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
Trump claims Iran planning 'sneak attack' on US troops in Iraq
President Trump warned that Iran and its allies are planning to attack American troops "and/or assets" in Iraq.
Dutch Daily: 'World Searching For Leader Amid Coronacrisis'
With roughly half the world in lockdown and many politicians weak or ill, the largest Dutch daily concludes in a headline: "World searching for LEADER." De Telegraaf (The Telegraph) also expresses that "Nobody takes the lead in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic." Its commentator, Frank van Vliet, complained: "While the world is on fire, international politicians are running in one direction to put out their fire. No leader has taken the lead, and solidarity is lacking. They did not read author Alexander Dumas' Three Musketeers because "one for all and all for one" has been replaced by "own people first."
Blood test 'can check for more than 50 types of cancer'
A simple blood test can check for more than 50 types of cancer, often before any signs or symptoms, scientists say.
German Scientists Identify New Strain of Plastic-eating Bacteria
German scientists say they have identified a strain of bacteria that is feeding on polyurethanes, a plastic resistant to biodegradation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
1.5 Million Israelis Using Voluntary Coronavirus Monitoring App
Around 1.5 million Israelis have downloaded a mobile app in the past week that alerts users who have crossed paths with a coronavirus patient, according to the Health Ministry, helping to improve tracking of the pandemic.
Israel Tests New 3D-Printed Tech That Can Make Medical Masks Stronger Against COVID-19
As Israelis scramble for ways to protect themselves from the deadly coronavirus, some doctors will begin testing a new method of defense against COVID-19.
Inside the United States
US rushes to build makeshift hospitals as coronavirus death toll rises
The US government rushed to set up make-shift hospitals on Tuesday as over 850 people died from coronavirus, the highest number in a single day. Hundreds of hospitals are being built close to major cities to help local health care systems struggling at maximum capacity and beyond, Reuters reported.
Idaho legislates to prevent trans-gender persons from competing in women’s sports and from altering sex marker on birth certificates
Idaho has legislated that women’s sports are for females only and that trans-gender identifying persons may not alter the sex-marker on their birth-certificates. The first in the US to set down such measures, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" and the "Vital Statistics Act" into law on March 30.
Study Shows Even Non-Religious Americans Are Turning to Prayer as a Result of COVID-19
A new poll from Pew Research Center reveals that the COVID-19 outbreak is changing Americans' religious habits, drawing more people to the power of prayer.
U.S. manufacturing contracts; private payrolls post first drop since 2017
U.S. manufacturing activity contracted less than expected in March, but disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic pushed new orders received by factories to an 11-year low, reinforcing economists’ views that the economy was in recession.
Christian News
Pastor Charged for Holding Services Amid Coronavirus Lockdown
The pastor of a Louisiana church was charged Tuesday with defying state efforts to curtail the coronavirus outbreak. Tony Spell of the Life Tabernacle Church near Baton Rouge faces six counts of misdemeanor for holding services in violation of state-wide orders to stay home and to limit essential gatherings to 10 persons. Spell has said the government is infringing on the right to religion and that he will continue to hold services.
Pence: Don't attend church services with more than 10 people
Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday said that people should not attend church services with more than 10 attendees present.
Trump claims Iran planning 'sneak attack' on US troops in Iraq
President Trump warned that Iran and its allies are planning to attack American troops "and/or assets" in Iraq.
Dutch Daily: 'World Searching For Leader Amid Coronacrisis'
With roughly half the world in lockdown and many politicians weak or ill, the largest Dutch daily concludes in a headline: "World searching for LEADER." De Telegraaf (The Telegraph) also expresses that "Nobody takes the lead in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic." Its commentator, Frank van Vliet, complained: "While the world is on fire, international politicians are running in one direction to put out their fire. No leader has taken the lead, and solidarity is lacking. They did not read author Alexander Dumas' Three Musketeers because "one for all and all for one" has been replaced by "own people first."
Blood test 'can check for more than 50 types of cancer'
A simple blood test can check for more than 50 types of cancer, often before any signs or symptoms, scientists say.
German Scientists Identify New Strain of Plastic-eating Bacteria
German scientists say they have identified a strain of bacteria that is feeding on polyurethanes, a plastic resistant to biodegradation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
1.5 Million Israelis Using Voluntary Coronavirus Monitoring App
Around 1.5 million Israelis have downloaded a mobile app in the past week that alerts users who have crossed paths with a coronavirus patient, according to the Health Ministry, helping to improve tracking of the pandemic.
Israel Tests New 3D-Printed Tech That Can Make Medical Masks Stronger Against COVID-19
As Israelis scramble for ways to protect themselves from the deadly coronavirus, some doctors will begin testing a new method of defense against COVID-19.
Inside the United States
US rushes to build makeshift hospitals as coronavirus death toll rises
The US government rushed to set up make-shift hospitals on Tuesday as over 850 people died from coronavirus, the highest number in a single day. Hundreds of hospitals are being built close to major cities to help local health care systems struggling at maximum capacity and beyond, Reuters reported.
Idaho legislates to prevent trans-gender persons from competing in women’s sports and from altering sex marker on birth certificates
Idaho has legislated that women’s sports are for females only and that trans-gender identifying persons may not alter the sex-marker on their birth-certificates. The first in the US to set down such measures, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" and the "Vital Statistics Act" into law on March 30.
Study Shows Even Non-Religious Americans Are Turning to Prayer as a Result of COVID-19
A new poll from Pew Research Center reveals that the COVID-19 outbreak is changing Americans' religious habits, drawing more people to the power of prayer.
U.S. manufacturing contracts; private payrolls post first drop since 2017
U.S. manufacturing activity contracted less than expected in March, but disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic pushed new orders received by factories to an 11-year low, reinforcing economists’ views that the economy was in recession.
Christian News
Pastor Charged for Holding Services Amid Coronavirus Lockdown
The pastor of a Louisiana church was charged Tuesday with defying state efforts to curtail the coronavirus outbreak. Tony Spell of the Life Tabernacle Church near Baton Rouge faces six counts of misdemeanor for holding services in violation of state-wide orders to stay home and to limit essential gatherings to 10 persons. Spell has said the government is infringing on the right to religion and that he will continue to hold services.
Pence: Don't attend church services with more than 10 people
Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday said that people should not attend church services with more than 10 attendees present.
Around the World
US extends Iran nuclear cooperation sanctions waivers
The Trump administration on Monday renewed several waivers on U.S. sanctions against Iran, allowing Russian, European and Chinese companies to continue to work on Iran’s civilian nuclear facilities without drawing American penalties.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Some claim Gantz, Netanyahu closer to deal, but stumbling blocks unresolved
Interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz were said in some reports to be inching closer to forming a unity coalition, with claims that the government could be sworn in as early as next Monday, but other sources said squabbles within the premier’s bloc were complicating the negotiations.
Messianic expectations of Jews and Muslims become one -- Bible points to a false Jesus they and others will accept
The messianic expectations of Muslim and Jewish leaders are dovetailing, with many scholars from each camp agreeing that coronavirus is the harbinger of a divine figure who will arrive as a king in the midst of pandemics and economic crises.
Inside the United States
Trump advocates for $2 trillion infrastructure bill as 'Phase 4' coronavirus relief package
President Trump pushed Congress to adopt 'very big and bold' infrastructure investments in future legislation to combat the coronavirus.
S&P 500 heads for worst first quarter since 1938
U.S. stock markets steadied on Tuesday at the end of the worst first quarter for the S&P 500 since 1938 amid growing evidence of the largescale damage caused by the collapse in oil prices and business activity due to the coronavirus.
Millions of US Workers Losing Jobs as Coronavirus Spreads
Millions of U.S. workers are losing their jobs in a surge of layoffs as businesses large and small shut their operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
DOJ office finds errors in audit of FBI's surveillance applications
The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has found errors in an audit of the FBI's compliance with factual accuracy review procedures for 29 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act applications.
Newly established US Space Force launches first security mission
The recently established United States Space Force has launched its first national security space mission. Amidst precautions pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying a Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF-6) satellite took off from Cape Canaveral on 26 March.
Christian News
New report on erosion of Chinese religious freedom sees total communist takeover
A Christian watchdog group in the UK published a new report this week on the erosion of religious freedom in China under President Xi Jinping, whose 'sinicization' campaign has set out to absorb faith into the Chinese socialist system.
Christians in India berated and falsely charged by police for handing out food to the poor
A pastor and a team of youth missionaries from his church were abused and falsely charged in India earlier this month for providing food and clothing to the poor, in another instance of police complicity with the radical Hindu nationalist agenda.
Four Christian aid workers kidnapped in Iraq have been released
It is confirmed that four French Christian aid workers have been freed after they were kidnapped in Iraq in January. A statement from President Marcron’s office on March 27 informed that the Élysée Palace had made 'every effort to reach this outcome.' The statement thanked Iraqi authorities for their cooperation but gave no details or information about any conditions of the workers’ release.
US extends Iran nuclear cooperation sanctions waivers
The Trump administration on Monday renewed several waivers on U.S. sanctions against Iran, allowing Russian, European and Chinese companies to continue to work on Iran’s civilian nuclear facilities without drawing American penalties.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Some claim Gantz, Netanyahu closer to deal, but stumbling blocks unresolved
Interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz were said in some reports to be inching closer to forming a unity coalition, with claims that the government could be sworn in as early as next Monday, but other sources said squabbles within the premier’s bloc were complicating the negotiations.
Messianic expectations of Jews and Muslims become one -- Bible points to a false Jesus they and others will accept
The messianic expectations of Muslim and Jewish leaders are dovetailing, with many scholars from each camp agreeing that coronavirus is the harbinger of a divine figure who will arrive as a king in the midst of pandemics and economic crises.
Inside the United States
Trump advocates for $2 trillion infrastructure bill as 'Phase 4' coronavirus relief package
President Trump pushed Congress to adopt 'very big and bold' infrastructure investments in future legislation to combat the coronavirus.
S&P 500 heads for worst first quarter since 1938
U.S. stock markets steadied on Tuesday at the end of the worst first quarter for the S&P 500 since 1938 amid growing evidence of the largescale damage caused by the collapse in oil prices and business activity due to the coronavirus.
Millions of US Workers Losing Jobs as Coronavirus Spreads
Millions of U.S. workers are losing their jobs in a surge of layoffs as businesses large and small shut their operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
DOJ office finds errors in audit of FBI's surveillance applications
The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has found errors in an audit of the FBI's compliance with factual accuracy review procedures for 29 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act applications.
Newly established US Space Force launches first security mission
The recently established United States Space Force has launched its first national security space mission. Amidst precautions pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying a Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF-6) satellite took off from Cape Canaveral on 26 March.
Christian News
New report on erosion of Chinese religious freedom sees total communist takeover
A Christian watchdog group in the UK published a new report this week on the erosion of religious freedom in China under President Xi Jinping, whose 'sinicization' campaign has set out to absorb faith into the Chinese socialist system.
Christians in India berated and falsely charged by police for handing out food to the poor
A pastor and a team of youth missionaries from his church were abused and falsely charged in India earlier this month for providing food and clothing to the poor, in another instance of police complicity with the radical Hindu nationalist agenda.
Four Christian aid workers kidnapped in Iraq have been released
It is confirmed that four French Christian aid workers have been freed after they were kidnapped in Iraq in January. A statement from President Marcron’s office on March 27 informed that the Élysée Palace had made 'every effort to reach this outcome.' The statement thanked Iraqi authorities for their cooperation but gave no details or information about any conditions of the workers’ release.
Around the World
Chinese researchers isolated deadly bat coronaviruses near Wuhan animal market
Chinese government researchers isolated more than 2,000 animal viruses, including deadly bat coronaviruses, and carried out scientific work on them just three miles from a wild animal market identified as the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Argentinian court upholds criminal conviction of doctor who refused abortion for rape victim
An Argentinian appellate court has upheld the 2019 criminal conviction of a doctor who refused to give a rape victim a late-term abortion. In a divided ruling on March 23, two judges found Dr. Rodríguez Lastra had 'failed to comply with the duties of a public official' when he refused to perform the abortion in 2017. Lastra told the court his refusal was in order to protect the lives of both mother and child.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Haredi in Israel the lone resisters of government takeover
Israel's ultra-orthodox Haredi community is facing fines and arrests for resisting draconian government regulations that forbid prayer services and prevent a person from walking 328 feet outside their home except in emergencies.
IDF and US hold F-35 drill, delayed by virus, over southern Israel
The Israeli and American militaries conducted a joint exercise with their F-35 stealth fighter jets over southern Israel on Sunday, simulating in-air combat and attacks from the ground, following a delay needed to sort out how to hold such a drill during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inside the United States
Judges order Texas and Ohio to allow abortions during coronavirus pandemic
Federal judges have ordered Texas and Ohio to allow abortions to continue during the coronavirus pandemic after lawsuits from Planned Parenthood.
FDA Approves Emergency Use of Anti-Malarial Drugs to Treat People Infected with COVID-19
The US government is giving reserved approval to two new weapons in the war against the COVID-19 virus, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 2,500 in the US and a total of 35,300 people around the world.
Maryland joins with more than half of U.S. states enacting mandatory lockdowns
Maryland became the 28th U.S. state to enact a mandatory quarantine on Monday, ordering residents to stay at home with the exception of "buying food and medical reasons."
Moody’s cuts outlook on $6.6 trillion US corporate debt pile to ‘negative’
Moody’s Investors Service has cut its outlook on corporate debt to negative, saying that an economy about to tip into recession because of the coronavirus will result in rising default rates.
'Historic moment': Company plans to produce millions of 5-minute coronavirus tests
A company heralded by President Trump in the fight against the coronavirus says it plans to start mass-producing rapid COVID-19 tests this week.
Christian News
Pastors Detained, Churches Services Banned Over Coronavirus Pandemic
Authorities in Africa and Europe are evacuating churches and detaining pastors as governments say they prohibit worship services to halt the spread of the new coronavirus COVID 19. Video footage obtained by Worthy News showed the head pastor of the Open Arms Ministries congregation in Ghana's city of Kumasi taken into custody during a recent worship service. The pastor, Kofi Nkrumah Sarkodie, was rushed to a police pickup truck. Several worshippers protested the move and applauded the pastor.
Florida megachurch pastor arrested for violating coronavirus restrictions with in-person services
The lead pastor of a Florida megachurch was arrested for violating state public health orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus stimulus package extends relief to churches and ministry staff
The coronavirus stimulus package signed into law last week not only serves to bolster individuals, families and for-profit companies impacted by the ongoing pandemic but also offers relief to churches and ministry staff as well.
One dead, dozens sick after Illinois church revival service, many confirmed with coronavirus
At least one person has died, and 43 people have fallen ill at an Illinois Pentecostal church, with at least 10 testing positive for coronavirus so far.
Chinese researchers isolated deadly bat coronaviruses near Wuhan animal market
Chinese government researchers isolated more than 2,000 animal viruses, including deadly bat coronaviruses, and carried out scientific work on them just three miles from a wild animal market identified as the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Argentinian court upholds criminal conviction of doctor who refused abortion for rape victim
An Argentinian appellate court has upheld the 2019 criminal conviction of a doctor who refused to give a rape victim a late-term abortion. In a divided ruling on March 23, two judges found Dr. Rodríguez Lastra had 'failed to comply with the duties of a public official' when he refused to perform the abortion in 2017. Lastra told the court his refusal was in order to protect the lives of both mother and child.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Haredi in Israel the lone resisters of government takeover
Israel's ultra-orthodox Haredi community is facing fines and arrests for resisting draconian government regulations that forbid prayer services and prevent a person from walking 328 feet outside their home except in emergencies.
IDF and US hold F-35 drill, delayed by virus, over southern Israel
The Israeli and American militaries conducted a joint exercise with their F-35 stealth fighter jets over southern Israel on Sunday, simulating in-air combat and attacks from the ground, following a delay needed to sort out how to hold such a drill during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inside the United States
Judges order Texas and Ohio to allow abortions during coronavirus pandemic
Federal judges have ordered Texas and Ohio to allow abortions to continue during the coronavirus pandemic after lawsuits from Planned Parenthood.
FDA Approves Emergency Use of Anti-Malarial Drugs to Treat People Infected with COVID-19
The US government is giving reserved approval to two new weapons in the war against the COVID-19 virus, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 2,500 in the US and a total of 35,300 people around the world.
Maryland joins with more than half of U.S. states enacting mandatory lockdowns
Maryland became the 28th U.S. state to enact a mandatory quarantine on Monday, ordering residents to stay at home with the exception of "buying food and medical reasons."
Moody’s cuts outlook on $6.6 trillion US corporate debt pile to ‘negative’
Moody’s Investors Service has cut its outlook on corporate debt to negative, saying that an economy about to tip into recession because of the coronavirus will result in rising default rates.
'Historic moment': Company plans to produce millions of 5-minute coronavirus tests
A company heralded by President Trump in the fight against the coronavirus says it plans to start mass-producing rapid COVID-19 tests this week.
Christian News
Pastors Detained, Churches Services Banned Over Coronavirus Pandemic
Authorities in Africa and Europe are evacuating churches and detaining pastors as governments say they prohibit worship services to halt the spread of the new coronavirus COVID 19. Video footage obtained by Worthy News showed the head pastor of the Open Arms Ministries congregation in Ghana's city of Kumasi taken into custody during a recent worship service. The pastor, Kofi Nkrumah Sarkodie, was rushed to a police pickup truck. Several worshippers protested the move and applauded the pastor.
Florida megachurch pastor arrested for violating coronavirus restrictions with in-person services
The lead pastor of a Florida megachurch was arrested for violating state public health orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus stimulus package extends relief to churches and ministry staff
The coronavirus stimulus package signed into law last week not only serves to bolster individuals, families and for-profit companies impacted by the ongoing pandemic but also offers relief to churches and ministry staff as well.
One dead, dozens sick after Illinois church revival service, many confirmed with coronavirus
At least one person has died, and 43 people have fallen ill at an Illinois Pentecostal church, with at least 10 testing positive for coronavirus so far.