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
Million French Say ‘Non’ To Raising Pension Age
More than a million people marched through France cities to condemn President Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030 in a nation where the right to free time has been religiously observed.
Strykers, Bradleys Likely in Huge US aid Package for Ukraine
The U.S. is finalizing a massive package of military aid for Ukraine that U.S. officials say is likely to total as much as $2.6 billion. It's expected to include for the first time nearly 100 Stryker combat vehicles and at least 50 Bradley armored vehicles to allow Ukrainian forces to move more quickly and securely on the front lines in the war with Russia — but not the tanks that Ukraine has sought.
Iran claims new drills in Persian Gulf using missiles, ships
Iran says it launched a new drill in the Persian Gulf using cruise missiles, drones and other weapons.
New Zealand’s Premier Ardern Resigns, Ending Era
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who became the world’s youngest female head of government and led her nation through major crises, has announced her resignation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Military, National Security Personnel Meet with Israel’s New Government
Top US military and national security officials are in Israel to meet with ministers and other officials from the newly-installed government of Likud leader and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli firm unveils new attack drone that can land back in soldier’s hand
The state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries arms firm on Thursday unveiled a new small hand-launched loitering missile, or attack drone, that can land back in a soldier’s hand without exploding, the company said.
Inside the United States
House GOP introduces bill to end COVID-19 health emergency
House Republican lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill to end the Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 public health emergency after the agency announced last week that it would extend the declaration for a further 90 days.
US hits $31.4 trillion debt ceiling as Treasury announces ‘extraordinary measures’ to avoid default
The United States reached its debt ceiling of $31.38 trillion on Thursday, forcing the Treasury Department to implement "extraordinary measures" to avoid defaulting on bonds.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to block New York gun restrictions
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday turned away a challenge by a group of firearms dealers in New York to numerous Democratic-backed measures adopted by the state last year regulating gun purchases that the businesses said hurt their businesses.
Minnesota Dem Pushes for Tampons in Boys Room: ‘Not All Who Menstruate Are Female’
Minnesota lawmakers are pushing legislation requiring public and charter schools to make "menstrual products" available in school bathrooms and boys' restrooms.
Christian News
Pakistan: National Assembly votes to make controversial blasphemy laws even harsher
Bypassing public debate on the matter, Pakistan’s National Assembly on January 17 voted to make the country’s highly controversial blasphemy laws even harsher than they already are, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. Pakistan ranks seven on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Christian persecution sweeping across Africa may result in “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” report says
A new report by the international aid organization Open Doors shows that persecution against Christians in sub-Saharan Africa is now so intense that the continent is in danger of suffering a “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” the Washington Times reports.
Nigeria: Five women abducted, pastor shot and wounded in Katsina church terror attack
Five female church members were abducted, and their pastor shot and wounded during a terrorist attack on their church in Nigeria’s Katsina state on Sunday, Morning Star News reports. The attack is just one more of tens of thousands of attacks, murders and abductions, maimings, and displacements of Christians by Islamic militants since 2015.
Church of England: homosexual couples cannot marry in church but clergy can hold blessings for same-sex civil partnerships
The Church of England has announced it cannot change its doctrine to allow same-sex couples to be married in the church but proposes that clergy may voluntarily choose to hold blessing ceremonies for homosexual couples in civil marriages, the Guardian UK reports. The “historic plans” announced on Wednesday represent a form of compromise after decades of anguished debate within the Church of England over the acceptance of homosexuality.
Northern Chinese Church Leader Sentenced To Two Years Imprisonment
A prominent Chinese church leader has begun serving a two-year prison sentence for what his family and friends view as trumped-up charges of "illegally holding materials promoting terrorism and extremism," Worthy News learned Wednesday.
Million French Say ‘Non’ To Raising Pension Age
More than a million people marched through France cities to condemn President Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030 in a nation where the right to free time has been religiously observed.
Strykers, Bradleys Likely in Huge US aid Package for Ukraine
The U.S. is finalizing a massive package of military aid for Ukraine that U.S. officials say is likely to total as much as $2.6 billion. It's expected to include for the first time nearly 100 Stryker combat vehicles and at least 50 Bradley armored vehicles to allow Ukrainian forces to move more quickly and securely on the front lines in the war with Russia — but not the tanks that Ukraine has sought.
Iran claims new drills in Persian Gulf using missiles, ships
Iran says it launched a new drill in the Persian Gulf using cruise missiles, drones and other weapons.
New Zealand’s Premier Ardern Resigns, Ending Era
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who became the world’s youngest female head of government and led her nation through major crises, has announced her resignation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Military, National Security Personnel Meet with Israel’s New Government
Top US military and national security officials are in Israel to meet with ministers and other officials from the newly-installed government of Likud leader and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli firm unveils new attack drone that can land back in soldier’s hand
The state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries arms firm on Thursday unveiled a new small hand-launched loitering missile, or attack drone, that can land back in a soldier’s hand without exploding, the company said.
Inside the United States
House GOP introduces bill to end COVID-19 health emergency
House Republican lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill to end the Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 public health emergency after the agency announced last week that it would extend the declaration for a further 90 days.
US hits $31.4 trillion debt ceiling as Treasury announces ‘extraordinary measures’ to avoid default
The United States reached its debt ceiling of $31.38 trillion on Thursday, forcing the Treasury Department to implement "extraordinary measures" to avoid defaulting on bonds.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to block New York gun restrictions
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday turned away a challenge by a group of firearms dealers in New York to numerous Democratic-backed measures adopted by the state last year regulating gun purchases that the businesses said hurt their businesses.
Minnesota Dem Pushes for Tampons in Boys Room: ‘Not All Who Menstruate Are Female’
Minnesota lawmakers are pushing legislation requiring public and charter schools to make "menstrual products" available in school bathrooms and boys' restrooms.
Christian News
Pakistan: National Assembly votes to make controversial blasphemy laws even harsher
Bypassing public debate on the matter, Pakistan’s National Assembly on January 17 voted to make the country’s highly controversial blasphemy laws even harsher than they already are, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. Pakistan ranks seven on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Christian persecution sweeping across Africa may result in “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” report says
A new report by the international aid organization Open Doors shows that persecution against Christians in sub-Saharan Africa is now so intense that the continent is in danger of suffering a “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” the Washington Times reports.
Nigeria: Five women abducted, pastor shot and wounded in Katsina church terror attack
Five female church members were abducted, and their pastor shot and wounded during a terrorist attack on their church in Nigeria’s Katsina state on Sunday, Morning Star News reports. The attack is just one more of tens of thousands of attacks, murders and abductions, maimings, and displacements of Christians by Islamic militants since 2015.
Church of England: homosexual couples cannot marry in church but clergy can hold blessings for same-sex civil partnerships
The Church of England has announced it cannot change its doctrine to allow same-sex couples to be married in the church but proposes that clergy may voluntarily choose to hold blessing ceremonies for homosexual couples in civil marriages, the Guardian UK reports. The “historic plans” announced on Wednesday represent a form of compromise after decades of anguished debate within the Church of England over the acceptance of homosexuality.
Northern Chinese Church Leader Sentenced To Two Years Imprisonment
A prominent Chinese church leader has begun serving a two-year prison sentence for what his family and friends view as trumped-up charges of "illegally holding materials promoting terrorism and extremism," Worthy News learned Wednesday.
Around the World
Ukraine Helicopter Crash Kills Interior Minister, 16 Others On ‘Black Morning’ (Worthy News Radio)
Authorities say as many as 17 people, including Ukraine's interior ministry's leadership and four children, were killed in a helicopter crash near a nursery in a suburb of Kyiv. The top officials' deaths undermined Ukraine's efforts to halt increased attacks by Russia's invading army.
German Police Remove Climate Activist Greta Thunberg, Sparking Controversy
Famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was removed by German riot police for the second time in three days while protesting at a coal mine in Germany Tuesday.
U.S. prepping major military package for Ukraine
The U.S. is gearing up to announce a major new weapons package for Ukraine on Friday, as top military leaders from around the world gather in Germany to discuss how to help Kyiv in its fight against Russia, according to three U.S. officials and another person familiar with the discussions.
Russia says British tanks sent to Ukraine ‘will burn’
The Kremlin said on Monday that the tanks Britain plans to send to Ukraine "will burn," warning the West that supplying a new round of more advanced weapons to Ukraine would not change the course of the war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel: High Court rules Shas leader Deri cannot retain ministerial positions due to criminal history
In a move that raises questions about the stability of Israel’s new government, the country’s High Court ruled Wednesday that Ariyeh Deri, head of the Shas Haredi political party, cannot retain his positions as interior and health minister because of a long history of financial criminal offenses while in public service, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Inside the United States
Pentagon Still Can’t Account For Roughly $220 Billion In Equipment, Gov’t Watchdog Says
The Department of Defense (DOD) has neglected to address its inability to keep track of at least $220 billion in equipment provided to government contractors, according to a Tuesday report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Feds borrowed $4 billion per day in 2022, totaling $10K per household
Federal debt soared by $1.4 trillion in 2022 as President Joe Biden and Congress approved multiple new spending packages.
Minnesota: Man ordered to remove “Jesus Saves” t-shirt or leave shopping mall
A security guard at the Mall of America in Minnesota, USA, earlier this month ordered a man wearing a “Jesus Saves” t-shirt to either remove the garment or leave the premises, the Washington Times reports. The January 7 incident was captured in video footage which went viral and sparked outrage on social media.
Christian News
Report: ‘360 Million Christians Persecuted For Faith; North Korea Most Hostile’ (Worthy News In-Depth)
One Christian out of seven in the world suffers high levels of persecution and discrimination for his or her faith, and North Korea appears again as the most dangerous place for devoted believers, an annual report showed Wednesday.
Pakistan: Christian father faces death penalty for alleged blasphemy
A Christian father has been arrested and detained in Islamabad, Pakistan on a charge of blasphemy which carries the death penalty, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Ukraine Helicopter Crash Kills Interior Minister, 16 Others On ‘Black Morning’ (Worthy News Radio)
Authorities say as many as 17 people, including Ukraine's interior ministry's leadership and four children, were killed in a helicopter crash near a nursery in a suburb of Kyiv. The top officials' deaths undermined Ukraine's efforts to halt increased attacks by Russia's invading army.
German Police Remove Climate Activist Greta Thunberg, Sparking Controversy
Famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was removed by German riot police for the second time in three days while protesting at a coal mine in Germany Tuesday.
U.S. prepping major military package for Ukraine
The U.S. is gearing up to announce a major new weapons package for Ukraine on Friday, as top military leaders from around the world gather in Germany to discuss how to help Kyiv in its fight against Russia, according to three U.S. officials and another person familiar with the discussions.
Russia says British tanks sent to Ukraine ‘will burn’
The Kremlin said on Monday that the tanks Britain plans to send to Ukraine "will burn," warning the West that supplying a new round of more advanced weapons to Ukraine would not change the course of the war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel: High Court rules Shas leader Deri cannot retain ministerial positions due to criminal history
In a move that raises questions about the stability of Israel’s new government, the country’s High Court ruled Wednesday that Ariyeh Deri, head of the Shas Haredi political party, cannot retain his positions as interior and health minister because of a long history of financial criminal offenses while in public service, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Inside the United States
Pentagon Still Can’t Account For Roughly $220 Billion In Equipment, Gov’t Watchdog Says
The Department of Defense (DOD) has neglected to address its inability to keep track of at least $220 billion in equipment provided to government contractors, according to a Tuesday report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Feds borrowed $4 billion per day in 2022, totaling $10K per household
Federal debt soared by $1.4 trillion in 2022 as President Joe Biden and Congress approved multiple new spending packages.
Minnesota: Man ordered to remove “Jesus Saves” t-shirt or leave shopping mall
A security guard at the Mall of America in Minnesota, USA, earlier this month ordered a man wearing a “Jesus Saves” t-shirt to either remove the garment or leave the premises, the Washington Times reports. The January 7 incident was captured in video footage which went viral and sparked outrage on social media.
Christian News
Report: ‘360 Million Christians Persecuted For Faith; North Korea Most Hostile’ (Worthy News In-Depth)
One Christian out of seven in the world suffers high levels of persecution and discrimination for his or her faith, and North Korea appears again as the most dangerous place for devoted believers, an annual report showed Wednesday.
Pakistan: Christian father faces death penalty for alleged blasphemy
A Christian father has been arrested and detained in Islamabad, Pakistan on a charge of blasphemy which carries the death penalty, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Around the World
Russia to expand size of military to 1.5 million troops, defense minister says
Russia detailed plans Tuesday to expand its military to 1.5 million personnel over the next few years, a move that comes as Ukraine warns that Moscow may be planning an offensive and increased tensions between Moscow and the United States and its allies.
Israeli scientists say substance prevents cancer’s spread in mice with 90% success
Israeli scientists are aiming to produce the world’s first preventative drug designed to stop tumors causing secondary cancer, and say the active ingredient has shown more than 90 percent effectiveness in mice.
Hungary Condemns Western Denial Of Persecution Christians
Hungary’s rightwing government has condemned the West for allegedly playing down the persecution of Christians after Islamists in Africa killed and injured dozens of believers on Sunday, including a priest.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian militants preparing for renewed violent conflict with Israel
Palestinian militant groups are preparing for new rounds of violent conflict with Israel this year as part of their resistance to the new “fascist and racist” right-wing Israeli government, Israel National News (INN) reports.
US State Dept: “Unacceptable” for Israel to unilaterally end restrictions on Jewish prayer at Temple Mount
A US State Department spokesperson has told the Washington Free Beacon news outlet that it would be “unacceptable” to the Biden administration for Israel to unilaterally change the "historic status quo" and allow Jews to pray on Jerusalem’s famous Temple Mount.
Inside the United States
Trump’s Ties to Evangelicals Souring Despite Roe v. Wade Win – ‘It’s a Sign of Disloyalty’
Former President Donald Trump is being extremely blunt about why evangelical leaders have held off endorsing him so far in the 2024 presidential race.
Central-bank digital currencies are coming—whether countries are ready or not
Central-bank digital currency" doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. But you might want to get used to saying it. These so-called CBDCs, or digital versions of dollars, yuan, euros, yen or any other currency, are coming, say those who study them. And depending on how they are designed and rolled out, their impact on the banking system could be profound.
NYC Health Officials: “Highly transmissible” Omicron XBB.1.5 COVID-19 variant maybe more likely to affect the vaccinated
New York City health officials announced Friday that Omicron XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible COVID-19 variant they know of to date, and it may be more likely to affect those who have been vaccinated against the Covid-19 and those who have already had the virus, NBC New York reports.
Christian News
Japan Rejects Refugee Status Of Bangladesh Evangelist Despite Islamic Death Threats (Worthy News Exclusive)
Japan has declined the refugee status of a Christian evangelist who fled his native Bangladesh after Islamic militants threatened to kill him for converting to Christianity and being forced to marry a Muslim woman.
Russia to expand size of military to 1.5 million troops, defense minister says
Russia detailed plans Tuesday to expand its military to 1.5 million personnel over the next few years, a move that comes as Ukraine warns that Moscow may be planning an offensive and increased tensions between Moscow and the United States and its allies.
Israeli scientists say substance prevents cancer’s spread in mice with 90% success
Israeli scientists are aiming to produce the world’s first preventative drug designed to stop tumors causing secondary cancer, and say the active ingredient has shown more than 90 percent effectiveness in mice.
Hungary Condemns Western Denial Of Persecution Christians
Hungary’s rightwing government has condemned the West for allegedly playing down the persecution of Christians after Islamists in Africa killed and injured dozens of believers on Sunday, including a priest.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian militants preparing for renewed violent conflict with Israel
Palestinian militant groups are preparing for new rounds of violent conflict with Israel this year as part of their resistance to the new “fascist and racist” right-wing Israeli government, Israel National News (INN) reports.
US State Dept: “Unacceptable” for Israel to unilaterally end restrictions on Jewish prayer at Temple Mount
A US State Department spokesperson has told the Washington Free Beacon news outlet that it would be “unacceptable” to the Biden administration for Israel to unilaterally change the "historic status quo" and allow Jews to pray on Jerusalem’s famous Temple Mount.
Inside the United States
Trump’s Ties to Evangelicals Souring Despite Roe v. Wade Win – ‘It’s a Sign of Disloyalty’
Former President Donald Trump is being extremely blunt about why evangelical leaders have held off endorsing him so far in the 2024 presidential race.
Central-bank digital currencies are coming—whether countries are ready or not
Central-bank digital currency" doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. But you might want to get used to saying it. These so-called CBDCs, or digital versions of dollars, yuan, euros, yen or any other currency, are coming, say those who study them. And depending on how they are designed and rolled out, their impact on the banking system could be profound.
NYC Health Officials: “Highly transmissible” Omicron XBB.1.5 COVID-19 variant maybe more likely to affect the vaccinated
New York City health officials announced Friday that Omicron XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible COVID-19 variant they know of to date, and it may be more likely to affect those who have been vaccinated against the Covid-19 and those who have already had the virus, NBC New York reports.
Christian News
Japan Rejects Refugee Status Of Bangladesh Evangelist Despite Islamic Death Threats (Worthy News Exclusive)
Japan has declined the refugee status of a Christian evangelist who fled his native Bangladesh after Islamic militants threatened to kill him for converting to Christianity and being forced to marry a Muslim woman.