THE WEEKLY STEEP
This week’s reset is a return. Ayurveda reminds us, true strength begins in stillness. So whether you’re chasing gains or chasing clarity, start by checking in. ☕ A reminder: Even lemongrass needs time to steep. So do you.
WHAT’S BREWING
Global
U.S. Deploys Nuclear Subs in Russia Standoff: Two subs repositioned, raising stakes ahead of Aug 7-9 Ukraine ceasefire deadline. Read more
Russia Captures Chasov Yar: Russian forces take the strategic high-ground city after 16 months of battle, opening the path toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in eastern Ukraine. Read more
Quake Near Kamchatka Puts Russian Sub Base at Risk: An 8.8 earthquake struck near Russia’s Rybachiy submarine base, home to key nuclear vessels. While officials claim “no damage,” the event exposes a major vulnerability in the Pacific fleet’s strategic deterrent. Read more
Western Powers Move to Recognize Palestinian State: Canada, France, and the UK plan to formally recognize Palestine at the UN in September, signaling growing momentum for a two‑state solution. Read more
U.S.
New Global Tariffs Begin August 7: President Trump’s executive order will impose 10%-41% tariffs on more than 60 trading partners, marking a major shift in U.S. trade policy. Read more
Trump’s $1,000 Baby Fund Kicks Off: Every child born 2025-2028 gets a $1,000 investment account to grow wealth for the future. Read more
Fed Governor to Step Down Aug 8: Adriana D. Kugler will resign from the Federal Reserve Board months early, creating a vacancy for a Trump nominee as she returns to Georgetown University. Read more
Fed Holds Rates Steady: Kept rates at 4.25-4.5% for a fifth meeting, with Chair Powell stressing independence despite Trump’s calls for cuts. Read more
South Asia
U.S. Tariffs Test India Ties: A 25% tariff on all Indian goods from Aug 7, plus penalties over Russian ties. Read more
U.S.-Pakistan Trade Deal Advances: Tariffs fall to 19% from Aug 7 and Pakistan’s first U.S. oil cargo arrives in October, though talk of “massive reserves” remains unconfirmed. Read more
MONEY MOVES
$PG ( ▼ 0.04% ): Shailesh Jejurikar will take over as CEO on Jan 1, 2026, with Jon Moeller moving to Executive Chairman.
$MSFT ( ▲ 0.16% ): beat estimates with 18% revenue growth, driven by surging demand for its AI‑powered cloud services.
$AMZN ( ▼ 0.3% ): posted a strong beat with $167.7B revenue and $1.68 EPS, but heavy AI spending and softer AWS margins tempered investor enthusiasm.
$META ( ▲ 0.46% ) : Q2 revenue rose 22%, and its aggressive AI investment plans boosted shares by double digits.
$UNP ( ▲ 0.16% ) and $NSC ( ▲ 0.39% ) are all aboard an $85 billion mega‑merger, set to create America’s first coast‑to‑coast freight railroad pending regulatory green light.
Market data via Stocktwits. Consult a financial advisor before investing.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cricket: Eng leads the series 2-1, with the 5th Test at The Oval finely poised after Day 2. Siraj’s fiery spell and steady rain breaks have kept the decider tense. Seamer‑friendly conditions promise more twists before the final whistle.
F1: Piastri Wins Belgian GP (July 27). While Verstappen’s Red Bull commitment (Aug 1) ends transfer speculation as he holds 3rd in the standings.
MLB: July 31 MLB Trade Deadline Delivers Blockbusters: A frenzied deadline saw big moves, Seattle landed slugger Eugenio Suárez, Philly added closer Jhoan Duran, and contenders across the league bolstered playoff pushes.
RAISING ROOTS: Steadiness Is the New Chemistry
In a world obsessed with spark, here’s a radical idea, safety is the real chemistry.
This week, we’re exploring why your nervous system craves consistency more than chaos and how emotional steadiness can be the foundation for intimacy that actually lasts. Whether you’re in a situationship or a long-term something, this one’s for your heart and your healing. Read more
LIVING WELL
Your Brain’s Secret Mood Upgrade
Can you actually trick your brain into feeling better? Turns out, yes. And it takes less than 5 minutes.
From breath-work breakthroughs at Stanford to journaling techniques backed by decades of neuroscience, this week’s picks aren’t just wellness trends, they’re brain-changing, evidence-based tools. Ready to rewire your mood?
From Thiruvananthapuram to Trader Joe’s Ritual
That lemongrass in your diffuser? That thailam on your nightstand? Odds are, they trace back to Kerala, the South Indian state where Ayurveda meets spa-day luxury. From oil baths and rice bolus massages to footwork straight out of martial arts, Kerala’s wellness rituals are quietly reshaping self-care in the U.S. Bonus: Lemongrass isn’t just fragrant. it’s medicine.
COSMIC CHAI: Weekly Horoscope (Aug 1-8)
Mood: Bold-hearted. Soft-spoken. Primed to pivot. There’s heat in the sky and it’s not just the weather. Between Venus swimming into Cancer and a fiery Leo New Moon, this week asks you to merge heart and hustle. If July was the dress rehearsal, August starts the show. Full Horoscopes
⛰️ Earth Signs: Steady with a side of spark.
🌊 Water Signs: Feeling everything. Finally trusting it.
🔥 Fire Signs: Big plans. Bigger truths.
🌬 Air Signs: Sparked. Strategic. Ready to rewire.
Cosmic Dates to Know:
Aug 1-4: Mars trine Jupiter. High-octane momentum. If you’ve prepped, you win.
Aug 2 onwards: Venus in Cancer. Love softens. Money choices get cozy and values-driven.
Aug 4: New Moon in Leo. Hit reset, especially on self-expression, courage, and creative risk.
Ongoing: Mercury retrograde in Leo. Revise, revisit, don’t rage-text.
This week’s a vibe-check and a gut-check. Set intentions that come from your truth, not your timeline.
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EDITOR'S PICK: Samah Dada
Why we love her: “I’m here to serve you recipes, but I hope to feed you more, belonging, ease, and confidence; in the kitchen and beyond.” Samah’s Dada Eats blends bold, joyful recipes with plant-forward living that feels indulgent, accessible, and deeply nourishing. Her dishes carry the comfort of home with a spark of playful creativity. Each bite is an invitation to slow down, savor, and feel at ease.
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UPCOMING WEEK
Aug 1: International Beer Day + National Girlfriends Day. Because cheers and loyal friends make the best combo.
Aug 2: International Hangover Day. For when yesterday’s toasts turn into today’s punchline.
Aug 3: Friendship Day + Sisters’ Day. Celebrating besties and sis-vibes in one emotionally efficient package.
Aug 4: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Yes, it’s a thing; dunk responsibly.