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
France Frees Saudi Mistakenly Detained In Killing Journalist Khashoggi
French authorities say they have freed a man after wrongly identifying him as an ex-member of Saudi Arabia’s royal guard who allegedly participated in murdering Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Russia Warns Of ‘Genocide’ In Ukraine As Invasion Fears Grow
U.S. President Joe Biden tried to calm down his Ukrainian counterpart in a long phone call amid increasing fears Friday of an imminent Russian invasion.
Migrants Truck Crash Kills 49 In Mexico
A cargo truck carrying more than 100 migrants crashed in southern Mexico, killing at least 49 people and injuring nearly five dozen others, authorities reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Pentagon says U.S., Israel to talk Iran but declines comment on strike plans
The Pentagon said on Thursday that officials will discuss shared concerns about Iran with visiting Defense Minister Benny Gantz later on Thursday, but it declined to comment on a Reuters report about discussions on possible Iran-focused military drills.
Hezbollah Planned To Kill Israeli, US Diplomats In Colombia
New details have emerged about an alleged Iran-backed plot by Islamic militant group Hezbollah to kill Israeli and American citizens, including diplomats, in Colombia.
Inside the United States
18 school board groups cut ties with NSBA for likening parent protests to ‘domestic terrorism’
The fallout over a letter from the National School Boards Association comparing parent protests and threats to domestic terrorism continues as 18 state affiliates have announced intentions to cut ties with the national education organization, according to a watchdog group.
Murders Spike to All-Time Highs in Democrat-Run US Cities
Twelve U.S. cities this year have surpassed their all-time homicide record. Former law enforcement officials have suggested the homicides are due to the dwindling number of police officers, declines in arrests, and the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Retirements by law enforcement officers rose 45 percent from 2020 to 2021.
Senate vote clears way for Democrats to raise debt ceiling on their own
The Senate passed a measure to create a one-time rule change on Thursday to allow Democrats to pass legislation to raise the debt ceiling with just 51 votes ahead of next week’s deadline.
New York City Lawmakers Pass Bill Giving Noncitizens Right to Vote
Noncitizens in New York City would gain the right to vote in municipal elections under a measure approved Thursday by the City Council that would give access to the ballot box to 800,000 green card holders and so-called Dreamers.
US Actor Convicted of Staging Attack, Lying to Police
Jussie Smollett was found guilty Thursday on five of the six counts of felony disorderly conduct charges after more than eight hours of deliberation.
Christian News
Kazakhstan Limits Worship Possibilities
Devoted Christians face a difficult Christmas season in Kazakhstan after legislators approved one of Europe’s harshest religious laws limiting worship or other faith-based events.
Militants Threaten To Attack Nigerian Churches
Suspected Islamic militants threaten to attack churches in Nigeria’s northern state of Zamfara unless they stop worship services and close their facilities, Christians said Thursday.
New poll: Only 40% of millennials engaged in Christian practices
A new survey shows there is significant indifference toward Christianity among US millennials, with only four in ten young adults having engaged in practices such as attending church or studying the Bible in the previous month, Christian Headlines (CH) reports.
Algeria: Appeals court upholds heavy fine against Christian
An Algerian court of appeals on December 1 upheld a hefty fine given to a Christian convert from Islam who had been charged with accepting donations without a license for the purpose of proselytization, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Increased church vandalism in US: “We must regain respect” says Archbishop
Amid increased vandalism of churches across America, on Friday the Lititz Church of the Brethren in Lancaster, Pennsylvania discovered satanic messages chalked on its exterior, CBN News reports. Concerning the recent spike in anti-Christian vandalism nationwide, the Archbishop of Denver said Churches must “regain respect.”
California pastor says health officials harassed his church over COVID mandates
A California pastor said that his church was subjected to overly zealous treatment by state officials attempting to enforce compliance with strict COVID-19 mandates.
France Frees Saudi Mistakenly Detained In Killing Journalist Khashoggi
French authorities say they have freed a man after wrongly identifying him as an ex-member of Saudi Arabia’s royal guard who allegedly participated in murdering Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Russia Warns Of ‘Genocide’ In Ukraine As Invasion Fears Grow
U.S. President Joe Biden tried to calm down his Ukrainian counterpart in a long phone call amid increasing fears Friday of an imminent Russian invasion.
Migrants Truck Crash Kills 49 In Mexico
A cargo truck carrying more than 100 migrants crashed in southern Mexico, killing at least 49 people and injuring nearly five dozen others, authorities reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Pentagon says U.S., Israel to talk Iran but declines comment on strike plans
The Pentagon said on Thursday that officials will discuss shared concerns about Iran with visiting Defense Minister Benny Gantz later on Thursday, but it declined to comment on a Reuters report about discussions on possible Iran-focused military drills.
Hezbollah Planned To Kill Israeli, US Diplomats In Colombia
New details have emerged about an alleged Iran-backed plot by Islamic militant group Hezbollah to kill Israeli and American citizens, including diplomats, in Colombia.
Inside the United States
18 school board groups cut ties with NSBA for likening parent protests to ‘domestic terrorism’
The fallout over a letter from the National School Boards Association comparing parent protests and threats to domestic terrorism continues as 18 state affiliates have announced intentions to cut ties with the national education organization, according to a watchdog group.
Murders Spike to All-Time Highs in Democrat-Run US Cities
Twelve U.S. cities this year have surpassed their all-time homicide record. Former law enforcement officials have suggested the homicides are due to the dwindling number of police officers, declines in arrests, and the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Retirements by law enforcement officers rose 45 percent from 2020 to 2021.
Senate vote clears way for Democrats to raise debt ceiling on their own
The Senate passed a measure to create a one-time rule change on Thursday to allow Democrats to pass legislation to raise the debt ceiling with just 51 votes ahead of next week’s deadline.
New York City Lawmakers Pass Bill Giving Noncitizens Right to Vote
Noncitizens in New York City would gain the right to vote in municipal elections under a measure approved Thursday by the City Council that would give access to the ballot box to 800,000 green card holders and so-called Dreamers.
US Actor Convicted of Staging Attack, Lying to Police
Jussie Smollett was found guilty Thursday on five of the six counts of felony disorderly conduct charges after more than eight hours of deliberation.
Christian News
Kazakhstan Limits Worship Possibilities
Devoted Christians face a difficult Christmas season in Kazakhstan after legislators approved one of Europe’s harshest religious laws limiting worship or other faith-based events.
Militants Threaten To Attack Nigerian Churches
Suspected Islamic militants threaten to attack churches in Nigeria’s northern state of Zamfara unless they stop worship services and close their facilities, Christians said Thursday.
New poll: Only 40% of millennials engaged in Christian practices
A new survey shows there is significant indifference toward Christianity among US millennials, with only four in ten young adults having engaged in practices such as attending church or studying the Bible in the previous month, Christian Headlines (CH) reports.
Algeria: Appeals court upholds heavy fine against Christian
An Algerian court of appeals on December 1 upheld a hefty fine given to a Christian convert from Islam who had been charged with accepting donations without a license for the purpose of proselytization, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Increased church vandalism in US: “We must regain respect” says Archbishop
Amid increased vandalism of churches across America, on Friday the Lititz Church of the Brethren in Lancaster, Pennsylvania discovered satanic messages chalked on its exterior, CBN News reports. Concerning the recent spike in anti-Christian vandalism nationwide, the Archbishop of Denver said Churches must “regain respect.”
California pastor says health officials harassed his church over COVID mandates
A California pastor said that his church was subjected to overly zealous treatment by state officials attempting to enforce compliance with strict COVID-19 mandates.
Around the World
Russian Invasion Fears After Biden, Putin Talks
After two hours of talks on the crisis between presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, it was unclear Wednesday whether a feared Russian invasion in Ukraine had been averted.
US reveals its largest-ever grab of weapons shipment by Iran’s Guards
The US Navy made its largest-ever seizure of weaponry from Iran in a haul that included surface-to-air missiles as well as cruise missile parts, the US Justice Department revealed Tuesday.
US hits Iran with new sanctions over rights abuses as nuclear talks flounder
The United States slapped fresh sanctions on a dozen Iranian officials and entities for “serious” human rights abuses Tuesday, days after nuclear talks with Tehran halted with no sign of progress.
Chile same-sex marriage: Law overwhelmingly approved by parliament
Chile has approved a landmark law allowing same-sex marriage in the historically Catholic country.
Iranian reports: Nuclear negotiations to resume Dec. 9
Indirect US-Iranian talks on saving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal will resume on Thursday in Vienna, Iranian news agencies reported on Tuesday.
Elon Musk said Neuralink hopes to start implanting its brain chips in humans in 2022
Elon Musk has said that Neuralink, his brain-interface technology company, hopes to start implanting its microchips in humans next year.
New German Government Signs Deal
The leaders of the Social Democrats, Greens, and the Free Democrats who pledged to phase-out coal and legalize soft drugs have signed their three-party coalition deal.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Fourth COVID shot for all Israelis a possibility, health minister says
Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said Tuesday that it is possible Israelis will soon become eligible for a fourth shot of the COVID vaccine.
Israel Has Struck 75% of Iran’s Weapons in Syria: Security Sources
Israel has struck some three quarters of Iran’s weapons supply in Syria, sources within Israel’s security establishment told Israeli media Tuesday.
Thousands rally in Tel Aviv in protest of government policies
Thousands rallied in Tel Aviv Tuesday night against government policies they deemed "dangerous" to Israel's Jewish character.
Inside the United States
Judge blocks Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors
A U.S. district court judge blocked the Biden administration on Tuesday from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate on employees of government contractors across the nation. This conservative win adds to a string of losses for President Joe Biden in federal courts.
U.S. Military Installs Long-Range Missile-Defense System In Alaska
The U.S. military has completed construction on a long-range radar for an Alaska-based missile-defense system that can track intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Pentagon says.
State of emergency declared in Hawaii, forecasters warn of ‘catastrophic’ flooding
A powerful storm system pounded Hawaii on Monday with heavy rain, and forecasters warned of a chance for "dangerous" and "catastrophic" flooding in some parts of the state throughout Monday night and well into Tuesday.
House passes legislation to increase debt ceiling
The House voted 222-212 on Tuesday to approve procedural legislation allowing the Senate to raise the debt ceiling.
Christian News
Nigeria Gunmen Release Scores Of Christian Hostages Amid Clashes (Worthy News In-Depth)
Suspected Islamic gunmen in Nigeria freed 70 hostages, including 61 members of the Emanuel Baptist Church, in the country’s Kaduna State, but deadly clashes overshadowed their release, Christians confirmed Tuesday.
‘All Lives Matter to our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ’ sign got football coach fired: lawsuit
A First Amendment lawsuit by a college football team's ex-offensive coordinator may hinge on the performance of his players.
Myanmar: Burmese Army burns down Pentecostal church attended by country’s former Vice-President
The Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) has burned down a Pentecostal church once attended by Myanmar’s ousted Vice President Henry Van Thio and his wife, Dr. Sui Hluan in the country’s Christian-majority Chin state, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Three more abducted missionaries released by Haiti gang
Three more Christian Aid Ministries hostages in Haiti were released Sunday by the Haitian 400 Mawozo gang, which had abducted 17 of the US organization’s missionaries (16 Americans and one Canadian) on October 16, the Washington Times reports. Few details on the new releases have been given for security reasons; two of the missionaries were previously freed on November 21.
Russian Invasion Fears After Biden, Putin Talks
After two hours of talks on the crisis between presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, it was unclear Wednesday whether a feared Russian invasion in Ukraine had been averted.
US reveals its largest-ever grab of weapons shipment by Iran’s Guards
The US Navy made its largest-ever seizure of weaponry from Iran in a haul that included surface-to-air missiles as well as cruise missile parts, the US Justice Department revealed Tuesday.
US hits Iran with new sanctions over rights abuses as nuclear talks flounder
The United States slapped fresh sanctions on a dozen Iranian officials and entities for “serious” human rights abuses Tuesday, days after nuclear talks with Tehran halted with no sign of progress.
Chile same-sex marriage: Law overwhelmingly approved by parliament
Chile has approved a landmark law allowing same-sex marriage in the historically Catholic country.
Iranian reports: Nuclear negotiations to resume Dec. 9
Indirect US-Iranian talks on saving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal will resume on Thursday in Vienna, Iranian news agencies reported on Tuesday.
Elon Musk said Neuralink hopes to start implanting its brain chips in humans in 2022
Elon Musk has said that Neuralink, his brain-interface technology company, hopes to start implanting its microchips in humans next year.
New German Government Signs Deal
The leaders of the Social Democrats, Greens, and the Free Democrats who pledged to phase-out coal and legalize soft drugs have signed their three-party coalition deal.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Fourth COVID shot for all Israelis a possibility, health minister says
Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said Tuesday that it is possible Israelis will soon become eligible for a fourth shot of the COVID vaccine.
Israel Has Struck 75% of Iran’s Weapons in Syria: Security Sources
Israel has struck some three quarters of Iran’s weapons supply in Syria, sources within Israel’s security establishment told Israeli media Tuesday.
Thousands rally in Tel Aviv in protest of government policies
Thousands rallied in Tel Aviv Tuesday night against government policies they deemed "dangerous" to Israel's Jewish character.
Inside the United States
Judge blocks Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors
A U.S. district court judge blocked the Biden administration on Tuesday from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate on employees of government contractors across the nation. This conservative win adds to a string of losses for President Joe Biden in federal courts.
U.S. Military Installs Long-Range Missile-Defense System In Alaska
The U.S. military has completed construction on a long-range radar for an Alaska-based missile-defense system that can track intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Pentagon says.
State of emergency declared in Hawaii, forecasters warn of ‘catastrophic’ flooding
A powerful storm system pounded Hawaii on Monday with heavy rain, and forecasters warned of a chance for "dangerous" and "catastrophic" flooding in some parts of the state throughout Monday night and well into Tuesday.
House passes legislation to increase debt ceiling
The House voted 222-212 on Tuesday to approve procedural legislation allowing the Senate to raise the debt ceiling.
Christian News
Nigeria Gunmen Release Scores Of Christian Hostages Amid Clashes (Worthy News In-Depth)
Suspected Islamic gunmen in Nigeria freed 70 hostages, including 61 members of the Emanuel Baptist Church, in the country’s Kaduna State, but deadly clashes overshadowed their release, Christians confirmed Tuesday.
‘All Lives Matter to our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ’ sign got football coach fired: lawsuit
A First Amendment lawsuit by a college football team's ex-offensive coordinator may hinge on the performance of his players.
Myanmar: Burmese Army burns down Pentecostal church attended by country’s former Vice-President
The Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) has burned down a Pentecostal church once attended by Myanmar’s ousted Vice President Henry Van Thio and his wife, Dr. Sui Hluan in the country’s Christian-majority Chin state, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Three more abducted missionaries released by Haiti gang
Three more Christian Aid Ministries hostages in Haiti were released Sunday by the Haitian 400 Mawozo gang, which had abducted 17 of the US organization’s missionaries (16 Americans and one Canadian) on October 16, the Washington Times reports. Few details on the new releases have been given for security reasons; two of the missionaries were previously freed on November 21.
Around the World
Biden, Putin To Discuss Feared Russian Invasion in Ukraine
U.S. President Joe Biden was preparing for talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin amid mounting concerns that Russia’s military will invade Ukraine.
Suu Kyi Jailed For Public Unrest
Myanmar’s ousted elected leader, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to four years imprisonment Monday on charges including “inciting public unrest.”
US To Boycott China’s Winter Olympics
The White House says it will stage a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, citing China’s reported severe human rights abuses.
UK, US and allies call on Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine
Leaders of the United States, Germany, Italy, France and Britain on Monday emphasized the need to provide a united front in the face of Russian threats and hostility.
Two ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh, intercepted by Saudi Arabia
A ballistic missile was launched towards Saudi Arabia's capital of Riyadh on Monday, Saudi state TV reported.
Pacific chief says China’s military buildup largest since World War II
China’s buildup of military forces is the largest the world has seen since World War II and has driven Australia and other nations around the world to seek closer security ties to the United States, according to the commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In rare strike, Israeli warplanes said to attack Latakia port
Syria’s military said Israeli warplanes fired missiles on the port of the coastal city of Latakia early Tuesday without inflicting any human losses.
Inside the United States
Miss. Gov: If Roe v. Wade Is Overturned, ‘Yes,’ I Will Enforce ‘the Almost Total Abortion Ban’ in Mississippi
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday that if Roe v. Wade were overturned he would enforce “the almost total abortion ban” that exists in his state, because he “very strongly” believes that an unborn child in the mother’s womb is a child, and he will do everything he can to protect the lives of children.
Federal judge blocks Texas tech censorship law
A federal judge struck down a Texas law that sought to restrict social media from censoring individuals based on their political viewpoint on Wednesday.
Ex-Presidential Candidate Bob Dole Dies At 98
Bob Dole, who survived deep war wounds to become the U.S. Senate leader and a Republican presidential candidate, has died. He was 98.
Christian News
Sri Lankan Christian Businessman Lynched To Death In Pakistan (Worthy News In-depth)
Pakistani police say they have detained seven "prime actors" in the horrific killing of a Sri Lankan businessman lynched and burned by an angry Muslim mob over alleged "blasphemy" against Islam.
Algeria: head of Algerian Protestant Church summoned to court; “please pray”
The Christian president of the Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA) was summoned to appear before a court on December 5, to face charges of "practicing non-Muslim rites without permission" and organizing an illegal assembly, Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC) reports.
Pakistan: Two Christian sanitation workers die after rescuing fellow Christian from a sewer
Two Christian sanitation workers in Sargodha, Pakistan died on October 3 after being ordered to enter a sewer without personal protective clothing to rescue another Christian worker, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. A Muslim emergency service team refused to assist in the incident because they believed touching a Christian makes them unclean.
Myanmar: Burmese Army continues violent campaign against churches
The Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) is continuing to attack and loot churches in Myanmar's Christian-majority Chin state as part of a violent campaign to impose Buddhism in the country, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Christian Organization Set to Distribute 100,000 Bibles to Persecuted Believers Around the World
Following a massive outpouring of financial support this year, Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors USA is set to distribute 100,000 Bibles to persecuted believers around the world, Faithwire reports. Open Doors has been smuggling Bibles into countries that are hostile to Christianity since 1955.
Regular churchgoers top Gallup’s mental-health poll, Democrats bring up rear
The novel coronavirus pandemic took a toll on the public’s emotional well-being, but a newly released poll found that regular churchgoers report the highest levels of mental health while Democrats remain stuck at the back of the pack.
Biden, Putin To Discuss Feared Russian Invasion in Ukraine
U.S. President Joe Biden was preparing for talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin amid mounting concerns that Russia’s military will invade Ukraine.
Suu Kyi Jailed For Public Unrest
Myanmar’s ousted elected leader, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to four years imprisonment Monday on charges including “inciting public unrest.”
US To Boycott China’s Winter Olympics
The White House says it will stage a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, citing China’s reported severe human rights abuses.
UK, US and allies call on Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine
Leaders of the United States, Germany, Italy, France and Britain on Monday emphasized the need to provide a united front in the face of Russian threats and hostility.
Two ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh, intercepted by Saudi Arabia
A ballistic missile was launched towards Saudi Arabia's capital of Riyadh on Monday, Saudi state TV reported.
Pacific chief says China’s military buildup largest since World War II
China’s buildup of military forces is the largest the world has seen since World War II and has driven Australia and other nations around the world to seek closer security ties to the United States, according to the commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In rare strike, Israeli warplanes said to attack Latakia port
Syria’s military said Israeli warplanes fired missiles on the port of the coastal city of Latakia early Tuesday without inflicting any human losses.
Inside the United States
Miss. Gov: If Roe v. Wade Is Overturned, ‘Yes,’ I Will Enforce ‘the Almost Total Abortion Ban’ in Mississippi
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday that if Roe v. Wade were overturned he would enforce “the almost total abortion ban” that exists in his state, because he “very strongly” believes that an unborn child in the mother’s womb is a child, and he will do everything he can to protect the lives of children.
Federal judge blocks Texas tech censorship law
A federal judge struck down a Texas law that sought to restrict social media from censoring individuals based on their political viewpoint on Wednesday.
Ex-Presidential Candidate Bob Dole Dies At 98
Bob Dole, who survived deep war wounds to become the U.S. Senate leader and a Republican presidential candidate, has died. He was 98.
Christian News
Sri Lankan Christian Businessman Lynched To Death In Pakistan (Worthy News In-depth)
Pakistani police say they have detained seven "prime actors" in the horrific killing of a Sri Lankan businessman lynched and burned by an angry Muslim mob over alleged "blasphemy" against Islam.
Algeria: head of Algerian Protestant Church summoned to court; “please pray”
The Christian president of the Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA) was summoned to appear before a court on December 5, to face charges of "practicing non-Muslim rites without permission" and organizing an illegal assembly, Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC) reports.
Pakistan: Two Christian sanitation workers die after rescuing fellow Christian from a sewer
Two Christian sanitation workers in Sargodha, Pakistan died on October 3 after being ordered to enter a sewer without personal protective clothing to rescue another Christian worker, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. A Muslim emergency service team refused to assist in the incident because they believed touching a Christian makes them unclean.
Myanmar: Burmese Army continues violent campaign against churches
The Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) is continuing to attack and loot churches in Myanmar's Christian-majority Chin state as part of a violent campaign to impose Buddhism in the country, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Christian Organization Set to Distribute 100,000 Bibles to Persecuted Believers Around the World
Following a massive outpouring of financial support this year, Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors USA is set to distribute 100,000 Bibles to persecuted believers around the world, Faithwire reports. Open Doors has been smuggling Bibles into countries that are hostile to Christianity since 1955.
Regular churchgoers top Gallup’s mental-health poll, Democrats bring up rear
The novel coronavirus pandemic took a toll on the public’s emotional well-being, but a newly released poll found that regular churchgoers report the highest levels of mental health while Democrats remain stuck at the back of the pack.