In The NEWS

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.

SOURCE:  1440 NEWS