Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte is set to become the next NATO secretary-general after Hungary lifted its veto, following a letter from Rutte to Viktor Orbán. The letter promised Orbán that, as NATO head, Rutte would not deploy Hungarian troops or use its funds to support Ukraine. The current secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, says the selection process will conclude ‘very soon’. Orbán posted the letter on social media, confirming Rutte’s commitment to the agreement. Rutte acknowledged past remarks which had caused dissatisfaction in Hungary and reassured Orbán of his respect for the deal made between Stoltenberg and Orbán in Budapest. His confirmation depends on consensus among all NATO members; with the veto lifted, he is now poised to succeed Stoltenberg.

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have signed a mutual defence agreement pledging support in case of ‘aggression’ against either country. The announcement followed Putin's visit to Pyongyang, his first since 2000, which Kim described as elevating their relationship to a ‘new, high level of alliance’. The pact raises Western concerns, potentially leading to Russian assistance for North Korea in a Korean conflict and North Korean support for Russia in Ukraine. Kim is accused of supplying Russia with weapons, while Putin is believed to be providing North Korea with space technology for its missile programme. Both leaders criticised Western sanctions and vowed to counter them. Kim expressed strong support for Russia's war in Ukraine, marking a historic moment in their alliance.

Cyril Ramaphosa has commenced his second full term as president, after his party formed a coalition government. In his inauguration speech, Ramaphosa highlighted the necessity for leaders to work together to address deep inequalities, warning that failure to do so could destabilise the nation. The ANC, governing since apartheid ended in 1994, lost its majority for the first time, securing only 40% of the vote and losing 70 seats. The Democratic Alliance (DA), which received 22%, and three smaller parties joined the coalition, having agreed a common agenda of fixing the country’s infrastructure, providing basic services such as water and power, and creating jobs. Ramaphosa has said that the country’s society remains deeply unequal and highly polarised, so he knows that there are some huge challenges ahead.

The UN has announced the delivery of aid to Haiti, which will help hundreds of displaced families due to the ongoing violence and the upcoming hurricane season. A spokesman said, ‘Two cargo flights organised by the World Food Programme (WFP) have landed in Port au Prince, carrying 55 tonnes of medicine, shelter and hygiene materials. The WFP school meals programme has distributed some 30 million meals across the country since the start of the current school year: of these, nearly 17 million have been provided through its programme which supports local farmers. The education sector has been severely impacted by the recent violence, with more than 200,000 children and 4000 teachers affected.’ Haiti’s hurricane season, which lasts from June to November, is forecast to be severe this year. A gang-fuelled crisis has devastated the country, and the UN estimates that currently 360,000 people are displaced.

Colombia’s migration agency has said it will give legal status to up to 540,000 Venezuelan migrants who are guardians to minors residing in the country. Colombia has been a destination of choice for millions of Venezuelans seeking to escape the political and economic turmoil of their homeland, while others have used the Andean country as a stepping stone onwards to other nations. More than 2.8 million Venezuelan migrants currently live there, and the measure will benefit adults taking care of some 270,000 minors who have permission to live there. The agency’s director said, ‘It's a special permission to stay, like the previous ones, which fundamentally seeks to integrate guardians, those people who have responsibility for minors who have a temporary protection permit and who live in Colombia’. In 2021, the then government said it would give ten-year legal status to Venezuelans living in Colombia, an offer taken up by many migrants.

Louisiana has become the first US state to order all classrooms, from elementary to university level, to display a poster of the Ten Commandments. The Republican-backed measure describes the commandments as foundational to state and national government. The law is expected to face challenges from civil rights groups, who will argue that it violates the First Amendment, which prohibits government establishment of religion. The commandments must be in large, readable font, next to a ‘context statement’ about their historical role in American education. There have been numerous legal battles over the display of the Ten Commandments in public buildings, including schools, courthouses and police stations. In the past, the Supreme Court has struck down similar laws, ruling that displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools lacked a secular legislative purpose and was inherently religious.

A dramatic rescue unfolded on a New Jersey shore, where John, a father, and his three young children nearly drowned after being swept out to sea by a strong rip current. John managed to keep his children afloat but struggled against the powerful waves, eventually being dragged under. A group of onlookers, including John DiAngelo, sprang into action. DiAngelo, a retired firefighter and experienced lifeguard, heard the children’s screams and rushed to their aid. Once they were safe, he returned to rescue their father, who had been submerged for several minutes. He performed CPR until John regained consciousness. DiAngelo credits divine intervention for the timing and successful outcome of the rescue, calling it a 'literal miracle’. The family was taken to hospital and is expected to recover fully. DiAngelo's actions and faith serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of readiness and the belief in a higher power guiding our actions.

Jacob, an immigrant from Cameroun, endured a harrowing journey to the United States. Fleeing political persecution, he faced multiple hardships, including beatings and imprisonment in various countries along his route. Despite these challenges, Jacob’s faith remained unshaken. Upon arriving in the USA, he found refuge and support from a church community in Texas. Recognising the hardships faced by immigrants, Jacob decided to turn his painful experiences into a ministry, helping others who are navigating similar struggles. He established a support network providing food, shelter, legal assistance, and spiritual guidance to new immigrants. Jacob believes that God used his trials to prepare him for this mission, and he now sees his journey as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and purpose. His ministry has grown, impacting many lives and offering hope to those in dire circumstances. Jacob's story exemplifies resilience and the power of faith, transforming suffering into a source of strength and service.