Read Time: 5 min 11 sec | Listen to Podcast

U.S. NEWS

Texas Flooding Update

Search and rescue crews are still combing through central Texas after devastating floods killed over 100 people. 

The rising death toll includes 27 Camp Mystic campers and counselors (11 remain unaccounted for) and spans six counties; first responders say the likelihood of finding more survivors is fading. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a “Day of Prayer,” and vigils have been held statewide.

The scale of the disaster has raised questions over coordination and communication prior to the flooding, but the NWS says its regional office was fully staffed, and the most severe “catastrophic” flash flood warnings were issued before the Guadalupe River rose. 

Meanwhile, stories of heroism have begun to emerge, including a Coast Guard rescue swimmer credited with directly saving 165 people from rising floodwaters; it was his first mission.

(We’re also covering this story tomorrow in Decaf, The Pour Over for Families. Sign up—for free—here.)

__

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
The promise of heaven does not remove the pains of this world, but it does give us hope, strength, and peace during life’s most difficult seasons. Join us in praying for hope, strength, and peace for the families and first responders in Texas.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” 
Revelation 21:4 (CSB) (read full passage)

Update: The TPO Community has, so far, donated an amazing $66k to relief efforts through Operation Blessing.

U.S. NEWS

Case Closed

The FBI and DOJ closed the book on Jeffrey Epstein.

A memo released Sunday reiterates that the disgraced financier died by suicide in 2019 and didn’t have a “client list” of powerful people he was blackmailing. Nearly 10 hours of common area surveillance footage showed no one entered the hallway to his cell after it was locked. Two nearby cameras reportedly malfunctioned that night, fueling years of conspiracy theories. 

The memo said one of the government’s “highest priorities is combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims” and that spreading “unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither of those ends.”

Critics aren’t buying it. 

Conservative influencers blasted AG Pam Bondi for overpromising revelations and accused FBI leaders Kash Patel and Dan Bongino of bowing to the “Deep State,” while Elon Musk called the DOJ’s memo “the final straw.”

__

CHOOSE HUMILITY
Culturally hot topics frequently make people think, speak, and act poorly… including us. We can respect others and represent God better if we are quick to listen and slow to speak.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.” 
James 3:17 (CSB) (read full passage)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Aging Porpoise-fully

Looking to age healthier? One supplement can seriously help, thanks to… dolphins?  

In 2020, veterinarians working with Navy dolphins discovered that higher levels of a fatty acid called C15:0 led to healthier aging. Turns out, this whole-body-boosting nutrient is key for humans, too. 

It's the first essential fatty acid discovered in over 90 years… and it's the only ingredient in Fatty15. This once-a-day supplement works at the cellular level, supporting cognitive, liver, metabolic, and red blood cell health. No wonder 70% of customers report benefits within 16 weeks, including improved sleep, joint comfort, mood, and energy.

Stay healthier longer with Fatty15. Try it now and save 20% today through Friday during Amazon Prime Day.

WORLD NEWS

Liberation Day 2.0

August 1st is the new April 2nd.

It’s been 90 days since the U.S.’s “Liberation Day” tariffs were reduced to a blanket 10% import tax, but the White House says the bigger numbers will be back on August 1st. On Monday, President Trump shared screenshots of signed letters sent to 14 countries, including Japan and South Korea, that indicate slight changes to their original rates; all were between 25% and 40%.

Meanwhile, Trump announced yesterday that he was placing a 50% tariff on copper and promised “a very, very high rate, like 200%” for pharmaceuticals.

President Trump had different news for Ukraine, announcing the U.S. would be sending them military aid—primarily defense weapons including Patriot missiles—saying “they have to be able to defend themselves.”

__

Verse to consider when your imported items might mean you need a second job… “Anyone trusting in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.” 
Proverbs 11:28 (CSB) (read full passage)

U.S. measles cases have reached a three-decade high. As of Friday, 1,277 cases have been confirmed in 38 States and D.C.—the largest outbreak since the disease was considered “eliminated” in the States in 2000. Around 92% of reported cases have been in unvaccinated people, or those with unknown vaccination status, and roughly 700 cases have been in Texas.
 

Australia’s mushroom murderer has been convicted. A woman was convicted of a triple murder and faces life in prison after feeding a beef Wellington laced with poisonous “death cap” mushrooms to her husband’s estranged parents, aunt, and uncle for lunch. The uncle survived and was among 50 witnesses who testified against her during a nine-week trial that captivated Australia.
 

Shots were fired at a Border Patrol facility in Texas on Monday morning. Armed with a rifle and tactical gear, the 27-year-old man shot “many dozens of rounds” toward the building, injuring two police officers and one Border Patrol employee before agents returned fire and killed the suspect. Police say they have not yet determined a motive.
 

Other retail chains are hoppin’ on the Prime Day deal train. Amazon Prime Day Days kicked off yesterday (and will run through July 11), prompting big box behemoths to offer their own deep discounts—like BJ’s Wholesale’s Wow Days, Costco’s Member Saving Days, Kohl’s Summer Cyber Deals, and Target’s Circle Week. Billions are projected to be spent during “Black Friday in July.”
 

Brad Pitt’s still got it. The human star of F1: The Movie—along with the real stars, the Formula One cars—generated $293M in ticket sales, the highest-ever opening for an Apple-produced film. Scarlett Johansson’s still got it, too. Her film Jurassic: World Rebirth brought in over $318M, making her the highest-grossing lead actor ever, with lifetime box office earnings topping $14.8B.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

The world’s youngest countries…

What We’re Drinking
Raspberry LMNT*

My wife, Hannah, swung by the TPO office with the girls (3-years-old and 6-months-old) the other day! Well… sorta. 

They actually just stayed in the car, and I got a text: “Bring a box of Raspberry LMNT out.”

I’m not at all suggesting she’s addicted to Raspberry LMNT, but it did feel a little bit like a drug deal; she’s gotta have that healthy hydration (a science-backed ratio of sodium, magnesium, and potassium). 

I switch between Raspberry and Grapefruit; Hannah’s just hooked on Raspberry. You’ll get a free 8-pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors if you buy through this link. Happy hydrating!

Jason Woodruff | Founder

How I'm Making Friends at the Pump
With Upside*

I'll strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. It’s the Southerner in me.

But chatting up a stranger at the gas pump was a first. When I told him that he could save 25¢/gallon… I realized I'd become a talking billboard for Upside.

Upside is a free app that allows you to earn real cash back when you fill up. Just claim the offer at your station on the app, pay as usual, and get cash straight to your account. That’s it.

Download the free Upside App and use code POUROVER to get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first fill-up.

Stephanie Wainwright | BFF-generating Proofreader