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
Iran fires ballistic missiles from underground for 1st time, during major drill
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched underground ballistic missiles for the first time, as part of an exercise involving a mock-up aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz, state television reported Wednesday.
Russia and China in Talks About Building a Joint Moon Research Base
Looking to strengthen its space cooperation with China amid heightened geopolitical tensions with the United States, Russia is in talks with Beijing about the possibility of building a joint lunar research base.
Concerns Growing Over Press Crackdown in Hungary
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has urged the European Union to help end an alleged government crackdown on independent media in Hungary.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and Pompeo say Trump peace plan remains on the table but give no timeline for Israeli annexation plans
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s peace plan was still on the table, although neither leader gave any indication as to when Israel would extend sovereignty to those parts of the West Bank the plan provides for, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Inside the United States
U.S. is expected to report a record-breaking economic plunge
Having endured what was surely a record-shattering slump last quarter, the U.S. economy faces a dim outlook as a resurgent coronavirus intensifies doubts about any sustained recovery the rest of the year.
US Federal Agents Agree to Leave Portland, With Conditions
The U.S. government says it will withdraw the federal tactical teams that have clashed with protesters in Portland, Oregon, beginning Thursday provided they are confident of an end to the violence and vandalism that have accompanied weeks of protests in the Pacific Coast city.
Coalition of 18 states petition US Supreme Court to uphold Mississippi 15-week abortion law
Referencing “advances in science” and “brutal” abortion methods, a group of 18 states is petitioning the US Supreme Court to uphold Mississippi’s ban on abortions after 15 weeks’ gestation, Christian Headlines reported Tuesday.
Christian News
China threatens to forcibly take children from Christian families to re-education camps
The International Christian Concern (ICC) non-governmental organization has received a new report that Chinese authorities threatened to send children from a church in Chengdu to re-education camps, Christian Today reports. ICC has previously reported that Chinese authorities had removed children from Christian families on the grounds that they were "trapped by an evil religion."
Iran fires ballistic missiles from underground for 1st time, during major drill
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched underground ballistic missiles for the first time, as part of an exercise involving a mock-up aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz, state television reported Wednesday.
Russia and China in Talks About Building a Joint Moon Research Base
Looking to strengthen its space cooperation with China amid heightened geopolitical tensions with the United States, Russia is in talks with Beijing about the possibility of building a joint lunar research base.
Concerns Growing Over Press Crackdown in Hungary
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has urged the European Union to help end an alleged government crackdown on independent media in Hungary.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and Pompeo say Trump peace plan remains on the table but give no timeline for Israeli annexation plans
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s peace plan was still on the table, although neither leader gave any indication as to when Israel would extend sovereignty to those parts of the West Bank the plan provides for, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Inside the United States
U.S. is expected to report a record-breaking economic plunge
Having endured what was surely a record-shattering slump last quarter, the U.S. economy faces a dim outlook as a resurgent coronavirus intensifies doubts about any sustained recovery the rest of the year.
US Federal Agents Agree to Leave Portland, With Conditions
The U.S. government says it will withdraw the federal tactical teams that have clashed with protesters in Portland, Oregon, beginning Thursday provided they are confident of an end to the violence and vandalism that have accompanied weeks of protests in the Pacific Coast city.
Coalition of 18 states petition US Supreme Court to uphold Mississippi 15-week abortion law
Referencing “advances in science” and “brutal” abortion methods, a group of 18 states is petitioning the US Supreme Court to uphold Mississippi’s ban on abortions after 15 weeks’ gestation, Christian Headlines reported Tuesday.
Christian News
China threatens to forcibly take children from Christian families to re-education camps
The International Christian Concern (ICC) non-governmental organization has received a new report that Chinese authorities threatened to send children from a church in Chengdu to re-education camps, Christian Today reports. ICC has previously reported that Chinese authorities had removed children from Christian families on the grounds that they were "trapped by an evil religion."
Around the World
Saudi Arabia Proposes Political Resolution to Yemeni Government, But No Deal to End Standoff
Saudi Arabia has presented a resolution to implement the stalled Riyadh agreement, the Saudi state news agency said in a statement, but there was no announcement of a deal to end a standoff between nominal allies under a Saudi-led coalition.
Google is working on “smart tattoo” for the human body
Tech giant Google has announced it is developing a smart tattoo that will turn the human body into a touchpad through embedded sensors. The "SkinMarks" project seeks to create the next generation of wearable technological devices, Google reported Monday. The project is partly funded by Google Faculty Research Awards.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel sends reinforcements to north, bracing for imminent attack
The Israel Defense Forces deployed additional reinforcements to the country’s Lebanese and Syrian borders on Tuesday, indicating it was bracing for more violence along the frontiers after an alleged attempted attack by the Hezbollah terror group the day before.
Inside the United States
Protests flare up in Tempe, Ariz., and Austin, Texas - as Portland sees its 61st consecutive night of unrest
The 61st night since the death of George Floyd was marked by clashes between police and demonstrators in Portland, Ore., and Tempe, Ariz., while hundreds more gathered in Austin, Texas, for a vigil honoring an AK-47-wielding Black Lives Matter protester gunned down over the weekend.
Portland protesters support violence despite mainstream media's portrayal: documentarian
For weeks, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and the mainstream media have been downplaying the violence and chaos emanating from the Black Lives Matter protests taking place in front of the city's federal courthouse, documentary filmmaker Ami Horowitz told Fox News, calling it "media malpractice."
Barr: 'Peaceful protesters do not throw explosives into federal courthouses'
Attorney General William Barr defended the federal government’s response to violent riots that have broken out across the country, pushing back against the narrative that the demonstrations have been peaceful.
Barr: 2020 election won't delay report from John Durham
In a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, Attorney General William Barr refused to commit to holding off on releasing a report by U.S. Attorney John Durham until after the 2020 election.
Trump cuts DACA time in half in major rewrite of Obama program
The Trump administration announced a major rewrite of DACA on Tuesday, saying it will keep the program going — for now — but all new applications will be rejected and those renewing their status will be limited to just one year.
More than 100 police agencies pull out of DNC convention
More than 100 police agencies are withdrawing from agreements to send personnel to bolster security at next month’s Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, in part because they’re concerned about a recent directive ordering police in the city to stop using tear gas to control crowds.
Mail-in vote experiment reveals potential problems with postal service
An experiment on the US Postal Service’s ability to handle mail-in-voting for the November election found that 3% of voters may effectively be disenfranchised, CBS News reports. This issue has raised concern as a close call election would require all votes to be counted: many voters are expected to mail-in their ballot because of COVID-19 worries.
Christian News
Third church looks to Supreme Court for protection from state-ordered worship restrictions
A Chicago church on Tuesday announced its intentions to appeal to the Supreme Court, following an unfavorable ruling from an Illinois federal appeals court upholding Gov. J.B. Pritzker's worship ban.
Five aid workers killed by Islamic terrorists in northeast Nigeria
Islamic militants in northeast Nigeria have murdered four aid workers and a security guard after abducting them while they worked for the International Rescue Committee and Action Against Hunger, Reuters reported last week. In a video released by the militants last month, those who died were first shown alive and then shot dead on camera.
Many Christians Killed In New Nigeria Attacks
Christians in northwest Nigeria have plunged into mourning after at least 10 people were killed and 11 seriously injured in a massive attack by suspected Muslim militants, rights activists say.
Saudi Arabia Proposes Political Resolution to Yemeni Government, But No Deal to End Standoff
Saudi Arabia has presented a resolution to implement the stalled Riyadh agreement, the Saudi state news agency said in a statement, but there was no announcement of a deal to end a standoff between nominal allies under a Saudi-led coalition.
Google is working on “smart tattoo” for the human body
Tech giant Google has announced it is developing a smart tattoo that will turn the human body into a touchpad through embedded sensors. The "SkinMarks" project seeks to create the next generation of wearable technological devices, Google reported Monday. The project is partly funded by Google Faculty Research Awards.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel sends reinforcements to north, bracing for imminent attack
The Israel Defense Forces deployed additional reinforcements to the country’s Lebanese and Syrian borders on Tuesday, indicating it was bracing for more violence along the frontiers after an alleged attempted attack by the Hezbollah terror group the day before.
Inside the United States
Protests flare up in Tempe, Ariz., and Austin, Texas - as Portland sees its 61st consecutive night of unrest
The 61st night since the death of George Floyd was marked by clashes between police and demonstrators in Portland, Ore., and Tempe, Ariz., while hundreds more gathered in Austin, Texas, for a vigil honoring an AK-47-wielding Black Lives Matter protester gunned down over the weekend.
Portland protesters support violence despite mainstream media's portrayal: documentarian
For weeks, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and the mainstream media have been downplaying the violence and chaos emanating from the Black Lives Matter protests taking place in front of the city's federal courthouse, documentary filmmaker Ami Horowitz told Fox News, calling it "media malpractice."
Barr: 'Peaceful protesters do not throw explosives into federal courthouses'
Attorney General William Barr defended the federal government’s response to violent riots that have broken out across the country, pushing back against the narrative that the demonstrations have been peaceful.
Barr: 2020 election won't delay report from John Durham
In a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, Attorney General William Barr refused to commit to holding off on releasing a report by U.S. Attorney John Durham until after the 2020 election.
Trump cuts DACA time in half in major rewrite of Obama program
The Trump administration announced a major rewrite of DACA on Tuesday, saying it will keep the program going — for now — but all new applications will be rejected and those renewing their status will be limited to just one year.
More than 100 police agencies pull out of DNC convention
More than 100 police agencies are withdrawing from agreements to send personnel to bolster security at next month’s Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, in part because they’re concerned about a recent directive ordering police in the city to stop using tear gas to control crowds.
Mail-in vote experiment reveals potential problems with postal service
An experiment on the US Postal Service’s ability to handle mail-in-voting for the November election found that 3% of voters may effectively be disenfranchised, CBS News reports. This issue has raised concern as a close call election would require all votes to be counted: many voters are expected to mail-in their ballot because of COVID-19 worries.
Christian News
Third church looks to Supreme Court for protection from state-ordered worship restrictions
A Chicago church on Tuesday announced its intentions to appeal to the Supreme Court, following an unfavorable ruling from an Illinois federal appeals court upholding Gov. J.B. Pritzker's worship ban.
Five aid workers killed by Islamic terrorists in northeast Nigeria
Islamic militants in northeast Nigeria have murdered four aid workers and a security guard after abducting them while they worked for the International Rescue Committee and Action Against Hunger, Reuters reported last week. In a video released by the militants last month, those who died were first shown alive and then shot dead on camera.
Many Christians Killed In New Nigeria Attacks
Christians in northwest Nigeria have plunged into mourning after at least 10 people were killed and 11 seriously injured in a massive attack by suspected Muslim militants, rights activists say.
Around the World
China Shuts Down US Consulate in Retaliatory Move
Chinese officials entered and took control of the U.S. Consulate in the city of Chengdu early on Monday, 72 hours after ordering its closure in retaliation for the U.S. decision to shut China’s consulate in Houston. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had called the mission in Houston a “hub of spying and intellectual property theft."
New poll shows global lack of confidence in government handling of COVID-19
A new survey has shown that citizens around the world are losing confidence in their governments over their handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Yahoo News reports. Publishing their report on Saturday, Kekst CNC communications consultancy said: "In most countries this month, support for national governments is falling." The survey came as officials reported over 280,000 daily new cases worldwide on both Thursday and Friday.
Ukraine, Pro-Russian Rebels Launch Tense Ceasefire
Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists began a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine on Monday as part of efforts to end their six-year conflict.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, Hezbollah trade fire in 'security incident' near Lebanese border
The Israeli military confirmed on Monday there had been a "security incident" on the country's northern border with Lebanon and said its forces were engaged in "ongoing combat" with Hezbollah militants.
Inside the United States
CDC: COVID-Involved Deaths Increased in Weeks Ending July 4 and July 11--But Still 77.5% Below April Peak
After falling for ten straight weeks, COVID-involved deaths in the United States began rising again during the week that ended on July 4 and continued to rise in the week that ended on July 11, according to data published by the CDC.
George Soros contributes record $50M to back 2020 Democratic efforts
Liberal billionaire George Soros is breaking his own record by pouring more than $50 million into Democratic campaigns and causes just months before the November election.
Black Lives Matter's anti-police brutality crusade obscures violent, Marxist agenda
Beyond Black Lives Matter’s drive to eliminate police brutality is a far more extensive leftist ideology that would upend American economic and social life, according to an examination of BLM leaders’ writings and interviews.
Recent Supreme Court ruling being used to force hospital into performing transgender surgery
A recent US Supreme Court ruling has opened the door for a lawsuit that seeks to force a Catholic hospital to carry out transgender surgery, PJ Media reports. Brought by American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Maryland lawsuit is relying on the case of Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) to make its case. In Bostock, Justice Neil Gorsuch led the Court’s four liberals to redefine a person’s “sex” as including transgender identity and sexual orientation. At the time of this ruling, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito warned that Gorsuch’s decision would pave the way for the kind of case that has now been filed.
Christian News
71% of churches meeting for in-person worship, study finds
For most U.S. congregations, in-person worship has returned to mid-March levels despite a nationwide rise in coronavirus cases, a new report says.
More than a thousand gather for religious service on California beach after church closures
More than a thousand people gathered on a beach in California to hold a worship service while churches are closed over coronavirus concerns.
Barclays bank closes account of Christian Charity that help people overcome unwanted same-sex attraction
The leading British bank Barclays has closed the account of a Christian charity which tries to help people overcome unwanted same-sex attraction, Premier Christian News reports.
China Shuts Down US Consulate in Retaliatory Move
Chinese officials entered and took control of the U.S. Consulate in the city of Chengdu early on Monday, 72 hours after ordering its closure in retaliation for the U.S. decision to shut China’s consulate in Houston. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had called the mission in Houston a “hub of spying and intellectual property theft."
New poll shows global lack of confidence in government handling of COVID-19
A new survey has shown that citizens around the world are losing confidence in their governments over their handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Yahoo News reports. Publishing their report on Saturday, Kekst CNC communications consultancy said: "In most countries this month, support for national governments is falling." The survey came as officials reported over 280,000 daily new cases worldwide on both Thursday and Friday.
Ukraine, Pro-Russian Rebels Launch Tense Ceasefire
Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists began a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine on Monday as part of efforts to end their six-year conflict.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, Hezbollah trade fire in 'security incident' near Lebanese border
The Israeli military confirmed on Monday there had been a "security incident" on the country's northern border with Lebanon and said its forces were engaged in "ongoing combat" with Hezbollah militants.
Inside the United States
CDC: COVID-Involved Deaths Increased in Weeks Ending July 4 and July 11--But Still 77.5% Below April Peak
After falling for ten straight weeks, COVID-involved deaths in the United States began rising again during the week that ended on July 4 and continued to rise in the week that ended on July 11, according to data published by the CDC.
George Soros contributes record $50M to back 2020 Democratic efforts
Liberal billionaire George Soros is breaking his own record by pouring more than $50 million into Democratic campaigns and causes just months before the November election.
Black Lives Matter's anti-police brutality crusade obscures violent, Marxist agenda
Beyond Black Lives Matter’s drive to eliminate police brutality is a far more extensive leftist ideology that would upend American economic and social life, according to an examination of BLM leaders’ writings and interviews.
Recent Supreme Court ruling being used to force hospital into performing transgender surgery
A recent US Supreme Court ruling has opened the door for a lawsuit that seeks to force a Catholic hospital to carry out transgender surgery, PJ Media reports. Brought by American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Maryland lawsuit is relying on the case of Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) to make its case. In Bostock, Justice Neil Gorsuch led the Court’s four liberals to redefine a person’s “sex” as including transgender identity and sexual orientation. At the time of this ruling, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito warned that Gorsuch’s decision would pave the way for the kind of case that has now been filed.
Christian News
71% of churches meeting for in-person worship, study finds
For most U.S. congregations, in-person worship has returned to mid-March levels despite a nationwide rise in coronavirus cases, a new report says.
More than a thousand gather for religious service on California beach after church closures
More than a thousand people gathered on a beach in California to hold a worship service while churches are closed over coronavirus concerns.
Barclays bank closes account of Christian Charity that help people overcome unwanted same-sex attraction
The leading British bank Barclays has closed the account of a Christian charity which tries to help people overcome unwanted same-sex attraction, Premier Christian News reports.