The Pour Over Today - Middle East Tensions, Deadly Weekend Weather, Deportations, & More I 3.17.25

Starting point is 00:00:00 Today, we're talking about tensions in the Middle East, deadly weather over the weekend, the deportations of alleged gang members, and other top news for Monday, March 17th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the poor over today. Here's the verse of the day, I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing. John 15.5 Let's get started with some espresso shots. Tensions remain tense in the Middle East. On Wednesday, the Yemen-based Iran-backed

Starting point is 00:00:42 Houthi rebels announced they would resume attacking Israeli ships in the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel halting the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Then, Saturday, to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation, Washington launched decisive and powerful airstrikes against the Houthis. The Trump admin reported killing multiple Houthi leaders and damaging its radars, air defenses, and missile and drone systems. The Houthis reported 31 deaths and vowed to respond to the escalation by escalating.

Starting point is 00:01:15 The bombardment is reportedly the beginning of a larger campaign and a warning to Iran, an adversary Trump wants to prevent from acquiring nuclear weapons and has threatened military actions against if Tehran won't negotiate. When a fragile calm unravels into unnerving conflict, remember the God whose word brings order and goodness out of chaos. Psalm 33, 6-9 says,

Starting point is 00:01:43 The heavens were made by the word of the Lord, and all the stars by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33, 6-9 says, into being, he commanded, and it came into existence. Severe weather wreaked havoc in the U.S. this weekend. At least 36 people died from conditions brought on by a sprawling storm system moving across the South and Midwest, spurring violent tornadoes, wildfires, dust storms, hail storms, and blizzard conditions. In Oklahoma, fierce winds fanned over 130 wildfires, forcing evacuations. In Texas and Kansas, dust storms caused deadly driving conditions, including one massive 50-plus vehicle pileup. More than 40 tornadoes touched down in at least eight states, 12

Starting point is 00:02:44 in Missouri alone, leveling schools, toppling semis, and leaving neighborhoods in ruins. Yesterday, a line of storms marched on for its third and final day, bringing wind, rain, and power outages to the northeast and east coast. Meanwhile, surveying cleanup efforts begin in the storm's wake. Massive weather events and natural disasters remind us that all of the world has been broken by sin, but Christians can look forward to an eternity where there's redemption, not just for people,

Starting point is 00:03:18 but for creation itself. Romans 8, 20 and 21 says, "'For the creation was subjected to futility, "' not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God's children. A legal storm is brewing over deportations. Friday night, President Trump signed an executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a rarely used wartime authority that allows

Starting point is 00:03:53 natives of an enemy nation to be deported without a hearing, to precipitate deportations of members of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang. Saturday, a judge ordered a pause to any deportations under the act, but planes carrying around 250 alleged gang members were already in the air. The judge verbally ordered them to turn around, but the White House declined, saying the planes were over international waters and not subject to the judge's authority. Critics say the Trump administration is defying judges' orders, setting up a constitutional crisis.

Starting point is 00:04:25 The White House says they didn't break the law and is happy to take the fight to the Supreme Court. While our nation's immigration policies change and are imperfect, God's kingdom is eternal, unchangeable and always for our good and God's glory. Care for our current home and neighbors while focusing ultimately on our eternal home, a city whose walls keep out injustice and whose gates are always open. Revelation 21 3 says, Then I heard a loud voice from the throne,

Starting point is 00:04:59 Look, God's dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. Easter is the biggest celebration of our faith. And what better way to celebrate than giving the gift of God's Word? Whether you're looking for a first Bible for a child, a beautiful study Bible for a new believer, or a note-taking Bible to sneak into your own Easter basket, Christian standard Bibles have something for every age and personality. The CSB is highly readable and accurate, making it perfect for any reading level. Plus, you can make it extra special with personalization options. This Easter, go beyond the candy and egg hunts and celebrate the deeper meaning of the resurrection by gifting a Bible that your loved ones will cherish

Starting point is 00:05:47 for years to come. See the link in the show notes to shop for the perfect one. In other brews, here's a wrap-around of updates. Medusa has set her gaze on 300 plus victims In other brews, here's a wrap-around of updates. Medusa has set her gaze on 300-plus victims in a string of ransomware attacks. The FBI is warning Gmail and Outlook users against a ransomware gang called Medusa that's targeting medical, education, and legal personnel with phishing emails. The cyber operation encrypts users' data, demanding ransom payments to prevent

Starting point is 00:06:25 public release. To avoid turning into stone, turn on two-factor authentication. Washington won't have to worry about flipping its open sign to close until September. A six-month spending bill narrowly passed the Senate Friday, avoiding a government shutdown despite Democrats' opposition to its structure. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said voting the bill down would have allowed Doche to shift into overdrive, making federal cuts much faster during a shutdown. Consumers' wallets are sweating. Consumer sentiment, a measure of Americans' confidence in their own finances and the broader economy, dropped to a 29-month low.

Starting point is 00:07:09 Recent tariffs have rattled the stock market, while concerns over inflation and high egg prices have kept consumers' worries scrambled. Stocks largely shrugged off the news. The S&P 500 rose 2% on Friday. The world's most patient astronauts are one step closer to being earthbound. Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, whose 8-day space station stay unexpectedly turned into a 9.5-month stint after their Boeing spacecraft malfunctioned, greeted their long-awaited replacement Sunday when NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission docked with the International Space Station.

Starting point is 00:07:46 Williams, Wilmore, and two other spacefarers should make the return journey this week. A deadly fire in an overcrowded North Macedonia nightclub killed at least 59 people, most aged 14 to 24, injuring 155 more. Officials estimate 500 plus people were attending a 250 person capacity concert when indoor pyrotechnics caught the roof of the improvised nightclub on fire. They suspect bribery and corruption were involved, and at least 15 people have been detained for questioning. And that's all we have for today. Thanks so detained for questioning.

The Pour Over Today - Middle East Tensions, Deadly Weekend Weather, Deportations, & More I 3.17.25

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