The CBN News Daily Rundown - Audio Podcast

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and thousands of truckers are making headlines after a crackdown on the convoy in Canada, but the protest isn't over. The Freedom Convoy is revving up around the world. CBN News Middle East Correspondent Julie Stahl talked to protestors in Jerusalem about why they're bringing the fight to Israel's Capital. She's on today's episode to talk about what the protests look like and why the media has largely ignored the plight of its participants.

They've been called "The Genocide Games" by some and, on Sunday, the 2022 Winter Olympics will come to a close. Normally, the Games are a chance for the United States and the world to celebrate their athletes and watch as they fulfill their lifelong dreams of competing for a gold medal. However, this year's Olympics seemed to lack that hopefulness and enthusiasm and TV ratings were down big. Why? The location. China's record of human rights abuses and oppression were a dark cloud hanging over the Games, and some are concerned these Olympics served as a public relations coup for the totalitarian regime. CBN News Senior Reporter Dale Hurd joins the Rundown to talk about the lasting effects these games could have for China, America, and the world.

Also, as the situation in Ukraine grows more intense by the day, Christians in that country are offering up prayers and gathering together to pray for their countrymen. CBN's George Thomas is in Ukraine, and we'll feature some of his reporting from the western part of the country on the Rundown this week, too.

The Chinese government is aggressively seeking to diminish the impact of Christianity in the Communist country, going so far as embarking on a decade long project to re-write the Bible. Some of the altered verses are coming to light and they are even more disturbing than one could imagine. Plus, Discovery releases a trailer for the new documentary taking a heavily critical look at Hillsong Church.

America's public schools are in trouble. From lessons on Critical Race Theory to mask mandates on school campuses, parents across the country are sounding the alarm in classrooms. CBN News Senior Washington Correspondent Tara Mergener has been keeping up with the rancorous school board meetings and federal backlash and joins the podcast today to discuss why some parents have had enough.

The situation in Ukraine grows more unstable by the day, as Russia amasses troops along the border and western allies work to convince Vladimir Putin not to invade their neighbor. This week, Russia and China declared a “new era” in their relationship, with China supporting Russia's ambitions in Ukraine and Russia doing likewise with regard to Taiwan. Meanwhile, a report published recently by the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation finds U.S. military strength across its five branches is trending in the wrong direction, worrying lawmakers that we are not as prepared to respond to situations around the world as we once were. CBN News National Security Correspondent Caitlin Burke joins The Rundown to break down the report.

Mainstream fact-checkers operate under the pretense they are neutral, but high profile fact-checking outlets such as Snopes and Politifact have frequently been accused of having a political bias. We examine a recent claim by Snopes on a Biden Administration policy surrounding giving away free "crack pipes" to individuals (smoke kits). Plus, data analysts respond to a claim from atheists that prayer isn't needed, and a pastor goes viral over a post discussing what women should and shouldn't wear in photos posted online. Featuring Dan Andros, Tré Goins-Phillips, and Billy Hallowell.

Church isn't always what it seems on TV. During the beginning of the pandemic, Christians met in parking lots, in lakes, and gathered around computers and televisions at home. Pastors and congregations struggled to find the sweet spot of meeting safely yet routinely. But out of the pandemic came the realization that many Christians are opting for a smaller Church home or “Mini Church.” CBN News Reporter Wendy Griffith noticed this trend and talked to local pastors about why Christians are drawn to intimate atmospheres and why it's important for Christians to join with each other in fellowship – regardless of the setting.

Nearly three weeks into the standstill between Russia and Ukraine, not much has developed besides an accumulation of equipment and medical supplies near the border. In the calm before the potential storm, CBN News Chief Political Analyst David Brody sat down with Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss the potential motives behind Putin's playbook and consider if the United States has a moral obligation to help Ukraine.

Now into our third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Omicron wave seems to be receding in many parts of the country, but the virus is showing no signs of leaving us. The question now seems to be, when will this virus transition from being a pandemic in which everyone continues to take maximum precautions in order to prevent getting infected, and into an endemic mode, one in which we learn to live with it? A Monmouth University poll out this week finds 7 in 10 Americans agree that it's time to accept COVID-19 is here to stay and we need to get on with our lives. Is that true and, if so, how do we do that? CBN News Medical Reporter Lorie Johnson joins the show to discuss.

Also, is Israel capable of launching a successful military strike against Iran to stop their nuclear weapons program? In 2015, when the Obama administration and other western nations reached a deal with Iran on their nuclear program, the US estimated Iran's breakout time would be 12 months. Now, officials believe that timeframe has been trimmed down to just one month. So as the Biden administration seeks to restart talks with Iran regarding their program, what does Israel have to say about it and what are their options? CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief Chris Mitchell joins the Rundown to talk about his story on that, as well as a couple other hot button issues in the region.

CNN's Jeff Zucker steps down suddenly in surprise announcement as the embattled news network deals with the lawsuit from recently fired host Chris Cuomo. Ex-porn star turned Christian talks to CBN's Faithwire about finding freedom. A woman makes a disturbing claim about Facebook's new "metaverse". These stories and more on today's Daily Rundown.

Nearly two years into the pandemic, cities and universities are doubling down on COVID restrictions – especially in the Ivy Leagues. Far from settling into a 'new normal', students and faculty are faced with mandatory testing and masking with restrictions barring students from eating at local restaurants – if they can even enter the campus at all. From students and teachers to parents and representatives, many believe these policies are over-the-top, including Senator Rand Paul. CBN News Senior International Correspondent George Thomas spoke to the Senator recently about the “draconian” policies that threaten students' freedom and psychological well-being.