Tragic NY Church Explosion, Texas Rep Challenges Biblical Views, Pastor Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse in KY

Top headlines for Thursday, February 19, 2026

In this episode, a devastating gas explosion leveled Abundant Life Fellowship in Boonville, New York, critically injuring five, including Pastor Brandon Pitts, as investigators piece together how a damaged propane line led to tragedy. In Texas, state Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico sparked national debate after declaring that the Bible is silent on abortion and gay marriage, urging a return to Jesus’ message of compassion over culture wars. And in Kentucky, former worship pastor David Rodgers faces multiple charges, including rape and sodomy, after allegedly abusing a minor over several years, leaving a congregation reeling.

00:11 Trump highlights his fight against anti-Christian bias at NRB
00:58 Blast destroys NY church leaving 5, including pastor, injured
01:44 Talarico says abortion, gay marriage 'aren't mentioned in Bible'
02:32 Pastor arrested, faces charges of rape, sodomy with a minor
03:20 Evangelist arrested for criticizing Islam, gender ideology
04:04 Judge bars ICE raids at some churches
04:55 5 revelations from the 2026 'Federal Fumbles' report

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Links to the News

• Trump highlights his fight against anti-Christian bias at NRB | U.S.
• Blast destroys NY church leaving 5, including pastor, injured | U.S.
• Talarico says abortion, gay marriage 'aren't mentioned in Bible' | Politics
• Pastor arrested, faces charges of rape, sodomy with a minor | U.S.
• Evangelist arrested for criticizing Islam, gender ideology | World
• Judge bars ICE raids at some churches | Politics
• 5 revelations from the 2026 'Federal Fumbles' report | Politics