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 praises Kim Jong-un's 'solid response' to letter, progress toward 'expected summit'
President Trump’s team ramped up preparations Tuesday for a summit with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, providing the most promising signals yet that the on-again, off-again meeting is back on, and fueling new optimism that a denuclearization deal is in the works.
Rocket Strike Kills 50 Afghan Taliban Leaders, U.S. Military Says
More than 50 senior Taliban commanders were killed in an artillery strike on a meeting in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, a U.S. military spokesman said on Wednesday, as fighting continues across the country.
Iran Plotting With U.S. Allies to Skirt Trump’s New Sanctions
Iranian officials are plotting with U.S. allies across the globe to develop a series of measures meant to counter new sanctions by the Trump administration following its abandonment of the landmark nuclear deal, setting up a global economic showdown between America and its allies over their future business dealings with the Islamic Republic.
Scientists Create Half Chicken, Half Human Embryos
For the first time, researchers have watched human ‘organizer’ cells direct the formation of an embryo’s top, bottom, front and back. They did so by developing a technique that sidesteps restrictions on research with human embryos by grafting human cells onto chicken embryos. The method, published on 23 May in Nature1, could supplant the use of human embryos in some laboratory experiments.
U.S. Navy: Chinese warships maneuvered in 'unprofessional' manner
The Navy considers the actions of Chinese warships that warned two U.S. Navy ships away from the Paracel Islands over the weekend to have maneuvered in a 'safe but unprofessional' manner. That assessment means the ships maneuvered erratically but not in a way that posed a risk of collision, CBS News' national security correspondent David Martin reports.
Turkey says to go elsewhere if U.S. won't sell it F-35 jets
Turkey will meet its needs elsewhere if the United States does not allow it to procure Lockheed Martin's F-35 jets, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by broadcaster CNN Turk on Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Dozens of rockets and shells fired into Israel overnight, house hit
Thousands of Israelis spent the night in bomb shelters as terrorists in the Gaza Strip fired some 40 rockets and mortar shells at communities near the coastal enclave early Wednesday, with several of the projectiles being intercepted by Iron Dome. There were no reports of injuries.
IAF hits 2 dozen Hamas sites in second wave of strikes as Gaza fire continues
Israeli warplanes hit some 25 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip late Tuesday and early Wednesday in a second wave of retaliatory strikes, the army said, as Palestinian terror groups continued to fire mortars and rockets into Israel.
Gaza terror rocket hits Strip’s own power lines, leaves Palestinians in dark
One of the rockets fired by terrorist groups from Gaza at southern Israel Tuesday struck equipment that provides electricity to the southern Gaza Strip, knocking out power to thousands, a spokesperson for Israel’s Electric Company said.
After failures in 2014 war, Iron Dome shows it can now down mortar fire too
The Iron Dome missile defense system succeeded on Tuesday where it had been entirely ineffective during the 2014 Gaza war: in shooting down incoming mortar shells that are in the air for just 15 seconds.
In rare face-off, Russian jets reportedly intercept Israeli planes over Lebanon
In a rare incident, Israeli warplanes were reportedly intercepted by Russian fighter jets over Lebanon early Monday morning, despite an understanding in place between Moscow and Jerusalem to avoid conflict between the two countries.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court Rejects Planned Parenthood Over Arkansas Law
The U.S. Supreme Court let Arkansas start enforcing a law that effectively bars pill-induced abortions, turning away an appeal by two Planned Parenthood clinics and at least temporarily leaving the state with only one abortion provider.
Trump administration will fingerprint child migrants' parents
The Trump administration will soon begin fingerprinting parents claiming custody of children who entered the United States illegally without an adult relative, officials said on Tuesday, prompting criticism that children may be abandoned by those who fear being identified and deported.
Hawaii Volcano Eruption: Dangerous Volcanic Smog Blankets Sky in Marshall Islands
The eruption of the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii is spewing more than molten lava and ash. It is also putting out 15,000 tons of 'vog,' or volcanic fog, every day.
Millions of U.S. Homeowners Still Under Water on Mortgages
A staggering number of American homeowners remain under water on their mortgages a decade after the housing bubble burst.
Christian News
Franklin Graham Takes Fight to 'Godless' Progressives in California With New Tour
The Reverend Franklin Graham has revived his Decision America Tour, focusing on the state of California ahead of this year's midterm elections.
State Department Religious Freedom Report Spotlights ‘Horrific’ Situation in Iran
Iran and Saudi Arabia were among the Middle Eastern countries whose records on religious freedom were severely criticized on Tuesday, with the publication of the US State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report for 2017.
European 'Christians' no longer align with Christian faith
A new poll by Pew Research Center indicates European Christians, once the driving force behind the faith’s expansion worldwide, no longer are.
Trump praises Kim Jong-un's 'solid response' to letter, progress toward 'expected summit'
President Trump’s team ramped up preparations Tuesday for a summit with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, providing the most promising signals yet that the on-again, off-again meeting is back on, and fueling new optimism that a denuclearization deal is in the works.
Rocket Strike Kills 50 Afghan Taliban Leaders, U.S. Military Says
More than 50 senior Taliban commanders were killed in an artillery strike on a meeting in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, a U.S. military spokesman said on Wednesday, as fighting continues across the country.
Iran Plotting With U.S. Allies to Skirt Trump’s New Sanctions
Iranian officials are plotting with U.S. allies across the globe to develop a series of measures meant to counter new sanctions by the Trump administration following its abandonment of the landmark nuclear deal, setting up a global economic showdown between America and its allies over their future business dealings with the Islamic Republic.
Scientists Create Half Chicken, Half Human Embryos
For the first time, researchers have watched human ‘organizer’ cells direct the formation of an embryo’s top, bottom, front and back. They did so by developing a technique that sidesteps restrictions on research with human embryos by grafting human cells onto chicken embryos. The method, published on 23 May in Nature1, could supplant the use of human embryos in some laboratory experiments.
U.S. Navy: Chinese warships maneuvered in 'unprofessional' manner
The Navy considers the actions of Chinese warships that warned two U.S. Navy ships away from the Paracel Islands over the weekend to have maneuvered in a 'safe but unprofessional' manner. That assessment means the ships maneuvered erratically but not in a way that posed a risk of collision, CBS News' national security correspondent David Martin reports.
Turkey says to go elsewhere if U.S. won't sell it F-35 jets
Turkey will meet its needs elsewhere if the United States does not allow it to procure Lockheed Martin's F-35 jets, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by broadcaster CNN Turk on Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Dozens of rockets and shells fired into Israel overnight, house hit
Thousands of Israelis spent the night in bomb shelters as terrorists in the Gaza Strip fired some 40 rockets and mortar shells at communities near the coastal enclave early Wednesday, with several of the projectiles being intercepted by Iron Dome. There were no reports of injuries.
IAF hits 2 dozen Hamas sites in second wave of strikes as Gaza fire continues
Israeli warplanes hit some 25 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip late Tuesday and early Wednesday in a second wave of retaliatory strikes, the army said, as Palestinian terror groups continued to fire mortars and rockets into Israel.
Gaza terror rocket hits Strip’s own power lines, leaves Palestinians in dark
One of the rockets fired by terrorist groups from Gaza at southern Israel Tuesday struck equipment that provides electricity to the southern Gaza Strip, knocking out power to thousands, a spokesperson for Israel’s Electric Company said.
After failures in 2014 war, Iron Dome shows it can now down mortar fire too
The Iron Dome missile defense system succeeded on Tuesday where it had been entirely ineffective during the 2014 Gaza war: in shooting down incoming mortar shells that are in the air for just 15 seconds.
In rare face-off, Russian jets reportedly intercept Israeli planes over Lebanon
In a rare incident, Israeli warplanes were reportedly intercepted by Russian fighter jets over Lebanon early Monday morning, despite an understanding in place between Moscow and Jerusalem to avoid conflict between the two countries.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court Rejects Planned Parenthood Over Arkansas Law
The U.S. Supreme Court let Arkansas start enforcing a law that effectively bars pill-induced abortions, turning away an appeal by two Planned Parenthood clinics and at least temporarily leaving the state with only one abortion provider.
Trump administration will fingerprint child migrants' parents
The Trump administration will soon begin fingerprinting parents claiming custody of children who entered the United States illegally without an adult relative, officials said on Tuesday, prompting criticism that children may be abandoned by those who fear being identified and deported.
Hawaii Volcano Eruption: Dangerous Volcanic Smog Blankets Sky in Marshall Islands
The eruption of the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii is spewing more than molten lava and ash. It is also putting out 15,000 tons of 'vog,' or volcanic fog, every day.
Millions of U.S. Homeowners Still Under Water on Mortgages
A staggering number of American homeowners remain under water on their mortgages a decade after the housing bubble burst.
Christian News
Franklin Graham Takes Fight to 'Godless' Progressives in California With New Tour
The Reverend Franklin Graham has revived his Decision America Tour, focusing on the state of California ahead of this year's midterm elections.
State Department Religious Freedom Report Spotlights ‘Horrific’ Situation in Iran
Iran and Saudi Arabia were among the Middle Eastern countries whose records on religious freedom were severely criticized on Tuesday, with the publication of the US State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report for 2017.
European 'Christians' no longer align with Christian faith
A new poll by Pew Research Center indicates European Christians, once the driving force behind the faith’s expansion worldwide, no longer are.
Around the World
North Korean officials and U.S. meet in Singapore ahead of summit
A top aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Singapore Monday evening to meet with U.S. government officials, an indication that the fragile June 12 summit with President Donald Trump will proceed, Reuters reported.
Iranian FM caught chanting 'death to US, UK, Israel'
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, considered a moderate by many, was caught on tape Thursday joining a crowd in a chant calling for the destruction of Iran's enemies—among them the US, UK and Israel.
Trump, Japanese prime minister agree to meet ahead of possible North Korea summit
President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed in a phone call Monday to meet before Mr. Trump’s hoped-for summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as preparations continued for what the White House called the 'expected' denuclearization talks.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russia said to reach secret deal on pushing Iran away from Syria border
Israel and Russia have reached a secret agreement to distance Iranian forces from the border area in southern Syria, Israeli TV reported Monday, as Jerusalem and Moscow sent differing messages regarding the extent of their tolerance for Iran’s military presence in that country.
Israeli defense system shoots down Gaza mortar fire barrage
Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile shield shot down a barrage of mortar shells fired from the Gaza Strip on Tuesday after sirens sounded in southern Israel, warning residents to find shelter.
Inside the United States
Iowa Republicans target Roe v. Wade with new abortion law
Iowa Republicans are hoping their new law banning abortion after six weeks lands in the Supreme Court, but experts say it's not clear the fight will get that far, and say it might first require a shift in the court's composition.
Decision time: Supreme Court will soon rule on gay rights, gerrymandering, unions
The Supreme Court is heading into the final month of its term, facing decisions on gerrymandering, unions, gay rights, abortion and President Trump's travel ban.
Alberto Strikes Gulf Coast with Dangerous Surf, Heavy Rains
Subtropical Storm Alberto lumbered ashore Monday on the U.S. Gulf Coast, pelting white sand beaches with blustery winds and stinging rain that kept the usual Memorial Day crowds away.
Christian News
Indonesian Pastor Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Evangelizing to Muslim Cab Driver
An Indonesian court sentenced a Protestant pastor to four years in prison and slapped him with a hefty fine on Monday simply because he shared his faith with a taxi driver.
North Korean officials and U.S. meet in Singapore ahead of summit
A top aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Singapore Monday evening to meet with U.S. government officials, an indication that the fragile June 12 summit with President Donald Trump will proceed, Reuters reported.
Iranian FM caught chanting 'death to US, UK, Israel'
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, considered a moderate by many, was caught on tape Thursday joining a crowd in a chant calling for the destruction of Iran's enemies—among them the US, UK and Israel.
Trump, Japanese prime minister agree to meet ahead of possible North Korea summit
President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed in a phone call Monday to meet before Mr. Trump’s hoped-for summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as preparations continued for what the White House called the 'expected' denuclearization talks.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russia said to reach secret deal on pushing Iran away from Syria border
Israel and Russia have reached a secret agreement to distance Iranian forces from the border area in southern Syria, Israeli TV reported Monday, as Jerusalem and Moscow sent differing messages regarding the extent of their tolerance for Iran’s military presence in that country.
Israeli defense system shoots down Gaza mortar fire barrage
Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile shield shot down a barrage of mortar shells fired from the Gaza Strip on Tuesday after sirens sounded in southern Israel, warning residents to find shelter.
Inside the United States
Iowa Republicans target Roe v. Wade with new abortion law
Iowa Republicans are hoping their new law banning abortion after six weeks lands in the Supreme Court, but experts say it's not clear the fight will get that far, and say it might first require a shift in the court's composition.
Decision time: Supreme Court will soon rule on gay rights, gerrymandering, unions
The Supreme Court is heading into the final month of its term, facing decisions on gerrymandering, unions, gay rights, abortion and President Trump's travel ban.
Alberto Strikes Gulf Coast with Dangerous Surf, Heavy Rains
Subtropical Storm Alberto lumbered ashore Monday on the U.S. Gulf Coast, pelting white sand beaches with blustery winds and stinging rain that kept the usual Memorial Day crowds away.
Christian News
Indonesian Pastor Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Evangelizing to Muslim Cab Driver
An Indonesian court sentenced a Protestant pastor to four years in prison and slapped him with a hefty fine on Monday simply because he shared his faith with a taxi driver.
Around the World
Russia and Turkey ink pipeline agreement, end gas dispute
Russian state gas giant Gazprom said on Saturday it had signed a protocol with the Turkish government on a planned gas pipeline and agreed with Turkish firm Botas to end an arbitration dispute over the terms of gas supplies.
US officials arrive in North Korea to lay groundwork for uncertain Trump-Kim summit
A group of U.S. government officials arrived in North Korea on Sunday for talks about preparations for a canceled but still possible meeting between President Trump and the rogue regime's leader, Kim Jong Un, in two weeks, according to a report.
Poland offers US up to $2B for permanent military base
Poland wants a permanent U.S. military presence — and is willing to pony up as much as $2 billion to get it, according to a defense ministry proposal obtained by Polish news portal Onet.
More than a dozen killed by outbreak of rare nipah virus in India
At least 13 people have died in India after an outbreak of a rare disease that health officials warn could cause a global epidemic.
Ireland votes to remove protections for unborn
The Irish public has voted to repeal key constitutional protections for the right to life of the unborn child.
Erdogan calls on Turks to convert dollar, euros into lira
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on Turks on Saturday to convert their dollar and euro savings into lira, as he sought to bolster the ailing currency which has lost some 20 percent of its value against the U.S. currency this year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu: We won’t allow Iran to manufacture weapons in Lebanon
Less than a week after the Israel Air Force released pictures of an IAF F-35 Stealth bomber over the skies of Beirut, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Sunday that Israel would not tolerate Iran’s manufacture of game-changing weapons in Lebanon.
21, including Iranians, reported killed in IAF strike in Syria
Twenty one people were killed, including nine Iranians, in Thursday night’s attack on the Dabaa military airport in central Syria, Sky News reported on Saturday.
Israeli army says armed drone from Gaza discovered in Israel
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed late Sunday that a drone originating from the Gaza Strip that had been equipped with explosive materials was discovered in Israeli territory last week.
Inside the United States
Thousands evacuate as Storm Alberto powers toward Florida
Thousands of Florida residents evacuated homes on Sunday as Subtropical Storm Alberto picked up strength as it headed north through the Gulf of Mexico, with forecasters saying it could bring life-threatening inundation to Southern coastal states.
CA Judge Issues Final Decision in Wedding Cake Case
A California judge has handed down his final judgment in the case of a Bakersfield Christian baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a homosexual couple, ruling that cakes celebrating events are a form of speech.
'Catastrophic' flash floods hit outside Baltimore; crews conduct water rescues
A state of emergency was declared in Maryland on Sunday as 'catastrophic' flash floods and dramatic water rescues unfolded in and around Ellicott City amid heavy rains.
Atheist Groups Sue to Remove Ten Commandments Monument from Arkansas State Capitol
Two atheist groups have filed a lawsuit against the state of Arkansas for a Ten Commandments monument erected in April after a man destroyed the first one by ramming it with his car last summer.
Democrats' and media's Trump-Russia collusion narrative falls apart
No narrative is more at the heart of the Democrats’ and media’s Trump-Russia collusion charges than reports that Paul Manafort regularly communicated with Moscow during the 2016 campaign.
Bikers roar into DC by the hundreds of thousands for Rolling Thunder tribute to POWs, MIAs
Hundreds of thousands of men and women rolled into Washington, D.C., on motorcycles Sunday morning as part of an annual Memorial Day tradition that honors fallen service members.
Christian News
Christian Girls and Women are Disappearing in Egypt with Few Being Found
Since April of this year, several Coptic Christian young women have recently been reported missing from various communities around Egypt in what World Watch Monitor calls a recurring phenomenon.
Vice President Pence Tells Pastors: 'Share The Gospel!'
In a last-second surprise appearance before a pastors conference in Washington DC, Vice President Mike Pence outlined how the Trump administration has championed causes important to the evangelical community and implored them to continue to, 'share the good news of Jesus Christ.'
Christians beat homeowners association in Bible study dispute
Christians who were banned by a homeowners association from holding Bible studies or other faith-related meetings in the common areas of a California retirement community are getting a settlement after they prevailed in the dispute.
Transgender people encouraged to become priests in Church of England diversity drive
Transgender people are being encouraged to become Church of England vicars as bishops launch a diversity drive.
Scientist Sues Calif University for Firing Him After His Dinosaur Discovery Supported Creationism
A scientist has filed a lawsuit against the California State University, Northridge saying he was terminated from his job due to his religious views after he discovered soft tissue on a triceratops fossil which supported his creationist view.
Russia and Turkey ink pipeline agreement, end gas dispute
Russian state gas giant Gazprom said on Saturday it had signed a protocol with the Turkish government on a planned gas pipeline and agreed with Turkish firm Botas to end an arbitration dispute over the terms of gas supplies.
US officials arrive in North Korea to lay groundwork for uncertain Trump-Kim summit
A group of U.S. government officials arrived in North Korea on Sunday for talks about preparations for a canceled but still possible meeting between President Trump and the rogue regime's leader, Kim Jong Un, in two weeks, according to a report.
Poland offers US up to $2B for permanent military base
Poland wants a permanent U.S. military presence — and is willing to pony up as much as $2 billion to get it, according to a defense ministry proposal obtained by Polish news portal Onet.
More than a dozen killed by outbreak of rare nipah virus in India
At least 13 people have died in India after an outbreak of a rare disease that health officials warn could cause a global epidemic.
Ireland votes to remove protections for unborn
The Irish public has voted to repeal key constitutional protections for the right to life of the unborn child.
Erdogan calls on Turks to convert dollar, euros into lira
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on Turks on Saturday to convert their dollar and euro savings into lira, as he sought to bolster the ailing currency which has lost some 20 percent of its value against the U.S. currency this year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu: We won’t allow Iran to manufacture weapons in Lebanon
Less than a week after the Israel Air Force released pictures of an IAF F-35 Stealth bomber over the skies of Beirut, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Sunday that Israel would not tolerate Iran’s manufacture of game-changing weapons in Lebanon.
21, including Iranians, reported killed in IAF strike in Syria
Twenty one people were killed, including nine Iranians, in Thursday night’s attack on the Dabaa military airport in central Syria, Sky News reported on Saturday.
Israeli army says armed drone from Gaza discovered in Israel
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed late Sunday that a drone originating from the Gaza Strip that had been equipped with explosive materials was discovered in Israeli territory last week.
Inside the United States
Thousands evacuate as Storm Alberto powers toward Florida
Thousands of Florida residents evacuated homes on Sunday as Subtropical Storm Alberto picked up strength as it headed north through the Gulf of Mexico, with forecasters saying it could bring life-threatening inundation to Southern coastal states.
CA Judge Issues Final Decision in Wedding Cake Case
A California judge has handed down his final judgment in the case of a Bakersfield Christian baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a homosexual couple, ruling that cakes celebrating events are a form of speech.
'Catastrophic' flash floods hit outside Baltimore; crews conduct water rescues
A state of emergency was declared in Maryland on Sunday as 'catastrophic' flash floods and dramatic water rescues unfolded in and around Ellicott City amid heavy rains.
Atheist Groups Sue to Remove Ten Commandments Monument from Arkansas State Capitol
Two atheist groups have filed a lawsuit against the state of Arkansas for a Ten Commandments monument erected in April after a man destroyed the first one by ramming it with his car last summer.
Democrats' and media's Trump-Russia collusion narrative falls apart
No narrative is more at the heart of the Democrats’ and media’s Trump-Russia collusion charges than reports that Paul Manafort regularly communicated with Moscow during the 2016 campaign.
Bikers roar into DC by the hundreds of thousands for Rolling Thunder tribute to POWs, MIAs
Hundreds of thousands of men and women rolled into Washington, D.C., on motorcycles Sunday morning as part of an annual Memorial Day tradition that honors fallen service members.
Christian News
Christian Girls and Women are Disappearing in Egypt with Few Being Found
Since April of this year, several Coptic Christian young women have recently been reported missing from various communities around Egypt in what World Watch Monitor calls a recurring phenomenon.
Vice President Pence Tells Pastors: 'Share The Gospel!'
In a last-second surprise appearance before a pastors conference in Washington DC, Vice President Mike Pence outlined how the Trump administration has championed causes important to the evangelical community and implored them to continue to, 'share the good news of Jesus Christ.'
Christians beat homeowners association in Bible study dispute
Christians who were banned by a homeowners association from holding Bible studies or other faith-related meetings in the common areas of a California retirement community are getting a settlement after they prevailed in the dispute.
Transgender people encouraged to become priests in Church of England diversity drive
Transgender people are being encouraged to become Church of England vicars as bishops launch a diversity drive.
Scientist Sues Calif University for Firing Him After His Dinosaur Discovery Supported Creationism
A scientist has filed a lawsuit against the California State University, Northridge saying he was terminated from his job due to his religious views after he discovered soft tissue on a triceratops fossil which supported his creationist view.