USA: bipartisan immigration bills stalls
Joe Biden and Donald Trump are blaming each other for the stalling of a bipartisan immigration bill. Despite support from Democrats and Republicans, the measure has been rejected by Congress and faces growing opposition in the Senate. Biden accused Trump of exploiting the issue rather than solving it, while Trump's campaign blamed Biden's policies for chaos in American communities. The proposed bill aims to address the influx of undocumented immigrants at the southern border by allocating funds for border wall construction, expediting asylum decisions, limiting humanitarian parole, and expanding deportation authority. In addition to allocating $20bn for border funding, it includes major financial support for Ukraine and for Israel. Trump denounced the bill, claiming only ‘fools’ or ‘radical left Democrats’ would support it, and described his border policies as ‘the most secure in history’. The Republicans narrowly failed to impeach Biden's homeland security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, blaming him for the recent surge in illegal migration: see
Indonesia: one year since New Zealand pilot’s kidnapping
In Indonesia's West Papua, rebel leader Eganius Koyega's group kidnapped New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens on 7 February 2023, demanding impossible conditions for his release. Koyega is a member of the West Papuan National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, which seeks independence. Photos show Mehrtens growing thinner and more unkempt, most often surrounded by fighters armed with guns and bows and arrows. Koyega, known for brutal tactics, has so far evaded Indonesian soldiers despite clashes. TPNPB leaders are urging him to free him for humanity's sake. New Zealand's reluctance to negotiate directly complicates rescue efforts, while Indonesia's military-driven approach has proved ineffective.
Hollywood actress Danica McKellar shares her faith
Danica McKellar has shared her experience of reading the entire Bible in a year, expressing deep comfort and enjoyment. Despite difficult chapters like Job, she found solace in Scripture. McKellar highlighted themes of humility over ego, good versus evil, and God rewarding faithfulness. She used ‘The Bible Recap’ for her chronological journey through the Bible. Her experience led to a deeper understanding of life's approach based on humility, describing it as rewarding. McKellar, who openly embraces Christianity, finds discussing her faith natural and life-changing, aiming to share the beauty she found with others.
Israeli soldier rejected God then found Jesus
Tamir, an Israeli soldier and atheist, found solace in Jesus after a journey of self-discovery and spiritual questioning. Initially rejecting God, his search for meaning led him to explore various philosophies and arts, but he found no satisfaction. His military service, particularly in the despised military police, intensified his quest. Ironically, his duties led him to rediscover God through the Bible. Challenged by a Christian colleague, Tamir delved into the New Testament, reconciling it with the Old Testament, leading to his conversion to Christianity. He surrendered his life to Jesus as his Lord and Saviour and was born again. Today, Tamir teaches scriptures, both Old and New Testament, in Israel. He says, ‘God defeated me in the battle I challenged him to, but he made me the winner.'
Northern Ireland: DUP deal aimed at restoring power-sharing
A new deal between the UK government and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) aims to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland by reducing checks on goods moving from the UK to Northern Ireland. The deal, which could quickly lead to the return of devolution, is seen as a pivotal step in resolving tensions which arose from post-Brexit trade rules. NI secretary Chris Heaton-Harris praised the agreement, and DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson claimed it effectively removes the Irish Sea border for goods. The deal, endorsed by the DUP's executive, will be accompanied by legislation to reinforce NI's economic ties with the UK, and is expected to swiftly pass through Parliament. This development, a significant milestone in restoring local governance, addresses long-standing political and trade concerns in the region.
How new Brexit rule changes will drive up food prices
The upcoming Brexit rule changes, effective from 31 January, are expected to increase food prices in the UK. New regulations will require additional paperwork for EU businesses exporting animal and plant products to the UK, particularly affecting medium and high-risk foods. From April, physical checks will be implemented on these goods. In October, a broader range of items will be reclassified from low to medium risk, necessitating more paperwork. This reclassification will particularly impact fruit and vegetables, with an estimated £200 million added to import costs, likely to be passed on to consumers. Businesses transporting mixed consignments and local wholesalers may face significant impacts. The Government, while acknowledging potential price increases, suggests a negligible impact overall. These changes aim to protect the UK's biosecurity and support efficient trade.