THE WEEKLY STEEP

What happens when Dad says, “We don’t need directions”?
You take the scenic route and hear how he once crossed the country for $27.

WHAT’S BREWING

Global

  • UN Meets as Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates: After Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military sites, Iran launched hundreds of missiles in response. As tensions rise, the UN Security Council is holding an emergency session. Read more

  • Global Trade Update: Relief, Risks, and Roadblocks: The US-China rare earths deal brings short-term relief but not long-term security. Steel and trade pacts with Mexico and India near key milestones, while the G7 summit is set to guide, not transform global trade ahead of July’s tariff deadline.

  • World Bank Cuts Growth Forecast to 2.3%: Global growth is set for its slowest pace since 2008 (excluding recessions), as rising tariffs and uncertainty hit investment and confidence across major economies. Read more

U.S.

  • Flag Day: Fireworks and Friction: From D.C.’s military spectacle to hometown parades in Appleton and NYC, Flag Day marks 250 years of the U.S. Army, while “No Kings” protests challenge the politics behind the pageantry. Read more

  • Waymo Burnings: Symbol or Spectacle?: In LA’s post-ICE riot chaos, torched Waymos became icons of protest, seen as symbols of Big Tech, surveillance, and inequality. For others, it was just clout-chasing and chaos. Read more

  • Dr. Bobby Mukkamala Makes AMA History: The first Indian-origin president of the American Medical Association, Mukkamala brings visibility, equity, and inspiration to a new generation of medical leaders. Read more

  • Semma Named NYC’s No. 1 Restaurant: Chef Vijay Kumar’s fiery Tamil menu earns top honors on The New York Times’ 2025 list, a first for Indian cuisine.

South Asia

  • Air India Crash: Flight AI171 went down in Ahmedabad on June 12. One survivor has been confirmed. Black boxes are recovered, and the cause is under investigation. Read more

  • India Issues NOTAM Near Pakistan Border: an Indian Air Force exercise near the southern Pakistan border. Airspace will be reserved at specific altitudes on June 18-19, 2025. Read more

  • ISRO & DRDO Launch Indian Cuisine into Space: Idli, biryani, and halwa are now space-ready, offering astronauts familiar, nutritious meals. Set to debut on Axiom-4 in 2025 and Gaganyaan by 2027. Read more

MONEY MOVES

Safe-Haven Surge: Gold climbs 1.3% to $3,428 (up ~3.5% for the week), U.S. futures reach $3,445, and the yen gains 0.43% vs. the dollar. U.S. Treasuries rally as yields fall, while crude oil jumps over 4% on supply fears. Read more

Tech & Layoffs: $GOOG ( ▲ 2.18% ) offers voluntary buyouts across key divisions as tech layoffs near 75,000 industry-wide. Retail joins the pain as the second hardest-hit sector after government.

Big Investments: $MU ( ▲ 5.42% ) ups U.S. investment to $200B, expanding chip fabs and R&D for AI, defense, and supply chain security.

Consumer Plays: $CMG ( ▼ 1.56% ) launches Adobo Ranch June 17, a smoky, spicy twist on classic ranch, their first new dip in five years. $SBUX ( ▲ 0.1% ) stirs up China stake sale rumors while $AMZN ( ▼ 0.31% ) partners with Rebag for 30,000+ pre-owned luxury items (Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Cartier).

Deals & Moves: $COIN ( ▼ 1.18% ) partners with $AXP ( ▲ 1.05% ) to launch ‘One Card’ offering up to 4% Bitcoin back on purchases. $NKE ( ▼ 0.7% ) debuts first global collab with Indian designer NorBlack NorWhite, blending heritage with sportswear (check it out). $CHYM ( ▼ 12.82% ) IPO surges on Nasdaq debut, opening near $42 vs. $27 offer price and raising $864M, a strong fintech comeback despite lower $11.6B valuation vs. 2021. $PZZA ( ▼ 1.66% ) jumps on Apollo/Qatari buyout reports. $FLUT ( ▼ 7.65% ) adds 50¢ Illinois betting fee; $DKNG ( ▼ 4.39% ) may follow suit.

Market data via Stocktwits. Consult a financial advisor before investing.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cricket: Major League Cricket: season 3 began on June 12 with 34 matches across CA, TX, and FL, global T20 stars aiming to grow the game in the U.S. MS Dhoni enters ICC Hall of Fame as the only captain to win all three men’s white-ball World Cups, finishing with 17,266 runs and 829 dismissals.

Soccer: Gold Cup: Team USA faces Trinidad & Tobago on June 15 in Gold Cup Group D, with Coach Pochettino blending young talent for 2026 World Cup prep. Saudi Arabia and Haiti complete the group.

Tennis: French Open: Alcaraz defended his title in a five-set epic; Gauff claimed her first Roland Garros. Wimbledon begins June 30. Grass, game, go!

Golf: U.S. Open: runs June 12-15 at Oakmont, with Scottie Scheffler favored and Rory McIlroy chasing his second major of the season.

Formula 1: Spanish GP: Piastri extended F1 lead with dominant win; McLaren tops constructors’ standings ahead of Canadian GP on June 15.

Basketball: NBA Finals: Pacers Up 2-1. Indiana’s got the edge, the crowd, and the momentum heading into Game 4 on June 13. One more win in Indy, and they’re nearly writing the ending. First title ever? It's getting real.

RAISING ROOTS: Happy Father’s Day

This Father's Day, we honor the dads who didn't just build futures, they crafted possibilities. The engineers who innovated in silence, the doctors who healed with full hearts, the entrepreneurs who turned corner stores into empires. The fathers who packed snack boxes like love letters and made two worlds feel like home. Who turned chai breaks into life lessons and showed us that home isn't a place, it's what you build together. To the original magic makers: 

LIVING WELL: A Great American Road Trip

This Summer, Take the Scenic Route: From cricket under Texas lights to temple stops in New Jersey, 2025’s ultimate road trip blends classic highways with South Asian flavors, faith, and festivals. Whether you're chasing parathas on Route 66 or Bollywood vibes on the Pacific Coast Highway, we've mapped out drives that go beyond sightseeing, they're journeys through culture, community, and connection.

🛣️ Drive through America. Discover yourself. Start Here

COSMIC CHAI: Weekly Horoscope (June 13-20)

Venus in Taurus is keeping it cozy. Jupiter in Cancer says, grow what feels good. The Sagittarius full moon brought clarity, now it’s time to move with intention. Mars enters Virgo (June 17), shifting the energy from hype to follow-through. This week? Less chasing, more choosing. Peace. Alignment. Habits that stick. Read full horoscope

  • ⛰️ Earth Signs: Grounded, driven, and detail-obsessed in the best way. You’re not chasing momentum, you’re making moves with meaning.

  • 🌊 Water Signs: Open-hearted, intuitive, and finally feeling held by the universe. You're not just surviving, you’re receiving.

  • 🔥 Fire Signs: Charged up, self-assured, and ready to move, but wiser about where you’re going.

  • 🌬 Air Signs: Mentally sharp, socially fluid, and craving connection that sticks.

Cosmic Dates to Know

  • June 13-14: Ideal for action, romance, and bold conversations

  • June 15: Mars squares Uranus, tension = transformation, if you let it

  • June 17: Mars enters Virgo, time to refine, reset, and get real about next steps

EDITOR'S PICK: Major League Cricket

Cricket’s Having an American Summer: Major League Cricket is packing stadiums, drawing global stars, and backed by power players like Satya Nadella. Bonus? It’s officially headed to the 2028 LA Olympics. The 2025 season runs June 12-July 13, aka peak summer vibes. Read more on MLC and how to make it your summer adventure

UPCOMING WEEK (June 13-20)

  • June 14: U.S. Flag Day - parades and protests mark 250 years of the U.S. Army.

  • June 15: Father’s Day - honor the dads who make magic.

  • June 15-21: National Forgiveness Week - reflect and heal.

  • June 19: Juneteenth - celebrate freedom with festivals and community.

  • June 20: World Refugee Day - support displaced communities.

  • June 21: World Music Day - vibe to global rhythms at local concerts.

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