USA: Surprise result in New York mayoral primary
Zohran Mamdani, a 33‑year‑old state lawmaker and self‑described socialist, has won New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani, focusing sharply on rising living costs, promised free buses, free childcare, affordable housing, and a higher minimum wage, financed by taxing the wealthy. If elected in November, he would be the city’s first Muslim and Indian mayor. His victory reflects growing progressive momentum. Cuomo, seeking a comeback after a sexual harassment scandal, conceded defeat, stating, ‘Tonight is his night’. Critics question Mamdani’s experience, fearing he may be ill‑prepared for crisis management. Current mayor Eric Adams, indicted on corruption charges, announced he will run as an independent.The outcome of the primary, held amid sweltering temperatures, and the outcome of this race could indicate the type of leader Democrats are looking for during Donald Trump's second term.
Woman Meets Jesus During Shocking NDE*: ‘I Was Preparing to Die’
Vanessa Joy Lancellotti was a newlywed in 2016 when she suddenly suffered a ruptured arteriovenous malformation in her brain. Unaware she even had this condition, the terrifying incident occurred while having tea with her sisters. As her pain intensified, she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, fearing she was about to die. En route in the ambulance, she prepared to meet Jesus, repenting and reviewing her life. Then, unexpectedly, she experienced what she believes was a supernatural encounter: pain and fear vanished, and she found herself in a place of pure peace and radiant light. There she encountered Jesus, who embraced her lovingly and told her, “It is not yet your time.” Though never clinically dead, Vanessa believes she was taken to paradise. Her miraculous survival transformed her spiritually, igniting a deeper relationship with Christ and a new understanding of the Holy Spirit’s power. Today, she shares her story through her book, Miracles Really Do Happen, encouraging others with the hope and reality of Christ’s love and healing presence. * Near Death Experience
'A huge victory': Christian leaders react to Supreme Court's Skrmetti ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s law banning gender transition surgeries and hormone treatments for minors, ruling 6-3 that the law does not violate the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. The decision in Skrmetti v. United States establishes a precedent allowing similar legislation in over 20 states to remain in effect. Christian leaders have welcomed the ruling as a decisive step in protecting children. Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel called it a “victory for children everywhere,” arguing that experimental procedures should not be allowed under the guise of equality. Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council praised the affirmation of FRC’s “SAFE Act” model. Brent Leatherwood of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission emphasised that the state has a duty to protect children from harmful and irreversible decisions. However, progressive voices such as Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush of Interfaith Alliance criticised the ruling as religious overreach. The case marks a pivotal moment in defining the boundary between child protection and personal medical autonomy in U.S. law.
'A stain on our society': Yvette Cooper promises change after 'damning' grooming gang report
A damning report by Dame Louise Casey has revealed systemic failures across England and Wales in addressing grooming gangs that have sexually exploited thousands of children. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper responded with an unequivocal apology to victims and survivors, announcing a full national inquiry and promising the most comprehensive reforms ever taken by a UK government to combat child sexual exploitation. The Casey report highlights years of obfuscation by public institutions, with suspects often disproportionately of Asian heritage or with ethnicity data missing and agencies failing to act. Recommendations include broadening the legal definition of rape, improving data sharing, and initiating a nationally coordinated criminal investigation. A new national operation will be led by the National Crime Agency. Controversially, Cooper also announced that asylum seekers found guilty of grooming or sexual offences will be barred from claiming refuge in the UK. Criticisms remain over previous government inaction and political posturing, yet survivors and campaigners have welcomed the long-overdue steps. Casey called for definitive action, stating, “We must right the wrongs of the past.”
