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ECONOMY

Rate Cut

The Fed finally did the thing, and they went big.

On Wednesday, the Nation’s Banker announced its first interest rate cut in four years, slashing rates by a larger-than-normal half percentage point to ~4.9% (down from its two-decade high of ~5.3%). 

The cut indicates the Fed is turning the page on Uncle Sam’s soaring inflation era––the reason for rate hikes in 2022 and 2023––and is now more worried about keeping the job market strong and avoiding a recession; lower borrowing costs should spur spending and economic growth. Mortgage rates have been falling in anticipation of Wednesday’s cut, and credit card rates should soon follow.

The big cut spurred a stock market rally, sending the S&P 500 and Dow to record highs. Rates are expected to be trimmed by another half-point this year.

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Verse to consider when you’re reevaluating your budget in light of interest rates going down…“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Exploding Walkie Talkies

More electronic devices exploded in Lebanon Wednesday, a day after detonated pagers killed 12 people. 

A wave of walkie-talkie explosions killed 25 people and injured over 600 (including civilians) in what Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah called a “very big blow” to the Iran-backed militant group. Nasrallah also squarely named Israel as the responsible party, saying it will face “just punishment.”

Israel hasn’t publicly claimed responsibility for the attacks, although reports detail an elaborate two-year scheme of creating shell companies to manufacture electronics containing explosives to sell to Hezbollah. Addressing troops this week, Israel’s Defense Minister said “a new phase in the war” is starting. 

Meanwhile, the IDF said dozens of Hezbollah rockets fired from Lebanon struck open areas in western Galilee Wednesday afternoon and confirmed airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon Thursday.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
It’s easy to feel helpless when there is such intense suffering happening so far away. But the Bible promises that prayer is powerful and effective, that it causes things to happen that would not have happened otherwise. Pray for comfort for those grieving. Pray for wisdom for leaders. Pray for peace. 

“May the LORD bless you and protect you; may the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD look with favor on you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (CSB) (read full passage)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Serving the Persecuted

“Hate the evil systems, but love your persecutors. Love their souls, and try to win them for Christ.” 

These words, spoken by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, came after he was imprisoned 14 years for his bold Christian witness under Romania’s Communist regime. He and his wife, Sabina, later sought ways to serve persecuted Christians and, in 1967, started a global ministry known today as The Voice of the Martyrs.

Today, VOM serves persecuted Christians in more than 70 nations, which are the world’s most difficult and dangerous places to follow Christ and inspires all believers to a biblical faith by telling their stories. 

TPO Subscribers can receive The Voice of the Martyrs’ monthly magazine (for free) and receive a copy of the award-winning film Tortured for Christ, a retelling of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand’s testimony.

POLITICS

Countdown to November 5

The Teamsters have decided not to decide.

One of America's largest unions won’t back an Oval Office contender after neither candidate was “able to make serious commitments” in meetings with union leaders; it ends a 24-year streak of endorsing Democratic presidential candidates.

Local Teamsters Councils in key battleground states have since endorsed Harris, though internal polling suggests 60% of members nationally back Trump. The former president called the double-candidate rejection “a great honor.”

The race is really tight. Polling throughout September suggests that Trump and Harris are essentially tied in Pennsylvania, the swing state widely predicted to decide the election. In national polling, Harris has a three-point edge. 

With 46 days until election Tuesday, voters in 10 states have already begun filling in bubbles. An early voting option is available to 97% of Americans; check your registration here. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whether we are thrilled or dismayed by the names on our ballots, we can be thankful we have the opportunity to vote to elect people and effect change. Take a moment to pray for those in countries without such freedom. Pray that God would move in power to care for victims of oppression and injustice. 

“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (CSB) (read full passage)

Uncle Sam might be OOO again soon. The House rejected Speaker Johnson’s (R-LA) stopgap funding plan with six working-in-Capitol days until a possible government shutdown. Fourteen Republicans and most Democrats opposed the bill, which included a Trump-backed measure requiring proof of citizenship for voting in federal elections. Nay-saying Republicans wanted a tighter budget, while Democrats wanted one without add-ons.
 

Beastmode gone wrong. Top YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) has been sued for fostering an 'unsafe' working environment in his upcoming Amazon reality show "Beast Games." Five contestants allege they were denied pay, forced to participate in unsafe conditions, and experienced sexual harassment. The 54-page lawsuit also alleges the show obtained an “illegal contract” and provided “false information” for tax credits. 
 

Uncle Rico might need to find a new side hustle. Tupperware, the iconic food storage company that burst onto the scene in the 1950s with its in-home parties, filed for bankruptcy protection. The debt-laden company has struggled to transition from its independent sales representative model to a world of online shopping.
 

Americans can (finally) renew their passports online. This paperwork-dodging option is available to adult passport holders whose passports expired within the past five years or is set to expire in the coming year. Children, first-time passporters, outside-the-U.S. renewals, or expedited applications have to stick with snail mail or waiting in government lines.
 

You can’t spell scandal without DNA. The entire board of 23andMe resigned Tuesday, saying they disagree with CEO Anne Wojcicki's effort to take the company private. Wojcicki told employees she was “surprised and disappointed” but resolute in her decision. It’s the latest in a string double-helix of struggles for the company, whose stock is down 97% since peaking in 2021.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

What food was released the year you were born?

How Our New Office Is Staying Hydrated
LMNT*

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The Pour Over Staff

How We’re Scrubbing Our Data
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