Oil Reserves Released, Updates in the Sporting World, British Parliament Abolishes Hereditary Members, & More | 03.13.26

0:00Hey, this is Joe at The Porover. And this is Catherine Ann at The Porover. Today, we're talking about the International Energy Agency releasing 400 million barrels of oil, updates in the wide world of sports, British Parliament voting to abolish 92 hereditary members' seats, and other top news for Friday, March 13th. Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Porover. Here's your quote of the day. Christ the Lord is risen, our joy that hath no end, St. John of Damascus. Let's get started with some espresso shots. The world's energy watchdog is breaking open the piggy bank. The International Energy Agency, a 32-nation coalition that includes the U.S., agreed Wednesday to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves.

1:01The move aims to cushion the blow from ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. After a series of attacks on commercial vessels, stifled oil flow to less than 10 percent of pre-war levels, driving Uncle Sam's gas prices up around 20 percent. The U.S. reported attacking 16 Iranian mind-laying ships Tuesday, while Tehran claimed responsibility for at least one of three strikes in the channel Wednesday. The 400 million barrels, about one-third of IEA's stockpile, equals about 20 days of normal straight traffic. It's over double the previous record release of 182.7 million barrels after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Regardless of whether gas prices have felt like a tiny tap or a big blow to your budget, Christians should seek to give generously of our time, talents, and resources to those

2:03in greater need. If you feel called, reach out to your local church to see where help is needed. Hebrews 13 verse 16 says, Don't neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. It's been an eventful week for sports on all kinds of playing surfaces. On the snow, Team USA has cross-country skied its way to six gold medals in the 2026 Winter Paralympics, including three from 22-time medals list, Oxana Masters. On the hardwood, Miami Big Man, Bam Atabayo made history with 83 points, the second most scored in an NBA game, in the heat's Barnburner win, 150 to 129 against Washington on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Iran's men's soccer team is stepping off the field after Iran prohibited its players

3:08from competing in the 2026 World Cup. Following the partially US-based tourney is being hosted by a, quote, corrupt regime. The news comes as its women's team returned home from a tournament in Australia this week. Sans Six members, who accepted humanitarian visas, to remain in Australia permanently. Here's a verse to consider whether sports are a source of joy, disappointment, anxiety, indifference, or all of the above. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the Lord, the humble will hear and be glad. Lame the Lord's greatness with me, let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34 verses 1 through 3.

4:11Britain's saying cheerio to Parliament's last hereditary members. The UK's legislator is made up of two houses, commons consisting of elected lawmakers and lords, consisting of unelected, appointed slash entitled slash inherited, law reviewers. On Tuesday, Parliament voted to abolish the 92 House of Lords seats still held simply by birthright, fulfilling the current government's promise that, quote, no one should sit in our Parliament by way of an inherited title. The move finishes a 1995 reform, which evicted most hereditary peers but left 92 as a temporary compromise. Some conservatives lamented the close of the 700-year-old chapter, saying many hereditary nobles, quote, served their nation faithfully over the centuries. But not all hereditaries are out. Fifteen will be offered life-perriages, think same seat, fresh paperwork, the sweetener

5:12that helped secure Tuesday's vote. Whether the goings on of foreign governments are intriguing or of little interest to you, Christians' ultimate allegiance is not to any earthly government. We are citizens of a heavenly kingdom with an always trustworthy heavenly king. Philippians 3, verse 20, through chapter 4 verse 1 says, Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself. So then, might dearly love and long for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown. In this manner, stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. Have you ever opened your Bible and thought, man, I really wish I understood this better?

6:16We'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 Kava, 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 pour over 50 to get 50 percent off your first six months. Start streaming today at the link in the show notes.

7:29In other Bruce, here's a rapid round of updates. An armed man ran to vehicle into a Detroit area synagogue yesterday. The driver crashed into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, with what authorities say appeared to be a large amount of explosives. After the crash, security at the building, which has a childcare center and a school, reportedly opened fire, fatally shooting the suspect. A motive has yet to be determined. No kids or staff were injured. Another severe weather outbreak killed at least two in the Midwest. Just days after a deadly around left eight dead. The storm system, which put 18 million people under tornado watches, spawned tornadoes that tore through Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana on Tuesday. Like village in Indiana, took a direct hit, seeing over 100 structures damaged or destroyed.

8:31Three brothers were arrested in connection with an explosion at the U.S. Embassy in Norway. The brothers were Norwegian citizens of Iraqi origin. Arrested on suspicion of, quote, terrorist bombing. They were not previously known to police, and authorities are still investigating a motive. The bombing caused minor damage to the building, but did not result in any injuries. Forbes released its annual World's Billionaires list yesterday, and it's long. A record 3,428 people made the cut, 400 more than last year, including three 22-year-old AI co-founders, the youngest on the 10th figure roster. The tech and finance dominated the $20.1 trillion list, with Elon Musk holding down the number one spot for a second year. The Iran conflict has gone cyber. On Wednesday, an Iranian-linked tacking group claimed responsibility for a cyber attack

9:36on Michigan-based medical equipment company, Striker, saying it was retaliation for the, quote, brutal attack on Iran's Minab school. The attack shut down Striker's operations in 79 countries. The company said the breach has been contained, and is working to restore systems and operations ASAP. That's all we have for today. Thanks so much for listening to TPO, fam. If you're listening on the Apple Podcast app, give us a 5-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 Friday. Catch you on Monday. Christian Community Credit Union and Adelphi have come together to bring the best in Christian banking for Kingdom Impact. With their high-yield Harvest Bundle, you can earn 4% APY and 5% APY respectively, with

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