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
First supermoon of 2021 to rise Monday night, early Tuesday
The final week of April will begin Monday with the brightest night so far this year, as a supermoon fills the sky after sunset.
China nixed meeting on biowarfare concerns as coronavirus queries increased
China canceled an online meeting with American officials last year to discuss mounting concerns regarding secret Chinese biological weapons work in possible violation of an international treaty, according to a new report.
Leaked: Russia Sabotaged Iran Nuclear Deal to Prevent Tehran from Normalizing with West
Leaked audio tapes that reveal the behind-the-scenes power struggles of Iranian officials have recently been published by the New York Times. In the leaks, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif lamented that it is the Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) who implements policy, overruling governmental decisions.
NIH says it has identified over 500 ‘scientists of concern’ amid Chinese theft challenge
A top official at the National Institutes of Health said the federal agency has identified more than 500 “scientists of concern” within federally funded academic institutions and research programs as the U.S. government grapples with systematic foreign influence efforts, including Chinese economic espionage.
Pope Prays As Rescue Workers Report 130 Migrant Deaths At Sea
Pope Francis on Sunday prayed for those who looked the other way after at least 130 migrants fleeing war, persecution and poverty perished in the Mediterranean and aid workers accused states of not responding to distress calls.
Dozens Die As Blaze Hits Baghdad COVID Hospital
Anxious families searched for relatives in Baghdad after the death toll of a weekend fire at a hospital for coronavirus patients rose to at least 82.
Ukraine Recalls 35th Anniversary Of Chernobyl Blast Amid Misery and Hope
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was due Monday to visit the Chernobyl exclusion zone to remember the 35th anniversary of the world's worst nuclear accident. His address to Ukrainians came as the tragedy is still being felt among suffering survivors who once lived in the area, where rare species have taken over.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
John Kerry told Iranians about secret Israeli operations in Syria: Report
Former Secretary of State John Kerry kept Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif informed about secret Israeli military actions in Syria, the Iranian diplomat said in recently leaked audio, casting new light on communication between the two men after Mr. Kerry returned to life as a private citizen in 2017.
Netanyahu said willing to let Sa’ar be PM first in latest rotation deal proposal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, running out of time to form a coalition, is reportedly willing to offer former ally Gideon Sa’ar a rotation deal with the current New Hope leader to serve first as prime minister, Hebrew media reported Monday.
Israel shuts down Gaza fisheries following three straight nights of rockets from the Strip
After three consecutive nights of rockets firing from Gaza into southern Israel, and five rockets overnight, Israel shut down the Gaza fishing zone Monday, the Times of Israel reports. Israeli journalists have noted that airstrikes are normally conducted in retaliation for Gaza rockets, and that the closure of fisheries appears to be Israel’s only response in this round of the ongoing conflict.
Inside the United States
New U.S. COVID cases fall sharply last week, deaths lowest since October
New cases of COVID-19 in the United States fell 16% last week to about 409,000, the biggest percentage drop in weekly new cases since February, according to a Reuters analysis of state and county data.
Supreme Court to hear first major Second Amendment case in a decade
The Supreme Court on Monday accepted for argument a New York Second Amendment case, the first major gun rights suit before the court in a decade.
Democrats are the party of the wealthy, IRS data shows
Democrats are the party of the wealthy, a flip from decades ago when it was the party of the poor and middle class.
Republicans would resume Trump’s border wall if they win back the House
House Republicans, eager to elevate border security to a top 2022 campaign issue, said Monday they would revive the now-stalled construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border that was championed by former President Donald Trump and nixed by President Joe Biden.
Tennessee’s 48-hour abortion waiting period law reinstated by appeals court
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has allowed a Tennessee law requiring women seeking an abortion to wait 48 hours before they can undergo the procedure to take effect until a ruling on the law’s constitutionality is reached.
Supreme Court to Decide if California Is Essentially Creating a Cancel Culture Hit List
A diverse collection of 60 interest groups was at the Supreme Court on Monday, participating in the next round in a legal battle over donor privacy with the state of California.
Supreme Court to hear case involving disclosure of alleged CIA detention sites
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a case that could reveal new details about CIA detention facilities in foreign countries.
Supreme Court declines religious liberty dispute between California and Texas
The Supreme Court declined a case challenging California's ban on state-funded travel to Texas and other states that allow Christian adoption and foster care agencies to refuse service to gay and transgender couples on Monday.
Appeals court allows abortion waiting period; SCOTUS does not have to intervene
In a ruling which means the US Supreme Court does not have to immediately get involved, a federal appeals court temporarily reinstated Tennessee's 48-hour waiting period for abortions, the Washington Free Beacon reports. The appeals court decision overturned a 2020 trial court decision which determined the waiting period instituted in 2017 to be unconstitutional.
Judge recuses himself in Arizona election audit case
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Christopher Coury on Sunday recused himself from presiding over a challenge to a Republican 2020 election audit Arizona requested by state Senate Republicans, the Washington Examiner reports.
‘There are six sexes,’ lawmaker tells Public Education hearing
During a hearing before the US Public Education Committee last week, Texas Democratic Rep. James Talarico asserted that there are six sexes, not two, the Washington Times reports. The Harvard-educated lawmaker made his assertion during a hearing on House Bill 4042, a measure that would prevent transgender pupils from competing in girls’ K-12 school sports.
Fully open Texas and Florida reporting fewer COVID cases than Democrat-led Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York
Republican-led states including Texas and Florida are reporting fewer coronavirus cases than Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York -- all of which are led by prominent Democrats who refuse to roll back COVID-19 regulations and statewide mask mandates, according to CDC data.
Christian News
NM Finally Agrees to Obey Supreme Court, Drops COVID Restrictions on Indoor Worship
New Mexico on Friday eliminated coronavirus-related capacity restrictions on religious services.
Christian Missionaries Die Of COVID In India
Christian missionaries and church leaders already suffering persecution in several areas are among those dying of severe symptoms of COVID-19 raging in India, aid workers say.
Worthy Watch
Oklahoma Governor Signs 4 Important Conservative Measures
Three F-35i Adir Fighters Arrive in Israel
CDC Finally Admits No Evidence of Coronavirus Spread via Surfaces
21,000 Get Covid in One Week After Receiving Vaccine’s First Dose
First supermoon of 2021 to rise Monday night, early Tuesday
The final week of April will begin Monday with the brightest night so far this year, as a supermoon fills the sky after sunset.
China nixed meeting on biowarfare concerns as coronavirus queries increased
China canceled an online meeting with American officials last year to discuss mounting concerns regarding secret Chinese biological weapons work in possible violation of an international treaty, according to a new report.
Leaked: Russia Sabotaged Iran Nuclear Deal to Prevent Tehran from Normalizing with West
Leaked audio tapes that reveal the behind-the-scenes power struggles of Iranian officials have recently been published by the New York Times. In the leaks, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif lamented that it is the Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) who implements policy, overruling governmental decisions.
NIH says it has identified over 500 ‘scientists of concern’ amid Chinese theft challenge
A top official at the National Institutes of Health said the federal agency has identified more than 500 “scientists of concern” within federally funded academic institutions and research programs as the U.S. government grapples with systematic foreign influence efforts, including Chinese economic espionage.
Pope Prays As Rescue Workers Report 130 Migrant Deaths At Sea
Pope Francis on Sunday prayed for those who looked the other way after at least 130 migrants fleeing war, persecution and poverty perished in the Mediterranean and aid workers accused states of not responding to distress calls.
Dozens Die As Blaze Hits Baghdad COVID Hospital
Anxious families searched for relatives in Baghdad after the death toll of a weekend fire at a hospital for coronavirus patients rose to at least 82.
Ukraine Recalls 35th Anniversary Of Chernobyl Blast Amid Misery and Hope
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was due Monday to visit the Chernobyl exclusion zone to remember the 35th anniversary of the world's worst nuclear accident. His address to Ukrainians came as the tragedy is still being felt among suffering survivors who once lived in the area, where rare species have taken over.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
John Kerry told Iranians about secret Israeli operations in Syria: Report
Former Secretary of State John Kerry kept Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif informed about secret Israeli military actions in Syria, the Iranian diplomat said in recently leaked audio, casting new light on communication between the two men after Mr. Kerry returned to life as a private citizen in 2017.
Netanyahu said willing to let Sa’ar be PM first in latest rotation deal proposal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, running out of time to form a coalition, is reportedly willing to offer former ally Gideon Sa’ar a rotation deal with the current New Hope leader to serve first as prime minister, Hebrew media reported Monday.
Israel shuts down Gaza fisheries following three straight nights of rockets from the Strip
After three consecutive nights of rockets firing from Gaza into southern Israel, and five rockets overnight, Israel shut down the Gaza fishing zone Monday, the Times of Israel reports. Israeli journalists have noted that airstrikes are normally conducted in retaliation for Gaza rockets, and that the closure of fisheries appears to be Israel’s only response in this round of the ongoing conflict.
Inside the United States
New U.S. COVID cases fall sharply last week, deaths lowest since October
New cases of COVID-19 in the United States fell 16% last week to about 409,000, the biggest percentage drop in weekly new cases since February, according to a Reuters analysis of state and county data.
Supreme Court to hear first major Second Amendment case in a decade
The Supreme Court on Monday accepted for argument a New York Second Amendment case, the first major gun rights suit before the court in a decade.
Democrats are the party of the wealthy, IRS data shows
Democrats are the party of the wealthy, a flip from decades ago when it was the party of the poor and middle class.
Republicans would resume Trump’s border wall if they win back the House
House Republicans, eager to elevate border security to a top 2022 campaign issue, said Monday they would revive the now-stalled construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border that was championed by former President Donald Trump and nixed by President Joe Biden.
Tennessee’s 48-hour abortion waiting period law reinstated by appeals court
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has allowed a Tennessee law requiring women seeking an abortion to wait 48 hours before they can undergo the procedure to take effect until a ruling on the law’s constitutionality is reached.
Supreme Court to Decide if California Is Essentially Creating a Cancel Culture Hit List
A diverse collection of 60 interest groups was at the Supreme Court on Monday, participating in the next round in a legal battle over donor privacy with the state of California.
Supreme Court to hear case involving disclosure of alleged CIA detention sites
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a case that could reveal new details about CIA detention facilities in foreign countries.
Supreme Court declines religious liberty dispute between California and Texas
The Supreme Court declined a case challenging California's ban on state-funded travel to Texas and other states that allow Christian adoption and foster care agencies to refuse service to gay and transgender couples on Monday.
Appeals court allows abortion waiting period; SCOTUS does not have to intervene
In a ruling which means the US Supreme Court does not have to immediately get involved, a federal appeals court temporarily reinstated Tennessee's 48-hour waiting period for abortions, the Washington Free Beacon reports. The appeals court decision overturned a 2020 trial court decision which determined the waiting period instituted in 2017 to be unconstitutional.
Judge recuses himself in Arizona election audit case
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Christopher Coury on Sunday recused himself from presiding over a challenge to a Republican 2020 election audit Arizona requested by state Senate Republicans, the Washington Examiner reports.
‘There are six sexes,’ lawmaker tells Public Education hearing
During a hearing before the US Public Education Committee last week, Texas Democratic Rep. James Talarico asserted that there are six sexes, not two, the Washington Times reports. The Harvard-educated lawmaker made his assertion during a hearing on House Bill 4042, a measure that would prevent transgender pupils from competing in girls’ K-12 school sports.
Fully open Texas and Florida reporting fewer COVID cases than Democrat-led Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York
Republican-led states including Texas and Florida are reporting fewer coronavirus cases than Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York -- all of which are led by prominent Democrats who refuse to roll back COVID-19 regulations and statewide mask mandates, according to CDC data.
Christian News
NM Finally Agrees to Obey Supreme Court, Drops COVID Restrictions on Indoor Worship
New Mexico on Friday eliminated coronavirus-related capacity restrictions on religious services.
Christian Missionaries Die Of COVID In India
Christian missionaries and church leaders already suffering persecution in several areas are among those dying of severe symptoms of COVID-19 raging in India, aid workers say.
Worthy Watch
Oklahoma Governor Signs 4 Important Conservative Measures
Three F-35i Adir Fighters Arrive in Israel
CDC Finally Admits No Evidence of Coronavirus Spread via Surfaces
21,000 Get Covid in One Week After Receiving Vaccine’s First Dose
Around the World
Russia announces withdrawal of troops from Ukainian border
Russia announced Thursday that thousands of troops deployed to its border with Ukraine will be withdrawn by May 1, Axios reports. Although Russia had said it was conducting military exercises at the border, the recent massive build-up of troops and military equipment, including fighter planes, had raised fears of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine.
China engaged in ‘breathtaking’ nuclear expansion, STRATCOM commander warns
China’s military is engaged in a “very rapid” expansion of nuclear forces, which threatens U.S. security and is complicating efforts to deter both Russia as well as China, the commander of the Strategic Command told Congress on Wednesday.
Russia is building its own space station
Russia has announced it has begun building a space station of its own, and has plans to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025, BBC News reports. The ISS was launched by the United States and Russia in 1998 and has been a showcase for international cooperation.
Hungary President Supporting COVID Orphans
Hungarian President János Áder and Anita Herczegh, the First Lady, have launched a foundation to help children orphaned by the coronavirus.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF chief to make first US visit next week to discuss Iran, Hezbollah
IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi will travel to the United States on Sunday to discuss the threat of Iran’s nuclear program and its entrenchment throughout the region, the military said Friday.
Top court rules no grounds to disqualify Netanyahu as PM ‘at this time’
The High Court of Justice on Thursday rejected a petition seeking Benjamin Netanyahu’s removal as prime minister over his ongoing criminal trial.
IDF probing why air defenses didn’t intercept Syrian anti-aircraft missile
The Israel Defense Forces launched an investigation to determine why its air defenses failed to intercept an errant surface-to-air missile fired from Syria that landed in southern Israel on Thursday morning.
US official: We’re updating Israel on Iran talks in Vienna despite differences
The US has been updating Israel on the progress of indirect negotiations with Iran over a possible return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and will continue a policy of transparency moving forward, a senior State Department official said Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Federal lawsuit: Florida’s ‘anti-rioting law’ is unconstitutional
The Lawyers Matter Task Force advocacy group filed a federal lawsuit in the US District Court in Orlando Wednesday, claiming Florida’s new “anti-rioting” legislation is unconstitutional on several levels, Fox News reports. The lawsuit names the Defendants as Gov. DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Orange County Sheriff John Mina.
US To Cut Emissions By Half By 2030
U.S.President Joe Biden says the United States will cut emissions by half by the end of the decade due to a transition to ‘green energy.’
Senate Republicans unveil $568 billion infrastructure counterproposal
Senate Republicans formally rolled out the framework for their $568 billion counterproposal to President Biden's $2.5 trillion infrastructure plan on Thursday.
House passes bill that would make D.C. the 51st state
The House of Representatives voted 216-208 on Thursday to pass a bill that would grant statehood to Washington, D.C.
Senate OKs bill to fight hate crimes against Asian Americans
The Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a bill that would help combat the rise of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, a bipartisan denunciation of such violence during the coronavirus pandemic and a modest step toward legislating in a chamber where most of President Joe Biden’s agenda has stalled.
10 states sue Biden over ‘social cost’ executive order on climate change
Ten Republican-led states sued Thursday to block President Biden’s executive order that would require agencies to calculate the social cost of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide when enacting regulations.
Stocks drop after reports that Biden wants to double capital gains tax for wealthy
Stocks dropped Thursday amid reports that the Biden administration will propose a large hike of the capital gains tax in order to pay for his childcare and family spending plan.
Bill aims to declassify intel of any potential link of COVID origins to Wuhan Institute of Virology
Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Mike Braun of Indiana have introduced legislation to declassify intelligence pertaining to any potential connections between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the genesis of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christian News
Two-thirds of world’s population live in countries which violate religious freedom
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has published a report showing that around 5.2 billion people live in countries where religious freedom is severely violated and restricted, International Christian Concern reports. These countries include China, India, and Pakistan, which have the world’s largest populations.
Court Postpones Appeal Of Algeria Pastor, Co-Worker Against Prison Sentence
Supporters of an Algerian pastor and his co-worker have urged prayers after an appeal hearing against a lengthy prison term related to their Christian work was postponed.
Eritrea Frees Dozens Of Christians But Many Still Jailed
Dozens of Christians detained in Eritrea for unauthorized worship have been released, but many other believers remain jailed, Christians said Friday.
Algeria Court Postpones Appeal Pastor, Co-Worker, Against Jail Sentence
Supporters of an Algerian pastor and his co-worker have urged prayers after an appeal hearing against a lengthy prison term related to their Christian work was postponed.
Worthy Watch
NBC Deceptively Edits 911 Call And Body Cam Video Of Police Shooting To Conceal Teen Wielding Knife
Russia announces withdrawal of troops from Ukainian border
Russia announced Thursday that thousands of troops deployed to its border with Ukraine will be withdrawn by May 1, Axios reports. Although Russia had said it was conducting military exercises at the border, the recent massive build-up of troops and military equipment, including fighter planes, had raised fears of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine.
China engaged in ‘breathtaking’ nuclear expansion, STRATCOM commander warns
China’s military is engaged in a “very rapid” expansion of nuclear forces, which threatens U.S. security and is complicating efforts to deter both Russia as well as China, the commander of the Strategic Command told Congress on Wednesday.
Russia is building its own space station
Russia has announced it has begun building a space station of its own, and has plans to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025, BBC News reports. The ISS was launched by the United States and Russia in 1998 and has been a showcase for international cooperation.
Hungary President Supporting COVID Orphans
Hungarian President János Áder and Anita Herczegh, the First Lady, have launched a foundation to help children orphaned by the coronavirus.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF chief to make first US visit next week to discuss Iran, Hezbollah
IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi will travel to the United States on Sunday to discuss the threat of Iran’s nuclear program and its entrenchment throughout the region, the military said Friday.
Top court rules no grounds to disqualify Netanyahu as PM ‘at this time’
The High Court of Justice on Thursday rejected a petition seeking Benjamin Netanyahu’s removal as prime minister over his ongoing criminal trial.
IDF probing why air defenses didn’t intercept Syrian anti-aircraft missile
The Israel Defense Forces launched an investigation to determine why its air defenses failed to intercept an errant surface-to-air missile fired from Syria that landed in southern Israel on Thursday morning.
US official: We’re updating Israel on Iran talks in Vienna despite differences
The US has been updating Israel on the progress of indirect negotiations with Iran over a possible return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and will continue a policy of transparency moving forward, a senior State Department official said Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Federal lawsuit: Florida’s ‘anti-rioting law’ is unconstitutional
The Lawyers Matter Task Force advocacy group filed a federal lawsuit in the US District Court in Orlando Wednesday, claiming Florida’s new “anti-rioting” legislation is unconstitutional on several levels, Fox News reports. The lawsuit names the Defendants as Gov. DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Orange County Sheriff John Mina.
US To Cut Emissions By Half By 2030
U.S.President Joe Biden says the United States will cut emissions by half by the end of the decade due to a transition to ‘green energy.’
Senate Republicans unveil $568 billion infrastructure counterproposal
Senate Republicans formally rolled out the framework for their $568 billion counterproposal to President Biden's $2.5 trillion infrastructure plan on Thursday.
House passes bill that would make D.C. the 51st state
The House of Representatives voted 216-208 on Thursday to pass a bill that would grant statehood to Washington, D.C.
Senate OKs bill to fight hate crimes against Asian Americans
The Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a bill that would help combat the rise of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, a bipartisan denunciation of such violence during the coronavirus pandemic and a modest step toward legislating in a chamber where most of President Joe Biden’s agenda has stalled.
10 states sue Biden over ‘social cost’ executive order on climate change
Ten Republican-led states sued Thursday to block President Biden’s executive order that would require agencies to calculate the social cost of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide when enacting regulations.
Stocks drop after reports that Biden wants to double capital gains tax for wealthy
Stocks dropped Thursday amid reports that the Biden administration will propose a large hike of the capital gains tax in order to pay for his childcare and family spending plan.
Bill aims to declassify intel of any potential link of COVID origins to Wuhan Institute of Virology
Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Mike Braun of Indiana have introduced legislation to declassify intelligence pertaining to any potential connections between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the genesis of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christian News
Two-thirds of world’s population live in countries which violate religious freedom
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has published a report showing that around 5.2 billion people live in countries where religious freedom is severely violated and restricted, International Christian Concern reports. These countries include China, India, and Pakistan, which have the world’s largest populations.
Court Postpones Appeal Of Algeria Pastor, Co-Worker Against Prison Sentence
Supporters of an Algerian pastor and his co-worker have urged prayers after an appeal hearing against a lengthy prison term related to their Christian work was postponed.
Eritrea Frees Dozens Of Christians But Many Still Jailed
Dozens of Christians detained in Eritrea for unauthorized worship have been released, but many other believers remain jailed, Christians said Friday.
Algeria Court Postpones Appeal Pastor, Co-Worker, Against Jail Sentence
Supporters of an Algerian pastor and his co-worker have urged prayers after an appeal hearing against a lengthy prison term related to their Christian work was postponed.
Worthy Watch
NBC Deceptively Edits 911 Call And Body Cam Video Of Police Shooting To Conceal Teen Wielding Knife
Around the World
Thousands Rally Against Detention Of Kremlin Critic Navalny
Thousands have rallied across Russia against the detention of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny amid concerns about his health. More than 1,000 people were reportedly arrested after defying a ban on demonstrations.
China builds pier for aircraft carrier in Africa
China has built a pier large enough to hold an aircraft carrier close to its only naval base in Africa, USNI reported Tuesday. Recently completed, the pier is in the state of Djibouti, and is near the Bab el Mandeb entrance to the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden.
Satellite photos show increased Russian military build-up near Ukraine
Satellite photos show that Russia has deployed warplanes to Crimea and bases near Ukraine, bolstering its readiness for military action and political intimidation, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
IAEA: Iran has installed extra advanced centrifuges in Natanz
Iran has installed extra advanced centrifuges at its underground uranium enrichment plant at Natanz and plans to add even more, a report by the UN atomic watchdog on Wednesday showed, according to Reuters.
Important disagreements between US and Iran in nuclear talks persist
Important disagreements between the United States and Iran persist after the latest round of indirect nuclear talks in Vienna this week, with the negotiations still far from conclusion and the outcome uncertain, a senior State Department official said on Wednesday.
Iran, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia top 2020 global executioners list
Apart from China and despite a worldwide drop in death sentences, countries in the Middle East remained among the world’s leading executioners last year, Amnesty International said Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel hits back after Dimona nuclear reactor rocket alert
The Israeli military said early Thursday that a missile was fired from neighboring Syria, and that it had struck Syrian missile batteries in retaliation. Earlier, air raid sirens were heard in Israel’s Dimona town, which has a nuclear reactor, indicating a possible incoming attack.
Bennett: If Netanyahu can’t build coalition, I’ll try to form a unity government
With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to form a coalition still in dire straits Wednesday, he and Yamina party chief Naftali Bennett held dueling press conferences in which they accused each other of putting their own personal interests above the needs of the country, and of misleading the public.
Sudan abolishes boycott of Israel
Sudan on Tuesday repealed its 1958 law that imposed a boycott of Israel and cut ties between the two countries, Christian Headlines reports. The move follows the Sudan-Israel agreement to normalize diplomatic relations and end the state of belligerence between them. Sudan’s citizens will now be allowed to visit Israel, where around 6,000 Sudanese live.
Inside the United States
Montana Democratic Party challenges new state Voting ID laws
The Democratic Party in Montana has filed suit challenging state voting laws that end election day voter registration and require college students to produce proof of residency besides student ID to register and vote, the Washington Times reports. In filing suit against Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, the party argues the laws place an unnecessary and unconstitutional burden on the right to vote for Native Americans, the elderly, the disabled, and students.
U.S. warns hackers actively exploiting remote access software used by federal agencies
A number of U.S. government agencies have been compromised by hackers exploiting both known and newly found software flaws, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned Tuesday.
US Postal Service running secret program that tracks people’s social media and flags government agencies: Report
The United States Postal Service is apparently tracking social media posts as part of a clandestine program searching for “inflammatory” messages.
White House backs D.C. statehood in official statement, final House vote set for this week
The White House is officially backing a congressional effort to make Washington, D.C., the country's 51 state, saying residents of the nation's capital not having full representation is Congress is an "affront to the democratic values."
Christian News
Report: ‘Growing Persecution of Christians in North America, Europe’
Devoted Christians in Europe and North America are increasingly among those being persecuted for their faith in Christ, a rights report shows.
Saudi Christian Convert Facing Jail For Helping Sister Escape Islamic Nation
A former Muslim who became Christian in Saudi Arabia faced a court and possible jail Thursday for helping his sister, a fellow believer, to escape the Islamic nation, Worthy News learned.
Worthy Watch
White House Condemns Columbus Police Shooting Of Teenager With A Knife As Racist
Thousands Rally Against Detention Of Kremlin Critic Navalny
Thousands have rallied across Russia against the detention of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny amid concerns about his health. More than 1,000 people were reportedly arrested after defying a ban on demonstrations.
China builds pier for aircraft carrier in Africa
China has built a pier large enough to hold an aircraft carrier close to its only naval base in Africa, USNI reported Tuesday. Recently completed, the pier is in the state of Djibouti, and is near the Bab el Mandeb entrance to the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden.
Satellite photos show increased Russian military build-up near Ukraine
Satellite photos show that Russia has deployed warplanes to Crimea and bases near Ukraine, bolstering its readiness for military action and political intimidation, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
IAEA: Iran has installed extra advanced centrifuges in Natanz
Iran has installed extra advanced centrifuges at its underground uranium enrichment plant at Natanz and plans to add even more, a report by the UN atomic watchdog on Wednesday showed, according to Reuters.
Important disagreements between US and Iran in nuclear talks persist
Important disagreements between the United States and Iran persist after the latest round of indirect nuclear talks in Vienna this week, with the negotiations still far from conclusion and the outcome uncertain, a senior State Department official said on Wednesday.
Iran, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia top 2020 global executioners list
Apart from China and despite a worldwide drop in death sentences, countries in the Middle East remained among the world’s leading executioners last year, Amnesty International said Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel hits back after Dimona nuclear reactor rocket alert
The Israeli military said early Thursday that a missile was fired from neighboring Syria, and that it had struck Syrian missile batteries in retaliation. Earlier, air raid sirens were heard in Israel’s Dimona town, which has a nuclear reactor, indicating a possible incoming attack.
Bennett: If Netanyahu can’t build coalition, I’ll try to form a unity government
With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to form a coalition still in dire straits Wednesday, he and Yamina party chief Naftali Bennett held dueling press conferences in which they accused each other of putting their own personal interests above the needs of the country, and of misleading the public.
Sudan abolishes boycott of Israel
Sudan on Tuesday repealed its 1958 law that imposed a boycott of Israel and cut ties between the two countries, Christian Headlines reports. The move follows the Sudan-Israel agreement to normalize diplomatic relations and end the state of belligerence between them. Sudan’s citizens will now be allowed to visit Israel, where around 6,000 Sudanese live.
Inside the United States
Montana Democratic Party challenges new state Voting ID laws
The Democratic Party in Montana has filed suit challenging state voting laws that end election day voter registration and require college students to produce proof of residency besides student ID to register and vote, the Washington Times reports. In filing suit against Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, the party argues the laws place an unnecessary and unconstitutional burden on the right to vote for Native Americans, the elderly, the disabled, and students.
U.S. warns hackers actively exploiting remote access software used by federal agencies
A number of U.S. government agencies have been compromised by hackers exploiting both known and newly found software flaws, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned Tuesday.
US Postal Service running secret program that tracks people’s social media and flags government agencies: Report
The United States Postal Service is apparently tracking social media posts as part of a clandestine program searching for “inflammatory” messages.
White House backs D.C. statehood in official statement, final House vote set for this week
The White House is officially backing a congressional effort to make Washington, D.C., the country's 51 state, saying residents of the nation's capital not having full representation is Congress is an "affront to the democratic values."
Christian News
Report: ‘Growing Persecution of Christians in North America, Europe’
Devoted Christians in Europe and North America are increasingly among those being persecuted for their faith in Christ, a rights report shows.
Saudi Christian Convert Facing Jail For Helping Sister Escape Islamic Nation
A former Muslim who became Christian in Saudi Arabia faced a court and possible jail Thursday for helping his sister, a fellow believer, to escape the Islamic nation, Worthy News learned.
Worthy Watch
White House Condemns Columbus Police Shooting Of Teenager With A Knife As Racist