136-Country Agreement

Since adopting its famously low 12.5% corporate tax rate in 2003, Ireland has become the “European HQ” for ~1,000 multinational companies, but it seems the Luck O’ the Low Irish Tax Bill has finally run out.
 
Ireland was one of 136 countries representing 90% of the global economy to agree to a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% last week.
 
Higher taxes aren't big businesses’ only problem; they still can’t hire enough people. Last month in the U.S.…

1. Far fewer jobs were added than hoped (194k vs. 500k)
2. Unemployment dropped from 5.2% to 4.8% 

Remember, someone is “unemployed” when they don’t have a job but are looking for one; these numbers suggest that many jobless people stopped looking for work altogether.

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BE DOERS
Regardless of whether the broader economy is struggling or thriving, Christians should seek to give generously of our time, talents, and resources to those in greater need. Reach out to your local church to see where help is needed.
 
“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB)

Bombings and Darkness

There’s more bad news out of Afghanistan. 
 
An ISIS-K suicide bomber killed at least 46 people at a Shiite mosque on Friday in the deadliest attack since the U.S. evacuated in August. 
 
Meanwhile, the Taliban has been trying to convince the rest of the world to recognize their “Islamic Emirate,” but, like Michael Scott trying to “declare... BANKRUPTCY,” saying it hasn’t made it so. Zero countries have officially recognized their rule as legitimate.
 
As they fight for political power, they might lose electric power. Showing the extent of the economic crisis in Afghanistan, the Taliban hasn’t paid their electricity bills to neighboring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and the whole country could soon be unplugged, likely causing a humanitarian disaster.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
The promise of heaven does not remove the pains of this world, but it does give us hope, strength, and peace during life’s most difficult seasons. Join us in praying for hope, strength, and humanitarian aid to reach the people of Afghanistan.
 
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 (CSB)

Texas’s law banning most abortions ping-ponged back into effect on Friday when the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an emergency order reversing a lower court’s emergency order that had blocked the law’s enforcement just 48 hours prior. The law will remain in effect while it continues through the standard litigation process.


Today, the second Monday of October, has become a contentious holiday. Federally, it is Columbus Day, but at least 14 states and 130 local governments have replaced it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. President Biden acknowledged both in separate proclamations; it was the first presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.


This year’s Dundie Awards Nobel Prizes are almost over (see winners). The final award, for economics, is being announced today. On Friday, the Nobel committee awarded the Peace prize to journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia for fighting for free expression in countries where dissenting journalism is persecuted.


Elon Musk announced Tesla is moving its headquarters from Palo Alto, California, to Austin, Texas. Musk has been outspoken against California’s COVID-related regulations that impacted his businesses. Last week, Tesla announced it produced a record-breaking 237,823 vehicles, a feat it accomplished by taking any available microchip and re-coding software.


Kim K hosted SNL last night where she mocked her famous family during her monologue and gave the show a ratings boost; the show’s season opener the week before drew the fewest viewers in the show’s 47-year history. 

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Extreme pogo…