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
Europe Facing Social Turmoil Over COVID-19 Pandemic
Pope Francis prayed for the end of the pandemic amid mounting social turmoil in Europe about COVID-19 restrictions. His prayers in St. Peter’s Basilica and call for “a horizon of hope” came as in Belgium's capital Brussels police said they detained more than 130 people at an “illegal” party.
Truce After 40 Die In Kyrgyz-Tajik Water Dispute
There was a tense cease-fire on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan after scores of people died in the worst clashes between both nations since they gained independence in the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.
Iran sought nuclear weapons, technology for WMDs last year, reports find
The Islamic Republic of Iran made multiple attempts in 2020 to obtain technology for its weapons of mass destruction program and has not stopped its drive to develop atomic weapons, intelligence agencies from the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany recently reported.
Denmark Removes J&J from Vaccination Program Over Clot Fears
Denmark removed the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 shot from its vaccination program to investigate reports of rare but potentially dangerous blood clots, health authorities said Monday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Secretary of State meets with head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has met with Yossi Cohen, the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, for talks that centered on Iran, the Associated Press reports.
Rivlin said set to ask Lapid to form coalition, won’t give mandate to Bennett
President Reuven Rivlin will likely tap Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid with forming the next government if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fails to do so by the Tuesday night deadline, but will likely not consider offering it to Yamina leader Naftali Bennett, according to Hebrew media reports.
Inside the United States
US Children To Receive COVID Vaccines Despite Side Effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is due to authorize Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for young adults age 12 and older by next week, despite side effects linked to its mRNA technology.
Microsoft Founder Bill Gates and Wife Divorce
Microsoft founder Bill Gates says he and his wife Melinda are splitting up after 27 years of marriage.
Leftist’s video proves critical to Capitol riot probe
The sole left-wing activist arrested to date in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots is the same man who created an on-scene video that has helped the FBI identify and arrest Trump-aligned participants.
FBI: Gun frenzy now in 16th month as Biden seeks ban
The nation’s gun craze propelled by politics and the coronavirus has now hit 16-straight months of shattering records, with April sales of at least 1.8 million and FBI background checks logging over 3.5 million.
Digital Dollar Project to Launch Pilot Programs to Explore Designs and Uses of a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency
The Digital Dollar Project (DDP) will launch at least five pilot programs over the next 12 months with interested stakeholders and DDP participants to measure the value of and inform the future design of a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC), or “digital dollar.”
Christian News
Nigeria troops rescue Christian schoolboy abducted by Fulani herdsmen
Government troops in Nigeria’s Plateau state have rescued a boy who was one of four students kidnapped from their Christian mission school by Muslim Fulani herdsmen last month, Morning Star News reports. Kelvin Eze of King’s School was rescued on April 30; the other three students had managed to escape the day before.
Christian man tortured by police in Pakistan, held in custody
A Christian man in Pakistan was tortured by police into confessing to a false allegation of blasphemy, and then illegally held in custody for two months before being presented to a judge, Morning Star News reports. Salamat Mansha Masih was arrested, tortured, and detained in Lahore after Muslims heard him reading the Bible in a park on February 13.
China government shuts down Bible Apps and WeChat Christian accounts
As part of its ongoing campaign to suppress Christianity in China, the Chinese communist government has now closed down Bible Apps and Christian WeChat public accounts, International Christian Concern reports.
China Detains Over 100 Christian Worshipers, Including Children
Chinese police have detained more than 100 Christians, including minors, for attending unauthorized worship and Christian education in southeastern China, several sources confirmed.
Study: Trauma-Informed Bible Reading Reduces Depression, Anxiety, Anger
A recent ABS-commissioned study by Baylor University researchers found that combining education about mental health best practices with Bible reading can have a significant benefit. In their study, this reduced the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and increased forgiveness, compassion, and sense of purpose.
Worthy Watch
Pentagon Develops Microchip Detecting COVID-19 By Tracking Your Blood
‘Far more likely’ coronavirus came from lab, ex-MI6 chief says
Europe Facing Social Turmoil Over COVID-19 Pandemic
Pope Francis prayed for the end of the pandemic amid mounting social turmoil in Europe about COVID-19 restrictions. His prayers in St. Peter’s Basilica and call for “a horizon of hope” came as in Belgium's capital Brussels police said they detained more than 130 people at an “illegal” party.
Truce After 40 Die In Kyrgyz-Tajik Water Dispute
There was a tense cease-fire on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan after scores of people died in the worst clashes between both nations since they gained independence in the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.
Iran sought nuclear weapons, technology for WMDs last year, reports find
The Islamic Republic of Iran made multiple attempts in 2020 to obtain technology for its weapons of mass destruction program and has not stopped its drive to develop atomic weapons, intelligence agencies from the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany recently reported.
Denmark Removes J&J from Vaccination Program Over Clot Fears
Denmark removed the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 shot from its vaccination program to investigate reports of rare but potentially dangerous blood clots, health authorities said Monday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Secretary of State meets with head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has met with Yossi Cohen, the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, for talks that centered on Iran, the Associated Press reports.
Rivlin said set to ask Lapid to form coalition, won’t give mandate to Bennett
President Reuven Rivlin will likely tap Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid with forming the next government if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fails to do so by the Tuesday night deadline, but will likely not consider offering it to Yamina leader Naftali Bennett, according to Hebrew media reports.
Inside the United States
US Children To Receive COVID Vaccines Despite Side Effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is due to authorize Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for young adults age 12 and older by next week, despite side effects linked to its mRNA technology.
Microsoft Founder Bill Gates and Wife Divorce
Microsoft founder Bill Gates says he and his wife Melinda are splitting up after 27 years of marriage.
Leftist’s video proves critical to Capitol riot probe
The sole left-wing activist arrested to date in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots is the same man who created an on-scene video that has helped the FBI identify and arrest Trump-aligned participants.
FBI: Gun frenzy now in 16th month as Biden seeks ban
The nation’s gun craze propelled by politics and the coronavirus has now hit 16-straight months of shattering records, with April sales of at least 1.8 million and FBI background checks logging over 3.5 million.
Digital Dollar Project to Launch Pilot Programs to Explore Designs and Uses of a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency
The Digital Dollar Project (DDP) will launch at least five pilot programs over the next 12 months with interested stakeholders and DDP participants to measure the value of and inform the future design of a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC), or “digital dollar.”
Christian News
Nigeria troops rescue Christian schoolboy abducted by Fulani herdsmen
Government troops in Nigeria’s Plateau state have rescued a boy who was one of four students kidnapped from their Christian mission school by Muslim Fulani herdsmen last month, Morning Star News reports. Kelvin Eze of King’s School was rescued on April 30; the other three students had managed to escape the day before.
Christian man tortured by police in Pakistan, held in custody
A Christian man in Pakistan was tortured by police into confessing to a false allegation of blasphemy, and then illegally held in custody for two months before being presented to a judge, Morning Star News reports. Salamat Mansha Masih was arrested, tortured, and detained in Lahore after Muslims heard him reading the Bible in a park on February 13.
China government shuts down Bible Apps and WeChat Christian accounts
As part of its ongoing campaign to suppress Christianity in China, the Chinese communist government has now closed down Bible Apps and Christian WeChat public accounts, International Christian Concern reports.
China Detains Over 100 Christian Worshipers, Including Children
Chinese police have detained more than 100 Christians, including minors, for attending unauthorized worship and Christian education in southeastern China, several sources confirmed.
Study: Trauma-Informed Bible Reading Reduces Depression, Anxiety, Anger
A recent ABS-commissioned study by Baylor University researchers found that combining education about mental health best practices with Bible reading can have a significant benefit. In their study, this reduced the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and increased forgiveness, compassion, and sense of purpose.
Worthy Watch
Pentagon Develops Microchip Detecting COVID-19 By Tracking Your Blood
‘Far more likely’ coronavirus came from lab, ex-MI6 chief says
Around the World
US denies Iran claims of prisoner deal; UK plays it down
The United States and Iran are in active talks over the release of prisoners, a person familiar with the discussions said Sunday as Washington denied a report by Iranian state-run television that deals had been struck.
U.S. base in Afghanistan hit by rocket fire as troops begin withdrawal
In an ominous kickoff to the mission to leave, U.S. forces returned fire over the weekend after rockets hit a key air base in Kandahar, Afghanistan, while America’s top general on Sunday warned of “bad possible outcomes” in the country after all U.S. and NATO troops complete their withdrawal.
Iran expects sanctions on banks, oil to be lifted based on nuclear talks
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator said that Tehran expects US sanctions on oil, banks and other sectors and on most individuals and institutions to be lifted based on agreements reached so far at talks in Vienna, Iranian state media reported on Saturday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
EU, UN call on Abbas to set new date for Palestinian elections
The Palestinian Authority should set a new date for the Legislative Council elections – and Israel should allow Palestinians to cast their ballots in Jerusalem, the European Union and the United Nations said on Friday.
Gantz rules out coalition with Netanyahu, says he’s committed to replacing him
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz on Sunday ruled out joining a government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling lawmakers in his party that he is fully committed to the so-called “change bloc” that seeks to remove the Likud leader from power.
Biden said to tell Mossad chief that US not close to return to Iran nuke deal
US president Joe Biden reportedly told Mossad chief Yossi Cohen that the US is not close to returning to the nuclear deal with Iran, according to a news report Sunday.
Inside the United States
Biden cancels remainder of Trump border wall projects funded by Pentagon
The Pentagon canceled border wall projects that the Trump administration had funded with $10.5 billion it diverted from other federal departments on the basis that the southern border was experiencing a national emergency.
76,000 California inmates eligible for early release through good behavior credits
More than 63,000 inmates convicted of violent crimes will be eligible for good behavior credits to shorten their sentence by one-third, instead of the one-fifth rule that was in place since 2017, the Associated Press reported.
Christian News
Pastor Denied Permit to Hold National Day of Prayer Event at the U.S. Capitol Building
This year's National Day of Prayer event at the U.S. Capitol appears to have been canceled after one evangelical leader was denied a permit to hold the prayer gathering at the building.
Worthy Watch
‘Do Not Trust The Mullahs’ Apologists In The U.S. Media’: Iranian Dissidents Pay For Giant Billboard Near NYT Building
Lawyer: Feds Got Into Rudy’s iCloud With ‘Covert Warrant’ While He Repped Trump in 2019
US denies Iran claims of prisoner deal; UK plays it down
The United States and Iran are in active talks over the release of prisoners, a person familiar with the discussions said Sunday as Washington denied a report by Iranian state-run television that deals had been struck.
U.S. base in Afghanistan hit by rocket fire as troops begin withdrawal
In an ominous kickoff to the mission to leave, U.S. forces returned fire over the weekend after rockets hit a key air base in Kandahar, Afghanistan, while America’s top general on Sunday warned of “bad possible outcomes” in the country after all U.S. and NATO troops complete their withdrawal.
Iran expects sanctions on banks, oil to be lifted based on nuclear talks
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator said that Tehran expects US sanctions on oil, banks and other sectors and on most individuals and institutions to be lifted based on agreements reached so far at talks in Vienna, Iranian state media reported on Saturday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
EU, UN call on Abbas to set new date for Palestinian elections
The Palestinian Authority should set a new date for the Legislative Council elections – and Israel should allow Palestinians to cast their ballots in Jerusalem, the European Union and the United Nations said on Friday.
Gantz rules out coalition with Netanyahu, says he’s committed to replacing him
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz on Sunday ruled out joining a government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling lawmakers in his party that he is fully committed to the so-called “change bloc” that seeks to remove the Likud leader from power.
Biden said to tell Mossad chief that US not close to return to Iran nuke deal
US president Joe Biden reportedly told Mossad chief Yossi Cohen that the US is not close to returning to the nuclear deal with Iran, according to a news report Sunday.
Inside the United States
Biden cancels remainder of Trump border wall projects funded by Pentagon
The Pentagon canceled border wall projects that the Trump administration had funded with $10.5 billion it diverted from other federal departments on the basis that the southern border was experiencing a national emergency.
76,000 California inmates eligible for early release through good behavior credits
More than 63,000 inmates convicted of violent crimes will be eligible for good behavior credits to shorten their sentence by one-third, instead of the one-fifth rule that was in place since 2017, the Associated Press reported.
Christian News
Pastor Denied Permit to Hold National Day of Prayer Event at the U.S. Capitol Building
This year's National Day of Prayer event at the U.S. Capitol appears to have been canceled after one evangelical leader was denied a permit to hold the prayer gathering at the building.
Worthy Watch
‘Do Not Trust The Mullahs’ Apologists In The U.S. Media’: Iranian Dissidents Pay For Giant Billboard Near NYT Building
Lawyer: Feds Got Into Rudy’s iCloud With ‘Covert Warrant’ While He Repped Trump in 2019
Around the World
China nuclear buildup faster than expected, U.S. now believes
China’s military is advancing its nuclear arsenal and delivery systems so fast the Defense Intelligence Agency has had to move up its estimate of when Beijing will double its warhead stockpile, the general in charge of military intelligence told Congress on Thursday.
Zarif Had No Knowledge of Israeli Strikes Until Kerry Told Him, Translation Reveals
Leaked audiotape of Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif indicates he had no knowledge of covert Israeli military strikes before former secretary of state John Kerry provided him with the information, new details that contradict the State Department's recent defense of Kerry.
Deadlock in US-Afghanistan peace plans, despite troops withdrawal announcement
Plans for a route to peace between the United States and the Afghan Islamist Taliban have become deadlocked amid canceled talks in Turkey, and despite President Joe Biden’s announcement earlier this month that US and NATO troops will unconditionally withdraw from Afghanistan by September 11, NPR reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Yamina, Yesh Atid, New Hope hold joint coalition talks
Negotiating teams from the Yesh Atid, Yamina, and New Hope factions met Thursday morning to discuss the terms for a possible alternative government.
Hamas slams Abbas’s decision to delay Palestinian vote as a ‘coup’
The Palestinian Hamas movement on Thursday slammed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s decision on Thursday night to delay a long-awaited Palestinian vote, calling his move “a coup.”
‘Many Deaths In Israel As Grandstand Collapses At Jewish Festival’
Authorities say they fear dozens have died after a grandstand collapsed at a large gathering to celebrate the Lag B'Omer Jewish festival at Mount Meron.
Inside the United States
Economy grew at 6.4% rate in first quarter as US emerges from pandemic
The economy just experienced the second-largest quarterly growth IN 18 years as vaccinations continue and consumers begin to spend more.
Thomas, Gorsuch, and Barrett join liberals in immigration case
Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett, on Thursday, joined the liberal wing of the Supreme Court to rule against the federal government in an immigration case.
“Loneliest” Moon Mission Astronaut Michael Collins Dies At 90
Michael Collins, who flew on the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon but never stood on its surface, has died after struggling with cancer, his family said. He was 90.
Biden Defends Multi-Trillion Spending, Condemns Trump
Joe Biden used his first address to Congress as the 46th U.S. president to indirectly condemn his predecessor and sell multi-trillion budget plans for social programs and U.S. infrastructure.
Christian News
Nepal: Hindu extremists use false document to discredit Christianity
As part of a campaign to discredit Christianity, Hindu extremists in Nepal forged a document they falsely attributed to the Nepal Christian Society (NCS) and the National Churches Fellowship of Nepal (NCFPN), in which they presumed to show these charities want to create an ethnic division for evangelistic purposes, Morning Star News reports.
Laos pastor released after a year in prison
Authorities in Laos have released a Christian pastor who was imprisoned for a year for holding church services without a permit, Mission Network News reports. Laos currently ranks 22 on the Open Doors Watch List of countries that persecute Christians.
Iran: One Christian released from prison, four more detained
While Christian convert Majidreza Souzanchi was released from Iran’s Greater Tehran Penitentiary on April 8, four other Christians were arrested and detained by Iranian intelligence officials on April 19, International Christian Persecution reports. Iran currently ranks 8 on the Open Doors Watch List of countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith.
Muslim Herdsmen Kill Dozens of Nigeria Christians
Dozens of Christians have been killed by hardline Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria’s troubled north-central Benue state, Christian survivors said.
Worthy Watch
100,000+ march in UK for freedom from COVID lockdowns, vaccine passports, medical tyranny
China nuclear buildup faster than expected, U.S. now believes
China’s military is advancing its nuclear arsenal and delivery systems so fast the Defense Intelligence Agency has had to move up its estimate of when Beijing will double its warhead stockpile, the general in charge of military intelligence told Congress on Thursday.
Zarif Had No Knowledge of Israeli Strikes Until Kerry Told Him, Translation Reveals
Leaked audiotape of Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif indicates he had no knowledge of covert Israeli military strikes before former secretary of state John Kerry provided him with the information, new details that contradict the State Department's recent defense of Kerry.
Deadlock in US-Afghanistan peace plans, despite troops withdrawal announcement
Plans for a route to peace between the United States and the Afghan Islamist Taliban have become deadlocked amid canceled talks in Turkey, and despite President Joe Biden’s announcement earlier this month that US and NATO troops will unconditionally withdraw from Afghanistan by September 11, NPR reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Yamina, Yesh Atid, New Hope hold joint coalition talks
Negotiating teams from the Yesh Atid, Yamina, and New Hope factions met Thursday morning to discuss the terms for a possible alternative government.
Hamas slams Abbas’s decision to delay Palestinian vote as a ‘coup’
The Palestinian Hamas movement on Thursday slammed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s decision on Thursday night to delay a long-awaited Palestinian vote, calling his move “a coup.”
‘Many Deaths In Israel As Grandstand Collapses At Jewish Festival’
Authorities say they fear dozens have died after a grandstand collapsed at a large gathering to celebrate the Lag B'Omer Jewish festival at Mount Meron.
Inside the United States
Economy grew at 6.4% rate in first quarter as US emerges from pandemic
The economy just experienced the second-largest quarterly growth IN 18 years as vaccinations continue and consumers begin to spend more.
Thomas, Gorsuch, and Barrett join liberals in immigration case
Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett, on Thursday, joined the liberal wing of the Supreme Court to rule against the federal government in an immigration case.
“Loneliest” Moon Mission Astronaut Michael Collins Dies At 90
Michael Collins, who flew on the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon but never stood on its surface, has died after struggling with cancer, his family said. He was 90.
Biden Defends Multi-Trillion Spending, Condemns Trump
Joe Biden used his first address to Congress as the 46th U.S. president to indirectly condemn his predecessor and sell multi-trillion budget plans for social programs and U.S. infrastructure.
Christian News
Nepal: Hindu extremists use false document to discredit Christianity
As part of a campaign to discredit Christianity, Hindu extremists in Nepal forged a document they falsely attributed to the Nepal Christian Society (NCS) and the National Churches Fellowship of Nepal (NCFPN), in which they presumed to show these charities want to create an ethnic division for evangelistic purposes, Morning Star News reports.
Laos pastor released after a year in prison
Authorities in Laos have released a Christian pastor who was imprisoned for a year for holding church services without a permit, Mission Network News reports. Laos currently ranks 22 on the Open Doors Watch List of countries that persecute Christians.
Iran: One Christian released from prison, four more detained
While Christian convert Majidreza Souzanchi was released from Iran’s Greater Tehran Penitentiary on April 8, four other Christians were arrested and detained by Iranian intelligence officials on April 19, International Christian Persecution reports. Iran currently ranks 8 on the Open Doors Watch List of countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith.
Muslim Herdsmen Kill Dozens of Nigeria Christians
Dozens of Christians have been killed by hardline Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria’s troubled north-central Benue state, Christian survivors said.
Worthy Watch
100,000+ march in UK for freedom from COVID lockdowns, vaccine passports, medical tyranny