The Pour Over Today - School Shooting, Russian Commander Killed, Rate Cut Expected, & More | 12.18.24

Episode Date: December 18, 2024

Today, we’re talking about a deadly school shooting in Wisconsin; the targeted killing of a Russian Commander in Moscow; expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates today; and other top news for Wednesday, December 18th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Please support our TPO sponsors! TPO Gift Guide: https://thepourover.org/gift-guide-2/ Upside: https://links.thepourover.org/Upside CCCU: https://www.mycccu.com/tpo/ The Voice of the Martyrs: vom.org/TPO CSB Gift Guide: https://links.thepourover.org/CSBGiftGuide HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/freepourover

Today, we're talking about a deadly school shooting in Wisconsin, the targeted killing of a Russian commander in Moscow, expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates today, and other top news for Wednesday, December 18th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the poor over today. Here's the quote of the day, I have far more confidence in the man who works mentally and bodily at a matter than in the six who merely talk about it. Michael Faraday. Let's get started with some espresso shots.

A teenage student and a teacher were killed Monday in a shooting at a private K-12 Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin. At least six others were injured, including two in critical condition. According to local officials, a teacher at Abundant Life Christian School called 911 at 1057 A.M. Police arrived at the school within four minutes to find the shooter down from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shooter, identified as a 15-year-old female, notably 95% of school shooters in the last

40 years have been male, was pronounced dead in transport to the hospital. Investigators say a 9mm pistol was used in the shooting and are still working to determine the motive. Unconfirmed social media reports claim the shooter left a manifesto, but police have not confirmed its authenticity. We often say it's easy to feel helpless in times like these, and it is, and we do. Scripture encourages us to mourn, to pray, and to love with action. Pray that the God of all comfort would move in power in this time of incredible tragedy. Book of Common Prayer, page 264 says,

Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved, the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience, not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful Ukraine has claimed responsibility for the targeted killing of a top Russian commander. An explosive planted in an electric scooter killed Igor Kirilov, head of the Russian Armed Forces' Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops, and his assistant as they left Kirilov's Moscow apartment early Tuesday. Ukraine's main domestic intelligence agency, known as the SBU, said it remotely detonated the bomb to eliminate the war criminal, an entirely legitimate target. Gidilov, seen as a significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation, had been accused

by the US and others of ordering Russia's use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine. The SBU cited over 4,800 cases of Russian chemical munitions use since the February 2022 invasion. Russian authorities classified Kirilov's death as an act of terror, promising inevitable retribution on Kiev's senior military political leadership. Here's a verse to consider when news from around the world makes you feel like you're inside a spy movie. First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead

a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. First Timothy 2, 1 and 2. The tech-heavy Nasdaq and Bitcoin started opening gifts early, hitting record highs this week. Fueling the climb are expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again later today. It would be the third consecutive rate reduction, but that pace will likely slow in 2025. Economists expect the Fed to wait and see which of President-elect Trump's proposals get enacted.

For example, tariffs, tax cuts, deregulation, and what effect they have on the nation's stubbornly above 2% inflation. Meanwhile, Japanese tech investing firm SoftBank is betting big on America. During a meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, CEO Masayoshi San announced his firm would invest $100 billion to create 100,000 jobs focused on AI and other tech in the U.S. over the next four years. SoftBank made a similar $50 billion pledge at the start of Trump's first term. Massive wealth gains could be here today and gone tomorrow. Don't let economic news determine your mood, win your heart's affection, or steal your

mission focus. Matthew 6, 24 says, No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Hey, it's Emily from the pour over. The holidays are upon us and that means extra expenses are piling up all the time. Secret Santa's, kids class parties, end of year donations, then buying myself a coffee

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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. gas using promo code TPO. Another bruise, here's a wrap-around of updates. Prince Andrew has been uninvited to the royal family's Christmas after reportedly developing an unusual degree of trust with an alleged Chinese spy banned from the

UK. The allegations add another name to the list of the King's brothers' dodgy mates, like the late Jeffrey Epstein, and raise alarms over Chinese efforts to suddenly sway British politics. President-elect Trump met with TikTok's CEO in Mar-a-Lago Monday, the same day the platform asked the Supreme Court to block a law that could boot it from the US by January 19th. You know, I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok, Trump told reporters, pointing to his electoral performance among young voters in November. Hundreds are feared dead after a cyclone devastated the French territory of Mayotte. in November. Hundreds are feared dead after a cyclone devastated the French territory of Mayotte.

On Saturday, Cyclone Cheadle ripped through the archipelago off East Africa as a Category 4 storm, bringing 136 mph winds before striking continental Africa. Officials say it can take days and days to determine the death toll as they assess damage and prioritize water, food, and sanitation. Another day, another ousted world leader. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost the vote of confidence on Monday after saying Auf Wiedersehen to his finance minister over tax and debt policy differences. Germany will set up a caretaker government while the country readies for snap elections

projected for February. A former FBI informant pleaded guilty to lying about the Bidens. Alexander Smirnov admitted to making up claims that President Biden and son Hunter pocketed $5 million each in bribes from Ukrainian energy giant Berezma Holdings. Court documents show he admitted to tax evasion along the way. Prosecutors are calling for Smirnov to spend 4-6 years behind bars. And that's all we have for today. Thanks so much for listening. If you're listening on the Apple Podcasts app, give us a 5 star rating and drop a review.

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