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
Successful Xenotransplantation Surgery: Genetically Engineered Pig Kidney Transplanted to Human Body
With organ donors always in short supply, an ongoing study has identified a possible alternative — animal organs. Researchers from New York University Langone Health say they have successfully completed a xenotransplantation — meaning taking an organ from one species and implanting it into another — not once, but twice. A team of surgeons used a genetically engineered pig kidney, transplanting it into a human body without suffering from rejection.
Strong typhoon approaches Philippines as tens of thousands evacuate
Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from coastal areas of the central and southern Philippines ahead of a strong typhoon that is expected to make landfall on Thursday afternoon.
US downs drone over Syria believed launched by Iranian-backed militias
The U.S. military downed a drone deemed to have hostile intent Tuesday that was headed toward a base in southeast Syria that houses 200 American troops, a senior defense official told Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin.
War Child Envoy Resigns Over Child Abuse Allegations
Dutch singer Marco Borsato has resigned as an ambassador of the War Child foundation amid allegations that he sexually assaulted one or more minors.
Migrants Van Crash Kills 7 In Hungary
Hungarian police have detained the driver of a van carrying illegal migrants after it crashed in southern Hungary, killing seven people and injuring four others, Worthy News learned Wednesday.
Blinken: US ready to move forward with sale of F-35s, drones to UAE
The United States is prepared to move forward with the sale of F-35 fighter jets and drones to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday, after reports that the UAE intended to suspend discussions of the deal.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
‘Normalization with Israel conditional on Arab Peace Plan,’ Saudi official says
Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the United Nations voiced Tuesday the kingdom's readiness to normalize relations with Israel on the condition that the Arab Peace Initiative was implemented.
Report: Israel strikes Damascus area, killing at least 1 Syrian soldier
Israeli missiles hit targets in the Damascus area early Thursday, killing a Syrian soldier, according to reports.
Israel: PM Bennet moves to ban unvaccinated citizens from shopping malls
Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz are now pushing to expand the country’s COVID-19 Green Pass mandate to bar unvaccinated citizens from free access to shopping malls, Ynet News reports. Awaiting final approval from lawmakers, the policy has been recommended amid concerns about rising cases of the new Omicron variant.
Inside the United States
US Federal Reserve Signals 3 Interest Rate Hikes in 2022
Policymakers at the U.S. central bank, the Federal Reserve, moved aggressively Wednesday to fight raging inflation in consumer prices for American shoppers and businesses.
Senate Democrat derails final passage of ban on China imports made with Uyghur forced labor
A Democratic senator on Wednesday blocked the final passage of a bipartisan bill to crack down on imports from China’s Xinjiang region, where Beijing is accused of using forced labor.
‘Build Back’ Bill Adds 87,000 IRS Agents, Cuts Money for Hospitals in Red States: ‘It’s Mean-Spirited’
President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" plan, which is currently stalled in the U.S. Senate, has drawn even more questions about controversial items in the proposed $2 trillion bill.
US Navy fires laser weapon in Mideast amid drone boat threat
The Navy announced Wednesday it tested a laser weapon and destroyed a floating target in the Mideast, a system that could be used to counter bomb-laden drone boats deployed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
US Senate Passes $770 Billion Defense Bill, Biden’s Signature Next
The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday for a version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, that authorizes $770 billion in defense spending — $25 billion more than requested by President Joe Biden —sending the measure to the White House for the president's signature.
Christian News
Missionaries Face Two Months Hostage Crisis
A U.S. mission group has thanked for prayers as it remembers that precisely two months ago, 17 American and Canadian missionaries were kidnapped in Haiti.
New Poll: Nearly 30% of Americans have no Religious Affiliation
A new survey by the Pew Research Center shows that 29% of US adults say they have no religious affiliation, the Washington Examiner reports. The poll defines those who are unaffiliated as “people who describe themselves as atheists, agnostics or ‘nothing in particular’ when asked about their religious identity.”
Church in Northern India Comes Under Attack
As Christians and their chuches in India continue to be harassed and assaulted by radical Hindu nationalists, a church in Rohtak in Haryana state came under attack on December 9, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Britain: archaeologists find remains of man believed to have been crucified by Romans
Archaeologists excavating in Cambridgeshire, England have unearthed the skeletal remains of a person they believe may have been crucified when Britain was under the rule of the Roman Empire, Christian Headlines (CH) reports.
Successful Xenotransplantation Surgery: Genetically Engineered Pig Kidney Transplanted to Human Body
With organ donors always in short supply, an ongoing study has identified a possible alternative — animal organs. Researchers from New York University Langone Health say they have successfully completed a xenotransplantation — meaning taking an organ from one species and implanting it into another — not once, but twice. A team of surgeons used a genetically engineered pig kidney, transplanting it into a human body without suffering from rejection.
Strong typhoon approaches Philippines as tens of thousands evacuate
Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from coastal areas of the central and southern Philippines ahead of a strong typhoon that is expected to make landfall on Thursday afternoon.
US downs drone over Syria believed launched by Iranian-backed militias
The U.S. military downed a drone deemed to have hostile intent Tuesday that was headed toward a base in southeast Syria that houses 200 American troops, a senior defense official told Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin.
War Child Envoy Resigns Over Child Abuse Allegations
Dutch singer Marco Borsato has resigned as an ambassador of the War Child foundation amid allegations that he sexually assaulted one or more minors.
Migrants Van Crash Kills 7 In Hungary
Hungarian police have detained the driver of a van carrying illegal migrants after it crashed in southern Hungary, killing seven people and injuring four others, Worthy News learned Wednesday.
Blinken: US ready to move forward with sale of F-35s, drones to UAE
The United States is prepared to move forward with the sale of F-35 fighter jets and drones to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday, after reports that the UAE intended to suspend discussions of the deal.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
‘Normalization with Israel conditional on Arab Peace Plan,’ Saudi official says
Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the United Nations voiced Tuesday the kingdom's readiness to normalize relations with Israel on the condition that the Arab Peace Initiative was implemented.
Report: Israel strikes Damascus area, killing at least 1 Syrian soldier
Israeli missiles hit targets in the Damascus area early Thursday, killing a Syrian soldier, according to reports.
Israel: PM Bennet moves to ban unvaccinated citizens from shopping malls
Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz are now pushing to expand the country’s COVID-19 Green Pass mandate to bar unvaccinated citizens from free access to shopping malls, Ynet News reports. Awaiting final approval from lawmakers, the policy has been recommended amid concerns about rising cases of the new Omicron variant.
Inside the United States
US Federal Reserve Signals 3 Interest Rate Hikes in 2022
Policymakers at the U.S. central bank, the Federal Reserve, moved aggressively Wednesday to fight raging inflation in consumer prices for American shoppers and businesses.
Senate Democrat derails final passage of ban on China imports made with Uyghur forced labor
A Democratic senator on Wednesday blocked the final passage of a bipartisan bill to crack down on imports from China’s Xinjiang region, where Beijing is accused of using forced labor.
‘Build Back’ Bill Adds 87,000 IRS Agents, Cuts Money for Hospitals in Red States: ‘It’s Mean-Spirited’
President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" plan, which is currently stalled in the U.S. Senate, has drawn even more questions about controversial items in the proposed $2 trillion bill.
US Navy fires laser weapon in Mideast amid drone boat threat
The Navy announced Wednesday it tested a laser weapon and destroyed a floating target in the Mideast, a system that could be used to counter bomb-laden drone boats deployed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
US Senate Passes $770 Billion Defense Bill, Biden’s Signature Next
The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday for a version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, that authorizes $770 billion in defense spending — $25 billion more than requested by President Joe Biden —sending the measure to the White House for the president's signature.
Christian News
Missionaries Face Two Months Hostage Crisis
A U.S. mission group has thanked for prayers as it remembers that precisely two months ago, 17 American and Canadian missionaries were kidnapped in Haiti.
New Poll: Nearly 30% of Americans have no Religious Affiliation
A new survey by the Pew Research Center shows that 29% of US adults say they have no religious affiliation, the Washington Examiner reports. The poll defines those who are unaffiliated as “people who describe themselves as atheists, agnostics or ‘nothing in particular’ when asked about their religious identity.”
Church in Northern India Comes Under Attack
As Christians and their chuches in India continue to be harassed and assaulted by radical Hindu nationalists, a church in Rohtak in Haryana state came under attack on December 9, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Britain: archaeologists find remains of man believed to have been crucified by Romans
Archaeologists excavating in Cambridgeshire, England have unearthed the skeletal remains of a person they believe may have been crucified when Britain was under the rule of the Roman Empire, Christian Headlines (CH) reports.
Around the World
Video: ‘Britain’s PM Staff Violate COVID Rules With Christmas Party’
Victims of strict coronavirus measures lashed out at Britain’s prime minister after reports that his staff held a lavish Christmas party while strict social distancing orders were in place.
Indonesia President To Rebuild As Volcano Kills Dozens
Indonesian President Joko Widodo vowed that his government would help rebuild communities after the eruption of one of Indonesia’s active volcanoes killed at least 34 people and left thousands homeless.
Germany’s New Chancellor Olaf Scholz Facing Challenges
Center-left leader Olaf Scholz has been sworn in as Germany's ninth chancellor since World War Two, but he faces significant challenges.
Billionaires’ share of global wealth soars as pandemic widens inequality gap
The share of global wealth of the world’s richest people soared at a record pace during the COVID pandemic, a report on inequality showed Tuesday.
Pentagon warns China is preparing for military campaign to take over Taiwan
China’s military is actively preparing for a potential attack against Taiwan and the Pentagon is working closely with the island’s military to deter a direct assault and develop asymmetric weapons to fight off Beijing, senior Biden administration officials told Congress on Wednesday.
Iran, Syria to take center stage when Russian FM arrives in Israel next week
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to visit Israel on Sunday, marking the official's first such excursion in three years.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
58% of Israeli Jews back striking Iran’s nuke program without US consent
A significant majority of Jewish Israelis, 58%, would support a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities even without a green light from Washington, according to an Israel Democracy Institute report published Wednesday.
Report: Israel to launch major exercise this spring simulating strike on Iran
The Israel Defense Forces will hold a large-scale exercise over the Mediterranean in the spring with dozens of aircraft simulating a strike against Iran’s nuclear program, according to a report Wednesday.
Mossad chief, Gantz in DC to urge tougher stance on Iran
Mossad head David Barnea and Defense Minister Benny Gantz took rearguard action in Washington to try to change the West’s approach to negotiations with Iran, as they were set to resume in Vienna on Thursday.
Israel Completes Massive High-Tech Fence Along Gaza Border
Israel on Tuesday announced the completion of its new 40-mile-long concrete security barrier along the Gaza border designed to confront threats from above and below.
Inside the United States
US Senate Blocks Biden’s Vaccine Mandate
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted to block President Joe Biden’s COVID vaccine and testing mandate for large employers in a warning to the White House ahead of turbulent mid-term elections next year.
Biden’s COVID measures lose favor with voters as courts reject vaccine mandates time and again
President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandates have been rejected time and again in the federal court system, leaving little chance for their survival. At the same time, Americans are steadily losing confidence in Biden’s handling of the pandemic as well as his presidency overall.
Wave of 40 earthquakes in 24 hours rocks northwest
Oregon experienced a series of more than 50 earthquakes all ranging in magnitude this week, but experts say the seismic activity is nothing to be alarmed about.
Supreme Court Poised To Deliver Victory for School Choice in Religious Vouchers Case
The Supreme Court looked likely on Wednesday to strike down a Maine law that excludes religious schools from a voucher program, strengthening parental rights to use taxpayer dollars at faith-based schools.
US, Israel to discuss military drills for Iran scenario
US and Israeli defense chiefs are expected on Thursday to discuss possible military exercises that would prepare for a worst-case scenario to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities should diplomacy fail, a senior US official said.
California Plans to Be Abortion Sanctuary if Roe Overturned
the OK next year, California clinics and their allies in the state legislature on Wednesday revealed a plan to make the state a safe place for those seeking reproductive care, including possibly paying for travel, lodging and procedures for people from other states.
Christian News
India Hindu Militants Seek More Attacks Against Church
Hindu militants threatened more attacks against a Christian congregation in India’s southern state of Karnataka if it continues services ahead of expected “anti-conversion” legislation.
Freed Nigerian Christian Boy Praised For Bravery In Hostage Crisis
The head boy of a Christian school in northern Nigeria, who was freed by suspected Islamic gunmen for health reasons, was praised for showing bravery and leadership during more than 150 days of captivity in the bush.
Video: ‘Britain’s PM Staff Violate COVID Rules With Christmas Party’
Victims of strict coronavirus measures lashed out at Britain’s prime minister after reports that his staff held a lavish Christmas party while strict social distancing orders were in place.
Indonesia President To Rebuild As Volcano Kills Dozens
Indonesian President Joko Widodo vowed that his government would help rebuild communities after the eruption of one of Indonesia’s active volcanoes killed at least 34 people and left thousands homeless.
Germany’s New Chancellor Olaf Scholz Facing Challenges
Center-left leader Olaf Scholz has been sworn in as Germany's ninth chancellor since World War Two, but he faces significant challenges.
Billionaires’ share of global wealth soars as pandemic widens inequality gap
The share of global wealth of the world’s richest people soared at a record pace during the COVID pandemic, a report on inequality showed Tuesday.
Pentagon warns China is preparing for military campaign to take over Taiwan
China’s military is actively preparing for a potential attack against Taiwan and the Pentagon is working closely with the island’s military to deter a direct assault and develop asymmetric weapons to fight off Beijing, senior Biden administration officials told Congress on Wednesday.
Iran, Syria to take center stage when Russian FM arrives in Israel next week
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to visit Israel on Sunday, marking the official's first such excursion in three years.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
58% of Israeli Jews back striking Iran’s nuke program without US consent
A significant majority of Jewish Israelis, 58%, would support a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities even without a green light from Washington, according to an Israel Democracy Institute report published Wednesday.
Report: Israel to launch major exercise this spring simulating strike on Iran
The Israel Defense Forces will hold a large-scale exercise over the Mediterranean in the spring with dozens of aircraft simulating a strike against Iran’s nuclear program, according to a report Wednesday.
Mossad chief, Gantz in DC to urge tougher stance on Iran
Mossad head David Barnea and Defense Minister Benny Gantz took rearguard action in Washington to try to change the West’s approach to negotiations with Iran, as they were set to resume in Vienna on Thursday.
Israel Completes Massive High-Tech Fence Along Gaza Border
Israel on Tuesday announced the completion of its new 40-mile-long concrete security barrier along the Gaza border designed to confront threats from above and below.
Inside the United States
US Senate Blocks Biden’s Vaccine Mandate
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted to block President Joe Biden’s COVID vaccine and testing mandate for large employers in a warning to the White House ahead of turbulent mid-term elections next year.
Biden’s COVID measures lose favor with voters as courts reject vaccine mandates time and again
President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandates have been rejected time and again in the federal court system, leaving little chance for their survival. At the same time, Americans are steadily losing confidence in Biden’s handling of the pandemic as well as his presidency overall.
Wave of 40 earthquakes in 24 hours rocks northwest
Oregon experienced a series of more than 50 earthquakes all ranging in magnitude this week, but experts say the seismic activity is nothing to be alarmed about.
Supreme Court Poised To Deliver Victory for School Choice in Religious Vouchers Case
The Supreme Court looked likely on Wednesday to strike down a Maine law that excludes religious schools from a voucher program, strengthening parental rights to use taxpayer dollars at faith-based schools.
US, Israel to discuss military drills for Iran scenario
US and Israeli defense chiefs are expected on Thursday to discuss possible military exercises that would prepare for a worst-case scenario to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities should diplomacy fail, a senior US official said.
California Plans to Be Abortion Sanctuary if Roe Overturned
the OK next year, California clinics and their allies in the state legislature on Wednesday revealed a plan to make the state a safe place for those seeking reproductive care, including possibly paying for travel, lodging and procedures for people from other states.
Christian News
India Hindu Militants Seek More Attacks Against Church
Hindu militants threatened more attacks against a Christian congregation in India’s southern state of Karnataka if it continues services ahead of expected “anti-conversion” legislation.
Freed Nigerian Christian Boy Praised For Bravery In Hostage Crisis
The head boy of a Christian school in northern Nigeria, who was freed by suspected Islamic gunmen for health reasons, was praised for showing bravery and leadership during more than 150 days of captivity in the bush.
Around the World
2015 nuclear deal no longer sufficient for reality of Iran in 2022, IAEA chief says
The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog warned Tuesday that the restrictions faced by his inspectors in Iran threaten to give the world only a “very blurred image” of Tehran’s program as it enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels.
WHO Warns Omicron Could Overwhelm World
The chief of the World Health Organization says the new coronavirus variant Omicron could overwhelm hospitals worldwide.
Holland to have new coalition government after months of deadlock
The Netherlands is finally set to have a new governing coalition made up of four Dutch parties, including incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte's VVD party, after the March general election resulted in months of gridlocked negotiations between the country’s many political parties, DW reports. Rutte, who will become Europe’s longest-serving Prime Minister, led the country in a caretaker capacity during the intervening months since the election.
Belarus Jails Opposition Leader For Challenging President Lukashenko
A court in Belarus has sentenced an opposition leader who wanted to run against the country’s autocratic President Alexander Lukashenko in elections to 18 years imprisonment.
European Powers Warn Iran Nuclear Talks Nearing ‘End Of The Road’
Three European powers said on December 14 that talks with Iran to revive the 2015 nuclear deal are “rapidly reaching the end of the road,” while Tehran accused Western powers of playing a “blame game."
NASA craft ‘touches’ sun for 1st time, dives into atmosphere
A NASA spacecraft has officially “touched” the sun, plunging through the unexplored solar atmosphere known as the corona.
Iranian ‘Drone Armies’ Step Up Attacks on US as Nuclear Talks Languish, GOP Lawmakers Say
Iranian "drone armies" are behind a surge in attacks on U.S. positions and allies in Iraq, according to a group of Republican lawmakers who are demanding answers from the Biden administration about how it is working to counter these threats amid ongoing negotiations with Tehran over a revamped nuclear accord.
Saudis seek ‘serious’ approach to Iran nuclear program, suggest joining negotiations
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday called for an “effective and serious” approach to Iran’s ballistic and nuclear program, during a Gulf summit in Riyadh.
Putin makes repeated calls for ‘immediate’ NATO talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday stepped up private and public calls on Western leaders to end the eastward expansion of NATO. In phone conversations with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and then later with French President Emmanuel Macron, Putin called for "immediate" negotiations with NATO and the US.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel rules out fourth COVID-19 shot for now
Israel’s vaccination committee announced Sunday it will not be recommending a fourth Covid-19 shot to the general population, despite concerns about the new impact of the new Omicron variant, i24 News reports. Israel was the first country to introduce a third shot, even before the US Food and Drug Administration approved the measure.
Report: US tells Israel new tanker jets, key to Iran strike, not coming anytime soond
Israel has asked the United States to accelerate the delivery of refueling aircraft it had purchased that could be needed to attack Iranian nuclear sites, but was told by the Biden administration the first plane likely will not be delivered until 2024, according to a report Tuesday.
Israel may face severe water shortages in coming years, experts warn
Israel is set to suffer from severe water shortages in the coming years due to less precipitation brought by global warming and a rapidly increasing population, experts warn on Tuesday.
Israel moves to restrict access of unvaccinated to shopping malls
For the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Israel will expand its Green Pass mandate to include shopping malls, restricting access to citizens who are not fully protected against the disease as fears of the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant mount.
After Israel reported to hit Syria chemical site, minister says WMDs unacceptable
Intelligence Minister Elazar Stern said Tuesday that Syria cannot be allowed to obtain chemical weapons, a day after a report claimed that Israel targeted chemical weapons facilities in the country.
Inside the United States
US Supreme Court Forces Christian Doctors To Take COVID Vaccines
Christian doctors and others refusing COVID-19 jabs are weighing their options after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to halt New York's vaccination obligation for health care workers.
Virginia hospital found in contempt of court for denying patient prescribed round of Ivermectin
A Virginia court on Monday found a hospital in the state in contempt of court for failing to comply with previous orders to provide prescribed Ivermectin to a COVID-19 patient.
As Army hits mandate deadline, services ponder next moves
The Pentagon reached a tipping point Wednesday as the deadline for soldiers in the U.S. Army, the largest military service, passed to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Troops who refuse the mandatory shots or aren’t in the process of receiving an accepted exemption will find themselves in an administrative limbo until they’re out of the military.
Senate Democrats pass debt-ceiling hike of $2.5 trillion just in time to avoid catastrophe — and without any Republicans
The Senate voted to raise the debt ceiling on Tuesday, advancing a crucial measure just before the US government risks defaulting on debt it has already incurred.
Home prices at 45-year high, pricing many buyers out of the market
Home prices are at a 45-year high, pricing many buyers out of an historic seller’s market, new data published by CoreLogic show.
Christian News
India State Tables Anti-Conversion Law Amid Anti-Christian Violence
Christians were concerned Wednesday as the Hindu-led government of India’s southwestern state of Karnataka was to table a harsh anti-conversion law amid attacks against churches.
Myanmar: Burmese Army plants landmines in destroyed churches
The Burmese Army in Myanmar’s Chin state has now taken to planting landmines inside the ruins of churches it has destroyed, in order to deter Christians from returning to rebuild the communities the junta has driven them out from, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Since the February 1 military coup, the Tatmadaw has been murdering and displacing Myanmar Christians in its efforts to violently impose Buddhism.
2015 nuclear deal no longer sufficient for reality of Iran in 2022, IAEA chief says
The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog warned Tuesday that the restrictions faced by his inspectors in Iran threaten to give the world only a “very blurred image” of Tehran’s program as it enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels.
WHO Warns Omicron Could Overwhelm World
The chief of the World Health Organization says the new coronavirus variant Omicron could overwhelm hospitals worldwide.
Holland to have new coalition government after months of deadlock
The Netherlands is finally set to have a new governing coalition made up of four Dutch parties, including incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte's VVD party, after the March general election resulted in months of gridlocked negotiations between the country’s many political parties, DW reports. Rutte, who will become Europe’s longest-serving Prime Minister, led the country in a caretaker capacity during the intervening months since the election.
Belarus Jails Opposition Leader For Challenging President Lukashenko
A court in Belarus has sentenced an opposition leader who wanted to run against the country’s autocratic President Alexander Lukashenko in elections to 18 years imprisonment.
European Powers Warn Iran Nuclear Talks Nearing ‘End Of The Road’
Three European powers said on December 14 that talks with Iran to revive the 2015 nuclear deal are “rapidly reaching the end of the road,” while Tehran accused Western powers of playing a “blame game."
NASA craft ‘touches’ sun for 1st time, dives into atmosphere
A NASA spacecraft has officially “touched” the sun, plunging through the unexplored solar atmosphere known as the corona.
Iranian ‘Drone Armies’ Step Up Attacks on US as Nuclear Talks Languish, GOP Lawmakers Say
Iranian "drone armies" are behind a surge in attacks on U.S. positions and allies in Iraq, according to a group of Republican lawmakers who are demanding answers from the Biden administration about how it is working to counter these threats amid ongoing negotiations with Tehran over a revamped nuclear accord.
Saudis seek ‘serious’ approach to Iran nuclear program, suggest joining negotiations
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday called for an “effective and serious” approach to Iran’s ballistic and nuclear program, during a Gulf summit in Riyadh.
Putin makes repeated calls for ‘immediate’ NATO talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday stepped up private and public calls on Western leaders to end the eastward expansion of NATO. In phone conversations with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and then later with French President Emmanuel Macron, Putin called for "immediate" negotiations with NATO and the US.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel rules out fourth COVID-19 shot for now
Israel’s vaccination committee announced Sunday it will not be recommending a fourth Covid-19 shot to the general population, despite concerns about the new impact of the new Omicron variant, i24 News reports. Israel was the first country to introduce a third shot, even before the US Food and Drug Administration approved the measure.
Report: US tells Israel new tanker jets, key to Iran strike, not coming anytime soond
Israel has asked the United States to accelerate the delivery of refueling aircraft it had purchased that could be needed to attack Iranian nuclear sites, but was told by the Biden administration the first plane likely will not be delivered until 2024, according to a report Tuesday.
Israel may face severe water shortages in coming years, experts warn
Israel is set to suffer from severe water shortages in the coming years due to less precipitation brought by global warming and a rapidly increasing population, experts warn on Tuesday.
Israel moves to restrict access of unvaccinated to shopping malls
For the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Israel will expand its Green Pass mandate to include shopping malls, restricting access to citizens who are not fully protected against the disease as fears of the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant mount.
After Israel reported to hit Syria chemical site, minister says WMDs unacceptable
Intelligence Minister Elazar Stern said Tuesday that Syria cannot be allowed to obtain chemical weapons, a day after a report claimed that Israel targeted chemical weapons facilities in the country.
Inside the United States
US Supreme Court Forces Christian Doctors To Take COVID Vaccines
Christian doctors and others refusing COVID-19 jabs are weighing their options after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to halt New York's vaccination obligation for health care workers.
Virginia hospital found in contempt of court for denying patient prescribed round of Ivermectin
A Virginia court on Monday found a hospital in the state in contempt of court for failing to comply with previous orders to provide prescribed Ivermectin to a COVID-19 patient.
As Army hits mandate deadline, services ponder next moves
The Pentagon reached a tipping point Wednesday as the deadline for soldiers in the U.S. Army, the largest military service, passed to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Troops who refuse the mandatory shots or aren’t in the process of receiving an accepted exemption will find themselves in an administrative limbo until they’re out of the military.
Senate Democrats pass debt-ceiling hike of $2.5 trillion just in time to avoid catastrophe — and without any Republicans
The Senate voted to raise the debt ceiling on Tuesday, advancing a crucial measure just before the US government risks defaulting on debt it has already incurred.
Home prices at 45-year high, pricing many buyers out of the market
Home prices are at a 45-year high, pricing many buyers out of an historic seller’s market, new data published by CoreLogic show.
Christian News
India State Tables Anti-Conversion Law Amid Anti-Christian Violence
Christians were concerned Wednesday as the Hindu-led government of India’s southwestern state of Karnataka was to table a harsh anti-conversion law amid attacks against churches.
Myanmar: Burmese Army plants landmines in destroyed churches
The Burmese Army in Myanmar’s Chin state has now taken to planting landmines inside the ruins of churches it has destroyed, in order to deter Christians from returning to rebuild the communities the junta has driven them out from, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Since the February 1 military coup, the Tatmadaw has been murdering and displacing Myanmar Christians in its efforts to violently impose Buddhism.