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
EU, Canada sign free trade deal but battle not over
The European Union and Canada signed a free trade agreement on Sunday that aims to generate jobs and growth though it must still clear some 40 national and regional parliaments in Europe in the coming years to enter fully into force.
Italy earthquake leaves thousands homeless
Thousands of people have been left temporarily homeless after Italy's most powerful earthquake in 36 years.
Pope tweets for Christian unity on eve of Sweden visit
Pope Francis hopes that his upcoming visit to Sweden on the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation will help in uniting Christians.
Rio shifts to the right as evangelist becomes mayor
Rio de Janeiro overwhelmingly voted for an evangelical bishop as a mayor, as corruption scandals and ongoing investigations against dozens of government officials have resulted in a resurgence of conservatism in the Latin American country.
Russia loses seat on UN Human Rights Council by just 2 votes
For years, UN countries seeking to stop Russia from assisting the Assad regime militarily in Syria have been blocked by Moscow's veto power as a permanent UN Security Council member. But on Friday at the UN, opponents of Russia's punishing assaults in Syria achieved a small symbolic victory.
Russian, US jets had near miss over Syria: US officials
A Russian fighter flew dangerously close to a US warplane over eastern Syria, US defence officials said Friday, highlighting the risks of a serious mishap in the increasingly crowded airspace.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russian PM to discuss Israel-PA peace
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is scheduled to visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) on November 9 with the aim of advancing the peace negotiations between the sides, i24news reported Sunday, citing a report on the PA’s official television station.
Ancient Muslim inscription proves Jewish ties to Temple Mount
A 1,000-year-old early Muslim inscription provides yet more crucial proof of Jewish ties to the Temple Mount and Jerusalem.
Porn filter bill passes first vote
The Ministerial Committee for Legislation voted Sunday to promote a law initiated by MK Shuli Mualem-Rafaeli, (Bayit Yehudi), which would require internet service providers to filter out inappropriate content by default, unless their individual clients request otherwise.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court to hear Virginia transgender restroom case
After months of speculation, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Friday that it will hear a Virginia case involving the fight over restroom access between a school district and a transgender teenager.
Agents Accuse Feds of Covering Up Record Border Detainee Numbers for 2016 Election
A record number of illegal aliens have crossed the U.S.- Mexico border and are in U.S. Border Patrol custody in Texas' Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV), according to the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC). Border Patrol Agent and NBPC President Brandon Judd spoke exclusively with Breitbart Texas and condemned the leadership of the Border Patrol's parent agency, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), for allegedly 'keeping this information secret' ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
FBI obtains warrant to review newly discovered emails related to Clinton investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has permission to sort through hundreds of thousands of emails on a computer belonging to the husband of one of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's top aides because some of them may relate to a now-closed investigation into Clinton's private email server.
U.S. Politics
FBI reopens Clinton investigation after more emails found
The FBI has told lawmakers that it has found more emails from Hillary Clinton's private email server.
Tracking Poll: Trump behind 1 percent, Clinton hurt by FBI bombshell
The gap between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton has shrunk to 1 percent, according to the latest results of a daily ABC News/Washington Post tracking poll released Sunday.
FBI obtains warrant to review emails linked to Huma Abedin
Federal authorities have obtained a warrant to review a tranche of newly-discovered emails that could be related to the previously-closed investigation of Hillary Clinton' handling of classified information, an official familiar with the matter said Sunday.
FBI discovered Clinton-related emails weeks ago
The FBI stumbled upon a trove of emails from one of Hillary Clinton's top aides weeks ago, law enforcement officials told CNN Sunday.
House Speaker Ryan Pressured by Conservatives, Trump Backers
House Speaker Paul Ryan is under fire from fellow Republicans upset with his messy political divorce from Donald Trump, with some threatening an effort to oust him.
Most routes to 270 electoral votes blocked for Trump, needs last-ditch surge
The race for president reaches its final mile next week amid October surprises, but on the road to the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House, Hillary Clinton still has several ways to find her way to Washington.
Christian News
Christian Persecution Rising as 75 Percent of World's Population Lacks Religious Freedom
Persecution of Christians is getting worse as up to 75 percent of the world's population now lives without religious freedom, European Union's special envoy Jan Figel said, marking the International Freedom of Religion or Belief Day this week.
Cuban Pastor on House Arrest for Worshipping Too Loud
A pastor was sentenced to one year of house arrest by a Cuban civil court for hosting loud worship services.
At Least 1,131 Christians Martyred by ISIS in Middle East: Many Killed in Front of Their Families
A report submitted to the State Department earlier this year documented that between 2003 and June 9, 2014, at least 1,131 Christians - identified by name and place of death - had been murdered by the radical Muslims that comprise the Islamic State, also known as ISIS.
Iraqi Christians, scarred by Islamic State's cruelty, doubt they will return to Mosul
When the militants swept into the city two years ago, Christians were ordered to convert, pay a tax or die. As the Islamic State pushed beyond the city, onto the plains of Nineveh, its advance scattered the rich patchwork of religious and ethnic minorities -- Yazidis and Assyrians, Kurds and Shabaks -- that made the area a microcosm of diverse Iraq and a place unlike perhaps any in the world.
Around the World
EU, Canada sign free trade deal but battle not over
The European Union and Canada signed a free trade agreement on Sunday that aims to generate jobs and growth though it must still clear some 40 national and regional parliaments in Europe in the coming years to enter fully into force.
Italy earthquake leaves thousands homeless
Thousands of people have been left temporarily homeless after Italy's most powerful earthquake in 36 years.
Pope tweets for Christian unity on eve of Sweden visit
Pope Francis hopes that his upcoming visit to Sweden on the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation will help in uniting Christians.
Rio shifts to the right as evangelist becomes mayor
Rio de Janeiro overwhelmingly voted for an evangelical bishop as a mayor, as corruption scandals and ongoing investigations against dozens of government officials have resulted in a resurgence of conservatism in the Latin American country.
Russia loses seat on UN Human Rights Council by just 2 votes
For years, UN countries seeking to stop Russia from assisting the Assad regime militarily in Syria have been blocked by Moscow's veto power as a permanent UN Security Council member. But on Friday at the UN, opponents of Russia's punishing assaults in Syria achieved a small symbolic victory.
Russian, US jets had near miss over Syria: US officials
A Russian fighter flew dangerously close to a US warplane over eastern Syria, US defence officials said Friday, highlighting the risks of a serious mishap in the increasingly crowded airspace.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russian PM to discuss Israel-PA peace
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is scheduled to visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) on November 9 with the aim of advancing the peace negotiations between the sides, i24news reported Sunday, citing a report on the PA’s official television station.
Ancient Muslim inscription proves Jewish ties to Temple Mount
A 1,000-year-old early Muslim inscription provides yet more crucial proof of Jewish ties to the Temple Mount and Jerusalem.
Porn filter bill passes first vote
The Ministerial Committee for Legislation voted Sunday to promote a law initiated by MK Shuli Mualem-Rafaeli, (Bayit Yehudi), which would require internet service providers to filter out inappropriate content by default, unless their individual clients request otherwise.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court to hear Virginia transgender restroom case
After months of speculation, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Friday that it will hear a Virginia case involving the fight over restroom access between a school district and a transgender teenager.
Agents Accuse Feds of Covering Up Record Border Detainee Numbers for 2016 Election
A record number of illegal aliens have crossed the U.S.- Mexico border and are in U.S. Border Patrol custody in Texas' Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV), according to the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC). Border Patrol Agent and NBPC President Brandon Judd spoke exclusively with Breitbart Texas and condemned the leadership of the Border Patrol's parent agency, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), for allegedly 'keeping this information secret' ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
FBI obtains warrant to review newly discovered emails related to Clinton investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has permission to sort through hundreds of thousands of emails on a computer belonging to the husband of one of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's top aides because some of them may relate to a now-closed investigation into Clinton's private email server.
U.S. Politics
FBI reopens Clinton investigation after more emails found
The FBI has told lawmakers that it has found more emails from Hillary Clinton's private email server.
Tracking Poll: Trump behind 1 percent, Clinton hurt by FBI bombshell
The gap between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton has shrunk to 1 percent, according to the latest results of a daily ABC News/Washington Post tracking poll released Sunday.
FBI obtains warrant to review emails linked to Huma Abedin
Federal authorities have obtained a warrant to review a tranche of newly-discovered emails that could be related to the previously-closed investigation of Hillary Clinton' handling of classified information, an official familiar with the matter said Sunday.
FBI discovered Clinton-related emails weeks ago
The FBI stumbled upon a trove of emails from one of Hillary Clinton's top aides weeks ago, law enforcement officials told CNN Sunday.
House Speaker Ryan Pressured by Conservatives, Trump Backers
House Speaker Paul Ryan is under fire from fellow Republicans upset with his messy political divorce from Donald Trump, with some threatening an effort to oust him.
Most routes to 270 electoral votes blocked for Trump, needs last-ditch surge
The race for president reaches its final mile next week amid October surprises, but on the road to the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House, Hillary Clinton still has several ways to find her way to Washington.
Christian News
Christian Persecution Rising as 75 Percent of World's Population Lacks Religious Freedom
Persecution of Christians is getting worse as up to 75 percent of the world's population now lives without religious freedom, European Union's special envoy Jan Figel said, marking the International Freedom of Religion or Belief Day this week.
Cuban Pastor on House Arrest for Worshipping Too Loud
A pastor was sentenced to one year of house arrest by a Cuban civil court for hosting loud worship services.
At Least 1,131 Christians Martyred by ISIS in Middle East: Many Killed in Front of Their Families
A report submitted to the State Department earlier this year documented that between 2003 and June 9, 2014, at least 1,131 Christians - identified by name and place of death - had been murdered by the radical Muslims that comprise the Islamic State, also known as ISIS.
Iraqi Christians, scarred by Islamic State's cruelty, doubt they will return to Mosul
When the militants swept into the city two years ago, Christians were ordered to convert, pay a tax or die. As the Islamic State pushed beyond the city, onto the plains of Nineveh, its advance scattered the rich patchwork of religious and ethnic minorities -- Yazidis and Assyrians, Kurds and Shabaks -- that made the area a microcosm of diverse Iraq and a place unlike perhaps any in the world.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Russia warships: Kuznetsov battle group 'refuels off North Africa'
A group of warships including Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, is reportedly refuelling at sea off North Africa en route to Syria.
NATO seeks to manage Russia's new military deployments
President Vladimir Putin's high-profile military deployments aim to showcase Russian power in any global confrontation with the West, NATO officials say, but the alliance will not seek to match Moscow's actions.
Plan to battle ISIS creates uneasy alliance that has US working with Iran
The Americans don't trust the Iranians, the Iranians covet Iraq, the Sunnis and Shia have been at each other's throats for 1,000 years and the Kurds prefer to be left alone.
Russia 'unconvinced' by UN investigation on use of chemical weapons in Syria
On Thursday Russia dismissed the findings of a joint UN-Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) report concluding the Syrian government used chemical weapons on its own people.
UN votes to launch talks on nuclear weapons ban
A UN General Assembly committee on Thursday voted to launch negotiations on a new treaty banning nuclear weapons despite fierce opposition from the world's nuclear powers.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump tells Jerusalem rally he'll 'make Israel, US safe again'
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump told a Republican event in Jerusalem on Wednesday that he will work to make 'America and Israel safe again.'
Israel says ancient papyrus supports its claim to Jerusalem
Israeli archaeologists have made public a fragment of an ancient text which they say is the earliest Hebrew reference to Jerusalem outside the Bible - a discovery the government swiftly enlisted as evidence of the Jewish connection to the holy city.
Christ's Burial Place Exposed for First Time in Centuries
For the first time in centuries, scientists have exposed the original surface of what is traditionally considered the tomb of Jesus Christ. Located in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, the tomb has been covered by marble cladding since at least 1555 A.D., and most likely centuries earlier.
Inside the United States
Dozens arrested in $300M India-based IRS fraud scheme
The Department of Justice on Thursday indicted 61 people and entities for alleged involvement in a $300 million fraud scheme in which India-based scammers impersonated Internal Revenue Service agents.
White House Scolds Americans: It's 'Pretty Simple,' Sign Up for Obamacare or Pay Significant Fine
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Thursday there was a 'pretty simple' choice for Americans regarding the Obamacare individual mandate: Sign up for health insurance or pay Uncle Sam a $700 fine.
U.S. Politics
Trump raises about half as much as Clinton in campaign's final weeks, finance reports show
Donald Trump raised about half as much as Hillary Clinton for his presidential campaign in the first 19 days of October, putting him at a severe financial disadvantage in the crucial final days of the White House contest, new campaign finance reports filed late Thursday show.
Trump blasts 'dirty polls' after rigged election claims
After weeks of claiming the 2016 presidential election is rigged in Hillary Clinton's favor, Donald Trump said on Thursday that national and state polls conducted by media outlets and nonpartisan groups are also perverted to help the Democratic nominee.
Plane carrying VP candidate Pence skids off NY runway, no injuries
A plane carrying U.S. Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence skidded off the runway after landing in the rain at New York City's LaGuardia Airport on Thursday, halting flights for at least an hour, officials said.
3 Things to Look for on Election Day Ballot: Marijuana, Religion, and Suicide (Part 1)
Choosing the future president of the United States of America is not the only decision voters across the nation will find themselves voting on come November 8.
3 More Things to Look for on Election Day Ballot: Casinos, Sex, Death Penalty (Part 2)
Choosing the future president of the United States of America is not the only decision voters across the nation will find themselves voting on come November 8.
AP-GfK poll: Most voters believe media biased against Trump
Donald Trump repeatedly rages that the media is biased against him, putting claims of press prejudice at the center of his campaign for president. Most voters -- and not just those who are backing the Republican nominee -- agree with him, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll.
Christian News
Judge Rules Iowa Churches Are Not Subject to Government Control
A federal judge in Iowa has ruled that churches are not 'public accommodations' and therefore not subject to government control.
Around the World
Russia warships: Kuznetsov battle group 'refuels off North Africa'
A group of warships including Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, is reportedly refuelling at sea off North Africa en route to Syria.
NATO seeks to manage Russia's new military deployments
President Vladimir Putin's high-profile military deployments aim to showcase Russian power in any global confrontation with the West, NATO officials say, but the alliance will not seek to match Moscow's actions.
Plan to battle ISIS creates uneasy alliance that has US working with Iran
The Americans don't trust the Iranians, the Iranians covet Iraq, the Sunnis and Shia have been at each other's throats for 1,000 years and the Kurds prefer to be left alone.
Russia 'unconvinced' by UN investigation on use of chemical weapons in Syria
On Thursday Russia dismissed the findings of a joint UN-Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) report concluding the Syrian government used chemical weapons on its own people.
UN votes to launch talks on nuclear weapons ban
A UN General Assembly committee on Thursday voted to launch negotiations on a new treaty banning nuclear weapons despite fierce opposition from the world's nuclear powers.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump tells Jerusalem rally he'll 'make Israel, US safe again'
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump told a Republican event in Jerusalem on Wednesday that he will work to make 'America and Israel safe again.'
Israel says ancient papyrus supports its claim to Jerusalem
Israeli archaeologists have made public a fragment of an ancient text which they say is the earliest Hebrew reference to Jerusalem outside the Bible - a discovery the government swiftly enlisted as evidence of the Jewish connection to the holy city.
Christ's Burial Place Exposed for First Time in Centuries
For the first time in centuries, scientists have exposed the original surface of what is traditionally considered the tomb of Jesus Christ. Located in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, the tomb has been covered by marble cladding since at least 1555 A.D., and most likely centuries earlier.
Inside the United States
Dozens arrested in $300M India-based IRS fraud scheme
The Department of Justice on Thursday indicted 61 people and entities for alleged involvement in a $300 million fraud scheme in which India-based scammers impersonated Internal Revenue Service agents.
White House Scolds Americans: It's 'Pretty Simple,' Sign Up for Obamacare or Pay Significant Fine
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Thursday there was a 'pretty simple' choice for Americans regarding the Obamacare individual mandate: Sign up for health insurance or pay Uncle Sam a $700 fine.
U.S. Politics
Trump raises about half as much as Clinton in campaign's final weeks, finance reports show
Donald Trump raised about half as much as Hillary Clinton for his presidential campaign in the first 19 days of October, putting him at a severe financial disadvantage in the crucial final days of the White House contest, new campaign finance reports filed late Thursday show.
Trump blasts 'dirty polls' after rigged election claims
After weeks of claiming the 2016 presidential election is rigged in Hillary Clinton's favor, Donald Trump said on Thursday that national and state polls conducted by media outlets and nonpartisan groups are also perverted to help the Democratic nominee.
Plane carrying VP candidate Pence skids off NY runway, no injuries
A plane carrying U.S. Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence skidded off the runway after landing in the rain at New York City's LaGuardia Airport on Thursday, halting flights for at least an hour, officials said.
3 Things to Look for on Election Day Ballot: Marijuana, Religion, and Suicide (Part 1)
Choosing the future president of the United States of America is not the only decision voters across the nation will find themselves voting on come November 8.
3 More Things to Look for on Election Day Ballot: Casinos, Sex, Death Penalty (Part 2)
Choosing the future president of the United States of America is not the only decision voters across the nation will find themselves voting on come November 8.
AP-GfK poll: Most voters believe media biased against Trump
Donald Trump repeatedly rages that the media is biased against him, putting claims of press prejudice at the center of his campaign for president. Most voters -- and not just those who are backing the Republican nominee -- agree with him, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll.
Christian News
Judge Rules Iowa Churches Are Not Subject to Government Control
A federal judge in Iowa has ruled that churches are not 'public accommodations' and therefore not subject to government control.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Britain, U.S. sending planes, troops to deter Russia in the east
Britain said on Wednesday it will send fighter jets to Romania next year and the United States promised troops, tanks and artillery to Poland in NATO's biggest military build-up on Russia's borders since the Cold War.
Russian unveils ‘Satan 2’ missile, capable of wiping out area the size of France
Russian president Vladimir Putin now has a little “devil” on his shoulder that is capable of destroying a geographic area the size of France — the RS-28 Sarmat "Satan 2" rocket.
Hillary Clinton's proposed no-fly zone in Syria would spark 'disaster', former pilots say
Hillary Clinton's plan to establish a no-fly zone over Syria would 'be a disaster' that could lead to a military confrontation with Russia, retired U.S. military pilots said.
U.S. says two top al Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan targeted in strikes
The United States carried out strikes in Afghanistan on Sunday targeting two of al Qaeda's most senior leaders in the country, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.
Future of TV could be pills that make people hallucinate television shows, Netflix boss says
The future of TV might everyone taking hallucinogenic drugs, according to the head of Netflix.
World wildlife 'falls by 58% in 40 years'
Global wildlife populations have fallen by 58% since 1970, a report says.
Central Italy hit by 6.4 magnitude quake, tremor felt in Rome
An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 struck 68 km east of the central Italian city of Perugia at 1918 GMT on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey said, the second of the evening whose tremors were felt as far away as the capital Rome.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Pope Francis: 'God promised the land to the people of Israel'
God promised the Holy Land to the people of Israel, Pope Francis said during a public address at the Vatican in Rome on Wednesday in a speech about migration.
2,700-year-old papyrus provides earliest ex-biblical reference to Jerusalem
Israel's antiquities authority on Wednesday revealed the discovery of a 2,700-year-old papyrus manuscript that is now the earliest non-biblical source to mention Jerusalem in Hebrew writing.
Flash flood fears as first rainstorm expected to lash Israel
The first rain of the new year fell very early Thursday morning and is expected to continue throughout the weekend as a storm system moves through the country, leading to fears of flash floods in dry desert areas.
Inside the United States
New Study Shows HIV Epidemic Started Spreading in New York in 1970
A new genetic study confirms theories that the global epidemic of HIV and AIDS started in New York around 1970, and it also clears the name of a gay flight attendant long vilified as being 'Patient Zero.'
Justice Clarence Thomas: Nation's capital is 'broken'
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas lamented Wednesday that the nation's capital is 'broken' and its institutions of government are being destroyed by an inability to debate issues with civility.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio charged with contempt of court, faces 6 months in jail
A federal judge has approved contempt of court charges against Sheriff Joe Arpaio, officially threatening 'America's toughest sheriff' with six months in jail.
U.S. Politics
Fox News Poll: Clinton leads Trump by three points
With less than two weeks to go, the race for the White House has narrowed as Hillary Clinton now has a three-point advantage over Donald Trump.
Democrats ask judge to sanction Republicans over Trump
The Democratic National Committee on Wednesday asked a U.S. judge to hold the Republican National Committee in contempt of court over allegations that Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to intimidate minority voters.
Christian News
Georgia Demands Pastor Surrender Sermons After Filing Federal Religious Discrimination Claim
A Seventh-day Adventist lay minister who says he was fired by Georgia's Department of Public Health after officials were assigned to watch and review the content of his sermons, says he will not comply with the state's request that he hand over his sermons for review by state attorneys.
Nigerian Middle Belt State: 800+ Christians Killed, 800+ Injured, 100+ Churches Destroyed
The Nigerian Middle Belt is the scene of ever-continuing attacks on Christian farmers by mainly Muslim Hausa-Fulani herdsmen, including this past week where attacks have occurred in both Kaduna and Benue States. Now a recent report about another state in the Middle Belt, Nasarawa, shows that it too has been the scene of serious violence against Christians. In the period January 2013 - May 2016, 826 Christians were killed and 878 injured. There were 102 churches destroyed or damaged.
Around the World
Britain, U.S. sending planes, troops to deter Russia in the east
Britain said on Wednesday it will send fighter jets to Romania next year and the United States promised troops, tanks and artillery to Poland in NATO's biggest military build-up on Russia's borders since the Cold War.
Russian unveils ‘Satan 2’ missile, capable of wiping out area the size of France
Russian president Vladimir Putin now has a little “devil” on his shoulder that is capable of destroying a geographic area the size of France — the RS-28 Sarmat "Satan 2" rocket.
Hillary Clinton's proposed no-fly zone in Syria would spark 'disaster', former pilots say
Hillary Clinton's plan to establish a no-fly zone over Syria would 'be a disaster' that could lead to a military confrontation with Russia, retired U.S. military pilots said.
U.S. says two top al Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan targeted in strikes
The United States carried out strikes in Afghanistan on Sunday targeting two of al Qaeda's most senior leaders in the country, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.
Future of TV could be pills that make people hallucinate television shows, Netflix boss says
The future of TV might everyone taking hallucinogenic drugs, according to the head of Netflix.
World wildlife 'falls by 58% in 40 years'
Global wildlife populations have fallen by 58% since 1970, a report says.
Central Italy hit by 6.4 magnitude quake, tremor felt in Rome
An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 struck 68 km east of the central Italian city of Perugia at 1918 GMT on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey said, the second of the evening whose tremors were felt as far away as the capital Rome.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Pope Francis: 'God promised the land to the people of Israel'
God promised the Holy Land to the people of Israel, Pope Francis said during a public address at the Vatican in Rome on Wednesday in a speech about migration.
2,700-year-old papyrus provides earliest ex-biblical reference to Jerusalem
Israel's antiquities authority on Wednesday revealed the discovery of a 2,700-year-old papyrus manuscript that is now the earliest non-biblical source to mention Jerusalem in Hebrew writing.
Flash flood fears as first rainstorm expected to lash Israel
The first rain of the new year fell very early Thursday morning and is expected to continue throughout the weekend as a storm system moves through the country, leading to fears of flash floods in dry desert areas.
Inside the United States
New Study Shows HIV Epidemic Started Spreading in New York in 1970
A new genetic study confirms theories that the global epidemic of HIV and AIDS started in New York around 1970, and it also clears the name of a gay flight attendant long vilified as being 'Patient Zero.'
Justice Clarence Thomas: Nation's capital is 'broken'
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas lamented Wednesday that the nation's capital is 'broken' and its institutions of government are being destroyed by an inability to debate issues with civility.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio charged with contempt of court, faces 6 months in jail
A federal judge has approved contempt of court charges against Sheriff Joe Arpaio, officially threatening 'America's toughest sheriff' with six months in jail.
U.S. Politics
Fox News Poll: Clinton leads Trump by three points
With less than two weeks to go, the race for the White House has narrowed as Hillary Clinton now has a three-point advantage over Donald Trump.
Democrats ask judge to sanction Republicans over Trump
The Democratic National Committee on Wednesday asked a U.S. judge to hold the Republican National Committee in contempt of court over allegations that Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to intimidate minority voters.
Christian News
Georgia Demands Pastor Surrender Sermons After Filing Federal Religious Discrimination Claim
A Seventh-day Adventist lay minister who says he was fired by Georgia's Department of Public Health after officials were assigned to watch and review the content of his sermons, says he will not comply with the state's request that he hand over his sermons for review by state attorneys.
Nigerian Middle Belt State: 800+ Christians Killed, 800+ Injured, 100+ Churches Destroyed
The Nigerian Middle Belt is the scene of ever-continuing attacks on Christian farmers by mainly Muslim Hausa-Fulani herdsmen, including this past week where attacks have occurred in both Kaduna and Benue States. Now a recent report about another state in the Middle Belt, Nasarawa, shows that it too has been the scene of serious violence against Christians. In the period January 2013 - May 2016, 826 Christians were killed and 878 injured. There were 102 churches destroyed or damaged.