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
Trump Signs Off on Trade Deal With China to Avert December Tariffs
President Donald Trump signed off on a so-called phase-one trade deal with China, averting the Dec. 15 introduction of a new wave of U.S. tariffs on about $160 billion of consumer goods from the Asian nation, according to people familiar with the matter.
UK Exit Polls Point to Conclusive Win for Conservatives, Worst Labour Showing in Decades
The Conservative Party looks in line for a decisive win in Thursday’s British general election – the third in less than five years – with exit polls suggesting it would take 368 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons, 42 more than the minimum needed for a majority government.
China to buy $50 billion in U.S. farm products in return for tariff concessions-U.S. sources
The White House has agreed to suspend some tariffs on Chinese goods and reduce others in return for Beijing’s pledge to hike purchases of U.S. farm products in 2020, sources said on Thursday, taking a step towards de-escalating the trade war between the world’s two biggest economies.
EU welcomes clear UK Conservative victory as clarity over Brexit
European diplomats on Thursday welcomed the clarity an apparently decisive election victory for the Conservative Party gave to Britain’s stalled withdrawal from the EU, but said it would be challenging to agree a trade deal by the end of 2020.
Iran 'identified defused' huge cyberattack by a foreign government
The Iranian telecommunications minister said Wednesday that Iran had foiled a large-scale cyberattack on its critical infrastructure by a highly sophisticated state-level team of hackers.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blue and White opens 3-seat lead over Likud in first poll of new elections
The Blue and White party is building a lead over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud, according to a pre-election poll released Thursday, but neither would receive enough support together with their allies to break Israel’s months-long political stalemate.
Israel Knesset disbands, third elections called
Israel's 22nd Knesset disbanded Wednesday at midnight, slating the country for third elections in under a year, and positioning neither Netanyahu nor Gantz for the 61-seat majority necessary to form a ruling coalition.
Israeli seeks to muster million-man march against Israel's political elite
An Israeli social media influencer is planning a million-man march on Israel's Supreme Court before new elections in Spring 2020, which, if successful, will be the largest demonstration of the popular will in the nation's history.
Inside the United States
Congressional negotiators reach tentative $1.3 trillion federal spending deal
Top congressional negotiators said Thursday they had reached a deal in principle to approve $1.3 trillion in federal spending for 2020, probably averting a government shutdown next week.
House Republicans and Democrats Spend Marathon Session Arguing Over Articles of Impeachment
House Democrats say President Trump should be impeached because one, he abused his power, and two, he obstructed Congress.
Pentagon Tests Long-banned Ballistic Missile over Pacific
The Pentagon on Thursday flight-tested a missile that had been banned under a treaty that the United States and Russia abandoned last summer. Some U.S. arms control advocates said the test risks an unnecessary arms race with Moscow.
Christian News
Christians arrested in India's Madhya Pradesh state for false charges of forced conversion
In the past 7 days, 8 Christians were attacked in India and charged with forced religious conversions, radicals landing them in prison under an oft-misused law against religious coercion.
Undercover cops raid Christian wedding in Pakistan
Four policemen disguised as civilians attacked a Christian wedding in Punjab province, Pakistan, damaging homes, hurling abusive slurs at women guests, and registering a case against the Christians involved.
Gaza Christians barred from visiting Bethlehem, Jerusalem on Christmas
Christians in the Gaza Strip will not be allowed to visit holy cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem to celebrate Christmas this year, Israeli authorities said on Thursday.
Trump Signs Off on Trade Deal With China to Avert December Tariffs
President Donald Trump signed off on a so-called phase-one trade deal with China, averting the Dec. 15 introduction of a new wave of U.S. tariffs on about $160 billion of consumer goods from the Asian nation, according to people familiar with the matter.
UK Exit Polls Point to Conclusive Win for Conservatives, Worst Labour Showing in Decades
The Conservative Party looks in line for a decisive win in Thursday’s British general election – the third in less than five years – with exit polls suggesting it would take 368 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons, 42 more than the minimum needed for a majority government.
China to buy $50 billion in U.S. farm products in return for tariff concessions-U.S. sources
The White House has agreed to suspend some tariffs on Chinese goods and reduce others in return for Beijing’s pledge to hike purchases of U.S. farm products in 2020, sources said on Thursday, taking a step towards de-escalating the trade war between the world’s two biggest economies.
EU welcomes clear UK Conservative victory as clarity over Brexit
European diplomats on Thursday welcomed the clarity an apparently decisive election victory for the Conservative Party gave to Britain’s stalled withdrawal from the EU, but said it would be challenging to agree a trade deal by the end of 2020.
Iran 'identified defused' huge cyberattack by a foreign government
The Iranian telecommunications minister said Wednesday that Iran had foiled a large-scale cyberattack on its critical infrastructure by a highly sophisticated state-level team of hackers.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blue and White opens 3-seat lead over Likud in first poll of new elections
The Blue and White party is building a lead over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud, according to a pre-election poll released Thursday, but neither would receive enough support together with their allies to break Israel’s months-long political stalemate.
Israel Knesset disbands, third elections called
Israel's 22nd Knesset disbanded Wednesday at midnight, slating the country for third elections in under a year, and positioning neither Netanyahu nor Gantz for the 61-seat majority necessary to form a ruling coalition.
Israeli seeks to muster million-man march against Israel's political elite
An Israeli social media influencer is planning a million-man march on Israel's Supreme Court before new elections in Spring 2020, which, if successful, will be the largest demonstration of the popular will in the nation's history.
Inside the United States
Congressional negotiators reach tentative $1.3 trillion federal spending deal
Top congressional negotiators said Thursday they had reached a deal in principle to approve $1.3 trillion in federal spending for 2020, probably averting a government shutdown next week.
House Republicans and Democrats Spend Marathon Session Arguing Over Articles of Impeachment
House Democrats say President Trump should be impeached because one, he abused his power, and two, he obstructed Congress.
Pentagon Tests Long-banned Ballistic Missile over Pacific
The Pentagon on Thursday flight-tested a missile that had been banned under a treaty that the United States and Russia abandoned last summer. Some U.S. arms control advocates said the test risks an unnecessary arms race with Moscow.
Christian News
Christians arrested in India's Madhya Pradesh state for false charges of forced conversion
In the past 7 days, 8 Christians were attacked in India and charged with forced religious conversions, radicals landing them in prison under an oft-misused law against religious coercion.
Undercover cops raid Christian wedding in Pakistan
Four policemen disguised as civilians attacked a Christian wedding in Punjab province, Pakistan, damaging homes, hurling abusive slurs at women guests, and registering a case against the Christians involved.
Gaza Christians barred from visiting Bethlehem, Jerusalem on Christmas
Christians in the Gaza Strip will not be allowed to visit holy cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem to celebrate Christmas this year, Israeli authorities said on Thursday.
Around the World
U.S. Hits Iran With More Sanctions, Hopes For Prisoner Talks
The United States has hit Iran with new sanctions targeting several transport firms it accused of transporting lethal aid from Iran to Yemen and proliferating weapons of mass destruction.
Satellite images uncover new Iranian tunnel in Syria used to hide missiles
Satellite images taken in October revealed a new underground tunnel that Iran is building in Syria, the US government says to hide weapons.
Mexico to Send New Regional Trade Agreement to Senate
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Wednesday he will send a new regional trade agreement to the Senate immediately for ratification.
Burmese leader arrives in Netherlands to stand trial for genocide
Burma's leader Aung San Suu Kyi arrived at the International Court of Justice in the Hague Tuesday to arbitrate the case against her for genocide opened by Muslim country Gambia.
Major leak of Iranian financial data points to hostile state actor
The details of 15 million Iranian debit cards were leaked online when banks were burned during protests that began November 15 for a 50% spike in fuel prices.
US Military Leaders, Congress Spar Over Syria Pullout
U.S. lawmakers and military leaders sparred Wednesday over the U.S. decision in October to pull troops out of northern Syria amid the threat of a Turkish offensive.
Senate Panel Passes Bill To Impose Sanctions On Turkey; Delays Vote On Tough Russia Measures
A U.S. Senate committee has passed legislation with bipartisan support to hit Turkey with sanctions but refrained from voting on a controversial Russian sanctions bill.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Knesset advance legislation to dissolve, hold fresh elections
Knesset members on Wednesday began the process of passing a bill to dissolve parliament and hold an unprecedented third election in 12 months.
Inside the United States
Feds Collect Record Taxes Through November; But Still Run $343.3 Billion Deficit With Second-Highest Spending in Nation's History
The federal government collected record total tax revenues of $470,706,000,000 in October and November, the first two months of fiscal 2020, according to the Monthly Treasury Statement released today.
Trump changes federal definitions of Jewishness and anti-Semitism to combat anti-Israel college campaigns
The White House announced Wednesday that a new executive order targeting anti-Semitism on college campuses will be signed by President Trump, broadening the federal definition of Judaism to encompass ethnicity as well as religion.
IG report debunks media, Trump foes' conspiracy theories
The Justice Department inspector general’s report rebuts a number of Trump-Russia assertions made by key players, including the news media, former FBI Director James B. Comey and Rep. Adam B. Schiff, a leading conspiracy proponent.
House passes ‘progressive’ defense bill, 377-48
In a strong bipartisan vote, the House passed a compromise defense policy bill that authorizes a new Space Force and $738 billion for the Pentagon, but a small but vocal group of Democrats voted against it because of the absence of new war powers restrictions, arms control language and border wall mandates. The vote was 377-48.
Graham alleges ‘massive criminal conspiracy’ in FBI’s Russia probe in blistering hearing statement
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham accused the FBI officials who investigated the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia of a 'massive criminal conspiracy' in a fiery opening statement Wednesday for a hearing where the Justice Department's top watchdog testified.
71% Have Little or No Trust in House Impeachment Inquiry, Monmouth University Poll Shows
Americans remain greatly skeptical of the way the House impeachment inquiry has been conducted, results of a new Monmouth University Poll released Wednesday reveal.
Jewish community targeted by Black Hebrew Israelite killer in Jersey City
The anti-Jewish motives of the Jersey City shooters who killed 4 people on Tuesday near a Kosher supermarket began to surface Wednesday as investigators uncovered the main shooter's online history.
Christian News
Christians killed on bus in Kenya when Al Shabaab infiltrates
Militants from Somali Islamist group Al Shabaab attacked a bus in Kenya Friday, killing 11 people, most of whom were assumed to be Christians.
Christian doctor in UK cleared after falsely charged with sharing his faith in an invasive way
A Christian doctor in the UK in danger of losing his job and medical license for 3 months was cleared of any wrongdoing by the National Medical Council after it found the charges against him were based on a highly questionable report.
Indian parliament provides certain Christians citizenship, but critics fear a move away from religious freedom
New legislation passed in India's parliament grants citizenship to beleaguered Christian foreigners, among others, but the US Commission on International Religious Freedom says it is a dangerous move.
U.S. Hits Iran With More Sanctions, Hopes For Prisoner Talks
The United States has hit Iran with new sanctions targeting several transport firms it accused of transporting lethal aid from Iran to Yemen and proliferating weapons of mass destruction.
Satellite images uncover new Iranian tunnel in Syria used to hide missiles
Satellite images taken in October revealed a new underground tunnel that Iran is building in Syria, the US government says to hide weapons.
Mexico to Send New Regional Trade Agreement to Senate
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Wednesday he will send a new regional trade agreement to the Senate immediately for ratification.
Burmese leader arrives in Netherlands to stand trial for genocide
Burma's leader Aung San Suu Kyi arrived at the International Court of Justice in the Hague Tuesday to arbitrate the case against her for genocide opened by Muslim country Gambia.
Major leak of Iranian financial data points to hostile state actor
The details of 15 million Iranian debit cards were leaked online when banks were burned during protests that began November 15 for a 50% spike in fuel prices.
US Military Leaders, Congress Spar Over Syria Pullout
U.S. lawmakers and military leaders sparred Wednesday over the U.S. decision in October to pull troops out of northern Syria amid the threat of a Turkish offensive.
Senate Panel Passes Bill To Impose Sanctions On Turkey; Delays Vote On Tough Russia Measures
A U.S. Senate committee has passed legislation with bipartisan support to hit Turkey with sanctions but refrained from voting on a controversial Russian sanctions bill.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Knesset advance legislation to dissolve, hold fresh elections
Knesset members on Wednesday began the process of passing a bill to dissolve parliament and hold an unprecedented third election in 12 months.
Inside the United States
Feds Collect Record Taxes Through November; But Still Run $343.3 Billion Deficit With Second-Highest Spending in Nation's History
The federal government collected record total tax revenues of $470,706,000,000 in October and November, the first two months of fiscal 2020, according to the Monthly Treasury Statement released today.
Trump changes federal definitions of Jewishness and anti-Semitism to combat anti-Israel college campaigns
The White House announced Wednesday that a new executive order targeting anti-Semitism on college campuses will be signed by President Trump, broadening the federal definition of Judaism to encompass ethnicity as well as religion.
IG report debunks media, Trump foes' conspiracy theories
The Justice Department inspector general’s report rebuts a number of Trump-Russia assertions made by key players, including the news media, former FBI Director James B. Comey and Rep. Adam B. Schiff, a leading conspiracy proponent.
House passes ‘progressive’ defense bill, 377-48
In a strong bipartisan vote, the House passed a compromise defense policy bill that authorizes a new Space Force and $738 billion for the Pentagon, but a small but vocal group of Democrats voted against it because of the absence of new war powers restrictions, arms control language and border wall mandates. The vote was 377-48.
Graham alleges ‘massive criminal conspiracy’ in FBI’s Russia probe in blistering hearing statement
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham accused the FBI officials who investigated the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia of a 'massive criminal conspiracy' in a fiery opening statement Wednesday for a hearing where the Justice Department's top watchdog testified.
71% Have Little or No Trust in House Impeachment Inquiry, Monmouth University Poll Shows
Americans remain greatly skeptical of the way the House impeachment inquiry has been conducted, results of a new Monmouth University Poll released Wednesday reveal.
Jewish community targeted by Black Hebrew Israelite killer in Jersey City
The anti-Jewish motives of the Jersey City shooters who killed 4 people on Tuesday near a Kosher supermarket began to surface Wednesday as investigators uncovered the main shooter's online history.
Christian News
Christians killed on bus in Kenya when Al Shabaab infiltrates
Militants from Somali Islamist group Al Shabaab attacked a bus in Kenya Friday, killing 11 people, most of whom were assumed to be Christians.
Christian doctor in UK cleared after falsely charged with sharing his faith in an invasive way
A Christian doctor in the UK in danger of losing his job and medical license for 3 months was cleared of any wrongdoing by the National Medical Council after it found the charges against him were based on a highly questionable report.
Indian parliament provides certain Christians citizenship, but critics fear a move away from religious freedom
New legislation passed in India's parliament grants citizenship to beleaguered Christian foreigners, among others, but the US Commission on International Religious Freedom says it is a dangerous move.
Around the World
Iran blamed for attacks on US security personnel in Iraq
Iran is thought to be behind 9 attacks near US forces and personnel in Iraq in recent weeks, the State Department now surmises, with the most recent injuring 6 Iraqi soldiers near an airport in Baghdad Monday.
'Social credit score': China set to roll out 'Orwellian' mass surveillance tool
China is developing a new high-tech system of mass surveillance and coercion aimed suppressing political dissent among its 1.4 billion people, while forcing American and Western businesses to conform to the government’s communist policies if they want to operate there.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blue and White’s lead grows as Netanyahu blamed for descent into third elections
On the eve of a likely Knesset vote for yet another back-to-back election, a new poll by Channel 13 television news showed Blue and White increasing its lead on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud.
Blue and White decides no Gantz-Lapid rotation for PM
Blue and White will run Benny Gantz as the party's sole candidate for prime minister if a third election is held, Gantz's number two, MK Yair Lapid, announced at Monday's faction meeting at the Knesset.
Abbas threatens to cut all ties with Israel if Jordan Valley annexed
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday threatened to cut all ties with Israel if it annexes the Jordan Valley, and said the PA was also considering breaking off all its relations with the United States over its recent move saying West Bank settlement were 'not inconsistent with international law.'
Inside the United States
Pelosi announces deal to pass Trump NAFTA replacement, with House vote as soon as next week
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a breakthrough Tuesday in the negotiations for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade, paving the way for a House vote on the trade deal negotiated by President Trump that he has long lobbied Congress to approve.
House committee to consider impeachment articles Wednesday
The House Judiciary Committee will vote on two articles of impeachment against President Trump over a two-day period beginning Wednesday night.
FBI lawyer under criminal investigation altered document to say Carter Page 'was not a source' for another agency
The FBI became close to correcting a mistake in the third and final warrant application renewal targeting onetime Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, but an FBI lawyer improperly altered a document to cover up that the bureau had erred in the previous filings.
IG Report Confirms Schiff FISA Memo Media Praised Was Riddled With Lies
The new inspector general report on FISA abuse settles the debate between Republicans and Democrats on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Both groups put out memos about the Department of Justice’s efforts to secure a warrant to wiretap Carter Page.
Carter Page Plans Lawsuit After FISA Report Revelations, Confirms He Was CIA Asset
Former Donald Trump campaign associate Carter Page said that he has a team of attorneys going over Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s report for potential lawsuits.
Barr derides FBI's Russia investigation, saying officials should have simply talked to Trump campaign
Attorney General William Barr said the Obama administration should have asked the 2016 Trump campaign about possible collusion with Russia, saying the investigation the FBI pursued instead was based on a 'flimsy' premise.
Federal judge blocks billions in Pentagon funding from paying for border wall
A federal judge has blocked President Trump from diverting Pentagon funds from various military projects toward building a wall on the United States' southern border.
Lawmakers Reach Deal on Defense Bill, Establishing US Space Force
Lawmakers reached an agreement on Dec. 9 for a compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes $738 billion for the Department of Defense to set national defense policy—as well as the authorization of the U.S. Space Force.
Deficit spikes 12 percent in first two months of fiscal year: CBO
The U.S. government deficit rose by 12 percent in the first two months of the 2020 fiscal year, hitting $342 billion, according to new estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
Supreme Court allows Kentucky abortion ultrasound law to take effect
The Supreme Court won't hear an appeal over a Kentucky law that forces health providers to show pregnant women ultrasounds of their fetuses before having abortions.
Christian News
'We are Fulfilling our Duties as Christians': Alabama Sheriff Rebuffs Atheist Group's Request to Stop Citing Prayer on Social Media
An Alabama sheriff has refused to comply with an atheist group's request that his office stop posting prayers on social media after a tragedy occurs.
UK: Christian GP cleared over offering to pray with patients slams ‘vexatious’ case
A GP who risked losing his job for offering to pray with patients has been cleared by the General Medical Council in a case that establishes the circumstances in which clinicians are allowed to use their faith in their work.
Iran blamed for attacks on US security personnel in Iraq
Iran is thought to be behind 9 attacks near US forces and personnel in Iraq in recent weeks, the State Department now surmises, with the most recent injuring 6 Iraqi soldiers near an airport in Baghdad Monday.
'Social credit score': China set to roll out 'Orwellian' mass surveillance tool
China is developing a new high-tech system of mass surveillance and coercion aimed suppressing political dissent among its 1.4 billion people, while forcing American and Western businesses to conform to the government’s communist policies if they want to operate there.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blue and White’s lead grows as Netanyahu blamed for descent into third elections
On the eve of a likely Knesset vote for yet another back-to-back election, a new poll by Channel 13 television news showed Blue and White increasing its lead on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud.
Blue and White decides no Gantz-Lapid rotation for PM
Blue and White will run Benny Gantz as the party's sole candidate for prime minister if a third election is held, Gantz's number two, MK Yair Lapid, announced at Monday's faction meeting at the Knesset.
Abbas threatens to cut all ties with Israel if Jordan Valley annexed
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday threatened to cut all ties with Israel if it annexes the Jordan Valley, and said the PA was also considering breaking off all its relations with the United States over its recent move saying West Bank settlement were 'not inconsistent with international law.'
Inside the United States
Pelosi announces deal to pass Trump NAFTA replacement, with House vote as soon as next week
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a breakthrough Tuesday in the negotiations for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade, paving the way for a House vote on the trade deal negotiated by President Trump that he has long lobbied Congress to approve.
House committee to consider impeachment articles Wednesday
The House Judiciary Committee will vote on two articles of impeachment against President Trump over a two-day period beginning Wednesday night.
FBI lawyer under criminal investigation altered document to say Carter Page 'was not a source' for another agency
The FBI became close to correcting a mistake in the third and final warrant application renewal targeting onetime Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, but an FBI lawyer improperly altered a document to cover up that the bureau had erred in the previous filings.
IG Report Confirms Schiff FISA Memo Media Praised Was Riddled With Lies
The new inspector general report on FISA abuse settles the debate between Republicans and Democrats on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Both groups put out memos about the Department of Justice’s efforts to secure a warrant to wiretap Carter Page.
Carter Page Plans Lawsuit After FISA Report Revelations, Confirms He Was CIA Asset
Former Donald Trump campaign associate Carter Page said that he has a team of attorneys going over Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s report for potential lawsuits.
Barr derides FBI's Russia investigation, saying officials should have simply talked to Trump campaign
Attorney General William Barr said the Obama administration should have asked the 2016 Trump campaign about possible collusion with Russia, saying the investigation the FBI pursued instead was based on a 'flimsy' premise.
Federal judge blocks billions in Pentagon funding from paying for border wall
A federal judge has blocked President Trump from diverting Pentagon funds from various military projects toward building a wall on the United States' southern border.
Lawmakers Reach Deal on Defense Bill, Establishing US Space Force
Lawmakers reached an agreement on Dec. 9 for a compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes $738 billion for the Department of Defense to set national defense policy—as well as the authorization of the U.S. Space Force.
Deficit spikes 12 percent in first two months of fiscal year: CBO
The U.S. government deficit rose by 12 percent in the first two months of the 2020 fiscal year, hitting $342 billion, according to new estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
Supreme Court allows Kentucky abortion ultrasound law to take effect
The Supreme Court won't hear an appeal over a Kentucky law that forces health providers to show pregnant women ultrasounds of their fetuses before having abortions.
Christian News
'We are Fulfilling our Duties as Christians': Alabama Sheriff Rebuffs Atheist Group's Request to Stop Citing Prayer on Social Media
An Alabama sheriff has refused to comply with an atheist group's request that his office stop posting prayers on social media after a tragedy occurs.
UK: Christian GP cleared over offering to pray with patients slams ‘vexatious’ case
A GP who risked losing his job for offering to pray with patients has been cleared by the General Medical Council in a case that establishes the circumstances in which clinicians are allowed to use their faith in their work.