The UN AIDS agency has warned of a potential global health crisis, with projections of 2,000 new HIV infections daily and up to 6.3 million AIDS-related deaths over the next four years, if US foreign aid remains frozen. The halt, ordered by Donald Trump under his ‘America First’ policy, has disrupted critical healthcare services. Although the State Department has said that life-saving programmes will continue, UNAIDS reports that many clinics have already closed and thousands of health workers have been laid off. There are fears that this sudden collapse in funding will reverse decades of progress in combating HIV/AIDS, especially in vulnerable regions. In 2023 alone, there were 600,000 AIDS-related deaths globally. UNAIDS, which relies on the US for 35% of its core funding, says unless aid resumes or is replaced by another source, the world could face a devastating resurgence of the epidemic, echoing the crises seen in the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump’s team members say they have saved US taxpayers tens of billions of dollars by cancelling contracts, firing workers and rooting out fraud and waste, but they have offered little evidence to support that assertion.

Donald Trump’s administration is facing huge criticism after a newspaper editor was mistakenly added to a Signal group chat discussing sensitive military plans, including potential US strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Despite official claims that no classified material was shared, Democrats and some Republicans expressed deep concern. Defence secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly disclosed target locations, weapon specifics, and timing - details typically considered classified. National security adviser Michael Waltz took full responsibility, calling the incident ‘embarrassing’; Trump defended his team and suggested they would stop using Signal. The Senate intelligence committee plans to audit the chat, and lawmakers from both parties demanded further investigation and potential resignations. Signal’s auto-deletion feature may have violated federal record-keeping laws, intensifying scrutiny. Senators criticised CIA director John Ratcliffe for dodging questions, and legal experts warned that such platforms are not appropriate for sensitive communications.

The constitutional court has overturned the impeachment of South Korean prime minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president amid ongoing political upheaval. Han was removed from office after president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late last year, suspending civilian legal processes and triggering a national crisis. After Yoon's suspension by lawmakers on 14 December, Han took over presidential duties - only to be impeached himself less than two weeks later for allegedly undermining the constitution. The opposition Democratic Party accused him of aiding Yoon’s martial law plan and refusing to appoint constitutional court justices or pass a bill investigating First Lady Kim Keon-hee. However, the court found no evidence to support these accusations; only one of eight judges supported the impeachment. Han welcomed the ruling, calling it ‘wise’. The nation now awaits the court’s decision on whether Yoon will be impeached.

In the Gambia, many people enjoy taba, a powdered tobacco product, by smoking or snuffing or chewing it. However, it is increasingly being mixed with potent chemicals and used intravaginally by women seeking sexual enhancement or relief from health issues. Though it is not illegal, health professionals warn of serious risks, including infections, tissue damage, and even cancer. Stories of extreme pain, bleeding, and near-death experiences are surfacing, yet some users and sellers deny its dangers. While some women claim medicinal benefits, many suffer silently due to stigma and fear. The ministry of health and women's rights groups are actively campaigning to raise awareness, with public warnings from medical professionals and  videos from government officials. Doctors say taba’s harmful effects could include long-term reproductive damage and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Mark Carney has called a snap federal election for 28 April, aiming to secure a strong mandate amid rising tensions with Donald Trump. A political newcomer and former banker, Carney was sworn in just weeks ago after succeeding Justin Trudeau, who stepped down following internal party strife. The election sets the stage for a fierce contest with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, a populist who once led comfortably in the polls. The central issue is who can best defend Canada against Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and trade threats, including proposed tariffs and talk of annexation. Carney accused Trump of seeking to undermine Canadian sovereignty and vowed to build a more secure, self-reliant nation. Poilievre, meanwhile, blamed Liberal policies for Canada’s current vulnerability and called for a nationalist shift in governance. The 37-day campaign is poised to reshape the nation’s future at a critical crossroads. Trump’s actions have infuriated Canadians - and upended their politics.

‘“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy” (Isaiah 35:1). Spending an afternoon in the garden with my grandchildren brought unexpected joy. As we worked, my grandson discovered tiny snails and shared them with his sister, who excitedly named them and took them home. Amidst the simple beauty of spring’s arrival, my heart rejoiced. Spring symbolises hope and new beginnings. Just as crocus shoots break through the soil, God renews our weary hearts. Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us that He is always doing a new thing, making a way in the wilderness. Jesus, too, experienced a wilderness season, yet He overcame temptation, fulfilling His mission. We face trials, but we are never without God’s grace. His mercies are new every morning. As we step into each day, let us rejoice in the promise of resurrection and renewal.’

Aubrey writes: ‘Moving into a new home was chaotic - boxes everywhere, toddlers running around, and a landlady waiting for rent. I knew I had stashed my cash somewhere safe, but no matter how much I searched, I couldn’t find it. Frustrated, I stepped into the bathroom and prayed, 'God, help me find that money.' Suddenly, a strong thought came to mind: If you quit smoking, you’ll find that money. I was stunned - this wasn’t what I had prayed for! I stormed out, refusing to obey, but after more fruitless searching, I knew I had no choice. Angrily, I went back, sat down, and declared, 'All right! I’ll quit smoking! Now where is that money?' But the voice pressed further: ‘How will I know you are serious?’ Reluctantly, I found all my cigarettes, soaked them in water, and threw them away. Still frustrated, I walked to my jewelry box and, for the umpteenth time, opened it. This time, I lifted the top section - and there was my wad of cash, right where I had placed it! God had spoken, and I couldn’t ignore Him. From that moment on, I never smoked another cigarette - I didn’t dare.’

The Government has announced major welfare reforms aimed at cutting costs and encouraging work. The changes include stricter eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), reduced incapacity benefits, and new work incentives. From November 2026, PIP eligibility criteria will tighten, making it harder to qualify for support with daily living tasks. However, those with severe, lifelong conditions will no longer face reassessments. Incapacity benefits under Universal Credit will freeze at £97 per week from April 2025 and drop to £50 per week for new claimants in 2026. Young people under 22 will lose access to incapacity benefit top-ups, with funds redirected to training programs. To ease fears about job loss, those trying work will not face automatic reassessments. The government is investing £1bn to help disabled people and those with long-term conditions to enter the workforce. See

Nicholas Prosper, 19, has been sentenced to 49 years in prison for murdering his mother and two siblings and planning Britain’s deadliest school shooting. The former school dropout meticulously planned a massacre at his old primary school, intending to kill thirty children and teachers. On 13 September 2024, Prosper shot and stabbed his family before heading towards the school. His plot was thwarted when police in a passing car noticed him acting suspiciously and arrested him. The court heard that he was obsessed with mass murder, child abuse, and online gore content, idolising past school shooters. He forged a gun licence to buy a shotgun and ammunition, using a loophole in UK firearms law. The government has now pledged to tighten gun laws in response. Prosper showed no remorse, expressing regret only that he had not killed more. The judge ruled that he might never be eligible for release.

The Court of Appeal has dismissed challenges against a £3 billion rescue plan for Thames Water, allowing the utility to continue operating despite severe financial difficulties. The High Court had previously sanctioned the deal, which was designed to prevent the company from running out of money. However, a group of secondary creditors and Thames Water’s parent company appealed, arguing that the plan unfairly benefited senior lenders. MP Charlie Maynard also called for the company to be placed under special administration, to protect customers. The appeal was rejected, with judges ruling that the approved restructuring should stand. Thames Water serves 16 million customers and manages over 88,000 miles of water infrastructure. The deal is an interim measure, with a long-term financial restructuring expected later this year.