Christian music wakes up astronauts
Christian music played a meaningful role during day six of NASA’s Artemis II mission, as astronauts were awakened to the song 'Good Morning' by TobyMac and Mandisa. The moment was especially poignant because Mandisa died in April 2024, with TobyMac expressing gratitude and reflecting on the honour of their music reaching space. The wake-up playlist also included a variety of popular artists, creating an uplifting start to the crew’s day. Victor Glover, who has been open about his Christian faith, used the mission’s milestone near the moon to share a message centred on Christ’s teaching. He reminded listeners that the greatest commandment is to love God fully and to love one another, even while exploring the vastness of space. Christian artist Anne Wilson also contributed to the mission by performing the national anthem at the launch, describing the opportunity as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and guidance through life’s unexpected paths.
Fame and success couldn’t compare with falling in love with God
TV personality David Harper, known for Bargain Hunt and Antiques Roadshow, spent much of his life sceptical of Christianity, influenced by atheism in his upbringing, and drawn instead to alternative spiritual paths. Despite professional success, he found fame and material gain deeply unsatisfying, leaving him searching for meaning. The turning point came through his daughter’s remarkable recovery from severe depression after encountering Jesus. Motivated to investigate, he undertook an eleven-month intellectual exploration of Christianity, applying the same rigour he used in historical research. He concluded that creation points to an intelligent designer and became persuaded of the historical reality of the resurrection. However, it was not evidence alone that changed him, but the undeniable transformation he saw in lives - including his daughter’s and eventually his own. Harper now describes himself as born again, finding deep joy, purpose, and fulfilment in a personal relationship with Jesus - something he believes surpasses all worldly success.
Starmer seeks stability in Middle East as fragile ceasefire offers hope
Keir Starmer has travelled to Saudi Arabia to engage with Gulf allies following the two-week ceasefire between the USA and Iran. Although the visit was planned prior to the ceasefire announcement, it now carries added significance as diplomatic efforts focus on securing a lasting peace and reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz. Starmer said that while the ceasefire has brought a sense of relief, much work remains to ensure stability and restore freedom of navigation. He underlined the importance of keeping energy supplies flowing to stabilise global markets and UK prices. During his visit, he is also meeting British military personnel stationed in the region, expressing gratitude for their role in protecting national and allied interests. The prime minister reaffirmed the UK’s position of not becoming directly involved in the conflict without a lawful and strategic basis, prioritising national interests, long-term planning, and international cooperation in a complex and uncertain geopolitical landscape.
Energy debate intensifies as UK faces rising bills and supply concerns
There is growing pressure on the Government to reconsider its ban on new North Sea oil and gas exploration as energy prices rise and concerns increase over supply security. Recent polling indicates that around half of Britons support lifting the ban, particularly amid fears that international conflict, including tensions involving Iran, could disrupt energy supplies and drive up household costs. Public opinion also reflects strong backing for government intervention if energy bills continue to rise, with many calling for subsidies or increased taxation on energy companies to ease the burden on households. However, others warn that such measures could increase national debt and place further strain on public finances. Some argue that expanding domestic oil and gas production would strengthen economic resilience and reduce reliance on imports, while others maintain that new drilling would not significantly lower prices. Environmental groups continue to advocate for long-term investment in cleaner energy solutions instead. See
New treatment offers hope for children with rare cancers
A groundbreaking new cancer trial is offering fresh hope to children and young people facing rare and aggressive cancers. The study, known as ‘Mighty’, will recruit up to sixty patients across the UK and the US to test CAR T-cell immunotherapy, a cutting-edge treatment which trains a patient’s own immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells. With research centred at University College London, the trial focuses on cancers that are often resistant to conventional treatments. These include rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and other soft tissue sarcomas, which primarily affect children and young people. Researchers say that childhood cancers behave differently from adult cancers, requiring more targeted and less harmful treatments. CAR T-cell therapy has already shown promise in some blood cancers and is now being explored for solid tumours. Experts believe this innovative approach could significantly improve outcomes, offering renewed hope to families where existing treatments have failed or cancer has returned.
Iceland boss offers job to man sacked by Waitrose for confronting shoplifter
A long-serving Waitrose employee has been offered a new job after being dismissed for confronting a shoplifter. Walker Smith, who had worked at the Clapham Junction branch for seventeen years, was sacked after intervening in the attempted theft of Easter eggs, which led to a brief struggle. He later expressed regret but said he acted out of frustration after witnessing frequent thefts over several years without being permitted to intervene. Lord Richard Walker, executive chairman of Iceland, publicly offered Mr Smith a job, praising his initiative. The case has sparked wider debate, with some politicians criticising Waitrose’s decision as unjust, while others emphasise the importance of prioritising staff safety. Waitrose maintains that its policies are designed to protect employees and customers, discouraging staff from engaging directly with shoplifters due to potential risks. The retailer stated that proper procedures were followed, including an appeals process.