The Federal Aviation Administration is restricting helicopter traffic over the Potomac River stretching from Memorial Bridge to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge between the District of Columbia and Virginia in response to Wednesday’s deadly mid-air collision.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, in “support” of President Donald Trump and in “consultation” with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, made the announcement Friday afternoon.
Duffy said the move would ensure safety following the mid-air collision between American Airlines flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kan., and an Army Blackhawk helicopter while the commercial jet was on approach to land at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
“Today’s decision will immediately help secure the airspace near Reagan Airport, ensuring the safety of airplane and helicopter traffic,” said Duffy.
The secretary said the restriction is a step in “restoring” the American people’s confidence in air travel.
“This is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding our nation’s skies and upholding the highest standards of air travel safety.
“We will continue to support President Trump’s directive to achieve uncompromised aviation safety. The American people deserve full confidence in our aviation system and today’s action is a significant step towards restoring that trust,” Duffy added.
The restriction will apply to areas along the Potomac River and DCA, including Memorial Bridge to South Capitol Street Bridge, excluding the Tidal Basin, Haines Point to Wilson Bridge and over the top of DCA.
Exceptions to restrictions apply to choppers entering the airspace for lifesaving medical support, active law enforcement, active air defense and presidential transport missions.
The memo added that the restrictions will “remain in place until the National Transportation and Safety Board “completes its preliminary investigation of the air carrier incident, at which point it will be reviewed based on NTSB’s report.”
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., praised the move, echoing Duffy’s commitment to restoring trust.
“I’m glad to see the FAA take action to restrict helicopter traffic around DCA. This is a good step to restore public trust and promote safety. I’m still thinking of the victims and focused on preventing future tragedies,” Warner posted on X.
As of Friday afternoon, 41 victims have been recovered from the wreckage. Sixty passengers and four crew members were on the plane and three soldiers were on the helicopter at the time of the collision.
On Thursday evening, a recovery team had retrieved the plane’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. The black boxes have been sent to NTSB labs for evaluation.
It was also announced Friday that two of the three runways at DCA will be closed in an effort to assist the recovery efforts. Authorities said the two runways could be closed for up to a week but will be reassessed on Monday.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.
