The Pour Over Today - Inflation cools, Mpox outbreak, Restarted Ceasefire Talks, & More | 08.16.24

Episode Date: August 16, 2024

Today, we’re talking about inflation dropping below 3%; Mpox being declared a global health emergency; the latest round of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas; and other top news for Friday, August 16th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Please support our TPO sponsors! CSB: links.thepourover.org/CSB_Podcast_0701 Cru: give.cru.org/tpo Compassion International: compassion.com/TPO Upside: https://links.thepourover.org/Upside Every Woman's Bible: everywomansbible.com Life Application Study Bible: https://links.thepourover.org/LASB_Podcast

Today, we're talking about inflation dropping below 3%, EMPOCs being declared a global health emergency, the latest round of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, and other top news for Friday, August 16th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the pullover today. Here's the quote of the day. I like to open the Bible and pray, Lord God, let the words leap off the page into my soul,

make them vivid, powerful, and fresh to my heart. Charles Spurgeon. Let's get started with some espresso shots. Inflation's chill pill is kicking in. The Consumer Price Index, CPI, a broad measure of prices for goods and services, rose 2.9% over the past year, the first time inflation has been below 3% since 2021. The cost of some items actually dropped in the last year, apples down 14.5%, used cars down 10.9%, and furniture down 5.2%.

July's report wasn't all rainbows and downward sloping graphs. The cost of housing rose at a faster pace, accounting for 90% of the month's total inflation, and the cost of other items remains up from last year. Eggs 19.1%, car insurance 18.6%, and sporting events 8.8%. For now, it seems the Federal Reserve has pulled off the mystical soft landing, reducing inflation without causing a recession, and is expected to cut interest rates next month. Whether inflation is rising or falling, Christians should continue to give generously to those in greater need.

At the end of the day, everything we have in our bank accounts is the Lord's first. Hebrews 13, 16 says, Don't neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. The WHO declared Africa's M-Pox outbreak a global health emergency on Wednesday. The disease, formerly known as monkeypox, began circulating in Congo but has spread through 13 African countries and to one individual in Sweden, producing fever, respiratory symptoms, swelling, pain, and rashes among over 17,500 individuals. The virus spreads through close contact and contaminated materials like sheets and needles.

MPOX also prompted a global emergency in 2022, but this year's strain is more worrying due to the increased death toll, 537 vs. 200, larger at-risk population, women and children vs. gay and bisexual men, and a higher death rate, 3% vs. 0.2%. Africa's CDC hopes the emergency declaration will garner international support. The U.S. has already pledged $424 million in humanitarian aid and 50,000 M-Pox vaccines to Congo. It's easy to become anxious as M-Pox and other diseases mutate and spread. Remember the Lord's promise to be with his people

in troubling and uncertain times, all the way into eternity. Isaiah 41 10 says, "'Do not fear, for the way into eternity. Isaiah 41 10 says, "'Do not fear, for I am with you. "'Do not be afraid, for I am your God. "'I will strengthen you, I will help you, "'I will hold onto you with my righteous right hand.'" Everyone's hoping this round of ceasefire talks will be different.

Officials from Israel, Egypt, the US, and Qatar are on day two of negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza. Representatives from Hamas did not join but would reportedly be consulted. Sticking points between Israel and Hamas include the timeline for hostage releases and the shaping of the day after the war in Gaza. Israeli officials have said this is the last chance as fears of a wider regional war with Iran grow. Officials from France and the UK are in Israel today trying to prevent that escalation.

The talks come as the Hamas run Gaza health ministry announced that the Palestinian death toll in the 10 monthold war has crossed 40,000. Israel says it's killed over 17,000 Hamas operatives and lost 329 Israeli soldiers. War is heavy and ugly and reminds us of the need for redemption through Christ. Jesus came to lighten our burdens and bring us unexplainable peace.

Pray that the Middle East would experience the peace that comes through Christ alone. Philippians 4, 6 and 7 says, "'Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

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In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. Japan is saying sayonara to Prime Minister Kishida. The Prime Minister is stepping down and will not seek re-election when his term ends next month. The decision follows a series of scandals within his political party, including allegations that it rerouted donations to lawmakers as kickbacks. Kishida said his departure was the first step in showing the party would change. Ukraine keeps pushing into Russia. Ukraine's president Zelenskyy credited soldiers with

capturing their largest Russian city yet, Sucha, pre-war population 5,000. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is reportedly open to sending long-range cruise missiles to beef up Ukraine's air power. For now, Ukraine is not authorized to use U.S. gifted missiles within Russia. Another Ivy League president is hashtag open to work. Columbia University's President, Minou Shafik, is resigning following opposition to her handling of on-campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war. She faced criticism for authorizing the arrest of protesters and

for her House testimony on the university's handling of anti-Semitism. The president of Harvard and Penn resigned for similar reasons earlier this year. Sweet and now salty, candy giant Mars, Snickers and M&Ms, is acquiring Kella Nova, Cheezus and Pringles for $36 billion in cash. Mars plans to harness the new partnership to expand both companies' business in Africa and China. In other bittersweet news, Wally Amos, 88, the man who made famous Amos cookies famous, died from complications related to dementia.

Five people have been charged in connection to Matthew Perry's death last year, including two doctors and the actor's live-in assistant. Prosecutors alleged they took advantage of Perry's addiction to enrich themselves, once selling the Friends star $12 worth of ketamine for $2,000 after his regular doctors refused to prescribe him more. Three defendants, including his assistant, have pleaded guilty. And that's all I have for today. Thanks so much for listening. If you're listening on the Apple Podcast app, give us a 5-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 appreciate your support and hope you have a great weekend. We'll see you on Monday.