This episode, hosted by Andrew Sletten, dives into the concept of a spiritual "Great Awakening" sweeping across the country and the world, bolstered by current events and guest discussions. The show also covers important local news and a deep dive into the strength of the recent Enderlin tornado.
Key Moments
- The Great Awakening Discussion: The show opens with the question: "Are we experiencing a great awakening in our country?" Guest Cornelius Williams, a traveling minister, agrees, noting a "spiritual rebirthing" where people are turning away from the hopelessness of "post-modernism" and "soberly seeking for a divine encounter with God".
- Revival of the Bible: Williams points to a revival of interest in the Bible, citing data showing an increase in Gen Z going to church at higher rates than prior generations and an uptick in Bible sales in Russia.
- Revival of Righteousness: The discussion links the spiritual awakening to a "revival of righteousness", seen in a decline in partying and substance abuse among Gen Z, and a focus on sobriety and clear-mindedness.
- Historic Peace Deal Reached: President Trump is believed to have brokered an historic peace deal to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The deal reportedly includes the release of hostages held in Gaza, a prisoner swap, and the end of the war.
- Enderlin Tornado Ranked Among Worst in U.S. History: New research upgraded the June 20th Enderlin tornado's classification to an EF5, making it the first EF5 in the U.S. since 2013.
- Extreme Winds: Estimated top wind speeds were 266 miles per hour, a conservative estimate based on damage analysis.
- Train Cars Thrown: Researchers focused on 33 train cars blown off the track, including an empty oil tanker weighing 72,000 pounds that was thrown 500 feet into a field.
- Court Upholds North Dakota Bans:
- A Burleigh County judge upheld the North Dakota law that prohibits medical professionals from performing sex reassignment surgeries on minors, including prescribing puberty and hormone blockers.
- The Missouri parental consent law for minors seeking an abortion was also upheld by a court.
- Local Non-Profit Spotlight: Jordan McCormick, Executive Director of the Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley, discusses his mission to provide furniture to individuals and families in crisis, helping them live with "dignity" and "respect".
- Service Model: They act as a furniture bank (like a food bank) and serve clients referred by 45 local organizations, including the YWCA, Red Cross, and F5.
- Success Story: McCormick shared the story of a mother of five sleeping on a cot who was sent home with a proper bed.
- National Guard Deployment Rally: Flag Family reporter Chris Larson is live from the Turning Point USA event in Grand Forks, headlined by Glenn Beck. The event, which was scheduled to feature the late Charlie Kirk, saw a "sea of red and white" with lines extending blocks down the sidewalk, demonstrating overwhelming patriotic support and unity. Chris reported no visible counter-protest activity.
- North Dakota Loan for Furloughed Workers: The state of North Dakota is rolling out a short-term, low-interest bridge loan program (2% interest) for federal employees and military members stationed in North Dakota who are not receiving a paycheck due to the government shutdown.