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
Pakistan Announces Successful Test of Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missile
Pakistan said Wednesday that it had successfully test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile into the Arabian Sea, aimed at “revalidating” the weapon’s operational and technical parameters.
A coalition of tech and health giants is working on a digital COVID-19 passport
A group of tech giants and health organizations are working together in developing a digital COVID-19 vaccination passport that would give holders access to countries and businesses requiring proof of inoculation, the Hill reports. Called the Vaccination Credential Initiative (VCI), the coalition includes Microsoft, Oracle, and the US nonprofit Mayo Clinic.
Italy’s Conte Narrowly Wins Confidence Vote
Italy’s embattled Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte won a crucial Senate confidence vote Tuesday night, allowing him to keep his shaky coalition afloat.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF to hold massive exercise this summer, simulating full-scale, multi-front war
The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday announced plans for a massive, month-long exercise this summer, simulating a multi-front war, in which every branch of the military will take part.
Inside the United States
Antifa agitators smash windows of Portland Democratic Party headquarters, attack police officer, and flip over car
Leftist agitators rioted in the streets of Portland Wednesday night, smashing windows at the Democratic Party headquarters.
Biden to Reverse Many of Trump’s Actions with Executive Orders
President Joe Biden signed three documents in the President’s Room at the U.S. Capitol shortly after his swearing-in ceremony, his first official act as the 46th president.
Inaugurated President Biden Says “Democracy Prevails”
Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States Wednesday, saying “democracy has prevailed.”
Incoming Biden administration hopes to quickly pass $1.9 trillion relief bill
The incoming Biden administration will work toward the speedy passage of its $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan, Voice of America reports.
Report: Trump considers forming new political party
President Trump has considered forming a new political party called the “Patriot Party” after he leaves office, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.
U.S. President Trump Leaves White House For Last Time
Calling it "the honor of a lifetime,” U.S. President Donald J. Trump left the White House for the final time as leader of the free world.
U.S. President Trump Pardons Former Advisor Bannon
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has granted clemency to his former senior advisor Stephen K. Bannon, among scores of others in his last hours in power.
President Trump Trumpets Achievements In Farewell Message
Outgoing U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who became the voice to millions feeling voiceless, has trumpeted his administration’s accomplishments and wished his successor luck.
FBI affidavit says Virginia man conspired to breach Capitol, discussed plans on Jan. 1
An FBI agent on Sunday filed an affidavit supporting a criminal arrest warrant against a Virginia man for conspiring as early as Jan. 1 in connection with the breach of the U.S. Capitol Building five days later in Washington, D.C.
Christian News
Ethiopia: Government forces reportedly killed an estimated 750 people in church massacre
The Europe External Programme with Africa (EEPA) has reported that an estimated 750 people were recently killed by Ethiopian government forces and Amhara militia in an attack on a church in Tigray in northern Ethiopia, Christian Today reports.
Pakistan Announces Successful Test of Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missile
Pakistan said Wednesday that it had successfully test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile into the Arabian Sea, aimed at “revalidating” the weapon’s operational and technical parameters.
A coalition of tech and health giants is working on a digital COVID-19 passport
A group of tech giants and health organizations are working together in developing a digital COVID-19 vaccination passport that would give holders access to countries and businesses requiring proof of inoculation, the Hill reports. Called the Vaccination Credential Initiative (VCI), the coalition includes Microsoft, Oracle, and the US nonprofit Mayo Clinic.
Italy’s Conte Narrowly Wins Confidence Vote
Italy’s embattled Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte won a crucial Senate confidence vote Tuesday night, allowing him to keep his shaky coalition afloat.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF to hold massive exercise this summer, simulating full-scale, multi-front war
The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday announced plans for a massive, month-long exercise this summer, simulating a multi-front war, in which every branch of the military will take part.
Inside the United States
Antifa agitators smash windows of Portland Democratic Party headquarters, attack police officer, and flip over car
Leftist agitators rioted in the streets of Portland Wednesday night, smashing windows at the Democratic Party headquarters.
Biden to Reverse Many of Trump’s Actions with Executive Orders
President Joe Biden signed three documents in the President’s Room at the U.S. Capitol shortly after his swearing-in ceremony, his first official act as the 46th president.
Inaugurated President Biden Says “Democracy Prevails”
Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States Wednesday, saying “democracy has prevailed.”
Incoming Biden administration hopes to quickly pass $1.9 trillion relief bill
The incoming Biden administration will work toward the speedy passage of its $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan, Voice of America reports.
Report: Trump considers forming new political party
President Trump has considered forming a new political party called the “Patriot Party” after he leaves office, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.
U.S. President Trump Leaves White House For Last Time
Calling it "the honor of a lifetime,” U.S. President Donald J. Trump left the White House for the final time as leader of the free world.
U.S. President Trump Pardons Former Advisor Bannon
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has granted clemency to his former senior advisor Stephen K. Bannon, among scores of others in his last hours in power.
President Trump Trumpets Achievements In Farewell Message
Outgoing U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who became the voice to millions feeling voiceless, has trumpeted his administration’s accomplishments and wished his successor luck.
FBI affidavit says Virginia man conspired to breach Capitol, discussed plans on Jan. 1
An FBI agent on Sunday filed an affidavit supporting a criminal arrest warrant against a Virginia man for conspiring as early as Jan. 1 in connection with the breach of the U.S. Capitol Building five days later in Washington, D.C.
Christian News
Ethiopia: Government forces reportedly killed an estimated 750 people in church massacre
The Europe External Programme with Africa (EEPA) has reported that an estimated 750 people were recently killed by Ethiopian government forces and Amhara militia in an attack on a church in Tigray in northern Ethiopia, Christian Today reports.
Around the World
Iran imposes sanctions on Trump, Pompeo
Iran on Tuesday imposed sanctions on President Donald Trump and a number of members of his administration over their alleged role in support of “terrorism,” according to its foreign ministry website.
Iran says it is producing half a kilo of 20% enriched uranium every day
The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Monday that the country was producing almost 500 grams of uranium enriched to 20 percent purity a day, after beginning to do so earlier this month in breach of the 2015 nuclear accord.
U.S. declares China engaged in genocide against Uighurs
The U.S. government on Tuesday declared that China’s communist government is guilty of carrying out genocide and crimes against humanity against Uighur ethnic minorities and others in western China.
Nine Iraqi soldiers killed and dozens wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad
An Iranian media network has said nine Iraqi army soldiers were killed and dozens were wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad, Iraq on Monday night, Israel National News (INN) reports. Citing an Iraqi security source, the Al-Alam network said the strikes had targeted Iraqi army and Shiite militia positions.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Biden’s State pick backs two-state solution, says US embassy stays in Jerusalem
US President-elect Joe Biden will not reverse Donald Trump’s landmark recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital but will seek a state for the Palestinians, Tony Blinken, his nominee for secretary of state, said Tuesday.
Syrian and Israeli officials reportedly had a Russia-brokered meeting last month
The Asharq Al Awsat Arabic international newspaper reported Sunday that Russia hosted a meeting for Syrian and Israeli officials at the Russian airbase in Hmeimim, Syria last month, Jewish Press reports. Neither Damascus nor Jerusalem has confirmed the report.
Inside the United States
First Trump declassified Russia document: Christopher Steele’s 2017 confessional to the FBI
Dossier author Christopher Steele admitted to the FBI he leaked the Russia collusion story during the height of the 2016 election to help Hillary Clinton overcome her lingering email scandal and because he believed Donald Trump’s election would be bad for U.S. relations with his home country of Britain, according to documents declassified by the president in his final full day in office.
Trump formally declassifies Russia documents over objections of FBI
Just hours before departing office, President Trump on Tuesday evening formally completed the declassification of a large trove of Russia probe documents, overruling objections posed by the FBI in a last bid effort to keep memos secret.
CIA announces Director Gina Haspel’s retirement
The CIA announced Tuesday that Director Gina Haspel is leaving the agency, ending a three-decade spy career that shattered a glass ceiling.
Trump’s 1776 Commission releases report denouncing ‘problems of progressive education,’ 1619 Project
The Trump administration’s 1776 Commission has released a report denouncing “the problems of progressive education” and recent endeavors like the 1619 Project, which has been denounced by some historians.
Trump delivers farewell address, says ‘movement we started is only just beginning’
Less than 24 hours before he leaves office, President Trump on Tuesday delivered a farewell address, decrying the violence that occurred at the Capitol on Jan. 6 but pledging "the movement we started is only just beginning."
Biden pick for HHS position poised to become first openly transgender official confirmed by Senate
Biden announced his intent to nominate Dr. Rachel Levine for the position on Tuesday, and should she get confirmed by the Senate, she would be the first openly transgender to be confirmed in U.S. history.
Christian News
China officials raid homeschool house run by persecuted megachurch: Members post “Please Pray!”
Police and government officials last week raided a homeschool house run by the highly persecuted Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Following the raid on January 14, members of the 5,000-strong ERCC congregation took to social media imploring Christians around the world to pray for them.
India: Christians persecuted even during lockdown in 2020
The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has reported that, even in the midst of coronavirus lockdowns affecting the whole country for months, there were over 300 incidents of religious persecution against Christians in India last year, International Christian Concern said. In its report, EFI noted that Christian persecution has more than doubled since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi and his right-wing nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014.
Iran imposes sanctions on Trump, Pompeo
Iran on Tuesday imposed sanctions on President Donald Trump and a number of members of his administration over their alleged role in support of “terrorism,” according to its foreign ministry website.
Iran says it is producing half a kilo of 20% enriched uranium every day
The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Monday that the country was producing almost 500 grams of uranium enriched to 20 percent purity a day, after beginning to do so earlier this month in breach of the 2015 nuclear accord.
U.S. declares China engaged in genocide against Uighurs
The U.S. government on Tuesday declared that China’s communist government is guilty of carrying out genocide and crimes against humanity against Uighur ethnic minorities and others in western China.
Nine Iraqi soldiers killed and dozens wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad
An Iranian media network has said nine Iraqi army soldiers were killed and dozens were wounded in airstrikes near Baghdad, Iraq on Monday night, Israel National News (INN) reports. Citing an Iraqi security source, the Al-Alam network said the strikes had targeted Iraqi army and Shiite militia positions.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Biden’s State pick backs two-state solution, says US embassy stays in Jerusalem
US President-elect Joe Biden will not reverse Donald Trump’s landmark recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital but will seek a state for the Palestinians, Tony Blinken, his nominee for secretary of state, said Tuesday.
Syrian and Israeli officials reportedly had a Russia-brokered meeting last month
The Asharq Al Awsat Arabic international newspaper reported Sunday that Russia hosted a meeting for Syrian and Israeli officials at the Russian airbase in Hmeimim, Syria last month, Jewish Press reports. Neither Damascus nor Jerusalem has confirmed the report.
Inside the United States
First Trump declassified Russia document: Christopher Steele’s 2017 confessional to the FBI
Dossier author Christopher Steele admitted to the FBI he leaked the Russia collusion story during the height of the 2016 election to help Hillary Clinton overcome her lingering email scandal and because he believed Donald Trump’s election would be bad for U.S. relations with his home country of Britain, according to documents declassified by the president in his final full day in office.
Trump formally declassifies Russia documents over objections of FBI
Just hours before departing office, President Trump on Tuesday evening formally completed the declassification of a large trove of Russia probe documents, overruling objections posed by the FBI in a last bid effort to keep memos secret.
CIA announces Director Gina Haspel’s retirement
The CIA announced Tuesday that Director Gina Haspel is leaving the agency, ending a three-decade spy career that shattered a glass ceiling.
Trump’s 1776 Commission releases report denouncing ‘problems of progressive education,’ 1619 Project
The Trump administration’s 1776 Commission has released a report denouncing “the problems of progressive education” and recent endeavors like the 1619 Project, which has been denounced by some historians.
Trump delivers farewell address, says ‘movement we started is only just beginning’
Less than 24 hours before he leaves office, President Trump on Tuesday delivered a farewell address, decrying the violence that occurred at the Capitol on Jan. 6 but pledging "the movement we started is only just beginning."
Biden pick for HHS position poised to become first openly transgender official confirmed by Senate
Biden announced his intent to nominate Dr. Rachel Levine for the position on Tuesday, and should she get confirmed by the Senate, she would be the first openly transgender to be confirmed in U.S. history.
Christian News
China officials raid homeschool house run by persecuted megachurch: Members post “Please Pray!”
Police and government officials last week raided a homeschool house run by the highly persecuted Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, the Christian Post (CP) reports. Following the raid on January 14, members of the 5,000-strong ERCC congregation took to social media imploring Christians around the world to pray for them.
India: Christians persecuted even during lockdown in 2020
The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has reported that, even in the midst of coronavirus lockdowns affecting the whole country for months, there were over 300 incidents of religious persecution against Christians in India last year, International Christian Concern said. In its report, EFI noted that Christian persecution has more than doubled since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi and his right-wing nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014.
Around the World
Experts Probing Virus Origin Quarantine in Wuhan As Pompeo Calls Again For Lab Scrutiny
International experts probing the origins of the novel coronavirus are holding virtual meetings from their Wuhan hotel rooms as they work their way through a mandatory 14-day quarantine period which began last Thursday, after the Chinese government eventually allowed the team to enter the outbreak epicenter city.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Jailed For Month After Returning Home
A Russian court has jailed the nation's most prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny for 30 days despite several countries' calls to release him immediately. The decision came shortly after Navalny was detained following his return from Germany, where he received medical treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
German local authorities to open detention centers for people who repeatedly disobey quarantine rules
German regional authorities are opening detention centers in which to hold people who repeatedly refuse to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19, the Daily Mail reported Monday. Legal experts have said state governments are authorized to detain people for breaking quarantine rules under the Disease Protection Act, passed by the German Bundestag last March.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu says Israel may need to extend lockdown, pleads with Haredim to comply
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that Israel will likely need to extend its current lockdown restrictions, despite its successful vaccination campaign.
City of David recognized as ‘testament’ to US Judeo-Christian heritage
The City of David was recognized as a “testament to America’s Judeo-Christian heritage and founding principles” by the US Embassy in Jerusalem and the US Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad at a special ceremony on Monday.
Inside the United States
Protests at state houses so far remain small amid heavily guarded capitals across U.S.
The large gatherings and possibly armed protests anticipated by the FBI at statehouses across the country ahead Wednesday's presidential inauguration did not materialize this weekend.
2,000 National Guard members deputized by US Marshals; more will be sworn in by police
Some 2,000 National Guard members were sworn in as deputies by the U.S. Marshals Service, one of several civilian law enforcement agencies that will assign special police duties to the troops ahead of Inauguration Day.
‘Every Person Is Made in the Holy Image of God’: President Trump Declares National Sanctity of Human Life Day
For the first time in nearly 50 years, pro-lifers won't assemble for the annual March for Life event in Washington. Instead, because of concerns related to the pandemic and safety issues around the Capitol, organizers want participants to stay home and attend virtually. The event takes place, Friday, January 29th.
Joe Biden Undoing Trump Policies After Inauguration With Executive Orders
Joe Biden will sign a series of executive actions undoing U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s key policies within hours after taking the oath of office on Wednesday, his top aid says.
Biden official tells Honduran migrants: Don’t believe “lie” that US border is open
An official from the incoming Biden administration has told a caravan comprising thousands of Honduran migrants traveling to the US that they should not believe the “lie” that the United States border will be open next month, Reuters reports. While it is known that President-elect Joe Biden plans to reverse much of outgoing president Trump’s crackdown on immigration, the official said it will “take time” to implement the new policies.
Christian News
Dozens of Pygmy citizens slaughtered by Islamist militia in DR Congo: “Impotent government does nothing”
Forty-six Pygmies were slaughtered by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Islamist militia group in Ituri province in eastern DR Congo on Thursday, the Defense Post reports. Described as a “terrorist group” by International Christian Concern (ICC), the ADF is accused of slaughtering over 1000 Congolese citizens in the last year.
India: Hindu nationalist leader threatens violence unless local authorities shut all churches in tribal areas
A Hindu nationalist leader in India’s Madhya Pradesh state has demanded that local authorities shut down all churches in the state’s tribal areas, falsely claiming that Christians are carrying out mass conversions on “gullible indigenous peoples,” International Christian Concern reports. Head of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Azad Prem Singh threatened violent action if his January 11 demand is not met within 30 days.
Experts Probing Virus Origin Quarantine in Wuhan As Pompeo Calls Again For Lab Scrutiny
International experts probing the origins of the novel coronavirus are holding virtual meetings from their Wuhan hotel rooms as they work their way through a mandatory 14-day quarantine period which began last Thursday, after the Chinese government eventually allowed the team to enter the outbreak epicenter city.
Kremlin Critic Navalny Jailed For Month After Returning Home
A Russian court has jailed the nation's most prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny for 30 days despite several countries' calls to release him immediately. The decision came shortly after Navalny was detained following his return from Germany, where he received medical treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
German local authorities to open detention centers for people who repeatedly disobey quarantine rules
German regional authorities are opening detention centers in which to hold people who repeatedly refuse to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19, the Daily Mail reported Monday. Legal experts have said state governments are authorized to detain people for breaking quarantine rules under the Disease Protection Act, passed by the German Bundestag last March.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu says Israel may need to extend lockdown, pleads with Haredim to comply
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that Israel will likely need to extend its current lockdown restrictions, despite its successful vaccination campaign.
City of David recognized as ‘testament’ to US Judeo-Christian heritage
The City of David was recognized as a “testament to America’s Judeo-Christian heritage and founding principles” by the US Embassy in Jerusalem and the US Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad at a special ceremony on Monday.
Inside the United States
Protests at state houses so far remain small amid heavily guarded capitals across U.S.
The large gatherings and possibly armed protests anticipated by the FBI at statehouses across the country ahead Wednesday's presidential inauguration did not materialize this weekend.
2,000 National Guard members deputized by US Marshals; more will be sworn in by police
Some 2,000 National Guard members were sworn in as deputies by the U.S. Marshals Service, one of several civilian law enforcement agencies that will assign special police duties to the troops ahead of Inauguration Day.
‘Every Person Is Made in the Holy Image of God’: President Trump Declares National Sanctity of Human Life Day
For the first time in nearly 50 years, pro-lifers won't assemble for the annual March for Life event in Washington. Instead, because of concerns related to the pandemic and safety issues around the Capitol, organizers want participants to stay home and attend virtually. The event takes place, Friday, January 29th.
Joe Biden Undoing Trump Policies After Inauguration With Executive Orders
Joe Biden will sign a series of executive actions undoing U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s key policies within hours after taking the oath of office on Wednesday, his top aid says.
Biden official tells Honduran migrants: Don’t believe “lie” that US border is open
An official from the incoming Biden administration has told a caravan comprising thousands of Honduran migrants traveling to the US that they should not believe the “lie” that the United States border will be open next month, Reuters reports. While it is known that President-elect Joe Biden plans to reverse much of outgoing president Trump’s crackdown on immigration, the official said it will “take time” to implement the new policies.
Christian News
Dozens of Pygmy citizens slaughtered by Islamist militia in DR Congo: “Impotent government does nothing”
Forty-six Pygmies were slaughtered by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Islamist militia group in Ituri province in eastern DR Congo on Thursday, the Defense Post reports. Described as a “terrorist group” by International Christian Concern (ICC), the ADF is accused of slaughtering over 1000 Congolese citizens in the last year.
India: Hindu nationalist leader threatens violence unless local authorities shut all churches in tribal areas
A Hindu nationalist leader in India’s Madhya Pradesh state has demanded that local authorities shut down all churches in the state’s tribal areas, falsely claiming that Christians are carrying out mass conversions on “gullible indigenous peoples,” International Christian Concern reports. Head of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Azad Prem Singh threatened violent action if his January 11 demand is not met within 30 days.