PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Gov. Glenn Youngkin has declared a State of Emergency for Virginia ahead of potential winter weather.

WAVY Weather Detailed Forecast

Youngkin is urging all Virginians to take precaution and to listen to warnings from local and state officials.

"With another round of winter weather across the state this week forecasted to bring heavy snow and ice, I am declaring a state of emergency so we can move resources around the state," Youngkin said. "I urge all Virginians to monitor your local forecast and to prepare for possible impacts to roadways and infrastructure beginning overnight Monday throughout Tuesday."

While the Hampton Roads area is not expected to see much snow, a wintry mix is still possible overnight and into Tuesday morning.

Will Hampton Roads have an active winter season?

Currently, the Northern Neck area of Virginia, between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, is under a winter storm warning, with an expected 4-6 inches of snow. A winter storm watch is in effect for Middlesex and Accomack counties.

For tips on how to prepare during winter weather, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's website.

A Republican congressman who is "fed up" with the "scripted outrage" promoted by the left over the Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk's investigations of federal agencies published a letter to constituents dispelling the "lies about DOGE."

Virginia Republican Rep. Ben Cline published an open letter to constituents last week who are furious over Musk’s role leading DOGE as the Musk team parsed through agencies such as the Treasury Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to find fraud and cut government spending fat. 

The investigations have led to an apparent dismantling of USAID as DOGE and Republican lawmakers and think tanks publish reports showing the independent government agency has bankrolled foreign programs such as creating an Iraqi version of "Sesame Street" and provided funds to extremist groups connected to designated terror organizations. 

ELON MUSK OUTLINES 'SUPER OBVIOUS' CHANGES DOGE AND TREASURY HAVE AGREED TO MAKE

Democratic lawmakers, voters, as well as employees of the agency, have staged protests across the country over Musk’s work, slamming him as a billionaire "fascist" who has no right to investigate the federal government as he is not an elected official. 

USAID HAS 'DEMONSTRATED PATTERN OF OBSTRUCTIONISM,' CLAIMS TOP DOGE REPUBLICAN IN LETTER TO RUBIO

"I’m fed up with the scripted outrage of the Left & their lies about DOGE. @realDonaldTrump campaigned on using @elonmusk’s expertise to make government more efficient. Trump won & he’s keeping that promise," Cline posted on X, linking to a letter to his constituents. 

Cline hit back in his letter that Musk has long held some of the highest security clearances in the nation through his work leading Space X. 

"Musk is not a private citizen being given ‘unprecedented access to personal or sensitive information,’ as the extreme left would lead you to believe. Mr. Musk holds some of the highest-level security clearances as a key defense contractor and his work is integral to ensuring U.S. military superiority," Cline wrote in his letter addressed to "Jane Doe" constituents on Thursday. 

"As you are aware, the rocket systems and satellites his companies produce are used across the federal government, including in the Department of Defense, and his Starlink system has been critical in supporting U.S. allies abroad. There are few, if any, private individuals who have done more to advance America’s technological and defense capabilities in modern history. If there is anyone qualified to bring the federal government into the 21st century and improve its efficiency, it is Elon Musk," he continued. 

Cline added that President Donald Trump "has Article II constitutional authority to appoint individuals who can help execute their vision for the federal government."

'VIPER'S NEST': USAID ACCUSED OF CORRUPTION, MISMANAGEMENT LONG BEFORE TRUMP ADMIN TOOK AIM

"Most recently, President Trump designated Elon Musk as a ‘special government employee,’ which is defined by Section 202 of Title 18 of the United States Code. President Trump’s decision to enlist Mr. Musk is a bold step toward strengthening America’s technological leadership and eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies. This appointment is fully within the President’s discretion and is no different from past administrations appointing industry experts to key cabinet, advisory, and operational roles," Cline explained. 

"For over 20 years, Mr. Musk has undoubtedly showcased to the American people his unparalleled ability to drive innovation, develop world-leading technologies, and ensure America is the world leader in energy, Artificial Intelligence, rocketry, transportation, and healthcare, among other fields," he continued.

Musk reportedly gained access to the Treasury’s payment system last weekend, sparking widespread outrage that he had access to private information related to Social Security, payments to government contractors, Medicare benefits and other data. The outrage soon spilled into Musk and DOGE’s work investigating USAID last week, which crescendoed on Friday when a federal judge paused the Trump administration’s order to place thousands of USAID employees on leave while signage for the agency was removed or covered on the building’s headquarters and surrounding area. 

MUSK RIPS 'FRAUDULENT' TREASURY HANDOUTS AS REPORTS MOUNT DOGE HAS ACCESS TO FEDERAL PAYMENT SYSTEM

"​​There is no evidence to support the allegation that Elon Musk or his team has unlawfully accessed or seized the sensitive data. Any access to citizen data is strictly regulated, and the role of DOGE is focused on modernizing outdated systems, not compiling private information. The real threat to Americans’ privacy has come from an unchecked bureaucracy that has mismanaged data security for decades. The reforms proposed by President Trump and implemented by individuals like Mr. Musk are designed to prevent government overreach, not expand it," Cline wrote. 

Also on Friday, House Democrats, including Rep. Maxine Waters of Califorrnia, attempted to gain entry to the Department of Education’s headquarters to meet with acting Education Secretary Denise L. Carter. But they were seen clashing with a security guard as the DOGE team reportedly prepares to recommend major spending cuts to the department. Trump had repeatedly advocated and campaigned on shutting the Department of Education down in favor of giving states power over their respective education systems. 

ELON MUSK SLAMS 'MEAN' PODCAST HOSTS FOR CALLING DOGE EMPLOYEES 'ARROGANT LITTLE PR---S' AMONG OTHER THINGS

"The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is an essential initiative to reduce wasteful spending, cut bureaucratic red tape, and modernize government technology. On his first day in office, President Trump legally integrated DOGE into the federal government by way of an executive order renaming the U.S. Digital Service as the U.S. DOGE Service (USDS)," he wrote.  

"Fully authorized under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), USDS will enhance government productivity and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. Each executive agency’s DOGE Team works in coordination with agency heads in order to ensure the implementation of President Trump’s DOGE agenda. Treasury Secretary Scott [Bessent] has already approved DOGE’s lawful access to unclassified records and systems to facilitate this integration," he wrote. 

Cline continued in his letter to constituents that he serves on the DOGE Caucus in Congress and "will work alongside President Trump to introduce reforms that streamline government operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and restore fiscal responsibility in Washington."

Musk outlined "super obvious" changes DOGE and the Treasury agreed to in order for the agency to be easily audited, such as providing a categorization code for outgoing payments, a rationale for any payments, and the creation of a regularly updated "DO-NOT-PAY list" that includes dead people, or fraudulent entities, such as groups with ties to terror organizations. 

"Yesterday, I was told that there are currently over $100B/year of entitlements payments to individuals with no SSN or even a temporary ID number. If accurate, this is extremely suspicious," Musk posted on Saturday. 

A federal judge blocked DOGE's ability to access Treasury Department systems on Saturday morning, teeing up a legal battle over DOGE’s work.

Republican lawmakers in Virginia called on the Virginia High School League (VHSL) to protect women's sports, after VHSL announced that it would continue to allow biological males who identify as transgender to play in women's sports.

The post Republican Lawmakers Call on Virginia High School League to Protect Women’s Sports: ‘Girls’ Sports Are for Girls’ appeared first on Breitbart.

It was an arrest of biblical proportions. 

An intoxicated Virginia man who broke into a Bible study session took it upon himself to investigate, thinking it was a human trafficking operation, authorities said. 

David Campbell of Stafford is charged with breaking and entering, assault and public intoxication, the Stafford County Sheriff's office said. 

TRUMP FRIEND AND INFORMAL FAITH ADVISER: ‘GOD IS GIVING AMERICA ANOTHER CHANCE’

Campbell was intoxicated when he called authorities Wednesday evening saying he was upset his neighbors had doubled-parked their vehicles. Instead of taking up the issue with property management, Campbell confronted the neighbors in their residence and "observed" a large group of people, authorities said. 

"He would assume this to be a human trafficking operation and wanted deputies to investigate it," the sheriff's office said. "While reporting the incident, dispatches could hear the caller taunting and cursing at the neighbors."

When deputies arrived, Campbell, 48, was spotted in the middle of the road and exhibited signs of intoxication, authorities said. 

TRUMP ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING TASK FORCE TO ‘ERADICATE ANTI-CHRISTIAN BIAS’

He complained about the parking situation and demanded the deputies identify everyone inside the home. 

His neighbors told deputies that Campbell forced his way into the home as the group was conversing about the gospel.

"He would nearly strike an ordained minister and threaten to punch another male. Video evidence would confirm this," the sheriff's office said. 

Campbell was being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), along with 37 of his colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced their intent to send a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following the Trump Administration's attempt to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Marco Rubio taking over as acting head of USAID amid agency turmoil

USAID, which was signed into law in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, was originally established to provide aid to foreign countries in the hopes of promoting social and economic development, according to a now archived website on USAID's history. USAID's actual website can no longer be accessed.

What USAID does, and why Trump and Musk want to get rid of it

"Foreign assistance is critical to supporting U.S. strategic interests around the world," the letter reads. "Foreign assistance protects U.S. national security, advances U.S. values, and ensures the U.S. is the partner of choice for everything from defense procurement to cutting edge scientific research. China, Russia and Iran are already moving rapidly to exploit the vacuum and instability left by the U.S.’s sudden global retreat.”

On Monday, workers with USAID were not permitted to enter the headquarters after workers, at first, refused to turn over classified information to Elon Musk, who is now in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk then announced the agency will be moved under the State Department, something Kaine alleges Trump is not legally authorized to do.

USAID leaders escorted out of building after blocking DOGE access to secure systems

"The Administration's failure to consult with Congress prior to taking these steps violates the law and impedes Congress's constitutional duty to conduct oversight of funding, personnel and the nation's foreign policy," the senators wrote in the letter. "The Administration's failure to expend funds appropriated on a bipartisan basis by Congress would violate the Impoundment Control Act."

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, The Impoundment Control Act, established in 1974, requires the president to report to Congress "all withholdings of budget authority."

In the letter, Kaine calls the sudden withdrawal of USAID "deeply disturbing," alleging that the mass furloughs of personnel will lead to immediate harm to the country's national security, ultimately placing its citizens at risk.

The full letter, led by Kaine, can be read using the link here.

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) -- U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released a statement in reference to President Donald Trump signing an order to impose new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China.

Trump kept his tariffs pledge. Is he ready for the fallout? Are Americans? What to know

“Virginians want lower prices, not higher ones, and the last thing we need are new, senseless taxes on imports from America’s three largest trading partners," said Kaine. "During President Trump’s first term, his trade wars hit Virginia hard. Our farmers and foresters were especially affected, but everyone suffered. Everyone, that is, except for Trump’s cronies—billionaires, bitcoin bros, and offshore bandits. Here we go again.”

Goods from China would be subjected to a 10% tariff, compared with 25% for Mexico and Canada — which will cause an increase in cost on basic goods such as cheap apparel, gas and food.

Tariffs: What do Trump’s executive orders say and how would they work?

The White House said in a statement that the tariffs were being implemented in order to pressure the three countries into stopping the flow of fentanyl and immigrants. In response to the order, Mexico and Canada stated they plan to retaliate, with Canada ordering a 25% tariff on American imports. Mexico has yet to announce a number.

On Friday, Kaine, along with Senator Chris Coons, introduced the Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of Trade Policy Act. This comes after he introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act to shield American families and businesses from increased costs by limiting the president's authority to impose unlimited tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

"Virginians want costs to go down, not up," Kaine said. "But President Trump's plans to impose broad-based tariffs would raise the price of everyday goods and hurt our economy. It's time for Congress to make it clear that no president should abuse existing tariff authorities designed to protect America's national security from threats posed by our adversaries to slap tariffs on our allies and closest trading partners. I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Coons to take that step to protect Americans' pocketbooks from sharp price hikes and safeguard our relationships with our allies."

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Friday released a statement on his elimination of West Virginia University's Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

The post Gov. Patrick Morrisey Ends Diversity, Equity, Inclusion at West Virginia University appeared first on Breitbart.

(WAVY) — The Department of Homeland Security has removed a policy that restricted immigration enforcement in schools, churches and other sensitive locations, a move raising concerns among educators and immigrant communities.

The policy change, issued by Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman Jan. 21, reverses a 2021 directive under the Biden administration that designated places such as schools, hospitals and domestic violence shelters as off-limits for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. With the new directive under President Trump's administration, ICE agents are no longer restricted from conducting enforcement actions in these spaces.

A DHS memo states that “this action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens — including murders and rapists — who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense."

Educators say the policy shift could have significant consequences for schools and students, particularly those from immigrant families.

"I've had conversations with other educators across the state, across the country, and just thinking of me as an educator, I'm willing to risk it all for my students," said Dr. James Fedderman, an educator in Accomack County and the former president of the Virginia Education Association. "I'm willing to put everything on the line because when I went to college to become a teacher, my degree didn't say I could teach a certain kind of kid. My degree said I could teach children. And these children, regardless of their immigration status, they are our children. They are our tomorrow."

10 On Your Side reached out to the spokespersons of the school divisions of the seven Hampton Roads cities.

Virginia Beach Public Schools: "We do not have any comment on this matter at this time."

Chesapeake Public Schools: "CPS is committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status. In light of ongoing concerns related to U.S. immigration policy and enforcement, we want to reassure our community that our protocols and procedures remain unchanged and are designed to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students. Our policies require that any external agency, including ICE, must provide proper legal documentation and await CPS approval before accessing school property. This documentation will be reviewed by school administration before access is granted. No individual or agency is permitted unrestricted access to our buildings without following these procedures. We also strictly follow state and federal laws to protect student privacy and do not share confidential information without appropriate legal justification. At this time, we are not aware of any ICE enforcement actions at our schools. However, we remain vigilant in upholding policies that protect the rights and safety of our students and staff."

Portsmouth Public Schools: "I can share that if any ICE agents come to a school, they must present a valid judicial warrant. The warrant will be reviewed by central administration to ensure that the search is legally justified on school grounds before agents would be granted further access to any school building."

Hampton Public Schools: "This announcement has not impacted our existing practices and protocols. The school division will continue to uphold state and federal laws, as well as adhere to Hampton City Schools School Board policies."

Suffolk Public Schools: "Agents must have a judicial warrant, and it is the school division's responsibility to keep students safe."

Norfolk Public Schools: Reached out for comment.

Newport News Public schools: Reached out for comment.

"I don't want immigration officials going into churches and schools without any constraints," said Sen. Mark Warner. "I think it's bad policy. ... This, again, is not what I think people hired Mr. Trump to do. Undocumented folks have broken major laws - that's one category. Going into people's churches and schools, I think is beyond their line."

10 On Your Side has reached out to ICE in Norfolk for comment on how this policy will be enforced locally, but we have not yet received a response.

While the federal policy has changed, the National Immigration Law Center notes that schools still have some discretion in how they respond. Many school divisions require ICE agents to present a judicial warrant before being allowed inside.

An internal preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reportedly showed that the number of staff members working at the air control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, was "not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic."

On Wednesday night, an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport outside of Washington, D.C., and all 67 people onboard both aircraft are presumed to be dead.

The Associated Press obtained a report which showed one air traffic controller was working two positions at the time of the crash. 

Typically, the two assignments are split between two air traffic controllers.

FAA PANEL WARNS THAT CURRENT SAFETY LEVELS ARE ‘UNSUNSTAINABLE’

"The position configuration was not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic," the report says.

The FAA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s questions and request for comment on the matter.

Despite the report saying the staffing was "not normal," a person familiar with the matter told the AP that staffing in the control tower at DCA on Wednesday night was at a normal level.

The person explained that the positions get combined regularly if air controllers have to step away from the console for breaks, or if they are involved in a shift change. Controllers may also have to step away when air traffic is slow, the person explained, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal procedures.

The air control tower at Reagan National has been understaffed for years with 19 fully certified controllers as of September 2023. However, staffing targets set by the FAA and the controllers’ union call for 30.

FAA INVESTS $121M FOR AIRPORT MODIFICATIONS TO REDUCE RISK OF RUNWAY INCURSIONS

The FAA’s air traffic controller shortage is nothing new at Reagan National or most of the country’s air traffic control facilities.

Last year, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle appeared on FOX Business Network’s "The Claman Countdown" and warned that shortages could cause issues during the summer season if they were not addressed.

Biffle explained that while technology could help address the issue while promoting greater efficiencies in air travel over the longer term, the air traffic controller shortage contributes to delays and cancelations.

FAA HEAD STRESSES NEED FOR AVIATION INDUSTRY TO END CLOSE CALLS, RENEWS SAFETY PUSH

"There's opportunities to improve the technology that is kind of the backbone of air traffic control," Biffle said. "If you look to Europe, for example, there are some opportunities that we could adopt here that would be much more efficient — you'd burn a lot less fuel, get there faster and so forth. That is a big opportunity."

"At the same time, it doesn't negate the issue that I think we're 3,000 controllers short right now. And so that just causes, when you have a weather event, it just causes there to be more delays," he explained. "And ultimately, like we've seen the last few days, those delays then turn into cancelations because crews time out and so forth. [I] would really like to see the staffing get fixed. The technology is probably a longer solution."

The FAA's National Airspace System (NAS) safety review team created in April 2023 following several close runway incursions during takeoffs or landings at busy airports, determined that year that the concurrence of several challenges such as the air traffic control staffing crunch, insufficient funding and outdated technology "results in an erosion of safety margins that must be urgently addressed."

"The current erosion in the margin of safety in the NAS caused by the confluence of these challenges is rendering the current level of safety unsustainable," the team's report said.

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The cause of the shortage has been attributed to employee turnover and other factors like tight budgets, and ultimately, it has resulted in many controllers working 10-hour days and as many as six days a week, the New York Times reported.

Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.

The fatal collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter at Reagan International Airport on Wednesday night was likely a culmination of factors, according to aviation attorney Jim Brauchle, who says "we’ve been lucky" there haven’t been more air accidents.

Brauchle is a former U.S. Air Force navigator who now represents families of victims involved in aviation disasters, including the 2019 Boeing 737 Max 8 crash that killed 157 persons in Ethiopia shortly after takeoff and a 2014 Army Black Hawk helicopter crash that killed a soldier and seriously injured two others on board during a training flight at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia.

"I hate to say this, but a lot of people in the aviation industry have predicted that there was going to be an accident," Brauchle told Fox News Digital. "No one wants to, you know, say that out loud because obviously that's a horrific thing. But there's been a lot of near misses over the last several years. And we've been, you know, we've been lucky that there haven't been more of these."

The collision happened around 9 p.m. EST when a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. The regional jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas.

VIDEO SHOWS DC PLANE CRASH INVOLVING AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT, BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER

American Airlines said the jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military said three soldiers were onboard the Army helicopter. Officials said later Thursday morning that no one is expected to have survived after a massive search-and-rescue operation in the frigid waters of the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia.

Brauchle said there are several ways aircraft avoid midair collisions, especially at the busy Reagan National Airport, including transponders and traffic collision avoidance systems that most commercial aircraft are equipped with, communication with air traffic control and what he called "seeing and avoid," in which pilots keep a lookout for other aircraft and obstacles.

Brauchle said that keeping a lookout for obstacles is harder than it looks.

"Having flown at night, having tried to look and see traffic, I think most people would say, ‘Oh, how hard is it to miss an airliner,’ right? You should be able to see that. But it's a lot more difficult than people would expect," he said.

At night in an urban environment like Washington, D.C., or northern Virginia, pilots may not be able to see other aircraft and instead may rely on seeing anti-collision or landing lights, according to Brauchle. But different ambient lights from tall buildings and towers that are lit may make it difficult to distinguish which lights belong to other aircraft.

"What I've heard from the audio is that they called out to [air traffic control]. The helicopter said that he had the aircraft in sight," the attorney said. "My guess is, and again, I'm just speculating, is they saw something that they thought was the airplane, whether it be a tower light, maybe it was another aircraft that was taking off. Whatever they thought they saw obviously wasn't the aircraft."

DC PLANE CRASH INVESTIGATORS TO REVIEW COMMUNICATION BETWEEN 2 AIRCRAFT: SENATOR

Brauchle said that typically, if two aircraft find themselves on the same path, the more maneuverable aircraft is supposed to try to move out of the slower aircraft’s way.

"In this case, it's kind of a really unique situation," he said. "Both of these aircraft appear to be where they were supposed to be, or at least on the route. Maybe not necessarily the altitude."

Citing the published routes for the two aircraft, Brauchle said that even if both aircraft are exactly where they’re supposed to be, there is only a couple of hundred feet of separation.

"If you have any type of, you know altimeter error or a pilot just slightly off altitude, you very easily are putting airplanes in the same airspace," the attorney said.

Reagan National Airport facilitates commercial, private and military traffic all in a relatively condensed airspace.

5 OF THE DEADLIEST US AIR DISASTERS

"You’re combining all these different aircraft, all different types of aircraft, all in a very confined space," he said, noting the swath of restricted airspace in the D.C. area due to national security concerns. "And that's kind of what's unique, I think, about Reagan is that it is so congested in such a confined space."

The cause of the collision remains unknown in the hours after the accident. Hundreds of first responders conducted a massive search-and-rescue operation for survivors, though the operation turned into a recovery later Thursday morning.

Brauchle said that, based on his experiences litigating and investigating such accidents with the Charleston, South Carolina-based Motley Rice law firm, the families of those who died are likely in shock because airplane accidents are "not supposed to happen."

"What I've also seen from the families is they're always looking for answers," he said. "They want to know why this happened. Why did they lose their loved one?"

Brauchle said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will likely release a preliminary report in 30 days, and thinks that families will eventually seek litigation as a result of this accident.

The NTSB is leading the investigation into the midair collision, with investigators from the FAA assisting.

An investigation into how an American Airlines jet carrying dozens of passengers and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair at Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., will likely involve communication between the two aircraft, Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., said Thursday morning.

"What we’re seeing right now is what happens if you have a lack of communication or a misunderstanding," Rounds, who serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee, told "Fox & Friends First."

Rounds said investigators will look at everything that happened during the flight, including potential mechanical breakdowns and avionic system failures, but he believes much of the discussion surrounding the collision will focus on communication between the aircraft and whether that communication was accurate.

"I’m sure there will be some second guessing, but I suspect that when everything is done and the dust settles the chances are really good that they’ll talk about a lack of communication between the aircraft," Rounds said.

LIVE UPDATES: AMERICAN AIRLINES PLANE, MILITARY HELICOPTER COLLIDE NEAR REGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT IN WASHINGTON, DC

The cause of the collision remains unknown in the hours after the accident. Hundreds of first responders conducted a massive search-and-rescue operation for survivors in the frigid waters of the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia. The operation turned into a recovery later Thursday morning. More than 30 bodies have been recovered so far, national security advisor Michael Waltz told Fox News.

The collision happened around 9 p.m. EST when a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.

PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, and it departed from Wichita, Kansas. American Airlines said the jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.

An Army official said three soldiers were onboard the helicopter as the aircraft was flying a training mission. The Army described the helicopter as a UH-60 Blackhawk based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia.

5 OF THE DEADLIEST US AIR DISASTERS

All takeoffs and landings from the airport were halted as dive teams and helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region scoured the site for survivors. Images showed boats around a partly submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the plane’s fuselage.

Reagan Airport will reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday, the FAA said. 

Rounds said while questions over safety around the airport will begin to surface, it is important to take care of the families of those onboard the two aircraft and first responders.

"This is a terrible tragedy," he said. "Right now, I think we hold those families close and we think about them, we think about the crews and also those first responders that have been out there all night long."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

A massive search and rescue effort was underway after an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with an American Airlines jet at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday evening.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport (DCA) around 9 p.m. local time. 

PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, and it departed from Wichita, Kansas. There was no immediate word on casualties or the cause of the collision.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News' Sean Hannity that President Donald Trump is aware of the situation, calling it tragic. Trump later released a statement, writing: "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

PLANE VEERS OFF AIRPORT RUNWAY IN SOUTH KOREA AND CRASHES, KILLING 179: REPORTS

According to American Airlines, there were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the CRJ-700 aircraft.

"Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft," the airline said in a statement. "We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts."

There were three soldiers on the helicopter at the time of the crash, according to an Army official.

"We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training flight," the Army confirmed to Fox News Digital. "We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available."

KAZAKHSTAN PLANE CRASH SURVIVORS SAY THEY HEARD BANGS BEFORE AIRCRAFT WENT DOWN; PUTIN ISSUES STATEMENT

The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter, which can carry 15 people, including two pilots, two crew chiefs and two rescue specialists.

Jack Potter, the president and CEO of Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said during a press conference that flights will resume from the airport at 11 a.m.

At the time of the crash, Reagan National Airport reported clear skies, visibility of 10 miles and winds sustained out of the northwest at 16 mph, gusting to 26 mph. The temperature at the time was 50 degrees.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he was on the scene and closely monitoring the situation. He was just sworn in earlier in the day on Wednesday.

He later posted that he had directed the U.S. Department of Transportation and FAA to provide full support to the National Transportation and Safety Board, as well as all responding agencies and authorities.

"I have spoken with Washington D.C. Mayor Bowser, Virginia Governor Youngkin, Kansas Governor Kelly, and NTSB Chair Homendy to offer our agency’s complete assistance. Thank you to all first responders who are on the scene and conducting the search and rescue operations," Duffy wrote on X.

The FBI said it's Washington Field Office's National Capital Response Squad was responding to "an aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport" in support of law enforcement and public safety partners.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said every available U.S. Coast Guard resource is being deployed to assist with search and rescue efforts. She also said her department is actively monitoring the situation and stands ready to support local responders.

The DC Fire and EMS Department confirmed that fireboats were on the scene.

Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr., said there are currently about 300 responders working at the scene.

AIRLINER'S FINAL 4 MINUTES OF RECORDINGS ARE MISSING AFTER CRASH THAT KILLED 179: INVESTIGATORS

A few minutes before landing, air traffic controllers asked the arriving commercial jet if it could land on the shorter Runway 33 at Reagan National and the pilots said they were able. Controllers then cleared the plane to land on Runway 33. Flight tracking sites showed the plane adjusting its approach to the new runway.

In audio from the air traffic control tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard asking the helicopter, "PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight," in reference to the passenger aircraft.

Fox News has learned that the helicopter did respond, but on a different frequency, a frequency for helicopters.

"Tower did you see that?" another pilot is heard calling seconds after the apparent collision.

One video posted to X and captured from the webcam at the Kennedy Center caught what appeared to be the midair explosion near the Potomac River.

Trump posted further reaction to the crash on Truth Social.

"The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport," he wrote. "The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"

Vice President JD Vance took to X to call on people to stay positive as the tragedy unfolded.

"Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening," Vance wrote. "We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best."

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a video statement early Thursday morning saying the airline's "go team" was heading to the area, and he would also be on his way to the scene shortly. He also said the airline set up a special helpline for friends and family to call. That number is 1-800-679-8215.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelley said she was aware of the incident.

"I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport," she said. "I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available."

Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., also posted on X about the crash.

"My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families.  There are no words that can make telling this story any easier," he wrote. "I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident. I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded."

The collision marked the first time there has been a crash involving a U.S. commercial flight since 2009.

Colgan Air Flight 3407, a flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Buffalo, New York, stalled and crashed during landing approach near Buffalo Niagara International Airport on Feb. 12, 2009. The plane slammed into a house.

All 45 passengers and four crew members were killed.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for more information. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Lawmakers across the U.S. expressed sympathy and grief after a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport in the Washington, D.C. area on Wednesday night.

A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operating as an American Airlines flight collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter approaching Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, around 9 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The flight left Wichita, Kansas, earlier that day.

The passenger flight was carrying 60 people, but officials have not confirmed the exact number of injuries and fatalities. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who started work on Monday, said that he was aware of the incident in a post on X.

"DoD actively monitoring," Hegseth's tweet read. "Poised to assist if needed. Prayers for all involved."

REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT CRASH: MILITARY BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER COLLIDES MIDAIR WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES JET

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that he was at the FAA building and investigating the incident. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also shared a message from President Donald Trump on Wednesday night.

"I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport," the statement read. "May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., expressed sorrow after hearing of the crash.

"Our prayers are with all families impacted by the tragic plane crash that just took place here in DC," Luna's post read. "Incredibly heartbreaking."

Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears said that she was keeping all those impacted in her prayers.

FEDERAL JUDGE PAUSES TRUMP ADMIN'S TEMPORARY FEDERAL GRANTS, LOANS FREEZE

"My office is following the breaking and tragic news of a collision at @Reagan_Airport," the lieutenant governor wrote. "We pray for the victims, first rescuers, and all those impacted."

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X that she was "deploying every available US Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA."

"We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders," the former South Dakota governor wrote. "Praying for the victims and first responders."

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the FAA and American Airlines for more information.

Authorities are actively investigating the crash.

Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares lambasted President Biden after he granted clemency to the "Waverly Two," who they said admitted to being responsible for the 1998 murder of a Sussex County police officer.

"I am beyond outraged and in utter disbelief that President Biden would announce clemency for Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardson – two men who admitted to being responsible for brutally killing Officer Allen Gibson, a hero and dedicated servant to our community," Youngkin said in a statement.

"What makes this even more unconscionable is the Biden U.S. Attorney advised the White House not to commute these sentences as they are violent offenders."

Youngkin said "the pain and sorrow this clemency causes the Gibson family is unimaginable."

BIDEN COMMUTES NEARLY 2,500 MORE SENTENCES IN FINAL DAYS OF PRESIDENCY

"To know that the men who took Officer Gibson’s life will walk free is not just a grave injustice- – it is a heartbreaking blow to those who continue to mourn his sacrifice. This is despicable; a grim day for justice and for the families who trust that our system will hold the guilty accountable," Youngkin said. 

Youngkin's office said Claiborne and Richardson admitted in Sussex County Circuit Court to being responsible for Gibson’s brutal killing.

"The evidence presented and the details surrounding Officer Gibson's death are deeply disturbing and tragic," Youngkin stated.

Youngkin's office said then-President Obama declined to grant clemency to Claiborne and Richardson.

Under the current terms, both men are set to be released in July.

"This is despicable. I’m beyond outraged and in utter disbelief that President Biden would announce clemency for these two violent criminals," Youngkin wrote in a post on X.

BIDEN'S FULL LIST OF CLEMENCY AND COMMUTATION RECIPIENTS REVEALED

Miyares echoed Youngkin's disgust and said his office would continue to seek justice for Gibson's family.

"I’m outraged by Biden granting clemency to cop killers, forcing the fallen officer’s child, Crissana, to relive this trauma. Shame on you, Joe Biden and your enabling staff. May the memory of Officer Allen Gibson & his family haunt each of you forever," Miyares wrote in a post on X.

Miyares also shared a statement from Crissana Gibson, who was outraged by Biden's decision.

"I am absolutely outraged by what has happened. My heart is shattered knowing that the men that killed my father are going to be released from prison and can walk the streets freely. This is a huge miscarriage of justice, and I am completely disgusted by the outgoing administration," she wrote. "The Virginia Attorney General's office has worked tirelessly to keep these murderers behind bars, and I am forever grateful for their dedication and hard work. I am so disappointed that the disgraceful Biden administration has failed my family, my father, and the entire law enforcement community. Neither my family nor I have ever supported the release of Richardson or Claiborne, and we denounce this decision by the outgoing failed presidency of Joe Biden and the Democratic Party’s abuse of the justice system." 

'SQUAD' DEM APPLAUDS BIDEN FOR SPARING MURDERERS FROM 'RACIST' DEATH PENALTY IN 11TH-HOUR CLEMENCY MOVE

Miyares said that on April 25, 1998, Allen Gibson, 25, woke up and went to work as a Waverly police officer and never returned home after he was shot with his own service weapon in the woods behind an apartment complex.

"He put on his bulletproof vest and said goodbye to his 8-year-old daughter Crissana. Officer Gibson found Terence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne engaged in a drug deal behind an apartment building. The men attacked Officer Gibson, and Richardson disarmed Officer Gibson and fatally shot him in the stomach right below his bulletproof vest," Miyares described.

Officials said that both Claiborne and Richardson were named suspects and arrested for Gibson's murder soon after his death.

Both men are still serving a life sentence for a remaining drug trafficking charge but were acquitted by a federal jury of murder and firearms charges.

On Friday morning, Biden announced that he would commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 inmates as his presidency came to a close. 

The commutations are for people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses "who are serving disproportionately long sentences" compared to what they would receive if sentenced under today's law.

However, Biden has come under bipartisan fire for who he has decided to pardon or commute sentences for.

At the end of December, he chose to commute the sentences of 37 of the 40 men on federal death row, helping them escape execution and sending them to prison for life without parole instead.

Biden also boasted about completing the "largest single-day grant of clemency" on Dec. 12 when he commuted sentences for 1,500 people and pardoned 39 others, most of whom were already serving time in home confinement because of decisions made during the COVID-19 era.

Fox News Digital's Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, ordered flags to temporarily fly at full-staff for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday.

"I hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia are to be flown at full-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth in recognition of the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States," Youngkin said on Saturday.

Youngkin's directive comes despite President Biden's order after the death of former President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 29 that flags at all government and public buildings and grounds across the country should fly at half-staff for a 30-day mourning period, which just happens to include Inauguration Day.

It is a tradition when a former president dies to order a 30-day mourning period and order flags to be displayed at half-staff.

WASHINGTON GOVERNOR ORDERS FLAGS AT FULL-STAFF FOR TRUMP INAUGURATION DESPITE MOURNING PERIOD FOR JIMMY CARTER

Biden said the U.S. flag "should be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions."

Flags in Virginia will return to half-staff to honor Carter on Tuesday following the presidential inauguration, Youngkin said.

"The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring former President James Earl Carter, Jr. and remain at half staff through January 28, 2025," the governor wrote.

Youngkin joins several Republican governors who have also broken tradition and ordered flags to be raised on Monday, including Idaho Gov. Brad Little, North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

DESANTIS ORDERS FLAGS AT FULL-STAFF FOR TRUMP'S INAUGURATION DESPITE 30-DAY MOURNING PERIOD FOR JIMMY CARTER

A trio of Democratic governors — California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson — have also ordered flags to fly at full-staff for Trump's inauguration before the mourning period ends Jan. 28.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also ordered flags at the U.S. Capitol to be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day.

Trump has criticized the idea of flags being displayed at half-staff for his inauguration following Carter's death.

"The Democrats are all 'giddy' about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at 'half mast' during my Inauguration," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Jan. 3. "They think it’s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don't love our Country, they only think about themselves."

"Look at what they’ve done to our once GREAT America over the past four years - It’s a total mess! In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast," he continued. "Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Flags were flown at half-staff when former President Nixon was sworn-in for his second term in 1973 after Nixon ordered the flags to be lowered following the death of former President Truman.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) ordered the flags in the state to be flown at full-staff for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday.

The post Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin Orders Flags to Be Flown at Full-Staff for Trump’s Inauguration appeared first on Breitbart.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) on Monday announced his "backyard brawl" economic agenda during his inaugural address, promising to make the Mountain State the "freest" state in the union.

The post West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey in Inaugural Address Launches ‘Backyard Brawl’ to Make Mountain State ‘Freest’ State in the Nation appeared first on Breitbart.