The Biggest News Stories Of 2025

January 31, 2025

American Airlines Plane And Black Hawk Helicopter Crash Near Reagan National Airport

Source: Kayla Bartkowski / Getty

As 2025 unfolds, the world is witnessing a dynamic mix of political, economic, and cultural shifts shaping the global landscape.

Since the beginning of 2025, the United States has experienced a series of significant events across political, legal, and social spheres.

On January 20, Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term as the 47th President, immediately enacting numerous executive orders. These included efforts to revoke birthright citizenship, dismantle diversity programs, and impose sanctions on Colombia. A notable executive action involved a temporary freeze on federal grants and loans, aiming to reassess funding allocations. This move faced legal challenges, leading to a federal judge temporarily blocking the freeze due to concerns over its impact on essential services.

We also have witnessed a historic snowstorm impacting the Southern U.S., resulting in widespread disruptions and highlighting the nation’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.

Most recently, on January 29, 2025, a tragic mid-air collision occurred near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.

The accident resulted in the loss of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft. The collision took place near Reagan National Airport, leading to an immediate response from the U.S. Coast Guard and local emergency services. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the incident, with authorities examining factors such as air traffic control communications and flight paths.

The impact sent both aircraft spiraling into the Potomac River. First responders rushed to the scene, but authorities later confirmed there were no survivors. As of 5:30 p.m. Thursday, at least 40 bodies had been recovered from the wreckage-strewn waters, according to law enforcement officials.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered the aircraft’s black boxes, which are expected to provide crucial insights into the final moments before the collision. Investigators are analyzing radar data, air traffic control recordings, and eyewitness reports to determine the cause of the disaster.

The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation and sports communities, as tributes pour in for the victims, including the world-class athletes whose lives were cut short. Officials have pledged a thorough investigation to prevent future tragedies of this nature.

As these stories continue to develop, 2025 is proving to be a year of transformation, controversy, and cultural evolution.