Cuba has released 553 prisoners, according to an agreement made in January with Joe Biden’s administration. The deal, mediated by the Vatican, was in return for being removed from the US terrorism blacklist. However, Donald Trump has reversed the decision, reinstating sanctions and temporarily halting the process. The USA had asked for ‘political prisoners’ to be released, but Cuban authorities classified the individuals as having committed diverse crimes. Around 200 of those released had been detained because they took part in the huge anti-government protests in July 2021, though officials claim they were convicted for other reasons. The protests, the largest since the 1959 revolution, stemmed from economic struggles, food shortages, and dissatisfaction with government policies. The release follows pressure from the USA, EU, Catholic Church, and human rights groups to free those jailed.
A medical milestone has been achieved: the first patient implanted with a durable artificial heart has been discharged from hospital. BiVACOR, a titanium mechanical blood pump, was successfully implanted in a man suffering from severe heart failure. Performed at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, the six-hour surgery marked a breakthrough in cardiac care. Designed to function indefinitely, BiVACOR operates using magnets to eliminate mechanical wear. Queensland-born inventor Daniel Timms spent years developing the device, inspired by childhood experiences working with his father, who later died of heart failure. The patient, previously too weak to walk, lived with the device for over 100 days before receiving a human heart transplant. Doctors anticipate BiVACOR could eventually replace the need for human donors. With more implants planned, this innovation offers new hope to those awaiting transplants.
Tyler Blevins, known as 'Ninja’, is one of the world’s most influential video-game streamers, with millions of followers across Twitch and YouTube. Recently, he made a bold faith statement during a livestream, declaring, 'Jesus is King’. This isn’t the first time Blevins has spoken about his beliefs. In 2019, he shared how doctors pressured his mother to abort him due to health concerns, but she refused, choosing life for him and his brothers. He calls her a 'saint' for that decision. During his recent faith discussion, Ninja encouraged respectful conversations about religion, urging people to listen rather than argue. He emphasised that faith should stem from a personal relationship with God, not fear. Blevins also highlighted the power of prayer, sharing how daily prayer has positively transformed his life. His core message is simple: love and respect everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia, has publicly declared his Christian faith after decades of scepticism. In a blog post, he shared his testimony, revealing his journey from doubt to embracing the truth of the Gospel. Sanger’s scepticism began in childhood, leading him to question all religions. Though he engaged in internal dialogues with a 'supremely wise being’, he never considered it true prayer. However, marriage and fatherhood challenged his worldview, making him reconsider self-interest and secular ideologies. His disillusionment with aggressive atheism prompted deeper reflection. In 2020, he began reading the Bible extensively, gradually realising its reliability. Though there wasn’t a single conversion moment, he eventually prayed a sinner’s prayer, acknowledging God’s truth. He now affirms that Scripture withstands scrutiny, contrary to his earlier assumptions. His transformation has softened him, bringing significant change to his life. His testimony stands as a powerful reminder that truth, when sought with an open heart, leads to Christ.
Rachel Reeves is expected to announce billions of pounds in spending cuts - possibly including welfare - during her spring statement on 26 March. Facing economic challenges and her self-imposed fiscal rules, Reeves cannot borrow for day-to-day spending, leaving cuts as one of her only options. The Treasury is submitting proposals to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) ahead of its economic forecast. Reports suggest that a four-point plan of planning reform, Whitehall cuts, regulation cuts, and welfare cuts will be central to Reeves' strategy. Her fiscal policies require maintaining a £10 billion buffer, yet sluggish growth and rising borrowing costs are forcing difficult decisions. The Government is also bracing for economic impacts from global trade challenges, including Donald Trump’s trade policies. The government faces tough choices between tax hikes or further cuts: the outcome of its decisions will significantly impact public services and financial stability in the coming years.
Social media ban for under-16s?
06 Mar 2025
England’s chief medical officer, Sir Chris Whitty, will examine whether under-16s should be banned from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Ministers are commissioning his advice amid growing concerns over the impact of excessive smartphone use on young people’s mental health. The average British 12- to 15-year-old spends around 35 hours a week on a smartphone, raising alarms about sleep, well-being, and educational outcomes. Campaigners argue that tech companies prioritise profits over child safety, while some MPs claim the Government is moving too slowly on protections. A proposed bill sought to raise the digital age of consent to 16, making it harder for social media sites to collect children’s data. However, the Government is expected to take a softer approach, commissioning a review rather than implementing an outright ban. With Australia having already passed a ban on under-16s using social media, pressure is mounting for the UK to act. Ministers remain cautious, balancing child safety with concerns about stifling tech growth.
Zhenhao Zou, a PhD engineering student at University College London, has been convicted of drugging and raping ten women. Authorities fear he may have attacked up to fifty more victims in the UK and China. Zou filmed his crimes, storing over 1,600 hours of footage from hidden cameras and his mobile phone. The evidence was so disturbing that prosecutors secured eleven rape convictions, despite only two victims coming forward. His crimes spanned from 2019 to 2023, targeting women in London and his home country. Police are appealing for more victims to come forward, describing Zou as one of the most prolific sex offenders in British history. Zou’s depravity included drugging women with GHB, imprisoning them, and forcing them into terrifying ordeals. His trial left jury members in tears as they watched harrowing footage. He now faces sentencing for multiple counts of rape, voyeurism, and false imprisonment. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Aspirin might stop cancers from spreading
06 Mar 2025
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered how aspirin may help prevent cancer from spreading. Their research suggests that the drug enhances the immune system’s ability to fight cancer by stopping platelets from suppressing T-cells, the body’s natural defence against cancer. When cancer cells break away from a tumour, they try to spread elsewhere in the body - a process called metastasis, which causes most cancer deaths. Normally, T-cells can destroy these wandering cancer cells. However, platelets, which help stop bleeding, interfere with T-cell activity, allowing cancer to spread. Aspirin appears to disrupt this process, restoring the immune system’s ability to attack cancer. While these findings are promising, scientists caution against self-medicating with aspirin, as it carries risks such as internal bleeding. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine which patients may benefit. Researchers hope this breakthrough will eventually lead to safer, more targeted treatments that mimic aspirin’s benefits without its risks.