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
Coronavirus may have been a 'cell-culture experiment' gone wrong
The coronavirus that has become a world-wide pandemic may have been created in a “cell-culture experiment” in a laboratory, according to prominent scientists who have conducted ground-breaking research into the origins of the virus.
China Warns US As Tensions Escalate to the "Brink of a New Cold War"
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday that American officials are endangering world peace by attempting to push the US and China “to the brink of a new cold war,” Time reports. Amid rising tensions between the two countries on a range of issues, including China’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, last week the US Senate unanimously passed a bill that could prevent some Chinese companies from being listed on American stock exchanges.
No Limits on US - Russia Nuclear Arms if Trump Does Not Renew Expiring Reduction Treaty
The world will be left with no restrictions on US and Russian nuclear weapons unless President Donald Trump extends the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) before it expires on February 5 next year, Defense News reports. Signed by the two countries in 2010, the nuclear arms reduction treaty limits the number of long-range nuclear warheads and launchers America and Russia can have.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Jerusalem Is ‘Red Line’ for Muslims, Turkey’s Erdogan Declares in Eid Message Attacking Israel
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has attacked the Israeli government’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank and declared that the issue of Jerusalem was a “red line” for Muslims around the world.
Israel’s Economy Falls 7.1%, Sharpest Drop in 20 Years
Israel’s economy faces its sharpest decline in 20 years as it contracted by 7.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, official figures show.
Inside the United States
Retail job losses highest on record as coronavirus wreaks havoc on economy
The already struggling retail industry has experienced catastrophic layoffs amid the coronavirus pandemic that are hitting historic levels.
Republican Groups File Suit Against California Governor, Claiming His Vote-By-Mail Executive Order is Unlawful
Republican groups filed a lawsuit against California Governor Gavin Newsom Sunday, challenging his executive order that all state registered voters can vote by mail in November’s General Election, CBS news reports. The Republican National Party, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the California Republican Party launched the case in the District Court for Eastern California, claiming that Newsom’s order was issued in “a direct usurpation of the legislature's authority.”
Christian News
Iran Christian Jailed for “Zionist Christianity”
Supporters of detained Iranian Christian Ismaeil Maghrebinejad say a court has increased his prison sentence for evangelical activities in Iran.
Egypt’s Legislation of 70 Churches Clouded By Attacks
Egypt’s government has recognized an additional 70 churches, but minority Christians fear more violence and threats in this mainly Muslim nation.
Coronavirus may have been a 'cell-culture experiment' gone wrong
The coronavirus that has become a world-wide pandemic may have been created in a “cell-culture experiment” in a laboratory, according to prominent scientists who have conducted ground-breaking research into the origins of the virus.
China Warns US As Tensions Escalate to the "Brink of a New Cold War"
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday that American officials are endangering world peace by attempting to push the US and China “to the brink of a new cold war,” Time reports. Amid rising tensions between the two countries on a range of issues, including China’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, last week the US Senate unanimously passed a bill that could prevent some Chinese companies from being listed on American stock exchanges.
No Limits on US - Russia Nuclear Arms if Trump Does Not Renew Expiring Reduction Treaty
The world will be left with no restrictions on US and Russian nuclear weapons unless President Donald Trump extends the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) before it expires on February 5 next year, Defense News reports. Signed by the two countries in 2010, the nuclear arms reduction treaty limits the number of long-range nuclear warheads and launchers America and Russia can have.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Jerusalem Is ‘Red Line’ for Muslims, Turkey’s Erdogan Declares in Eid Message Attacking Israel
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has attacked the Israeli government’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank and declared that the issue of Jerusalem was a “red line” for Muslims around the world.
Israel’s Economy Falls 7.1%, Sharpest Drop in 20 Years
Israel’s economy faces its sharpest decline in 20 years as it contracted by 7.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, official figures show.
Inside the United States
Retail job losses highest on record as coronavirus wreaks havoc on economy
The already struggling retail industry has experienced catastrophic layoffs amid the coronavirus pandemic that are hitting historic levels.
Republican Groups File Suit Against California Governor, Claiming His Vote-By-Mail Executive Order is Unlawful
Republican groups filed a lawsuit against California Governor Gavin Newsom Sunday, challenging his executive order that all state registered voters can vote by mail in November’s General Election, CBS news reports. The Republican National Party, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the California Republican Party launched the case in the District Court for Eastern California, claiming that Newsom’s order was issued in “a direct usurpation of the legislature's authority.”
Christian News
Iran Christian Jailed for “Zionist Christianity”
Supporters of detained Iranian Christian Ismaeil Maghrebinejad say a court has increased his prison sentence for evangelical activities in Iran.
Egypt’s Legislation of 70 Churches Clouded By Attacks
Egypt’s government has recognized an additional 70 churches, but minority Christians fear more violence and threats in this mainly Muslim nation.
Around the World
Hong Kong Police Breakup Pro-Democracy Protests
Smoke and screams of panicked people filled central Hong Kong on Sunday as security forces fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators.
Pompeo: Russia using Open Skies Treaty for data on cruise missile targets
Russia is using intelligence obtained from U.S. and European overflights under the Open Skies Treaty to plan future cruise missile strikes on infrastructure targets, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo revealed yesterday.
Chechen Leader Hospitalized With COVID-19
There was mounting uncertainty Saturday over the health of Chechen autocratic leader Ramzan Kadyrov after conflicting reports over whether he suffers from the coronavirus disease COVID-19.
US Scientists Breed Mouse-Human Chimera
Scientists at the University at Buffalo and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute have bred a new chimera made up of mouse cells and human stem cells, Popular Mechanics reports. Chimeras are living things made up of genetically different tissues, in this case, mouse and human. Chimeras are considered medically important as scientists believe they hold the potential of growing human organs inside animals and thereby shortening waiting lists for organ transplants.
Pakistan Plane Crash Kills 97 (Update)
A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crashed into a residential area of Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi on Friday, killing all 107 people on board, the city’s mayor confirmed.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Quartet talks Israeli-Palestinian peace amid PA push to replace Trump plan
The Palestinian Authority’s push to replace the US as the sole broker for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process failed to yield immediate results as a Quartet video conference on the matter ended without any conclusions.
Israel’s Premier On Trial For Corruption
Benjamin Netanyahu became on Sunday Israel’s first prime minister to stand trial on bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges.
Iran Defends Anti-Israel Poster Calling For ’Final Solution’
Iran has defended an anti-Israel poster published by the country’s leader calling for ”the final solution,” amid accusations that he wants genocide against Jews.
Iran’s Ayatollah Khameini calls for “Final Solution” in eliminating Israel
In calling for the “elimination of Israel” on Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameini used the words ‘final solution,’ CBN news reports. The phrase Hitler applied to describe his plans for a Jewish genocide was adopted in a poster published to Khamenei’s website on the occasion of Quds Day, Iran’s annual anti-Israel event.
Inside the United States
Trump ‘Orders’ U.S. States To Reopen Churches
Tensions were rising Saturday after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded that states allow churches and other houses of worship to reopen from stay-at-home restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. Saying America needed more prayer, Trump threatened to override governors’ orders though he faced constitutional limits to enforce these policies.
Oregon Supreme Court Holds in Place Stay-At-Home Order Limiting Churches Services to 25 People
Pending judicial review, the Oregon Supreme Court held in place on May 19 Gov. Kate Brown’s stay-at-home orders that limit in-person church services to 25 people, the New York Times reported. Ten churches had filed suit, arguing that the orders placed an undue burden on houses of worship that wanted to have services with social distancing. The state appealed to the Supreme Court after Circuit Judge Matthew Shirtcliff ruled May 18 that Brown overstepped her authority in not seeking legislative approval to extend her stay-at-home orders beyond a 28-day limit.
Christian News
Militants Kill Hundreds Of Christians In Nigeria
Islamic militants have brutally murdered at least hundreds of Christians in Nigeria this year, a new investigative report claims.
Kidnapped Myanmar Pastor Released After False Report Of Death
Pastor Tun N., who was abducted by rebels in Myanmar and thought to have been killed, has been reunited with his family, Worthy News learned Saturday.
Hong Kong Police Breakup Pro-Democracy Protests
Smoke and screams of panicked people filled central Hong Kong on Sunday as security forces fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators.
Pompeo: Russia using Open Skies Treaty for data on cruise missile targets
Russia is using intelligence obtained from U.S. and European overflights under the Open Skies Treaty to plan future cruise missile strikes on infrastructure targets, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo revealed yesterday.
Chechen Leader Hospitalized With COVID-19
There was mounting uncertainty Saturday over the health of Chechen autocratic leader Ramzan Kadyrov after conflicting reports over whether he suffers from the coronavirus disease COVID-19.
US Scientists Breed Mouse-Human Chimera
Scientists at the University at Buffalo and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute have bred a new chimera made up of mouse cells and human stem cells, Popular Mechanics reports. Chimeras are living things made up of genetically different tissues, in this case, mouse and human. Chimeras are considered medically important as scientists believe they hold the potential of growing human organs inside animals and thereby shortening waiting lists for organ transplants.
Pakistan Plane Crash Kills 97 (Update)
A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crashed into a residential area of Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi on Friday, killing all 107 people on board, the city’s mayor confirmed.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Quartet talks Israeli-Palestinian peace amid PA push to replace Trump plan
The Palestinian Authority’s push to replace the US as the sole broker for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process failed to yield immediate results as a Quartet video conference on the matter ended without any conclusions.
Israel’s Premier On Trial For Corruption
Benjamin Netanyahu became on Sunday Israel’s first prime minister to stand trial on bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges.
Iran Defends Anti-Israel Poster Calling For ’Final Solution’
Iran has defended an anti-Israel poster published by the country’s leader calling for ”the final solution,” amid accusations that he wants genocide against Jews.
Iran’s Ayatollah Khameini calls for “Final Solution” in eliminating Israel
In calling for the “elimination of Israel” on Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameini used the words ‘final solution,’ CBN news reports. The phrase Hitler applied to describe his plans for a Jewish genocide was adopted in a poster published to Khamenei’s website on the occasion of Quds Day, Iran’s annual anti-Israel event.
Inside the United States
Trump ‘Orders’ U.S. States To Reopen Churches
Tensions were rising Saturday after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded that states allow churches and other houses of worship to reopen from stay-at-home restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. Saying America needed more prayer, Trump threatened to override governors’ orders though he faced constitutional limits to enforce these policies.
Oregon Supreme Court Holds in Place Stay-At-Home Order Limiting Churches Services to 25 People
Pending judicial review, the Oregon Supreme Court held in place on May 19 Gov. Kate Brown’s stay-at-home orders that limit in-person church services to 25 people, the New York Times reported. Ten churches had filed suit, arguing that the orders placed an undue burden on houses of worship that wanted to have services with social distancing. The state appealed to the Supreme Court after Circuit Judge Matthew Shirtcliff ruled May 18 that Brown overstepped her authority in not seeking legislative approval to extend her stay-at-home orders beyond a 28-day limit.
Christian News
Militants Kill Hundreds Of Christians In Nigeria
Islamic militants have brutally murdered at least hundreds of Christians in Nigeria this year, a new investigative report claims.
Kidnapped Myanmar Pastor Released After False Report Of Death
Pastor Tun N., who was abducted by rebels in Myanmar and thought to have been killed, has been reunited with his family, Worthy News learned Saturday.
Around the World
U.S. To Exit Open Skies Treaty Over Russian Violations
The United States has announced that it will withdraw from the Open Skies treaty because of violations of the agreement by Russia.
US pledges $1.2B for 300M doses of coronavirus vaccine being developed in UK
The United States has committed $1.2 billion to secure the supply of 300 million doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine being developed in the United Kingdom.
Satellites and spacecraft malfunction as Earth's magnetic field mysteriously weakens
Earth's magnetic field, which is vital to protecting life on our planet from solar radiation, is mysteriously weakening.
Scores Dead As Cyclone Hits India and Bangladesh
Scores of people have died, hundreds of thousands are homeless, and millions face flooding and power shortages in India and Bangladesh after one of the region’s fiercest cyclones in a decade.
Trump Administration Spending Billions Developing Hypersonic Missiles
The Pentagon is spending billions of dollars on developing two main types of ultra-fast hypersonic missiles in order to “dominate future battlefields,” the Times of Israel reports. Referring to Russia and China in an explanation for the move, President Trump told reporters on Friday: “We have no choice, we have to do it, with the adversaries we have out there.”
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russia said pushing ‘mini-summit’ to mend ties between US, Palestinians
Russia is reportedly seeking to arrange a meeting in the coming weeks between US and Palestinian officials to help renew ties between Washington and Ramallah, which have frayed during US President Donald Trump’s presidency.
Hezbollah training Syria's 1st Corps to use in future war against Israel
Hezbollah is preparing the Syrian Arab Army’s 1st Corps for a future war against Israel, training its commanders and soldiers as well as deploying it for intelligence gathering against the IDF in the Golan Heights.
Inside the United States
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi shooting investigated as 'terrorism-related,' FBI reports
The FBI said Thursday that a shooting at a Texas naval air station earlier in the morning that left the gunman dead is being investigated as “terrorism-related.”
Justice Department says California Restrictions on Churches are Unfair
The Justice Department has told California Gov. Gavin Newsom that his current COVID-19 order prohibiting worship services amounts to “unequal treatment of faith communities," the Washington Examiner reports. In a letter sent Tuesday by the Department’s Civil Rights Division, the governor was told it is apparently unfair that church should be closed when “non-essential” businesses have opened in phase two of California’s Reopening Plan.
Record-Breaking $1.3 Billion Contract Awarded to Build Section of Border Wall
A North Dakota construction company has received a massive $1.3 billion contract to build a section of President Trump’s US-Mexico border wall, the Arizona Daily Star first reported. The award to Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. is the largest border wall contract to date.
Christian News
U.S. Pentecostal Church Destroyed In Arson Attack
A Pentecostal church in the U.S. state of Mississippi, which challenges coronavirus restrictions, has been destroyed by a suspected arson fire.
Wycliffe Associates Looks to Collaborative Translation Methodology to Finish Decades-Old Bible Translation Projects
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, has recently identified 10 language groups that don’t yet have complete Bibles, although translation projects began decades ago.
Iran Frees Four Converts From Jail
Four former Muslims who became Christians and part of Iran's leading house church movements have been freed from an Iranian jail, Christian activists confirmed Thursday. Kathrin Sajadpour, Moslem Rahimi, and another Christian, of the 'Church of Iran,' were reportedly freed on a reduced bail of 200 million tomans ($11,500) this week, Wednesday.
Hope for Iran Christian as Hungary Closes Transit Zones
An Iranian Christian father and his young son were among hundreds of asylum seekers on their way to more freedom Thursday after Hungary’s government closed prison-like transit zones.
U.S. To Exit Open Skies Treaty Over Russian Violations
The United States has announced that it will withdraw from the Open Skies treaty because of violations of the agreement by Russia.
US pledges $1.2B for 300M doses of coronavirus vaccine being developed in UK
The United States has committed $1.2 billion to secure the supply of 300 million doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine being developed in the United Kingdom.
Satellites and spacecraft malfunction as Earth's magnetic field mysteriously weakens
Earth's magnetic field, which is vital to protecting life on our planet from solar radiation, is mysteriously weakening.
Scores Dead As Cyclone Hits India and Bangladesh
Scores of people have died, hundreds of thousands are homeless, and millions face flooding and power shortages in India and Bangladesh after one of the region’s fiercest cyclones in a decade.
Trump Administration Spending Billions Developing Hypersonic Missiles
The Pentagon is spending billions of dollars on developing two main types of ultra-fast hypersonic missiles in order to “dominate future battlefields,” the Times of Israel reports. Referring to Russia and China in an explanation for the move, President Trump told reporters on Friday: “We have no choice, we have to do it, with the adversaries we have out there.”
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russia said pushing ‘mini-summit’ to mend ties between US, Palestinians
Russia is reportedly seeking to arrange a meeting in the coming weeks between US and Palestinian officials to help renew ties between Washington and Ramallah, which have frayed during US President Donald Trump’s presidency.
Hezbollah training Syria's 1st Corps to use in future war against Israel
Hezbollah is preparing the Syrian Arab Army’s 1st Corps for a future war against Israel, training its commanders and soldiers as well as deploying it for intelligence gathering against the IDF in the Golan Heights.
Inside the United States
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi shooting investigated as 'terrorism-related,' FBI reports
The FBI said Thursday that a shooting at a Texas naval air station earlier in the morning that left the gunman dead is being investigated as “terrorism-related.”
Justice Department says California Restrictions on Churches are Unfair
The Justice Department has told California Gov. Gavin Newsom that his current COVID-19 order prohibiting worship services amounts to “unequal treatment of faith communities," the Washington Examiner reports. In a letter sent Tuesday by the Department’s Civil Rights Division, the governor was told it is apparently unfair that church should be closed when “non-essential” businesses have opened in phase two of California’s Reopening Plan.
Record-Breaking $1.3 Billion Contract Awarded to Build Section of Border Wall
A North Dakota construction company has received a massive $1.3 billion contract to build a section of President Trump’s US-Mexico border wall, the Arizona Daily Star first reported. The award to Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. is the largest border wall contract to date.
Christian News
U.S. Pentecostal Church Destroyed In Arson Attack
A Pentecostal church in the U.S. state of Mississippi, which challenges coronavirus restrictions, has been destroyed by a suspected arson fire.
Wycliffe Associates Looks to Collaborative Translation Methodology to Finish Decades-Old Bible Translation Projects
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, has recently identified 10 language groups that don’t yet have complete Bibles, although translation projects began decades ago.
Iran Frees Four Converts From Jail
Four former Muslims who became Christians and part of Iran's leading house church movements have been freed from an Iranian jail, Christian activists confirmed Thursday. Kathrin Sajadpour, Moslem Rahimi, and another Christian, of the 'Church of Iran,' were reportedly freed on a reduced bail of 200 million tomans ($11,500) this week, Wednesday.
Hope for Iran Christian as Hungary Closes Transit Zones
An Iranian Christian father and his young son were among hundreds of asylum seekers on their way to more freedom Thursday after Hungary’s government closed prison-like transit zones.