By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Becca Wilkie has been a child care provider for 15 years.

Although she has always loved caring for children, she and her husband took a leap four years ago, which they said improved their family's life.

They bought a second home to house their child care.

"I love my job so much more now that it's not in my home," she said.

Wilkie said the move has made being a provider even more enjoyable.

She doesn't have to worry about someone accidentally leaving something out that the children shouldn't be into. The family remodeled their home and were able to make some changes that they would not have been able to do if the child care was still housed there.

Wilkie said working in a second location gets her out of the house, and the day care house is near Massey Park, which provides easy access to outdoor play.

Although the family now has two house payments and getting out on snowy or icy mornings is a pain, she said it was the best move her family could have made.

Mary Lewis nominated Wilkie for the January Child Care Champion award, saying, "Becca has been phenomenal with my two grandchildren."

Wilkie, 42, started in-home child care when her daughter was born. Her son, now 21, grew up too fast, and she felt she missed too much of his childhood.

Growing up, Wilkie wanted to be a teacher, and her sister also ran an in-home child care facility.

"I thought, 'kill two birds with one stone'— stay home with my daughter and have the teaching role that I always wanted to," she said.&nbsp;

Wilkie does not consider her child care a preschool; however, she does introduce the basics, such as colors, numbers, the alphabet and shapes.

"No. 1, I love those kids. No. 2, I'm caring. To me, that's more important than teaching," she said.

When it's cold and the kids can't go outside, they do YouTube kids' exercises and dance parties.

Wilkie is starting to see a second generation of children. One of the children she had when she first opened now has a baby of her own. The mom wanted to use Wilkie's child care, but she was full.

Wilkie has both of her nieces in her child care now.

She said she feels great rewards from seeing the children's happiness.&nbsp;

"I go out in public, and they see me, yell my name, run up to me, and give me a hug," she said. "That fills my heart to the fullest."

Wilkie said one of the most significant challenges of being a provider has been keeping up with the ever-changing regulations.

"I know they are for the safety of the kids, but some of them are kind of crazy to me," she said.

Wilkie said being a child care provider takes a lot of patience and a lot of love.

"If you're going to do it for the money, don't do it," she said. ... "But if you want a rewarding job, it's the job to do. I feel it's the most rewarding job except an EMT or a firefighter."

"The kids make it rewarding for me—their happiness, their smiles, when they say, 'I love you, Miss Becca,' when they write me notes. They love to write me letters and notes, and I save every one of them."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738018072047.jpeg" alt="Becca Wilkie, far left, Child Care Champion for January, and the children in her child care. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Becca Wilkie, far left, Child Care Champion for January, and the children in her child care. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostBecca Wilkie has been a child care provider for 15 years.Although she has always loved caring for children, she and her husband took a leap four years ago, which they said improved their family's life.They bought a second home to house their child care."I love my job so much more now that it's not in my home," she said.Wilkie said the move has made being a provider even more enjoyable.She doesn't have to worry about someone accidentally leaving something out that the children shouldn't be into. The family remodeled their home and were able to make some changes that they would not have been able to do if the child care was still housed there. Wilkie said working in a second location gets her out of the house, and the day care house is near Massey Park, which provides easy access to outdoor play.Although the family now has two house payments and getting out on snowy or icy mornings is a pain, she said it was the best move her family could have made.Mary Lewis nominated Wilkie for the January Child Care Champion award, saying, "Becca has been phenomenal with my two grandchildren."Wilkie, 42, started in-home child care when her daughter was born. Her son, now 21, grew up too fast, and she felt she missed too much of his childhood.Growing up, Wilkie wanted to be a teacher, and her sister also ran an in-home child care facility."I thought, 'kill two birds with one stone'— stay home with my daughter and have the teaching role that I always wanted to," she said.&nbsp;Wilkie does not consider her child care a preschool; however, she does introduce the basics, such as colors, numbers, the alphabet and shapes."No. 1, I love those kids. No. 2, I'm caring. To me, that's more important than teaching," she said.When it's cold and the kids can't go outside, they do YouTube kids' exercises and dance parties.Wilkie is starting to see a second generation of children. One of the children she had when she first opened now has a baby of her own. The mom wanted to use Wilkie's child care, but she was full.Wilkie has both of her nieces in her child care now.She said she feels great rewards from seeing the children's happiness.&nbsp;"I go out in public, and they see me, yell my name, run up to me, and give me a hug," she said. "That fills my heart to the fullest."Wilkie said one of the most significant challenges of being a provider has been keeping up with the ever-changing regulations."I know they are for the safety of the kids, but some of them are kind of crazy to me," she said.Wilkie said being a child care provider takes a lot of patience and a lot of love."If you're going to do it for the money, don't do it," she said. ... "But if you want a rewarding job, it's the job to do. I feel it's the most rewarding job except an EMT or a firefighter.""The kids make it rewarding for me—their happiness, their smiles, when they say, 'I love you, Miss Becca,' when they write me notes. They love to write me letters and notes, and I save every one of them."

Child Care Champion: 2nd home helped her love her job more

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-aircraft-crash-9d79051a9e535bd855df5a4e5553b2e9">collided with an Army helicopter</a>&nbsp;while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. There were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter, but the precise number of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunted for any survivors.

Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter, an Army official said.

There was no immediate word on the cause of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-cebb142d24859ba0c4e0e4fd6c33773f">the Wednesday collision</a>, but all takeoffs and landings from the airport were halted as dive teams scoured the site and helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in a methodical search for bodies.

Images from the river showed boats around the partly submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the plane's fuselage.

“We are going to recover our fellow citizens,” District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a somber news conference at the airport in which she declined to say how many bodies had been recovered.

The person who told The Associated Press that there had been multiple deaths was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas said, “When one person dies it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die it’s an unbearable sorrow.”

President Donald Trump said he had been “fully briefed on this terrible accident" and, referring to the passengers, added, “May God Bless their souls.”

Passengers on the flight included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp that followed the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.

“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement.

Two of those coaches were identified by the Kremlin as Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the pairs title at the 1994 world championships and competed twice in the Olympics. The Skating Club of Boston lists them as coaches and their son, Maxim Naumov, is a competitive figure skater for the U.S.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the midair crash occurred before 9 p.m. EST when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter on a training flight while on approach to an airport runway. It occurred in some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol.

Investigators will try to piece together the aircrafts' final moments before their collision, including contact with air traffic controllers as well as a loss of altitude by the passenger jet.

American Airlines Flight 5342 was inbound to Reagan National at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140 miles per hour when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to data from its radio transponder. The Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet, manufactured in 2004, can be configured to carry up to 70 passengers.

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 adjust its approach to the new runway.

Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight. The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later: “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.” Seconds after that, the two aircraft collided.

The plane’s radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the river.

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center showed two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.

“I know that flight. I've flown it several times myself,” said Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas. He said he expected that many people in Wichita would know people who were on the flight.

“This is a very personal circumstance,” he said.

The collision occurred on a warm winter evening in Washington, with temperatures registering as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, following a stretch days earlier of intense cold and ice. On Wednesday, the Potomac River was 36 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The National Weather Service reported that wind gusts of up to 25 mph were possible in the area throughout the evening.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed “deep sorrow” for the crash and said the company was focused on the needs of passengers, crew, first responders and families and loved ones of those involved.

Some 300 first responders were on scene. Inflatable rescue boats were launched into the Potomac River from a point along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport, and first responders set up light towers from the shore to illuminate the area near the collision site. At least a half-dozen boats were scanning the water using searchlights.

“It’s a highly complex operation,” said D.C. fire chief John Donnelly. "The conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders.”

The U.S. Army described the helicopter as a UH-60 Blackhawk based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The helicopter was on a training flight. Military aircraft frequently conduct training flights in and around the congested and heavily-restricted airspace around the nation’s capital for familiarization and continuity of government planning.

The crash is serving as a major test for two of the Trump administration’s newest agency leaders. Pete Hegseth, sworn in days ago as defense secretary, posted on social media that an investigation has been “launched immediately” by the Army and the Defense Department. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, just sworn in earlier this week, said at a somber news conference at the airport early Thursday that his agency would provide all possible resources to the investigation.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-crashes-history-washington-ee55776ea0c5f9e322fc77ea1ea452d1">last major fatal crash</a>&nbsp;involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. Everyone aboard the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane was killed, including 45 passengers, 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants. Another person on the ground also died, bringing the total death toll to 50. An investigation determined that the captain accidentally caused the plane to stall as it approached the airport in Buffalo.

Reagan Airport will reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced. The FAA has previously said it would be closed until 5 a.m. Friday.

Located along the Potomac River, just southwest of the city. Reagan National is a popular choice because it’s much closer than the larger Dulles International Airport, which is deeper in Virginia.

Depending on the runway being used, flights into Reagan can offer passengers spectacular views of landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. It’s a postcard-worthy welcome for tourists visiting the city.

The collision recalled the crash of an Air Florida flight that plummeted into the Potomac on January 13, 1982, that killed 78 people. That crash was attributed to bad weather.

An American Airlines jet with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-cebb142d24859ba0c4e0e4fd6c33773f">collided Wednesday</a>&nbsp;with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River.

There was no immediate word on casualties or the cause of the collision, but takeoffs and landings from the airport near Washington were halted as helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in search of survivors.

Rescuers search in near freezing river water for survivors

Hundreds of rescuers were searching the frigid waters of the Potomac River for any survivors of the plane crash.

Images showed boats around a partly submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the plane’s fuselage.

Helicopters flew overhead with powerful search lights scanning the murky waters, while emergency vehicles lit up the banks of the Potomac in a long line of blinking red lights.

The water temperature was just above freezing.

Global skating community ‘deeply shocked and heartbroken’

The international governing body for figure skating said the global skating community was “deeply shocked” and heartbroken to learn that figure skaters and those close to them were onboard the flight that collided with a military helicopter.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Figure skating is more than a sport — it’s a close-knit family — and we stand together,” the International Skating Union said in a statement.

Group of figure skaters and coaches were on the jet

Passengers on the jet included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp held after the national U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement.

The organization confirmed that “several members of the skating community” were on the flight. It did not provide more details.

“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” the organization said. “We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”

‘We don’t know yet,' fire chief says of possible survivors

Officials offered few details on the status of the victims as they concluded their early-morning press briefing Thursday.

“I can’t say anything about the rescue operation right now,” said Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, as reporters continue to press for updates on the passengers.

She also declined to comment on the condition of aircraft, which remains submerged in the Potomac River.

Asked if there are any survivors, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, responded: “We don’t know yet. But we’re working."

Crews in plane crash response face ‘rough’ conditions

Officials who held a press conference at Reagan National Airport did not announce any deaths, but they all had a somber tone.

Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas said “when one person dies it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die it’s an unbearable sorrow.”

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser would not say whether any bodies were recovered from the crash.

There are currently about 300 responders working on the rescue operation

Washington Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said at the early Thurday news conference thatconditions are “extremely rough for responders,” with cold weather and intense wind.

The Potomac River is about 8 feet deep where the aircraft crashed after their collision.

“The water is dark. It is murky," Connelly said.

Sen. Jerry Moran says the crash is ‘a very personal circumstance’

Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, said the plane that crashed was flying a route from Wichita to Washington that began about a year ago.

“I know that flight,” he said. “I’ve flown it several times myself.”

Moran said he expected that many people in Wichita would know people who were on the flight.

Trump says collision ‘looks like it should have been prevented’

In a post on Truth Social, Trump questioned the tactics of the military helicopter and the air traffic controllers — both agencies that report to him as the president.

Writing that the “airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach for an extended period of time” on a “CLEAR NIGHT,” Trump questioned, “why didn’t the helicopter go up or down or turn,” and “why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane.”

“What a terrible night this has been. God Bless you all!” he added in a subsequent post.

AP source: Multiple people killed in midair collision

There were multiple fatalities after the midair collision, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Authorities are still conducting a search-and-rescue operation in an attempt to find survivors in the water and around the crash site.

The U.S. Army said the helicopter that collided with a passenger jet was a UH-60 Blackhawk based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. A crew of three soldiers were onboard the helicopter, an Army official said. The helicopter was on a training flight.

Military aircraft frequently conduct training flights in and around the congested and heavily-restricted airspace around the nation’s capital for familiarization and continuity of government planning.

‘There was a lot of sadness’ in terminal after passenger jet crash

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz was waiting to catch his flight back to Buffalo, New York, when he saw through the terminal window some emergency vehicles moving out below.

“It didn’t seem anything too strange at that point,” Poloncarz said. “And then about a minute or so after that, there was an announcement of a full-ground stop, that there would be no flights landing and no flights taking off. And then we started to see a lot of emergency vehicles heading towards the river.”

Poloncarz and others soon saw reports on social media of a plane crash, while rumors began to swirl.

“When flights get delayed, people get aggravated and upset. But there was no one getting aggravated or upset because I think we all realized pretty quickly the magnitude of what occurred. The terminal grew pretty quiet. There was a lot of sadness.”

Last fatal U.S. commercial airline crash was in 2009

The last fatal crash involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 in New York, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

Everyone aboard the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane was killed, including 45 passengers, 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants. Another person on the ground also died, bringing the total death toll to 50. An investigation determined that the captain accidentally caused the plane to stall as it approached the airport in Buffalo.

Audio shows no response from helicopter after air traffic control warning

Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asks the helicopter if it has the arriving plane in sight: “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?”

The controller makes another radio call to PAT25 moments later: “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.”

The audio from flight tracking sites doesn’t record any response from the helicopter, if any, to the warnings from air traffic control.

The plane’s radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet (730 meters) short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the river.

Trump on aircraft accident: ‘May God Bless their souls’

President Donald Trump says he’s been briefed on the ‘terrible accident’ at Reagan National Airport.

In a statement late Wednesday, Trump thanked first responders for their “incredible work,” noting that he was “monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”

“May God Bless their souls,” he added

Noem says all available Coast Guard resources being deployed

The Latest: Passenger jet from Kan. collides with helicopter while landing in DC

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Under the glow of decorations and the savory scent of fresh dumplings, Fort Hays State University is ringing in the Lunar New Year.

The FHSU International Student Union is hosting the event at 5 p.m. on Friday in the Black and Gold Room at the Memorial Union.

Jadyn Snyder, FHSU's coordinator of global engagement and special projects, organized the event with Yifan Liu, the graduate assistant for student engagement.

"We have a big Asian population because of some of our partnerships here at Fort Hays," Snyder said. "There's a big interest in this event. It provides a place for them to share their culture."

The event will feature a presentation on the Lunar New Year, snake-themed crafts and a raffle. Attendees can enjoy dumplings, rice and other Asian cuisines as the main dish.

Liu will lead an activity where participants learn to write Chinese characters on red paper, a traditional Lunar New Year custom.

Originally from Henan Province, China, Liu arrived at FHSU in the summer 2023 and is passionate about sharing Chinese culture with others.

"Not only does this holiday drive away bad luck, but it also praises good luck and the upcoming year's harvest. It's an occasion for family and friend reunions," Liu said.

Liu said the Lunar New Year dates back thousands of years and is linked to the legend of Nian, a monster known for devouring livestock, crops and even people.

"This monster will come on the day of the Lunar New Year to scare and attack people," she said.

Liu said to stop Nian from wreaking havoc, people discovered its fear of the color red, loud noises and fireworks, which inspired many Lunar New Year traditions.

The FHSU celebration will also showcase lion and tiger dancing, a tradition meant to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune for the year ahead.

"In China, we use this dance to scare the Nian monster. We also use it to celebrate our Chinese customs and to praise good luck in the new year," Liu said.

The holiday is not only China’s most significant celebration but is also embraced worldwide in countries like Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam.

The date of the Lunar Year is based on the traditional Chinese calendar and typically falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. This year, the Lunar New Year fell on Jan. 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

Liu hopes the celebration attendees will better appreciate family time and reflect on their journeys over the past year.

"I want people to realize how important it is to cherish and utilize the time we can to relax and reunite with our family," she said. "It's a special holiday to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the last year and look forward to the upcoming year."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738100082698.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University students celebrating the 2024 Lunar New Year. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University students celebrating the 2024 Lunar New Year. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostUnder the glow of decorations and the savory scent of fresh dumplings, Fort Hays State University is ringing in the Lunar New Year.The FHSU International Student Union is hosting the event at 5 p.m. on Friday in the Black and Gold Room at the Memorial Union.Jadyn Snyder, FHSU's coordinator of global engagement and special projects, organized the event with Yifan Liu, the graduate assistant for student engagement."We have a big Asian population because of some of our partnerships here at Fort Hays," Snyder said. "There's a big interest in this event. It provides a place for them to share their culture."The event will feature a presentation on the Lunar New Year, snake-themed crafts and a raffle. Attendees can enjoy dumplings, rice and other Asian cuisines as the main dish.Liu will lead an activity where participants learn to write Chinese characters on red paper, a traditional Lunar New Year custom.Originally from Henan Province, China, Liu arrived at FHSU in the summer 2023 and is passionate about sharing Chinese culture with others."Not only does this holiday drive away bad luck, but it also praises good luck and the upcoming year's harvest. It's an occasion for family and friend reunions," Liu said.Liu said the Lunar New Year dates back thousands of years and is linked to the legend of Nian, a monster known for devouring livestock, crops and even people."This monster will come on the day of the Lunar New Year to scare and attack people," she said.Liu said to stop Nian from wreaking havoc, people discovered its fear of the color red, loud noises and fireworks, which inspired many Lunar New Year traditions.The FHSU celebration will also showcase lion and tiger dancing, a tradition meant to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune for the year ahead."In China, we use this dance to scare the Nian monster. We also use it to celebrate our Chinese customs and to praise good luck in the new year," Liu said.The holiday is not only China’s most significant celebration but is also embraced worldwide in countries like Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam.The date of the Lunar Year is based on the traditional Chinese calendar and typically falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. This year, the Lunar New Year fell on Jan. 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake.Liu hopes the celebration attendees will better appreciate family time and reflect on their journeys over the past year."I want people to realize how important it is to cherish and utilize the time we can to relax and reunite with our family," she said. "It's a special holiday to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the last year and look forward to the upcoming year."

FHSU to celebrate Lunar New Year on Friday

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-aircraft-crash-9d79051a9e535bd855df5a4e5553b2e9">collided with an Army helicopter</a>&nbsp;while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. There were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter, but the precise number of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunted for any survivors.&nbsp;

Sen. Jerry Moran said the plane that crashed was flying a route from Wichita to Washington that began about a year ago. “I know that flight,” he said. “I’ve flown it several times myself.” Moran said he expected that many people in Wichita would know people who were on the flight. “This is a very personal circumstance,” he said.

Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Meg Kinnard, Chris Megerian and Michael Biesecker in Washington contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738236323050.png" alt="New U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran during the overnight press conference" />
 <figcaption>New U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran during the overnight press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-aircraft-crash-9d79051a9e535bd855df5a4e5553b2e9">collided with an Army helicopter</a>&nbsp;while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. There were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter, but the precise number of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunted for any survivors.&nbsp;Sen. Jerry Moran said the plane that crashed was flying a route from Wichita to Washington that began about a year ago. “I know that flight,” he said. “I’ve flown it several times myself.” Moran said he expected that many people in Wichita would know people who were on the flight. “This is a very personal circumstance,” he said.Click the video below to watch<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">LIVE: Update on Tonight&#39;s Plane Collision <a href="https://t.co/8IK8LlKp07">https://t.co/8IK8LlKp07</a>&mdash; Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorBowser/status/1884842402638102811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter, an Army official said.There was no immediate word on the cause of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-cebb142d24859ba0c4e0e4fd6c33773f">the Wednesday collision</a>, but all takeoffs and landings from the airport were halted as dive teams scoured the site and helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in a methodical search for bodies.Images from the river showed boats around the partly submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the plane's fuselage.“We are going to recover our fellow citizens,” District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a somber news conference at the airport in which she declined to say how many bodies had been recovered.The person who told The Associated Press that there had been multiple deaths was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas said, “When one person dies it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die it’s an unbearable sorrow.”President Donald Trump said he had been “fully briefed on this terrible accident" and, referring to the passengers, added, “May God Bless their souls.”Passengers on the flight included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp that followed the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement.Two of those coaches were identified by the Kremlin as Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the pairs title at the 1994 world championships and competed twice in the Olympics. The Skating Club of Boston lists them as coaches and their son, Maxim Naumov, is a competitive figure skater for the U.S.The Federal Aviation Administration said the midair crash occurred before 9 p.m. EST when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter on a training flight while on approach to an airport runway. It occurred in some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol.Investigators will try to piece together the aircrafts' final moments before their collision, including contact with air traffic controllers as well as a loss of altitude by the passenger jet.American Airlines Flight 5342 was inbound to Reagan National at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140 miles per hour when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to data from its radio transponder. The Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet, manufactured in 2004, can be configured to carry up to 70 passengers.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 adjust its approach to the new runway.Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight. The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later: “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.” Seconds after that, the two aircraft collided.The plane’s radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the river.Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center showed two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.“I know that flight. I've flown it several times myself,” said Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas. He said he expected that many people in Wichita would know people who were on the flight.“This is a very personal circumstance,” he said.The collision occurred on a warm winter evening in Washington, with temperatures registering as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, following a stretch days earlier of intense cold and ice. On Wednesday, the Potomac River was 36 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The National Weather Service reported that wind gusts of up to 25 mph were possible in the area throughout the evening.American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed “deep sorrow” for the crash and said the company was focused on the needs of passengers, crew, first responders and families and loved ones of those involved.Some 300 first responders were on scene. Inflatable rescue boats were launched into the Potomac River from a point along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport, and first responders set up light towers from the shore to illuminate the area near the collision site. At least a half-dozen boats were scanning the water using searchlights.“It’s a highly complex operation,” said D.C. fire chief John Donnelly. "The conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders.”The U.S. Army described the helicopter as a UH-60 Blackhawk based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The helicopter was on a training flight. Military aircraft frequently conduct training flights in and around the congested and heavily-restricted airspace around the nation’s capital for familiarization and continuity of government planning.The crash is serving as a major test for two of the Trump administration’s newest agency leaders. Pete Hegseth, sworn in days ago as defense secretary, posted on social media that an investigation has been “launched immediately” by the Army and the Defense Department. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, just sworn in earlier this week, said at a somber news conference at the airport early Thursday that his agency would provide all possible resources to the investigation.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-crashes-history-washington-ee55776ea0c5f9e322fc77ea1ea452d1">last major fatal crash</a>&nbsp;involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. Everyone aboard the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane was killed, including 45 passengers, 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants. Another person on the ground also died, bringing the total death toll to 50. An investigation determined that the captain accidentally caused the plane to stall as it approached the airport in Buffalo.Reagan Airport will reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced. The FAA has previously said it would be closed until 5 a.m. Friday.Located along the Potomac River, just southwest of the city. Reagan National is a popular choice because it’s much closer than the larger Dulles International Airport, which is deeper in Virginia.Depending on the runway being used, flights into Reagan can offer passengers spectacular views of landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. It’s a postcard-worthy welcome for tourists visiting the city.The collision recalled the crash of an Air Florida flight that plummeted into the Potomac on January 13, 1982, that killed 78 people. That crash was attributed to bad weather.___Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Meg Kinnard, Chris Megerian and Michael Biesecker in Washington contributed to this report.

🎥 Kan. lawmakers hold press conference following aircraft tragedy

A post-Christmas challenge our house involves seeing how long I can keep each seasonal poinsettia alive. Part of this has to do with childhood memories as well as serving as a winter doldrum challenge. 

Considering poinsettias aren’t native to Kansas or to living indoors adds to the project’s difficulty. Ten years ago, I kept one growing 'til the following Christmas before I finally gave up on it looking once again like a store model.

Poinsettias originated in Mexico and Central America where they grow up to 13 feet tall on the Pacific side of the map. According to sources, Aztecs called them cuetlaxóchitl. Later, due to their bright red leaves, some termed them “flame flower or painted leaf.” 

Once the first U.S. Mexican Consul Joel Poinsett began collecting them in his South Caroline greenhouse somewhere around 1826, the term poinsettia entered American usage.

Native people utilized the red leaves to make dye, and in traditional medicine practice, healers utilized the plant to lower fevers. 

Once Spanish priests arrived in the New World, they noted the brilliant colors prominent during Christmastide and decorated their churches with them. A Mexican folk tale relays the story of a poor native girl who wanted to leave an offering at the creche. She gathered a handful of weeds which happened to be poinsettias and thus began a Christmas tradition that continues.

Anyone who’s seen poinsettias growing wild knows they’re not truly house plants. Gone native, they’re tall, scraggly forbs or trees with thick stems and sparse leaves—green or red. 

A previous owner of my childhood southern California home planted a row along the house’s north wall. When we moved in in mid-summer, we couldn’t identify them so my curious mom waited to see what happened over that first year. Sure enough, around December we had taller-than-our-roof poinsettias turning anemic red because without special care, they don’t brighten the way you see them in a store. By the time we left that house, they towered a foot over our roof top.

Christmas displays of these lead buyers to think that the red star-shape is the plant’s flower, but they’re actually leaves. The tiny, yellow barely-noticeable blossoms hide in the center of that scarlet field.

I’m guessing five years of watching wild poinsettias bloom each year led my grandma, mom, and I to attempt to keep Christmas centerpieces alive as long as possible. Mom and Grandma succeeded more often than I at babying finicky shrubs pretending to be Christmas decor.

Over time, I’ve learned you can’t over water or these plants suffer root rot. If you underwater, the green leaves curl and fall off. 

As finicky as they are, they enjoy fertilizing once a month. Modern cultivars need to be pruned so research those guidelines. Who wants a poinsettia touching the ceiling? 

If you keep it alive through September, investigate light requirements to guarantee a festive red and green plant dressed in its best for Christmas.

Looking back, Mom and Grandma had the patience to work with these plants. Apparently, that gene didn’t fully pass on. My current poinsettia is down to only red leaves. When those start falling, that weed’s scoring 2 points when it hits the trash bin.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158626307.png" alt="Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINA post-Christmas challenge our house involves seeing how long I can keep each seasonal poinsettia alive. Part of this has to do with childhood memories as well as serving as a winter doldrum challenge. Considering poinsettias aren’t native to Kansas or to living indoors adds to the project’s difficulty. Ten years ago, I kept one growing 'til the following Christmas before I finally gave up on it looking once again like a store model.Poinsettias originated in Mexico and Central America where they grow up to 13 feet tall on the Pacific side of the map. According to sources, Aztecs called them cuetlaxóchitl. Later, due to their bright red leaves, some termed them “flame flower or painted leaf.” Once the first U.S. Mexican Consul Joel Poinsett began collecting them in his South Caroline greenhouse somewhere around 1826, the term poinsettia entered American usage.Native people utilized the red leaves to make dye, and in traditional medicine practice, healers utilized the plant to lower fevers. Once Spanish priests arrived in the New World, they noted the brilliant colors prominent during Christmastide and decorated their churches with them. A Mexican folk tale relays the story of a poor native girl who wanted to leave an offering at the creche. She gathered a handful of weeds which happened to be poinsettias and thus began a Christmas tradition that continues.Anyone who’s seen poinsettias growing wild knows they’re not truly house plants. Gone native, they’re tall, scraggly forbs or trees with thick stems and sparse leaves—green or red. A previous owner of my childhood southern California home planted a row along the house’s north wall. When we moved in in mid-summer, we couldn’t identify them so my curious mom waited to see what happened over that first year. Sure enough, around December we had taller-than-our-roof poinsettias turning anemic red because without special care, they don’t brighten the way you see them in a store. By the time we left that house, they towered a foot over our roof top.Christmas displays of these lead buyers to think that the red star-shape is the plant’s flower, but they’re actually leaves. The tiny, yellow barely-noticeable blossoms hide in the center of that scarlet field.I’m guessing five years of watching wild poinsettias bloom each year led my grandma, mom, and I to attempt to keep Christmas centerpieces alive as long as possible. Mom and Grandma succeeded more often than I at babying finicky shrubs pretending to be Christmas decor.Over time, I’ve learned you can’t over water or these plants suffer root rot. If you underwater, the green leaves curl and fall off. As finicky as they are, they enjoy fertilizing once a month. Modern cultivars need to be pruned so research those guidelines. Who wants a poinsettia touching the ceiling? If you keep it alive through September, investigate light requirements to guarantee a festive red and green plant dressed in its best for Christmas.Looking back, Mom and Grandma had the patience to work with these plants. Apparently, that gene didn’t fully pass on. My current poinsettia is down to only red leaves. When those start falling, that weed’s scoring 2 points when it hits the trash bin.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Crossing the finish line

At noon Thursday, a prayer service hosted by the Greater Wichita Ministerial League will be held at City Hall, 455 N. Main, in the Wichita City Council Chambers, according to a statement from the City.

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-aircraft-crash-9d79051a9e535bd855df5a4e5553b2e9">collided with an Army helicopter while landing</a>&nbsp;at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, officials said Thursday.

Crews were still searching for other casualties but did not believe there were any other survivors, which would make it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-crashes-history-washington-ee55776ea0c5f9e322fc77ea1ea452d1">the deadliest U.S. air crash</a>&nbsp;in nearly 24 years.

“We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation,” said John Donnelly, the fire chief in the nation’s capital. “We don’t believe there are any survivors.”

The body of the plane was found upside down in three sections in waist-deep water. The wreckage of the helicopter was also found.

There was no immediate word on the cause of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-cebb142d24859ba0c4e0e4fd6c33773f">the Wednesday collision</a>, but officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, with U.S. and Russian figure skaters and others aboard, was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path.

“On final approach into Reagan National it collided with a military aircraft on an otherwise normal approach," American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said. "At this time we don’t know why the military aircraft came into the path of the ... aircraft.”

Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter during a training flight, an Army official said.

“When one person dies it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die it’s an unbearable sorrow," Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas said.

Passengers on the flight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-plane-collision-victims-ee829891574aa35a30d8262b7e07e638">included a group of figure skaters</a>, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp that followed the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.

The last major fatal crash involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. Everyone aboard the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane was killed, including 45 passengers, 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants. Another person on the ground also died, bringing the total death toll to 50. An investigation determined that the captain accidentally caused the plane to stall as it approached the airport in Buffalo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738235840631.png" alt="Departure signs display an "Emergency Alert" in the terminal at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. A jet with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. (AP Photo/Jeannie Ohm)" />
 <figcaption>Departure signs display an "Emergency Alert" in the terminal at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday night, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. A jet with 60 passengers and four crew members aboard collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. (AP Photo/Jeannie Ohm)</figcaption>
 </figure>At noon Thursday, a prayer service hosted by the Greater Wichita Ministerial League will be held at City Hall, 455 N. Main, in the Wichita City Council Chambers, according to a statement from the City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738243774102.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-aircraft-crash-9d79051a9e535bd855df5a4e5553b2e9">collided with an Army helicopter while landing</a>&nbsp;at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, officials said Thursday.Crews were still searching for other casualties but did not believe there were any other survivors, which would make it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-crashes-history-washington-ee55776ea0c5f9e322fc77ea1ea452d1">the deadliest U.S. air crash</a>&nbsp;in nearly 24 years.“We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation,” said John Donnelly, the fire chief in the nation’s capital. “We don’t believe there are any survivors.”The body of the plane was found upside down in three sections in waist-deep water. The wreckage of the helicopter was also found.There was no immediate word on the cause of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-cebb142d24859ba0c4e0e4fd6c33773f">the Wednesday collision</a>, but officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, with U.S. and Russian figure skaters and others aboard, was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path.“On final approach into Reagan National it collided with a military aircraft on an otherwise normal approach," American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said. "At this time we don’t know why the military aircraft came into the path of the ... aircraft.”Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter during a training flight, an Army official said.Images from the river showed boats around the partly submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the plane's fuselage.“When one person dies it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die it’s an unbearable sorrow," Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas said.President Donald Trump said he had been “fully briefed on this terrible accident" and, referring to the passengers, added, “May God Bless their souls.”Passengers on the flight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-plane-collision-victims-ee829891574aa35a30d8262b7e07e638">included a group of figure skaters</a>, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp that followed the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement.Two of those coaches were identified by the Kremlin as Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the pairs title at the 1994 world championships and competed twice in the Olympics. The Skating Club of Boston lists them as coaches and their son, Maxim Naumov, is a competitive figure skater for the U.S.The Federal Aviation Administration said the midair crash occurred before 9 p.m. EST when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter on a training flight while on approach to an airport runway. It occurred in some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol.Investigators will try to piece together the aircrafts' final moments before their collision, including contact with air traffic controllers as well as a loss of altitude by the passenger jet.American Airlines Flight 5342 was inbound to Reagan National at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140 miles per hour when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to data from its radio transponder. The Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet, manufactured in 2004, can be configured to carry up to 70 passengers.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 adjust its approach to the new runway.Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight. The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later: “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.” Seconds after that, the two aircraft collided.The plane’s radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the river.Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center showed two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.“I know that flight. I've flown it several times myself,” said Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas. He said he expected that many people in Wichita would know people who were on the flight.“This is a very personal circumstance,” he said.The collision occurred on a warm winter evening in Washington, with temperatures registering as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, following a stretch days earlier of intense cold and ice. On Wednesday, the Potomac River was 36 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The National Weather Service reported that wind gusts of up to 25 mph were possible in the area throughout the evening.Some 300 first responders were on scene. Inflatable rescue boats were launched into the Potomac River from a point along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport, and first responders set up light towers from the shore to illuminate the area near the collision site. At least a half-dozen boats were scanning the water using searchlights.The U.S. Army described the helicopter as a UH-60 Blackhawk based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The helicopter was on a training flight. Military aircraft frequently conduct training flights in and around the congested and heavily-restricted airspace around the nation’s capital for familiarization and continuity of government planning.The crash is serving as a major test for two of the Trump administration’s newest agency leaders. Pete Hegseth, sworn in days ago as defense secretary, posted on social media that an investigation has been “launched immediately” by the Army and the Defense Department. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, just sworn in earlier this week, said at a somber news conference at the airport early Thursday that his agency would provide all possible resources to the investigation.The last major fatal crash involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. Everyone aboard the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane was killed, including 45 passengers, 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants. Another person on the ground also died, bringing the total death toll to 50. An investigation determined that the captain accidentally caused the plane to stall as it approached the airport in Buffalo.Reagan Airport will reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced. The FAA has previously said it would be closed until 5 a.m. Friday.Located along the Potomac River, just southwest of the city. Reagan National is a popular choice because it’s much closer than the larger Dulles International Airport, which is deeper in Virginia.Depending on the runway being used, flights into Reagan can offer passengers spectacular views of landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. It’s a postcard-worthy welcome for tourists visiting the city.The collision recalled the crash of an Air Florida flight that plummeted into the Potomac on January 13, 1982, that killed 78 people. That crash was attributed to bad weather.___ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-aircraft-crash-9d79051a9e535bd855df5a4e5553b2e9">collided with an Army helicopter</a>&nbsp;while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. There were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter, but the precise number of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunted for any survivors.Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter, an Army official said.There was no immediate word on the cause of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-cebb142d24859ba0c4e0e4fd6c33773f">the Wednesday collision</a>, but all takeoffs and landings from the airport were halted as dive teams scoured the site and helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene in a methodical search for bodies.Images from the river showed boats around the partly submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the plane's fuselage.“We are going to recover our fellow citizens,” District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a somber news conference at the airport in which she declined to say how many bodies had been recovered.The person who told The Associated Press that there had been multiple deaths was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas said, “When one person dies it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die it’s an unbearable sorrow.”President Donald Trump said he had been “fully briefed on this terrible accident" and, referring to the passengers, added, “May God Bless their souls.”Passengers on the flight included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp that followed the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement.Two of those coaches were identified by the Kremlin as Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the pairs title at the 1994 world championships and competed twice in the Olympics. The Skating Club of Boston lists them as coaches and their son, Maxim Naumov, is a competitive figure skater for the U.S.The Federal Aviation Administration said the midair crash occurred before 9 p.m. EST when a regional jet that had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter on a training flight while on approach to an airport runway. It occurred in some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol.Investigators will try to piece together the aircrafts' final moments before their collision, including contact with air traffic controllers as well as a loss of altitude by the passenger jet.American Airlines Flight 5342 was inbound to Reagan National at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140 miles per hour when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to data from its radio transponder. The Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet, manufactured in 2004, can be configured to carry up to 70 passengers.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 adjust its approach to the new runway.Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight. The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later: “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.” Seconds after that, the two aircraft collided.The plane’s radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the river.Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center showed two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to join in a fireball.“I know that flight. I've flown it several times myself,” said Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas. He said he expected that many people in Wichita would know people who were on the flight.“This is a very personal circumstance,” he said.The collision occurred on a warm winter evening in Washington, with temperatures registering as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, following a stretch days earlier of intense cold and ice. On Wednesday, the Potomac River was 36 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The National Weather Service reported that wind gusts of up to 25 mph were possible in the area throughout the evening.American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed “deep sorrow” for the crash and said the company was focused on the needs of passengers, crew, first responders and families and loved ones of those involved.Some 300 first responders were on scene. Inflatable rescue boats were launched into the Potomac River from a point along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport, and first responders set up light towers from the shore to illuminate the area near the collision site. At least a half-dozen boats were scanning the water using searchlights.“It’s a highly complex operation,” said D.C. fire chief John Donnelly. "The conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders.”The U.S. Army described the helicopter as a UH-60 Blackhawk based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The helicopter was on a training flight. Military aircraft frequently conduct training flights in and around the congested and heavily-restricted airspace around the nation’s capital for familiarization and continuity of government planning.The crash is serving as a major test for two of the Trump administration’s newest agency leaders. Pete Hegseth, sworn in days ago as defense secretary, posted on social media that an investigation has been “launched immediately” by the Army and the Defense Department. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, just sworn in earlier this week, said at a somber news conference at the airport early Thursday that his agency would provide all possible resources to the investigation.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-crashes-history-washington-ee55776ea0c5f9e322fc77ea1ea452d1">last major fatal crash</a>&nbsp;involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. Everyone aboard the Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane was killed, including 45 passengers, 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants. Another person on the ground also died, bringing the total death toll to 50. An investigation determined that the captain accidentally caused the plane to stall as it approached the airport in Buffalo.Reagan Airport will reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced. The FAA has previously said it would be closed until 5 a.m. Friday.Located along the Potomac River, just southwest of the city. Reagan National is a popular choice because it’s much closer than the larger Dulles International Airport, which is deeper in Virginia.Depending on the runway being used, flights into Reagan can offer passengers spectacular views of landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. It’s a postcard-worthy welcome for tourists visiting the city.

Prayer service Thursday following airplane, helicopter crash

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executives Brian Weimer and Ken Brooks discuss loss control and safety with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Podcast: Insurance Planning" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=ywzwx-17d5f8a-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a>&nbsp;account executives Brian Weimer and Ken Brooks discuss loss control and safety with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Ken Brooks from Insurance Planning on loss control, safety

KANSAS CITY —The Clay County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, led a counter-human trafficking operation Jan. 23 and 24 that resulted in the arrest of two men who sought to have sex with a child, as well as services provided to more than a dozen potential trafficking victims.

Two men identified as 33-year-old&nbsp;Jose Trinidad-Diaz of Kansas City, Mo. / Mexico and 34-year-old&nbsp;Dominic Shelby of Kansas City, Kan. &nbsp;have been charged with felony attempted child enticement after they tried to meet whom they believed to be a 14-year-old girl for sex.

 It was actually under-cover detectives who had been chatting with them online and by text message. 

At the same time as the predator operation, investigators conducted a victim advocacy operation at a Clay County hotel. They had posted an online ad purportedly soliciting sex, knowing that many sex workers are victims of human trafficking. Twenty-seven sex workers responded to the hotel, and 13 agreed to accept services to leave a life of sex trafficking and/or sex work. Advocates from the organizations Value Unconditional and Relentless Pursuit met with them to begin giving them resources for their journeys.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738161592950.png" alt="Trinidad-Diaz-photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Trinidad-Diaz-photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Clay County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, led a counter-human trafficking operation Jan. 23 and 24 that resulted in the arrest of two men who sought to have sex with a child, as well as services provided to more than a dozen potential trafficking victims.Two men identified as 33-year-old&nbsp;Jose Trinidad-Diaz of Kansas City, Mo. / Mexico and 34-year-old&nbsp;Dominic Shelby of Kansas City, Kan. &nbsp;have been charged with felony attempted child enticement after they tried to meet whom they believed to be a 14-year-old girl for sex. It was actually under-cover detectives who had been chatting with them online and by text message. At the same time as the predator operation, investigators conducted a victim advocacy operation at a Clay County hotel. They had posted an online ad purportedly soliciting sex, knowing that many sex workers are victims of human trafficking. Twenty-seven sex workers responded to the hotel, and 13 agreed to accept services to leave a life of sex trafficking and/or sex work. Advocates from the organizations Value Unconditional and Relentless Pursuit met with them to begin giving them resources for their journeys.

Kan. man arrested after human trafficking, child sexual abuse sting

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Fort Hays State Women's Wrestling continued its strong success in dual competition this season by defeating Sioux Falls 29-16 on Wednesday evening. The No. 21 ranked Tigers won the first three matches of the evening and never trailed, taking seven of nine matches contested in the dual and yielding one forfeit. FHSU moved to 8-2 overall on the season and handed Sioux Falls its first dual loss of the season. The Cougars are now 6-1 overall.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/hannah-selle/8219">Hannah Selle</a>&nbsp;(103) set the tone for a strong Tiger performance by posting a tech fall shutout in her match, 11-0.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/josiah-ortiz/8216">Josiah Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(110) followed with a pin in 2:41 to run the Tiger lead out to 9-0. Josiah's sister&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabell-ortiz/8215">Isabell Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(117) extended the Tiger lead with an 8-6 decision, making the dual score 12-1 in favor of FHSU.

After yielding a forfeit at 124, making the score 12-6, the Tigers quickly put the pedal down and doubled their total with three-straight tech fall shutouts, all by the score of 10-0.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/piper-cadden/8210">Piper Cadden</a>&nbsp;moved to 4-0 on the season, starting the run of tech falls at 131.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ashlynn-goodwin/8212">Ashlynn Goodwin</a>&nbsp;(138) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/nichole-moore/8375">Nichole Moore</a>&nbsp;(145) followed with shutouts of their own. Moore's victory pushed her into the team lead in wins, now with 22 on the season. FHSU led 24-6 with three matches to go, essentially sealing the dual win.

The Cougars picked up 10 more points by winning two of the final three matches.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/josie-houk/8279">Josie Houk</a>&nbsp;(160) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/hailey-conley/8276">Hailey Conley</a>&nbsp;(207) both took losses by fall to their opponents, but&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-renfro/8286">Isabella Renfro</a>&nbsp;(180) dialed up a fall for the Tigers in 1:55 to add the final five points to the Tigers' dual total.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/dylen-ritchey/8287">Dylen Ritchey</a>&nbsp;(145) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/alexis-burton/8275">Alexis Burton</a>&nbsp;(145) also wrestled exhibition matches following the team competition. Both posted falls in under a minute, Ritchey in 36 seconds and Burton in 53 seconds.

Fort Hays State now makes the trek over to Iowa for the Grand View Open on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.

Dual Results - #21 Fort Hays State 29, Sioux Falls 16 103:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/hannah-selle/8219">Hannah Selle</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Ava McNeal (USF) (TF 11-0 3:57) 110:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/josiah-ortiz/8216">Josiah Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Paw Hobza (USF) (Fall 2:41) 117:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabell-ortiz/8215">Isabell Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Reianna Ogden (USF) (Dec 8-6) 124: Paige Denke (USF) over (FHSU) (For.) 131:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/piper-cadden/8210">Piper Cadden</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Mackenzie Armagost (USF) (TF 10-0 0:26) 138:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ashlynn-goodwin/8212">Ashlynn Goodwin</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Diann Smith (USF) (TF 10-0 2:02) 145:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/nichole-moore/8375">Nichole Moore</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Ciana Grate (USF) (TF 10-0 2:48) 160: Kylie Hulse (USF) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/josie-houk/8279">Josie Houk</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 5:29) 180:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-renfro/8286">Isabella Renfro</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Maizy Mathis (USF) (Fall 1:55) 207: Zoe Adam (USF) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/hailey-conley/8276">Hailey Conley</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 4:40)

Extra Matches 145:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/dylen-ritchey/8287">Dylen Ritchey</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Aliyah Villarreal (USF) (Fall 0:36) 145:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/alexis-burton/8275">Alexis Burton</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Addaly Miller (USF) (Fall 0:53)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738235938165.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsSIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Fort Hays State Women's Wrestling continued its strong success in dual competition this season by defeating Sioux Falls 29-16 on Wednesday evening. The No. 21 ranked Tigers won the first three matches of the evening and never trailed, taking seven of nine matches contested in the dual and yielding one forfeit. FHSU moved to 8-2 overall on the season and handed Sioux Falls its first dual loss of the season. The Cougars are now 6-1 overall.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/hannah-selle/8219">Hannah Selle</a>&nbsp;(103) set the tone for a strong Tiger performance by posting a tech fall shutout in her match, 11-0.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/josiah-ortiz/8216">Josiah Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(110) followed with a pin in 2:41 to run the Tiger lead out to 9-0. Josiah's sister&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabell-ortiz/8215">Isabell Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(117) extended the Tiger lead with an 8-6 decision, making the dual score 12-1 in favor of FHSU.After yielding a forfeit at 124, making the score 12-6, the Tigers quickly put the pedal down and doubled their total with three-straight tech fall shutouts, all by the score of 10-0.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/piper-cadden/8210">Piper Cadden</a>&nbsp;moved to 4-0 on the season, starting the run of tech falls at 131.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ashlynn-goodwin/8212">Ashlynn Goodwin</a>&nbsp;(138) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/nichole-moore/8375">Nichole Moore</a>&nbsp;(145) followed with shutouts of their own. Moore's victory pushed her into the team lead in wins, now with 22 on the season. FHSU led 24-6 with three matches to go, essentially sealing the dual win.The Cougars picked up 10 more points by winning two of the final three matches.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/josie-houk/8279">Josie Houk</a>&nbsp;(160) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/hailey-conley/8276">Hailey Conley</a>&nbsp;(207) both took losses by fall to their opponents, but&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-renfro/8286">Isabella Renfro</a>&nbsp;(180) dialed up a fall for the Tigers in 1:55 to add the final five points to the Tigers' dual total.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/dylen-ritchey/8287">Dylen Ritchey</a>&nbsp;(145) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/alexis-burton/8275">Alexis Burton</a>&nbsp;(145) also wrestled exhibition matches following the team competition. Both posted falls in under a minute, Ritchey in 36 seconds and Burton in 53 seconds.UP NEXTFort Hays State now makes the trek over to Iowa for the Grand View Open on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.Dual Results - #21 Fort Hays State 29, Sioux Falls 16 103:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/hannah-selle/8219">Hannah Selle</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Ava McNeal (USF) (TF 11-0 3:57) 110:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/josiah-ortiz/8216">Josiah Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Paw Hobza (USF) (Fall 2:41) 117:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabell-ortiz/8215">Isabell Ortiz</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Reianna Ogden (USF) (Dec 8-6) 124: Paige Denke (USF) over (FHSU) (For.) 131:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/piper-cadden/8210">Piper Cadden</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Mackenzie Armagost (USF) (TF 10-0 0:26) 138:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/ashlynn-goodwin/8212">Ashlynn Goodwin</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Diann Smith (USF) (TF 10-0 2:02) 145:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/nichole-moore/8375">Nichole Moore</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Ciana Grate (USF) (TF 10-0 2:48) 160: Kylie Hulse (USF) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/josie-houk/8279">Josie Houk</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 5:29) 180:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/isabella-renfro/8286">Isabella Renfro</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Maizy Mathis (USF) (Fall 1:55) 207: Zoe Adam (USF) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/hailey-conley/8276">Hailey Conley</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 4:40)Extra Matches 145:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/dylen-ritchey/8287">Dylen Ritchey</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Aliyah Villarreal (USF) (Fall 0:36) 145:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling/roster/alexis-burton/8275">Alexis Burton</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Addaly Miller (USF) (Fall 0:53)&nbsp;&nbsp;

🤼‍♀️ FHSU women defeat Sioux Falls, now 8-2

NEW YORK (AP) — Former U.S. Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-menendez">Bob Menendez</a>&nbsp;was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for accepting bribes of gold and cash and acting as an agent of Egypt -- crimes his own lawyer said earned him the nickname “Gold Bar Bob.”

U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein in Manhattan announced the sentence after Menendez tearfully addressed the judge, saying he’d lost everything he cared about, except for his family.

“You were successful, powerful, you stood at the apex of our political system,” the judge said. ”Somewhere along the way, and I don’t know when it was, you lost your way and working for the public good became working for your good.”

Menendez’s actions, the judge said, feed the cynicism of voters.

“What’s been the result?" he said, noting a lengthy investigation of a five-year crime. "You lost your senate seat. You lost your chairmanship and you lost your good name.”

Prosecutors had requested a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-menendez-sentencing-new-jersey-11a90b6e46989ed70e7c389e91e61987">15-year prison term</a>&nbsp;for the Democrat who was convicted of multiple charges including acting as an agent for Egypt for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/menendez-bribery-trial-jury-deliberations-bab89b99a77fc6ce95531c88ab26cc4d">selling his once-considerable clout</a>&nbsp;in Washington for bribes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Given a chance to speak before he was sentenced, Menendez broke down several times as he described his accomplishments.

“You really don’t know the man you are about to sentence,” Menendez told Stein as he stood before him with his hands in his pockets, except when he wiped his face with a tissue.

“Your honor, I am far from a perfect man. I have made more than my share of mistakes and bad decisions,” he added. “I’ve done far more good than bad. I ask you, your honor, to judge me in that context.”

Attorney Adam Fee told Stein to give Menendez credit for a “lifetime of extraordinary public service and personal sacrifices.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738186653849.png" alt="Menendez outside the courthouse following the sentencing hearing -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Menendez outside the courthouse following the sentencing hearing -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Former U.S. Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-menendez">Bob Menendez</a>&nbsp;was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for accepting bribes of gold and cash and acting as an agent of Egypt -- crimes his own lawyer said earned him the nickname “Gold Bar Bob.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721150824503.png" alt="One of the gold bars found at Menendez's house during a law enforcement search-photo. US District Court Southern District of New York" />
 <figcaption>One of the gold bars found at Menendez's house during a law enforcement search-photo. US District Court Southern District of New York</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein in Manhattan announced the sentence after Menendez tearfully addressed the judge, saying he’d lost everything he cared about, except for his family.“You were successful, powerful, you stood at the apex of our political system,” the judge said. ”Somewhere along the way, and I don’t know when it was, you lost your way and working for the public good became working for your good.”Menendez’s actions, the judge said, feed the cynicism of voters.“What’s been the result?" he said, noting a lengthy investigation of a five-year crime. "You lost your senate seat. You lost your chairmanship and you lost your good name.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Senator Menendez accomplished many things on behalf of our state, but sadly he will be remembered for putting his own interests and financial gain ahead of the public interest. It is critical that we hold our elected leaders to the highest professional and ethical standards. <a href="https://t.co/wbdv2O6PqH">pic.twitter.com/wbdv2O6PqH</a>&mdash; Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMurphy/status/1884709710680519139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Prosecutors had requested a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-menendez-sentencing-new-jersey-11a90b6e46989ed70e7c389e91e61987">15-year prison term</a>&nbsp;for the Democrat who was convicted of multiple charges including acting as an agent for Egypt for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/menendez-bribery-trial-jury-deliberations-bab89b99a77fc6ce95531c88ab26cc4d">selling his once-considerable clout</a>&nbsp;in Washington for bribes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.Given a chance to speak before he was sentenced, Menendez broke down several times as he described his accomplishments.“You really don’t know the man you are about to sentence,” Menendez told Stein as he stood before him with his hands in his pockets, except when he wiped his face with a tissue.“Your honor, I am far from a perfect man. I have made more than my share of mistakes and bad decisions,” he added. “I’ve done far more good than bad. I ask you, your honor, to judge me in that context.”Attorney Adam Fee told Stein to give Menendez credit for a “lifetime of extraordinary public service and personal sacrifices.”“Despite his decades of service, he is now known more widely as gold bar Bob,” Fee said.Menendez's lawyers had said prior to the sentencing that their client deserves less than two years in prison, citing his decades of public service and a life largely well-lived after the son of Cuban immigrants rose from poverty to become “the epitome of the American Dream.”But Fee said the defense team decided to ask that Menendez get no more than eight years after hearing Stein earlier in the day give substantial prison terms to two New Jersey businessmen convicted of paying bribes to the senator. Fred Daibes, a real estate developer, got seven years and a $1.75 million fine. Wael Hana, an entrepreneur, got eight years a $1.25 million fine and was ordered to forfeit $125,000.Prior to the announcement of his sentence, Daibes, 67, tearfully told Stein the jury verdict had left him “borderline suicidal,” and requested leniency so that he could care for his 30-year-old autistic son.Hana told the judge, “I am an innocent man.""I never bribed Senator Menendez or asked his office for influence.”The judge, though, said the jury's verdict was “very, very substantial."A third businessman pleaded guilty and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-menendez-bribery-trial-79f089b759a434314f98cb69cad0c2b5">testified against Menendez</a>&nbsp;at a trial last year.Menendez&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-menendez-new-jersey-senate-resignation-9941e49020a032da3861f5f5cf118ec2">resigned from the Senate</a>&nbsp;after his conviction last year, though he lost much of his power in fall 2023 when the charges against him were revealed and he was forced to surrender his powerful post as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.The trial traced Menendez’s dealings with Egyptian officials and his quest to aid three men who showered him with lucrative gifts found during a 2022 raid on the Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, home he shared with his wife, Nadine.FBI agents who searched the house found $480,000, some of it stuffed inside boots and the pockets of clothing hung in the couple's closets. They also seized gold bars worth an estimated $150,000.Prosecutors said Menendez had “put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes,” including by serving Egypt’s interests as he worked to protect a meat certification monopoly Hana had established with the Egyptian government.Among other things, Menendez provided Egyptian officials with information about the staff at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwrote a letter to fellow senators encouraging them to lift a hold on $300 million in military aid to Egypt.Prosecutors said that for other bribes, Menendez attempted to persuade a federal prosecutor in New Jersey to go easy on Daibes, a politically influential real estate developer accused of bank fraud.And at the trial, another businessman, Jose Uribe, testified that he helped Nadine Menendez get a Mercedes-Benz convertible after the senator sought to pressure state prosecutors to drop criminal probes of his associates.Menendez has insisted that he is innocent of any crime, saying repeatedly that his interactions with Egyptian officials were normal for the head of the Foreign Relations Committee, and that he always put American interests first. He denied taking any bribes and said the gold bars belonged to his wife.Nadine Menendez faces trial in March on many of the same charges as her husband after spending the last year battling breast cancer.Menendez’s lawyers, in a presentence submission, said he had already suffered greatly.“Unsurprisingly, Senator Menendez’s conviction has rendered him a national punchline and stripped him of every conceivable personal, professional, and financial benefit,” his lawyers wrote. “Bob is now 71, with his long-built reputation in tatters. He has suffered financial and professional ruin."In court papers, the lawyers described how Menendez devoted much of his life to his country and his community after he was scarred by the early loss of his father, who killed himself when Menendez was 23 after he was unable to pay off gambling debts.They described a 50-year history of public service in heroic terms, tracing a career in which Menendez was mayor of Union City, New Jersey, a state lawmaker, a member of the U.S. House and then a senator from 2006 to 2024.Yet he also had the distinction of being the only U.S. senator indicted twice.In 2015, he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-national-national-united-states-congress-united-states-government-a1bc4361120d418984469fcf7a6c2dc1">charged with selling his influence</a>&nbsp;to a wealthy Florida eye doctor and entrepreneur who prosecutors said lavished him with luxury vacations and campaign contributions. But the jury in that case couldn't reach a unanimous verdict. Federal prosecutors dropped the case rather than put him on trial again.