Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
U.S. cuts high-tech sales to China to protest Hong Kong crackdown
The Trump administration said it was now blocking transfers of sensitive U.S. technology to Hong Kong after China on Tuesday formally put in place a harsh new national security law on the former British territory.
US envoy: Military action against Iranian nuclear program ‘always on the table’
The Trump administration’s envoy for Iran said Tuesday that the White House was willing to take military action against Tehran to prevent the regime from acquiring nuclear weapons.
India Tests New COVID-19 Vaccine on Humans in July
Bharat Biotech is now approved for human trials, and slated to start human vaccine testing for COVID-19 in July. It will be India's first domestic pharmaceutical candidate to receive the go-ahead from the government's drug regulator as cases are sky-rocketing in the 1.3 billion population.
Doubts Over Hungary‘s Support For Persecuted Christians
Hungary’s right-wing government has come under pressure amid reports that it spends more on anti-migration propaganda than on support for persecuted Christians.
EU extends sanctions on Russia
The European Union has decided to extend sanctions it imposed on Russia in 2014 following Russian military action against Ukraine. The decision to extend the economic measures was made by the Council of the European Union on June 29.
Pentagon lists twenty top companies as owned or backed by Chinese military
The US Defense Department has published a list of twenty major companies, including Huawei, that it has determined are owned or backed by the Chinese military, BBC News reported Thursday. A result of this determination, the US may apply new sanctions against the companies listed.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian factions call for 'day of rage' to foil annexation
Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip have called for a “day of popular rage” on Wednesday to protest Israel’s plan to apply its sovereignty to parts of the West Bank.
Israeli Archaeologists Find Ancient Artifacts from the Time of Ezra, Nehemiah
The Israel Antiquities Authority on Tuesday announced that it has uncovered remnants from Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court strikes down state ban on public aid to religious schools
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that religious schools can qualify for a state tax credit program even when the state constitution explicitly bans public aid to religious entities.
Senate passes extension of application deadline for PPP small-business loans
The Senate on Tuesday cleared legislation to extend the deadline for businesses to apply for coronavirus aid under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which will expire at the end of Tuesday.
Supreme Court limits First Amendment rights of US companies’ foreign affiliates
The US Supreme Court ruled 5-3 Monday that requiring foreign groups to have explicit policies opposing prostitution and sex trafficking in order to receive federal funds applies to US companies’ foreign affiliates because they do not possess First Amendment rights.
Amid Coronavirus Cases Rising, Fatalities at Lowest Level in Months, Pence Emphasizes
Amid continuing concern among members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force he leads, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is emphasizing the positives.
Almost half the US population was unemployed in May 2020
Almost half the US population was jobless last month, CNBC reported Monday. According to the Bureau of Labor data for May 2020, the number of employed people as a percentage of the US adult population was 52.8% last month, meaning 47.2% of Americans had no job. The figures for June will be published on Thursday this week.
U.S. cuts high-tech sales to China to protest Hong Kong crackdown
The Trump administration said it was now blocking transfers of sensitive U.S. technology to Hong Kong after China on Tuesday formally put in place a harsh new national security law on the former British territory.
US envoy: Military action against Iranian nuclear program ‘always on the table’
The Trump administration’s envoy for Iran said Tuesday that the White House was willing to take military action against Tehran to prevent the regime from acquiring nuclear weapons.
India Tests New COVID-19 Vaccine on Humans in July
Bharat Biotech is now approved for human trials, and slated to start human vaccine testing for COVID-19 in July. It will be India's first domestic pharmaceutical candidate to receive the go-ahead from the government's drug regulator as cases are sky-rocketing in the 1.3 billion population.
Doubts Over Hungary‘s Support For Persecuted Christians
Hungary’s right-wing government has come under pressure amid reports that it spends more on anti-migration propaganda than on support for persecuted Christians.
EU extends sanctions on Russia
The European Union has decided to extend sanctions it imposed on Russia in 2014 following Russian military action against Ukraine. The decision to extend the economic measures was made by the Council of the European Union on June 29.
Pentagon lists twenty top companies as owned or backed by Chinese military
The US Defense Department has published a list of twenty major companies, including Huawei, that it has determined are owned or backed by the Chinese military, BBC News reported Thursday. A result of this determination, the US may apply new sanctions against the companies listed.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian factions call for 'day of rage' to foil annexation
Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip have called for a “day of popular rage” on Wednesday to protest Israel’s plan to apply its sovereignty to parts of the West Bank.
Israeli Archaeologists Find Ancient Artifacts from the Time of Ezra, Nehemiah
The Israel Antiquities Authority on Tuesday announced that it has uncovered remnants from Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court strikes down state ban on public aid to religious schools
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that religious schools can qualify for a state tax credit program even when the state constitution explicitly bans public aid to religious entities.
Senate passes extension of application deadline for PPP small-business loans
The Senate on Tuesday cleared legislation to extend the deadline for businesses to apply for coronavirus aid under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which will expire at the end of Tuesday.
Supreme Court limits First Amendment rights of US companies’ foreign affiliates
The US Supreme Court ruled 5-3 Monday that requiring foreign groups to have explicit policies opposing prostitution and sex trafficking in order to receive federal funds applies to US companies’ foreign affiliates because they do not possess First Amendment rights.
Amid Coronavirus Cases Rising, Fatalities at Lowest Level in Months, Pence Emphasizes
Amid continuing concern among members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force he leads, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is emphasizing the positives.
Almost half the US population was unemployed in May 2020
Almost half the US population was jobless last month, CNBC reported Monday. According to the Bureau of Labor data for May 2020, the number of employed people as a percentage of the US adult population was 52.8% last month, meaning 47.2% of Americans had no job. The figures for June will be published on Thursday this week.
Around the World
Locust Swarms Threaten Argentina, Brazil
Argentina and Brazil were on high alert Monday as a giant swarm of locusts began eating its way through crops in the region.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu: Applying Israeli law in Judea and Samaria will advance peace
In a recorded address to the Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Virtual Summit 2020 on Sunday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu touted the application of Israeli law to areas of Judea and Samaria—part of the “Peace to Prosperity” plan unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump in January.
Netanyahu to evangelicals: We have no greater friends
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Christian supporters of Israel in the US on Sunday in a video message during an annual conference of Christians United for Israel, an evangelical organization with millions of members in the United States.
Head of Israeli Satellite Council suspends license of Israeli Messianic TV channel
The head of Israel’s Communication and Satellite Council has accused Israeli Messianic channel Shelanu TV of violating its broadcasting agreement and has suspended its license, CBN News reported Sunday. Council Chairman Asher Biton claimed Shelanu falsely stated an intention to appeal only to Christians when it actually intended to broadcast Christian content to Jewish viewers in Israel. Vigorously denying any attempt to deceive, Shelanu has published its original agreement to prove there was no contractual violation.
Inside the United States
Roberts Joins Court's Liberals in Striking Down Louisiana Abortion Law
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday struck down a Louisiana law requiring abortionists to hold active admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where the abortion is performed.
WH: Over 100 Anarchists Arrested; Over 200 Domestic Terrorism Probes Opened
The DOJ has arrested over 100 people for rioting and destroying property, and the FBI has over 200 domestic terrorism investigations underway, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Monday.
NYC Shootings Top 500 YTD as City Looks to Cut Up to $1 Billion from Police Budget
More than five hundred people have been shot in New York City so far this year, but the city is considering cutting the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) budget by as much as $1 billion.
Christian News
Messianic congregation wins decisive legal victory against anti-missionary organization
After suffering many years of sustained harassment by anti-missionary group Yad l’Achim, the Beit Hallel Messianic congregation in Ashdod has just won a lawsuit against the organization, Kehila News Israel (KNI) reports. In a resounding victory for believers in Israel, a local court issued a restraining order against Yad l’Achim activists that prevents them, among other things, from coming within 100 meters of Beit Hallel property and congregants’ private homes.
US Evangelical Lutherans publish handbook on gender identity to welcome the LGBTQIA+ community to church life
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has published a handbook on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to “affirm God’s love for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities,” the Christian Post reports. The publication is part of an ELCA effort to welcome and include members of the LGBTQIA+ community to all aspects of church life.
Locust Swarms Threaten Argentina, Brazil
Argentina and Brazil were on high alert Monday as a giant swarm of locusts began eating its way through crops in the region.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu: Applying Israeli law in Judea and Samaria will advance peace
In a recorded address to the Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Virtual Summit 2020 on Sunday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu touted the application of Israeli law to areas of Judea and Samaria—part of the “Peace to Prosperity” plan unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump in January.
Netanyahu to evangelicals: We have no greater friends
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Christian supporters of Israel in the US on Sunday in a video message during an annual conference of Christians United for Israel, an evangelical organization with millions of members in the United States.
Head of Israeli Satellite Council suspends license of Israeli Messianic TV channel
The head of Israel’s Communication and Satellite Council has accused Israeli Messianic channel Shelanu TV of violating its broadcasting agreement and has suspended its license, CBN News reported Sunday. Council Chairman Asher Biton claimed Shelanu falsely stated an intention to appeal only to Christians when it actually intended to broadcast Christian content to Jewish viewers in Israel. Vigorously denying any attempt to deceive, Shelanu has published its original agreement to prove there was no contractual violation.
Inside the United States
Roberts Joins Court's Liberals in Striking Down Louisiana Abortion Law
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday struck down a Louisiana law requiring abortionists to hold active admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where the abortion is performed.
WH: Over 100 Anarchists Arrested; Over 200 Domestic Terrorism Probes Opened
The DOJ has arrested over 100 people for rioting and destroying property, and the FBI has over 200 domestic terrorism investigations underway, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Monday.
NYC Shootings Top 500 YTD as City Looks to Cut Up to $1 Billion from Police Budget
More than five hundred people have been shot in New York City so far this year, but the city is considering cutting the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) budget by as much as $1 billion.
Christian News
Messianic congregation wins decisive legal victory against anti-missionary organization
After suffering many years of sustained harassment by anti-missionary group Yad l’Achim, the Beit Hallel Messianic congregation in Ashdod has just won a lawsuit against the organization, Kehila News Israel (KNI) reports. In a resounding victory for believers in Israel, a local court issued a restraining order against Yad l’Achim activists that prevents them, among other things, from coming within 100 meters of Beit Hallel property and congregants’ private homes.
US Evangelical Lutherans publish handbook on gender identity to welcome the LGBTQIA+ community to church life
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has published a handbook on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to “affirm God’s love for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities,” the Christian Post reports. The publication is part of an ELCA effort to welcome and include members of the LGBTQIA+ community to all aspects of church life.
Around the World
Satellite image: Iran blast was near suspected missile site
An explosion that rattled Iran’s capital came from an area in its eastern mountains that analysts believe hides an underground tunnel system and missile production sites, satellite photographs showed Saturday.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan Agree On Controversial Dam To End Water Dispute
Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan want a deal next month on filling Ethiopia's giant new hydroelectric dam to end a decade-long dispute over water supplies. Their accord on the Blue Nile river dam announced over the weekend followed mediation by the African Union (AU), the cooperative body of 55 member states on the African continent.
Poland's President Facing Liberal Challenge In Sunday Poll
Poland's right-wing president, Andrzej Duda, was seeking a second five-year term in an election amid controversy. Sunday's poll was seen as a test whether voters share his plans of implementing a conservative agenda. His policies include judicial reforms that the European Union claims undermine democracy.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
9 Iran-backed fighters killed in 2nd raid in Syria in 24 hours — monitor
Airstrikes targeting positions of Iran-backed militias in eastern Syria killed nine fighters on Sunday in the second such raid in 24 hours, a war monitor said.
Israel War Planes Struck Targets In Gaza Strip Ahead Of "Annexation"
Tensions remained high Sunday after two Israeli warplanes struck targets in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military said it was a response to two rockets fired at Israeli territory from the coastal enclave, Worthy News learned.
Israel and United Arab Emirates to cooperate on COVID-19
Israel and the United Arab Emirates are set to join forces in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jerusalem Post reports. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the partnership in a statement on Thursday, saying the decision to cooperate had come after months of intense negotiation.
Inside the United States
Trump signs executive order protecting federal monuments
President Donald Trump on Friday said he signed an executive order protecting U.S. monuments like those toppled in recent weeks for having connections to racism or slavery.
Trump Administration Urges Supreme Court to Scrap Obamacare in Full
The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to strike down the Affordable Care Act in its entirety in a new legal brief filed late Thursday night.
Trump’s Use of Military Funds for US-Mexico Border Wall Illegal, Federal Court Rules
A federal appeals court in California on Friday ruled that the Trump administration’s use of Pentagon funding to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border was illegal.
House passes bill to make Washington DC the 51st state
House Democrats passed a bill Friday to make Washington, D.C., the 51st U.S. state, a historic move unlikely to gain traction in the Republican-held Senate.
New York Leadership Ordered To End' Church Discrimination'
More devoted Christians could legally worship in the U.S. State of New York on Sunday after a federal judge told Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to stop discriminating churches while allowing "black lives matter" protests against police abuse.
Gun Permits Up 500% and Sales Skyrocket Amid Chicago Protests
As protests continue in Chicago, applications for Illinois firearms permits have been up 501% from June 1 to June 17 compared to 2019, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Satellite image: Iran blast was near suspected missile site
An explosion that rattled Iran’s capital came from an area in its eastern mountains that analysts believe hides an underground tunnel system and missile production sites, satellite photographs showed Saturday.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan Agree On Controversial Dam To End Water Dispute
Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan want a deal next month on filling Ethiopia's giant new hydroelectric dam to end a decade-long dispute over water supplies. Their accord on the Blue Nile river dam announced over the weekend followed mediation by the African Union (AU), the cooperative body of 55 member states on the African continent.
Poland's President Facing Liberal Challenge In Sunday Poll
Poland's right-wing president, Andrzej Duda, was seeking a second five-year term in an election amid controversy. Sunday's poll was seen as a test whether voters share his plans of implementing a conservative agenda. His policies include judicial reforms that the European Union claims undermine democracy.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
9 Iran-backed fighters killed in 2nd raid in Syria in 24 hours — monitor
Airstrikes targeting positions of Iran-backed militias in eastern Syria killed nine fighters on Sunday in the second such raid in 24 hours, a war monitor said.
Israel War Planes Struck Targets In Gaza Strip Ahead Of "Annexation"
Tensions remained high Sunday after two Israeli warplanes struck targets in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military said it was a response to two rockets fired at Israeli territory from the coastal enclave, Worthy News learned.
Israel and United Arab Emirates to cooperate on COVID-19
Israel and the United Arab Emirates are set to join forces in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jerusalem Post reports. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the partnership in a statement on Thursday, saying the decision to cooperate had come after months of intense negotiation.
Inside the United States
Trump signs executive order protecting federal monuments
President Donald Trump on Friday said he signed an executive order protecting U.S. monuments like those toppled in recent weeks for having connections to racism or slavery.
Trump Administration Urges Supreme Court to Scrap Obamacare in Full
The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to strike down the Affordable Care Act in its entirety in a new legal brief filed late Thursday night.
Trump’s Use of Military Funds for US-Mexico Border Wall Illegal, Federal Court Rules
A federal appeals court in California on Friday ruled that the Trump administration’s use of Pentagon funding to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border was illegal.
House passes bill to make Washington DC the 51st state
House Democrats passed a bill Friday to make Washington, D.C., the 51st U.S. state, a historic move unlikely to gain traction in the Republican-held Senate.
New York Leadership Ordered To End' Church Discrimination'
More devoted Christians could legally worship in the U.S. State of New York on Sunday after a federal judge told Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to stop discriminating churches while allowing "black lives matter" protests against police abuse.
Gun Permits Up 500% and Sales Skyrocket Amid Chicago Protests
As protests continue in Chicago, applications for Illinois firearms permits have been up 501% from June 1 to June 17 compared to 2019, according to the Chicago Tribune.