The Pour Over Today - Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Episode Date: March 8, 2023

Today, we’re talking about Americans kidnapped in Mexico, domestic terrorism arrests in Atlanta, the latest on inflation, and other top news for Monday, March 8th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Sponsored by TheHopeLine - If you would like to support TheHopeLine, we’re matching the first $1,000 given through this link.

Today we're talking about Americans kidnapped in Mexico, domestic terrorism arrests in Atlanta, the latest on inflation, and other top news for Monday, March 8th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Here's the quote of the day. Our love grows soft if it is not strengthened by truth, and our truth grows hard if it is not softened by love. John Stott Let's get started with some espresso shots.

Two Americans kidnapped in Mexico on Friday were found alive and are receiving medical care back in the United States. Two were found dead. The group of four had driven to Matamoros, Mexico, a border town where one was scheduled for surgery. Video shows a car ramming into the American's vehicle before gunmen started shooting and forcibly took all four away in a separate vehicle. Authorities believe at least one of the deceased Americans was killed during the attack. Gunfire also killed one bystander, a Mexican citizen. The reason for the seemingly targeted attack is not certain, but is believed to be a case of mistaken identities. It happened in Tamaulipas, which has long been one of the most

gain-ridden states in Mexico. We live in a world marred by sin, and the promise of heaven does not remove the pains of this world. Join us in praying for strength and peace for the families of everyone harmed by these cartels, and for courage and wisdom for those seeking to bring them to justice and prevent future tragedies. Romans 12.15 says, Weep with those who weep. 23 people were charged with domestic terrorism after clashing with police outside Atlanta on Sunday. The kerfuffle went down at the site of a proposed police training academy, a construction site that detractors have dubbed Cop City.

Protesters say they're concerned about both its environmental impact, its 85 acres in the middle of a forest, and its symbolic impact. It's set to become one of the nation's largest law enforcement training centers. Police say violent agitators used the cover of a peaceful protest to conduct a coordinated attack, throwing bricks and Molotov cocktails at officers. Police say they used non-lethal force to make arrests. Only two of the 23 people arrested were from Georgia. One is from France, another from Canada, and the rest from across the U.S. It's easy to become angry and indignant over world events, but much more difficult to live with the tension of desiring change

while simultaneously loving everyone involved. Followers of Christ are called to live in that tension, loving the very people they work against. Jesus says in John chapter 13 verse 35, By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. After a brief stint of optimism, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is back to copy-pasting his speech on why the fight against inflation isn't over. While testifying before the Senate Banking Committee yesterday, Powell said recent

economic data shows inflation is on the rise again after decelerating late last year. The central bank is prepared to increase the pace of rate hikes to combat it. Translation, interest rates will go higher and stay up longer than previously expected. Here's the logic. Higher interest rates make debt, like mortgages, car loans, business loans, etc., more expensive, which means consumers spend less, and that decreased demand should lower prices. The ever-present risk is that while trying to cool off the economy, they may accidentally deep-freeze it. The remarks made by Powell spooked investors, sending the stock market down 1.5% yesterday. Our ultimate purpose is to glorify God, something that is difficult to do when times are bad and

easy to forget to do when times are good. Philippians 4.4 says, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice. Today's episode is sponsored by The Hope Line. According to Psychology Today, the average high school kid today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the early 1950s. The Hope Line has been helping students and young adults in crisis by offering sound advice and a place to connect for 30 years. Students can chat live with a Hope Coach 24 hours a day, and it costs zero. Zip. Nada. So our purpose in saying this is twofold. One, if you're a young person in crisis, go to the Hope Line.

They're already praying for you and would love to help. Make their day. And two, if you want to help those in crisis, join us in supporting the Hope Line. $50 saves lives, and we're matching the first $1,000 given through the link in the show notes. Tired of the problem? Try the solution. Check out the links in our show notes. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. France is at it again. Massive protests threaten to shut down the country as protesters object to President Macron's proposed pension reforms,

including his proposal to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. The protests, which involve operators of planes, trains, and automobiles, and up to 60% of teachers, are expected to continue for days. After 20 years of attempts, UN members have agreed to a historic treaty governing ocean biodiversity in international waters. While the 190-plus member nations still need to ratify the treaty, it's a significant step towards a global agreement to protect the planet's oceans. The Biden administration is considering immunizing chickens to address the avian flu epidemic that has killed millions of chickens since last year, driving up egg prices in fears of a human outbreak along the way. The virus, H5N1, has already spread to mammals like bears and foxes, but the CDC says the risk to humans is currently low. is currently low. After a second train derailment in Ohio in a matter of weeks, this one without any hazardous material involved, Norfolk Southern released a six-point safety plan that focuses on bearing detectors, providing real-time alerts of potential issues to crews. CEO Alan Shaw is scheduled to testify tomorrow before a Senate committee.

On Sunday night, two women died in a stampede that broke out after a Glorilla concert in Rochester, New York. Officials say people reported hearing gunshots, which caused the crowd to surge, but police have found no evidence a gun was ever fired. Further investigation is underway. That's all we have for today. Thank you so much for listening. If you're listening on the Apple Podcasts 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 we hope you have a great day. We'll see you on Friday.