Sudan's army has reclaimed the state broadcaster's headquarters in Omdurman, marking a symbolic victory in its eleven-month civil war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF had held the building since the conflict began but had not been able to transmit from it; state television has continued to show pro-army content, broadcast from elsewhere in the country. Despite UN calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan, intense fighting has continued in several parts of Khartoum. This recapture signifies a major setback for the RSF, which had used the headquarters as a stronghold. The conflict, stemming from disagreements between military and RSF leaders over a political transition to civilian rule, has displaced millions, devastated Khartoum, and triggered ethnic violence in Darfur. International efforts to broker peace have faltered, and the humanitarian toll remains dire, with warnings of growing hunger and continued displacement.
South African police have arrested a suspect following the murder of three Egyptian priests on 12 March. The Coptic Orthodox Church said that they had been subjected to a criminal attack in a monastery in Cullinan. The 35-year-old man is expected to appear before Cullinan magistrates' court on 14 March. All three victims were found with stab wounds, while a fourth victim who survived said that he was hit on the hand by an iron rod before fleeing and hiding in one of the rooms. The police said the suspect left without taking any valuable items or properties from the place, and his motive is unknown at this stage.
USA: it’s a Biden-Trump rematch
14 Mar 2024
This week, both Joe Biden and Donald Trump secured their parties' nominations for the November election, setting the stage for a rematch of the 2020 presidential election. Biden, 81, expressed gratitude for the support amid what he described as a heightened threat from Trump. He asserted the US was in the middle of an economic comeback, but faced challenges to its future as a democracy, as well as from those seeking to pass abortion restrictions and cut social programmes. Despite persistent concerns from voters that his age limits his ability to perform the duties of the presidency, he faced no serious Democratic challengers. Meanwhile, Trump, 77, maintains popularity within the Republican voter base, focusing his campaign on immigration, crime, energy, and foreign policy. The results were expected, as both candidates have dominated their respective races, even though polling suggests dissatisfaction with the prospect of another Biden-Trump showdown. The nominations will be formalised at party conventions in the summer, leading to what is anticipated to be a closely-watched and contentious election in November.
Jackie Darby, a mother, wife, and author with a profound faith, was once a baby abandoned in a rat-infested garbage dump in Seoul, South Korea. Darby shares how she was discovered and saved by a missionary nurse and taken to a missionary-run orphanage. Her life took a turn for the better when she was adopted by American missionaries, inspired by an article about post-war babies. Darby's journey was filled with challenges, especially grappling with her past. Teaming up with fellow author Aixa de López, Darby co-authored "Whose Am I?", a book exploring adoption, redemption, and our true identity in Christ. This collaboration started when de López, inspired by Darby, embarked on her own foster care and adoption journey. Their bond strengthened as Darby supported de López and formed a special connection with her adopted daughter Darly, who found comfort and understanding in Darby's story. The book aims to facilitate conversations about adoption and identity, providing insights for all children, whether adopted, in foster care, or simply curious. They hope it serves as a tool for open, complex discussions about adoption's beauty and the concept of true spiritual adoption.
Perry Noble bench presses 400 pounds to illustrate 'God's power plus God's people' in fight against worry
08 Mar 2024
Perry Noble, Senior Pastor of Second Chance Church in South Carolina, used a bench press demonstration in his recent sermon to symbolize the importance of community support in coping with life's worries. Illustrating his point, Noble initially lifted a 135-pound barbell alone, representing life's daily burdens. He then added weight to a total of 400 pounds, humorously acknowledging it was too much for him alone. In his sermon "Winning the War Against Worry," Noble emphasised the power of combining God's strength with the support of fellow Christians. He highlighted that even Jesus sought his disciples' support in his most troubled times, suggesting that if Jesus needed others, so do we. Noble, who founded Second Chance Church in 2019 after personal challenges, including his dismissal from NewSpring Church, marital difficulties, and alcohol struggles, related to the topic personally. He confessed to previously living in isolation, exacerbating his problems and leading to alcohol dependency. Noble's message was clear: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. He urged anyone facing similar struggles to reach out for support, advocating for the power of community in overcoming life's heaviest burdens.
In the 2024 Budget announcement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt introduced tax cuts to bolster the Conservative Party's prospects. He reduced National Insurance by 2p, following an earlier cut in January. This move was labelled a "con" by Labour, suggesting it would disadvantage many. Significant changes in the Budget included raising child benefit thresholds, introducing a vaping levy, and eliminating non-dom tax status. Despite speculation, income tax was not reduced, but National Insurance for employees was lowered from 10% to 8%, and from 8% to 6% for the self-employed. Child benefit eligibility was expanded, affecting around 170,000 families. The chancellor claimed these NI changes would save an average employee earning £35,000, about £450 annually. Critics, including Labour and the Liberal Democrats, accused the Budget of being a weak attempt to cling to power, failing to effectively address public service issues, high taxes, and zero growth. Some Tories, including former ministers, expressed disappointment over the lack of income tax cuts. The Budget also announced extended support for cost-of-living pressures and a freeze on alcohol and fuel duties, while new taxes on vaping and tobacco were introduced. Public sector efficiency and technology investments, particularly in NHS IT systems, were highlighted as key initiatives.
The UK government plans to implement a new tax on vaping products starting October 2026, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt during the Budget speech. This move aims to deter non-smokers from starting vaping while maintaining vaping as a cost-effective alternative for smokers wishing to quit. The tax's specific details will be determined through a consultation process. Currently subject to a 20% VAT but exempt from excise duty, vaping products will see this change with the new tax. Additionally, the government plans to increase tobacco duty as a one-off measure, ensuring vaping remains less expensive than smoking. This step aligns with the government's broader strategy, including proposed bans on disposable vapes and restrictions on vape flavours and packaging. However, the vaping tax has drawn criticism. Simon Clark from Forest, a smokers' advocacy group, called it counterproductive, and Christopher Snowdon of the Institute of Economic Affairs criticised it as a "cynical cash grab," detrimental to those who have switched from smoking to vaping.
Birmingham City Council, Europe's largest local authority, has approved significant service cuts to address a financial crisis, including a 21% increase in council tax over two years. The council, facing bankruptcy, must save £300m, resulting in "devastating" measures. Council Leader John Cotton expressed deep regret for the impact on city residents. Last September, the council announced its inability to meet financial obligations, leading to a section 114 notice declaration, signifying bankruptcy. This was prompted by equal pay claims amounting to £760m and a £80m overspend on a problematic IT system. These austerity measures, labelled unprecedented by Cotton, have prompted widespread criticism from local Conservatives and protests from residents. Up to 600 council jobs are at risk, and public services like libraries, parks, and cultural projects face reductions. Other measures include reviewing school transport, eliminating arts funding, selling off community centres, reducing fly-tipping enforcement, and introducing parking charges in country parks. The financial outlook remains challenging for Birmingham, with looming equal pay liabilities and IT system overspends. Despite a £1.25bn government bailout loan, the city faces the daunting task of repaying this through asset sales. See also