The Pour Over Today - Friday, March 24, 2023

Episode Date: March 24, 2023

Today, we’re talking about a TikTok’s CEO testifying before Congress, more hikes for interest rates, an overhaul of the organ transplant system, and other top news for Friday, March 24th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Sponsored by Patmos Capital Partners - If you’re interested in learning more, fill out this form to get connected

Today, we're talking about a TikTok's CEO testifying before Congress, more hikes for interest rates, an overhaul of the organ transplant system, and other top news for Friday, March 24th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Here's the quote of the day. Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. Billy Graham. Let's start with some espresso shots.

TikTok CEO Xio Zichu went live before Congress yesterday. His testimony comes as the White House threatens to ban the app, which has over 150 million monthly active U.S. users, unless it parts ways with its Chinese parent company. Over half the country scrolls through viral videos on TikTok, potentially feeding user data to the Chinese government, according to the Biden administration. Chu maintained that TikTok has never shared or received a request to share data, but lawmakers from both sides of the aisle remained concerned for the future. The hearing also focused on TikTok's content moderation of dangerous videos, like a blackout challenge, or a recipe for homemade hydroxychloroquine.

When asked by a Congress member, why is it you can't control this, Chu replied, this is a real industry challenge and we're working very hard. There's a lot of junk out there on the internet. It's never a bad time to check your own consumption to make sure your heart is in the right place. Philippians 4 verse 8 says, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Jerome Powell keeps trudging uphill. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 0.25 percentage points on Wednesday, bringing rates to their highest point since 2007. This was the central

bank's ninth straight increase, but it's feeling less certain that there will be a tenth or eleventh. Chairman Powell acknowledged that there have been serious difficulties at a small number of banks, referencing both the SVB and Signature Bank collapses and the fact that the First Republic Bank's stock is still trading like a cryptocurrency. Of course, the Fed wants to avoid raising rates too high, making matters in the banking industry worse. They're also hoping that the recent banking drama will help curb inflation. Banks are expected to be pickier with their loans,

which should reduce spending and inflation. High inflation has not impacted everyone equally. Reach out to your local church and see how you can give generously to those in greater need. Hebrews 13 verse 16 says, Don't neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. The Department of Health is acknowledging that the country's organ transplant system may itself need a transplant. The program, which was created by Congress four decades ago and solely operated by

the non-profit United Network of Organ Services, or UNOS, has long faced criticism for mismanagement and issues like long wait times, over 100,000 people are waiting for organs, 22 of whom die every day, and a kidney discard rate of over 20%, mostly due to being damaged or delayed in transit. If successful, the shakeup will leave little as is. It calls for updates to technology, increased federal funding, more transparency, and breaking up UNOS's monopoly by soliciting bids. The proposal has received positive early feedback from Congress and the support of an advocacy group whose CEO says it's a transformative and unequivocal win for patients. Give thanks to God for the incredible minds he's given people like doctors and nurses

who perform organ transplants every day. The world that God made makes amazing things possible. Psalm 139 verse 14 says, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well. This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Patmos Capital Partners. Texas, the land of big flags, Chip and Joanna Gaines, long-horned bovines, and one of the fastest growing real estate markets in the country. If you're interested in that last piece, you may be interested in Patmos Capital Partners. Patmos Capital Partners is a real estate investment firm with a team that loves Jesus and puts the needs of their residents and the priorities of their investors above their own needs. Today, they have over $240 million in assets under management and are raising capital

for additional properties. Patmos is currently raising money for new opportunities. If you're interested in learning more, check out the link in our show notes. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. President Biden announced two national monuments, which are different than national parks, Nevada's 500,000-acre Avie Kwame and Texas' 7,000-acre Kastner Range, saying, Our natural wonders are literally the envy of the world. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo expressed his displeasure with the decision, which will limit state development projects. The suspect in a Denver high school shooting was found dead after an hours-long manhunt. The 17-year-old suspect is accused

of shooting two school administrators who were patting him down as part of a new safety plan for youth with a history of behavioral issues. One administrator remains in serious condition after undergoing surgery. The other was discharged. In another sign that the pandemic might actually, possibly, hopefully, finally be over, the White House will disband its COVID-19 response team after the public health emergency ends May 11th. This also means new vaccine pricing. Moderna expects to raise its U.S. sales price, currently around $26 a dose for Uncle Sam, to $130 a dose. Gwyneth Paltrow's ski-slope hit-and-run civil trial started Tuesday. Terry Sanderson,

76, is seeking $300,000 down from the original $3 million request, saying Paltrow skied into him and knocked him unconscious before continuing down the bunny hill. The actress, who claims Sanderson actually caused the crash, has her own countersuit for fees and damages. Sanderson actually caused the crash, has her own countersuit for fees and damages. Ukraine's President Zelensky visited the front lines near Bakhmut, where the battle continues to rage, Wednesday. Ukrainian officials have signaled that they'll be launching a counter offensive very soon, and it may include extra air support. Slovakia announced it would join Poland in sending MIG fighter jets to Ukraine. That's all the time we have for today. Thanks so much for listening.

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