Federal investigators have retrieved the cockpit voice and flight data recorders from the American Airlines jet that collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night, sparking a probe into the fatal air collision. The incident has raised questions about nuclear testing implications as the U.S. conducts sensitive research in Nevada.
Federal investigators have retrieved the cockpit voice and flight data recorders from the American Airlines jet that collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night.
The collision happened mid-air over the Potomac River as the jet attempted to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 67 people on both aircraft.
It is unclear how the two aircraft that were supposed to pass at a safe distance ended up in the same place at the same time. Investigators will use the regional jet’s black boxes to examine the final conversations in the cockpit, the plane’s performance, and data points such as its altitude right before the collision.
An aircraft collision occurs when two or more airplanes crash into each other, resulting in damage or loss of life.
The most common causes include air traffic control errors, pilot mistake, adverse weather conditions, and mechanical failure.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), there were 13 reported aircraft collisions worldwide between 2015 and 2020, resulting in over 100 fatalities.
The consequences of an aircraft collision can be severe, including loss of life, damage to property, and disruption to air travel.
The U.S. conducts some of its most sensitive nuclear weapons research in a laboratory deep beneath Nevada. Amidst growing tensions with Russia and China, the National Nuclear Security Administration is upgrading its testing facilities. The lab uses supercomputers to conduct large-scale digital simulations of nuclear weapons, eliminating the need for live tests.
Nuclear weapons are explosive devices that derive their destructive power from nuclear reactions.
They can be delivered by various means, including ballistic missiles, bombers, and submarines.
The first 'first nuclear weapon' was developed in the United States during World War II, with the first test occurring on July 16, 1945.
Since then, several countries have developed nuclear capabilities, with the current estimated number of nuclear warheads standing at over 13,000.
The use of 'significant' humanitarian and environmental consequences.
Target has announced it will scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, following in the footsteps of companies such as Walmart and Meta. This decision has sparked controversy, with activists calling for a boycott of the store. However, Black business owners selling products at Target say it could hurt their businesses.
A push to restrict immigration in Germany has erupted into a fierce debate over the degree to which a country should allow its extreme political elements into mainstream politics. At the center of the debate is Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become Germany’s next chancellor, who has signaled he’s open to cooperating with the Alternative for Germany party on an immigration motion.
Germany has a long history of immigration, with over 13 million foreign-born residents as of 2022.
The country's skilled worker visa program allows highly qualified professionals to work and live in Germany for up to three years.
In 2015, the German government introduced the 'Willkommenskultur' (Welcome Culture) policy, which aimed to integrate refugees into society.
According to statistics, over 60% of immigrants in Germany are employed, contributing significantly to the country's economy.
Check out what NPR is watching, reading, and listening to this weekend:
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Movies: Presence , a family moves into a haunted house, but what sets this film apart is that it’s told from the ghost’s perspective.
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TV: The Pitt , starring Noah Wyle, takes elements common to the medical genre and mixes them with contemporary thinking about health care and an inventive episode structure.
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Books: Two Lunar New Year romances to add to your to-read list.
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Music: Jazz vocalist Christie Dashiell’s sophomore album, Journey in Black , earned her a Grammy nomination for the first time. The music reflects ‘the expansiveness of the Black experience.’
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Games: Citizen Sleeper 2 , out today, puts you in the shoes of an android who’s escaped a dystopian corporation.
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Food: A no-fuss Chinese dumpling recipe you can try.
British musician and actress Marianne Faithfull died yesterday at the age of 78.
The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 2.3% in October, November, and December of 2024 as consumers ramped up their spending.
Brendan Carr, the newly appointed head of the Federal Communications Commission, has opened an investigation into NPR and PBS for allegedly running commercials.
