Subscribe to the 1440 Daily Digest

The most impactful stories of the day, expertly curated and explained. 100% free, unsubscribe anytime.

Trade War Looms, Painkiller, and Building a Meaningful Life

The US is expected to hit Canada, Mexico, and China with tariffs as soon as today. Find this story and more in today's digest.

No images?

 

In partnership with

Good morning. It's Saturday, Feb. 1, and in this weekend edition, we're covering a potential trade conflict on the horizon, the first new painkiller in over two decades, and much more. First time reading? Join over 4 million intellectually curious readers. Sign up here.

Don’t keep us a secret: Share the email with friends (copy URL here)​.

And, as always, send us feedback at [email protected].

One Big Headline
 

Trio of Tariffs Loom

President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on Chinese imports are expected to take effect as soon as today, according to the White House. Trump has said the tariffs are meant to pressure the three nations to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking into the US. 

 

Canada, Mexico, and China are America's three largest trading partners, accounting for over 40% of the goods imported into the US last year (see charts). Total trade in goods and services with all three countries exceeded $1T in 2024. The tariffs could significantly impact Canada and Mexico as roughly 70% to 80% of their goods and services are exported to the US. Both North American countries have already said they would respond to US tariffs with their own measures. 

 

The tariffs could raise prices for American consumers and businesses on various goods, including produce, lumber, and electronics. Trump previously said he was considering an exemption for oil imports, but the White House didn't provide further details. Collection on the tariffs is reportedly expected to begin March 1. See how tariffs work here.

In partnership with NativePath

Why Collagen Plays an Important Role in Aging

 

We all know the legend of the fountain of youth: A mythical spring that reverses aging when sipped from or swam in. But while that’s little more than a myth, the revitalizing powers of collagen are scientifically proven.

 

Reducing wrinkles, easing joint pain, strengthening hair and nails, and supporting bone density—the list of collagen benefits is impressive. The only downside? Starting in our 30s, our bodies produce 1%-2% less collagen protein per year. The good news is, that’s where NativePath Collagen comes in.

 

Simply add two scoops of this grass-fed, flavorless, single-ingredient supplement to your coffee or favorite drink for 20g of collagen protein that promotes bone health, digestion, and more! 1440 readers can get free collagen with every purchase during their sale!

Please support our sponsors!

Quick Hits
 

Officials restrict helicopters near Reagan National Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration is allowing only medical and police helicopters between the Washington, DC-area airport and nearby bridges after Wednesday's tragic collision (see map) between an American Airlines regional commuter jet and an Army helicopter. As of this writing, at least 41 bodies of a total of 67 people have been found in the Potomac River. See a list of the victims here.

 

Hamas to release three hostages today, including an American.

In turn, Israel will release a batch of imprisoned Palestinians. Today's exchange between Hamas and Israel will mark the fourth such swap since the two sides agreed to a ceasefire deal last month. Around 80 hostages are still being held by Hamas militants in Gaza. See latest updates on the war here.

 

FDA approves first new non-opioid painkiller in over 20 years.

The Food and Drug Administration greenlighted Vertex Pharmaceuticals' Journavx, a new medication to treat short-term pain after surgeries or injuries. The drug offers a non-opioid alternative that aims to eliminate the risks of addiction and overdose associated with traditional opioid medications like OxyContin and Vicodin.

 

Federal appeals court strikes down ban on handgun sales to teens.

A federal appeals court struck down a longstanding federal ban that prevented handgun sales to Americans ages 18 to 20, ruling the restriction is inconsistent with the Second Amendment. The decision, which cites the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen opinion, is likely to be appealed to the high court and could have implications for gun control laws nationwide.

 

The 67th Grammy Awards show to be held tomorrow (8 pm ET, CBS).

Hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, the ceremony will feature performances by six of this year's best new artist nominees, including Benson Boone, Chappell Roan, Teddy Swims, and Sabrina Carpenter. Other performers include Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, and Shakira. Beyoncé led this year's nominations with 11 nods, including album of the year. See how the Grammy Awards are made here.

 

Fed's key inflation gauge rises as expected in December.

The core personal consumption expenditures price index, which measures costs consumers pay across a wide swath of items, excluding food and energy, rose 2.8% year-over-year and 0.2% month-over-month. The index is the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure; the central bank targets 2% annual inflation. 

1440 Business & Finance: Cryptocurrency

 

This upcoming week, we'll be diving into cryptocurrency, from bitcoin's pseudonymous origins to the rise of thousands of memecoins: 

 

Why people compare bitcoin to digital gold. 

> Explaining blockchain at different levels of complexity.

> Inside the coin capturing your biometric data.

 

... and much more. The newsletter comes out Thursday morning. Sign up here for free!

Humankind
 

Buffalo Bills fans raise over $100K for diabetes research to support Baltimore Ravens player who was subject to online hate after dropping a crucial pass. (More)

 

... and an Indiana police officer crowdfunds $40K for pizza delivery driver who received only a $2 tip during a snowstorm. (More

 

Paralyzed man flies virtual drone with thought-controlled finger movements. (More

 

Brooklyn teacher uses professional wrestling to engage nearly 75 students and help them learn storytelling, critical thinking, and character analysis. (More)

 

Around 1,700 strangers send birthday cards to a 103-year-old widow. (More

 

Oregon bride captures internet attention for fully thrifted wedding, including thrifting over 300 dinner plates. (More)

In partnership with Med-X

‘MXRX’ Planning To List On The Nasdaq

Med-X is gearing up for a possible Nasdaq listing (ticker: MXRX). But the real opportunity is now—before they hit the big stage. 

 

The company’s groundbreaking all-natural pesticides are outperforming chemical alternatives in certain use cases, and their impact is clear: 200% revenue growth in a booming $17B market. Ecommerce Partnerships with companies like Walmart, Amazon, and Kroger will now help them reach international markets soon. 

 

Become an early Med-X shareholder before their planned Nasdaq listing.*

 
Humankind(ness)
 

Dear readers—

 

We're taking a moment this week to remember our dear friend and colleague, Pierre Lipton, who unexpectedly passed away two years ago on Feb. 4, 2023.

 

Pierre accomplished more in 26 years than most do in a lifetime—a world traveler, speaker of multiple languages, valedictorian, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, startup founder, and more.

 

What folks may not have seen from the outside was his consistent desire to drive positive impact in the lives of others. At 1440, Pierre pushed for our employee wellness program, employee happiness interviews, vacation incentives, and more. Outside 1440, he cared deeply about making the world a better place, devoting his time and energy to issues he was passionate about—physical health in underserved communities, food security, animal welfare, and the environment

 

These are just a few examples of how Pierre turned the spirit of human kindness into daily action. He was humble and took time to deeply connect with people, lifting others up and helping them succeed.

 

Pierre passed away after completing a marathon in Arizona. He was doing what he loved. He is deeply missed by his family, partner, friends, colleagues, his dog Appa, and many others.

 

A philanthropic foundation has been established in Pierre's memory to support charitable organizations consistent with his passions.

Etcetera
 

Bookkeeping

> $8M: The record-breaking price of a 30-second Super Bowl ad sold by Fox Sports.

> 140 tons: The amount of radioactive plutonium the UK plans to bury in a deep nuclear graveyard

 

Browse 

How to build a meaningful life based on how (and with whom) we spend our time.

> Visualizing the most affordable ZIP code for renters by state

> This year's best cars for the money.

> Why do people propose on one knee

> For Gen Z, workwear is out and corpcore is in

 

Listen 

> The economics of porta-potties

 

Watch 

> Why MIT is making robot insects

> A crow helps a hedgehog cross the road

Four of the world's deadliest miniature hunter creatures.

 

Long Read 

How a massive deep-sea squid remained largely unknown until recent decades.

The paradox of what makes the most valuable employee.

 

Most Clicked This Week: Baby names on the brink of extinction.

 

Historybook: "Oxford English Dictionary" debuts (1884); Film legend Clark Gable born (1901); Harriet Tubman becomes first Black woman on US postage stamp (1978); Harry Styles born (1994); Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates on reentry, all seven astronauts killed (2003).

"The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it."

- Kalpana Chawla, astronaut aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia

Why 1440? The printing press was invented around the year 1440, spreading knowledge to the masses and changing the course of history. More facts: In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. We’re here to make each one count.

 

Send us your feedback at [email protected] and help us stay unbiased as humanly possible. We’re ready to listen.

 

Interested in reaching intellectually curious readers like you? To become a 1440 partner, apply here.

*Disclosure: This is a paid advertisement for Med-X’s Regulation CF Offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.medx-rx.com/

1440 Media 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1212 Chicago, IL 60654

Copyright © 2025, 1440 Media, All rights reserved.

J