A new at-home saliva test assessing genetic risk has shown greater accuracy than the current PSA blood test in detecting prostate cancer, according to a major UK study. The spit test, which evaluates 130 genetic variants to calculate a polygenic risk score (PRS), was found to be more effective at identifying aggressive prostate cancers than traditional PSA testing. Led by Prof Ros Eeles at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, the study demonstrated that 40% of high-risk men flagged by the test were diagnosed with cancer, compared to 25% diagnosed through PSA testing. Moreover, the saliva test detected a higher proportion of aggressive cancers. This non-invasive, inexpensive tool could improve early diagnosis and reduce unnecessary treatments linked to false positives from PSA tests. Researchers are also developing updated versions of the test tailored for men of Asian and African heritage. While further research is needed to confirm long-term outcomes, experts hope the PRS test could soon revolutionise screening for men most at risk, offering better protection and peace of mind.

Around fifty Christians protested outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, after the school cancelled its traditional Easter bonnet parade and church service. Headteacher Stephanie Mander informed parents that the decision aimed to foster an inclusive environment, opting instead for classroom lessons and craft activities about the meaning of Easter. Protesters accused the school of marginalising Christianity. Banners declared messages like 'Jesus is King' and 'Let’s cancel her’, referring to the headteacher. Protesters distributed Easter eggs and prayed collectively at the end of the demonstration. A smaller counter-protest of parents defended the school’s decision, citing concerns about promoting division and noting financial pressures on families that may have influenced the cancellation. Police were present, but no arrests were made. The event has reignited broader concerns among some Christians about feeling increasingly sidelined within educational institutions and society at large.

Germany's conservatives, led by Friedrich Merz, have formed a coalition with the Social Democrats, ending five months of political uncertainty. Merz, 69, promised strong leadership, reforms, and renewed international confidence, declaring, ‘Germany is back on track’. The coalition plans major investments in defence and infrastructure, made possible by reforms to strict debt rules. A key focus is controlling irregular migration and restoring voter trust. Despite pressure from the far-right AfD, which recently topped opinion polls, Merz promised to balance firm border policies with democratic values. The coalition also pledges increased military spending and voluntary service, following Sweden’s model. Boris Pistorius will remain as defence minister, ensuring continuity. Support for Ukraine and fulfilling NATO commitments are central to the agenda. While critics question the coalition’s ability to end the recession, Merz remains optimistic.

Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Hungary for its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a four-day visit to Budapest, marking a rare foreign trip for him since the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Prime minister Viktor Orban, a staunch ally of Netanyahu, condemned the ICC's warrant as politically motivated and announced Hungary's intention to leave the court. Israel has also rejected the ICC’s accusations, arguing that they were driven by antisemitism and undermined Israel's right to self-defence. Hungary, as a founding member of the ICC, is still technically bound by its commitments; the process of withdrawal will take about a year. Other European countries are split on the validity of the warrant: some have expressed legal doubts. Netanyahu left on 6 April for Washington: the USA is not a member of the ICC, and neither are China or Russia.

Donald Trump is intensifying his efforts to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions. After withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), he reimposed sanctions, citing Iran's support for militias like Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran has subsequently ignored some of the deal's restrictions and enriched more and more uranium nuclear fuel: analysts fear it could soon be capable of making a nuclear warhead. Trump has reinstated his ‘maximum pressure’ strategy, imposing additional sanctions, but he has now agreed to direct discussions between US and Iranian officials in Oman. However, the USA is demanding full dismantlement of Iran's nuclear programme, a request Tehran will find difficult to accept. Iran’s hardliners view nuclear deterrence as essential, and past negotiations show how challenging these discussions can be. Israel insists on the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capacity, while military action remains a possibility if talks fail.

On 9 April Israel carried out an airstrike in northern Gaza, reportedly killing a senior Hamas commander, Haitham al-Sheikh. The IDF said the operation targeted a high-ranking terrorist and said there were multiple measures to minimise civilian casualties. However, Palestinian sources reported at least 23 killed, including women and children, though the numbers remain unverified. Local accounts described missiles striking a building near tents housing displaced families. Hamas condemned the strike as a ‘massacre’, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad also denounced the attack. Al-Sheikh is the third commander of the battalion killed since the war began in October 2023. His predecessors, Wisam Farhat and Jamil Amar Wadia, were also eliminated in IDF operations. Meanwhile, the World Food Programme is desperately short of funding for its aid programme in Gaza: see

China has announced an 84% tariff on all US imports, up from 34%, in retaliation to Donald Trump’s increased tariffs on Chinese imports (now 104%). This move escalates tensions in the ongoing trade war and sent global stock markets into further decline. Global oil prices also fell, adding to fears of a recession. However, US markets later showed some recovery after treasury secretary Scott Bessent hinted at potential trade agreements with allies. Trump is encouraging businesses to move to the USA, claiming zero tariffs and favourable conditions for companies. While China has expressed reluctance to engage in a full-scale trade war, it said it needed to protect its economy. Despite concerns over higher inflation, Trump remains optimistic about revitalising US manufacturing. He has now announced a pause in imposing the harsher tariffs, which has encouraged the stock markets. For a view about what this pause will mean, see

President Luis Abinader has introduced measures to address illegal immigration from neighbouring Haiti, where the continuing violence is forcing many to flee. The new policies, described as ‘painful but necessary’, include charging migrants for hospital services and penalising those who rent to undocumented individuals. He is also increasing military presence at the border and speeding up border wall construction. He said that his country’s resources were strained, and spoke of the burden on hospitals, schools, and security. Human rights activists have criticised the measures as discriminatory and accused the government of abusing migrants. Over 180,000 migrants have already been deported, and stricter penalties will be imposed on those who aid illegal crossings. However, this week the nation’s attention is focussed on a tragedy in the capital, Santo Domingo: at least 184 were killed and over 250 injured after a roof collapsed at a nightclub. See

On 13 April, Gabon will hold its first presidential election since the 2023 coup which ended the Bongo family’s 56-year rule. General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the coup and became transitional president, is now running to formalise his leadership. His main opponent is Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, a former prime minister under Ali Bongo, who has formed a new political movement to distance himself from the previous regime. Since most state institutions are controlled by Nguema loyalists, analysts predict he is likely to win. Many citizens support him for ending Bongo’s unpopular rule and promising reform. He envisions a Gabon that ‘rises from the ashes’, pledging to boost infrastructure, diversify the economy, and improve governance. Though the economy grew modestly in 2024, Gabon remains heavily reliant on oil. Citizens hope this election will lead to greater accountability and transparency, and improved living conditions, particularly in education, health, and infrastructure.

Christopher Gunderson was born with complete gastroparesis, unable to eat normally and reliant on feeding tubes for 16 years. Told by doctors he might not survive, he experienced daily pain and severe limitations. But at a ministry event in 2011, after prayer and a powerful encounter with God, Christopher felt what he describes as a 'lightning bolt' through his body - a shock that he believes restarted his stomach. That night, he ate a full meal for the first time ever - without pain. Over the following weeks, he was able to eat normally and eventually had his feeding tubes removed. His doctors were stunned. Today, Christopher shares his testimony widely, proclaiming the healing power of Jesus and the reality of miracles.