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
Lebanon Mourns As Blasts Kills Dozens, Injures Thousands
Lebanon’s prime minister has declared a national day of mourning after his nation’s worst explosion in years devastated Beirut killing scores of people and injuring thousands.
US Troop Size in Afghanistan Will Reduce to 4,000 'Very Soon', Trump Says
U.S. President Donald Trump has said the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan will be reduced to “anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000” troops by November this year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Mulls Imposing Another Lockdown to Fight Virus
Israeli leaders are considering reinstating a full lockdown in August as the country continues to battle a second wave of the coronavirus.
Inside the United States
Hundreds of Domestic Terrorism Investigations Opened Since Start of George Floyd Protests, Official Says
The FBI has opened more than 300 domestic terrorism investigations since late May and arrested nearly 100 people in Portland, Oregon, a focal point of the George Floyd protests, a top federal prosecutor said on Tuesday.
White House, Democrats Aim to Have Coronavirus Aid Deal by End of Week
White House officials and top congressional Democrats plan to meet again Wednesday as they aim to agree on a new coronavirus aid package by the end of the week.
Americans' distrust in media at alarming levels, poll reveals
Americans’ distrust for the news media to tell the story straight has reached unprecedented levels, an alarming development for any functioning democracy, a new poll reveals.
Trump administration awarding $35 million in grants to help survivors of human trafficking
The Trump administration is awarding over $35 million in Justice Department grants to provide safe housing for survivors of human trafficking, AP News reports. An announcement is being made Tuesday at a White House event attended by survivors of human trafficking, organizations that support them, Attorney General William Barr and Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter, and special adviser.
Christian News
Virtual Bible Translation Workshops Keep Projects Moving Forward, Despite Travel Restrictions and Targeting by Authorities
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, has developed a virtual rendition of its MAST (Mobilized Assistance Supporting Translation) methodology.
Member of Anglican Church in Iran imprisoned for being hostile to the regime
A Christian convert in Iran has won an appeal against conviction for “insulting the sacred beliefs of Muslims,” but lost his appeal against two charges of inciting “propaganda against the state” and for “membership of a [“Zionist” evangelical] group hostile to the regime” respectively, the Christian Post reports. Ismaeil Maghrebinejad was arrested in January 2019 and sentenced by a civil court in January 2020 to a total of six years imprisonment on the original three charges.
Christians in Indian state of Haryana facing fears of proposed anti-conversion law
The Chief Minister of India’s Haryana state has announced he proposes to add a Freedom of Religion Act that would criminalize forced conversions, Persecution.org reports. Commonly referred to as anti-conversion laws, such legislation has already been enacted in eight other Indian states. The announcement on June 16 by Manohar Lal Khattar has reportedly caused serious concerns to Haryana Christians: radical Hindus have used this law in other states to justify attacks on Christians and their places of worship.
Lebanon Mourns As Blasts Kills Dozens, Injures Thousands
Lebanon’s prime minister has declared a national day of mourning after his nation’s worst explosion in years devastated Beirut killing scores of people and injuring thousands.
US Troop Size in Afghanistan Will Reduce to 4,000 'Very Soon', Trump Says
U.S. President Donald Trump has said the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan will be reduced to “anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000” troops by November this year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Mulls Imposing Another Lockdown to Fight Virus
Israeli leaders are considering reinstating a full lockdown in August as the country continues to battle a second wave of the coronavirus.
Inside the United States
Hundreds of Domestic Terrorism Investigations Opened Since Start of George Floyd Protests, Official Says
The FBI has opened more than 300 domestic terrorism investigations since late May and arrested nearly 100 people in Portland, Oregon, a focal point of the George Floyd protests, a top federal prosecutor said on Tuesday.
White House, Democrats Aim to Have Coronavirus Aid Deal by End of Week
White House officials and top congressional Democrats plan to meet again Wednesday as they aim to agree on a new coronavirus aid package by the end of the week.
Americans' distrust in media at alarming levels, poll reveals
Americans’ distrust for the news media to tell the story straight has reached unprecedented levels, an alarming development for any functioning democracy, a new poll reveals.
Trump administration awarding $35 million in grants to help survivors of human trafficking
The Trump administration is awarding over $35 million in Justice Department grants to provide safe housing for survivors of human trafficking, AP News reports. An announcement is being made Tuesday at a White House event attended by survivors of human trafficking, organizations that support them, Attorney General William Barr and Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter, and special adviser.
Christian News
Virtual Bible Translation Workshops Keep Projects Moving Forward, Despite Travel Restrictions and Targeting by Authorities
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, has developed a virtual rendition of its MAST (Mobilized Assistance Supporting Translation) methodology.
Member of Anglican Church in Iran imprisoned for being hostile to the regime
A Christian convert in Iran has won an appeal against conviction for “insulting the sacred beliefs of Muslims,” but lost his appeal against two charges of inciting “propaganda against the state” and for “membership of a [“Zionist” evangelical] group hostile to the regime” respectively, the Christian Post reports. Ismaeil Maghrebinejad was arrested in January 2019 and sentenced by a civil court in January 2020 to a total of six years imprisonment on the original three charges.
Christians in Indian state of Haryana facing fears of proposed anti-conversion law
The Chief Minister of India’s Haryana state has announced he proposes to add a Freedom of Religion Act that would criminalize forced conversions, Persecution.org reports. Commonly referred to as anti-conversion laws, such legislation has already been enacted in eight other Indian states. The announcement on June 16 by Manohar Lal Khattar has reportedly caused serious concerns to Haryana Christians: radical Hindus have used this law in other states to justify attacks on Christians and their places of worship.
Around the World
North Korea has 'probably' developed nuclear devices to fit ballistic missiles, U.N. report says
North Korea is pressing on with its nuclear weapons program and several countries believe it has “probably developed miniaturized nuclear devices to fit into the warheads of its ballistic missiles,” according to a confidential U.N. report.
Locust Swarms Invade Southern Russia, Cause Colossal Damage
Locust swarms have invaded Russia's southern regions causing colossal damage to the local agriculture.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli court upholds block on Palestinian Authority payments to terrorists
The Tel-Aviv District Court ruled in favor of an Israeli government crack-down on Palestinian Authority (PA) payments to convicted terrorists in prison, Israel Hayom reported.
15 said killed in mystery airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias in Syria
At least 15 people were killed in a mystery air attack on a base used by Iranian forces and Iranian-backed militias, a war monitor group focused on Syria said Tuesday.
IDF strikes Syrian military targets in response to attempted border attack
The Israeli military conducted a series of airstrikes on Syrian military targets late Monday night in response to an attempted attack on the border in the Golan Heights the night before, the Israel Defense Forces said.
Likud minister: If Gantz fails to back budget, we’ll form alternative government
Regional Cooperation Minister Ofir Akunis warned Monday that if the Blue and White party does not back a single-year budget as pushed by his Likud party, the latter will seek to replace the unity coalition with an alternative government of 61 MKs.
Netanyahu: West Bank annexation ‘not off the table’; issue ‘is in Washington’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday told his Likud faction meeting that Israel’s planned annexation of West Bank land is not off the table, but is being held up by the US administration.
Inside the United States
Isaias strengthens to hurricane and is expected to drive damaging winds and rain up East Coast
Hurricane Isaias has regained strength and is now set to barrel up the entire East Coast, bringing with it wind and the potential for flooding.
2 protesters arrested after allegedly writing ‘Black Pre-Born Lives Matter’ in chalk on sidewalk
Two anti-abortion protesters were arrested on Saturday outside a Washington, D.C., Planned Parenthood facility after police said they chalked “Black Pre-Born Lives Matter” on the sidewalk outside the facility, a report said.
CDC: COVID-Involved Deaths Drop 8.29% for Week Ending July 18
The most recent death certificates submitted to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that COVID-involved deaths in this country declined in the second half of July.
Christian News
China's Government 'Bans Believing in God' Amid Church Crackdown
China's Communist leadership has ordered devoted Christians not to believe in God, well-informed activists, and local believers say. "Attacks on house churches have intensified across China. Police and government officials raid places of worship and intimidate congregations," added Shen Xiang, who writes for Bitter Winter, a respected religious rights magazine on China.
Uganda Christians murdered for preaching the Gospel to Muslims
Reports emerged this week that Islamic extremists in eastern Uganda have murdered a pastor and a church member for preaching the Gospel to Muslims, the Christian Post reported Saturday. Pastor Peter Kyakulaga and parishioner Tuule Mumbya of Church of Christ were beaten and drowned in a lake in Lugonyola village in the Gadumire Sub-County of Kaliro District on June 22. Church leaders have reportedly asked the local Christian community not to retaliate, but to be in prayer instead, the Christian Post said.
Turkey has begun forcing foreign Christians to leave
Foreign Christians are being told to leave Turkey and others have been barred from re-entering the country, Morning Star News reported Sunday. Rights advocates have said the Turkish government seems to be purposefully aiming such actions against Protestant Christians.
California churches rally against Newsom coronavirus restrictions
California churches this weekend rallied against Gov. Gavin Newsom's worship restrictions as many pastors continue to disregard state-imposed bans on singing and indoor services.
North Korea has 'probably' developed nuclear devices to fit ballistic missiles, U.N. report says
North Korea is pressing on with its nuclear weapons program and several countries believe it has “probably developed miniaturized nuclear devices to fit into the warheads of its ballistic missiles,” according to a confidential U.N. report.
Locust Swarms Invade Southern Russia, Cause Colossal Damage
Locust swarms have invaded Russia's southern regions causing colossal damage to the local agriculture.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli court upholds block on Palestinian Authority payments to terrorists
The Tel-Aviv District Court ruled in favor of an Israeli government crack-down on Palestinian Authority (PA) payments to convicted terrorists in prison, Israel Hayom reported.
15 said killed in mystery airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias in Syria
At least 15 people were killed in a mystery air attack on a base used by Iranian forces and Iranian-backed militias, a war monitor group focused on Syria said Tuesday.
IDF strikes Syrian military targets in response to attempted border attack
The Israeli military conducted a series of airstrikes on Syrian military targets late Monday night in response to an attempted attack on the border in the Golan Heights the night before, the Israel Defense Forces said.
Likud minister: If Gantz fails to back budget, we’ll form alternative government
Regional Cooperation Minister Ofir Akunis warned Monday that if the Blue and White party does not back a single-year budget as pushed by his Likud party, the latter will seek to replace the unity coalition with an alternative government of 61 MKs.
Netanyahu: West Bank annexation ‘not off the table’; issue ‘is in Washington’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday told his Likud faction meeting that Israel’s planned annexation of West Bank land is not off the table, but is being held up by the US administration.
Inside the United States
Isaias strengthens to hurricane and is expected to drive damaging winds and rain up East Coast
Hurricane Isaias has regained strength and is now set to barrel up the entire East Coast, bringing with it wind and the potential for flooding.
2 protesters arrested after allegedly writing ‘Black Pre-Born Lives Matter’ in chalk on sidewalk
Two anti-abortion protesters were arrested on Saturday outside a Washington, D.C., Planned Parenthood facility after police said they chalked “Black Pre-Born Lives Matter” on the sidewalk outside the facility, a report said.
CDC: COVID-Involved Deaths Drop 8.29% for Week Ending July 18
The most recent death certificates submitted to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that COVID-involved deaths in this country declined in the second half of July.
Christian News
China's Government 'Bans Believing in God' Amid Church Crackdown
China's Communist leadership has ordered devoted Christians not to believe in God, well-informed activists, and local believers say. "Attacks on house churches have intensified across China. Police and government officials raid places of worship and intimidate congregations," added Shen Xiang, who writes for Bitter Winter, a respected religious rights magazine on China.
Uganda Christians murdered for preaching the Gospel to Muslims
Reports emerged this week that Islamic extremists in eastern Uganda have murdered a pastor and a church member for preaching the Gospel to Muslims, the Christian Post reported Saturday. Pastor Peter Kyakulaga and parishioner Tuule Mumbya of Church of Christ were beaten and drowned in a lake in Lugonyola village in the Gadumire Sub-County of Kaliro District on June 22. Church leaders have reportedly asked the local Christian community not to retaliate, but to be in prayer instead, the Christian Post said.
Turkey has begun forcing foreign Christians to leave
Foreign Christians are being told to leave Turkey and others have been barred from re-entering the country, Morning Star News reported Sunday. Rights advocates have said the Turkish government seems to be purposefully aiming such actions against Protestant Christians.
California churches rally against Newsom coronavirus restrictions
California churches this weekend rallied against Gov. Gavin Newsom's worship restrictions as many pastors continue to disregard state-imposed bans on singing and indoor services.
Around the World
Europeans Struggling With Heatwave and Coronavirus Lockdowns
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, millions of Europeans are crowding beaches and other areas amid a massive heatwave. That has added to deaths at sea, including in the Netherlands.
Europe's Economies Plunging Into Coronavirus Recession
The European Union's statistics agency has reported the most significant economic falls within the 27-nation bloc since it began recording the figures 25 years ago.
Eurozone suffers 40.3% annualized contraction, greatest drop on record
The Eurozone suffered its greatest contraction on record, exceeding the U.S. economy’s record plunge.
Pompeo warns TikTok users' personal info could be going 'directly to the Chinese Communist Party'
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo supported President Trump's proposed ban of social media phenomenon TikTok, explaining to Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" just how use of the app exposes Americans to having their personal information sent straight to the Chinese government.
US to Have Permanent Troop Presence in Poland as Defense Pact Agreed
The United States will establish a permanent military presence in Poland as it deploys around 1,000 additional U.S. troops there, Poland‘s Defense Ministry said on Friday.
Revolutionary microchip hailed as 'generational' breakthrough that will upend defense tech
An energy-efficient microchip under development combines different types of processors into one chip and is expected to revolutionize commercial and defense technology, the advanced semiconductor’s inventor says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In largest protest yet, over 10,000 rally against Netanyahu in Jerusalem
Thousands of Israelis protested against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside his official residence in Jerusalem on Saturday evening, in the biggest rally to be held in the capital since the recent start of anti-government protests.
After rocket attack, Israel hits ‘underground’ Hamas targets in Gaza
Israeli warplanes hit several Hamas sites in central and southern Gaza Strip early Monday, the Israel Defense Forces said, hours after Palestinians fired a rocket into Israel from the coastal enclave.
Remarkable archaeology discovery in Jerusalem places Jews firmly in Jerusalem in Biblical times
A recent, outstanding archaeological discovery of a 2,700-year-old major administrative center in Jerusalem provides further compelling evidence that Jews lived in the area during Biblical times, the Jerusalem Post reported last week. Excavated by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the site is believed to date back to the eras of Hezekiah and Manasseh, kings of Judah.
Inside the United States
Justice Ginsburg waited 4 months to say her cancer had returned
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is perhaps the most forthcoming member of the Supreme Court when it comes to telling the public about her many health issues. But she waited more than four months to reveal that her cancer had returned and that she was undergoing chemotherapy.
Portland Protesters Burn Bibles, American Flag Outside Federal Courthouse
Radical activists in Portland, Oregon, burned Bibles and the American flag in front of a federal courthouse this weekend.
House passes defense spending bill on 217-197 vote challenging Trump
The Democrat-led House on Friday approved its version of a major Pentagon spending bill that would reverse President Trump’s ban on transgender troops serving in the military, part of a massive, six-bill $1.3 trillion appropriations package.
CDC Director: ‘I Think You’re Correct’ About Inflated COVID Death Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield acknowledged Friday that the number of COVID-19 deaths could be inflated where someone who had the virus actually died from something else, but it was recorded as a COVID death.
Supreme Court declines to stop Trump border wall construction
The Supreme Court declined on Friday to stop the Trump administration from constructing parts of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Tech giants CEOs grilled by lawmakers from both parties
At a congressional hearing Wednesday, lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties questioned the CEOs of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google, to understand whether these dominant companies have become “corporate bullies” that systemically buy out or destroy competitors, CBS News reports. The hearing is especially pertinent as the COVID-19 economic disaster has crushed small and larger businesses worldwide while these tech giants have grown richer by the billions of dollars. The CEO of each company gave evidence virtually to the House Judiciary subcommittee on antitrust.
Europeans Struggling With Heatwave and Coronavirus Lockdowns
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, millions of Europeans are crowding beaches and other areas amid a massive heatwave. That has added to deaths at sea, including in the Netherlands.
Europe's Economies Plunging Into Coronavirus Recession
The European Union's statistics agency has reported the most significant economic falls within the 27-nation bloc since it began recording the figures 25 years ago.
Eurozone suffers 40.3% annualized contraction, greatest drop on record
The Eurozone suffered its greatest contraction on record, exceeding the U.S. economy’s record plunge.
Pompeo warns TikTok users' personal info could be going 'directly to the Chinese Communist Party'
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo supported President Trump's proposed ban of social media phenomenon TikTok, explaining to Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" just how use of the app exposes Americans to having their personal information sent straight to the Chinese government.
US to Have Permanent Troop Presence in Poland as Defense Pact Agreed
The United States will establish a permanent military presence in Poland as it deploys around 1,000 additional U.S. troops there, Poland‘s Defense Ministry said on Friday.
Revolutionary microchip hailed as 'generational' breakthrough that will upend defense tech
An energy-efficient microchip under development combines different types of processors into one chip and is expected to revolutionize commercial and defense technology, the advanced semiconductor’s inventor says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In largest protest yet, over 10,000 rally against Netanyahu in Jerusalem
Thousands of Israelis protested against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside his official residence in Jerusalem on Saturday evening, in the biggest rally to be held in the capital since the recent start of anti-government protests.
After rocket attack, Israel hits ‘underground’ Hamas targets in Gaza
Israeli warplanes hit several Hamas sites in central and southern Gaza Strip early Monday, the Israel Defense Forces said, hours after Palestinians fired a rocket into Israel from the coastal enclave.
Remarkable archaeology discovery in Jerusalem places Jews firmly in Jerusalem in Biblical times
A recent, outstanding archaeological discovery of a 2,700-year-old major administrative center in Jerusalem provides further compelling evidence that Jews lived in the area during Biblical times, the Jerusalem Post reported last week. Excavated by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the site is believed to date back to the eras of Hezekiah and Manasseh, kings of Judah.
Inside the United States
Justice Ginsburg waited 4 months to say her cancer had returned
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is perhaps the most forthcoming member of the Supreme Court when it comes to telling the public about her many health issues. But she waited more than four months to reveal that her cancer had returned and that she was undergoing chemotherapy.
Portland Protesters Burn Bibles, American Flag Outside Federal Courthouse
Radical activists in Portland, Oregon, burned Bibles and the American flag in front of a federal courthouse this weekend.
House passes defense spending bill on 217-197 vote challenging Trump
The Democrat-led House on Friday approved its version of a major Pentagon spending bill that would reverse President Trump’s ban on transgender troops serving in the military, part of a massive, six-bill $1.3 trillion appropriations package.
CDC Director: ‘I Think You’re Correct’ About Inflated COVID Death Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield acknowledged Friday that the number of COVID-19 deaths could be inflated where someone who had the virus actually died from something else, but it was recorded as a COVID death.
Supreme Court declines to stop Trump border wall construction
The Supreme Court declined on Friday to stop the Trump administration from constructing parts of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Tech giants CEOs grilled by lawmakers from both parties
At a congressional hearing Wednesday, lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties questioned the CEOs of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google, to understand whether these dominant companies have become “corporate bullies” that systemically buy out or destroy competitors, CBS News reports. The hearing is especially pertinent as the COVID-19 economic disaster has crushed small and larger businesses worldwide while these tech giants have grown richer by the billions of dollars. The CEO of each company gave evidence virtually to the House Judiciary subcommittee on antitrust.