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
Deadly Cyclone Hits Bangladesh, Myanmar
A deadly cyclone hit the coastlines of Bangladesh and Myanmar, impacting millions of people, including those living in the world’s largest refugee camp.
Thailand Opposition Defeats Military Parties In Elections
After nearly a decade of military rule, Thailand's opposition secured a stunning election victory Sunday after trouncing parties allied with the army.
Ukraine President ‘Secretly Plans’ To Hit Russia, Leaked US Documents Show (Worthy News In-Depth)
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has privately suggested hitting targets inside Russia despite publicly saying his country's only military objective is to reclaim territory taken by Moscow, according to U.S. intelligence documents.
Turkey’s President Faces Tough Opposition Challenge (Worthy News Radio)
The polls closed Sunday in elections in which the opposition may unseat the country's autocratic President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. But it remained unclear whether an opposition victory would improve the plight of minority Christians in the country and others targeted by authorities.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Abbas calls on UN to oust Israel at world body’s first ‘Nakba Day’ commemoration
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas compared Israeli rhetoric to Nazi propaganda, demanded Israel be suspended from the UN if it does not grant Palestinians a state and a “right of return” for millions of refugees, and denied Jewish ties to the Temple Mount during a speech at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday.
Discussions underway about third Israeli-Palestinian summit
There have been ongoing recent discussions about holding a third summit between Israel and the Palestinian leadership, following talks held in Jordan in February, and Egypt in March, i24 News reports. The previous conferences involved delegations from Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) with assistance from US, Egyptian and Jordanian representatives, i24 News said.
Inside the United States
Biden, House Republicans prepare for critical US debt-ceiling talks
President Joe Biden and Republican House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday prepared for critical debt-ceiling talks, with a little more than two weeks to go before the U.S. government could run short of money to pay its bills.
John Durham releases final report, concludes FBI had no verified intel when it opened probe on Trump
Special Counsel John Durham released a damning final report Monday after more than three years investigating the Russia collusion probe, declaring the FBI had no verified intelligence or evidence when it opened the Crossfire Hurricane probe of President Donald Trump's campaign in the summer of 2016. The prosecutor, however, recommended no new criminal charges.
Texas House passes bill banning sex change treatments for minors
After hours of debate and opposition from Democratic lawmakers, the Republican-led Texas House on Friday passed a bill that would ban sex change treatment for minors identifying as transgender, Yahoo News reports. Introduced by Republican Rep. Tom Oliverson, the bill will be voted on one more time before being sent back back to the Senate for approval as an amendment; if the change is approved, the bill will be signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Christian News
Uganda: New Christian convert from Islam brutally beaten by Muslim extremists for refusing to renounce Christ, “I’m not sure if I will survive”
A newly converted Christian in Uganda was severely beaten and rendered unconscious by Muslim extremists enraged that he refused to renounce Christ and return to Islam, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Christianity is legal in Uganda but former Muslims who turn to Christ are vulnerable to violent attacks by extremist elements in their former Islamic communities.
Deadly Cyclone Hits Bangladesh, Myanmar
A deadly cyclone hit the coastlines of Bangladesh and Myanmar, impacting millions of people, including those living in the world’s largest refugee camp.
Thailand Opposition Defeats Military Parties In Elections
After nearly a decade of military rule, Thailand's opposition secured a stunning election victory Sunday after trouncing parties allied with the army.
Ukraine President ‘Secretly Plans’ To Hit Russia, Leaked US Documents Show (Worthy News In-Depth)
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has privately suggested hitting targets inside Russia despite publicly saying his country's only military objective is to reclaim territory taken by Moscow, according to U.S. intelligence documents.
Turkey’s President Faces Tough Opposition Challenge (Worthy News Radio)
The polls closed Sunday in elections in which the opposition may unseat the country's autocratic President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. But it remained unclear whether an opposition victory would improve the plight of minority Christians in the country and others targeted by authorities.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Abbas calls on UN to oust Israel at world body’s first ‘Nakba Day’ commemoration
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas compared Israeli rhetoric to Nazi propaganda, demanded Israel be suspended from the UN if it does not grant Palestinians a state and a “right of return” for millions of refugees, and denied Jewish ties to the Temple Mount during a speech at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday.
Discussions underway about third Israeli-Palestinian summit
There have been ongoing recent discussions about holding a third summit between Israel and the Palestinian leadership, following talks held in Jordan in February, and Egypt in March, i24 News reports. The previous conferences involved delegations from Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) with assistance from US, Egyptian and Jordanian representatives, i24 News said.
Inside the United States
Biden, House Republicans prepare for critical US debt-ceiling talks
President Joe Biden and Republican House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday prepared for critical debt-ceiling talks, with a little more than two weeks to go before the U.S. government could run short of money to pay its bills.
John Durham releases final report, concludes FBI had no verified intel when it opened probe on Trump
Special Counsel John Durham released a damning final report Monday after more than three years investigating the Russia collusion probe, declaring the FBI had no verified intelligence or evidence when it opened the Crossfire Hurricane probe of President Donald Trump's campaign in the summer of 2016. The prosecutor, however, recommended no new criminal charges.
Texas House passes bill banning sex change treatments for minors
After hours of debate and opposition from Democratic lawmakers, the Republican-led Texas House on Friday passed a bill that would ban sex change treatment for minors identifying as transgender, Yahoo News reports. Introduced by Republican Rep. Tom Oliverson, the bill will be voted on one more time before being sent back back to the Senate for approval as an amendment; if the change is approved, the bill will be signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Christian News
Uganda: New Christian convert from Islam brutally beaten by Muslim extremists for refusing to renounce Christ, “I’m not sure if I will survive”
A newly converted Christian in Uganda was severely beaten and rendered unconscious by Muslim extremists enraged that he refused to renounce Christ and return to Islam, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Christianity is legal in Uganda but former Muslims who turn to Christ are vulnerable to violent attacks by extremist elements in their former Islamic communities.
Around the World
Turkey’s President Faces Tough Opposition Challenge (Worthy News Radio)
The polls closed Sunday in elections in which the opposition may unseat the country's autocratic President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. But it remained unclear whether an opposition victory would improve the plight of minority Christians in the country and others targeted by authorities.
Ukraine Claims Limited Victory Around Bakhmut (Worthy News Radio)
Ukraine says it has recaptured ground in Bakhmut, in a rare advance after months of grinding Russian gains in the eastern city. But Moscow has denied the claims while the death toll is mounting in one of the longest and bloodiest since Russia's invasion began more than 14 long months ago.
Christians Anxious As Court Frees Pakistan’s Ex-Premier Khan
Christians expressed anxiety Friday as Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan was released on bail Friday, a day after the Supreme Court ruled his detention on corruption charges was illegal.
Soul Searching In New York, Amsterdam Subway Attacks
The U.S. city of New York and the Dutch capital of Amsterdam were united Friday in dealing with the aftermaths of violence in their railway stations.
Germany Rocked By Deadly Shootings, Explosion
Germany was shaken Thursday by deadly shootings at a massive Mercedes-Benz car factory while police officers and firefighters were injured, some seriously, in a separate explosion in the western German town of Ratingen.
Russia Threatens Britain Over Missile Pledge To Ukraine
Russia has threatened an “adequate military response” after Britain pledged Thursday to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles to use in its battle against invading Russian forces.
Thailand Votes On Path To Ending Military Rule
Voters in Thailand prepared to go to the polls on Sunday in an election that could set the Asian nation on a path toward ending eight years of military rule, but uncertainty remains for Christian refugees.
Turkey’s Erdogan Might Lose Poll; Christians’ Plight Uncertain (Worthy News In-Depth)
The opposition may unseat the country’s autocratic President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in upcoming elections, but it remained unclear whether that would improve the plight of minority Christians, Worthy News established Friday.
Jordan air strikes kill prominent drug smuggler, target Iran-linked amphetamine factory in Syria
Jordan carried out airstrikes on southern Syria on Monday, targeting an Iran-linked drugs factory and killing well-known drug smuggler Merhi al-Ramthan and his family, The Medialine reports. The strikes came as Syria was reinstated in the Arab League earlier this month.
DRC: Over 400 people confirmed dead, 5000 missing in flooding, landslide
At least 422 people are now confirmed dead, and 5,000 are missing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following an overwhelming combination of devastating floods and a severe landslide, the Watchers reports.
US: ‘Religious Freedom Worsening Worldwide’
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has warned of “worsening religious freedom conditions around the world,” including for Christians and other groups.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, US, UN thank Egypt for role in mediating ceasefire with Islamic Jihad in Gaza
Israel, the United States, and the United Nations thanked Egypt for its role in mediating a delicate ceasefire with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group in Gaza on Saturday night, bringing five days of intense fighting between the two sides to a cautious end.
Fragile Ceasefire In Israel, Gaza After Attacks
A fragile Egypt-brokered cease-fire between Israel’s army and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip appeared to hold Sunday after nearly 1,500 rockets reigned down on Israel in a five-day clash that killed dozens of people, mostly Palestinians.
Israel Kills Head of Islamic Jihad’s Rocket Force
Israel’s military confirmed Friday that it had killed the head of the armed Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement’s rocket force and his deputy after hundreds of missiles were fired at the Jewish state.
Inside the United States
China expands targeting of U.S with Russian-style covert influence operations
China’s government is expanding the use of covert influence operations targeting the United States and is expected to exploit the White House-congressional clash over the debt limit crisis as part of growing anti-U.S. activities, the director of national intelligence said.
CNN Defends Trump Town Hall
The U.S. Cable News Network (CNN) has defended its recent decision to provide former President Donald J. Trump an opportunity to speak to voters in a controversial live televised town hall meeting.
Federal judge stops Biden admin from releasing migrants without setting court dates
A federal judge has barred the Biden administration from enacting policies to release migrants without setting court dates.
After School Satan Clubs gaining popularity, looking to extend reach
With support from the courts, After School Satan Clubs are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to religious clubs in US primary schools, and organizers are working to expand their reach into high schools and colleges, the Hill reports. The clubs are associated with the Satanic Temple organization and began in 2020; the Satanic Temple itself was founded in 2014 and claims its mission is to “encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority.”
Christian News
120,000 Armenian Christians Still Trapped In Nagorno-Karabakh
Some 120,000 Armenian Christians remained trapped Saturday in the contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh and struggled to survive as Azerbaijan continued to block the only land route from Armenia, Christian aid workers told Worthy News.
Communism poses greatest threat to Christians worldwide says former member US Commission on International Freedom
A Christian leader and former member of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom has stated that communism, not Islamic terrorism, presents the greatest threat to Christians worldwide, the Washington Times reports.
Iran executes two men for blasphemy
Amid a spike in the number of executions it has carried out since last year’s nationwide anti-government protests, Iran has just executed two Iranian men charged with blasphemy for insulting Islam and the Islamic prophet Muhammad, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. According to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, there are currently more than 150 people imprisoned in Iran for their religious beliefs.
Southern Baptist Convention membership fell by nearly half a million in 2022
While continuing as America’s largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention on Tuesday announced that its already declining membership dropped by 457,371 in 2022, returning it to the same level it was in the late 1970s, the Washington Times reports.
Nigeria: Gunmen abduct 40 Christians from Baptist church service
Islamic gunmen in Nigeria’s Kaduna state abducted 40 Christians during a Baptist church worship service on Sunday, Reuters reports.
Turkey’s President Faces Tough Opposition Challenge (Worthy News Radio)
The polls closed Sunday in elections in which the opposition may unseat the country's autocratic President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. But it remained unclear whether an opposition victory would improve the plight of minority Christians in the country and others targeted by authorities.
Ukraine Claims Limited Victory Around Bakhmut (Worthy News Radio)
Ukraine says it has recaptured ground in Bakhmut, in a rare advance after months of grinding Russian gains in the eastern city. But Moscow has denied the claims while the death toll is mounting in one of the longest and bloodiest since Russia's invasion began more than 14 long months ago.
Christians Anxious As Court Frees Pakistan’s Ex-Premier Khan
Christians expressed anxiety Friday as Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan was released on bail Friday, a day after the Supreme Court ruled his detention on corruption charges was illegal.
Soul Searching In New York, Amsterdam Subway Attacks
The U.S. city of New York and the Dutch capital of Amsterdam were united Friday in dealing with the aftermaths of violence in their railway stations.
Germany Rocked By Deadly Shootings, Explosion
Germany was shaken Thursday by deadly shootings at a massive Mercedes-Benz car factory while police officers and firefighters were injured, some seriously, in a separate explosion in the western German town of Ratingen.
Russia Threatens Britain Over Missile Pledge To Ukraine
Russia has threatened an “adequate military response” after Britain pledged Thursday to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles to use in its battle against invading Russian forces.
Thailand Votes On Path To Ending Military Rule
Voters in Thailand prepared to go to the polls on Sunday in an election that could set the Asian nation on a path toward ending eight years of military rule, but uncertainty remains for Christian refugees.
Turkey’s Erdogan Might Lose Poll; Christians’ Plight Uncertain (Worthy News In-Depth)
The opposition may unseat the country’s autocratic President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in upcoming elections, but it remained unclear whether that would improve the plight of minority Christians, Worthy News established Friday.
Jordan air strikes kill prominent drug smuggler, target Iran-linked amphetamine factory in Syria
Jordan carried out airstrikes on southern Syria on Monday, targeting an Iran-linked drugs factory and killing well-known drug smuggler Merhi al-Ramthan and his family, The Medialine reports. The strikes came as Syria was reinstated in the Arab League earlier this month.
DRC: Over 400 people confirmed dead, 5000 missing in flooding, landslide
At least 422 people are now confirmed dead, and 5,000 are missing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following an overwhelming combination of devastating floods and a severe landslide, the Watchers reports.
US: ‘Religious Freedom Worsening Worldwide’
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has warned of “worsening religious freedom conditions around the world,” including for Christians and other groups.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, US, UN thank Egypt for role in mediating ceasefire with Islamic Jihad in Gaza
Israel, the United States, and the United Nations thanked Egypt for its role in mediating a delicate ceasefire with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group in Gaza on Saturday night, bringing five days of intense fighting between the two sides to a cautious end.
Fragile Ceasefire In Israel, Gaza After Attacks
A fragile Egypt-brokered cease-fire between Israel’s army and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip appeared to hold Sunday after nearly 1,500 rockets reigned down on Israel in a five-day clash that killed dozens of people, mostly Palestinians.
Israel Kills Head of Islamic Jihad’s Rocket Force
Israel’s military confirmed Friday that it had killed the head of the armed Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement’s rocket force and his deputy after hundreds of missiles were fired at the Jewish state.
Inside the United States
China expands targeting of U.S with Russian-style covert influence operations
China’s government is expanding the use of covert influence operations targeting the United States and is expected to exploit the White House-congressional clash over the debt limit crisis as part of growing anti-U.S. activities, the director of national intelligence said.
CNN Defends Trump Town Hall
The U.S. Cable News Network (CNN) has defended its recent decision to provide former President Donald J. Trump an opportunity to speak to voters in a controversial live televised town hall meeting.
Federal judge stops Biden admin from releasing migrants without setting court dates
A federal judge has barred the Biden administration from enacting policies to release migrants without setting court dates.
After School Satan Clubs gaining popularity, looking to extend reach
With support from the courts, After School Satan Clubs are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to religious clubs in US primary schools, and organizers are working to expand their reach into high schools and colleges, the Hill reports. The clubs are associated with the Satanic Temple organization and began in 2020; the Satanic Temple itself was founded in 2014 and claims its mission is to “encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority.”
Christian News
120,000 Armenian Christians Still Trapped In Nagorno-Karabakh
Some 120,000 Armenian Christians remained trapped Saturday in the contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh and struggled to survive as Azerbaijan continued to block the only land route from Armenia, Christian aid workers told Worthy News.
Communism poses greatest threat to Christians worldwide says former member US Commission on International Freedom
A Christian leader and former member of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom has stated that communism, not Islamic terrorism, presents the greatest threat to Christians worldwide, the Washington Times reports.
Iran executes two men for blasphemy
Amid a spike in the number of executions it has carried out since last year’s nationwide anti-government protests, Iran has just executed two Iranian men charged with blasphemy for insulting Islam and the Islamic prophet Muhammad, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. According to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, there are currently more than 150 people imprisoned in Iran for their religious beliefs.
Southern Baptist Convention membership fell by nearly half a million in 2022
While continuing as America’s largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention on Tuesday announced that its already declining membership dropped by 457,371 in 2022, returning it to the same level it was in the late 1970s, the Washington Times reports.
Nigeria: Gunmen abduct 40 Christians from Baptist church service
Islamic gunmen in Nigeria’s Kaduna state abducted 40 Christians during a Baptist church worship service on Sunday, Reuters reports.
Around the World
French Agency Journalist Killed In Ukraine
A young journalist working for French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) who “loved his craft” has been killed in Ukraine in a Russian rocket strike near the battle-torn eastern city of Bakhmut, journalists said.
First Babies Born in Britain Using DNA from 3 People
Britain's fertility regulator said the first babies created using an experimental technique combining DNA from three people have been born, in an effort to prevent the children from inheriting rare genetic diseases.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hundreds Of Rockets Fired At Israel
Palestinian militants fired scores of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel on Wednesday, setting off air raid sirens in several cities and prompting evacuations, Worthy News witnessed.
IDF says campaign remains focused on Islamic Jihad after nearly 300 rockets fired
Gazan terrorists fired nearly 300 rockets at Israel over several hours on Wednesday afternoon, though nearly a fifth of them fell short inside the Strip, the Israeli military said, as it vowed to press an offensive against Islamic Jihad, but signaled it would seek to keep the engagement from snowballing.
David’s Sling makes first operational interception
David’s Sling, Israel’s newest anti-missile air defense system, successfully shot down its first rocket operationally during a barrage from the Gaza Strip targeting Israeli civilian centers on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
GOP House Investigators Allege Biden Family Used Complicated Web to Collect Millions in Foreign Cash
House Republicans investigating President Joe Biden's family business dealings say the Bidens used a web of shell companies to conceal foreign cash.
Title 42 Expires Thursday, Thousands Expected to Flood US Southern Border
As the COVID-era immigration policy known as Title 42 comes to an end, experts fear the border crisis will only get worse.
US Prices Pick Up, Inflation Still Hot at 4.9%
Consumer prices in the United States accelerated in April after months of declines, with measures of underlying inflation suggesting that rising costs could persist for months to come.
Biden says he’s exploring 14th Amendment to defuse debt ceiling standoff
President Joe Biden on Tuesday said he was “considering” the use of the 14th Amendment as a means to circumvent the debt ceiling standoff he currently finds himself in with House Republicans.
FDA panel supports over-the-counter birth control pill, paving way for final, US approval
An advisory panel at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday said that a decades-old birth control pill should be sold without a prescription, paving the way for the first over-the-counter contraceptive pill to be approved nationally.
U.S. corporate bankruptcies at highest level since 2010
U.S. companies are feeling the heat of decades-high interest rates and sticky inflation, with several filing for bankruptcy protection as the era of easy money draws to a close.
Christian News
China Frees Five Jailed Bible Study Christians
Five Christians detained since August 2022 for leading Bible studies have been freed on bail by authorities in China’s Yunnan Province, well-informed Christians Wednesday.
Christian Man Survives Lynching In Pakistan
A Christian man is recovering from his injuries in Pakistan’s Punjab province after he was nearly killed by an angry crowd for “returning to Christianity” after he “accepted Islam” to marry a Muslim woman, Christians said.
French Agency Journalist Killed In Ukraine
A young journalist working for French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) who “loved his craft” has been killed in Ukraine in a Russian rocket strike near the battle-torn eastern city of Bakhmut, journalists said.
First Babies Born in Britain Using DNA from 3 People
Britain's fertility regulator said the first babies created using an experimental technique combining DNA from three people have been born, in an effort to prevent the children from inheriting rare genetic diseases.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hundreds Of Rockets Fired At Israel
Palestinian militants fired scores of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel on Wednesday, setting off air raid sirens in several cities and prompting evacuations, Worthy News witnessed.
IDF says campaign remains focused on Islamic Jihad after nearly 300 rockets fired
Gazan terrorists fired nearly 300 rockets at Israel over several hours on Wednesday afternoon, though nearly a fifth of them fell short inside the Strip, the Israeli military said, as it vowed to press an offensive against Islamic Jihad, but signaled it would seek to keep the engagement from snowballing.
David’s Sling makes first operational interception
David’s Sling, Israel’s newest anti-missile air defense system, successfully shot down its first rocket operationally during a barrage from the Gaza Strip targeting Israeli civilian centers on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
GOP House Investigators Allege Biden Family Used Complicated Web to Collect Millions in Foreign Cash
House Republicans investigating President Joe Biden's family business dealings say the Bidens used a web of shell companies to conceal foreign cash.
Title 42 Expires Thursday, Thousands Expected to Flood US Southern Border
As the COVID-era immigration policy known as Title 42 comes to an end, experts fear the border crisis will only get worse.
US Prices Pick Up, Inflation Still Hot at 4.9%
Consumer prices in the United States accelerated in April after months of declines, with measures of underlying inflation suggesting that rising costs could persist for months to come.
Biden says he’s exploring 14th Amendment to defuse debt ceiling standoff
President Joe Biden on Tuesday said he was “considering” the use of the 14th Amendment as a means to circumvent the debt ceiling standoff he currently finds himself in with House Republicans.
FDA panel supports over-the-counter birth control pill, paving way for final, US approval
An advisory panel at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday said that a decades-old birth control pill should be sold without a prescription, paving the way for the first over-the-counter contraceptive pill to be approved nationally.
U.S. corporate bankruptcies at highest level since 2010
U.S. companies are feeling the heat of decades-high interest rates and sticky inflation, with several filing for bankruptcy protection as the era of easy money draws to a close.
Christian News
China Frees Five Jailed Bible Study Christians
Five Christians detained since August 2022 for leading Bible studies have been freed on bail by authorities in China’s Yunnan Province, well-informed Christians Wednesday.
Christian Man Survives Lynching In Pakistan
A Christian man is recovering from his injuries in Pakistan’s Punjab province after he was nearly killed by an angry crowd for “returning to Christianity” after he “accepted Islam” to marry a Muslim woman, Christians said.