USA: homeless man risks life to save six-year-old
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.
Japan: a great example of embracing Christ’s peace in troubled times
Political unrest; environmental changes; natural disasters; human rights violations; war and famine; migration. The list could go on: all of them are causes of widespread anxiety and stress. While experts recommend practical strategies like healthy living, Christians also turn to prayer, scripture, service, and witness. History offers models of resilience during turbulent times, such as Japanese author, minister, and activist Toyohiko Kagawa. Born in 1888, he lived through poverty, war, natural disaster, and political unrest, yet maintained joy and hope. His poetry reflects a spirit unbound by chains, seeking light and peace in Christ. He worked for justice, environmental stewardship, women’s suffrage, and peace, which earned him several jail sentences but also a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. His final words were 'Please do your best for world peace and the church in Japan’. His life shows us how to navigate chaos: embrace Christ’s peace, shine his radiance, and let joy endure.
Number of UC claimants jumps dramatically
A record eight million people are now claiming Universal Credit (UC), the highest since its 2013 introduction, and a sharp increase from 6.9 million in July 2024. This has largely been driven by a surge in those not expected to work due to long-term illness, caring responsibilities, or being over pension age. This category grew by 39% in a year, now totalling 3.7 million. UC supports both unemployed individuals and low-income workers, with 2.2 million claimants currently in work. London has one of the highest claimant numbers, with over 364,000 people receiving benefits. A new breakdown by immigration status reveals that 83.8% of claimants are British or Irish nationals, 9.6% hold EU settled status, and smaller proportions are refugees or humanitarian arrivals. The Government has pledged welfare reforms, citing an ‘unsustainable benefits bill’. The figures highlight ongoing challenges with health, employment, and cost-of-living pressures affecting millions across the UK.
Students receive A-level, T-level, Btec results
Students across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have received their A-level, T-level, and BTec National results, with top grades once again rising slightly (28.3%, up from 27.8% in 2024). Despite ongoing recovery from the Covid disruption, a record number of 18-year-olds are predicted to gain entry to their first-choice universities. This year’s cohort faced unique challenges: lower GCSE grades due to efforts to reduce pandemic-era grade inflation, and years of interrupted learning during national lockdowns. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged persistent inequalities, particularly for white working-class students, and pledged continued reforms. The results also mark the fourth year of vocational T-level qualifications, which blend academic study with industry experience. Many students have used these pathways to secure jobs and prepare for future careers. Universities, seeking stability amid uncertain international admissions, may be more flexible in accepting students, with leaders urging recognition of the extraordinary circumstances these young people have overcome.
