Australia: two beaches closed due to toxic foam
20 Mar 2025
Two beaches in South Australia have been closed after dead fish and an off-white foam appeared onshore, while surfers reported feeling unwell. Authorities suspect that a microalgal bloom, fuelled by unusual weather, has caused these problems. Environmental scientist Sam Gaylard called the event ‘concerning’ due to its scale. The two beaches, south of Adelaide, were shut down on 17 March. Surfers reported symptoms like sore eyes, throats, and coughing. Marine scientists have collected foam samples, though identifying the organism may take days. It is not certain how long this situation will last: the algae, probably triggered by extended hot, dry weather and calm seas, might be dispersed by increasing swells.
Peru: state of emergency declared
20 Mar 2025
A thirty-day state of emergency has been declared in Lima following a surge in violent crime. President Dina Boluarte’s government made the decree after the murder of popular cumbia singer Paul Flores, who was killed in an attack on a bus. The move allows police and military forces to detain suspects with fewer restrictions, limiting freedoms of assembly and movement. The decision follows weeks of rising violence, including an explosion at a restaurant that injured eleven people. There have been 459 killings so far this year, and nearly 2,000 extortion cases in January alone. Boluarte has raised the possibility of the death penalty for murderers, though at present Peruvian law only permits it for treason. Opposition lawmakers are demanding a no-confidence vote against the interior minister, accusing him of failing to curb crime. Public outrage remains high as Peru struggles to restore security.
Open Doors has warned that false online reports about a Christian massacre in Syria could put Syrian believers at greater risk. While recent violence in Latakia and Tartus has killed over 1,500 people, including four Christians, there is no evidence that believers were specifically targeted for their faith. An Open Doors representative cautioned that misinformation could have serious consequences. He noted that governments and armed groups monitor online discussions, and false claims could lead to further persecution of Christians who had no involvement in spreading such reports. Though this latest wave of violence has not directly targeted Christians, Syrian believers - especially those who have converted from Islam - already face persecution. Many are fearful and some are considering fleeing the country. Churches in some regions have even cancelled services due to security concerns.
In February, 7 million people from 225 countries joined Gather25, a 25-hour global prayer event led by Jennie Allen. Live gatherings in multiple locations and over 21,000 small groups united believers in worship, prayer, and repentance. Allen shared that the vision for Gather25 began with a vivid dream, pressing an urgency upon her to spread the Gospel as widely and quickly as possible. She saw an opportunity to mobilise the global Church in prayer, relying on cutting-edge AI translation technology to overcome language barriers. She described the event as a modern-day Pentecost, where, for the first time, believers worldwide gathered without linguistic obstacles. Despite concerns over AI, she emphasised that God is using technology to advance Bible translation and global evangelism. Stories of faith, including testimonies from former child soldiers in Africa, moved Allen deeply. Reflecting on the event’s impact, she declared, 'We are the fish and loaves story.'
Incredible reports of revival sweeping across UK
13 Mar 2025
A fresh move of God is sweeping across the UK, with increasing reports of prayer gatherings, healings, and spiritual renewal. Pastor Craig Cooney of Hope Church, Northern Ireland, describes it as 'a rising river', signaling the end of the spiritual drought caused by the pandemic. He notes that weekly prayer meetings are growing, with believers interceding passionately for the lost. Testimonies of divine healings are becoming more frequent, even among those previously skeptical. In England, Rev Liz Doyle recently prayed with British leaders inside Windsor Castle, sensing God’s promise to bring revival to St George’s Chapel. Scotland, too, is experiencing breakthrough: Franklin Graham’s Glasgow event saw over 7,000 people attend, with many surrendering to Christ. This revival mirrors Elijah’s servant seeing a cloud the size of a man’s hand - a sign of greater things to come. God is calling His people to prayer, consecration, and deeper commitment. See
Keir Starmer has declared that 'all options are on the table' as Britain weighs its response to Donald Trump’s global tariffs on steel and aluminium. The EU has already imposed countermeasures, but the UK has taken a cautious approach, seeking an economic agreement rather than immediate retaliation. Trump administration insiders warn that a quick trade deal with the UK may hinge on abandoning online safety legislation - a demand Starmer is unlikely to meet. Additionally, US vice president JD Vance has prioritised free speech concerns in trade talks, challenging the UK’s regulations on tech companies. With the UK now outside both the EU and US trading blocs, businesses fear further economic strain. Steel industry leaders have urged the Government to take strong action, while some politicians argue that failing to respond will weaken the UK’s position. As tensions mount, prayers are needed for wisdom in leadership, economic stability, and fair trade agreements.
A Russian captain has been arrested following a catastrophic collision between the cargo ship Solong and the US-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea. The crash, which occurred while the tanker (which was anchored) was carrying jet fuel for the US military, resulted in fires on both vessels and emergency rescue operations. The UK has launched a criminal investigation, arresting the 59-year-old captain on suspicion of gross negligence, and also manslaughter because one crew member from the Solong is presumed dead (thirteen others were rescued). Experts are baffled by how such an incident could happen with modern navigation technology, which should have detected the tanker. Environmental groups have warned of a potential ecological disaster to nearby rare bird colonies if jet fuel leaks into the sea. Concerns were raised about sodium cyanide on board, but the ship’s owners denied that there was any hazardous cargo. This tragic event highlights the need for maritime safety and environmental protection.
Starner outlines plans to scrap NHS England
13 Mar 2025
Keir Starmer has announced plans to abolish NHS England, aiming to cut bureaucracy and redirect funds to frontline healthcare. Calling it an ‘arms-length body’, he argued that scrapping it would eliminate duplication, saving money for nurses and patient care. Health secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged that up to 10,000 jobs could be cut, but said reform was necessary to reduce inefficiency. NHS England, established in 2013, oversees daily NHS operations with a £168 million budget. Last month, its chief executive Amanda Pritchard stepped down, reflecting mounting pressures. Starmer’s broader government efficiency plan includes AI-driven reforms to streamline state functions, aiming to save £45 billion, and to cut compliance costs for businesses by 25%. He criticised the state as overstretched and ineffective, promising to reduce regulatory burdens. Streeting called the move the ‘final nail in the coffin’ of the ‘disastrous’ 2012 NHS reorganisation, pledging to empower healthcare workers and shorten waiting times.