Mali cuts ties with Ukraine after rebel attack
Ukraine has criticised Mali's decision to sever diplomatic ties, calling it short-sighted and hasty. This decision followed comments from Ukraine's military spy agency about the recent clashes in northern Mali, where Tuareg rebels claimed responsibility for killing 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers. This was Wagner's most significant defeat since assisting Mali's military against insurgent groups two years ago. Ukraine denied involvement, stating no evidence was provided. After the spy agency mentioned that rebels had received ‘necessary’ information for the attack, Mali interpreted this as an admission of Ukraine's involvement, condemning it as a violation of sovereignty and support for terrorism. Senegal summoned Ukraine’s ambassador over related accusations. These events occur amid deteriorating relations between the West and Sahel nations, which have expelled French and US forces and turned to Russian mercenaries for security following recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
USA: Kamala Harris chooses her running mate
Former teacher and National Guard member Tim Walz, who recently went viral for his calling Donald Trump ‘weird’, has now been adopted by Kamala Harris as her running mate for the presidential election. Walz, governor of Minnesota, is noted for his appeal to rural white voters and his progressive policies, such as free school meals and expanded paid leave. He also enacted the ‘Taylor Swift bill’ to regulate ticket sales. Despite Minnesota's Democratic leaning, its proximity to battleground states like Wisconsin and Michigan adds strategic value. Walz, 60, has a background in education and military service, connecting well with ordinary Americans. His political career began in 2006, winning a Republican-leaning congressional district and later the governorship in 2018. He is well-known for his record on LGBT and abortion rights, banning conversion therapy, and supporting gender-affirming healthcare.
Adam Peaty opens up about faith after Games final
Adam Peaty has shared insights into his faith following his silver medal in the men's 100m butterfly event. Speaking right after his race, a breathless but elated Peaty said, 'I gave my absolute all there. In my heart, I've already won. These are happy tears. I'm not crying because I came second; I'm crying because it took so much to get here. I'm a very religious man, and I asked God to show my heart, and this is my heart.' He missed gold by two-hundredths of a second, tying for second place. He still holds the world record for the breaststroke (56.88 seconds). Peaty has been vocal about his struggles, including battling depression and alcoholism after the Tokyo Olympics. He found solace in faith, meeting pastor Ashley Mull in Melbourne, who introduced him to church. His first visit to a Nottingham church had an Olympic-themed sermon, which resonated deeply with him. Now sporting a cross tattoo on his chest, Peaty said, 'Everything I've done to this point has happened for a reason. I said to myself I'd give my absolute best, and I have! That's the victory for me.' Graham Daniels from Christians in Sport praised Peaty's determination and celebration of God's role in his life.
Japan on cusp of revival, ex-atheist says
Atheist businesswoman Akane Fujimoto had achieved success in her career and personal life, but she felt a deep sense of emptiness. As a nominal Buddhist, she decided to pray to the God her mother had embraced a decade earlier: 'If you exist, if you love me, if you have a purpose for my life, please reveal yourself to me.' 'I felt God hugging me deeply,' she said. 'I repented for the first time and couldn’t stop weeping. Everything I was searching for was found in God’s love.' Now she is passionate about bringing revival to Japan, a nation often considered resistant to the gospel. Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic. 'I heard sharing the gospel is hard in Japan, but it’s actually quite fun’, she says. 'Material comforts can't compare to the fullness of Christ.' She believes Japan's resistance - rooted in pride, social pressure, competitiveness, and suspicion - can be overcome through genuine relationships and sharing the pure gospel. She experienced a personal breakthrough when she forgave her father and led him to Christ. 'For the first time, I saw him weeping like a child’, she recalls. 'The Holy Spirit told me it was time.' Now he attends church, and Akane is confident that revival is unfolding in Japan.
