Ruling in Corruption Probe
A judge presiding over hearings in a major corruption case asked to be removed from her duties after Channel 10 exposed that she had coordinated rulings with a government lawyer working the hearing, the Justice ministry said Sunday.
Poll: Likud gaining strength despite Netanyahu graft allegations
A poll published Saturday showed the ruling Likud party gaining strength despite the graft allegations surrounding its leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and well placed to win elections should they be held today.
Oldest Hebrew mention of Jerusalem found on rare papyrus from 7th century BCE
A rare, ancient papyrus dating to the First Temple Period — 2,700 years ago — has been found to bear the oldest known mention of Jerusalem in Hebrew.
Inside the United States
CPAC celebration: Conservatives who doubted Trump now glad they were wrong
A CPAC/Washington Times poll of more than 1,100 attendees found that 93 percent of conservatives approve of the job Mr. Trump has done over his first year in office — up from 86 percent last year.
Democratic rebuttal to GOP House Intelligence memo released
The Democratic rebuttal memo to the Republican House Intelligence Committee memo on alleged government surveillance abuses was released Saturday afternoon after receiving a number of redactions.
At least 4 dead after reported tornadoes, flooding sweep through the South
Three reported tornadoes swept through the South overnight, while flooding and other severe weather also wrecked havoc on the region, resulting in at least four deaths.
Nunes Says Obama was in Cahoots with Russia
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes is blaming former President Obama for being in cahoots with Russia for eight years and setting the stage for orchestrating a conspiracy theory of collusion between Moscow and Donald Trump during the 2016 election.
RNC chair: Raising gun purchase age to 21 is 'on the table'
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel believes that raising the age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21 is 'on the table' as Republicans toss out potential legislative ideas in response to last week's school shooting in Parkland, Fla.
Christian News
Church Leaders Close the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Tax Protest
The leaders of the major Christian sects in Jerusalem closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, for several hours on Sunday to protest an Israeli plan to tax their properties.
South Carolina church vandalized with satanic messages, derogatory comments about Billy Graham
Yet another church community in Greenville County went to Sunday service only to be welcomed by satanic messages spray painted on to the church walls, some of it involving Billy Graham.
Christian college wins battle with HHS over birth control mandate
A district court ruled that the federal government can’t force a small Christian college to provide reproductive services such as the morning-after pill in its healthcare plans because it violates the college's religious beliefs.
Around the World
Air strikes again hit Syria's Ghouta, U.N. considers ceasefire resolution
Warplanes pounded the last rebel enclave near Syria’s capital for a fifth day running on Thursday as the U.N. Security Council considered demanding a 30-day ceasefire across the country to allow emergency aid deliveries and medical evacuations.
Russia tests new stealth fighter over war-weary Syrian skies
Russia’s most advanced combat warplane, the Su-57 stealth fighter, appears to have begun trial missions over the war-weary Syrian skies.
Iran signals plan to build nuclear-powered ships
Tehran has told United Nations nuclear inspectors of its plan to build nuclear reactors for ships, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Thursday.
Trump administration to target North Korea with new sanctions on Friday
The Trump administration plans to announce on Friday what is being billed as the largest package of sanctions yet against North Korea to increase pressure on Pyongyang for its nuclear and ballistic missile tests, a senior administration official said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF, US troops get ready for drill to simulate massive missile attack on Israel
The Israeli military on Thursday began its final preparations for a major air defense exercise with the United States, which is set to kick off at the beginning of next month, the army said.
U.N.: Hamas could lose control of Gaza to 'radicals'
'Radical groups,' among them Islamic Jihad, could wrest control of Gaza from Hamas, thereby opening the door for outside forces to control the Strip, UN Special Coordinator to the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov warned in Jerusalem on Thursday.
Holding out an olive branch? U.S. lawmakers speak out after being detained on Temple Mount
U.S. Reps. Scott Tipton (R-Colo.) and David B. McKinley (R-W.Va.) no doubt anticipated an eye-opening experience when they visited the Temple Mount on Thursday as part of their current trip to Israel. So imagine their surprise when they were detained by Israel police after an Islamic Waqf official, which administers the Temple Mount, lodged a complaint against them.
Inside the United States
Trump threatens to pull immigration agents out of California due to ‘sanctuary’ status
President Trump voiced frustration Thursday with California’s status as a statewide sanctuary for illegal immigrants, including gang members, and said he’s considering pulling federal immigration enforcement agents out of the state as a response.
Jobless claims plunge to 222,000, second-lowest mark in decades
New applications for unemployment benefits dropped 7,000 to 222,000 in the second full week of February, the Department of Labor reported Thursday, the second-lowest mark of the recovery and a good sign for the economy.
Special counsel Robert Mueller unveils new charges against Paul Manafort, Rick Gates
A federal grand jury in Virginia has approved a new 32-count indictment charging ex-Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort and aid Rick Gates with federal tax and bank fraud allegations.
Not A Single Lawyer Known To Work For Mueller Is A Republican
None of the 16 publicly-confirmed lawyers on special counsel Robert Mueller’s team are registered Republicans, The Daily Caller News Foundation has found.
Christian News
Church Building Demolished in Zanzibar, Tanzania
A congregation on Tanzania’s semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar has been without a place to worship this year after local authorities demolished their church building, the pastor said.
Billy Graham will lie in honor in the US Capitol Rotunda
The Rev. Billy Graham's body will lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda next week, the first time a private citizen has been accorded such recognition since civil rights hero Rosa Parks in 2005.
Air strikes again hit Syria's Ghouta, U.N. considers ceasefire resolution
Warplanes pounded the last rebel enclave near Syria’s capital for a fifth day running on Thursday as the U.N. Security Council considered demanding a 30-day ceasefire across the country to allow emergency aid deliveries and medical evacuations.
Russia tests new stealth fighter over war-weary Syrian skies
Russia’s most advanced combat warplane, the Su-57 stealth fighter, appears to have begun trial missions over the war-weary Syrian skies.
Iran signals plan to build nuclear-powered ships
Tehran has told United Nations nuclear inspectors of its plan to build nuclear reactors for ships, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Thursday.
Trump administration to target North Korea with new sanctions on Friday
The Trump administration plans to announce on Friday what is being billed as the largest package of sanctions yet against North Korea to increase pressure on Pyongyang for its nuclear and ballistic missile tests, a senior administration official said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF, US troops get ready for drill to simulate massive missile attack on Israel
The Israeli military on Thursday began its final preparations for a major air defense exercise with the United States, which is set to kick off at the beginning of next month, the army said.
U.N.: Hamas could lose control of Gaza to 'radicals'
'Radical groups,' among them Islamic Jihad, could wrest control of Gaza from Hamas, thereby opening the door for outside forces to control the Strip, UN Special Coordinator to the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov warned in Jerusalem on Thursday.
Holding out an olive branch? U.S. lawmakers speak out after being detained on Temple Mount
U.S. Reps. Scott Tipton (R-Colo.) and David B. McKinley (R-W.Va.) no doubt anticipated an eye-opening experience when they visited the Temple Mount on Thursday as part of their current trip to Israel. So imagine their surprise when they were detained by Israel police after an Islamic Waqf official, which administers the Temple Mount, lodged a complaint against them.
Inside the United States
Trump threatens to pull immigration agents out of California due to ‘sanctuary’ status
President Trump voiced frustration Thursday with California’s status as a statewide sanctuary for illegal immigrants, including gang members, and said he’s considering pulling federal immigration enforcement agents out of the state as a response.
Jobless claims plunge to 222,000, second-lowest mark in decades
New applications for unemployment benefits dropped 7,000 to 222,000 in the second full week of February, the Department of Labor reported Thursday, the second-lowest mark of the recovery and a good sign for the economy.
Special counsel Robert Mueller unveils new charges against Paul Manafort, Rick Gates
A federal grand jury in Virginia has approved a new 32-count indictment charging ex-Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort and aid Rick Gates with federal tax and bank fraud allegations.
Not A Single Lawyer Known To Work For Mueller Is A Republican
None of the 16 publicly-confirmed lawyers on special counsel Robert Mueller’s team are registered Republicans, The Daily Caller News Foundation has found.
Christian News
Church Building Demolished in Zanzibar, Tanzania
A congregation on Tanzania’s semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar has been without a place to worship this year after local authorities demolished their church building, the pastor said.
Billy Graham will lie in honor in the US Capitol Rotunda
The Rev. Billy Graham's body will lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda next week, the first time a private citizen has been accorded such recognition since civil rights hero Rosa Parks in 2005.