EXPLAINED: How could a plane collision happen in Washington D.C.?

American Airlines jet collides with Army helicopter near DC; 28 bodies recovered, no survivors expected, investigation underway.

Published

1 year ago

January 31, 2025

ticker NEWS

American Airlines jet collides with Army helicopter near DC; 28 bodies recovered, no survivors expected, investigation underway.

An American Airlines passenger jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC.

Rescue crews worked through the night, recovering 28 bodies from the Potomac River.

The Washington Fire Department declared a shift from rescue to recovery operations, indicating no survivors are expected.

The helicopter’s crew of three has also been presumed lost.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the incident could have been preventable and that an investigation is underway to determine the cause.

Preliminary assessments suggest that the flight paths of both the civilian jet and military helicopter were standard.

US officials have emphasized the need to ensure the safety of American airspace.

The City of Wichita, where the flight originated, expressed condolences. It is reported that figure skaters, including former world champions from Russia, were on board.

A temporary pause on helicopter flights by the involved Army unit has been initiated.

Community support services were set up to aid families awaiting news about their loved ones at Wichita Airport.

American Airlines is cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board for the investigation.

The main runway at Reagan National Airport is expected to reopen later today.

Authorities highlighted the need to address airspace congestion, particularly in the DC area, where civilian and military aircraft share the skies.

Oil prices surge as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate

Published

10 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Crude oil prices jumped over 3% on Wednesday as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks showed signs of faltering, pushing WTI futures above $65 per barrel. Axios reported disagreements over the venue and scope of Friday’s talks, while President Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader to “be very worried,” stoking fears of military escalation.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf added to the volatility. A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iranian vessels threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS McFaul escorted the tanker to safety, highlighting the region’s fragile oil supply routes.

Despite the clashes, nuclear talks will go ahead on Friday in Oman, but uncertainty continues to drive oil market volatility, with traders closely watching both diplomatic and military developments.

#OilPrices #IranUS #NuclearTalks #PersianGulf #WTI #EnergyMarket #Geopolitics #OilSupply

News

Washington Post layoffs: Hundreds of journalists cut as Bezos faces criticism

Published

11 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees, marking what former executive editor Martin Baron calls “one of the darkest days” in the paper’s history. Approximately one-third of the newsroom staff were affected, as the company undertakes a so-called “strategic reset” to compete in a crowded media landscape.

The cuts hit key areas, including the sports desk, local coverage, international reporting, the books desk, and the flagship daily news podcast. Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said the changes aim to prioritise national security, politics, science, health, technology, climate, and business coverage while positioning the Post for the future.

Critics have called out owner Jeff Bezos for his silence during the layoffs and alleged efforts to influence the paper’s political stance. Former editor Baron warned that the newspaper’s ambitions would be sharply diminished and its credibility could suffer.

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News

Amazon launches AI tools to change film and television production

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Published

16 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Amazon MGM Studios is stepping into the future of entertainment by developing artificial intelligence tools designed to reduce production costs and streamline filmmaking processes. This closed beta, launching in March, will let industry partners test how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency on set.

Amy Cheng, leading the AI Studio team, emphasises that while AI can accelerate workflows, it will never replace the unique contributions of human creativity. The initiative represents Amazon’s push to innovate in content creation while maintaining the art of storytelling.

The use of AI in Hollywood is expanding rapidly, sparking discussions about its impact on jobs and the future of the industry. As studios explore automation, the balance between efficiency and human artistry remains a central concern.

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