Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories Global deals, air traffic chaos, an NBA conspiracy theory & the Biden cover-up book | Ep. 19
This week, Micah navigates the latest tariff, hostage, and ceasefire agreements made between the US and nations around the globe alongside Trump’s Middle East tour. Then it’s “Aviation Corner with Conner” – understanding the chaos unfolding at Newark airport and the “free” Air Force One replacement. Plus quick hits on the first American Pope, Pete Rose’s Baseball Hall of Fame eligibility, and a wild theory about a deeper conspiracy in the NBA. As always, we offer spiritual reflections and a look at what’s coming up in culture. We’re here to help you discern the news differently—and seek God’s wisdom along the way!
Topics
- (01:00): Global deals and ceasefires
- (04:20): China-US tariff reductions
- (05:47): Russia-Ukraine talks
- (09:18): Trump's Middle East tour
- (16:28): “Aviation Corner with Conner”
- (25:09): Qatar's $400 million gift to America
- (30:04): Spiritual reflections on trust and sin
- (32:43): Check-in section: New pope and Disney's new theme park
- (35:21): Sports updates: NBA, NFL, and MLB
- (38:07): Tune-in section: New tax bill, explosive book, and PGA championship
Resources
- Mailbag: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
- DenisonForum.org/subscribe
- Culture Brief on Instagram
- Iran and US conclude a fourth round of negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program in Oman
- Iran says recent negotiations with U.S. useful, sanctions not compatible with talks | Reuters
- Sa’ar backs newly announced 'US aid plan' to bypass Hamas in Gaza | The Times of Israel
- India and Pakistan Agree to Full, Immediate Ceasefire: Trump | TIME
- China celebrates hard-line stance after trade deal with U.S.
- US agrees ceasefire with Houthis in Yemen after dozens killed in airstrikes
- Trump to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Touts Deals in Middle East Tour - WSJ
- Trump must realise Putin is obstacle to peace, Zelenskyy says
- Zelenskyy says he will be waiting for Putin in Ankara for talks | AP News
- Flying cars, flight delays, and the path to “life and peace”
- 5 things to know for May 12: Trade war, PKK disarms, Habeas corpus, Newark airport, Air Force One | CNN
- Airport Chaos - The New York Times
- See How a Communications Outage Affected Flights at Newark Airport
- Transportation Secretary Unveils Plan to Overhaul Aging Air-Traffic Systems - The New York Times
- How Lost Radar and Silent Radios Have Upended Newark Air Travel - The New York Times
- The FAA relocated 24 air traffic controllers. It caused 800 delays within 2 weeks at Newark Airport. - CBS New York
- Another Newark airport disruption as Trump's transportation secretary talks of reducing flights
- Ben Shapiro, Laura Loomer lead rare MAGA backlash to Trump's Qatari jet
- Trump set to receive $400 million ‘flying palace’ from Qatar to use as Air Force One: report
- Trump’s Disgraceful ‘Palace in the Sky’ - by The Editors
- Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again eBook
About Micah Tomasella
Micah Tomasella is the Advancement Officer at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.
About Conner Jones
Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.
About Denison Forum
Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.