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 may be developing missiles that can reach Europe
According to analysis by the Breaking Defense digital magazine, Iran may be developing a type of missile that can reach targets in the middle of Europe, Israel Hayom reported Tuesday. Breaking Defense believes the Iranians may be disguising a missile program as the space launch vehicle development.
Russia's Putin Can Rule Till 2036, Voters Say
Russia’s long-ruling President Vladimir Putin could remain in power until 2036 after voters backed controversial changes to the constitution, official results showed Wednesday.
Russia votes to define marriage in constitution as between man and woman
Russians voted in favor of a referendum on Wednesday for a series of constitutional amendments, one of which would define marriage as between a man and a woman.
Mexico celebrates start of new trade accord with US, Canada
Mexico celebrated the implementation of a new free trade agreement with Canada and the United States that it hopes will lead to more investment in its struggling economy.
Hundreds arrested in Hong Kong after China imposes new national security law
More than 300 people have been arrested in Hong Kong protests Wednesday, including nine accused of violating a new national security law that Western powers argue takes away the territory’s semi-autonomous status and gives China unprecedented power over the city.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Top Democrat announces $500 million funding for Israel defense
The top Democrat on the US Senate Armed Services Committee has announced a funding package of $500 million for Israel’s missile defense as part of a key US defense bill, the Time of Israel (ToI) reports. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand made the announcement Tuesday even as four progressive Congressional Democrats are demanding cuts in US aid to Israel if it proceeds to annex parts of the West Bank.
Netanyahu ally confirms delays in West Bank annexation plan
A confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the premier’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank would not start on Wednesday, the original target date.
Knesset approves law allowing Shin Bet virus tracking to resume for 3 weeks
The Knesset on Wednesday passed legislation authorizing the Shin Bet security service to use controversial phone surveillance measures to help track down potential coronavirus carriers for a three-week period.
Inside the United States
Assault weapons parts smuggled from China to US
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a shipment of 10,800 assault weapon parts that was smuggled from China and destined for Florida last month, GreatgameIndia.com reported. The shipment was seized by border officials in Louisville, Kentucky on May 22.
More than 100 injured or killed in 83 shootings over nine days in NYC as city cuts $1B from NYPD
A spike in shootings in New York City has left more than 100 people wounded or killed during a nine-day span.
House Democrats pass $1.5 trillion 'green' infrastructure bill filled with climate policies
The House passed a $1.5 trillion “green” infrastructure package on a partisan basis Wednesday by a 233-188 vote, as Democrats signaled their commitment to combating climate change through multiple avenues, a key issue for their voting base.
Seattle Mayor Orders Protesters to Vacate CHOP Zone; Police Arresting Those Refusing to Leave
On Wednesday, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan issued a Proclamation of Civil Emergency declaring the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) zone gathering an “unlawful assembly” requiring immediate action from city agencies, including the Seattle Police Department.
House passes bill rebuking China over Hong Kong security law
The House on Wednesday joined the Senate in approving a bill to rebuke China over its crackdown in Hong Kong by imposing sanctions on groups that undermine the city’s autonomy or restrict freedoms promised to its residents.
Christian News
Christian Converts Sentenced In Iran
Seven people who turned from Islam to Christianity have received prison terms, fines, or work restrictions in Iran for “propaganda against the state,” trial observers confirmed Wednesday.
Iran may be developing missiles that can reach Europe
According to analysis by the Breaking Defense digital magazine, Iran may be developing a type of missile that can reach targets in the middle of Europe, Israel Hayom reported Tuesday. Breaking Defense believes the Iranians may be disguising a missile program as the space launch vehicle development.
Russia's Putin Can Rule Till 2036, Voters Say
Russia’s long-ruling President Vladimir Putin could remain in power until 2036 after voters backed controversial changes to the constitution, official results showed Wednesday.
Russia votes to define marriage in constitution as between man and woman
Russians voted in favor of a referendum on Wednesday for a series of constitutional amendments, one of which would define marriage as between a man and a woman.
Mexico celebrates start of new trade accord with US, Canada
Mexico celebrated the implementation of a new free trade agreement with Canada and the United States that it hopes will lead to more investment in its struggling economy.
Hundreds arrested in Hong Kong after China imposes new national security law
More than 300 people have been arrested in Hong Kong protests Wednesday, including nine accused of violating a new national security law that Western powers argue takes away the territory’s semi-autonomous status and gives China unprecedented power over the city.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Top Democrat announces $500 million funding for Israel defense
The top Democrat on the US Senate Armed Services Committee has announced a funding package of $500 million for Israel’s missile defense as part of a key US defense bill, the Time of Israel (ToI) reports. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand made the announcement Tuesday even as four progressive Congressional Democrats are demanding cuts in US aid to Israel if it proceeds to annex parts of the West Bank.
Netanyahu ally confirms delays in West Bank annexation plan
A confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the premier’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank would not start on Wednesday, the original target date.
Knesset approves law allowing Shin Bet virus tracking to resume for 3 weeks
The Knesset on Wednesday passed legislation authorizing the Shin Bet security service to use controversial phone surveillance measures to help track down potential coronavirus carriers for a three-week period.
Inside the United States
Assault weapons parts smuggled from China to US
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a shipment of 10,800 assault weapon parts that was smuggled from China and destined for Florida last month, GreatgameIndia.com reported. The shipment was seized by border officials in Louisville, Kentucky on May 22.
More than 100 injured or killed in 83 shootings over nine days in NYC as city cuts $1B from NYPD
A spike in shootings in New York City has left more than 100 people wounded or killed during a nine-day span.
House Democrats pass $1.5 trillion 'green' infrastructure bill filled with climate policies
The House passed a $1.5 trillion “green” infrastructure package on a partisan basis Wednesday by a 233-188 vote, as Democrats signaled their commitment to combating climate change through multiple avenues, a key issue for their voting base.
Seattle Mayor Orders Protesters to Vacate CHOP Zone; Police Arresting Those Refusing to Leave
On Wednesday, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan issued a Proclamation of Civil Emergency declaring the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) zone gathering an “unlawful assembly” requiring immediate action from city agencies, including the Seattle Police Department.
House passes bill rebuking China over Hong Kong security law
The House on Wednesday joined the Senate in approving a bill to rebuke China over its crackdown in Hong Kong by imposing sanctions on groups that undermine the city’s autonomy or restrict freedoms promised to its residents.
Christian News
Christian Converts Sentenced In Iran
Seven people who turned from Islam to Christianity have received prison terms, fines, or work restrictions in Iran for “propaganda against the state,” trial observers confirmed Wednesday.
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.