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
Return of the flu: EU faces threat of prolonged ‘twindemic’
Influenza has returned to Europe at a faster-than-expected rate this winter after almost disappearing last year, raising concerns about a prolonged "twindemic" with COVID-19 amid some doubts about the effectiveness of flu vaccines.
Suspect Identified In Betrayal Of Jewish Diarist Anne Frank
A six-year international investigation has identified a suspect who may have betrayed famous Jewish diarist Anne Frank and her family to the Nazis.
North Korea Fires Apparent Ballistic Missiles
South Korea and Japan's coast guard believe North Korea may have fired two ballistic missiles in what would be the fourth such weapons test this month.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Fourth Pfizer Vaccine Shot Not Enough to Stop Omicron Infection, Israeli Study Suggests
A fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine increases the number of neutralizing antibodies, but the boost is probably not enough to provide protection against infection of the Omicron variant, findings of a preliminary study conducted by Israel’s Sheba Medical Center concluded.
Inside the United States
Democrats in Decline: Poll Finds 14 Point Swing in Party ID Since Biden Took Office
President Joe Biden's first year in office has been a disaster of epic proportions. Afghanistan and the southern border? Disaster. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic after promising to "shut down" the virus and hiring Ron "Ebola Czar" Klain as his chief of staff? Disaster. His decrepit disposition and the fact that Kamala Harris is a heartbeat away from power? You get the idea.
Federal appeals court sends Texas abortion law case to Republican-majority state Supreme Court
A federal appeals court on Monday punted a case about Texas' controversial abortion law to the state's majority-Republican Supreme Court, dealing another setback to those opposed to the legislation that bans abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected.
Va. Governor Youngkin Off to Quick Start with These Executive Orders, Including Ban on Critical Race Theory
Thousands of Virginians endured the cold on Saturday to see their new governor sworn in. Republican Glenn Youngkin took the oath here at the state capitol, and the new governor is already off to a brisk start.
Union Pacific: Train Robberies Up 356%
Medical equipment, designer handbags, luggage, throw pillows, airline parts, children’s artwork, even a new wine fridge – all those items and more have been found stolen off Union Pacific trains and discarded alongside the tracks in East LA.
Christian News
India: Nine Christians imprisoned on false charges of forced conversion
Nine Christians in India’s Madhya Pradesh state are in prison awaiting trial on false charges of forcing Hindus to convert to Christianity, International Christian Concern (ICC) reported on January 15. Persecution against Christians in India has steadily increased since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014.
India: Mob of Hindu extremists attack house church in Chhattisgarh state
As the persecution of Christians continues to intensify across India, a house church in Chhattisgarh state was violently attacked by a mob of 200 Hindu nationalists on January 9, International Chrisitan Concern (ICC) reports.
China: Christians sentenced to six months in prison for attending Gospel conference in Malaysia
Five Christians in China’s Shanxi province have been sentenced to at least six months in prison for attending a Gospel event in Malaysia in 2020, International Christian Concern reports. China’s communist regime has been progressing a nationwide program of ‘Sinicization’ which involves cracking down hard on Christians in the country.
South Sudan: Islamic extremists kill 28 in attack on Christian community
Islamic extremists killed people in an attack on a Christian community in South Sudan earlier this month, burning down 57 homes in the same attack, Barnabas Fund reports.
Return of the flu: EU faces threat of prolonged ‘twindemic’
Influenza has returned to Europe at a faster-than-expected rate this winter after almost disappearing last year, raising concerns about a prolonged "twindemic" with COVID-19 amid some doubts about the effectiveness of flu vaccines.
Suspect Identified In Betrayal Of Jewish Diarist Anne Frank
A six-year international investigation has identified a suspect who may have betrayed famous Jewish diarist Anne Frank and her family to the Nazis.
North Korea Fires Apparent Ballistic Missiles
South Korea and Japan's coast guard believe North Korea may have fired two ballistic missiles in what would be the fourth such weapons test this month.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Fourth Pfizer Vaccine Shot Not Enough to Stop Omicron Infection, Israeli Study Suggests
A fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine increases the number of neutralizing antibodies, but the boost is probably not enough to provide protection against infection of the Omicron variant, findings of a preliminary study conducted by Israel’s Sheba Medical Center concluded.
Inside the United States
Democrats in Decline: Poll Finds 14 Point Swing in Party ID Since Biden Took Office
President Joe Biden's first year in office has been a disaster of epic proportions. Afghanistan and the southern border? Disaster. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic after promising to "shut down" the virus and hiring Ron "Ebola Czar" Klain as his chief of staff? Disaster. His decrepit disposition and the fact that Kamala Harris is a heartbeat away from power? You get the idea.
Federal appeals court sends Texas abortion law case to Republican-majority state Supreme Court
A federal appeals court on Monday punted a case about Texas' controversial abortion law to the state's majority-Republican Supreme Court, dealing another setback to those opposed to the legislation that bans abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected.
Va. Governor Youngkin Off to Quick Start with These Executive Orders, Including Ban on Critical Race Theory
Thousands of Virginians endured the cold on Saturday to see their new governor sworn in. Republican Glenn Youngkin took the oath here at the state capitol, and the new governor is already off to a brisk start.
Union Pacific: Train Robberies Up 356%
Medical equipment, designer handbags, luggage, throw pillows, airline parts, children’s artwork, even a new wine fridge – all those items and more have been found stolen off Union Pacific trains and discarded alongside the tracks in East LA.
Christian News
India: Nine Christians imprisoned on false charges of forced conversion
Nine Christians in India’s Madhya Pradesh state are in prison awaiting trial on false charges of forcing Hindus to convert to Christianity, International Christian Concern (ICC) reported on January 15. Persecution against Christians in India has steadily increased since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014.
India: Mob of Hindu extremists attack house church in Chhattisgarh state
As the persecution of Christians continues to intensify across India, a house church in Chhattisgarh state was violently attacked by a mob of 200 Hindu nationalists on January 9, International Chrisitan Concern (ICC) reports.
China: Christians sentenced to six months in prison for attending Gospel conference in Malaysia
Five Christians in China’s Shanxi province have been sentenced to at least six months in prison for attending a Gospel event in Malaysia in 2020, International Christian Concern reports. China’s communist regime has been progressing a nationwide program of ‘Sinicization’ which involves cracking down hard on Christians in the country.
South Sudan: Islamic extremists kill 28 in attack on Christian community
Islamic extremists killed people in an attack on a Christian community in South Sudan earlier this month, burning down 57 homes in the same attack, Barnabas Fund reports.
Around the World
Tonga Volcano Eruption Triggers Tsunami, Earthquakes, Worldwide (Worthy News In-Depth)
An underwater volcano eruption in the Pacific Ocean nation of Tonga sent ash 100,000 feet (30 kilometers) high, rattling the region and coastal areas worldwide, with tsunamis and earthquakes injuring or killing people globally.
Tennis Star Djokovic Ordered To Leave Australia
Australia's Federal Court has ruled against Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic's appeal of a deportation order in a setback for those demanding fewer coronavirus restrictions.
Serbia Angry As Tennis Star Djokovic Leaves Australia After Deportation Order
Serbia’s president expressed outrage Sunday as Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic left Australia after being deported for not being vaccinated against COVID-19.
North Korea fires third set of missiles in retaliation to US sanctions
North Korea has fired what is believed to be two short-range ballistic missiles -its third weapons launch this month, officials in South Korea have said.
Putin to Host Iranian President Next Week for Talks
President Vladimir Putin will host his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi for talks in Moscow next week as Russia tries to help salvage a nuclear deal between world powers and Tehran, state television channel Rossiya-1 reported on Sunday.
COVID virus made in Chinese lab as bat vaccine, Marine researcher says
A Marine Corps officer working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency disclosed in a memorandum last August that his study of the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic concluded that it was produced as part of vaccine research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, according to documents made public by a conservative investigative group.
Netherlands Partially Lifts Europe’s Toughest Lockdown
The Netherlands government only partially lifted Europe’s toughest coronavirus lockdown Friday, despite mounting protests with bars and other businesses threatening to reopen anyway.
US: ‘Russian Invasion In Ukraine Within Weeks’
The United States accuses Russia of preparing to invade Ukraine within weeks amid concerns inside the U.S.-led NATO military alliance about a possible new major conflict in Europe.
Germany Sentences Syrian For War Crimes
A German court has sentenced a Syrian colonel to life in prison in the first such crimes against humanity trial in reunited Germany.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
E-shekel moves towards replacing paper money in Israel
According to the Bank of Israel report from May 2021, Israel is considering launching an Ethereum (ETH)-based e-shekel. on the potential issuance of a digital shekel with no given launch date.
Israel Approves $35M Plan to Upgrade Western Wall Infrastructure
The Israeli government on Sunday approved a $35 million plan to improve the infrastructure of the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Inside the United States
Biden admin. to list employees seeking religious exemptions to vaccine mandate in new database
A federal government agency’s announced plan to keep track of employees who have refused on religious grounds to get vaccinated against COVID-19 has drawn concern from conservatives.
Planned Parenthood, ACLU attempt to block Ohio law requiring burial of aborted babies’ remains
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a new complaint against Ohio over a state law that, among other things, requires the proper cremation or burial of aborted babies’ remains.
COVID-19: Democratic Voters Support Harsh Measures Against Unvaccinated
While many voters have become skeptical toward the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of Democrats embrace restrictive policies, including punitive measures against those who haven’t gotten the COVID-19 vaccine.
Breaking: All Hostages Out Alive From Synagogue
All hostages in a synagogue near Dallas in the U.S. state of Texas are “out alive and safe,” said Governor Greg Abbott late Saturday.
Christian News
Japan To Deport Persecuted Nigerian Christian Raising Concerns
Christians who fled persecution at home have expressed concerns about their future in Japan as authorities threatened to deport a Nigerian Christian doctor who fled Islamist militants.
Pastor:’Christian Ex-Prisoner Hiding In Pakistan’
A Christian man who spent some 11 years in a Pakistani prison for “blasphemy” against Islam is hiding with his family in Pakistan after his acquittal and release, a friend told Worthy News.
Pakistan Frees Christian Accused Of Blasphemy On Bail
A Christian man who spent four years in a Pakistani jail “without a fair trial” was freed on bail, raising hope for other inmates in a similar situation, activists told Worthy News Thursday.
Tonga Volcano Eruption Triggers Tsunami, Earthquakes, Worldwide (Worthy News In-Depth)
An underwater volcano eruption in the Pacific Ocean nation of Tonga sent ash 100,000 feet (30 kilometers) high, rattling the region and coastal areas worldwide, with tsunamis and earthquakes injuring or killing people globally.
Tennis Star Djokovic Ordered To Leave Australia
Australia's Federal Court has ruled against Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic's appeal of a deportation order in a setback for those demanding fewer coronavirus restrictions.
Serbia Angry As Tennis Star Djokovic Leaves Australia After Deportation Order
Serbia’s president expressed outrage Sunday as Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic left Australia after being deported for not being vaccinated against COVID-19.
North Korea fires third set of missiles in retaliation to US sanctions
North Korea has fired what is believed to be two short-range ballistic missiles -its third weapons launch this month, officials in South Korea have said.
Putin to Host Iranian President Next Week for Talks
President Vladimir Putin will host his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi for talks in Moscow next week as Russia tries to help salvage a nuclear deal between world powers and Tehran, state television channel Rossiya-1 reported on Sunday.
COVID virus made in Chinese lab as bat vaccine, Marine researcher says
A Marine Corps officer working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency disclosed in a memorandum last August that his study of the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic concluded that it was produced as part of vaccine research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, according to documents made public by a conservative investigative group.
Netherlands Partially Lifts Europe’s Toughest Lockdown
The Netherlands government only partially lifted Europe’s toughest coronavirus lockdown Friday, despite mounting protests with bars and other businesses threatening to reopen anyway.
US: ‘Russian Invasion In Ukraine Within Weeks’
The United States accuses Russia of preparing to invade Ukraine within weeks amid concerns inside the U.S.-led NATO military alliance about a possible new major conflict in Europe.
Germany Sentences Syrian For War Crimes
A German court has sentenced a Syrian colonel to life in prison in the first such crimes against humanity trial in reunited Germany.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
E-shekel moves towards replacing paper money in Israel
According to the Bank of Israel report from May 2021, Israel is considering launching an Ethereum (ETH)-based e-shekel. on the potential issuance of a digital shekel with no given launch date.
Israel Approves $35M Plan to Upgrade Western Wall Infrastructure
The Israeli government on Sunday approved a $35 million plan to improve the infrastructure of the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Inside the United States
Biden admin. to list employees seeking religious exemptions to vaccine mandate in new database
A federal government agency’s announced plan to keep track of employees who have refused on religious grounds to get vaccinated against COVID-19 has drawn concern from conservatives.
Planned Parenthood, ACLU attempt to block Ohio law requiring burial of aborted babies’ remains
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a new complaint against Ohio over a state law that, among other things, requires the proper cremation or burial of aborted babies’ remains.
COVID-19: Democratic Voters Support Harsh Measures Against Unvaccinated
While many voters have become skeptical toward the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of Democrats embrace restrictive policies, including punitive measures against those who haven’t gotten the COVID-19 vaccine.
Breaking: All Hostages Out Alive From Synagogue
All hostages in a synagogue near Dallas in the U.S. state of Texas are “out alive and safe,” said Governor Greg Abbott late Saturday.
Christian News
Japan To Deport Persecuted Nigerian Christian Raising Concerns
Christians who fled persecution at home have expressed concerns about their future in Japan as authorities threatened to deport a Nigerian Christian doctor who fled Islamist militants.
Pastor:’Christian Ex-Prisoner Hiding In Pakistan’
A Christian man who spent some 11 years in a Pakistani prison for “blasphemy” against Islam is hiding with his family in Pakistan after his acquittal and release, a friend told Worthy News.
Pakistan Frees Christian Accused Of Blasphemy On Bail
A Christian man who spent four years in a Pakistani jail “without a fair trial” was freed on bail, raising hope for other inmates in a similar situation, activists told Worthy News Thursday.
Around the World
US: Only ‘a few weeks left’ to save Iran nuclear deal, we’re eyeing ‘other options’
There are only “a few weeks left” to save the Iran nuclear deal, and the United States is ready to look at “other options” if negotiations fail, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday.
Hungary Supports Kazakhstan’s Crackdown On Protesters
In a controversial move, Hungary’s hardline Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has expressed support for Kazakhstan’s autocratic leadership after at least 164 people were killed in anti-government protests.
US Embassy in Baghdad targeted by multiple rockets
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was targeted by multiple rockets Thursday.
Britain’s Prince Andrew Loses Royal Title Over Sex Abuse Allegations
Britain’s Prince Andrew, who has come under pressure over his alleged involvement in sexual abuse of one or more girls, loses his military titles and patronages and will no longer be called His Royal Highness, Buckingham Palace confirmed Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Bennett to Putin: World must stand firm against Iran’s nuclear progress
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that countries negotiating with Iran in Vienna must stand firm against progress in Tehran’s nuclear program.
Israel: Riots in the Negev as Bedouin protest government forest-planting scheme
Bedouin rioters in southern Israel’s Negev desert have torched cars, blocked trains, and injured two police officers in protest at a government forest-planting program they see as a land grab, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court Blocks Biden Vaccine Mandate
The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked American President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate for large employers in a move welcomed by his predecessor and activists who claimed the president behaved like a king.
White House plans to ‘keep fighting’ for stalled elections overhaul
Despite extremely long odds, the White House says it will continue fighting to pass two partisan election overhaul bills that Democratic lawmakers believe are essential to preserving their majority in Congress.
Eleven Oath Keepers including leader charged with seditious conspiracy in Jan. 6 riot
The founder of the far-right militia the Oath Keepers and the 10 others in the group have been indicted and arrested for their alleged role in Jan. 6 Capitol riot and planning of the 2021 incident.
Marines grant two religious exemptions, marking first across military branches
The Marines have granted two religious exemptions for the coronavirus vaccine, making it the first service branch to do so despite more than 13,000 requests across the military.
ICE loses track of more than 47,000 illegal immigrants released into the U.S. since March
More than 47,000 illegal migrants who were instructed to report to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office between spring and summer of 2021 have disappeared, according to new Department of Homeland Security data.
Christian News
Uganda: Radical Islamists severely beat up wife and daughter of evangelist they murdered last year
Radical Islamists who murdered Christian evangelist Simon Olinga in eastern Uganda last year have now beaten up his widow and daughter so harshly the girl remains unable to walk, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Believers in Uganda have come under increasing attack from Islamic extremists although Muslims are a small minority and Christianity is legal.
UK: Christian nurse wins discrimination case against hospital which told her not to wear gold cross at work
A UK Employment Tribunal has ruled that Christian nurse Mary Onuoha was discriminated against by a government-funded hospital which forced her out of her job for wearing a small gold cross necklace, Christian Concern (CC) reports.
New study shows most US Evangelicals are satisfied with their church
A new study has found that US evangelicals are mostly satisfied with their churches; 38% of those polled would not change a single one of the 14 categories of church life studied, Church Leaders reports.
US: Only ‘a few weeks left’ to save Iran nuclear deal, we’re eyeing ‘other options’
There are only “a few weeks left” to save the Iran nuclear deal, and the United States is ready to look at “other options” if negotiations fail, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday.
Hungary Supports Kazakhstan’s Crackdown On Protesters
In a controversial move, Hungary’s hardline Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has expressed support for Kazakhstan’s autocratic leadership after at least 164 people were killed in anti-government protests.
US Embassy in Baghdad targeted by multiple rockets
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was targeted by multiple rockets Thursday.
Britain’s Prince Andrew Loses Royal Title Over Sex Abuse Allegations
Britain’s Prince Andrew, who has come under pressure over his alleged involvement in sexual abuse of one or more girls, loses his military titles and patronages and will no longer be called His Royal Highness, Buckingham Palace confirmed Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Bennett to Putin: World must stand firm against Iran’s nuclear progress
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that countries negotiating with Iran in Vienna must stand firm against progress in Tehran’s nuclear program.
Israel: Riots in the Negev as Bedouin protest government forest-planting scheme
Bedouin rioters in southern Israel’s Negev desert have torched cars, blocked trains, and injured two police officers in protest at a government forest-planting program they see as a land grab, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court Blocks Biden Vaccine Mandate
The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked American President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate for large employers in a move welcomed by his predecessor and activists who claimed the president behaved like a king.
White House plans to ‘keep fighting’ for stalled elections overhaul
Despite extremely long odds, the White House says it will continue fighting to pass two partisan election overhaul bills that Democratic lawmakers believe are essential to preserving their majority in Congress.
Eleven Oath Keepers including leader charged with seditious conspiracy in Jan. 6 riot
The founder of the far-right militia the Oath Keepers and the 10 others in the group have been indicted and arrested for their alleged role in Jan. 6 Capitol riot and planning of the 2021 incident.
Marines grant two religious exemptions, marking first across military branches
The Marines have granted two religious exemptions for the coronavirus vaccine, making it the first service branch to do so despite more than 13,000 requests across the military.
ICE loses track of more than 47,000 illegal immigrants released into the U.S. since March
More than 47,000 illegal migrants who were instructed to report to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office between spring and summer of 2021 have disappeared, according to new Department of Homeland Security data.
Christian News
Uganda: Radical Islamists severely beat up wife and daughter of evangelist they murdered last year
Radical Islamists who murdered Christian evangelist Simon Olinga in eastern Uganda last year have now beaten up his widow and daughter so harshly the girl remains unable to walk, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Believers in Uganda have come under increasing attack from Islamic extremists although Muslims are a small minority and Christianity is legal.
UK: Christian nurse wins discrimination case against hospital which told her not to wear gold cross at work
A UK Employment Tribunal has ruled that Christian nurse Mary Onuoha was discriminated against by a government-funded hospital which forced her out of her job for wearing a small gold cross necklace, Christian Concern (CC) reports.
New study shows most US Evangelicals are satisfied with their church
A new study has found that US evangelicals are mostly satisfied with their churches; 38% of those polled would not change a single one of the 14 categories of church life studied, Church Leaders reports.