Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories

In this week’s Brief: We start with Trump’s latest Greenland comments, why the island suddenly matters again, and we ask the question: how should Christians think about power, land, and national interest when everything feels like geopolitical brinkmanship?Then we pivot to one of the best sports stories of our lifetime: Indiana football winning the national championship, why Curt Cignetti’s “Google me” era is already legend, and how quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s faith-forward platform points to a deeper kind of legacy than wins and trophies.Plus we hit a bunch of the “everything else” that makes Culture Brief what it is: a 2016 photo trend, a rapid-fire military quiz, the latest on Iran and Minnesota. Oh, and where are the rest of the Epstein files? Through it all, we’re trying to stay informed without being anxious, engage without being cynical, and remember that the earth still belongs to God—so our hope doesn’t rise and fall with headlines.Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:32) Trump’s Greenland speech update(3:35) Historical context of Greenland(5:37) Strategic importance of Greenland(8:06) Trump’s diplomatic moves and tariffs(15:26) Christian perspective on power and stewardship(20:09) Indiana football’s historic win(29:52) Faith and humility in sports(34:27) Hot takes and games(38:22) Current events and controversies(42:57) NFL playoffs and conclusionResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for Denison Forum newsletters: DenisonForum.org/newslettersArticles on this week’s top headlines:Denison Forum: Why is Greenland dominating the news?Denison Forum: Is Greenland worth what it will cost the United States?Denison Forum: President Trump to speak at the World Economic ForumThe Free Press: Will Trump Win Greenland or Lose Europe?WSJ: Why an Emboldened Trump Set His Sights on GreenlandDenison Forum: Faith at the center of Indiana’s title victoryCBS Sports: Where Fernando Mendoza's legendary fourth-down TD run ranks among greatest national championship game playsOn3: Curt Cignetti and Indiana have created a world of endless potential and hope for the rest of college footballX.com video: Fernando Mendoza’s Play of a Lifetime!Instagram Reel: This play is straight out of a movie Instagram Reel: Indiana’s rise: 2024-2025About Conner JonesConner 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 Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this week’s Brief: We touch on the ICE shooting in Minnesota and the nationwide protests unfolding in Iran, stepping back from the immediate outrage to talk about why these stories escalated so quickly and how Christians should respond with clarity, compassion, and prayer. We discuss why what’s happening in Iran feels different than past uprisings, what’s at stake as the regime cracks down, the potential for President Trump to order US military involvement, and why this moment calls for intercession, especially for persecuted believers.Plus quick hits on Bill and Hillary Clinton refusing to testify over the Epstein files, a DOJ investigation involving Fed Chair Jerome Powell, continued U.S. strikes against ISIS targets overseas, Scott Adams’ death, the new highest-grossing actor of all time, and why the Golden Globes function more like a Hollywood campaign stop than a cultural authority. And because it wouldn’t be Culture Brief without it, we get into the College Football Playoff National Championship, the NFL playoffs, wildly wrong preseason predictions, and the Buffalo Bills selling one of the strangest pieces of stadium memorabilia imaginable.Through it all, we’re considering what such a chaotic week reveals about our culture—and why Christians are called to consume the news differently, pray first, and anchor our hope not in power, politics, or outcomes, but in Christ.Topics(00:00): Introduction (01:17): Minnesota ice incident breakdown(11:11): National debate on immigration enforcement(19:36): Protests in Iran: a potential revolution(28:19): Trump’s response to Iranian protests(32:10): Prayers for Iran(32:27): Esther’s story and its relevance(33:56): NFL and stadium memorabilia(37:04): US military strikes on ISIS(40:33): Golden Globes recap(41:59): Clintons and Epstein subpoena(43:34): College football championship preview(45:01): NFL playoffs predictions(47:01): Conclusion and farewellResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines:Was the ICE shooting in Minnesota justified?What we know so far about the ICE shooting in MinneapolisHomeland Security to send hundreds more officers to Minnesota, Noem saysICE.govICE officer who shot Renee Good in Minneapolis has served decades in military and law enforcementRenee Good's Family Share Their 'Unimaginable Loss' After Her Death in Fatal ICE Shooting, Remember Her as 'Full of Heart'Deadly protests in Iran: A right analysis but a wrong spiritIran’s Leaders Face Their Biggest Challenge in a GenerationWhite House Weighs Iran’s Nuclear-Talks Offer as Trump Leans Toward StrikesIran Update, January 8, 2026Over 12,000 feared dead after Iran protests, as video shows bodies lined up at morgue'Dilbert' creator Scott Adams dies at 68 after prostate cancer diagnosisAbout Conner JonesConner 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 Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this week’s brief: We’re breaking down the headlines shaping the year’s explosive start, beginning with Operation Absolute Resolve and the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. What does the move signal militarily? How does it reshape the global chessboard? Was it legal? Does this operation support Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda? And was it worth the risk? We discuss the questions much of America is asking.From there, we talk about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s mess, the latest in U.S. and global politics, and check in on the CFP and NFL playoff picture. Plus: listener mailbag questions, bold 2026 predictions across entertainment and influence, and a few wild cards no one saw coming. As always, we do it all from a Christian worldview!Topics(00:00): Introduction (01:46): Operation absolute resolve: execution and impact(02:27): Us military excellence and global perception(06:35): Legal and political implications(21:16): Pros and cons of the Venezuela operation(29:36): Spiritual application and historical context(30:45): Power vs. trust: a biblical perspective(33:23): Global events and the spread of the gospel(34:31): Mailbag: listener feedback and discussions(38:16): 2026 predictions: movies, music, and influential people(44:52): Current events: Nigeria, Minnesota, and more(51:04): NFL playoffs and faith in sportsResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines:Pentagon Pizza Report X PostU.S. had 150 aircraft in the sky during Maduro raidFive questions about the US strike on VenezuelaWoman burned by pro-Maduro forces begs judge to lock up dictatorAbout Conner JonesConner 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 Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this week’s Brief: We take a wide-angle look at 2025, what we thought the year would hold, what actually happened, and what surprised us along the way, starting with a revisit to our predictions from January.Then we talk about the most influential people of 2025 followed by the biggest stories in fashion, food, pop-culture, sports, travel, nature, tech, global news, politics before landing on what we thought was the most defining story of the year. Plus the biggest biggest flops, most bizarre headlines,the best spiritual moments of 2025, and the lessons, both personal and collective, that emerged as the year unfolded.And as always, we zoom out to consider how Christians can look back honestly, discern wisely, and move forward with clarity and hope as culture continues to shift.Topics(00:00): Introduction(02:10): 2025 Predictions recap(06:42): Fun stats and tidbits from 2025(10:56): Most influential people of 2025(22:33): Prominent deaths in 2025(24:05): Biggest flops of 2025(28:48): Bizarre stories of the year(31:31): Pop culture highlights(34:24): Favorite movies of the year(35:47): Major sports stories(38:15): Travel disasters and aviation incidents(39:22): Natural disasters and government failures(41:58): Global headlines(43:08): Political shifts and controversies(45:53): Biggest story of the year(48:41): Reflections and lessons from 2025(51:45): Looking forward to 2026ResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines:Prediction: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bubble Will Burst in 2025. Here's Why. | The Motley FoolAbout Conner JonesConner 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 Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this week’s Brief: We walk through a heavy news cycle that collided head-on with the Christmas season. We unpack an attack on U.S. troops, the shooting at Brown University, the terrorist attack in Sydney, the horrific murders of Hollywood legend Rob Reiner and his wife, and a foiled NYE terror attack in California.Then, we shift gears to some lighter—but still meaningful—moments: favorite Christmas movies and traditions, reflections on what Christmas actually celebrates from a Christian perspective. Plus, quick-hit updates on the Candace Owens and Erika Kirk meeting, the Heisman trophy winner, Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore getting arrested, NFL updates, and predictions on this weekend’s College Football Playoff games.And as always, we step back to ask what it looks like for Christians to process real grief, stay informed, and still hold fast to hope and joy in a world that feels especially loud—and tender—this time of year.Topics(00:00): Introduction(01:46): US troops ambushed in Syria(02:53): Brown University shooting(06:07): Hanukkah attack in Australia(11:59): Rob Reiner's tragic murder(20:08): Foiled New Year's Eve terror attack(20:57): Christian response to evil(28:28): Top Christmas movies of all time(36:18): Reflecting on Christmas traditions(41:46): Candace Owens and Turning Point USA controversy(43:51): Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman(44:45): Sherrone Moore scandal(45:36): NFL injuries and playoff implications(46:50): College Football playoffs previewResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines:Rob Reiner and his wife found dead; police probe homicide - Denison ForumRob Reiner’s son arrested in connection with parents’ deaths - Denison ForumTwo heroes of the Hanukkah massacre in Australia - Denison ForumWhat the controversial “God & Country” documentary gets right and wrong: Should you watch? - Denison ForumThomas Massie on XMike Lawler on XJenna Ellis on XAttorney General Pamela Bondi on XPatrick Mahomes on XAbout Conner JonesConner 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 Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this week’s Brief: We break down the massive Netflix and Paramount fight to out-bid one another in a multibillion-dollar purchase of Warner Bros.—a move that could reshape everything in Hollywood and change how Americans engage TV and movies. Is this a death knell for movie theaters? Are the streaming wars done or just getting started? What does a deal mean for average consumers? We tackle it all!Plus, hear our thoughts on Spotify’s annual “Wrapped” feature, updates on farmer relief packages, the latest on drug-running vessel strikes in the Caribbean, and more pressure being placed on Venezuela. And of course, we talk about the now finalized College Football Playoff bracket!And as always, we step back to ask what all this movement—on the field, in Hollywood, in Washington, and around the globe—means for Christians trying to stay wise, steady, and hopeful in a fast-shifting culture.Topics(00:00): Introduction(00:13): Philip Rivers' NFL comeback(01:58): Netflix and Warner Bros. deal(04:34): Paramount's competing bid(07:19): Implications for Hollywood and beyond(13:04): Streaming wars and market competition(22:46): Theater experience vs. home viewing(28:37): Spiritual reflections on media influence(32:32): Listener engagement and Spotify Wrapped(36:29): Global news and conflicts(39:42): Upcoming sports eventsResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeArticles on this week’s top headlines:How a Netflix-Warner Deal Would Change Everything in Hollywood—Again - WSJWhat Netflix Gains From Buying Warner Bros.CNN: Paramount goes hostileNYT: DealBook: Does Netflix have a chance?Alex Sherman on XBehind Paramount’s Relentless Campaign to Woo Warner Discovery and President Trump - WSJAbout Conner JonesConner 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 Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this week’s Brief: We round up the top stories dominating the headlines, including the latest in peace negotiations in the Ukraine-Russia war, the tragic attack near the White House and its implications for U.S. immigration policy, and controversy around drone strikes on drug vessels in the Caribbean. We also zoom out for a 250-year look at the American worker: how wages, conditions, and protections have changed over time, and how emerging technologies like AI might reshape the future of work once again. And because culture includes the fun stuff too, we give our take on the wild college-football coaching carousel and celebrate a massive week at the box office.Through it all, we highlight why a Christian worldview matters in staying grounded, grateful, and wise as we navigate a noisy and complex world.Topics(00:00): Introduction(01:05): Foreign policy roundup: Ukraine and Russia(05:15): Domestic tragedy: attack near the White House(10:24): Military actions in the Caribbean and Venezuela(18:22): The evolution of the American worker(27:52): Gratitude and faith in changing times(34:19): A listener’s powerful immigration story(39:02): Box office report(41:22): College football chaosResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:Faith & Clarity Podcast: Managing holiday loneliness, controversial cloning, and the spiritual revival of Millennials and Gen ZOther articles on this week’s top headlines:Denison Forum: Has Pete Hegseth committed war crimes?Denison Forum: National Guard soldier dies a day after DC attackDenison Forum: Zelensky wants to finalize a deal with Trump over ThanksgivingDenison Forum: US sends Ukraine detailed plan to end the war with RussiaNYT: Lawmakers Suggest Follow-Up Boat Strike Could Be a War CrimeBBC: US halts all asylum claim decisions after National Guard shootingX: Secretary Kristi NoemPolitico: What Trump didn’t sayCNN: Pentagon playbook problemsWashington Post: Hegseth, with White House help, tries to distance himself from boat strike falloutWall Street Journal: 250 Years of Work in AmericaUS Bureau of Labor Statistics Report 1US Bureau of Labor Statistics Report 2US Census Bureau ReportAbout Conner JonesConner 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 Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this week’s Brief: we break down a whirlwind week in U.S. politics—from the fallout surrounding the newly released Epstein files to what the shifting narrative means for President Trump and the broader Republican landscape. We also take a closer look at the growing fractures within the MAGA movement, including the tension playing out among voices like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene. Then we zoom out to the global stage, diving into the UN’s response to Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan and renewed chatter about Ukraine peace talks. And we talk about Tom Cruise’s honorary Oscar and why he’s earned it.Through it all, we’re asking: how do we stay faithful, discerning, and hopeful as followers of Jesus in the middle of so much political noise?Topics(00:00): Introduction(00:57): Political Turmoil among Republicans(03:02): MAGA Media Sphere and Internal Conflicts(05:23): Trump's Controversial Stances(16:10): Epstein Files: What We Know So Far(24:32): Trump's Lame Duck Status(28:30): Implications of the Epstein Files(30:19): Justice for Epstein's Victims(31:42): Spiritual Reflections and Challenges(37:03): Global Updates: Peace Plans and Redistricting(41:07): Tom Cruise gets an Oscar(42:41): Tune in and Happy ThanksgivingResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:X Video: Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein come together for a video calling on Congress to release the Epstein files.The Atlantic: Epstein Returns at the Worst Time for TrumpOther articles on this week’s top headlines:Denison Forum: President Trump says the House should release Epstein filesDenison Forum: Tom Cruise receives his first OscarNYT: Once He Was ‘Just Asking Questions.’ Now Tucker Carlson Is the Question.Axios: MAGA's metastasizing messAxios: Trump's Epstein U-turnPolitico: Trump’s message to MAGAPolitico: Greene turns a new leafPolitico: Why Trump can never win on EpsteinCNN: Exposing MAGA media’s cracksWSJ: How Marjorie Taylor Greene Alienated TrumpTIME: Who Else Was Mentioned in the Latest Epstein EmailsTangle: The Epstein emails.WSJ: What We’re WatchingAbout Conner JonesConner 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 Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this week’s Brief: We’re talking about the political maneuvering that happened to reopen the government. And Micah dives into the Democratic Party’s ongoing identity crisis, exploring questions of leadership, vision, and unity as the 2026 elections loom. Should they choose the socialist or moderate path?Shifting gears, they cover a major week in sports and pop culture, including Nancy Pelosi’s retirement announcement, an MLB betting scandal involving top pitchers, and tragic losses across the NFL that have fans reflecting on life and legacy. And catch our thoughts on the firing of Nico Harrison, the Dallas Mavericks GM who was responsible for the worst trade in NBA history.Through it all, we’re considering what this mix of chaos and change reveals about our culture—and why true stability and hope can only be found in Christ.Topics(00:00): Introduction(01:10): Government shutdown: Current status and impacts(03:36): Political maneuvering and shutdown resolution(17:38): Democratic party dynamics and future challenges(23:43): Democrats' identity crisis(30:04): The American political system's distraction(31:51): Spiritual reflections on leadership(36:14): Nancy Pelosi's retirement announcement(37:50): MLB pitchers' betting scandal(40:21): NFL tragedies and legacies(43:43): NBA's worst trade in historyResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:Gov. Gavin Newsom X PostOther articles on this week’s top headlines:Lawmakers take step to end US government shutdown - Denison ForumPolitico: Dem Civil WarPolitico: The shutdown endgame gets clearer'A very bad night': Democrats face blowback from their own party over shutdown deal - ABC NewsGovernment shutdown end in sight as Senate approves funding package, sending it to HouseWhat to Know About the Deal to End the Shutdown | TIMEThese 8 senators broke with Democrats on the government shutdown deal. Here's how they explain itThe delicate dance of the DemocratsAbout Conner JonesConner 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 Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this week’s Brief: We’re talking tariffs and how they’re not impacting the US economy nearly as much as experts predicted back in April. But this week’s SCOTUS hearing could change that. We also take a closer look at Christian persecution in Nigeria, where Trump is threatening military action if the killings of Christians continue.Plus updates on the death of Dick Cheney and the UPS plane crash in Kentucky before a recap of Tuesday’s elections across the country and what they mean for the future of both political parties. We also cover the ongoing US government shutdown, MLB World Series, and key NFL trade deadlines. Tune in to explore how culture, sports, and faith intersect in our daily lives.Topics(00:00): Introduction(00:41): Tariffs, Supreme Court, and US economy(06:57): Impact of tariffs on the economy(18:09): Christian persecution in Nigeria(28:23): Call to prayer for Nigeria(29:29): Prayer for persecuted Christians(31:12): How to help persecuted Christians(32:08): Listener's hot take: 18-wheelers in express lanes(34:52): Tragic plane crash in Louisville(35:37): Dick Cheney's legacy and passing(37:49): Election results and political implications(42:01): Government shutdown: The longest in history(45:18): Dodgers win the World Series(46:33): NFL trade deadline highlightsResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube! Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeLinks mentioned in this episode:Donald Trump on Truth Social: Persecution of Christians in NigeriaDonald Trump on Truth Social: Message to NigeriaJihadists Persecute Christians in Nigeria. Is It Genocide?Open Doors21WilberforceThe Voice of the MartyrsWorld Evangelical AllianceFirst Liberty InstituteOther articles on this week’s top headlines:Denison Forum: What kind of Mayor will Zohran Mamdani be?Denison Forum: If spreading the gospel was as easy as ‘67’What’s at Stake as Trump’s Tariffs Go Before the Supreme CourtHow the U.S. Economy Has Defied Doomsday Predictions on TariffsWhat Have We Learned from the U.S. Tariff Increases of 2018-19?Trade | The Budget Lab at YaleTariffs | BrookingsTrump’s New Line of Attack Targets NigeriaDaily Brief on Persecution of Nigerian ChristiansJihadists Persecute Christians in Nigeria. Is It Genocide?The Government of Nigeria Versus Senator Ted Cruz | Council on Foreign RelationsAbout Conner JonesConner 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 Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement 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 Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.