The Pour Over Today - CDC Controversy, Epstein Files Controversy, LA Clippers Controversy, & More | 09.05.25

Episode Date: September 5, 2025

Today, we’re talking about public health officials’ vaccine policy disagreements; the debate about releasing the Epstein files; suspected foul play by the LA Clippers; and other top news for Friday, September 5th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Check out our online store 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

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We've got totes. Which our writing team puts just about everything in. Our managing editor Kathleen even said, And I quote, I thought about putting my three-month-old in it, but I didn't. Shop today at the link in the show notes. Now for the headlines. Today we're talking about public health officials' vaccine policy disagreements, the debate about releasing the Epstein files, suspected foul play by the LA Clippers,

and other top news for Friday, September 5th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the boreover. Here's your quote of today. Does not the gratitude of the dog put to shame any man who is ungrateful to his benefactors? St. Basil. Let's get started with some espresso shots. Public health is having a messy family fight. HHS Secretary RFK Jr. spent yesterday in a contentious Senate hearing that included multiple shouting matches over his stance on vaccines and last week's abrupt ousting of CDC

director Susan Menares. RFK Jr. promised, quote, new blood at the CDC, saying the U.S., quote, did worse than any other country at handling COVID. It came a day after nine former CDC directors published a New York Times op-ed accusing RFK Jr. of, quote, endangering Americans' health, and California, Oregon, and Washington announced the West Coast Health Alliance, an organization that promises to provide science-backed vaccine recommendations to, quote, strengthen public confidence in vaccines and in public health as federal guidance shifts. Meanwhile, Florida is also weighing in. Republican Governor DeSantis and Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lodapbo announced plans to

eliminate all childhood vaccine mandates, calling them, quote, immoral. Public health policy can spark heated debate. Remember that both your stance and how you take your stance reflect on Christ. Here's a liturgy from every moment holy. O Lord, let those who claim your name do no harm to it by their abrasiveness and impatience. But rather, speaking your precious truth and love, let them present your story winsomely that it might be well loved, and that others might be drawn to your goodness, your beauty.

Fighting continues over the release of the Justice Department's Epstein files. The House released more files Tuesday, including the murder conspiracy-fueling, quote, missing minute of video surveillance from outside Jeffrey Epstein's jail cell on the night he died. On Wednesday, some of the late sex offenders alleged victims shared abuse stories on Capitol Hill to pressure Congress for greater transparency. Most Republicans say quickly releasing files without proper review would breach victims' privacy and is a political distraction. Democrats are pushing for full release without redactions, saying secrecy protects powerful elites associated with Epstein, not victims. The bipartisan group hoping to force a House vote to release everything needs two more GOP signatures.

Four Republicans have already broken ranks to support the move that the White House calls, quote, A Democratic hoax that never ends. Christians may disagree about what justice looks like with the Epstein case, but there are some non-negotiables when it comes to how we disagree. Humility, gentleness, patience, love, and harmony. Ephesians 4 verses 2 through 3 says, I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness,

with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. Basketball season hasn't started yet, but the L.A. Clippers are being accused of a flagrant foul. The NBA is investigating whether Clippers owner Steve Balmer used a fake. endorsement deal to, quote, circumvent the league's salary cap and pay star forward Kauai Leonard an additional $28 million. In 2021, Balmer invested about $50 million in a now-bankrupt sustainability company called Aspiration. Wednesday, an investigative sports podcast alleged that Aspiration signed a four-year endorsement deal with Leonard, that involved no actual endorsement and only required him to remain with the Glippers. Balmer says the Aller

allegations are, quote, provably false. But if they're true, it could mean serious penalties for Leonard in the clips, including multi-million dollar fines, voided player contracts, and the loss of future draft picks. Here's a verse to consider whether your favorite teams in the spotlight for a big win, a big scandal, or yet another disappointing season. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ and God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3, 2 through 4.

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Message and data rates may apply, available to U.S. addresses only. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. D.C. Mayor Bowser has ordered local police to continue cooperating with federal agencies, quote, to the maximum extent allowable by law, after President Trump's 30-day takeover of the nation's capital expires next week. Critics say the crackdown was unnecessary in the first place and D.C. shouldn't be cooperating. supporters say that increased law enforcement presence has been effective. The courts are busy. This week, a federal appeals court ruled President Trump cannot fast-track deportations for suspected

Venezuelan gang members. And a U.S. district judge ruled the White House must restore $2.6 billion in research funding to Harvard. The Trump admin is expected to appeal both decisions and is also asked the Supreme Court to uphold its tariffs after a lower court defeat. Google received an unexpectedly light punishment for being an illegal monopoly. The judge ruled Google must share some search data with rivals and end certain exclusivity agreements, but is not forcing the tech giant to sell off its Chrome or Android.

Critics call the ruling a, quote, slap on the wrist, while investors cheered sending stocks to an all-time high. Stream East has logged off for good. The illegal sports streaming service has reportedly shut down following a year-long investigation by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, an anti-piracy coalition. The pirating site, which boasted around 1.6 billion visits over the last year, was busted during a raid in Egypt that led to two arrests

and uncovered roughly $6.2 million in laundered ad revenue. The Red Dragon flexed its firepower in a massive military parade on Wednesday. Flanked by Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un, China's President Xi addressed 50,000-plus people in Tiananmen Square, calling mankind to choose between, quote, peace or war, win-win or zero-sum. New military hardware on display included deep-sea drones, hypersonic missiles, and a weaponized, quote, robot. That's all we have for today.

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