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
Portugal: ‘Woman Dies After COVID-19 Vaccine’ Amid Global Concerns (Worthy News Investigation)
Portugal's authorities investigate the death of a Portuguese health worker who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus following similar reported incidents in other countries.
Iran confirms it has begun enriching uranium to 20% in breach of nuclear pact
Iran confirmed Tuesday that it was now enriching uranium to 20 percent purity, well beyond the threshold set by its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, sparking international concern.
Iran launches massive ‘drone combat wargames’
The Iranian military on Tuesday launched a massive series of “drone combat wargames” and boasted that its new generation of aircraft — including ominous “suicide drones” — will give Tehran a battlefield edge over its enemies.
East Africa braces for a return of the locusts
The first wave of the pests emerged at the end of 2019, numbering in hundreds of billions, multiplying by a factor of 20 per generation, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The second generation in March and April numbered in the trillions. A plague that spread like wildfire — up to now.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar resume diplomatic relations through US-brokered deal
Saudi Arabia restored its severed ties with Qatar on Tuesday, as the two countries signed a US-brokered agreement to end their dispute and resolve the Gulf crisis that broke out three years ago, Axios reports. A Saudi-led coalition cut diplomatic relations with Qatar in 2017 on the grounds of alleged Qatari support for Iran and terrorist organizations.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel: New Hope, Yamina trail behind Likud in new poll
If Israel was to hold another election today, Likud, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would remain at the top as the largest party, with right-wing rivals trailing behind, a new poll revealed Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Thousands of Protestors Arrive in DC, Still Contending the Presidential Election Outcome Could Change
As Congress plans for Wednesday’s certification joint session, thousands of demonstrators have come to Washington to protest what they call a stolen election. Part of this effort included a Jericho March, circling the Capitol building seven times.
More than 100 state legislators ask Pence to delay certification of electoral votes by 10 days
More than 100 state legislators from contested battleground states have asked Vice President Mike Pence to delay by 10 days the congressional certification of the elections in their states so they can have more time to investigate irregularities and illegalities.
Arkansas Loses Bid to Reinstate Anti-Abortion Laws at Eighth Circuit
The Eighth Circuit on Tuesday blocked Arkansas’ persistent efforts to usher in some of the nation’s most restrictive abortion measures, striking down a pair of laws barring the procedure after 18 weeks of pregnancy and on the basis of a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
US Navy prepares to deploy largest type of underwater drone allowed
On December 23, 2020, the US Navy issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of the largest type of underwater drone the Navy can deploy, the Eurasian Times reports. Named “Snakehead,” this type of Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (LDUUV) will be launched from nuclear submarines to conduct electronic warfare (EW) as well as carry out intelligence, surveillance, and anti-mine missions.
Christian News
Church Asks Ninth Circuit to Lift California’s Ban on Indoor Worship
A Ninth Circuit judge Monday expressed concern that California’s effort to curb Covid-19 transmission by banning all indoor religious gatherings could extend into the summer months or beyond if the pandemic worsens, further restricting people’s constitutional right to practice their religion.
China: A Pastor and five women arrested following house church raid by government officials
A house church in China's Taiyuan city was raided by forty government officials who arrested the pastor and five female members of the congregation at the same time, Christian Headlines reported Monday. While the five women were released some hours after the raid, Pastor An Yankui, whose home the church meets in, was detained for 15 days.
Wycliffe Associates Providing Technology That Helps Keeps Bible Translators and Their Work Safe in High-Risk Areas
In regions where Christians risk intense persecution and even death because of their faith, Wycliffe Associates is helping believers translate the Bible for their language communities through its Tablets for National Translators initiative.
Portugal: ‘Woman Dies After COVID-19 Vaccine’ Amid Global Concerns (Worthy News Investigation)
Portugal's authorities investigate the death of a Portuguese health worker who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus following similar reported incidents in other countries.
Iran confirms it has begun enriching uranium to 20% in breach of nuclear pact
Iran confirmed Tuesday that it was now enriching uranium to 20 percent purity, well beyond the threshold set by its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, sparking international concern.
Iran launches massive ‘drone combat wargames’
The Iranian military on Tuesday launched a massive series of “drone combat wargames” and boasted that its new generation of aircraft — including ominous “suicide drones” — will give Tehran a battlefield edge over its enemies.
East Africa braces for a return of the locusts
The first wave of the pests emerged at the end of 2019, numbering in hundreds of billions, multiplying by a factor of 20 per generation, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The second generation in March and April numbered in the trillions. A plague that spread like wildfire — up to now.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar resume diplomatic relations through US-brokered deal
Saudi Arabia restored its severed ties with Qatar on Tuesday, as the two countries signed a US-brokered agreement to end their dispute and resolve the Gulf crisis that broke out three years ago, Axios reports. A Saudi-led coalition cut diplomatic relations with Qatar in 2017 on the grounds of alleged Qatari support for Iran and terrorist organizations.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel: New Hope, Yamina trail behind Likud in new poll
If Israel was to hold another election today, Likud, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would remain at the top as the largest party, with right-wing rivals trailing behind, a new poll revealed Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Thousands of Protestors Arrive in DC, Still Contending the Presidential Election Outcome Could Change
As Congress plans for Wednesday’s certification joint session, thousands of demonstrators have come to Washington to protest what they call a stolen election. Part of this effort included a Jericho March, circling the Capitol building seven times.
More than 100 state legislators ask Pence to delay certification of electoral votes by 10 days
More than 100 state legislators from contested battleground states have asked Vice President Mike Pence to delay by 10 days the congressional certification of the elections in their states so they can have more time to investigate irregularities and illegalities.
Arkansas Loses Bid to Reinstate Anti-Abortion Laws at Eighth Circuit
The Eighth Circuit on Tuesday blocked Arkansas’ persistent efforts to usher in some of the nation’s most restrictive abortion measures, striking down a pair of laws barring the procedure after 18 weeks of pregnancy and on the basis of a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
US Navy prepares to deploy largest type of underwater drone allowed
On December 23, 2020, the US Navy issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of the largest type of underwater drone the Navy can deploy, the Eurasian Times reports. Named “Snakehead,” this type of Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (LDUUV) will be launched from nuclear submarines to conduct electronic warfare (EW) as well as carry out intelligence, surveillance, and anti-mine missions.
Christian News
Church Asks Ninth Circuit to Lift California’s Ban on Indoor Worship
A Ninth Circuit judge Monday expressed concern that California’s effort to curb Covid-19 transmission by banning all indoor religious gatherings could extend into the summer months or beyond if the pandemic worsens, further restricting people’s constitutional right to practice their religion.
China: A Pastor and five women arrested following house church raid by government officials
A house church in China's Taiyuan city was raided by forty government officials who arrested the pastor and five female members of the congregation at the same time, Christian Headlines reported Monday. While the five women were released some hours after the raid, Pastor An Yankui, whose home the church meets in, was detained for 15 days.
Wycliffe Associates Providing Technology That Helps Keeps Bible Translators and Their Work Safe in High-Risk Areas
In regions where Christians risk intense persecution and even death because of their faith, Wycliffe Associates is helping believers translate the Bible for their language communities through its Tablets for National Translators initiative.
Around the World
South Korea, U.S. Demand Iran Release Tanker Seized In Strait Of Hormuz
South Korea and the United States have demanded the release of a South Korean-flagged oil tanker seized by Iranian authorities in the Strait of Hormuz.
Boris Johnson announces coronavirus lockdown, cases continue to rise
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered a national lockdown through mid-February in an effort to combat a variant of the coronavirus that is continuing to rapidly spread in the region.
British Court Halts U.S. Extradition Of Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange
A British court says the founder of whistleblower news site Wikileaks, Julian Assange, cannot be extradited to the United States where he is wanted for revealing state secrets. The London judge cited concerns over Assange's mental health and risk of suicide.
US Aircraft Carrier to remain in Persian Gulf because of “recent threats” by Iran
The Pentagon announced Sunday that the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz will stay in the Persian Gulf because of “recent threats” by Iran, the Times of Israel reported. The announcement came after reports that the vessel would be returning to the US after having patrolled the Gulf since the end of November.
Explosion in Lebanon injures at least 10 people
At least 10 people were injured when an explosion erupted in a warehouse holding gas canisters in Lebanon Sunday, France24 reports. The wounded were rushed to the hospital by Lebanese Red Cross rescuers who had been sent to the site of the explosion near Lebanon’s border with Syria.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Defense minister urges purchase of a third squadron of F-35s
Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Monday that Israel should purchase a third squadron of the advanced F-35 strike aircraft from the US and that he has already brought up the topic with the Washington officials.
Health Ministry releases demo of COVID-19 green passport app
A demo of the proposed design for the green passport app was presented today by coronavirus commissioner Prof. Nachman Ash at a meeting of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee on Monday.
Former Mossad chiefs: Iran unlikely to avenge Soleimani assassination until after Biden inauguration
Two former Mossad directors and a former Israeli National Security Council director have each stated that Iran will likely wait until after American President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20 to seek revenge for the US assassination of Quds Force Chief Qasem Soleimani a year ago, the Jerusalem Post reported Sunday.
Inside the United States
State senators in Georgia want VP Pence to postpone Jan. 6 electoral vote counting
Some Georgia state senators have signed on to a letter requesting that Vice President Mike Pence postpone the count of electoral votes slated to occur this week on Jan. 6.
Pelosi Re-elected US House Speaker
Representative Nancy Pelosi was elected speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Sunday for her fourth term, with a narrower Democratic majority in the chamber and challenges ahead.
Christian News
German Police Raid Church Service Amid Europe Crackdown
German police stormed a church service as pressure mounts on Europe's devoted Christians to stop gathering or accept government rules amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Texas Church Shooting Kills Pastor, Injures Two
A devoted Christian community in the U.S. state of Texas was left grieving after their pastor was killed and two others injured Sunday.
South Korea, U.S. Demand Iran Release Tanker Seized In Strait Of Hormuz
South Korea and the United States have demanded the release of a South Korean-flagged oil tanker seized by Iranian authorities in the Strait of Hormuz.
Boris Johnson announces coronavirus lockdown, cases continue to rise
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered a national lockdown through mid-February in an effort to combat a variant of the coronavirus that is continuing to rapidly spread in the region.
British Court Halts U.S. Extradition Of Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange
A British court says the founder of whistleblower news site Wikileaks, Julian Assange, cannot be extradited to the United States where he is wanted for revealing state secrets. The London judge cited concerns over Assange's mental health and risk of suicide.
US Aircraft Carrier to remain in Persian Gulf because of “recent threats” by Iran
The Pentagon announced Sunday that the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz will stay in the Persian Gulf because of “recent threats” by Iran, the Times of Israel reported. The announcement came after reports that the vessel would be returning to the US after having patrolled the Gulf since the end of November.
Explosion in Lebanon injures at least 10 people
At least 10 people were injured when an explosion erupted in a warehouse holding gas canisters in Lebanon Sunday, France24 reports. The wounded were rushed to the hospital by Lebanese Red Cross rescuers who had been sent to the site of the explosion near Lebanon’s border with Syria.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Defense minister urges purchase of a third squadron of F-35s
Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Monday that Israel should purchase a third squadron of the advanced F-35 strike aircraft from the US and that he has already brought up the topic with the Washington officials.
Health Ministry releases demo of COVID-19 green passport app
A demo of the proposed design for the green passport app was presented today by coronavirus commissioner Prof. Nachman Ash at a meeting of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee on Monday.
Former Mossad chiefs: Iran unlikely to avenge Soleimani assassination until after Biden inauguration
Two former Mossad directors and a former Israeli National Security Council director have each stated that Iran will likely wait until after American President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20 to seek revenge for the US assassination of Quds Force Chief Qasem Soleimani a year ago, the Jerusalem Post reported Sunday.
Inside the United States
State senators in Georgia want VP Pence to postpone Jan. 6 electoral vote counting
Some Georgia state senators have signed on to a letter requesting that Vice President Mike Pence postpone the count of electoral votes slated to occur this week on Jan. 6.
Pelosi Re-elected US House Speaker
Representative Nancy Pelosi was elected speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Sunday for her fourth term, with a narrower Democratic majority in the chamber and challenges ahead.
Christian News
German Police Raid Church Service Amid Europe Crackdown
German police stormed a church service as pressure mounts on Europe's devoted Christians to stop gathering or accept government rules amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Texas Church Shooting Kills Pastor, Injures Two
A devoted Christian community in the U.S. state of Texas was left grieving after their pastor was killed and two others injured Sunday.
Around the World
2021: 3 Supermoons, 2 Blood Moons And A Sunrise ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse
Sky watchers have a lot to look forward to in 2021, with three “supermoons,” one blue moon, and two lunar eclipses all taking place during the new year.
Iran to enrich uranium to 20% as anniversary of Soleimani killing approaches
Iran announced a day before the one-year anniversary of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani’s death that it is planning to enrich uranium to 20% in an apparent violation of the nuclear deal.
Russian pipeline bypassing Ukraine advances
A major new Russian pipeline designed to bypass Ukraine to supply southeastern Europe got a major symbolic boost on New Year’s Day as Serbian President Alexandar Vucic officially proclaimed the first nearly 250 miles of the Balkan Stream natural gas pipeline to be open for business.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan resume Nile dam talks
The three African nations at the center of a spat over the controversial building of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam resumed talks on Sunday, officials said.
Russia Rushes Vaccines As COVID-Cases Spread
Russia says over 800,000 people have been vaccinated with its new jab against the coronavirus. More than 1.5 million vaccine doses were dispatched across the country as the nation increases its vaccination drive over the New Year period despite controversy about its Sputnik V vaccine.
Young Journalist Killed In Afghanistan
A young Afghan journalist has been shot dead in western Afghanistan, the fifth media professional to be killed within two months in the war-ravaged nation, officials confirmed Saturday.
Bosnian Army Offering Tents For Desperate Refugees
There was a glimmer of hope Saturday for some 1,000 freezing people stuck in a burned-out refugee camp in Bosnia after the army began placing tents to fend freezing winter weather.
More Fatal Plane Crashes Despite Drop in Flights
More people were killed in plane crashes last year than in 2019 despite a massive drop in fights due to the coronavirus pandemic, a Dutch aviation consultancy firm says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel ships 2nd of two Iron Dome batteries to US, hopes to sell more
Israel shipped the second of two Iron Dome missile defense systems to the US Army over the weekend, with hopes to sell more batteries to the Americans in the future, the Defense Ministry said Sunday.
Abbas announces agreement with Hamas to hold elections
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Saturday that he had reached agreement with the rival Hamas movement to hold presidential and parliamentary elections. Hamas did not immediately comment on Abbas’s announcement.
Inside the United States
Cruz to lead group of GOP senators in challenge to Electoral College certification
Sen. Ted Cruz is leading a delegation of Republican senators who are planning to challenge the Electoral College certification and demand an emergency audit.
US bans anonymous shell companies, passing ‘historic’ anti-corruption legislation
The United States banned anonymous shell companies through the defense bill vetoed by President Trump last month but passed in Congress on Friday.
U.S. Congress Overrides Trump‘s Defense Veto
The U.S. Congress has overturned President Donald J. Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill, a first by legislators since he took office nearly four years ago.
Christian News
Islamist Militants Kill Dozens In Niger
Suspected Islamist militants have killed scores of people in simultaneous attacks on two villages in Niger, near the border with Mali, security officials said.
China Jails Christian Journalist For COVID-19 Investigations
China faces international pressure for sentencing an independent Christian journalist to four-year imprisonment over her coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan city. Zhang Zhan, 37, reportedly saw it as "God's will' to be among the few people whose firsthand accounts from crowded hospitals and empty streets painted a more gloomy picture of the COVID-19 epicenter than the official narrative.
Nigeria Gunmen Release Bishop But Violence Continues
A prominent Catholic bishop in Nigeria, kidnapped on December 27, has been released unharmed in an “answer to prayers,” his church said Saturday.
Uganda: Female pastor raped by Islamic extremists for preaching the Gospel
Islamic extremists in Uganda raped a female church pastor last month, claiming they were “teaching her a lesson” for converting Muslims to Christianity, Morning Star News reports. The Pastor, who was not named for her protection, was attacked in Kapyani in the Kibuku District of eastern Uganda on December 21. Although Ugandan law allows freedom of religion, and Muslims are a small minority in the country, radical Islamic persecution of Christians is ongoing.
2021: 3 Supermoons, 2 Blood Moons And A Sunrise ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse
Sky watchers have a lot to look forward to in 2021, with three “supermoons,” one blue moon, and two lunar eclipses all taking place during the new year.
Iran to enrich uranium to 20% as anniversary of Soleimani killing approaches
Iran announced a day before the one-year anniversary of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani’s death that it is planning to enrich uranium to 20% in an apparent violation of the nuclear deal.
Russian pipeline bypassing Ukraine advances
A major new Russian pipeline designed to bypass Ukraine to supply southeastern Europe got a major symbolic boost on New Year’s Day as Serbian President Alexandar Vucic officially proclaimed the first nearly 250 miles of the Balkan Stream natural gas pipeline to be open for business.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan resume Nile dam talks
The three African nations at the center of a spat over the controversial building of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam resumed talks on Sunday, officials said.
Russia Rushes Vaccines As COVID-Cases Spread
Russia says over 800,000 people have been vaccinated with its new jab against the coronavirus. More than 1.5 million vaccine doses were dispatched across the country as the nation increases its vaccination drive over the New Year period despite controversy about its Sputnik V vaccine.
Young Journalist Killed In Afghanistan
A young Afghan journalist has been shot dead in western Afghanistan, the fifth media professional to be killed within two months in the war-ravaged nation, officials confirmed Saturday.
Bosnian Army Offering Tents For Desperate Refugees
There was a glimmer of hope Saturday for some 1,000 freezing people stuck in a burned-out refugee camp in Bosnia after the army began placing tents to fend freezing winter weather.
More Fatal Plane Crashes Despite Drop in Flights
More people were killed in plane crashes last year than in 2019 despite a massive drop in fights due to the coronavirus pandemic, a Dutch aviation consultancy firm says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel ships 2nd of two Iron Dome batteries to US, hopes to sell more
Israel shipped the second of two Iron Dome missile defense systems to the US Army over the weekend, with hopes to sell more batteries to the Americans in the future, the Defense Ministry said Sunday.
Abbas announces agreement with Hamas to hold elections
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Saturday that he had reached agreement with the rival Hamas movement to hold presidential and parliamentary elections. Hamas did not immediately comment on Abbas’s announcement.
Inside the United States
Cruz to lead group of GOP senators in challenge to Electoral College certification
Sen. Ted Cruz is leading a delegation of Republican senators who are planning to challenge the Electoral College certification and demand an emergency audit.
US bans anonymous shell companies, passing ‘historic’ anti-corruption legislation
The United States banned anonymous shell companies through the defense bill vetoed by President Trump last month but passed in Congress on Friday.
U.S. Congress Overrides Trump‘s Defense Veto
The U.S. Congress has overturned President Donald J. Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill, a first by legislators since he took office nearly four years ago.
Christian News
Islamist Militants Kill Dozens In Niger
Suspected Islamist militants have killed scores of people in simultaneous attacks on two villages in Niger, near the border with Mali, security officials said.
China Jails Christian Journalist For COVID-19 Investigations
China faces international pressure for sentencing an independent Christian journalist to four-year imprisonment over her coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan city. Zhang Zhan, 37, reportedly saw it as "God's will' to be among the few people whose firsthand accounts from crowded hospitals and empty streets painted a more gloomy picture of the COVID-19 epicenter than the official narrative.
Nigeria Gunmen Release Bishop But Violence Continues
A prominent Catholic bishop in Nigeria, kidnapped on December 27, has been released unharmed in an “answer to prayers,” his church said Saturday.
Uganda: Female pastor raped by Islamic extremists for preaching the Gospel
Islamic extremists in Uganda raped a female church pastor last month, claiming they were “teaching her a lesson” for converting Muslims to Christianity, Morning Star News reports. The Pastor, who was not named for her protection, was attacked in Kapyani in the Kibuku District of eastern Uganda on December 21. Although Ugandan law allows freedom of religion, and Muslims are a small minority in the country, radical Islamic persecution of Christians is ongoing.