Thursday 01.30.25

The mood at Reagan National Airport is somber following a devastating plane crash near Washington, DC, hours ago. Family members of likely victims are waiting anxiously for answers as first responders continue their search-and-rescue efforts. Here's what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and on With Your Day.
 

By Alexandra Banner

(Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Plane crash

A frantic search for survivors is underway after an American Airlines plane collided with a US Army helicopter midair at Reagan National Airport near Washington, DC, on Wednesday. Hundreds of first responders are searching the freezing Potomac River, where the aircraft crashed around 9 p.m. local time. There were 64 people on board the plane traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport when it collided with a Blackhawk helicopter as it approached the runway, according to the FAA and defense officials. The Army helicopter was on a training flight at the time of the incident, with three soldiers on board. All takeoffs and landings have been halted at Reagan National Airport until at least 11 a.m. local time today.

• Follow live updates on the breaking news
• See the flight path of the plane and helicopter
• Hear air traffic audio in the moments surrounding the collision

RFK Jr. hearing

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, was grilled over his views on vaccines, abortion and health care finance during his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday. After addressing a multitude of additional issues, such as his views on Covid-19, chronic diseases and autism, he was further questioned on his financial interests and shifting stances regarding public health. Throughout the hearing, Democrats repeatedly asked Kennedy to make commitments that he would not purge employees for political reasons or use his perch to personally benefit financially — without getting clear answers. He is set to face more questions at a hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions later today.

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Hostage release

Eight hostages — three Israeli and five Thai — were released from Hamas militants in Gaza today. Israeli authorities are also expected to release 110 Palestinian prisoners in the coming hours. Of those, 32 were sentenced to life imprisonment and another 30 are children, according to Hamas. In phase one — the current phase — of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, a total of 33 Israeli hostages taken captive by Hamas and other armed groups in the October 7 attacks are supposed to be freed. Israel is expected to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in turn.

Interest rates

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday hit pause on interest rate cuts in its first key decision of President Donald Trump's second term. It's a move that's likely to stoke tensions between the central bank and the president, who has argued that he should have some say in Fed policy. Fed officials must now determine whether the pause is a one-meeting hold or the start of a longer stretch. While the job market is slowing but stable and inflation is mostly lower, Trump's economic policies and geopolitical threats could lead to higher prices, some economists say. That could lead the Fed to continue holding off on any rate cuts this year, or even raise rates.

Starbucks

Starbucks is eliminating 30% of its menu in the coming months as part of the company's plan to simplify its offerings, reduce wait times and improve its customer experience. CEO Brian Niccol outlined the plan this week, saying there is soon going to be a "roughly 30% reduction in both beverages and food," but he didn't name specific items. Niccol has previously said that the chain's menu had become "overly complex," resulting in long lines. The changes are part of Niccol's goal to turn around the chain's fortunes, which recently reported its fourth consecutive quarter of sales declines.

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