In this week’s Brief: We’re talking tariffs and how they’re not impacting the US economy nearly as much as experts predicted back in April. But this week’s SCOTUS hearing could change that. We also take a closer look at Christian persecution in Nigeria, where Trump is threatening military action if the killings of Christians continue.

Plus updates on the death of Dick Cheney and the UPS plane crash in Kentucky before a recap of Tuesday’s elections across the country and what they mean for the future of both political parties. We also cover the ongoing US government shutdown, MLB World Series, and key NFL trade deadlines. Tune in to explore how culture, sports, and faith intersect in our daily lives.

Topics

• (00:00 ): Introduction
• (00:41 ): Tariffs, Supreme Court, and US economy
• (06:57 ): Impact of tariffs on the economy
• (18:09 ): Christian persecution in Nigeria
• (28:23 ): Call to prayer for Nigeria
• (29:29 ): Prayer for persecuted Christians
• (31:12 ): How to help persecuted Christians
• (32:08 ): Listener's hot take: 18-wheelers in express lanes
• (34:52 ): Tragic plane crash in Louisville
• (35:37 ): Dick Cheney's legacy and passing
• (37:49 ): Election results and political implications
• (42:01 ): Government shutdown: The longest in history
• (45:18 ): Dodgers win the World Series
• (46:33 ): NFL trade deadline highlights

Resources

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Watch on Youtube! 
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Donald Trump on Truth Social: Persecution of Christians in Nigeria
• Donald Trump on Truth Social: Message to Nigeria
• Jihadists Persecute Christians in Nigeria. Is It Genocide?
• Open Doors
• 21Wilberforce
• The Voice of the Martyrs
• World Evangelical Alliance
• First Liberty Institute

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Denison Forum: What kind of Mayor will Zohran Mamdani be?
• Denison Forum: If spreading the gospel was as easy as ‘67’
• What’s at Stake as Trump’s Tariffs Go Before the Supreme Court
• How the U.S. Economy Has Defied Doomsday Predictions on Tariffs
• What Have We Learned from the U.S. Tariff Increases of 2018-19?
• Trade | The Budget Lab at Yale
• Tariffs | Brookings
• Trump’s New Line of Attack Targets Nigeria
• Daily Brief on Persecution of Nigerian Christians
• Jihadists Persecute Christians in Nigeria. Is It Genocide?
• The Government of Nigeria Versus Senator Ted Cruz | Council on Foreign Relations

About Conner Jones

Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.

About Micah Tomasella

Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.