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
Iran Sentences Singer To Death
Iranian singer and rapper Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, widely known as Amir Tataloo, has been sentenced to death for blasphemy against Islam, Iranian officials said Monday.
Panama’s President Rejects Trump’s Plan to Retake Panama Canal
Panama's President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected President Donald Trump's inaugural claim that the U.S. would "take back" control of the Panama Canal.
Nigeria Joins BRICS as “Partner Country”
Nigeria on Friday was admitted as a "partner country" of the BRICS bloc of economies formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hostage Deal Includes Release of 110 Palestinians Sentenced to Life for Egregious Terror Attacks
In exchange for the phased release of 33 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, Israel on January 19 agreed to the phased release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 110 who are serving life sentences for some of the most egregious murders of Israelis during terror attacks prior to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
CIA Analyst Pleads Guilty to Publicizing Top-Secret Information on Israeli Plans to Attack Iran
A former CIA analyst has pleaded guilty and faces 10 years imprisonment for unlawfully retaining and then posting Top Secret United States National Defense information about Israeli plans to attack Iran on social media in October 2024.
Inside the United States
Trump To Pardon Jan. 6 Rioters; Marco Rubio Confirmed As Secretary of State
Just hours after his inauguration, U.S. President Donald J. Trump promised “immediate pardons” to those convicted of storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Donald J. Trump Inaugurated As 47th President
Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, promising a revolution of common sense, a “golden age of America,” and a radical shake-up of the global order.
Trump to Declare National Emergency on Border, Issue Executive Orders
After being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, President Donald Trump said he will sign “a series of historic executive orders … to begin the complete restoration of America and the ‘Revolution of Common Sense.’”
Trump To Call For ‘Revolution of Common Sense’
Donald J. Trump, who at 78 will become America’s oldest president to take office, will call for a "revolution of common sense" during his inaugural address, according to prepared remarks.
Outgoing President Biden Moves To Guard Trump Adversaries Against ‘Retribution’
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden moved just hours before leaving office on Monday to guard some of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s most high-profile adversaries against what he said was a promised campaign of “retribution” by issuing pre-emptive pardons to head off politically driven prosecutions.
Trump Taking Over Power Amid Weather and World Concerns
Donald J. Trump prepared to make his historic return to the White House on Monday, taking over from a president who, for the first time, admitted publicly that he may not have been fit enough to carry on for another four-year term.
Christian News
Pakistan Detains Five Over Shooting Christians
At least five people were believed to be in Pakistani police custody Monday over the Christmas Day shooting of Christians in Pakistan.
Christians Killed In Vietnam; Meetings Raided
Christian workers in Vietnam say believers in the Communist-run Asian nation experience “severe persecution,” including violent attacks on church services that killed a Christian leader and his wife and injured a pastor.
Iran Sentences Singer To Death
Iranian singer and rapper Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, widely known as Amir Tataloo, has been sentenced to death for blasphemy against Islam, Iranian officials said Monday.
Panama’s President Rejects Trump’s Plan to Retake Panama Canal
Panama's President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected President Donald Trump's inaugural claim that the U.S. would "take back" control of the Panama Canal.
Nigeria Joins BRICS as “Partner Country”
Nigeria on Friday was admitted as a "partner country" of the BRICS bloc of economies formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hostage Deal Includes Release of 110 Palestinians Sentenced to Life for Egregious Terror Attacks
In exchange for the phased release of 33 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, Israel on January 19 agreed to the phased release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 110 who are serving life sentences for some of the most egregious murders of Israelis during terror attacks prior to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
CIA Analyst Pleads Guilty to Publicizing Top-Secret Information on Israeli Plans to Attack Iran
A former CIA analyst has pleaded guilty and faces 10 years imprisonment for unlawfully retaining and then posting Top Secret United States National Defense information about Israeli plans to attack Iran on social media in October 2024.
Inside the United States
Trump To Pardon Jan. 6 Rioters; Marco Rubio Confirmed As Secretary of State
Just hours after his inauguration, U.S. President Donald J. Trump promised “immediate pardons” to those convicted of storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Donald J. Trump Inaugurated As 47th President
Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, promising a revolution of common sense, a “golden age of America,” and a radical shake-up of the global order.
Trump to Declare National Emergency on Border, Issue Executive Orders
After being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, President Donald Trump said he will sign “a series of historic executive orders … to begin the complete restoration of America and the ‘Revolution of Common Sense.’”
Trump To Call For ‘Revolution of Common Sense’
Donald J. Trump, who at 78 will become America’s oldest president to take office, will call for a "revolution of common sense" during his inaugural address, according to prepared remarks.
Outgoing President Biden Moves To Guard Trump Adversaries Against ‘Retribution’
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden moved just hours before leaving office on Monday to guard some of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s most high-profile adversaries against what he said was a promised campaign of “retribution” by issuing pre-emptive pardons to head off politically driven prosecutions.
Trump Taking Over Power Amid Weather and World Concerns
Donald J. Trump prepared to make his historic return to the White House on Monday, taking over from a president who, for the first time, admitted publicly that he may not have been fit enough to carry on for another four-year term.
Christian News
Pakistan Detains Five Over Shooting Christians
At least five people were believed to be in Pakistani police custody Monday over the Christmas Day shooting of Christians in Pakistan.
Christians Killed In Vietnam; Meetings Raided
Christian workers in Vietnam say believers in the Communist-run Asian nation experience “severe persecution,” including violent attacks on church services that killed a Christian leader and his wife and injured a pastor.
Around the World
EU and Mexico Reach New Trade Agreement Ahead of Trump Presidency
The European Union and Mexico agreed on a new trade agreement on Friday just before President Trump assumes office on Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Numerous Killed In Indonesia Mall Fire
Eight bodies were found so far after a fire broke out at one of the oldest shopping malls in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, as rescuers intensified search efforts for still missing persons, officials said Saturday.
Iran, Russia Sign Pact On Military, Trade Cooperation
The world faced more security challenges Saturday after Russia and Iran signed a controversial 20-year “strategic partnership” that was due to worry Israel, Ukraine, and their Western allies.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
3 Hostages Reunite With Families, But More Work Ahead
Israelis across Israel celebrated Sunday the release of three women by Hamas, the first of nearly 100 hostages due to return home, dead or alive, following their abduction on October 7, 2023.
Hamas Releases Names Of Hostages As Ceasefire Was Supposed To Start
Hamas named the three hostages it planned to release Sunday, more than two hours after the ceasefire in Gaza was supposed to have begun. Israel had earlier made clear it would keep fighting until it received the names.
Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Hostage Deal, Set for Government Vote
Israel's Security Cabinet approved a hostage deal on Friday, where 33 Hamas captives will be released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds serving life sentences.
Inside the United States
TikTok Restores U.S. Service Ater Trump Intervention
TikTok restored service to American users Sunday after temporarily shutting down in response to a Congressionally passed law upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court over its Chinese ownership.
Cruz Leads Effort to Repeal DOD COVID Vaccine Mandate, Protect Religious Freedom
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, is leading an effort to reverse actions taken against military service members through a U.S. Department of Defense COVID-19 vaccine mandate, including protecting religious freedom.
Trump Rallies With Supporters Night Before Inauguration
Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States, will be sworn in as its 47th at noon eastern Monday at an inauguration ceremony that was moved indoors because of anticipated freezing temperatures in Washington D.C..
TikTok Goes Dark In US Ahead Of Trump Inauguration
TikTok went dark in the United States on Sunday as the company's application, or app, was removed from prominent app stores, including those operated by tech giants Apple and Google, while its website told users that the short-form video platform was no longer available.
EU and Mexico Reach New Trade Agreement Ahead of Trump Presidency
The European Union and Mexico agreed on a new trade agreement on Friday just before President Trump assumes office on Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Numerous Killed In Indonesia Mall Fire
Eight bodies were found so far after a fire broke out at one of the oldest shopping malls in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, as rescuers intensified search efforts for still missing persons, officials said Saturday.
Iran, Russia Sign Pact On Military, Trade Cooperation
The world faced more security challenges Saturday after Russia and Iran signed a controversial 20-year “strategic partnership” that was due to worry Israel, Ukraine, and their Western allies.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
3 Hostages Reunite With Families, But More Work Ahead
Israelis across Israel celebrated Sunday the release of three women by Hamas, the first of nearly 100 hostages due to return home, dead or alive, following their abduction on October 7, 2023.
Hamas Releases Names Of Hostages As Ceasefire Was Supposed To Start
Hamas named the three hostages it planned to release Sunday, more than two hours after the ceasefire in Gaza was supposed to have begun. Israel had earlier made clear it would keep fighting until it received the names.
Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Hostage Deal, Set for Government Vote
Israel's Security Cabinet approved a hostage deal on Friday, where 33 Hamas captives will be released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds serving life sentences.
Inside the United States
TikTok Restores U.S. Service Ater Trump Intervention
TikTok restored service to American users Sunday after temporarily shutting down in response to a Congressionally passed law upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court over its Chinese ownership.
Cruz Leads Effort to Repeal DOD COVID Vaccine Mandate, Protect Religious Freedom
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, is leading an effort to reverse actions taken against military service members through a U.S. Department of Defense COVID-19 vaccine mandate, including protecting religious freedom.
Trump Rallies With Supporters Night Before Inauguration
Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States, will be sworn in as its 47th at noon eastern Monday at an inauguration ceremony that was moved indoors because of anticipated freezing temperatures in Washington D.C..
TikTok Goes Dark In US Ahead Of Trump Inauguration
TikTok went dark in the United States on Sunday as the company's application, or app, was removed from prominent app stores, including those operated by tech giants Apple and Google, while its website told users that the short-form video platform was no longer available.
Around the World
North Korea’s Troops Toughen Russia’s Offensive Against Ukraine (Worthy News In-Depth)
Once dismissed as “cannon fodder,” North Korean soldiers deployed in the Russian offensive against Ukraine are now being described by their Ukrainian adversaries as disciplined and formidable fighters.
US Imposes Another Fresh Round of Sanctions on Russia
Less than a week after imposing the broadest package of sanctions on Russia it had ever imposed, the US Biden administration on Wednesday added hundreds of fresh sanctions to intensify pressure on Moscow and assist Ukraine in defending against the ongoing Russian invasion, Reuters reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iraqi and Yemeni Islamic Militants to Suspend Attacks on Israel Following Gaza Ceasefire A nnouncement
Responding to Wednesday’s announcement that the Israeli government has reached a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthi and Iraqi Nujaba Islamic jihadist movements announced they would suspend their attacks against Israel, Newsweek reports.
Inside the United States
Biden Rule Requiring Christian Groups to Embrace Gender Ideology Faces Lawsuit
A new Biden administration rule requiring Christian and other religious groups to comply on transgender ideology is facing a legal challenge.
U.S. House Passes Measure to Deport Noncitizen Sex Crime Offenders
The U.S. House on Thursday passed a bill that would lead to the deportation of foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally who commit sex crimes or domestic violence.
Republicans Pledge Remain in Mexico Policy Will Return Under Trump
Border-focused Republicans are eagerly awaiting the next Trump administration, and with it, the return of Remain in Mexico, an immigration policy that makes migrants who illegally cross the border to claim asylum wait in Mexico for their court date, rather than being released into the U.S. under parole.
Republicans to Introduce Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Act
Republican lawmakers are set to introduce legislation requiring doctors to provide the same medical assistance to babies born alive following an abortion as they would to a baby of the same gestational age in other circumstances.
Christian News
Nigeria: New Islamic Terror Group Begins Killing Christians
A new Islamic terror group that is considered even more dangerous than Boko Haram, ISWAP and the radicalized Fulani militants has begun murdering Christians in northern Nigeria, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Islamic terror groups intent on imposing their extreme version of Sharia law and governance have murdered tens of thousands of Christians in northern Nigeria since jihadism took hold in the region in 2009.
Sudan Christians Banned From Christmas Feast Amid Deadly Clashes
Christians in Sudan say believers displaced by war have been prevented from celebrating Christmas in a park where they had taken refuge.
‘380 Million Christians Persecuted Worldwide’
At least 380 million Christians — one in seven worldwide — faced high levels of persecution and discrimination in 2024, an increase of 15 million from the year before, investigators said Wednesday.
North Korea’s Troops Toughen Russia’s Offensive Against Ukraine (Worthy News In-Depth)
Once dismissed as “cannon fodder,” North Korean soldiers deployed in the Russian offensive against Ukraine are now being described by their Ukrainian adversaries as disciplined and formidable fighters.
US Imposes Another Fresh Round of Sanctions on Russia
Less than a week after imposing the broadest package of sanctions on Russia it had ever imposed, the US Biden administration on Wednesday added hundreds of fresh sanctions to intensify pressure on Moscow and assist Ukraine in defending against the ongoing Russian invasion, Reuters reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iraqi and Yemeni Islamic Militants to Suspend Attacks on Israel Following Gaza Ceasefire A nnouncement
Responding to Wednesday’s announcement that the Israeli government has reached a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthi and Iraqi Nujaba Islamic jihadist movements announced they would suspend their attacks against Israel, Newsweek reports.
Inside the United States
Biden Rule Requiring Christian Groups to Embrace Gender Ideology Faces Lawsuit
A new Biden administration rule requiring Christian and other religious groups to comply on transgender ideology is facing a legal challenge.
U.S. House Passes Measure to Deport Noncitizen Sex Crime Offenders
The U.S. House on Thursday passed a bill that would lead to the deportation of foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally who commit sex crimes or domestic violence.
Republicans Pledge Remain in Mexico Policy Will Return Under Trump
Border-focused Republicans are eagerly awaiting the next Trump administration, and with it, the return of Remain in Mexico, an immigration policy that makes migrants who illegally cross the border to claim asylum wait in Mexico for their court date, rather than being released into the U.S. under parole.
Republicans to Introduce Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Act
Republican lawmakers are set to introduce legislation requiring doctors to provide the same medical assistance to babies born alive following an abortion as they would to a baby of the same gestational age in other circumstances.
Christian News
Nigeria: New Islamic Terror Group Begins Killing Christians
A new Islamic terror group that is considered even more dangerous than Boko Haram, ISWAP and the radicalized Fulani militants has begun murdering Christians in northern Nigeria, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Islamic terror groups intent on imposing their extreme version of Sharia law and governance have murdered tens of thousands of Christians in northern Nigeria since jihadism took hold in the region in 2009.
Sudan Christians Banned From Christmas Feast Amid Deadly Clashes
Christians in Sudan say believers displaced by war have been prevented from celebrating Christmas in a park where they had taken refuge.
‘380 Million Christians Persecuted Worldwide’
At least 380 million Christians — one in seven worldwide — faced high levels of persecution and discrimination in 2024, an increase of 15 million from the year before, investigators said Wednesday.