Australia: first man with artificial heart is discharged from hospital
A medical milestone has been achieved: the first patient implanted with a durable artificial heart has been discharged from hospital. BiVACOR, a titanium mechanical blood pump, was successfully implanted in a man suffering from severe heart failure. Performed at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, the six-hour surgery marked a breakthrough in cardiac care. Designed to function indefinitely, BiVACOR operates using magnets to eliminate mechanical wear. Queensland-born inventor Daniel Timms spent years developing the device, inspired by childhood experiences working with his father, who later died of heart failure. The patient, previously too weak to walk, lived with the device for over 100 days before receiving a human heart transplant. Doctors anticipate BiVACOR could eventually replace the need for human donors. With more implants planned, this innovation offers new hope to those awaiting transplants.
‘Jesus Is King’: biggest streamer in the world shares Gospel with fans
Tyler Blevins, known as 'Ninja’, is one of the world’s most influential video-game streamers, with millions of followers across Twitch and YouTube. Recently, he made a bold faith statement during a livestream, declaring, 'Jesus is King’. This isn’t the first time Blevins has spoken about his beliefs. In 2019, he shared how doctors pressured his mother to abort him due to health concerns, but she refused, choosing life for him and his brothers. He calls her a 'saint' for that decision. During his recent faith discussion, Ninja encouraged respectful conversations about religion, urging people to listen rather than argue. He emphasised that faith should stem from a personal relationship with God, not fear. Blevins also highlighted the power of prayer, sharing how daily prayer has positively transformed his life. His core message is simple: love and respect everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
‘I was wrong’: Wikipedia co-founder abandons scepticism
Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia, has publicly declared his Christian faith after decades of scepticism. In a blog post, he shared his testimony, revealing his journey from doubt to embracing the truth of the Gospel. Sanger’s scepticism began in childhood, leading him to question all religions. Though he engaged in internal dialogues with a 'supremely wise being’, he never considered it true prayer. However, marriage and fatherhood challenged his worldview, making him reconsider self-interest and secular ideologies. His disillusionment with aggressive atheism prompted deeper reflection. In 2020, he began reading the Bible extensively, gradually realising its reliability. Though there wasn’t a single conversion moment, he eventually prayed a sinner’s prayer, acknowledging God’s truth. He now affirms that Scripture withstands scrutiny, contrary to his earlier assumptions. His transformation has softened him, bringing significant change to his life. His testimony stands as a powerful reminder that truth, when sought with an open heart, leads to Christ.
Billions in spending cuts expected, including welfare, in spring statement
Rachel Reeves is expected to announce billions of pounds in spending cuts - possibly including welfare - during her spring statement on 26 March. Facing economic challenges and her self-imposed fiscal rules, Reeves cannot borrow for day-to-day spending, leaving cuts as one of her only options. The Treasury is submitting proposals to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) ahead of its economic forecast. Reports suggest that a four-point plan of planning reform, Whitehall cuts, regulation cuts, and welfare cuts will be central to Reeves' strategy. Her fiscal policies require maintaining a £10 billion buffer, yet sluggish growth and rising borrowing costs are forcing difficult decisions. The Government is also bracing for economic impacts from global trade challenges, including Donald Trump’s trade policies. The government faces tough choices between tax hikes or further cuts: the outcome of its decisions will significantly impact public services and financial stability in the coming years.
