THE WEEKLY STEEP
Why did the firework blush at the July 4th bash?
It overheard the stars calling it dazzling!
☕ Happy July 4th: This Independence Day, kick back and celebrate the freedom to shine your way, whether with a kind word, a bold laugh, or a joyful vibe. One spark of you being you can light up the whole crew. Here’s to chillin’, grillin’, and soaring free!
WHAT’S BREWING
Global
Gandhi Goes Global: Grammy winner Ricky Kej and Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi unite 200+ artists from 40+ nations in Gandhi - Mantras of Compassion, dropping July 14. It’s not just an album, it’s a global call for peace, compassion, and unity through sound. Read more
Asia Races to Rework U.S. Trade Terms: Indonesia’s finalizing a $34B pact before July 7 to dodge a 32% tariff. India’s in late-stage talks ahead of its July 9 deadline on a proposed 26% duty. Vietnam has already sealed a deal, slashing tariffs from 46% to 20%, while China extended its truce, easing from 145% to 55% by August 12.
Russia Hits Ukraine, Recognizes Taliban: On July 4, Russia launched its biggest airstrike on Ukraine yet and became the first country to officially recognize the Taliban government. Read more
U.S.
Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” Clears Congress: His first major win this term includes tax cuts, border wall funds, and a $5T debt ceiling hike, passed despite a record 8-hour protest by House Democrats. Read more
Jobs Up, Tempers Cool: June added 147K new jobs, but unemployment edged up to 4.1%, a sign the labor market’s easing without breaking. The economy? Still steady. Just a little less overheated. Read more
Deepika Padukone Makes Hollywood History: The first Indian actress to earn a star on the Walk of Fame, a win for her, and every bold, brown, brilliant girl who saw herself in her rise. Read more
South Asia
Digital India Turns 10: With 97+ crore internet connections, record UPI adoption, and fiber reaching even Siachen, India’s digital leap is rewriting what’s possible. In a decade-defining editorial, PM Modi reflects on Digital India as a “people’s movement” that has turned skeptics into believers and citizens into creators. Read more
From Saris to Sets: Meet Zahra Nadeem (@zhr.nails_), a Pakistani nail artist in Manchester turning fingertips into fabric. Her hand-painted nails channel bridal saris, Mughal florals, and festival glam. It’s not just nail art, it’s heritage on 10 tiny canvases. Check them out here
MONEY MOVES
$HOOD ( ▼ 3.23% ) now lets EU users trade tokenized shares of public and private companies like OpenAI and SpaceX. But OpenAI isn’t having it, calling the tokens unauthorized and misleading.
$MSFT ( ▲ 0.01% ) cuts 9.1k jobs, citing AI-driven restructuring.
Market data via Stocktwits. Consult a financial advisor before investing.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cricket: India v England: Shubman Gill just dropped a double-century so smooth it could’ve been set to a Coke Studio track. His record-breaking 269 led India to a whopping 587 all out in the second Test at Edgbaston. England? Reeling at 25/3 and praying for rain. Major League Cricket: San Francisco Unicorns, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom have all clinched playoff spots with 6 wins each. Seattle Orcas are out of contention but closed with 3 wins, while MI New York and LA Knight Riders bow out with just one apiece. The MLC Final is set for July 13, bring the snacks, the spice, and the scorecards.
Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup heads toward its final at MetLife Stadium on July 13. UEFA Women’s Euro continues in Switzerland through July 27. CONCACAF Gold Cup final is set, USA vs. Mexico on July 6 in Houston.
Tennis: Wimbledon is serving surprises this year. Sinner, Djokovic, and Alcaraz have cruised into the third round, while top seeds like Zverev, Rune, Musetti, and Medvedev are already out. On the women’s side, Sabalenka, Swiatek, Osaka, and Madison Keys are holding strong, but early exits from Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula have fans reeling.
Golf: July golf is stacked: John Deere (July 3-6), Scottish Open with Rory & Scottie (July 10-13), and The Open at Royal Portrush (July 17-20). FedExCup race is heating up.
Formula 1: McLaren’s dream run continued in Austria as Lando Norris clinched victory and Oscar Piastri followed close behind, strengthening his grip on the top of the driver standings. With 13 races to go and Silverstone up next on July 6, the battle is heating up, fast cars, home crowds, and title dreams collide.
RAISING ROOTS: Family, Fusion, and Fireworks
Happy Fourth from The Weekly Chai!
From mango lassi movie nights to paneer on the grill, we’re celebrating the flavors, rituals, and joy that make Independence Day feel like home. Whether you’re with family or forging new traditions far from it, this article has everything you need for a fusion-filled Fourth, food, fireworks, and a whole lot of heart. Read the full story
LIFESTYLE: Raising a Toast to Interdependence
Freedom doesn’t always look like doing it all yourself. Sometimes it looks like folding chairs, foil trays, and the friend who brings bug spray without being asked. In this week's love letter to community, we honor the quiet magic of showing up for each other, with extra napkins and even more heart. Read the full piece
FEATURED READ: And a Toast to IPA
From Empire to Backyard BBQs
This July 4th, we're raising a glass to the India Pale Ale, a brew with colonial roots, bold flavors, and a modern twist powered by South Asian brewers. From mango-laced Rupee IPAs to Brooklyn meets Delhi creations by Bira 91, this isn't just a beer story. It's a summer remix of history, heritage, and hops. Read the full story and crack one open.
COSMIC CHAI: July 4-11
Mood: Playful progress meets introspective depth.
This week balances light-hearted connection with deeper self-awareness. Venus enters Gemini (July 4), making conversation and connection, your power move. Meanwhile, Neptune retrogrades in Aries, inviting self-reflection and emotional authenticity. By July 7, Uranus sparks fresh thinking, and the weekend brings warm moments of family harmony. Full Horoscope
⛰️ Earth Signs: Grounded, responsive, and ready for gentle recalibration.
🌊 Water Signs: Soft but strong. You're feeling things deeply, and finally processing them clearly.
🔥 Fire Signs: Curious, driven, and (finally) open to pacing yourself.
🌬 Air Signs: Witty, restless, and ready to remix the usual.
Cosmic Dates to Know
July 4-30: Venus in Gemini. Flirt, chat, network, connection is currency.
July 4: Neptune retrograde. Heal, dream, get honest with yourself.
July 7: Expect surprises, stay adaptable.
EDITOR'S PICK: Top Gun & Top Gun: Maverick
Nothing says July 4th like jets, jorts, and a killer volleyball scene. Whether you're in it for the 80s nostalgia or the modern-day Maverick magic, Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick bring that high-octane, flag-waving energy we secretly love this time of year.
Throw them on the backyard projector, crank up “Danger Zone,” and let the flyover feelings begin. Streaming on Paramount+ and Prime.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Tirusha Dave
She was told success looked like a white coat or a corner office. But her heart had other plans. Tirusha Dave left the “safe” path and walked into a preschool classroom and never looked back. What she built wasn’t just a school. It was a sanctuary. A space where children feel proud of who they are, where teachers are uplifted, and where heritage is honored with every lesson and lullaby. Ellie’s Academy is more than early education, it’s an act of love, of healing, of rewriting the rules for what leadership can look like. Tirusha shows us that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is listen to the quiet voice inside that says, “There’s more.” Follow her story @theearlyedentrepreneur and feel what happens when purpose meets power.
UPCOMING WEEK: July 4-11
July 4: Independence Day. Fireworks, flip-flops, and freedom.
July 7: Global Forgiveness Day. Forgive and refresh.
July 6-12: Target Circle Week.
July 8-13: Walmart’s Summer Sale.
July 8-11: Amazon Prime Day 2025. Four days of exclusive deals.
July 11: World Essential Oils Day: Lavender? Nice. Haldi doodh? Elite.
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