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
Merkel Urges Europe to Step Up in Trump’s New World Order
Chancellor Angela Merkel made a forceful pitch for Europe to play a more assertive role in global affairs as U.S. President Donald Trump dismantles the post-World War II order, setting the stage for a potential tense standoff at the Group of Seven summit this week.
Canada clears major hurdle in legalizing recreational marijuana
Canada’s Senate on Thursday voted to legalize recreational marijuana, clearing a major hurdle that puts the country on track to become the first Group of Seven nation to permit national use of the drug.
Trump trades barbs with leaders of Canada, France ahead of G-7 summit
President Trump engaged in some long-distance trash talking with the leaders of France and Canada over trade Thursday night as he prepares to meet them face-to-face Friday at the Group of Seven summit in Quebec.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF gears up for massive Friday protests in Gaza amid peak tensions
The Israeli military is preparing for massive riots along the Gaza security fence on Friday afternoon, potentially on par with violent clashes that took place on May 14, in which tens of thousands of people participated and some 60 Palestinians were killed, a senior army officer said Thursday.
Israeli drones downed over 350 incendiary terror kites, balloons
The most effective method to date of countering helium balloons and kites fitted with flammable materials that are being sent over the border from Gaza to set fire to Israeli fields and nature reserves has proved to be — drones.
Tel Aviv readies for region’s largest gay pride parade
Much of Tel Aviv will shut down on Friday as hundreds of thousands of Israelis are expected to flock to the streets to celebrate the city’s 20th annual Gay Pride Parade.
Following Gaza border blazes, ‘terror kites’ see first use in West Bank
Mimicking tactics that have been increasingly used as part of violent Gaza border protests in recent weeks, Palestinians in the West Bank launched what are believed to be the first incendiary kites used there Thursday.
Inside the United States
House approves Trump's bill to slash $15 billion in federal funds
The House late Thursday passed President Trump's proposal to rescind $15 billion in previously appropriated funding by the government that was never spent.
Suicide rates rise across the US
More than 45,000 people in the U.S. killed themselves in 2016, with the rate increasing in almost every state, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
$3 billion payoff: 101 utilities cut rates, credit GOP tax cuts
The number of electric, gas and water utilities cutting customer charges due to the recently passed Republican tax cuts has passed 100, and the total savings is about $3 billion.
DOJ watchdog finds James Comey defied authority as FBI director, sources say
The Justice Department's internal watchdog has concluded that James Comey defied authority at times during his tenure as FBI director, according to sources familiar with a draft report on the matter.
Judge: 'In God We Trust' on money isn't religion endorsement
A federal court has ruled that printing 'In God We Trust' on U.S. currency doesn't amount to a religious endorsement and therefore doesn't violate the U.S. Constitution.
Christian News
US missionary, captive for 20 months, is alive, reports Niger’s president
A US missionary kidnapped in Niger in October 2016 is alive, according to the West African nation’s president.
Freed American pastor says he shared the Gospel with North Korean official before his release
Kim Hak Song, an American pastor released last month from North Korea after spending a year in prison, recently spoke about his detention under one of the most brutal regimes on the planet and explained how he was able to share God's Word despite the circumstances.
Wycliffe Associates Looks to Begin Bible Translation for 10 Previously Unknown Language Groups
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization involving people in the advancement of Bible translation, has recently discovered 10 remote, previously unknown language groups in the Middle East and parts of Asia where Christians live in hiding and are without any of the Bible translated into their language.
Merkel Urges Europe to Step Up in Trump’s New World Order
Chancellor Angela Merkel made a forceful pitch for Europe to play a more assertive role in global affairs as U.S. President Donald Trump dismantles the post-World War II order, setting the stage for a potential tense standoff at the Group of Seven summit this week.
Canada clears major hurdle in legalizing recreational marijuana
Canada’s Senate on Thursday voted to legalize recreational marijuana, clearing a major hurdle that puts the country on track to become the first Group of Seven nation to permit national use of the drug.
Trump trades barbs with leaders of Canada, France ahead of G-7 summit
President Trump engaged in some long-distance trash talking with the leaders of France and Canada over trade Thursday night as he prepares to meet them face-to-face Friday at the Group of Seven summit in Quebec.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF gears up for massive Friday protests in Gaza amid peak tensions
The Israeli military is preparing for massive riots along the Gaza security fence on Friday afternoon, potentially on par with violent clashes that took place on May 14, in which tens of thousands of people participated and some 60 Palestinians were killed, a senior army officer said Thursday.
Israeli drones downed over 350 incendiary terror kites, balloons
The most effective method to date of countering helium balloons and kites fitted with flammable materials that are being sent over the border from Gaza to set fire to Israeli fields and nature reserves has proved to be — drones.
Tel Aviv readies for region’s largest gay pride parade
Much of Tel Aviv will shut down on Friday as hundreds of thousands of Israelis are expected to flock to the streets to celebrate the city’s 20th annual Gay Pride Parade.
Following Gaza border blazes, ‘terror kites’ see first use in West Bank
Mimicking tactics that have been increasingly used as part of violent Gaza border protests in recent weeks, Palestinians in the West Bank launched what are believed to be the first incendiary kites used there Thursday.
Inside the United States
House approves Trump's bill to slash $15 billion in federal funds
The House late Thursday passed President Trump's proposal to rescind $15 billion in previously appropriated funding by the government that was never spent.
Suicide rates rise across the US
More than 45,000 people in the U.S. killed themselves in 2016, with the rate increasing in almost every state, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
$3 billion payoff: 101 utilities cut rates, credit GOP tax cuts
The number of electric, gas and water utilities cutting customer charges due to the recently passed Republican tax cuts has passed 100, and the total savings is about $3 billion.
DOJ watchdog finds James Comey defied authority as FBI director, sources say
The Justice Department's internal watchdog has concluded that James Comey defied authority at times during his tenure as FBI director, according to sources familiar with a draft report on the matter.
Judge: 'In God We Trust' on money isn't religion endorsement
A federal court has ruled that printing 'In God We Trust' on U.S. currency doesn't amount to a religious endorsement and therefore doesn't violate the U.S. Constitution.
Christian News
US missionary, captive for 20 months, is alive, reports Niger’s president
A US missionary kidnapped in Niger in October 2016 is alive, according to the West African nation’s president.
Freed American pastor says he shared the Gospel with North Korean official before his release
Kim Hak Song, an American pastor released last month from North Korea after spending a year in prison, recently spoke about his detention under one of the most brutal regimes on the planet and explained how he was able to share God's Word despite the circumstances.
Wycliffe Associates Looks to Begin Bible Translation for 10 Previously Unknown Language Groups
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization involving people in the advancement of Bible translation, has recently discovered 10 remote, previously unknown language groups in the Middle East and parts of Asia where Christians live in hiding and are without any of the Bible translated into their language.
Around the World
U.S. Warns Iran After It Moves To Step Up Uranium-Enrichment Capacity
The United States warned that Washington will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons after Iran announced plans to increase its uranium-enrichment capacity.
Iran opens new nuclear facility for centrifuge production
Iran’s nuclear chief on Wednesday inaugurated the Islamic Republic’s new nuclear enrichment facility that is geared toward producing centrifuges which will operate within the limits of the nuclear deal Tehran signed with world powers.
Iran won’t cooperate fully with nuke inspectors until deal impasse resolved
Iran on Wednesday upped the ante in its standoff with the United States and European powers over the 2015 nuclear deal from which the Trump administration withdrew last month, with its United Nations envoy warning it would not cooperate fully with nuclear inspectors until the future of the deal was resolved.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF taps military intel head as new chief of volatile Southern Command
The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday appointed a new head of its Southern Command, at a time of heightened tensions in the area which includes the volatile Gaza Strip front.
Inside the United States
U.S. jobs outnumber jobless for first time in 20 years
For the first time in 20 years, there are more job openings in the United States than there are job seekers, the Department of Labor said.
House unveils $674B defense spending bill for 2019
The House Appropriations Committee unveiled a $674.6 billion defense spending bill Wednesday.
'Now They Can Go See a Doctor': Trump Signs Bill Expanding Vets' Access to Healthcare
President Donald Trump signed the VA Mission Act of 2018 which is designed to expand healthcare access for veterans.
FBI to share new details of Trump campaign informant with Congress
The Justice Department intends to offer an additional briefing to a select group of senior lawmakers who have pressed for details about the FBI's use of an informant to make contact with associates of President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign.
Judge rules Philadelphia can't lose grant over 'sanctuary' policies
A federal judge ruled Wednesday the U.S. Justice Department can't deny grants to the city of Philadelphia, Pa., for refusing to assist immigration officials.
Gallup: Record Support for Gay Relations and Polygamy; Plurality Still Oppose Abortion
A record percentage of Americans believe that gay and lesbian relations, pornography and polygamy are morally acceptable, although a plurality believe that abortion is morally wrong, according to a new Gallup poll.
$119,050,900,000: Merchandise Trade Deficit With China Hit Record Through April
The U.S. merchandise trade deficit with China set a record through April, hitting $119,050,900,000 for the first four months of 2018, according to data released today by the Census Bureau.
Christian News
Secret Genocide of Christians Reported in Myanmar: Thousands Killed, Pregnant Women Raped
An investigative report has revealed that in isolated regions of Myanmar, which has been accused of carrying out a genocide against Rohingya Muslims, the Burmese military has also been ethnically cleansing the minority Christian Kachin people.
Billionaire George Soros Attacked for Working to De-Christianize Europe
A British member of the EU Parliament accuses Billionaire George Soros of wanting to 'break down the fundamental values' of Western societies and remove Christian values from Europe.
So. Baptist Leader Calls for Repentance, No Sermon at Annual Meeting: 'We Need God to Break Us Down'
Amid the ongoing fallout from the firing of Paige Patterson, one of the most prominent leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention, many are calling for 'repentance' and 'reformation' ahead of their denomination's annual meeting.
Several Iranian Christians to Serve Time in Prison
Four Iranian Christians will soon begin serving ten-year prison sentences after a court ruled the Church of Iran members were "promoting Zionist Christianity" and running house churches.
U.S. Warns Iran After It Moves To Step Up Uranium-Enrichment Capacity
The United States warned that Washington will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons after Iran announced plans to increase its uranium-enrichment capacity.
Iran opens new nuclear facility for centrifuge production
Iran’s nuclear chief on Wednesday inaugurated the Islamic Republic’s new nuclear enrichment facility that is geared toward producing centrifuges which will operate within the limits of the nuclear deal Tehran signed with world powers.
Iran won’t cooperate fully with nuke inspectors until deal impasse resolved
Iran on Wednesday upped the ante in its standoff with the United States and European powers over the 2015 nuclear deal from which the Trump administration withdrew last month, with its United Nations envoy warning it would not cooperate fully with nuclear inspectors until the future of the deal was resolved.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF taps military intel head as new chief of volatile Southern Command
The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday appointed a new head of its Southern Command, at a time of heightened tensions in the area which includes the volatile Gaza Strip front.
Inside the United States
U.S. jobs outnumber jobless for first time in 20 years
For the first time in 20 years, there are more job openings in the United States than there are job seekers, the Department of Labor said.
House unveils $674B defense spending bill for 2019
The House Appropriations Committee unveiled a $674.6 billion defense spending bill Wednesday.
'Now They Can Go See a Doctor': Trump Signs Bill Expanding Vets' Access to Healthcare
President Donald Trump signed the VA Mission Act of 2018 which is designed to expand healthcare access for veterans.
FBI to share new details of Trump campaign informant with Congress
The Justice Department intends to offer an additional briefing to a select group of senior lawmakers who have pressed for details about the FBI's use of an informant to make contact with associates of President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign.
Judge rules Philadelphia can't lose grant over 'sanctuary' policies
A federal judge ruled Wednesday the U.S. Justice Department can't deny grants to the city of Philadelphia, Pa., for refusing to assist immigration officials.
Gallup: Record Support for Gay Relations and Polygamy; Plurality Still Oppose Abortion
A record percentage of Americans believe that gay and lesbian relations, pornography and polygamy are morally acceptable, although a plurality believe that abortion is morally wrong, according to a new Gallup poll.
$119,050,900,000: Merchandise Trade Deficit With China Hit Record Through April
The U.S. merchandise trade deficit with China set a record through April, hitting $119,050,900,000 for the first four months of 2018, according to data released today by the Census Bureau.
Christian News
Secret Genocide of Christians Reported in Myanmar: Thousands Killed, Pregnant Women Raped
An investigative report has revealed that in isolated regions of Myanmar, which has been accused of carrying out a genocide against Rohingya Muslims, the Burmese military has also been ethnically cleansing the minority Christian Kachin people.
Billionaire George Soros Attacked for Working to De-Christianize Europe
A British member of the EU Parliament accuses Billionaire George Soros of wanting to 'break down the fundamental values' of Western societies and remove Christian values from Europe.
So. Baptist Leader Calls for Repentance, No Sermon at Annual Meeting: 'We Need God to Break Us Down'
Amid the ongoing fallout from the firing of Paige Patterson, one of the most prominent leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention, many are calling for 'repentance' and 'reformation' ahead of their denomination's annual meeting.
Several Iranian Christians to Serve Time in Prison
Four Iranian Christians will soon begin serving ten-year prison sentences after a court ruled the Church of Iran members were "promoting Zionist Christianity" and running house churches.
Around the World
Report: Secret Obama-Era License Gave Iran Access to US Financial System
The Obama administration secretly sought to give Iran access - albeit briefly - to the U.S. financial system by sidestepping sanctions kept in place after the 2015 nuclear deal, despite repeatedly telling Congress and the public it had no plans to do so.
EU sets July timeframe for US tariff reprisals
The EU says it expects to retaliate next month after the US imposed tariffs on the bloc's steel and aluminium products, sparking fears of a global trade war.
Europe seeks U.S. sanction exemptions for its firms in Iran
European signatories to a nuclear deal with Iran have written to top U.S. officials to stress their commitment to upholding the pact, which Washington has quit, and to urge the United States to spare EU firms active in Iran from secondary sanctions.
Guatemala warns of greater activity after volcano explodes again
Guatemalan authorities warned that the Fuego volcano was showing signs of greater activity on Tuesday night as the death toll from a devastating eruption at the weekend climbed to 75 and nearly 200 people remained missing.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gazan kites spark fires in south, Jewish National Fund to sue Hamas
Incendiary kites launched from Gaza continued to ravage land in southern Israel on Tuesday, sparking fires in as many as 10 different locations.
Inside the United States
Social Security says system's costs will exceed income this year
The Social Security program's costs are expected to exceed its income this year, marking the first time that has happened since 1982 and forcing the U.S. government to dip into the retirement system's trust fund to pay benefits to participants. The program's trustees said the shortfall trend could worsen in the decades to come.
Poll: 72% of Americans Believe Euthanasia Should Be Legal
According to a recent Gallup poll, 72% of Americans believe that euthanasia should be legal.
Court Orders End of Abortion-Pill Mandate for Indiana, CA Christian Colleges
A federal district court is blocking the federal government from enforcing the Obama abortion-pill mandate against Christian colleges in Indiana and California.
Kilauea Volcano Eruption Filled In Hawaii's Biggest Lake In Hours, And Is Now Reshaping Coastline
Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano continues to reshape the Big Island with an unceasing flow of lava in the Eastern Rift Zone that has destroyed hundreds of structures and recently erased the island's largest lake.
Supreme Court Vacates Lower Court Ruling That Allowed Immigrant Teen to Get an Abortion
The U.S. Supreme Court vacated a precedent-setting lower court ruling on Monday that allowed a 17-year-old undocumented immigrant to get an abortion last fall, but rejected a request from the administration of President Donald Trump to continue a policy of prohibiting immigrant minors from accessing abortions while an appeal is pending against that policy.
Christian News
Christian Solidarity Worldwide calls for release of four Christians arrested on anti-conversion charges in India's Jharkhand state
UK-based religious freedom advocacy Christian Solidarity Worldwide has called for the release of four Christians who were arrested in the Indian state of Jharkhand in late May on anti-conversion charges.
Iranian Christian faces spurious charges after arrest
A Christian named Mohammadali Yassaghi faces spurious charges after his arrest on 10 April.
Report: Secret Obama-Era License Gave Iran Access to US Financial System
The Obama administration secretly sought to give Iran access - albeit briefly - to the U.S. financial system by sidestepping sanctions kept in place after the 2015 nuclear deal, despite repeatedly telling Congress and the public it had no plans to do so.
EU sets July timeframe for US tariff reprisals
The EU says it expects to retaliate next month after the US imposed tariffs on the bloc's steel and aluminium products, sparking fears of a global trade war.
Europe seeks U.S. sanction exemptions for its firms in Iran
European signatories to a nuclear deal with Iran have written to top U.S. officials to stress their commitment to upholding the pact, which Washington has quit, and to urge the United States to spare EU firms active in Iran from secondary sanctions.
Guatemala warns of greater activity after volcano explodes again
Guatemalan authorities warned that the Fuego volcano was showing signs of greater activity on Tuesday night as the death toll from a devastating eruption at the weekend climbed to 75 and nearly 200 people remained missing.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gazan kites spark fires in south, Jewish National Fund to sue Hamas
Incendiary kites launched from Gaza continued to ravage land in southern Israel on Tuesday, sparking fires in as many as 10 different locations.
Inside the United States
Social Security says system's costs will exceed income this year
The Social Security program's costs are expected to exceed its income this year, marking the first time that has happened since 1982 and forcing the U.S. government to dip into the retirement system's trust fund to pay benefits to participants. The program's trustees said the shortfall trend could worsen in the decades to come.
Poll: 72% of Americans Believe Euthanasia Should Be Legal
According to a recent Gallup poll, 72% of Americans believe that euthanasia should be legal.
Court Orders End of Abortion-Pill Mandate for Indiana, CA Christian Colleges
A federal district court is blocking the federal government from enforcing the Obama abortion-pill mandate against Christian colleges in Indiana and California.
Kilauea Volcano Eruption Filled In Hawaii's Biggest Lake In Hours, And Is Now Reshaping Coastline
Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano continues to reshape the Big Island with an unceasing flow of lava in the Eastern Rift Zone that has destroyed hundreds of structures and recently erased the island's largest lake.
Supreme Court Vacates Lower Court Ruling That Allowed Immigrant Teen to Get an Abortion
The U.S. Supreme Court vacated a precedent-setting lower court ruling on Monday that allowed a 17-year-old undocumented immigrant to get an abortion last fall, but rejected a request from the administration of President Donald Trump to continue a policy of prohibiting immigrant minors from accessing abortions while an appeal is pending against that policy.
Christian News
Christian Solidarity Worldwide calls for release of four Christians arrested on anti-conversion charges in India's Jharkhand state
UK-based religious freedom advocacy Christian Solidarity Worldwide has called for the release of four Christians who were arrested in the Indian state of Jharkhand in late May on anti-conversion charges.
Iranian Christian faces spurious charges after arrest
A Christian named Mohammadali Yassaghi faces spurious charges after his arrest on 10 April.