Displaying items by tag: North America

A federal judge has ruled that the shutdown of Voice of America (VOA) was unlawful, ordering that the broadcaster be restored within a week and that hundreds of journalists be reinstated. The decision follows mass layoffs in January, after Donald Trump appointed Kari Lake to carry out an executive order to close VOA and associated outlets, which his officials accused of left-wing bias. The court found the actions lacked proper legal authority and failed to consider the broadcaster’s mandated role. Before it was wound down, VOA, originally established to counter Nazi propaganda, was broadcasting TV, radio and digital content in almost fifty languages. Its closure raised concerns about the future of independent international broadcasting and access to reliable information. The ruling offers hope for the restoration of its services, though uncertainty remains over potential appeals and future leadership decisions. The case highlights ongoing debates about media independence, government authority, and the role of public broadcasting in a complex global information landscape.

A review of the influential Christian book Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby highlights the enduring impact of its central message: believers should 'watch to see where God is working and join Him’. First published in 2007, it has guided countless Christians, churches, and ministries in discerning God’s will and participating in His work. One remarkable example described in the book comes from Angola Prison in Louisiana. After inmates began studying it, many committed their lives to Christ, leading to the formation of seven inmate-led church congregations within the prison. Reports indicate that violence and drug use significantly declined as lives were transformed. Some prisoners even sensed a call into Christian ministry, and the prison later became a satellite campus for a theological seminary! The book continues to challenge believers to examine their priorities and recognise where God is already at work, encouraging them to join Him in faith and obedience.

A series of videos shared by the White House has sparked debate after mixing footage of the war with Iran with scenes from films, video games, and professional sports. The posts combine real explosions with clips from entertainment franchises and popular culture, including action movies and gaming titles. Critics say the approach risks turning a deadly conflict into spectacle. Actor Ben Stiller and voice actor Steve Downes both objected to the use of their work without permission, calling for the clips to be removed. Church leaders also voiced concern, including Blase J Cupich, the Catholic archbishop of Chicago, who warned that portraying war like a video game diminishes the suffering experienced by those affected. Supporters of the videos argue they highlight the actions of American forces and communicate messages in a digital age shaped by media and entertainment. Meanwhile, Trump has said his ‘excursion’ will soon be over, but ‘not yet’: see

Only two days after Donald Trump, announcing Japanese-backed investments tied to a major trade pact, posted ‘America is WINNING again’, the Supreme Court ruled much of his tariff regime unlawful, angering Trump and creating huge uncertainty across global markets. Almost immediately, he announced new tariffs, which means that most countries - including those that had negotiated preferential agreements - now face a 15% tariff on exports to the USA. Some nations which made concessions, such as the UK and Japan, may gain little advantage, while others, including China and India, have seen tariff reductions without comparable compromises. The new tariffs will be valid for only 150 days, with confusion about what might happen thereafter. Data suggests much of the economic burden of tariffs has fallen on US businesses and consumers. Meanwhile, Trump has drawn widespread incredulity and criticism for using his position to advertise expensive watches bearing his name: see

A major court case has just begun, designed to examine whether social media platforms are intentionally designed to keep children engaged in harmful ways. A young woman, ‘Kaley’, alleges that after she began using Meta and WhatsApp as a child, she developed anxiety, distorted body image, and suicidal thoughts after prolonged exposure. Company leaders argue they implemented safety measures and relied on research showing mixed evidence about mental health harm. Parents, however, say their children were exploited through addictive features and inadequate age protections. The trial, which started by cross-examining Mark Zuckerberg, might influence hundreds of similar cases and could force changes to how social media platforms operate. The debate raises broader concerns about technology, profit, responsibility, and the wellbeing of young people growing up online.

A small Canadian community is grieving after a tragic school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, left eight people dead and many injured. The 18-year-old suspect, Jesse van Rootselaar, started to identify as a female six years ago and dropped out from the school at the age of 14. They first killed two family members at home before going to the school and shooting a teacher and four young students. Police responded within minutes and found the attacker dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities confirmed previous contact with the suspect related to mental health concerns. In a close-knit town of about 2,400 residents, the loss has deeply shaken a community where everyone knows one another. Hundreds gathered in vigils across the town and in Vancouver, sharing silence, tears and support for affected families.

A social media video shared by Donald Trump and later deleted drew widespread condemnation across political lines. The clip promoted false election claims and, near its conclusion, depicted Barack and Michelle Obama with their faces superimposed onto dancing apes. Posted during Black History Month, the video revived racist imagery historically used to justify slavery and segregation. The White House initially defended the post as a meme but later said a staff member had shared it in error. Politicians (including some Republicans), diplomats, and commentators criticised the content as dehumanising and harmful. Analysts noted that such inflammatory behaviour might not significantly affect Trump’s political support because public opinion around him is already polarised. One commentator said, ‘That Trump chose to post this video is yet another indicator of how reactionary racism has become mainstream and normalised within his Republican party, as the GOP continues to lurch dangerously rightwards.’

Donald Trump has said he personally decided to withdraw hundreds of federal law enforcement agents from Minneapolis, following huge protests after Alex Pretti was shot on 24 January (see ). About 700 agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are set to leave the Twin Cities, with the goal of ‘a full drawdown’. Trump said the move was tied to negotiations over the release of detained prisoners and took credit for falling crime rates in Minnesota, even though there have been accusations that federal agents violated constitutional rights through aggressive tactics. Minnesota governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey have both criticised the operations, while Trump suggested that in future DHS might need to use a ‘softer touch’ alongside firmness. The episode highlights deep national divisions over immigration, public safety, accountability, and the appropriate use of federal power.

An unexpected move of God took place at RoofCon, a major roofing convention held in Oklahoma City. Though the event was designed to equip professionals with business skills, founder Hunter Ballew sensed the Holy Spirit calling him to use the platform for eternal purposes. Evangelist Clayton King was invited to share a clear and simple Gospel message, emphasising how individuals can truly know they are born again. Attendance at the final session was voluntary, yet many remained. In a spontaneous step of faith, organisers purchased horse troughs and set up baptisms on the convention floor. Over two hundred men and women responded to the Gospel, with dozens immediately baptised. King described the moment as a powerful work of the Holy Spirit, noting a growing hunger for faith beyond church walls. He believes this reflects a wider awakening, as secular promises fail and hearts respond afresh to the transforming power of the Gospel.

Two agents have been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, in Minneapolis on 24 January. The killing has sparked protests, national outrage, and calls for accountability within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Initial official claims that Pretti was brandishing a gun have been questioned after video analysis found no weapon visible. A preliminary report states the shooting occurred during a physical struggle, contradicting earlier statements. The incident comes as protests continue over the federal immigration crackdown. Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey has clashed publicly with Donald Trump over immigration enforcement and rhetoric, while another critic, Representative Ilhan Omar, who was attacked in a public meeting on 26 January, has blamed Trump for increases in threats against her. With tensions running high and investigations continue, lawmakers are considering impeachment proceedings and removing funding for DHS in spending legislation which Congress must pass to keep the government from shutting down on 1 February. For an example of the heavy-handedness of the federal approach, see