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
Yemen: US allies strike deals with al-Qaida in war on rebels
A military coalition led by Saudi Arabia and backed by the United States has cut secret deals with al-Qaida fighters, paying some to leave key cities and towns the militants had seized across Yemen and letting others retreat with weapons, equipment and wads of looted cash, an investigation by The Associated Press has found. Hundreds more were recruited to join the coalition itself.
Powerful Quake Hits Indonesia’s Lombok Island; at Least 39 Dead
A strong earthquake struck the Indonesian tourist island of Lombok on Sunday, killing at least 82 people and shaking neighboring Bali, one week after another quake on Lombok killed more than a dozen.
Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelan president, cuts speech short after attempted attack; explosives detonated
Drones armed with explosives detonated near Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as he gave a speech to hundreds of soldiers in Caracas on Saturday but the socialist leader was unharmed, according to the government.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
U.S. envoy Kushner calls UNRWA corrupt, inefficient, unhelpful for peace
Emails published by Foreign Policy magazine this week shed light on discussions within the Trump administration on phasing out support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, an organization that provides aid to descendants of refugees from 1940s Mandate Palestine.
Bedouin petition High Court claiming Jewish nation-state law is illegal
Two members of Israel’s Bedouin minority community, who served as officers in the IDF, filed a High Court of Justice petition Sunday against the controversial Jewish nation-state law.
Inside the United States
Massive California wildfire becomes fifth largest in state history
A massive, out-of-control Northern California wildfire that destroyed 68 homes and forced thousands to flee has become the fifth largest in state history, officials said on Sunday, as crews battled high temperatures and strong winds.
Hurricane Hector closing in on Hawaii and volcano
Forecasters are closely watching Hurricane Hector, a powerful category 4 storm that's about to cross into Central Pacific waters.
Alt-right demonstrators, counter-protesters clash in Berkeley
Fireworks boomed and smoke filled the air in downtown Berkeley on Sunday as hundreds of counter-protesters confronted several dozen far-right demonstrators, sparking a tense showdown that led to multiple arrests but no major injuries.
At least 40 shot, 5 dead in less than 24 hours in Chicago
At least 40 people were shot and five people killed over a bloody 24 hours in Chicago, police said Sunday.
Trump attorney Jay Sekulow blames 'bad information' for faulty statement on Trump Tower meeting
President Trump's attorney Jay Sekulow said that he had 'bad information' and made a "mistake" when he denied last summer that the president had any role in crafting a statement about Donald Trump Jr.'s June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower with a Russian lawyer offering dirt on Hillary Clinton.
Four arrested in Portland protest clash
Four people were arrested Saturday as hundreds of right-wing demonstrators faced off against self-described anti-fascist protesters in Portland, Ore., according to police.
Yemen: US allies strike deals with al-Qaida in war on rebels
A military coalition led by Saudi Arabia and backed by the United States has cut secret deals with al-Qaida fighters, paying some to leave key cities and towns the militants had seized across Yemen and letting others retreat with weapons, equipment and wads of looted cash, an investigation by The Associated Press has found. Hundreds more were recruited to join the coalition itself.
Powerful Quake Hits Indonesia’s Lombok Island; at Least 39 Dead
A strong earthquake struck the Indonesian tourist island of Lombok on Sunday, killing at least 82 people and shaking neighboring Bali, one week after another quake on Lombok killed more than a dozen.
Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelan president, cuts speech short after attempted attack; explosives detonated
Drones armed with explosives detonated near Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as he gave a speech to hundreds of soldiers in Caracas on Saturday but the socialist leader was unharmed, according to the government.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
U.S. envoy Kushner calls UNRWA corrupt, inefficient, unhelpful for peace
Emails published by Foreign Policy magazine this week shed light on discussions within the Trump administration on phasing out support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, an organization that provides aid to descendants of refugees from 1940s Mandate Palestine.
Bedouin petition High Court claiming Jewish nation-state law is illegal
Two members of Israel’s Bedouin minority community, who served as officers in the IDF, filed a High Court of Justice petition Sunday against the controversial Jewish nation-state law.
Inside the United States
Massive California wildfire becomes fifth largest in state history
A massive, out-of-control Northern California wildfire that destroyed 68 homes and forced thousands to flee has become the fifth largest in state history, officials said on Sunday, as crews battled high temperatures and strong winds.
Hurricane Hector closing in on Hawaii and volcano
Forecasters are closely watching Hurricane Hector, a powerful category 4 storm that's about to cross into Central Pacific waters.
Alt-right demonstrators, counter-protesters clash in Berkeley
Fireworks boomed and smoke filled the air in downtown Berkeley on Sunday as hundreds of counter-protesters confronted several dozen far-right demonstrators, sparking a tense showdown that led to multiple arrests but no major injuries.
At least 40 shot, 5 dead in less than 24 hours in Chicago
At least 40 people were shot and five people killed over a bloody 24 hours in Chicago, police said Sunday.
Trump attorney Jay Sekulow blames 'bad information' for faulty statement on Trump Tower meeting
President Trump's attorney Jay Sekulow said that he had 'bad information' and made a "mistake" when he denied last summer that the president had any role in crafting a statement about Donald Trump Jr.'s June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower with a Russian lawyer offering dirt on Hillary Clinton.
Four arrested in Portland protest clash
Four people were arrested Saturday as hundreds of right-wing demonstrators faced off against self-described anti-fascist protesters in Portland, Ore., according to police.
Around the World
Iran gearing up for major drill threatening to shut Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard forces are gearing up to stage a major exercise in the Persian Gulf, perhaps within the next 48 hours that could be aimed at demonstrating their ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, according to a CNN report citing two US officials 'directly familiar with the latest US assessment of IRGC troop movements.'
U.S. Issues New Warning to Europe: End Business With Iran or Face Harsh Sanctions
Congress and the Trump administration are issuing a stern warning to European partners: End all business ties with the Iranian regime or face harsh new sanctions in the coming months, a move that could impact international financial markets and U.S. banks tied to foreign monetary institutions, according to multiple senior U.S. officials who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon about diplomatic efforts to pressure Europe on Iran.
Pope changes Catholic Church teaching on death penalty, declares it 'inadmissible'
Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church's stance on the death penalty in a new policy published Thursday, saying it is 'inadmissible' because it 'attacks' the inherent dignity of all humans.
Syria claims to down ‘hostile target’ during airstrike near Damascus
Syria said late Thursday that its air defenses destroyed an unspecified enemy target during an attempted airstrike west of Damascus, as residents reported a series of loud explosions around the Syrian capital.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
White House bolstering Mideast team ahead of peace plan rollout
US officials say the Trump administration is staffing up a Middle East policy team at the White House in anticipation of unveiling its long awaited but largely mysterious Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.
Netanyahu warns that Israel will stop any Iranian attempt to close Red Sea
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran on Wednesday that Israel, together with an 'international coalition,' would not allow the Islamic Republic to close a key regional waterway.
Israeli airstrike kills 7 ISIS terrorists on Syrian border
An Israeli airstrike on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights border has eliminated seven terrorists, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said Thursday.
After talks in Cairo, Hamas leaders head to Gaza for 'consultations'
Senior Hamas officials who held talks with Egyptian intelligence officials in Cairo over the past three days were scheduled to arrive in the Gaza Strip Thursday to meet with party leaders, sources close to the Islamist movement said.
Annual Pride Parade takes over Jerusalem
In a rainbow of color and diversity, an estimated 35,000 people took to the capital’s streets Thursday for the 17th-annual Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance, with numerous groups, organizations and public officials participating in the parade.
Inside the United States
Republicans to press ahead with Kavanaugh conformation despite National Archives delay
The National Archives says it will take months to process the records Republicans have asked to see from Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh’s previous government work, throwing a curveball at the GOP, which had hoped to review the documents, hold hearings and confirm him to the Supreme Court before October.
Remains received from North Korea 'consistent' with being US service members, Pentagon says
The human remains returned to the U.S. by North Korea last week are 'consistent with being Americans,' according to an official who saw the contents of the 55 boxes.
Worst red tide bloom in over a decade kills hundreds of marine mammals along Florida's west coast
The ongoing toxic algae bloom is considered to be the longest red tide outbreak for the Gulf of Mexico in over a decade, and officials say it will most likely last until 2019.
Apple makes history by becoming first US company to reach $1 trillion market value
Apple, the popular technology stock owned by millions of Americans through funds in their 401(k)s, has become the first publicly traded U.S. company to hit a market value of $1 trillion.
Fired-up liberals send $1 billion to candidates, causes ahead of midterms
The online fundraising platform ActBlue this week surged past the $1 billion mark in contributions to Democratic candidates and causes in this election cycle.
Trump national security team says Russia behind effort to meddle in U.S. elections
U.S. President Donald Trump’s national security team said on Thursday that Russia is behind 'pervasive' attempts to interfere in upcoming U.S. elections, in a rejection of denials of meddling that Russian President Vladimir Putin made directly to Trump.
Christian News
Assault on Christian Leader in Nepal Reflects Growing Threat
Pastor Sagar Baizu, 46, had finished one meeting and had an hour before the next one, so he decided to stop at a café on a major thoroughfare in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on July 19.
Iran gearing up for major drill threatening to shut Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard forces are gearing up to stage a major exercise in the Persian Gulf, perhaps within the next 48 hours that could be aimed at demonstrating their ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, according to a CNN report citing two US officials 'directly familiar with the latest US assessment of IRGC troop movements.'
U.S. Issues New Warning to Europe: End Business With Iran or Face Harsh Sanctions
Congress and the Trump administration are issuing a stern warning to European partners: End all business ties with the Iranian regime or face harsh new sanctions in the coming months, a move that could impact international financial markets and U.S. banks tied to foreign monetary institutions, according to multiple senior U.S. officials who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon about diplomatic efforts to pressure Europe on Iran.
Pope changes Catholic Church teaching on death penalty, declares it 'inadmissible'
Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church's stance on the death penalty in a new policy published Thursday, saying it is 'inadmissible' because it 'attacks' the inherent dignity of all humans.
Syria claims to down ‘hostile target’ during airstrike near Damascus
Syria said late Thursday that its air defenses destroyed an unspecified enemy target during an attempted airstrike west of Damascus, as residents reported a series of loud explosions around the Syrian capital.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
White House bolstering Mideast team ahead of peace plan rollout
US officials say the Trump administration is staffing up a Middle East policy team at the White House in anticipation of unveiling its long awaited but largely mysterious Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.
Netanyahu warns that Israel will stop any Iranian attempt to close Red Sea
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran on Wednesday that Israel, together with an 'international coalition,' would not allow the Islamic Republic to close a key regional waterway.
Israeli airstrike kills 7 ISIS terrorists on Syrian border
An Israeli airstrike on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights border has eliminated seven terrorists, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said Thursday.
After talks in Cairo, Hamas leaders head to Gaza for 'consultations'
Senior Hamas officials who held talks with Egyptian intelligence officials in Cairo over the past three days were scheduled to arrive in the Gaza Strip Thursday to meet with party leaders, sources close to the Islamist movement said.
Annual Pride Parade takes over Jerusalem
In a rainbow of color and diversity, an estimated 35,000 people took to the capital’s streets Thursday for the 17th-annual Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance, with numerous groups, organizations and public officials participating in the parade.
Inside the United States
Republicans to press ahead with Kavanaugh conformation despite National Archives delay
The National Archives says it will take months to process the records Republicans have asked to see from Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh’s previous government work, throwing a curveball at the GOP, which had hoped to review the documents, hold hearings and confirm him to the Supreme Court before October.
Remains received from North Korea 'consistent' with being US service members, Pentagon says
The human remains returned to the U.S. by North Korea last week are 'consistent with being Americans,' according to an official who saw the contents of the 55 boxes.
Worst red tide bloom in over a decade kills hundreds of marine mammals along Florida's west coast
The ongoing toxic algae bloom is considered to be the longest red tide outbreak for the Gulf of Mexico in over a decade, and officials say it will most likely last until 2019.
Apple makes history by becoming first US company to reach $1 trillion market value
Apple, the popular technology stock owned by millions of Americans through funds in their 401(k)s, has become the first publicly traded U.S. company to hit a market value of $1 trillion.
Fired-up liberals send $1 billion to candidates, causes ahead of midterms
The online fundraising platform ActBlue this week surged past the $1 billion mark in contributions to Democratic candidates and causes in this election cycle.
Trump national security team says Russia behind effort to meddle in U.S. elections
U.S. President Donald Trump’s national security team said on Thursday that Russia is behind 'pervasive' attempts to interfere in upcoming U.S. elections, in a rejection of denials of meddling that Russian President Vladimir Putin made directly to Trump.
Christian News
Assault on Christian Leader in Nepal Reflects Growing Threat
Pastor Sagar Baizu, 46, had finished one meeting and had an hour before the next one, so he decided to stop at a café on a major thoroughfare in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on July 19.
Around the World
Turkey Vows to Retaliate After US Sanctions Two Ministers Over Brunson Case
Turkey’s Islamist government vowed late Wednesday to respond to the imposition of U.S. sanctions against two of its government ministers over the treatment of an American pastor, and one of the targeted ministers shrugged off the move, saying he had no financial interests in the United States.
Zimbabwe's hopeful election gives way to deadly violence
Zimbabwe’s hopes to move past the long, damaging reign of ousted President Robert Mugabe hung in the balance Wednesday amid expanding violent protests and charges of ballot fraud over the results of the first post-Mugabe presidential election Monday.
Iran planning Gulf 'swarm' drill involving 100 gun boats within days, US officials say
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard is expected to put 100 gun boats in the Persian Gulf sometime in the next 48 hours to practice 'swarm' tactics simulating actions which could potentially shut down the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 10 percent of the world’s oil passes through each year, two U.S. officials said Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Senate passes huge defense bill including $550 million for Israel
The US Senate easily passed a $716.3 billion defense authorization bill Wednesday that includes funding for Israel to defend itself against Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as ramping up military spending and bolstering America’s posture against Russia while avoiding policy changes that would have antagonized US President Donald Trump.
After Trump's talks offer, US reassures Israel of tough policy on Iran
Senior officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration assured Israel that its tough stance against Iran has not changed, after Trump’s offer to engage in talks was strongly rebuffed by Iranian officials.
Hezbollah likely to replace ISIS on Israel's northern border, IDF says
The Syrian army is expected to complete its takeover of the country's southwest, near the border with Israel, in the next day or two. This will allegedly restore a familiar situation, in which Syria's regime is once again stable, even if under the auspices of Russia.
29 fires erupt as Palestinian arson terrorism continues to scorch western Negev
Twenty-nine fires erupted in Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip border Tuesday, as Palestinian arson terrorism continued to wreak havoc near the volatile frontier.
Under heavy police guard, Jerusalem readies for city’s largest-ever Pride Parade
Tens of thousands of people are expected to march for equal rights for the LGBT community under heavy police protection Thursday afternoon in what is being billed as the largest-ever gay pride parade in Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
Lawmakers defuse Trump's shutdown threat by passing partial spending bills ahead of deadline
Congress is taking big strides to defuse President Trump’s shutdown threat, working to pass as many spending bills as possible before next month’s deadline so most of the government will remain open no matter what Mr. Trump demands on border security.
Holding It Steady: Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged Amid Positive Growth Talk
It’s steady as she goes for the Fed this time around, as many investors had pretty much baked in. After a June hike of the benchmark federal-funds rate to a range between 1.75% and 2%, the Fed concluded this week’s meeting Wednesday by standing pat and keeping rates right there.
Court rules Trump anti-sanctuary policy unconstitutional
A federal appeals court ruled President Trump’s executive order punishing sanctuary cities by withholding money is unconstitutional — but in a twist, the court cleared the way for the government to carry out the policy in much of the country.
Christian News
'You Always Have a Friend at the White House': Trump Sits Down With Faith Leaders
President Donald Trump met with inner city pastors Wednesday to discuss prison reform, workforce development and partnering with the faith-based community.
Turkey Vows to Retaliate After US Sanctions Two Ministers Over Brunson Case
Turkey’s Islamist government vowed late Wednesday to respond to the imposition of U.S. sanctions against two of its government ministers over the treatment of an American pastor, and one of the targeted ministers shrugged off the move, saying he had no financial interests in the United States.
Zimbabwe's hopeful election gives way to deadly violence
Zimbabwe’s hopes to move past the long, damaging reign of ousted President Robert Mugabe hung in the balance Wednesday amid expanding violent protests and charges of ballot fraud over the results of the first post-Mugabe presidential election Monday.
Iran planning Gulf 'swarm' drill involving 100 gun boats within days, US officials say
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard is expected to put 100 gun boats in the Persian Gulf sometime in the next 48 hours to practice 'swarm' tactics simulating actions which could potentially shut down the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 10 percent of the world’s oil passes through each year, two U.S. officials said Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Senate passes huge defense bill including $550 million for Israel
The US Senate easily passed a $716.3 billion defense authorization bill Wednesday that includes funding for Israel to defend itself against Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as ramping up military spending and bolstering America’s posture against Russia while avoiding policy changes that would have antagonized US President Donald Trump.
After Trump's talks offer, US reassures Israel of tough policy on Iran
Senior officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration assured Israel that its tough stance against Iran has not changed, after Trump’s offer to engage in talks was strongly rebuffed by Iranian officials.
Hezbollah likely to replace ISIS on Israel's northern border, IDF says
The Syrian army is expected to complete its takeover of the country's southwest, near the border with Israel, in the next day or two. This will allegedly restore a familiar situation, in which Syria's regime is once again stable, even if under the auspices of Russia.
29 fires erupt as Palestinian arson terrorism continues to scorch western Negev
Twenty-nine fires erupted in Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip border Tuesday, as Palestinian arson terrorism continued to wreak havoc near the volatile frontier.
Under heavy police guard, Jerusalem readies for city’s largest-ever Pride Parade
Tens of thousands of people are expected to march for equal rights for the LGBT community under heavy police protection Thursday afternoon in what is being billed as the largest-ever gay pride parade in Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
Lawmakers defuse Trump's shutdown threat by passing partial spending bills ahead of deadline
Congress is taking big strides to defuse President Trump’s shutdown threat, working to pass as many spending bills as possible before next month’s deadline so most of the government will remain open no matter what Mr. Trump demands on border security.
Holding It Steady: Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged Amid Positive Growth Talk
It’s steady as she goes for the Fed this time around, as many investors had pretty much baked in. After a June hike of the benchmark federal-funds rate to a range between 1.75% and 2%, the Fed concluded this week’s meeting Wednesday by standing pat and keeping rates right there.
Court rules Trump anti-sanctuary policy unconstitutional
A federal appeals court ruled President Trump’s executive order punishing sanctuary cities by withholding money is unconstitutional — but in a twist, the court cleared the way for the government to carry out the policy in much of the country.
Christian News
'You Always Have a Friend at the White House': Trump Sits Down With Faith Leaders
President Donald Trump met with inner city pastors Wednesday to discuss prison reform, workforce development and partnering with the faith-based community.