News and Prophecy Staff

China’s Belt and Road initiative—sometimes called the New Silk Road—has expanded ports and airports, railroads, power generation, and other infrastructure in many locations across the globe. But to what extent is China’s global influence growing? Consider Africa.

The UK government recently published an alarming report, noting, “Screen use is now near-universal in early childhood, with 98% of two-year-olds watching screens daily” (The Guardian, January 11, 2026). Research suggests that this abundance of screen time negatively impacts the vocabulary and coordination of these children.

Last week, European Union leaders met to discuss the rapidly changing scene on the continent and how to respond (Politico, February 12, 2026). Pressured by the cratering economies of multiple EU nations and the need to take charge of their own security, EU leaders seem to have concluded that a two-speed or multi-speed Europe is necessary to the bloc’s survival.

In many cultures, married couples wear wedding rings—an outward display of their commitment to each other. Now, in our brave new world where lawlessness abounds and the love of many grows cold (Matthew 24:12), some women are celebrating “freedom” from what they view as the shackles of marriage by wearing “divorce rings” (The Guardian, January 20, 2026).

Germany and France have had an on-again, off-again relationship for decades. Recently, that relationship has soured. Germany sees France as undermining “the landmark Mercosur trade deal with South America, which the Germans have long wanted in order to promote industrial exports. Germany is also considering pulling out of a €100 billion joint fighter-jet program over disputes with the French” (Politico, January 23, 2026).