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
U.S. softens position on Iranian sanctions threat, opting to impose them only at 90% enrichment
The United States reportedly wants to apply "snapback sanctions" to deter Iran from continuing to enrich weapons-grade-uranium, a strategy that was part of the original JCPOA established in 2015.
UN fingers Iranian port as key weapons conduit for Yemen rebels
The United Nations found thousands of weapons recently seized in the Arabian Sea likely came from a single port in Iran, evidence Tehran is exporting arms to Yemen and elsewhere, The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday.
Iran Revolutionary Guard commander says ‘revenge’ coming for Soleimani strike from ‘within’ US
The leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that revenge for Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani’s death will come for the United States from "within" the country itself.
Sec. Blinken gives Russia two choices ahead of talks in Geneva: ‘Massive consequences’
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken took a hardline stance against Russia ahead of talks in Geneva by declaring the nation needed to choose between "dialogue" and "confrontation."
China, Russia, North Korea reportedly have successful hypersonic missile tests on heels of America’s failure
North Korea announced the completion of a successful hypersonic weapons test, adding to the list of agitators that continue to advance while America has stumbled in an area that has fast become the most important indicator of modern military capability.
Kazakhstan Cities Lacking Food, Fuel After Unrest Kills 164 (Worthy News In-Depth)
Kazakhstan’s health ministry said Sunday, at least 164 people had been killed in protests that have rocked the nation over the past week, leading to food and fuel shortages.
Pakistan Snow Storm Kills Dozens
At least 10 children were among the dead Saturday after a snowstorm hit a Pakistani resort town, and there were indications the death toll might climb here and in snow-stricken parts of neighboring Afghanistan.
Several Dead As Giant Rock Hit Brazil Tourists
Screams reverberated throughout a scenic canyon in southern Brazil Saturday as a giant rock dislodged and smashed into three boats, killing at least six people, with many more still missing.
Kazakhstan President Orders Troops To Shoot At Protesters
Kazakhstan’s authoritarian president has ordered troops to shoot at protesters without warning as unrest sparked by fuel prices threatened to escalate into civil war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Majority of Israelis agree to harshly restrict lives of unvaccinated
Some 61% of Israelis said they believe harsh restrictions should be imposed on the unvaccinated, according to a poll conducted by Panels Politics’ Menachem Lazar and presented by 103FM’s Golan Yochpaz and Anat Davidov on Sunday.
Lapid speaks to Macron, calls for pressure on Iran as Vienna nuclear talks continue
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday about the ongoing nuclear talks in Vienna between world powers and Iran.
Inside the United States
Biden’s Vaccine Mandates Face Hurdles
The future of U.S. President Joe Biden’s COVID vaccine and testing mandates remained uncertain Sunday after his top health official admitted that assertions about COVID-19 suffering children were exaggerated.
BLS: Unemployment Drops (3.9%), Labor Force Participation Increases (61.9%)
The Labor Department's final employment report of 2021, released on Friday morning, shows steady improvement since January a year ago.
New York Apartment Complex Fire Kills 19; Hundreds Injured
Nineteen people, including nine children, have been killed from a massive blaze raging through an apartment complex in the Bronx borough in New York City, authorities confirmed Sunday.
New Jersey to pay families of veterans who died of COVID-19 in nursing homes $53 million settlement
The state of New Jersey has agreed to pay close to $53 million to the families of the 119 residents who died after contracting COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic at the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home, in Edison, and a second state-run veterans home in Paramus.
NYC: New law allows noncitizens to vote
More than 800,000 noncitizens and “Dreamers” in New York City will have access to the ballot box - and could vote in municipal elections as early as next year - after Mayor Eric Adams allowed legislation to automatically become law Sunday.
US Court: ‘Publish Pfizer Jab Data Fast’
A U.S. federal judge in Texas has ordered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to publish all data used to approve Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine within eight months.
Christian News
India Charges Five Over Attacks At Christian School
Indian authorities have charged five suspects over the vandalism near a Christian school in central India during protests against the alleged conversion of Hindus to Christianity, rights activists confirmed Friday.
U.S. softens position on Iranian sanctions threat, opting to impose them only at 90% enrichment
The United States reportedly wants to apply "snapback sanctions" to deter Iran from continuing to enrich weapons-grade-uranium, a strategy that was part of the original JCPOA established in 2015.
UN fingers Iranian port as key weapons conduit for Yemen rebels
The United Nations found thousands of weapons recently seized in the Arabian Sea likely came from a single port in Iran, evidence Tehran is exporting arms to Yemen and elsewhere, The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday.
Iran Revolutionary Guard commander says ‘revenge’ coming for Soleimani strike from ‘within’ US
The leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that revenge for Lt. Gen. Qassem Soleimani’s death will come for the United States from "within" the country itself.
Sec. Blinken gives Russia two choices ahead of talks in Geneva: ‘Massive consequences’
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken took a hardline stance against Russia ahead of talks in Geneva by declaring the nation needed to choose between "dialogue" and "confrontation."
China, Russia, North Korea reportedly have successful hypersonic missile tests on heels of America’s failure
North Korea announced the completion of a successful hypersonic weapons test, adding to the list of agitators that continue to advance while America has stumbled in an area that has fast become the most important indicator of modern military capability.
Kazakhstan Cities Lacking Food, Fuel After Unrest Kills 164 (Worthy News In-Depth)
Kazakhstan’s health ministry said Sunday, at least 164 people had been killed in protests that have rocked the nation over the past week, leading to food and fuel shortages.
Pakistan Snow Storm Kills Dozens
At least 10 children were among the dead Saturday after a snowstorm hit a Pakistani resort town, and there were indications the death toll might climb here and in snow-stricken parts of neighboring Afghanistan.
Several Dead As Giant Rock Hit Brazil Tourists
Screams reverberated throughout a scenic canyon in southern Brazil Saturday as a giant rock dislodged and smashed into three boats, killing at least six people, with many more still missing.
Kazakhstan President Orders Troops To Shoot At Protesters
Kazakhstan’s authoritarian president has ordered troops to shoot at protesters without warning as unrest sparked by fuel prices threatened to escalate into civil war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Majority of Israelis agree to harshly restrict lives of unvaccinated
Some 61% of Israelis said they believe harsh restrictions should be imposed on the unvaccinated, according to a poll conducted by Panels Politics’ Menachem Lazar and presented by 103FM’s Golan Yochpaz and Anat Davidov on Sunday.
Lapid speaks to Macron, calls for pressure on Iran as Vienna nuclear talks continue
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday about the ongoing nuclear talks in Vienna between world powers and Iran.
Inside the United States
Biden’s Vaccine Mandates Face Hurdles
The future of U.S. President Joe Biden’s COVID vaccine and testing mandates remained uncertain Sunday after his top health official admitted that assertions about COVID-19 suffering children were exaggerated.
BLS: Unemployment Drops (3.9%), Labor Force Participation Increases (61.9%)
The Labor Department's final employment report of 2021, released on Friday morning, shows steady improvement since January a year ago.
New York Apartment Complex Fire Kills 19; Hundreds Injured
Nineteen people, including nine children, have been killed from a massive blaze raging through an apartment complex in the Bronx borough in New York City, authorities confirmed Sunday.
New Jersey to pay families of veterans who died of COVID-19 in nursing homes $53 million settlement
The state of New Jersey has agreed to pay close to $53 million to the families of the 119 residents who died after contracting COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic at the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home, in Edison, and a second state-run veterans home in Paramus.
NYC: New law allows noncitizens to vote
More than 800,000 noncitizens and “Dreamers” in New York City will have access to the ballot box - and could vote in municipal elections as early as next year - after Mayor Eric Adams allowed legislation to automatically become law Sunday.
US Court: ‘Publish Pfizer Jab Data Fast’
A U.S. federal judge in Texas has ordered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to publish all data used to approve Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine within eight months.
Christian News
India Charges Five Over Attacks At Christian School
Indian authorities have charged five suspects over the vandalism near a Christian school in central India during protests against the alleged conversion of Hindus to Christianity, rights activists confirmed Friday.
Around the World
European Governments Ratchet Up Pressure, Mandates on Unvaccinated
Italy’s government on Wednesday issued a decree making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for everyone aged 50 and other, while French citizens pondered President Emmanuel Macron’s assertion – using coarse language – to the effect that he wanted to make life so unpleasant for the unvaccinated that they would submit.
European court rules in favor of Christian bakery that refused to make cake supporting gay marriage
The European Court of Human Rights has rejected a complaint against a Christian bakery in Northern Ireland that refused to make a cake supporting gay marriage on religious grounds.
Russian-led Alliance In Kazakhstan As Police Kill Dozens
A Russian-led military alliance dispatches peacekeepers to Kazakhstan after the country's president asked for help in controlling anti-government protests, which killed dozens.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Spends $6 Million to Boost Space Tech Startups, From Microchips to Zero-Gravity Vegetables
Israel has earmarked about $6 million (18.5 million shekels) for eleven space tech startups as part of a program to promote research and development of satellite communications, rocket propulsion and sensors.
IDF’s Home Front Command preparing to confront internal disruptions in next war
The IDF Home Front Command’s Southern Branch will respond to internal security incidents such as riots faster and more accurately during future military operations.
Inside the United States
US Monthly Trade Deficit Surges to Near-Record High
The U.S. trade deficit surged to a near-record high of $80.2 billion in November as exports slowed at the same time that imports jumped sharply.
Supermajority of American voters believe the country’s society, culture in ‘a state of decay’
More than three-quarters of U.S. votes believe their society is in decline, according to a new poll from the Trafalgar Group in conjunction with Convention of States Action.
Judge tosses multi-state lawsuit fighting Biden’s cancellation of Keystone XL pipeline
A federal judge dismissed Thursday a multi-state lawsuit challenging President Biden’s cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline, ruling that the company’s subsequent decision to kill the project renders the legal battle moot.
Trump Hits Back After Biden Blames Him For Capitol Riots
U.S. President Joe Biden blamed Donald J. Trump for last year’s deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., prompting an angry response from his predecessor. “This political theater is all just a distraction for the fact Biden has completely and totally failed,” Trump said in a statement monitored by Worthy News.
Christian News
Uganda: Muslim husband murders wife and children for their faith in Christ
A Muslim man in Kayunga, Uganda is understood to have murdered his wife and two children by strangulation and hanging because his spouse and eight-year-old child received Christ following Christmas worship services last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Although Muslims are a minority in Uganda, Christians in the country have been increasingly vulnerable to violent attacks by Islamic extremists.
New report: Over 100 US Christian schools are connected to Planned Parenthood
A new study has shown that 103 US Christian colleges and universities in the United States have had connections to Planned Parenthood, America’s largest abortion provider, the Christian Post (CP) reports. The study was conducted by the Institute for Pro-Life Advancement (IPLA), which asserts that a connection with Planned Parenthood is an “endorsement of abortion violence.”
European Governments Ratchet Up Pressure, Mandates on Unvaccinated
Italy’s government on Wednesday issued a decree making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for everyone aged 50 and other, while French citizens pondered President Emmanuel Macron’s assertion – using coarse language – to the effect that he wanted to make life so unpleasant for the unvaccinated that they would submit.
European court rules in favor of Christian bakery that refused to make cake supporting gay marriage
The European Court of Human Rights has rejected a complaint against a Christian bakery in Northern Ireland that refused to make a cake supporting gay marriage on religious grounds.
Russian-led Alliance In Kazakhstan As Police Kill Dozens
A Russian-led military alliance dispatches peacekeepers to Kazakhstan after the country's president asked for help in controlling anti-government protests, which killed dozens.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Spends $6 Million to Boost Space Tech Startups, From Microchips to Zero-Gravity Vegetables
Israel has earmarked about $6 million (18.5 million shekels) for eleven space tech startups as part of a program to promote research and development of satellite communications, rocket propulsion and sensors.
IDF’s Home Front Command preparing to confront internal disruptions in next war
The IDF Home Front Command’s Southern Branch will respond to internal security incidents such as riots faster and more accurately during future military operations.
Inside the United States
US Monthly Trade Deficit Surges to Near-Record High
The U.S. trade deficit surged to a near-record high of $80.2 billion in November as exports slowed at the same time that imports jumped sharply.
Supermajority of American voters believe the country’s society, culture in ‘a state of decay’
More than three-quarters of U.S. votes believe their society is in decline, according to a new poll from the Trafalgar Group in conjunction with Convention of States Action.
Judge tosses multi-state lawsuit fighting Biden’s cancellation of Keystone XL pipeline
A federal judge dismissed Thursday a multi-state lawsuit challenging President Biden’s cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline, ruling that the company’s subsequent decision to kill the project renders the legal battle moot.
Trump Hits Back After Biden Blames Him For Capitol Riots
U.S. President Joe Biden blamed Donald J. Trump for last year’s deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., prompting an angry response from his predecessor. “This political theater is all just a distraction for the fact Biden has completely and totally failed,” Trump said in a statement monitored by Worthy News.
Christian News
Uganda: Muslim husband murders wife and children for their faith in Christ
A Muslim man in Kayunga, Uganda is understood to have murdered his wife and two children by strangulation and hanging because his spouse and eight-year-old child received Christ following Christmas worship services last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Although Muslims are a minority in Uganda, Christians in the country have been increasingly vulnerable to violent attacks by Islamic extremists.
New report: Over 100 US Christian schools are connected to Planned Parenthood
A new study has shown that 103 US Christian colleges and universities in the United States have had connections to Planned Parenthood, America’s largest abortion provider, the Christian Post (CP) reports. The study was conducted by the Institute for Pro-Life Advancement (IPLA), which asserts that a connection with Planned Parenthood is an “endorsement of abortion violence.”
Around the World
Kazakhstan President Fires Security Chief As Deadly Protests Spread
Kazakhstan's president declared a state of emergency and asked for regional military support as protests sparked by rising fuel prices turned deadly in the oil-producing Central Asian nation.
North Korea reveals it tested hypersonic missile that travels ‘five times faster than speed of sound’
North Korea has fired a hypersonic ballistic missile that successfully hit a target - its second test in a matter of months.
Syrian and Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops attacked on anniversary of Soleimani strike; none killed
Bases housing U.S. forces across Iraq and Syria were attacked Wednesday as part of a series of assaults that began Monday on the two-year anniversary of the American airstrike that killed Iranian general Qassim Soleimani. No Americans were killed in the Wednesday strikes, according to reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Senate might approve Iron Dome’s replenishment next month
As the US Senate returns to session, one major issue on top of the agenda for the pro-Israel community is the emergency funding for the Iron Dome missile-defense system.
Israel sets new record with daily COVID-19 cases
Israel recorded the highest number of new daily Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases since the outbreak two years ago with 11,978 new cases, as the Omicron variant is rapidly spreading.
Inside the United States
US Supreme Court to hear oral arguments on company vaccine mandates on January 7
The US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Friday, January 7, to consider whether the Biden administration violated the Constitution in mandating that companies with more than 100 employees ensure all their staff are vaccinated against COVID-19.
Philadelphia Fire Kills 13 Including Children; Prayers Urged
A large row house fire in the U.S. city of Philadelphia has killed 13 people, including seven children, prompting the mayor to call for prayers.
US Postal Service Seeks Relief From Testing, Vaccine Rules
The U.S. Postal Service has asked the Biden administration for temporary relief from new vaccine or testing requirements covering large businesses for its 650,000 employees, warning of potentially "catastrophic" impacts.
More Winter Weather Headed to Virginia’s I-95 after 50-Mile Traffic Jam Leaves Drivers Stranded
Interstate 95 in Northern Virginia is moving again. The highway finally reopened Tuesday night after a 50-mile traffic jam that froze hundreds of cars in place over two days.
CDC advisory panel recommends Pfizer boosters for children as young as 12
An advisory panel for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday recommended for children as young as 12 to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine.
Christian News
Bible translators plan Scripture versions in 400 sign languages for deaf people around the world
IllumiNations, an alliance of 11 Bible translation organizations, has added 400 sign languages to the thousands of Bible language versions it wants to provide for people around the world, Christianity Today (CT) reports. illumiNations has a stated aim of providing Bibles in all languages by 2033.
Pakistan Sentences Pastor To Death For Blasphemy
Pakistan’s longest jailed pastor accused of blasphemy against Islam has been sentenced to death, Christians involved in the case told Worthy News.
Nigeria: Fulani burn believer to death, wound four others; “the silence is deafening”
Warning this would be the “first attack of the New Year,” Fulani militants in Nigeria’s Plateau state burned a Christian to death and wounded four others in a brutal assault on New Year’s Eve, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Fulani terrorists have murdered many thousands of Christians with apparent impunity; the government has consistently downplayed what local and international rights groups have described as an impending genocide.
Turkey: Churches vandalized as life becomes more difficult for Christians
As life for Christians in Turkey becomes increasingly difficult under the rule of Islamic nationalist President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, three churches in Istanbul’s Kadıköy district were vandalized on New Year’s Day, International Chrisitan Concern (ICC) reports.
Kazakhstan President Fires Security Chief As Deadly Protests Spread
Kazakhstan's president declared a state of emergency and asked for regional military support as protests sparked by rising fuel prices turned deadly in the oil-producing Central Asian nation.
North Korea reveals it tested hypersonic missile that travels ‘five times faster than speed of sound’
North Korea has fired a hypersonic ballistic missile that successfully hit a target - its second test in a matter of months.
Syrian and Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops attacked on anniversary of Soleimani strike; none killed
Bases housing U.S. forces across Iraq and Syria were attacked Wednesday as part of a series of assaults that began Monday on the two-year anniversary of the American airstrike that killed Iranian general Qassim Soleimani. No Americans were killed in the Wednesday strikes, according to reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Senate might approve Iron Dome’s replenishment next month
As the US Senate returns to session, one major issue on top of the agenda for the pro-Israel community is the emergency funding for the Iron Dome missile-defense system.
Israel sets new record with daily COVID-19 cases
Israel recorded the highest number of new daily Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases since the outbreak two years ago with 11,978 new cases, as the Omicron variant is rapidly spreading.
Inside the United States
US Supreme Court to hear oral arguments on company vaccine mandates on January 7
The US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Friday, January 7, to consider whether the Biden administration violated the Constitution in mandating that companies with more than 100 employees ensure all their staff are vaccinated against COVID-19.
Philadelphia Fire Kills 13 Including Children; Prayers Urged
A large row house fire in the U.S. city of Philadelphia has killed 13 people, including seven children, prompting the mayor to call for prayers.
US Postal Service Seeks Relief From Testing, Vaccine Rules
The U.S. Postal Service has asked the Biden administration for temporary relief from new vaccine or testing requirements covering large businesses for its 650,000 employees, warning of potentially "catastrophic" impacts.
More Winter Weather Headed to Virginia’s I-95 after 50-Mile Traffic Jam Leaves Drivers Stranded
Interstate 95 in Northern Virginia is moving again. The highway finally reopened Tuesday night after a 50-mile traffic jam that froze hundreds of cars in place over two days.
CDC advisory panel recommends Pfizer boosters for children as young as 12
An advisory panel for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday recommended for children as young as 12 to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine.
Christian News
Bible translators plan Scripture versions in 400 sign languages for deaf people around the world
IllumiNations, an alliance of 11 Bible translation organizations, has added 400 sign languages to the thousands of Bible language versions it wants to provide for people around the world, Christianity Today (CT) reports. illumiNations has a stated aim of providing Bibles in all languages by 2033.
Pakistan Sentences Pastor To Death For Blasphemy
Pakistan’s longest jailed pastor accused of blasphemy against Islam has been sentenced to death, Christians involved in the case told Worthy News.
Nigeria: Fulani burn believer to death, wound four others; “the silence is deafening”
Warning this would be the “first attack of the New Year,” Fulani militants in Nigeria’s Plateau state burned a Christian to death and wounded four others in a brutal assault on New Year’s Eve, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Fulani terrorists have murdered many thousands of Christians with apparent impunity; the government has consistently downplayed what local and international rights groups have described as an impending genocide.
Turkey: Churches vandalized as life becomes more difficult for Christians
As life for Christians in Turkey becomes increasingly difficult under the rule of Islamic nationalist President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, three churches in Istanbul’s Kadıköy district were vandalized on New Year’s Day, International Chrisitan Concern (ICC) reports.