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
European Union backs off from calling Iranian Revolutionary Guards a ‘terror group’
The European Union is set Monday to impose sanctions on several more Iranian officials suspected of playing a role in the crackdown on protesters, but won’t add the Islamic Republic’s Revolutionary Guard to the EU’s terror group blacklist.
Russia Says No Date Set for Talks With U.S. on Nuclear Arms Treaty
Russia said on Monday that no new date had been set for talks with the United States on the New START nuclear arms treaty, accusing the U.S. of ramping up tensions between the two sides.
The rotation of the Earth’s inner core may be reversing, scientists have found in a study that sheds new light on geological processes occurring deep within our planet.
The rotation of the Earth's inner core may be reversing, scientists have found in a study that sheds new light on geological processes occurring deep within our planet.
‘Great Pain’ Remembered as Britain’s Ex-Premier Johnson Visits Ukraine (Worthy News Radio)
Pope Francis, who last year unexpectedly visited the Russian embassy in Rome, has expressed concerns about what he calls "the great pain" suffered by the people of Ukraine, where the government fears that Russia is preparing a major military offensive. His words came while former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in Ukraine on Sunday after the Western NATO military alliance failed to unite on sending tanks to the war-facing nation over the weekend.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
U.S., Israel launch military exercise to send message to Iran, others
The United States and Israel began a massive joint military exercise in Israel on Monday to show adversaries like Iran that Washington is not too distracted by the war in Ukraine and the threat from China to mobilize a large military force, a senior defense official said.
Hezbollah erects new watchtowers on Lebanon border as IDF builds defensive wall
Lebanon’s Hezbollah terror group has established new tall observation posts on Israel’s northern border as the Israel Defense Forces has ramped up the construction of a defensive wall.
Inside the United States
Ex-FBI Agent Arrested Over Ties With Russia (Worthy News In-Depth)
A former high-level agent of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who in 2016 looked into U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s alleged ties to Moscow, has been detained over his own connections with Russia and other foreign governments, officials said Monday.
US Shooting Death Toll Rises To 11; Gunman Identified
The death toll of a mass shooting in a popular ballroom dance studio in the U.S. state of California rose to 11 Monday, just hours after the suspected gunman was found dead and identified, investigators said.
Christian News
UK: Christian teacher may be banned from teaching for his views on transgenderism and same-sex marriage
A Christian teacher in England may be permanently prohibited from teaching in the UK after referring to a female transgender student as a “girl” and telling another student he is opposed to same-sex marriage, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Malta: Formerly gay Christian man faces jail accused of promoting ‘conversion therapy’
In the first criminal case of its kind, a formerly gay Christian man in Malta is facing trial and a possible prison sentence for allegedly promoting ‘conversion therapy’ that helps people dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Malta banned all such counseling and therapy in 2016, becoming the first country in the European Union to institute such a prohibition.
Church of England publishes draft prayer of blessing for same-sex marriages
The Church of England has published draft prayers for God’s blessing for same-sex couples, the denomination said in a press release last week. The move follows the Church of England’s recently announced plans to continue the prohibition of marriage ceremonies in church but to allow clergy to bless homosexual civil partnerships in church on a voluntary basis.
European Union backs off from calling Iranian Revolutionary Guards a ‘terror group’
The European Union is set Monday to impose sanctions on several more Iranian officials suspected of playing a role in the crackdown on protesters, but won’t add the Islamic Republic’s Revolutionary Guard to the EU’s terror group blacklist.
Russia Says No Date Set for Talks With U.S. on Nuclear Arms Treaty
Russia said on Monday that no new date had been set for talks with the United States on the New START nuclear arms treaty, accusing the U.S. of ramping up tensions between the two sides.
The rotation of the Earth’s inner core may be reversing, scientists have found in a study that sheds new light on geological processes occurring deep within our planet.
The rotation of the Earth's inner core may be reversing, scientists have found in a study that sheds new light on geological processes occurring deep within our planet.
‘Great Pain’ Remembered as Britain’s Ex-Premier Johnson Visits Ukraine (Worthy News Radio)
Pope Francis, who last year unexpectedly visited the Russian embassy in Rome, has expressed concerns about what he calls "the great pain" suffered by the people of Ukraine, where the government fears that Russia is preparing a major military offensive. His words came while former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in Ukraine on Sunday after the Western NATO military alliance failed to unite on sending tanks to the war-facing nation over the weekend.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
U.S., Israel launch military exercise to send message to Iran, others
The United States and Israel began a massive joint military exercise in Israel on Monday to show adversaries like Iran that Washington is not too distracted by the war in Ukraine and the threat from China to mobilize a large military force, a senior defense official said.
Hezbollah erects new watchtowers on Lebanon border as IDF builds defensive wall
Lebanon’s Hezbollah terror group has established new tall observation posts on Israel’s northern border as the Israel Defense Forces has ramped up the construction of a defensive wall.
Inside the United States
Ex-FBI Agent Arrested Over Ties With Russia (Worthy News In-Depth)
A former high-level agent of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who in 2016 looked into U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s alleged ties to Moscow, has been detained over his own connections with Russia and other foreign governments, officials said Monday.
US Shooting Death Toll Rises To 11; Gunman Identified
The death toll of a mass shooting in a popular ballroom dance studio in the U.S. state of California rose to 11 Monday, just hours after the suspected gunman was found dead and identified, investigators said.
Christian News
UK: Christian teacher may be banned from teaching for his views on transgenderism and same-sex marriage
A Christian teacher in England may be permanently prohibited from teaching in the UK after referring to a female transgender student as a “girl” and telling another student he is opposed to same-sex marriage, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Malta: Formerly gay Christian man faces jail accused of promoting ‘conversion therapy’
In the first criminal case of its kind, a formerly gay Christian man in Malta is facing trial and a possible prison sentence for allegedly promoting ‘conversion therapy’ that helps people dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Malta banned all such counseling and therapy in 2016, becoming the first country in the European Union to institute such a prohibition.
Church of England publishes draft prayer of blessing for same-sex marriages
The Church of England has published draft prayers for God’s blessing for same-sex couples, the denomination said in a press release last week. The move follows the Church of England’s recently announced plans to continue the prohibition of marriage ceremonies in church but to allow clergy to bless homosexual civil partnerships in church on a voluntary basis.
Around the World
U.S. announces $2.5B military package for Ukraine
The United States on Thursday announced a $2.5 billion military assistance package for Ukraine that includes hundreds of armored vehicles as well as air defense systems but no tanks despite Kyiv's repeated calls for the front-line combat machinery.
US army says its forces captured three Islamic State members in Syria raid
US forces have captured three Islamic State group members during a helicopter and ground raid in eastern Syria, the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday.
Chris Hipkins To Replace Jacinda Ardern As New Zealand’s Premier
Education Minister Chris Hipkins, 44, is due to become New Zealand’s next prime minister after he was the only candidate to enter the race Saturday to replace Jacinda Ardern.
Hungary’s Freedom Fighter Imre Mécs Dies At 89
Hungarian liberal politician and author Imre Mécs, a soft-spoken stylish man who was once nearly executed for playing a pivotal role in Hungary’s Revolution of 1956 against Soviet domination, has died, Worthy News learned Saturday. He was 89.
NATO Discuss Weapons For Ukraine As Tensions Rise
The NATO military alliance was to meet on Friday to discuss military support for Ukraine amid internal tensions after a new appeal for weapons from Ukraine’s embattled leader.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Some 100,000 Israelis protest against govt’s judicial reforms
Some 100,000 people protested against the government's judicial reforms in Tel Aviv on Saturday night including Israeli politicians that oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu fires Deri ‘with a heavy heart’ after High Court nixes convicted minister
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed top ally Aryeh Deri from the cabinet on Sunday, in a move expected to trigger political uncertainty despite being mandated by the High Court of Justice and advocated by the attorney general.
Inside the United States
CIA chief Burns meets Ukraine’s Zelensky in Kyiv as Washington ups support
CIA Director William Burns visited Kyiv last week to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a US official said Thursday, in the latest example of high-level contacts between the US and Ukraine.
DOJ Discovers Six More Biden Classified Documents
The Department of Justice (DOJ) found six more items with classification markings at President Joe Biden’s personal Delaware residence on Friday after conducting a search, Biden’s personal lawyer Bob Bauer said Saturday.
U.S. investigating first cases of new drug-resistant gonorrhea strain
Health authorities in Massachusetts announced Thursday they have identified two cases of a new strain of gonorrhea that appears to have developed resistance to a broad swath of antibiotic treatments.
FBI Offers $25K Rewards for Info on Pro-life Center Attacks
The FBI has issued a bevy of $25,000 reward offers for information on the 2022 attacks against pro-life pregnancy centers in America.
At Least 10 Die In Mass Shooting In California
At least 10 people died in an apparently racially motivated shooting at business premises in the U.S. state of California’s city of Monterey Park, police and witnesses said early Sunday.
Worthy Insights
NHL Player’s Jersey Completely Sells Out After He Refuses to Abandon Christian Faith
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov’s orange No. 9 jersey was completely sold out at NHLShop.com on Thursday after he decided against participating in the team’s LGBT “Pride Night” event because of his Christian faith.
U.S. announces $2.5B military package for Ukraine
The United States on Thursday announced a $2.5 billion military assistance package for Ukraine that includes hundreds of armored vehicles as well as air defense systems but no tanks despite Kyiv's repeated calls for the front-line combat machinery.
US army says its forces captured three Islamic State members in Syria raid
US forces have captured three Islamic State group members during a helicopter and ground raid in eastern Syria, the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday.
Chris Hipkins To Replace Jacinda Ardern As New Zealand’s Premier
Education Minister Chris Hipkins, 44, is due to become New Zealand’s next prime minister after he was the only candidate to enter the race Saturday to replace Jacinda Ardern.
Hungary’s Freedom Fighter Imre Mécs Dies At 89
Hungarian liberal politician and author Imre Mécs, a soft-spoken stylish man who was once nearly executed for playing a pivotal role in Hungary’s Revolution of 1956 against Soviet domination, has died, Worthy News learned Saturday. He was 89.
NATO Discuss Weapons For Ukraine As Tensions Rise
The NATO military alliance was to meet on Friday to discuss military support for Ukraine amid internal tensions after a new appeal for weapons from Ukraine’s embattled leader.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Some 100,000 Israelis protest against govt’s judicial reforms
Some 100,000 people protested against the government's judicial reforms in Tel Aviv on Saturday night including Israeli politicians that oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu fires Deri ‘with a heavy heart’ after High Court nixes convicted minister
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed top ally Aryeh Deri from the cabinet on Sunday, in a move expected to trigger political uncertainty despite being mandated by the High Court of Justice and advocated by the attorney general.
Inside the United States
CIA chief Burns meets Ukraine’s Zelensky in Kyiv as Washington ups support
CIA Director William Burns visited Kyiv last week to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a US official said Thursday, in the latest example of high-level contacts between the US and Ukraine.
DOJ Discovers Six More Biden Classified Documents
The Department of Justice (DOJ) found six more items with classification markings at President Joe Biden’s personal Delaware residence on Friday after conducting a search, Biden’s personal lawyer Bob Bauer said Saturday.
U.S. investigating first cases of new drug-resistant gonorrhea strain
Health authorities in Massachusetts announced Thursday they have identified two cases of a new strain of gonorrhea that appears to have developed resistance to a broad swath of antibiotic treatments.
FBI Offers $25K Rewards for Info on Pro-life Center Attacks
The FBI has issued a bevy of $25,000 reward offers for information on the 2022 attacks against pro-life pregnancy centers in America.
At Least 10 Die In Mass Shooting In California
At least 10 people died in an apparently racially motivated shooting at business premises in the U.S. state of California’s city of Monterey Park, police and witnesses said early Sunday.
Worthy Insights
NHL Player’s Jersey Completely Sells Out After He Refuses to Abandon Christian Faith
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov’s orange No. 9 jersey was completely sold out at NHLShop.com on Thursday after he decided against participating in the team’s LGBT “Pride Night” event because of his Christian faith.
Around the World
Million French Say ‘Non’ To Raising Pension Age
More than a million people marched through France cities to condemn President Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030 in a nation where the right to free time has been religiously observed.
Strykers, Bradleys Likely in Huge US aid Package for Ukraine
The U.S. is finalizing a massive package of military aid for Ukraine that U.S. officials say is likely to total as much as $2.6 billion. It's expected to include for the first time nearly 100 Stryker combat vehicles and at least 50 Bradley armored vehicles to allow Ukrainian forces to move more quickly and securely on the front lines in the war with Russia — but not the tanks that Ukraine has sought.
Iran claims new drills in Persian Gulf using missiles, ships
Iran says it launched a new drill in the Persian Gulf using cruise missiles, drones and other weapons.
New Zealand’s Premier Ardern Resigns, Ending Era
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who became the world’s youngest female head of government and led her nation through major crises, has announced her resignation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Military, National Security Personnel Meet with Israel’s New Government
Top US military and national security officials are in Israel to meet with ministers and other officials from the newly-installed government of Likud leader and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli firm unveils new attack drone that can land back in soldier’s hand
The state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries arms firm on Thursday unveiled a new small hand-launched loitering missile, or attack drone, that can land back in a soldier’s hand without exploding, the company said.
Inside the United States
House GOP introduces bill to end COVID-19 health emergency
House Republican lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill to end the Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 public health emergency after the agency announced last week that it would extend the declaration for a further 90 days.
US hits $31.4 trillion debt ceiling as Treasury announces ‘extraordinary measures’ to avoid default
The United States reached its debt ceiling of $31.38 trillion on Thursday, forcing the Treasury Department to implement "extraordinary measures" to avoid defaulting on bonds.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to block New York gun restrictions
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday turned away a challenge by a group of firearms dealers in New York to numerous Democratic-backed measures adopted by the state last year regulating gun purchases that the businesses said hurt their businesses.
Minnesota Dem Pushes for Tampons in Boys Room: ‘Not All Who Menstruate Are Female’
Minnesota lawmakers are pushing legislation requiring public and charter schools to make "menstrual products" available in school bathrooms and boys' restrooms.
Christian News
Pakistan: National Assembly votes to make controversial blasphemy laws even harsher
Bypassing public debate on the matter, Pakistan’s National Assembly on January 17 voted to make the country’s highly controversial blasphemy laws even harsher than they already are, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. Pakistan ranks seven on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Christian persecution sweeping across Africa may result in “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” report says
A new report by the international aid organization Open Doors shows that persecution against Christians in sub-Saharan Africa is now so intense that the continent is in danger of suffering a “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” the Washington Times reports.
Nigeria: Five women abducted, pastor shot and wounded in Katsina church terror attack
Five female church members were abducted, and their pastor shot and wounded during a terrorist attack on their church in Nigeria’s Katsina state on Sunday, Morning Star News reports. The attack is just one more of tens of thousands of attacks, murders and abductions, maimings, and displacements of Christians by Islamic militants since 2015.
Church of England: homosexual couples cannot marry in church but clergy can hold blessings for same-sex civil partnerships
The Church of England has announced it cannot change its doctrine to allow same-sex couples to be married in the church but proposes that clergy may voluntarily choose to hold blessing ceremonies for homosexual couples in civil marriages, the Guardian UK reports. The “historic plans” announced on Wednesday represent a form of compromise after decades of anguished debate within the Church of England over the acceptance of homosexuality.
Northern Chinese Church Leader Sentenced To Two Years Imprisonment
A prominent Chinese church leader has begun serving a two-year prison sentence for what his family and friends view as trumped-up charges of "illegally holding materials promoting terrorism and extremism," Worthy News learned Wednesday.
Million French Say ‘Non’ To Raising Pension Age
More than a million people marched through France cities to condemn President Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030 in a nation where the right to free time has been religiously observed.
Strykers, Bradleys Likely in Huge US aid Package for Ukraine
The U.S. is finalizing a massive package of military aid for Ukraine that U.S. officials say is likely to total as much as $2.6 billion. It's expected to include for the first time nearly 100 Stryker combat vehicles and at least 50 Bradley armored vehicles to allow Ukrainian forces to move more quickly and securely on the front lines in the war with Russia — but not the tanks that Ukraine has sought.
Iran claims new drills in Persian Gulf using missiles, ships
Iran says it launched a new drill in the Persian Gulf using cruise missiles, drones and other weapons.
New Zealand’s Premier Ardern Resigns, Ending Era
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who became the world’s youngest female head of government and led her nation through major crises, has announced her resignation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Military, National Security Personnel Meet with Israel’s New Government
Top US military and national security officials are in Israel to meet with ministers and other officials from the newly-installed government of Likud leader and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli firm unveils new attack drone that can land back in soldier’s hand
The state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries arms firm on Thursday unveiled a new small hand-launched loitering missile, or attack drone, that can land back in a soldier’s hand without exploding, the company said.
Inside the United States
House GOP introduces bill to end COVID-19 health emergency
House Republican lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill to end the Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 public health emergency after the agency announced last week that it would extend the declaration for a further 90 days.
US hits $31.4 trillion debt ceiling as Treasury announces ‘extraordinary measures’ to avoid default
The United States reached its debt ceiling of $31.38 trillion on Thursday, forcing the Treasury Department to implement "extraordinary measures" to avoid defaulting on bonds.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to block New York gun restrictions
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday turned away a challenge by a group of firearms dealers in New York to numerous Democratic-backed measures adopted by the state last year regulating gun purchases that the businesses said hurt their businesses.
Minnesota Dem Pushes for Tampons in Boys Room: ‘Not All Who Menstruate Are Female’
Minnesota lawmakers are pushing legislation requiring public and charter schools to make "menstrual products" available in school bathrooms and boys' restrooms.
Christian News
Pakistan: National Assembly votes to make controversial blasphemy laws even harsher
Bypassing public debate on the matter, Pakistan’s National Assembly on January 17 voted to make the country’s highly controversial blasphemy laws even harsher than they already are, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. Pakistan ranks seven on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Christian persecution sweeping across Africa may result in “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” report says
A new report by the international aid organization Open Doors shows that persecution against Christians in sub-Saharan Africa is now so intense that the continent is in danger of suffering a “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” the Washington Times reports.
Nigeria: Five women abducted, pastor shot and wounded in Katsina church terror attack
Five female church members were abducted, and their pastor shot and wounded during a terrorist attack on their church in Nigeria’s Katsina state on Sunday, Morning Star News reports. The attack is just one more of tens of thousands of attacks, murders and abductions, maimings, and displacements of Christians by Islamic militants since 2015.
Church of England: homosexual couples cannot marry in church but clergy can hold blessings for same-sex civil partnerships
The Church of England has announced it cannot change its doctrine to allow same-sex couples to be married in the church but proposes that clergy may voluntarily choose to hold blessing ceremonies for homosexual couples in civil marriages, the Guardian UK reports. The “historic plans” announced on Wednesday represent a form of compromise after decades of anguished debate within the Church of England over the acceptance of homosexuality.
Northern Chinese Church Leader Sentenced To Two Years Imprisonment
A prominent Chinese church leader has begun serving a two-year prison sentence for what his family and friends view as trumped-up charges of "illegally holding materials promoting terrorism and extremism," Worthy News learned Wednesday.