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
US: Russia blocks Syria chemical weapons use accountability
The United States accused Syrian President Bashar Assad and his close ally Russia on Thursday of trying to block all efforts to hold Damascus accountable for using chemical weapons during attacks on civilians.
North Korean nuclear activity detected, possibly extracting plutonium
North Korea could be at it again. New activity has been detected at the Yonbyong nuclear site north of Pyongyang.
New Zealand downgrades tsunami threat after 8.1-magnitude quake
Officials in New Zealand on Friday downgraded a tsunami warning after multiple powerful earthquakes struck off the coast earlier in the day.
Facebook trains A.I. to ‘see’ using 1 billion public Instagram photos
Pugs, Ferraris, mountains, brunches, beaches, and babies — Instagram is full of them. In fact, it’s become one of the largest image databases on the planet over the last decade and the company’s owner, Facebook, is using this treasure trove to teach machines what’s in a photo.
US urges ‘serious consequences’ for Syria’s Assad over chemical weapons use: envoy
The UN National Security Council must hold the regime of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad accountable for the use of chemical weapons, US envoy to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Thursday.
‘Space hurricane’ seen hovering above Earth for the first time ever
As if humanity didn’t have enough weather phenomena to worry about, scientists have discovered a “space hurricane” that occurred over the Earth's upper atmosphere for the first time.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz: IDF updating military plans for potential strike on Iran nuclear sites
Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday said the Israel Defense Forces is continuously updating its plans for a prospective military strike on Iranian nuclear sites.
Inside the United States
US Democrats Pass Controversial Voting Law
U.S. House Democrats voted for the most extensive overhaul of the nation’s election law in at least a generation despite unanimous Republican opposition and warnings is could undermine democracy.
Winter storms caused $155 billion in economic damages
Devastating coast-to-coast winter weather is estimated to have caused around $155 billion in economic damages, making it likely that February 2021 was the costliest in terms of weather impact in recent US history, UPI reports. The estimated economic damage costs for the entire 2020 Atlantic hurricane season were a comparatively small $60 billion to $65 billion.
House passes George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
The US House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act Wednesday, in an effort to increase police accountability and end practices that facilitate the use of excessive force against unarmed citizens, USA Today reports. Drafted by Democrats, the bill was first introduced in the last Congress after the death in police custody of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020.
$100 trillion in new debt over next 30 years: CBO
The government has opened the spending spigot over the last year to deal with the coronavirus crisis — but the Congressional Budget Office says unless something changes, Uncle Sam’s freewheeling ways will last long after the pandemic is over.
Mississippi Gov. Reeves tells Biden after ‘neanderthal’ jab we should trust, not ‘insult’ Americans
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeve is responding to President Biden's "neanderthal thinking" comment after he and Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott announced earlier this week that they are lifting their coronavirus mask orders, saying the president should "trust Americans, not insult them."
Number Of ‘Unaccompanied Minors’ Crossing Border On Pace To ‘Shatter’ Records
The number of unaccompanied minors jumping the United States-Mexico border seeking asylum has risen dramatically over the last several weeks and, according to the Domestic Policy Council, which briefed President Joe Biden on the situation Tuesday, that number is growing and is likely to exceed the record by a shocking 45%.
Christian News
Algeria Jails Pastor and Assistant For Evangelism
Algerian Christians have urged prayers for a pastor and his assistant who were jailed and fined for evangelizing in Algeria, an Islamic nation, Worthy News learned.
Islamic Militants Free Nigerian Pastor On Execution Day
Islamic militants have released a Nigerian pastor who they threatened to kill unless their demands were met, security sources said. Bulus Yikura of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) was held captive since December 24, 2020.
2,000 More to Go: Wycliffe Bible Translators Keeps On Task During the Pandemic
Wycliffe Bible Translators says the COVID-19 pandemic displaced some of its staff but that the urgent work continues as 1.5 billion people still do not have the full Bible available in their language.
U.S. Supreme Court grants another victory for religious worship in California
The U.S. Supreme Court has sided once again with California houses of worship in their most recent request for an injunction against a county health order, pending appeal in the Ninth Circuit and disposition of a petition for a writ of cert.
Worthy Watch
‘God’s Will Is No Concern of This Congress’: NY Dem Jerry Nadler Rejects God During Debate Over Equality Act
ICC refuses to prosecute war crimes by Palestinian while actively pursuing Israeli leaders
New Report Urges Accelerated Use of Artificial Intelligence for National Security
US: Russia blocks Syria chemical weapons use accountability
The United States accused Syrian President Bashar Assad and his close ally Russia on Thursday of trying to block all efforts to hold Damascus accountable for using chemical weapons during attacks on civilians.
North Korean nuclear activity detected, possibly extracting plutonium
North Korea could be at it again. New activity has been detected at the Yonbyong nuclear site north of Pyongyang.
New Zealand downgrades tsunami threat after 8.1-magnitude quake
Officials in New Zealand on Friday downgraded a tsunami warning after multiple powerful earthquakes struck off the coast earlier in the day.
Facebook trains A.I. to ‘see’ using 1 billion public Instagram photos
Pugs, Ferraris, mountains, brunches, beaches, and babies — Instagram is full of them. In fact, it’s become one of the largest image databases on the planet over the last decade and the company’s owner, Facebook, is using this treasure trove to teach machines what’s in a photo.
US urges ‘serious consequences’ for Syria’s Assad over chemical weapons use: envoy
The UN National Security Council must hold the regime of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad accountable for the use of chemical weapons, US envoy to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Thursday.
‘Space hurricane’ seen hovering above Earth for the first time ever
As if humanity didn’t have enough weather phenomena to worry about, scientists have discovered a “space hurricane” that occurred over the Earth's upper atmosphere for the first time.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz: IDF updating military plans for potential strike on Iran nuclear sites
Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday said the Israel Defense Forces is continuously updating its plans for a prospective military strike on Iranian nuclear sites.
Inside the United States
US Democrats Pass Controversial Voting Law
U.S. House Democrats voted for the most extensive overhaul of the nation’s election law in at least a generation despite unanimous Republican opposition and warnings is could undermine democracy.
Winter storms caused $155 billion in economic damages
Devastating coast-to-coast winter weather is estimated to have caused around $155 billion in economic damages, making it likely that February 2021 was the costliest in terms of weather impact in recent US history, UPI reports. The estimated economic damage costs for the entire 2020 Atlantic hurricane season were a comparatively small $60 billion to $65 billion.
House passes George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
The US House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act Wednesday, in an effort to increase police accountability and end practices that facilitate the use of excessive force against unarmed citizens, USA Today reports. Drafted by Democrats, the bill was first introduced in the last Congress after the death in police custody of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020.
$100 trillion in new debt over next 30 years: CBO
The government has opened the spending spigot over the last year to deal with the coronavirus crisis — but the Congressional Budget Office says unless something changes, Uncle Sam’s freewheeling ways will last long after the pandemic is over.
Mississippi Gov. Reeves tells Biden after ‘neanderthal’ jab we should trust, not ‘insult’ Americans
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeve is responding to President Biden's "neanderthal thinking" comment after he and Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott announced earlier this week that they are lifting their coronavirus mask orders, saying the president should "trust Americans, not insult them."
Number Of ‘Unaccompanied Minors’ Crossing Border On Pace To ‘Shatter’ Records
The number of unaccompanied minors jumping the United States-Mexico border seeking asylum has risen dramatically over the last several weeks and, according to the Domestic Policy Council, which briefed President Joe Biden on the situation Tuesday, that number is growing and is likely to exceed the record by a shocking 45%.
Christian News
Algeria Jails Pastor and Assistant For Evangelism
Algerian Christians have urged prayers for a pastor and his assistant who were jailed and fined for evangelizing in Algeria, an Islamic nation, Worthy News learned.
Islamic Militants Free Nigerian Pastor On Execution Day
Islamic militants have released a Nigerian pastor who they threatened to kill unless their demands were met, security sources said. Bulus Yikura of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) was held captive since December 24, 2020.
2,000 More to Go: Wycliffe Bible Translators Keeps On Task During the Pandemic
Wycliffe Bible Translators says the COVID-19 pandemic displaced some of its staff but that the urgent work continues as 1.5 billion people still do not have the full Bible available in their language.
U.S. Supreme Court grants another victory for religious worship in California
The U.S. Supreme Court has sided once again with California houses of worship in their most recent request for an injunction against a county health order, pending appeal in the Ninth Circuit and disposition of a petition for a writ of cert.
Worthy Watch
‘God’s Will Is No Concern of This Congress’: NY Dem Jerry Nadler Rejects God During Debate Over Equality Act
ICC refuses to prosecute war crimes by Palestinian while actively pursuing Israeli leaders
New Report Urges Accelerated Use of Artificial Intelligence for National Security
Around the World
Airbase hosting U.S. troops targeted in rocket attack
American civilian contractor, who has not been named, died of a ‘cardiac episode’ Wednesday after a barrage of rockets hit an Iraqi airbase hosting US troops, the Washington Times reports. At least 10 rockets were reportedly fired on the Ain al-Asad military airbase at 7.20 local time; no US troops were injured.
France, allies to push on with protest at IAEA over Iran’s activities
France and its Western allies plan to lodge a protest with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog to criticize Iran's decision to curb cooperation with the agency, the French foreign minister said on Tuesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel has identified ship that caused oil spill
Israel has identified the ship that recently caused a massive Mediterranean oil spill that has been described as the worst environmental disaster to affect Israeli beaches in decades, the Times of Israel reports. No details about the ship were given.
Biden admin: International Criminal Court ‘unfairly’ targeting Israel
The Biden administration opposes and is disappointed with the decision by the International Criminal Court to pursue an investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes in the Palestinian territories, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Cuomo addresses misconduct allegations, says won’t resign, ‘never touched anyone inappropriately’
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday apologized amid a recent series of allegations of inappropriate behavior, saying he "never touched anyone inappropriately" while also saying he will not resign.
Supreme Court ruling on Arizona election case likely to shape states’ rights
The Supreme Court on Tuesday delved into the Democratic Party’s lawsuit to ease Arizona’s restrictions on ballot harvesting and other election conduct, putting the high court at the center of a growing battle over how Americans vote.
FBI employees mentioned in IG report on Trump-Russia probe were referred to DOJ ‘disciplinary arm’
FBI Director Christopher A. Wray said on Tuesday that every FBI employee referenced in a scathing Justice Department Inspector General report on the origins of the infamous Trump-Russia probe has been referred for discipline.
Christian News
Increasing persecution in China: Police raid 20-year-old house church
Amid rapidly intensifying persecution against Christians in China, police in Chongqing city raided the 20-year-old Living Fountain house church Sunday, confiscating computers and arresting two brothers, International Christian Concern reports.
Eritrea releases Christian prisoners but is accused of attacking churches
Eritrea has released a further 21 Christian prisoners, but Eritrean forces are accused of attacking churches in neighboring Ethiopia, Christian Today reported Tuesday. Despite these accusations, rights advocates believe the Eritrean release of Christian prisoners may constitute an effort to seek favor with Ethiopia’s Protestant prime minister: Eritrea has freed a total of 171 Christian prisoners since August last year.
Worthy Watch
Mississippi Judge Orders New Election After Finding nearly 80 Percent of Absentee Ballots Fraudulent
Airbase hosting U.S. troops targeted in rocket attack
American civilian contractor, who has not been named, died of a ‘cardiac episode’ Wednesday after a barrage of rockets hit an Iraqi airbase hosting US troops, the Washington Times reports. At least 10 rockets were reportedly fired on the Ain al-Asad military airbase at 7.20 local time; no US troops were injured.
France, allies to push on with protest at IAEA over Iran’s activities
France and its Western allies plan to lodge a protest with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog to criticize Iran's decision to curb cooperation with the agency, the French foreign minister said on Tuesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel has identified ship that caused oil spill
Israel has identified the ship that recently caused a massive Mediterranean oil spill that has been described as the worst environmental disaster to affect Israeli beaches in decades, the Times of Israel reports. No details about the ship were given.
Biden admin: International Criminal Court ‘unfairly’ targeting Israel
The Biden administration opposes and is disappointed with the decision by the International Criminal Court to pursue an investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes in the Palestinian territories, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Cuomo addresses misconduct allegations, says won’t resign, ‘never touched anyone inappropriately’
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday apologized amid a recent series of allegations of inappropriate behavior, saying he "never touched anyone inappropriately" while also saying he will not resign.
Supreme Court ruling on Arizona election case likely to shape states’ rights
The Supreme Court on Tuesday delved into the Democratic Party’s lawsuit to ease Arizona’s restrictions on ballot harvesting and other election conduct, putting the high court at the center of a growing battle over how Americans vote.
FBI employees mentioned in IG report on Trump-Russia probe were referred to DOJ ‘disciplinary arm’
FBI Director Christopher A. Wray said on Tuesday that every FBI employee referenced in a scathing Justice Department Inspector General report on the origins of the infamous Trump-Russia probe has been referred for discipline.
Christian News
Increasing persecution in China: Police raid 20-year-old house church
Amid rapidly intensifying persecution against Christians in China, police in Chongqing city raided the 20-year-old Living Fountain house church Sunday, confiscating computers and arresting two brothers, International Christian Concern reports.
Eritrea releases Christian prisoners but is accused of attacking churches
Eritrea has released a further 21 Christian prisoners, but Eritrean forces are accused of attacking churches in neighboring Ethiopia, Christian Today reported Tuesday. Despite these accusations, rights advocates believe the Eritrean release of Christian prisoners may constitute an effort to seek favor with Ethiopia’s Protestant prime minister: Eritrea has freed a total of 171 Christian prisoners since August last year.
Worthy Watch
Mississippi Judge Orders New Election After Finding nearly 80 Percent of Absentee Ballots Fraudulent
Around the World
Internet disruption reported in southeast Iran amid unrest
Iran’s impoverished southeast has been experiencing wide disruptions of internet services, experts said, as unrest gripped the remote province after fatal border shootings.
US, Russia warships dock in strategic Sudan port
A US warship docked in Sudan Monday a day after a Russian frigate arrived in the same key Red Sea port where Moscow is planning to establish a naval logistics base, an AFP correspondent said.
Former French President Sarkozy Jailed For Corruption
A Paris court has sentenced former French Nicolas Sarkozy to three years in prison, two of them suspended, for corruption and influence peddling.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, U.S. reach behind-the-scenes agreement on Iran, FM says
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said on Tuesday that Israel and the United States have agreed that neither nation will make decisions pertaining to Iran and the Iran nuclear deal without informing the other first.
Inside the United States
‘It is now time to open Texas 100%,’ Gov. Abbott says, reversing pandemic and mask orders
Texas GOP Gov. Gregg Abbott said Tuesday that he will reverse the mask order and many of the other COVID-19 mandates he put in place last year.
Supreme Court hears Arizona case with major future voting rights implications
The Supreme Court is hearing a major voting rights case Tuesday that could allow state legislatures to change voting laws, with some concern a high court ruling could make it harder for people to vote.
U.S. senators refine Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 bill, push pet projects
Negotiations over President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill go into overdrive this week as the U.S. Senate begins debate over the sweeping legislation and lawmakers jockey to include pet projects, while tossing others overboard.
Mammograms pick up lymph node swelling related to the coronavirus vaccine
Some women receiving COVID-19 vaccines have seen swelling in their lymph nodes that has been picked up by mammograms.
FBI chief says US Capitol riot was domestic terrorism, defends handling of intel
FBI Director Chris Wray condemned the January riot at the US Capitol as “domestic terrorism” Tuesday as he defended the bureau’s handling of intelligence indicating the prospect for violence.
Federal Election Reform Takes Center Stage, Democrats Aim for Massive Overhaul Conservatives Vehemently Oppose
With the U.S. House of Representatives back in session this week, lawmakers will take up House Resolution 1, also called the "For the People Act." Democrats are pushing the measure, resulting in fierce Republican opposition with many conservatives calling it a power grab and federal overreach.
Up to 13,000 unaccompanied children expected at US border in May
Following record numbers of unaccompanied children arriving at the US border in February, Health and Human Services officials are reportedly expecting these arrival numbers to surge to as many as 13,000 in May, Fox News reports. Customs and Border Protection officers reportedly informed the Biden administration of the expected surge during a telephone meeting attended by senior officials from HHS, Homeland Security, and the State Department on Thursday.
Christian News
Iran Continues to Take Over, Manipulate Endangered Christian Communities in Iraq
Pope Francis’ perilous pilgrimage to Iraq this week, due to start on Friday, may cast light on the painful plight of Christians in their ancestral homeland, yet the most significant threat facing the community is neither Sunni terrorists nor corrupt government persecutors, but the heavy hand of neighboring Iran and the proxy militias it funds and arms.
Nigeria Pastor Facing Death As Terror Ultimatum Passes
A kidnapped pastor in Nigeria faced imminent death Wednesday amid fears that authorities had ignored an ultimatum by Islamist militants to save his life.
India: Christian leaders criticize repressive anti-conversion law
Christian leaders in India’s Uttar Pradesh state have publicly criticized a new bill that oppressively restricts and regulates conversion from one faith to another, International Christian Concern reports. Passed on February 24 by the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the new bill violates Article 25 of India’s constitution, which provides that citizens have the right to profess, practice, and propagate the religion of their choice.
Largest US Christian adoption agency to place children with LGBT parents
As legal and cultural fighting continues over religious convictions and LGBTQ rights, America’s largest Christian adoption agency, Bethany Christian Services, has decided to change a longstanding policy and begin placing children with LGBT parents for foster care and adoption through all its offices in 32 states. Christianity Today reported Monday.
Nigeria: Pastor abducted by Islamic State terrorists to be executed March 3 unless ransom is paid; “Please pray for me”
Pleading for his life, a pastor abducted by Islamic terrorists in northeastern Nigeria on December 24 last year has said on video that his captors will execute him on Wednesday, March 3 if their ransom demands are not met, Morning Star News reports. Pastor Bulus Yikura of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria was (EYN) was abducted during an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Pemi village in Borno state; 11 other people were slaughtered during that attack.
Hundreds of Abducted Schoolgirls Freed in Nigeria
The governor of Nigeria’s Zamfara state says 279 girls taken from a school are "now safe,” but concerns remain about 38 others.
Worthy Watch
Most Americans Believe Cancel Culture Threatens Freedom: Poll
Internet disruption reported in southeast Iran amid unrest
Iran’s impoverished southeast has been experiencing wide disruptions of internet services, experts said, as unrest gripped the remote province after fatal border shootings.
US, Russia warships dock in strategic Sudan port
A US warship docked in Sudan Monday a day after a Russian frigate arrived in the same key Red Sea port where Moscow is planning to establish a naval logistics base, an AFP correspondent said.
Former French President Sarkozy Jailed For Corruption
A Paris court has sentenced former French Nicolas Sarkozy to three years in prison, two of them suspended, for corruption and influence peddling.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, U.S. reach behind-the-scenes agreement on Iran, FM says
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said on Tuesday that Israel and the United States have agreed that neither nation will make decisions pertaining to Iran and the Iran nuclear deal without informing the other first.
Inside the United States
‘It is now time to open Texas 100%,’ Gov. Abbott says, reversing pandemic and mask orders
Texas GOP Gov. Gregg Abbott said Tuesday that he will reverse the mask order and many of the other COVID-19 mandates he put in place last year.
Supreme Court hears Arizona case with major future voting rights implications
The Supreme Court is hearing a major voting rights case Tuesday that could allow state legislatures to change voting laws, with some concern a high court ruling could make it harder for people to vote.
U.S. senators refine Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 bill, push pet projects
Negotiations over President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill go into overdrive this week as the U.S. Senate begins debate over the sweeping legislation and lawmakers jockey to include pet projects, while tossing others overboard.
Mammograms pick up lymph node swelling related to the coronavirus vaccine
Some women receiving COVID-19 vaccines have seen swelling in their lymph nodes that has been picked up by mammograms.
FBI chief says US Capitol riot was domestic terrorism, defends handling of intel
FBI Director Chris Wray condemned the January riot at the US Capitol as “domestic terrorism” Tuesday as he defended the bureau’s handling of intelligence indicating the prospect for violence.
Federal Election Reform Takes Center Stage, Democrats Aim for Massive Overhaul Conservatives Vehemently Oppose
With the U.S. House of Representatives back in session this week, lawmakers will take up House Resolution 1, also called the "For the People Act." Democrats are pushing the measure, resulting in fierce Republican opposition with many conservatives calling it a power grab and federal overreach.
Up to 13,000 unaccompanied children expected at US border in May
Following record numbers of unaccompanied children arriving at the US border in February, Health and Human Services officials are reportedly expecting these arrival numbers to surge to as many as 13,000 in May, Fox News reports. Customs and Border Protection officers reportedly informed the Biden administration of the expected surge during a telephone meeting attended by senior officials from HHS, Homeland Security, and the State Department on Thursday.
Christian News
Iran Continues to Take Over, Manipulate Endangered Christian Communities in Iraq
Pope Francis’ perilous pilgrimage to Iraq this week, due to start on Friday, may cast light on the painful plight of Christians in their ancestral homeland, yet the most significant threat facing the community is neither Sunni terrorists nor corrupt government persecutors, but the heavy hand of neighboring Iran and the proxy militias it funds and arms.
Nigeria Pastor Facing Death As Terror Ultimatum Passes
A kidnapped pastor in Nigeria faced imminent death Wednesday amid fears that authorities had ignored an ultimatum by Islamist militants to save his life.
India: Christian leaders criticize repressive anti-conversion law
Christian leaders in India’s Uttar Pradesh state have publicly criticized a new bill that oppressively restricts and regulates conversion from one faith to another, International Christian Concern reports. Passed on February 24 by the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the new bill violates Article 25 of India’s constitution, which provides that citizens have the right to profess, practice, and propagate the religion of their choice.
Largest US Christian adoption agency to place children with LGBT parents
As legal and cultural fighting continues over religious convictions and LGBTQ rights, America’s largest Christian adoption agency, Bethany Christian Services, has decided to change a longstanding policy and begin placing children with LGBT parents for foster care and adoption through all its offices in 32 states. Christianity Today reported Monday.
Nigeria: Pastor abducted by Islamic State terrorists to be executed March 3 unless ransom is paid; “Please pray for me”
Pleading for his life, a pastor abducted by Islamic terrorists in northeastern Nigeria on December 24 last year has said on video that his captors will execute him on Wednesday, March 3 if their ransom demands are not met, Morning Star News reports. Pastor Bulus Yikura of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria was (EYN) was abducted during an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Pemi village in Borno state; 11 other people were slaughtered during that attack.
Hundreds of Abducted Schoolgirls Freed in Nigeria
The governor of Nigeria’s Zamfara state says 279 girls taken from a school are "now safe,” but concerns remain about 38 others.
Worthy Watch
Most Americans Believe Cancel Culture Threatens Freedom: Poll