The Pour Over Today - Iran-Israel Conflict, SCOTUS Upholds Puberty Blocker Ban, LA Lakers Sell, & More | 06.20.25

Episode Date: June 20, 2025

Today, we’re talking about updates in the Iran-Israel conflict; SCOTUS’s decision to uphold Tennessee’s ban on minors’ use of puberty blockers; the LA Lakers selling majority ownership at a record valuation; and other top news for Friday, June 20th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. 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. Upside Cru LMNT CSB The Table Podcast Heaven Meets Earth Podcast World Relief MOSH Stewardship Investments

Today's episode is brought to you by our lead sponsor, Crew. blockers, the LA Lakers selling majority ownership at a record valuation, and other top news for Friday June 20th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the pour-over today. Here's your quote of the day, unity does not mean sameness, it means oneness of purpose. Priscilla Shire. Let's get started with some espresso shots. Iran and Israel are continuing to trade blows after Iran rejected President Trump's calls for an unconditional surrender. Israel has targeted several nuclear weapons sites across Iran, including a nuclear reactor in the city of Eroq that Iran claims is inactive. Iran launched missiles into southern Israel, hitting a hospital and injuring over 30 people.

Israel's defense minister called the strike criminal and warned that Iran's supreme leader, quote, cannot continue to exist. Iran says it was targeting a military base near the hospital. Meanwhile, President Trump is still deciding whether to join Israel's offensive. Yesterday, No. 47 denied reports that he had approved an attack plan. The White House said Trump will make a decision within two weeks, because he believes there is a substantial chance of negotiations with Iran in the near future. 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, verses 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.

The Supreme Court issued a landmark decision Wednesday. In a 6-3 decision, split along ideological lines, the Supremes upheld Tennessee's ban on gender transition treatments for minors, allowing restrictions on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries for trans-identifying youth to stand. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Roberts acknowledged the, quote, fierce scientific and policy debates surrounding such treatments, but said Tennessee's law does not violate the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Justice Sotomayor read her dissent aloud, a rare move,

saying the law enables medical discrimination on the basis of sex and abandons transgender children. Tennessee is one of 27 states with similar bans. The state's attorney general called the ruling a victory for common sense over judicial activism. Critics warned the, quote, discriminatory ruling could open doors to future restrictions, including on adults. When discussing divisive topics, remember that both your stance and how you take your stance reflect on Christ. Believing your right is not an excuse to be harsh, impatient, or unkind.

Hebrews 12,14 says, Pursue peace with everyone and holiness. Without it, no one will see the Lord. The Lakers are moneymakers. A majority stake of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers is being sold to Mark Walter at a $10 billion valuation, the highest ever for a U.S. sports franchise. Jeannie Buss, whose father Jerry, purchased the Lakers and LA's hockey team for a combined $67.5 million in 1979, will continue running the team for a while. Walter is a big sports fan. He also has ownership stakes in the LA Dodgers, MLB, LA Sparks, WNBA, Chelsea FC, Premier

League Soccer, Cadillacs Formula One team, and others. Game 7 of the NBA Finals is happening Sunday, after the Indiana Pacers staved off elimination by the Oklahoma City Thunder last night. Meanwhile, after beating the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night, the Florida Panthers won their second consecutive Stanley Cup trophy, which they promptly dented. Here's a verse to consider when you find yourself consumed by sports or high dollar deals. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3 verses 2 through 4. With over 1,000 translations and every type of decorative edition, it's easy to forget how many people can't even get their hands on a single copy of the Bible in their native language. That's why we've partnered with Crew.

Crew has missionaries in almost every country, but they need more Bibles. One missionary said, I've never seen such a thirst for the word of God in my country. Let's quench that thirst. For just $24 a month, you can provide three people with Bibles every month. As a bonus, Cru will provide meals to 12 hungry individuals through their humanitarian ministry and send you a free TPO coffee mug. Simply text POUR to 71326 or visit give.cru.org slash POUR. Again, that's texting POUR to 71326 or give.cru.org slash P-O-U-R. Message and data rates may apply.

Available to U.S. addresses only. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. The Treasury Department warns that Uncle Sam's social safety nets are fraying faster than expected. New projections suggest Medicare's trust fund will be depleted in 2033, three years sooner than expected, and Social Security's will be depleted in 2034, one year sooner than expected. And Social Securities will be depleted in 2034, one year sooner than expected. Unless Congress acts before then,

benefits will be automatically cut by 11% for Medicare and 19% for Social Security. Hurricane Eric is sweeping through Mexico's Pacific Coast. The Category 4 storm was downgraded to a category 3 when it made landfall in Oaxaca and Guerrero earlier than meteorologists expected, bringing life-threatening flash flooding, mudslides, and 120 mile per hour winds. Evacuations had been issued for the popular resort area and officials expect power outages to last up to several weeks.

Jell-O's going au naturel. Starting in 2027, Kraft Heinz and General Mills are ditching artificial dyes in all their U.S. products. Kraft Heinz says most of their dye-filled items are drinks and desserts, think Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, and Jell-O — and that they'll keep them colorful with natural dyes from fruits and veggies. One of Massachusetts' most watched trials has ended with a not guilty verdict. A jury acquitted Karen Reed of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, after a mistrial last summer. Prosecutors said she struck him with her SUV. The defense alleged a police cover-up.

Reed was found guilty of a lesser charge, drunken driving, and sentenced to one year of probation. Seven California men, none named Danny Ocean, have been charged in the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history. The alleged Bling bandits are accused of stealing $100 million worth of gold, gemstones, and Rolexes from a Brinks security truck, which they followed for nearly 300 miles in 2022. Federal prosecutors said cell phone records and surveillance footage helped them finally

nab the Napsters. That's all we have for today. Thanks so much for listening, TPO fam. If you're listening on the Apple Podcasts app, give us a five 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're grateful for your support and hope you have a great weekend. See you on Monday. The other day in the kitchen, I poured citrus element powder in my water bottle.

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