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
Putin Formally Signs Off on Constitutional Changes That Allow Him to Extend Power
Vladimir Putin has formally signed off on constitutional amendments that would allow the Russian leader to run again for president in 2024, the Interfax news agency reported on March 14.
WHO: Europe Replaces China as Epicenter of Virus Pandemic
The World Health Organization says Europe has replaced China as the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.
Iran’s 'Worst Nightmare' Coming True: Middle Eastern Shiites Rise Up Against It
The regime in Tehran is in lots of trouble these days. As U.S. sanctions tighten, at least a quarter of Iran’s oil rigs are now out of action, 'dealing a potentially long-term blow to its oil industry.' The coronavirus 'has now spread to every province in the country and people are fearful that the true scale of the outbreak is even worse than is being disclosed.'
Iran Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 600, Syria Shuts Schools
Iran said Saturday the coronavirus outbreak has killed another 97 people, pushing the death toll in the country to 611, as war-ravaged Syria announced a number of strict measures despite the government saying it has no confirmed cases.
Trump to extend coronavirus travel ban to UK and Ireland
The Trump administration will extend a 30-day ban on travel from European countries to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz receives unexpected majority, tasked with forming Israeli government
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will task Blue and White leader Benny Gantz with forming the next government, after the leftist former IDF chief gained a majority of seats in the Knesset with unexpected support.
Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock Closed as Precaution against Coronavirus
Islamic religious authorities have closed the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus. However, outdoor prayers will still be permitted outside the two shrines housed in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu weighs new, stricter measures to halt coronavirus pandemic
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting at his office in Jerusalem late on Saturday afternoon to discuss further, more stringent measures Israel may take to halt the coronavirus pandemic.
Netanyahu sparks privacy scare with move to track corona patients’ phones
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday announced that Israel would begin using advanced digital monitoring tools to track carriers of the coronavirus, raising major privacy concerns and prompting accusations of mass surveillance.
Israel coronavirus cases climb to 164; nearly 40,000 in quarantine
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Israel climbed to 164 on Saturday, up 21 from Friday, with nearly 40,000 currently in home quarantines according to the Israeli Health Ministry. Of those with the virus, two are still in serious condition, 10 are in moderate condition, and four have recovered.
Inside the United States
Federal Reserve cuts rates to zero and launches massive $700 billion quantitative easing program
The Federal Reserve, saying 'the coronavirus outbreak has harmed communities and disrupted economic activity in many countries, including the United States,' cut interest rates to essentially zero on Sunday and launched a massive $700 billion quantitative easing program to shelter the economy from the effects of the virus.
U.S. House passes package to provide coronavirus relief; Senate up next
The U.S. House early Saturday passed bipartisan legislation in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus Pandemic Prompts US National Emergency
U.S. President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency, clearing the way for more federal aid to stream to states and cities to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Stock market soars nearly 2,000 points, U.S. equities more than 9 percent after emergency declaration
At the close of business Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1,985 points to 23,186, nearly recouping Thursday’s more than 2,300-point loss. The S&P 500 gained 228 to 2,709 and the Nasdaq Composite was up by 672 points to 7,874.
Mexico considering restrictions on US border amid coronavirus fears
Mexico could consider measures at its northern border to slow the spread of the coronavirus into its relatively unaffected territory, health officials said on Friday, with an eye to containing a US outbreak that has infected more than 2,000 people.
Christian News
Three-Self Church in China becomes secret house church
A church in China formerly part of the government-recognized Three-self branch of churches was shut down, propelling around 200 believers to begin to meet in secret.
Finnish MP under investigation for supporting biblical view of sexuality
A Finnish Member of Parliament is under investigation for expressing the biblical view of sexuality in a series of television interviews, police charging her with "hate speech" in a case that civil liberties groups are seeing as a harbinger of ill-fortune for free speech.
Many more Christians killed in Nigeria than was once thought
A Nigerian civil society grouped has traced the genocidal activities of Muslim groups in that country and found that earlier estimates of the numbers of Christians killed over the last few years were far too modest.
President Trump Declares This Sunday a National Day of Prayer
President Donald Trump declared Sunday, March 15, as a National Day of Prayer.
All 16 Dead Sea scroll fragments at DC museum revealed as fake
The 16 Dead Seas scroll fragments housed at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, are forgeries, museum officials said Friday.
Putin Formally Signs Off on Constitutional Changes That Allow Him to Extend Power
Vladimir Putin has formally signed off on constitutional amendments that would allow the Russian leader to run again for president in 2024, the Interfax news agency reported on March 14.
WHO: Europe Replaces China as Epicenter of Virus Pandemic
The World Health Organization says Europe has replaced China as the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.
Iran’s 'Worst Nightmare' Coming True: Middle Eastern Shiites Rise Up Against It
The regime in Tehran is in lots of trouble these days. As U.S. sanctions tighten, at least a quarter of Iran’s oil rigs are now out of action, 'dealing a potentially long-term blow to its oil industry.' The coronavirus 'has now spread to every province in the country and people are fearful that the true scale of the outbreak is even worse than is being disclosed.'
Iran Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 600, Syria Shuts Schools
Iran said Saturday the coronavirus outbreak has killed another 97 people, pushing the death toll in the country to 611, as war-ravaged Syria announced a number of strict measures despite the government saying it has no confirmed cases.
Trump to extend coronavirus travel ban to UK and Ireland
The Trump administration will extend a 30-day ban on travel from European countries to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz receives unexpected majority, tasked with forming Israeli government
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will task Blue and White leader Benny Gantz with forming the next government, after the leftist former IDF chief gained a majority of seats in the Knesset with unexpected support.
Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock Closed as Precaution against Coronavirus
Islamic religious authorities have closed the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus. However, outdoor prayers will still be permitted outside the two shrines housed in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu weighs new, stricter measures to halt coronavirus pandemic
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting at his office in Jerusalem late on Saturday afternoon to discuss further, more stringent measures Israel may take to halt the coronavirus pandemic.
Netanyahu sparks privacy scare with move to track corona patients’ phones
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday announced that Israel would begin using advanced digital monitoring tools to track carriers of the coronavirus, raising major privacy concerns and prompting accusations of mass surveillance.
Israel coronavirus cases climb to 164; nearly 40,000 in quarantine
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Israel climbed to 164 on Saturday, up 21 from Friday, with nearly 40,000 currently in home quarantines according to the Israeli Health Ministry. Of those with the virus, two are still in serious condition, 10 are in moderate condition, and four have recovered.
Inside the United States
Federal Reserve cuts rates to zero and launches massive $700 billion quantitative easing program
The Federal Reserve, saying 'the coronavirus outbreak has harmed communities and disrupted economic activity in many countries, including the United States,' cut interest rates to essentially zero on Sunday and launched a massive $700 billion quantitative easing program to shelter the economy from the effects of the virus.
U.S. House passes package to provide coronavirus relief; Senate up next
The U.S. House early Saturday passed bipartisan legislation in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus Pandemic Prompts US National Emergency
U.S. President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency, clearing the way for more federal aid to stream to states and cities to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Stock market soars nearly 2,000 points, U.S. equities more than 9 percent after emergency declaration
At the close of business Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1,985 points to 23,186, nearly recouping Thursday’s more than 2,300-point loss. The S&P 500 gained 228 to 2,709 and the Nasdaq Composite was up by 672 points to 7,874.
Mexico considering restrictions on US border amid coronavirus fears
Mexico could consider measures at its northern border to slow the spread of the coronavirus into its relatively unaffected territory, health officials said on Friday, with an eye to containing a US outbreak that has infected more than 2,000 people.
Christian News
Three-Self Church in China becomes secret house church
A church in China formerly part of the government-recognized Three-self branch of churches was shut down, propelling around 200 believers to begin to meet in secret.
Finnish MP under investigation for supporting biblical view of sexuality
A Finnish Member of Parliament is under investigation for expressing the biblical view of sexuality in a series of television interviews, police charging her with "hate speech" in a case that civil liberties groups are seeing as a harbinger of ill-fortune for free speech.
Many more Christians killed in Nigeria than was once thought
A Nigerian civil society grouped has traced the genocidal activities of Muslim groups in that country and found that earlier estimates of the numbers of Christians killed over the last few years were far too modest.
President Trump Declares This Sunday a National Day of Prayer
President Donald Trump declared Sunday, March 15, as a National Day of Prayer.
All 16 Dead Sea scroll fragments at DC museum revealed as fake
The 16 Dead Seas scroll fragments housed at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, are forgeries, museum officials said Friday.
Around the World
U.S. Conducts Retaliatory Air Strikes Against Iran-Backed Militia In Iraq
The United States is conducting retaliatory airstrikes against an Iran-backed militia group operating in Iraq following a deadly attack a day earlier against a base hosting Western forces near Baghdad, the Pentagon says.
Syria war enters tenth year with no hope in sight
As it enters its tenth year, the war in Syria is anything but abating, as foreign powers scrap over a ravaged country where human suffering keeps reaching new levels.
NHL suspends season amid coronavirus pandemic
The National Hockey League (NHL) announced Thursday that it’s suspending the remainder of its season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Coronavirus turns Israeli politics towards unity
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will task Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White rival Benny Gantz with forming the next government Sunday, as lawmakers across the political spectrum are calling for an emergency government to deal with the novel coronavirus.
Powerful storm set to batter Israel with 100-kph winds, massive flooding
Already buffeted by political gridlock and facing a shuttering of key industries over the coronavirus threat, Israelis were informed on Thursday they should brace themselves for yet another storm -- a literal one this time.
Inside the United States
Fed Announces Huge Capital Injection to Try to Stabilize Markets
The U.S. central banking system announced moves Thursday to stabilize the global financial system by putting $1.5 trillion into short-term lending markets, and the purchase of $60 billion in Treasury bonds to fuel the bond market.
Dow plunges 10% amid coronavirus fears for its worst day since the 1987 market crash
Stocks plummeted once again on Thursday after President Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve both failed to quell concerns over the economic slowdown stemming from the coronavirus, leading to a historic drop for the U.S. markets.
Trump Threatens to Veto House-passed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Reforms
The U.S. House of Representatives voted this week to change the way the FBI and National Security Agency use the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to conduct electronic surveillance of foreign nationals and agents in the United States. But President Donald Trump indicated Thursday that he might veto the bipartisan bill, saying he and his allies wanted more information about how the FBI's investigation of alleged ties between his 2016 presidential campaign and Russia was launched.
The US stock market has now wiped out the entire $11.5 trillion of value it gained since Trump's 2016 election victory
Thursday's massive sell-off has erased any remaining stock market gains made since President Trump's 2016 election win.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Lab Tap into Supercomputing to Help Combat Coronavirus
As researchers race to identify and unleash new scientific breakthroughs to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, the Energy Department’s Summit supercomputer is playing a role in the fight.
MLB suspends spring training, delays start of regular season
Major League Baseball is suspending spring training effective Thursday and plans to push back the start of the regular season as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Christian News
'Zionist' Christian in Iran receives extension on prison sentence
'Evangelical Zionist Christianity' is the charge laid against a Christian convert in Iran whose prison sentence the government recently extended.
Indian pastor tied to tree and beaten by radicals, charged with forced conversions
A pastor in India is in hiding after receiving charges for "illegal conversion" following a beating by more than 150 Hindu radicals.
Iranians to be released from prison in droves as government fumbles to contain coronavirus
Iranian Christians are asking for prayer support as the Islamic Republic, in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, has begun releasing huge crowds of prisoners that include persecuted Christians.
First the UK, Now Germany: Politician Calls Franklin Graham 'Hate Preacher' and Tries to Cancel His Festival
Evangelical churches in Germany are defending Rev. Franklin Graham in the face of criticism over his biblical beliefs on sexuality.
Leading Christian Apologist Ravi Zacharias Reveals He Has Rare Cancer, Asks for Prayers to Reduce Pain
World-renowned Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias announced in a Facebook post Thursday that he has a malignant tumor of the sacrum, a very rare cancer called Sarcoma.
U.S. Conducts Retaliatory Air Strikes Against Iran-Backed Militia In Iraq
The United States is conducting retaliatory airstrikes against an Iran-backed militia group operating in Iraq following a deadly attack a day earlier against a base hosting Western forces near Baghdad, the Pentagon says.
Syria war enters tenth year with no hope in sight
As it enters its tenth year, the war in Syria is anything but abating, as foreign powers scrap over a ravaged country where human suffering keeps reaching new levels.
NHL suspends season amid coronavirus pandemic
The National Hockey League (NHL) announced Thursday that it’s suspending the remainder of its season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Coronavirus turns Israeli politics towards unity
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will task Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White rival Benny Gantz with forming the next government Sunday, as lawmakers across the political spectrum are calling for an emergency government to deal with the novel coronavirus.
Powerful storm set to batter Israel with 100-kph winds, massive flooding
Already buffeted by political gridlock and facing a shuttering of key industries over the coronavirus threat, Israelis were informed on Thursday they should brace themselves for yet another storm -- a literal one this time.
Inside the United States
Fed Announces Huge Capital Injection to Try to Stabilize Markets
The U.S. central banking system announced moves Thursday to stabilize the global financial system by putting $1.5 trillion into short-term lending markets, and the purchase of $60 billion in Treasury bonds to fuel the bond market.
Dow plunges 10% amid coronavirus fears for its worst day since the 1987 market crash
Stocks plummeted once again on Thursday after President Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve both failed to quell concerns over the economic slowdown stemming from the coronavirus, leading to a historic drop for the U.S. markets.
Trump Threatens to Veto House-passed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Reforms
The U.S. House of Representatives voted this week to change the way the FBI and National Security Agency use the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to conduct electronic surveillance of foreign nationals and agents in the United States. But President Donald Trump indicated Thursday that he might veto the bipartisan bill, saying he and his allies wanted more information about how the FBI's investigation of alleged ties between his 2016 presidential campaign and Russia was launched.
The US stock market has now wiped out the entire $11.5 trillion of value it gained since Trump's 2016 election victory
Thursday's massive sell-off has erased any remaining stock market gains made since President Trump's 2016 election win.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Lab Tap into Supercomputing to Help Combat Coronavirus
As researchers race to identify and unleash new scientific breakthroughs to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, the Energy Department’s Summit supercomputer is playing a role in the fight.
MLB suspends spring training, delays start of regular season
Major League Baseball is suspending spring training effective Thursday and plans to push back the start of the regular season as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Christian News
'Zionist' Christian in Iran receives extension on prison sentence
'Evangelical Zionist Christianity' is the charge laid against a Christian convert in Iran whose prison sentence the government recently extended.
Indian pastor tied to tree and beaten by radicals, charged with forced conversions
A pastor in India is in hiding after receiving charges for "illegal conversion" following a beating by more than 150 Hindu radicals.
Iranians to be released from prison in droves as government fumbles to contain coronavirus
Iranian Christians are asking for prayer support as the Islamic Republic, in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, has begun releasing huge crowds of prisoners that include persecuted Christians.
First the UK, Now Germany: Politician Calls Franklin Graham 'Hate Preacher' and Tries to Cancel His Festival
Evangelical churches in Germany are defending Rev. Franklin Graham in the face of criticism over his biblical beliefs on sexuality.
Leading Christian Apologist Ravi Zacharias Reveals He Has Rare Cancer, Asks for Prayers to Reduce Pain
World-renowned Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias announced in a Facebook post Thursday that he has a malignant tumor of the sacrum, a very rare cancer called Sarcoma.
Around the World
Russian parliament paves way for Putin to remain in power until 2036
Russian President Vladimir Putin could stay leader of Russia for many years to come.
Coronavirus declared a 'pandemic'
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic Wednesday, after weeks of resisting the label in light of a nearly worldwide spread of the virus.
US General warns about rapid spread of ISIS in Africa
A US General has warned that US counter-terrorism efforts and the efforts of national governments in Africa are not curtailing the spread of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda there, and that a new caliphate may soon be established.
Three Coalition Troops at Iraqi Base Killed in Rocket Attack Bearing Hallmarks of Iran-Backed Militias
A rocket attack Wednesday night on an Iraqi military base housing coalition personnel cost the lives of three coalition personnel, the U.S. military confirmed. Details were not provided pending notification of next of kin, but military sources said two Americans and a British soldier were killed.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli-made oral vaccine for coronavirus on track, but testing will take months
An effective Israeli-developed vaccine for coronavirus is on track to be ready for testing within “a few weeks,” though it won’t be available for months because of the lengthy and sometimes bureaucratic testing and approval process, a member of the development team said Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Federal Taxes and Spending Set Records Through February
The federal government set records for both the amount of taxes it collected and the amount of money it spent in the first five months of fiscal 2020 (October through February), according to data released today in the Monthly Treasury Statement.
Trump Suspends Travel Between US and Europe for 30 Days
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is suspending all travel between the U.S. and Europe for 30 days beginning Friday as he seeks to combat a viral pandemic.
U.S. House backs extension of FISA surveillance law
The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation on Wednesday to extend a divisive set of government surveillance tools, a major boost for efforts to reauthorize the program before it expires on Sunday.
Supreme Court Upholds Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' Policy
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would allow the Trump administration to continue enforcing a policy that makes asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for court hearings in the United States.
Biden wins Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Idaho; close race in Washington
Former Vice President Joe Biden won primaries Tuesday in Michigan, Missouri, Idaho and Mississippi to take command of the Democratic presidential primaries.
San Francisco, Washington, Ohio ban large crowds of people
The city of San Francisco and the states of Washington and Ohio will place a ban on significant gatherings of people in an effort to stem the tide of coronavirus, with the NCAA canceling fan attendance at its upcoming tournament games.
Christian News
Additional information surfaces about kidnapping of Christian Rohingya pastor
More information has surfaced about an attack on Rohingya Christian refugees in a Bangladeshi refugee camp last month by their fellow Muslim Rohingya, confirming earlier reports about the brutal assault.
New Generation of Missionaries Floods the Earth with Gospel: 'Now is the Season for Revival'
Last month in Brazil, 140,000 people met in three stadiums pledging to make the Great Commission their main ambition.
Russian parliament paves way for Putin to remain in power until 2036
Russian President Vladimir Putin could stay leader of Russia for many years to come.
Coronavirus declared a 'pandemic'
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic Wednesday, after weeks of resisting the label in light of a nearly worldwide spread of the virus.
US General warns about rapid spread of ISIS in Africa
A US General has warned that US counter-terrorism efforts and the efforts of national governments in Africa are not curtailing the spread of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda there, and that a new caliphate may soon be established.
Three Coalition Troops at Iraqi Base Killed in Rocket Attack Bearing Hallmarks of Iran-Backed Militias
A rocket attack Wednesday night on an Iraqi military base housing coalition personnel cost the lives of three coalition personnel, the U.S. military confirmed. Details were not provided pending notification of next of kin, but military sources said two Americans and a British soldier were killed.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli-made oral vaccine for coronavirus on track, but testing will take months
An effective Israeli-developed vaccine for coronavirus is on track to be ready for testing within “a few weeks,” though it won’t be available for months because of the lengthy and sometimes bureaucratic testing and approval process, a member of the development team said Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Federal Taxes and Spending Set Records Through February
The federal government set records for both the amount of taxes it collected and the amount of money it spent in the first five months of fiscal 2020 (October through February), according to data released today in the Monthly Treasury Statement.
Trump Suspends Travel Between US and Europe for 30 Days
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is suspending all travel between the U.S. and Europe for 30 days beginning Friday as he seeks to combat a viral pandemic.
U.S. House backs extension of FISA surveillance law
The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation on Wednesday to extend a divisive set of government surveillance tools, a major boost for efforts to reauthorize the program before it expires on Sunday.
Supreme Court Upholds Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' Policy
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would allow the Trump administration to continue enforcing a policy that makes asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for court hearings in the United States.
Biden wins Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Idaho; close race in Washington
Former Vice President Joe Biden won primaries Tuesday in Michigan, Missouri, Idaho and Mississippi to take command of the Democratic presidential primaries.
San Francisco, Washington, Ohio ban large crowds of people
The city of San Francisco and the states of Washington and Ohio will place a ban on significant gatherings of people in an effort to stem the tide of coronavirus, with the NCAA canceling fan attendance at its upcoming tournament games.
Christian News
Additional information surfaces about kidnapping of Christian Rohingya pastor
More information has surfaced about an attack on Rohingya Christian refugees in a Bangladeshi refugee camp last month by their fellow Muslim Rohingya, confirming earlier reports about the brutal assault.
New Generation of Missionaries Floods the Earth with Gospel: 'Now is the Season for Revival'
Last month in Brazil, 140,000 people met in three stadiums pledging to make the Great Commission their main ambition.