VCY America

Here's your opportunity to get caught up on what's happening in the news. Hear it all, including any pertinent audio clips as well, on this edition of Crosstalk. --President Trump announced today that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open although the naval blockade against Iran remains in full force. --A major diplomatic push is underway to ease tensions in the Middle East, as President Trump announced a cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon while simultaneously trying to hold a fragile truce with Iran. --Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced the suspension of Italy's defense treaty with Israel on the same day that she was harshly criticized by President Trump for not assisting the U.S. in its military campaign against Iran. --President Trump continued his criticism of NATO with a social media post late Tuesday evening simply stating, "NATO wasn't there for us and they won't be there for us in the future!" --A group of House Democrats filed articles of impeachment Wednesday against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the war in Iran, obstruction of congressional oversight and other claims of wrongdoing. --Anti-Semitic attacks killed 20 Jews in four separate incidents in 2025, marking the deadliest year of anti-Semitism since 1994, according to an annual anti-Semitism report. --The Jewish population is estimated to be about 15.8 million, still below pre-holocaust levels when between 16.5 and 16.7 million Jews lived worldwide. --The U.S. Air Force will purchase up to 270 million dollars worth of lightweight solar powered drones that can be launched by a two-person crew and fly extended loitering scout missions, according to the manufacturer.

Being a mom means feeling like you're on top of the world at times. At other times there are challenges, struggles and even heartaches. In the end, the responsibilities and cares of a mother never cease. The circumstances of each mom are different and unique, but God's grace is available to all. So as an encouragement to moms, Crosstalk interviewed Rhonda Stoppe. Rhonda is a speaker and author of seven books. With 40 years of experience in helping women build no regrets lives, Rhonda has become a highly sought-after voice in the Christian living community. She's a popular homeschool conference speaker and the host of the award-winning podcast, Old Ladies Know Stuff. Rhonda's been happily married to her husband Steve for 44 years. She's a pastor's wife, mother of four and grandmother of 15. She appeared to discuss her newest book: Moms of the Bible: Life-changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed and Faithful. A critical point noted by Rhonda that is easy to forget is that moms have a calling from God in that they are the first teachers that he puts into our world. However, did moms in the Bible always get it right? Is there a path forward for women today who feel they are "blowing it" as a mother? Your answer to that is inside your Bible. Rhonda talks about it as she explores timeless life lessons from Bible moms of all types including Rahab, Naomi, Jochebed, Rebecca and more, revealing how their stories of failure, faith, and hope can help you fulfill your own calling with confidence.

Iran continues to hold fast to their nuclear aspirations while at the same time a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is also in place. However, other factors play into this situation. That's why Crosstalk brought back Shahram Hadian to help listeners fully understand the dynamics surrounding events in and around Iran. Shahram is the founder of Truth in Love Ministry. He's a Christian pastor and a former Muslim. Shahram was born in Iran and came to America in 1978. Shahram began by explaining that the behavior of Iran should be of no surprise. For example, within Islam, adherents are allowed to invoke deception, especially under the concept of a cease-fire or treaty when they're at their weakest point. The Islamic term for this is "hudna" and they enter into this agreement knowing they are going to break it and are merely buying time. So Shahram believes that no one, including those in the Trump administration, should believe one word that comes out of the mouth of the leaders of Iran. That leadership is coming from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corp. Shahram noted that the theocratic system in Iran has basically collapsed and since the IRGC is predominantly running the country, it's basically under a military coup at this time. Shahram summarized the situation this way: Islamic/Shia eschatology demands that Israel be wiped off the face of the earth. The Jews cannot be in that land. Iran believes it belongs to them and that their Islamic messiah will go back to Jerusalem. The only way to achieve that is to obtain a nuclear weapon and use it on Israel. So we need to pray for an end to the regime in Iran.

William F. Jasper is an investigative reporter and senior editor at The New American Magazine. He's an author, journalist and commentator. For more than three decades he served as an accredited correspondent at the United Nations in New York and U.N. summits around the world. Wrapping up yesterday in Washington, D.C., was the 72nd Bilderberg meeting, a four-day private event bringing together a who's who of those in industry, finance, academia and also the media. A significant number came from Europe as well as from North America. These individuals operate under what's known as Chatham House Rule. Under this process, those in attendance are free to use the information they receive but are not allowed to reveal the identity nor the affiliation of the speakers or other participants. There's no detailed agenda, no resolutions are proposed, no votes are taken and no policy statements are issued. What is the history of this organization, what goes on at this meeting and what connection does this group have with people such as Stacey Abrams, Anne Applebaum and Doug Burgum? Find out as William brings the details along with information on the National Lawyers Guild that met recently in Detroit. This organization promotes Democratic Socialism and featured Representative Rashida Tlaib as one of its keynote speakers.

The sermon explores the spiritual reality of angelic beings as divine standards raised by God to protect believers against the overwhelming floods of evil and despair. Drawing primarily from Isaiah 59:19 and the narrative of Elisha in 2 Kings 6, the message emphasizes that faithful Christians are surrounded by a vast heavenly host assigned to minister to them. The preacher contrasts the visible threats of Satan with the invisible but powerful presence of God's angels, encouraging listeners to rely on faith rather than sight. This teaching aims to provide comfort and assurance that no harm can ultimately touch those redeemed by Christ, as they are under the protection of omnipotent divine forces.

Have you been keeping up with the news cycle? If not, you can count on Crosstalk and the News Round-Up & Comment broadcast. Here's a selection of stories that Jim presented from the first quarter hour: --Jim reported on the historic rescue of a missing weapons system officer on Resurrection Sunday in Iran after he ejected from his aircraft on Good Friday. Jim provided audio from the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. --A U.S./Israeli air strike on Monday killed the leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence branch. --Israel's Foreign Ministry Monday welcomed what it described as a belated condemnation by UNISEF of Iran's recruitment of children into its military. --The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister informed the world that Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz in a limited capacity during an interview yesterday but admitted that the Iranian regime had laid naval mines in the strait. --President Trump slammed Iran last evening saying that they're doing a very poor job of allowing oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz, while also communicating that this isn't part of the deal we have with them. --British officials yesterday rejected the idea of Iran's setting up of a toll system for the Strait of Hormuz. --President Trump has stated that America's military forces, ships and aircraft will remain deployed in and around Iran until a real agreement is fully implemented. --Vice President J.D. Vance headed to Pakistan where he will helm the negotiations with the Iranians during the shaky cease-fire that appears to have been violated. --President Trump's Board of Peace is demanding that Hamas finalize an agreement to demilitarize Gaza.

Leah Amico is a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist with the USA Softball Team earning gold in 1996, 2000 and 2004. She is also a two-time World Champion, a three-time NCAA National Champion at the University of Arizona, and a National Softball Hall of Fame Inductee in 2009. Despite all this, her greatest victory happened outside of her sport. Her story isn't just about gold medals…it's about Jesus Christ, the One who gave her purpose behind them. Leah is the author of a 31-Day Devotional, Softball, Glory & God's Story. Learn about Leah's softball journey but especially what happened during her junior year in college, in 1995, when God grabbed a hold of her heart and how this kept her from being "swallowed up" by sports. Leah's testimony is one that can benefit everyone because all of us have unique talents and as such, each of us can reach people that others can't.

Usama Dakdok is the founder of the Straight Way of Grace Ministry. He is the speaker on Revealing the Truth About Islam. He is founder of The Straight Way of Grace Ministry. The deadline has passed for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on bridges and their power plants. Eventually, President Trump decided to hold off on the barrage of attacks as he agreed to a two week cease-fire provided the strait would open up. According to reports, a 10 point plan offered by Iran was considered by President Trump to be a workable base from which to negotiate. He indicated that almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the two nations. He believes that this two week period will allow the agreement to be finalized. Israel has agreed to this and will abide to the cease-fire agreement. However, it will not include their battle against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Usama noted that even though it's been loss upon loss for Iran, the liberal media here in the U.S. is speaking as though we're losing the war. So it doesn't matter what President Trump says or does, to them, we're losing. He reminded listeners that President Trump knows more than we know and we have no clue what's happening. In the end, any peace with Muslims will only be temporary. Why? It's because under Islam, it's proper to lie during a time of war which means they could obtain weapons from other countries. There are many facets to this topic and one of them concerns the 10 point peace plan that's been brokered by Pakistan. Hear Usama comment on that and much more!

The Department of Homeland Security is still without funding. While the Republican majority is in favor of the funding, their efforts are being stymied by Democratic leadership in the Senate who's refusing to allow such legislation to advance. Despite the lack of funding, the DHS continues to report on apprehensions. You'd think that the nation would respond in gratitude for these efforts to rid the country of those who commit heinous crimes. Unfortunately, the opposite is taking place with the mainstream media fanning the flames. Returning to Crosstalk to discuss these and other related issues was Mark Krikorian. Mark is a nationally recognized expert on immigration issues, serving as the Executive Director of Center for Immigration Studies. Mark began by noting that while it's bad enough that we had the earlier shutdown fights, this isn't a tantrum over a policy issue. Instead, he believes the Democrats are trying to fix Biden/Harris-style immigration policies into law that were soundly rejected by voters when Donald Trump was voted in as president. He also noted that Democrats need to realize the Republicans could do something similar and have a shut-down over something like the EPA. Several other points that Mark commented on include: Why the media is so reluctant to talk about killings by illegal aliens. Was Mark surprised that Secretary of State Marco Rubio terminated the lawful, permanent resident status of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter? New DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin is courting the idea of removing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents from international airports in sanctuary cities.

Frank Gaffney is president of the Institute for the American Future, president & CEO of Save the Persecuted Christians, Vice Chairman for Committee on the Present Danger: China. He is speaker on the Secure Freedom Minute. Islam has a plan and according to William Federer, who appeared recently on Crosstalk, the steps are: immigrate, increase and eliminate. As former Muslim Shahram Hadian has indicated, Islam is a government legal system that seeks to be above all other governments and overthrow our laws. One targeted area is Texas. Beginning tomorrow and continuing this week, there are meetings taking place with the 15-member state board of education regarding whether they should remain with a pro-America curriculum in K-12 social studies or to adopt a curriculum sought after by the Council on American/Islamic relations (CAIR). Frank believes this effort involves cultural Marxism and Sharia supremacism that's been injected into Texas education in recent years under the guise of inclusiveness and the avoidance of Islamophobia. It's about dividing and weakening people while also leaving children ill equipped to deal with an existential threat to our freedom. How is it possible that CAIR can continue to have such leverage in Texas? Given that Texas Governor Greg Abbott has designated CAIR as a terrorist and transnational criminal organization, could this curriculum effort be the greatest threat to Texas since the Alamo?