The Pour Over Today - Louisiana Mass Shooting, the Hormuz Rollercoaster, Mysterious Wave of Missing Scientists, & More

Episode Date: April 20, 2026

LISTENER SURVEY — complete & be entered to win TPO swag! Today, we’re talking about a mass shooting in Louisiana—warning that this story involves violence against children;  the Strait of Hormuz opening… and closing again; the White House investigating a mysterious wave of 11 missing or dead scientists; and other top news for Monday, April 20. 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 HelloFresh Christian Real Estate Network Quince Qualia Life QAVA CCCU Upside Mosh LMNT The Missing Messiah Compelled Podcast I Choose Love TPO Corrections Page

Hey there, this is Joe. And this is Peter. Today, we're talking about a mass shooting in Louisiana, warning that the story involves violence against children, the straight of hermuse opening, and closing again. The White House investigating a mysterious wave of 11 missing or dead scientists, and other top news for Monday, April 20th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the pourover.

Here's your quote of the day. God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees and in the flowers and clouds and stars. Martin Luther. Let's get started with some espresso shots. Eight children, ranging in ages from one to 14 years old, were killed in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, early yesterday morning. Police say the shootings began with a, quote, domestic disturbance, around 5 a.m.

A single gunman shot 10 people, eight children died, two women were injured, before fleeing in a stolen car. Police chased and killed the suspect who was identified as the father of seven of the children and the husband of one of the injured women. It's the nation's deadliest mass shooting since 2024

and prompted an outpouring of grief and outrage. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents Shreveport's district, called the murders, quote, heartbreaking and senseless, while thanking police for their, quote, swift response. State police are expected to lead the investigation and have asked anyone with information to reach out. Let's pray.

Eternal Father, draw near to Shreveport with comfort for those who are mourning. Mighty God, heal the wounded and traumatized. Wonderful counselor, give government's wisdom to respond and bring some, measure of justice. Prince of peace, hasten the coming of your kingdom, where hatreds cease, and tears are no more.

Amen. Isaiah 9, verse 2, and 7 says, The people walking in darkness have seen a great light, for a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. The world is riding the Hormuz roller coaster. On Friday, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz, quote, completely open, prompting oil prices to tumble roughly 12 percent and stocks to hit record highs. President Trump thanked Iran, but said Uncle Sam would maintain its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is, quote, 100 percent complete.

In response, Iran played the Uno Reverse and re-closed the strait on Saturday, fired on two Indian flagships, and told all vessels that approaching the strait means, quote, cooperation with the enemy. The U.S. Iran ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday, and an extension is looking increasingly uncertain. Yesterday morning, Trump announced U.S. negotiators would be in Pakistan today for fresh peace talks, but neither Iran or Pakistan confirmed. Later, Trump threatened to, quote, take out all Iranian power plants and announce the U.S. had seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship. Though peace seemingly shifts from imminent to elusive with each headline, God's desire for Shalom has not changed, nor has his desire to hear from his people. So let's pray. Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed. Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all.

people the true love of peace and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love through Jesus Christ our Lord amen the book of common prayer page 654 the White House is investigating the mysterious deaths and disappearances of at least 11 American scientists. Nearly a dozen researchers with reported access to classified nuclear, aerospace, or defense material have either disappeared or died under unusual circumstances in recent years, including 10 since mid-20204.

The incidents range from confirmed homicides, including Caltech astrophysicist Carl Grilmer, shot outside his California home in February to disappearances and death. ruled non-suspicious by authorities. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said the White House is coordinating with the FBI to leave, quote, no stone unturned, while President Trump called the cluster, quote, pretty serious stuff Thursday, adding, quote, I hope it's random, but we're going to know in the next week and a half. Law enforcement and fellow scientists say no connection has been established, though online theories

have ranged from espionage to UFOs. When headlines drift into the unknown, it's easy to get pulled into anxiety or endless speculation, but Christians can find peace in knowing that nothing is hidden from the God who sees every hand and heart. Proverbs 15, verse 3 says, The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.

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That's an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas using promo code TPO. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. President Trump's latest executive order is a little trippy. On Saturday, Trump signed an executive order fast-tracking FDA review of psychedelic drugs, like ibogaine, psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD as mental illness treatments. The order commits $50 million to match state research, opens a, quote, right-to-try pathway for eligible patients, and Greenlight's priority vouchers to shrink review timelines from months to weeks. Reed Hastings won't click next episode as Netflix board chair.

The co-founder announced Thursday he's leaving in June, ending a nearly three-decade run turning a DVD-by-mail startup into a 325 million subscriber industry changer. Hastings will focus on philanthropic work and different muggling, transforming Utah's Powder Mountain into an exclusive destination. The news left investors feeling the opposite of Netflix and Chill, with the stock down about 10% Friday. A former college football player is expected to plead guilty in a $20 million fraud scheme.

Federal authorities say the ex-Alabama defensive tackle donned disguises, think like wigs and makeup, to pose as three different NFL players seeking multimillion-dollar loans. He and a co-defendant then funneled funds through shell-exhaired. businesses to buy more wigs, real estate, cars, and jewelry. Strong winds and tornadoes ripped across the Upper Midwest Friday, leaving a trail of destruction in the region's latest round of severe weather. Some rural communities face a long road to recovery after damage saw roofs ripped off houses, uprooted trees, tangled power lines,

and impassable roads. But officials say no deaths or serious injuries have been reported. Pope Leo clarified Saturday that his critique of, quote, tyrants spending billions on wars wasn't directed at President Trump. Leo said Thursday's speech in Cameroon, addressing the long-term effects of war, was written two weeks prior, well before last week's Washington v. Vatican's squabble. The pontiff said he has no interest in debating Trump, but will continue preaching peace. And that's all the headlines we have for you today.

Here's some good news for you as you start your week. Christ has died. Christ is risen and Christ will come again someday. If you're listening on the Apple Podcast 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.

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