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 notifies UN of withdrawal from World Health Organization
The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, although the pullout won’t take effect until next year, meaning it could be rescinded under a new administration or if circumstances change.
Another explosion in Iran
The latest in a series of unexplained blasts at sensitive sites in Iran, a further explosion reportedly killed two people and injured three at a factory in Tehran early Tuesday morning, the Times of Israel (ToI) reports. A local governor stated the blast was caused by human error but some have suggested it may be part of sustained sabotage campaign.
North Korea Rejects Meeting US Amid Nuclear Standoff
North Korea has warned Washington that it has "no intention" of meeting with the United States to discuss issues such as stalled nuclear diplomacy.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Nasrallah says Hezbollah ‘ready to do anything’ to prevent annexation
The leader of the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group on Tuesday vowed to prevent Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank.
Iran says world ‘must respond’ to Israel after blast at nuclear site
Iran on Tuesday called for action against Israel, following a recent blast at the Natanz nuclear facility that has been blamed on the Jewish state.
Likud Surges in Recent Polls
A new poll shows that if Israeli elections were held today, the Likud party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would remain the most popular party, with Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party trailing in fourth place, Israel News reported. The poll conducted by Professor Yitzhak Katz of Maagar Mochot for 103 FM Radio showed Likud would win 38 seats, Yesh Atid-Telem 17 seats, the Joint Arab List 15 seats, and Blue and White 10 seats.
Inside the United States
Federal Reserve Admits There Is A Coin Shortage
The Federal Reserve announced on June 11th that COVID-19 had caused a disruption in the normal flow and distribution of circulation of US coinage. The following week, Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, spoke before the US House Committee of Financial Services. He informed the members that the partial shutdown had created a stoppage of the flow of coins in our economy. Consequently, some retailers are asking customers to use exact change. Mr. Powell also shared that he believes the condition will be only temporary because the economy is opening back up.
Michigan bill allows companies to implant microchips in volunteer employees
On 24 June, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a controversial bipartisan bill allowing companies to implant a microchip in employees who agree to it, Zero Hedge reports. The stated aim of the bill is to improve business efficiency while protecting employee privacy. Under the bill, only those in agreement can be given a chip and employers cannot make it mandatory. The bill now passes to the state Senate for consideration.
Christian News
India Christians Flee As Mob Attacks Prayer House
Christian villagers in rural northern India have reportedly fled their homes after an angry mob attacked their prayer house and threatened to kill or rape believers. Five suspects were briefly detained, but violence continued, rights activists told Worthy News.
Wycliffe Associates Providing Technology That Makes the Bible Accessible for Oral Cultures and for Those Who Can’t Read
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, has received requests for 479 Bible Translation Recording Kits (BTRKs) that make it possible to complete an entire recorded translation of the Bible.
Standoff Over Leaflets, Bibles Send Into North Korea
A standoff over information leaflets and Bibles being sent by defectors and Christian groups into North Korea has flared up again.
US notifies UN of withdrawal from World Health Organization
The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, although the pullout won’t take effect until next year, meaning it could be rescinded under a new administration or if circumstances change.
Another explosion in Iran
The latest in a series of unexplained blasts at sensitive sites in Iran, a further explosion reportedly killed two people and injured three at a factory in Tehran early Tuesday morning, the Times of Israel (ToI) reports. A local governor stated the blast was caused by human error but some have suggested it may be part of sustained sabotage campaign.
North Korea Rejects Meeting US Amid Nuclear Standoff
North Korea has warned Washington that it has "no intention" of meeting with the United States to discuss issues such as stalled nuclear diplomacy.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Nasrallah says Hezbollah ‘ready to do anything’ to prevent annexation
The leader of the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group on Tuesday vowed to prevent Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank.
Iran says world ‘must respond’ to Israel after blast at nuclear site
Iran on Tuesday called for action against Israel, following a recent blast at the Natanz nuclear facility that has been blamed on the Jewish state.
Likud Surges in Recent Polls
A new poll shows that if Israeli elections were held today, the Likud party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would remain the most popular party, with Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party trailing in fourth place, Israel News reported. The poll conducted by Professor Yitzhak Katz of Maagar Mochot for 103 FM Radio showed Likud would win 38 seats, Yesh Atid-Telem 17 seats, the Joint Arab List 15 seats, and Blue and White 10 seats.
Inside the United States
Federal Reserve Admits There Is A Coin Shortage
The Federal Reserve announced on June 11th that COVID-19 had caused a disruption in the normal flow and distribution of circulation of US coinage. The following week, Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, spoke before the US House Committee of Financial Services. He informed the members that the partial shutdown had created a stoppage of the flow of coins in our economy. Consequently, some retailers are asking customers to use exact change. Mr. Powell also shared that he believes the condition will be only temporary because the economy is opening back up.
Michigan bill allows companies to implant microchips in volunteer employees
On 24 June, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a controversial bipartisan bill allowing companies to implant a microchip in employees who agree to it, Zero Hedge reports. The stated aim of the bill is to improve business efficiency while protecting employee privacy. Under the bill, only those in agreement can be given a chip and employers cannot make it mandatory. The bill now passes to the state Senate for consideration.
Christian News
India Christians Flee As Mob Attacks Prayer House
Christian villagers in rural northern India have reportedly fled their homes after an angry mob attacked their prayer house and threatened to kill or rape believers. Five suspects were briefly detained, but violence continued, rights activists told Worthy News.
Wycliffe Associates Providing Technology That Makes the Bible Accessible for Oral Cultures and for Those Who Can’t Read
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, has received requests for 479 Bible Translation Recording Kits (BTRKs) that make it possible to complete an entire recorded translation of the Bible.
Standoff Over Leaflets, Bibles Send Into North Korea
A standoff over information leaflets and Bibles being sent by defectors and Christian groups into North Korea has flared up again.
Around the World
Arrested Under New Law, Hong Kong Protesters Get Swabbed for DNA
As Hong Kong sees life change rapidly under a new security law, protesters have quickly learned that actions that weren’t worthy of police attention a little more than a week ago could now warrant an arrest, DNA sample, and search of their home -- in addition to the possibility of jail time.
Iran Says Fire At Natanz Nuclear Facility Caused Significant Damage
A fire last week at the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran caused significant damage, an Iranian nuclear official said on July 5 in a new assessment of the incident, adding that it could slow down the development and production of advanced centrifuges in the medium term.
North Korea army reportedly rotting from inside
A growing number of defectors from North Korea’s army are telling of conditions of extreme deprivation suffered by those enlisted, the Wall Street Journal reports. One defector called Mr. Roh told the WSJ: “It was lawless there, if you had money, you could basically get away with anything.”
EU's Executive Regrets Its President's Support For Croatian Ruling Party
The European Union's executive has apologized after its leader threw her support behind the victorious ruling conservative party in Croatia's parliamentary elections. Ursula von der Leyen, the German president of the European Commission, appeared with other center-right politicians in a promotional video clip posted by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Mossad said to foil Iranian attacks on Israeli embassies in Europe, elsewhere
Mossad spy agency recently foiled planned or attempted Iranian attacks on Israeli diplomatic missions in Europe and elsewhere, according to a report Monday.
Israel Launches New Spy Satellite To 'Monitor Iran'
Israel's Defense Ministry has announced the successful launch of a new spy satellite that the ministry said would provide high-quality surveillance for its military intelligence.
Inside the United States
Shootings in New York City up 205% in weeks since disbandment of plainclothes unit compared to last year
After making the decision to disband its plainclothes "anti-crime" unit, New York City has seen a 205% increase in shootings in comparison to the same time period last year.
Trump’s Taxes, Birth Control Top Supreme Court’s Closing Agenda
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to cap a term like no other with potentially blockbuster decisions covering birth control, religious rights and President Donald Trump’s efforts to keep his financial records private.
Mississippi bans sex-selective, race-selective, disability-selective abortion
Mississippi has a new law, according to which it is illegal to perform an abortion on the sole grounds of the baby’s race, sex, or disability, the Washington Free Beacon reports. Gov. Tate Reeves (R., Miss.) signed the Life Equality Act (LEA) into law on Wednesday.
Christian News
Singing in churches temporarily banned in California as coronavirus cases spike
Californians are temporarily banned from singing in churches as part of an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Arrested Under New Law, Hong Kong Protesters Get Swabbed for DNA
As Hong Kong sees life change rapidly under a new security law, protesters have quickly learned that actions that weren’t worthy of police attention a little more than a week ago could now warrant an arrest, DNA sample, and search of their home -- in addition to the possibility of jail time.
Iran Says Fire At Natanz Nuclear Facility Caused Significant Damage
A fire last week at the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran caused significant damage, an Iranian nuclear official said on July 5 in a new assessment of the incident, adding that it could slow down the development and production of advanced centrifuges in the medium term.
North Korea army reportedly rotting from inside
A growing number of defectors from North Korea’s army are telling of conditions of extreme deprivation suffered by those enlisted, the Wall Street Journal reports. One defector called Mr. Roh told the WSJ: “It was lawless there, if you had money, you could basically get away with anything.”
EU's Executive Regrets Its President's Support For Croatian Ruling Party
The European Union's executive has apologized after its leader threw her support behind the victorious ruling conservative party in Croatia's parliamentary elections. Ursula von der Leyen, the German president of the European Commission, appeared with other center-right politicians in a promotional video clip posted by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Mossad said to foil Iranian attacks on Israeli embassies in Europe, elsewhere
Mossad spy agency recently foiled planned or attempted Iranian attacks on Israeli diplomatic missions in Europe and elsewhere, according to a report Monday.
Israel Launches New Spy Satellite To 'Monitor Iran'
Israel's Defense Ministry has announced the successful launch of a new spy satellite that the ministry said would provide high-quality surveillance for its military intelligence.
Inside the United States
Shootings in New York City up 205% in weeks since disbandment of plainclothes unit compared to last year
After making the decision to disband its plainclothes "anti-crime" unit, New York City has seen a 205% increase in shootings in comparison to the same time period last year.
Trump’s Taxes, Birth Control Top Supreme Court’s Closing Agenda
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to cap a term like no other with potentially blockbuster decisions covering birth control, religious rights and President Donald Trump’s efforts to keep his financial records private.
Mississippi bans sex-selective, race-selective, disability-selective abortion
Mississippi has a new law, according to which it is illegal to perform an abortion on the sole grounds of the baby’s race, sex, or disability, the Washington Free Beacon reports. Gov. Tate Reeves (R., Miss.) signed the Life Equality Act (LEA) into law on Wednesday.
Christian News
Singing in churches temporarily banned in California as coronavirus cases spike
Californians are temporarily banned from singing in churches as part of an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Around the World
Iran under pressure after fourth mysterious explosion
Iran is under intense pressure after four serious explosions that appear to have damaged key infrastructure linked to its missile and nuclear program, as well as other facilities.
China's Campaign to Systematically Reduce Minorities
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been conducting a large scale campaign to reduce the Muslim population of the Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the far western region of Xinjiang, even though the CCP encourages some of the country’s Han majority to have more children. Individual women have warned the world about forced birth control, yet the practice is far more widespread and systematic than previously realized. This information is based on government statistics, state documents, and interviews with various sources such as ex-detainees, family members, and a former detention camp instructor. Some experts are calling this "demographic genocide" and have denounced the campaign over the past four years.
France and Other Governments Pressured over Coronavirus Response
A French court has launched an inquiry into the alleged mishandling by the outgoing French government of the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement comes while elsewhere in Europe, and the former Soviet Union, tensions also rise over the way leaders deal with the crisis.
US Embassy says Afghan leaders are close to talks with Taliban on ending war
The US Embassy in Pakistan announced Thursday that Afghanistan’s political leaders are close to starting negotiations with the Taliban about the future of the country, the Military Times reports. The development follows a peace agreement signed between the US and the Taliban in February this year. As part of the deal, US Peace Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is in the region to help facilitate intra-Afghan negotiations.
The Swastika - A Symbol of anti-Semitism or Nobility?
To most of the world, the swastika is a diabolical symbol for sure - one that conjures images of Adolph Hitler, Nazism, and anti-Semitism. But what is a swastika? And what is the significance? The word swastika comes from the Sanskrit for well-being or luck. It has been used for thousands of years in Indian cultures and worldwide, and became a fashionable motif in the West in the early 20th Century.
France Governments Resigns Over Coronavirus Economic Concerns
France was to name a new prime minister later Friday after Edouard Philippe and his cabinet resigned amid mounting concerns about the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation.
Iran Warns Israel After Nuclear Facility Blast And Fire
Iran has warned Israel and other “foes” against “hostile actions” after an explosion and fire damaged the Natanz nuclear complex.
Former Assemblies of God leader becomes President of Malawi
The former head of the Assemblies of God denomination in Malawi has now been elected president of the country. Lazarus Chakwera was sworn in Sunday, having won 58% of the vote to beat incumbent Peter Mutharika, Evangelical Focus reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
American protestors chant 'Death to Israel' at US Day of Rage
Calls have been made to end Israel's existence at a series of rallies held across America and Canada.
Hamas founder calls on PA, Fatah to join forces in armed resistance
A senior member of Hamas has called on Palestinian militant groups to join forces, abandon peace negotiations, and engage in armed resistance against Israel.
Messianic channel Shelanu considering legal action against chairman of Israel’s broadcasting council
The directors of GOD TV’s Messianic channel Shelanu are considering legal action against Israel’s media oversight council for falsely and publically accusing them of using deception to obtain their broadcasting license. Shelanu’s license was revoked after the chairman of Israel’s Council for Cable and Satellite Broadcasting wrongly stated the channel had presented its target audience as Christians when its actual purpose was to reach Jewish audiences with the Gospel.
Inside the United States
Unemployment Falls as US Adds 4.8M New Jobs
The U.S. economy added 4.8 million jobs in June as it struggles to recover from the business closures forced by the coronavirus pandemic, the government reported Thursday, even as it said another 1.4 million laid-off workers filed for unemployment benefits last week.
Background Checks, a Metric for Gun Sales, Hit All-Time High
Historic numbers of background checks to purchase or possess a firearm were done in June, a trend in a year marked by uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic, a subsequent economic recession, protests over racial injustice and calls to reduce police funding.
Portland police declare ‘riot’ again – as city sees 38th straight day of unrest
Police in Portland, Ore., declared a riot around 11 p.m. local time Saturday as Independence Day marked the 38th consecutive day of civil unrest in the city.
Trump’s Taxes, Birth Control Top Supreme Court’s Closing Agenda
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to cap a term like no other with potentially blockbuster decisions covering birth control, religious rights and President Donald Trump’s efforts to keep his financial records private.
Rapper Kanye West To Run For US President
U.S. rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West, who claims to be a born-again Christian, says he will run for president this year.
Justice department has charged 150 people with committing crime during protests
The Acting US Attorney for Washington DC said Thursday that the Justice Department has charged 150 people with committing criminal acts during protests that followed the police killing of George Floyd, the Washington Examiner reports. Prosecutor Michael Sherwin made the announcement during an interview with Fox News on Thursday.
Numerous protests planned for Washington DC on Independence Day
Activists are planning major protests and demonstrations in Washington DC over Independence Day weekend, the Washington Examiner reports. Summing up the reason for the protests, one activist told the Examiner: “What is Independence Day to black folks? What was Independence Day to honestly anyone but the white economic elite on [July 4, 1776]? Poor folks and women couldn’t even vote. It’s a hoax.”
Democrat-controlled House approves large infrastructure bill
The Democrat-controlled House approved a $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan Wednesday that would not only rebuild failing roads, railways, ports and transit systems but also fund schools, health care, public utilities, and housing, PBS reported.
Christian News
National Security law is a 'threat to Christians' in Hong Kong
The imposition of a draconian national security law in Hong Kong this week has given rise to fears over the fate of Christians.
Iran Detains, Threatens, Dozens of Christian Converts’
Iran has detained or intimidated dozens of devoted Christians in recent days as part of government efforts to halt the spread of Christianity in the Islamic nation, investigators say.
Iran under pressure after fourth mysterious explosion
Iran is under intense pressure after four serious explosions that appear to have damaged key infrastructure linked to its missile and nuclear program, as well as other facilities.
China's Campaign to Systematically Reduce Minorities
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been conducting a large scale campaign to reduce the Muslim population of the Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the far western region of Xinjiang, even though the CCP encourages some of the country’s Han majority to have more children. Individual women have warned the world about forced birth control, yet the practice is far more widespread and systematic than previously realized. This information is based on government statistics, state documents, and interviews with various sources such as ex-detainees, family members, and a former detention camp instructor. Some experts are calling this "demographic genocide" and have denounced the campaign over the past four years.
France and Other Governments Pressured over Coronavirus Response
A French court has launched an inquiry into the alleged mishandling by the outgoing French government of the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement comes while elsewhere in Europe, and the former Soviet Union, tensions also rise over the way leaders deal with the crisis.
US Embassy says Afghan leaders are close to talks with Taliban on ending war
The US Embassy in Pakistan announced Thursday that Afghanistan’s political leaders are close to starting negotiations with the Taliban about the future of the country, the Military Times reports. The development follows a peace agreement signed between the US and the Taliban in February this year. As part of the deal, US Peace Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is in the region to help facilitate intra-Afghan negotiations.
The Swastika - A Symbol of anti-Semitism or Nobility?
To most of the world, the swastika is a diabolical symbol for sure - one that conjures images of Adolph Hitler, Nazism, and anti-Semitism. But what is a swastika? And what is the significance? The word swastika comes from the Sanskrit for well-being or luck. It has been used for thousands of years in Indian cultures and worldwide, and became a fashionable motif in the West in the early 20th Century.
France Governments Resigns Over Coronavirus Economic Concerns
France was to name a new prime minister later Friday after Edouard Philippe and his cabinet resigned amid mounting concerns about the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation.
Iran Warns Israel After Nuclear Facility Blast And Fire
Iran has warned Israel and other “foes” against “hostile actions” after an explosion and fire damaged the Natanz nuclear complex.
Former Assemblies of God leader becomes President of Malawi
The former head of the Assemblies of God denomination in Malawi has now been elected president of the country. Lazarus Chakwera was sworn in Sunday, having won 58% of the vote to beat incumbent Peter Mutharika, Evangelical Focus reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
American protestors chant 'Death to Israel' at US Day of Rage
Calls have been made to end Israel's existence at a series of rallies held across America and Canada.
Hamas founder calls on PA, Fatah to join forces in armed resistance
A senior member of Hamas has called on Palestinian militant groups to join forces, abandon peace negotiations, and engage in armed resistance against Israel.
Messianic channel Shelanu considering legal action against chairman of Israel’s broadcasting council
The directors of GOD TV’s Messianic channel Shelanu are considering legal action against Israel’s media oversight council for falsely and publically accusing them of using deception to obtain their broadcasting license. Shelanu’s license was revoked after the chairman of Israel’s Council for Cable and Satellite Broadcasting wrongly stated the channel had presented its target audience as Christians when its actual purpose was to reach Jewish audiences with the Gospel.
Inside the United States
Unemployment Falls as US Adds 4.8M New Jobs
The U.S. economy added 4.8 million jobs in June as it struggles to recover from the business closures forced by the coronavirus pandemic, the government reported Thursday, even as it said another 1.4 million laid-off workers filed for unemployment benefits last week.
Background Checks, a Metric for Gun Sales, Hit All-Time High
Historic numbers of background checks to purchase or possess a firearm were done in June, a trend in a year marked by uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic, a subsequent economic recession, protests over racial injustice and calls to reduce police funding.
Portland police declare ‘riot’ again – as city sees 38th straight day of unrest
Police in Portland, Ore., declared a riot around 11 p.m. local time Saturday as Independence Day marked the 38th consecutive day of civil unrest in the city.
Trump’s Taxes, Birth Control Top Supreme Court’s Closing Agenda
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to cap a term like no other with potentially blockbuster decisions covering birth control, religious rights and President Donald Trump’s efforts to keep his financial records private.
Rapper Kanye West To Run For US President
U.S. rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West, who claims to be a born-again Christian, says he will run for president this year.
Justice department has charged 150 people with committing crime during protests
The Acting US Attorney for Washington DC said Thursday that the Justice Department has charged 150 people with committing criminal acts during protests that followed the police killing of George Floyd, the Washington Examiner reports. Prosecutor Michael Sherwin made the announcement during an interview with Fox News on Thursday.
Numerous protests planned for Washington DC on Independence Day
Activists are planning major protests and demonstrations in Washington DC over Independence Day weekend, the Washington Examiner reports. Summing up the reason for the protests, one activist told the Examiner: “What is Independence Day to black folks? What was Independence Day to honestly anyone but the white economic elite on [July 4, 1776]? Poor folks and women couldn’t even vote. It’s a hoax.”
Democrat-controlled House approves large infrastructure bill
The Democrat-controlled House approved a $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan Wednesday that would not only rebuild failing roads, railways, ports and transit systems but also fund schools, health care, public utilities, and housing, PBS reported.
Christian News
National Security law is a 'threat to Christians' in Hong Kong
The imposition of a draconian national security law in Hong Kong this week has given rise to fears over the fate of Christians.
Iran Detains, Threatens, Dozens of Christian Converts’
Iran has detained or intimidated dozens of devoted Christians in recent days as part of government efforts to halt the spread of Christianity in the Islamic nation, investigators say.