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
Taiwan extends mandatory military service amid rising China threat
The mandatory military service in Taiwan has been extended, President Tsai Ing-wen announced on Tuesday.
Norway: Lesbian artist faces possible jail time for saying men cannot become pregnant
A lesbian artist in Norway is now facing a possible prison sentence for hate speech after posting on Facebook in October that men can neither become pregnant nor become lesbian, the Christian Post reports. Tonje Gjevjon has been outspoken in criticizing trans activists and Norwegian politicians for promoting “gender identity” policies at the expense of women’s rights.
Serbia Puts Army On High Alert Near Kosovo (Worthy News Radio)
Serbia says it has put the army on high alert near its border with Kosovo while inside Kosovo, Serbs have erected more roadblocks amid escalating tensions. The standoff comes as Serbia and Kosovo accuse each other of preparing for an armed confrontation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
As fears for LGBTQ+ rights mount, Israel may appoint first-ever openly gay Knesset speaker
As Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu continues to dole out jobs to fellow lawmakers from his conservative Likud party ahead of the establishment of the new government, it seems increasingly likely that Amir Ohana will be named the next speaker of the Knesset, becoming the first openly gay person to hold the position.
Netanyahu government set for swearing-in Thursday, but hurdles remain
Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu will attempt to swear in his governing coalition of far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties on Thursday, Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin said Monday, with the former premier looking to retake power before a deadline to get his unruly partners in line.
Biblical Siloam Pool next to Temple Mount to be fully excavated
The ancient pool of Siloam, first mentioned in the biblical book of Kings II, will be fully excavated and opened to the public, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced Tuesday.
Inside the United States
House Ways and Means Committee to release Trump tax returns on Friday
The House Ways and Means Committee will release former President Donald Trump's tax returns on Friday, ending a years-long effort by Democrats to force the 45th president to release his personal finances.
Federal Judge Says San Francisco Can’t Clear Homeless Camps
A federal judge has temporarily banned San Francisco from clearing homeless encampments, saying the city violated its own policies by failing to offer other shelter.
Supreme Court temporarily halts termination of Title 42, will hear case in February
The Supreme Court temporarily halted the termination of Title 42 on Tuesday, allowing the Trump-era policy to remain in place until the justices hear a challenge from Republican-led states in February.
Christian News
Iran: Regime warns Chaldean and Assyrian Christians not to participate in anti-government protests
Christians belonging to the Chaldean Catholic Church and Assyrian Church of the East denominations in Iran have been threatened by state security forces not to join the ongoing nationwide anti-regime protests or even to post support for the uprising on social media, on pain of arrests and persecution, the Christian Post reports.
Algeria: Christian convert from Islam imprisoned for three years on account of his faith
An Algerian Christian man has now been sentenced to three years in prison on account of his faith after having been brought back from Tunisia against his will in 2021, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
India: Hindu extremists attack, displace Christians in pre-Christmas riots
Radicalized Hindu nationalists in India’s Chhattisgarh state carried out a series of violent riots earlier this month, attacking Christian communities in 20 villages during the run-up to Christmas, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Worthy Insights
2 New Minerals Discovered in Meteorite
Scientists have identified two minerals never before seen on Earth in a meteorite weighing 15.2 metric tonnes (33,510 pounds).
A startup says it’s begun releasing particles into the atmosphere, in an effort to tweak the climate
A startup claims it has launched weather balloons that may have released reflective sulfur particles in the stratosphere, potentially crossing a controversial barrier in the field of solar geoengineering.
Can artificial skin be used to help burn victims? Growing industry eyes ‘revolution’
Far from the humble sticking plaster, medical firms and researchers are seeking to create the “ultimate dressing” — artificial skin they hope will revolutionize the treatment of severe burns.
Taiwan extends mandatory military service amid rising China threat
The mandatory military service in Taiwan has been extended, President Tsai Ing-wen announced on Tuesday.
Norway: Lesbian artist faces possible jail time for saying men cannot become pregnant
A lesbian artist in Norway is now facing a possible prison sentence for hate speech after posting on Facebook in October that men can neither become pregnant nor become lesbian, the Christian Post reports. Tonje Gjevjon has been outspoken in criticizing trans activists and Norwegian politicians for promoting “gender identity” policies at the expense of women’s rights.
Serbia Puts Army On High Alert Near Kosovo (Worthy News Radio)
Serbia says it has put the army on high alert near its border with Kosovo while inside Kosovo, Serbs have erected more roadblocks amid escalating tensions. The standoff comes as Serbia and Kosovo accuse each other of preparing for an armed confrontation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
As fears for LGBTQ+ rights mount, Israel may appoint first-ever openly gay Knesset speaker
As Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu continues to dole out jobs to fellow lawmakers from his conservative Likud party ahead of the establishment of the new government, it seems increasingly likely that Amir Ohana will be named the next speaker of the Knesset, becoming the first openly gay person to hold the position.
Netanyahu government set for swearing-in Thursday, but hurdles remain
Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu will attempt to swear in his governing coalition of far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties on Thursday, Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin said Monday, with the former premier looking to retake power before a deadline to get his unruly partners in line.
Biblical Siloam Pool next to Temple Mount to be fully excavated
The ancient pool of Siloam, first mentioned in the biblical book of Kings II, will be fully excavated and opened to the public, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced Tuesday.
Inside the United States
House Ways and Means Committee to release Trump tax returns on Friday
The House Ways and Means Committee will release former President Donald Trump's tax returns on Friday, ending a years-long effort by Democrats to force the 45th president to release his personal finances.
Federal Judge Says San Francisco Can’t Clear Homeless Camps
A federal judge has temporarily banned San Francisco from clearing homeless encampments, saying the city violated its own policies by failing to offer other shelter.
Supreme Court temporarily halts termination of Title 42, will hear case in February
The Supreme Court temporarily halted the termination of Title 42 on Tuesday, allowing the Trump-era policy to remain in place until the justices hear a challenge from Republican-led states in February.
Christian News
Iran: Regime warns Chaldean and Assyrian Christians not to participate in anti-government protests
Christians belonging to the Chaldean Catholic Church and Assyrian Church of the East denominations in Iran have been threatened by state security forces not to join the ongoing nationwide anti-regime protests or even to post support for the uprising on social media, on pain of arrests and persecution, the Christian Post reports.
Algeria: Christian convert from Islam imprisoned for three years on account of his faith
An Algerian Christian man has now been sentenced to three years in prison on account of his faith after having been brought back from Tunisia against his will in 2021, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
India: Hindu extremists attack, displace Christians in pre-Christmas riots
Radicalized Hindu nationalists in India’s Chhattisgarh state carried out a series of violent riots earlier this month, attacking Christian communities in 20 villages during the run-up to Christmas, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Worthy Insights
2 New Minerals Discovered in Meteorite
Scientists have identified two minerals never before seen on Earth in a meteorite weighing 15.2 metric tonnes (33,510 pounds).
A startup says it’s begun releasing particles into the atmosphere, in an effort to tweak the climate
A startup claims it has launched weather balloons that may have released reflective sulfur particles in the stratosphere, potentially crossing a controversial barrier in the field of solar geoengineering.
Can artificial skin be used to help burn victims? Growing industry eyes ‘revolution’
Far from the humble sticking plaster, medical firms and researchers are seeking to create the “ultimate dressing” — artificial skin they hope will revolutionize the treatment of severe burns.
Around the World
North Korean drones ‘violate airspace’ – South Korea scrambles fighter jets and and fires warning shots in response
South Korea says it has scrambled fighter jets and attack helicopters, firing warning shots, after North Korean drones "violated" its airspace.
Taiwan Claims China Staged Huge Military Incursion
Taiwan’s defense ministry claimed Monday that China staged one of its biggest incursions into the island’s sea and airspace.
Iran to Israel: Strike Our Nuclear Plant, ‘Tel Aviv Will Re Razed to the Ground’
Iran has threatened to level Tel Aviv “to the ground” in a chilling video explaining how Tehran would respond to an Israeli strike on its nuclear plant.
Moscow: ‘Ukraine Attacks Military Deep Inside Russia, Killing 3’ (Worthy News Radio)
Moscow says three Russian army servicemen have died after a Ukrainian attack on a crucial airbase deep inside Russian territory. The attack raised fears of escalating warfare this Christmas season.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli military holds exercise along Lebanon border
The Israeli military said it will hold a two-day military exercise on the eastern part of the border with Lebanon, starting Monday morning.
Inside the United States
White House slams migrant buses to veep’s residence despite releasing 1.4 million border crossers
The Biden administration slammed Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) for sending three busloads of migrants to Vice President Kamala Harris's official residence without acknowledging the role that the president's policy played in the political just desserts.
Biden Declares Federal Emergency for Bilzzard-Ravaged New York State
President Joe Biden declared a federal emergency Monday for areas of western New York, including Buffalo, that were impacted by the massive blizzard which dumped nearly 50 inches of snow over Christmas weekend, and led to more than 20 deaths.
North Korean drones ‘violate airspace’ – South Korea scrambles fighter jets and and fires warning shots in response
South Korea says it has scrambled fighter jets and attack helicopters, firing warning shots, after North Korean drones "violated" its airspace.
Taiwan Claims China Staged Huge Military Incursion
Taiwan’s defense ministry claimed Monday that China staged one of its biggest incursions into the island’s sea and airspace.
Iran to Israel: Strike Our Nuclear Plant, ‘Tel Aviv Will Re Razed to the Ground’
Iran has threatened to level Tel Aviv “to the ground” in a chilling video explaining how Tehran would respond to an Israeli strike on its nuclear plant.
Moscow: ‘Ukraine Attacks Military Deep Inside Russia, Killing 3’ (Worthy News Radio)
Moscow says three Russian army servicemen have died after a Ukrainian attack on a crucial airbase deep inside Russian territory. The attack raised fears of escalating warfare this Christmas season.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli military holds exercise along Lebanon border
The Israeli military said it will hold a two-day military exercise on the eastern part of the border with Lebanon, starting Monday morning.
Inside the United States
White House slams migrant buses to veep’s residence despite releasing 1.4 million border crossers
The Biden administration slammed Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) for sending three busloads of migrants to Vice President Kamala Harris's official residence without acknowledging the role that the president's policy played in the political just desserts.
Biden Declares Federal Emergency for Bilzzard-Ravaged New York State
President Joe Biden declared a federal emergency Monday for areas of western New York, including Buffalo, that were impacted by the massive blizzard which dumped nearly 50 inches of snow over Christmas weekend, and led to more than 20 deaths.
Around the World
Ukraine’s president urges Christmas hope despite attacks (Worthy News Radio)
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged his people to celebrate the birth of Jesus despite Russian attacks devastating his wartorn nation. His appeal comes as many Ukrainians observe Christmas in bomb shelters.
Hungary’s Premier: ‘Dissolve EU Parliament’
As European legislators prepared for their long Christmas holidays, Hungary’s prime minister advised them not to return.
Russia warns of military confrontation with the United States (Worthy News Radio)
Russia has suggested that the possibility of a military confrontation with the United States is serious as Washington announced more military aid to war-torn Ukraine. Ten months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, the Kremlin suggested that relations with the U.S. were on ice.
Putin Vows To Destroy U.S. Patriot Missile Defense Systems in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to destroy the Patriot Missile Defense Systems if the U.S. follows through with its commitment to supply them to Ukraine.
Mossad chief warns of Iran’s growing advanced weapons supply to Russia, efforts to enrich uranium
The chief of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency has warned that Iran plans to deliver more weapons to Russia, while Tehran continues to deny that it has supported Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu to freeze annexation for Saudi peace deal
Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu is aiming to secure a peace deal with Saudi Arabia, which would see the Gulf kingdom formally normalize relations with Israel, in exchange for sidelining an annexation plan for Judea and Samaria, according to a new report.
Israel’s Christian population grew 2% last year – Central Bureau of Statistics
To mark Christmas 2022, Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics released data about the 182,000 Christians who live in the Jewish state.
Israel’s Netanyahu Preparing Controversial Government
Israel’s prime minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu prepared for a busy political weekend Friday after confirming that he would lead what critics say is the most right-wing coalition in Israel’s history.
Inside the United States
Powerful Winter Storm Leaves 19 Dead, and nearly 2 Million Without Power
At least 19 people were killed, and nearly two million customers were without power as America’s coldest Christmas Eve winter storm in living memory paralyzed the nation.
Congress will have spent nearly $100 billion on Ukraine war once $1.7T omnibus bill is enacted
Congress will have allocated nearly $100 billion in total to the Ukraine war once the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill is signed into law.
New DHS data shows border is deteriorating even before end of Title 42
Border authorities nabbed 233,740 illegal immigrants at the southern border in November, setting a new record for that month and underscoring the chaos of the situation even before the end of the Title 42 pandemic border expulsion policy.
Drug overdose deaths topped 106,000 in 2021, CDC says in final report
The United States hit a grim record of 106,699 drug overdose deaths in 2021, a 16% increase over 2020, the CDC said in its final report released this week.
Christian News
Scores Of Christians Killed In Nigeria Ahead Of Christmas
Christians in northwestern Nigeria faced a bloodstained Christmas after Islamic gunmen killed scores of Christian villagers, residents and authorities said.
Biden Signs Defense Bill Into Law, Overturning Military COVID Vaccine Mandate
President Joe Biden signed Congress’ annual defense bill for 2023 into law Friday, giving his approval to a bill that overturns his own administration’s mandate that servicemembers must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Myanmar Military Detains Prominent Church Leader As Unrest Spreads
Authorities in military-ruled Myanmar have detained a prominent church leader who previously served as the president of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) denomination in the country’s Kachin state, Christians say.
Wife Of Jailed Chinese Church Leader Urges Prayers
The wife of a well-known church leader jailed in China has urged Christians to pray for her husband ahead of Christmas.
Worthy Watch
Netanyahu Pushes for Fully Digitized Genetic Record for Every Israeli
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed how Israel became a "lab for Pfizer" and intends to create a genetic database to be merged with its medical database for Israel.
‘Twitter Files’ expose coordination with CIA, State Department, Pentagon
The latest installment of the "Twitter Files" revealed that the FBI acted "as a doorman" for the social media giant to other government agencies, including the CIA, the State Department and the Pentagon.
Worthy Insights
How China’s Social Credit System Works
In mid-November, China's top government agencies published a draft law to establish the country's social credit system, envisioned as a giant, fully integrated mechanism to assess every legal entity in the country.
Ukraine’s president urges Christmas hope despite attacks (Worthy News Radio)
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged his people to celebrate the birth of Jesus despite Russian attacks devastating his wartorn nation. His appeal comes as many Ukrainians observe Christmas in bomb shelters.
Hungary’s Premier: ‘Dissolve EU Parliament’
As European legislators prepared for their long Christmas holidays, Hungary’s prime minister advised them not to return.
Russia warns of military confrontation with the United States (Worthy News Radio)
Russia has suggested that the possibility of a military confrontation with the United States is serious as Washington announced more military aid to war-torn Ukraine. Ten months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, the Kremlin suggested that relations with the U.S. were on ice.
Putin Vows To Destroy U.S. Patriot Missile Defense Systems in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to destroy the Patriot Missile Defense Systems if the U.S. follows through with its commitment to supply them to Ukraine.
Mossad chief warns of Iran’s growing advanced weapons supply to Russia, efforts to enrich uranium
The chief of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency has warned that Iran plans to deliver more weapons to Russia, while Tehran continues to deny that it has supported Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu to freeze annexation for Saudi peace deal
Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu is aiming to secure a peace deal with Saudi Arabia, which would see the Gulf kingdom formally normalize relations with Israel, in exchange for sidelining an annexation plan for Judea and Samaria, according to a new report.
Israel’s Christian population grew 2% last year – Central Bureau of Statistics
To mark Christmas 2022, Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics released data about the 182,000 Christians who live in the Jewish state.
Israel’s Netanyahu Preparing Controversial Government
Israel’s prime minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu prepared for a busy political weekend Friday after confirming that he would lead what critics say is the most right-wing coalition in Israel’s history.
Inside the United States
Powerful Winter Storm Leaves 19 Dead, and nearly 2 Million Without Power
At least 19 people were killed, and nearly two million customers were without power as America’s coldest Christmas Eve winter storm in living memory paralyzed the nation.
Congress will have spent nearly $100 billion on Ukraine war once $1.7T omnibus bill is enacted
Congress will have allocated nearly $100 billion in total to the Ukraine war once the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill is signed into law.
New DHS data shows border is deteriorating even before end of Title 42
Border authorities nabbed 233,740 illegal immigrants at the southern border in November, setting a new record for that month and underscoring the chaos of the situation even before the end of the Title 42 pandemic border expulsion policy.
Drug overdose deaths topped 106,000 in 2021, CDC says in final report
The United States hit a grim record of 106,699 drug overdose deaths in 2021, a 16% increase over 2020, the CDC said in its final report released this week.
Christian News
Scores Of Christians Killed In Nigeria Ahead Of Christmas
Christians in northwestern Nigeria faced a bloodstained Christmas after Islamic gunmen killed scores of Christian villagers, residents and authorities said.
Biden Signs Defense Bill Into Law, Overturning Military COVID Vaccine Mandate
President Joe Biden signed Congress’ annual defense bill for 2023 into law Friday, giving his approval to a bill that overturns his own administration’s mandate that servicemembers must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Myanmar Military Detains Prominent Church Leader As Unrest Spreads
Authorities in military-ruled Myanmar have detained a prominent church leader who previously served as the president of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) denomination in the country’s Kachin state, Christians say.
Wife Of Jailed Chinese Church Leader Urges Prayers
The wife of a well-known church leader jailed in China has urged Christians to pray for her husband ahead of Christmas.
Worthy Watch
Netanyahu Pushes for Fully Digitized Genetic Record for Every Israeli
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed how Israel became a "lab for Pfizer" and intends to create a genetic database to be merged with its medical database for Israel.
‘Twitter Files’ expose coordination with CIA, State Department, Pentagon
The latest installment of the "Twitter Files" revealed that the FBI acted "as a doorman" for the social media giant to other government agencies, including the CIA, the State Department and the Pentagon.
Worthy Insights
How China’s Social Credit System Works
In mid-November, China's top government agencies published a draft law to establish the country's social credit system, envisioned as a giant, fully integrated mechanism to assess every legal entity in the country.