The Pour Over Today - National Guard Shooting, Hong Kong Fire, Autopen Cancellations, & More | 12.01.25

Starting point is 00:00:00 Hey, this is Bailey at the Poorover. And this is Joe at the Poor Over. Tomorrow's Giving Tuesday, but we're kicking things off a little bit early by spotlighting one of the most impactful gifts you could give. The Word of God, with world concerns solar audio bibles. Illiteracy and isolation keep millions around the world from ever hearing scripture. These durable, solar-powered devices bring God's word to life and life. local languages and often lead to group listening, discipleship, and whole community impact.

Starting point is 00:00:36 Learn more and browse TPO's full Christmas gift guide at the link in the show notes. Now for the headlines. Today, we're talking about the shooting of two National Guard service members in D.C., a massive fire in Hong Kong killing nearly 150 people, President Trump canceling former President Biden's auto pen orders and other top news from Monday, December 1st. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the pour over.

Starting point is 00:01:06 Here's your quote of the day. God never made a promise that was too good to be true. Dwight L. Moody. Let's get started with some espresso shots. Two members, the West Virginia National Guard, were shot at close range while on patrol in Washington, D.C. last Wednesday. 20-year-old specialist Sarah Bexstrom died on Thanksgiving.

Starting point is 00:01:34 24-year-old staff sergeant Andrew Woolf remains in critical condition. The suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan National, reportedly, quote, came around the corner and immediately started firing. His motive has yet to be determined. He had no criminal history and immigrated to the U.S. in 2021, when American troops withdrew from Afghanistan, under a special program for Afghans who helped U.S. forces. He was part of an elite counterterrorism unit operated by the CIA.

Starting point is 00:02:07 Following the attack, President Trump pledged to, quote, permanently paused migration from all third world countries, and the U.S. halted all asylum decisions. Defense Secretary Hegset also said that 500 additional National Guard members would be deployed to the nation's capital. Curious about how the National Guard works, check out our bonus episode from October 25th. TPO explains the National Guard.

Starting point is 00:02:41 We live in a world marred by sin. Even as we work to promote accountability and redemption here on earth, we can rest in the knowledge that a day is coming when sin will be impossible, and regret a distant memory. Psalm 121, 1 and 2 says, I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. A massive multi-building fire in Hong Kong has killed at least 146 people, with many still missing and thousands left homeless.

Starting point is 00:03:27 It's Hong Kong's deadliest blaze in decades. The fire started Wednesday afternoon at a first-floor apartment in the Wang Fouk Court complex, an under-renovation public housing block with around 4,800 mostly low-income residents, when construction netting outside the building caught fire. Other highly flammable construction materials, think styrofoam and bamboo scaffolding,

Starting point is 00:03:54 help the fire rapidly spread to seven of the complex's eight towers, taking nearly two days and roughly 2,000 firefighters to put out. As authorities investigate the fire's cause, at least eight people, including engineers and contractors overseeing the renovations, have been arrested on corruption and negligence charges related to the fire. Three others have been arrested for manslaughter. Will you pray with me? Heavenly Father, our hearts are hurting for Hong Kong.

Starting point is 00:04:33 Great comforter, you are well acquainted with our deepest griefs. Be near to those who are mourning. Faithful rescuer, bring home those who are still missing. God who provides, protect and care for those who've lost everything. wise counselor, give knowledge and discernment to first responders, investigators, leaders, and authorities. Amen. On Friday, President Trump announced he's canceling all executive orders signed via Autopin while President Biden was in office. Presidents have been automating their John Hancock since Truman.

Starting point is 00:05:19 but primarily for unofficial or commemorative things, think personal letters or memorabilia. A George W-era DOJ opinion says autopens are valid for legislation if the president authorizes it. But Trump claims Biden was, quote, not involved in the autopen process, and that staffers used it without his knowledge to sign executive orders and pardons. Former President Biden has previously insisted he authorized everything, signed with his. his go-go gadget pen. It's unclear how many of Biden's 162 executive orders were signed via Autopin. Trump says it's 92%. But policies potentially heading to the trash folder include environmental justice actions, prescription drug cross measures, and limits on AI development and use. Here's a verse to consider whether you're signing executive orders or signing Christmas cards.

Starting point is 00:06:24 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any moral excellence, and if there is anything praiseworthy, dwell on these. things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of Peace will be with you. Philippians 4-8-th-9th. Hey, it's Emily from the Pourover. The holidays are full of generosity, and also, receipts. Between road trips, grocery halls, and all those, just one more thing, runs, it adds up fast. That's why I love Upside. It's a totally free app that gives you real cash back on things you're already doing, like filling up on gas, grabbing dinner on the go, or stocking up for the next holiday party.

Starting point is 00:07:19 Holiday travel can be exhausting, but I actually get excited because every time I swipe my card and use the Upside app, I know I'm earning cash back to grab some coffee, which we all know I need plenty of this time of year. Upside has given back $1 billion to its users. To find out how much you could earn, download the free Upside app and use promo code TPO to get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas. That's an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas using promo code TPO. Some Midwesterners got extra time with family this weekend as winter storms dumped snow, freezing rain, and frigid temps across the heartland, disrupting homeward travel plans.

Starting point is 00:08:25 Chicagoland airports alone canceled over 1,000 flights over the weekend, while a 45-car pile-up in Indiana shut down I-70 for hours. Ukrainian President Zelensky's chief of staff resigned Friday after his home was raided in connection with a $100 million embezzlement scandal that continues to shake Kiev. Although no charges have been filed, his exit removes Ukraine's lead peace negotiator and a close presidential advisor. Tightening pressure on Zelensky as corruption questions threaten to complicate ongoing peace talks with Russia. An FDA memo claims that at least 10 children died, quote, because of receiving a COVID vaccine.

Starting point is 00:09:14 Venae Prasad, director of the agency's vaccine division, didn't detail the circumstances of the deaths, but he said the FDA will raise the bar for vaccine approvals and revisit kids' recommended shot schedules. Some public health officials criticize Prasad for scaring people without showing his work. President Trump said Saturday that Venezuelan airspace should be considered, quote, closed. Uncle Sam's been stacking his military presence in the Caribbean to deter drug smuggling and pressure action from Venezuela's President Maduro,

Starting point is 00:09:52 who the U.S. says is illegitimate and heads a drug cartel now designated as a foreign terrorist organization. Venezuela condemned Trump's quote, colonialist threat as a violation of its sovereignty. Solar flares gave Airbus a Thanksgiving headache. Friday, the European manufacturer recalled 6,000 of its A320 planes after finding a flight control glitch caused by the sun's outbursts. Thousands of holiday travelers were stranded across America as American, Delta, and United updated hundreds of planes software between flights. lights. But Transportation Secretary Duffy said quick work meant, quote, minimal disruptions.

Starting point is 00:10:41 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 Monday. Catch you on Wednesday. Looking to dig deeper into the word, check out She Reads Truth, a trustworthy Bible reading resource for women and men. From beautifully designed daily reading guides and Bibles to their weekly podcast, She Reads Truth gives you the structure and support you need to stay rooted in scripture. Build a daily rhythm in God's Word with She Reads Truth. T.P.A. listeners get 15% off any She Reads Truth reading guide or Bible at shop She Reads Truth with code pourover.

Starting point is 00:11:31 Check them out at the link in the show notes. Thank you.

The Pour Over Today - National Guard Shooting, Hong Kong Fire, Autopen Cancellations, & More | 12.01.25

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.