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
Russians Vote In Regional Ballot After Poisoning Scandal
People across Russia were casting ballots in dozens of local elections that are seen as a significant test for the ruling pro-Kremlin United Russia party. The three-day-elections, which ended Sunday, came just weeks after the alleged poisoning of an influential critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Pompeo urges diplomacy in standoff over Mediterranean gas
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday called for a diplomatic solution to the confrontation between Greece and Turkey over energy reserves in east Mediterranean waters, saying ongoing military tensions between two NATO allies only serve the alliance’s foes.
Saudi-led coalition in Yemen launches attack on two targets in Sanaa
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen launched airstrikes early on Saturday on two sites in the capital Sanaa, which is controlled by the Houthi movement, residents and a spokesman for the coalition-backed Yemeni forces told Reuters.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Syria Says Israel Carried Out Airstrikes Near Aleppo
The Israeli military fired missiles on suburbs of the Syrian city of Aleppo Friday, Syrian state media reported.
Some Arab Leaders Awaiting US Election Results Before Normalizing Ties With Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will join Emirati leaders in Washington on Sept. 15 to attend an official signing ceremony for the historic Israel-UAE peace agreement. Excitement over the deal is running high among many Israelis, but some Arab states are waiting for the outcome of the US November elections before making any moves.
Trump: 'Historic 9/11 Agreement Between Bahrain and Israel'
On the anniversary of the worst-ever Islamic acts of terrorism, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a hopeful "historic breakthrough to further peace in the Middle East" with Bahrain establishing full diplomatic relations with Israel.
Inside the United States
Left-Wing Extremists Plan White House Siege Until Election Day
A group that helped spark the Occupy Wall Street protests of 2011 has called for a siege on the White House from Thursday until Election Day.
Data shows that half of 2019 donations to ActBlue came from untraceable 'unemployed' donors
Less than two months ahead of the presidential election – with concerns of foreign interference again at the forefront – a conservative political group is raising "serious concerns" about millions of donations reported by a major Democratic fundraising platform.
Trump issues executive order to lower Medicare drug prices for seniors
President Trump on Sunday signed an executive order moving Medicare one step closer to a "most favored nation" drug pricing system, instructing the government health care program for seniors to develop and test paying the same drug prices as other developed countries with cost controls.
Deficit swelled to record of over $3 trillion 11 months into fiscal year
The federal budget deficit swelled to a record of more than $3 trillion with one month left in the current fiscal year, the Treasury Department announced Friday.
Deadly wildfires sweep through communities in West Coast states
Dozens of severe wildfires have killed at least 16 people as of Friday afternoon, and have burned down hundreds of homes in towns on the West Coast, the Epoch Times reports. Over 500,000 people are under evacuation orders in Oregon.
Pro-life activist tweets he was beaten up by men wearing Antifa-style clothing
A publically known pro-life activist has said he was beaten up by a group of Portland rioters wearing Antifa-style “black bloc” clothing, the Christian Post reports. Tayler Hansen, who founded the “Baby Lives Matter” movement, tweeted on Wednesday that he had been attacked in Portland the night before during the ongoing unrest in the city.
Christian News
Sudan Christians Face Church Torching, Opposition
Several devoted Christians in and around Sudan’s main cities are reportedly prevented from worshiping by authorities and angry mobs despite government pledges to end over three decades of hardline Islamic rule.
Judge orders John MacAruthur’s California church to stop indoor services in defiance of COVID-19 regulations
A California Superior Court has ordered Pastor John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church to stop holding indoor services in defiance of county COVID-19 health regulations, Courthouse News reports. Giving his ruling on Thursday, LA County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff said he was making the order because “there is an immediate threat to public health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Russians Vote In Regional Ballot After Poisoning Scandal
People across Russia were casting ballots in dozens of local elections that are seen as a significant test for the ruling pro-Kremlin United Russia party. The three-day-elections, which ended Sunday, came just weeks after the alleged poisoning of an influential critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Pompeo urges diplomacy in standoff over Mediterranean gas
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday called for a diplomatic solution to the confrontation between Greece and Turkey over energy reserves in east Mediterranean waters, saying ongoing military tensions between two NATO allies only serve the alliance’s foes.
Saudi-led coalition in Yemen launches attack on two targets in Sanaa
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen launched airstrikes early on Saturday on two sites in the capital Sanaa, which is controlled by the Houthi movement, residents and a spokesman for the coalition-backed Yemeni forces told Reuters.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Syria Says Israel Carried Out Airstrikes Near Aleppo
The Israeli military fired missiles on suburbs of the Syrian city of Aleppo Friday, Syrian state media reported.
Some Arab Leaders Awaiting US Election Results Before Normalizing Ties With Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will join Emirati leaders in Washington on Sept. 15 to attend an official signing ceremony for the historic Israel-UAE peace agreement. Excitement over the deal is running high among many Israelis, but some Arab states are waiting for the outcome of the US November elections before making any moves.
Trump: 'Historic 9/11 Agreement Between Bahrain and Israel'
On the anniversary of the worst-ever Islamic acts of terrorism, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a hopeful "historic breakthrough to further peace in the Middle East" with Bahrain establishing full diplomatic relations with Israel.
Inside the United States
Left-Wing Extremists Plan White House Siege Until Election Day
A group that helped spark the Occupy Wall Street protests of 2011 has called for a siege on the White House from Thursday until Election Day.
Data shows that half of 2019 donations to ActBlue came from untraceable 'unemployed' donors
Less than two months ahead of the presidential election – with concerns of foreign interference again at the forefront – a conservative political group is raising "serious concerns" about millions of donations reported by a major Democratic fundraising platform.
Trump issues executive order to lower Medicare drug prices for seniors
President Trump on Sunday signed an executive order moving Medicare one step closer to a "most favored nation" drug pricing system, instructing the government health care program for seniors to develop and test paying the same drug prices as other developed countries with cost controls.
Deficit swelled to record of over $3 trillion 11 months into fiscal year
The federal budget deficit swelled to a record of more than $3 trillion with one month left in the current fiscal year, the Treasury Department announced Friday.
Deadly wildfires sweep through communities in West Coast states
Dozens of severe wildfires have killed at least 16 people as of Friday afternoon, and have burned down hundreds of homes in towns on the West Coast, the Epoch Times reports. Over 500,000 people are under evacuation orders in Oregon.
Pro-life activist tweets he was beaten up by men wearing Antifa-style clothing
A publically known pro-life activist has said he was beaten up by a group of Portland rioters wearing Antifa-style “black bloc” clothing, the Christian Post reports. Tayler Hansen, who founded the “Baby Lives Matter” movement, tweeted on Wednesday that he had been attacked in Portland the night before during the ongoing unrest in the city.
Christian News
Sudan Christians Face Church Torching, Opposition
Several devoted Christians in and around Sudan’s main cities are reportedly prevented from worshiping by authorities and angry mobs despite government pledges to end over three decades of hardline Islamic rule.
Judge orders John MacAruthur’s California church to stop indoor services in defiance of COVID-19 regulations
A California Superior Court has ordered Pastor John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church to stop holding indoor services in defiance of county COVID-19 health regulations, Courthouse News reports. Giving his ruling on Thursday, LA County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff said he was making the order because “there is an immediate threat to public health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Around the World
UN: Covid-19 Fuels Humanitarian Crises Worldwide
Top U.N. officials warned Wednesday that the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated discrimination and other human rights violations that can fuel conflict, and its indirect consequences are dwarfing the impact of the virus itself in the world’s most fragile countries.
Huge Fire Erupts Again In Devastated Beirut
A massive fire erupted at the Beirut port on Thursday, just weeks after a massive blast at the same site devastated the Lebanese capital.
Cyberattacks from China, Iran, Russia target U.S. presidential election
Microsoft said Thursday it's detected an increase in cyberattacks related to the November presidential election coming from China, Iran and Russia.
EU, U.K. in urgent meeting on lawbreaking British Brexit plan
Top European Union and British officials were holding an emergency meeting in London on Thursday over Britain’s plan to break part of the Brexit divorce agreement, a move the EU says would demolish any goodwill to reach a trade agreement.
Russia, China, Iran to hold massive joint military exercise
China, Russia, Iran and a handful of other nations will hold massive joint military drills later this month in what Beijing dubs a “comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in a new era.”
China’s Army is increasing military coercion and provocations in Asia
A National Defense University expert on China told a congressional hearing Wednesday that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is increasing its level of military coercion in Asia as part of a strategy to extend China’s power and influence across the region, the Washington Times reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Kushner: Our plan is bid to save 2-state solution; Israel was eating up the land
Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner said on Wednesday that the Trump administration’s peace plan is an attempt to “save the two-state solution” because it stops Israel from further expanding its presence in the West Bank.
Inside the United States
White House and Fauci Deny President Trump Downplayed Coronavirus
The White House and Anthony Fauci, America’s top infectious disease expert, have denied that U.S. President Donald Trump deliberately misled the public about the coronavirus after audiotapes revealed he wanted to downplay the pandemic.
Protests drive Black police chiefs off the job: 'These people get in the way of the narrative'
Two more high-profile Black police chiefs announced this week that they plan to step down amid protest unrest, spurring more questions about whether Black Lives Matter is hurting rather than helping Black Americans.
Soros Donor Network Steers Six Figures to Three New Super PACs Ahead of 2020 Election
A political action committee funded by George Soros's Democracy Alliance donor network steered six-figure sums to three new super PACs this summer, according to recent filings.
Mueller investigators 'accidentally' wiped over a dozen phones before turning over to I.G.'s office
Newly released records from the Department of Justice show that multiple high-ranking members of Robert Mueller's special investigation into the Russia conspiracy theory wiped their phones before handing them over to the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General.
Trump's updated Supreme Court list focuses heavily on religious liberty and abortion
President Trump's updated list of potential Supreme Court nominees places heavy emphasis in its selection on people who have been deeply involved in cases concerning religious liberty and abortion.
Portland mayor bans police use of tear gas to disperse crowds
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler banned the local police department from using tear gas even though the city has experienced ongoing protests and unrest for the past three months.
Church files lawsuit against Washington State: no church should be forced to offer insurance coverage for elective abortions
An Assemblies of God church in Seattle has launched a legal challenge against a state law which mandates the church must provide its employees with health insurance coverage for elective abortion if it also offers coverage for maternity care, CBN News reported Tuesday.
Christian News
Hindus, Buddhists Attack Sri Lanka Church, and Cemetery
Evangelical Christians in eastern Sri Lanka have expressed concerns about recent attacks by Hindu and Buddhist mobs opposing their faith.
Pakistan Sentences Christian To Death For Blasphemy
Christians have appealed for prayers after a Pakistani court sentenced a Christian man to death by hanging for sending “blasphemous” text messages.
Eritrea Releasing Dozens Of Christians From Tough Prisons
Eritrea has released dozens of Christians, many of whom spent a decade behind bars for their faith in Christ, well-informed rights activists say.
Evangelist Franklin Graham To Lead Washington Prayer March For ‘Healing of America’
Despite an ongoing coronavirus pandemic, U.S. evangelist Franklin Graham urged Americans Wednesday to join him in a prayer march in Washington, D.C. as the nation faces deadly riots and other turmoil.
'The Return' Movement Calls US Christians to Seek God's Kingdom First
Thousands of Christians plan to gather in Washington, DC on September 26 for an event called "The Return: National and Global Day of Prayer and Repentance."
UN: Covid-19 Fuels Humanitarian Crises Worldwide
Top U.N. officials warned Wednesday that the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated discrimination and other human rights violations that can fuel conflict, and its indirect consequences are dwarfing the impact of the virus itself in the world’s most fragile countries.
Huge Fire Erupts Again In Devastated Beirut
A massive fire erupted at the Beirut port on Thursday, just weeks after a massive blast at the same site devastated the Lebanese capital.
Cyberattacks from China, Iran, Russia target U.S. presidential election
Microsoft said Thursday it's detected an increase in cyberattacks related to the November presidential election coming from China, Iran and Russia.
EU, U.K. in urgent meeting on lawbreaking British Brexit plan
Top European Union and British officials were holding an emergency meeting in London on Thursday over Britain’s plan to break part of the Brexit divorce agreement, a move the EU says would demolish any goodwill to reach a trade agreement.
Russia, China, Iran to hold massive joint military exercise
China, Russia, Iran and a handful of other nations will hold massive joint military drills later this month in what Beijing dubs a “comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in a new era.”
China’s Army is increasing military coercion and provocations in Asia
A National Defense University expert on China told a congressional hearing Wednesday that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is increasing its level of military coercion in Asia as part of a strategy to extend China’s power and influence across the region, the Washington Times reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Kushner: Our plan is bid to save 2-state solution; Israel was eating up the land
Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner said on Wednesday that the Trump administration’s peace plan is an attempt to “save the two-state solution” because it stops Israel from further expanding its presence in the West Bank.
Inside the United States
White House and Fauci Deny President Trump Downplayed Coronavirus
The White House and Anthony Fauci, America’s top infectious disease expert, have denied that U.S. President Donald Trump deliberately misled the public about the coronavirus after audiotapes revealed he wanted to downplay the pandemic.
Protests drive Black police chiefs off the job: 'These people get in the way of the narrative'
Two more high-profile Black police chiefs announced this week that they plan to step down amid protest unrest, spurring more questions about whether Black Lives Matter is hurting rather than helping Black Americans.
Soros Donor Network Steers Six Figures to Three New Super PACs Ahead of 2020 Election
A political action committee funded by George Soros's Democracy Alliance donor network steered six-figure sums to three new super PACs this summer, according to recent filings.
Mueller investigators 'accidentally' wiped over a dozen phones before turning over to I.G.'s office
Newly released records from the Department of Justice show that multiple high-ranking members of Robert Mueller's special investigation into the Russia conspiracy theory wiped their phones before handing them over to the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General.
Trump's updated Supreme Court list focuses heavily on religious liberty and abortion
President Trump's updated list of potential Supreme Court nominees places heavy emphasis in its selection on people who have been deeply involved in cases concerning religious liberty and abortion.
Portland mayor bans police use of tear gas to disperse crowds
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler banned the local police department from using tear gas even though the city has experienced ongoing protests and unrest for the past three months.
Church files lawsuit against Washington State: no church should be forced to offer insurance coverage for elective abortions
An Assemblies of God church in Seattle has launched a legal challenge against a state law which mandates the church must provide its employees with health insurance coverage for elective abortion if it also offers coverage for maternity care, CBN News reported Tuesday.
Christian News
Hindus, Buddhists Attack Sri Lanka Church, and Cemetery
Evangelical Christians in eastern Sri Lanka have expressed concerns about recent attacks by Hindu and Buddhist mobs opposing their faith.
Pakistan Sentences Christian To Death For Blasphemy
Christians have appealed for prayers after a Pakistani court sentenced a Christian man to death by hanging for sending “blasphemous” text messages.
Eritrea Releasing Dozens Of Christians From Tough Prisons
Eritrea has released dozens of Christians, many of whom spent a decade behind bars for their faith in Christ, well-informed rights activists say.
Evangelist Franklin Graham To Lead Washington Prayer March For ‘Healing of America’
Despite an ongoing coronavirus pandemic, U.S. evangelist Franklin Graham urged Americans Wednesday to join him in a prayer march in Washington, D.C. as the nation faces deadly riots and other turmoil.
'The Return' Movement Calls US Christians to Seek God's Kingdom First
Thousands of Christians plan to gather in Washington, DC on September 26 for an event called "The Return: National and Global Day of Prayer and Repentance."
Around the World
Donald Trump Iraq, Afghanistan troop drawdown fulfills promise, fuels criticism
President Trump checked off a key campaign promise Wednesday with a major drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq and an even greater reduction in Afghanistan coming soon, but skeptics say the moves reflect U.S. political imperatives and not the chaos and violence both countries are likely to face down the road.
U.S., Oman discuss ways to strengthen security, boost economic ties
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday spoke with Oman’s leader, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, about ways to enhance regional security and strengthen economic ties between the two countries, the White House said in a statement.
Iran and Turkey forming “strong foundation” for “cooperation”
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are working toward forming a “strong foundation” for future, high level “cooperation,” the leaders’ respective national media have reported. The Turkish and Iranian media reports followed a video conference the two leaders held on Tuesday, the Jerusalem Post said.
CENTCOM: US Will Cut Troop Levels in Afghanistan to 4,500
The U.S. military is reducing troops in Afghanistan from 8,600 to about 4,500 by early November, the head of U.S Central Command said Wednesday, hours after he announced the withdrawal of more service members from Iraq this month.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu bashes AG as justice officials said weighing if PM must step down
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, the state prosecution and police on Wednesday evening, questioning the conduct of law enforcement and calling for an independent probe, after a news report claimed law enforcement officials covered up a serious conflict of interest by one of the investigators into his cases so as not to derail the corruption investigations into the premier.
Arab League drops resolution condemning UAE-Israel deal
The Arab League rejected on Wednesday a Palestinian proposal condemning the normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, a Palestinian diplomatic source said on Wednesday according to Middle East news agencies.
A pipeline built for Iran may turn Israel into a major crude oil transportation hub
Following the normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, it is possible the UAE will make use of a crude oil pipeline originally built by Israel and pre-revolution Iran – and turn Israel into a major center for the transport of oil between regions, 246 Mag reports. In using the pipeline, the UAE could bypass transporting oil through the Suez Canal and save a great deal of money on shipping costs.
Inside the United States
AG Barr: 'Operation Legend Is Working. Crime Is Down, and Order Is Being Restored'
The Justice Department's Operation Legend, launched two months ago in Kansas City, is reducing what Attorney General William Barr called "the explosion of crime" in nine major cities where federal agents are assisting local law enforcement.
Trump announces list of potential Supreme Court nominees
President Trump unveiled a list of individuals he will potentially nominate for the Supreme Court, a move likely to rally evangelical voters and core conservatives in his base before the election.
CDC: U.S. COVID Deaths Declined Through August, After 4-Week Rise in July
COVID deaths for the week ending August 22 have returned to levels not seen since the end of June.
Biden Unveils Plan to Protect American Jobs
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is unveiling a plan Wednesday to try to protect American workers by raising taxes on companies that move jobs overseas.
Christian News
Slaughter of Christians in Nigeria continues
Muslim Fulani herdsmen are suspected of murdering three members of the Evangelical Church Winning All denomination in Nigeria’s Kaduna state early on Sunday morning, the Christian Post reports. Two church members were also abducted in the same attack and a further five were kidnapped in a separate attack on a nearby community the same day. The killings and abductions are the latest in ongoing murderous assaults by Islamic extremist terrorists on Christian communities in Nigeria.
Donald Trump Iraq, Afghanistan troop drawdown fulfills promise, fuels criticism
President Trump checked off a key campaign promise Wednesday with a major drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq and an even greater reduction in Afghanistan coming soon, but skeptics say the moves reflect U.S. political imperatives and not the chaos and violence both countries are likely to face down the road.
U.S., Oman discuss ways to strengthen security, boost economic ties
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday spoke with Oman’s leader, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, about ways to enhance regional security and strengthen economic ties between the two countries, the White House said in a statement.
Iran and Turkey forming “strong foundation” for “cooperation”
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are working toward forming a “strong foundation” for future, high level “cooperation,” the leaders’ respective national media have reported. The Turkish and Iranian media reports followed a video conference the two leaders held on Tuesday, the Jerusalem Post said.
CENTCOM: US Will Cut Troop Levels in Afghanistan to 4,500
The U.S. military is reducing troops in Afghanistan from 8,600 to about 4,500 by early November, the head of U.S Central Command said Wednesday, hours after he announced the withdrawal of more service members from Iraq this month.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu bashes AG as justice officials said weighing if PM must step down
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, the state prosecution and police on Wednesday evening, questioning the conduct of law enforcement and calling for an independent probe, after a news report claimed law enforcement officials covered up a serious conflict of interest by one of the investigators into his cases so as not to derail the corruption investigations into the premier.
Arab League drops resolution condemning UAE-Israel deal
The Arab League rejected on Wednesday a Palestinian proposal condemning the normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, a Palestinian diplomatic source said on Wednesday according to Middle East news agencies.
A pipeline built for Iran may turn Israel into a major crude oil transportation hub
Following the normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, it is possible the UAE will make use of a crude oil pipeline originally built by Israel and pre-revolution Iran – and turn Israel into a major center for the transport of oil between regions, 246 Mag reports. In using the pipeline, the UAE could bypass transporting oil through the Suez Canal and save a great deal of money on shipping costs.
Inside the United States
AG Barr: 'Operation Legend Is Working. Crime Is Down, and Order Is Being Restored'
The Justice Department's Operation Legend, launched two months ago in Kansas City, is reducing what Attorney General William Barr called "the explosion of crime" in nine major cities where federal agents are assisting local law enforcement.
Trump announces list of potential Supreme Court nominees
President Trump unveiled a list of individuals he will potentially nominate for the Supreme Court, a move likely to rally evangelical voters and core conservatives in his base before the election.
CDC: U.S. COVID Deaths Declined Through August, After 4-Week Rise in July
COVID deaths for the week ending August 22 have returned to levels not seen since the end of June.
Biden Unveils Plan to Protect American Jobs
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is unveiling a plan Wednesday to try to protect American workers by raising taxes on companies that move jobs overseas.
Christian News
Slaughter of Christians in Nigeria continues
Muslim Fulani herdsmen are suspected of murdering three members of the Evangelical Church Winning All denomination in Nigeria’s Kaduna state early on Sunday morning, the Christian Post reports. Two church members were also abducted in the same attack and a further five were kidnapped in a separate attack on a nearby community the same day. The killings and abductions are the latest in ongoing murderous assaults by Islamic extremist terrorists on Christian communities in Nigeria.