The USA has presented Ukraine with a controversial one-page peace framework, described as Donald Trump’s ‘final offer’, which would grant significant concessions to Russia, including recognition of its occupation of Crimea and of territories which it has captured since the war began. In exchange, Ukraine would receive vague security guarantees, economic aid, and partial territorial returns. The plan also proposes that the USA would operate Ukraine’s Zaporizhzha nuclear plant and distribute its electricity output between the two countries. Sources say Kyiv views the proposal as heavily skewed in Moscow’s favour. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, drafted the deal after a lengthy meeting with Putin, who has shown interest in freezing current battle lines. However, European leaders remain skeptical of Putin’s sincerity, and critics argue that the deal sacrifices core Ukrainian interests for political expediency. Volodymyr Zelensky has drawn further harsh criticism from Trump for refusing to countenance the loss of Crimea: see The war continues, with the worst Russian attack on Kyiv in months: see

The EU has fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), its first enforcement action against Big Tech under the new law. Apple was penalised for limiting access to alternative apps, while Meta’s ‘consent or pay’ model for data usage was deemed to offer users inadequate choice. Both firms have reacted angrily, with Apple accusing the EU of endangering user privacy, and Meta claiming it is being unfairly targeted compared to European and Chinese companies. Though these are relatively small fines for these tech giants, the move signals the EU’s intent to hold even powerful firms accountable. Experts see the ruling as a test of sovereignty in digital regulation, but US firms argue that the EU is unfairly shaping their business models. US-EU tensions are mounting, especially after Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on European goods. The UK and other nations are launching parallel investigations into monopolistic practices.

As preparations are made for Pope Francis’s funeral, there is already much speculation about who might succeed him, a risky process as supposed ‘front-runners’ are seldom elected. Also, Francis’ appointments of many new cardinals have complicated analysis. Among possible contenders are Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a Middle East expert with minimal ties to Vatican politics, and Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, a seasoned diplomat known for fostering relations with China and Vietnam. From Africa, Fridolin Ambongo was a close advisor to Francis, though he is conservative on key issues. Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, dubbed the ‘Asian Francis’, is pastoral and inclusive, while Matteo Zuppi of Italy has been active in peace efforts and LGBTQ+ pastoral outreach. Conservative voices back Peter Erdo of Hungary, known for his scholarly and traditionalist stance. Lastly, Anders Arborelius, Sweden’s first cardinal, advocates unity in a polarised world while defending traditional doctrine. The choice will reflect whether the Church wishes to continue Francis’ legacy or change direction.

As tributes flood in for Pope Francis, attention turns to his legacy of engaging controversial issues such as migration, climate change, and global conflict – and therefore clashing with world leaders. Notably, Francis clashed with Donald Trump over immigration, denouncing his border wall and mass deportation policies. Tensions also emerged with Argentina’s Mauricio Macri and Javier Milei; Milei even called Francis ‘evil’, but softened his tone after taking office. The Pope also criticised Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro over Amazon deforestation and championed Indigenous rights. On Gaza, Francis condemned Israel’s military actions, suggesting possible genocide - a statement that drew harsh rebukes from Israeli officials. He also condemned the Ukraine war without naming Vladimir Putin directly, while urging dialogue. His ‘white flag’ comment upset Ukrainian leaders. Yet many world leaders - including Trump, Milei, and Zelensky - plan to attend the funeral, honouring a pontiff who never shied from challenge.

To celebrate Earth Day (22 April), environmental activists gathered at a beach in Cape Town to clean the coastline and raise awareness about plastic pollution. Organiser Lyniel Traut called for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040, urging corporations to both act and educate. Another activist said she wanted her children and grandchildren to grow up in a safe, pollution free, environment. Earth Day also spotlighted hidden plastic pollution from synthetic clothing. Rachael Z Miller, founder of the Rozalia Project, explained how polyester garments shed microfibres which end up in oceans, harming marine life and potentially entering the human food chain. To combat this, she has developed the Cora Ball - a laundry tool which reduces fibre shedding and captures microplastics before they reach waterways. Though helpful, such tools are just a start: the UN has urged the textile industry to shift towards a more sustainable production model to reduce its climate impact. See

A brutal terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir has left 26 people dead, including tourists and locals, and sent shockwaves across India. On 22 April gunmen opened fire at a popular resort in Pahalgam, targeting visitors gathered at Baisaran meadow. Among the victims were an Indian naval officer on his honeymoon, a tourist guide supporting his family, and multiple members of one family vacationing together. Eyewitnesses report that some attackers questioned victims about their religion before opening fire, although motives remain unconfirmed. Survivors and families describe scenes of chaos, loss, and unthinkable grief. Locals fear the attack could devastate tourism-dependent livelihoods. Kashmir's streets fell silent as businesses shut in protest, while Indian leaders, including prime minister Modi, vowed a strong response. A manhunt is under way, and as families bury their dead and demand justice, the nation mourns a deep and painful wound. India has already closed the border with Pakistan, which has denied involvement with the terrorists, and there are fears that there will be further military escalation. See

According to an anonymous official, the White House is searching for a new Pentagon chief to replace Pete Hegseth, after claims that he shared classified military details via the Signal app with his wife, brother, and lawyer, potentially jeopardising operations in Yemen. This follows his error in March when he mistakenly included a journalist in a similar chat. Donald Trump and press secretary Karoline Leavitt have publicly defended Hegseth, calling the uproar a media smear, and Hegseth has denied wrongdoing, blaming disgruntled ex-employees. Four senior Pentagon advisers have recently departed; three of them were forcibly removed for leaking information to the press, a charge they have denied. Senators have criticised both Hegseth’s conduct and Trump’s judgment in appointing someone lacking high-level leadership experience. Meanwhile, in another controversy, Trump has stated that he has no intention of firing Jerome Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, even after calling him a ’major loser’ for his refusal to cut interest rates. See

Jesus’ final words on the cross - 'It is finished' (Tetelestai) - were not spoken with regret but with triumphant certainty. Unlike our own flawed works, the finished work of Christ on Calvary left nothing undone. His sacrifice was not a last-minute rescue plan but the fulfilment of a divine purpose set in motion from the beginning of creation. In Genesis, God called His creation 'very good’, but sin entered through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, fracturing the harmony. From the first shedding of animal blood in Eden to the Old Testament’s repeated sacrifices, a pattern emerged: atonement required blood. Yet these sacrifices could not fully cleanse sin: they pointed to a greater Lamb. Jesus, the spotless Son of God, took upon himself the world’s sin at the cross, fulfilling what the Old Covenant foreshadowed. His resurrection confirmed his victory over death. The cross wasn’t a divine error or a regretful necessity: it was the plan of God’s love to restore what was lost in Eden.

When Christian singer Colton Dixon and his wife Annie welcomed their daughter Ava in 2020, joy turned to terror. Despite a smooth pregnancy and natural labour, complications arose, and Ava was delivered via emergency C-section without a pulse or breath. The Dixons were suddenly thrust into a moment of crisis - faced with a choice between fear and faith. Choosing faith, they began boldly praying over their daughter, declaring life over her tiny, unresponsive body. Surrounded by medical staff, their desperate cries to the Lord filled the room. Colton says they didn't care how strange they may have seemed: they knew God was still a God of miracles. Miraculously, Ava began to breathe and her pulse returned. The Dixons believe it was either God’s direct touch or His hand guiding the doctors and nurses, but either way, they experienced a powerful answer to prayer. This moment reaffirmed their trust in God’s promises. Today, Ava is thriving, and Colton’s testimony is a reminder that even in the most desperate moments, God can still intervene.

St Stephen’s Church, Bradford, has found a creative and compassionate way to care for the homeless - by installing a lockable sleeping pod on its grounds. The initiative, in partnership with Shine and Hope Housing, offers more than shelter: it provides dignity, safety, and community. The pod includes a bed and toilet; guests also have access to showers and hot meals through the church. All guests are referred through trusted homeless organisations, and although designed for temporary stays, many have used the pod longer while awaiting permanent housing. Michelle, a mother recovering from years of addiction, credits the pod for helping her stay clean, describing it as a sanctuary where she feels safe and 'on God's ground'. Apart from shelter, the church offers lasting friendship and spiritual support. Some former guests have even become part of the church family. St Stephen’s demonstrates that true Christian compassion includes walking alongside the vulnerable, offering not just practical help, but long-term love, restoration, and hope in Christ.