Displaying items by tag: USA

In Green Bay, Wisconsin, a homeless man, Weldon Tucker, is being hailed as a hero after saving a six-year-old girl from oncoming traffic. The child, Honeretta, who has autism, ran into a busy road while her family was moving house. Her grandmother’s cries for help caught Tucker’s attention, and without hesitation he ran into the street, risking his own life to pull her to safety. Mother Faith Roberts praised his quick thinking, especially since others nearby did not intervene. Tucker, currently receiving shelter assistance, downplayed his heroism, saying he simply acted instinctively and hoped anyone would do the same. The town’s mayor will honor him publicly during a city council meeting, recognising his courage and selflessness. The family is deeply grateful, crediting God for Tucker’s timely intervention, and seeing in him a powerful example of sacrificial love and compassion in action.

Donald Trump has extended the trade truce with China by another ninety days, narrowly avoiding a major escalation between the world’s two largest economies. The announcement came just hours before the previous deadline was to expire, averting a spike in US tariffs on Chinese imports and likely retaliatory action from Beijing. Both governments confirmed the extension, maintaining existing terms while allowing more time for negotiation. This delay is seen as a temporary relief for global markets and US companies which depend on trade with China. Earlier trade disputes saw tariffs soar to triple digits, severely disrupting international commerce and sparking volatility in financial markets. Although current tariff levels remain high, they are significantly lower than the peak rates imposed in May. Talks between Washington and Beijing continue, with hopes for a more permanent resolution and a possible summit between Trump and Xi Jinping later this year. However, key issues remain unresolved.

US-India relations entered a turbulent phase when Donald Trump tore into India for its continued oil imports from Russia and slow progress on trade negotiations. Formerly close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump, accusing India of funding Russia’s war in Ukraine, has vowed to raise tariffs on Indian exports to 50%. India regards its Russian energy imports as economically necessary; it has a longstanding relationship with Russia and is among the largest importers of Russian oil. Modi’s government has so far resisted Trump’s pressure, particularly over opening up US access to the heavily protected agriculture and dairy sectors. In response to Trump’s belligerent language, Modi has called on citizens to buy only Indian-made goods, leading to greater economic self-reliance. Political commentators note that it will be very difficult for Modi to give any large concessions in a trade deal, given the growing anger within India towards Trump.

The US health department is to cancel $500 million in funding for 22 mRNA vaccine projects targeting viruses such as flu and Covid-19, including those by Pfizer and Moderna. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, a vaccine sceptic, claimed mRNA technology poses more risks than benefits for respiratory viruses. Health experts strongly disagreed, noting that the vaccines were pivotal in slowing Covid-19 and saving millions of lives. They warned that withdrawing support undermines one of the most effective tools for pandemic preparedness. Kennedy argued the department would fund alternative vaccine platforms with broader safety records. However, experts say that viruses mutate naturally and that mRNA vaccines are remarkably safe, effective, and faster to develop than traditional vaccines. The decision is part of broader changes Kennedy has made to vaccine policy, including removing Covid vaccines from the recommended immunisation schedule for healthy children and pregnant women.

A tragic mass shooting unfolded in a Manhattan skyscraper when Shane Tamura, 27, entered the building housing the NFL headquarters and killed four people before taking his own life. Tamura, a former high school football star and casino security guard, left a note blaming the NFL for concealing the risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. Believing he suffered from CTE, he intended to confront the NFL but mistakenly took the wrong elevator. Among those killed were NYPD officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, Rudin Management staffer Julia Hyman, and security guard Aland Etienne. An NFL employee was also injured but survived and managed to warn colleagues. The rifle used was self-assembled and the revolver legally purchased. President Trump, local officials, and researchers have commented on the tragedy. The case has renewed concerns over gun violence, mental health, and the long-term impacts of contact sports. Investigations continue in Nevada and New York as families and communities grieve the senseless loss.

Jenn Johnson, worship leader with Bethel Music, has shared a powerful testimony of encountering an angel during a critical moment in hospital. Speaking to CBN News, she described seeing an angel appear in her hospital room just before undergoing a C-section for her daughter’s birth. The angel, bald with a gold earring, simply looked at her, nodded, and turned away - but the peace Johnson felt in that moment was overwhelming. The encounter inspired her song ‘Mention of Your Name’, born from the deep reassurance she received when she needed it most. 'Peace went through my body’, she said, recounting how unafraid she was despite the gravity of the situation. The experience left her longing for more such glimpses of heaven. Johnson also shared a separate miracle: the healing of her leg after it had been lifeless for two years due to a back condition. After being prayed for, sensation returned instantly. These encounters have deepened her faith and stirred hope in many who hear her story.

Pastor John MacArthur, a pillar of evangelical preaching and unwavering Bible teacher, went to be with the Lord on 14 July, aged 86. For over five decades, he led Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, transforming it into a global centre for expository preaching. Rooted in a family of preachers, MacArthur embraced the gospel from childhood, devoting his life to the verse-by-verse exposition of Scripture. His ministry, Grace to You, broadcast sermons across 2,400 stations in nine languages. His books, including ‘The Gospel According to Jesus’ and ‘The MacArthur Study Bible’, shaped countless believers. MacArthur’s theological clarity, bold convictions, and unwavering stand for biblical truth distinguished him from cultural drift. He trained thousands, and remained faithful through trials - including legal battles over religious freedom during the Covid pandemic. Though often controversial, his voice was prophetic, courageous, and Christ-honouring. MacArthur’s legacy lives on in the lives he influenced. See

Air quality alerts have been issued across Canada and northern USA as smoke from widespread wildfires continues to degrade air conditions, prompting urgent health warnings. Environment Canada has warned residents, especially in Ontario and Toronto (where air quality recently ranked among the worst globally), to limit outdoor exposure. Similar alerts have been issued in US cities like Chicago, where unhealthy ozone levels and residual smoke from Canadian fires are posing additional concerns. Wildfires raging across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and northern Ontario have forced tens of thousands to evacuate, with emergency responders working to assess the rapidly changing situation. Also, political tensions emerged after some Congress members said Canada’s wildfires were ‘making it difficult for Americans to enjoy their summer’. Scientists attribute the increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires to climate change; Canada is believed to be warming at twice the global rate.

A political storm is brewing in Washington as divisions deepen over the Trump administration's refusal to release files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. House speaker Mike Johnson, a close Trump ally, broke ranks by expressing public support for the files' release, citing the need for transparency. However, he later voted to block a Democrat-led resolution calling for that very action. The justice department, led by attorney general Pam Bondi, denies the existence of a client list in the files, and maintains the matter is closed - sparking outrage among both Democrats and Trump’s MAGA supporters, who had been promised accountability. While bipartisan lawmakers are pressing for a House vote, Democrats in Congress and the Senate are pushing legislation to preserve and disclose all Epstein-related documents. The issue has become a flashpoint for demands for transparency and oversight, exposing cracks within the GOP and giving Democrats an opportunity to frame themselves as champions of accountability and reform.

Candace Cameron Bure has opened up about a deeply challenging season in her marriage to husband Valeri during 2020, revealing that they were close to separation. The turning point came unexpectedly through their eldest son, Lev. Although unmarried at the time, Lev confronted his parents with a heartfelt, Bible-based exhortation about marriage. In a recent podcast, Candace recalled Lev speaking for 45 minutes, Bible open, urging his parents to consider whether they had done everything possible to reconcile, and to offer further grace and kindness to each other. His gentle firmness and spiritual insight deeply moved his parents, prompting them to reflect and recommit to working through their difficulties. Candace described the conversation as a 'pivotal moment' which transformed the couple’s relationship. She expressed profound gratitude for her children’s courage and spiritual maturity, crediting their family’s legacy of Christ-centred marriages as a sustaining influence. Lev has since married Elliot Dunham, continuing the family’s legacy. Candace celebrated the wedding as a Spirit-filled, Gospel-focused occasion, underscoring their generational faith.