The Pour Over Today - Iranian Protest Escalations, Pentagon Adopts Grok, Fed Chair Jerome Powell Investigation, & More | 01.14.26

Episode Date: January 14, 2026

Today, we’re talking about the escalation of Iranian protests; the Pentagon's integration of the chatbot Grok into its network; the DOJ's investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell; and other top news for Wednesday, January 14th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Looking to support us? You can choose to pay ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out our sponsors! We actually use and enjoy every single one. Cru Wild Alaskan Safe House Project Gloo QAVA CCCU Filament Bible Upside Mosh LMNT Theology in the Raw Not Just Sunday Podcast Bible Gateway Plus TPO Corrections Page

Hey, this is Bailey at the Porover. And this is Zan at the Porover. Today we're talking about the escalation of Iranian protests, the Pentagon's integration of the Chatpot Grock into its network, the DOJ's investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and other top news for Wednesday, November 14th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the Porover. Here's your quote of the day.

Temptation is the devil looking. through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in. Billy Sunday. Let's get started with some espresso shots. As Iran's economic-turned-ante-government protests grow deadlier, leaders worldwide are raising objections. Despite a near-total communication blackout, rights groups report Iran's government began a, quote, brutal crackdown on demonstrators. Authorities are allegedly opening fire on unarmed protesters. 10,000-plus marchers have been arrested, and Tehran is threatening executions. Yesterday, Iranian officials announced the death toll had reached 2,000, though totals could be much higher. World leaders have condemned the crackdown. On Monday, President Trump announced a 25% tariff on

countries that do business with Iran, a move swiftly condemned by top Iran-trader China. Yesterday, number 47 urged protesters to persevere, saying, quote, help is on the way. The EU is also reviewing fresh sanctions against Iran. Some leaders predict Iran's Islamic government is in its, quote, final days, though Tehran denies the claim, saying it's, quote, prepared for war if demonstrations don't de-escalate. It's easy to feel helpless when there's such intense unrest happening so far. away. But the Bible promises that prayer is powerful and effective. Pray for comfort for those who are grieving. Wisdom for leaders and ultimately pray for peace. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for listening

when we cry out to you and for delighting to answer our prayers. God of all comfort. Draw those who are grieving close to you and make yourself known to those who don't know you. God of all wisdom. direct leaders to make decisions that bring good to your people and glory to your name. God of all peace, bring your perfect, incorruptible peace on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. Grock is getting the Pentagon's Wi-Fi password and dollops of its data. Secretary Hegseth announced Monday that the Elon Musk-owned AI chatbot will join Google's Gemini and military networks as the Pentagon's, POSES to, quote, extend their lead in military AI.

GROC, which goes live later this month, will receive, quote, all appropriate data to help the military do things like sift through intel, spot anomalies, handle logistics, and identify targets. GROC's deployment is part of a HegSS vision for tools that operate, quote, without ideological constraints, but he didn't specify AI's operational limits. The announcement comes days after controversy around GROC users generating non-consensual, sexualized, deep fake images prompted a UK investigation in bans in Malaysia and Indonesia. In other AI news, Apple announced a multi-year partnership with Gemini, raising questions about

its relationship with OpenAI. ChatGPT currently powers Apple intelligence. Here's a verse to consider whether you're unsettled by an AI-infused future or you wish you had a crystal ball for your own. God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. The Lord of armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46-1 and 7. The DOJ is calling foul on the Fed. On Friday, the Justice Department subpoenaed the Federal Reserve over Fed Chair Jerome Powell's allegedly misleading testimony to Congress about the central bank's $2.5 billion renovation. Powell says the, quote, threat is not about the Renault or his testimony, but that President Trump is weaponizing criminal charges to pressure the Fed to lower interest rates.

Economists, most GOP senators, and the central banks of other countries have stood behind Powell, calling for protection of the bank's political independence. Trump said he didn't know about the speedness, and Powell's, quote, only pressure is high interest rates. markets didn't like the news. S&P 500 stock futures fell around 0.7% after PAL's statement and prices of gold, an asset sought during uncertain times reached a record high early Monday. No matter who's in charge of the White House or the central bank, God will remain in control of your finances and your future. In the midst of economic uncertainty on earth, set your hope on the mind-blowing prosperity we will enjoy. with Christ when he comes. 1. Peter 1 3 through 4 says,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. What if we told you there was a tasty protein bar

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episode. In other bruce, here's a rapid round of updates. Scotus appears ready to uphold bans on transgender athletes in schools. On Tuesday, the Supremes heard their first ever cases involving boys identifying as girls competing in girls' sports. The majority seems to agree that males have a biological advantage. Descending judges suggest that the cases should be decided in lower courts, allowing individuals to prove whether they have an advantage. New York City nurses are scrubbing out. Nearly 15,000 nurses have been on strike since Monday, asking for higher pay, safe staffing levels, and fully funded benefits. Hospitals said the union's prescribed 40% pay bump is an overdose and hired thousands of scrub squad subs.

Democratic Mayor Zohran Momdami joined the picket line and called for revived contract negotiations. Solo dwellers across China are being asked, Are you dead? The country's number one paid app has users tap a daily still-alive button and notifies an emergency contact if the button remains untouched for two consecutive days. Designed to make solitary life, quote, more assuring, the app is writing China's single-occupancy housing trend, projected to reach 30% by 2030,

and is climbing U.S. app charts. Arizona Senator Mark Kelly is suing the Secretary and Department of War over its efforts to reduce Kelly's military retirement rank and pay. Secretary Hegseth said Kelly made, quote, seditious statements when he told troops to ignore illegal orders in a video last November. Kelly says the, quote, extreme rhetoric and punitive retribution is, quote, unlawful and unconstitutional, violating free speech and due process rights. The Houston Texans stifled the Pittsburgh Steelers 30 to six to wrap up the NFL's wild wild card weekend. A day after Pittsburgh's seventh straight playoff loss, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced he's stepping down after 19 seasons without a single losing record, a move that brings the NFL's head coaching vacancies to nine.

That's all we have for today. Thanks so much for listening, TPOFam. If you're listening on the Apple Podcasts app, give us a five-star rating and drop a review. If you're listening on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to never miss a new episode. We're grateful for your support and hope you have a great rest of your week. Catch it on Friday. My pantry stays stocked with Element. I drink it, my husband drinks it, my kids, guzzle it.

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