China willing to accept Chinese nationals deported from USA
A spokesperson has confirmed China’s willingness to repatriate confirmed Chinese nationals from the USA, following escalating tensions over deportation cooperation. This came after Donald Trump had threatened sanctions and tariffs against countries refusing to accept deportees. Following threats of potential visa sanctions against Chinese officials if China continued its noncompliance, the USA has recently sent five charter flights to China with individuals believed to lack legal residency. Trump has declared illegal immigration a national emergency, taking measures to secure borders and limit pathways to citizenship. The number of Chinese citizens encountered crossing the US southern border without permission has surged in recent years.
Peru: Pope Francis dissolves Catholic movement
Pope Francis has dissolved the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), a Peruvian-based Catholic movement, after a Vatican investigation exposed years of abuse by its founder, Luis Figari, and other leaders. The probe revealed sexual, spiritual, and financial abuses, along with misuse of church funds. The SCV, founded in 1971 as a conservative reaction to liberation theology, once had 20,000 members across South America and the USA. Victims accused Figari of sodomy, psychological abuse, and exploitation. After failed reforms, Francis ordered an investigation which uncovered systemic abuses. Figari and ten top members were expelled, but calls for reparations remain unanswered. Victims praised the dissolution as a step toward justice.
USA: Trump plans to use Guantanamo Bay to detain migrants
Donald Trump announced plans to sign an executive order directing the federal government to prepare the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to detain up to 30,000 migrants. He claimed the base already has the capacity to house ‘the worst criminal illegal aliens‘ and that this move would double detention capacity. This coincided with signing an act which mandates detention for undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes. The bill, Trump’s first major legislative victory in his second term, had passed Congress with bipartisan support. Guantanamo Bay has historically been used for detaining terrorism suspects and temporarily processing migrants. However, an official has denied that 30,000 beds are available, and said that the base lacks infrastructure for such a large influx. Meanwhile, the White House has rescinded a total funding freeze announced on 27 January, which had caused huge confusion. For an analysis of this decision, see
USA: Trump links plane crash to diversity programmes
Donald Trump has linked a deadly mid-air collision in Washington DC to diversity hiring practices at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under previous administrations. The crash, involving an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter, claimed 67 lives; there were no survivors. Trump criticised Joe Biden and Barack Obama for allegedly prioritising diversity initiatives over aviation safety, and accused the FAA of lowering hiring standards for air traffic controllers. He also claimed that under Biden, the FAA recruited individuals with ‘intellectual disabilities and psychiatric problems’. The crash has sparked debate over aviation hiring policies, with officials emphasising the need for a thorough, fact-based inquiry.
Atheist CIA agent launched investigation of God
Andrew Bustamante, a former atheist and CIA agent, was raised to dismiss faith. His mother rejected Catholicism, and his father’s violent death hardened his stance against religion. At 18, he entered the Air Force Academy, staunchly anti-religion, often mocking his Christian roommate Meredithe. Yet Meredithe’s daily kindness and resilience planted seeds of doubt in Andrew’s atheism. Another Christian, Ian, invited Andrew to his wedding. Struggling to find a gift, Andrew felt compelled to journal his reflections while reading the Bible cover-to-cover. By Isaiah, he surrendered to Jesus as Lord. He gifted the journal to Ian, who insisted Andrew keep it, recognising its spiritual significance. After joining the CIA, Andrew met his wife, Jihi, a Buddhist inspired by his faith. They later settled in Tampa Bay, where Andrew launched 'Every Day Spy’, a consulting firm sharing CIA skills in business. His testimony reflects God’s pursuit and transformation, beginning with the unwavering witness of Christian friends.
Ghost hunters discovered who they were contacting
Corey and Kristin Deel were once ghost hunters, equipped with cameras and K2 meters, helping 'spirits with unfinished business' cross over. However, their encounters with the supernatural led to chilling revelations. Kristin experienced an evil presence after a ghost hunt, realising she had opened spiritual portals. Corey faced demonic oppression in the form of violent convulsions, rage, and even physical attacks, including a scratch from a demon. These harrowing experiences forced them to question their beliefs about ghosts. Through Scripture, they discovered that souls cannot return to communicate with the living (Luke 16) and that they were interacting with demons (Ephesians 6). Surrendering to Jesus, they were born again, married, and learned to exercise authority over the demonic realm in His name. Though they faced spiritual warfare and opposition, Corey and Kristin boldly warn others about the dangers of the occult and testify to the power of God’s deliverance.
London: one in twelve may be an illegal immigrant
A confidential report commissioned by Thames Water has revealed that over 580,000 people in London - one in twelve residents - may be illegal immigrants. Researchers used national data to calculate these figures, showing that London accounts for 60% of the UK’s estimated one million illegal immigrants. Most arrived legally on work, study, or visitor visas, but overstayed. Illegal migration is straining public infrastructure, prompting crackdowns on illegal employment in industries like car washes, nail bars, and construction. Nearly a thousand enforcement visits between July and November led to 770 arrests and significant fines for employers hiring illegal workers. Critics argue that the Government has lost control of UK borders, while others emphasise the need for stricter laws to prevent abuse of asylum and human rights claims. Despite enforcement efforts, illegal Channel crossings have surged, with over a thousand migrants reaching the UK in 2025’s first 21 days. Both the Government and public debate remain divided on solutions to this growing crisis.
Business rates will more than double, ‘final blow’ to retailers
UK high street businesses face a dire challenge as business rates are set to increase by over 140% in April. The temporary 75% relief introduced during the pandemic will drop to 40%, causing substantial cost hikes for retailers, pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs; for example, the average pub’s annual rates will rise from £4,017 to £9,642. These rising costs come amid other pressures, including inflation, increased national insurance contributions, and higher minimum wages. Brick-and-mortar businesses already struggle to compete with online retailers, which pay reduced rates for warehouses. Critics warn that this 'final blow' could force many high street businesses to close. Reforms to business rates are planned but will not take effect until April 2026. Experts suggest reimagining high streets as community hubs rather than purely shopping destinations. Despite government assurances of relief measures, over 200,000 retail jobs and 17,000 stores are predicted to vanish in the coming year: see