The 7: Why a nuclear arms treaty is back in the spotlight; Colorado River negotiations; how to see a rare green comet; and more

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Sign up for this newsletter Read online     By Jamie Ross and Tess Homan  Email Listen to this briefing Good morning. It's Wednesday, Feb. 1 — yes, it's already February — and we're reading about some mysterious goings-on at the Dallas Zoo. Now let's catch up.   Tyre Nichols's funeral will take place today. Who was he? A 29-year-old Black man who died last month after being beaten by Memphis police. Video of the incident, released last week, caused widespread outrage. What to expect: The funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m. Eastern at a Memphis church. Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy, and Vice President Harris will attend. You can watch here. Read this story     The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates again today. Why? The U.S. central bank is still trying to bring down prices. But this will be a smaller rate hike than some made last year. What this does: It makes borrowing money more expensive — affecting home-buying, car loans, business investments and more — which can cool the economy. Is it working? There are encouraging signs. Inflation has eased from a June peak of 9.1%, compared with the year before, to 6.5% in December. Read this story     An under-fire congressman is stepping down from his committee roles. Who is he? Rep. George Santos, a New York Republican. He lied about his education, work, religion and heritage, which came out after his election in November. What to know: Santos will temporarily remove himself from two committees, he said yesterday, while investigations into his campaign finances continue. Why it matters: It's his first major concession after weeks of resisting consequences over his fabrications. Read this story     ADVERTISEMENT     The U.S. accused Russia of ignoring a key nuclear arms treaty. What is it? An agreement known as New START. It requires Russia to allow inspections on its territory, which it is refusing to do, the State Department said yesterday. Why it matters: It's the only remaining treaty limiting the world's two largest nuclear arsenals, and the accusation follows Russia's threats to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Read this story     Colorado River states still can't agree on how to cut their water usage. What to know: Arizona, Colorado and four other states submitted a plan yesterday, but the largest water user, California, didn't join them. What this means: The U.S. government may have to make unilateral cuts later this year. Why this is happening: The states are using more water than the Colorado River can provide after two decades of drought. Read this story     A key pandemic-related food benefit ends after this month. What is it? SNAP recipients in single-person households have been getting $281 a month. Starting next month, some people will see a dramatic drop in what they receive. Why that matters: Many seniors eligible for SNAP may struggle to afford groceries. Benefits have already ended in 17 states, and food banks have reported a rise in demand. Read this story     A rare green comet is passing Earth. What to know: This is the first time it has appeared since the time of the woolly mammoths. It'll be closest tonight and tomorrow but will stick around for a few weeks. How to see it: Tonight, check south of the Big Dipper, near the constellation Camelopardalis. Experts suggest using binoculars. Read this story     You're all caught up. See you tomorrow. But before you go … what to make this week: These chocolate-covered peanut butter pretzels or one of these weeknight chicken recipes. (Jordan Robertson for The Post) Do you know someone who would like this newsletter? Share it with them. Prefer push notifications? Download The Post's app to get one when The 7 publishes.   We think you'll like this newsletter Check out How To Read This Chart for a visual breakdown of the data behind the news, from national correspondent Philip Bump. Sign up »

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