The Pour Over Today - Trump Nominees Grilled in Senate, Air Quality Alerts, World Cup Final Matchup, & More
Episode Date: July 17, 2026The Pour Over is a Christ-first, politically neutral news podcast. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we cover the day's biggest stories in ~10 minutes, and pair the biggest headlines with brief bib...lical reminders. Looking to support us? You can choose to pay here. On today's episode: Trump Nominees Grilled in Confirmation Hearings Canadian Wildfires Cause Air Quality Alerts Argentina and Spain to Face Off in World Cup Final ICE Traffic Stop Pause Potentially Lifted The Pentagon to Test for Testosterone Levels Stripe Offers to Buy Paypal House Votes Make Daylight Savings Permanent Iran Strikes Enter Sixth Day Thanks to our sponsors: Wild Alaskan: $35 off your first box | code: TPO Quince: Free shipping | quince.com/tpo HelloFresh: 10 Free meals + a Free breakfast for Life | HelloFresh.com/tpo10fm AdelFi: Apply for the Harvest Bundle |https://adelfibanking.com/pourover Upside: extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas | code: TPO LMNT: free 8-pack with purchase | https://links.thepourover.org/LMNT_Podcast Compelled Podcast: Listen now | CompelledPodcast.com Mosh: 25% off first variety pack + 20% off subscription | code: TPO25 Serving Orphans Worldwide: Give a gift to feed a child for a month | https://servingorphans.org/thepourover The Voice of the Martyrs: Request your free graphic novel | vom.org/TPO MORE FROM TPO: Free newsletter Watch TPO on YouTube Download the TPO App Unless otherwise noted, all scripture references are from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation.
Transcript
Discussion (0)
Hey, this is Catherine Ann.
And this is Joe.
Today, we're talking about three Trump nominees getting grilled in Senate confirmation hearings.
Canadian wildfires causing air quality alerts for millions in the U.S., Sunday's World Cup final matchup, and other top headlines for Friday, July 17th.
Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with the pourover.
Here's your quote of the day.
There is not one bullet.
of grass, there's no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice. John Calvin.
Let's get started with some espresso shots. Congress had its hands full with confirmation hearings
on Wednesday. Todd Blanche, President Trump's former personal attorney faced bipartisan grilling
over whether he can drop the acting from his attorney general title. Blanche said he would not be a
quote, yes man, called the DOJ's $1.776 billion
anti-weaponization fund dead,
and apologized for mistakes in the Epstein file release,
calling the task Herculian.
With Dems opposed, Blanche needs an A-O-K from every Republican
on the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance,
and some are on the fence.
Other hot seats, Dr. Erica Schwartz faced questions on vaccines
and whether she would stand up to Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. in her bid to lead the CDC.
Senate Dems Press Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton on the 2020 election,
unsatisfied with his answer that President Biden was, quote, certified.
Politicians come and go, often disappointing supporters and opponents alike.
Put your hope in the Lord who has no term limit, who rules with compassion,
who executes justice perfectly. Psalm 9, verses 7 through 10 say,
But the Lord sits in throne forever. He has established his throne for judgment,
and he judges the world with righteousness. He executes judgment on the nations with fairness.
The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name
trust in you because you have not abandoned those who seek you, Lord.
Millions of people in Canada and the U.S.'s Midwest and Northeast are facing unhealthy air conditions this week.
Smoke from around 850 active wildfires across Canada sent air quality readings surging to nearly 400 AQI in Toronto yesterday morning.
In case you're wondering, over 300 on the 0 to 500 scale is hazardous.
A heat dome parked over the Great Lakes and northeast has smoke trapped near the ground,
and winds have carried smoke from Minnesota to New York,
with Detroit, Minneapolis, and Chicago,
ranking as the top three most air-polluted cities globally yesterday.
Several states have issued air quality alerts through midnight tonight,
as forecasters expect smoke to darken skies until this weekend.
Officials have warned everyone in affected cities
to take precautions and reduce outdoor activity.
Here's a verse to consider if the weather has you worrying.
Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41, verse 10.
It's Argentina versus Spain in the World Cup finals. Lionel Messi played the middleman in Argentina's one to two comeback against England Wednesday, assisting on two goals in seven minutes.
Sunday's final in New Jersey will be the first cup final featuring reigning South American and European champions.
The white and sky blue could become the first repeat champs in 64 years,
or La Roja could break their own fewest tourney concessions by a champion record, with a shutout.
Either way, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS will co-headline an 11-minute halftime show.
But first, France faces England in front.
Miami in tomorrow's consolation match, where Killian Mbapé could still reclaim toe position
in the Golden Boot Race. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, the AL blanked the NL 4 to 0 at Tuesday's
MLB All-Star Game, the first shutout since 2013, with Yankee Cody Bellinger named MVP.
For many around the globe, the World Cup carries an almost life and death importance.
Without downplaying that passion, Christian should hold on tight to the
the fact that the most important things aren't being decided on the pitch. They were secured long
ago when Jesus died to give new life and secure a glorious future. First Peter 1, verse 3 through 4
says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His great mercy, he has given us
a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an
inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven.
heaven for you. Hey, it's Zan from the pourover. I've been making a purposeful effort to eat more
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Hey, you.
Yes, you.
Did you know listeners like you are the main reason this show grows?
So if you know a friend, co-worker, or high school group chat that wants to stay informed while they brew their morning coffee, text them a link to this episode.
We're so grateful for you.
In other brews, here's a rapid round of updates.
Ice traffic stops are back on.
Maybe.
Following public outrage over agents fatally shooting two men, the Department of Homeland Security paused most traffic
stops on Tuesday, but Wednesday, President Trump opposed stopping stops, which he called, quote,
an effective crime-fighting tool. Press for clarity, DHS said, quote, illegal aliens will be arrested
and deported wherever they are and warned against evading arrest.
The Pentagon's new plan. A high-tied Department of War. Wednesday, Secretary Hegset announced
newly required annual screenings for testosterone deficiency, which causes muscle loss and fatigue.
For service members aged 30 and over to optimize, quote, performance, resilience and long-term
health. Those with low testosterone can choose treatment. However, some docs say there's no evidence
it will be, quote, a good use of money. Can we Venmo you $53 billion?
$1. Stripe and private equity firm Advent offered to buy PayPal for $60.50 per share in what would be FinTech's largest ever acquisition.
It would give merchant-focused stripe a consumer-focused foothold via Venmo, which PayPal acquired in 2013.
Despite some analysts calling it a low-ball offer, PayPal's stocks jumped around 17% at the news.
The House voted for endless golden hour.
Tuesday, reps passed a bill 308 to 117 that would make daylight saving time permanent unless states opt out.
Supporters love economic upsides of more evening daylight while critics warn of hazardous winter mornings for kids.
Whether it sees the light of day in the Senate is unclear.
Renewed U.S. Iran strikes entered day six yesterday.
Uncle Sam launched strikes close to Tehran and reimposed a naval blockade along the Strait
of Hermuz early Wednesday. Iran struck back at U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
In response to President Trump's Tuesday threats to bomb power plants and bridges, Iran warned
it'll quote, crush regional infrastructure.
Hi, I'm Steph. I've been with the pour over for three years, and I'm a writer. I love
working at TPO because I get to share good news as I'm sharing world news. Thanks so much for listening
today. If you're listening on the Apple Podcasts app, give us a five-star rating and drop a review.
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episode. We're so grateful for your support and hope you have a great day. Catch you tomorrow for our
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