Displaying items by tag: North America

Donald Trump has announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, describing the city as a ‘hellhole’ plagued by violent crime. He hinted Baltimore could be next, insisting his actions are not politically motivated despite targeting Democratic-led cities. Illinois governor JB Pritzker and Chicago’s mayor strongly opposed the move; Pritzker called it an ‘invasion’, stating that murders have fallen nearly 50 percent in four years. There have already been protests in Chicago expressing opposition, as residents fear further unrest. The announcement follows Trump’s controversial use of troops in Washington and Los Angeles, where a federal judge has recently ruled he overstepped legal boundaries.  The  judge said that Trump appears intent on ‘creating a national police force with the President as its chief’. He has barred National Guard troops or marines from performing police functions: however, this will come into effect only on 12 September, potentially leaving an opening for the conservative-dominated supreme court to rule on the case.

Actor Gavin Casalegno, best known for his role in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, is gaining recognition not just for his acting but for boldly sharing his Christian faith. The 25-year-old regularly posts on TikTok, speaking openly about prayer, repentance, and living wholly for God in Hollywood. He warns against complacency, saying, 'God wants all of you, not just the Sunday version’, and testifies that real strength comes from relying on God, not self. Casalegno has spoken vulnerably of repentance as a turning point, describing how admitting his need brought a clear experience of God’s love. Raised in a Christian family, he says stepping back from social media to focus on God and family keeps his perspective healthy. Last year he married nurse Cheyanne King, who also celebrates her faith publicly, bringing Christ’s light into healthcare. Together, they launched a clothing line inspired by biblical truths, designed to spark meaningful conversations. Casalegno joins other Hollywood figures unashamedly professing Christ, demonstrating that faith is becoming more visible in mainstream culture.

Matt Williams of Tennessee was heartbroken when his Bible case, filled with family photos and treasured memories, was stolen from his vehicle. In that moment, he turned to God in prayer, surrendering the situation: 'Not my will but yours’. Astonishingly, his Bible was later discovered inside another stolen car, placed alongside a second copy of the Scriptures. The chain of events that led to its recovery seemed providential: the mother of the woman whose car had been stolen posted online about finding the Bible, and Williams recognised it as his. The unexpected return of his precious Bible reminded him of God’s intimate care: 'Not even a sparrow falls without His notice. Apparently not even a Bible gets stolen without His response.' This showed Williams that God is attentive to the details of His children’s lives and answers prayer in personal, unexpected ways. His testimony is a reminder that God values His people deeply and delights to show His faithfulness.

Tragedy struck Minneapolis when a gunman opened fire during a worship service at a Catholic school, killing two children aged eight and ten and injuring at least seventeen others. The attacker, 23-year-old Robin Westman, heavily armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, was later found dead. Authorities say he acted alone and had no extensive criminal history; his motive remains unclear. Ten victims remain in critical condition, with several requiring urgent surgery. The violent assault has devastated families, leaving parents grieving, children fighting for their lives, and a city grappling with profound trauma. Officials described the community’s heartbreak as immeasurable, with the mayor calling for more than empty platitudes. The event has reignited anguished questions over gun violence, safety in places of worship, and the vulnerability of schools meant to be sanctuaries for children.

The conflict between Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook and Donald Trump represents a profound clash over institutional independence and executive authority. Trump says he has dismissed Cook, alleging mortgage fraud, but her attorney insists the president lacks the power to remove a governor in this way. According to the Federal Reserve Act, governors should serve a fourteen-year term and may only be removed ‘for cause’, but what qualifies as ‘cause’ is unclear. Trump’s move follows similar attacks against other prominent Democrats, raising concerns about politicising independent regulators. Legal scholars note that recent supreme court rulings granted broader executive authority over some agencies, but not over the Federal Reserve. Cook, refusing to resign, has vowed to challenge Trump’s actions in court. The outcome of this struggle could potentially set a historic precedent. In a separate development, Trump has fired the head of the Centre for Disease Control, Susan Monarez, only a month after she was appointed: see

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.

In a quiet corner of Sequim, Washington State, a church-run Ramen shop is offering more than food—it’s serving love, dignity, and the presence of Jesus. Designed as a 'pay-what-you-can' eatery, the space hums with peace and welcome. Visitors from all walks of life - students, elderly neighbours, the homeless - gather to enjoy nourishing meals in an atmosphere of grace. Each guest chooses their own broth, toppings, grains and greens, reclaiming choice where it’s often lost. Behind the counter, a pastor-chef and volunteers serve up bowls of care and compassion, sustained by generous patrons who 'pay it forward’. It’s an economy of grace, where no one is turned away, and everyone is treated with honour. The building itself feels soaked in prayer, a sanctuary where the love of Jesus is tangible. The Ramen Shop isn’t just feeding stomachs; it’s restoring souls - offering sanctuary, table fellowship, and the quiet declaration: you belong.

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.