Winter Storm Brings Heavy Snow and Power Outages to Mid-Atlantic

A federal jury awarded $500,000 to the widow of Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith, who died by suicide after the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. The jury found chiropractor David Walls-Kaufman liable for assaulting Smith during the riot, awarding $380,000 in punitive damages and $60,000 in compensatory damages, despite the judge dismissing a wrongful-death claim. Need More Context? 🔎

Authorities in Northern California recovered the bodies of three hikers who drowned after jumping into Rattlesnake Falls near Lake Tahoe while hiking with a group. The Placer County Sheriff's Office suspended search operations due to adverse weather but planned to resume with better conditions; further details about the incident were not immediately available. Need More Context? 🔎

Amgen's monthly weight loss drug MariTide demonstrated a 20% average body weight reduction in a phase 2 trial, positioning it as a potential competitor in the GLP-1 market dominated by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. With added benefits like improved A1c levels and cardiovascular risk factors, MariTide aims for a phase 3 trial, highlighting advancements in diabetes and weight loss treatments. Need More Context? 🔎

Washington's Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that major health insurers have committed to reforming the prior authorization process, which often delays patient care. Changes include honoring existing authorizations for 90 days after switching plans, clearer denial explanations, and streamlined online requests, though experts caution that significant reforms are still needed. Need More Context? 🔎

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist detained by ICE for over three months, spoke to ABC News about his experience and commitment to Palestinian human rights after his release. He emphasized that he will not be deterred by threats of deportation and criticized the Trump administration's portrayal of him as a threat, asserting that he represents a movement for justice and equality. Need More Context? 🔎

An Amtrak Northeast Regional train bound for Boston was evacuated after being stranded for over an hour in a dark Baltimore tunnel due to a locomotive malfunction, leaving passengers without power or air conditioning. Amtrak provided alternative transportation and apologized for the inconvenience, as the incident coincided with a dangerous heat wave affecting the region. Need More Context? 🔎