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
Russian Opposition Activist Jailed For 25 Years
A Russian court sentenced opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years imprisonment on charges linked to his criticism of the war in Ukraine, prompting international condemnation.
US kills 3 Islamic State leaders in 2 Syria operations
U.S. forces killed three senior Islamic State leaders in two separate military operations in Syria Thursday, including a rare ground raid in a portion of the northeast that is controlled by the Syrian regime, U.S. officials said.
China Forces on ‘High Alert’ After U.S. Warship Transits Taiwan Strait
The Chinese military on Monday said the United States had "publicly hyped up" an American warship's presence in the Taiwan Strait after the U.S. Navy sent a destroyer through the sensitive waters for only the second time this year.
Mexico Gunmen Storm Water Park, 7 Killed
Questions remained Sunday after armed men attacked the central Mexican resort of La Palma in the Cortazar municipality of Guanajuato state, killing six adults and a 7-year-old child, authorities said.
Leaked documents show China could quickly establish air superiority over Taiwan during an invasion
Recently leaked classified US intelligence documents show that China is expected to quickly establish air superiority over Taiwan in any future Chinese invasion of the small island nation, the Guardian UK reports. The documents were found to have been among those leaked by US air national guardsman Jack Teixeira, who has since been arrested and taken into custody by the FBI.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Crown Prince of Iran making ‘brave,’ first-of-its-kind visit to Israel
Crown Prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi on Monday became the most senior Iranian figure to ever make a public visit to Israel. Pahlavi is the oldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, who was overthrown during the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Israel: Polls show far-right governing coalition would lose to centrist National Unity alliance in a new election
Two new polls by Israel’s Channel 12 and Channel 13, respectively, show that the centrist National Unity alliance led by former Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz would easily defeat the current far-right governing coalition in a new election, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports. The polls were taken amid massive nationwide protests over the government’s plans for judicial reform, which many see as a power grab that would weaken judicial authority to review and override bad laws created by politicians.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court Expected to Rule on Abortion Pill This Week
The Supreme Court is expected to decide this week whether or not the abortion pill mifepristone can still be used in certain states.
Abortion Pill Access May Continue Even If FDA Loses In Court
The U.S. Justice Department is racing this week to convince a federal appeals court, or possibly the U.S. Supreme Court, to put on hold a judge's order suspending the government's approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, which is used in more than half of all abortions in the country.
Feds charge 40 Chinese police officials for repression efforts against U.S. residents
The Department of Justice on Monday announced that it had charged more than 40 individuals, many of whom are members of the Chinese national police, in connection with transnational repression schemes to stifle the activities of Chinese citizens abroad.
Two Arrested for Operating Secret Chinese Police Station in New York
Two residents of New York City were arrested on Monday morning on federal charges related to allegations that they operated a "secret police station" in the city on behalf of the Chinese government.
Christian News
Myanmar: Former head of Kachin Baptist Convention sentenced to six years imprisonment, “outrageous travesty of justice”
A Myanmar/Burma court has sentenced the former President of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), Reverend Dr. Hkalam Samson, to six years in prison for speaking out against human rights abuses perpetrated against the Kachin people by the ruling Burmese military junta Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports.
Iran: Christian couple granted a retrial following prison sentence for house church membership
A court in Iran has accepted an application for a retrial by an Iranian Christian couple sentenced to a combined 10 years in prison for being members of a house church, Article 18 reports.
Russian Opposition Activist Jailed For 25 Years
A Russian court sentenced opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years imprisonment on charges linked to his criticism of the war in Ukraine, prompting international condemnation.
US kills 3 Islamic State leaders in 2 Syria operations
U.S. forces killed three senior Islamic State leaders in two separate military operations in Syria Thursday, including a rare ground raid in a portion of the northeast that is controlled by the Syrian regime, U.S. officials said.
China Forces on ‘High Alert’ After U.S. Warship Transits Taiwan Strait
The Chinese military on Monday said the United States had "publicly hyped up" an American warship's presence in the Taiwan Strait after the U.S. Navy sent a destroyer through the sensitive waters for only the second time this year.
Mexico Gunmen Storm Water Park, 7 Killed
Questions remained Sunday after armed men attacked the central Mexican resort of La Palma in the Cortazar municipality of Guanajuato state, killing six adults and a 7-year-old child, authorities said.
Leaked documents show China could quickly establish air superiority over Taiwan during an invasion
Recently leaked classified US intelligence documents show that China is expected to quickly establish air superiority over Taiwan in any future Chinese invasion of the small island nation, the Guardian UK reports. The documents were found to have been among those leaked by US air national guardsman Jack Teixeira, who has since been arrested and taken into custody by the FBI.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Crown Prince of Iran making ‘brave,’ first-of-its-kind visit to Israel
Crown Prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi on Monday became the most senior Iranian figure to ever make a public visit to Israel. Pahlavi is the oldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, who was overthrown during the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Israel: Polls show far-right governing coalition would lose to centrist National Unity alliance in a new election
Two new polls by Israel’s Channel 12 and Channel 13, respectively, show that the centrist National Unity alliance led by former Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz would easily defeat the current far-right governing coalition in a new election, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports. The polls were taken amid massive nationwide protests over the government’s plans for judicial reform, which many see as a power grab that would weaken judicial authority to review and override bad laws created by politicians.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court Expected to Rule on Abortion Pill This Week
The Supreme Court is expected to decide this week whether or not the abortion pill mifepristone can still be used in certain states.
Abortion Pill Access May Continue Even If FDA Loses In Court
The U.S. Justice Department is racing this week to convince a federal appeals court, or possibly the U.S. Supreme Court, to put on hold a judge's order suspending the government's approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, which is used in more than half of all abortions in the country.
Feds charge 40 Chinese police officials for repression efforts against U.S. residents
The Department of Justice on Monday announced that it had charged more than 40 individuals, many of whom are members of the Chinese national police, in connection with transnational repression schemes to stifle the activities of Chinese citizens abroad.
Two Arrested for Operating Secret Chinese Police Station in New York
Two residents of New York City were arrested on Monday morning on federal charges related to allegations that they operated a "secret police station" in the city on behalf of the Chinese government.
Christian News
Myanmar: Former head of Kachin Baptist Convention sentenced to six years imprisonment, “outrageous travesty of justice”
A Myanmar/Burma court has sentenced the former President of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), Reverend Dr. Hkalam Samson, to six years in prison for speaking out against human rights abuses perpetrated against the Kachin people by the ruling Burmese military junta Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports.
Iran: Christian couple granted a retrial following prison sentence for house church membership
A court in Iran has accepted an application for a retrial by an Iranian Christian couple sentenced to a combined 10 years in prison for being members of a house church, Article 18 reports.
Around the World
Killings in Ukraine Overshadow Orthodox Easter (Worthy News Radio)
Kyiv says Russia has shelled a block of flats in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk, killing nine people, including a toddler. However, Russia said later that Ukrainian forces also attacked a town in Russian-controlled Donetsk, killing at least four and injuring 10 people. The clashes have overshadowed the Orthodox Easter many in Ukraine and Russia celebrated.
Chanting ‘Death to Israel,’ tens of thousands march in Tehran for ‘Jerusalem Day’
Tens of thousands of Iranians, some chanting “death to America” and “death to Israel,” marched in the capital of Tehran on Friday to mark “Jerusalem Day,” an annual show of support for the Palestinians.
Gunfire, Explosions Rock Sudan’s Capital
The leaders of Sudan's army and paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSD), agreed Sunday to a temporary ceasefire after two days of fighting that killed at least scores of people, including aid workers.
New Global Digital Currency Raising Concerns (Worthy News In-Depth)
An authority linked to the International Monetary Fund, which oversees the world's monetary system, has launched an international central bank digital currency (CBDC), despite criticism, it will lead to global government control.
Britain: ‘Ukrainian Troops Forced To Withdraw From Positions’ (Worthy News Radio)
British intelligence officials have warned that Ukrainian troops had been forced to withdraw from vital front positions amid a barrage of Russian attacks. The comments came as Britain's prime minister denounced a video allegedly showing the beheading of a Ukrainian prisoner of war.
Moscow Angry As Norway Expels 15 Russians For “Spying”
Moscow has warned it will retaliate after Norway expelled 15 Russian officials, saying they had abused their diplomatic status to spy in the Nordic nation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Pentagon leak suggests Israel preapring for Iran attack despite ‘declining military capability’
According to a trove of classified documents leaked from the Pentagon and published first by Ynet, the United States believes Israel has held large-scale drills simulating an attack on Iran's nuclear program despite what it considered Israel's "declining military capability."
Damage control: US ‘reassuring’ Israel after Pentagon intel leak
American officials are reaching out to their Israeli counterparts to “reassure” them after an explosive U.S. intelligence leak suggested that Washington spied on Israel, as well as researched how to pressure Jerusalem into abandoning its neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Israelis Protest Against Judicial Overhaul for 15th Weekend
Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets throughout Israel on Saturday evening, with widespread protests scheduled nationwide. This is the 15th consecutive weekend of rallies around the country.
Inside the United States
Online Control Bill Threatens US Democracy, Critics Warn (Worthy News In-Depth)
An influential American commentator and former legislator warns that a proposed new internet control bill “threatens” U.S. democracy and its “God-given rights that are enshrined in the Constitution.”
US Town Mourning Teens Shot At Birthday Party
A vigil was underway Sunday in the U.S. state of Alabama, where authorities said a shooting at a 16th birthday party killed at least four people and injured numerous others.
Killings in Ukraine Overshadow Orthodox Easter (Worthy News Radio)
Kyiv says Russia has shelled a block of flats in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk, killing nine people, including a toddler. However, Russia said later that Ukrainian forces also attacked a town in Russian-controlled Donetsk, killing at least four and injuring 10 people. The clashes have overshadowed the Orthodox Easter many in Ukraine and Russia celebrated.
Chanting ‘Death to Israel,’ tens of thousands march in Tehran for ‘Jerusalem Day’
Tens of thousands of Iranians, some chanting “death to America” and “death to Israel,” marched in the capital of Tehran on Friday to mark “Jerusalem Day,” an annual show of support for the Palestinians.
Gunfire, Explosions Rock Sudan’s Capital
The leaders of Sudan's army and paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSD), agreed Sunday to a temporary ceasefire after two days of fighting that killed at least scores of people, including aid workers.
New Global Digital Currency Raising Concerns (Worthy News In-Depth)
An authority linked to the International Monetary Fund, which oversees the world's monetary system, has launched an international central bank digital currency (CBDC), despite criticism, it will lead to global government control.
Britain: ‘Ukrainian Troops Forced To Withdraw From Positions’ (Worthy News Radio)
British intelligence officials have warned that Ukrainian troops had been forced to withdraw from vital front positions amid a barrage of Russian attacks. The comments came as Britain's prime minister denounced a video allegedly showing the beheading of a Ukrainian prisoner of war.
Moscow Angry As Norway Expels 15 Russians For “Spying”
Moscow has warned it will retaliate after Norway expelled 15 Russian officials, saying they had abused their diplomatic status to spy in the Nordic nation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Pentagon leak suggests Israel preapring for Iran attack despite ‘declining military capability’
According to a trove of classified documents leaked from the Pentagon and published first by Ynet, the United States believes Israel has held large-scale drills simulating an attack on Iran's nuclear program despite what it considered Israel's "declining military capability."
Damage control: US ‘reassuring’ Israel after Pentagon intel leak
American officials are reaching out to their Israeli counterparts to “reassure” them after an explosive U.S. intelligence leak suggested that Washington spied on Israel, as well as researched how to pressure Jerusalem into abandoning its neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Israelis Protest Against Judicial Overhaul for 15th Weekend
Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets throughout Israel on Saturday evening, with widespread protests scheduled nationwide. This is the 15th consecutive weekend of rallies around the country.
Inside the United States
Online Control Bill Threatens US Democracy, Critics Warn (Worthy News In-Depth)
An influential American commentator and former legislator warns that a proposed new internet control bill “threatens” U.S. democracy and its “God-given rights that are enshrined in the Constitution.”
US Town Mourning Teens Shot At Birthday Party
A vigil was underway Sunday in the U.S. state of Alabama, where authorities said a shooting at a 16th birthday party killed at least four people and injured numerous others.
Around the World
Iran exploited Syrian earthquake to smuggle weapons, military equipment
Tehran took advantage of the earthquake that devastated parts of Syria and Turkey in early February, killing tens of thousands, to smuggle weapons and military equipment, according to Reuters.
Efforts to forge Saudi ties said to be on ice as tensions with Palestinians spike
Saudi Arabia’s interest in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel has cooled in recent months amid ongoing violence in the West Bank and clashes at the flashpoint Temple Mount site, US media reported this week.
Mecca hit by “plague of locusts” during Ramadan rainfall
Social media was abuzz with videos showing an infestation of unidentified bugs at the Great Mosque, the holiest mosque in all of Islam. It is the focus of the hajj, the pilgrimage, which draws millions of Muslims a year to Saudi Arabia. The swarm went unreported on Al Arabiya and other Arab media. The bugs appeared after an unseasonal rain that fell four days ago during Umrah, a lesser pilgrimage festival.
Dutch Court Challenges “Obsessive” Sperm Donor With Hundreds Of Children
An “obsessive” sperm donor believed to have fathered more than 550 children in the Netherlands and around the world was challenged in a Dutch court Thursday to force him to stop donating.
French President Macron Defends Taiwan, US Remarks
French President Emmanuel Macron has defended challenging the U.S. superpower status and saying that France should not get caught up in escalating tensions between the United States and China.
Hungary Withdraws From Russian-Controlled Bank After US Sanctions
Hungary's nationalist government has decided to withdraw its representatives from the Russia-controlled International Investment Bank (IIB) and will quit it after the U.S. imposed sanctions late Wednesday and planned more punitive measures.
Ecuador Attackers Kill Nine Fishermen
Security forces in Ecuador are searching for some 30 gunmen who killed nine men working at the fishing port of Esmeraldas, officials said.
Biden “At Home” In Ireland
Saying "I'm at home," U.S. President Joe Biden addressed Ireland’s parliament Thursday, a day after he said that Northern Ireland must “not go back” to the violence that scarred it for years.
Saudi Arabia hosts delegations from Iran and Syria to discuss restoration of diplomatic ties
In a big show of thawing relations with both Iran and Syria, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday hosted delegations from the two countries intending to restore severed diplomatic ties with each of them, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
US Sanctions Individuals In Hungary
The United States lashed out at Hungary for its “eagerness” to have friendly ties with Moscow and imposed sanctions on three individuals of a Budapest-based Russian-controlled bank.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iron Dome on alert in the north for final Friday of Ramadan, Iran’s Quds Day
Israel has readied its air defenses amid fears of a security flare-up on Friday when Palestinian worshipers will throng the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Ramadan prayers and Iran will commemorate its annual “Quds Day” with anti-Israel activities.
Inside the United States
FBI Detains Alleged Leaker Of US Intelligence Documents
Several sources confirmed that a 21-year-old U.S. Air Force National Guard employee has been arrested over the leak of hundreds of pages of U.S. classified military intelligence.
North Dakota passes laws banning transgender girls from playing on female sports teams
North Dakota has now passed two laws which prohibit transgender girls and women from playing on female sports teams in K-12 and at college level.
Christian News
New study reveals hidden portion of the Gospel of Matthew
A new study by the Austrian Academy of Sciences (AAS) has brought to light a previously hidden section of the Gospel of Matthew, Christian Today reports. The study and its findings have been published in the New Testament Studies journal.
India Supreme Court to hear case by Catholic Archbishop requesting disclosure of records of religious rights abuses
In a case brought by the Catholic Archbishop of Bangalore, India’s Supreme Court will on Friday consider harsh anti-conversion laws passed in numerous Indian states and consider the church leader’s request to compel the disclosure of records of religious violations in those states, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Iran exploited Syrian earthquake to smuggle weapons, military equipment
Tehran took advantage of the earthquake that devastated parts of Syria and Turkey in early February, killing tens of thousands, to smuggle weapons and military equipment, according to Reuters.
Efforts to forge Saudi ties said to be on ice as tensions with Palestinians spike
Saudi Arabia’s interest in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel has cooled in recent months amid ongoing violence in the West Bank and clashes at the flashpoint Temple Mount site, US media reported this week.
Mecca hit by “plague of locusts” during Ramadan rainfall
Social media was abuzz with videos showing an infestation of unidentified bugs at the Great Mosque, the holiest mosque in all of Islam. It is the focus of the hajj, the pilgrimage, which draws millions of Muslims a year to Saudi Arabia. The swarm went unreported on Al Arabiya and other Arab media. The bugs appeared after an unseasonal rain that fell four days ago during Umrah, a lesser pilgrimage festival.
Dutch Court Challenges “Obsessive” Sperm Donor With Hundreds Of Children
An “obsessive” sperm donor believed to have fathered more than 550 children in the Netherlands and around the world was challenged in a Dutch court Thursday to force him to stop donating.
French President Macron Defends Taiwan, US Remarks
French President Emmanuel Macron has defended challenging the U.S. superpower status and saying that France should not get caught up in escalating tensions between the United States and China.
Hungary Withdraws From Russian-Controlled Bank After US Sanctions
Hungary's nationalist government has decided to withdraw its representatives from the Russia-controlled International Investment Bank (IIB) and will quit it after the U.S. imposed sanctions late Wednesday and planned more punitive measures.
Ecuador Attackers Kill Nine Fishermen
Security forces in Ecuador are searching for some 30 gunmen who killed nine men working at the fishing port of Esmeraldas, officials said.
Biden “At Home” In Ireland
Saying "I'm at home," U.S. President Joe Biden addressed Ireland’s parliament Thursday, a day after he said that Northern Ireland must “not go back” to the violence that scarred it for years.
Saudi Arabia hosts delegations from Iran and Syria to discuss restoration of diplomatic ties
In a big show of thawing relations with both Iran and Syria, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday hosted delegations from the two countries intending to restore severed diplomatic ties with each of them, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
US Sanctions Individuals In Hungary
The United States lashed out at Hungary for its “eagerness” to have friendly ties with Moscow and imposed sanctions on three individuals of a Budapest-based Russian-controlled bank.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iron Dome on alert in the north for final Friday of Ramadan, Iran’s Quds Day
Israel has readied its air defenses amid fears of a security flare-up on Friday when Palestinian worshipers will throng the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Ramadan prayers and Iran will commemorate its annual “Quds Day” with anti-Israel activities.
Inside the United States
FBI Detains Alleged Leaker Of US Intelligence Documents
Several sources confirmed that a 21-year-old U.S. Air Force National Guard employee has been arrested over the leak of hundreds of pages of U.S. classified military intelligence.
North Dakota passes laws banning transgender girls from playing on female sports teams
North Dakota has now passed two laws which prohibit transgender girls and women from playing on female sports teams in K-12 and at college level.
Christian News
New study reveals hidden portion of the Gospel of Matthew
A new study by the Austrian Academy of Sciences (AAS) has brought to light a previously hidden section of the Gospel of Matthew, Christian Today reports. The study and its findings have been published in the New Testament Studies journal.
India Supreme Court to hear case by Catholic Archbishop requesting disclosure of records of religious rights abuses
In a case brought by the Catholic Archbishop of Bangalore, India’s Supreme Court will on Friday consider harsh anti-conversion laws passed in numerous Indian states and consider the church leader’s request to compel the disclosure of records of religious violations in those states, the Christian Post (CP) reports.