We are in the middle of a very busy election year, and presidential politics will continue to be the center of our political discussions until November. However, 2025 will be the year of very big spending battles in Congress and it all starts with the appropriations process this year. Emily Brooks from The Hill highlights that the same group of frustrated lawmakers that ousted Kevin McCarthy from the Speakership have the same concerns around spending, and those concerns aren't going away soon.

The numbers are painting a dire situation for churches in America. Many pastors, like Ryan Burge, can share their experiences that highlight the broader shifts occurring in American religious life to one of secularization. As traditional church attendance is on the decline and the rise of the religiously unaffiliated continues to increase, it causes us all to question the future of organized religion in America and a pastor's personal toll of leading a dying congregation.

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the battle to define Vice President Kamala Harris has begun in earnest. With contrasting ads from the Trump campaign and Harris's team, voters are presented with starkly different portrayals of the likely Democratic nominee. These competing narratives highlight the high stakes of the upcoming election and the pivotal role Harris may play in shaping America's future. As we see these advertisements, it is important that all of us remain informed and do not take things at face value. So what do the facts say? Glenn Kessler from The Washington Post shares his analysis on the advertisements.

Yesterday, the Senate passed a major legislation to address the issue of child safety in online spaces. The bill will go to the House for a vote, who won't be back for a month from their in state work period. Shoshanna Weissmann from the R Street Institute shares that this legislation aims to mitigate the harmful effects of the internet on America's youth, which we have seen dramatically increase since the invention of social media. How effective is the bill that was passed at achieving that aim?

The assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. This bold strike, coupled with the recent targeting of a Hezbollah leader in Beirut, marks a significant escalation in Israel's approach to its adversaries. As tensions rise and Iran vows retaliation, the delicate balance of power in the region hangs in the balance. How will this impact the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and the fragile relationships in the Middle East? Elliott Abrams from the Council on Foreign Relations reports on the latest.

In the annals of American political history, few stories are as compelling as the intersection of faith and power during the Watergate scandal. The tale of Richard Nixon's downfall is not just a political narrative, but a deeply spiritual one, where ministers and clergy played pivotal roles. Among them, John Huffman stands out as a beacon of moral courage, offering a unique perspective on the responsibilities of spiritual leaders in the face of political corruption. Daniel Silliman from Christianity Today shares Huffman’s story which invites us to reflect on the delicate balance between respect for authority and the duty to speak truth to power.

Join Boyd Matheson in delving into Tuesday’s news! Judge Thomas Griffith joins Boyd to unpack President Biden’s announcement of his proposing major reforms to the Supreme Court. Chase Oliver, the Libertarian party’s presidential candidate, shares about his platform and what he hopes for in America’s future. The U.S.-Japan relationship is becoming increasingly important and Brad Dress shares the latest on the Indo-Pacific front. A school district in Utah has joined a lawsuit against big social media companies and Jenny Howe joins the show to share the latest on why and More!

While we value steadfastness in our representatives, we need to also recognize the importance of growth and adaptability in an ever-changing landscape. The art of effective leadership lies in balancing firm principles with the willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue and compromise. As we navigate these expectations, it's crucial to remember that true progress often emerges from the delicate interplay between unwavering beliefs and open-minded collaboration.

The United States and Japan have taken a historic step in strengthening their military alliance, announcing a major new command structure aimed at countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Brad Dress from The Hill shares that this landmark decision underscores the growing importance of the U.S.-Japan partnership in maintaining regional stability and security. With both nations reaffirming their commitment to address what they term the "greatest strategic challenge" posed by China, this development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific.

How much is private equity investment impacting the quality of healthcare in our hospitals? It's a complicated question that the FTC is asking, bringing private equity practices in the health care sector under greater scrutiny. For officials and journalists digging into this question, it's a big web to untangle. When private equity firms purchase hospitals, what happens next? Peter Whoriskey from The Washington Post weighs in.