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
North Korea fires missile over Japan, sharply escalating tensions
North Korea fired a missile that flew over Japan and landed in waters off the northern region of Hokkaido early on Tuesday, South Korean and Japanese officials said, marking a sharp escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula.
Brexit: UK and EU negotiators call for more progress
The European Union's chief negotiator Michel Barnier has expressed concern about progress so far, as the third round of Brexit talks gets under way.
Iraq’s next tough moves: Finishing off Islamic State and establishing political stability
Iraq still faces tough military battles and hard political choices in the wake of the surprisingly quick advance over the weekend to oust Islamic State militants from the northern city of Tal Afar.
India and China end two-month border face-off in the Himalayas
The 'expeditious disengagement' comes two months after their soldiers began confronting each other at the Doklam plateau where India, China and Bhutan meet.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu to UN Chief: Iran Building Precision Missile Factories in Syria and Lebanon
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told visiting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday that Iran is building sites to produce precision guided missiles in Syria and Lebanon.
Hamas leader hails Iranian military support
The Gaza head of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas said on Monday (Aug 28) it had increased its military capabilities thanks to newly improved relations with Iran.
US changes proposed anti-Hezbollah sanctions to ease Lebanon's fears
Proposed tighter U.S. sanctions on Hezbollah have been altered enough to allay fears of major damage to Lebanon's economy, a sign Washington is taking concerns about Lebanese stability seriously, banking and political sources said Sunday.
Hamas leader: Iran helping Hamas prepare for war with Israel
Iran is helping terrorists in Gaza prepare for war with Israel, according to a leading Hamas official.
Israel: We'll Bomb Assad's Palace if Iran Expands in Syria
A senior Israeli official has issued a warning to Russia that the Israeli military will bomb Syrian President Bashar Assad's palace in Damascus if Russia allows Iran to make military advances in Syria.
Israel Finalizes Deal for 17 Additional F-35 Stealth Fighters
The Israeli Defense Ministry has completed the acquisition process of 17 more F-35 stealth jets. The purchase is part of a larger deal to buy a total of 50 F-35 planes, which will enter service in the Israeli Air Force in two squadrons. The initial order of 33 F-35 jets is expected to be completely delivered by 2021.
Inside the United States
Trump ready for shutdown standoff over border wall: ‘We will build the wall’
President Trump stood firm Monday on his threat to shut down the government if congressional Democrats block funding for a wall on the border with Mexico, saying the wall was crucial to U.S. security and stopping the flow of illegal drugs.
ACLU sues Trump over transgender ban
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing President Trump over his decision to ban transgender people from serving in the military.
Democrats hype up leftist base, remain silent after violent antifa attack in Berkeley
California Democrats who whipped up opposition to the weekend’s free speech rallies had little to say after radical leftist protesters, led by the antifa movement, attacked police and Trump supporters on Sunday in Berkeley, injuring six.
Christian News
Christians Fear Crackdown on Religion Under Evangelism Ban in Nepal
While attacks against the Christian minority has increased in Nepal, the Himalayan country's parliament passed a bill criminalizing religious conversion and the "hurting of religious sentiment," aiming to restrict evangelism. The move is likely to further escalate Christian persecution.
Pastors Arrested in Sudan as Government Moves to Take Over Church
Police in Sudan arrested and interrogated seven church leaders last week in Omdurman, Sudan before releasing them on bail, sources said.
North Korea fires missile over Japan, sharply escalating tensions
North Korea fired a missile that flew over Japan and landed in waters off the northern region of Hokkaido early on Tuesday, South Korean and Japanese officials said, marking a sharp escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula.
Brexit: UK and EU negotiators call for more progress
The European Union's chief negotiator Michel Barnier has expressed concern about progress so far, as the third round of Brexit talks gets under way.
Iraq’s next tough moves: Finishing off Islamic State and establishing political stability
Iraq still faces tough military battles and hard political choices in the wake of the surprisingly quick advance over the weekend to oust Islamic State militants from the northern city of Tal Afar.
India and China end two-month border face-off in the Himalayas
The 'expeditious disengagement' comes two months after their soldiers began confronting each other at the Doklam plateau where India, China and Bhutan meet.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu to UN Chief: Iran Building Precision Missile Factories in Syria and Lebanon
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told visiting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday that Iran is building sites to produce precision guided missiles in Syria and Lebanon.
Hamas leader hails Iranian military support
The Gaza head of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas said on Monday (Aug 28) it had increased its military capabilities thanks to newly improved relations with Iran.
US changes proposed anti-Hezbollah sanctions to ease Lebanon's fears
Proposed tighter U.S. sanctions on Hezbollah have been altered enough to allay fears of major damage to Lebanon's economy, a sign Washington is taking concerns about Lebanese stability seriously, banking and political sources said Sunday.
Hamas leader: Iran helping Hamas prepare for war with Israel
Iran is helping terrorists in Gaza prepare for war with Israel, according to a leading Hamas official.
Israel: We'll Bomb Assad's Palace if Iran Expands in Syria
A senior Israeli official has issued a warning to Russia that the Israeli military will bomb Syrian President Bashar Assad's palace in Damascus if Russia allows Iran to make military advances in Syria.
Israel Finalizes Deal for 17 Additional F-35 Stealth Fighters
The Israeli Defense Ministry has completed the acquisition process of 17 more F-35 stealth jets. The purchase is part of a larger deal to buy a total of 50 F-35 planes, which will enter service in the Israeli Air Force in two squadrons. The initial order of 33 F-35 jets is expected to be completely delivered by 2021.
Inside the United States
Trump ready for shutdown standoff over border wall: ‘We will build the wall’
President Trump stood firm Monday on his threat to shut down the government if congressional Democrats block funding for a wall on the border with Mexico, saying the wall was crucial to U.S. security and stopping the flow of illegal drugs.
ACLU sues Trump over transgender ban
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing President Trump over his decision to ban transgender people from serving in the military.
Democrats hype up leftist base, remain silent after violent antifa attack in Berkeley
California Democrats who whipped up opposition to the weekend’s free speech rallies had little to say after radical leftist protesters, led by the antifa movement, attacked police and Trump supporters on Sunday in Berkeley, injuring six.
Christian News
Christians Fear Crackdown on Religion Under Evangelism Ban in Nepal
While attacks against the Christian minority has increased in Nepal, the Himalayan country's parliament passed a bill criminalizing religious conversion and the "hurting of religious sentiment," aiming to restrict evangelism. The move is likely to further escalate Christian persecution.
Pastors Arrested in Sudan as Government Moves to Take Over Church
Police in Sudan arrested and interrogated seven church leaders last week in Omdurman, Sudan before releasing them on bail, sources said.
Around the World
Iran says S-300 air defense system now ‘fully integrated’
Iran’s advanced S-300 air defense system, delivered by Russia after years of delay, is now 'fully integrated' into the country’s air defense network, a senior Iranian air force commander told the country’s state media Sunday.
North Korea tests short-range missiles as South Korea, U.S. conduct drills
North Korea fired several short-range missiles into the sea off its east coast early on Saturday, South Korea and the U.S. military said, as the two allies conducted annual joint military drills that the North denounces as preparation for war.
Trump imposes new financial sanctions on Venezuela
Trump signed an executive order imposing new financial sanctions on the “dictatorship” of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the White House said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Kushner Asks Abbas to Hold off on Anti-Israel Diplomatic Initiatives to Give Trump Administration Time to Formulate Peace Plan
U.S. President Donald Trump's senior adviser Jared Kushner asked Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting in Ramallah on Thursday to freeze diplomatic initiatives against Israel for a period of some four months, in exchange for an American commitment to submit a comprehensive diplomatic plan within that time frame to kick-start the moribund peace process, a senior Palestinian official told Israel Hayom over the weekend.
Trump team, Netanyahu renew talks on US embassy move to Jerusalem
Senior members of the Trump administration and Israeli officials renewed talks over the possibility of moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a promise repeatedly made by the president in the 2016 election campaign, during high-level meetings in Israel last week, the Times of Israel has learned.
Netanyahu to reportedly meet Trump during upcoming visit to US in September
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will reportedly reserve time during his upcoming trip to the United States to meet with President Donald Trump.
Abbas to meet Erdogan in Ankara Monday
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet in Ankara on Monday to discuss Palestinian reconciliation, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced.
UN gives Gaza $2.5m. in humanitarian aid for water and fuel crisis
The United Nations has provided the Gaza Strip with $2.5 million in humanitarian aid to help with its water, electricity and fuel crisis.
Inside the United States
Harvey Pummels Texas with 11 Trillion Gallons of Water; May Be the Most Expensive Storm in U.S. History
Tropical Storm Harvey has stalled over southeast Texas where extreme rainfall has occurred in the Houston metro area, leading to record-breaking, catastrophic flooding. Days of drenching downpours are ahead, along with the potential for tornadoes and lingering coastal flooding.
Texas Governor, Mayor Split Over Whether Houston Needed Evacuations
A split between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner over whether the metropolis should have been evacuated is raising questions about officials’ response to damaging floodwaters as a catastrophe continues to engulf the region.
Despite Parents' Objections, Teacher Defends 'Transgender Reveal' to Kindergartners
Concerned mothers and fathers flooded a school board meeting Monday in response to a Kindergarten teacher that introduced a student to her class as transgender without notifying parents. Now, another parent at the same school is outraged that her child was sent to the principal's office for 'misgendering' a male classmate who now identifies as a girl.
Antifa, leftist protesters spur mayhem in Berkeley even after cancellation of anti-Marxism rally
Two right-leaning rallies in the Bay Area were canceled over the weekend by organizers over fears of violence, but that didn’t stop leftist radicals from creating chaos.
8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules against Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood had been on a legal winning streak, piling up decisions from judges who have ruled that states can’t stop the country’s largest abortion clinic network from receiving federal grant money.
Navy Collisions May Have Killed More U.S. Troops in 2017 than War in Afghanistan
U.S. Navy ship collisions in the western Pacific may have killed more American troops so far this year than the war in Afghanistan, illuminating critical readiness challenges facing the military branch.
Trump Pardons Sheriff Joe Arpaio
President Donald Trump granted a presidential pardon to Joe Arpaio, former Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, Friday night.
Report: Welfare Reform in Kansas Caused Individuals to Reenter Labor Force Earning Higher Incomes
Welfare reform implemented in Kansas caused individuals to reenter the labor force while earning higher incomes, according to a report from the Foundation for Government Accountability.
Christian News
Christian Photographer Claims Victory in Same-Sex Wedding Challenge
A Wisconsin circuit court ruled photographer Amy Lawson cannot be sued under certain anti-discrimination laws for refusing to take photos at the weddings of same-sex couples.
UK: Christian child forced into Muslim foster care
A white Christian child was taken from her family and forced to live with a niqab-wearing foster carer in a home where she was allegedly encouraged to learn Arabic.
Iran says S-300 air defense system now ‘fully integrated’
Iran’s advanced S-300 air defense system, delivered by Russia after years of delay, is now 'fully integrated' into the country’s air defense network, a senior Iranian air force commander told the country’s state media Sunday.
North Korea tests short-range missiles as South Korea, U.S. conduct drills
North Korea fired several short-range missiles into the sea off its east coast early on Saturday, South Korea and the U.S. military said, as the two allies conducted annual joint military drills that the North denounces as preparation for war.
Trump imposes new financial sanctions on Venezuela
Trump signed an executive order imposing new financial sanctions on the “dictatorship” of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the White House said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Kushner Asks Abbas to Hold off on Anti-Israel Diplomatic Initiatives to Give Trump Administration Time to Formulate Peace Plan
U.S. President Donald Trump's senior adviser Jared Kushner asked Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting in Ramallah on Thursday to freeze diplomatic initiatives against Israel for a period of some four months, in exchange for an American commitment to submit a comprehensive diplomatic plan within that time frame to kick-start the moribund peace process, a senior Palestinian official told Israel Hayom over the weekend.
Trump team, Netanyahu renew talks on US embassy move to Jerusalem
Senior members of the Trump administration and Israeli officials renewed talks over the possibility of moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a promise repeatedly made by the president in the 2016 election campaign, during high-level meetings in Israel last week, the Times of Israel has learned.
Netanyahu to reportedly meet Trump during upcoming visit to US in September
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will reportedly reserve time during his upcoming trip to the United States to meet with President Donald Trump.
Abbas to meet Erdogan in Ankara Monday
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet in Ankara on Monday to discuss Palestinian reconciliation, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced.
UN gives Gaza $2.5m. in humanitarian aid for water and fuel crisis
The United Nations has provided the Gaza Strip with $2.5 million in humanitarian aid to help with its water, electricity and fuel crisis.
Inside the United States
Harvey Pummels Texas with 11 Trillion Gallons of Water; May Be the Most Expensive Storm in U.S. History
Tropical Storm Harvey has stalled over southeast Texas where extreme rainfall has occurred in the Houston metro area, leading to record-breaking, catastrophic flooding. Days of drenching downpours are ahead, along with the potential for tornadoes and lingering coastal flooding.
Texas Governor, Mayor Split Over Whether Houston Needed Evacuations
A split between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner over whether the metropolis should have been evacuated is raising questions about officials’ response to damaging floodwaters as a catastrophe continues to engulf the region.
Despite Parents' Objections, Teacher Defends 'Transgender Reveal' to Kindergartners
Concerned mothers and fathers flooded a school board meeting Monday in response to a Kindergarten teacher that introduced a student to her class as transgender without notifying parents. Now, another parent at the same school is outraged that her child was sent to the principal's office for 'misgendering' a male classmate who now identifies as a girl.
Antifa, leftist protesters spur mayhem in Berkeley even after cancellation of anti-Marxism rally
Two right-leaning rallies in the Bay Area were canceled over the weekend by organizers over fears of violence, but that didn’t stop leftist radicals from creating chaos.
8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules against Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood had been on a legal winning streak, piling up decisions from judges who have ruled that states can’t stop the country’s largest abortion clinic network from receiving federal grant money.
Navy Collisions May Have Killed More U.S. Troops in 2017 than War in Afghanistan
U.S. Navy ship collisions in the western Pacific may have killed more American troops so far this year than the war in Afghanistan, illuminating critical readiness challenges facing the military branch.
Trump Pardons Sheriff Joe Arpaio
President Donald Trump granted a presidential pardon to Joe Arpaio, former Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, Friday night.
Report: Welfare Reform in Kansas Caused Individuals to Reenter Labor Force Earning Higher Incomes
Welfare reform implemented in Kansas caused individuals to reenter the labor force while earning higher incomes, according to a report from the Foundation for Government Accountability.
Christian News
Christian Photographer Claims Victory in Same-Sex Wedding Challenge
A Wisconsin circuit court ruled photographer Amy Lawson cannot be sued under certain anti-discrimination laws for refusing to take photos at the weddings of same-sex couples.
UK: Christian child forced into Muslim foster care
A white Christian child was taken from her family and forced to live with a niqab-wearing foster carer in a home where she was allegedly encouraged to learn Arabic.
Around the World
Hezbollah seizes much of IS enclave on Syrian-Lebanese border - Nasrallah
Hezbollah has captured much of an Islamic State pocket on Syria's side of the border with Lebanon in a joint offensive with the Syrian army, its leader said on Thursday.
Russia sends nuclear-capable bombers on mission near South Korea, Japan
Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers have flown over the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, prompting Japan and South Korea to scramble jets to escort them, Russia said on Thursday.
Why Donald Trump was right about Barack Obama's North Korea policy
When President-elect Donald Trump met President Barack Obama in the White House shortly before the former's swearing-in, Obama reportedly told him that North Korea would be one of the most pressing issues he would face.
US says at least 16 Americans suffered hearing loss in Cuba
The United States says at least 16 Americans working for the U.S. government in Cuba suffered symptoms as a result of activity attributed to a covert sonic device. The diplomats suffered severe hearing loss.
Canada soon to allow gender-neutral passports
Canadian citizens who do not identify as male or female will soon be able to mark "X" on their passports and other identity documents, the government said Thursday (Aug 24).
India court rules privacy a right, throwing ID cards into doubt
India's top court ruled on Thursday that individual privacy is a fundamental right, a verdict that could derail the world's largest biometric ID card program now under way.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Two-state solution not publicly mentioned as US team meets PM, Abbas
US President Donald Trump’s Mideast negotiating team held talks in Tel Aviv and Ramallah on Thursday, trying to revive the moribund diplomatic process, even as it pointedly refrained from any public commitment to a two-state solution.
After more than yearlong ban, MKs permitted to visit Temple Mount
The Jerusalem District Police announced Wednesday that starting next week it will allow lawmakers to visit the Temple Mount. The decision comes more than 18 months after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu barred all MKs, Jewish and Arab alike, from visiting the volatile site.
Amnesty criticizes both PA and Hamas
Amnesty International on Wednesday criticized both the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas over their restrictions of freedom of expression.
Inside the United States
Hurricane Harvey barrels toward coast as Texans prepare for worst
Harvey was a tropical storm but intensified Thursday into a hurricane — with the potential for up to 3 feet of rain, 125 mph winds and 12-foot storm surges.
Evangelicals reveal 'unprecedented' levels of access in Trump White House
Evangelicals have 'unprecedented' levels of influence and access into Donald Trump's White House, meeting foreign ambassadors and influencing high-level decisions from choosing senior personnel to consulting on policy, one adviser is claiming.
Why Is Syphilis Making A Comeback?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that was nearly eradicated in the U.S., and many doctors haven’t seen a case in years. But following a spike recent reports, the disease appears to be making a comeback.
Atheist Group Demands Marco Rubio Stop Tweeting Bible Verses
The nation's largest atheist organization is demanding that Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., stop tweeting Bible verses from his Twitter account, telling him that doing so is a violation of the United States Constitution.
Wall Street Banks Warn Downturn Is Coming
HSBC Holdings Plc, Citigroup Inc. and Morgan Stanley see mounting evidence that global markets are in the last stage of their rallies before a downturn in the business cycle.
Christian News
Egypt Closes One Church, Blocks Worship at Another
Authorities have closed a church that serves three villages in Upper Egypt on the pretext that area Muslims object to it – one of at least 15 Christian worship sites shuttered in the bishopric of Minya, sources said.
UK: Catholic Church and local authorities criticized for claiming child sex abuse victims 'consented'
The Catholic Church and local authorities have been criticized after trying to claim child sex abuse victims 'consented' in a bid to avoid compensation payouts.
Hezbollah seizes much of IS enclave on Syrian-Lebanese border - Nasrallah
Hezbollah has captured much of an Islamic State pocket on Syria's side of the border with Lebanon in a joint offensive with the Syrian army, its leader said on Thursday.
Russia sends nuclear-capable bombers on mission near South Korea, Japan
Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers have flown over the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, prompting Japan and South Korea to scramble jets to escort them, Russia said on Thursday.
Why Donald Trump was right about Barack Obama's North Korea policy
When President-elect Donald Trump met President Barack Obama in the White House shortly before the former's swearing-in, Obama reportedly told him that North Korea would be one of the most pressing issues he would face.
US says at least 16 Americans suffered hearing loss in Cuba
The United States says at least 16 Americans working for the U.S. government in Cuba suffered symptoms as a result of activity attributed to a covert sonic device. The diplomats suffered severe hearing loss.
Canada soon to allow gender-neutral passports
Canadian citizens who do not identify as male or female will soon be able to mark "X" on their passports and other identity documents, the government said Thursday (Aug 24).
India court rules privacy a right, throwing ID cards into doubt
India's top court ruled on Thursday that individual privacy is a fundamental right, a verdict that could derail the world's largest biometric ID card program now under way.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Two-state solution not publicly mentioned as US team meets PM, Abbas
US President Donald Trump’s Mideast negotiating team held talks in Tel Aviv and Ramallah on Thursday, trying to revive the moribund diplomatic process, even as it pointedly refrained from any public commitment to a two-state solution.
After more than yearlong ban, MKs permitted to visit Temple Mount
The Jerusalem District Police announced Wednesday that starting next week it will allow lawmakers to visit the Temple Mount. The decision comes more than 18 months after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu barred all MKs, Jewish and Arab alike, from visiting the volatile site.
Amnesty criticizes both PA and Hamas
Amnesty International on Wednesday criticized both the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas over their restrictions of freedom of expression.
Inside the United States
Hurricane Harvey barrels toward coast as Texans prepare for worst
Harvey was a tropical storm but intensified Thursday into a hurricane — with the potential for up to 3 feet of rain, 125 mph winds and 12-foot storm surges.
Evangelicals reveal 'unprecedented' levels of access in Trump White House
Evangelicals have 'unprecedented' levels of influence and access into Donald Trump's White House, meeting foreign ambassadors and influencing high-level decisions from choosing senior personnel to consulting on policy, one adviser is claiming.
Why Is Syphilis Making A Comeback?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that was nearly eradicated in the U.S., and many doctors haven’t seen a case in years. But following a spike recent reports, the disease appears to be making a comeback.
Atheist Group Demands Marco Rubio Stop Tweeting Bible Verses
The nation's largest atheist organization is demanding that Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., stop tweeting Bible verses from his Twitter account, telling him that doing so is a violation of the United States Constitution.
Wall Street Banks Warn Downturn Is Coming
HSBC Holdings Plc, Citigroup Inc. and Morgan Stanley see mounting evidence that global markets are in the last stage of their rallies before a downturn in the business cycle.
Christian News
Egypt Closes One Church, Blocks Worship at Another
Authorities have closed a church that serves three villages in Upper Egypt on the pretext that area Muslims object to it – one of at least 15 Christian worship sites shuttered in the bishopric of Minya, sources said.
UK: Catholic Church and local authorities criticized for claiming child sex abuse victims 'consented'
The Catholic Church and local authorities have been criticized after trying to claim child sex abuse victims 'consented' in a bid to avoid compensation payouts.