‘It just ignited’: revival in California church
Pastor Shane Idleman of Westside Christian Fellowship has reported a remarkable outpouring of revival in his congregation. The awakening appears to have been sparked by a sermon he delivered on 30 March, in which he shared vulnerably about personal struggles in ministry. This heartfelt honesty resonated deeply with his church, igniting an atmosphere of repentance, worship, and spiritual hunger. Idleman emphasises that revival must be grounded in sound doctrine, describing it as a spiritual resuscitation that transforms lukewarm hearts into ones burning with passion for God. He witnessed spontaneous worship, extended prayer times, and a strong desire among congregants to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The following week, services continued without a sermon, as the congregation was drawn into powerful praise and intercession. He is quick to note that true revival cannot be manufactured; it is a sovereign move of God upon a prepared people. The seeds were planted years ago through faithful prayer and teaching. Now, the church is experiencing the fruit of that long-standing hunger for awakening.
Pressure builds on UK finances as Reeves pushes for US trade deal
The Government borrowed £151.9 billion in the year to March, up £20.7 billion from the previous year, raising concerns about the nation’s financial stability. The figures, revealed as Rachel Reeves visits Washington to negotiate a trade deal with the USA, come amid mounting pressure to cut public spending or increase taxes in order to meet her strict borrowing rules. Reeves has insisted that borrowing will not fund daily spending, but economists warn that sluggish growth, rising interest rates, and looming US tariffs could force her hand. Economists predict tax hikes may be necessary, especially if a trade agreement with the USA cannot be reached. Meanwhile, the IMF downgraded the UK’s 2025 growth forecast from 1.6% to 1.1%, citing inflation, borrowing costs, and trade disruptions. Despite higher tax revenues, debt interest rose to £4.3 billion in March, the highest since the 1960s. Both political and economic leaders are scrutinising every area of government spending, while critics blame the borrowing spike on poor fiscal management and short-sighted policies.
Birmingham bin strike resolution 'in touching distance'?
A resolution to Birmingham’s ongoing bin strike may be near, as the conciliation service Acas is set to join negotiations for the first time. The dispute, led by over 350 members of the Unite union, began on 11 March over pay concerns and threats of job and salary cuts, resulting in thousands of tonnes of uncollected rubbish and public health warnings across the city. Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham stated that while a deal is 'in touching distance’, the city council has been inconsistent in its public versus private positions. The union has tabled workable proposals, but insists the council must now act decisively. Earlier this month, workers overwhelmingly rejected a revised offer, saying it failed to prevent potential pay cuts for 200 drivers. Meanwhile, the Government deployed military planners and additional support to clear an estimated 26,000 tonnes of waste. Communities minister Jim McMahon confirmed levels are now 'approaching normal’. Talks continue, with both sides under pressure to resolve the dispute swiftly to restore services and public confidence in the city’s leadership.
Charities warn of record child poverty if two-child benefit cap not scrapped
Leading UK charities are urging Keir Starmer to urgently scrap the two-child benefit cap, warning it could push child poverty to record levels by the end of this parliament. A letter signed by organisations such as Barnardo’s, Save the Children, and Citizens Advice has told the Government that removing the cap is the most cost-effective measure to reduce poverty. The two-child limit, introduced in 2017, restricts child tax credits and universal credit to the first two children in most households. Critics argue this penalises larger families and disproportionately affects low-income homes. The End Child Poverty Coalition predicts the long-awaited child poverty strategy may not appear until June, while the Child Poverty Action Group estimates child poverty could rise from 4.5 million to 4.8 million children by 2029. Scrapping the limit could lift 350,000 children out of poverty overnight and lessen the severity for 700,000 more. While the Scottish government has pledged to mitigate the policy, nationwide reform remains uncertain and urgently needed.
