The Pour Over Today - Iran War in Iraq, A Voting Bill Standoff, Oscars Moments & More | 03.16. 2026

Episode Date: March 16, 2026

Today, we’re talking about the Iran war spilling into Iraq; a standoff in Congress over President Trump’s Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act; a big night for “One Battle After Another” at the Oscars; and other top news for Monday, March 16. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over. Looking to support us? You can choose to pay ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out our sponsors! We actually use and enjoy every single one. Cru Wild Alaskan HelloFresh Safe House Project QAVA CCCU Upside Mosh LMNT Bible Gateway Plus Life Application Study Bible Unto Compelled Podcast I Choose Love TPO Corrections Page

Hey there, this is Peter at the Porover. And this is Joe at the Porover. Today, we're talking about the Iran War spilling into Iraq. A standoff in Congress over President Trump's Safeguard America Voter Eligibility Act. A big night for one battle after another at the Oscars and other top news from Monday, March 16th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the Porover. Here's your quote of the day. I am imperfect in many things.

Nevertheless, I want my brethren and kinsfolk to know my nature so that they may be able to perceive my soul's desire. St. Patrick. Let's get started with some espresso shots. Washington's war with Tehran is showing no signs of slowing. Thursday, six American service members died when their KC-135, a plane that refueles other planes mid-air, collided with another aircraft in, quote, friendly airspace in Iraq. The other plane landed safely and an investigation is underway. Also in Iraq, and Iran-backed militia took responsibility for a retaliatory drone attack on the U.S. embassy,

following an attack that reportedly wounded the militias leader. No Americans were hurt, but the embassy urged all citizens to leave Iraq. As missiles continued to fly, rumors are swirling about Iran's new supreme leader, who hasn't been seen publicly since taken his father's place. Secretary Hegseth suggested Ayatollah Khomeini, is, quote, likely disfigured. And Saturday, President Trump questioned whether he's alive. Iran maintains there's, quote, no problem with its leader.

The darkness of death weighs heavily on our hearts and our world. But believers have hope. Emmanuel is present with us in the darkness. And our living God has removed the sting of death so that it's powerless against those who love him. As 1 Corinthians 1554 through 58 says, Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where death is your victory? Where death is your sting?

The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work. President Trump warned he won't sign any legislation until the Save America Act clears Congress, but it appears doomed in the Senate. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act would require showing proof of citizenship in person

at an election office when registering to vote, and a valid photo ID at the time of voting. It also establishes criminal liability for election workers who register a voter without proper documentation, supporters call save, quote, essential for the legitimacy of our democratic institutions, while critics note citizenship is already a requirement of voting and say adding steps will disenfranchise millions to, quote, solve a problem that doesn't exist. The bill passed the House 218 to 213. In the Senate, all Democrats and at least one Republican

oppose the bill, leaving it short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a philadelphia. It's tempting to put our faith in earthly leaders, but they will always fail. God never will. Pray with us. Never changing, never failing God. I confess my all-too-eager impulse to delegate some portion of my faith to human leaders who can never bear the weight of it. Keep the center of our truth always and ever anchored in you.

Forgive us if we have made our leaders into idols. Now in the howling space where once they stood, in that hollow crater of our misplaced faith, pour out your balm, and teach us faith again that looks ever and only to you, the one eternal author and perfector of our faith. Amen. From Every Moment Holy, Volume 3, Pages 301 and 307.

One battle after another, shone bright on Hollywood's biggest night. The Leonardo DiCaprio led Epic took home six statuettes, including Best Picture, at the 98th Academy Awards last night. Its director, Paul Thomas Anderson, previously 0 and 11 at the Oscars, won one award after another, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, en route to a dominant night in the Dolby Theater. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his role Z in Sinners, while Best Actress went to Jesse Buckley from Hamnet.

Conan O'Brien hosted the long telecast, which featured music from K-pop Demon Hunters, Tinsletown's tributes to the late legends Robert Redford, Rob Reiner, and Diane Keaton, and a tie for Best Live Action Short Film, the seventh tie in Oscars history. Here's a verse to consider when you win the award, make the shot, close the deal, or nail a meal. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.

Every good and perfect gift is from above. coming down from the Father of Lights who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1 versus 16 and 17. Have you ever opened your Bible and thought, man, I really wish I understood this better. We've all been there. The Bible can feel overwhelming

when you don't have the right guidance or context around what you're reading. That's why we love Kavah, a Christian streaming platform designed to help you understand scripture and live out your faith with confidence. It's like digital discipleship in your pocket. You'll find Bible studies, biblical documentaries, and conversations with trusted teachers

who can help you see scripture in context, so it finally comes alive in your everyday life. And the cherry on top? Kava is a non-profit, subscriber-funded ministry. That means when you join, you're not just getting great content. You're helping create biblical resources that help people around the world grow in their faith.

Move from confusion to confidence with Kava. Watch anytime, anywhere from any device, and use code the pourover 50 to get 50% off your first six months. Start streaming today at the link in the show notes. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. Uncle Sam is looking to grease the world's oil supply wheels. Friday, the White House issued a 30-day sanction waiver to allow the sale of Russian oil, currently stranded at sea, and ordered one California offshore drilling project to restart.

President Trump also urged China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. No affirmative RSVPs yet. Air traffic control has made a big stink on Friday. A quote, strong chemical smell tied to an overheated circuit board at a D.C. Area FAA communication center grounded flights at four nearby airports. Flights were halted for more than two hours and caused longer delays, affecting more than 650 flights during a busy spring break travel season. Cuba and the U.S. are officially on speaking terms. Friday, Cuban President Diaz Canal acknowledged for the first time that his government, government is in initial talks with the U.S. to resolve, quote, bilateral differences.

The White House confirmed the talks and urged Cuba's leaders to, quote, make a deal. Cuba is facing worsening blackouts as Uncle Sam's three-month oil blockade drags on. Happy Selection Sunday to all who celebrate. The NCAA March Madness brackets were set yesterday. Duke claimed the top spot on the men's sign with Yukon topping the women's. The action starts, and your productivity plummets tomorrow with the men's first four games. And the round of 64 begins Thursday. Brackett wisely, friends.

Federal Judge Bosberg blocked two subpoenas against Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, saying the government, quote, offered no evidence whatsoever that Powell committed any crime other than displeasing the president. U.S. attorney for D.C. Janine Piro, who is investigating cost overruns at the Fed. new HQ, criticize the, quote, activist judge for his, quote, arbitrary ruling and vowed to appeal. That's all we have for you today.

Thanks so much for listening, TPO fam. If you're listening on the Apple Podcast 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 Monday. Catch you on Wednesday. If you're interested in hearing real stories from real Christians, compelled podcast uses gripping, immersive storytelling to bring Christian testimonies to life.

Christians like Lori Apen, who married the co-founder of the band New Song, their wedding featured the who's-who of Christian contemporary music, but they both approached the altar enslaved to sin. Who could set them free? Listen to Lori, share the entire tale on the compelled podcast in episode number 94 titled Our Fairy Tale Romance and Deception. Catch it on your favorite podcast app or visit compelledpodcast.com.