The Pour Over Today - Russia/Ukraine Negotiations, Sports News, Biden Pardons Questioned, & More I 3.19.25

Episode Date: March 19, 2025

Today, we’re talking about negotiations between Russia and Ukraine; the tip-off of March Madness; questions about the legitimacy of pardons signed by President Biden, and other top news for Wednesday, March 19th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Please support our TPO sponsors! Parenting with Ginger Hubbard: https://links.thepourover.org/ParentingwithGingerHubbard The Bulletin: MoreCT.com/BulletinPodcast Upside: https://links.thepourover.org/Upside Cru: give.cru.org/pour LMNT: https://links.thepourover.org/LMNT_Podcast HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/hellofreshpodcast One Year Bible: https://links.thepourover.org/OneYearBible_Pod World Relief: https://links.thepourover.org/WorldRelief_Pod The Chronological Life Application Study Bible: https://links.thepourover.org/LASB_0215 Student Life Application Study Bible: https://links.thepourover.org/SLASB_Pod

Today we're talking about negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, the tip-off of March Madness, questions about the legitimacy of pardons signed by President Biden, and other top news for Wednesday, March 19th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the pour-over today. Here's the quote of the day, It is the most counterintuitive aspect of Christianity that we are declared right with God not once we begin to get our act together, but once we collapse into honest acknowledgement that we never will.

Dane C. Ortland. Let's get started with some espresso shots. Russia and Ukraine are taking baby steps toward peace. In Saudi Arabia last week, Ukrainian and American delegates discussed a 30-day peace plan that Ukraine was ready to accept. Meetings left the ball in Russia's court, and President Putin acknowledged that the ceasefire's idea is right, but questions remained about details and enforcement. Presidents Trump and Putin had a chance to hammer out some details in a nearly three-hour

phone call yesterday. Putin agreed to end strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, and the White House said negotiations for a Black Sea truce and permanent ceasefire will begin immediately in the Middle East. Negotiators may have a tall task. Ukraine wants security guarantees to prevent future invasions, while Russia says its key condition is ending all foreign military and intelligence assistance to Kiev. Christians should be committed to praying for world leaders to be wise and to work toward peaceful resolutions while simultaneously placing our hope in God, not government.

1 Timothy 2, 1 and 2 says, First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. The big dances are upon us. The men's and women's NCAA basketball attorneys are tipping off this week, with men's play officially starting Thursday and women's on Friday. Hoping for their one shining moment are men's top teams Auburn, Duke, Florida, and Houston, and women's number one seeds UCLA, Texas, USC, and South Carolina, aka

the defending champs. While college hoops head toward its final buzzer, things on the diamond are just getting warmed up. Japan native Shohei Otani and the LA Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the 2025 season-starting Tokyo series. Game 2 is this morning. The rest of MLB will celebrate opening day on March 27. Here's a verse to consider whether you're waiting for tip-off, for opening day, or for a new season in your own life. But based on His promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found

without spot or blemish in his sight, at peace." — 2 Peter 3, 13, 14 President Trump is questioning some John Hancock's. Sunday, President Trump claimed that former President Biden's last-minute pardons of the Jan 6th Select Committee, Dr. Fauci, several Biden family members, and others were void and vacant, alleging they were signed using an auto pen without then-President Biden's knowledge. Auto pens, mechanical devices that mimic signatures, have been used by presidents since Truman, typically on documents of lower level

importance, for example letters. In 2005, the DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo saying auto pens could be used to sign bills into law at the president's discretion. President Obama was the first to do so in 2011. Legal experts say revoking the pardons would be an uphill legal battle. The White House said President Trump was simply raising the point of concern and questions should be directed at former Biden officials. Being peaceable, gentle, and open to reason in the face of political controversies is

a sign of God's wisdom in us. Believing you're right is not an excuse to be harsh or condescending. James 3.17 says, But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering without pretense. unwavering without pretense. 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 for years to come. See the link in the show notes to shop for the perfect one. In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates. Israel and Hamas ceasefire is over. Maybe. Palestinian authorities reported that a wave of airstrikes killed hundreds across Gaza

early Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said he ordered strikes because Hamas rejected an extension of the ceasefire's first phase in favor of phase two. Hamas' strikes are a death sentence for hostages. Negotiators are trying to salvage the deal. Illegal battles brewing between the White House and the courts. A hearing was held Monday to examine whether the Trump administration defied a district court judge's order to stop the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members

to El Salvador over the weekend. The DOJ largely refused to answer questions while the judge defended his authorities. Expect SCOTUS to weigh in. Getting a Harvard degree just got more affordable. The Ivy League University announced Monday that it would begin waiving tuition for students whose families earn less than $200,000 a year and cover additional student expenses, insurance, housing, etc. if families made less than $100,000 a year. Harvard's president said the move will open its hallowed halls to a wider array of backgrounds,

experiences, and perspectives. As it turns out, Forever 21 isn't forever. The Millennials' mall staple will close all U.S. stores, blaming rising costs and competition from foreign fast fashion brands. Meanwhile, Pepsi is adding some digestion-friendly fizz to its portfolio, acquiring Poppy, the prebiotic soda brand that's a favorite among health-conscious consumers, for a gut-healthy $1.65 billion. Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are back on planet Earth, just 278 days after their planned arrival.

Concerns with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft caused many delays. The two returned with another NASA astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut on a SpaceX capsule yesterday evening, splashing down off the coast of Florida, where they were greeted by a pod of dolphins. And that's all we have for today. Thanks so much for listening. 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 appreciate your support and hope you have a great day. We'll see you on Friday. parents to reach beyond outward behavior and point children to the transformational power of Christ. It's time to move past the frustrations of not knowing how to handle issues of defiance and step into a confident and heart-oriented approach to raising children. Subscribe to Parenting with Ginger Hubbard wherever you listen to podcasts for weekly encouragement.