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
British scientists granted permission to genetically modify human embryos
British scientists have been granted permission to genetically modify human embryos by the fertility regulator.
Company Developing ‘Tech Tattoos’ So People Can Track Their Medical, Financial Info
Software company Chaotic Moon has developed a 'tech tattoo' that gets embedded into a person's arm and can track a person's financial and medical information.
Russia deploys frontline fighter jets to Syria amid Turkish tension
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Monday that Su-35 fighters have been deployed to Hemeimeem air base in Syria. The Su-35 is Russia's most advanced fighter that is fielded in significant numbers. NATO designates the aircraft as the SU-35S Flanker-E.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Leviathan signs first gas deal at $1.3 billion
In a vote of confidence for Israel's natural gas market, the consortium developing Israel's largest gas field Leviathan announced its first sale Sunday, for a whopping $1.3 billion.
Inside the United States
National debt hits $19 trillion
The national debt hit $19 trillion for the first time ever on Friday, and came in at $19.012 trillion.
Legal US pot sales soar to $5.4B in 2015: Report
Legal U.S. pot sales soared to $5.4 billion for 2015, up 17.4 percent from $4.6 billion in 2014, according to data released Monday by the ArcView Group, which tracks the cannabis markets.
U.S. Busts 'Massive' Hezbollah Drug, Money Laundering Scheme
U.S. and European authorities announced on Monday that they had busted a 'massive' drug and money-laundering scheme being operated by the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah.
U.S. Politics
Values Voters Deliver Iowa for Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz won a major victory in Monday's Iowa caucuses. Polls showed him running behind Donald Trump, who attacked Cruz furiously, calling him a nasty person, a stooge of Goldman Sachs, and, heaven forbid, a Canadian. But Cruz persevered and beat Trump 28 to 24 percent, with Marco Rubio a close third at 23 percent. Cruz's path to the Republican nomination depended on him winning the Iowa caucuses. Well, he won them.
Martin O'Malley Quitting Democratic Race
Former Maryland Gov. Democrat Martin O'Malley is dropping out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Mike Huckabee Quits GOP Campaign
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Tuesday that he was quitting the race for the Republican presidential nomination after a dismal showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Ted Cruz Wins Iowa Caucus, Clinton Holds Narrow Lead Over Sanders
Republican Senator Ted Cruz beat billionaire Donald Trump in Iowa on Monday while Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders remained deadlocked in the first presidential nominating contests of the 2016 White House race.
Iowa Democratic Caucus Too Close to Call
Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) were locked in a virtual tie late Monday night, with the Iowa Democratic caucus too close to call.
Christian News
Egyptian Christian students stand trial for insulting Islam
An Egyptian lawyer says three Coptic Christian students face charges of insulting Islam and will stand trial this week after appearing in a video mocking Muslim prayers.
Pastor of China's Largest Megachurch Jailed for Protesting Demolition of Church Crosses
Pastor Gu 'Joseph' Yuese of Hangzhou's Chongyi Church, the largest government-sanctioned church in China, has reportedly been sent to jail for protesting forced removal of church crosses.
Around the World
British scientists granted permission to genetically modify human embryos
British scientists have been granted permission to genetically modify human embryos by the fertility regulator.
Company Developing ‘Tech Tattoos’ So People Can Track Their Medical, Financial Info
Software company Chaotic Moon has developed a 'tech tattoo' that gets embedded into a person's arm and can track a person's financial and medical information.
Russia deploys frontline fighter jets to Syria amid Turkish tension
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Monday that Su-35 fighters have been deployed to Hemeimeem air base in Syria. The Su-35 is Russia's most advanced fighter that is fielded in significant numbers. NATO designates the aircraft as the SU-35S Flanker-E.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Leviathan signs first gas deal at $1.3 billion
In a vote of confidence for Israel's natural gas market, the consortium developing Israel's largest gas field Leviathan announced its first sale Sunday, for a whopping $1.3 billion.
Inside the United States
National debt hits $19 trillion
The national debt hit $19 trillion for the first time ever on Friday, and came in at $19.012 trillion.
Legal US pot sales soar to $5.4B in 2015: Report
Legal U.S. pot sales soared to $5.4 billion for 2015, up 17.4 percent from $4.6 billion in 2014, according to data released Monday by the ArcView Group, which tracks the cannabis markets.
U.S. Busts 'Massive' Hezbollah Drug, Money Laundering Scheme
U.S. and European authorities announced on Monday that they had busted a 'massive' drug and money-laundering scheme being operated by the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah.
U.S. Politics
Values Voters Deliver Iowa for Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz won a major victory in Monday's Iowa caucuses. Polls showed him running behind Donald Trump, who attacked Cruz furiously, calling him a nasty person, a stooge of Goldman Sachs, and, heaven forbid, a Canadian. But Cruz persevered and beat Trump 28 to 24 percent, with Marco Rubio a close third at 23 percent. Cruz's path to the Republican nomination depended on him winning the Iowa caucuses. Well, he won them.
Martin O'Malley Quitting Democratic Race
Former Maryland Gov. Democrat Martin O'Malley is dropping out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Mike Huckabee Quits GOP Campaign
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Tuesday that he was quitting the race for the Republican presidential nomination after a dismal showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Ted Cruz Wins Iowa Caucus, Clinton Holds Narrow Lead Over Sanders
Republican Senator Ted Cruz beat billionaire Donald Trump in Iowa on Monday while Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders remained deadlocked in the first presidential nominating contests of the 2016 White House race.
Iowa Democratic Caucus Too Close to Call
Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) were locked in a virtual tie late Monday night, with the Iowa Democratic caucus too close to call.
Christian News
Egyptian Christian students stand trial for insulting Islam
An Egyptian lawyer says three Coptic Christian students face charges of insulting Islam and will stand trial this week after appearing in a video mocking Muslim prayers.
Pastor of China's Largest Megachurch Jailed for Protesting Demolition of Church Crosses
Pastor Gu 'Joseph' Yuese of Hangzhou's Chongyi Church, the largest government-sanctioned church in China, has reportedly been sent to jail for protesting forced removal of church crosses.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
ISIS claims bombings that kill dozens, as Kerry pushes 'peaceful' Syria
Hours after an ISIS-claimed triple bombing killed at least 45 in Damascus, Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday addressed the ongoing Syrian conflict, speaking starkly about a humanitarian crisis in which starving villagers have been forced to eat grass and leaves, but also hopefully of creating a 'peaceful, pluralistic Syria.'
Boko Haram burns kids alive in Nigeria, 86 dead
A survivor hidden in a tree says he watched Boko Haram extremists firebomb huts and heard the screams of children burning to death, among 86 people officials say died in the latest attack by Nigeria's homegrown Islamic extremists.
Russian fighter came within 15 feet of U.S. Air Force jet
A Russian fighter jet came within 15 feet of a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance plane over the Black Sea this week in what the Pentagon is calling an 'unsafe' incident, U.S. officials say.
At least 60 killed in terror attack at Shi'ite holy site in Syria
At least 60 people were killed and dozens wounded on Sunday in a terror attack at a southern district of Damascus where Syria's holiest Shi'ite shrine is located.
Iranian leader gives out medals for detention of US sailors
Iran's supreme leader on Sunday awarded 'medals of conquest' to five naval commanders of Iran's Revolutionary Guards for their arrest earlier this month of 10 US sailors whose two vessels strayed into Iranian waters.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
After long fight, activists cheer mixed-gender Western Wall plan
Activists and members of liberal streams of Judaism celebrated a 'historic' compromise officially allowing mixed-gender non-Orthodox Jewish prayer at the Western Wall Sunday, even as ultra-Orthodox and religious nationalist lawmakers came out strongly against the move.
3 soldiers wounded by PA gunman at West Bank checkpoint
Three Israeli soldiers were wounded on Sunday when a member of the Palestinian Authority security forces opened fire at an IDF checkpoint near Beit El in the West Bank. He was shot dead by forces at the scene.
Israeli Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Inscriptions in Jesus' Language
Israeli archeologists unearthed Greek and Aramaic inscriptions in northern Israel, suggesting a Jewish presence in the land dating back to the first century.
Netanyahu threatens to eclipse 2014 war to destroy Gaza tunnels
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded Sunday to critics charging his government was failing to deal with newly dug tunnels under the Israel-Hamas frontier, threatening to blow up the underground passages if need be.
Inside the United States
Obama Pledges $4 Billion to Computer Science in US Schools
President Obama today pledged $4 billion in funding for computer science education in the nation's schools.
The US Mosque Obama Has Chosen For His First Presidential Visit Has Deep Extremist Ties
The Baltimore mosque President Obama has chosen as the first U.S.-based mosque to visit during his presidency has deep ties to extremist elements, including to the Muslim Brotherhood.
U.S. Politics
Donald Trump sweep in Iowa, N.H. would vex Republican establishment
If things break right here — a big if — billionaire businessman Donald Trump is well-positioned to become the first Republican presidential candidate in almost a half-century to string together wins in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary — a feat that would give him momentum in the race and likely lead to an all-hands-on-deck moment for the establishment wing of the party.
State Dept. declares 22 Clinton emails 'top secret'
The State Department said Friday it is withholding 22 emails from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's email account for containing 'top secret' material, and another 18 messages she exchanged with President Obama, saying those are privileged communications.
Bible prominent in final Cruz pitches to voters
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is infusing his closing argument to Iowans with Biblical references as his campaign visits some of the state's conservative strongholds.
Christian News
Expansion of Christian Church in the Birthplace of Confucius Creates Controversy in China
Confucius's hometown, Qufu, knows how to market its most famous native son. Visitors to the city in eastern China's Shandong province can savor Confucian cuisine, worship at a Confucius temple and follow the family tree of the Kong clan, which claims an unbroken lineage going back some 80 generations to the Great Sage himself. The tourist boom has only intensified as China's communist leadership embraces homegrown traditions once derided as feudal relics by the party's revolutionary elders.
Franklin Graham Says He's Trying to Help Both Saeed and Naghmeh Abedini in Difficulty
The Rev. Franklin Graham says that beside Saeed and Naghmeh Abedini themselves, only God knows the details surrounding the issues between them.
Around the World
ISIS claims bombings that kill dozens, as Kerry pushes 'peaceful' Syria
Hours after an ISIS-claimed triple bombing killed at least 45 in Damascus, Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday addressed the ongoing Syrian conflict, speaking starkly about a humanitarian crisis in which starving villagers have been forced to eat grass and leaves, but also hopefully of creating a 'peaceful, pluralistic Syria.'
Boko Haram burns kids alive in Nigeria, 86 dead
A survivor hidden in a tree says he watched Boko Haram extremists firebomb huts and heard the screams of children burning to death, among 86 people officials say died in the latest attack by Nigeria's homegrown Islamic extremists.
Russian fighter came within 15 feet of U.S. Air Force jet
A Russian fighter jet came within 15 feet of a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance plane over the Black Sea this week in what the Pentagon is calling an 'unsafe' incident, U.S. officials say.
At least 60 killed in terror attack at Shi'ite holy site in Syria
At least 60 people were killed and dozens wounded on Sunday in a terror attack at a southern district of Damascus where Syria's holiest Shi'ite shrine is located.
Iranian leader gives out medals for detention of US sailors
Iran's supreme leader on Sunday awarded 'medals of conquest' to five naval commanders of Iran's Revolutionary Guards for their arrest earlier this month of 10 US sailors whose two vessels strayed into Iranian waters.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
After long fight, activists cheer mixed-gender Western Wall plan
Activists and members of liberal streams of Judaism celebrated a 'historic' compromise officially allowing mixed-gender non-Orthodox Jewish prayer at the Western Wall Sunday, even as ultra-Orthodox and religious nationalist lawmakers came out strongly against the move.
3 soldiers wounded by PA gunman at West Bank checkpoint
Three Israeli soldiers were wounded on Sunday when a member of the Palestinian Authority security forces opened fire at an IDF checkpoint near Beit El in the West Bank. He was shot dead by forces at the scene.
Israeli Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Inscriptions in Jesus' Language
Israeli archeologists unearthed Greek and Aramaic inscriptions in northern Israel, suggesting a Jewish presence in the land dating back to the first century.
Netanyahu threatens to eclipse 2014 war to destroy Gaza tunnels
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded Sunday to critics charging his government was failing to deal with newly dug tunnels under the Israel-Hamas frontier, threatening to blow up the underground passages if need be.
Inside the United States
Obama Pledges $4 Billion to Computer Science in US Schools
President Obama today pledged $4 billion in funding for computer science education in the nation's schools.
The US Mosque Obama Has Chosen For His First Presidential Visit Has Deep Extremist Ties
The Baltimore mosque President Obama has chosen as the first U.S.-based mosque to visit during his presidency has deep ties to extremist elements, including to the Muslim Brotherhood.
U.S. Politics
Donald Trump sweep in Iowa, N.H. would vex Republican establishment
If things break right here — a big if — billionaire businessman Donald Trump is well-positioned to become the first Republican presidential candidate in almost a half-century to string together wins in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary — a feat that would give him momentum in the race and likely lead to an all-hands-on-deck moment for the establishment wing of the party.
State Dept. declares 22 Clinton emails 'top secret'
The State Department said Friday it is withholding 22 emails from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's email account for containing 'top secret' material, and another 18 messages she exchanged with President Obama, saying those are privileged communications.
Bible prominent in final Cruz pitches to voters
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is infusing his closing argument to Iowans with Biblical references as his campaign visits some of the state's conservative strongholds.
Christian News
Expansion of Christian Church in the Birthplace of Confucius Creates Controversy in China
Confucius's hometown, Qufu, knows how to market its most famous native son. Visitors to the city in eastern China's Shandong province can savor Confucian cuisine, worship at a Confucius temple and follow the family tree of the Kong clan, which claims an unbroken lineage going back some 80 generations to the Great Sage himself. The tourist boom has only intensified as China's communist leadership embraces homegrown traditions once derided as feudal relics by the party's revolutionary elders.
Franklin Graham Says He's Trying to Help Both Saeed and Naghmeh Abedini in Difficulty
The Rev. Franklin Graham says that beside Saeed and Naghmeh Abedini themselves, only God knows the details surrounding the issues between them.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
France cracks down on Islamic radicalism after Paris attacks, shutters mosques
France is once again responding to a Paris slaughter at the hands of Islamic radicals by trying to root out extremism entrenched in its growing Muslim population.
Scientists: Subtle Seismic Activity Hints at Predicting Large Quakes
The ability to accurately predict earthquakes is a holy grail of geology. Now, a group of researchers says it has found a previously unrecognized pattern just before larger earthquakes, observed with the devastating magnitude-9.0 tremor in northeastern Japan in 2011.
Russian Fighter Conducts Dangerous Intercept of U.S. Recon Jet
A Russian Su-27 jet fighter came within 20 feet of a U.S. RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft over the Black Sea on Monday in Moscow's latest military provocation involving dangerous aerial encounters.
Yemen conflict: Saudi-led coalition targeting civilians, UN says
The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi rebel movement in Yemen has targeted civilians with air strikes in a 'widespread and systematic' manner, a leaked UN report says.
Iraq's Mosul dam could face catastrophic collapse - top US general
The US military has a contingency plan to deal with a potential collapse of Mosul dam in northern Iraq which would be catastrophic, the top US general in Iraq said on Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel's electrical grid attacked in massive cyber attack
As Israelis cranked up their heaters during the current cold snap, the Public Utility Authority was attacked by one of the largest cyber assaults that the country has experienced, Minister of Infrastructure, Energy and Water Yuval Steinitz said on Tuesday.
Settlers tell Netanyahu: Block Palestinian media broadcasts
Yesha Council head Avi Roeh on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling on him, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan to block official Palestinian media broadcasts.
Obama Administration Orders Labeling of Israeli Goods
A memo issued earlier this month by the Obama administration directs the U.S. 'trade community' and government partner agencies to explicitly label Israeli-made goods that have been produced in the West Bank.
Inside the United States
Satanists to give prayer at city council meeting
Members of a satanic group are set to give the prayer at an upcoming meeting of the Phoenix City Council, triggering a debate about religious freedom and whether such a display is appropriate for the venue.
FBI releases video of fatal Oregon occupier shooting
The FBI released video footage Thursday night that shows an officer-involved shooting of a man who had been part of a federal land occupy movement near Burns, Ore.
Officials confirm at least 6 cases of Zika in US residents
At least six U.S. residents have tested positive for the Zika virus, with officials in New York, Arkansas and Virginia confirming cases in each state.a
U.S. Politics
Cruz, Rubio tensions flare at Trump-less GOP debate
Tensions between Republican presidential hopefuls Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio erupted over immigration and more Thursday night during the Fox News/Google debate, as the campaigns tried to put aside their battles with front-runner Donald Trump -- "the elephant not in the room” who chose to boycott -- and focus on the issues, and their Democratic rivals.
Analysis: Sanders' $13.6 trillion tax hike would cost 6 million jobs
Bernie Sanders' ambitious plans to raise revenues for new government programs would increase taxes by $13.6 trillion and cost the economy 6 million jobs by slowing growth, according to a new analysis released Thursday.
Trump says Fox apologized, Fox says Trump sought $5M donation
Donald Trump said someone from Fox News called him and apologized to him for riling him up and prompting him to blow off Thursday night's Republican debate, but said by then, it was too late to return to the debate.
Rubio talks up faith in Iowa appeal
Marco Rubio denied he is the savior of the Republican Party at the Iowa GOP debate Thursday, but took every opportunity to emphasize his Christian faith.
Christian News
Turkish textbooks encourage intolerance
Theoretically, Turkey allows non-Muslims to be exempted from compulsory religious education if their religion is on record with the state. But parents have complained that some schools have refused to allow their children to be exempted.
Around the World
France cracks down on Islamic radicalism after Paris attacks, shutters mosques
France is once again responding to a Paris slaughter at the hands of Islamic radicals by trying to root out extremism entrenched in its growing Muslim population.
Scientists: Subtle Seismic Activity Hints at Predicting Large Quakes
The ability to accurately predict earthquakes is a holy grail of geology. Now, a group of researchers says it has found a previously unrecognized pattern just before larger earthquakes, observed with the devastating magnitude-9.0 tremor in northeastern Japan in 2011.
Russian Fighter Conducts Dangerous Intercept of U.S. Recon Jet
A Russian Su-27 jet fighter came within 20 feet of a U.S. RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft over the Black Sea on Monday in Moscow's latest military provocation involving dangerous aerial encounters.
Yemen conflict: Saudi-led coalition targeting civilians, UN says
The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi rebel movement in Yemen has targeted civilians with air strikes in a 'widespread and systematic' manner, a leaked UN report says.
Iraq's Mosul dam could face catastrophic collapse - top US general
The US military has a contingency plan to deal with a potential collapse of Mosul dam in northern Iraq which would be catastrophic, the top US general in Iraq said on Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel's electrical grid attacked in massive cyber attack
As Israelis cranked up their heaters during the current cold snap, the Public Utility Authority was attacked by one of the largest cyber assaults that the country has experienced, Minister of Infrastructure, Energy and Water Yuval Steinitz said on Tuesday.
Settlers tell Netanyahu: Block Palestinian media broadcasts
Yesha Council head Avi Roeh on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling on him, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan to block official Palestinian media broadcasts.
Obama Administration Orders Labeling of Israeli Goods
A memo issued earlier this month by the Obama administration directs the U.S. 'trade community' and government partner agencies to explicitly label Israeli-made goods that have been produced in the West Bank.
Inside the United States
Satanists to give prayer at city council meeting
Members of a satanic group are set to give the prayer at an upcoming meeting of the Phoenix City Council, triggering a debate about religious freedom and whether such a display is appropriate for the venue.
FBI releases video of fatal Oregon occupier shooting
The FBI released video footage Thursday night that shows an officer-involved shooting of a man who had been part of a federal land occupy movement near Burns, Ore.
Officials confirm at least 6 cases of Zika in US residents
At least six U.S. residents have tested positive for the Zika virus, with officials in New York, Arkansas and Virginia confirming cases in each state.a
U.S. Politics
Cruz, Rubio tensions flare at Trump-less GOP debate
Tensions between Republican presidential hopefuls Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio erupted over immigration and more Thursday night during the Fox News/Google debate, as the campaigns tried to put aside their battles with front-runner Donald Trump -- "the elephant not in the room” who chose to boycott -- and focus on the issues, and their Democratic rivals.
Analysis: Sanders' $13.6 trillion tax hike would cost 6 million jobs
Bernie Sanders' ambitious plans to raise revenues for new government programs would increase taxes by $13.6 trillion and cost the economy 6 million jobs by slowing growth, according to a new analysis released Thursday.
Trump says Fox apologized, Fox says Trump sought $5M donation
Donald Trump said someone from Fox News called him and apologized to him for riling him up and prompting him to blow off Thursday night's Republican debate, but said by then, it was too late to return to the debate.
Rubio talks up faith in Iowa appeal
Marco Rubio denied he is the savior of the Republican Party at the Iowa GOP debate Thursday, but took every opportunity to emphasize his Christian faith.
Christian News
Turkish textbooks encourage intolerance
Theoretically, Turkey allows non-Muslims to be exempted from compulsory religious education if their religion is on record with the state. But parents have complained that some schools have refused to allow their children to be exempted.