Key senators and the families of the 67 dead in an airliner collision with an Army helicopter near the nation’s capital are convinced that advanced aircraft locator systems recommended by experts for nearly two decades would have prevented last year’s tragedy. But it remains unclear if a bill will pass Congress requiring the systems around busy airports.
The Senate Commerce Committee is planning a hearing Thursday to highlight why the National Transportation Safety Board has been recommending since 2008 that all aircraft be equipped with one system that can broadcast their locations and another one to receive data about the location of other aircraft. Only the system that broadcasts location is currently required. The hearing will review all 50 of the NTSB’s recommendations to prevent another midair collision like that of Jan. 29, 2025.
Everyone aboard the helicopter and the American Airlines jet flying from Wichita, Kansas, including 28 members of the figure skating community, died when the aircraft collided and plummeted into the icy Potomac River.
The Senate already unanimously approved the bill that would require all aircraft flying around busy airports to have both kinds of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast systems installed. However, leaders of the key House committees seem to want to craft their own comprehensive bill addressing all the NTSB recommendations instead of immediately passing what’s known as the ROTOR act. The ADS-B out systems continually broadcast an aircraft’s location and speed and have been required since 2020. But ADS-B in systems that can receive those signals and create a display showing pilots were all air traffic is located around them are not standard.
Advertisement
If the American Airlines jet and the helicopter had also been equipped with one of the ADS-B in systems that can receive location data, the NTSB and the victims’ families and key lawmakers say, the pilots may have been able to avoid the collision.
The receiving systems would have provided more warning along with an indication of where the other aircraft was. But for that to work the helicopter’s ADS-B out system that’s supposed to broadcast its location would have to be turned on and working correctly, which wasn’t the case on the night of the crash.
Tragedy could have been prevented
These locator systems are one of the measures that might have been able to overcome all the systemic problems and mistakes the NTSB identified in the disaster. That’s why this requirement was endorsed by NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy — the only witness called to the hearing — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and all of the Senate.
“This seems like a no-brainer, right? Especially when this is not a new thing that they’re proposing,” said Amy Hunter, whose cousin Peter Livingston died on the flight with his wife and two young daughters.
Advertisement
Afterward, the FAA made several changes including prohibiting helicopters from flying along the route where the crash happened whenever a plane is landing on the secondary runway at Reagan National Airport and requiring all aircraft to use their ADS-B out systems to broadcast their locations.
The crash anniversary and NTSB hearing on the causes of the crash have made recent weeks challenging for victims’ families. And now the Olympics are reminding Hunter and others that their loved ones — like young Everly and Alydia Livingston — will never have a chance to realize their dreams of competing for a gold medal.
Cost concerns for plane owners
The biggest stumbling block is cost. Upgrading some airline jets might cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, placing an expensive burden on some — especially regional airlines with tighter profit margins like the one that flew the jet that collided with the Army helicopter. Some also worry whether general aviation pilots could afford the upgrades.
But some airlines have already begun to add the technology to their planes, partly because in addition to the safety benefits, the systems can help increase the number of planes that can fly into an airport by spacing them more precisely. American Airlines leads the industry, having added the technology to its Airbus A321s over the past several years, equipping more than 300 of its roughly 1,000 planes to date.
Advertisement
Any plane more than a decade old likely doesn’t have either of these systems installed. Most newer planes have at least an ADS-B out system that broadcasts their location.
But roughly three quarters of the pilots of business jets and smaller single-engine Cessnas and Bonanzas use portable devices that only cost several hundred dollars, made by companies like ForeFlight, that can tap into this location data and display the information about nearby aircraft on an iPad. So it doesn’t appear the legislation would create a significant expense for them.
Tim Lilley, a pilot himself, said having both these locator systems would have saved the life of his son Sam, who was copilot of the airliner, and everyone else who died. He said small plane owners have an affordable option, but even the expensive upgrades to large planes would be worth it.
“If those recommendations had been fully realized, this accident wouldn’t have happened,” Lilley said. “I don’t know what value we put on the human life, but 67 lives would still be here today.”
Footage from the cameras outside the man’s home matched footage found on the stalker’s phone
A Cambridgeshire woman stalked a man with remotely accessible cameras hidden in a hedge outside his home. Nadia Kiernan, 33, has been handed a 12-month restraining order and a 12-month community order for stalking a man in Newmarket.
Advertisement
Kiernan was arrested and charged with stalking after remotely accessible cameras were discovered in a hedge outside the victim’s home. After she was arrested, the cameras, associated material, and her mobile phone were seized by police.
Detectives identified footage on her mobile phone that appeared as from the camera outside the property.
Kiernan, of Clay Street in Ely, Cambridgeshire, appeared before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Wednesday, February 4. She had originally denied the charge of stalking at an earlier hearing before changing her plea.
Kiernan must also comply with a rehabilitation and community programme. She was ordered to pay costs and charges totalling £414.
Advertisement
PC Georgia Goreham, the investigating officer said: “The impact on the victim upon discovering the cameras should not be understated. The devices had been placed outside his home to spy on him, monitor his activity and track his movements. Seven months of recorded surveillance was identified from Kiernan’s phone and cameras.
“Stalking is a serious and distressing crime which can escalate into dangerous and destructive behaviour. Protecting victims and addressing this type of abuse remains a priority for Suffolk Constabulary and we urge anyone experiencing similar behaviour to come forward and report it.”
Resident Evil Requiem becomes the first mainline entry to launch day one on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 27, with exclusive Amiibo figures of Grace Ashcroft and Leon Kenney coming Summer 2026
15:48, 12 Feb 2026Updated 15:48, 12 Feb 2026
Resident Evil Requiem marks a historic moment as the first title from the legendary horror franchise to debut on Nintendo Switch 2.
But it’s not the only first for the series. Requiem, the ninth major instalment in the Resident Evil games, arrives on consoles and PC on February 27.
As developers Capcom abandon older generation systems, it will exclusively be available on PC, Switch 2, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. And in 2026, it’ll be making waves in both Nintendo and franchise history.
Advertisement
Requiem represents the first mainline entry in the series to launch day one on a Nintendo Switch console, with Resident Evil 5, 6 and 7 all appearing on Switch considerably later. In fact, Resident Evil 7 and Village – the eighth and most recent main instalment – were only accessible on the original Switch console through cloud streaming.
You’d need to wind back to 2005 to discover another Nintendo day one release. That’s when Resident Evil 4 initially launched on the GameCube as an exclusive – before appearing on PlayStation 2 several months afterwards.
But now, with Requiem, there’s another Nintendo exclusive element that will delight Switch 2 enthusiasts, reports All Out Gaming. The very first Resident Evil Amiibos have been unveiled and fans will be able to buy not one, but two figures later this year.
During a recent Nintendo Direct, it was confirmed that Amiibos for both of Requiem’s main characters will launch in summer 2026. As Eurogamer reports, Grace Ashcroft and Leon Kenney will both be preserved in Amiibo form.
Grace’s figurine depicts her sporting a black rucksack and brown jacket, as glimpsed in some of the game’s preview clips, whilst Leon wields a reliable zombie-slaying hatchet. As is customary, tapping them on the sensor located on the Switch 2‘s right Joy-Con will unlock exclusive bonuses.
According to Eurogamer, these have been confirmed as special in-game weapon skins for Requiem. Whilst the Amiibos aren’t crucial for enjoying Requiem, Capcom has pledged they’ll be available this summer.
Enthusiasts have greeted the announcement with delight, with one taking to Reddit to declare “Just when I thought my wallet was safe.” Another commented: “What a time to be alive.”
Advertisement
A third Redditor remarked: “They both honestly look great. I’m definitely getting them both.”
Another noted: “I knew it felt weird that they teased amiibo in the last RE direct after the first mention specifically called out Grace.”
Some supporters have even suggested this could hint at a Resident Evil character joining the next Super Smash Bros game’s line-up – though that’s probably wishful thinking rather than realistic expectation.
Last week, Homan announced he was removing 700 immigration agents from the state, leaving around 2,000 federal officers there, after receiving greater cooperation from local leaders, and that he was working to cut their presence to where it was before the operation started in December.
A simple cleaning hack ensures the shower tiles and grout look sparkly clean – and no scrubbing is needed.
Bathroom tiles have a tendency to accumulate dirt and grime, and ultimately mould, without regular weekly cleaning. And let’s face it, a demanding weekly deep clean of the bathroom might not be everyone’s priority.
Advertisement
Grout can become discoloured quite easily, developing a dark brown coating that makes the bathroom tiles appear unhygienic. Over time, it can become a breeding ground for mould spores and bacteria.
Fortunately, John Klee – an expert from the Big Bathroom Shop – has revealed to Express.co.uk a straightforward and efficient cleaning method.
Whilst you could purchase a chemical cleaning product for your tiles, all you really need for a thorough clean is something acidic.
John recommended: “The best way to keep grout looking in top condition is to spray down the shower with a 1:1 vinegar and water mix before stepping out of the shower.”
White vinegar, which contains antibacterial acetic acid, can break down soap and remove any oily residue left on the bathroom tiles.
Regular use of white vinegar will also eliminate mould and prevent its return, as the spores cannot thrive in an acidic environment.
Keeping white vinegar in your bathroom might seem unusual, but it makes tackling tile stains and mildew simple, ensuring your tiles remain as spotless as possible.
Here’s an easy approach to prevent mould and to eliminate soap scum while maintaining sparkly clean bathroom tiles – without the need for intensive scrubbing or harsh chemical solutions.
How to deep clean tile grout in a flash
All you need to do is spritz white vinegar on the tiles grout twice a week, just before you step out of the shower.
If you spot any black or brown stains, you can also use a soft-bristled brush, or even an old toothbrush, to gently scrub the grout lines using a circular motion. Any build-up should easily come off.
Advertisement
Wipe the surface dry with a cloth and your tiles should remain impeccably white with minimal effort.
The survey captured the perspectives of 1,500 privately owned businesses across the UK, including 122 in Yorkshire, spanning sectors such as professional services, finance, technology, industrial manufacturing and retail.
Plans to introduce new technology were identified as the primary driver of confidence, cited by 52% of Yorkshire businesses – significantly above the UK average of 42%.
Digital transformation was also cited as a leading investment priority for 39% of Yorkshire businesses – mirroring the UK average and reflecting the region’s growing technology ecosystem.
Advertisement
RECOMMENDED READING:
Diversification remains high on the agenda, with more than half of private businesses across Yorkshire (56%) planning to introduce new service lines and broaden their client offerings as they seek to unlock new revenue streams.
Appetite for international expansion is also high, with more than half of respondents (58%) confirming that appetite for international expansion has increased over the last 12 months
The appetite for alternative funding options is also strong, with over half of Yorkshire businesses (51%) now open to private equity investment, exceeding the UK average of 47%.
Advertisement
More broadly, over 60% of businesses are engaged with acquisitions in some capacity: 32% are actively pursuing acquisitions, while a further 32% are open to acquisition opportunities even if they are not currently seeking deals. The remaining 39% are focused solely on internal growth.
Phil Murden, Leeds Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK, said: “Businesses across the region are prioritising new technology and digital skills as a way to boost productivity and sharpen their competitive edge.
“This confidence is being reinforced by the strength of Yorkshire’s growing tech ecosystem, particularly in Leeds, alongside momentum behind initiatives such as the AI Growth Zone bids in York, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Barnsley, which have the potential to accelerate innovation, support skilled job creation and strengthen collaboration between business and academia.
“Businesses are diversifying, exploring new markets and showing greater openness to alternative funding, all of which points to a region that refuses to stand still. Despite headwinds Yorkshire’s private businesses are confident. They are positioning themselves to grow and compete internationally.”
Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of War, is “missing a good party” by choosing to skip a meeting of his fellow NATO defence ministers in Brussels, one ally has said.
Other allies were more diplomatic, playing down the no-show, though Germany’s defence minister underlined the need for the alliance to become “more European” to remain transatlantic.
The comments were made as defence ministers from the 32-nation bloc gathered at NATO headquarters on Thursday to discuss steps to increase European security one year after Mr Hegseth warned them that the United States was shifting its focus to other priorities and Europe needed to take the lead in defending itself.
Sky News asked a number of ministers, as they arrived, what they thought about the secretary of war deciding not to return to NATO headquarters for this year’s ministerial, instead sending Elbridge Colby, his deputy – and whether this was a signal that the United States was less interested in the security of Europe.
Advertisement
Image: Elbridge Colby, deputy of Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of War, seen at a NATO summit. Pic: AP
Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, the foreign minister of Iceland, who is also responsible for defence, said: “Sadly for him he is missing a good party. Of course, it is always better that the ministers attend here but I will not describe it as a bad signal.”
She said allies had already been tested earlier in the year when Donald Trump threatened to seize Greenland – even though it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a fellow member of NATO.
Mark Rutte, the head of the alliance, defused that crisis when he spoke with the US president on the sidelines of a major economic forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, making clear that defending the Arctic is a core priority for all allies.
Image: US President Donald Trump and defence secretary Pete Hegseth. Pic: Reuters
On Wednesday, NATO announced an enhanced mission to protect the high north, called Arctic Sentry. The move appears designed to demonstrate to Mr Trump that the territory is well protected from threats from Russia and China.
“I think now the alliance is stronger than in the beginning of the year,” the Icelandic foreign minister said.
Advertisement
Boris Pistorius, the defence minister of Germany, which is hugely ramping up its defence spending in response to Mr Trump’s demands, said he was “not disappointed” that his American counterpart had stayed away from the NATO meeting.
“We also agree that loneliness, the lack of emotional maturity, the pressure of mounting debts, the lack of consistent mental health care and support and recurring heartache are all contributing factors of Robin Jamie Windsor’s mental health deterioration which in turn led him to take his own life.”
Nottingham Forest are close to appointing former Wolves boss Vitor Pereira as their new head coach.
The Premier League club sacked Sean Dyche shortly after being held to a goalless draw by bottom club Wolves on Wednesday, leaving them three points above the relegation zone with 12 games remaining.
BBC Sport earlier reported Forest had opened talks with Pereira and those discussions are understood to have progressed with an agreement now described as close.
The 57-year-old quickly emerged as the preferred option to replace Dyche, having worked previously under Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis at Greek club Olympiacos.
Advertisement
Pereira was credited for keeping Wolves in the Premier League last season having joined midway through the campaign, but he was sacked in November with the club on two points from 10 matches.
The Portuguese is in line to become Forest’s fourth manager of the season following Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Dyche.
The crime thriller has returned to Prime Video for a second season with a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Hannah McGreevy, Assistant Editor for Screen Time
14:59, 12 Feb 2026
A gripping crime thriller has made its comeback to Prime Video this week and viewers are applauding its ‘genius’ plot twists. The hard-hitting detective drama initially premiered back in November 2024 and is adapted from a collection of best-selling novels by acclaimed author James Patterson.
Season 1 of the TV series secured a respectable 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but its second season has launched with a significantly higher rating of 90%. The opening season saw Aldis Hodge headline the cast as a detective hunting down a chilling serial killer, portrayed by New Amsterdam’s Ryan Eggold, who disguised his victims as infamous serial killers from history.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, season 2 features a race against the clock to locate a female killer who is plotting to take “revenge” on some of the world’s most powerful CEOs. Cross, which sees Hodge portraying the titular Detective Alex Cross from Patterson’s novels, arrived on Prime Video yesterday. The opening three episodes of Cross are available to stream now, with the remaining episodes releasing weekly until the season 2 finale on March 18.
The official Prime Video synopsis for Cross season 2 reads: “Starring Aldis Hodge, CROSS is a Washington DC based crime drama that follows Alex Cross, a brilliant homicide detective and forensic psychologist, uniquely capable of digging into the minds of serial killers in order to identify and catch them. In Season Two, Cross is in pursuit of a ruthless vigilante who is hunting down corrupt billionaire magnates.”
Season 2 promises even higher stakes and has welcomed some thrilling new cast members, including Scooby-Doo star Matthew Lillard, Roswell, New Mexico actress Jeanine Mason and The Expanse’s Wes Chatham. Taking to X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, fans expressed their views on the series, with some catching up on the show for the first time, reports the Express.
Advertisement
One tweeted: “Just binged Cross S1 on Prime Video. Thought it started slow, but wow… it completely hooked me. Turning the subplot into the real story was genius. The suspense, twists, and performances go crazy. Anticipating Season 2,” they enthused, before later adding: “Holy s***. Season 2 is definitely gonna be fire.”
“First 3 episodes of season 2 #Cross was pretty damn good,” a second person wrote, while another concurred: “#Cross is real good this season!” Another fan confessed they would be “watching #cross for the rest of the day”, as one more remarked: “Watching new season of #cross so far so good.”
Other fans were keen for more episodes to be released following a change to the release schedule from season 1, with one individual lamenting: “Bruh they’re gonna air the episodes weekly for #cross.. ugh. Just drop the damn 8 episodes.” Another added: “Why is #Cross not being released all in one go? First episode of S2 was good.”
Advertisement
Meanwhile, over on Rotten Tomatoes, critics offered their views on series two, with CBR noting: “The second season of Cross tells a disturbing, yet provocatively captivating story that peels back the layers of human morality.”
RIOTUS wrote: “Season 1 left us breathless with no one to trust, but Season 2 is brutal. If you think you’re ready, be worried because the drama-trauma coming your way is real.”
The Movie Blog observed: “Cross Season 2 delivers a timely, twisty mystery that stays sharp and relevant. Aldis Hodge anchors the season with control, and the supporting cast keeps the momentum strong all the way to the finale.”
Advertisement
However, not everyone was impressed, with a critic from Roger Ebert stating: “The highs and lows of this second season mirror a spindling rollercoaster, one whose mechanisms slowly falter until the wheels come loose, before the whole ride comes crashing down.” Collider added: “While Cross Season 2 is mostly entertaining, it’s missing some of the key aspects that made Season 1 work so well.”
Cross season 2, episodes 1-3 are available to stream now on Prime Video and new episodes will arrive every Wednesday.
The Turning Point Brewing Company has announced the proposed sale on its social media sites.
Owners Cameron Brown and Aron McMahon say the sale of the Knaresborough-based brewery follows “nine joyous and successful years.”
Turning Point Brewery began in 2017, originally in Kirkbymoorside, before it moved to its current site in 2019, where the Rooster’s Brewery was until it moved to Hornbeam Park, Harrogate.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Advertisement
The brewery statement said: “The brewery will operate and trade as normal until a new ownership is found and implemented and all planned projects and events, such as Taproom openings, Imperial March etc, all continue as scheduled.
“The reasons for sale are personal to the Directors, and they feel the time is right for someone with equal passion and drive to take the reins and move this wonderful, thriving brewery and brand forward for many years to come.”
The sale includes The Falcon pub in Micklegate, York, which the pair also own and which Cameron used to run when it was known as the Falcon Tap, before it closed in 2018, until re-opening in 2022.
Cameron Brown outside the Falcon in 2022 when it re-opened after several years. (Image: Darren Greenwood)
For a time, earlier this century, the property, which first opened as a pub in 1715, was a ‘fun pub’ known as Rumours, before returning to its Falcon branding.
Advertisement
The Turning Point Brewery is known for an extensive range of styles, with a focus on New England IPAs, sours, and imperial stouts.
Over the years, it has made 160 different ales, often featuring space-themed names like Astral Voyage and Cosmic Slop. It’s best selling beer is best-selling beer is Disco King, a 5.1% ABV American pale ale.
Some of its beers are stocked in the craft beer sections of Asda, Sainsbury’s and The Co-op.
Turning Point has won many awards over the years. They included last September, the brewery winning gold at the York CAMRA Beer Festival for its Velvet Goldmine in the 4.8%-5.4%ABV category and silver in the 4.5%-4.7% ABV category.
Advertisement
The Turning Point statement added: “Should you be interested in buying a prospering, profitable business, please get in touch at office@turningpointbrewco.com where a full sales prospectus is available.”
