Ireland’s political landscape is bracing for a showdown over Ceann Comhairle (Speaker) Verona Murphy, whose role is under fire amid a prolonged row over speaking rights in the Dáil. Since January, tensions have mounted, and now five main opposition parties have united to table a no-confidence motion, claiming bias and procedural failings. Murphy, a former haulier, responded defiantly, rejecting accusations of collusion and affirming her commitment to impartiality and parliamentary procedure. The government, led by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, is standing firmly behind her. Martin criticised the opposition - particularly Sinn Féin - for disruptive conduct and accused them of undermining democratic norms. Murphy is expected to survive the vote, but the battle has exposed deep divides, threatening to paralyse parliamentary function and leaving her position weakened, even if technically secure. Both sides are now entrenched, and further political drama appears inevitable in the days ahead.
The UN AIDS agency has warned of a potential global health crisis, with projections of 2,000 new HIV infections daily and up to 6.3 million AIDS-related deaths over the next four years, if US foreign aid remains frozen. The halt, ordered by Donald Trump under his ‘America First’ policy, has disrupted critical healthcare services. Although the State Department has said that life-saving programmes will continue, UNAIDS reports that many clinics have already closed and thousands of health workers have been laid off. There are fears that this sudden collapse in funding will reverse decades of progress in combating HIV/AIDS, especially in vulnerable regions. In 2023 alone, there were 600,000 AIDS-related deaths globally. UNAIDS, which relies on the US for 35% of its core funding, says unless aid resumes or is replaced by another source, the world could face a devastating resurgence of the epidemic, echoing the crises seen in the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump’s team members say they have saved US taxpayers tens of billions of dollars by cancelling contracts, firing workers and rooting out fraud and waste, but they have offered little evidence to support that assertion.
Donald Trump’s administration is facing huge criticism after a newspaper editor was mistakenly added to a Signal group chat discussing sensitive military plans, including potential US strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Despite official claims that no classified material was shared, Democrats and some Republicans expressed deep concern. Defence secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly disclosed target locations, weapon specifics, and timing - details typically considered classified. National security adviser Michael Waltz took full responsibility, calling the incident ‘embarrassing’; Trump defended his team and suggested they would stop using Signal. The Senate intelligence committee plans to audit the chat, and lawmakers from both parties demanded further investigation and potential resignations. Signal’s auto-deletion feature may have violated federal record-keeping laws, intensifying scrutiny. Senators criticised CIA director John Ratcliffe for dodging questions, and legal experts warned that such platforms are not appropriate for sensitive communications.
The constitutional court has overturned the impeachment of South Korean prime minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president amid ongoing political upheaval. Han was removed from office after president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late last year, suspending civilian legal processes and triggering a national crisis. After Yoon's suspension by lawmakers on 14 December, Han took over presidential duties - only to be impeached himself less than two weeks later for allegedly undermining the constitution. The opposition Democratic Party accused him of aiding Yoon’s martial law plan and refusing to appoint constitutional court justices or pass a bill investigating First Lady Kim Keon-hee. However, the court found no evidence to support these accusations; only one of eight judges supported the impeachment. Han welcomed the ruling, calling it ‘wise’. The nation now awaits the court’s decision on whether Yoon will be impeached.
In the Gambia, many people enjoy taba, a powdered tobacco product, by smoking or snuffing or chewing it. However, it is increasingly being mixed with potent chemicals and used intravaginally by women seeking sexual enhancement or relief from health issues. Though it is not illegal, health professionals warn of serious risks, including infections, tissue damage, and even cancer. Stories of extreme pain, bleeding, and near-death experiences are surfacing, yet some users and sellers deny its dangers. While some women claim medicinal benefits, many suffer silently due to stigma and fear. The ministry of health and women's rights groups are actively campaigning to raise awareness, with public warnings from medical professionals and videos from government officials. Doctors say taba’s harmful effects could include long-term reproductive damage and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Canada: Carney calls snap election
27 Mar 2025
Mark Carney has called a snap federal election for 28 April, aiming to secure a strong mandate amid rising tensions with Donald Trump. A political newcomer and former banker, Carney was sworn in just weeks ago after succeeding Justin Trudeau, who stepped down following internal party strife. The election sets the stage for a fierce contest with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, a populist who once led comfortably in the polls. The central issue is who can best defend Canada against Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and trade threats, including proposed tariffs and talk of annexation. Carney accused Trump of seeking to undermine Canadian sovereignty and vowed to build a more secure, self-reliant nation. Poilievre, meanwhile, blamed Liberal policies for Canada’s current vulnerability and called for a nationalist shift in governance. The 37-day campaign is poised to reshape the nation’s future at a critical crossroads. Trump’s actions have infuriated Canadians - and upended their politics.
We are just commencing the 2025 Global Day of Prayer for the Muslim World. Do join us Thursday, March 27th, from 9am (EDT)!
I am encouraged that many millions of people are already committed to praying during the 24 hours, and we believe that the Lord will hear our prayers and that we are going to witness breakthrough in the days that follow!
This will be a powerful, united time of intercession with believers from across the globe, crying out for millions to encounter Christ during this significant season.
"And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14)
This is the Spring season when daylight saving times revert across the world… so we encourage you to check the 9am EST start time in your city, Here!
Pray where you are - at home, at work, at school, at church… or join with others from around the world online!
Our worship and prayers online will be led each hour by prayer leaders from around the world. The first hour will be hosted by Brian Alarid and myself, with worship and prayers from Ps Erwin Widjaja and the Issachar Prayer Tower Worship Team in Batam, Indonesia. The second hour will be led by Rick Ridings and his Worship Team, live from Jerusalem.
Join the Global Day of Prayer Online Here (Code 32223)
Thursday 27th March - Starting at 9am EDT
(CHECK THE TIME IN YOUR CITY)
'Ramadan to Resurrection Sunday!' - Prayer Guide
By way of a gift, I am pleased to bring you a short encouragement and exhortation to go deeper in your prayers!
This guide brings some clear scriptural pointers to guide you as you pray both for friends, family and neighbours but also for many that you cannot see among the unreached people groups.
‘Ramadan to Resurrection Sunday’ provides practical prayer themes—including “Open Doors, Minds, Hearts, and Heavens”- and biblical strategies to cry out for revival, Gospel proclamation, and spiritual awakening. It’s a bold, faith-filled call to partner with God in His redemptive mission, trusting that “more prayer = more power.”
Let’s pray together for a harvest of souls across the Muslim world and beyond!
May I invite you to watch this short video that brings to life why we are praying for people by name – with some thoughts that I trust will encourage you in your prayers…
Let’s pray together for a harvest of souls across the Muslim world and beyond!
'Ramadan to Resurrection Sunday!' can be downloaded HERE
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b)
Thank you for your partnership in prayer for the nations!
All Glory to the Lamb!
Jason Hubbard - Director
International Prayer Connect
Rejoice greatly and shout for joy!
20 Mar 2025
‘“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy” (Isaiah 35:1). Spending an afternoon in the garden with my grandchildren brought unexpected joy. As we worked, my grandson discovered tiny snails and shared them with his sister, who excitedly named them and took them home. Amidst the simple beauty of spring’s arrival, my heart rejoiced. Spring symbolises hope and new beginnings. Just as crocus shoots break through the soil, God renews our weary hearts. Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us that He is always doing a new thing, making a way in the wilderness. Jesus, too, experienced a wilderness season, yet He overcame temptation, fulfilling His mission. We face trials, but we are never without God’s grace. His mercies are new every morning. As we step into each day, let us rejoice in the promise of resurrection and renewal.’