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
Pompeo angers China with Hong Kong threat, plan to send envoy to Taiwan
Washington may sanction those involved in the arrest of over 50 people in Hong Kong and will send the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to visit Taiwan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday, drawing anger and the threat of retaliation from Beijing.
U.S. Government Says Russia ‘Likely’ Behind Massive ‘Intelligence-Gathering’ Hack
The U.S. government said January 5 that Russia was “likely” behind a massive hack of government and private company networks discovered last month and the intrusion was an “intelligence-gathering effort.”
China has not authorized WHO experts to enter and investigation pandemic origin
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday that he is “very disappointed” China has not authorized a team of international experts to enter the country and investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Sudan Signs on to Abraham Accords, Normalizing Relations With Israel
Sudan has officially signed the Abraham Accords, agreeing to normalize relations with Israel. The deal paves the way for Sudan to relieve its massive debt to the World Bank.
Syria claims “enemy” Israel conducted airstrikes near Damascus
Syrian media outlets have said Israel carried out a number of targeted airstrikes around Damascus late Wednesday night, the Times of Israel reports. Following standard policy about commenting on operations in Syria, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
Israeli intel expert: Virus likely ‘unnatural’
Retired Israeli Lt. Col. Dany Shoham, who was among the first to suggest that the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak may be linked to China’s military research, now believes there is a strong possibility that the virus escaped from a Chinese laboratory.
Israeli schools to shut amid tighter COVID-19 lockdown: “one final effort” Netanyahu says
Israeli government ministers voted Tuesday to further tighten the ongoing nationwide COVID-19 lockdown as the rate of virus contagion remains high despite Israel’s intensive vaccination campaign, the Times of Israel reports. Under the latest measure, schools and nonessential businesses will be closed for two weeks starting Thursday at midnight.
Inside the United States
Protesters gathered at statehouses across the nation, as U.S. Capitol building was breached
Protesters gathered outside several statehouses across the United States on Wednesday to rally in support of President Trump as Congress moved to certify the results of the electoral college in favor of Joe Biden and demonstrators in Washington, D.C. stormed the Capitol building.
Trump Promises Orderly Transition
Faced with a stream of defections and even threats of early eviction from the White House, U.S. President Donald J. Trump called for healing and reconciliation for the nation.
Capitol protests: FBI manhunt for riot suspects goes high-tech
A coalition of law enforcement agencies spearheaded by the FBI is hunting for anyone involved in Wednesday’s riots on Capitol Hill, and former special agents tell Fox News that advanced digital technology as well as traditional techniques will be used to find suspects.
Democrat Top Leader Schumer Wants President Trump’s Removal
U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer wants President Donald J. Trump’s Cabinet to remove him from office. He spoke after Wednesday’s deadly assault on the Capitol by rioters claiming to be Trump supporters.
Facebook Bans Trump From Platform
The chief executive officer of Facebook says the social media giant has banned U.S. President Donald J. Trump from the platform indefinitely.
Protesters who wore horned helmet, put feet up on Pelosi’s desk IDed
Two rioters whose images became emblematic of the chaos caused when pro-Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday have identified themselves.
Trump Accepts Congress Confirming Biden’s Election Victory
U.S. President Donald J. Trump pledged Thursday there would be "an orderly transition' after Congress certified Joe Biden's election victory.
Four Killed As Mob Storms U.S. Capitol
At least four people, including a female Air Force veteran, died as crowds angered over alleged election fraud stormed the U.S. Capitol, officials said.
Pentagon Activates 6,200 National Guard Members
The Defense Department has formally activated roughly 6,200 members of the National Guard from six northeastern states to help support the Capitol Police and other law enforcement in Washington in the wake of the deadly riot Wednesday that rocked the U.S. Capitol.
Christian News
Trump Faith Advisors and Other Christian Leaders Were Among First to Condemn Capitol Violence: ‘That’s Not Jesus’
As Americans watched in horror on their phones and televisions, a violent mob overwhelmed police at the US Capitol Wednesday, storming the building and taking over the legislative chambers. Evangelical leaders were quick to respond and urge an end to the rioting.
Pompeo angers China with Hong Kong threat, plan to send envoy to Taiwan
Washington may sanction those involved in the arrest of over 50 people in Hong Kong and will send the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to visit Taiwan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday, drawing anger and the threat of retaliation from Beijing.
U.S. Government Says Russia ‘Likely’ Behind Massive ‘Intelligence-Gathering’ Hack
The U.S. government said January 5 that Russia was “likely” behind a massive hack of government and private company networks discovered last month and the intrusion was an “intelligence-gathering effort.”
China has not authorized WHO experts to enter and investigation pandemic origin
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday that he is “very disappointed” China has not authorized a team of international experts to enter the country and investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reuters reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Sudan Signs on to Abraham Accords, Normalizing Relations With Israel
Sudan has officially signed the Abraham Accords, agreeing to normalize relations with Israel. The deal paves the way for Sudan to relieve its massive debt to the World Bank.
Syria claims “enemy” Israel conducted airstrikes near Damascus
Syrian media outlets have said Israel carried out a number of targeted airstrikes around Damascus late Wednesday night, the Times of Israel reports. Following standard policy about commenting on operations in Syria, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
Israeli intel expert: Virus likely ‘unnatural’
Retired Israeli Lt. Col. Dany Shoham, who was among the first to suggest that the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak may be linked to China’s military research, now believes there is a strong possibility that the virus escaped from a Chinese laboratory.
Israeli schools to shut amid tighter COVID-19 lockdown: “one final effort” Netanyahu says
Israeli government ministers voted Tuesday to further tighten the ongoing nationwide COVID-19 lockdown as the rate of virus contagion remains high despite Israel’s intensive vaccination campaign, the Times of Israel reports. Under the latest measure, schools and nonessential businesses will be closed for two weeks starting Thursday at midnight.
Inside the United States
Protesters gathered at statehouses across the nation, as U.S. Capitol building was breached
Protesters gathered outside several statehouses across the United States on Wednesday to rally in support of President Trump as Congress moved to certify the results of the electoral college in favor of Joe Biden and demonstrators in Washington, D.C. stormed the Capitol building.
Trump Promises Orderly Transition
Faced with a stream of defections and even threats of early eviction from the White House, U.S. President Donald J. Trump called for healing and reconciliation for the nation.
Capitol protests: FBI manhunt for riot suspects goes high-tech
A coalition of law enforcement agencies spearheaded by the FBI is hunting for anyone involved in Wednesday’s riots on Capitol Hill, and former special agents tell Fox News that advanced digital technology as well as traditional techniques will be used to find suspects.
Democrat Top Leader Schumer Wants President Trump’s Removal
U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer wants President Donald J. Trump’s Cabinet to remove him from office. He spoke after Wednesday’s deadly assault on the Capitol by rioters claiming to be Trump supporters.
Facebook Bans Trump From Platform
The chief executive officer of Facebook says the social media giant has banned U.S. President Donald J. Trump from the platform indefinitely.
Protesters who wore horned helmet, put feet up on Pelosi’s desk IDed
Two rioters whose images became emblematic of the chaos caused when pro-Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday have identified themselves.
Trump Accepts Congress Confirming Biden’s Election Victory
U.S. President Donald J. Trump pledged Thursday there would be "an orderly transition' after Congress certified Joe Biden's election victory.
Four Killed As Mob Storms U.S. Capitol
At least four people, including a female Air Force veteran, died as crowds angered over alleged election fraud stormed the U.S. Capitol, officials said.
Pentagon Activates 6,200 National Guard Members
The Defense Department has formally activated roughly 6,200 members of the National Guard from six northeastern states to help support the Capitol Police and other law enforcement in Washington in the wake of the deadly riot Wednesday that rocked the U.S. Capitol.
Christian News
Trump Faith Advisors and Other Christian Leaders Were Among First to Condemn Capitol Violence: ‘That’s Not Jesus’
As Americans watched in horror on their phones and televisions, a violent mob overwhelmed police at the US Capitol Wednesday, storming the building and taking over the legislative chambers. Evangelical leaders were quick to respond and urge an end to the rioting.
Around the World
Iran says it is rolling out 1,000 additional centrifuges
Having just announced it plans to enrich uranium at a level far above that allowed by the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, the Iranian regime said Tuesday that it is installing 1,000 additional centrifuges and increasing its supply of yellowcake, a uranium concentrate powder used for enrichment.
Hong Kong police arrest dozens of pro-democracy activists for “subversion”
Acting under a national security law imposed by China last year, Hong Kong police arrested 53 pro-democracy activists Wednesday, citing “subversion” for participation in unofficial election primaries, the Associated Press reports. Former Hong Kong lawmakers were among those arrested.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Alleged Israeli airstrike reported in southern Syria
An alleged Israeli airstrike targeted locations in southern Syria as explosions were heard in the skies over Damascus on Wednesday night, according to Syrian state media SANA.
Israeli company helps provide clean water to Palestinians in Gaza Strip
A Jewish-Israeli businessman is helping Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to access clean water, the Times of Israel reports. Through his Israel-based company Watergen, Mikhail Mirilashvili has provided atmospheric water generators to Gaza in an effort to relieve the chronic drinking-water crisis there.
Inside the United States
Reports: ‘Cabinet Members Discuss Removing Trump’
Cabinet members and allies are reportedly discussing removing U.S. President Donald J. Trump from office after angry crowds stormed the Capitol housing Congress.
‘Leftist Antifa Among Mob Storming US Capitol’
Facial recognition experts and backers of American President Donald J. Trump said members of the hardline leftist Antifa movement infiltrated protestors who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.
U.S. Resumes Debate About Biden’s Declared Victory After Deadly Violence
U.S. Senate resumed debating a Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Biden’s presidential election victory, hours after mobs claiming to be “pro-Trump” stormed the Capitol complex.
Woman Killed In U.S. Capitol Served in Military
The woman who was shot and killed inside the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. has been identified as a female Air Force veteran and supporter of President Donald J. Trump.
Woman Dies As Mob Storms US Congress Over Election Fraud
Declared President-elect Joe Biden urged President Donald J. Trump to “end this siege” after a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. to protest alleged election fraud.
U.S. President Denies Pence Will Confirm Election Defeat
U.S. President Donald J. Trump condemned reports that the Vice President would confirm his declared defeat in the recent presidential election.
Second Georgia runoff race called for Ossoff; Democrats will control Senate
Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Jon Ossoff has won the second of the state's two runoff elections against Republican David Perdue, the Associated Press predicted on Wednesday, handing Democrats control over the U.S Senate during at least the first two years of Joe Biden's presidency.
Trump Executive Order: ‘Violence Spurred by Antifa … Is Dangerous to Human Life and the Fabric of Our Nation’
In a Jan. 5 executive order, President Donald J. Trump directed the State Department and the Justice Department to assess whether the left-wing Antifa organization should be classified as a "terrorist organization," and to consider listing Antifa as "aliens who are members of an identified criminal organization."
Iran says it is rolling out 1,000 additional centrifuges
Having just announced it plans to enrich uranium at a level far above that allowed by the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, the Iranian regime said Tuesday that it is installing 1,000 additional centrifuges and increasing its supply of yellowcake, a uranium concentrate powder used for enrichment.
Hong Kong police arrest dozens of pro-democracy activists for “subversion”
Acting under a national security law imposed by China last year, Hong Kong police arrested 53 pro-democracy activists Wednesday, citing “subversion” for participation in unofficial election primaries, the Associated Press reports. Former Hong Kong lawmakers were among those arrested.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Alleged Israeli airstrike reported in southern Syria
An alleged Israeli airstrike targeted locations in southern Syria as explosions were heard in the skies over Damascus on Wednesday night, according to Syrian state media SANA.
Israeli company helps provide clean water to Palestinians in Gaza Strip
A Jewish-Israeli businessman is helping Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to access clean water, the Times of Israel reports. Through his Israel-based company Watergen, Mikhail Mirilashvili has provided atmospheric water generators to Gaza in an effort to relieve the chronic drinking-water crisis there.
Inside the United States
Reports: ‘Cabinet Members Discuss Removing Trump’
Cabinet members and allies are reportedly discussing removing U.S. President Donald J. Trump from office after angry crowds stormed the Capitol housing Congress.
‘Leftist Antifa Among Mob Storming US Capitol’
Facial recognition experts and backers of American President Donald J. Trump said members of the hardline leftist Antifa movement infiltrated protestors who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.
U.S. Resumes Debate About Biden’s Declared Victory After Deadly Violence
U.S. Senate resumed debating a Republican challenge against Democrat Joe Biden’s presidential election victory, hours after mobs claiming to be “pro-Trump” stormed the Capitol complex.
Woman Killed In U.S. Capitol Served in Military
The woman who was shot and killed inside the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. has been identified as a female Air Force veteran and supporter of President Donald J. Trump.
Woman Dies As Mob Storms US Congress Over Election Fraud
Declared President-elect Joe Biden urged President Donald J. Trump to “end this siege” after a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. to protest alleged election fraud.
U.S. President Denies Pence Will Confirm Election Defeat
U.S. President Donald J. Trump condemned reports that the Vice President would confirm his declared defeat in the recent presidential election.
Second Georgia runoff race called for Ossoff; Democrats will control Senate
Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Jon Ossoff has won the second of the state's two runoff elections against Republican David Perdue, the Associated Press predicted on Wednesday, handing Democrats control over the U.S Senate during at least the first two years of Joe Biden's presidency.
Trump Executive Order: ‘Violence Spurred by Antifa … Is Dangerous to Human Life and the Fabric of Our Nation’
In a Jan. 5 executive order, President Donald J. Trump directed the State Department and the Justice Department to assess whether the left-wing Antifa organization should be classified as a "terrorist organization," and to consider listing Antifa as "aliens who are members of an identified criminal organization."
Around the World
Portugal: ‘Woman Dies After COVID-19 Vaccine’ Amid Global Concerns (Worthy News Investigation)
Portugal's authorities investigate the death of a Portuguese health worker who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus following similar reported incidents in other countries.
Iran confirms it has begun enriching uranium to 20% in breach of nuclear pact
Iran confirmed Tuesday that it was now enriching uranium to 20 percent purity, well beyond the threshold set by its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, sparking international concern.
Iran launches massive ‘drone combat wargames’
The Iranian military on Tuesday launched a massive series of “drone combat wargames” and boasted that its new generation of aircraft — including ominous “suicide drones” — will give Tehran a battlefield edge over its enemies.
East Africa braces for a return of the locusts
The first wave of the pests emerged at the end of 2019, numbering in hundreds of billions, multiplying by a factor of 20 per generation, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The second generation in March and April numbered in the trillions. A plague that spread like wildfire — up to now.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar resume diplomatic relations through US-brokered deal
Saudi Arabia restored its severed ties with Qatar on Tuesday, as the two countries signed a US-brokered agreement to end their dispute and resolve the Gulf crisis that broke out three years ago, Axios reports. A Saudi-led coalition cut diplomatic relations with Qatar in 2017 on the grounds of alleged Qatari support for Iran and terrorist organizations.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel: New Hope, Yamina trail behind Likud in new poll
If Israel was to hold another election today, Likud, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would remain at the top as the largest party, with right-wing rivals trailing behind, a new poll revealed Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Thousands of Protestors Arrive in DC, Still Contending the Presidential Election Outcome Could Change
As Congress plans for Wednesday’s certification joint session, thousands of demonstrators have come to Washington to protest what they call a stolen election. Part of this effort included a Jericho March, circling the Capitol building seven times.
More than 100 state legislators ask Pence to delay certification of electoral votes by 10 days
More than 100 state legislators from contested battleground states have asked Vice President Mike Pence to delay by 10 days the congressional certification of the elections in their states so they can have more time to investigate irregularities and illegalities.
Arkansas Loses Bid to Reinstate Anti-Abortion Laws at Eighth Circuit
The Eighth Circuit on Tuesday blocked Arkansas’ persistent efforts to usher in some of the nation’s most restrictive abortion measures, striking down a pair of laws barring the procedure after 18 weeks of pregnancy and on the basis of a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
US Navy prepares to deploy largest type of underwater drone allowed
On December 23, 2020, the US Navy issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of the largest type of underwater drone the Navy can deploy, the Eurasian Times reports. Named “Snakehead,” this type of Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (LDUUV) will be launched from nuclear submarines to conduct electronic warfare (EW) as well as carry out intelligence, surveillance, and anti-mine missions.
Christian News
Church Asks Ninth Circuit to Lift California’s Ban on Indoor Worship
A Ninth Circuit judge Monday expressed concern that California’s effort to curb Covid-19 transmission by banning all indoor religious gatherings could extend into the summer months or beyond if the pandemic worsens, further restricting people’s constitutional right to practice their religion.
China: A Pastor and five women arrested following house church raid by government officials
A house church in China's Taiyuan city was raided by forty government officials who arrested the pastor and five female members of the congregation at the same time, Christian Headlines reported Monday. While the five women were released some hours after the raid, Pastor An Yankui, whose home the church meets in, was detained for 15 days.
Wycliffe Associates Providing Technology That Helps Keeps Bible Translators and Their Work Safe in High-Risk Areas
In regions where Christians risk intense persecution and even death because of their faith, Wycliffe Associates is helping believers translate the Bible for their language communities through its Tablets for National Translators initiative.
Portugal: ‘Woman Dies After COVID-19 Vaccine’ Amid Global Concerns (Worthy News Investigation)
Portugal's authorities investigate the death of a Portuguese health worker who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus following similar reported incidents in other countries.
Iran confirms it has begun enriching uranium to 20% in breach of nuclear pact
Iran confirmed Tuesday that it was now enriching uranium to 20 percent purity, well beyond the threshold set by its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, sparking international concern.
Iran launches massive ‘drone combat wargames’
The Iranian military on Tuesday launched a massive series of “drone combat wargames” and boasted that its new generation of aircraft — including ominous “suicide drones” — will give Tehran a battlefield edge over its enemies.
East Africa braces for a return of the locusts
The first wave of the pests emerged at the end of 2019, numbering in hundreds of billions, multiplying by a factor of 20 per generation, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The second generation in March and April numbered in the trillions. A plague that spread like wildfire — up to now.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar resume diplomatic relations through US-brokered deal
Saudi Arabia restored its severed ties with Qatar on Tuesday, as the two countries signed a US-brokered agreement to end their dispute and resolve the Gulf crisis that broke out three years ago, Axios reports. A Saudi-led coalition cut diplomatic relations with Qatar in 2017 on the grounds of alleged Qatari support for Iran and terrorist organizations.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel: New Hope, Yamina trail behind Likud in new poll
If Israel was to hold another election today, Likud, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would remain at the top as the largest party, with right-wing rivals trailing behind, a new poll revealed Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Thousands of Protestors Arrive in DC, Still Contending the Presidential Election Outcome Could Change
As Congress plans for Wednesday’s certification joint session, thousands of demonstrators have come to Washington to protest what they call a stolen election. Part of this effort included a Jericho March, circling the Capitol building seven times.
More than 100 state legislators ask Pence to delay certification of electoral votes by 10 days
More than 100 state legislators from contested battleground states have asked Vice President Mike Pence to delay by 10 days the congressional certification of the elections in their states so they can have more time to investigate irregularities and illegalities.
Arkansas Loses Bid to Reinstate Anti-Abortion Laws at Eighth Circuit
The Eighth Circuit on Tuesday blocked Arkansas’ persistent efforts to usher in some of the nation’s most restrictive abortion measures, striking down a pair of laws barring the procedure after 18 weeks of pregnancy and on the basis of a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
US Navy prepares to deploy largest type of underwater drone allowed
On December 23, 2020, the US Navy issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of the largest type of underwater drone the Navy can deploy, the Eurasian Times reports. Named “Snakehead,” this type of Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (LDUUV) will be launched from nuclear submarines to conduct electronic warfare (EW) as well as carry out intelligence, surveillance, and anti-mine missions.
Christian News
Church Asks Ninth Circuit to Lift California’s Ban on Indoor Worship
A Ninth Circuit judge Monday expressed concern that California’s effort to curb Covid-19 transmission by banning all indoor religious gatherings could extend into the summer months or beyond if the pandemic worsens, further restricting people’s constitutional right to practice their religion.
China: A Pastor and five women arrested following house church raid by government officials
A house church in China's Taiyuan city was raided by forty government officials who arrested the pastor and five female members of the congregation at the same time, Christian Headlines reported Monday. While the five women were released some hours after the raid, Pastor An Yankui, whose home the church meets in, was detained for 15 days.
Wycliffe Associates Providing Technology That Helps Keeps Bible Translators and Their Work Safe in High-Risk Areas
In regions where Christians risk intense persecution and even death because of their faith, Wycliffe Associates is helping believers translate the Bible for their language communities through its Tablets for National Translators initiative.