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U.S. NEWS

Wisconsin School Shooting

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 10:57 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 a motive. Unconfirmed social media reports claim the shooter left a “manifesto,” but police have not confirmed its authenticity. 

(We’re also covering this story tomorrow in Decaf, The Pour Over for Families. Sign up—for free—here.)

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RESPOND
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 (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

“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 expectation of eternal life with all who love you.” 
Book of Common Prayer, page 264

WORLD

Russian Commander Killed

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for the targeted killing of a top Russian commander.

An explosive planted in an electric scooter killed Igor Kirillov—head of the Russian Armed Forces’ Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops—and his assistant as they left Kirillov’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.”

Kirillov, seen as a “significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation,” had been accused by the U.S. 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 Kirillov’s death as an act of terror, promising “inevitable retribution” on Kyiv’s “senior military-political leadership.”

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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.” 
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Lacking Daily Food

Somalia is caught in the crosshairs of natural disasters, global conflicts, widespread poverty, and disease outbreaks.   

East Africa is coming off its worst drought in 40 years, which has left tens of millions of people without access to clean water, killed millions of livestock, and decimated crops. They became very reliant on imported food, and 90% of Somalia’s wheat came from Russia and Ukraine… which stopped coming.

Now, two in five children in Somalia suffer from acute malnutrition, and a cholera outbreak is spreading in some areas. The food shortage, coupled with humanitarian aid being focused on Europe and the Middle East, has been the perfect storm and led to an alarming increase in child malnutrition. 

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BE DOERS
We’re asking the TPO Community to join us in partnering with World Concern to help get emergency nutrition packs (a peanut paste fortified with nutrients), water, and hygiene products to those with the most need. 

Every $12 feeds a child for a month. We’re matching the first $2,000; just give through this link.

“If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,’ but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it?”
James 2:15-16 (CSB) (read full passage)

ECONOMY

Cuts and Contributions

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 (e.g., 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 Son announced his firm would invest $100B to create 100,000 jobs focused on AI and other tech in the U.S. over the next four years. Softbank made a similar $50B pledge at the start of Trump’s first term.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
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. 

“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.”
Matthew 6:24 (CSB) (read full passage)

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 U.K. The allegations add another name to the list of the King's brother's dodgy mates (like the late Jeffrey Epstein) and raise alarms over Chinese efforts to subtly 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 U.S. 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. On Saturday, Cyclone Chido ripped through the archipelago off east Africa as a category 4 storm, bringing 136-mph winds before striking continental Africa. Officials say it could 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 a 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 Burisma Holdings. Court documents show he admitted to tax evasion along the way. Prosecutors are calling for Smirnov to spend 4-6 years behind bars.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

That’s an awesome cake, duuuuude…

What We’re Sipping
Cozy hydration from LMNT*

I am fully in my cozy era. A blanket is always nearby, my slippers are a wardrobe staple, and a warm drink is non-negotiable. 

LMNT’s Chocolate Medley is my latest favorite—hydration, but make it cozy. The medley includes Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Chai, and Chocolate Raspberry (aka, the trifecta). I just stir a pack into hot water or milk for an indulgent and functional drink. 

LMNT has all the sodium, magnesium, and potassium our bodies need year-round… with none of the sugar I'm already getting from endless Christmas cookies. 

Dehydration doesn’t take a snow day. Stay cozy and hydrated with LMNT!

Elly Hamby | Partnerships Manager

How We’re Investing in God’s Kingdom
Alongside Christian Community Credit Union*

What’s your big bank doing for the world?

When you partner with Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU), you’re doing more than just managing your finances––you’re investing in ministries like the Samaritan's Purse “Rescue Children in Crisis” fund.  Every deposit helps grow the Kingdom. 

Now through the end of the year, CCCU will donate to the fund for every new member who joins. Your membership will help provide shelter, education, daily necessities, and loving care to children around the world vulnerable to exploitation. 

Choose America’s #1 biblical banking solution and bring hope to those in need. Learn more about CCCU here!

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

You’re cutting it a little close on your Christmas shopping… but never fear! TPO’s Christmas Gift Guide is full of suggestions for all you last-minute elves.