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
UN predicts worsening locust plague in Africa and the Middle East
A second wave of desert locusts, projected to be 20 times the size of earlier swarms that the UN has called "unprecedented," is expected to arrive in Africa and the Middle East over the summer.
Crime drops worldwide amid coronavirus crisis
The coronavirus pandemic that has crippled big-box retailers and mom and pop shops worldwide may be making a dent in illicit business, too.
EU Chief: 'Elderly Face Lockdown Till 2021 Over Coronavirus'
The chief of the European Union's executive has warned the block's elderly that they may have to stay in lockdown till 2021 due to the new coronavirus pandemic. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the comments in a German newspaper. Her remarks further overshadowed Easter and Passover celebrations in Europe. Von der Leyen told Germany's daily Bild that older people might have to be kept isolated until the end of the year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Talks in Israel to form next government could revert back to fourth elections
With talks between the two leading candidates for Prime Minister sputtering again, Israeli President Reuben Rivlin warned Sunday that a fourth election could be forthcoming.
Israel High Court says a petition to prevent Netanyahu from forming a government was filed too soon
Israel’s High Court ruled Sunday that a petition to disqualify Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a new government was filed too early. The petition claims Netanyahu should be barred from leading the country because of the corruption charges he faces. Justice Alex Stein dismissed the petition on the grounds that President Reuven Rivlin has not asked Netanyahu to form a government coalition this time around. Nevertheless, the Times of Israel reports, the Court said the application could be renewed should Rivlin give Netanyahu such a mandate in due course.
Inside the United States
Tornadoes in Southern U.S. kill 26 people, head toward northeast
Deadly tornadoes tore through the Southern U.S. on Sunday and Monday, killing 26 people and trapping a handful of people in their homes in South Carolina.
Kansas Supreme Court rules in favor of Governor’s executive order limiting religious services to 10 people
The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's executive order limiting religious services to 10 people, the Washington Examiner reports. Referring to the coronavirus outbreak that prompted the order, the Court said Saturday: "We agreed to expedite these proceedings due to the nature of the public health emergency all agree is present."
Watchdog Report: Debt will exceed U.S. economy in 2020
Debt held by the public will exceed the size of the U.S. economy by the end of fiscal 2020, a watchdog said Monday.
Planned Parenthood California supporting bill to block health insurance companies from informing parents about their child’s abortion or transgender treatment
Planned Parenthood of California is supporting a bill that would prevent health insurance companies from giving parents information about “sensitive” medical procedures received by young adult or minor children listed on their same policy. “Sensitive services” would include abortions and certain transgender treatments and sex-change operations, among various others. The California Family Council (CFC) has advised concerned residents to contact the office of Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D), who is sponsoring the bill.
U.S. Judge Allows Easter Drive-in Service Amid Coronavirus Concerns
A judge in the U.S. State of Kentucky has prevented a mayor from stopping an evangelical church's drive-in service planned for Easter, despite a new coronavirus pandemic. The ruling came as Republicans condemned Democratic Governor Andy Beshear's statewide plan to force people into quarantine if they attend mass gatherings, including religious ones.
Christian News
Chinese government continues to target crosses on churches
The Chinese government has continued its campaign of removing crosses from churches in recent months, citing bizarre reasons in support of the "sinicization" of religion begun by President Xi Jinping.
More Christians killed in Nigeria as government continues to look the other way
A pastor and three members of his congregation were killed in Nigeria in April, as lack of a response by government authorities to Islamist Fulani herdsmen attacks continues to leave Christians vulnerable.
Dutch Town Celebrates Easter Outside Closed Churches
Christian songs reverberated throughout the Dutch town of Urk as residents took to the streets to celebrate Easter outside closed churches in one of Europe's most God-fearing communities. They gathered Sunday after the 57-year-old housewife Jannie Molenaar expressed concern that locals would no longer be able to sing in churches due to the coronavirus pandemic.
UN predicts worsening locust plague in Africa and the Middle East
A second wave of desert locusts, projected to be 20 times the size of earlier swarms that the UN has called "unprecedented," is expected to arrive in Africa and the Middle East over the summer.
Crime drops worldwide amid coronavirus crisis
The coronavirus pandemic that has crippled big-box retailers and mom and pop shops worldwide may be making a dent in illicit business, too.
EU Chief: 'Elderly Face Lockdown Till 2021 Over Coronavirus'
The chief of the European Union's executive has warned the block's elderly that they may have to stay in lockdown till 2021 due to the new coronavirus pandemic. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the comments in a German newspaper. Her remarks further overshadowed Easter and Passover celebrations in Europe. Von der Leyen told Germany's daily Bild that older people might have to be kept isolated until the end of the year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Talks in Israel to form next government could revert back to fourth elections
With talks between the two leading candidates for Prime Minister sputtering again, Israeli President Reuben Rivlin warned Sunday that a fourth election could be forthcoming.
Israel High Court says a petition to prevent Netanyahu from forming a government was filed too soon
Israel’s High Court ruled Sunday that a petition to disqualify Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a new government was filed too early. The petition claims Netanyahu should be barred from leading the country because of the corruption charges he faces. Justice Alex Stein dismissed the petition on the grounds that President Reuven Rivlin has not asked Netanyahu to form a government coalition this time around. Nevertheless, the Times of Israel reports, the Court said the application could be renewed should Rivlin give Netanyahu such a mandate in due course.
Inside the United States
Tornadoes in Southern U.S. kill 26 people, head toward northeast
Deadly tornadoes tore through the Southern U.S. on Sunday and Monday, killing 26 people and trapping a handful of people in their homes in South Carolina.
Kansas Supreme Court rules in favor of Governor’s executive order limiting religious services to 10 people
The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's executive order limiting religious services to 10 people, the Washington Examiner reports. Referring to the coronavirus outbreak that prompted the order, the Court said Saturday: "We agreed to expedite these proceedings due to the nature of the public health emergency all agree is present."
Watchdog Report: Debt will exceed U.S. economy in 2020
Debt held by the public will exceed the size of the U.S. economy by the end of fiscal 2020, a watchdog said Monday.
Planned Parenthood California supporting bill to block health insurance companies from informing parents about their child’s abortion or transgender treatment
Planned Parenthood of California is supporting a bill that would prevent health insurance companies from giving parents information about “sensitive” medical procedures received by young adult or minor children listed on their same policy. “Sensitive services” would include abortions and certain transgender treatments and sex-change operations, among various others. The California Family Council (CFC) has advised concerned residents to contact the office of Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D), who is sponsoring the bill.
U.S. Judge Allows Easter Drive-in Service Amid Coronavirus Concerns
A judge in the U.S. State of Kentucky has prevented a mayor from stopping an evangelical church's drive-in service planned for Easter, despite a new coronavirus pandemic. The ruling came as Republicans condemned Democratic Governor Andy Beshear's statewide plan to force people into quarantine if they attend mass gatherings, including religious ones.
Christian News
Chinese government continues to target crosses on churches
The Chinese government has continued its campaign of removing crosses from churches in recent months, citing bizarre reasons in support of the "sinicization" of religion begun by President Xi Jinping.
More Christians killed in Nigeria as government continues to look the other way
A pastor and three members of his congregation were killed in Nigeria in April, as lack of a response by government authorities to Islamist Fulani herdsmen attacks continues to leave Christians vulnerable.
Dutch Town Celebrates Easter Outside Closed Churches
Christian songs reverberated throughout the Dutch town of Urk as residents took to the streets to celebrate Easter outside closed churches in one of Europe's most God-fearing communities. They gathered Sunday after the 57-year-old housewife Jannie Molenaar expressed concern that locals would no longer be able to sing in churches due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Around the World
Britain pledges 200 million to criticized WHO and agencies
Britain has pledged 200 million pounds ($248 million) to charities and the World Health Organization (WHO), which has come under U.S. pressure over its handling of the new coronavirus pandemic. Its Easter present came while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has been suffering from the virus COVID-19, said he "owed" his life to British medics.
Apple and Google Unveil Controversial Tracking Technology
U.S. tech giants Apple and Google have unveiled a plan to track down people who may have been infected by the new coronavirus, despite concerns among rights activists. Their software allows governments to roll out apps for "contact tracing" that will run on smartphones such as iPhones and Android.
ISIS says it fired rockets on US base in Afghanistan
Islamic State–Khorasan (ISIS-K) claims it carried out Thursday’s rocket attack on Bagram airfield, the largest US base in Afghanistan. There were no casualties or injuries. Bagram’s NATO-led US military mission, Operation Resolute Support, confirmed in a tweet that five rockets were fired at the base early in the morning on Thursday.
OPEC and allies finalize record oil production cut after days of discussion
OPEC and its oil producing allies on Sunday finalized a historic agreement to cut production by 9.7 million barrels per day, following multiple days of discussions and back-and-forth between the world’s largest energy producers. The cut is the single largest output cut in history.
France Orders Google To Pay For News
France's competition regulator has ordered online search giant Google to pay French publishing companies and news agencies for re-using their content under Europe's new digital copyright legislation.
US State Department classifies Russian white supremacist group as terrorist organization
The US State Department announced Monday that it is classifying a Russian white supremacist group as a terrorist organization. This is the first time an American government has categorized white supremacists as terrorists – the classification is normally assigned to Islamic extremist groups.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Efforts by rabbis to see a third temple built intensify
Rabbis in Israel are calling for the reinstitution of the temple service as a means of averting plagues, pointing to the Passover sacrifice that saved the Israelites in Egypt as a model for understanding current events.
Syria allows Hezbollah to gain foothold in Golan Heights - IDF
The Syrian military is continuing to support Hezbollah and allowing the terrorist group to gain a foothold in the Syrian Golan Heights, claimed IDF Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adraee on Twitter.
Israel To Restart Economy Despite Coronacirus Pandemic
Israeli officials say the government wants to gradually reopen the country's economy hit hard by a coronavirus pandemic that overshadowed the Passover holiday. But in a setback for the tourism industry, regular flights will only resume in September, Israeli media reported Saturday.
Israeli President Rejects Request for Coalition Extension
Israel's president on Sunday turned down a request from Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz for a two-week extension to form a new coalition government.
Inside the United States
Coronavirus: Trump has declared major disaster in all 50 states at once, first time in history
President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Wyoming on Saturday, meaning that there is now such a declaration within all 50 states due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. Governors Demand $500 Billion To Prevent Collapse Services
U.S. governors appealed Saturday for $500 billion in federal aid, saying states face a budget crisis due to the new coronavirus pandemic that threatens essential services. They urged Congress to "meet the states' budgetary shortfalls that have resulted from this unprecedented public health crisis."
Texas Police Pray For Coronavirus-Suffering Officer
Police in the U.S. State of Texas have been praying for a fellow officer who was rushed to an intensive care unit with the new coronavirus COVID-19.
Christian News
China Halts Online Church Services
China's Communist government has halted online church services despite the coronavirus pandemic forcing many Christians to stay at home this Easter, Worthy News learned Saturday. The online religious rights watchdog Bitter Winter and local Christians said only groups holding state-issued licenses could stream religious services online in China. "We can't get together because of the pandemic," an underground house church pastor in the province of Jiangxi told Bitter Winter.
Cuban Christian journalist interrogated for reporting the news
A Cuban journalist reporting on abuses against Christianity in Cuba was recently taken in for questioning by authorities, who accused him of being a CIA agent and threatened his mother and two-year-old son.
Kansas Governor Seeks Resurrection Of Church Ban Order
The Democratic governor of Kansas has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. state's Republican-controlled council after it revoked her executive order limiting church meetings ahead of Easter. Governor Laura Kelly wants the court to resurrect her ban on religious gatherings of more than ten people. She says the measure is necessary to limit infections amid a new coronavirus pandemic.
Increased sales of the Bible during coronavirus pandemic
Major Christian publishing companies have reported increased sales of the Bible during the coronavirus pandemic. The increase is reportedly similar to that observed after the September 11 terror attacks in 2001.
Britain pledges 200 million to criticized WHO and agencies
Britain has pledged 200 million pounds ($248 million) to charities and the World Health Organization (WHO), which has come under U.S. pressure over its handling of the new coronavirus pandemic. Its Easter present came while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has been suffering from the virus COVID-19, said he "owed" his life to British medics.
Apple and Google Unveil Controversial Tracking Technology
U.S. tech giants Apple and Google have unveiled a plan to track down people who may have been infected by the new coronavirus, despite concerns among rights activists. Their software allows governments to roll out apps for "contact tracing" that will run on smartphones such as iPhones and Android.
ISIS says it fired rockets on US base in Afghanistan
Islamic State–Khorasan (ISIS-K) claims it carried out Thursday’s rocket attack on Bagram airfield, the largest US base in Afghanistan. There were no casualties or injuries. Bagram’s NATO-led US military mission, Operation Resolute Support, confirmed in a tweet that five rockets were fired at the base early in the morning on Thursday.
OPEC and allies finalize record oil production cut after days of discussion
OPEC and its oil producing allies on Sunday finalized a historic agreement to cut production by 9.7 million barrels per day, following multiple days of discussions and back-and-forth between the world’s largest energy producers. The cut is the single largest output cut in history.
France Orders Google To Pay For News
France's competition regulator has ordered online search giant Google to pay French publishing companies and news agencies for re-using their content under Europe's new digital copyright legislation.
US State Department classifies Russian white supremacist group as terrorist organization
The US State Department announced Monday that it is classifying a Russian white supremacist group as a terrorist organization. This is the first time an American government has categorized white supremacists as terrorists – the classification is normally assigned to Islamic extremist groups.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Efforts by rabbis to see a third temple built intensify
Rabbis in Israel are calling for the reinstitution of the temple service as a means of averting plagues, pointing to the Passover sacrifice that saved the Israelites in Egypt as a model for understanding current events.
Syria allows Hezbollah to gain foothold in Golan Heights - IDF
The Syrian military is continuing to support Hezbollah and allowing the terrorist group to gain a foothold in the Syrian Golan Heights, claimed IDF Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adraee on Twitter.
Israel To Restart Economy Despite Coronacirus Pandemic
Israeli officials say the government wants to gradually reopen the country's economy hit hard by a coronavirus pandemic that overshadowed the Passover holiday. But in a setback for the tourism industry, regular flights will only resume in September, Israeli media reported Saturday.
Israeli President Rejects Request for Coalition Extension
Israel's president on Sunday turned down a request from Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz for a two-week extension to form a new coalition government.
Inside the United States
Coronavirus: Trump has declared major disaster in all 50 states at once, first time in history
President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Wyoming on Saturday, meaning that there is now such a declaration within all 50 states due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. Governors Demand $500 Billion To Prevent Collapse Services
U.S. governors appealed Saturday for $500 billion in federal aid, saying states face a budget crisis due to the new coronavirus pandemic that threatens essential services. They urged Congress to "meet the states' budgetary shortfalls that have resulted from this unprecedented public health crisis."
Texas Police Pray For Coronavirus-Suffering Officer
Police in the U.S. State of Texas have been praying for a fellow officer who was rushed to an intensive care unit with the new coronavirus COVID-19.
Christian News
China Halts Online Church Services
China's Communist government has halted online church services despite the coronavirus pandemic forcing many Christians to stay at home this Easter, Worthy News learned Saturday. The online religious rights watchdog Bitter Winter and local Christians said only groups holding state-issued licenses could stream religious services online in China. "We can't get together because of the pandemic," an underground house church pastor in the province of Jiangxi told Bitter Winter.
Cuban Christian journalist interrogated for reporting the news
A Cuban journalist reporting on abuses against Christianity in Cuba was recently taken in for questioning by authorities, who accused him of being a CIA agent and threatened his mother and two-year-old son.
Kansas Governor Seeks Resurrection Of Church Ban Order
The Democratic governor of Kansas has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. state's Republican-controlled council after it revoked her executive order limiting church meetings ahead of Easter. Governor Laura Kelly wants the court to resurrect her ban on religious gatherings of more than ten people. She says the measure is necessary to limit infections amid a new coronavirus pandemic.
Increased sales of the Bible during coronavirus pandemic
Major Christian publishing companies have reported increased sales of the Bible during the coronavirus pandemic. The increase is reportedly similar to that observed after the September 11 terror attacks in 2001.
Around the World
EU Ministers Agree On 500 Billion Euro Coronavirus Package
European Union finance ministers agreed Thursday on a half-a-trillion euro ($550-billion) rescue package for European nations hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The chairman of the Eurogroup, Mário Centeno, confirmed the deal following marathon talks in Brussels where Italy warned the EU would collapse without financial solidarity.
Powerful Cat 5 Cyclone tears into Fiji and moves on to Tonga
Powerful cyclone Harold slammed into the South Pacific island nation of Fiji Wednesday, cutting off communications, causing buildings to collapse and injuring residents in Suva, the capital. The category 5 cyclone has already killed 27 people in the Solomon Islands and wreaked havoc in Vanuatu. The cyclone crisis in the South Pacific comes as local Island nations brace for the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S., UK cyber officials say state-backed hackers taking advantage of outbreak
American and British cybersecurity officials are warning that state-backed hackers and online criminals are taking advantage of the coronavirus outbreak to further their operations, echoing concerns from digital safety experts.
World faces potential new ‘Great Depression’ as virus toll mounts
World powers scrambled on Thursday to build a global response to the human tragedy and once-in-a-century economic collapse caused by the coronavirus epidemic, as death tolls in the US and Europe soared higher.
Saudi Arabia and Russia reach deal to end oil price war after pressure from Trump
Saudi Arabia and Russia ended their price war and are poised to deliver the oil production cut President Trump has been demanding in order to raise historically low prices that have damaged the U.S. shale industry.
Britain's Johnson Out Of Intensive Care With Coronavirus
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson was taken from intensive care late Thursday but remained in a London hospital recovering of the new coronavirus COVID-19, his office announced. "The prime minister has been moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward...He will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery," it added.
American companies moving away from China as main supplier
A new report shows the “dramatic reversal” of a five-year trend as US companies commanded a considerably larger share of manufacturing in 2019 than the 14 Asian exporters that were tracked for the study. According to the seventh annual Reshoring Index report by global manufacturing consulting firm Kearney, Chinese exporters suffered the greatest losses.
European Union in disagreement over coronavirus finance deal
A disagreement over eurozone loans on Wednesday halted European Union (EU) efforts to agree on a deal on managing the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. Negotiations between European finance ministers were suspended until Thursday after 16 hours of talks brought no resolution. Yesterday’s discussions followed similar talks that were held last month, when no agreement was reached either.
Inside the United States
U.S. Debt Reaches "Unsustainable" 24 Trillion Dollars
The federal government debt of the United States has reached a record $24 trillion despite warnings by the nation's leading watchdog that it is unsustainable for the world's largest economy.
Wall Street rises on latest Fed rescue program
Wall Street closed out the trading week on a high note on Thursday as the U.S. Federal Reserve unleashed another program designed to buoy local governments and businesses crushed by massive closures to stem the coronavirus outbreak.
Fed Is Seizing Control of the Entire U.S. Bond Market
The Federal Reserve is not leaving any corner of the U.S. bond market behind in this crisis.
Christian News
Most US Pastors Believe Christ Returns Soon
Roughly 9 in 10 pastors in the United States view current events as signs that Jesus Christ will return soon to Earth, according to a new survey by a significant church research group.
Many Christians displaced in Nigeria by Muslim Fulani herdsmen attacks
Recent attacks by Muslim Fulani herdsmen against Nigerian Christians have left many people displaced and women and children without adequate food and shelter, according to a Nigerian Christian leader.
With in-person church services shut down, Trump talks to nation's faith leaders
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he talked to 10,000 U.S. faith leaders about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has led to bans on in-person church services, closed nonessential businesses and killed more than 14,500 Americans.
EU Ministers Agree On 500 Billion Euro Coronavirus Package
European Union finance ministers agreed Thursday on a half-a-trillion euro ($550-billion) rescue package for European nations hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The chairman of the Eurogroup, Mário Centeno, confirmed the deal following marathon talks in Brussels where Italy warned the EU would collapse without financial solidarity.
Powerful Cat 5 Cyclone tears into Fiji and moves on to Tonga
Powerful cyclone Harold slammed into the South Pacific island nation of Fiji Wednesday, cutting off communications, causing buildings to collapse and injuring residents in Suva, the capital. The category 5 cyclone has already killed 27 people in the Solomon Islands and wreaked havoc in Vanuatu. The cyclone crisis in the South Pacific comes as local Island nations brace for the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S., UK cyber officials say state-backed hackers taking advantage of outbreak
American and British cybersecurity officials are warning that state-backed hackers and online criminals are taking advantage of the coronavirus outbreak to further their operations, echoing concerns from digital safety experts.
World faces potential new ‘Great Depression’ as virus toll mounts
World powers scrambled on Thursday to build a global response to the human tragedy and once-in-a-century economic collapse caused by the coronavirus epidemic, as death tolls in the US and Europe soared higher.
Saudi Arabia and Russia reach deal to end oil price war after pressure from Trump
Saudi Arabia and Russia ended their price war and are poised to deliver the oil production cut President Trump has been demanding in order to raise historically low prices that have damaged the U.S. shale industry.
Britain's Johnson Out Of Intensive Care With Coronavirus
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson was taken from intensive care late Thursday but remained in a London hospital recovering of the new coronavirus COVID-19, his office announced. "The prime minister has been moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward...He will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery," it added.
American companies moving away from China as main supplier
A new report shows the “dramatic reversal” of a five-year trend as US companies commanded a considerably larger share of manufacturing in 2019 than the 14 Asian exporters that were tracked for the study. According to the seventh annual Reshoring Index report by global manufacturing consulting firm Kearney, Chinese exporters suffered the greatest losses.
European Union in disagreement over coronavirus finance deal
A disagreement over eurozone loans on Wednesday halted European Union (EU) efforts to agree on a deal on managing the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. Negotiations between European finance ministers were suspended until Thursday after 16 hours of talks brought no resolution. Yesterday’s discussions followed similar talks that were held last month, when no agreement was reached either.
Inside the United States
U.S. Debt Reaches "Unsustainable" 24 Trillion Dollars
The federal government debt of the United States has reached a record $24 trillion despite warnings by the nation's leading watchdog that it is unsustainable for the world's largest economy.
Wall Street rises on latest Fed rescue program
Wall Street closed out the trading week on a high note on Thursday as the U.S. Federal Reserve unleashed another program designed to buoy local governments and businesses crushed by massive closures to stem the coronavirus outbreak.
Fed Is Seizing Control of the Entire U.S. Bond Market
The Federal Reserve is not leaving any corner of the U.S. bond market behind in this crisis.
Christian News
Most US Pastors Believe Christ Returns Soon
Roughly 9 in 10 pastors in the United States view current events as signs that Jesus Christ will return soon to Earth, according to a new survey by a significant church research group.
Many Christians displaced in Nigeria by Muslim Fulani herdsmen attacks
Recent attacks by Muslim Fulani herdsmen against Nigerian Christians have left many people displaced and women and children without adequate food and shelter, according to a Nigerian Christian leader.
With in-person church services shut down, Trump talks to nation's faith leaders
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he talked to 10,000 U.S. faith leaders about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has led to bans on in-person church services, closed nonessential businesses and killed more than 14,500 Americans.