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ECONOMY

Throwing Trade

President Trump is giving August 1st the full tariff treatment. 

Over the weekend, Trump announced 30% tariffs on Mexico and the E.U., following Thursday’s announcement of 35% tariffs for Canada—all set to take effect August 1.

Trump acknowledged Mexico’s help slowing fentanyl and illegal migration, but said it hasn’t done enough to stop North America from becoming a “narco trafficking playground.” The E.U. called the tariffs unfair and promised it’s “ready to take necessary countermeasures,” though the White House warned any retaliatory tariff would be matched and added on top of the 30% baseline. Meanwhile, Canada paused its promised retaliation of 50% tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum while negotiations continue. 

The U.S. Treasury posted a surprise $27B surplus in June, fueled partly by record tariff revenue, but remains on track for a larger-than-last year deficit.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Regardless of what happens in the global economy, God will remain in control. In the midst of uncertainty on earth, set your hope on the abundance we will enjoy with Christ when he comes. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us 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 for you.” 
1 Peter 1:3-4 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Cockpit Confusion

New details from last month’s Air India crash are raising eyebrows. 

A preliminary report indicates that both fuel switches in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner were flipped just three seconds after takeoff, immediately cutting engine power. In audio recording from the cockpit, one pilot asks why the other “did the cutoff,” which the other pilot denies. 

Investigators say the switches are designed with added safety features to prevent accidental flipping and are typically used in the event of an engine fire or to turn off the engines once at an airport gate. The report didn’t mention any other emergencies or mechanical issues, but officials urged the public not to “jump to conclusions” and await the final report.

The crash killed 260 people onboard and on the ground, making it the deadliest aviation accident in over a decade.

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Verse to consider when global news makes you feel like you’re inside a spy movie… “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

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SPORTS

Wimbledon Winners

Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner are Wimbledon champions.

In the women’s final Saturday, 8th-seeded Iga Swiatek, of Poland, became the first Wimbledon champion to post a “double bagel” (winning 6-0, 6-0) in the finals since 1911, defeating 23rd-seeded American Amanda Anisimova. On the men’s side, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner renewed their rivalry, with Sinner emerging victorious in 4 sets just a month after losing to Alcaraz at the French Open. 

Both Swiatek and Sinner—who played in front of the usual Wimbledon audience of British Royals and global A-listers—received a cool £3 million payday (that’s ~$4 million in Uncle Sam money).

In team ball sports, tonight is the annual Home Run Derby in Atlanta, where seven of the eight participants are first-timers, and tomorrow is MLB’s 95th Midsummer Classic.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Too often, we let eternally insignificant things, like sports, control our mood and behavior. It’s not wrong to enjoy these things, but remember that whether your team wins or loses, nothing of true importance has changed. 

“…Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…”
Hebrews 12:2

President Trump and First Lady Melania visited Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, the epicenter of the July 4th flooding. Trump praised the efforts of local officials and first responders, saying, “you couldn’t get better people” while defending against criticism of the flood response. Melania received a special bracelet from representatives of Camp Mystic and pledged to return to support the camp.
 

An Arizona resident has died from the pneumonic plague—a first in the U.S. since 2007. Plague is rare in humans, averaging seven cases a year, mostly in the West. It spreads via infected fleas or contact with sick animals. Though infamous for its medieval death toll, it’s treatable with antibiotics today—if diagnosed and treated quickly.
 

The Epstein conclusion has sparked a rift in the White House. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is reportedly considering resigning after clashing with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the decision not to release more Epstein files. The dispute centered on a “missing minute” in surveillance footage of Epstein’s cell—blamed on outdated tech but pinned on Bongino internally.
 

The State Department’s got a lot of exit interviews on the calendar. Last week, the U.S. foreign affairs agency fired around 1,350 U.S.-based employees and plans to cut around 1,500 more; it’s part of a massive reorg to make the department “more efficient and focused.” Democrats and former diplomats are criticizing the cuts, saying they “weaken” diplomacy.
 

Beliebers were canceling their weekend plans after Justin’s surprise album drop. Bieber released SWAG—which features a cameo from his 10-month-old son, Jack Blues, on the cover—on Friday. SWAG is the Canadian pop star’s first album in four years, and marks a return to music after cutting his 2022 tour short due to a battle with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Rise ‘n’ shine!

Where We’re Sending God’s Word
Behind bars*

“I was in prison and you came to visit me.” —Jesus, Matthew 25:36

Jesus never calls us to just read His Word—He calls us to be transformed by it and to live it out. Prison Fellowship is opening doors to do just that, and they need your help.

When you give to Prison Fellowship, you’re placing the gospel into the hands of someone behind bars—someone waiting for hope. 

Let your faith take action. The Pour Over is matching the first $2,000 in donations. Give now to change a prisoner’s life through God’s Word.

What You Should Be Attending
The Global Leadership Summit*

I’ve attended the GLS multiple times and—no exaggeration—it’s been a highlight of my year each time. 

This two-day leadership event draws 60,000 nationally and 300,000 globally, and for good reason: The impact lasts. Craig Groeschel’s talk on communication and encouraging employees continues to shape The Pour Over years later (and good news—he’s back this year). Another speaker was so compelling that I’ve reread his book 4x since.

Whether you lead a team of two or 2,000, you’ll be equipped to lead where you are. Plus, you can attend in person or online.  Sign up by July 16 to snag the early bird discount.

Jason Woodruff | Founder

P.S. Come say hi at our booth if you attend the main campus in South Barrington, Illinois!