Podcasts about Deseret News

Jason Swenson with the Deseret News, joins us to discuss the ripple effects of a government shutdown on military pay and what families can do to cope during uncertain times.

Burke Olsen, Digital Content Director of the Deseret News, joined the show to discuss the biggest challenges for issues facing American businesses as well as an upcoming event called Utah Business Forward, focused on sharing knowledge to strengthen the Utah economy.

Continuing our discussion of AI, Holly spoke to Sarah Weaver from the Deseret News about the church's use of AI or lack thereof. Recently, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that there are two cases in which AI may not be used: preparation of conference and sacrament meetings, and generation of images of Jesus Christ.  

Mark Kellner and I discuss his October 24, 2025, article in The Epoch Times where he states that more "Americans now say religion is gaining influence in national life than at any point in the past 15 years," which comes from a Pew Research Center report on October 20, 2025. Mark and I have been friends for 30 years and have discussed many topics related to faith and the Churches of God.  He is a well-known author and a great person to talk to.  This is our third podcast.   Career highlights Kellner began writing about issues of faith and freedom in 1983.   From March 11, 1991, to January 18, 2014, he wrote some 1,200 weekly—and for about 18 months, semi-weekly—technology columns for The Washington Times.   He authored a religion-news column for The Washington Times titled “Higher Ground,” which debuted January 25, 2013.   From February 2014 to September 2015, he served as national reporter for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City.   From 2021-2024, Kellner was a national “Faith & Family” reporter for The Washington Times.   He is now based in Mesquite, Nevada.  Areas of focus & contributions Kellner has covered technology topics (especially earlier in his career) and later moved strongly into religion, faith institutions, family issues, religious liberty, and cultural trends.   He has also contributed to other outlets such as Religion News Service, Christianity Today, and various magazines/newspapers.  1 Kellner is a philatelist (stamp collector) and is a member of philatelic societies including the Royal Philatelic Society London, the Collectors Club of New York, and a life member of the American Philatelic Society.   Notable publications He is the author of God on the Internet.   He also wrote a book in the “For Dummies®” series (about WordPerfect or other software) during his technology-writing era.  Significance in journalism Kellner's career reflects a breadth of reporting: from technology journalism to deep engagement with faith and family issues in the public square. His long tenure at The Washington Times (both in tech and faith reporting) gives him significant institutional memory in those realms. Because of his religion and family-focus work, his writing often intersects with cultural, social and values-based dimensions of journalism. Current status As of his website update (2024–25), Kellner remains a freelance journalist available for assignments and has experience covering swing-state elections (for the New York Post in Nevada).  He continues to maintain his portfolio of stories on faith, family, culture and technology.  

With food stamp benefits in flux and school nutrition programs stretched thin, philanthropists are stepping up to take a bite out of childhood hunger.. but is it enough to combat school lunch debt? Lois Collins with the Deseret News joins the show.

According to a report by the Deseret News and Hinckley Institute of Politics, over half of Utahns say they are living paycheck to paycheck, with an additional quarter struggling to cover basic expenses. Holly and Guest Host Marty Carpenter discuss these numbers and what they mean for the future. They also listen to some advice from Certified Financial Planner with DMBA Shane Stewart for some tips on staying in the black.

As the shutdown drags ever onward, some senators are forgoing their pay until the whole situation is remedied. Deseret News' Congressional Correspondent Cami Mondeaux joined the show to tell us a little more about what is happening right now, how congressional staffers are getting creative without pay and some members of Congress are opting out. Greg and Holly also discuss comments made by Utah Sen. John Curtis, who tells House Speaker Mike Johnson, "It's time to get back to work". 

This weekend, we all fell back an hour as daylight savings reared its ugly head once more. People continue to bemoan the change and and why we use it, and politicians have been trying to rid America of it for years. Jay Evensen, opinion editor of the Deseret News, told Holly and guest host Marty Carpenter why that's unlikely to happen.  

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Halloween can be overwhelming for kids with autism and also for parents. Greg and Holly walk through tips from the Deseret News for a stress-free night.

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

SNAP benefits are due to run out at the end of this weekend, and grocery delivery apps are looking to step in and help out. GoPuff and DoorDash are doing their part by offering discounts and free deliveries on their apps to those who need it. Cami Mondeux from the Deseret News joins the show to discuss the shutdown and if there have been any changes that signal a possible end to the government shutdown in the future.

4:20 pm: Ward Clark, political columnist and contributor to RedState, joins the show to discuss his recent piece about the downfall of American cities.4:38 pm: Shawn Teigen, President of the Utah Foundation, joins Rod and Greg to discuss his op-ed piece for the Deseret News about why social capital and community life are important to Utah.6:05 pm: Michele Steeb, Founder of the Free Up Foundation and Visiting Fellow at the Discovery Institute's Fix Homelessness Initiative, joins Rod and Greg to discuss her Fox News piece about the corruption behind the homelessness crisis.

No one gets more hyped for Halloween than Utahns. But where does our love for the holiday come from? Host Ali Vallarta asks Deseret News features writer Meg Walter to explain Utah's Halloween obsession. This episode first aired Oct. 26, 2023. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.  Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  PLUNJ Salt Lake City Gov

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the makers of Tylenol for "causing autism" - and a new poll asked Utahns what they think of the alleged link. Lois Collins with the Deseret News joins with the details.

Holly discusses her latest opinion piece in the Deseret News, about personality tests and if they can really capture the real you.

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

86,000 Utah families could lose food benefits, and the Utah legislature will not be backfilling the SNAP needs, which total $33 million each month in Utah. Brigham Tomco with the Deseret News joins the show to explain the legislative conversations and what it means for vulnerable households.

Parents and policymakers are asking if Utah’s largest school district should be divided. Eva Terry with the Deseret News explains the latest on the debate and what a split could mean for students and communities. Granite School District Superintendent Ben Horsley shares the district's response to this idea. 

Governor Cox and Utah leaders were in Australia and New Zealand to strengthen trade ties. Jason Swensen with the Deseret News joins the show to unpack the mission’s goals and what it means for Utah businesses.

Utah GOP cancels public hearings in bid to undo anti-gerrymandering law -- Halloween Home Tour winners --  Deseret News redistricting poll 

After a police bust revealed an NBA-linked illegal betting ring was being run by the mafia, it raised an important concern over Americans and the rising prominence of sports betting. Jay Evensen, Opinion Editor for the Deseret News, joins the show to talk about the pandemic of parlays.

Sarah Weaver, Editor of the Deseret News, joined Holly and Greg to talk about the rising importance of faith among the youth and what this means for the future of the church.

This week on The Narrative, Mike, David, and CAN Executive Director Chris Lightfoot break down major updates from the Ohio Statehouse, including: Progress on the Success Sequence Bill, Indecent exposure reforms, and Protecting kids from high-potency THC products. They also discuss why marriage is often missing from today’s fatherhood programs and why the Church must lead on family formation. Plus, Chris shares how the Church Ambassador Network’s Minnery Fellowship and new Hope and a Future tour are equipping pastors to strengthen marriage and family ministries across Ohio. After the news, Mike, David, and Aaron interview Clare Morell, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, about why she's calling for Americans to consider a smartscreen-free childhood for their children. Drawing from groundbreaking research and her new book, The Tech Exit, she outlines practical steps for families and policy solutions that are gaining national momentum. She also explains why schools, churches, and communities must lead a countercultural movement toward real human connection and spiritual renewal. Listen wherever you get your podcasts! More about Clare Morell Clare Morell is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in the Bioethics, Technology and Human Flourishing Program. Prior to joining EPPC, Ms. Morell worked in both the White House Counsel’s Office and the Department of Justice, as well as in the private and non-profit sectors. She is also the author of The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones, published by Penguin Random House. Ms. Morell has had opinion pieces published in the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Bloomberg News, The New York Post, Newsweek, the Washington Examiner, National Review, First Things, National Affairs, American Affairs Journal, Deseret News, The Federalist, The Hill, Public Discourse, WORLD Magazine, The American Conservative, the Washington Times, and the Daily Signal. Ms. Morell has testified before Congress. Her policy work has also been featured in The New York Times, and she has done television interviews with Fox News, Blaze TV, EWTN, and Epoch TV, as well as print interviews with The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Review, and WORLD Magazine, among others. Ms. Morell received a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, where she majored in Science, Technology, and International Affairs. She graduated summa cum laude and received the Edmund A. Walsh Award for academic achievement in international law. Ms. Morell lives with her husband and three children in Washington, DC

*Content Warning: distressing themes, self-harm, rape, substance abuse, substance use disorder, child abuse, verbal abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, institutional abuse, childhood sexual abuse, sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, death, and suicide. *Free + Confidential Resources + Safety Tips:  somethingwaswrong.com/resources    Snag your ticket for the live Home for the Holidays event here: https://events.humanitix.com/swwxtgi  Check out our brand new SWW Sticker Shop!: https://brokencyclemedia.com/sticker-shop  *SWW S23 Theme Song & Artwork:  The S24 cover art is by the Amazing Sara Stewart Follow Something Was Wrong: Website: somethingwaswrong.com  IG: instagram.com/somethingwaswrongpodcast TikTok: tiktok.com/@somethingwaswrongpodcast  Follow Tiffany Reese: Website: tiffanyreese.me  IG: instagram.com/lookieboo *Sources  Deseret News, and Amy Joi Bryson. “Teen Facility Targets Suicide Prevention.” Deseret News, Deseret News, 14 Jan. 2024, www.deseret.com/2004/7/30/19842793/teen-facility-targets-suicide-prevention Fuchs, David. “Utah Has Seen Abuse in ‘troubled Teen' Programs for Decades. Now, Momentum Slowly Builds for Change.” KUER, KUER, 24 Mar. 2021, www.kuer.org/health-science-environment/2020-12-17/utah-has-seen-abuse-in-troubled-teen-programs-for-decades-now-momentum-slowly-builds-for-change Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Pathophysiology and Prevention of Adolescent and Adult Suicide; Goldsmith SK, Pellmar TC, Kleinman AM, et al., editors. Reducing Suicide: A National Imperative. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2002. 5, Childhood Trauma. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK220932/ Kubler, Katherine, creator and director. The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping. Netflix, 2024 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31183637/  Lopez-Castroman, Jorge et al. “Early childhood sexual abuse increases suicidal intent.” World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) vol. 12,2 (2013): 149-54. doi:10.1002/wps.20039 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3683267/ Myers et al v. Dr. Phil Organization et al, No. 1:2014CV00007 - Document 77 (D. Utah 2015) :: Justia, law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/utah/utdce/1:2014cv00007/91862/77/ Reavy, Pat. “Family Sues Dr. Phil, Utah Treatment Center.” Deseret News, Deseret News, 28 Dec. 2023, www.deseret.com/2014/1/29/20534024/family-sues-dr-phil-utah-treatment-center/

Davis County leaders are proposing a property tax hike of nearly 30%, while Salt Lake County’s mayor is pushing for a 20% increase. What’s driving these changes, and how will they impact homeowners? KSL NewsRadio's Adam Small joins us to break down the numbers and the reasons behind the hike in Davis County. Greg and Holly discuss more about the reasoning behind Salt Lake County's proposed property tax increase. Brigham Tomco with the Deseret News joins the show to discuss why property taxes in Utah are continuing to increase.

Jay Evensen, Opinion Editor with the Deseret News, breaks down how some American staples can also be recession indicators.  

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been reorganized. Sarah Weaver, Editor of the Deseret News joins Greg and Holly to walk through the new leadership.

New research shows that even one hour of daily social media use can lower kids’ test scores. Deseret News writer Lois Collins explains the science and what parents can do to help.

Is World War III already underway—and we just haven’t realized it yet? A new opinion piece from the Opinion Editor of the Deseret News, Jay Evensen, suggests the battlefield may not be physical, but digital.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson broke up suggestions of a bill to resume military pay in an effort to increase pressure on the Democrats to negotiate. Deseret News' Congressional Correspondent Cami Mondeaux spoke to Greg and Marty about the scene on the ground in Washington, D.C. 

The Utah Mammoth beat writer for the Deseret News on their loss to the Avs last night on opening night, Will they be able to lock in Logan Cooley long term (?) + more

The Trump Administration has threatened no back pay to furloughed employees to add pressure to Democrats to approve the new budget. We discuss with Deseret News' Cami Mondeaux about how this shutdown is hurting government workers and if this attempt is even going to work. 

As we pass the week mark of the government shutdown, there is no end in sight. Greg and guest host John Dougal spoke to Deseret News' Cami Mondeaux about her view from the ground in Washington. Then, Greg and John spoke to Dr. Mary Tipton about how insurance factors into the shutdown, and what people need to know about their healthcare. Finally, Greg and John look at how the shutdown has affected air travel. 

4:20 pm: Guy Ciarrocchi, Senior Fellow for the Commonwealth Foundation and contributor to Broad and Liberty, joins the program for a conversation about his piece on the questions every Democrat should have to answer about violent actions within the party.4:38 pm: Kevin McCullough, nationally syndicated radio host and contributor to Townhall, joins Rod and Greg to discuss his recent piece on how Portland, Oregon has become a hellhole under the supervision of Democrats.6:05 pm: Representative Steve Eliason joins the program for a conversation about his piece in the Deseret News about working across the aisle to stop political violence.6:38 pm: Representative Candice Pierucci joins Rod and Greg to discuss the results of today's special session to vote on a new congressional map for the state.

Connect with Grace Ninsiima:https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-ninsiima-12a975205/https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jane-clayson-johnson/pathway-to-hope-byu-pathway-worldwide-in-africa/https://www.byupathway.edu/pathway-to-hopeTailgate in Tucson:https://alumni.byu.edu/byuvsarizona25 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079511258580This week on Y's Guys, Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler recap BYU's 38–24 win over West Virginia, which pushed the Cougars to 5–0 and vaulted them to No. 18 in both the AP and Coaches polls. True freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns, while wide receivers Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston each topped 100 yards. The win came before a sellout crowd of over 63,000 and drew national praise—Fox's Big Noon Kickoff called Bachmeier “the most impressive freshman in college football.”The show previews BYU's next challenge, a road test at Arizona. The Cougars lead the all-time series 13–12–1 and will face an explosive Wildcats offense led by quarterback Noah Fifita. BYU's defense remains elite, currently No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense and among the best in third-down stops. Blaine revisits his “keys to the game,” while Kalani Sitake's postgame soundbite sets the tone for what BYU must improve to keep their perfect record intact.The episode also features three special guests. Pat Patterson, BYU Alumni leader in Arizona, shares plans for the Tucson tailgate, fan service project, and Cougar Nation's desert takeover. Jimmer Fredette, BYU legend and new podcaster, joins from his home in Colorado to discuss BYU basketball's offseason success, the signing of No. 1 JUCO recruit KJ Perry, and his advice for players handling early hype. Finally, Jay Drew of the Deseret News reveals his five-game BYU football report card, grading every position group and offering his forecast for the Big 12 race.This week's Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, presented by Redmond, honors Parker Kingston, who totaled 111 yards and two touchdowns in the win over West Virginia. Kingston is the only player in modern BYU history with a touchdown rushing, receiving, passing, and on a punt return. The episode closes with Grace Ninsiima, a BYU Pathway Worldwide graduate from Uganda, whose remarkable journey from poverty to success was featured in Jane Clayson Johnson's new BYUtv documentary Pathway to Hope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As more federal employees continue to work unpaid, worries continue to grow. Democrats and Republicans seem past negotiation as resolutions continue to fail. Deseret News' Congressional Correspondent Cami Mondeaux joins Greg and guest host Jason Perry from DC to talk about it.  

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a special broadcast...to honor the life of the late president of the church...President Russell M. Nelson. Greg and Maura speak with Sarah Weaver, Editor of the Deseret News to preview the event. Carole Mikita with KSL 5 TV joins the show to recap the tribute and share more on the life and legacy of President Russel M. Nelson.

The government shutdown has lasted for two days now, for the first time since 2018. There have been disagreements on both sides about where funding needs to be, and neither party is budging in the discussion to get a budget across the line. We had Congressman Blake Moore on the show to discuss what he is seeing on the floor and what they need to discuss to move forward. Deseret News, Opinion Editor Jay Evensen joins the show to discuss if we are all missing the big picture with this current shutdown.

Utah pharmacists are now free to prescribe COVID-19 shots to customers. The new guidelines around vaccines and who they are allowed to administer them to have been up in the air until a meeting in mid-September ruled that Utah pharmacists have the authority to prescribe and administer the new variant of the COVID-19 vaccine. Lois M. Collins, a reporter for Deseret News, joins Greg to discuss the confusing direction around these medical practices. 

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

The Rod and Greg Show Rundown – Tuesday, September 30, 2025Thaddeus McCotter, a contributor to American Greatness, joins the program to discuss his piece about how the left's political playbook is about projection and deflection.Jennifer Graham, Ideas and Culture Editor for the Deseret News, joins Rod and Greg for a conversation about how abortion is no longer about Roe v. Wade, but about red states against blue states.

By midnight tonight, if Congress cannot agree to terms and pass the budget bill...the government will shut down. Some Democratic members are holding out on voting for the bill as it doesn't address major healthcare issues such as tax credits and will cut funding to healthcare. Deseret News' Cami Mondeaux fills us in on the up-to-date details and energy on the floor as the timer ticks down.

President Russell M. Nelson...the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...passed away this weekend at 101 years old. Greg is joined by guest host Morgan Lyon-Cotti, Associate Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. The hosts discuss President Nelson's long life of service and faith with KSL TV's Carole Mikita, Sarah Weaver, Editor of the Deseret News, and Aimee Cobabe from the Church News share many highlights on his life and impact.

Americans are on edge, and recent polling from the Deseret News and the Hinckley Institute of Politics reveals a growing fear of rising political violence. What’s driving the concern—and how can we get to civility? Greg and Morgan Lyon-Cotti, Associate Director of the Hinckley Institute, break down this polling and where we are as a country.

President Russell M. Nelson, Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Sept. 27, at the age of 101.  As the world mourns this loss, the Church News podcast dedicates this special memorial episode to his leadership, teachings, revelations and kindness. This podcast features just a small sample of his words from general conference talks, devotionals and more.  President Nelson will be forever known as a man of science and faith. During his tenure as President of the Church, he reinforced the correct name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; implemented a home-centered, Church-supported curriculum with the introduction of the “Come, Follow Me” study program just in time to guide the Church through the COVID-19 pandemic; announced the building and renovation of scores of temples around the world; encouraged peacemaking; and continually invited individuals to reinforce their own faith in Jesus Christ, the Restoration of the gospel and commitment to the covenant path.  We commemorate the lasting legacy of this prophet, seer and revelator, with Sarah Jane Weaver, Deseret News editor and Church News executive editor, as guest host for this special episode.  The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

An Arizona special election last night gave Congress another Democrat - and that impacts the Epstein files. Cami Mondeux, Congressional Correspondent with the Deseret News joins with the latest details. Greg and Holly turn to breaking news out of Dallas where officials provide updates on a shooting that took place at an ICE facility.

Connecticut is the latest state to ban marriage between first cousins, joining a growing list of states tightening restrictions on familial unions. But where is it still legal and what is the law in Utah? Greg and Holly discuss this with Lois Collins from the Deseret News. 

This Devotional address with Elder Clark G. and Sister Christine C. Gilbert was delivered on Tuesday, September 23, at 11:30 AM MST in the BYU-Idaho I-Center. Elder Clark G. Gilbert was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on April 3, 2021. He currently serves as the Commissioner of the Church Educational System. At the time of his call, he had been serving as an Area Seventy in the Utah Area. Elder Gilbert has served in a number of Church callings, including full-time missionary in the Japan Kobe Mission, elders quorum president, counselor in a stake presidency, and bishop. Elder Gilbert received a bachelor's degree in international relations from Brigham Young University, a master's degree in Asian studies from Stanford University, and a doctorate from Harvard University. He worked as a professor of entrepreneurial management at Harvard University. He was later the chief executive officer of the Deseret News and Deseret Digital Media. In 2015 he became president of BYU–Idaho and was subsequently appointed as the inaugural president of BYU–Pathway Worldwide in 2017. Sister Christine C. Gilbert graduated from BYU in Family Science and taught elementary school before becoming a full-time homemaker. Sister Gilbert has served in multiple ecclesiastical roles, including Stake Young Women President, Primary President, early morning Seminary Teacher, and Sunday School Instructor. Sister Gilbert has a love for learning and a passion for her family, and a commitment to the gospel. Elder and Sister Gilbert were married in 1994. They are the parents of eight children and the proud and delighted grandparents of one.

It's Wednesday, September 17th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Muslims in Congo killed 26 Christians at funeral Islamic extremists killed 26 Christians who were attending a funeral last Monday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These attacks continued for two more days. Rev. Mbula Samaki told Open Doors, “The casualty as of now stands at more than 70 Christians killed, at least 100 kidnapped, 16 houses, eight motorbikes and two vehicles burnt. It is horrible.” Islamic extremists are continuing to target churches in the Christian-majority country to displace Christian communities.   Please pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ in Congo. The central African nation is ranked 35th on the Open Doors World Watch List of the most difficult countries to be a Christian.  Canadian court affirms Christian soldier who refused COVID shot In Canada, a federal labor board ruled in favor of a Christian military member who refused a COVID-19 shot on religious grounds.  Canada's Department of National Defense denied Marvin Castillo a religious exemption from the COVID shot. He was subsequently fired from his job in 2021.  In a landmark decision, Canada's Public Sector Labor Relations and Employment Board ruled against the Department of National Defense. The decision stated, “[Castillo] was entitled to an exemption because he has a sincere religious belief that he should not receive the vaccine.”  Castillo referenced 1 Corinthians 6:19 to defend the decision he made about what to put into his body. The verse says, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” Trump targets another Venezuelan narco-terrorist boat The United States military targeted another drug boat from Venezuela on Monday. The strike killed three people on board the vessel. On Truth Social, President Donald Trump wrote, “The Strike occurred while these confirmed narco-terrorists from Venezuela were in International Waters transporting illegal narcotics headed to the U.S. (A DEADLY WEAPON POISONING AMERICANS!) These extremely violent drug trafficking cartels POSE A THREAT to U.S. National Security, Foreign Policy, and vital U.S. Interests.” The United States carried out a similar strike on a boat carrying drugs from Venezuela two weeks ago. Court greenlights Trump defunding Planned Parenthood Last Thursday, a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration can defund Planned Parenthood. The case involves a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which barred Medicaid funds from going to abortion mills. A district court blocked the provision back in July. The latest ruling overturns that preliminary injunction.   Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue, commented, “Planned Parenthood is quickly running out of friends in high and dark places, and we praise God for it. Over 40 Planned Parenthoods have already closed – we expect that number to grow over the coming weeks, and we'll celebrate every one.” Gen Z men support Trump; Gen Z women supported Kamala NBC News released a new poll on U.S. adults ages 18 to 29. The survey found Gen Z men who voted for President Trump said having children was the most important indicator of success. Being married was also a top indictor. Meanwhile, Gen Z women who voted for Kamala Harris listed being married and having children near the bottom of their indicators of success. Instead, career fulfillment and having plenty of money were the most important. Young men who backed Harris and young women who backed President Trump similarly prioritized money and career over children and family. Kirk's killer: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it.”  Officials in Utah charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder yesterday. The 22-year-old is accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk while he was speaking with students at Utah Valley University last Wednesday. Authorities said Robinson left DNA on the trigger of the rifle used to fire the deadly shot. He also left a note for his transgender partner hidden under a keyboard that said, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it.”  Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced the charges. He said, “The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy.” After listing the charges against Robinson, Gray added this.f GRAY: “I am filing a notice of intent to seek the death penalty.” Waves of people returned to church after Charlie Kirk's assassination And finally, Faithwire reports waves of people returned to church over the weekend after the death of Charlie Kirk. Kirk was an outspoken Christian. He told Deseret News earlier this year that his goal was to point people “toward ultimate purposes and toward getting back to the church, getting back to faith.” Hundreds of people posted about their return to church over the weekend after being inspired by Kirk's faith. Listen to the testimony of one young mother of three about the decision that she and her husband made. YOUNG MOTHER: “After the events of the last week, Devin and I had a lot of talking about the type of life that we want for ourselves and how we want our boys to be. We talked about Charlie Kirk. We talked about a man of God who was not afraid to stand in his convictions in anything. “We are raising three boys that will one day be men, and we want those boys to be as strong in their convictions as Charlie Kirk was. And we realized we had been doing a great disservice by not taking them to church and introducing them to faith up until this point. It is because of Charlie Kirk that we went to church today.” Isaiah 55:6-7 says, “Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him. Let them turn to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, September 17th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.