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
Russia Supports Iran Joining Moscow-Beijing Security Bloc
Just days after the Iranian regime fired missiles at military bases in Iraq and accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, Russia’s foreign minister has reiterated that Moscow supports full membership for Tehran in a Eurasian security bloc sometimes viewed as an aspiring counterweight to NATO and the West.
Riots in Lebanon's Capital Leave More Than 150 Injured
Police fired volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets in Lebanon's capital Saturday to disperse thousands of protesters amid some of the worst rioting since demonstrations against the country's ruling elite erupted three months ago. More than 150 people were injured.
Dozens wounded as Iraqi protesters up pressure on government
Iraqi security forces wounded dozens of protesters on Sunday as renewed anti-government demonstrations gripped the capital and Iraq’s south, activists and officials said.
EU warns Turkey against ‘illegal’ Mediterranean gas exploration plans
The European Union has urged Turkey to drop plans to drill for oil and gas around Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean, saying such exploration was 'illegal.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hezbollah's threat to Israel rises amid Lebanon chaos
Lebanon's political crisis escalated this weekend, with hundreds of civilians wounded in running street battles against security forces. The chaos will increase the Lebanese Hezbollah's temptation to lash out at Israel to unify the nation against a common enemy.
Italian far-right leader Salvini says he’d move embassy to Jerusalem if elected
Italian prime ministerial frontrunner Matteo Salvini has told an Israeli newspaper he would recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital if he were elected.
Palestinian Authority daily calls for bloodshed during Holocaust memorial event
While dignitaries all over the world are set to descend upon Jerusalem this week, the Palestinian Authority's official daily newspaper, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, is having none of it.
IDF begins work on underground defense system for northern border
The military on Sunday said it began construction of an underground defense system Sunday along its northern frontier with Lebanon to protect against cross-border tunnels.
Trump to decide on 'Deal of the Century' release date in coming days
US President Donald Trump is expected to decide in the coming days whether to present the White House's Middle East peace plan before the Israeli election, Channel 13's political correspondent Barak Ravid reported in the American news website Axios on Sunday.
Inside the United States
Key Players Squabble Over Trump's Impeachment Trial
Key players in the impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump and his defense argued sharply Sunday whether his efforts to get Ukraine to launch investigations to benefit him politically were impeachable offenses that warranted his removal from office.
Supreme Court to review two Trump-related cases
The Supreme Court announced Friday it will take up two legal battles affecting President Trump and his administration.
U.S. housing starts at 13-year high, factory output gains
U.S. homebuilding surged to a 13-year high in December as activity increased across the board, suggesting the housing market recovery was back on track amid low mortgage rates, and could help support the longest economic expansion on record.
First Pro-Life Marches of 2020 Have Record Turnout
The new year has kicked off with a record number of pro-lifers taking to the streets in a bid to achieve greater protections for the unborn.
14 states, NYC, DC sue Trump admin over work requirement rule that would cut 700,000 from food stamps
Calling it 'arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion' and contrary to law, 14 states, New York City and Washington, D.C., asked a federal court in a lawsuit Thursday to vacate a final rule that if implemented will cut off nearly 700,000 people from food stamp benefits due to the imposition of stricter requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents.
Christian News
Christian activist taken by regime during protests in Iran
Authorities in Iran arrested a Christian woman who converted from Islam during protests last week against the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet, though it is still not known whether she had any involvement with the demonstrations.
Open Doors: China 'nearly single-handedly responsible' for all church closures in 2019
Attacks on churches exploded in China in 2019, according to a new Open Doors USA report, increasing from 171 in 2018 to 5,576 in 2019, as the Chinese government attempts to 'Sinicize' faith.
Christian persecution skyrockets in 2019 according to new Open Doors report
Christian persecution watchdog group Open Doors USA released its 2020 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, reporting a staggering increase of persecution around the world.
Why Dr. Dobson Sees Trump's School Prayer Initiative as Pivotal Moment: 'Transform the Heart of This Nation'
Praise has been pouring in from evangelical leaders over President Trump's move to protect the right to pray in America's public schools.
LGBTQ+ campaigners want Franklin Graham's UK tour cancelled
LGBTQ+ activists in Sheffield are trying to have Franklin Graham's upcoming UK tour canceled.
Russia Supports Iran Joining Moscow-Beijing Security Bloc
Just days after the Iranian regime fired missiles at military bases in Iraq and accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, Russia’s foreign minister has reiterated that Moscow supports full membership for Tehran in a Eurasian security bloc sometimes viewed as an aspiring counterweight to NATO and the West.
Riots in Lebanon's Capital Leave More Than 150 Injured
Police fired volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets in Lebanon's capital Saturday to disperse thousands of protesters amid some of the worst rioting since demonstrations against the country's ruling elite erupted three months ago. More than 150 people were injured.
Dozens wounded as Iraqi protesters up pressure on government
Iraqi security forces wounded dozens of protesters on Sunday as renewed anti-government demonstrations gripped the capital and Iraq’s south, activists and officials said.
EU warns Turkey against ‘illegal’ Mediterranean gas exploration plans
The European Union has urged Turkey to drop plans to drill for oil and gas around Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean, saying such exploration was 'illegal.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hezbollah's threat to Israel rises amid Lebanon chaos
Lebanon's political crisis escalated this weekend, with hundreds of civilians wounded in running street battles against security forces. The chaos will increase the Lebanese Hezbollah's temptation to lash out at Israel to unify the nation against a common enemy.
Italian far-right leader Salvini says he’d move embassy to Jerusalem if elected
Italian prime ministerial frontrunner Matteo Salvini has told an Israeli newspaper he would recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital if he were elected.
Palestinian Authority daily calls for bloodshed during Holocaust memorial event
While dignitaries all over the world are set to descend upon Jerusalem this week, the Palestinian Authority's official daily newspaper, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, is having none of it.
IDF begins work on underground defense system for northern border
The military on Sunday said it began construction of an underground defense system Sunday along its northern frontier with Lebanon to protect against cross-border tunnels.
Trump to decide on 'Deal of the Century' release date in coming days
US President Donald Trump is expected to decide in the coming days whether to present the White House's Middle East peace plan before the Israeli election, Channel 13's political correspondent Barak Ravid reported in the American news website Axios on Sunday.
Inside the United States
Key Players Squabble Over Trump's Impeachment Trial
Key players in the impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump and his defense argued sharply Sunday whether his efforts to get Ukraine to launch investigations to benefit him politically were impeachable offenses that warranted his removal from office.
Supreme Court to review two Trump-related cases
The Supreme Court announced Friday it will take up two legal battles affecting President Trump and his administration.
U.S. housing starts at 13-year high, factory output gains
U.S. homebuilding surged to a 13-year high in December as activity increased across the board, suggesting the housing market recovery was back on track amid low mortgage rates, and could help support the longest economic expansion on record.
First Pro-Life Marches of 2020 Have Record Turnout
The new year has kicked off with a record number of pro-lifers taking to the streets in a bid to achieve greater protections for the unborn.
14 states, NYC, DC sue Trump admin over work requirement rule that would cut 700,000 from food stamps
Calling it 'arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion' and contrary to law, 14 states, New York City and Washington, D.C., asked a federal court in a lawsuit Thursday to vacate a final rule that if implemented will cut off nearly 700,000 people from food stamp benefits due to the imposition of stricter requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents.
Christian News
Christian activist taken by regime during protests in Iran
Authorities in Iran arrested a Christian woman who converted from Islam during protests last week against the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet, though it is still not known whether she had any involvement with the demonstrations.
Open Doors: China 'nearly single-handedly responsible' for all church closures in 2019
Attacks on churches exploded in China in 2019, according to a new Open Doors USA report, increasing from 171 in 2018 to 5,576 in 2019, as the Chinese government attempts to 'Sinicize' faith.
Christian persecution skyrockets in 2019 according to new Open Doors report
Christian persecution watchdog group Open Doors USA released its 2020 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, reporting a staggering increase of persecution around the world.
Why Dr. Dobson Sees Trump's School Prayer Initiative as Pivotal Moment: 'Transform the Heart of This Nation'
Praise has been pouring in from evangelical leaders over President Trump's move to protect the right to pray in America's public schools.
LGBTQ+ campaigners want Franklin Graham's UK tour cancelled
LGBTQ+ activists in Sheffield are trying to have Franklin Graham's upcoming UK tour canceled.
Around the World
Putin fast-tracks effort to extend his rule in Russia
President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fast-tracked work on constitutional changes that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024 while lawmakers quickly sealed his choice for new prime minister.
Iran's Rouhani says 'no limit' to uranium enrichment, producing more than before Obama-era deal
A defiant Iranian President Hassan Rouhani boasted Thursday that there is 'no limit' to his country’s level of uranium enrichment -- just days after European powers raised concerns about the Islamic Republic backing away from a 2015 nuclear deal.
US threatens tariffs on Europeans unless Iran nuke deal scrapped
Iran accused European governments Thursday of sacrificing a troubled 2015 nuclear deal to avoid trade reprisals from US President Donald Trump, who has spent nearly two years trying to scupper the agreement.
Almost 40% of the world’s countries will witness civil unrest in 2020, research claims
Almost a quarter of the world’s countries witnessed a surge in protest and unrest last year and that figure is set to rise further in 2020, according to a new study.
Pentagon reveals 11 US troops were wounded in Iranian ballistic missile attack on Iraq bases
The Pentagon has revealed that 11 U.S. service members received treatment for concussions from an Iranian missile strike on Jan. 8.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF strikes Hamas in Gaza in response to explosive balloons from Strip
Israeli aircraft attacked targets in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday for the second day in a row, as tensions rose on the volatile border.
Israeli team develops 'anti-diabetes drug'
A new drug being developed in Israel could be the answer to treating the main cause of Type 2 Diabetes, insulin resistance.
Inside the United States
Senate approves Trump's rewrite of North American trade deal
The Senate approved President Trump’s rewrite of the North American trade deal Thursday, handing him a second trade victory in as many days while he fights to remain in office.
Trump issues new rule ensuring prayer in schools is protected
President Trump issued updated rules on Thursday to ensure that public school students are allowed to engage in constitutionally protected prayer, calling his action 'the Right to Pray.'
Planned Parenthood launches $45M campaign for 2020 Democrats
Planned Parenthood is launching a new $45 million campaign to support Democrats in the 2020 elections, the organization's most expensive campaign push in its history.
‘Assault on the Second Amendment’: Virginia Senate passes three gun control bills
Virginia Democrats took an important step toward passing several gun control bills they have prioritized during this year's General Assembly session.
Trump removes faith-based groups from legal purgatory
The White House did it again on Thursday by proposing two administrative rule changes to stop government from discriminating against faith-based people and institutions. Both proposals are necessary and well reasoned.
Media label Tennessee religious liberty bill as 'anti-gay'
For most major news organizations, accuracy often takes a back seat to ideology, which is why groups such as the Associated Press are mischaracterizing Tennessee’s new religious liberty bill as 'anti-gay.'
Christian News
Dozens of Christians killed in 'systematic' Muslim Fulani raids in Nigeria
A mother and six-month-old baby were among those kidnapped in Nigeria in raids by Muslim Fulani herders that began Jan. 6 and saw 35 casualties.
Putin fast-tracks effort to extend his rule in Russia
President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fast-tracked work on constitutional changes that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024 while lawmakers quickly sealed his choice for new prime minister.
Iran's Rouhani says 'no limit' to uranium enrichment, producing more than before Obama-era deal
A defiant Iranian President Hassan Rouhani boasted Thursday that there is 'no limit' to his country’s level of uranium enrichment -- just days after European powers raised concerns about the Islamic Republic backing away from a 2015 nuclear deal.
US threatens tariffs on Europeans unless Iran nuke deal scrapped
Iran accused European governments Thursday of sacrificing a troubled 2015 nuclear deal to avoid trade reprisals from US President Donald Trump, who has spent nearly two years trying to scupper the agreement.
Almost 40% of the world’s countries will witness civil unrest in 2020, research claims
Almost a quarter of the world’s countries witnessed a surge in protest and unrest last year and that figure is set to rise further in 2020, according to a new study.
Pentagon reveals 11 US troops were wounded in Iranian ballistic missile attack on Iraq bases
The Pentagon has revealed that 11 U.S. service members received treatment for concussions from an Iranian missile strike on Jan. 8.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF strikes Hamas in Gaza in response to explosive balloons from Strip
Israeli aircraft attacked targets in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday for the second day in a row, as tensions rose on the volatile border.
Israeli team develops 'anti-diabetes drug'
A new drug being developed in Israel could be the answer to treating the main cause of Type 2 Diabetes, insulin resistance.
Inside the United States
Senate approves Trump's rewrite of North American trade deal
The Senate approved President Trump’s rewrite of the North American trade deal Thursday, handing him a second trade victory in as many days while he fights to remain in office.
Trump issues new rule ensuring prayer in schools is protected
President Trump issued updated rules on Thursday to ensure that public school students are allowed to engage in constitutionally protected prayer, calling his action 'the Right to Pray.'
Planned Parenthood launches $45M campaign for 2020 Democrats
Planned Parenthood is launching a new $45 million campaign to support Democrats in the 2020 elections, the organization's most expensive campaign push in its history.
‘Assault on the Second Amendment’: Virginia Senate passes three gun control bills
Virginia Democrats took an important step toward passing several gun control bills they have prioritized during this year's General Assembly session.
Trump removes faith-based groups from legal purgatory
The White House did it again on Thursday by proposing two administrative rule changes to stop government from discriminating against faith-based people and institutions. Both proposals are necessary and well reasoned.
Media label Tennessee religious liberty bill as 'anti-gay'
For most major news organizations, accuracy often takes a back seat to ideology, which is why groups such as the Associated Press are mischaracterizing Tennessee’s new religious liberty bill as 'anti-gay.'
Christian News
Dozens of Christians killed in 'systematic' Muslim Fulani raids in Nigeria
A mother and six-month-old baby were among those kidnapped in Nigeria in raids by Muslim Fulani herders that began Jan. 6 and saw 35 casualties.
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.