The Pour Over Today - TikTok Deal Framework, Charlie Kirk Suspect Charged, Offensive into Gaza City, & More | 09.17.25

Episode Date: September 17, 2025

Today, we’re talking about the U.S. and China agreeing to a framework for TikTok sale; Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer appearing in court; Israel beginning its ground offensive into Gaza City; and other top news for Wednesday, September 17th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Join over 1 million readers with our free newsletter here Looking to support us? You can choose to pay here Check out our sponsors! We actually use and enjoy every single one. Cru Surfshark Holy Post CCCU Upside HelloFresh Mosh LMNT Theology in the Raw Safe House Project Student Life Application Study Bible A Place For You Practicing Life Together Not Just Sunday Podcast

Hey, this is Bailey at the Porover. And this is Zan at the Porover. Happy Wednesday and happy 238th birthday to the U.S. Constitution, which was signed in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. We the people are grateful for Schoolhouse Rock for teaching us what it says. Now for the headlines. Today, we're talking about the U.S. and China agreeing to a framework for a TikTok sale, Charlie Kirk's suspected shooter appearing in court, Israel beginning its ground offensive into Gaza City, and other top news for Wednesday, September 17th. Stay informed while

remaining focused on Christ with the pourover. Here's your quote of the day. Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has, and this requires transforming greed into gratitude. St. John Chrysostom. Let's get started with some espresso shots. Like many popular British TV shows, TikTok's getting an American spin-off. U.S. Treasury Secretary Besson announced Monday that Uncle Sam has a, quote, framework agreement with China to move TikTok's American operations from its current owner by dance to a U.S. buyer. Bessent declined to share deeds about the agreement, like, like who the new owners will be or who will control TikTok's algorithm,

but said the White House will prioritize, quote, national security in negotiations. Sources suggest multiple investors will be involved. The announcement keeps TikTok from going dark in the states again. Its sell or farewell deadline was today. Though Bessent said the White House would repost another 90-day extension to finalize the transfer. President Trump and Chinese leader Xi will chat on Friday to seal the deal, talk tariffs, and potentially plan a Xi-Trump summit in Beijing later this fall.

Here's a verse to consider when you're evaluating how you use social media. 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 at me and the god of peace will be with you philippians four eight through nine charlie kirk's suspected killer appeared in court yesterday in his first public appearance since the shooting the 22-year-old joined the hearing by video from Utah County Jail, where he's being held without bail.

He faces charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and related felonies. Cited evidence included DNA on a towel wrapped around a rifle and a screwdriver recovered from the rooftop, plus a digital trail of texts and a confession on Discord, a gamer chat app. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. On Monday, Vice President Vance guest-hosted the Charlie Kirk Show from the White House as a tribute.

He called, quote, left-wing extremism and, quote, incredibly destructive movement, saying it was, quote, part of the reason Kirk was killed by an assassin's bullet and urged the public to call out anyone celebrating Kirk's murder. Justice stirs up longing in us for a better. world, where justice always wins and righteousness is never corrupted. As you wait, celebrate the patience of your merciful father and live holy lives anticipating his coming. 2. Peter 3.9 says, The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. Israel's long-expected ground offensive into Gaza's city is underway. Overnight Monday, a wave of near-continuous bombing reduced neighborhoods to rubble

as Israel seeks, quote, the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas. Israel's military warned Palestinians to leave the, quote, dangerous combat zone that Prime Minister Netanyahu calls Hamas's, quote, main stronghold. Hundreds of thousands have evacuated to a southern humanitarian. humanitarian zone. But Israel believes 600,000 civilians, thousands of Hamas fighters, and a number of Hamas held hostages remain in Gaza City. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio said there is a quote, very short window of time for a ceasefire, urging Qatar to continue mediating despite Israel's failed attempt to eliminate Hamas leadership in a Dohairstrike last week. The UN's assessment is

even more bleak, accusing Israel of genocide. Join us in prayer for long-term peace, confident that God is able to spread across the globe the peace he has given to those who trust him. Gracious peacemaker. In hearts and lands of these embattled countries work peace. Thwart evil plans and bring to fruition those that lead to flourishing. May their leaders be creative in their problem-solving,

wise in their choice of counselors, clear-eyed in their negotiating, and compassionate toward the needy, humbly considering the good of others before their own gain and attributing all the glory to you alone. Amen. Hey, it's Steph, a writer at the Poorover. We recently moved to the big city of Omaha, and in all the hustle and bustle, I totally forgot to check my new neighborhood for cash-back offers on upside. After some calculating, I really really I realized I missed out on like 20 bucks, which would fund quite a few of the iced honey lattes that fuel my newsletter writing.

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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. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. President Trump wants to mix quarterly earnings reports. On Truth Social, he argued the move, which is pending SEC approval, would cut costs and let managers, quote, focus on properly running their companies. The SEC is looking into it. Many executives agree, saying quarterly updates feel short-termism instead of encouraging long-term sustainability. Others counter that quarterly updates foster transparency and informed investments.

The Fed's back in the spotlight. The central bank is expected to cut rates today, lowering borrowing costs as the labor market cools. The Senate confirmed President Trump's nominee for a vacant Fed governorship on Monday, in time for him to cast a vote today. While an appeals court ruled Trump could not fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook for alleged mortgage fraud. The White House announced Monday that the U.S. struck another alleged Venezuelan drug boat killing three. The second strike in two weeks comes amid a military crackdown on, quote, drug trafficking cartels and narco-terrorists in international waters. President Trump suggested operations may move to land too.

Critics question the legality of identifying cartels as terrorists and using lethal force. Robert Redford, Oscar-winning actor and director, passed away yesterday. quote, surrounded by those he loved at the age of 89. The Hollywood heartthrob, whose career spanned over six decades, was known for roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Natural, and all the president's men. Redford also founded the Sundance Film Festival, the country's biggest indie film fest.

Digital assistants are carving out niches. This week, Anthropic and OpenAI shared usage studies. ChatGPT takes the cake for personal tasks like, quote, practical guidance, seeking information and writing, while Claude dominates at work-related tasks like coding, research, and education. Women now make up half of chat GPT's users, a massive shift from early adopters, and half of all chats come from Gen Z. That's all we have for today. Thanks so much for listening, TPOFam. 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. We're grateful for your support and hope you have a great rest of your week. Catch you on Friday. There are so many different voices, both inside and outside the church, telling us what biblical womanhood should look like. Kendra Doll's new book, A Place for You, cuts through the noise, outlining a biblical framework for women's value, purpose, and belong. It invites women to embrace their dignity, delight in God's design, and persevere in the way of Christ with courage and conviction. Grab a copy today at moodypublishers.com or at the link in the show notes.