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
US Announces New Sanctions Against Syria
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Wednesday the latest round of U.S. sanctions against Syria, tightening pressure on President Bashar al-Assad and his government, amid concerns the war-torn country’s population will suffer.
Turkey Eyes Libyan Bases for Lasting Military Foothold, Source Says
Turkey and Libya’s internationally recognized government are discussing possible Turkish use of two military bases in the North African country, a Turkish source said on June 15, with a view to a lasting Turkish presence in the south Mediterranean.
Hezbollah: US sanctions will “starve” Syria and Lebanon
The leader of Lebanese terror group Hezbollah said Tuesday that new US sanctions are intended to “starve” both Syria and Lebanon, the Times of Israel (ToI) reports.
North Korea Deploys Troops Amid Increasing Tensions with South Korea
A day after destroying an inter-Korean liaison office, North Korea continued to increase tensions with South Korea Wednesday, when Pyongyang announced it was sending troops to the Kaesong Industrial Zone and to Mt. Kumgang, both areas that had once been the sites of joint economic ventures between the two countries, UPI reported. The move follows two weeks of Pyongyang making angry threats against Seoul because Northern defectors have been sending balloons with information leaflets over the border.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu's new idea: Sovereignty in 2 stages
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told various officials over the past few days that he is considering a two-stage plan to implement Israel's declaration of sovereignty in the Jordan Valley parts of Judea and Samaria.
Boris Johnson: Israel’s planned annexation breaches international law
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday that Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank would “amount to a breach of international law.”
Archaeologists briefly pause Jerusalem dig in fear of damage to ancient road
The Israel Antiquities Authority briefly halted an underground excavation in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem due to fears of a structural collapse in the area, according to a Monday report in Haaretz. According to the report the authority made the decision after finding out the land around the dig was sinking.
Inside the United States
Republican U.S. Senator Scott unveils police reforms, Democrats push for broader changes
U.S. Senate Republicans unveiled a law enforcement reform bill on Wednesday as a rival to more sweeping Democratic legislation, as Congress sought to curb racial discrimination and police abuses three weeks after the death of George Floyd.
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to review Keystone Pipeline ruling
The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a federal judge’s decision and grant a permit to allow the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline to continue.
Supreme Court decision ignites religious liberty battle
Justice Neil Gorsuch’s majority opinion in Bostock v. Clayton County, a Supreme Court decision extending employment protections to gay and transgender people, kicks off a new religious liberty battle.
Christian News
U.S. State Park Bans Blind Woman For Evangelism
Authorities in the U.S. state of Rhode Island have banned a blind woman from a public park and library for speaking about her faith in Christ, her lawyers confirmed Wednesday.
UK Parliamentary Report Warns of Christian Genocide in Nigeria
Thousands of Christians in Nigeria have been murdered by Muslim militants in recent years, and now a UK parliamentary report has warned of an "unfolding genocide" in the African state, Christian Today reports. The UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG-FoRB) said in its report that armed Muslim Fulani herdsmen have caused “untold human and economic devastation” for Christian farming communities.
US Announces New Sanctions Against Syria
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Wednesday the latest round of U.S. sanctions against Syria, tightening pressure on President Bashar al-Assad and his government, amid concerns the war-torn country’s population will suffer.
Turkey Eyes Libyan Bases for Lasting Military Foothold, Source Says
Turkey and Libya’s internationally recognized government are discussing possible Turkish use of two military bases in the North African country, a Turkish source said on June 15, with a view to a lasting Turkish presence in the south Mediterranean.
Hezbollah: US sanctions will “starve” Syria and Lebanon
The leader of Lebanese terror group Hezbollah said Tuesday that new US sanctions are intended to “starve” both Syria and Lebanon, the Times of Israel (ToI) reports.
North Korea Deploys Troops Amid Increasing Tensions with South Korea
A day after destroying an inter-Korean liaison office, North Korea continued to increase tensions with South Korea Wednesday, when Pyongyang announced it was sending troops to the Kaesong Industrial Zone and to Mt. Kumgang, both areas that had once been the sites of joint economic ventures between the two countries, UPI reported. The move follows two weeks of Pyongyang making angry threats against Seoul because Northern defectors have been sending balloons with information leaflets over the border.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu's new idea: Sovereignty in 2 stages
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told various officials over the past few days that he is considering a two-stage plan to implement Israel's declaration of sovereignty in the Jordan Valley parts of Judea and Samaria.
Boris Johnson: Israel’s planned annexation breaches international law
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday that Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank would “amount to a breach of international law.”
Archaeologists briefly pause Jerusalem dig in fear of damage to ancient road
The Israel Antiquities Authority briefly halted an underground excavation in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem due to fears of a structural collapse in the area, according to a Monday report in Haaretz. According to the report the authority made the decision after finding out the land around the dig was sinking.
Inside the United States
Republican U.S. Senator Scott unveils police reforms, Democrats push for broader changes
U.S. Senate Republicans unveiled a law enforcement reform bill on Wednesday as a rival to more sweeping Democratic legislation, as Congress sought to curb racial discrimination and police abuses three weeks after the death of George Floyd.
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to review Keystone Pipeline ruling
The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a federal judge’s decision and grant a permit to allow the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline to continue.
Supreme Court decision ignites religious liberty battle
Justice Neil Gorsuch’s majority opinion in Bostock v. Clayton County, a Supreme Court decision extending employment protections to gay and transgender people, kicks off a new religious liberty battle.
Christian News
U.S. State Park Bans Blind Woman For Evangelism
Authorities in the U.S. state of Rhode Island have banned a blind woman from a public park and library for speaking about her faith in Christ, her lawyers confirmed Wednesday.
UK Parliamentary Report Warns of Christian Genocide in Nigeria
Thousands of Christians in Nigeria have been murdered by Muslim militants in recent years, and now a UK parliamentary report has warned of an "unfolding genocide" in the African state, Christian Today reports. The UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG-FoRB) said in its report that armed Muslim Fulani herdsmen have caused “untold human and economic devastation” for Christian farming communities.
Around the World
US Condemns Russia’s 16-Year Sentence for Alleged American Spy
The United States has condemned Russia for sentencing an ex-marine to 16 years in a high-security prison for spying, charges he vehemently denies.
White Silence’ in Budapest As Hungarians Mourn Virus And Policy Victims
Hungarians dressed in white have braved pouring rain to mourn those who died of the government’s coronavirus measures and COVID-19 patients who passed away. Their ‘White Silence’ rally in Budapest was, at times, interrupted by the tolling of small church bells on top of two ladders.
Scientists made 1 small edit to human embryos. It had a lot of unintended consequences.
A human embryo editing experiment gone wrong has scientists warning against treading into the field altogether.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel’s Pangea offers digital health ‘passport’ to ease travel amid pandemic
Israeli firm Pangea, a maker of smart digital ID cards and border control software, is hoping to use its know-how to help airports reopen during the coronavirus pandemic to jumpstart travel and tourism.
Knesset approves coronavirus-era emergency powers bill
The Knesset approved in second and third reading on Tuesday night the novel coronavirus-era emergency powers bill, the emergency powers will come into effect on Wednesday at 6 a.m. There were ten MKs present during the readings, Army radio reported on Tuesday night.
US Democrats push letter to unify party behind anti-annexation message to Israel
House Democrats have put together a letter that they hope will unite their entire caucus in warning Israel against annexation of part of the West Bank.
Israel Builds New Road Linking Jewish Settlements in West Bank to Jerusalem
Israel has started construction of a major ring road that will connect Jewish settlements in the West Bank to Jerusalem, Reuters reported exclusively Monday. Israeli officials say the road will ease traffic congestion and will benefit Palestinian West Bank residents as well as Israelis. Palestinians have criticized the road as a hindrance to making East Jerusalem the capital of a future state and for cutting Palestinian neighborhoods off from each other.
Inside the United States
Record Gain in U.S. Retail Sales Offers Hope of Faster Recovery
American consumers are getting their groove back as a record surge in May retail sales offered some hope of a quicker recovery from the pandemic-induced recession.
Trump Signs Executive Order Banning Police Use of Chokeholds
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday banning the use of chokeholds by police except when an officer’s life is at risk.
Trump is reportedly considering a new $1 trillion infrastructure stimulus plan to boost the US economy
US President Donald Trump is considering an infrastructure plan worth $1 trillion to help revive the economy from the fallout of coronavirus and push ahead with his longstanding goal of spending big on US infrastructure, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.
Poll Shows Many US Voters Think a Second Civil War is Likely
A new poll has found that 34% of US voters believe a second American civil war is likely, CNS News reported Monday.
Christian News
Boston: Prayer event organized by former New England Patriot Ben Watson
Over 1,000 people attended a prayer event organized by former NFL New England Patriot Ben Watson this weekend, CBN News reported. Named “Boston Pray,” the event was a call to prayer to seek God for spiritual change in regard to racism.
US Condemns Russia’s 16-Year Sentence for Alleged American Spy
The United States has condemned Russia for sentencing an ex-marine to 16 years in a high-security prison for spying, charges he vehemently denies.
White Silence’ in Budapest As Hungarians Mourn Virus And Policy Victims
Hungarians dressed in white have braved pouring rain to mourn those who died of the government’s coronavirus measures and COVID-19 patients who passed away. Their ‘White Silence’ rally in Budapest was, at times, interrupted by the tolling of small church bells on top of two ladders.
Scientists made 1 small edit to human embryos. It had a lot of unintended consequences.
A human embryo editing experiment gone wrong has scientists warning against treading into the field altogether.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel’s Pangea offers digital health ‘passport’ to ease travel amid pandemic
Israeli firm Pangea, a maker of smart digital ID cards and border control software, is hoping to use its know-how to help airports reopen during the coronavirus pandemic to jumpstart travel and tourism.
Knesset approves coronavirus-era emergency powers bill
The Knesset approved in second and third reading on Tuesday night the novel coronavirus-era emergency powers bill, the emergency powers will come into effect on Wednesday at 6 a.m. There were ten MKs present during the readings, Army radio reported on Tuesday night.
US Democrats push letter to unify party behind anti-annexation message to Israel
House Democrats have put together a letter that they hope will unite their entire caucus in warning Israel against annexation of part of the West Bank.
Israel Builds New Road Linking Jewish Settlements in West Bank to Jerusalem
Israel has started construction of a major ring road that will connect Jewish settlements in the West Bank to Jerusalem, Reuters reported exclusively Monday. Israeli officials say the road will ease traffic congestion and will benefit Palestinian West Bank residents as well as Israelis. Palestinians have criticized the road as a hindrance to making East Jerusalem the capital of a future state and for cutting Palestinian neighborhoods off from each other.
Inside the United States
Record Gain in U.S. Retail Sales Offers Hope of Faster Recovery
American consumers are getting their groove back as a record surge in May retail sales offered some hope of a quicker recovery from the pandemic-induced recession.
Trump Signs Executive Order Banning Police Use of Chokeholds
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday banning the use of chokeholds by police except when an officer’s life is at risk.
Trump is reportedly considering a new $1 trillion infrastructure stimulus plan to boost the US economy
US President Donald Trump is considering an infrastructure plan worth $1 trillion to help revive the economy from the fallout of coronavirus and push ahead with his longstanding goal of spending big on US infrastructure, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.
Poll Shows Many US Voters Think a Second Civil War is Likely
A new poll has found that 34% of US voters believe a second American civil war is likely, CNS News reported Monday.
Christian News
Boston: Prayer event organized by former New England Patriot Ben Watson
Over 1,000 people attended a prayer event organized by former NFL New England Patriot Ben Watson this weekend, CBN News reported. Named “Boston Pray,” the event was a call to prayer to seek God for spiritual change in regard to racism.
Around the World
Egypt: Ethiopia Rejecting ‘Fundamental Issues’ on Nile Dam
Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia on June 14 said talks would continue later this week to resolve their dispute over a Nile River dam that Ethiopia is constructing, even as Cairo accused Addis Ababa of rejecting “fundamental issues” at the heart of the negotiations.
With a bit of oomph, Brexit deal feasible in July, says UK's Johnson
Leaders from Britain and the European Union agreed on Monday that talks on their future relationship should be stepped up to clinch a deal, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggesting an agreement could be reached in July with “a bit of oomph”.
Europe's Reopens Borders But Concerns Remain Over Pandemic
Borders reopened across Europe on Monday after three months of coronavirus lockdowns. But many restrictions persist and remain unclear how willing Europeans will be to travel this summer.
Russia and Turkey cancel talks on Libya and Syria
Russia and Turkey have postponed scheduled talks about their respective and opposing roles in conflicts in Libya and Syria, the Washington Times reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
EU urges US to join new Israeli-Palestinian peace push, rejects Trump plan
European Union foreign ministers on Monday urged the United States to join a new effort to breathe life into long-stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, but they rejected US President Donald Trump’s Middle East plan as the basis for any international process.
Inside the United States
SCOTUS, 6-3: Illegal to Fire Someone ‘Merely for Being Gay or Transgender’
In a 6-3 ruling issued on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court said an employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Supreme Court rejects Second Amendment cases
The Supreme Court declined 10 cases related to gun rights for the term that begins in October.
Trump Administration Removes Transgender Health Discrimination Protections
The US Department of Health published a new rule Friday asserting that protection against “sex discrimination” in health care applies only to people who are biologically male or female. Focussed on Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, the final rule rolls back an Obama-era regulation which had added “gender identity” as grounds under which a person could suffer health care discrimination. Religious and conservative groups have welcomed the rule as protecting freedom of conscience and allowing federally funded medical practitioners and insurance companies to refuse the provision or coverage of transgender treatments. However, human rights groups are concerned the rule will leave trans-Americans without access to standard needed health care that is unrelated to sex change.
Christian News
Florida Rally: "Racism Breaks the Heart of God. Racism Should Break Our Hearts, Too."
Church leaders joined with a crowd of some 400 racially diverse citizens in Lakeland, FL last week for what was called the "One Heart Community & Faith Rally," CBN News reports. Participants prayed together and proclaimed unity against racism following the police killing of George Floyd.
Egypt: Ethiopia Rejecting ‘Fundamental Issues’ on Nile Dam
Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia on June 14 said talks would continue later this week to resolve their dispute over a Nile River dam that Ethiopia is constructing, even as Cairo accused Addis Ababa of rejecting “fundamental issues” at the heart of the negotiations.
With a bit of oomph, Brexit deal feasible in July, says UK's Johnson
Leaders from Britain and the European Union agreed on Monday that talks on their future relationship should be stepped up to clinch a deal, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggesting an agreement could be reached in July with “a bit of oomph”.
Europe's Reopens Borders But Concerns Remain Over Pandemic
Borders reopened across Europe on Monday after three months of coronavirus lockdowns. But many restrictions persist and remain unclear how willing Europeans will be to travel this summer.
Russia and Turkey cancel talks on Libya and Syria
Russia and Turkey have postponed scheduled talks about their respective and opposing roles in conflicts in Libya and Syria, the Washington Times reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
EU urges US to join new Israeli-Palestinian peace push, rejects Trump plan
European Union foreign ministers on Monday urged the United States to join a new effort to breathe life into long-stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, but they rejected US President Donald Trump’s Middle East plan as the basis for any international process.
Inside the United States
SCOTUS, 6-3: Illegal to Fire Someone ‘Merely for Being Gay or Transgender’
In a 6-3 ruling issued on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court said an employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Supreme Court rejects Second Amendment cases
The Supreme Court declined 10 cases related to gun rights for the term that begins in October.
Trump Administration Removes Transgender Health Discrimination Protections
The US Department of Health published a new rule Friday asserting that protection against “sex discrimination” in health care applies only to people who are biologically male or female. Focussed on Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, the final rule rolls back an Obama-era regulation which had added “gender identity” as grounds under which a person could suffer health care discrimination. Religious and conservative groups have welcomed the rule as protecting freedom of conscience and allowing federally funded medical practitioners and insurance companies to refuse the provision or coverage of transgender treatments. However, human rights groups are concerned the rule will leave trans-Americans without access to standard needed health care that is unrelated to sex change.
Christian News
Florida Rally: "Racism Breaks the Heart of God. Racism Should Break Our Hearts, Too."
Church leaders joined with a crowd of some 400 racially diverse citizens in Lakeland, FL last week for what was called the "One Heart Community & Faith Rally," CBN News reports. Participants prayed together and proclaimed unity against racism following the police killing of George Floyd.