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
Protests spread in Iran, following Iraq and Lebanon
Anti-regime protests saw the internet shut down in Iran Saturday night.
ISIS rebuilds in Syria after Turkish incursion and U.S. drawdown, Pentagon watchdog says
The Islamic State militant group used the drawdown of U.S. troops from Syria and the Turkish incursion to regroup and strengthen its abilities to plan terror attacks abroad -- and will likely rebound from the death of leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a new internal report from the Defense Department's watchdog says.
US Aircraft Carrier Strike Group Sails Through Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. aircraft carrier strike group Abraham Lincoln sailed through the vital Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, U.S. officials told Reuters, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States.
Russia, Turkey reject US reversal of settlements stance
Russia and Turkey have rejected the United States declaration that it will no longer regard Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories as illegal.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Likud, Blue and White holding ‘serious’ talks amid efforts for last-minute deal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz were set to meet Tuesday evening, as multiple reports said the leaders were having serious negotiations for the first time since the September elections amid intense efforts to form a unity government.
IDF attacks IRGC Quds targets in southern Damascus
A spokesperson for the IDF says that IAF fighter jets performed targeted airstrikes on dozens of military targets belonging to the Iranian Quds Force (IRGC) and the Syrian army on Tuesday night in Syria. The targets included air-to-ground missiles, headquarters, IDF warehouses, and military bases.
Netanyahu approves Jordan Valley annexation bill after U.S. changes policy
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave his approval on Tuesday to advance a bill that would have Israel apply sovereignty to the Jordan Valley, after the US State Department reversed its stance of viewing Israeli towns in Judea and Samaria as illegal.

Inside the United States
Witness Says Nothing Concerned Him About Trump Ukraine Call, Republicans Question Pelosi's Claim of Bribery
A new week of public impeachment hearings has kicked off on Capitol Hill.
House votes to avert government shutdown through Dec. 20
The House passed a stopgap funding bill Tuesday to fund the government through Dec. 20, moving one step closer to averting a government shutdown and buying time for a possible resolution of partisan budget disputes that have dragged on for months.
Trump flips third appeals court to majority GOP appointed judges
The Tuesday confirmation of Judge Robert J. Luck created a majority for Republican-appointed judges on the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals, the third such party flip in a federal court of appeals during the Trump presidency.
Rep. Ratcliffe: In 3,500 Pages of Testimony, ‘Bribery’ Appears Only Once – Referring to Biden’s Alleged Conduct
While Democrats are now accusing President Donald Trump of bribery, the thirty-five hundred pages of sworn deposition testimony released so far reveal only one mention of the word “bribery” – and it’s used to describe the alleged conduct of former Vice President Joe Biden, Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) said Tuesday.
Trump administration plans rule to send illegal immigrants back to home country
The Trump administration is planning to publish a rule that would allow the government to send illegal immigrants who did not apply for asylum back to Central America.
Lower mortgage rates boost U.S. housing starts, building permits
U.S. homebuilding rebounded in October and permits for future home construction jumped to a more than 12-year high, pointing to strength in the housing market amid lower mortgage rates.
Pro-Lifers Fined Millions, Now They'll Appeal Ruling in Case Exposing Planned Parenthood's Sale of Baby Body Parts
A pro-life leader says he will appeal a multi-million dollar judgment handed down by a federal court last week in San Francisco, CA.
Documents reveal massive 'dark-money' group boosted Democrats in 2018
The 'green wave' of campaign cash that boosted Democrats and liberal causes in 2018 included an unprecedented gusher of secret money, new documents obtained by POLITICO show.
California Dems Flood Colorado With Cash Ahead of National Popular Vote Referendum
California Democrats have been cutting six-figure checks to promote the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPV) in Colorado ahead of a referendum vote in the state next November.
Anti-China bill supporting Hong Kong protestors passes in US Senate
The US Senate unanimously passed a bill Tuesday condemning China's interference in Hong Kong affairs.
Ken Starr: Witnesses Haven’t Accused Trump of Breaking the Law
Former independent counsel Ken Starr said Tuesday that the impeachment hearings have yet to produce any compelling testimony from witnesses accusing President Donald Trump of any unlawful acts.
Around the World
North Korea 'not interested' in U.S. talks without more concessions
North Korea says it is not “interested” in additional denuclearization negotiations with the U.S. without more concessions from Washington, just one day after President Trump hinted at upcoming talks with Pyongyang with a tweet that read in part, 'See you soon!'
IAEA: Iran's Heavy Water Stock Exceeds Authorized Limit
The U.N.'s nuclear watchdog said Monday that Iran's stock of heavy water for reactors has surpassed the limit set under its agreement with world powers.
Iran Blocks Internet for 3rd Day as Death Toll From Protests Rises to Eight
Authorities in Iran have blocked internet service for a third day as part of a crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests in which at least eight people have been killed since the unrest began Friday.
US cancels Iran nuclear cooperation waiver after Fordo restart
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that he is canceling one of four sanctions waivers that had allowed foreign companies to work with Iran’s civilian nuclear program without US penalties. Pompeo also warned Iran’s leadership not to crack down on protests that recent fuel price increases have sparked.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Reversing Obama Policy, US Will No Longer View Israeli Settlements as ‘Inconsistent with Int’l Law’
In another major reversal of the Obama administration’s policies on the Mideast dispute, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday the U.S. will no longer view the existence of Israeli communities ('settlements') in disputed territory as inherently illegal under international law, unleashing a wave of reaction, both positive and negative.
Gantz and Liberman said to agree on civil marriage, other religion reforms
A Blue and White-led government would enact sweeping religion and state reforms, including easing the state-recognized process of converting to Judaism and legalizing civil marriages, according to a leaked document published Monday.
IDF launches surprise military drill in northern Israel
The Israel Defense Forces on Monday launched a two-day surprise military exercise in northern Israel, the army said.

Inside the United States
‘I like the idea’: Trump will 'strongly consider' giving impeachment testimony to get Congress moving
President Trump claimed he would 'strongly consider' delivering impeachment testimony if it would get Congress to start working on other issues, such as the USMCA trade deal.
US Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Trump Tax Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that would have required President Donald Trump to turn over some of his financial records to a Democratic-led committee in the House of Representatives.
Trump asks Supreme Court to stop Congress from getting his financial records
President Donald Trump on Friday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a lower court ruling directing an accounting firm to hand over his financial records to a Democratic-led congressional panel, setting up a major clash between branches of government.

Christian News
Federal Court Reverses Decision Barring Christian School from Praying Over Loudspeaker
A federal court of appeals reversed a rule enforced by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) that prohibited two private Christian schools from saying a prayer over the loudspeakers before a football game at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
Many Chick-fil-A Fans Upset Over Decision to Stop Donating to Salvation Army, FCA
Eager to expand its footprint overseas and into liberal cities in the U.S., executives at Chick-fil-A have made the decision to no longer donate to perennially controversial charities like the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Ohio House Passes Bill Protecting Students' Religious Freedom, Expression
The Ohio House on Wednesday approved legislation that would protect student rights to religious expression in public schools, including prayer, school assignments, artwork, and clothing.
Pope Francis: Catechism will be updated to define ecological sins
Following through on a proposal made at the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, Pope Francis said there are plans to include a definition of ecological sins in the church's official teaching.
Freedom of religion or belief 'continues to be a priority' for the UK
The Government has told the United Nations that freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) 'continues to be a priority for the United Kingdom'.
Around the World
Deadly Anti-Government Protests Continue in Iraq
One Iraqi protester was killed and more than 30 others were wounded Sunday amid renewed clashes on a key bridge in Baghdad.
U.S. condemns lethal force in Iran, Khamenei blames 'sabotage' for unrest
Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday backed the gasoline price rises that have caused nationwide protests, which he blamed on the Islamic Republic's opponents and foreign foes.
Thousands Protest in Lebanon as Politicians Trade Barbs
Lebanon slipped deeper into a political crisis Sunday as politicians struggled to form a government.
Hong Kong campus protesters fire arrows as anti-government unrest spreads
Hong Kong protesters shot arrows and hurled petrol bombs from a barricaded university on Sunday at police who fired tear gas and water cannon in some of the worst violence in the Chinese-ruled city since anti-government unrest erupted five months ago.
Venice: Third exceptional flood makes week worst on record
Record flood water levels in Venice hit again on Sunday making this the worst week of flooding in the city in over 50 years.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blue and White may call Knesset vote on gov’t without a coalition
The chances of Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz forming a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are slim, but Gantz is also unlikely to establish a minority government supported by the Joint List even though his bloc has not ruled it out, sources in the faction said on Sunday.
Islamic Jihad used new rocket with huge 300kg warhead during fighting
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad fired a new kind of rocket at Israel with a massive 300 kilogram (660 lb) warhead that left a huge crater where it exploded in southern Israel, Channel 12 reported Friday.
The Battle You Never Hear About: How Intense Persecution is Driving Endangered Christians Out of Gaza
Terrorists in Gaza rained down hundreds of rockets on Israeli civilians over the last week, sending entire cities to their bomb shelters. In response, Israel pounded terror targets in the Gaza Strip with deadly airstrikes.
154 U.N. nations call Temple Mount solely by Muslim name Haram al-Sharif
The UN gave its preliminary approval to a resolution that referred to the Temple Mount solely by its Muslim name of Haram al-Sharif.

Inside the United States
Democrat Edwards Wins Reelection in Conservative Louisiana
Deep in the heart of the conservative South, Louisiana’s voters reelected Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards to a second term, shocking Republicans who had hoped to reclaim the seat on the strength of President Donald Trump’s popularity.
Democrats invite Trump to testify in impeachment inquiry
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi invited US President Donald Trump to testify in front of investigators in the House impeachment inquiry ahead of a week that will see several key witnesses appear publicly.
Trump asks Supreme Court to stop Congress from getting his financial records
President Donald Trump on Friday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a lower court ruling directing an accounting firm to hand over his financial records to a Democratic-led congressional panel, setting up a major clash between branches of government.
Attorney General Barr accuses the left of systemic 'sabotage' of Trump administration
Attorney General Bill Barr accused congressional Democrats Friday of 'using every tool' to 'sabotage' the Trump administration by setting a 'dangerous' precedent in implying that the government is illegitimate.
White House releases transcript of first Trump-Zelensky call
President Trump congratulated Volodymyr Zelensky on his election win in Ukraine, inviting him to the White House in their first phone call, according to a transcript released by the White House Friday morning.
Jury's Verdict: Undercover Journalists Guilty After Exposing Planned Parenthood's Illegal Sale of Baby Body Parts
After six weeks of testimony, a San Francisco, CA jury on Friday ruled against David Daleiden and other undercover investigators after they exposed Planned Parenthood operatives discussing how to sell aborted baby body parts.
Why not call it a 'bribe'? Democrats have focus group-tested their impeachment strategy for maximum effect
NBC News and Reuters were savaged by the anti-Trump #Resistance this week for warning that Democrats would miss their opportunity to move public opinion in support of removing President Trump from office if the impeachment hearings fail to capture the attention of the general electorate.
Democrats' smear campaign against Trump sparked White House involvement in Ukraine, Devin Nunes says
The Trump White House became involved in Ukrainian affairs to investigate a smear campaign from Democrats against the president, but the fact-finding mission was twisted and used as an excuse for impeachment, House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Devin Nunes, R-Calif., said in an interview airing Sunday.

Christian News
'Yes, It Was a Miracle': Pocket Bible Stops Bullet From Striking Police Officer in the Chest
A Bolivian police officer has praised God for sparing his life after his pocket Bible stopped a bullet from entering his chest.