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
Experts Probing Virus Origin Quarantine in Wuhan As Pompeo Calls Again For Lab Scrutiny
International experts probing the origins of the novel coronavirus are holding virtual meetings from their Wuhan hotel rooms as they work their way through a mandatory 14-day quarantine period which began last Thursday, after the Chinese government eventually allowed the team to enter the outbreak epicenter city.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Jailed For Month After Returning Home
A Russian court has jailed the nation's most prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny for 30 days despite several countries' calls to release him immediately. The decision came shortly after Navalny was detained following his return from Germany, where he received medical treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
German local authorities to open detention centers for people who repeatedly disobey quarantine rules
German regional authorities are opening detention centers in which to hold people who repeatedly refuse to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19, the Daily Mail reported Monday. Legal experts have said state governments are authorized to detain people for breaking quarantine rules under the Disease Protection Act, passed by the German Bundestag last March.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu says Israel may need to extend lockdown, pleads with Haredim to comply
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that Israel will likely need to extend its current lockdown restrictions, despite its successful vaccination campaign.
City of David recognized as ‘testament’ to US Judeo-Christian heritage
The City of David was recognized as a “testament to America’s Judeo-Christian heritage and founding principles” by the US Embassy in Jerusalem and the US Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad at a special ceremony on Monday.
Inside the United States
Protests at state houses so far remain small amid heavily guarded capitals across U.S.
The large gatherings and possibly armed protests anticipated by the FBI at statehouses across the country ahead Wednesday's presidential inauguration did not materialize this weekend.
2,000 National Guard members deputized by US Marshals; more will be sworn in by police
Some 2,000 National Guard members were sworn in as deputies by the U.S. Marshals Service, one of several civilian law enforcement agencies that will assign special police duties to the troops ahead of Inauguration Day.
‘Every Person Is Made in the Holy Image of God’: President Trump Declares National Sanctity of Human Life Day
For the first time in nearly 50 years, pro-lifers won't assemble for the annual March for Life event in Washington. Instead, because of concerns related to the pandemic and safety issues around the Capitol, organizers want participants to stay home and attend virtually. The event takes place, Friday, January 29th.
Joe Biden Undoing Trump Policies After Inauguration With Executive Orders
Joe Biden will sign a series of executive actions undoing U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s key policies within hours after taking the oath of office on Wednesday, his top aid says.
Biden official tells Honduran migrants: Don’t believe “lie” that US border is open
An official from the incoming Biden administration has told a caravan comprising thousands of Honduran migrants traveling to the US that they should not believe the “lie” that the United States border will be open next month, Reuters reports. While it is known that President-elect Joe Biden plans to reverse much of outgoing president Trump’s crackdown on immigration, the official said it will “take time” to implement the new policies.
Christian News
Dozens of Pygmy citizens slaughtered by Islamist militia in DR Congo: “Impotent government does nothing”
Forty-six Pygmies were slaughtered by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Islamist militia group in Ituri province in eastern DR Congo on Thursday, the Defense Post reports. Described as a “terrorist group” by International Christian Concern (ICC), the ADF is accused of slaughtering over 1000 Congolese citizens in the last year.
India: Hindu nationalist leader threatens violence unless local authorities shut all churches in tribal areas
A Hindu nationalist leader in India’s Madhya Pradesh state has demanded that local authorities shut down all churches in the state’s tribal areas, falsely claiming that Christians are carrying out mass conversions on “gullible indigenous peoples,” International Christian Concern reports. Head of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Azad Prem Singh threatened violent action if his January 11 demand is not met within 30 days.
Experts Probing Virus Origin Quarantine in Wuhan As Pompeo Calls Again For Lab Scrutiny
International experts probing the origins of the novel coronavirus are holding virtual meetings from their Wuhan hotel rooms as they work their way through a mandatory 14-day quarantine period which began last Thursday, after the Chinese government eventually allowed the team to enter the outbreak epicenter city.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Jailed For Month After Returning Home
A Russian court has jailed the nation's most prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny for 30 days despite several countries' calls to release him immediately. The decision came shortly after Navalny was detained following his return from Germany, where he received medical treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
German local authorities to open detention centers for people who repeatedly disobey quarantine rules
German regional authorities are opening detention centers in which to hold people who repeatedly refuse to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19, the Daily Mail reported Monday. Legal experts have said state governments are authorized to detain people for breaking quarantine rules under the Disease Protection Act, passed by the German Bundestag last March.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu says Israel may need to extend lockdown, pleads with Haredim to comply
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that Israel will likely need to extend its current lockdown restrictions, despite its successful vaccination campaign.
City of David recognized as ‘testament’ to US Judeo-Christian heritage
The City of David was recognized as a “testament to America’s Judeo-Christian heritage and founding principles” by the US Embassy in Jerusalem and the US Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad at a special ceremony on Monday.
Inside the United States
Protests at state houses so far remain small amid heavily guarded capitals across U.S.
The large gatherings and possibly armed protests anticipated by the FBI at statehouses across the country ahead Wednesday's presidential inauguration did not materialize this weekend.
2,000 National Guard members deputized by US Marshals; more will be sworn in by police
Some 2,000 National Guard members were sworn in as deputies by the U.S. Marshals Service, one of several civilian law enforcement agencies that will assign special police duties to the troops ahead of Inauguration Day.
‘Every Person Is Made in the Holy Image of God’: President Trump Declares National Sanctity of Human Life Day
For the first time in nearly 50 years, pro-lifers won't assemble for the annual March for Life event in Washington. Instead, because of concerns related to the pandemic and safety issues around the Capitol, organizers want participants to stay home and attend virtually. The event takes place, Friday, January 29th.
Joe Biden Undoing Trump Policies After Inauguration With Executive Orders
Joe Biden will sign a series of executive actions undoing U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s key policies within hours after taking the oath of office on Wednesday, his top aid says.
Biden official tells Honduran migrants: Don’t believe “lie” that US border is open
An official from the incoming Biden administration has told a caravan comprising thousands of Honduran migrants traveling to the US that they should not believe the “lie” that the United States border will be open next month, Reuters reports. While it is known that President-elect Joe Biden plans to reverse much of outgoing president Trump’s crackdown on immigration, the official said it will “take time” to implement the new policies.
Christian News
Dozens of Pygmy citizens slaughtered by Islamist militia in DR Congo: “Impotent government does nothing”
Forty-six Pygmies were slaughtered by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Islamist militia group in Ituri province in eastern DR Congo on Thursday, the Defense Post reports. Described as a “terrorist group” by International Christian Concern (ICC), the ADF is accused of slaughtering over 1000 Congolese citizens in the last year.
India: Hindu nationalist leader threatens violence unless local authorities shut all churches in tribal areas
A Hindu nationalist leader in India’s Madhya Pradesh state has demanded that local authorities shut down all churches in the state’s tribal areas, falsely claiming that Christians are carrying out mass conversions on “gullible indigenous peoples,” International Christian Concern reports. Head of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Azad Prem Singh threatened violent action if his January 11 demand is not met within 30 days.
Around the World
B-52 bombers patrolling over Middle East
For the second time in as many weeks, the Air Force has flown B-52 bombers over the Middle East in what are known as “presence patrols,” officials said Sunday.
Germany and France Oppose Trump’s Twitter Exile
Germany and France attacked Twitter Inc. and Facebook Inc. after U.S. President Donald Trump was shut off from the social media platforms, in an extension of Europe’s battle with big tech.
Pompeo hits Iran, China, Cuba in last-minute sanctions push
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday imposed sanctions on three of his primary targets — China, Iran and Cuba — in a last-minute push aimed in part at boxing in President-elect Joe Biden.
Russia follows US to withdraw from Open Skies Treaty
Russia said Friday it will withdraw from an international treaty allowing observation flights over military facilities following the U.S. exit from the pact.
Russia Detains Returning Kremlin Critic Navalny
Russia’s prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was detained at a Moscow airport Sunday after returning from Germany, where he received medical treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
Europe Warns Iran Over Nuclear Ambitions Amid Missile Launches
European powers urged Iran to observe a nuclear deal after the Islamic nation test-fired long-range missiles and planned uranium metal production.
Indonesia Earthquake Kills Scores Of People
Indonesian rescuers retrieved more bodies of a massive earthquake that killed scores of people in a nation already coping with a string of disasters.
Germany’s New Christian Democrats Leader Pledges Healing
Centrist Armin Laschet has pledged to heal divisions after being elected to lead Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and perhaps succeed her as Germany’s chancellor.
Norway: Dozens Die After Receiving COVID Vaccine
Health authorities in Norway confirmed Saturday that 23 people died within days of receiving their first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian Authority to hold first elections in 15 years
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday announced that parliamentary and presidential elections will take place in the country for the first time in 15 years.
Israel is launching Covid immunity passports
Israel has been lauded for deploying what is currently the fastest Covid-19 vaccination campaign in the world.
Israeli medical company produces quick COVID test
An Israeli company has developed a test for the COVID-19 coronavirus which gives results in minutes.
Inside the United States
US Capitals on Edge for Armed Protests as Trump Presidency Nears End
Washington is locked down and U.S. law enforcement officials are geared up for pro-Trump marches in all 50 state capitals this weekend, erecting barriers and deploying thousands of National Guard troops to try to prevent the kind of violent attack that rattled the nation January 6.
DNI Ratcliffe concludes China ‘sought to influence’ America’s 2020 federal elections
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has assessed that China "sought to influence" America's 2020 national elections, according to a document made public Sunday.
DOJ releases Flynn interviews with Mueller team
The Justice Department released on Friday more than 100 pages of FBI interview notes from retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn’s discussions with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigative team in 2017 and 2018.
FBI, Justice Department knew there was no Russia collusion by spring of 2017
The top Justice Department official in early 2017 overseeing the FBI’s Russia probe testified he was briefed as many as six times on its status and was told there was no evidence of Trump campaign collusion, a newly released transcript shows.
U.S. Investigating Claims That Capitol Mob Tried To Capture and Kill Elected Officials
Federal authorities are investigating claims that some within the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington last week intended to “capture and assassinate elected officials,” including the Vice President.
Leading Leftist Sullivan Charged Over Deadly Assault On U.S. Capitol
A leading leftist activist has been charged for his role in the deadly assault on the US Capitol that left five people dead, officials confirmed Thursday.
Christian News
Christian Photographer Challenges Northam’s ‘Wedding Cake’ Law
A Christian photographer is challenging a Virginia law that would compel him to work at a same-sex wedding on religious-liberty grounds.
Waitress Thanks God After Saving Abused Boy
A waitress in the U.S. city of Orlando is “thanking God” after saving the life of an 11-year-old boy tied up and tortured by his evil parents.
B-52 bombers patrolling over Middle East
For the second time in as many weeks, the Air Force has flown B-52 bombers over the Middle East in what are known as “presence patrols,” officials said Sunday.
Germany and France Oppose Trump’s Twitter Exile
Germany and France attacked Twitter Inc. and Facebook Inc. after U.S. President Donald Trump was shut off from the social media platforms, in an extension of Europe’s battle with big tech.
Pompeo hits Iran, China, Cuba in last-minute sanctions push
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday imposed sanctions on three of his primary targets — China, Iran and Cuba — in a last-minute push aimed in part at boxing in President-elect Joe Biden.
Russia follows US to withdraw from Open Skies Treaty
Russia said Friday it will withdraw from an international treaty allowing observation flights over military facilities following the U.S. exit from the pact.
Russia Detains Returning Kremlin Critic Navalny
Russia’s prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was detained at a Moscow airport Sunday after returning from Germany, where he received medical treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
Europe Warns Iran Over Nuclear Ambitions Amid Missile Launches
European powers urged Iran to observe a nuclear deal after the Islamic nation test-fired long-range missiles and planned uranium metal production.
Indonesia Earthquake Kills Scores Of People
Indonesian rescuers retrieved more bodies of a massive earthquake that killed scores of people in a nation already coping with a string of disasters.
Germany’s New Christian Democrats Leader Pledges Healing
Centrist Armin Laschet has pledged to heal divisions after being elected to lead Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and perhaps succeed her as Germany’s chancellor.
Norway: Dozens Die After Receiving COVID Vaccine
Health authorities in Norway confirmed Saturday that 23 people died within days of receiving their first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian Authority to hold first elections in 15 years
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday announced that parliamentary and presidential elections will take place in the country for the first time in 15 years.
Israel is launching Covid immunity passports
Israel has been lauded for deploying what is currently the fastest Covid-19 vaccination campaign in the world.
Israeli medical company produces quick COVID test
An Israeli company has developed a test for the COVID-19 coronavirus which gives results in minutes.
Inside the United States
US Capitals on Edge for Armed Protests as Trump Presidency Nears End
Washington is locked down and U.S. law enforcement officials are geared up for pro-Trump marches in all 50 state capitals this weekend, erecting barriers and deploying thousands of National Guard troops to try to prevent the kind of violent attack that rattled the nation January 6.
DNI Ratcliffe concludes China ‘sought to influence’ America’s 2020 federal elections
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has assessed that China "sought to influence" America's 2020 national elections, according to a document made public Sunday.
DOJ releases Flynn interviews with Mueller team
The Justice Department released on Friday more than 100 pages of FBI interview notes from retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn’s discussions with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigative team in 2017 and 2018.
FBI, Justice Department knew there was no Russia collusion by spring of 2017
The top Justice Department official in early 2017 overseeing the FBI’s Russia probe testified he was briefed as many as six times on its status and was told there was no evidence of Trump campaign collusion, a newly released transcript shows.
U.S. Investigating Claims That Capitol Mob Tried To Capture and Kill Elected Officials
Federal authorities are investigating claims that some within the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington last week intended to “capture and assassinate elected officials,” including the Vice President.
Leading Leftist Sullivan Charged Over Deadly Assault On U.S. Capitol
A leading leftist activist has been charged for his role in the deadly assault on the US Capitol that left five people dead, officials confirmed Thursday.
Christian News
Christian Photographer Challenges Northam’s ‘Wedding Cake’ Law
A Christian photographer is challenging a Virginia law that would compel him to work at a same-sex wedding on religious-liberty grounds.
Waitress Thanks God After Saving Abused Boy
A waitress in the U.S. city of Orlando is “thanking God” after saving the life of an 11-year-old boy tied up and tortured by his evil parents.
Around the World
Iran sending ‘suicide drones’ to Yemen that could reach Israel
Iran has recently sent its Houthi allies in Yemen unmanned aircraft loaded with explosives known as “suicide drones," which can reach and operate against a variety of targets including Israel, American outlet Newsweek reported.
China building ‘greatest expansion of a nuclear arsenal’ since Cold War, State Department warns
China has rapidly expanded its nuclear and conventional missile forces over the past decade, nearly tripling its ballistic missile production capability and deploying a wide array of nuclear and conventional missile systems, according to an intelligence assessment released by the State Department.
In further breach of nuclear deal, Iran to produce uranium metal for reactor fuel
The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Iranian foundations controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and their subsidies, saying the institutions enabled Iran's elite to sustain a "corrupt" system of ownership over large parts of the economy.
UN Atomic Agency: Iran possibly closer to building nuclear warhead
Iran may have moved significantly closer to actually building a nuclear weapon, the Wall Street Journal reports. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a confidential report Wednesday that Tehran has started work on an assembly line for producing a central component of nuclear warheads.
Both the US and Russia bolster military presence in Syria ahead of Biden inauguration
Both the US and Russia have sent military reinforcement to Syria in recent days, in separate moves apparently timed to coincide with the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden on January 20, AMN reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US House reintroduces bill to sanction global backers of Hamas, Islamic Jihad
Bipartisan American legislation directing the US president to sanction international individuals and agencies tied to the Gaza-based Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups was re-introduced in the House on Thursday.
Ex-Intel Chief Yadlin: Recent Israeli Airstrikes in Syria Broader, More Deadly
Israeli airstrikes in eastern Syria early Wednesday were “extensive, deep in Syrian territory, targeting a wide variety of targets connected to Iran and its proxies,” explained Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin on Twitter after the attacks.
At least 57 killed in airstrikes targeting Iran-backed forces in Syria
Israel carried out a series of airstrikes in eastern Syria early Wednesday, targeting Iran-backed forces and killing at least 57 fighters and wounding many others, the Associated Press (AP) reports.
Inside the United States
MS-13’s highest ranking leaders charged with terrorism offenses in US
Federal authorities have charged multiple leaders of the MS-13 criminal gang with terrorism offenses, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
In Secret Recording, Twitter CEO Promises Political Censorship Will Be ‘Much Bigger’ Than Just Trump’s Account
In a secret recording from Jan. 8, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey admitted that the big tech company is exploring a long-term political censorship campaign to purge and ban users the company deems unacceptable.
Space Force joins the intelligence community
The intelligence arm of the Space Force is an official part of the U.S. intelligence community.
Biden Unveiling $1.9T Plan to Stem Virus and Steady Economy
President-elect Joe Biden is unveiling a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan Thursday to turn the tide on the pandemic, speeding up the vaccine rollout and providing financial help to individuals, states and local governments and businesses struggling with the prolonged economic fallout.
National Guard DC presence will swell to 26,000 for Biden inauguration
U.S. officials say the number of National Guard troops who will pour into the nation’s capital to assist law enforcement with security surrounding the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden has grown to about 26,000.
National Guard at Capitol Authorized to Use Lethal Force in Aftermath of Mob
The 20,000 National Guard troops preparing for pro-Trump demonstrations this weekend in the nation's capital will be armed and permitted to use lethal force, the headquarters overseeing them says, marking a striking escalation in the way authorities there are preparing for repeat violence after last week's deadly mob.
Iran sending ‘suicide drones’ to Yemen that could reach Israel
Iran has recently sent its Houthi allies in Yemen unmanned aircraft loaded with explosives known as “suicide drones," which can reach and operate against a variety of targets including Israel, American outlet Newsweek reported.
China building ‘greatest expansion of a nuclear arsenal’ since Cold War, State Department warns
China has rapidly expanded its nuclear and conventional missile forces over the past decade, nearly tripling its ballistic missile production capability and deploying a wide array of nuclear and conventional missile systems, according to an intelligence assessment released by the State Department.
In further breach of nuclear deal, Iran to produce uranium metal for reactor fuel
The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Iranian foundations controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and their subsidies, saying the institutions enabled Iran's elite to sustain a "corrupt" system of ownership over large parts of the economy.
UN Atomic Agency: Iran possibly closer to building nuclear warhead
Iran may have moved significantly closer to actually building a nuclear weapon, the Wall Street Journal reports. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a confidential report Wednesday that Tehran has started work on an assembly line for producing a central component of nuclear warheads.
Both the US and Russia bolster military presence in Syria ahead of Biden inauguration
Both the US and Russia have sent military reinforcement to Syria in recent days, in separate moves apparently timed to coincide with the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden on January 20, AMN reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US House reintroduces bill to sanction global backers of Hamas, Islamic Jihad
Bipartisan American legislation directing the US president to sanction international individuals and agencies tied to the Gaza-based Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups was re-introduced in the House on Thursday.
Ex-Intel Chief Yadlin: Recent Israeli Airstrikes in Syria Broader, More Deadly
Israeli airstrikes in eastern Syria early Wednesday were “extensive, deep in Syrian territory, targeting a wide variety of targets connected to Iran and its proxies,” explained Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin on Twitter after the attacks.
At least 57 killed in airstrikes targeting Iran-backed forces in Syria
Israel carried out a series of airstrikes in eastern Syria early Wednesday, targeting Iran-backed forces and killing at least 57 fighters and wounding many others, the Associated Press (AP) reports.
Inside the United States
MS-13’s highest ranking leaders charged with terrorism offenses in US
Federal authorities have charged multiple leaders of the MS-13 criminal gang with terrorism offenses, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
In Secret Recording, Twitter CEO Promises Political Censorship Will Be ‘Much Bigger’ Than Just Trump’s Account
In a secret recording from Jan. 8, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey admitted that the big tech company is exploring a long-term political censorship campaign to purge and ban users the company deems unacceptable.
Space Force joins the intelligence community
The intelligence arm of the Space Force is an official part of the U.S. intelligence community.
Biden Unveiling $1.9T Plan to Stem Virus and Steady Economy
President-elect Joe Biden is unveiling a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan Thursday to turn the tide on the pandemic, speeding up the vaccine rollout and providing financial help to individuals, states and local governments and businesses struggling with the prolonged economic fallout.
National Guard DC presence will swell to 26,000 for Biden inauguration
U.S. officials say the number of National Guard troops who will pour into the nation’s capital to assist law enforcement with security surrounding the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden has grown to about 26,000.
National Guard at Capitol Authorized to Use Lethal Force in Aftermath of Mob
The 20,000 National Guard troops preparing for pro-Trump demonstrations this weekend in the nation's capital will be armed and permitted to use lethal force, the headquarters overseeing them says, marking a striking escalation in the way authorities there are preparing for repeat violence after last week's deadly mob.