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?"

Today's Breaking News
Around the World
IS said to have lost half the area it once claimed in Iraq
The Islamic State group has continued losing control over territory across Iraq and Syria, a Pentagon spokesman said Monday, including almost half of what it had once held in Iraq.
U.S. forces on the ground in Libya: Report
U.S. forces are reportedly on the ground in Libya, conducting patrols and advising local militias fighting to oust Islamic State fighters from the country.
Iran: U.S. Encouraging Islamic Republic to Keep Illicit Missile Tests Secret
A senior Iranian military commander claimed that U.S. officials are quietly encouraging the Islamic Republic to keep its illicit ballistic missile tests a secret so as not to raise concerns in the region, according to Persian language comments.
Iran cracks down on women modeling without headscarves online
Iranian police recently arrested eight people in a new crackdown targeting 'un-Islamic acts' online such as female models posting images of themselves without the hijab, state media reported on May 16.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Rafael unveils 1,500-meter-range infantry missile
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems plans to unveil its Spike, short-range (SR) shoulder- fired (man portable) weapon Wednesday at the Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Rafael said.
Herzog reportedly ready to join Netanyahu's coalition, demands major portfolios
In coalition negotiations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opposition leader Isaac Herzog conditioned his party joining the government on landing either one of the justice, culture or communications portfolios, local media reported early Tuesday.
Methodist church meeting votes down BDS resolutions
The United Methodist Church has rejected several resolutions calling for the 12-million-member Protestant church to divest from companies engaging in business with Israel over its treatment of Palestinians.
Shin Bet: Hamas bringing weapons, rocket-making material into Gaza
The Israeli Navy arrested off the coast of Gaza last month a Hamas-affiliated smuggler who is accused of bringing weapons and illegal building materials into the Strip, the Shin Bet revealed Monday.

Inside the United States
Supreme Court ruling should clear the way to free birth control for women with religious employers
An evenly divided Supreme Court skirted the major legal questions arising from a dispute over President Obama's healthcare program and instead announced a compromise Monday designed to clear the way for women working for religious organizations to receive the free birth control promised under the Affordable Care Act.
Phoenix Artists Sue City Over LGBT Non-Discrimination Law
Two artists at a Phoenix calligraphy studio are suing the city over its non-discrimination law, saying they fear they could face jail or other penalties if they refuse to create art for same-sex weddings.
Obama: Transgender bathroom guidance meant to affirm kids' dignity
Responding to criticism of his administration's new guidance on transgender students' use of school bathrooms, President Barack Obama said Monday he wanted to ensure children were being treated with dignity.
Texas Governor Refuses Obama's Request to Lift State Sanctions on Iran; Says Nuclear Deal Undermines US Security
The governor of Texas sent a harsh letter to US President Barack Obama on Monday, announcing that his state would not only maintain its sanctions on Iran, but strengthen them, The Algemeiner has learned.
Congressman: Classified Details of Iran's Treatment of U.S. Sailors Will Shock Nation
The classified details behind Iran's treatment of several U.S. sailors who were captured by the Islamic Republic during a tense standoff earlier this year are likely to shock the nation, according to one member of the House Armed Services Committee, who disclosed to the Washington Free Beacon that these details are currently being withheld by the Obama administration.

U.S. Politics
With Trump atop GOP, conservatives could lose influence on Capitol Hill
Donald Trump hasn't only beaten the Republican establishment, he's also thrashed Washington's conservative establishment.
Hillary Clinton keeps losing. So how come she's winning?
Bernie Sanders is on a roll. He's won the last two Democratic primaries and stands a good chance Tuesday of adding Oregon and perhaps Kentucky to his pile of victories.

Christian News
Iranian church pastor released from detention; three church members still held
An Iranian pastor arrested last week has been released along with his wife, but three members of their church remain in custody, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
Franklin Graham Criticizes Obama for Transgender Bathroom Directive: 'Who Does He Think He is?'
Franklin Graham criticized President Obama's decision to direct public schools to allow transgender students to choose the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity.
Missing South Korea Christian minister possibly kidnapped to North
A Christian minister of South Korean nationality is missing, and could have possibly been abducted to the North in March.
Going To Church Could Help You Live Longer, Study Says
Many Americans say they attend church because it helps them stay grounded and gives them spiritual guidance. A new study suggests that regular attendance may also help increase their lifespan.
40,000 Christians Persecuted By Muslims In Germany
A new study shows that potentially thousands of Christians have been attacked and harassed in German migrant homes by Muslim guards and fellow migrants.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Kerry asks Saudis for support on Syrian cease-fire
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry asked Saudi Arabia's leaders Sunday for support in building 'cessation of hostilities' between Syria's government forces and rebels ahead of talks with other countries this week.
Al Qaeda magazine calls for targeting American business leaders
The latest issue of Al Qaeda's online magazine Inspire released Saturday calls on would-be jihadis to undermine the American economy by targeting business leaders and entrepreneurs, according to analysts who monitor web chatter from the jihadist organization.
Iran hosts Holocaust cartoon contest
The Obama administration is moving to improve relations with Iran, but the nation may not have helped those efforts by hosting a Holocaust cartoon contest.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinians mark Nakba Day with sirens, marches
Palestinians on Sunday marked the anniversary of their 'Nakba' ('Catastrophe') -- namely the dispossession that accompanied the creation of the State of Israel almost seven decades ago -- with sirens and low-key marches.
Israeli Leader: Iran Mocks WWII Holocaust Prepares Another
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at Iran Sunday for staging a Holocaust-themed cartoon contest that mocked the Nazi genocide of six million Jews during World War II and said the Islamic Republic was busy planning for another one.

Inside the United States
Republicans to Unveil Alternative Legislation to Repeal and Replace Dodd-Frank Act
Republicans on the House Financial Services Committee, led by Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R., Texas), are set to unveil new legislation in the coming weeks that would effectively repeal and replace the Dodd-Frank Act.
House sets hearings on impeaching IRS chief
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen faces misconduct hearings before the House Judiciary Committee, due to what lawmakers say is stonewalling of the congressional probe into the agency's targeting of Tea Party groups.
Man who choked 8-year-old girl in women's restroom stokes alarm over transgender access
The attack by a man on an 8-year-old girl in a women's restroom last week in a Chicago restaurant is raising alarm about opposite-sex access to public facilities in the name of transgender rights.
Obamacare Regulation Pressures Insurers to Cover Sex Change Operations
The Department of Health and Human Services issued a final regulation Friday that will pressure health insurers to cover sex change operations, which could then be subsidized by taxpayers through Medicare, Medicaid, and Obamacare.
Hidden Microphones Exposed As Part of Government Surveillance Program In The Bay Area
Hidden microphones that are part of a clandestine government surveillance program that has been operating around the Bay Area has been exposed.

U.S. Politics
Nevada Dem convention devolves into chaos
Tensions were high at the Democratic convention in Nevada Saturday, with supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders demanding delegate recounts, booing Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and causing other disruptions, according to local media reports.
Financial analyst alleges major holes in Clinton Foundation records
After more than a year of research, a Wall Street analyst is arguing the Clinton Foundation's books are riddled with financial inconsistencies that rise to the level of 'fraud.'
Trump fights back on questions over women, taxes
Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee in the race for the White House, fought Sunday to stem several controversies including his relationship with women and his refusal to release his tax returns.
Sheldon Adelson Is Poised to Give Donald Trump a Donation Boost
The casino magnate Sheldon G. Adelson told Donald J. Trump in a private meeting last week that he was willing to contribute more to help elect him than he has to any previous campaign, a sum that could exceed $100 million, according to two Republicans with direct knowledge of Mr. Adelson's commitment.
Inside the GOP effort to draft an independent candidate to derail Trump
A band of exasperated Republicans -- including 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney, a handful of veteran consultants and members of the conservative intelligentsia -- is actively plotting to draft an independent presidential candidate who could keep Donald Trump from the White House.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Russia Calls New U.S. Missile Shield in Romania a 'Direct Threat'
Russia has described a new $800 million U.S. missile defense site in Romania as a "direct threat" and warned it would bolster its equivalent systems earlier than planned.
Abortion study: 25% of pregnancies terminated, estimates suggest
One in four pregnancies ends in an abortion each year, global estimates from the World Health Organization and Guttmacher Institute suggest.
Facebook Relies on Editors to Determine 'Trending' News
Facebook relies on editorial news judgment along with algorithms to determine the day's biggest news stories in an approach that has made the social networking site the world's largest news distributor.
Iran Shows Off Third Underground Missile Site
Iran's military recently publicized a third underground missile facility and showed the launch of a new ballistic missile through the top of a mountain.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu on Twitter: Israel would mull an amended Saudi Initiative
Israel is ready to talk about an amended Saudi Peace Initiative, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday during a Twitter chat he held in the courtyard of his Jerusalem home in honor of Israel's 68th Independence Day.
Top Hezbollah commander killed in Syria
Top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine, Imad Mughniyeh's successor, has been killed in an attack in Syria, the Lebanese group said on Friday, the biggest blow to the Iranian-backed organization since its military chief was killed in 2008.

Inside the United States
STD's on the rise - 'Swiping right' & online dating could be to blame
Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise for the first time in roughly a decade and online dating could be a contributing factor.

Editor's Note: Nearly 1/2 of the 20 million new STD's are in the age group of 15-24. That means 10 million new cases of STD's in the U.S. are in this age group! There's only 22 million Americans in this age group -- meaning nearly 1/2 of young adults in America has a STD! Are there consequences for having relationships outside of God's order? It seems so! Statistics are staggering!


'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson faces transgender bathroom backlash
Phil Robertson has 'got a radical idea' on how to deal with the controversial transgender bathroom bill in North Carolina. 'Men should use the men's bathroom and women should use the women's bathroom,' Robertson reportedly recently wrote. 'Just because a man may 'feel' like a woman doesn't mean he should be able to share a bathroom with my daughter, or yours. That used to be called common sense. Now it's called bigoted.'
Senate Appropriations Bill Spends More Than Obama Requested
The U.S. Senate's first spending bill of 2016 allocates $261 million more than President Barack Obama requested and lacks significant conservative amendments, but it still sailed to passage Thursday in the Republican-led chamber.
Obama administration won't strip federal funds from North Carolina over bathroom law
The Obama administration announced on Thursday that it would not attempt to strip federal education funding from North Carolina over a bathroom regulation it says violates federal nondiscrimination law.
Federal Judge Sides With GOP in Obamacare Challenge
A federal judge handed House Republicans a win Thursday after ruling that the Obama administration was unlawfully funding an Obamacare subsidy program without congressional approval.
Navy Faces Deployment Crisis as Aging Ships Get Sidelined
The U.S. Navy is suffering from an inability to deploy ships to key international conflict zones due to rising maintenance issues on an aging fleet, that is increasingly being sidelined for lengthy repairs, according to military experts and a new government investigation.

U.S. Politics
Ryan meets Trump, says 'very encouraged' but unity will take time
Donald Trump and Paul Ryan might not have built the bridge but they at least may have established the framework toward presenting a unified front against Democrats in November, after their sit-down Thursday morning on Capitol Hill.
Persian Gulf Sheikhs Gave Bill & Hillary $100 Million
A Daily Caller News Foundation investigation reveals that Bill and Hillary Clinton received at least $100 million from autocratic Persian Gulf states and their leaders, potentially undermining Democratic presidential candidate Hillary's claim she can carry out independent Middle East policies.
Obama to Order Public Schools to Open Restrooms to Transgender Students
The Obama administration on Friday will order that every public school district in the United States must allow transgender students to use the bathrooms that match their gender identity.

Christian News
India: Hindu's torture Christian convert
Police declined to take any action against the Hindus who tortured a Christian in India's Uttar Pradesh state last month and then left him for dead.