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. announces $2.5B military package for Ukraine
The United States on Thursday announced a $2.5 billion military assistance package for Ukraine that includes hundreds of armored vehicles as well as air defense systems but no tanks despite Kyiv's repeated calls for the front-line combat machinery.
US army says its forces captured three Islamic State members in Syria raid
US forces have captured three Islamic State group members during a helicopter and ground raid in eastern Syria, the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday.
Chris Hipkins To Replace Jacinda Ardern As New Zealand’s Premier
Education Minister Chris Hipkins, 44, is due to become New Zealand’s next prime minister after he was the only candidate to enter the race Saturday to replace Jacinda Ardern.
Hungary’s Freedom Fighter Imre Mécs Dies At 89
Hungarian liberal politician and author Imre Mécs, a soft-spoken stylish man who was once nearly executed for playing a pivotal role in Hungary’s Revolution of 1956 against Soviet domination, has died, Worthy News learned Saturday. He was 89.
NATO Discuss Weapons For Ukraine As Tensions Rise
The NATO military alliance was to meet on Friday to discuss military support for Ukraine amid internal tensions after a new appeal for weapons from Ukraine’s embattled leader.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Some 100,000 Israelis protest against govt’s judicial reforms
Some 100,000 people protested against the government's judicial reforms in Tel Aviv on Saturday night including Israeli politicians that oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu fires Deri ‘with a heavy heart’ after High Court nixes convicted minister
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed top ally Aryeh Deri from the cabinet on Sunday, in a move expected to trigger political uncertainty despite being mandated by the High Court of Justice and advocated by the attorney general.
Inside the United States
CIA chief Burns meets Ukraine’s Zelensky in Kyiv as Washington ups support
CIA Director William Burns visited Kyiv last week to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a US official said Thursday, in the latest example of high-level contacts between the US and Ukraine.
DOJ Discovers Six More Biden Classified Documents
The Department of Justice (DOJ) found six more items with classification markings at President Joe Biden’s personal Delaware residence on Friday after conducting a search, Biden’s personal lawyer Bob Bauer said Saturday.
U.S. investigating first cases of new drug-resistant gonorrhea strain
Health authorities in Massachusetts announced Thursday they have identified two cases of a new strain of gonorrhea that appears to have developed resistance to a broad swath of antibiotic treatments.
FBI Offers $25K Rewards for Info on Pro-life Center Attacks
The FBI has issued a bevy of $25,000 reward offers for information on the 2022 attacks against pro-life pregnancy centers in America.
At Least 10 Die In Mass Shooting In California
At least 10 people died in an apparently racially motivated shooting at business premises in the U.S. state of California’s city of Monterey Park, police and witnesses said early Sunday.
Worthy Insights
NHL Player’s Jersey Completely Sells Out After He Refuses to Abandon Christian Faith
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov’s orange No. 9 jersey was completely sold out at NHLShop.com on Thursday after he decided against participating in the team’s LGBT “Pride Night” event because of his Christian faith.
U.S. announces $2.5B military package for Ukraine
The United States on Thursday announced a $2.5 billion military assistance package for Ukraine that includes hundreds of armored vehicles as well as air defense systems but no tanks despite Kyiv's repeated calls for the front-line combat machinery.
US army says its forces captured three Islamic State members in Syria raid
US forces have captured three Islamic State group members during a helicopter and ground raid in eastern Syria, the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday.
Chris Hipkins To Replace Jacinda Ardern As New Zealand’s Premier
Education Minister Chris Hipkins, 44, is due to become New Zealand’s next prime minister after he was the only candidate to enter the race Saturday to replace Jacinda Ardern.
Hungary’s Freedom Fighter Imre Mécs Dies At 89
Hungarian liberal politician and author Imre Mécs, a soft-spoken stylish man who was once nearly executed for playing a pivotal role in Hungary’s Revolution of 1956 against Soviet domination, has died, Worthy News learned Saturday. He was 89.
NATO Discuss Weapons For Ukraine As Tensions Rise
The NATO military alliance was to meet on Friday to discuss military support for Ukraine amid internal tensions after a new appeal for weapons from Ukraine’s embattled leader.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Some 100,000 Israelis protest against govt’s judicial reforms
Some 100,000 people protested against the government's judicial reforms in Tel Aviv on Saturday night including Israeli politicians that oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu fires Deri ‘with a heavy heart’ after High Court nixes convicted minister
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed top ally Aryeh Deri from the cabinet on Sunday, in a move expected to trigger political uncertainty despite being mandated by the High Court of Justice and advocated by the attorney general.
Inside the United States
CIA chief Burns meets Ukraine’s Zelensky in Kyiv as Washington ups support
CIA Director William Burns visited Kyiv last week to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a US official said Thursday, in the latest example of high-level contacts between the US and Ukraine.
DOJ Discovers Six More Biden Classified Documents
The Department of Justice (DOJ) found six more items with classification markings at President Joe Biden’s personal Delaware residence on Friday after conducting a search, Biden’s personal lawyer Bob Bauer said Saturday.
U.S. investigating first cases of new drug-resistant gonorrhea strain
Health authorities in Massachusetts announced Thursday they have identified two cases of a new strain of gonorrhea that appears to have developed resistance to a broad swath of antibiotic treatments.
FBI Offers $25K Rewards for Info on Pro-life Center Attacks
The FBI has issued a bevy of $25,000 reward offers for information on the 2022 attacks against pro-life pregnancy centers in America.
At Least 10 Die In Mass Shooting In California
At least 10 people died in an apparently racially motivated shooting at business premises in the U.S. state of California’s city of Monterey Park, police and witnesses said early Sunday.
Worthy Insights
NHL Player’s Jersey Completely Sells Out After He Refuses to Abandon Christian Faith
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov’s orange No. 9 jersey was completely sold out at NHLShop.com on Thursday after he decided against participating in the team’s LGBT “Pride Night” event because of his Christian faith.
Around the World
Million French Say ‘Non’ To Raising Pension Age
More than a million people marched through France cities to condemn President Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030 in a nation where the right to free time has been religiously observed.
Strykers, Bradleys Likely in Huge US aid Package for Ukraine
The U.S. is finalizing a massive package of military aid for Ukraine that U.S. officials say is likely to total as much as $2.6 billion. It's expected to include for the first time nearly 100 Stryker combat vehicles and at least 50 Bradley armored vehicles to allow Ukrainian forces to move more quickly and securely on the front lines in the war with Russia — but not the tanks that Ukraine has sought.
Iran claims new drills in Persian Gulf using missiles, ships
Iran says it launched a new drill in the Persian Gulf using cruise missiles, drones and other weapons.
New Zealand’s Premier Ardern Resigns, Ending Era
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who became the world’s youngest female head of government and led her nation through major crises, has announced her resignation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Military, National Security Personnel Meet with Israel’s New Government
Top US military and national security officials are in Israel to meet with ministers and other officials from the newly-installed government of Likud leader and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli firm unveils new attack drone that can land back in soldier’s hand
The state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries arms firm on Thursday unveiled a new small hand-launched loitering missile, or attack drone, that can land back in a soldier’s hand without exploding, the company said.
Inside the United States
House GOP introduces bill to end COVID-19 health emergency
House Republican lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill to end the Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 public health emergency after the agency announced last week that it would extend the declaration for a further 90 days.
US hits $31.4 trillion debt ceiling as Treasury announces ‘extraordinary measures’ to avoid default
The United States reached its debt ceiling of $31.38 trillion on Thursday, forcing the Treasury Department to implement "extraordinary measures" to avoid defaulting on bonds.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to block New York gun restrictions
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday turned away a challenge by a group of firearms dealers in New York to numerous Democratic-backed measures adopted by the state last year regulating gun purchases that the businesses said hurt their businesses.
Minnesota Dem Pushes for Tampons in Boys Room: ‘Not All Who Menstruate Are Female’
Minnesota lawmakers are pushing legislation requiring public and charter schools to make "menstrual products" available in school bathrooms and boys' restrooms.
Christian News
Pakistan: National Assembly votes to make controversial blasphemy laws even harsher
Bypassing public debate on the matter, Pakistan’s National Assembly on January 17 voted to make the country’s highly controversial blasphemy laws even harsher than they already are, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. Pakistan ranks seven on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Christian persecution sweeping across Africa may result in “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” report says
A new report by the international aid organization Open Doors shows that persecution against Christians in sub-Saharan Africa is now so intense that the continent is in danger of suffering a “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” the Washington Times reports.
Nigeria: Five women abducted, pastor shot and wounded in Katsina church terror attack
Five female church members were abducted, and their pastor shot and wounded during a terrorist attack on their church in Nigeria’s Katsina state on Sunday, Morning Star News reports. The attack is just one more of tens of thousands of attacks, murders and abductions, maimings, and displacements of Christians by Islamic militants since 2015.
Church of England: homosexual couples cannot marry in church but clergy can hold blessings for same-sex civil partnerships
The Church of England has announced it cannot change its doctrine to allow same-sex couples to be married in the church but proposes that clergy may voluntarily choose to hold blessing ceremonies for homosexual couples in civil marriages, the Guardian UK reports. The “historic plans” announced on Wednesday represent a form of compromise after decades of anguished debate within the Church of England over the acceptance of homosexuality.
Northern Chinese Church Leader Sentenced To Two Years Imprisonment
A prominent Chinese church leader has begun serving a two-year prison sentence for what his family and friends view as trumped-up charges of "illegally holding materials promoting terrorism and extremism," Worthy News learned Wednesday.
Million French Say ‘Non’ To Raising Pension Age
More than a million people marched through France cities to condemn President Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030 in a nation where the right to free time has been religiously observed.
Strykers, Bradleys Likely in Huge US aid Package for Ukraine
The U.S. is finalizing a massive package of military aid for Ukraine that U.S. officials say is likely to total as much as $2.6 billion. It's expected to include for the first time nearly 100 Stryker combat vehicles and at least 50 Bradley armored vehicles to allow Ukrainian forces to move more quickly and securely on the front lines in the war with Russia — but not the tanks that Ukraine has sought.
Iran claims new drills in Persian Gulf using missiles, ships
Iran says it launched a new drill in the Persian Gulf using cruise missiles, drones and other weapons.
New Zealand’s Premier Ardern Resigns, Ending Era
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who became the world’s youngest female head of government and led her nation through major crises, has announced her resignation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Military, National Security Personnel Meet with Israel’s New Government
Top US military and national security officials are in Israel to meet with ministers and other officials from the newly-installed government of Likud leader and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli firm unveils new attack drone that can land back in soldier’s hand
The state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries arms firm on Thursday unveiled a new small hand-launched loitering missile, or attack drone, that can land back in a soldier’s hand without exploding, the company said.
Inside the United States
House GOP introduces bill to end COVID-19 health emergency
House Republican lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill to end the Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 public health emergency after the agency announced last week that it would extend the declaration for a further 90 days.
US hits $31.4 trillion debt ceiling as Treasury announces ‘extraordinary measures’ to avoid default
The United States reached its debt ceiling of $31.38 trillion on Thursday, forcing the Treasury Department to implement "extraordinary measures" to avoid defaulting on bonds.
U.S. Supreme Court declines to block New York gun restrictions
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday turned away a challenge by a group of firearms dealers in New York to numerous Democratic-backed measures adopted by the state last year regulating gun purchases that the businesses said hurt their businesses.
Minnesota Dem Pushes for Tampons in Boys Room: ‘Not All Who Menstruate Are Female’
Minnesota lawmakers are pushing legislation requiring public and charter schools to make "menstrual products" available in school bathrooms and boys' restrooms.
Christian News
Pakistan: National Assembly votes to make controversial blasphemy laws even harsher
Bypassing public debate on the matter, Pakistan’s National Assembly on January 17 voted to make the country’s highly controversial blasphemy laws even harsher than they already are, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. Pakistan ranks seven on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Christian persecution sweeping across Africa may result in “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” report says
A new report by the international aid organization Open Doors shows that persecution against Christians in sub-Saharan Africa is now so intense that the continent is in danger of suffering a “vast humanitarian catastrophe,” the Washington Times reports.
Nigeria: Five women abducted, pastor shot and wounded in Katsina church terror attack
Five female church members were abducted, and their pastor shot and wounded during a terrorist attack on their church in Nigeria’s Katsina state on Sunday, Morning Star News reports. The attack is just one more of tens of thousands of attacks, murders and abductions, maimings, and displacements of Christians by Islamic militants since 2015.
Church of England: homosexual couples cannot marry in church but clergy can hold blessings for same-sex civil partnerships
The Church of England has announced it cannot change its doctrine to allow same-sex couples to be married in the church but proposes that clergy may voluntarily choose to hold blessing ceremonies for homosexual couples in civil marriages, the Guardian UK reports. The “historic plans” announced on Wednesday represent a form of compromise after decades of anguished debate within the Church of England over the acceptance of homosexuality.
Northern Chinese Church Leader Sentenced To Two Years Imprisonment
A prominent Chinese church leader has begun serving a two-year prison sentence for what his family and friends view as trumped-up charges of "illegally holding materials promoting terrorism and extremism," Worthy News learned Wednesday.
Around the World
Ukraine Helicopter Crash Kills Interior Minister, 16 Others On ‘Black Morning’ (Worthy News Radio)
Authorities say as many as 17 people, including Ukraine's interior ministry's leadership and four children, were killed in a helicopter crash near a nursery in a suburb of Kyiv. The top officials' deaths undermined Ukraine's efforts to halt increased attacks by Russia's invading army.
German Police Remove Climate Activist Greta Thunberg, Sparking Controversy
Famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was removed by German riot police for the second time in three days while protesting at a coal mine in Germany Tuesday.
U.S. prepping major military package for Ukraine
The U.S. is gearing up to announce a major new weapons package for Ukraine on Friday, as top military leaders from around the world gather in Germany to discuss how to help Kyiv in its fight against Russia, according to three U.S. officials and another person familiar with the discussions.
Russia says British tanks sent to Ukraine ‘will burn’
The Kremlin said on Monday that the tanks Britain plans to send to Ukraine "will burn," warning the West that supplying a new round of more advanced weapons to Ukraine would not change the course of the war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel: High Court rules Shas leader Deri cannot retain ministerial positions due to criminal history
In a move that raises questions about the stability of Israel’s new government, the country’s High Court ruled Wednesday that Ariyeh Deri, head of the Shas Haredi political party, cannot retain his positions as interior and health minister because of a long history of financial criminal offenses while in public service, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Inside the United States
Pentagon Still Can’t Account For Roughly $220 Billion In Equipment, Gov’t Watchdog Says
The Department of Defense (DOD) has neglected to address its inability to keep track of at least $220 billion in equipment provided to government contractors, according to a Tuesday report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Feds borrowed $4 billion per day in 2022, totaling $10K per household
Federal debt soared by $1.4 trillion in 2022 as President Joe Biden and Congress approved multiple new spending packages.
Minnesota: Man ordered to remove “Jesus Saves” t-shirt or leave shopping mall
A security guard at the Mall of America in Minnesota, USA, earlier this month ordered a man wearing a “Jesus Saves” t-shirt to either remove the garment or leave the premises, the Washington Times reports. The January 7 incident was captured in video footage which went viral and sparked outrage on social media.
Christian News
Report: ‘360 Million Christians Persecuted For Faith; North Korea Most Hostile’ (Worthy News In-Depth)
One Christian out of seven in the world suffers high levels of persecution and discrimination for his or her faith, and North Korea appears again as the most dangerous place for devoted believers, an annual report showed Wednesday.
Pakistan: Christian father faces death penalty for alleged blasphemy
A Christian father has been arrested and detained in Islamabad, Pakistan on a charge of blasphemy which carries the death penalty, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Ukraine Helicopter Crash Kills Interior Minister, 16 Others On ‘Black Morning’ (Worthy News Radio)
Authorities say as many as 17 people, including Ukraine's interior ministry's leadership and four children, were killed in a helicopter crash near a nursery in a suburb of Kyiv. The top officials' deaths undermined Ukraine's efforts to halt increased attacks by Russia's invading army.
German Police Remove Climate Activist Greta Thunberg, Sparking Controversy
Famed Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was removed by German riot police for the second time in three days while protesting at a coal mine in Germany Tuesday.
U.S. prepping major military package for Ukraine
The U.S. is gearing up to announce a major new weapons package for Ukraine on Friday, as top military leaders from around the world gather in Germany to discuss how to help Kyiv in its fight against Russia, according to three U.S. officials and another person familiar with the discussions.
Russia says British tanks sent to Ukraine ‘will burn’
The Kremlin said on Monday that the tanks Britain plans to send to Ukraine "will burn," warning the West that supplying a new round of more advanced weapons to Ukraine would not change the course of the war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel: High Court rules Shas leader Deri cannot retain ministerial positions due to criminal history
In a move that raises questions about the stability of Israel’s new government, the country’s High Court ruled Wednesday that Ariyeh Deri, head of the Shas Haredi political party, cannot retain his positions as interior and health minister because of a long history of financial criminal offenses while in public service, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Inside the United States
Pentagon Still Can’t Account For Roughly $220 Billion In Equipment, Gov’t Watchdog Says
The Department of Defense (DOD) has neglected to address its inability to keep track of at least $220 billion in equipment provided to government contractors, according to a Tuesday report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Feds borrowed $4 billion per day in 2022, totaling $10K per household
Federal debt soared by $1.4 trillion in 2022 as President Joe Biden and Congress approved multiple new spending packages.
Minnesota: Man ordered to remove “Jesus Saves” t-shirt or leave shopping mall
A security guard at the Mall of America in Minnesota, USA, earlier this month ordered a man wearing a “Jesus Saves” t-shirt to either remove the garment or leave the premises, the Washington Times reports. The January 7 incident was captured in video footage which went viral and sparked outrage on social media.
Christian News
Report: ‘360 Million Christians Persecuted For Faith; North Korea Most Hostile’ (Worthy News In-Depth)
One Christian out of seven in the world suffers high levels of persecution and discrimination for his or her faith, and North Korea appears again as the most dangerous place for devoted believers, an annual report showed Wednesday.
Pakistan: Christian father faces death penalty for alleged blasphemy
A Christian father has been arrested and detained in Islamabad, Pakistan on a charge of blasphemy which carries the death penalty, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.