Quick Start

NEWS: Amazon’s secret robot takeover plan revealed.

FOCUS STORY: Dr. Ted Baehr on why Hollywood might finally be softening toward faith.

MAIN THING: Trump’s war of words with Colombia escalates into a geopolitical fight over the drug trade.

LAST THING: Matthew 6:22-23 — “The eye is the lamp of the body…”

PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com

Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture

Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth

NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454

Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

NEWS: A new Pew survey shows a stunning reversal — more Americans now believe religion is gaining influence in public life, the highest in 15 years.

FOCUS STORY: Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a controversial bill connecting students with an LGBTQ+ mental health hotline — critics warn it may expose minors to unsafe online spaces.

MAIN THING: Is Hamas regrouping? CBN’s Raj Nair speaks with IDF Major Elliot Chodoff on what’s next in the Middle East.

LAST THING: Matthew 24:35 — “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com

Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture

Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth

NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454

Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

NEWS: The government shutdown drags into its 20th day with no deal in sight. Tensions rise as national security and air travel face growing risks, while both parties play the blame game. Meanwhile, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy begins a five-year prison sentence — the first French leader since World War II to be jailed.

FOCUS STORY: A new Dead Sea Scroll exhibit is coming to the Museum of the Bible. Dr. Bobby Duke explains how these ancient manuscripts deepen our understanding of Scripture and faith.

MAIN THING: Former psychic Jenn Nizza joins Billy Hallowell and Raj Nair to expose the real dangers behind Ouija boards, tarot cards, and other occult practices — and why Christians should steer clear of them, especially around Halloween.

LAST THING: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” A reminder that God’s Word equips us for every good work.

PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com

Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture

Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth

NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454

Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

NEWS: A security scare unfolds near Air Force One after Secret Service agents discover a hunting stand with a direct view of President Trump’s aircraft. The FBI is investigating amid heightened concern over presidential safety.

FOCUS STORY: Christian persecution surges again in Nigeria — we’ll have the latest on the violence targeting believers and how the global church is responding.

MAIN THING: The FDA quietly approves a generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone just before the government shutdown. Pro-life leader John Ensor joins to explain why this move slipped under the radar and what it means for the fight for life.

LAST THING: 1 John 2:15-17 — “Do not love the world or the things in the world…” A timeless reminder to fix our hearts on what lasts forever.

PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com

Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture

Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth

NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454

Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

NEWS: A shocking new account from a freed Israeli hostage reveals Hamas has radicalized everyday civilians — teachers, doctors, even university lecturers — turning them into captors and killers.

FOCUS STORY: Forrest Frank fires back at criticism over his awards show decision — and Jelly Roll’s public comments spark debate within the Christian music community.

MAIN THING: A new survey shows the number of college students identifying as transgender or nonbinary has nearly been cut in half. Raj Nair and Billy Hallowell break down what’s driving the shift.

LAST THING: Galatians 2:20 — “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com

Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture

Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth

NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454

Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

NEWS: Trump tells Hamas: “Disarm — or be disarmed” as Israel halts its pullback and demands full compliance with the hostage agreement.

FOCUS STORY: Mel Gibson replaces Jim Caviezel in The Passion of the Christ sequel — why the changes and what’s in the new script.

MAIN THING: Former Pussycat Doll Kaya Jones on faith, antisemitism, and why Christians must stand with Israel.

LAST THING: 1 John 4:8 — “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com

Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture

Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth

NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454

Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

NEWS: China launches its harshest Christian crackdown in years — arresting dozens of pastors from one of the country’s largest underground churches. Plus, Turkey labels Christians “national security threats,” deporting missionaries and pastors without charges.

FOCUS STORY: Oracles of God — a powerful new film exploring how the Gospel was preserved and compiled, debuting at a time when spiritual revival is spreading across America.

MAIN THING: Italy reignites the battle over cultural identity with a new bill proposing a nationwide ban on Islamic face coverings — a bold move that could reshape Europe’s religious freedom debate.

LAST THING: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”

PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com

Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture

Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth

NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454

Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

NEWS: After two years of war, all remaining Israeli hostages are finally home. Hamas released the last 20 captives as part of President Trump’s U.S.-brokered Gaza peace plan — hailed as the official end to the conflict. Four coffins containing hostages’ remains were also returned, while over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners were freed in exchange. In a landmark ceremony in Egypt, Trump and world leaders signed the ceasefire, calling it “a historic dawn of a new Middle East.” But even amid emotional reunions, questions remain about Gaza’s future and Hamas’ disarmament.

FOCUS STORY: A Jacksonville Jaguars player takes his faith public — baptized before Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. We’ll hear how his bold witness inspired teammates and fans alike.

MAIN THING: Newsweek’s Josh Hammer joins to talk about the tragic murder of his friend Charlie Kirk, addressing the conspiracy theories, antisemitism, and online misinformation swirling around his death — and his public response to Candace Owens.

LAST THING: Ephesians 1:7 — “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com

Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture

Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth

NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454

Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

NEWS: After two long years, all 20 living Israeli hostages have finally been released from Hamas captivity under President Trump’s U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal. Emotional reunions unfolded across Israel as freed captives embraced loved ones for the first time since October 7th, 2023. Trump called it a “great and beautiful day” while addressing the Knesset before heading to a regional summit to discuss Gaza’s future.

FOCUS STORY: A simple pizza order turns into a divine encounter. A pastor’s wrong delivery leads to prayer, tears, and a powerful reminder that God’s timing is never off.

MAIN THING: For the first time in decades, men are outpacing women in church attendance. Madison Seals talks with Brad Hill from Gloo about why this shift is happening — and how churches can make the most of this encouraging trend.

LAST THING: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” — Romans 12:12

PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com

Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture

Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth

NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454

Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

NEWS: Former President Trump unveils a landmark Gaza ceasefire plan—Israel and Hamas agree to the first phase that could see hostages freed as early as Monday. The multi-stage roadmap includes troop withdrawals, prisoner exchanges, and a new governing board for Gaza—with Trump himself at the helm. Could this be his most defining diplomatic victory yet?

FOCUS STORY: Alliance Defending Freedom’s Ryan Bangert warns of growing threats to free speech in America—why the cultural and political climate is becoming increasingly hostile to people of faith.

MAIN THING: Burned on 100% of his body at age nine, John O’Leary’s miraculous story of survival and faith is now a major motion picture. Tré Goins-Phillips sits down with the stars of Soul on Fire to talk about hope rising from tragedy.

LAST THING: John 10:10 — “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com

Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture

Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth

NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454

Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630