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
Doubts linger after U.S. and China sign initial trade deal
China will boost spending on U.S. products in exchange for the rolling back of some tariffs under an initial trade deal signed by the world’s two largest economies on Wednesday, defusing an 18-month row but leaving numerous thorny issues unresolved.
'A Bloodless Revolution.' Putin’s Plan to Rewrite Russia’s Constitution Could Allow Him to Lead for Years to Come
In his annual state of the nation address in Moscow, Putin announced his wish to reform the Russian constitution. 'I truly believe that it is time to introduce certain changes to our country’s main law,' Putin said. Shortly afterward the government resigned en masse, not in protest but seemingly to pave the way for these reforms.
Iran Issues Threats, Russia and China React Negatively to E.U. Nuclear Deal Dispute Action
Russia and China have responded negatively to Tuesday’s decision by their European partners in the Iran nuclear deal to trigger a formal dispute resolution process in response to Tehran’s actions in violation of the 2015 agreement.
Putin Calls For Major Constitutional Amendments, and Medvedev and Cabinet Resign
Russian President Vladimir Putin called for major constitutional changes in his annual state of the nation address Wednesday, heightening speculation that the long-time leader is looking to hold onto power after his fourth presidential term expires in 2024.
Despite Trump’s Urging, Egypt, Ethiopia Still Deadlocked on Nile Dam
The latest talks hosted by the U.S. Treasury produced some progress but failed to achieve a comprehensive agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF Targets Hamas Sites in Gaza After Rockets Strike Southern Israel
Four rockets were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the IDF said, and it responded with airstrikes against Hamas facilities in the coastal enclave.
Jordan's king warns of Israeli annexation, 'untold chaos' of possible U.S.-Iran war
Jordan's King Abdullah II warned Wednesday that if Israel succeeds in imposing 'an unthinkable solution' by annexing parts of the West Bank, hopes for a two-state solution and Palestinian state would quickly come to an end.
New IDF Intel Assessment: Iran Could Have Enough Uranium for Nuke by Spring
The IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate issued its annual assessment for 2020 on Tuesday, warning that Iran might have enough enriched uranium for a nuclear bomb by this spring.
Inside the United States
House Sends Impeachment Effort and Pelosi's Prosecutors to Senate to Put Trump on Trial
After a month of delaying, Democrats in the House of Representatives finally voted Wednesday to send their articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump over to the Senate where an impeachment trial will now take place.
Michigan could add third gender option to driver's licenses by 2021
The state of Michigan is considering adding a third gender option for residents applying for driver's licenses.
Federal Judge Sides with Trump Administration Over ACLU in Family Separation Case
A federal judge in California has ruled that the Trump administration’s separation of immigrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border complies with the 2018 ruling that banned separations 'absent a determination that the parent is unfit or presents a danger to the child.'
Illinois Changing Birth Certificates to Show Mother Who Gave Birth as 'Father'
The state of Illinois is changing the parental designations on its birth certificates to accommodate the wishes of transgender people.
Immigration US Judge: States Cannot Block Refugee Arrivals
A federal judge in Maryland said U.S. states and localities cannot opt-out of receiving refugees for now, the latest move in a court case challenging a Trump administration order that reversed decades of standing practice that guided the arrivals of millions of displaced people.
Christian News
Al Shabaab strikes Kenya school, killing three Christian teachers
Al Shabaab extremists killed three Christian teachers in Kenya Monday, the attackers justifying the carnage by saying it was impermissible for 'infidels' to teach children.
Doubts linger after U.S. and China sign initial trade deal
China will boost spending on U.S. products in exchange for the rolling back of some tariffs under an initial trade deal signed by the world’s two largest economies on Wednesday, defusing an 18-month row but leaving numerous thorny issues unresolved.
'A Bloodless Revolution.' Putin’s Plan to Rewrite Russia’s Constitution Could Allow Him to Lead for Years to Come
In his annual state of the nation address in Moscow, Putin announced his wish to reform the Russian constitution. 'I truly believe that it is time to introduce certain changes to our country’s main law,' Putin said. Shortly afterward the government resigned en masse, not in protest but seemingly to pave the way for these reforms.
Iran Issues Threats, Russia and China React Negatively to E.U. Nuclear Deal Dispute Action
Russia and China have responded negatively to Tuesday’s decision by their European partners in the Iran nuclear deal to trigger a formal dispute resolution process in response to Tehran’s actions in violation of the 2015 agreement.
Putin Calls For Major Constitutional Amendments, and Medvedev and Cabinet Resign
Russian President Vladimir Putin called for major constitutional changes in his annual state of the nation address Wednesday, heightening speculation that the long-time leader is looking to hold onto power after his fourth presidential term expires in 2024.
Despite Trump’s Urging, Egypt, Ethiopia Still Deadlocked on Nile Dam
The latest talks hosted by the U.S. Treasury produced some progress but failed to achieve a comprehensive agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF Targets Hamas Sites in Gaza After Rockets Strike Southern Israel
Four rockets were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the IDF said, and it responded with airstrikes against Hamas facilities in the coastal enclave.
Jordan's king warns of Israeli annexation, 'untold chaos' of possible U.S.-Iran war
Jordan's King Abdullah II warned Wednesday that if Israel succeeds in imposing 'an unthinkable solution' by annexing parts of the West Bank, hopes for a two-state solution and Palestinian state would quickly come to an end.
New IDF Intel Assessment: Iran Could Have Enough Uranium for Nuke by Spring
The IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate issued its annual assessment for 2020 on Tuesday, warning that Iran might have enough enriched uranium for a nuclear bomb by this spring.
Inside the United States
House Sends Impeachment Effort and Pelosi's Prosecutors to Senate to Put Trump on Trial
After a month of delaying, Democrats in the House of Representatives finally voted Wednesday to send their articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump over to the Senate where an impeachment trial will now take place.
Michigan could add third gender option to driver's licenses by 2021
The state of Michigan is considering adding a third gender option for residents applying for driver's licenses.
Federal Judge Sides with Trump Administration Over ACLU in Family Separation Case
A federal judge in California has ruled that the Trump administration’s separation of immigrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border complies with the 2018 ruling that banned separations 'absent a determination that the parent is unfit or presents a danger to the child.'
Illinois Changing Birth Certificates to Show Mother Who Gave Birth as 'Father'
The state of Illinois is changing the parental designations on its birth certificates to accommodate the wishes of transgender people.
Immigration US Judge: States Cannot Block Refugee Arrivals
A federal judge in Maryland said U.S. states and localities cannot opt-out of receiving refugees for now, the latest move in a court case challenging a Trump administration order that reversed decades of standing practice that guided the arrivals of millions of displaced people.
Christian News
Al Shabaab strikes Kenya school, killing three Christian teachers
Al Shabaab extremists killed three Christian teachers in Kenya Monday, the attackers justifying the carnage by saying it was impermissible for 'infidels' to teach children.
Around the World
U.S., China set to sign massive purchases deal, easing trade war
The U.S.-China trade war is set to enter a new, quieter phase on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He sign an initial trade deal that aims to vastly increase Chinese purchases of U.S. manufactured products, agricultural goods, energy, and services.
Britain, France, Germany formally accuse Iran of breaking nuclear deal
Britain, France, and Germany formally accused Iran on Tuesday of violating the terms of its 2015 agreement to curb its nuclear program, which eventually could lead to the reimposing of U.N. sanctions lifted under the deal.
French President seeks to address African terrorism
French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting several African leaders this week to discuss Islamic extremism that is spreading across the continent, seeming to give heed to a recent warning from a French philosopher that a Rwanda-style genocide is developing there.
Iran announces arrests in downing of Ukrainian jet
Iran announced that it would arrest several individuals involved with the downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet last week after widespread public discontent forced the regime to acknowledge that it had killed the 176 people on board by mistake.
Iran is closer ‘than ever before’ to regime collapse, says former Obama security advisor
Iran has had a turbulent past week, marked by more than a hundred Iranian deaths and dramatically increased tensions with the U.S. As it enters into the third day of protests fueled by popular anger over the government’s handling of a downed passenger jet, some observers argue this is the most vulnerable the Islamic Republic’s regime has been since its founding in 1979.
Iran social media posts call for fifth day of protests
Iranian social media postings urged citizens to take to the streets for a fifth day on Wednesday, after the admission by the authorities that they had accidentally brought down a passenger plane after days of denials stoked public outrage.
Boris Johnson rejects Scotland's request for 2nd independence referendum
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson rejected Scotland's demand for a second independence referendum, nearly six years after Scots voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom.
Philippines volcano spews lava half-mile high, threatens to erupt again as flights grounded
A volcanic eruption in the Philippines continues to spew lava half a mile into the sky, creating lightning bolts, and threatening to erupt again even as tens of thousands of people continue to flee the region and hundreds of flights have been canceled or delayed.
Lebanese protesters back in streets following brief lull
Following a brief lull, Lebanese protesters returned to the streets, blocking several roads around the capital, Beirut, and other areas of the country on Tuesday in renewed rallies against a ruling elite they say has failed to address the economy’s downward spiral.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
House Committee in Israeli parliament to convene to decide fate of Netanyahu
An Israeli parliamentary committee will convene to determine the political fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lawmakers decided Monday.
Netanyahu: Israel will not allow Iran to achieve nuclear weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and called on Western countries to impose “snapback sanctions” on Tehran.
IDF sees chance to halt Iranian entrenchment in region with Soleimani gone
Israeli Military Intelligence believes the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani represents a significant opportunity to counter Tehran’s growing aggressiveness in the region, The Times of Israel learned Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Trump plans to divert $7.2 billion from Pentagon for border wall construction
Lawmakers again expressed anger and frustration at the news that the White House again will be tapping the Pentagon’s budget to pay for President Trump’s long-promised border wall.
$1,163,090,000,000: Federal Spending Sets Record Through December
The federal government spent a record $1,163,090,000,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2020 (October through December), according to the Monthly Treasury Statement released Monday afternoon.
Judge delays ruling in House lawsuit over Trump tax returns
A federal judge on Tuesday stayed House Democrats’ lawsuit over their efforts to obtain President Trump’s tax returns from the IRS until a court decision is issued in a separate case.
Christian News
Al Shabaab strikes Kenya school, killing three Christian teachers
Al Shabaab extremists killed three Christian teachers in Kenya Monday, the attackers justifying the carnage by saying it was impermissible for 'infidels' to teach children.
New Survey Reveals Most Pastors Don't Connect World Events to Second Coming of Christ
US Protestant pastors are closely monitoring the recent events in the Middle East, but many don't believe it will influence the return of Christ.
U.S., China set to sign massive purchases deal, easing trade war
The U.S.-China trade war is set to enter a new, quieter phase on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He sign an initial trade deal that aims to vastly increase Chinese purchases of U.S. manufactured products, agricultural goods, energy, and services.
Britain, France, Germany formally accuse Iran of breaking nuclear deal
Britain, France, and Germany formally accused Iran on Tuesday of violating the terms of its 2015 agreement to curb its nuclear program, which eventually could lead to the reimposing of U.N. sanctions lifted under the deal.
French President seeks to address African terrorism
French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting several African leaders this week to discuss Islamic extremism that is spreading across the continent, seeming to give heed to a recent warning from a French philosopher that a Rwanda-style genocide is developing there.
Iran announces arrests in downing of Ukrainian jet
Iran announced that it would arrest several individuals involved with the downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet last week after widespread public discontent forced the regime to acknowledge that it had killed the 176 people on board by mistake.
Iran is closer ‘than ever before’ to regime collapse, says former Obama security advisor
Iran has had a turbulent past week, marked by more than a hundred Iranian deaths and dramatically increased tensions with the U.S. As it enters into the third day of protests fueled by popular anger over the government’s handling of a downed passenger jet, some observers argue this is the most vulnerable the Islamic Republic’s regime has been since its founding in 1979.
Iran social media posts call for fifth day of protests
Iranian social media postings urged citizens to take to the streets for a fifth day on Wednesday, after the admission by the authorities that they had accidentally brought down a passenger plane after days of denials stoked public outrage.
Boris Johnson rejects Scotland's request for 2nd independence referendum
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson rejected Scotland's demand for a second independence referendum, nearly six years after Scots voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom.
Philippines volcano spews lava half-mile high, threatens to erupt again as flights grounded
A volcanic eruption in the Philippines continues to spew lava half a mile into the sky, creating lightning bolts, and threatening to erupt again even as tens of thousands of people continue to flee the region and hundreds of flights have been canceled or delayed.
Lebanese protesters back in streets following brief lull
Following a brief lull, Lebanese protesters returned to the streets, blocking several roads around the capital, Beirut, and other areas of the country on Tuesday in renewed rallies against a ruling elite they say has failed to address the economy’s downward spiral.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
House Committee in Israeli parliament to convene to decide fate of Netanyahu
An Israeli parliamentary committee will convene to determine the political fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lawmakers decided Monday.
Netanyahu: Israel will not allow Iran to achieve nuclear weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and called on Western countries to impose “snapback sanctions” on Tehran.
IDF sees chance to halt Iranian entrenchment in region with Soleimani gone
Israeli Military Intelligence believes the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani represents a significant opportunity to counter Tehran’s growing aggressiveness in the region, The Times of Israel learned Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Trump plans to divert $7.2 billion from Pentagon for border wall construction
Lawmakers again expressed anger and frustration at the news that the White House again will be tapping the Pentagon’s budget to pay for President Trump’s long-promised border wall.
$1,163,090,000,000: Federal Spending Sets Record Through December
The federal government spent a record $1,163,090,000,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2020 (October through December), according to the Monthly Treasury Statement released Monday afternoon.
Judge delays ruling in House lawsuit over Trump tax returns
A federal judge on Tuesday stayed House Democrats’ lawsuit over their efforts to obtain President Trump’s tax returns from the IRS until a court decision is issued in a separate case.
Christian News
Al Shabaab strikes Kenya school, killing three Christian teachers
Al Shabaab extremists killed three Christian teachers in Kenya Monday, the attackers justifying the carnage by saying it was impermissible for 'infidels' to teach children.
New Survey Reveals Most Pastors Don't Connect World Events to Second Coming of Christ
US Protestant pastors are closely monitoring the recent events in the Middle East, but many don't believe it will influence the return of Christ.
Around the World
Protests in Iran ignite following Ukrainian jet gaffe
Protests in Iran continued for a third day on Monday after the regime admitted over the weekend to accidentally downing a Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 people, killing everyone on board.
Iran state TV sees at least 2 news anchors quit: 'Forgive me for the 13 years I told you lies'
At least two Iranian journalists at a state-owned media outlet reportedly resigned from their jobs, and another left a while back, apologizing for "the 13 years I told you lies" to her supporters as Tehran grapples with the fallout from protests stemming from a cover-up of its accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner.
Philippines braces for possible volcano eruption
Clouds of ash and tremors from the Taal volcano near the capital of the Philippines forced thousands to flee Sunday as the government planned to evacuate hundreds more.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Top White House official says peace plan could be rolled out before March vote
A top White House official has said US President Donald Trump’s administration will not necessarily wait until after Israel’s March 2 elections to release its long-awaited peace plan.
Israel Develops New Lightweight Armor-Piercing Missile
Israel has developed a new lightweight armor-piercing missile that can be shoulder-mounted and used by infantry forces.
US Christian students come to Holy Land to connect to biblical and modern Israel
Five hundred college students streamed into a large party venue in southern Jerusalem with a panoramic view of the Old City. They noshed on mini shwarma sandwiches and cotton candy and danced with abandon to Israeli pop music — some creating a mosh pit near the DJ’s stage at the front of the hall.
Inside the United States
Federal budget deficit running 11.8% higher this year
The U.S. budget deficit through the first three months of this budget year is up 11.8 percent from the same period a year ago, putting the country on track to record its first $1 trillion deficit in eight years.
21 Saudi students to be sent home following Pensacola shooting
The US is sending home 21 Saudi students after a shooting at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida last month, Attorney General William Barr having concluded that the pilots-in-training acted on terroristic motivations.
Christian News
House church pastor imprisoned in China
A pastor in Hubei Province, China is facing up to 10 years in prison for fraud charges resulting from her refusal to comply with government regulations on religion, surpassing the sentence of persecuted house church pastor Wang Yi.
Same-sex marriage officially legal in Northern Ireland; Christian leaders express concern
Same-sex marriage is now legal in Northern Ireland, sparking concern among religious and conservative leaders in the Christian-majority country.
Protests in Iran ignite following Ukrainian jet gaffe
Protests in Iran continued for a third day on Monday after the regime admitted over the weekend to accidentally downing a Ukrainian passenger jet carrying 176 people, killing everyone on board.
Iran state TV sees at least 2 news anchors quit: 'Forgive me for the 13 years I told you lies'
At least two Iranian journalists at a state-owned media outlet reportedly resigned from their jobs, and another left a while back, apologizing for "the 13 years I told you lies" to her supporters as Tehran grapples with the fallout from protests stemming from a cover-up of its accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner.
Philippines braces for possible volcano eruption
Clouds of ash and tremors from the Taal volcano near the capital of the Philippines forced thousands to flee Sunday as the government planned to evacuate hundreds more.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Top White House official says peace plan could be rolled out before March vote
A top White House official has said US President Donald Trump’s administration will not necessarily wait until after Israel’s March 2 elections to release its long-awaited peace plan.
Israel Develops New Lightweight Armor-Piercing Missile
Israel has developed a new lightweight armor-piercing missile that can be shoulder-mounted and used by infantry forces.
US Christian students come to Holy Land to connect to biblical and modern Israel
Five hundred college students streamed into a large party venue in southern Jerusalem with a panoramic view of the Old City. They noshed on mini shwarma sandwiches and cotton candy and danced with abandon to Israeli pop music — some creating a mosh pit near the DJ’s stage at the front of the hall.
Inside the United States
Federal budget deficit running 11.8% higher this year
The U.S. budget deficit through the first three months of this budget year is up 11.8 percent from the same period a year ago, putting the country on track to record its first $1 trillion deficit in eight years.
21 Saudi students to be sent home following Pensacola shooting
The US is sending home 21 Saudi students after a shooting at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida last month, Attorney General William Barr having concluded that the pilots-in-training acted on terroristic motivations.
Christian News
House church pastor imprisoned in China
A pastor in Hubei Province, China is facing up to 10 years in prison for fraud charges resulting from her refusal to comply with government regulations on religion, surpassing the sentence of persecuted house church pastor Wang Yi.
Same-sex marriage officially legal in Northern Ireland; Christian leaders express concern
Same-sex marriage is now legal in Northern Ireland, sparking concern among religious and conservative leaders in the Christian-majority country.