A devastating midair collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Eagle passenger jet Wednesday night has claimed the lives of all 67 people on board both aircraft, marking the deadliest commercial airline disaster in the U.S. since 2009.
The crash occurred as the regional jet, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The impact sent both aircraft plummeting into the icy waters of the Potomac River, shattering the plane into multiple pieces.
President Donald Trump confirmed Thursday that there were no survivors, while officials detailed that 64 passengers and three Army soldiers had been killed. The soldiers were on a routine training mission at the time of the collision.
Among the victims were 14 people returning from a national figure skating development camp, including world-renowned coaches and young athletes.
Vadim Naumov (left) and Evgenia Shishkova (right) Courtesy: The Skating Club of Boston
Victims Identified
Vadim Naumov & Evgenia Shishkova – Former world champion figure skaters and coaches at the Skating Club of Boston.
Jinna Han & Jin Han – Figure skaters associated with the club.
Spencer Lane & Molly Lane – Young skaters traveling home from the development camp.
Alexandr Kirsanov – A beloved figure skating coach who was traveling with two of his students.
Jinna Han. Courtesy: The Skating Club of BostonSpencer Lane. Courtesy: The Skating Club of Boston
Natalya Gudin, Kirsanov’s wife and fellow coach, expressed her heartbreak: “I lost everything—my husband, my students, my friends.”
The U.S. Figure Skating organization released a statement mourning the loss, calling it an “unspeakable tragedy” and pledging support for the affected families.
Authorities continue investigating the cause of the collision.
San Jacinto College has reached a historic milestone with the appointment of Salvador Serrano Jr. as the first Hispanic male trustee to serve on its board. A lifetime resident of Pasadena, Texas, Serrano brings a wealth of experience, cultural heritage, and community commitment to his new role. His journey from Pasadena ISD schools to becoming a business owner and community leader serves as an inspiration to the diverse student population of San Jacinto College.
Using Cultural Heritage to Inspire
Serrano’s deep ties to Pasadena and his bilingual abilities position him as a strong advocate for Latino students and families.
“As a lifetime resident of Pasadena, I have a deep understanding of the community and its rich diversity,” Serrano shared.
Recognizing that San Jacinto College serves a multifaceted population, Serrano is committed to breaking language barriers and fostering inclusivity.
“Education can have a profound impact on our community,” he said.
“As a bilingual trustee, I believe that being able to communicate in multiple languages enables me to better connect with our residents and address any potential language barriers.”
Serrano’s focus will be on ensuring students have access to the resources and support needed to succeed, building an environment where cultural diversity is celebrated.
Supporting First-Generation Students
San Jacinto College is home to many first-generation college students, a group Serrano is particularly passionate about. Programs like The Promise @San Jac scholarship, which provides debt-free education to high school graduates within the college’s taxing district, align closely with Serrano’s vision.
“Initiatives like The Promise are designed to address barriers and create pathways for success,” Serrano explained.
Beyond scholarships, the college offers wrap-around services such as mental health support, childcare, and flexible class scheduling. Dual credit and early college high school programs further ease the transition to higher education, with 7,500 high school students annually earning college credits through these initiatives. Serrano’s leadership aims to expand such programs and deepen their impact on Latino students and their families.
Motivating Through Personal Experience
Serrano’s personal story—from attending Pasadena ISD schools to becoming a successful business owner—is a testament to the transformative power of education.
“Growing up in Pasadena has given me a unique perspective on the needs of our community,” he said.
His experience as a business owner has shown him the importance of accessible education and career development resources.
Serrano also highlighted the college’s Small Business Development Centers and the Center for Entrepreneurship at the Generation Park Campus as vital resources for local entrepreneurs.
“These initiatives provide valuable support, and I encourage community members to take advantage of them,” he noted.
Building Partnerships for Student Success
Through his leadership roles in initiatives like Pasadena Loves Local, Serrano has demonstrated the power of collaboration.
“Effective partnerships… enhance our ability to serve the community,” he said.
“When we work together towards a common goal, we are often able to achieve more than we could have alone,” he added. “This approach not only enhances our ability to serve the community, but it also makes the work more enjoyable.”
San Jacinto College’s active participation in 15 chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, including the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, enables the institution to stay connected with industry leaders and local businesses.
Serrano plans to leverage these connections to inform strategic planning and ensure students are prepared for workforce demands.
“By participating on these Boards and engaging with community partners at their events, we are able to gather valuable insights into the community’s needs and concerns, which helps inform our decision-making and strategic planning,” Serrano shared. “ This interactive approach enables us to forge stronger relationships with the community and contribute more effectively to its advancement.”
Ensuring Representation in Leadership
Representation matters, and Serrano’s appointment underscores San Jacinto College’s commitment to diversity in leadership.
“As a trustee, I am committed to being a voice for the people I represent,” Serrano affirmed.
He aims to prioritize initiatives that support transfer to four-year institutions, workforce readiness, and financial stability for students.
Serrano’s dedication to putting students first aligns with the college’s recognition as one of the top 10 community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute.
“Our focus on students has been a key factor in achieving this distinction.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Pasadena
Salvador Serrano’s deep-rooted connection to Pasadena is evident in his extensive community involvement. From serving as the Past President of the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation to leading The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Serrano has consistently championed initiatives that uplift his hometown.
“As someone who is committed to giving back to my community, I am humbled by the opportunities I have had to make a positive impact in Pasadena and beyond. As a San Jacinto College trustee, I understand the value of education in breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for individuals from all walks of life.”
As a father of two sons currently attending Pasadena ISD schools, his commitment to education and community service is both personal and profound.
With Salvador Serrano on the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees, the future looks bright for Latino students and the community as a whole. His leadership promises to inspire the next generation to overcome barriers, pursue their dreams, and build a better future for all.
WASHINGTON — A regional American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided over Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night in the nation’s first major commercial airline crash since 2009.
No survivors are expected from the plane crash, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said in a Thursday morning news conference.
Crews have switched from a search and rescue operation to a recovery mission.
Twenty-eight bodies have been recovered, including 27 from the plane and one from the Black Hawk helicopter, Donnelly said.
Emergency divers respond after a passenger aircraft collided with a helicopter, in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.(Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
A source emphasized to ABC News that there has been a desperate attempt to find victims alive.
There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Airlines flight 5342, which can hold up to 70 passengers. It departed from Wichita, Kansas, according to the FAA.
The Army helicopter, which had three soldiers on board, was on an “annual proficiency training flight” at the time of the crash, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in a video message.
“It was a fairly experienced crew that was doing a required annual night evaluation,” Hegseth said. “They did have night vision goggles.”
It was based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, according to an Army official. “We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available,” the official said.
The Federal Aviation Administration said preliminary information indicates that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to the airport.
Officials said the American Airlines aircraft’s fuselage has been located in three difference sections of the river in waist-deep water. It was found “inverted.”
The black boxes from the plane have not been recovered, a source with direct knowledge told ABC News.
Map of the area around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the layout of Runway 33, at the time a regional jet and Army Black Hawk helicopter collided, officials say.ABC News, Flightradar24.com
The water temperature in the Potomac River is approximately 36 degrees, and the air temperature at the time of the crash was 50 degrees with winds gusting 25 to 30 mph.
The FAA and NTSB will investigate the crash, the FAA said, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
Runway operations at the airport resumed around 11 a.m. Thursday.
President Donald Trump released a statement on social media about the crash seeming to question the actions of the helicopter pilots and Air Traffic Control.
“It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn,” Trump posted on his platform Truth Social. “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!!!”
Asked about Trump’s comments, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told reporters Thursday, “To back up with the president said, what I’ve seen so far — do I think this was preventable? Absolutely.”
An American Airlines regional jet crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan Airport in DC after colliding with a military helicopter, officials said.
Duffy said that “everything was standard in the lead up to the crash.”
“It is not standard to have aircraft collide. Want to be clear on that, but prior to the collision, the flight paths that were being flown from the military and from American that was not unusual for what happens in the D.C. airspace,” Duffy added.
Duffy also said that there was no breakdown of communication.
Officials did not give any information on the flight history and experience of pilots on both aircraft, but did say that the captain had over six years of experience with the airline and the first officer had almost two years.
Figure skaters, coaches among passengers aboard jet that collided with helicopter over DC
Figure skaters and coaches returning from the recent U.S. national championships were aboard the American Airlines flight, officials said.
Zeghibe said among the group of skaters, six were from the Skating Club of Boston, along with two coaches, two teenage athletes and athletes’ moms. Zeghibe identified the two coaches as Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The two were 1994 World Pair Champions who joined the club in 2017, Zeghibe said.
“Six is a horrific number for us but we’re fortunate and grateful it wasn’t more than six,” Zeghibe said. “This will have long reaching impacts for our skating community.”
Zeghibe emphasized how tight-knit the skating community is and that “everyone is like family.”
“We are devastated and completely at a loss for words,” Zeghibe said.
NTSB leading investigation of mid-air collision: Official
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation of the deadly mid-air collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Blackhawk helicopter, according to a statement from Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.
Ron McLendon II, a spokesperson for the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, said the U.S. Army and the Federal Aviation Administration will assist with the investigation.
“The NTSB will lead the investigation. We are working with local officials and will provide any additional information once it becomes available,” McLendon said.
Boats work the scene on the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va.AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Officials respond to crash
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said an immediate investigation has been launched, calling the incident “Absolutely tragic.”
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy posted on X that he is at FAA headquarters and “closely monitoring the situation.” The Department of Homeland Security said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has also been briefed on the crash and is monitoring the situation.
Vice President JD Vance posted on X, “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
Former President Joe Biden said he and the former first lady were “praying for for the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives in the plane and helicopter crash near DCA.”
Former President Barrack Obama said in a statement that the Obama’s “hearts break for the families who lost loved ones.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson posted to X saying, “I’m deeply saddened to learn about the horrific tragedy at Reagan National Airport. Please join me in praying for everyone involved as well as our first responders.”
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said on X that “extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts” following the crash.
“First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly,” he said. “I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders.
In somber remarks at a news conference early Thursday morning, Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall suggested he feared the passengers and crew aboard a regional American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter that collided were lost.
“When one person dies, it’s a tragedy,” Marshall said. “But when many, many, many people die, it’s an unbearable sorrow … It’s really hard when you lose, you know, probably over 60 Kansans, simultaneously.”
Speaking of the pilots, flight attendants and military personnel, Marshall added, “All those lives are so valuable, and it is such a tragedy that we lost them.”
Fellow Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran said he knows the flight pattern of Flight 5342 well.
“I’ve flown it many times myself,” Moran said, adding that he lobbied American Airlines to add direct, nonstop flight service from Wichita to Reagan National.
Direct flights from Wichita National Airport to DCA launched a year ago, said Jesse Romo, Wichita’s director of airports.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a video statement about the crash of Flight 5342 over the Potomac River on Wednesday night as it approached Reagan National Airport.
“First and most importantly I’d like to express our deep sorrow about these events,” Isom said.
He said the airline is fully cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board and working with federal, state and local authorities on the response to the crash. The airline is sending a “go team” to D.C. and Isom said he will join them shortly and that the
“We want to learn everything we can about today’s events,” Isom said. “That work will take time.”
The Wichita National Airport has activated an incident and support team to help within the terminal to provide families with information, according to Romo.
Romo called the crash “devastating” during a press briefing tonight and said he believes there are family members of those aboard the American Airlines flight already at the airport seeking any updates.
If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.
DC plane crash marks first major commercial crash in US since 2009
The crash involving a regional aircraft and a Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday marks the first major commercial crash in the United States since 2009.
There have been other deadly incidents in the U.S., such as the Asiana runway crash at San Francisco International Airport in 2013. Three people died when Flight 214 came in to the airport too low and too slow, hit a seawall and sheared the tail section and left engine off the plane as it spun down the runway.
Asiana Airlines flight from Seoul, South Korea, crashed while landing at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday.Photo submitted via uReport by Hasani Sinclair
One of the three who was killed was run over by an emergency vehicle responding to the crash.
Nearly 200 people were also injured in that crash, which was blamed on the Asiana Airlines pilots mismanaging the autopilot system, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The last fatality on a plane in the U.S. came in 2018 when a woman was partially sucked out of a Southwest Airlines window.
Passenger Jennifer Riordan died in that incident, when Flight 1380 suffered engine failure and had to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia.
Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones and Houston Parks Board broke ground on three new projects aimed at improving accessibility and safety along Brays Bayou Greenway. The initiative will expand or enhance 4.4 miles of trails and add seven new underpasses for pedestrians and cyclists.
“These new trails are more than just a way to connect neighborhoods; they are about connecting people—to each other, to nature, and to opportunities for recreation and well-being,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones in a statement.
“With safer pathways and greater accessibility, this project ensures that families and residents of all ages can enjoy the Brays Bayou Greenway. The Captain Herod Memorial Plaza honors a true hero and the sacrifices made to protect our community. I am grateful to the Houston Parks Board for its continued collaboration in improving the quality of life for the residents of our Precinct 4.”
A key feature of the project is the creation of the Captain Gary L. Herod Memorial Plaza, honoring the Texas Air National Guard pilot who sacrificed his life in 1961 to prevent a catastrophic crash in a residential area. Located near Mullins Drive, the plaza will include landscaping, lighting, benches, and commemorative signage.
Precinct 4 has contributed $3.8 million from its Places 4 People initiative, with HPB providing the remaining $2.8 million. “These new trails are about more than just connectivity—they bring people together, enhance recreation, and improve quality of life,” said Commissioner Briones.
The project includes:
A new one-mile, 10-foot-wide trail north of Brays Bayou between Chimney Rock and Hillcroft, connecting to the Atwell pedestrian bridge.
The Captain Herod Memorial Plaza near Mullins Drive.
An ADA-accessible trail connecting to the METRO bus stop at Mullins Drive.
Four new underpasses and low-water trails at S. Rice Avenue, Chimney Rock Road, Hillcroft Avenue, and N/S Braeswood Boulevard.
Replacement of an existing 8-foot-wide asphalt trail with a 10-foot-wide concrete path between Fondren and Braeburn Glen, with three additional underpasses at Fondren Road, Braes Bayou Drive, and Bissonnet Street.
HPB will oversee the project, with B&D Contractors, Inc. handling construction and LJA Engineering managing the design for the first segment.
Once completed, these improvements will contribute to a fully connected 54-kilometer Brays Bayou Greenway, stretching from Archbishop Fiorenza Park in west Houston to the Ship Channel in the east.
Si vives en Houston, Texas, y te encuentras en la zona 9 del USDA, febrero es un mes excelente para empezar a cultivar una variedad de vegetales y hierbas en tu jardín. Gracias al clima templado de esta región, puedes comenzar a sembrar semillas directamente en el suelo o iniciar tus cultivos en interiores para luego trasplantarlos. Aquí te compartimos qué puedes plantar y consejos para empezar desde cero.
¿Qué Puedes Cultivar en Febrero?
En la zona 9, febrero es ideal para sembrar vegetales de estación fresca y algunos cultivos de verano. Estas son algunas opciones:
1. Vegetales de hoja verde
– Espinacas: Ideales para este mes. Siémbralas directamente en el suelo y asegúrate de mantenerlas bien regadas.
– Lechugas: Variedades como romana y hoja suelta germinan rápidamente en temperaturas frescas.
– Acelgas: Muy resistentes, pueden tolerar el clima cambiante de febrero.
2. Brásicas
– Brócoli: Puedes trasplantar plántulas que hayas iniciado en interiores o sembrar semillas directamente.
– Col rizada (kale): Crece rápido y es rica en nutrientes.
3. Raíces comestibles
– Zanahorias: Siembra las semillas en suelos sueltos y bien drenados.
– Rábanos: Perfectos para jardineros principiantes, ya que germinan en pocos días.
– Remolachas: Asegúrate de plantar las semillas a 1 pulgada de profundidad.
4. Hierbas
– Cilantro: Crece bien en climas frescos y puede ser cultivado en macetas o directamente en el suelo.
– Eneldo: Ideal para complementar tus platos y fácil de cuidar.
Consejos para Cultivar Desde Semilla
1. Prepara el Suelo
Antes de sembrar, afloja el suelo y mezcla compost o abono orgánico para enriquecerlo. Asegúrate de que el suelo esté bien drenado, ya que el exceso de agua puede dañar las semillas.
2. Elige Semillas de Calidad
Compra semillas de proveedores confiables o selecciona variedades locales que sean resistentes a las condiciones climáticas de Houston.
3. Siembra a la Profundidad Correcta
Sigue las instrucciones en el paquete de semillas para plantarlas a la profundidad adecuada. Como regla general, la profundidad debe ser el doble del tamaño de la semilla.
4. Riego Constante
Mantén el suelo húmedo, pero no encharcado. Riega suavemente para evitar que las semillas se desplacen.
5. Protege tus Cultivos
Las temperaturas en febrero pueden variar, así que utiliza cobertores para proteger las plántulas en caso de una helada inesperada.
6. Rotación de Cultivos
Si ya has cultivado en tu jardín antes, evita plantar los mismos vegetales en el mismo lugar. Esto ayuda a prevenir plagas y enfermedades.
Beneficios de Cultivar en la Zona 9 en Febrero
Gracias al clima de Houston, puedes disfrutar de una cosecha temprana y continua durante la primavera. Cultivar tus propios alimentos no solo es sostenible, sino que también te permite disfrutar de productos frescos y saludables directamente desde tu jardín.
Este febrero, ¡saca tus herramientas de jardinería y empieza tu huerto! Con un poco de cuidado y paciencia, podrás disfrutar de una abundante cosecha en las próximas semanas.
In an extraordinary turn of events, Houston experienced a historic snowstorm that blanketed the city in rare and stunning snowfall.
Beginning on the evening of Jan. 20 and continuing into Jan. 22, the storm left up to six inches of snow in areas like La Porte and deposited approximately 0.18 inches of freezing rain near League City.
These extreme conditions, unprecedented for the Gulf Coast region, brought the city to a standstill but also inspired a sense of wonder among residents.
Unprecedented Impact
The storm’s severity caused significant disruptions across Houston. Major roadways were covered in snow and ice, leading to numerous road closures and treacherous driving conditions. Air travel was equally affected, with widespread cancellations grounding the majority of flights at Houston’s airports.
The icy roads and poor visibility contributed to tragic accidents, including a multi-car pileup in southwestern Texas and a fatal crash in Harris County. Additionally, the harsh conditions claimed lives, including a homeless individual in Katy who succumbed to exposure.
A City Transformed
Despite the challenges, many Houstonians found joy in the unusual weather. Neighborhoods were alive with snowball fights, snowman-building competitions, and families marveling at the rare sight of snow-covered streets and parks. For a city accustomed to mild winters, the snowstorm provided a unique opportunity for residents to bond and create lasting memories.
Local Houstonians, Olivia and Sophia Martinez spoke about the snow storm and gave their opinions on it.
“It was fun, it was one of the first times I got to see snow. It was exciting.” Sophia said.
“Yeah, it was exciting cause last time it snowed it was really just ice and this time we got to play with it and make snowballs and snowmen.” Olivia said.
The Martinez’s as well as many locals in the New Caney area went “sledding” down a nearby hill. Sophia said.
“[sledding] was fun, we we went together once, but we crashed. We went far.” Olivia said.
One resident described the experience as “surreal and magical,” noting how it brought people together in unexpected ways. Social media was flooded with images and videos of Houston’s transformation, capturing scenes of community spirit amid the frosty landscape.
A Historic Event
The January 2025 snowstorm will be remembered as a defining moment in Houston’s history, highlighting both the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the resilience of its residents. While the storm underscored the importance of preparedness for such rare phenomena, it also showcased the ability of Houstonians to find beauty and connection in the midst of adversity.
As the snow melted and the city returned to normal, the storm left behind stories and memories that will endure for years to come. This extraordinary weather event stands as a testament to the unpredictability of nature and the enduring spirit of the Houston community.
En los Estados Unidos, todas las personas, independientemente de su estatus migratorio, tienen derechos constitucionales. Es fundamental conocerlos y saber cómo actuar si agentes del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) llegan a tu trabajo, iglesia o residencia. A continuación, te explicamos qué hacer en cada situación.
Si ICE llega a tu lugar de trabajo
Mantén la calma y no corras. Huir puede ser interpretado como una acción sospechosa.
No hables sin un abogado presente. Tienes derecho a permanecer en silencio. Si te preguntan sobre tu estatus migratorio, puedes responder: “Ejercito mi derecho a permanecer en silencio.”
No firmes nada sin consultarlo con un abogado. ICE podría presentarte documentos que podrían afectar tu situación legal.
Pregunta si tienen una orden judicial. Si no tienen una orden firmada por un juez, no estás obligado a hablar ni a permitirles el acceso a áreas no públicas.
Informa a tu empleador o representante legal. Algunos estados y ciudades tienen leyes que protegen a los trabajadores de estas acciones.
Si ICE llega a tu iglesia o lugar de culto
Los lugares de culto suelen ser considerados “zonas seguras” por políticas del gobierno federal, lo que significa que ICE generalmente evita realizar operativos en iglesias, mezquitas, sinagogas y otros templos religiosos. Sin embargo, si esto ocurre:
Pide hablar con un abogado. Tienes derecho a asistencia legal.
No compartas información personal o migratoria. No estás obligado a responder preguntas sobre tu estatus sin un abogado presente.
Graba la interacción si es seguro hacerlo. En muchos estados, es legal grabar a funcionarios en el ejercicio de su labor.
Solicita ver una orden judicial. Sin esta, ICE no puede entrar a zonas privadas del templo.
Si ICE llega a tu casa
No abras la puerta. A menos que tengan una orden judicial firmada por un juez, no estás obligado a dejarles entrar.
Pide que deslicen la orden por debajo de la puerta. Verifica que tenga tu nombre y dirección correctos y que sea emitida por un tribunal, no solo por ICE.
Permanece en silencio o responde con precaución. No tienes que responder preguntas sobre tu estatus migratorio ni firmar documentos sin consultar con un abogado.
Si entran sin permiso, no resistas. Puedes decir en voz alta: “No doy consentimiento para esta entrada o registro” y anotar nombres y números de identificación de los agentes.
Contacta a un abogado o a una organización de derechos de los inmigrantes. Existen grupos que pueden brindarte apoyo y asesoría legal.
Conclusión
Conocer tus derechos es esencial para protegerte en caso de una intervención de ICE. Mantente informado, comunica esta información a tu comunidad y ten a la mano el contacto de un abogado o una organización de apoyo a inmigrantes. Recuerda: no estás solo, y ejercer tus derechos puede marcar la diferencia en estas situaciones.
This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this developing story, click here.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — HISD could be the latest school district to attempt legal action against social media platforms.
School districts across the country have sued social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook, saying they disrupt schooling, are addictive to students, and impair peer interaction.
The HISD agenda said the district is considering legal action to potentially recoup damages sustained by the District related to youth social media usage and any other action that may be necessary.
According to the Mayo Clinic, social media can play two roles in a young person’s life, saying it helps build a social circle and stay in touch in this digital age.
However, they also point out that it can hinder a child’s progress on tasks like homework, getting enough sleep, and developing a healthy self-image.
HISD said in the agenda that they recognize this is tricky legal work and may be difficult to carry out.
While there is news coverage of other districts around the country pursuing legal action, there isn’t much when it comes to districts winning these kinds of cases.
Ultimately, this item was not discussed at all on Tuesday because of time constraints, but ABC13 was told the district plans to move forward with it.
This article comes from our news partner ABC13. For more information, click here.
WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked a push from President Donald Trump to pause federal funding while his administration conducts an across-the-board ideological review to uproot progressive initiatives.
The Trump administration plan plunged the U.S. government into panic and confusion and set the stage for a constitutional clash over control of taxpayer money.
The order from U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan came minutes before the funding freeze was scheduled to go into effect. It lasts until Monday afternoon and applies only to existing programs.
Administration officials said the decision to halt loans and grants – a financial lifeline for local governments, schools and nonprofit organizations around the country – was necessary to ensure that spending complies with Trump’s recent blitz of executive orders. The Republican president wants to increase fossil fuel production, remove protections for transgender people and end diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
But a vaguely worded memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget, combined with incomplete answers from the White House throughout the day, left lawmakers, public officials and average Americans struggling to figure out what programs would be affected by the pause. Even temporary interruptions in funding could cause layoffs or delays in public services.
“This sort of came out of the blue,” said David Smith, a spokesperson for the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas, one of countless districts that receive federal funding. Now they’re trying to figure out what it means “based on zero information.”
Trump administration officials said programs that provide direct assistance to Americans would not be affected, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, student loans and food stamps. They also defended the funding pause, saying Trump was following through on his promise to turn Washington upside down if elected to a second term.
However, the effects were being felt far from the nation’s capital. Organizations like Meals on Wheels, which receives federal money to deliver food to the elderly, were worried about getting cut off.
“The lack of clarity and uncertainty right now is creating chaos,” spokeswoman Jenny Young said. She added that “seniors may panic not knowing where their next meals will come from.”
The National Science Foundation postponed this week’s panels for reviewing grant applications. Officials in Prichard, Alabama, feared they wouldn’t receive infrastructure funding to fix their leaking drinking water system. Republican leaders in Louisiana said they were “seeking clarity” to ensure nothing was “jeopardizing financial stability of the state.”
“Trump’s actions would wreak havoc in red and blue communities everywhere,” said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We are talking about our small towns, our cities, our school districts.”
The full scope of the administration’s review was spelled out in a 51-page spreadsheet sent to federal agencies and viewed by The Associated Press. Each line was a different government initiative, from pool safety to tribal workforce development to special education.
Officials were directed to answer a series of yes or no questions for every item on the list, including “does this program promote gender ideology?” or “does this program promote or support in any way abortion?” Responses are due by Feb. 7.
Trillions of dollars are potentially under review. Grants that have been awarded but not spent are also supposed to be halted if they might violate one of Trump’s executive orders.
“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” wrote Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, in a memo distributed Monday.
Vaeth wrote that “each agency must complete a comprehensive analysis of all of their Federal financial assistance programs to identify programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by any of the President’s executive orders.” He also wrote that the pause should be implemented “to the extent permissible under applicable law.”
The pause on grants and loans was scheduled to take effect at 5 p.m. ET, just one day after agencies were informed of the decision.
Democrats described the Trump administration’s decision as capricious and illegal. They argued that the president had no right to unilaterally stop spending money appropriated by Congress.
New York Attorney General Letitia James planned to ask a Manhattan federal court to block the funding pause.
“There is no question this policy is reckless, dangerous, illegal and unconstitutional,” she said.
Separately, a group of nonprofit organizations filed a lawsuit in Washington saying that the funding pause is “devoid of any legal basis or the barest rationale.”
The issue dominated the first briefing held by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. She said the administration was trying to be “good stewards” of public money by making sure that there was “no more funding for transgenderism and wokeness.”
She denied that Trump was deliberately challenging Congress to establish his dominance over the federal budget.
“He’s just trying to ensure that the tax money going out the door in this very bankrupt city actually aligns with the will and the priorities of the American people,” she said.
The Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that it would implement the pause to “align federal spending and action with the will of the American people as expressed through President Trump’s priorities.” The Department of Energy also said it was conducting a review of its spending.
The funding pause is the latest example of how Trump is harnessing his power over the federal system to advance his conservative goals. Unlike during his first term, when Trump and many members of his inner circle were unfamiliar with Washington, this time he’s reaching deep into the bureaucracy.
For example, federal employees are being asked to report their colleagues if they try to continue diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
“They are pushing the president’s agenda from the bottom up,” said Paul Light, an expert on the federal government and professor emeritus of public service at New York University.
He also said there are risks in Trump’s approach, especially with so many voters reliant on Washington.
“You can’t just hassle, hassle, hassle,” Light said. “You’ve got to deliver.”
Fears about interruption in government services were exacerbated as states reported problems with the Medicaid funding portal, where officials request reimbursement for providing healthcare to poor residents.
Democrats condemned the Trump administration, connecting the issue to the funding pause.
But Leavitt said the portal would be back online soon.
“We have confirmed no payments have been affected – they are still being processed and sent,” she posted on social media.
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Associated Press writers JoNel Aleccia, Moriah Balingit, Collin Binkley, Matthew Daly, Lisa Mascaro, Adithi Ramakrishnan, Amanda Seitz, Michael Sisak, Lindsay Whitehurst and Tammy Weber contributed to this report.
