Donald Trump has stirred controversy by suggesting Ukraine is to blame for confronting a nation ‘ten times’ its size, despite Russia being the aggressor in the ongoing war. He downplayed Russia’s responsibility for the invasion, instead criticising former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama for their handling of the conflict. He argued that Biden ‘started’ the war and accused Obama of ‘giving away’ Crimea in 2014. He also asserted that Ukraine had only been able to resist due to American weapons and aid. His comments followed the White House meeting on 18 August with Volodymyr Zelensky, European leaders, and NATO officials, at which he pledged US support for Ukraine’s future security. Trump also touted his ‘good relationship’ with Vladimir Putin, saying that he had spoken to him about arranging a trilateral meeting with Zelensky. While he presented this as an early step toward peace, the question now is how Putin will respond.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that Europe is entering a ‘new normal’ of longer and more intense mosquito-borne disease transmission. Rising temperatures, extended summers, milder winters, and shifting rainfall patterns have created conditions for mosquitoes to spread viruses more effectively. The chikungunya-carrying mosquito is now established in 16 European countries and 369 regions, compared to just 114 a decade ago. This year, Europe has recorded 27 chikungunya outbreaks, the highest on record, including a case in Alsace, France - an unusual event for such a northern latitude. Meanwhile, West Nile virus has infected 335 people across eight countries, causing 19 deaths, with Italy hardest hit. Officials caution that more Europeans will face risk in the coming years. The ECDC has urged stronger public health coordination and personal prevention measures, including insect repellent, protective clothing, window screens, and bed nets to reduce exposure.

The village of Bishnoi in northern Pakistan has been devastated by a sudden flash flood, leaving entire homes buried beneath rocks and debris. On 15 August, torrential rains triggered a surge of water that swept through the village, destroying nearly every house. Locals described the scene as catastrophic, with families trapped under stones and crops flattened across the valley. Rescue operations continue with limited equipment, as survivors search desperately for missing loved ones. The area has suffered over 300 deaths, making it the hardest-hit region in Pakistan’s monsoon season, which has claimed more than 500 lives nationwide; there have also been many deaths in India and Nepal. Climate experts warn that melting glaciers, accelerated by global warming, are worsening the impact of heavy rains and landslides. Amid tragedy, there were moments of heroism, such as a school principal in the Swat valley who ordered the evacuation of 900 children only minutes before floods destroyed the building. In Bishnoi, families mourn as relief and recovery efforts continue.

Qatar has emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting what it called a ‘positive response’ from Hamas to a new truce proposal. The plan, similar to an earlier US-brokered offer previously accepted by Israel, calls for a sixty-day pause in fighting, the release of some hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, expanded humanitarian aid, and negotiations toward a lasting settlement. Israel, however, is maintaining its stance that the war will continue until Hamas disarms and all hostages are freed. Foreign minister Israel Katz says that fear of Israel’s plans to occupy Gaza city is bringing Hamas back to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, conditions in Gaza remain dire. The UN has warned that the minimal aid entering Gaza is far from sufficient, with hunger-related deaths increasing. Officials blame Israeli restrictions on humanitarian supplies, warning of imminent famine. Breaking news: Israel is calling up 60,000 reservists in preparation for its planned invasion of Gaza. See

Australia and the UK have each granted asylum to a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist. In 2020, lawmaker Ted Hui threw rotten plants on the floor of the legislative council chamber to protest against the sweeping new national security law. Facing arrest for leading anti-government protests, he fled with his family to Australia, where they have now been granted protection visas. Student leader Tony Chung left in 2023, citing ‘enormous stress’ from constant police scrutiny.  He was later convicted under the national security law for calling for Hong Kong’s secession, but has now received refugee status and a five-year residence permit in the UK. The Hong Kong government has strongly condemned the UK and Australia for ‘harbouring offenders’, stating that its arrests are based on ‘facts and evidence’ rather than politics. Critics, however, maintain that the law is being used to silence dissent and spread fear.

Nicolás Maduro has announced the mobilisation of more than four million civilian militia fighters, responding to what he describes as escalating threats from the USA. He pledged to arm and activate militias across the country, reinforcing national sovereignty against US actions. His remarks followed the Trump administration’s decision to double its bounty for his arrest to $50 million. While US officials accuse Maduro of leading a cocaine smuggling network known as the Cartel de los Soles, no direct evidence has been publicly presented. Venezuela’s militia system, created under former president Hugo Chávez, claims millions of members, though analysts question the figures. Meanwhile, the US military has dispatched three destroyers to the southern Caribbean as part of an expanded campaign against drug cartels in Latin America. The standoff reflects years of strained relations between Caracas and Washington, marked by sanctions, contested elections, and allegations of corruption.

Bullying remains a pervasive and deadly problem in Malaysia’s schools, with thousands of cases recorded annually and incidents escalating to violence and even death. Despite public outrage, policy gaps and weak enforcement allow abuse to persist, including in elite institutions. Victims suffer long-term psychological harm, while perpetrators may develop behavioural problems and criminal tendencies. Research shows nearly 80% of Malaysian students have been involved in bullying, often as both victims and aggressors. Teachers, while crucial for prevention, can sometimes contribute to the problem, highlighting the need for systemic reform. Unlike many Asian neighbors, Malaysia lacks comprehensive anti-bullying laws. Experts     recommend strict legislation, independent investigations, national reporting systems, whistleblower protections, school-based mental health support, educator training, and transparent accountability. Without decisive reform, tragedies like the recent death of Form One student Zara Qairina will continue to erode public trust and student safety.

In Green Bay, Wisconsin, a homeless man, Weldon Tucker, is being hailed as a hero after saving a six-year-old girl from oncoming traffic. The child, Honeretta, who has autism, ran into a busy road while her family was moving house. Her grandmother’s cries for help caught Tucker’s attention, and without hesitation he ran into the street, risking his own life to pull her to safety. Mother Faith Roberts praised his quick thinking, especially since others nearby did not intervene. Tucker, currently receiving shelter assistance, downplayed his heroism, saying he simply acted instinctively and hoped anyone would do the same. The town’s mayor will honor him publicly during a city council meeting, recognising his courage and selflessness. The family is deeply grateful, crediting God for Tucker’s timely intervention, and seeing in him a powerful example of sacrificial love and compassion in action.

Political unrest; environmental changes; natural disasters; human rights violations; war and famine; migration. The list could go on: all of them are causes of widespread anxiety and stress. While experts recommend practical strategies like healthy living, Christians also turn to prayer, scripture, service, and witness. History offers models of resilience during turbulent times, such as Japanese author, minister, and activist Toyohiko Kagawa. Born in 1888, he lived through poverty, war, natural disaster, and political unrest, yet maintained joy and hope. His poetry reflects a spirit unbound by chains, seeking light and peace in Christ. He worked for justice, environmental stewardship, women’s suffrage, and peace, which earned him several jail sentences but also a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. His final words were 'Please do your best for world peace and the church in Japan’. His life shows us how to navigate chaos: embrace Christ’s peace, shine his radiance, and let joy endure.

A record eight million people are now claiming Universal Credit (UC), the highest since its 2013 introduction, and a sharp increase from 6.9 million in July 2024. This has largely been driven by a surge in those not expected to work due to long-term illness, caring responsibilities, or being over pension age. This category grew by 39% in a year, now totalling 3.7 million. UC supports both unemployed individuals and low-income workers, with 2.2 million claimants currently in work. London has one of the highest claimant numbers, with over 364,000 people receiving benefits. A new breakdown by immigration status reveals that 83.8% of claimants are British or Irish nationals, 9.6% hold EU settled status, and smaller proportions are refugees or humanitarian arrivals. The Government has pledged welfare reforms, citing an ‘unsustainable benefits bill’. The figures highlight ongoing challenges with health, employment, and cost-of-living pressures affecting millions across the UK.