Sudan: Khartoum after army retakes control
Khartoum, once Sudan’s bustling capital, now lies gutted after months of brutal conflict. The army’s recent victory over the paramilitary RSF is a turning point in a two-year civil war that has claimed at least 150,000 lives. Though the RSF’s grip on Khartoum has ended, uncertainty remains about what lies ahead. The city bears deep scars: the presidential palace, once a powerful symbol, has been looted and bombed, its grandeur reduced to rubble. Banks, ministries, and the airport are charred remnants. Yet amid the destruction, remnants of faith endure. At St Matthew’s Cathedral, damaged by nearby shelling and desecrated by RSF forces, the beautiful painted ceiling has survived. One soldier cleaning inside said his son was born on the first day of the war, but he still hasn’t met him. Despite atrocities committed by both sides and ongoing violence elsewhere, people in Khartoum rejoiced during Eid, briefly reclaiming hope in a city that has seen the heart of Sudan torn open.
Lebanon / Israel: second airstrike on Beirut in four days
For the second time in four days, Israel’s military have struck a Hezbollah target in Beirut. The precision airstrike, carried out by the air force, killed Hassan Ali Mahmoud Bdeir, a senior Hezbollah operative. According to Israel, he was orchestrating an imminent terror attack against civilians. The strike hit the top floors of an apartment building, killing at least three and wounding seven. Lebanese officials condemned the attack, calling it a violation of UN Resolution 1701 and an assault on Lebanese sovereignty. The president vowed to rally international support, while Hezbollah’s leadership placed responsibility on Lebanon’s government to respond diplomatically. The USA reiterated its support for Israel, claiming that it was operating in response to rocket attacks. Although Hezbollah denied launching the rockets, authorities have arrested thirteen suspects. The targeted strikes and political fallout highlight deepening regional instability and the increasing entanglement of Iranian-backed terror groups.
Taiwan: China’s large-scale military exercises
China has launched large-scale joint military exercises around Taiwan, involving its navy, air force, army, and rocket force, in what it described as a ‘stern warning’, just days after defence secretary Pete Hegseth, on his first visit to Asia, vowed to counter ‘China’s aggression’ and reaffirmed US support for Taiwan and regional allies. The manoeuvres simulated maritime assaults and blockades, deploying 71 aircraft and thirteen ships including an aircraft carrier. Taiwan condemned the actions as provocative and unjustified, maintaining high vigilance and deploying its own military assets. Analysts see the timing as symbolic, signalling discontent with the USA’s increased Indo-Pacific focus. China has intensified pressure on Taiwan, especially under president Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing labels a ‘separatist’. He has called on China to cease its intimidation, and the island’s population remains firmly opposed to Chinese rule.
USA: Trump’s move to deport Venezuelans is blocked
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 600,000 Venezuelans living in the USA. The administration planned to end protections for 350,000 Venezuelans by 7 April and expedite expiration for another 250,000, potentially deporting them to a nation in crisis. However, district judge Edward Chen ruled that the Biden-era extensions must remain in place, citing racism and legal flaws in the decision made by homeland security secretary Kristi Noem. Chen condemned the use of negative stereotypes and found no evidence linking TPS holders to the criminal threats cited by the administration. He said that data showed Venezuelans under TPS as generally law-abiding, employed, and contributing positively to US society. Chen also criticised the administration’s rationale as lacking evidence and potentially legitimising Venezuela’s authoritarian regime through backchannel negotiations.
Miracles and humility: the heart of the Asbury revival
The extraordinary events of the Asbury revival continue to inspire hearts two years after they first captivated the world. Pastor Zach Meerkreebs has reflected on the powerful move of God he witnessed firsthand. He describes the experience as the 'honour of a lifetime’, often bringing him to tears due to its profound impact. There were remarkable miracles, including healings, deliverance, and conversions. He recalls a basketball player who came to Christ midweek and later prayed for someone whose tumours vanished. These events, he says, demonstrate the transformative power of God's presence. Having grown up Jewish, Meerkreebs credits Jesus' incarnation with revealing true humility. His initial struggles with pride were dismantled during the 2023 Asbury outpouring, a time when students and the community gathered for continuous prayer and worship. Central to this revival was radical humility, where individuals emptied themselves to make room for God's Spirit. Meerkreebs believes such humility, countercultural in today's self-centred world, can profoundly transform lives.
Tent crusades overflow with miracles and faith
Evangelist Mario Murillo continues to witness remarkable growth in his outdoor crusades, repeatedly outgrowing his tents. Over four years, his tent size has quadrupled, now reaching 40,000 square feet. Murillo began focusing on California's Central Valley, known for its struggles, where many found hope in Christ. His next crusade is set for Charlotte, North Carolina. Murillo's journey started in San Francisco during the Jesus Movement. By 1970, his student ministry at UC Berkeley drew thousands. In 1982, a planned four-day meeting in San Jose extended to 22 weeks with nightly crowds of up to 4,000. He credits the Holy Spirit's guidance for his ministry's second wave. 'The Lord told me to buy a tent, and miracles followed’, he recalls. His emphasis on preaching Scripture and seeking God's direction has been pivotal. Murillo stresses humility and integrity in using spiritual gifts. 'When truth is preached to a broken audience in Jesus' name, powerful things happen.'
Spring Statement: Reeves extends welfare cuts, OBR halves growth forecast
Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement revealed the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has halved the UK's 2025 growth forecast from 2% to 1%. In response, Reeves announced deeper welfare cuts, including freezing the health element of Universal Credit for new claimants until 2030 after a 50% reduction. Cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) eligibility will affect 800,000 people, with an average annual loss of £4,500. These measures are projected to save £4.8 billion by 2030, though 250,000 more people, including 50,000 children, may fall into relative poverty. Defence spending will rise to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% in the next parliament, funded by a reduction in overseas aid. Departmental budgets will grow by 1.2% above inflation, slightly less than the 1.3% previously forecast, posing significant pressures. Despite criticism from shadow chancellor Mel Stride, Reeves denied this was ‘austerity 2.0’, insisting it would lift families out of poverty.
Assisted dying rollout could be delayed until at least 2029
Assisted dying may not be available in England and Wales until at least 2029 after MPs approved extending the rollout period from two to four years. The delay was proposed by Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP behind the bill, who emphasised the importance of thoroughness over speed. Although she acknowledged supporters' disappointment, she believed a well-constructed law was paramount; the bill would return to the Commons in a 'safer, fairer, and more workable' form. Tom Gordon, a Liberal Democrat MP, warned the delay risked pushing the bill beyond the next general election, potentially leading to its abandonment. Critics argue the delay prolongs unnecessary suffering for terminally ill patients, while opponents worry it may pressure vulnerable individuals into ending their lives. Ms Leadbeater removed a safeguard requiring High Court scrutiny, proposing a panel including a lawyer, psychiatrist, and social worker instead. The bill initially passed with 330 MPs in favour and 275 against. See