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
US, Saudi Arabia, UAE and India said aiming to ink joint railway deal at G20
Leaders of the United States, India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were working to finalize a joint infrastructure deal that could be announced this weekend at the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi, according to an official familiar with the matter.
US Sends Controversial Weapons As Ukraine Mourns Blast Victims (Worthy News Radio)
The United States says it will send controversial weapons to Ukraine as part of more than $1 billion in military and humanitarian aid, prompting an angry reply from Russia. Washington's announcement came as the death toll of a suspected Russian missile strike on a busy market street in eastern Ukraine reportedly rose to at least 17, with dozens reportedly injured.
Austrian Newlyweds Missing In Greece Floods
An Austrian couple on honeymoon remained missing late Thursday in central Greece after record rains swept away the house they were staying in, authorities said.
Flooding Europe, Brazil Kills Scores Of People
Scores of people have died in massive flooding hitting Europe and Brazil after record rainfall hit several areas in these parts of the world.
Mexico’s Supreme Court decriminalizes abortion
Mexico's Supreme Court unanimously ruled Wednesday to decriminalize abortion across the predominantly Roman Catholic country, calling the existing federal ban on abortion "unconstitutional."
Ukraine updates: US to supply depleted uranium ammo to Kyiv
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced a new aid package worth $1 billion for Ukraine.
Over 5 million displaced in Sudan following monthslong conflict, UN says
More than 5 million people have now been displaced by the months long fighting in Sudan, the United Nations’ migration agency said Wednesday as clashes between the country’s military and a rival paramilitary force show no sign of easing.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
First Temple-era cave inscription refers to Biblical “Valley of Salt”
Using modern high-tech imaging, an Israeli archaeologist has been able to decipher the three-line First Temple period paleo-Hebrew inscription found on a cave near the Dead Sea in southern Israel in the 1970s as referencing the “Valley of Salt” cited in several Hebrew Bible Scriptures, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Archaeologists find four ancient Roman swords likely stolen by Jews during Bar Kochba revolt
Archaeologists working in the Judean desert in Israel have made an “extremely rare” find of four 1,900-year-old Roman swords, which are believed to have been stolen from enemy soldiers by Jewish rebels during the 132–136 CE Bar Kochba revolt against the Roman Empire, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Outrage Over ‘Antisemitic’ Speech By Palestinian Leader Abbas
Israel, Germany, the European Union, and the United States have condemned Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for remarks he made about Jews and the Nazi Holocaust.
Israel Under Pressure Over ‘Anti-Evangelical’ Visas
Israel is reportedly reassessing its visa policies for Evangelical Christian organizations, including the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem (ICEJ), which fears it may have to close down.
Steps where Jesus walked and healed a blind man unearthed for first time in 2,000 years
A new excavation project in Jerusalem has unearthed steps unseen in over 2,000 years at a place where the New Testament records Jesus as having healed a blind man.
Inside the United States
Report: DHS eyes ordering illegal immigrants to stay in Texas
The Biden administration is pondering a new policy that would order unauthorized immigrants to stay in Texas after they arrive, preventing them from spreading throughout the country, according to a new report Thursday.
AI-powered combat aircraft bring US huge battlefield advantage but raise ethical questions
The U.S. Air Force's development of a pilotless aircraft run by artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to give American forces the upper hand in any conflict, but it also raises ethical questions about how such powerful technology should be deployed on the battlefield.
Christian News
Nepal sees growing violent hostility toward Christians
In what appears to be a growing trend of violent hostility toward Christianity in Nepal, seven churches in Lumbini Province were attacked in the last two weeks alone, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The population of Nepal is 80.19% Hindu and 1.76% Christian, with numerous other minority religions represented.
Four Pakistani Youth Face Death Sentence For ‘Blasphemy’
Uncertainty remained Thursday about the plight of four youths after a Pakistani court sentenced them to death for committing “blasphemy” against Islam on social media, several sources said.
China: CCP continues crackdown on churches
China’s ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues its years-long program of suppressing Christianity in the country: Last month, authorities arrested and detained a Christian leader and shut down two churches, the Bitter Winter rights group reports.
Indonesia: House church threatened by Muslim extremists with machete
Members of a house church in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, were placed in extreme danger by Muslim relatives of their landlord, who broke up their worship service by threatening to kill them with a machete last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Iraq: Five men sentenced to life imprisonment for killing American Christian
A court in Baghdad, Iraq, sentenced four Iraqi militia members and one Iranian national to life imprisonment last week for the killing of American Christian Stephen Troell last year, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
US, Saudi Arabia, UAE and India said aiming to ink joint railway deal at G20
Leaders of the United States, India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were working to finalize a joint infrastructure deal that could be announced this weekend at the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi, according to an official familiar with the matter.
US Sends Controversial Weapons As Ukraine Mourns Blast Victims (Worthy News Radio)
The United States says it will send controversial weapons to Ukraine as part of more than $1 billion in military and humanitarian aid, prompting an angry reply from Russia. Washington's announcement came as the death toll of a suspected Russian missile strike on a busy market street in eastern Ukraine reportedly rose to at least 17, with dozens reportedly injured.
Austrian Newlyweds Missing In Greece Floods
An Austrian couple on honeymoon remained missing late Thursday in central Greece after record rains swept away the house they were staying in, authorities said.
Flooding Europe, Brazil Kills Scores Of People
Scores of people have died in massive flooding hitting Europe and Brazil after record rainfall hit several areas in these parts of the world.
Mexico’s Supreme Court decriminalizes abortion
Mexico's Supreme Court unanimously ruled Wednesday to decriminalize abortion across the predominantly Roman Catholic country, calling the existing federal ban on abortion "unconstitutional."
Ukraine updates: US to supply depleted uranium ammo to Kyiv
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced a new aid package worth $1 billion for Ukraine.
Over 5 million displaced in Sudan following monthslong conflict, UN says
More than 5 million people have now been displaced by the months long fighting in Sudan, the United Nations’ migration agency said Wednesday as clashes between the country’s military and a rival paramilitary force show no sign of easing.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
First Temple-era cave inscription refers to Biblical “Valley of Salt”
Using modern high-tech imaging, an Israeli archaeologist has been able to decipher the three-line First Temple period paleo-Hebrew inscription found on a cave near the Dead Sea in southern Israel in the 1970s as referencing the “Valley of Salt” cited in several Hebrew Bible Scriptures, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Archaeologists find four ancient Roman swords likely stolen by Jews during Bar Kochba revolt
Archaeologists working in the Judean desert in Israel have made an “extremely rare” find of four 1,900-year-old Roman swords, which are believed to have been stolen from enemy soldiers by Jewish rebels during the 132–136 CE Bar Kochba revolt against the Roman Empire, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Outrage Over ‘Antisemitic’ Speech By Palestinian Leader Abbas
Israel, Germany, the European Union, and the United States have condemned Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for remarks he made about Jews and the Nazi Holocaust.
Israel Under Pressure Over ‘Anti-Evangelical’ Visas
Israel is reportedly reassessing its visa policies for Evangelical Christian organizations, including the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem (ICEJ), which fears it may have to close down.
Steps where Jesus walked and healed a blind man unearthed for first time in 2,000 years
A new excavation project in Jerusalem has unearthed steps unseen in over 2,000 years at a place where the New Testament records Jesus as having healed a blind man.
Inside the United States
Report: DHS eyes ordering illegal immigrants to stay in Texas
The Biden administration is pondering a new policy that would order unauthorized immigrants to stay in Texas after they arrive, preventing them from spreading throughout the country, according to a new report Thursday.
AI-powered combat aircraft bring US huge battlefield advantage but raise ethical questions
The U.S. Air Force's development of a pilotless aircraft run by artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to give American forces the upper hand in any conflict, but it also raises ethical questions about how such powerful technology should be deployed on the battlefield.
Christian News
Nepal sees growing violent hostility toward Christians
In what appears to be a growing trend of violent hostility toward Christianity in Nepal, seven churches in Lumbini Province were attacked in the last two weeks alone, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The population of Nepal is 80.19% Hindu and 1.76% Christian, with numerous other minority religions represented.
Four Pakistani Youth Face Death Sentence For ‘Blasphemy’
Uncertainty remained Thursday about the plight of four youths after a Pakistani court sentenced them to death for committing “blasphemy” against Islam on social media, several sources said.
China: CCP continues crackdown on churches
China’s ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues its years-long program of suppressing Christianity in the country: Last month, authorities arrested and detained a Christian leader and shut down two churches, the Bitter Winter rights group reports.
Indonesia: House church threatened by Muslim extremists with machete
Members of a house church in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, were placed in extreme danger by Muslim relatives of their landlord, who broke up their worship service by threatening to kill them with a machete last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Iraq: Five men sentenced to life imprisonment for killing American Christian
A court in Baghdad, Iraq, sentenced four Iraqi militia members and one Iranian national to life imprisonment last week for the killing of American Christian Stephen Troell last year, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Around the World
17 Killed In Russian Strike On Ukraine Market Town
Ukraine’s president says at least 17 people, including a child, have been killed in a Russian missile attack hitting a market, a pharmacy and shops in the Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka.
Pentagon Plans Vast AI Fleet to Counter China Threat
The Pentagon intends to field a vast network of AI-powered technology, drones and autonomous systems within the next two years to counter threats from China and other adversaries.
Finland Prosecutes Legislator, Bishop For Quoting Bible On Homosexuality
A Christian Finnish legislator and a bishop who publicly quoted the Bible on homosexuality are back in court after prosecutors appealed their acquittal of “incitement” against a minority.
Greece Struggling With Deadly Flooding
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis struggled Tuesday to deal with his nation’s worst recorded rain event in history while Greece also recovers from deadly wildfires raging across the country earlier this summer.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu: ‘Devout Christians are greatest champions of the State of Israel’
Over the weekend, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a virtual conference of approximately 400 Evangelical Christian leaders hosted by Mike Evans, the founder of Friends of Zion.
Israel Scientists ‘Create’ Human Embryo (Worthy News In-Depth)
Scientists in Israel say they have managed to “create” an entity resembling an early human embryo without using sperm, eggs, or a womb.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court justices to hear major Second Amendment case in November
The Supreme Court announced Wednesday it will hear in November oral arguments in a much-watched case over whether individuals under domestic violence restraining orders can possess firearms.
US to cancel Alaska oil, gas leases issued under Trump
The U.S. Interior Department on Wednesday said it would cancel oil and gas leases in a federal wildlife refuge that were bought by an Alaska state development agency in the final days of former President Donald Trump's administration.
Federal Judge Orders Texas To Remove Floating Barriers on Rio Grande
A U.S. judge ordered Texas to move floating buoys that were placed in the middle of the Rio Grande to block migrants from illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, a tentative win for President Joe Biden, whose administration sued the state.
Ex-Proud Boys Leader Gets 22 Years Jail Over Capitol Attack
The former leader of Proud Boys has been jailed for 22 years “for orchestrating” the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., the longest sentence so far for the violence.
Christian News
US: Many churches are struggling to attract younger members post-pandemic, survey shows
A new study by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research shows that many US churches with aging members are struggling to attract young people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and attendant lockdowns, the Christian Post (CP) reports. The study is based on responses gathered from 4,809 churches across 58 denominational groups between January and May 2023.
More than half of Church of England clergy in favor of marrying same-sex couples, survey shows
A new survey shows that 53.4% of Church of England clergy are now in favor of conducting same-sex weddings, and just 36.5% are opposed to it, Christian Today (CT) reports. The survey was conducted by The Times UK newspaper, with 1,200 serving CofE priests participating.
India: Deadly violence continues in Manipur despite army intervention
The tribal Christian Kuki-Zo community in India’s Manipur state continues to face deadly attacks from extremist members of the Hindu majority Meitei community, despite recent military interventions, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
17 Killed In Russian Strike On Ukraine Market Town
Ukraine’s president says at least 17 people, including a child, have been killed in a Russian missile attack hitting a market, a pharmacy and shops in the Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka.
Pentagon Plans Vast AI Fleet to Counter China Threat
The Pentagon intends to field a vast network of AI-powered technology, drones and autonomous systems within the next two years to counter threats from China and other adversaries.
Finland Prosecutes Legislator, Bishop For Quoting Bible On Homosexuality
A Christian Finnish legislator and a bishop who publicly quoted the Bible on homosexuality are back in court after prosecutors appealed their acquittal of “incitement” against a minority.
Greece Struggling With Deadly Flooding
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis struggled Tuesday to deal with his nation’s worst recorded rain event in history while Greece also recovers from deadly wildfires raging across the country earlier this summer.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu: ‘Devout Christians are greatest champions of the State of Israel’
Over the weekend, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a virtual conference of approximately 400 Evangelical Christian leaders hosted by Mike Evans, the founder of Friends of Zion.
Israel Scientists ‘Create’ Human Embryo (Worthy News In-Depth)
Scientists in Israel say they have managed to “create” an entity resembling an early human embryo without using sperm, eggs, or a womb.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court justices to hear major Second Amendment case in November
The Supreme Court announced Wednesday it will hear in November oral arguments in a much-watched case over whether individuals under domestic violence restraining orders can possess firearms.
US to cancel Alaska oil, gas leases issued under Trump
The U.S. Interior Department on Wednesday said it would cancel oil and gas leases in a federal wildlife refuge that were bought by an Alaska state development agency in the final days of former President Donald Trump's administration.
Federal Judge Orders Texas To Remove Floating Barriers on Rio Grande
A U.S. judge ordered Texas to move floating buoys that were placed in the middle of the Rio Grande to block migrants from illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, a tentative win for President Joe Biden, whose administration sued the state.
Ex-Proud Boys Leader Gets 22 Years Jail Over Capitol Attack
The former leader of Proud Boys has been jailed for 22 years “for orchestrating” the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., the longest sentence so far for the violence.
Christian News
US: Many churches are struggling to attract younger members post-pandemic, survey shows
A new study by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research shows that many US churches with aging members are struggling to attract young people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and attendant lockdowns, the Christian Post (CP) reports. The study is based on responses gathered from 4,809 churches across 58 denominational groups between January and May 2023.
More than half of Church of England clergy in favor of marrying same-sex couples, survey shows
A new survey shows that 53.4% of Church of England clergy are now in favor of conducting same-sex weddings, and just 36.5% are opposed to it, Christian Today (CT) reports. The survey was conducted by The Times UK newspaper, with 1,200 serving CofE priests participating.
India: Deadly violence continues in Manipur despite army intervention
The tribal Christian Kuki-Zo community in India’s Manipur state continues to face deadly attacks from extremist members of the Hindu majority Meitei community, despite recent military interventions, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Around the World
Cancer cases grow by 79% in young people – as ‘alarming’ study suggests key reasons
Cancer cases among young people across the world have grown by 79%, according to an "alarming" study.
Syria’s U.S.-backed Kurdish forces hope to end weeklong clashes with militia in the ‘next 24 hours’
Syria’s U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led forces on Tuesday pushed deeper into the last stronghold of Arab tribesmen who have taken up arms against them in eastern Syria. A spokesperson said they hoped to end the dayslong clashes there in the “next 24 hours.”
Russia Shoots Down More Ukrainian Drones As It Talks To North Korea (Worthy News Radio)
Russia said Tuesday that it shot down several Ukraine-launched drones targeting Moscow, the country's capital. The announcement came amid reports that Russia seeks to intensify its war against Ukraine by contacting North Korea for support.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
After Eritrean riots, Israeli government proposes sweeping illegal immigration law
Following widespread rioting by Eritrean illegal immigrants in Tel Aviv, MK Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionist Party) is proposing a new law which would ease the authorities’ ability to deport them.
Bahrain reiterates support for two-state solution along pre-1967 lines while celebrating “historic” opening of first Israeli embassy
During a ceremony welcoming the historic opening of Bahrain’s first Israeli embassy, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani made sure to reiterate that his country supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including Israel’s withdrawal to pre-1967 lines, the Jerusalem Post reports. Bahrain normalized diplomatic relations with Israel under the 2020 US-brokered Abraham Accords.
Inside the United States
Interest on national debt on pace to eclipse entitlements, defense spending amid funding battles
Sustained deficit spending by the U.S. government helped push the national debt up to a jaw dropping $31.38 trillion in 2023, according to U.S. Treasury data. Fiscal watchdogs are now predicting that the interest alone on that debt will soon eclipse both entitlements and defense spending as a major component of the annual budget.
California AG says pro-life group can demonstrate at Fresno abortion clinic
The state of California said Tuesday that a pro-life outreach center can continue its sidewalk campaign to deter women from entering a nearby abortion clinic.
Judge rules against latest attempt to block WA’s ban on sale of assault weapons
For the third time in as many months, a judge has rejected an attempt to block Washington state’s ban on so-called “assault weapons.”
Christian News
Nigeria: More than 1,000 Christians murdered by Islamic militants in 2023
The International Christian Concern (ICC) international aid advocacy organization reports that over 1,000 Christians have been murdered by Islamic militant extremists in Nigeria so far this year. The killings were carried out by Fulani herdsmen, and the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa terror groups.
Pakistan: Christians petition High Court for investigation into police misconduct during anti-Christian riots
Church leaders in Pakistan have petitioned the Lahore High Court for a “thorough and transparent” independent judicial investigation after police illegally arrested Christians instead of the Muslim perpetrators of violent anti-Christian riots which took place in Faisalabad District last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
DRC: 48 people killed during anti-UN protest in church
Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo killed 48 civilians when they opened fire on a peaceful anti-United Nations protest being held at a church in Goma, North Kivu province on Wednesday, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Cancer cases grow by 79% in young people – as ‘alarming’ study suggests key reasons
Cancer cases among young people across the world have grown by 79%, according to an "alarming" study.
Syria’s U.S.-backed Kurdish forces hope to end weeklong clashes with militia in the ‘next 24 hours’
Syria’s U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led forces on Tuesday pushed deeper into the last stronghold of Arab tribesmen who have taken up arms against them in eastern Syria. A spokesperson said they hoped to end the dayslong clashes there in the “next 24 hours.”
Russia Shoots Down More Ukrainian Drones As It Talks To North Korea (Worthy News Radio)
Russia said Tuesday that it shot down several Ukraine-launched drones targeting Moscow, the country's capital. The announcement came amid reports that Russia seeks to intensify its war against Ukraine by contacting North Korea for support.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
After Eritrean riots, Israeli government proposes sweeping illegal immigration law
Following widespread rioting by Eritrean illegal immigrants in Tel Aviv, MK Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionist Party) is proposing a new law which would ease the authorities’ ability to deport them.
Bahrain reiterates support for two-state solution along pre-1967 lines while celebrating “historic” opening of first Israeli embassy
During a ceremony welcoming the historic opening of Bahrain’s first Israeli embassy, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani made sure to reiterate that his country supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including Israel’s withdrawal to pre-1967 lines, the Jerusalem Post reports. Bahrain normalized diplomatic relations with Israel under the 2020 US-brokered Abraham Accords.
Inside the United States
Interest on national debt on pace to eclipse entitlements, defense spending amid funding battles
Sustained deficit spending by the U.S. government helped push the national debt up to a jaw dropping $31.38 trillion in 2023, according to U.S. Treasury data. Fiscal watchdogs are now predicting that the interest alone on that debt will soon eclipse both entitlements and defense spending as a major component of the annual budget.
California AG says pro-life group can demonstrate at Fresno abortion clinic
The state of California said Tuesday that a pro-life outreach center can continue its sidewalk campaign to deter women from entering a nearby abortion clinic.
Judge rules against latest attempt to block WA’s ban on sale of assault weapons
For the third time in as many months, a judge has rejected an attempt to block Washington state’s ban on so-called “assault weapons.”
Christian News
Nigeria: More than 1,000 Christians murdered by Islamic militants in 2023
The International Christian Concern (ICC) international aid advocacy organization reports that over 1,000 Christians have been murdered by Islamic militant extremists in Nigeria so far this year. The killings were carried out by Fulani herdsmen, and the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa terror groups.
Pakistan: Christians petition High Court for investigation into police misconduct during anti-Christian riots
Church leaders in Pakistan have petitioned the Lahore High Court for a “thorough and transparent” independent judicial investigation after police illegally arrested Christians instead of the Muslim perpetrators of violent anti-Christian riots which took place in Faisalabad District last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
DRC: 48 people killed during anti-UN protest in church
Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo killed 48 civilians when they opened fire on a peaceful anti-United Nations protest being held at a church in Goma, North Kivu province on Wednesday, the Christian Post (CP) reports.