India Trade Deal, More Winter, & KegChup

News without the noise

Adam Rogers
February 03, 2026

Good Morning! Today’s edition is 871 words, a 4-minute read.

What’s on tap:

First-time reader? Sign up here!

President Trump said he will lower tariffs on India to 18%, effective immediately, after reaching an agreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India to stop buying Russian oil and increase purchases from the United States. Trump had imposed a 50% tariff on India last year as part of efforts to cut Russia's war funding.
effort. Trump wrote on Truth Social that the deal will "help END THE WAR in Ukraine." A second round of Ukraine peace negotiations is scheduled this week between Russia, Ukraine, and US mediators.
Modi confirmed the arrangement, saying "President Trump's leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity." As part of the deal, India also agreed to eliminate tariffs on US goods and buy more American-made products.

The disappearance of TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie's mother is being investigated as a crime, Arizona authorities said Monday. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen Saturday night at her home outside Tucson and reported missing Sunday by her family.
"We do in fact have a crime scene. We do in fact have a crime," Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at a news conference. "She did not leave on her own. We know that." Nanos provided no additional details but said law enforcement is reviewing video from cameras at Nancy Guthrie's home, where she lives alone with staff.
Nancy Guthrie needs daily medication to survive, and going without it "could be fatal," the sheriff said. He described her as "sharp as a tack" with no cognitive issues. Search and rescue teams have been stood down as the case shifted from a search mission to a crime scene investigation. The FBI and Customs and Border Protection are assisting.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Monday morning, predicting six more weeks of winter in his annual Groundhog Day forecast. According to tradition, if Phil sees his shadow, winter continues; if he doesn't, spring arrives early.
The extreme cold prevented the usual post-prediction photo opportunity with Phil. His handlers feared keeping him outside too long, so the crowd was asked to turn around and "do a selfie" instead. Phil has predicted longer winters far more often than early springs throughout his forecasting career.
The tradition began in 1887 when German immigrants brought European weather-watching customs to Pennsylvania. Groundhogs replaced the hedgehogs and badgers used in Europe.

The Clintons agreed to testify about Jeffrey Epstein under threat of contempt from House Republicans, but both sides are still fighting over when and how it'll happen. (More)

Ed Martin was removed as head of Attorney General Pam Bondi's Weaponization Working Group after clashing with colleagues over poor productivity and controversial posts, but remains pardon attorney. (More)

Trump announced the Kennedy Center will close for two years starting July 4 for renovations. (More)

Conservative populist Laura Fernández won Costa Rica's presidency with 48% in a first-round upset, continuing the political shift started by her sponsor, outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. (More)

A wild elephant in Thailand killed a 65-year-old tourist Monday, its third victim, prompting officials to meet Friday on whether to relocate or retrain the animal. (More)

Rome now charges tourists $2 to get near the Trevi Fountain, expecting to raise $7.6 million yearly for crowd control and upkeep while locals enter free. (More)

US stock markets closed higher on Monday (S&P +0.54%, Nasdaq +0.56%, Dow +1.05%). US stocks rose as investors shrugged off recent losses in silver and bitcoin to start February trading on a positive note. (More)

Devon and Coterra agreed to merge for $58 billion, becoming one of America's biggest oil producers as shale companies consolidate while oil prices drop. (More)

President Trump is stockpiling $12 billion in rare minerals to break US dependence on China, using federal loans and private cash to supply car makers, tech companies, and the military. (More)

Arizona stayed unanimous No. 1 in college basketball for the eighth straight week at 22-0, while Michigan jumped to second over UConn after beating previously unbeaten Nebraska and rival Michigan State. (More)

The Winter Olympics in Italy sold 1.2 million tickets—75% of capacity—before Friday's opening, with ice hockey dominating. (More)

The New Orleans Saints will play in Paris this fall, the NFL's first game in France. (More)

Coffee spikes blood pressure briefly but won't cause hypertension—unless blood pressure is already very high, where drinking two cups daily doubles the risk of fatal heart problems. (More)

A University of Manchester study found ecotherapy—outdoor sessions with therapists in forests or gardens—helps people process pain and find hope. (More)

NASA is running a final fueling test on its moon rocket before sending four astronauts around the moon as soon as Sunday (More)

Heinz is selling a 114-ounce keg of ketchup for the Super Bowl.

Watch: Lost dog reunites with owner after 4 years.

Caterpillars use their hair to hear.

Your feedback helps us provide the best newsletter possible.