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
2 Koreas say they seek breakthrough at rare border talks
Senior officials from North and South Korea began the rivals’ first formal talks in about two years Tuesday to discuss how to cooperate in next month’s Winter Olympics in the South and how to improve their long-strained ties.
Papua New Guinea volcano erupts for first time in history, sparking tsunami fears as hundreds flee
A volcano in Papua New Guinea that was thought to be dormant has erupted for the first time in known history, spewing ash thousands of feet into the air and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Security cabinet holds 'extremely significant' meetings about northern border
Israel’s security cabinet has convened several times in recent days, holding 'extremely significant' meetings to discuss developments on the northern border and Iran’s presence in Syria.
Turkey seeks to increase its influence in East Jerusalem
Since the US recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital last month, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has become the leading voice of the Arab and Islamic opposition to the move. His country even hosted a special meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), during which he called Israel a "terror state" and threatened to cut its diplomatic ties with it.
VP Mike Pence to Visit Egypt, Jordan and Israel Later This Month
In his first trip to the Middle East as vice president, Mike Pence is scheduled to visit several countries and leaders in the region later this month.
Inside the United States
US hits record for costly weather disasters: $306 billion
With three strong hurricanes, wildfires, hail, flooding, tornadoes and drought, the United States tallied a record high bill last year for weather disasters: $306 billion.
Mudslide and flood threat prompts evacuations in burnt Southern California as major storm looms
Mudslides and flash floods, or at least the potential for them, raised new danger for Southern California on Monday as mandatory evacuations were issued for regions already devastated by wildfires and now facing the first major rainstorm of the season.
Supreme Court declines to review Mississippi religious liberty law
The Supreme Court announced Monday it would not hear cases challenging a Mississippi law that allows religious organizations to refuse to hire persons or provide services in situations that run afoul of their sincerely held religious beliefs.
Appeals Court Strikes Maryland City's Law Forcing Pro-Life Centers to Promote Abortion
A three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down a Maryland city's law that forced a pro-life center to post disclaimers at their facility about not providing abortions.
Senate vote on 20-week abortion ban coming this month
The Senate is likely to vote this month on a bill that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of gestation, sources familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner.
US banks buoy reserves as credit card debt hits $1.02 trillion record
Sure, a record $1.02 trillion in U.S. credit card debt gives banks the chance to earn higher interest.
FEMA chief: Puerto Rico still in emergency response mode
Nearly four months after two hurricanes hit this island, the chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s operations in Puerto Rico says he has never before had to continue emergency relief efforts like delivering food, water and temporary roofing so long after a natural disaster.
2 Koreas say they seek breakthrough at rare border talks
Senior officials from North and South Korea began the rivals’ first formal talks in about two years Tuesday to discuss how to cooperate in next month’s Winter Olympics in the South and how to improve their long-strained ties.
Papua New Guinea volcano erupts for first time in history, sparking tsunami fears as hundreds flee
A volcano in Papua New Guinea that was thought to be dormant has erupted for the first time in known history, spewing ash thousands of feet into the air and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Security cabinet holds 'extremely significant' meetings about northern border
Israel’s security cabinet has convened several times in recent days, holding 'extremely significant' meetings to discuss developments on the northern border and Iran’s presence in Syria.
Turkey seeks to increase its influence in East Jerusalem
Since the US recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital last month, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has become the leading voice of the Arab and Islamic opposition to the move. His country even hosted a special meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), during which he called Israel a "terror state" and threatened to cut its diplomatic ties with it.
VP Mike Pence to Visit Egypt, Jordan and Israel Later This Month
In his first trip to the Middle East as vice president, Mike Pence is scheduled to visit several countries and leaders in the region later this month.
Inside the United States
US hits record for costly weather disasters: $306 billion
With three strong hurricanes, wildfires, hail, flooding, tornadoes and drought, the United States tallied a record high bill last year for weather disasters: $306 billion.
Mudslide and flood threat prompts evacuations in burnt Southern California as major storm looms
Mudslides and flash floods, or at least the potential for them, raised new danger for Southern California on Monday as mandatory evacuations were issued for regions already devastated by wildfires and now facing the first major rainstorm of the season.
Supreme Court declines to review Mississippi religious liberty law
The Supreme Court announced Monday it would not hear cases challenging a Mississippi law that allows religious organizations to refuse to hire persons or provide services in situations that run afoul of their sincerely held religious beliefs.
Appeals Court Strikes Maryland City's Law Forcing Pro-Life Centers to Promote Abortion
A three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down a Maryland city's law that forced a pro-life center to post disclaimers at their facility about not providing abortions.
Senate vote on 20-week abortion ban coming this month
The Senate is likely to vote this month on a bill that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of gestation, sources familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner.
US banks buoy reserves as credit card debt hits $1.02 trillion record
Sure, a record $1.02 trillion in U.S. credit card debt gives banks the chance to earn higher interest.
FEMA chief: Puerto Rico still in emergency response mode
Nearly four months after two hurricanes hit this island, the chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s operations in Puerto Rico says he has never before had to continue emergency relief efforts like delivering food, water and temporary roofing so long after a natural disaster.
Around the World
Battle looms for rebel-held Syrian province after IS defeat
Syrian government forces and allied militiamen are advancing on the largest remaining rebel-held territory in the country's north, forcing thousands of civilians to flee toward the border with Turkey in freezing winter temperatures.
Yemen rebels fire missile at Saudi Arabia
Houthi fighters announced they had fired one in the direction of the city of Najran, which Saudi authorities confirmed was intercepted.
Report: Ex-Iranian president Ahmadinejad arrested for inciting unrest
Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been arrested by authorities for allegedly inciting unrest against the government, the London-based daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported Saturday, citing 'reliable sources in Tehran.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to lobby UN to recognize Palestinian state
Arab states will soon embark on a diplomatic drive to persuade the United Nations to recognize a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital on territory captured by Israel in the 1967 war, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said.
Report: Hamas agrees to give PA control of its weapons
Hamas officials have informed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas will agree to relinquish control of its weapons if it is allowed to join the Palestine Liberation Organization, the London-based pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat reported on Friday.
Islamic State Affiliate in Sinai Declares War on Hamas in Bloody Execution Video
The Islamic State affiliate in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula has called for attacks on the Palestinian terror group Hamas in a gruesome execution video posted online.
Inside the United States
U.S. to endure another day below freezing before relief comes
The bitter cold that has gripped much of the United States since the new year will last another day, forecasters said on Sunday, predicting an end to a frigid spell that featured a 'bomb cyclone' snowstorm and frozen iguanas falling from trees in Florida.
Trump, GOP leaders at Camp David set ambitious 2018 agenda
President Trump emerged Saturday from a meeting with Congress’ Republican leaders at Camp David and outlined an ambitious legislative agenda for 2018, including the budget, infrastructure, a border wall, immigration and beefing up the military.
Trump to unveil initiative to bring broadband to rural America
President Donald Trump plans to unveil an agriculture initiative seeking to bring broadband internet connection to rural America at the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention.
Over 100 companies giving 'Trump Bonuses' after tax victory, 'tsunami building'
The number of companies offering employee bonuses, pay hikes, and increases in benefits in reaction to President Trump’s December tax reform victory is now over 100, with thousands of workers impacted and charities too.
Battle looms for rebel-held Syrian province after IS defeat
Syrian government forces and allied militiamen are advancing on the largest remaining rebel-held territory in the country's north, forcing thousands of civilians to flee toward the border with Turkey in freezing winter temperatures.
Yemen rebels fire missile at Saudi Arabia
Houthi fighters announced they had fired one in the direction of the city of Najran, which Saudi authorities confirmed was intercepted.
Report: Ex-Iranian president Ahmadinejad arrested for inciting unrest
Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been arrested by authorities for allegedly inciting unrest against the government, the London-based daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported Saturday, citing 'reliable sources in Tehran.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to lobby UN to recognize Palestinian state
Arab states will soon embark on a diplomatic drive to persuade the United Nations to recognize a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital on territory captured by Israel in the 1967 war, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said.
Report: Hamas agrees to give PA control of its weapons
Hamas officials have informed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas will agree to relinquish control of its weapons if it is allowed to join the Palestine Liberation Organization, the London-based pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat reported on Friday.
Islamic State Affiliate in Sinai Declares War on Hamas in Bloody Execution Video
The Islamic State affiliate in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula has called for attacks on the Palestinian terror group Hamas in a gruesome execution video posted online.
Inside the United States
U.S. to endure another day below freezing before relief comes
The bitter cold that has gripped much of the United States since the new year will last another day, forecasters said on Sunday, predicting an end to a frigid spell that featured a 'bomb cyclone' snowstorm and frozen iguanas falling from trees in Florida.
Trump, GOP leaders at Camp David set ambitious 2018 agenda
President Trump emerged Saturday from a meeting with Congress’ Republican leaders at Camp David and outlined an ambitious legislative agenda for 2018, including the budget, infrastructure, a border wall, immigration and beefing up the military.
Trump to unveil initiative to bring broadband to rural America
President Donald Trump plans to unveil an agriculture initiative seeking to bring broadband internet connection to rural America at the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention.
Over 100 companies giving 'Trump Bonuses' after tax victory, 'tsunami building'
The number of companies offering employee bonuses, pay hikes, and increases in benefits in reaction to President Trump’s December tax reform victory is now over 100, with thousands of workers impacted and charities too.
Around the World
U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia Leading World to War with Iran, France Says
French President Emmanuel Macron has accused the U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia of instigating a war as their mutual foe, Iran, was rocked by a week of protests.
Trump's pressure on Pakistan is major test of new strategy to end war in Afghanistan
The Trump administration’s strategy for ending the war in Afghanistan and defeating terror groups in the region faces its first major test in its confrontation with Pakistan.
Blast hits police in Afghan capital Kabul, dozens of casualties
A suicide bomber in the Afghan capital caused dozens of casualties on Thursday after blowing himself up close to a group of security personnel who were carrying out an operation against illegal drugs and alcohol dealing, officials said.
UN Security Council to meet on Iran protests, at US request
The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting about Iran at the request of the U.S. which asked for the session to show support for anti-government protests.
Pentagon: Trump agreed to delay US-South Korean exercises
In a possible opening for diplomacy, the Trump administration on Thursday agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Religious Jews’ Ascent to Temple Mount Up 75%
The number of visits by religious Jews to the Temple Mount has increased by 75% in 2017, compared to 2016, according to the Yera’eh organization, which encourages Jewish ascent to the Temple Mount.
Inside the United States
'Bomb cyclone' winter storm brings snow, fierce winds to Northeast as bitter cold to follow
A rapidly-intensifying winter storm system known as a 'bomb cyclone' targeted the Northeast on Thursday after leaving its deadly mark across the Southeast, snarling travel across the region with snow, ice, bone-chilling winds and a central air pressure similar to that of the devastating Superstorm Sandy.
Dow closes above 25,000 for the first time
The Dow Jones industrial Average closed at more than 25,000 for the first time Thursday.
Donald Trump overturns Obama bans on drilling as he moves to vastly expand US offshore oil
Donald Trump's administration has announced plans to vastly expand oil and gas drilling in nearly all US coastal waters, reversing protections in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific.
Record-setting blizzard buries New England in over a foot of snow, brings travel to a halt
A powerful nor'easter continues to spread heavy snow and strong winds across New England with blizzard conditions bringing travel to a halt across the region.
Light quake shakes San Francisco; no immediate damage reported
A light earthquake shook California’s San Francisco Bay Area early on Thursday, waking many, but there were no immediate reports of damage.
Sessions targets legalized marijuana with directive
Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday rolled back an Obama-era directive saying the federal government should not interfere in the loosening of state marijuana laws.
Christian News
Louisiana Says Students Have Right to Pray, Read Bible in Public Schools
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., have released the Louisiana Students Rights Review, a 15-page guide that explains the religious freedom rightsof teachers and students in public schools.
U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia Leading World to War with Iran, France Says
French President Emmanuel Macron has accused the U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia of instigating a war as their mutual foe, Iran, was rocked by a week of protests.
Trump's pressure on Pakistan is major test of new strategy to end war in Afghanistan
The Trump administration’s strategy for ending the war in Afghanistan and defeating terror groups in the region faces its first major test in its confrontation with Pakistan.
Blast hits police in Afghan capital Kabul, dozens of casualties
A suicide bomber in the Afghan capital caused dozens of casualties on Thursday after blowing himself up close to a group of security personnel who were carrying out an operation against illegal drugs and alcohol dealing, officials said.
UN Security Council to meet on Iran protests, at US request
The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting about Iran at the request of the U.S. which asked for the session to show support for anti-government protests.
Pentagon: Trump agreed to delay US-South Korean exercises
In a possible opening for diplomacy, the Trump administration on Thursday agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Religious Jews’ Ascent to Temple Mount Up 75%
The number of visits by religious Jews to the Temple Mount has increased by 75% in 2017, compared to 2016, according to the Yera’eh organization, which encourages Jewish ascent to the Temple Mount.
Inside the United States
'Bomb cyclone' winter storm brings snow, fierce winds to Northeast as bitter cold to follow
A rapidly-intensifying winter storm system known as a 'bomb cyclone' targeted the Northeast on Thursday after leaving its deadly mark across the Southeast, snarling travel across the region with snow, ice, bone-chilling winds and a central air pressure similar to that of the devastating Superstorm Sandy.
Dow closes above 25,000 for the first time
The Dow Jones industrial Average closed at more than 25,000 for the first time Thursday.
Donald Trump overturns Obama bans on drilling as he moves to vastly expand US offshore oil
Donald Trump's administration has announced plans to vastly expand oil and gas drilling in nearly all US coastal waters, reversing protections in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific.
Record-setting blizzard buries New England in over a foot of snow, brings travel to a halt
A powerful nor'easter continues to spread heavy snow and strong winds across New England with blizzard conditions bringing travel to a halt across the region.
Light quake shakes San Francisco; no immediate damage reported
A light earthquake shook California’s San Francisco Bay Area early on Thursday, waking many, but there were no immediate reports of damage.
Sessions targets legalized marijuana with directive
Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday rolled back an Obama-era directive saying the federal government should not interfere in the loosening of state marijuana laws.
Christian News
Louisiana Says Students Have Right to Pray, Read Bible in Public Schools
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., have released the Louisiana Students Rights Review, a 15-page guide that explains the religious freedom rightsof teachers and students in public schools.