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
Iran imposes sanctions on Trump, Pompeo
Iran on Tuesday imposed sanctions on President Donald Trump and a number of members of his administration over their alleged role in support of “terrorism,” according to its foreign ministry website.
Iran says it is producing half a kilo of 20% enriched uranium every day
The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Monday that the country was producing almost 500 grams of uranium enriched to 20 percent purity a day, after beginning to do so earlier this month in breach of the 2015 nuclear accord.
U.S. declares China engaged in genocide against Uighurs
The U.S. government on Tuesday declared that China’s communist government is guilty of carrying out genocide and crimes against humanity against Uighur ethnic minorities and others in western China.
Nine Iraqi soldiers killed and dozens wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad
An Iranian media network has said nine Iraqi army soldiers were killed and dozens were wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad, Iraq on Monday night, Israel National News (INN) reports. Citing an Iraqi security source, the Al-Alam network said the strikes had targeted Iraqi army and Shiite militia positions.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Biden’s State pick backs two-state solution, says US embassy stays in Jerusalem
US President-elect Joe Biden will not reverse Donald Trump’s landmark recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital but will seek a state for the Palestinians, Tony Blinken, his nominee for secretary of state, said Tuesday.
Syrian and Israeli officials reportedly had a Russia-brokered meeting last month
The Asharq Al Awsat Arabic international newspaper reported Sunday that Russia hosted a meeting for Syrian and Israeli officials at the Russian airbase in Hmeimim, Syria last month, Jewish Press reports. Neither Damascus nor Jerusalem has confirmed the report.
Inside the United States
First Trump declassified Russia document: Christopher Steele’s 2017 confessional to the FBI
Dossier author Christopher Steele admitted to the FBI he leaked the Russia collusion story during the height of the 2016 election to help Hillary Clinton overcome her lingering email scandal and because he believed Donald Trump’s election would be bad for U.S. relations with his home country of Britain, according to documents declassified by the president in his final full day in office.
Trump formally declassifies Russia documents over objections of FBI
Just hours before departing office, President Trump on Tuesday evening formally completed the declassification of a large trove of Russia probe documents, overruling objections posed by the FBI in a last bid effort to keep memos secret.
CIA announces Director Gina Haspel’s retirement
The CIA announced Tuesday that Director Gina Haspel is leaving the agency, ending a three-decade spy career that shattered a glass ceiling.
Trump’s 1776 Commission releases report denouncing ‘problems of progressive education,’ 1619 Project
The Trump administration’s 1776 Commission has released a report denouncing “the problems of progressive education” and recent endeavors like the 1619 Project, which has been denounced by some historians.
Trump delivers farewell address, says ‘movement we started is only just beginning’
Less than 24 hours before he leaves office, President Trump on Tuesday delivered a farewell address, decrying the violence that occurred at the Capitol on Jan. 6 but pledging "the movement we started is only just beginning."
Biden pick for HHS position poised to become first openly transgender official confirmed by Senate
Biden announced his intent to nominate Dr. Rachel Levine for the position on Tuesday, and should she get confirmed by the Senate, she would be the first openly transgender to be confirmed in U.S. history.
Christian News
China officials raid homeschool house run by persecuted megachurch: Members post “Please Pray!”
Police and government officials last week raided a homeschool house run by the highly persecuted Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Following the raid on January 14, members of the 5,000-strong ERCC congregation took to social media imploring Christians around the world to pray for them.
India: Christians persecuted even during lockdown in 2020
The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has reported that, even in the midst of coronavirus lockdowns affecting the whole country for months, there were over 300 incidents of religious persecution against Christians in India last year, International Christian Concern said. In its report, EFI noted that Christian persecution has more than doubled since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi and his right-wing nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014.
Iran imposes sanctions on Trump, Pompeo
Iran on Tuesday imposed sanctions on President Donald Trump and a number of members of his administration over their alleged role in support of “terrorism,” according to its foreign ministry website.
Iran says it is producing half a kilo of 20% enriched uranium every day
The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Monday that the country was producing almost 500 grams of uranium enriched to 20 percent purity a day, after beginning to do so earlier this month in breach of the 2015 nuclear accord.
U.S. declares China engaged in genocide against Uighurs
The U.S. government on Tuesday declared that China’s communist government is guilty of carrying out genocide and crimes against humanity against Uighur ethnic minorities and others in western China.
Nine Iraqi soldiers killed and dozens wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad
An Iranian media network has said nine Iraqi army soldiers were killed and dozens were wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad, Iraq on Monday night, Israel National News (INN) reports. Citing an Iraqi security source, the Al-Alam network said the strikes had targeted Iraqi army and Shiite militia positions.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Biden’s State pick backs two-state solution, says US embassy stays in Jerusalem
US President-elect Joe Biden will not reverse Donald Trump’s landmark recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital but will seek a state for the Palestinians, Tony Blinken, his nominee for secretary of state, said Tuesday.
Syrian and Israeli officials reportedly had a Russia-brokered meeting last month
The Asharq Al Awsat Arabic international newspaper reported Sunday that Russia hosted a meeting for Syrian and Israeli officials at the Russian airbase in Hmeimim, Syria last month, Jewish Press reports. Neither Damascus nor Jerusalem has confirmed the report.
Inside the United States
First Trump declassified Russia document: Christopher Steele’s 2017 confessional to the FBI
Dossier author Christopher Steele admitted to the FBI he leaked the Russia collusion story during the height of the 2016 election to help Hillary Clinton overcome her lingering email scandal and because he believed Donald Trump’s election would be bad for U.S. relations with his home country of Britain, according to documents declassified by the president in his final full day in office.
Trump formally declassifies Russia documents over objections of FBI
Just hours before departing office, President Trump on Tuesday evening formally completed the declassification of a large trove of Russia probe documents, overruling objections posed by the FBI in a last bid effort to keep memos secret.
CIA announces Director Gina Haspel’s retirement
The CIA announced Tuesday that Director Gina Haspel is leaving the agency, ending a three-decade spy career that shattered a glass ceiling.
Trump’s 1776 Commission releases report denouncing ‘problems of progressive education,’ 1619 Project
The Trump administration’s 1776 Commission has released a report denouncing “the problems of progressive education” and recent endeavors like the 1619 Project, which has been denounced by some historians.
Trump delivers farewell address, says ‘movement we started is only just beginning’
Less than 24 hours before he leaves office, President Trump on Tuesday delivered a farewell address, decrying the violence that occurred at the Capitol on Jan. 6 but pledging "the movement we started is only just beginning."
Biden pick for HHS position poised to become first openly transgender official confirmed by Senate
Biden announced his intent to nominate Dr. Rachel Levine for the position on Tuesday, and should she get confirmed by the Senate, she would be the first openly transgender to be confirmed in U.S. history.
Christian News
China officials raid homeschool house run by persecuted megachurch: Members post “Please Pray!”
Police and government officials last week raided a homeschool house run by the highly persecuted Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Following the raid on January 14, members of the 5,000-strong ERCC congregation took to social media imploring Christians around the world to pray for them.
India: Christians persecuted even during lockdown in 2020
The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has reported that, even in the midst of coronavirus lockdowns affecting the whole country for months, there were over 300 incidents of religious persecution against Christians in India last year, International Christian Concern said. In its report, EFI noted that Christian persecution has more than doubled since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi and his right-wing nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014.
Around the World
Experts Probing Virus Origin Quarantine in Wuhan As Pompeo Calls Again For Lab Scrutiny
International experts probing the origins of the novel coronavirus are holding virtual meetings from their Wuhan hotel rooms as they work their way through a mandatory 14-day quarantine period which began last Thursday, after the Chinese government eventually allowed the team to enter the outbreak epicenter city.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Jailed For Month After Returning Home
A Russian court has jailed the nation's most prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny for 30 days despite several countries' calls to release him immediately. The decision came shortly after Navalny was detained following his return from Germany, where he received medical treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
German local authorities to open detention centers for people who repeatedly disobey quarantine rules
German regional authorities are opening detention centers in which to hold people who repeatedly refuse to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19, the Daily Mail reported Monday. Legal experts have said state governments are authorized to detain people for breaking quarantine rules under the Disease Protection Act, passed by the German Bundestag last March.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu says Israel may need to extend lockdown, pleads with Haredim to comply
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that Israel will likely need to extend its current lockdown restrictions, despite its successful vaccination campaign.
City of David recognized as ‘testament’ to US Judeo-Christian heritage
The City of David was recognized as a “testament to America’s Judeo-Christian heritage and founding principles” by the US Embassy in Jerusalem and the US Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad at a special ceremony on Monday.
Inside the United States
Protests at state houses so far remain small amid heavily guarded capitals across U.S.
The large gatherings and possibly armed protests anticipated by the FBI at statehouses across the country ahead Wednesday's presidential inauguration did not materialize this weekend.
2,000 National Guard members deputized by US Marshals; more will be sworn in by police
Some 2,000 National Guard members were sworn in as deputies by the U.S. Marshals Service, one of several civilian law enforcement agencies that will assign special police duties to the troops ahead of Inauguration Day.
‘Every Person Is Made in the Holy Image of God’: President Trump Declares National Sanctity of Human Life Day
For the first time in nearly 50 years, pro-lifers won't assemble for the annual March for Life event in Washington. Instead, because of concerns related to the pandemic and safety issues around the Capitol, organizers want participants to stay home and attend virtually. The event takes place, Friday, January 29th.
Joe Biden Undoing Trump Policies After Inauguration With Executive Orders
Joe Biden will sign a series of executive actions undoing U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s key policies within hours after taking the oath of office on Wednesday, his top aid says.
Biden official tells Honduran migrants: Don’t believe “lie” that US border is open
An official from the incoming Biden administration has told a caravan comprising thousands of Honduran migrants traveling to the US that they should not believe the “lie” that the United States border will be open next month, Reuters reports. While it is known that President-elect Joe Biden plans to reverse much of outgoing president Trump’s crackdown on immigration, the official said it will “take time” to implement the new policies.
Christian News
Dozens of Pygmy citizens slaughtered by Islamist militia in DR Congo: “Impotent government does nothing”
Forty-six Pygmies were slaughtered by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Islamist militia group in Ituri province in eastern DR Congo on Thursday, the Defense Post reports. Described as a “terrorist group” by International Christian Concern (ICC), the ADF is accused of slaughtering over 1000 Congolese citizens in the last year.
India: Hindu nationalist leader threatens violence unless local authorities shut all churches in tribal areas
A Hindu nationalist leader in India’s Madhya Pradesh state has demanded that local authorities shut down all churches in the state’s tribal areas, falsely claiming that Christians are carrying out mass conversions on “gullible indigenous peoples,” International Christian Concern reports. Head of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Azad Prem Singh threatened violent action if his January 11 demand is not met within 30 days.
Experts Probing Virus Origin Quarantine in Wuhan As Pompeo Calls Again For Lab Scrutiny
International experts probing the origins of the novel coronavirus are holding virtual meetings from their Wuhan hotel rooms as they work their way through a mandatory 14-day quarantine period which began last Thursday, after the Chinese government eventually allowed the team to enter the outbreak epicenter city.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Jailed For Month After Returning Home
A Russian court has jailed the nation's most prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny for 30 days despite several countries' calls to release him immediately. The decision came shortly after Navalny was detained following his return from Germany, where he received medical treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
German local authorities to open detention centers for people who repeatedly disobey quarantine rules
German regional authorities are opening detention centers in which to hold people who repeatedly refuse to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19, the Daily Mail reported Monday. Legal experts have said state governments are authorized to detain people for breaking quarantine rules under the Disease Protection Act, passed by the German Bundestag last March.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu says Israel may need to extend lockdown, pleads with Haredim to comply
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that Israel will likely need to extend its current lockdown restrictions, despite its successful vaccination campaign.
City of David recognized as ‘testament’ to US Judeo-Christian heritage
The City of David was recognized as a “testament to America’s Judeo-Christian heritage and founding principles” by the US Embassy in Jerusalem and the US Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad at a special ceremony on Monday.
Inside the United States
Protests at state houses so far remain small amid heavily guarded capitals across U.S.
The large gatherings and possibly armed protests anticipated by the FBI at statehouses across the country ahead Wednesday's presidential inauguration did not materialize this weekend.
2,000 National Guard members deputized by US Marshals; more will be sworn in by police
Some 2,000 National Guard members were sworn in as deputies by the U.S. Marshals Service, one of several civilian law enforcement agencies that will assign special police duties to the troops ahead of Inauguration Day.
‘Every Person Is Made in the Holy Image of God’: President Trump Declares National Sanctity of Human Life Day
For the first time in nearly 50 years, pro-lifers won't assemble for the annual March for Life event in Washington. Instead, because of concerns related to the pandemic and safety issues around the Capitol, organizers want participants to stay home and attend virtually. The event takes place, Friday, January 29th.
Joe Biden Undoing Trump Policies After Inauguration With Executive Orders
Joe Biden will sign a series of executive actions undoing U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s key policies within hours after taking the oath of office on Wednesday, his top aid says.
Biden official tells Honduran migrants: Don’t believe “lie” that US border is open
An official from the incoming Biden administration has told a caravan comprising thousands of Honduran migrants traveling to the US that they should not believe the “lie” that the United States border will be open next month, Reuters reports. While it is known that President-elect Joe Biden plans to reverse much of outgoing president Trump’s crackdown on immigration, the official said it will “take time” to implement the new policies.
Christian News
Dozens of Pygmy citizens slaughtered by Islamist militia in DR Congo: “Impotent government does nothing”
Forty-six Pygmies were slaughtered by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Islamist militia group in Ituri province in eastern DR Congo on Thursday, the Defense Post reports. Described as a “terrorist group” by International Christian Concern (ICC), the ADF is accused of slaughtering over 1000 Congolese citizens in the last year.
India: Hindu nationalist leader threatens violence unless local authorities shut all churches in tribal areas
A Hindu nationalist leader in India’s Madhya Pradesh state has demanded that local authorities shut down all churches in the state’s tribal areas, falsely claiming that Christians are carrying out mass conversions on “gullible indigenous peoples,” International Christian Concern reports. Head of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Azad Prem Singh threatened violent action if his January 11 demand is not met within 30 days.
Around the World
B-52 bombers patrolling over Middle East
For the second time in as many weeks, the Air Force has flown B-52 bombers over the Middle East in what are known as “presence patrols,” officials said Sunday.
Germany and France Oppose Trump’s Twitter Exile
Germany and France attacked Twitter Inc. and Facebook Inc. after U.S. President Donald Trump was shut off from the social media platforms, in an extension of Europe’s battle with big tech.
Pompeo hits Iran, China, Cuba in last-minute sanctions push
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday imposed sanctions on three of his primary targets — China, Iran and Cuba — in a last-minute push aimed in part at boxing in President-elect Joe Biden.
Russia follows US to withdraw from Open Skies Treaty
Russia said Friday it will withdraw from an international treaty allowing observation flights over military facilities following the U.S. exit from the pact.
Russia Detains Returning Kremlin Critic Navalny
Russia’s prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was detained at a Moscow airport Sunday after returning from Germany, where he received medical treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
Europe Warns Iran Over Nuclear Ambitions Amid Missile Launches
European powers urged Iran to observe a nuclear deal after the Islamic nation test-fired long-range missiles and planned uranium metal production.
Indonesia Earthquake Kills Scores Of People
Indonesian rescuers retrieved more bodies of a massive earthquake that killed scores of people in a nation already coping with a string of disasters.
Germany’s New Christian Democrats Leader Pledges Healing
Centrist Armin Laschet has pledged to heal divisions after being elected to lead Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and perhaps succeed her as Germany’s chancellor.
Norway: Dozens Die After Receiving COVID Vaccine
Health authorities in Norway confirmed Saturday that 23 people died within days of receiving their first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian Authority to hold first elections in 15 years
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday announced that parliamentary and presidential elections will take place in the country for the first time in 15 years.
Israel is launching Covid immunity passports
Israel has been lauded for deploying what is currently the fastest Covid-19 vaccination campaign in the world.
Israeli medical company produces quick COVID test
An Israeli company has developed a test for the COVID-19 coronavirus which gives results in minutes.
Inside the United States
US Capitals on Edge for Armed Protests as Trump Presidency Nears End
Washington is locked down and U.S. law enforcement officials are geared up for pro-Trump marches in all 50 state capitals this weekend, erecting barriers and deploying thousands of National Guard troops to try to prevent the kind of violent attack that rattled the nation January 6.
DNI Ratcliffe concludes China ‘sought to influence’ America’s 2020 federal elections
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has assessed that China "sought to influence" America's 2020 national elections, according to a document made public Sunday.
DOJ releases Flynn interviews with Mueller team
The Justice Department released on Friday more than 100 pages of FBI interview notes from retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn’s discussions with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigative team in 2017 and 2018.
FBI, Justice Department knew there was no Russia collusion by spring of 2017
The top Justice Department official in early 2017 overseeing the FBI’s Russia probe testified he was briefed as many as six times on its status and was told there was no evidence of Trump campaign collusion, a newly released transcript shows.
U.S. Investigating Claims That Capitol Mob Tried To Capture and Kill Elected Officials
Federal authorities are investigating claims that some within the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington last week intended to “capture and assassinate elected officials,” including the Vice President.
Leading Leftist Sullivan Charged Over Deadly Assault On U.S. Capitol
A leading leftist activist has been charged for his role in the deadly assault on the US Capitol that left five people dead, officials confirmed Thursday.
Christian News
Christian Photographer Challenges Northam’s ‘Wedding Cake’ Law
A Christian photographer is challenging a Virginia law that would compel him to work at a same-sex wedding on religious-liberty grounds.
Waitress Thanks God After Saving Abused Boy
A waitress in the U.S. city of Orlando is “thanking God” after saving the life of an 11-year-old boy tied up and tortured by his evil parents.
B-52 bombers patrolling over Middle East
For the second time in as many weeks, the Air Force has flown B-52 bombers over the Middle East in what are known as “presence patrols,” officials said Sunday.
Germany and France Oppose Trump’s Twitter Exile
Germany and France attacked Twitter Inc. and Facebook Inc. after U.S. President Donald Trump was shut off from the social media platforms, in an extension of Europe’s battle with big tech.
Pompeo hits Iran, China, Cuba in last-minute sanctions push
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday imposed sanctions on three of his primary targets — China, Iran and Cuba — in a last-minute push aimed in part at boxing in President-elect Joe Biden.
Russia follows US to withdraw from Open Skies Treaty
Russia said Friday it will withdraw from an international treaty allowing observation flights over military facilities following the U.S. exit from the pact.
Russia Detains Returning Kremlin Critic Navalny
Russia’s prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was detained at a Moscow airport Sunday after returning from Germany, where he received medical treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
Europe Warns Iran Over Nuclear Ambitions Amid Missile Launches
European powers urged Iran to observe a nuclear deal after the Islamic nation test-fired long-range missiles and planned uranium metal production.
Indonesia Earthquake Kills Scores Of People
Indonesian rescuers retrieved more bodies of a massive earthquake that killed scores of people in a nation already coping with a string of disasters.
Germany’s New Christian Democrats Leader Pledges Healing
Centrist Armin Laschet has pledged to heal divisions after being elected to lead Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and perhaps succeed her as Germany’s chancellor.
Norway: Dozens Die After Receiving COVID Vaccine
Health authorities in Norway confirmed Saturday that 23 people died within days of receiving their first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian Authority to hold first elections in 15 years
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday announced that parliamentary and presidential elections will take place in the country for the first time in 15 years.
Israel is launching Covid immunity passports
Israel has been lauded for deploying what is currently the fastest Covid-19 vaccination campaign in the world.
Israeli medical company produces quick COVID test
An Israeli company has developed a test for the COVID-19 coronavirus which gives results in minutes.
Inside the United States
US Capitals on Edge for Armed Protests as Trump Presidency Nears End
Washington is locked down and U.S. law enforcement officials are geared up for pro-Trump marches in all 50 state capitals this weekend, erecting barriers and deploying thousands of National Guard troops to try to prevent the kind of violent attack that rattled the nation January 6.
DNI Ratcliffe concludes China ‘sought to influence’ America’s 2020 federal elections
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has assessed that China "sought to influence" America's 2020 national elections, according to a document made public Sunday.
DOJ releases Flynn interviews with Mueller team
The Justice Department released on Friday more than 100 pages of FBI interview notes from retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn’s discussions with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigative team in 2017 and 2018.
FBI, Justice Department knew there was no Russia collusion by spring of 2017
The top Justice Department official in early 2017 overseeing the FBI’s Russia probe testified he was briefed as many as six times on its status and was told there was no evidence of Trump campaign collusion, a newly released transcript shows.
U.S. Investigating Claims That Capitol Mob Tried To Capture and Kill Elected Officials
Federal authorities are investigating claims that some within the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington last week intended to “capture and assassinate elected officials,” including the Vice President.
Leading Leftist Sullivan Charged Over Deadly Assault On U.S. Capitol
A leading leftist activist has been charged for his role in the deadly assault on the US Capitol that left five people dead, officials confirmed Thursday.
Christian News
Christian Photographer Challenges Northam’s ‘Wedding Cake’ Law
A Christian photographer is challenging a Virginia law that would compel him to work at a same-sex wedding on religious-liberty grounds.
Waitress Thanks God After Saving Abused Boy
A waitress in the U.S. city of Orlando is “thanking God” after saving the life of an 11-year-old boy tied up and tortured by his evil parents.