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
ISIS claims responsibility for Baghdad suicide attacks killing at least 32
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a double suicide bombing in Baghdad this week that killed at least 32 people and wounded more than 100.
US to Offer Russia 5-year Extension on Nuclear Treaty
The new administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is planning to offer Russia a five-year extension of a nuclear arms treaty that is set to expire February 5, U.S. officials said Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Syrian media reports Israeli airstrikes near western city of Hama
Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes near the western city of Hama in the predawn hours of Friday morning.
Iran’s nuclear program has crossed Netanyahu’s ‘red line,’ former senior advisor
The Iranian regime has taken highly dangerous steps in recent weeks that make a military strike by Israel more likely in 2021, and thus forcing the new Biden administration to make Iran its top and most urgent foreign policy priority.
1,500-year-old inscription saying “Christ, born of Mary” discovered in Israel
Archaeologists in northern Israel have unearthed a 1,500-year-old carved inscription which says "Christ, born of Mary," in Greek, Christian Today reports. The inscription was part of a lintel in the doorway of a Byzantine church.
Inside the United States
National Guard keeping 25,000 troops in Washington with no plans to leave — yet
The more than 25,000 National Guard troops called to provide inauguration security remained in place Thursday and will continue to patrol the near-vacant capital city until federal agencies release them, military officials said.
McConnell wants to push Trump’s Senate impeachment trial to mid-February
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has proposed to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer that former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial should start in mid-February, timing he laid out during a conference call with Republican colleagues Thursday, multiple sources on the call said.
Biden accused of ‘erasing women,’ threatening girls’ sports with gender-identity order
President Biden opened a Pandora’s box with his executive order on gender identity and sexual orientation, pushing the hotly contested issue of transgender participation in women’s athletics from the sidelines to the spotlight.
Biden signs executive order authorizing broader use of Defense Production Act to target COVID-19
Despite the U.S. last week averaged more than 912,000 daily vaccinations against COVIOD-19, President Biden said Thursday that "the rollout has been a dismal failure so far."
Biden nixes Keystone XL permit, halts Arctic refuge leasing
President Biden on Wednesday signed a sweeping executive order that revokes a key permit for the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, halts oil and gas leasing at a wildlife refuge in Alaska and carries out several other environmental actions.
Biden dismantles 1776 Commission and deletes its final report
US President Joe Biden has dismantled the Trump Administration’s 1776 Commission and has deleted the final report it released two days before the end of Mr. Trump’s presidential term. While the stated aim of the 1776 Commission’s report was to give future generations an understanding of US founding principles, and encourage citizens to take pride in their country, critics say the report excuses America’s history of slavery and undermines the legacy of the civil rights movement.
Biden to reverse transgender military ban imminently, White House says
President Joe Biden will soon reverse the ban on transgender people serving openly in the military, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement Wednesday.
B-21 Raider stealth bomber expected to take first flight next year
The US Air Force has announced that the B-21 Raider stealth bomber currently under construction is expected to take its first flight in mid-2022, UPI reported Wednesday. A second plane is also already being built.
FBI feared foreign power was targeting money to Clinton before 2016 campaign, memos show
FBI agents opened an investigation in late 2014 into a foreign power's effort to curry influence with Hillary Clinton's prospective presidential campaign through donations, but the bureau's leadership slow-walked a surveillance warrant and instead arranged for the candidate to get a defensive briefing, newly declassified memos show.
Biden may move on wide-ranging legislation with Democrat Congress
With Democrats leading both houses of Congress, the new Biden Administration may seek to pass legislation on issues ranging from pandemic relief to US Supreme Court reform, Just the News (JN) reports.
ISIS claims responsibility for Baghdad suicide attacks killing at least 32
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a double suicide bombing in Baghdad this week that killed at least 32 people and wounded more than 100.
US to Offer Russia 5-year Extension on Nuclear Treaty
The new administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is planning to offer Russia a five-year extension of a nuclear arms treaty that is set to expire February 5, U.S. officials said Thursday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Syrian media reports Israeli airstrikes near western city of Hama
Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes near the western city of Hama in the predawn hours of Friday morning.
Iran’s nuclear program has crossed Netanyahu’s ‘red line,’ former senior advisor
The Iranian regime has taken highly dangerous steps in recent weeks that make a military strike by Israel more likely in 2021, and thus forcing the new Biden administration to make Iran its top and most urgent foreign policy priority.
1,500-year-old inscription saying “Christ, born of Mary” discovered in Israel
Archaeologists in northern Israel have unearthed a 1,500-year-old carved inscription which says "Christ, born of Mary," in Greek, Christian Today reports. The inscription was part of a lintel in the doorway of a Byzantine church.
Inside the United States
National Guard keeping 25,000 troops in Washington with no plans to leave — yet
The more than 25,000 National Guard troops called to provide inauguration security remained in place Thursday and will continue to patrol the near-vacant capital city until federal agencies release them, military officials said.
McConnell wants to push Trump’s Senate impeachment trial to mid-February
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has proposed to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer that former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial should start in mid-February, timing he laid out during a conference call with Republican colleagues Thursday, multiple sources on the call said.
Biden accused of ‘erasing women,’ threatening girls’ sports with gender-identity order
President Biden opened a Pandora’s box with his executive order on gender identity and sexual orientation, pushing the hotly contested issue of transgender participation in women’s athletics from the sidelines to the spotlight.
Biden signs executive order authorizing broader use of Defense Production Act to target COVID-19
Despite the U.S. last week averaged more than 912,000 daily vaccinations against COVIOD-19, President Biden said Thursday that "the rollout has been a dismal failure so far."
Biden nixes Keystone XL permit, halts Arctic refuge leasing
President Biden on Wednesday signed a sweeping executive order that revokes a key permit for the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, halts oil and gas leasing at a wildlife refuge in Alaska and carries out several other environmental actions.
Biden dismantles 1776 Commission and deletes its final report
US President Joe Biden has dismantled the Trump Administration’s 1776 Commission and has deleted the final report it released two days before the end of Mr. Trump’s presidential term. While the stated aim of the 1776 Commission’s report was to give future generations an understanding of US founding principles, and encourage citizens to take pride in their country, critics say the report excuses America’s history of slavery and undermines the legacy of the civil rights movement.
Biden to reverse transgender military ban imminently, White House says
President Joe Biden will soon reverse the ban on transgender people serving openly in the military, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement Wednesday.
B-21 Raider stealth bomber expected to take first flight next year
The US Air Force has announced that the B-21 Raider stealth bomber currently under construction is expected to take its first flight in mid-2022, UPI reported Wednesday. A second plane is also already being built.
FBI feared foreign power was targeting money to Clinton before 2016 campaign, memos show
FBI agents opened an investigation in late 2014 into a foreign power's effort to curry influence with Hillary Clinton's prospective presidential campaign through donations, but the bureau's leadership slow-walked a surveillance warrant and instead arranged for the candidate to get a defensive briefing, newly declassified memos show.
Biden may move on wide-ranging legislation with Democrat Congress
With Democrats leading both houses of Congress, the new Biden Administration may seek to pass legislation on issues ranging from pandemic relief to US Supreme Court reform, Just the News (JN) reports.
Around the World
Pakistan Announces Successful Test of Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missile
Pakistan said Wednesday that it had successfully test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile into the Arabian Sea, aimed at “revalidating” the weapon’s operational and technical parameters.
A coalition of tech and health giants is working on a digital COVID-19 passport
A group of tech giants and health organizations are working together in developing a digital COVID-19 vaccination passport that would give holders access to countries and businesses requiring proof of inoculation, the Hill reports. Called the Vaccination Credential Initiative (VCI), the coalition includes Microsoft, Oracle, and the US nonprofit Mayo Clinic.
Italy’s Conte Narrowly Wins Confidence Vote
Italy’s embattled Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte won a crucial Senate confidence vote Tuesday night, allowing him to keep his shaky coalition afloat.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF to hold massive exercise this summer, simulating full-scale, multi-front war
The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday announced plans for a massive, month-long exercise this summer, simulating a multi-front war, in which every branch of the military will take part.
Inside the United States
Antifa agitators smash windows of Portland Democratic Party headquarters, attack police officer, and flip over car
Leftist agitators rioted in the streets of Portland Wednesday night, smashing windows at the Democratic Party headquarters.
Biden to Reverse Many of Trump’s Actions with Executive Orders
President Joe Biden signed three documents in the President’s Room at the U.S. Capitol shortly after his swearing-in ceremony, his first official act as the 46th president.
Inaugurated President Biden Says “Democracy Prevails”
Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States Wednesday, saying “democracy has prevailed.”
Incoming Biden administration hopes to quickly pass $1.9 trillion relief bill
The incoming Biden administration will work toward the speedy passage of its $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan, Voice of America reports.
Report: Trump considers forming new political party
President Trump has considered forming a new political party called the “Patriot Party” after he leaves office, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.
U.S. President Trump Leaves White House For Last Time
Calling it "the honor of a lifetime,” U.S. President Donald J. Trump left the White House for the final time as leader of the free world.
U.S. President Trump Pardons Former Advisor Bannon
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has granted clemency to his former senior advisor Stephen K. Bannon, among scores of others in his last hours in power.
President Trump Trumpets Achievements In Farewell Message
Outgoing U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who became the voice to millions feeling voiceless, has trumpeted his administration’s accomplishments and wished his successor luck.
FBI affidavit says Virginia man conspired to breach Capitol, discussed plans on Jan. 1
An FBI agent on Sunday filed an affidavit supporting a criminal arrest warrant against a Virginia man for conspiring as early as Jan. 1 in connection with the breach of the U.S. Capitol Building five days later in Washington, D.C.
Christian News
Ethiopia: Government forces reportedly killed an estimated 750 people in church massacre
The Europe External Programme with Africa (EEPA) has reported that an estimated 750 people were recently killed by Ethiopian government forces and Amhara militia in an attack on a church in Tigray in northern Ethiopia, Christian Today reports.
Pakistan Announces Successful Test of Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missile
Pakistan said Wednesday that it had successfully test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile into the Arabian Sea, aimed at “revalidating” the weapon’s operational and technical parameters.
A coalition of tech and health giants is working on a digital COVID-19 passport
A group of tech giants and health organizations are working together in developing a digital COVID-19 vaccination passport that would give holders access to countries and businesses requiring proof of inoculation, the Hill reports. Called the Vaccination Credential Initiative (VCI), the coalition includes Microsoft, Oracle, and the US nonprofit Mayo Clinic.
Italy’s Conte Narrowly Wins Confidence Vote
Italy’s embattled Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte won a crucial Senate confidence vote Tuesday night, allowing him to keep his shaky coalition afloat.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF to hold massive exercise this summer, simulating full-scale, multi-front war
The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday announced plans for a massive, month-long exercise this summer, simulating a multi-front war, in which every branch of the military will take part.
Inside the United States
Antifa agitators smash windows of Portland Democratic Party headquarters, attack police officer, and flip over car
Leftist agitators rioted in the streets of Portland Wednesday night, smashing windows at the Democratic Party headquarters.
Biden to Reverse Many of Trump’s Actions with Executive Orders
President Joe Biden signed three documents in the President’s Room at the U.S. Capitol shortly after his swearing-in ceremony, his first official act as the 46th president.
Inaugurated President Biden Says “Democracy Prevails”
Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States Wednesday, saying “democracy has prevailed.”
Incoming Biden administration hopes to quickly pass $1.9 trillion relief bill
The incoming Biden administration will work toward the speedy passage of its $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan, Voice of America reports.
Report: Trump considers forming new political party
President Trump has considered forming a new political party called the “Patriot Party” after he leaves office, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.
U.S. President Trump Leaves White House For Last Time
Calling it "the honor of a lifetime,” U.S. President Donald J. Trump left the White House for the final time as leader of the free world.
U.S. President Trump Pardons Former Advisor Bannon
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has granted clemency to his former senior advisor Stephen K. Bannon, among scores of others in his last hours in power.
President Trump Trumpets Achievements In Farewell Message
Outgoing U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who became the voice to millions feeling voiceless, has trumpeted his administration’s accomplishments and wished his successor luck.
FBI affidavit says Virginia man conspired to breach Capitol, discussed plans on Jan. 1
An FBI agent on Sunday filed an affidavit supporting a criminal arrest warrant against a Virginia man for conspiring as early as Jan. 1 in connection with the breach of the U.S. Capitol Building five days later in Washington, D.C.
Christian News
Ethiopia: Government forces reportedly killed an estimated 750 people in church massacre
The Europe External Programme with Africa (EEPA) has reported that an estimated 750 people were recently killed by Ethiopian government forces and Amhara militia in an attack on a church in Tigray in northern Ethiopia, Christian Today reports.
Around the World
Iran imposes sanctions on Trump, Pompeo
Iran on Tuesday imposed sanctions on President Donald Trump and a number of members of his administration over their alleged role in support of “terrorism,” according to its foreign ministry website.
Iran says it is producing half a kilo of 20% enriched uranium every day
The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Monday that the country was producing almost 500 grams of uranium enriched to 20 percent purity a day, after beginning to do so earlier this month in breach of the 2015 nuclear accord.
U.S. declares China engaged in genocide against Uighurs
The U.S. government on Tuesday declared that China’s communist government is guilty of carrying out genocide and crimes against humanity against Uighur ethnic minorities and others in western China.
Nine Iraqi soldiers killed and dozens wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad
An Iranian media network has said nine Iraqi army soldiers were killed and dozens were wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad, Iraq on Monday night, Israel National News (INN) reports. Citing an Iraqi security source, the Al-Alam network said the strikes had targeted Iraqi army and Shiite militia positions.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Biden’s State pick backs two-state solution, says US embassy stays in Jerusalem
US President-elect Joe Biden will not reverse Donald Trump’s landmark recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital but will seek a state for the Palestinians, Tony Blinken, his nominee for secretary of state, said Tuesday.
Syrian and Israeli officials reportedly had a Russia-brokered meeting last month
The Asharq Al Awsat Arabic international newspaper reported Sunday that Russia hosted a meeting for Syrian and Israeli officials at the Russian airbase in Hmeimim, Syria last month, Jewish Press reports. Neither Damascus nor Jerusalem has confirmed the report.
Inside the United States
First Trump declassified Russia document: Christopher Steele’s 2017 confessional to the FBI
Dossier author Christopher Steele admitted to the FBI he leaked the Russia collusion story during the height of the 2016 election to help Hillary Clinton overcome her lingering email scandal and because he believed Donald Trump’s election would be bad for U.S. relations with his home country of Britain, according to documents declassified by the president in his final full day in office.
Trump formally declassifies Russia documents over objections of FBI
Just hours before departing office, President Trump on Tuesday evening formally completed the declassification of a large trove of Russia probe documents, overruling objections posed by the FBI in a last bid effort to keep memos secret.
CIA announces Director Gina Haspel’s retirement
The CIA announced Tuesday that Director Gina Haspel is leaving the agency, ending a three-decade spy career that shattered a glass ceiling.
Trump’s 1776 Commission releases report denouncing ‘problems of progressive education,’ 1619 Project
The Trump administration’s 1776 Commission has released a report denouncing “the problems of progressive education” and recent endeavors like the 1619 Project, which has been denounced by some historians.
Trump delivers farewell address, says ‘movement we started is only just beginning’
Less than 24 hours before he leaves office, President Trump on Tuesday delivered a farewell address, decrying the violence that occurred at the Capitol on Jan. 6 but pledging "the movement we started is only just beginning."
Biden pick for HHS position poised to become first openly transgender official confirmed by Senate
Biden announced his intent to nominate Dr. Rachel Levine for the position on Tuesday, and should she get confirmed by the Senate, she would be the first openly transgender to be confirmed in U.S. history.
Christian News
China officials raid homeschool house run by persecuted megachurch: Members post “Please Pray!”
Police and government officials last week raided a homeschool house run by the highly persecuted Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Following the raid on January 14, members of the 5,000-strong ERCC congregation took to social media imploring Christians around the world to pray for them.
India: Christians persecuted even during lockdown in 2020
The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has reported that, even in the midst of coronavirus lockdowns affecting the whole country for months, there were over 300 incidents of religious persecution against Christians in India last year, International Christian Concern said. In its report, EFI noted that Christian persecution has more than doubled since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi and his right-wing nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014.
Iran imposes sanctions on Trump, Pompeo
Iran on Tuesday imposed sanctions on President Donald Trump and a number of members of his administration over their alleged role in support of “terrorism,” according to its foreign ministry website.
Iran says it is producing half a kilo of 20% enriched uranium every day
The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Monday that the country was producing almost 500 grams of uranium enriched to 20 percent purity a day, after beginning to do so earlier this month in breach of the 2015 nuclear accord.
U.S. declares China engaged in genocide against Uighurs
The U.S. government on Tuesday declared that China’s communist government is guilty of carrying out genocide and crimes against humanity against Uighur ethnic minorities and others in western China.
Nine Iraqi soldiers killed and dozens wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad
An Iranian media network has said nine Iraqi army soldiers were killed and dozens were wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad, Iraq on Monday night, Israel National News (INN) reports. Citing an Iraqi security source, the Al-Alam network said the strikes had targeted Iraqi army and Shiite militia positions.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Biden’s State pick backs two-state solution, says US embassy stays in Jerusalem
US President-elect Joe Biden will not reverse Donald Trump’s landmark recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital but will seek a state for the Palestinians, Tony Blinken, his nominee for secretary of state, said Tuesday.
Syrian and Israeli officials reportedly had a Russia-brokered meeting last month
The Asharq Al Awsat Arabic international newspaper reported Sunday that Russia hosted a meeting for Syrian and Israeli officials at the Russian airbase in Hmeimim, Syria last month, Jewish Press reports. Neither Damascus nor Jerusalem has confirmed the report.
Inside the United States
First Trump declassified Russia document: Christopher Steele’s 2017 confessional to the FBI
Dossier author Christopher Steele admitted to the FBI he leaked the Russia collusion story during the height of the 2016 election to help Hillary Clinton overcome her lingering email scandal and because he believed Donald Trump’s election would be bad for U.S. relations with his home country of Britain, according to documents declassified by the president in his final full day in office.
Trump formally declassifies Russia documents over objections of FBI
Just hours before departing office, President Trump on Tuesday evening formally completed the declassification of a large trove of Russia probe documents, overruling objections posed by the FBI in a last bid effort to keep memos secret.
CIA announces Director Gina Haspel’s retirement
The CIA announced Tuesday that Director Gina Haspel is leaving the agency, ending a three-decade spy career that shattered a glass ceiling.
Trump’s 1776 Commission releases report denouncing ‘problems of progressive education,’ 1619 Project
The Trump administration’s 1776 Commission has released a report denouncing “the problems of progressive education” and recent endeavors like the 1619 Project, which has been denounced by some historians.
Trump delivers farewell address, says ‘movement we started is only just beginning’
Less than 24 hours before he leaves office, President Trump on Tuesday delivered a farewell address, decrying the violence that occurred at the Capitol on Jan. 6 but pledging "the movement we started is only just beginning."
Biden pick for HHS position poised to become first openly transgender official confirmed by Senate
Biden announced his intent to nominate Dr. Rachel Levine for the position on Tuesday, and should she get confirmed by the Senate, she would be the first openly transgender to be confirmed in U.S. history.
Christian News
China officials raid homeschool house run by persecuted megachurch: Members post “Please Pray!”
Police and government officials last week raided a homeschool house run by the highly persecuted Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Following the raid on January 14, members of the 5,000-strong ERCC congregation took to social media imploring Christians around the world to pray for them.
India: Christians persecuted even during lockdown in 2020
The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has reported that, even in the midst of coronavirus lockdowns affecting the whole country for months, there were over 300 incidents of religious persecution against Christians in India last year, International Christian Concern said. In its report, EFI noted that Christian persecution has more than doubled since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi and his right-wing nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014.