Crosstalk America

The Crosstalk news desk had much to offer this week, taking listeners across the nation and around the world as Jim reported on these and other stories: --Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump met Wednesday evening at the White House. Instead of a post meeting press conference, President Trump posted on social media his hopes that a deal can still be consummated with Iran. --Some residents of Tehran chanted slogans on Tuesday against the Islamic republic and its supreme leader on the eve of the most significant annual commemoration of the 1979 Islamic revolution. --The Pentagon is sending the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford from the Caribbean to the Middle East. --Italy and Poland are among the latest European allies to snub President Trump's newly formed "Board of Peace," joining a list of growing nations refusing or hesitating to participate. --The Trump administration smuggled roughly 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran after the regime's crackdown on protests last month as reported by the Wall Street Journal on Thursday. --Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has received a 70 page draft, "Interim Constitution" aimed at laying the legal groundwork for a future Palestinian state. --U.S. military forces have completed their mission in Syria to transfer Islamic state detainees to Iraq according to U.S. Central Command. --Venezuela has sent its first crude oil shipment in years to Israel. --As of this past Monday, Cuba's government says international airlines cannot refuel on the island nation.

Peter LaBarbera is founder and president of Center for Morality Americans for Truth. He's a former reporter for the Washington Times, LifeSiteNews.com, WND.com and a former contributing editor for Human Events. It was during the Biden administration that we saw severe pressure placed upon businesses, schools, local governments, the entertainment industry, sports and others to advance the LGBTQ+ agenda. Some of this has to do with the efforts of an activist organization known as the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). This program is highlighted by an audio clip from Tyler O'Neil, the senior editor at the Daily Signal. While he correctly notes that most people who identify as transgender don't pose a threat, he asks what drives the hatred of those who do? He believes the rhetoric of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is at least partly to blame. He noted how the HRC suggests that data on transgender deaths reveals a higher homicide rate than the general population. Tyler uses the HRC's own statistics to prove conclusively that their assertion is false. As this program moves along, you'll hear Peter comment on various news stories such as: The tragic mass shooting in Canada by a person who identified as transgender. What exactly is the HRC and how does their Corporate Equality Index work? The canceling of the 35th annual "Gay Days" in Orlando. Is this a one year pause or a permanent move? A Wyoming library was sued by a library director who was fired for refusing to follow a new book collection policy regarding sexually offensive books. The insurance company decided to pay out rather than fight it.

Shahram Hadian is the founder of Truth in Love Ministry. He is a Christian pastor and a former Muslim. Shahram was born in Iran and came to America in 1978 to escape an oppressive Islamic regime and committed his life to Jesus Christ in 1999. He has an extensive background not only as a pastor, but also as a former police officer, teacher, coach and servant leader in his community. Did you know that New York City has had a shocking rise in antisemitic hate crimes since Muslim Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office? Did you know reports are coming out of Texas of a small-town takeover by Islamic immigrants? Speaking of Texas, did you know it's reported that a Muslim outreach group with ties to anti-Christian ideology distributed Qurans and hijabs on campus? Did you know the Attorney General of Texas recently filed a lawsuit against the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations from operating in Texas? Did you know a Senate panel in Arizona has voted to ban the use of Sharia in Arizona? And did you know that a Muslim state senator in Virginia has introduced legislation defining and criminalizing Islamophobia? This and more is discussed on today's program.

Mark Krikorian is a nationally recognized expert on immigration issues serving as the Executive Director of Center for Immigration Studies. When it comes to our nation's borders, the last 12 months have been quite remarkable. The last administration repeatedly told us that Congress would have to act to reform our immigration policies and laws before the borders could be secured. That turned out to be a falsehood because under Trump 2.0, the U.S. borders are more secure than ever, and with that aspect of immigration taken care of, his administration has moved on to purge what they term, "The worst of the worst." In the meantime, as we've seen in Minnesota, there are those who don't like what's taking place. They're responding by causing extreme chaos, disruption, violence, vandalism, as well as assaults. So don't miss this program as Jim interviewed Mark to have him comment on the following points related to our nation's immigration and border security: In a major legal win, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Trump administration does, in fact, have the authority and requirement to detain all illegal entrants to the U.S., even if they're caught inside the country. Yesterday, the Ninth Circuit Court gave a win to the Trump administration regarding temporary protected status to nations like Nepal, Honduras and Nicaragua. According to the Department of Homeland Security, January numbers (of border encounters) ranked 93% below the historic average, the lowest number of encounters ever for the month of January. 9 straight months of zero releases. Record drug seizures.

Dr. Titus Kennedy is a professional archaeologist and a research fellow at Discovery Institute. He is a consultant, writer and guide for history and archaeology documentaries and curricula and has directed archaeological projects in Bible lands. He's researched and photographed archaeological sites and artifacts around the world with involvement in projects at 18 sites spanning 6 countries and has conducted artifact research at museums and collections around the world. He is the author of several books including: Unearthing the Bible: 101 Archaeological Discoveries that Bring the Bible to Life, Excavating the Evidence for Jesus, The Essential Archaeological Guide to Bible Lands: Uncovering Biblical Sites of the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean World and the newly released, Archaeology and the People of the Bible: Exploring the Evidence for the Historical Existence of Bible Characters. People are sometimes skeptical about the Bible's historical accuracy. While they may begrudgingly admit that the Bible is correct about certain cities or other locations, they have a harder time believing that the characters were real. So are the examples that Dr. Kennedy points to firm, probable, tentative or speculative? Also, how does he know that his discoveries are related to that exact name in the Bible? These questions are answered showing the historic and scientific honesty that Dr. Kennedy brings to his research and that's therefore displayed in his book. So join Jim and Dr. Kennedy on this audio journey as they discuss the archaeological evidence for various Bible characters such as Danel from Ezekiel, King David, King Ahab, Jezebel, Sanballat and Herod the 1st.

Crosstalk is your aggregator for news stories that need to be viewed from a Christian perspective. So review this program that's highlighted by news concerning Iran, immigration, abortion, fake meat and much more. For example: --Iran's leadership is increasingly worried that a strike by the U.S. would break its grip on power by driving an already enraged public back into the streets following a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests, according to six current and former officials. --On Monday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth asserted that the U.S. military was prepared to pursue aggressive action against Iran if the Islamic republic refused to negotiate with Washington on its nuclear program. --The U.S. military shot down an unmanned Iranian drone Tuesday after it aggressively approached a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier with unclear intent. --Iran has laid out a vision for a potential war with the U.S., detailing how it believes it could strike U.S. military bases across the Middle East, cripple global energy markets and pressure Washington into backing down. --Iran seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf yesterday, accusing them of smuggling fuel and detaining about 15 foreign crew members ahead of talks taking place with U.S. officials. --Senior U.S. and Iranian officials held negotiations today in Oman. They came against the backdrop of a significant U.S. military build-up and escalating tensions. --President Trump signed a spending bill Tuesday ending the four-day partial government shutdown. --Democrats have spent years insisting that illegal immigrants do not vote.

Dr. Erwin Lutzer is pastor emeritus of The Moody Church where he served as the senior pastor for 36 years. He's the speaker on the Running to Win radio broadcast. Dr. Lutzer is also an award-winning author. Some of his titles include, We Will Not Be Silenced, The Eclipse of God, When a Nation Forgets God, One Minute After You Die and numerous other titles. He returned to Crosstalk to discuss his new book, Why Doesn't God Answer My Prayers? Perhaps you've been in life situations in which you've prayed again and again over days, weeks, months or even years. You've claimed all the right Bible verses, yet it seems like your prayers are just hitting the ceiling or that God's simply not there, indifferent or does not care. If you've ever been in that situation, this Crosstalk is for you. Listen in as Dr. Lutzer explains how his latest book will point you back to Scripture so you can see how the heart of the reader can be turned from despair and despondency to hope and to trust. Points of discussion include: Does prayer really make a difference? What does Dr. Lutzer mean when he says that sometimes we claim promises that God did not make? Are we sometimes deceitful by offering prayers to avoid having to make changes in our lives concerning things that got us into our mess in the first place? What can we learn from Habakkuk, Abraham and Lot regarding prayer? Is an unanswered prayer an unheard prayer? How should we deal with the disappointment of unanswered prayer? Why does God give us so many needs and challenges?

"Timlar Kovalchuk" (Koh-vul-chook) (A pseudonym used to protect him and others.) has been actively involved as a missionary in evangelism for many years to Muslims in Central Asia. Jim began by mentioning a sobering text he recently received from Timlar. It began with Hebrews 13:3: "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." The text also talked about a contact in Central Asia and how 11 brothers in Christ had been martyred. Government forces are raping women and children, especially targeting Christians. Additionally, the main market in Iran was torched to teach a lesson to the merchants whom the Ayatollah blames the uprising on. Timlar brought more details for listeners, noting that believers are always target number one due to the fact that with faith in Christ also comes a love for God's people and Israel. Many are killed, with most being men. The women are violated and their bodies burned to dispose of the evidence. What's going on appears to be at Stalin, Hitler or Mao levels, or as Timlar indicated, it's at least at the beginning stages. So listen to this program and get the on-the-ground information you won't get elsewhere, including Timlar's update on Ukraine.

When something bizarre occurs, it's not unusual to hear someone say, "What in the world?" This is another program in this series that looks at "head scratcher" news stories that may make you say the same thing. Here's a brief selection of examples from the broadcast, some of which also include audio. --Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said that the recent violent confrontations taking place against federal ICE agents are not just resistance, but they're actually about love! --Former CNN host Don Lemon walked free (no bond required) after a judge ordered his release. Keep in mind, as Jim noted, he entered the church, disrupted the service and took issue with the pastor and different worshipers. --On a recent podcast, Don Lemon mentioned that Jesus Christ (admittedly) was not perfect when he was on earth. --Leaked signal chats suggest that American ICE agents may be targeted for assassination with bullseyes appearing on images as Target stores are accused of cooperating with federal immigration officials. --Staff at the Portland Montessori School led very young children in an anti-ICE protest triggering widespread calls for the revocation of any licenses that the school holds. --Chloe Day School, a progressive public pre-school in New York City, staged an anti-ICE protest and held anti-Trump signs in the classroom. --An Islamic scholar in California had a message for Americans. He claimed that no one can stop Islam in America; that this is not your country, this is our country.

Martin Mawyer is president of Christian Action Network. Martin began his career as a journalist for the Religion Today news syndicate and the Washington news correspondent for Moody Monthly magazine. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing. In fact, this is happening so quickly that in some respects, it's taking control. For example, we're already seeing how it's controlling information provided to the public and therefore informing your thinking. It's also having influence over education, medicine, business and even religion. Review this edition of Crosstalk and hear Mawyer as he comments on the many facets of this phenomenon that, while it can be of great benefit to mankind, in the wrong hands could also be deadly. For example, here's a brief list of points he discussed: Moltbook—A social media platform strictly for AI agents to discuss topics with one another. AI bio attacks. How great is the risk? Will AI robots and devices have a universal "brain" whereby they can not only do the service they're designed for, but also harm you? AI generated pornography and the ensnarement of children. The rogue agents involved in the quest for AI. Data centers (gigafactories)--They're being built in many places but will they end up in space as well? Do some AI chatbox models affirm what people want to do, even if what they want to do is harmful to themselves or perhaps others?

Activity and rhetoric over immigration action and policy highlighted the headlines on this edition of the Round-Up. Here are some examples from the broadcast: --Scientists are saying the ominous, symbolic "Doomsday Clock" is at 85 seconds before "midnight." This is the closest it's been to "midnight" since its introduction in 1947. --An Iowa man was given the opportunity to pray for President Trump outside an Iowa restaurant. --Kirk Bangstad, the Wisconsin owner of Minoqua Brewing Company, offers free beer all day long for everyone the day President Donald Trump dies. --Ohio Democratic attorney general candidate Elliot Forhan is facing backlash for saying in a campaign video that he would "kill" President Trump by successfully prosecuting him for crimes and then winning a capital punishment sentence. --A Florida labor and delivery nurse was banned Wednesday from practicing in Florida after posting her online wish that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt would suffer severe bodily harm when giving birth to her baby. --A health care worker appeared to encourage people to intentionally drug ICE agents in a series of recent videos posted online. --During the chaos and violence in the Minneapolis area, a protester bit off the finger of a federal officer. --Governor Tim Walz was at the gate of his mansion urging protesters to keep causing trouble and fighting ICE. Jim provided audio from the governor. --A self described Antifa member in Minneapolis called for armed men to get their boots on the ground to stop immigration officials who he calls mass murderers and fascist occupiers.

Robert Knight is a former Los Angeles Times news editor and columnist for the Washington Times as well as other publications. Robert has had senior positions in a number of pro-family organizations. He's written several books including, The Coming Communist Wave: What Happens if the Left Captures All Three Branches of Government, Liberty on the Brink, Crooked: What Really Happened in the 2020 Election and How to Stop the Fraud and The Battle for America's Soul in which he provides 10 Steps to restore Freedom. In this critical election year, Crosstalk reminds you that elections have consequences. The state of Virginia is one notable example because it was on January 17th that Abigail Spanberger was sworn in as the state's 75th governor. Not only did the voters elect this Democrat governor, but they also voted in the lieutenant governor and attorney general. This was in addition to the Democrat controlled general assembly and senate. Combined, this group wasted no time in introducing a hard left agenda that includes: Gerrymandering future elections. Bombarding the citizens with new taxes. Attack life in the womb. Eliminate mandatory minimum sentences. Codify the LGBTQ+ agenda into state statutes. Limiting the periods when officials can check voter registration lists for accuracy. This is some of what was discussed in just the first quarter hour alone. There's much more on this litany of legislation as the program unfolds, and you can hear it all, on this edition of Crosstalk.

Dr. Alton Beal is executive director of DC Gospel Outreach. He is also an evangelist and is President of Ambassador Baptist College. Dr. Beal appeared on Crosstalk to discuss his plan to reach people in our nation's capital with the Gospel as our country celebrates its 250th birthday. Find out how this initiative was birthed as well as his multi-pronged approach to execute this. It includes isolating parts of the National Mall for Gospel literature distribution, developing areas of personal conversation with people, a door hanging packet, prayer tents and more. It's an outreach you'll want to know more about or perhaps become a part of. Get the details when you review this edition of Crosstalk. More Information DC Gospel Outreach 104 – 1 N. Lee St. Shelby, NC 28150 info@dcgospel.org 202-844-6773

Alex Newman is an award-winning international freelance journalist, author, researcher, educator and consultant. He is senior editor for The New American as well as co-author of Crimes of the Educators, author of Deep State: The Invisible Government Behind the Scenes and author of, Indoctrinating Our Children to Death. He's founder & CEO of Liberty Sentinel and a national syndicator of radio and TV programs including Behind the Deep State which airs on WVCY television & vcy.tv Last week, the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum was held in Davos, Switzerland. The theme was "The Spirit of Dialogue" as a large number of world, political and executive leaders, as well as investors, attended the event. As you can imagine, the discussion points were many. So join Alex as he comments on new leadership at the World Economic Forum, the Board of Peace, Javier Milei of Argentina, the multi-polar vs. unipolar world order and more. Other discussion points were highlighted by audio clips from individuals such as President Trump who commented on Greenland and Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his mention of a "new world order," Finland's President Alexander Stubb on whether Finland/Europe can defend itself without help from the U.S., Al Gore on incentivizing farmers in the "right" direction and Yuval Noah Harari on artificial intelligence taking over religion. Callers wrapped up the broadcast as they presented their views on this critical issue.

William J. Federer is a nationally known speaker, historian, author, and president of Amerisearch, Inc. He's the speaker on The American Minute daily broadcast. He's authored numerous books including, America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations, Who is the King in America? Socialism: The Real History From Plato to the Present and How the Deep State Capitalizes on Crises to Consolidate Control. If you've been following the news you've seen the riots, the vandalism and the overall, insurrection-type atmosphere that's taken shape in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is in response to Operation Metro Surge, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have been focusing on the apprehension of those who've entered the U.S. illegally, while also committing further criminal acts. The shooting of a protester this past weekend is under investigation. At the same time, the "temperature" of the situation might be changing for the better as President Trump indicated he had a very good call with Governor Walz; that the governor called him with a request to work together with respect to Minnesota. However, let's not forget what happened on Sunday, January 18th, when Cities Church in St. Paul had its worship service interrupted by protesters who brought the service to a halt. What ensued were shouts, screams and intimidation brought to the pastor, the congregation and the children. Don't miss this edition of Crosstalk as William walks listeners through history as he explains the individuals and philosophies that identify with this tactic of invading churches, and therefore where the incident in St. Paul may be taking us, and why.

From the state of Minnesota to Mayor Mamdani of New York City, this edition of Crosstalk takes listeners around the nation and the world to bring you up-to-date on what's happening. Here's a selection of stories from the past week: --America has officially withdrawn itself from the World Health Organization. --The Department of Homeland Security joined the Department of Justice in arresting 3 individuals in connection with the planned riot at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Sunday. --A Minnesota federal magistrate judge has refused to sign a criminal complaint connected to former CNN host Don Lemon for his role in the church riot incident in St. Paul. --There's a disturbing report coming out of Minnesota that dogs belonging to an immigration officer are being targeted. --In a chilling series of social media posts on Saturday evening, Minnesota state senator and former Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh pledged to make the Cedar Riverside neighborhood a "no-go zone" for "white supremacists." --A Biden appointed judge issued a whack ruling last week, essentially hamstringing how federal law enforcement deals with peaceful protesters in Minnesota. --Minnesota parents Destiny and Shawn Jackson claimed that their truck was lifted off the ground by a teargas canister as they were peacefully driving home with six kids from a basketball game. The problem? The couple was allegedly filmed participating in the mob that was harassing federal officers. --Federal officials on Monday announced the seizure of more than $14,000 in undeclared cash from a pair of Somali-born American citizens heading out of Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport on Sunday.

Victor Nieves joined Jim for this edition of Crosstalk. He's the new president of Life Issues Institute which was founded in 1991 to serve the educational needs of the pro-life movement. It was 53 years ago today that the U.S. Supreme Court announced their decision in a case known as Roe v. Wade. 49 and one-half years later, the nation's highest court overturned Roe v. Wade with the Dobbs decision which has turned this matter back to the states. According to NumberofAbortions.com nearly 67.5 million abortions have taken place in the United States since Roe and sadly, the carnage continues. In spite of the Dobbs decision, and although a number of states have taken legislative action in opposition to abortion and even though Planned Parenthood has closed many abortion centers around the country, abortions are increasing as the abortion pill is flourishing. The abortion pill has proven to be dangerous for both moms and babies. While those promoting this pill insist that it's safe, researchers with the Ethics and Public Policy Center report the abortion pill is 22 times more dangerous than Planned Parenthood says. Why is this? The abortion pill is a two-part protocol. The first one starves the baby by cutting off progesterone. The second part then forces premature delivery to what is now a dead child. Victor indicated this process is often occurring with no medical oversight. The result is that one in ten women who take this pill will have serious adverse complications. Get informed and become part of the solution when you review this edition of Crosstalk.

Cities Church, a Southern Baptist church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was invaded Sunday as protesters interrupted the service by standing and screaming just as the Scriptures were being opened. How would you and your church leadership react if this were to happen at your church? If the actions of the protesters are not dealt with, could this same situation play out at other houses of worship? These are just two questions you'll want to consider as this program unfolds. It features audio cuts from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, former CNN reporter Don Lemon who was live-streaming the protest, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, numerous news stories related to the fallout from the church invasion and input from listeners nationwide.

Michael Germi is a former Muslim that was born in Iran into a Shia Muslim family. In this setting he learned to practice Islam by praying 5 times a day toward Mecca. He fasted during Ramadan. He practiced self-mutilation for the cause of Allah. He migrated to Australia in 2006 and in 2009 placed his trust in Jesus Christ. He later moved to the States where he now proclaims the Gospel to Islamic nations. He has written several Farsi Christian books and desires to plant churches around the world where Persians are scattered. Iran is in upheaval. Since December 28th millions of people have been protesting against the regime. Merchants have taken to the streets, and the elderly who have been going with no salary are joining them as well as nurses, teachers, women, teenagers and many others. They have called out for the return of the Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pavlavi. They have shouted, "This is the final battle; Pahlavi will return." and "This year is the year of blood; Ayatollah will fall." The Ayatollah has gone to great efforts to keep the rest of the world from knowing what has taken place. There are reports that the leadership of Iran has used snipers, the revolutionary guard and even chemical weapons to quell the unrest. News accounts have reported the massacre of many. There have been calls for new leadership in Iran as clerics demand executions. Recently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared, "We broke the back of the rioters. The day of the successful crackdown will be remembered as a day of celebration for years to come." Our guest today is from Iran and knows all too well the authoritarian power of the Ayatollah and the threat of this Islamic regime.

Usama Dakdok is founder of the Straight Way of Grace Ministry. He's the speaker on Revealing the Truth About Islam. Born and raised in Egypt, Usama learned about Islam just as every other student does in a Muslim country. He studied for a university degree in Egypt which included the study of Sharia. He came to America in 1992. With his knowledge of Islam, he founded The Straight Way of Grace Ministry. Usama speaks fluent Arabic and has translated the Qur'an into English. The Council on American/Islamic Relations (CAIR) has just released a comprehensive how-to guide titled: "Unlocking Muslim Political Power: Toolkit on Promoting Muslim Civil Engagement in Local and State Governments." This program brings with it an important warning. In order to understand the urgency of the matter, one must recognize the history of the Council on American/Islamic Relations (CAIR). Usama delves into this as he explains the CAIR connection to Hamas, which clearly shows why claiming to be American and Muslim, as CAIR does, is contradictory. This is just part of why Usama believes that, "CAIR is a Muslim jihadi organization dressed in suits and ties." Become informed as Jim and Usama look into this how-to guide to see exactly what it is that Muslims are being instructed to do, not with the goal of assimilation, but rather infiltration, in order to radically change the political, governmental, educational and social/cultural landscape of America.