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
Iran protests spread, even as military declares them over
Iran’s most influential military commander on Wednesday declared the wave of anti-regime protests rocking nation as over, despite reports that demonstrators continue to fill the streets in more than a dozen cities.
Koreas set up stunning direct bilateral talks with Trump, Olympics pressures mounting
North and South Korea are suddenly on a fast track to direct bilateral talks without the United States or China — an unexpected development at a moment of heightened tensions that intelligence sources say is being driven by several factors, including Pyongyang’s desire to sidestep Trump administration-backed sanctions.
Intel chips have major security flaws, billions of devices affected
Billions of devices might be at risk after researchers found two security flaws inside Intel chips that allow hackers to enter processors and steal sensitive data.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian intelligence network exposed in Judea and Samaria
The Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Defense Force recently exposed a network sponsored by the Iranian intelligence apparatus in Judea and Samaria. The network was recruited and funded by an Iranian intelligence agent living in South Africa, according to information released for publication on Wednesday.
Israel strikes Gaza terror infrastructure following rocket fire
The Israeli Air Force struck what it termed as 'major terror infrastructure' in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday night in response to rocket fire into Israel.
Multiple rocket attacks within hours raise risk of Gaza flare up
Multiple mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip towards southern Israel on Wednesday afternoon, causing no damage or injuries.
Inside the United States
Planned Parenthood enters transgender-hormone market as abortions decline, clinics close
As dozens of its clinics closed amid a dwindling U.S. abortion rate, Planned Parenthood has moved to diversify its business model by getting into transgender hormone therapy.
N.Y. to sue federal gov't over 'unconstitutional' tax law
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that he will sue the federal government over the recently passed tax law, which he said was unfair to his state and unconstitutional.
Massive winter storm set to slam Northeast
After dumping rare snowfall on parts of the southeastern coast, a powerful winter storm is set to hammer the Northeast with up to 12 inches of snow and strong winds. By the end of this week, parts of the Northeast will be colder than Mars.
U.S. construction spending hit record high in November
U.S. builders spent 0.8 percent more on construction projects in November, the fourth consecutive monthly gain.
Trump lawyers send cease and desist to Steve Bannon over comments in tell-all book
President Trump’s lawyers sent a letter to former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon on Wednesday night, insisting he stop making derogatory comments about Trump and his family.
Trump torches Steve Bannon after disparaging book excerpts: Steve 'not only lost his job, he lost his mind'
President Trump slammed his former chief strategist just hours after excerpts of a forthcoming book about the presidency revealed Steve Bannon had made disparaging comments about Trump's family and personal habits.
Christian News
Hindu Radicals Launch at Least 23 Attacks during 2017 Christmas Season in India
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that at least 23 religiously-motivated attacks took place during the 2017 Christmas season, including attacks on carolers and open threats against Christian celebrations. The attacks have led to several Christians' hospitalization and imprisonment. The persecution created such fear among the Christian community that many Christians did not celebrate Christmas this year.
Christians killed globally for faith at Christmas
The deaths of nearly 150 Christians have been reported in targeted attacks on religious minorities in Nigeria, Cairo and India during the 2017 Christmas season, according to various reports from religious liberty advocates and news agencies.
Iran protests spread, even as military declares them over
Iran’s most influential military commander on Wednesday declared the wave of anti-regime protests rocking nation as over, despite reports that demonstrators continue to fill the streets in more than a dozen cities.
Koreas set up stunning direct bilateral talks with Trump, Olympics pressures mounting
North and South Korea are suddenly on a fast track to direct bilateral talks without the United States or China — an unexpected development at a moment of heightened tensions that intelligence sources say is being driven by several factors, including Pyongyang’s desire to sidestep Trump administration-backed sanctions.
Intel chips have major security flaws, billions of devices affected
Billions of devices might be at risk after researchers found two security flaws inside Intel chips that allow hackers to enter processors and steal sensitive data.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian intelligence network exposed in Judea and Samaria
The Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Defense Force recently exposed a network sponsored by the Iranian intelligence apparatus in Judea and Samaria. The network was recruited and funded by an Iranian intelligence agent living in South Africa, according to information released for publication on Wednesday.
Israel strikes Gaza terror infrastructure following rocket fire
The Israeli Air Force struck what it termed as 'major terror infrastructure' in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday night in response to rocket fire into Israel.
Multiple rocket attacks within hours raise risk of Gaza flare up
Multiple mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip towards southern Israel on Wednesday afternoon, causing no damage or injuries.
Inside the United States
Planned Parenthood enters transgender-hormone market as abortions decline, clinics close
As dozens of its clinics closed amid a dwindling U.S. abortion rate, Planned Parenthood has moved to diversify its business model by getting into transgender hormone therapy.
N.Y. to sue federal gov't over 'unconstitutional' tax law
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that he will sue the federal government over the recently passed tax law, which he said was unfair to his state and unconstitutional.
Massive winter storm set to slam Northeast
After dumping rare snowfall on parts of the southeastern coast, a powerful winter storm is set to hammer the Northeast with up to 12 inches of snow and strong winds. By the end of this week, parts of the Northeast will be colder than Mars.
U.S. construction spending hit record high in November
U.S. builders spent 0.8 percent more on construction projects in November, the fourth consecutive monthly gain.
Trump lawyers send cease and desist to Steve Bannon over comments in tell-all book
President Trump’s lawyers sent a letter to former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon on Wednesday night, insisting he stop making derogatory comments about Trump and his family.
Trump torches Steve Bannon after disparaging book excerpts: Steve 'not only lost his job, he lost his mind'
President Trump slammed his former chief strategist just hours after excerpts of a forthcoming book about the presidency revealed Steve Bannon had made disparaging comments about Trump's family and personal habits.
Christian News
Hindu Radicals Launch at Least 23 Attacks during 2017 Christmas Season in India
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that at least 23 religiously-motivated attacks took place during the 2017 Christmas season, including attacks on carolers and open threats against Christian celebrations. The attacks have led to several Christians' hospitalization and imprisonment. The persecution created such fear among the Christian community that many Christians did not celebrate Christmas this year.
Christians killed globally for faith at Christmas
The deaths of nearly 150 Christians have been reported in targeted attacks on religious minorities in Nigeria, Cairo and India during the 2017 Christmas season, according to various reports from religious liberty advocates and news agencies.
Around the World
Iran protests spread nationwide, now 'far bigger than 2009'
Pictures and videos coming out of Iran are starting to look more like a full-on revolution than a protest movement, but American news agencies continue to be slow to react, describing the historic protests as mostly about the country’s weak economy and chastising President Trump for cheering them on.
China covertly offering North Korea missiles, aid to halt nuclear program
China’s Communist Party adopted a secret plan in September to bolster the North Korean government with increased aid and military support, including new missiles, if Pyongyang halts further nuclear tests, according to an internal party document.
US urges Iran to unblock social media, calls emergency UN session
US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley on Tuesday called for emergency sessions of the United Nations Security Council and Human Rights Council to discuss the Iranian protests and the government’s reaction.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump threatens to cut off US aid to Palestinians over Jerusalem dispute
Acknowledging his push to broker peace in the Middle East has stalled, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority, asking why Washington should make 'any of these massive future payments' when the Palestinians were 'no longer willing to talk peace.'
US warns it won’t fund UN refugee agency if Palestinians reject talks
The US on Tuesday threatened it would cut aid to the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency if Ramallah refused to come to the negotiating table for relaunched peace talks.
Inside the United States
Eastern U.S. braces for more frigid weather, storm
A record-shattering freeze kept its grip on much of the eastern United States on Tuesday, causing at least seven deaths and closing schools as forecasters warned of a storm that could slam some areas with blizzard conditions later this week.
Sen. Hatch to retire, opening door for possible Romney run
Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said Tuesday he will not seek re-election after serving more than 40 years in the Senate, opening the door for 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney to run for his seat.
FEMA to Stop Discriminating Against Churches, Synagogues
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a new policy Tuesday that may end the agency's discrimination against churches, synagogues and other houses of worship in regards to receiving immediate and equal access to federal disaster relief funding.
GOP's Bachmann mulling bid for Franken's Senate seat
Michele Bachmann, the deeply conservative former congresswoman and one-time presidential contender, said she is considering running for Al Franken's former Senate seat in Minnesota.
Franken officially resigns from Senate after groping allegations
Minnesota Democrat Al Franken officially resigned from the Senate on Tuesday after announcing he would step down last month amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
Christian News
Police Kill Christians in Churches in DR Congo as Demonstrators Protest President's Rule
Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo allegedly opened fire and deployed tear gas inside churches on Sunday, killing at least eight Christians, and arrested more than 100 people after Christians carrying Bibles and crucifixes joined protests against the rule of President Joseph Kabila.
Over 32,000 Students Unite in Worship at Passion Conference
More than 32,000 young adults from across the globe will fill arenas in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., for an event that has been sold out for months. Jan. 1-3, attendees will gather in Atlanta’s Philips Arena and Infinite Energy Center, and The Anthem in Washington, D.C., for Passion 2018—a gathering of 18-to-25-year-olds, and their church and campus leaders.
Iran protests spread nationwide, now 'far bigger than 2009'
Pictures and videos coming out of Iran are starting to look more like a full-on revolution than a protest movement, but American news agencies continue to be slow to react, describing the historic protests as mostly about the country’s weak economy and chastising President Trump for cheering them on.
China covertly offering North Korea missiles, aid to halt nuclear program
China’s Communist Party adopted a secret plan in September to bolster the North Korean government with increased aid and military support, including new missiles, if Pyongyang halts further nuclear tests, according to an internal party document.
US urges Iran to unblock social media, calls emergency UN session
US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley on Tuesday called for emergency sessions of the United Nations Security Council and Human Rights Council to discuss the Iranian protests and the government’s reaction.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump threatens to cut off US aid to Palestinians over Jerusalem dispute
Acknowledging his push to broker peace in the Middle East has stalled, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority, asking why Washington should make 'any of these massive future payments' when the Palestinians were 'no longer willing to talk peace.'
US warns it won’t fund UN refugee agency if Palestinians reject talks
The US on Tuesday threatened it would cut aid to the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency if Ramallah refused to come to the negotiating table for relaunched peace talks.
Inside the United States
Eastern U.S. braces for more frigid weather, storm
A record-shattering freeze kept its grip on much of the eastern United States on Tuesday, causing at least seven deaths and closing schools as forecasters warned of a storm that could slam some areas with blizzard conditions later this week.
Sen. Hatch to retire, opening door for possible Romney run
Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said Tuesday he will not seek re-election after serving more than 40 years in the Senate, opening the door for 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney to run for his seat.
FEMA to Stop Discriminating Against Churches, Synagogues
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a new policy Tuesday that may end the agency's discrimination against churches, synagogues and other houses of worship in regards to receiving immediate and equal access to federal disaster relief funding.
GOP's Bachmann mulling bid for Franken's Senate seat
Michele Bachmann, the deeply conservative former congresswoman and one-time presidential contender, said she is considering running for Al Franken's former Senate seat in Minnesota.
Franken officially resigns from Senate after groping allegations
Minnesota Democrat Al Franken officially resigned from the Senate on Tuesday after announcing he would step down last month amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
Christian News
Police Kill Christians in Churches in DR Congo as Demonstrators Protest President's Rule
Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo allegedly opened fire and deployed tear gas inside churches on Sunday, killing at least eight Christians, and arrested more than 100 people after Christians carrying Bibles and crucifixes joined protests against the rule of President Joseph Kabila.
Over 32,000 Students Unite in Worship at Passion Conference
More than 32,000 young adults from across the globe will fill arenas in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., for an event that has been sold out for months. Jan. 1-3, attendees will gather in Atlanta’s Philips Arena and Infinite Energy Center, and The Anthem in Washington, D.C., for Passion 2018—a gathering of 18-to-25-year-olds, and their church and campus leaders.
Around the World
As protests persist, Rouhani warns Iran will respond to ‘lawbreakers’
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday said his country would respond to 'rioters and lawbreakers,' a day after attempting to strike a conciliatory tone with protesters demonstrating against the regime across the country.
Gunman kills two Christians at alcohol store south of Cairo
A masked gunman shot dead two Christian brothers at their alcohol shop south of Cairo on Monday, security sources said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In late night vote, Knesset passes law to hinder East Jerusalem withdrawal
Lawmakers approved a bill in the early hours Tuesday that requires a special two-thirds majority vote in the Knesset to relinquish any part of Jerusalem to the Palestinians under a future peace accord.
Air force hits Hamas camp in Gaza after rocket fire
The Israeli Air Force hit a Hamas camp in the southern Gaza Strip early Tuesday in response to a rocket fired at Israel hours before, the army said.
Seal from First Temple Period found at Kotel supports biblical accounts
A rare, well-preserved piece of clay dating to the First Temple period with the Hebrew inscription 'governor of the city' was recently discovered during excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
Arctic Outbreak Setting Record Lows as Dangerously Cold Wind Chills Infiltrate Plains, Midwest and East
A reinforcing shot of bitter, Arctic air will soon prolong the long-lived cold outbreak across the Plains, Midwest, South and East into the end of this week, likely shattering more daily records and sending wind chills to dangerously cold levels.
House expands Russia probe to FBI, Justice use of unconfirmed dossier to snare Trump
The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has expanded its 2016 election investigation from a starting point of Russian interference to an end-game that focuses on federal law enforcement and how it conducted a drive to snare President Trump and his people.
California launches legal sale of cannabis for recreational use
California will launch the world’s largest regulated commercial market for recreational marijuana on Monday, as dozens of newly licensed stores catering to adults who enjoy the drug for its psychoactive effects open for business up and down the state.
Christian News
9,000 Jailed Christians Receive Sentence Reductions for Christmas in Indonesia
Indonesia reduced the sentences of over 9,000 Christian prisoners on Christmas day, including the sentence of a Christian governor jailed on blasphemy charges.
As protests persist, Rouhani warns Iran will respond to ‘lawbreakers’
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday said his country would respond to 'rioters and lawbreakers,' a day after attempting to strike a conciliatory tone with protesters demonstrating against the regime across the country.
Gunman kills two Christians at alcohol store south of Cairo
A masked gunman shot dead two Christian brothers at their alcohol shop south of Cairo on Monday, security sources said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In late night vote, Knesset passes law to hinder East Jerusalem withdrawal
Lawmakers approved a bill in the early hours Tuesday that requires a special two-thirds majority vote in the Knesset to relinquish any part of Jerusalem to the Palestinians under a future peace accord.
Air force hits Hamas camp in Gaza after rocket fire
The Israeli Air Force hit a Hamas camp in the southern Gaza Strip early Tuesday in response to a rocket fired at Israel hours before, the army said.
Seal from First Temple Period found at Kotel supports biblical accounts
A rare, well-preserved piece of clay dating to the First Temple period with the Hebrew inscription 'governor of the city' was recently discovered during excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
Arctic Outbreak Setting Record Lows as Dangerously Cold Wind Chills Infiltrate Plains, Midwest and East
A reinforcing shot of bitter, Arctic air will soon prolong the long-lived cold outbreak across the Plains, Midwest, South and East into the end of this week, likely shattering more daily records and sending wind chills to dangerously cold levels.
House expands Russia probe to FBI, Justice use of unconfirmed dossier to snare Trump
The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has expanded its 2016 election investigation from a starting point of Russian interference to an end-game that focuses on federal law enforcement and how it conducted a drive to snare President Trump and his people.
California launches legal sale of cannabis for recreational use
California will launch the world’s largest regulated commercial market for recreational marijuana on Monday, as dozens of newly licensed stores catering to adults who enjoy the drug for its psychoactive effects open for business up and down the state.
Christian News
9,000 Jailed Christians Receive Sentence Reductions for Christmas in Indonesia
Indonesia reduced the sentences of over 9,000 Christian prisoners on Christmas day, including the sentence of a Christian governor jailed on blasphemy charges.