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
Internet disruption reported in southeast Iran amid unrest
Iran’s impoverished southeast has been experiencing wide disruptions of internet services, experts said, as unrest gripped the remote province after fatal border shootings.
US, Russia warships dock in strategic Sudan port
A US warship docked in Sudan Monday a day after a Russian frigate arrived in the same key Red Sea port where Moscow is planning to establish a naval logistics base, an AFP correspondent said.
Former French President Sarkozy Jailed For Corruption
A Paris court has sentenced former French Nicolas Sarkozy to three years in prison, two of them suspended, for corruption and influence peddling.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, U.S. reach behind-the-scenes agreement on Iran, FM says
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said on Tuesday that Israel and the United States have agreed that neither nation will make decisions pertaining to Iran and the Iran nuclear deal without informing the other first.
Inside the United States
‘It is now time to open Texas 100%,’ Gov. Abbott says, reversing pandemic and mask orders
Texas GOP Gov. Gregg Abbott said Tuesday that he will reverse the mask order and many of the other COVID-19 mandates he put in place last year.
Supreme Court hears Arizona case with major future voting rights implications
The Supreme Court is hearing a major voting rights case Tuesday that could allow state legislatures to change voting laws, with some concern a high court ruling could make it harder for people to vote.
U.S. senators refine Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 bill, push pet projects
Negotiations over President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill go into overdrive this week as the U.S. Senate begins debate over the sweeping legislation and lawmakers jockey to include pet projects, while tossing others overboard.
Mammograms pick up lymph node swelling related to the coronavirus vaccine
Some women receiving COVID-19 vaccines have seen swelling in their lymph nodes that has been picked up by mammograms.
FBI chief says US Capitol riot was domestic terrorism, defends handling of intel
FBI Director Chris Wray condemned the January riot at the US Capitol as “domestic terrorism” Tuesday as he defended the bureau’s handling of intelligence indicating the prospect for violence.
Federal Election Reform Takes Center Stage, Democrats Aim for Massive Overhaul Conservatives Vehemently Oppose
With the U.S. House of Representatives back in session this week, lawmakers will take up House Resolution 1, also called the "For the People Act." Democrats are pushing the measure, resulting in fierce Republican opposition with many conservatives calling it a power grab and federal overreach.
Up to 13,000 unaccompanied children expected at US border in May
Following record numbers of unaccompanied children arriving at the US border in February, Health and Human Services officials are reportedly expecting these arrival numbers to surge to as many as 13,000 in May, Fox News reports. Customs and Border Protection officers reportedly informed the Biden administration of the expected surge during a telephone meeting attended by senior officials from HHS, Homeland Security, and the State Department on Thursday.
Christian News
Iran Continues to Take Over, Manipulate Endangered Christian Communities in Iraq
Pope Francis’ perilous pilgrimage to Iraq this week, due to start on Friday, may cast light on the painful plight of Christians in their ancestral homeland, yet the most significant threat facing the community is neither Sunni terrorists nor corrupt government persecutors, but the heavy hand of neighboring Iran and the proxy militias it funds and arms.
Nigeria Pastor Facing Death As Terror Ultimatum Passes
A kidnapped pastor in Nigeria faced imminent death Wednesday amid fears that authorities had ignored an ultimatum by Islamist militants to save his life.
India: Christian leaders criticize repressive anti-conversion law
Christian leaders in India’s Uttar Pradesh state have publicly criticized a new bill that oppressively restricts and regulates conversion from one faith to another, International Christian Concern reports. Passed on February 24 by the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the new bill violates Article 25 of India’s constitution, which provides that citizens have the right to profess, practice, and propagate the religion of their choice.
Largest US Christian adoption agency to place children with LGBT parents
As legal and cultural fighting continues over religious convictions and LGBTQ rights, America’s largest Christian adoption agency, Bethany Christian Services, has decided to change a longstanding policy and begin placing children with LGBT parents for foster care and adoption through all its offices in 32 states. Christianity Today reported Monday.
Nigeria: Pastor abducted by Islamic State terrorists to be executed March 3 unless ransom is paid; “Please pray for me”
Pleading for his life, a pastor abducted by Islamic terrorists in northeastern Nigeria on December 24 last year has said on video that his captors will execute him on Wednesday, March 3 if their ransom demands are not met, Morning Star News reports. Pastor Bulus Yikura of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria was (EYN) was abducted during an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Pemi village in Borno state; 11 other people were slaughtered during that attack.
Hundreds of Abducted Schoolgirls Freed in Nigeria
The governor of Nigeria’s Zamfara state says 279 girls taken from a school are "now safe,” but concerns remain about 38 others.
Worthy Watch
Most Americans Believe Cancel Culture Threatens Freedom: Poll
Internet disruption reported in southeast Iran amid unrest
Iran’s impoverished southeast has been experiencing wide disruptions of internet services, experts said, as unrest gripped the remote province after fatal border shootings.
US, Russia warships dock in strategic Sudan port
A US warship docked in Sudan Monday a day after a Russian frigate arrived in the same key Red Sea port where Moscow is planning to establish a naval logistics base, an AFP correspondent said.
Former French President Sarkozy Jailed For Corruption
A Paris court has sentenced former French Nicolas Sarkozy to three years in prison, two of them suspended, for corruption and influence peddling.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, U.S. reach behind-the-scenes agreement on Iran, FM says
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said on Tuesday that Israel and the United States have agreed that neither nation will make decisions pertaining to Iran and the Iran nuclear deal without informing the other first.
Inside the United States
‘It is now time to open Texas 100%,’ Gov. Abbott says, reversing pandemic and mask orders
Texas GOP Gov. Gregg Abbott said Tuesday that he will reverse the mask order and many of the other COVID-19 mandates he put in place last year.
Supreme Court hears Arizona case with major future voting rights implications
The Supreme Court is hearing a major voting rights case Tuesday that could allow state legislatures to change voting laws, with some concern a high court ruling could make it harder for people to vote.
U.S. senators refine Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 bill, push pet projects
Negotiations over President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill go into overdrive this week as the U.S. Senate begins debate over the sweeping legislation and lawmakers jockey to include pet projects, while tossing others overboard.
Mammograms pick up lymph node swelling related to the coronavirus vaccine
Some women receiving COVID-19 vaccines have seen swelling in their lymph nodes that has been picked up by mammograms.
FBI chief says US Capitol riot was domestic terrorism, defends handling of intel
FBI Director Chris Wray condemned the January riot at the US Capitol as “domestic terrorism” Tuesday as he defended the bureau’s handling of intelligence indicating the prospect for violence.
Federal Election Reform Takes Center Stage, Democrats Aim for Massive Overhaul Conservatives Vehemently Oppose
With the U.S. House of Representatives back in session this week, lawmakers will take up House Resolution 1, also called the "For the People Act." Democrats are pushing the measure, resulting in fierce Republican opposition with many conservatives calling it a power grab and federal overreach.
Up to 13,000 unaccompanied children expected at US border in May
Following record numbers of unaccompanied children arriving at the US border in February, Health and Human Services officials are reportedly expecting these arrival numbers to surge to as many as 13,000 in May, Fox News reports. Customs and Border Protection officers reportedly informed the Biden administration of the expected surge during a telephone meeting attended by senior officials from HHS, Homeland Security, and the State Department on Thursday.
Christian News
Iran Continues to Take Over, Manipulate Endangered Christian Communities in Iraq
Pope Francis’ perilous pilgrimage to Iraq this week, due to start on Friday, may cast light on the painful plight of Christians in their ancestral homeland, yet the most significant threat facing the community is neither Sunni terrorists nor corrupt government persecutors, but the heavy hand of neighboring Iran and the proxy militias it funds and arms.
Nigeria Pastor Facing Death As Terror Ultimatum Passes
A kidnapped pastor in Nigeria faced imminent death Wednesday amid fears that authorities had ignored an ultimatum by Islamist militants to save his life.
India: Christian leaders criticize repressive anti-conversion law
Christian leaders in India’s Uttar Pradesh state have publicly criticized a new bill that oppressively restricts and regulates conversion from one faith to another, International Christian Concern reports. Passed on February 24 by the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the new bill violates Article 25 of India’s constitution, which provides that citizens have the right to profess, practice, and propagate the religion of their choice.
Largest US Christian adoption agency to place children with LGBT parents
As legal and cultural fighting continues over religious convictions and LGBTQ rights, America’s largest Christian adoption agency, Bethany Christian Services, has decided to change a longstanding policy and begin placing children with LGBT parents for foster care and adoption through all its offices in 32 states. Christianity Today reported Monday.
Nigeria: Pastor abducted by Islamic State terrorists to be executed March 3 unless ransom is paid; “Please pray for me”
Pleading for his life, a pastor abducted by Islamic terrorists in northeastern Nigeria on December 24 last year has said on video that his captors will execute him on Wednesday, March 3 if their ransom demands are not met, Morning Star News reports. Pastor Bulus Yikura of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria was (EYN) was abducted during an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Pemi village in Borno state; 11 other people were slaughtered during that attack.
Hundreds of Abducted Schoolgirls Freed in Nigeria
The governor of Nigeria’s Zamfara state says 279 girls taken from a school are "now safe,” but concerns remain about 38 others.
Worthy Watch
Most Americans Believe Cancel Culture Threatens Freedom: Poll
Around the World
COVID-19: UK to discuss EU proposals for coronavirus vaccine passport aimed at reviving international travel
The UK will discuss with the EU the bloc's proposals to create a vaccine passport that could allow people to travel more freely in time for the summer holidays.
Protests erupt after 47 Hong Kong opposition leaders charged under China’s new National Security Law
Hong Kong authorities Sunday charged dozens of pro-democracy figures with violating China's new National Security Law, sparking large protests in the territory, which has come under increased control by the Chinese Communist Party.
US drops key obstacle to global digital tax: Treasury
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told her G20 colleagues Friday that Washington is dropping a push for a controversial provision in a global digital tax, opening the door to a likely agreement.
US military releases video showing Iran missile attacks on US troops at Al Asad airbase
On Monday, the U.S. Central Command released newly unclassified footage of Iranian missiles raining down on U.S. forces last year in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
US ‘disappointed,’ but still open to Iran nuclear talks after Tehran’s rejection
The Biden administration said Sunday it remains open to talks with Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal despite Tehran’s rejection of an EU invitation to join a meeting with the US and the other original participants in the agreement.
‘6,500 Migrant Workers Die In Qatar For World Cup’
More than 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have reportedly died in Qatar since it won the right to host soccer’s 2022 World Cup, fueling calls to boycott the event.
Amnesty International: Mass executions in Tigray may constitute crimes against humanity
Amnesty International has stated that the massacre of a large number of civilians in the historical city of Axum in Ethiopia’s Tigray region last year may constitute crimes against humanity, Sky News reports. It is understood that on November 28, 2020, hundreds of people, including children, were systematically executed by Eritrean forces fighting with the Ethiopian government against the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF).
Dutch parliament: China’s treatment of Uighurs is “Genocide”
Holland’s parliament passed a non-binding motion Thursday stating that China’s treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority amounts to genocide, Reuters reports. Although Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s conservative VVD party voted against the resolution, Holland’s parliament is the second after Canada’s to pass such a motion.
Armenia’s Political Tensions Escalate; Protestors Storm Government Building
Armenia's political tensions escalated Monday, with protestors storming a government building in Yerevan, the capital, and opponents demonstrated nearby.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel in talks with Saudi, UAE, Bahrain for defense alliance against Iran
Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have discussed expanding cooperation in facing common enemies, an Israeli official familiar with the matter said Monday.
In bombshell ruling, court instructs state to recognize non-Orthodox conversions
The High Court of Justice handed down a landmark decision on Monday after 15 years of deliberations on the hot-button issue of non-Orthodox conversion, ruling that the state could no longer abide by only one stream when it comes to the immigration of Jews under the Law of Return.
Israel Blames Iran For Ship Blast Near Hormuz, Shortly After US Bombed Iran-Backed Militias in Syria
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has pointed a finger at the Iranian regime after an Israeli-owned cargo vessel was damaged in an explosion near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, an incident recalling a series of maritime blasts in the region in 2019 which the U.S. blamed on Iran.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court rejects Sidney Powell’s lawsuit challenging election results in Wisconsin Arizona
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected two of pro-Trump attorney Sidney Powell’s lawsuits challenging 2020 electoral results in Arizona and Wisconsin, two states then-PresidentTrump lost to now President Joe Biden.
Trump Open For Second Presidential Term in 2024
Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump suggested Sunday that he might run for office again.
House passes Equality bill to give biological males access to women’s dressing rooms, locker rooms
The US House of Representatives passed a sweeping bill Thursday that, in addition to prohibiting harassment, violence, and unfair treatment against LGBTQ people, also grants biological males who “identify” as females access to girls’ and women’s spaces, including restrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms, CNS News reports. The bill passed by 224 to 206 with 2 members not voting. Three Republican lawmakers voted in favor of it; no Democrats voted against it.
Christian News
Gunmen abduct 317 schoolgirls in Nigeria in wave of mass abductions; “Hoping on Divine intervention”
Armed terrorists abducted 317 girls from a boarding school in Nigeria’s Kagara state Friday, the Christian Post reports. The mass kidnapping was the second such attack in the state in two weeks, and the latest case in a wave of Nigerian terrorist kidnappings for ransom.
Worthy Watch
‘Tailored To China’s Terms’: Fauci’s Deputy Had To Sign Beijing-Approved Confidentiality Form Before China Visit
Best of Trump’s CPAC Speech
Gay poly throuple makes history, lists 3 dads on a birth certificate
Watch the indoctrination of Kids using the ABC’s
COVID-19: UK to discuss EU proposals for coronavirus vaccine passport aimed at reviving international travel
The UK will discuss with the EU the bloc's proposals to create a vaccine passport that could allow people to travel more freely in time for the summer holidays.
Protests erupt after 47 Hong Kong opposition leaders charged under China’s new National Security Law
Hong Kong authorities Sunday charged dozens of pro-democracy figures with violating China's new National Security Law, sparking large protests in the territory, which has come under increased control by the Chinese Communist Party.
US drops key obstacle to global digital tax: Treasury
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told her G20 colleagues Friday that Washington is dropping a push for a controversial provision in a global digital tax, opening the door to a likely agreement.
US military releases video showing Iran missile attacks on US troops at Al Asad airbase
On Monday, the U.S. Central Command released newly unclassified footage of Iranian missiles raining down on U.S. forces last year in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
US ‘disappointed,’ but still open to Iran nuclear talks after Tehran’s rejection
The Biden administration said Sunday it remains open to talks with Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal despite Tehran’s rejection of an EU invitation to join a meeting with the US and the other original participants in the agreement.
‘6,500 Migrant Workers Die In Qatar For World Cup’
More than 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have reportedly died in Qatar since it won the right to host soccer’s 2022 World Cup, fueling calls to boycott the event.
Amnesty International: Mass executions in Tigray may constitute crimes against humanity
Amnesty International has stated that the massacre of a large number of civilians in the historical city of Axum in Ethiopia’s Tigray region last year may constitute crimes against humanity, Sky News reports. It is understood that on November 28, 2020, hundreds of people, including children, were systematically executed by Eritrean forces fighting with the Ethiopian government against the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF).
Dutch parliament: China’s treatment of Uighurs is “Genocide”
Holland’s parliament passed a non-binding motion Thursday stating that China’s treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority amounts to genocide, Reuters reports. Although Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s conservative VVD party voted against the resolution, Holland’s parliament is the second after Canada’s to pass such a motion.
Armenia’s Political Tensions Escalate; Protestors Storm Government Building
Armenia's political tensions escalated Monday, with protestors storming a government building in Yerevan, the capital, and opponents demonstrated nearby.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel in talks with Saudi, UAE, Bahrain for defense alliance against Iran
Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have discussed expanding cooperation in facing common enemies, an Israeli official familiar with the matter said Monday.
In bombshell ruling, court instructs state to recognize non-Orthodox conversions
The High Court of Justice handed down a landmark decision on Monday after 15 years of deliberations on the hot-button issue of non-Orthodox conversion, ruling that the state could no longer abide by only one stream when it comes to the immigration of Jews under the Law of Return.
Israel Blames Iran For Ship Blast Near Hormuz, Shortly After US Bombed Iran-Backed Militias in Syria
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has pointed a finger at the Iranian regime after an Israeli-owned cargo vessel was damaged in an explosion near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, an incident recalling a series of maritime blasts in the region in 2019 which the U.S. blamed on Iran.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court rejects Sidney Powell’s lawsuit challenging election results in Wisconsin Arizona
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected two of pro-Trump attorney Sidney Powell’s lawsuits challenging 2020 electoral results in Arizona and Wisconsin, two states then-PresidentTrump lost to now President Joe Biden.
Trump Open For Second Presidential Term in 2024
Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump suggested Sunday that he might run for office again.
House passes Equality bill to give biological males access to women’s dressing rooms, locker rooms
The US House of Representatives passed a sweeping bill Thursday that, in addition to prohibiting harassment, violence, and unfair treatment against LGBTQ people, also grants biological males who “identify” as females access to girls’ and women’s spaces, including restrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms, CNS News reports. The bill passed by 224 to 206 with 2 members not voting. Three Republican lawmakers voted in favor of it; no Democrats voted against it.
Christian News
Gunmen abduct 317 schoolgirls in Nigeria in wave of mass abductions; “Hoping on Divine intervention”
Armed terrorists abducted 317 girls from a boarding school in Nigeria’s Kagara state Friday, the Christian Post reports. The mass kidnapping was the second such attack in the state in two weeks, and the latest case in a wave of Nigerian terrorist kidnappings for ransom.
Worthy Watch
‘Tailored To China’s Terms’: Fauci’s Deputy Had To Sign Beijing-Approved Confidentiality Form Before China Visit
Best of Trump’s CPAC Speech
Gay poly throuple makes history, lists 3 dads on a birth certificate
Watch the indoctrination of Kids using the ABC’s
Around the World
Iran Dismisses Idea of Talks With EU and U.S. to Revive 2015 Nuclear Deal
Iran on Sunday ruled out holding an informal meeting with the United States and European powers to discuss ways to salvage the unraveling 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, insisting that Washington must first lift all its unilateral sanctions.
Report: Israel ‘Very Pleased’ With US Strikes on Iranian Targets in Syria, Was Informed in Advance
Israeli officials were “very pleased” with US airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in eastern Syria Thursday, and were informed by the Biden Administration before the attack, Walla reported Friday.
Threat level raised for US troops in Iraq; American contractors put on high alert
The Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve has raised the threat level for US service members in Iraq, while US contractors at Balad Air Base were put on high alert fearing a response to US airstrikes in Syria, two sources familiar with the move tell Fox News.
Saudi Arabia Says It Thwarted Yemeni Rebel Missile Attack Over Capital
Multiple blasts shook Riyadh on Saturday as Saudi state television reported that a missile attack launched by Yemen's Huthi rebels had been thwarted.
Israel Says Iran Likely Behind Explosion On Israeli-Owned Cargo Ship
Top Israeli defense and political leaders are scheduled to meet on February 28 to discuss a response to what Israel's defense minister says was likely an attack by Iran against an Israeli-owned cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman.
Eighteen Killed In Myanmar’s Bloodiest Protests Since Coup
Security forced fired on anti-coup demonstrators in Myanmar, killing at least 18 people, the United Nations and other observers said Sunday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Satellite images of oil slicks off coast show recent spill far from a one-off
The environmental organization Greenpeace on Sunday published images from the European Sentinel satellite showing 12 apparent oil slicks at various distances from Israel’s shores in the days before a storm washed tons of tar onto 160 kilometers (99 miles) of Israel’s coastline.
‘I am working on options to keep nuclear weapons out of Iran’s hands’
"We'll be done with the vaccinations in March, the beginning of April. That's for the adult population. Then "Then, vaccines for children will start arriving," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells Israel Hayom's political supplement in a special weekend interview.
Israel’s entry ban on citizens ‘unparalleled in democratic world,’ watchdog says
The Israel Democracy Institute on Sunday challenged Israel’s coronavirus restrictions on entry to the country that have left thousands of Israelis stranded abroad, saying they constitute an extreme erosion of rights that could infringe on citizens’ rights to vote in the March 23 elections.
Inside the United States
John Durham steps down as U.S. attorney but will remain in charge of Russia probe
John Durham, a decorated career prosecutor, announced Friday he is stepping down at the end of the month as a U.S. attorney in Connecticut but will continue as special prosecutor investigating the origins of the Russia collusion probe that dogged the early Trump presidency.
House Republicans Push Bill Aimed at Balancing LGBT Rights and Religious Freedom
House Republicans are rallying around a compromise bill that would add protections for religious organizations in addition to granting discrimination protections to LGBT citizens. The bill comes one day after House Democrats passed the Equality Act, which critics say infringes on religious liberty rights and is likely to fail in the Senate.
House passes $1.9T pandemic bill on near party-line vote
The House approved a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill early Saturday in a win for President Joe Biden, even as top Democrats tried assuring agitated progressives that they’d revive their derailed drive to boost the minimum wage.
Christian News
Pakistan’s Christian Widows and Children Facing Starvation
Hundreds of Pakistani Christian widows and their children rely on monthly food parcels in impoverished Pakistan amid Christian persecution and an ongoing coronavirus pandemic, aid workers told Worthy News Sunday.
Supreme Court Orders Santa Clara County to Permit Indoor Church Services
California churches are celebrating after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered Santa Clara County to allow indoor worship services amid a pending appeal over COVID restrictions.
’End Near’ For Frail Evangelist Luis Palau, Family Says
“The end is near” for international evangelist Luis Palau after a decision to stop all treatment for his incurable lung cancer and start hospice care, his family said Friday.
Worthy Watch
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla: ‘Israel has become world’s lab right now’
Iran Dismisses Idea of Talks With EU and U.S. to Revive 2015 Nuclear Deal
Iran on Sunday ruled out holding an informal meeting with the United States and European powers to discuss ways to salvage the unraveling 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, insisting that Washington must first lift all its unilateral sanctions.
Report: Israel ‘Very Pleased’ With US Strikes on Iranian Targets in Syria, Was Informed in Advance
Israeli officials were “very pleased” with US airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in eastern Syria Thursday, and were informed by the Biden Administration before the attack, Walla reported Friday.
Threat level raised for US troops in Iraq; American contractors put on high alert
The Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve has raised the threat level for US service members in Iraq, while US contractors at Balad Air Base were put on high alert fearing a response to US airstrikes in Syria, two sources familiar with the move tell Fox News.
Saudi Arabia Says It Thwarted Yemeni Rebel Missile Attack Over Capital
Multiple blasts shook Riyadh on Saturday as Saudi state television reported that a missile attack launched by Yemen's Huthi rebels had been thwarted.
Israel Says Iran Likely Behind Explosion On Israeli-Owned Cargo Ship
Top Israeli defense and political leaders are scheduled to meet on February 28 to discuss a response to what Israel's defense minister says was likely an attack by Iran against an Israeli-owned cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman.
Eighteen Killed In Myanmar’s Bloodiest Protests Since Coup
Security forced fired on anti-coup demonstrators in Myanmar, killing at least 18 people, the United Nations and other observers said Sunday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Satellite images of oil slicks off coast show recent spill far from a one-off
The environmental organization Greenpeace on Sunday published images from the European Sentinel satellite showing 12 apparent oil slicks at various distances from Israel’s shores in the days before a storm washed tons of tar onto 160 kilometers (99 miles) of Israel’s coastline.
‘I am working on options to keep nuclear weapons out of Iran’s hands’
"We'll be done with the vaccinations in March, the beginning of April. That's for the adult population. Then "Then, vaccines for children will start arriving," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells Israel Hayom's political supplement in a special weekend interview.
Israel’s entry ban on citizens ‘unparalleled in democratic world,’ watchdog says
The Israel Democracy Institute on Sunday challenged Israel’s coronavirus restrictions on entry to the country that have left thousands of Israelis stranded abroad, saying they constitute an extreme erosion of rights that could infringe on citizens’ rights to vote in the March 23 elections.
Inside the United States
John Durham steps down as U.S. attorney but will remain in charge of Russia probe
John Durham, a decorated career prosecutor, announced Friday he is stepping down at the end of the month as a U.S. attorney in Connecticut but will continue as special prosecutor investigating the origins of the Russia collusion probe that dogged the early Trump presidency.
House Republicans Push Bill Aimed at Balancing LGBT Rights and Religious Freedom
House Republicans are rallying around a compromise bill that would add protections for religious organizations in addition to granting discrimination protections to LGBT citizens. The bill comes one day after House Democrats passed the Equality Act, which critics say infringes on religious liberty rights and is likely to fail in the Senate.
House passes $1.9T pandemic bill on near party-line vote
The House approved a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill early Saturday in a win for President Joe Biden, even as top Democrats tried assuring agitated progressives that they’d revive their derailed drive to boost the minimum wage.
Christian News
Pakistan’s Christian Widows and Children Facing Starvation
Hundreds of Pakistani Christian widows and their children rely on monthly food parcels in impoverished Pakistan amid Christian persecution and an ongoing coronavirus pandemic, aid workers told Worthy News Sunday.
Supreme Court Orders Santa Clara County to Permit Indoor Church Services
California churches are celebrating after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered Santa Clara County to allow indoor worship services amid a pending appeal over COVID restrictions.
’End Near’ For Frail Evangelist Luis Palau, Family Says
“The end is near” for international evangelist Luis Palau after a decision to stop all treatment for his incurable lung cancer and start hospice care, his family said Friday.
Worthy Watch
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla: ‘Israel has become world’s lab right now’