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
Saudi Arabia Warns of Economic Fallout if Congress Passes 9/11 Bill
Saudi Arabia has told the Obama administration and members of Congress that it will sell off hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of American assets held by the kingdom if Congress passes a bill that would allow the Saudi government to be held responsible in American courts for any role in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
235 Dead, Over 1,500 Injured After Major 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Ecuador Coast
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck about 9 miles, or 14 kilometers, north-northwest of Pedernales, Ecuador killing at least 235 people. The massive quake struck at about 6:58 p.m. local time Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
EU, Iran pledge deeper ties after high-level EU visit to Tehran
The European Union said on Saturday it would support Iran's bid to join the World Trade Organization but it urged Tehran to refrain from further ballistic missile tests after the highest-level talks with Iran in more than a decade.
Iran aims to buy fighter jets, advanced tanks from Russia
Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan is planning to raise the purchase of warplanes and tanks during an upcoming meeting with his Russian counterpart in Moscow, Iran's semi-official news agency Fars reported Friday, citing Russian media.
Russia denies wrongdoing after jet barrel-rolls over U.S. aircraft
A U.S. Air Force reconnaissance plane was barrel-rolled by a Russian jet over the Baltic Sea during a routine flight in international airspace, U.S. European Command said Saturday, but Russia disputed that account.
Fears strain of 'super gonorrhoea' could spread across UK - and may become untreatable
A strain of 'super-gonorrhoea' could spread across the UK and there is an increasing risk the disease could become untreatable.
Iran Vows to Defend Muslim Nations Against Terrorism, Israel
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday vowed to defend Muslim countries against terrorism and Israel while insisting that its neighbors should not feel threatened.
In crushing defeat, Brazil's Rousseff moves close to impeachment
Brazil's leftist President Dilma Rousseff suffered a humiliating loss in a crucial impeachment vote in the lower house of Congress on Sunday and is almost certain to be forced from office months before the nation hosts the Olympics.
Japan earthquake: tens of thousands flee in fear of aftershocks and volcanoes
Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from earthquake-hit southern Japan as dozens of aftershocks struck and officials monitored nearby volcanoes for signs of activity.
Report: Dozens of Hezbollah militants 'accidentally' killed in chemical attack
Dozens of members of Hezbollah were killed last week in Aleppo in an accidental chemical attack carried out by the Syrian military, diplomatic sources reported to the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida.
Iran parades parts of Russian S-300 missile system in military display
Iran proudly displayed parts of its recently acquired Russian S-300 air defense system Sunday in a military parade celebrating Army Day, Fars news agency reported. The missiles themselves were absent from the display.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PM: UNESCO ignoring historic Jewish ties to Temple Mount
UNESCO, the United Nations body responsible for protecting historical and archaeological sites throughout the world, has changed its language for the Temple Mount, acquiescing last week to a request by the Palestinian Authority that it refer to the site using the term "Al-Aqsa mosque" only.
Hollande: International summit best way to tackle Israeli-Palestinian conflict
French President Francois Hollande said on Friday that an international conference to tackle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was the best way to bring peace, following a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Netanyahu to meet with Putin in Moscow this week
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will fly to Moscow on Thursday for a quick six-hour visit during which he will meet with Russian President Vladmir Putin at the Kremlin.
Netanyahu: Golan Heights will forever remain part of Israel
The Golan Heights will forever remain part of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday, in a signal to Russia and the United States that the strategic plateau should be excluded from any deal on Syria's future.
IDF prepared for all possibilities in south, says senior Likud MK
A senior Likud member of Knesset said Saturday that Hamas was deterred by the last round of fighting with Israel in 2014 but that it is gaining strength.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court to Hear Case of Christian-Owned Pharmacy's Refusal to Sell Abortion-Inducing Drugs
The U.S. Supreme Court in expected to decide Friday whether to hear a potentially groundbreaking case brought against a Christian family who own a pharmacy over their refusal to stock and sell any form of abortion-inducing drugs because of their religious beliefs.
Insurers warn losses from ObamaCare are unsustainable
Health insurance companies are amplifying their warnings about the financial sustainability of the ObamaCare marketplaces as they seek approval for premium increases next year.
U.S. Politics
Ted Cruz wins Wyoming Republican presidential nominating contest
Republican U.S. presidential hopeful Ted Cruz won all 14 delegates at stake on Saturday in Wyoming, besting rival Donald Trump, who made little effort to win the rural state, and further narrowing the gap in the race for the party's nomination.
While the GOP worries about convention chaos, Trump pushes for 'showbiz' feel
The volatility of the Republican presidential race threatens to undermine the party's July convention, putting potential donors on edge, raising security concerns and prompting some GOP politicians, including those in competitive reelection battles, to skip the Cleveland gathering altogether.
Facebook Employees Explore 'Responsibility' to Stop Donald Trump
Facebook employees submit questions weekly to the site's founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, asking repeatedly what the social media company can do to block Donald Trump's presidential bid.
Christian News
Turkey: Evangelist detained, to be deported
In April, Turkey detained an American evangelist and ordered him held for a month with a view to his deportation.
Around the World
Saudi Arabia Warns of Economic Fallout if Congress Passes 9/11 Bill
Saudi Arabia has told the Obama administration and members of Congress that it will sell off hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of American assets held by the kingdom if Congress passes a bill that would allow the Saudi government to be held responsible in American courts for any role in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
235 Dead, Over 1,500 Injured After Major 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Ecuador Coast
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck about 9 miles, or 14 kilometers, north-northwest of Pedernales, Ecuador killing at least 235 people. The massive quake struck at about 6:58 p.m. local time Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
EU, Iran pledge deeper ties after high-level EU visit to Tehran
The European Union said on Saturday it would support Iran's bid to join the World Trade Organization but it urged Tehran to refrain from further ballistic missile tests after the highest-level talks with Iran in more than a decade.
Iran aims to buy fighter jets, advanced tanks from Russia
Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan is planning to raise the purchase of warplanes and tanks during an upcoming meeting with his Russian counterpart in Moscow, Iran's semi-official news agency Fars reported Friday, citing Russian media.
Russia denies wrongdoing after jet barrel-rolls over U.S. aircraft
A U.S. Air Force reconnaissance plane was barrel-rolled by a Russian jet over the Baltic Sea during a routine flight in international airspace, U.S. European Command said Saturday, but Russia disputed that account.
Fears strain of 'super gonorrhoea' could spread across UK - and may become untreatable
A strain of 'super-gonorrhoea' could spread across the UK and there is an increasing risk the disease could become untreatable.
Iran Vows to Defend Muslim Nations Against Terrorism, Israel
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday vowed to defend Muslim countries against terrorism and Israel while insisting that its neighbors should not feel threatened.
In crushing defeat, Brazil's Rousseff moves close to impeachment
Brazil's leftist President Dilma Rousseff suffered a humiliating loss in a crucial impeachment vote in the lower house of Congress on Sunday and is almost certain to be forced from office months before the nation hosts the Olympics.
Japan earthquake: tens of thousands flee in fear of aftershocks and volcanoes
Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from earthquake-hit southern Japan as dozens of aftershocks struck and officials monitored nearby volcanoes for signs of activity.
Report: Dozens of Hezbollah militants 'accidentally' killed in chemical attack
Dozens of members of Hezbollah were killed last week in Aleppo in an accidental chemical attack carried out by the Syrian military, diplomatic sources reported to the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida.
Iran parades parts of Russian S-300 missile system in military display
Iran proudly displayed parts of its recently acquired Russian S-300 air defense system Sunday in a military parade celebrating Army Day, Fars news agency reported. The missiles themselves were absent from the display.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PM: UNESCO ignoring historic Jewish ties to Temple Mount
UNESCO, the United Nations body responsible for protecting historical and archaeological sites throughout the world, has changed its language for the Temple Mount, acquiescing last week to a request by the Palestinian Authority that it refer to the site using the term "Al-Aqsa mosque" only.
Hollande: International summit best way to tackle Israeli-Palestinian conflict
French President Francois Hollande said on Friday that an international conference to tackle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was the best way to bring peace, following a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Netanyahu to meet with Putin in Moscow this week
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will fly to Moscow on Thursday for a quick six-hour visit during which he will meet with Russian President Vladmir Putin at the Kremlin.
Netanyahu: Golan Heights will forever remain part of Israel
The Golan Heights will forever remain part of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday, in a signal to Russia and the United States that the strategic plateau should be excluded from any deal on Syria's future.
IDF prepared for all possibilities in south, says senior Likud MK
A senior Likud member of Knesset said Saturday that Hamas was deterred by the last round of fighting with Israel in 2014 but that it is gaining strength.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court to Hear Case of Christian-Owned Pharmacy's Refusal to Sell Abortion-Inducing Drugs
The U.S. Supreme Court in expected to decide Friday whether to hear a potentially groundbreaking case brought against a Christian family who own a pharmacy over their refusal to stock and sell any form of abortion-inducing drugs because of their religious beliefs.
Insurers warn losses from ObamaCare are unsustainable
Health insurance companies are amplifying their warnings about the financial sustainability of the ObamaCare marketplaces as they seek approval for premium increases next year.
U.S. Politics
Ted Cruz wins Wyoming Republican presidential nominating contest
Republican U.S. presidential hopeful Ted Cruz won all 14 delegates at stake on Saturday in Wyoming, besting rival Donald Trump, who made little effort to win the rural state, and further narrowing the gap in the race for the party's nomination.
While the GOP worries about convention chaos, Trump pushes for 'showbiz' feel
The volatility of the Republican presidential race threatens to undermine the party's July convention, putting potential donors on edge, raising security concerns and prompting some GOP politicians, including those in competitive reelection battles, to skip the Cleveland gathering altogether.
Facebook Employees Explore 'Responsibility' to Stop Donald Trump
Facebook employees submit questions weekly to the site's founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, asking repeatedly what the social media company can do to block Donald Trump's presidential bid.
Christian News
Turkey: Evangelist detained, to be deported
In April, Turkey detained an American evangelist and ordered him held for a month with a view to his deportation.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Iranian General visits Moscow for talks with Putin, defying UN travel ban
Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani has flown to Moscow for talks with Russia's military and political leadership, three sources with knowledge of his trip said on Friday. Soleimani's trip defies the UN Security Council travel ban, which was imposed on Soleimani and other Iranian officials in 2007 due to concerns about their ties to Tehran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Aftershocks, widespread damage after deadly Japan earthquake
Aftershocks rattled communities in southern Japan as businesses and residents got a fuller look Friday at the widespread damage from an unusually strong overnight earthquake that killed nine people and injured about 800.
US says it detected and tracked a failed North Korean missile launch
The US military detected and tracked what it has assessed was a failed North Korean missile launch, a Defense Department spokesman said on Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Obama Admin Open to U.N. Measures Focused on Israel
The Obama administration says it "will carefully consider" what are expected to be a series of United Nations Security Council Resolutions aimed at Israel in the coming months, generating accusations in Congress that Washington is preparing to abandon Israel at the U.N., according to State Department officials and congressional sources apprised of the measure.
Child poverty in Israel among worst in developed nations: UNICEF
Child poverty in Israel is among the highest in the world's most developed countries, surpassing Mexico and Chile, according to a report published by the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday.
As Hamas grows stronger in Gaza, IDF prepares for future conflict
Hamas has quickly learned the lessons of the 2014 Operation Protective Edge and has been hard at work recovering its strength, a high-ranked IDF officer said Thursday. However, the Gaza terror organization has yet to restore its rockets arsenal to the same quantity and quality as before the war, it is hindered by a shortage in supply of arms and raw materials, and suffers from increasing tensions between its military and political branches.
Inside the United States
DARPA is investigating self-mutating vaccines to take down viruses
How do you begin to deal with viruses that mutate quicker than we can provide vaccines or antivirals? DARPA, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, thinks the solution may be playing the enemy at its own game, and making vaccines that reproduce and evolve faster than the viruses they target.
US Military's Satellite-Launching XS-1 Space Plane Could Fly in 2019
The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is now entering the second and third phases of its ambitious Experimental Spaceplane (XS-1) program, which aims to make launching satellites a daily occurrence.
Report: Terrorist's iPhone turned out to be useless
The iPhone at the center of the months-long battle between Apple and the FBI contained nothing of interest, according to a recent report.
Gay rights movement 'emboldened' by marriage ruling targets religious liberty
Professor John C. Eastman, founding director of the Claremont Institute's Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence, said the Supreme Court opened a Pandora's box in June when it struck down all laws nationwide defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
Federal judge calls IRS untrustworthy in tea party case
A federal judge said the IRS isn't to be trusted as he and his colleagues tried Thursday to figure out whether the tax agency is still targeting tea party groups for intrusive and illegal scrutiny.
U.S. Politics
Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders trade blows in contentious Democratic debate
With the crucial New York primary just days away, Sen. Bernard Sanders and Hillary Clinton engaged in a brutal, tough-talking debate fitting of the Empire State on Thursday night.
Poll: One-in-three GOP voters would support a Trump independent run
A poll released Thursday finds that one out of every three Republican primary voters supports a third-party presidential run from Donald Trump if he is denied the GOP nomination at a brokered convention.
Clinton and Sanders Have Extended Exchange Over Differences on Israel
Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) had a lengthy exchange over their differing opinions on the U.S.-Israeli relationship at Thursday night's debate.
Fox News Poll: Trump widens lead in GOP race, Clinton-Sanders tightens
Donald Trump jumps to an 18-point lead over Ted Cruz this week with record high support for the Republican nomination.
Donald Trump's favorite Bible verse is one Jesus specifically repudiated
Donald Trump was asked about his favorite Bible verse in a Thursday radio interview, and he responded by citing an Old Testament law that Jesus specifically repudiated.
Christian News
Syria: Damage, destruction to churches
After the April liberation of an ancient Syrian town from the Islamic State's control, many of its churches and Christian buildings were found to have been destroyed, or badly damaged.
Anne Graham Lotz: God Is Hiding From America, His Anger and Judgment Are Coming
Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of famous evangelist Billy Graham, has warned that God might be purposefully hiding himself from America in preparation for a coming judgment on the nation.
Around the World
Iranian General visits Moscow for talks with Putin, defying UN travel ban
Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani has flown to Moscow for talks with Russia's military and political leadership, three sources with knowledge of his trip said on Friday. Soleimani's trip defies the UN Security Council travel ban, which was imposed on Soleimani and other Iranian officials in 2007 due to concerns about their ties to Tehran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Aftershocks, widespread damage after deadly Japan earthquake
Aftershocks rattled communities in southern Japan as businesses and residents got a fuller look Friday at the widespread damage from an unusually strong overnight earthquake that killed nine people and injured about 800.
US says it detected and tracked a failed North Korean missile launch
The US military detected and tracked what it has assessed was a failed North Korean missile launch, a Defense Department spokesman said on Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Obama Admin Open to U.N. Measures Focused on Israel
The Obama administration says it "will carefully consider" what are expected to be a series of United Nations Security Council Resolutions aimed at Israel in the coming months, generating accusations in Congress that Washington is preparing to abandon Israel at the U.N., according to State Department officials and congressional sources apprised of the measure.
Child poverty in Israel among worst in developed nations: UNICEF
Child poverty in Israel is among the highest in the world's most developed countries, surpassing Mexico and Chile, according to a report published by the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday.
As Hamas grows stronger in Gaza, IDF prepares for future conflict
Hamas has quickly learned the lessons of the 2014 Operation Protective Edge and has been hard at work recovering its strength, a high-ranked IDF officer said Thursday. However, the Gaza terror organization has yet to restore its rockets arsenal to the same quantity and quality as before the war, it is hindered by a shortage in supply of arms and raw materials, and suffers from increasing tensions between its military and political branches.
Inside the United States
DARPA is investigating self-mutating vaccines to take down viruses
How do you begin to deal with viruses that mutate quicker than we can provide vaccines or antivirals? DARPA, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, thinks the solution may be playing the enemy at its own game, and making vaccines that reproduce and evolve faster than the viruses they target.
US Military's Satellite-Launching XS-1 Space Plane Could Fly in 2019
The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is now entering the second and third phases of its ambitious Experimental Spaceplane (XS-1) program, which aims to make launching satellites a daily occurrence.
Report: Terrorist's iPhone turned out to be useless
The iPhone at the center of the months-long battle between Apple and the FBI contained nothing of interest, according to a recent report.
Gay rights movement 'emboldened' by marriage ruling targets religious liberty
Professor John C. Eastman, founding director of the Claremont Institute's Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence, said the Supreme Court opened a Pandora's box in June when it struck down all laws nationwide defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
Federal judge calls IRS untrustworthy in tea party case
A federal judge said the IRS isn't to be trusted as he and his colleagues tried Thursday to figure out whether the tax agency is still targeting tea party groups for intrusive and illegal scrutiny.
U.S. Politics
Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders trade blows in contentious Democratic debate
With the crucial New York primary just days away, Sen. Bernard Sanders and Hillary Clinton engaged in a brutal, tough-talking debate fitting of the Empire State on Thursday night.
Poll: One-in-three GOP voters would support a Trump independent run
A poll released Thursday finds that one out of every three Republican primary voters supports a third-party presidential run from Donald Trump if he is denied the GOP nomination at a brokered convention.
Clinton and Sanders Have Extended Exchange Over Differences on Israel
Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) had a lengthy exchange over their differing opinions on the U.S.-Israeli relationship at Thursday night's debate.
Fox News Poll: Trump widens lead in GOP race, Clinton-Sanders tightens
Donald Trump jumps to an 18-point lead over Ted Cruz this week with record high support for the Republican nomination.
Donald Trump's favorite Bible verse is one Jesus specifically repudiated
Donald Trump was asked about his favorite Bible verse in a Thursday radio interview, and he responded by citing an Old Testament law that Jesus specifically repudiated.
Christian News
Syria: Damage, destruction to churches
After the April liberation of an ancient Syrian town from the Islamic State's control, many of its churches and Christian buildings were found to have been destroyed, or badly damaged.
Anne Graham Lotz: God Is Hiding From America, His Anger and Judgment Are Coming
Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of famous evangelist Billy Graham, has warned that God might be purposefully hiding himself from America in preparation for a coming judgment on the nation.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Iran Blocking Congressional Access to Country, Nuke Sites
Leading members of Congress have petitioned Iranian officials to grant them entry to the country ahead of a major speech by a top Iranian diplomat scheduled to take place Friday in Washington, D.C., according to documents obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
Panama raids offices of Mossack Fonseca law firm
Panama's attorney general late on Tuesday raided the offices of the Mossack Fonseca law firm to search for any evidence of illegal activities, authorities said in a statement.
Italy's Parliament Votes Yes On Historic Constitutional Reform
Lawmakers in Italy have signed off on a constitutional reform program intended to stabilize the country's volatile system of government, which has historically been marked by high rates of turnover and consequent economic problems.
Islamic State numbers lowest in 2 years
The number of Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq is lower than at any time in the past two years, Deputy US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a US Senate hearing on Tuesday.
U.S. Military Campaign Takes Toll on ISIS' Cash Flow
American airstrikes have killed 25,000 Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria and incinerated millions of dollars plundered by the militants, according to Pentagon officials.
U.S. military says using cyber capabilities against Islamic State
The U.S. military is dropping cyber bombs on Islamic State for the first time as part of a stepped-up coordinated effort that has put increasing pressure on the militant group, Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work said on Tuesday.
Soros: European Union in mortal danger
Billionaire financier George Soros has warned that the European Union is in mortal danger of collapse if it doesn't agree a massive cash injection to fix the refugee crisis.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
As Palestinians head back to the UN, cause for concern in Israel
Unlike last time Israel faced a hostile resolution at the United Nations Security Council, in December 2014, this time there is virtually no chance that it will fail to garner the required majority.
Former IDF Chief of Staff pushes PA peace deal
Israel should attempt to make a peace deal with the Palestinian Authority (PA), Former IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz stated Tuesday night, or else it will remain 'stuck.'
Inside the United States
$1.48 Trillion: Government Collects Record-High Taxes in First Half of FY 2016
Inflation-adjusted federal tax revenues hit a record $1.48 trillion for the first half of fiscal year 2016, but the federal government still ran a $461 billion deficit during that time, according to the latest monthly Treasury Department statement.
Obama rejects Supreme Court's contraception trade-off
The administration shot down the Supreme Court's effort to forge a compromise on Obamacare's contraceptive mandate, saying Tuesday that the justices' alternative proposal would set up too many hurdles for the government and insurers.
Feds resume sharing seized drug money after police quit cooperating on raids
The Department of Justice tried to make local law enforcement go cold turkey on drug money seizures but now has given in to demand for the program.
White House won't commit to declassifying secret 9/11 report
Ahead of President Obama's trip to Saudi Arabia next week, the White House sidestepped questions Tuesday about whether the president supports declassifying 28 pages omitted from a joint commission's report on the 9/11 terrorist attacks that reportedly implicate the Saudis.
Plans to Erect Temple of Baal Arch in NYC and London Cancelled
Plans to erect replicas of the Temple of Baal arch in New York City and London have been cancelled, according to Charisma News.
North Carolina governor clarifies language in controversial bathroom bill
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory on Tuesday issued a clarification to a law prohibiting people from using the public facilities of the opposite sex, saying he had listened to feedback from constituents and was taking action to affirm and improve the state's commitment to privacy and equality.
U.S. Politics
Ryan on 2016 bid: 'Count me out'
Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) on Tuesday sought to slam the door on a presidential run in 2016, declaring that he will not accept the Republican nomination under any circumstances.
Christian News
Malaysia: Christian has 'Islam' removed from ID card
A Malaysian Christian raised in a family of Muslims has finally been permitted to have "Islam" removed from his identity card.
Egyptian court rules it's illegal to demolish churches
A court in Alexandria has blocked the demolition of a church, thereby setting a landmark legal precedent for every city in Egypt.
Pakistan's Schoolbooks Deliver 'Public Shaming' to Christians
Textbooks in Pakistan's public schools have become more antagonistic toward Christians and other religious minorities in the past five years, a new report says.
Islamists Close Indonesian Church Weeks after it Opened
An Islamist group in Indonesia has, in front of a local police commander, sealed off a brand new church, torn down its sign and demanded that the local mayor cancel its permit. The Santa Clara Church in Bekasi, a heavily-populated commuter city to the east of the capital, Jakarta, only opened on 7 March.
Biblical clue: Were key texts written earlier than previously thought?
Archaeologists and mathematicians in Israel have unearthed evidence that could suggest key biblical texts were composed earlier than previously thought.
Around the World
Iran Blocking Congressional Access to Country, Nuke Sites
Leading members of Congress have petitioned Iranian officials to grant them entry to the country ahead of a major speech by a top Iranian diplomat scheduled to take place Friday in Washington, D.C., according to documents obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
Panama raids offices of Mossack Fonseca law firm
Panama's attorney general late on Tuesday raided the offices of the Mossack Fonseca law firm to search for any evidence of illegal activities, authorities said in a statement.
Italy's Parliament Votes Yes On Historic Constitutional Reform
Lawmakers in Italy have signed off on a constitutional reform program intended to stabilize the country's volatile system of government, which has historically been marked by high rates of turnover and consequent economic problems.
Islamic State numbers lowest in 2 years
The number of Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq is lower than at any time in the past two years, Deputy US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a US Senate hearing on Tuesday.
U.S. Military Campaign Takes Toll on ISIS' Cash Flow
American airstrikes have killed 25,000 Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria and incinerated millions of dollars plundered by the militants, according to Pentagon officials.
U.S. military says using cyber capabilities against Islamic State
The U.S. military is dropping cyber bombs on Islamic State for the first time as part of a stepped-up coordinated effort that has put increasing pressure on the militant group, Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work said on Tuesday.
Soros: European Union in mortal danger
Billionaire financier George Soros has warned that the European Union is in mortal danger of collapse if it doesn't agree a massive cash injection to fix the refugee crisis.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
As Palestinians head back to the UN, cause for concern in Israel
Unlike last time Israel faced a hostile resolution at the United Nations Security Council, in December 2014, this time there is virtually no chance that it will fail to garner the required majority.
Former IDF Chief of Staff pushes PA peace deal
Israel should attempt to make a peace deal with the Palestinian Authority (PA), Former IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz stated Tuesday night, or else it will remain 'stuck.'
Inside the United States
$1.48 Trillion: Government Collects Record-High Taxes in First Half of FY 2016
Inflation-adjusted federal tax revenues hit a record $1.48 trillion for the first half of fiscal year 2016, but the federal government still ran a $461 billion deficit during that time, according to the latest monthly Treasury Department statement.
Obama rejects Supreme Court's contraception trade-off
The administration shot down the Supreme Court's effort to forge a compromise on Obamacare's contraceptive mandate, saying Tuesday that the justices' alternative proposal would set up too many hurdles for the government and insurers.
Feds resume sharing seized drug money after police quit cooperating on raids
The Department of Justice tried to make local law enforcement go cold turkey on drug money seizures but now has given in to demand for the program.
White House won't commit to declassifying secret 9/11 report
Ahead of President Obama's trip to Saudi Arabia next week, the White House sidestepped questions Tuesday about whether the president supports declassifying 28 pages omitted from a joint commission's report on the 9/11 terrorist attacks that reportedly implicate the Saudis.
Plans to Erect Temple of Baal Arch in NYC and London Cancelled
Plans to erect replicas of the Temple of Baal arch in New York City and London have been cancelled, according to Charisma News.
North Carolina governor clarifies language in controversial bathroom bill
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory on Tuesday issued a clarification to a law prohibiting people from using the public facilities of the opposite sex, saying he had listened to feedback from constituents and was taking action to affirm and improve the state's commitment to privacy and equality.
U.S. Politics
Ryan on 2016 bid: 'Count me out'
Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) on Tuesday sought to slam the door on a presidential run in 2016, declaring that he will not accept the Republican nomination under any circumstances.
Christian News
Malaysia: Christian has 'Islam' removed from ID card
A Malaysian Christian raised in a family of Muslims has finally been permitted to have "Islam" removed from his identity card.
Egyptian court rules it's illegal to demolish churches
A court in Alexandria has blocked the demolition of a church, thereby setting a landmark legal precedent for every city in Egypt.
Pakistan's Schoolbooks Deliver 'Public Shaming' to Christians
Textbooks in Pakistan's public schools have become more antagonistic toward Christians and other religious minorities in the past five years, a new report says.
Islamists Close Indonesian Church Weeks after it Opened
An Islamist group in Indonesia has, in front of a local police commander, sealed off a brand new church, torn down its sign and demanded that the local mayor cancel its permit. The Santa Clara Church in Bekasi, a heavily-populated commuter city to the east of the capital, Jakarta, only opened on 7 March.
Biblical clue: Were key texts written earlier than previously thought?
Archaeologists and mathematicians in Israel have unearthed evidence that could suggest key biblical texts were composed earlier than previously thought.