China has retaliated against new US tariffs by imposing 15% duties on certain energy imports and 10% tariffs on crude oil, vehicles, and machinery. It also announced export controls on key minerals like tungsten and added two firms to its ‘unreliable entities’ list. Additionally, China launched an antitrust investigation into Google. On 2 February Donald Trump had imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, part of broader trade measures also targeting Mexico and Canada. He has briefly paused tariffs on those two nations following talks. China denounced the tariffs at the World Trade Organisation, warning of economic disruption. The dispute extends beyond tariffs, touching on security and fentanyl production. While Beijing aims to avoid an escalating trade war, China’s slowing economy adds pressure. Meanwhile, Trump has indicated that he might impose tariffs on other nations.

When president Gustavo Petro blocked US deportation flights in protest of the treatment of migrants, Donald Trump at once threatened severe tariffs and revoked visas for Colombian officials. Petro initially resisted but ultimately relented, allowing deportation flights to resume. This misstep weakened his administration, leading to the Liberal Party’s exit from the coalition government and raising concerns over the country’s foreign policy. Petro’s presidency has faced internal and external challenges, including strained US relations over drug policy reforms and closer ties with Venezuela and Cuba. His confrontational stance, while appealing to his base, risks economic consequences. Experts argue that Colombia must develop a more strategic foreign policy beyond depending on the USA. The fallout from this crisis may shape Petro’s influence in the 2026 elections, as he seeks to position himself as a defender of national sovereignty amid political uncertainty.

Uganda, in partnership with the WHO and other health organisations, has launched its first-ever vaccine trial for the Sudan strain of Ebola. The trial began just days after a nurse succumbed to the virus, with additional cases confirmed among his relatives. Researchers at Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute expedited the process, ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory standards. The candidate vaccine, donated by IAVI and funded by international partners, aims to improve pandemic preparedness. Over 2,000 doses are available, though the manufacturer remains undisclosed. Uganda has a history of Ebola outbreaks, including a deadly 2000 epidemic. Contact tracing remains essential in containing the disease. This outbreak comes amid US funding freezes following the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the WHO. The region has also faced recent outbreaks of Marburg virus in Tanzania and Rwanda. Officials hope the vaccine will be a breakthrough in combating future Ebola epidemics.

Lola Sheen, daughter of actors Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards, recently shared her powerful testimony of faith after being baptised. The 19-year-old publicly declared that Jesus saved her from deep depression and anxiety, giving her a peace beyond understanding. She recounted hitting rock bottom, believing she would never experience joy again - until she encountered Jesus, her Saviour and best friend. Through His love and grace, she found healing, renewal, and the strength to move forward. Other celebrities, including Russell Brand and Denzel Washington, have recently been baptised, publicly acknowledging their faith. Brand described his baptism as a 'moment of surrender’, while Washington shared a prophecy spoken over him decades ago, now fulfilled in his life. Their testimonies point to a larger spiritual awakening in a world searching for meaning and truth.

Rubee Lana’s life was marked by pain, depression, and self-destruction. Growing up without a father, she resented her mother and often stayed at her grandmother’s house after arguments. Verbal and mental abuse left her feeling unloved, and she struggled with suicidal thoughts. After a failed overdose attempt, she turned to partying, drugs, and social media fame, but the emptiness in her heart remained. Moving to Chicago, she immersed herself in the EDM festival scene, taking Ecstasy and embracing a reckless lifestyle. One night, while drinking in a car with strangers, she had a sudden realisation: if she died, she would go to hell. Crying out to God, she pleaded for forgiveness. That moment marked the beginning of a radical transformation. Rubee started attending church, surrendered her life to Christ, and was born again. Today, she shares her testimony online, spreading the hope and redemption found in Jesus.

Rachel Reeves has unveiled major infrastructure projects, including support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. Her speech highlighted Labour’s commitment to economic growth, despite opposition. She emphasised that growth 'will not come without a fight’. Key projects include developing a 'growth corridor' between Oxford and Cambridge, upgrading transport links, building nine new reservoirs, and redeveloping the Old Trafford football ground. However, the lack of public funding for these initiatives raises concerns about feasibility. Heathrow’s expansion is controversial, with critics arguing it will harm the environment and increase costs for airlines. London mayor Sadiq Khan and green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince oppose the plan, and the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats argue that the government’s approach is ineffective. Despite these challenges, Labour insists that investing in infrastructure is crucial for long-term prosperity and ensuring the UK is not left behind in global development. See

Lloyds Banking Group has announced the closure of 136 high street branches, dealing another blow to the UK banking sector, as more customers shift to mobile banking. After these closures, Lloyds will have 386 branches, Halifax 281, and Bank of Scotland 90. Lloyds attributes the decision to a 48% decline in branch transactions over the past five years; over twenty million customers now use their apps for banking. Affected employees will be offered alternative roles within the organisation. To support customers losing local branches, Lloyds are highlighting alternative banking options, including telephone banking and Post Office branches; also, 21 new banking hubs may be introduced in affected areas to maintain cash access. While digital banking continues to grow, concerns remain about the impact on elderly and vulnerable customers reliant on in-person services.

The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed England’s first human case of bird flu this season. The individual, located in the West Midlands, contracted the virus after close and prolonged contact with infected birds on a farm. They are now in isolation, with contact tracing underway. While no human-to-human transmission has been recorded, concerns remain. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said that the risk to the public is low and emphasised the UK’s preparedness, including stockpiling the H5 vaccine to combat avian influenza. In response to rising bird flu cases, authorities have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in England and Scotland. Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss urged bird keepers to implement strict biosecurity, monitor for signs of disease, and report suspected cases immediately.

Health officials have issued an urgent warning about a rapid rise in measles cases across parts of the UK, particularly in south west England: there have been 21 new cases in Bristol alone, making it the worst-affected city. The rise is linked to declining MMR vaccination rates, which have fallen below 90%, below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Nationwide, nearly 3,000 cases have been recorded since January 2024, almost half of them in London. Measles, which causes flu-like symptoms, fever, and a distinctive rash, can lead to life-threatening complications such as meningitis and sepsis. Pregnant women, infants, and immunocompromised individuals are most at risk. Doctors urge vaccination as the most effective protection, with two MMR doses providing 99% immunity. The public is advised to stay vigilant, seek medical advice for symptoms, and avoid schools, workplaces, and gatherings if infected.

A new study published in the British Medical Journal has warned that calorie labelling on menus may worsen eating disorders, despite policies focusing primarily on reducing obesity. Findings suggest that calorie labels can trigger harmful behaviour, including food avoidance, increased anxiety, and obsessive calorie tracking. One US study found that individuals with anorexia or bulimia selected meals with an average of 550 calories when calorie labels were visible, compared to 1,615 calories without labels. Another UK study found that 55% of participants with eating disorders reported worsening symptoms due to calorie information. Experts and charities, including Beat, are urging policymakers to consider the mental health impact of such measures. While the Government defends calorie labelling as part of its Ten-Year Health Plan, critics argue that its benefits are minimal and that eating disorder support should be prioritised over ineffective policies. See