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Former USAID official warns China is already looking to fill void left by paused programs

The Trump administration’s pause of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding may leave the door open for China to spread its influence, and Beijing is not wasting time trying to fill in the gaps.

A former USAID official, who spoke with Fox News Digital under the condition of anonymity, said that whereas the U.S. stepped down, China has “immediately” stepped in.

“We’ve just seen news reporting coming out of Nepal, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, documenting directly that where USAID programs have ended that the People’s Republic of China has told these governments that it will step in and become the partner for these governments to continue that work,” a former USAID official told Fox News Digital.

An illustration of Elon Musk, President Donald Trump and a USAID flag. (Getty Images)

FORMER USAID ADMINISTRATOR SAYS AGENCY SHOULD STAY WITH CONSERVATIVE HEAD

China has already stepped up its funding to Cambodia’s largest demining organization, the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC), in the absence of U.S. funds, according to Reuters. As it seeks increased influence, Beijing pledged $4.4 million to CMAC, more than double the $2 million it received from the U.S. last year, the outlet added.

Additionally, China is also watching the funding freeze’s impact on Nepal, the Annapurna Express reports. While China is already sending funds to Nepal, it is reportedly increasing its financial support in various areas.

The former USAID official emphasized that “by removing these [USAID] programs it adds one more reason for many of these partners to now not see the United States as a partner who shares their priorities of investing in the people of their countries.”

President Donald Trump displays a signed National Security Presidential Memorandum in the Oval Office in 2019 in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

TOP FEDERAL AGENCY EXPOSED FOR SPENDING BILLIONS ON MIGRANTS IN A SINGLE YEAR

While there are several populations around the globe feeling the impact of the Trump administration’s funding freeze, the situation is particularly treacherous for women.

During President Donald Trump’s first term in office, his daughter, Ivanka, played a key role in launching the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative (W-GDP). At the time, the White House said the program was aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment.

Lilian Achom, who is based in Uganda, participated in USAID W-GDP Fund programming and was present when Trump launched the W-GDP. Now, she fears that women grappling with HIV/AIDS, many of whom are widows trying to raise children.

When speaking to Fox News Digital, Achom said Trump needs to “think about the underprivileged deep down in northern Uganda. The underprivileged, the children, the women who are currently suffering.”

Achom recalled meeting Ivanka Trump and spoke highly of the president’s daughter, saying that she was “inspired” by her.

“I saw in her someone who was really, really interested in women’s empowerment, economic development and digital inclusion for women around the world,” Achom said of Ivanka.

Ivanka Trump speaks while next to Lilian Achom in the White House, Feb. 7, 2019. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

The former USAID official who spoke with Fox News Digital said that the funding freeze is “impacting potentially every aspect of the lives of women and girls who were benefiting from USAID programs.” The official added that while China is already trying to fill certain voids left by the U.S., it’s unclear whether they will fund programs focused on women.

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The White House has accused USAID of funding “the ridiculous — and, in many cases, malicious — pet projects of entrenched bureaucrats.”

Among the areas of “waste and abuse” highlighted by the White House are $2.5 million for electric vehicles for Vietnam, $1.5 million to “advance diversity, equity and inclusion in Serbia’s workplaces and business communities,” and $6 million to fund tourism in Egypt.

The State Department did not respond to a Fox News request for comment.

Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.

February 18, 2025
Saquon Barkley left speechless after first Super Bowl title: ‘You can’t use words’

Philadelphia officials estimated more than 1 million people would gather for the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory parade.

On Friday, a sea of fans wearing Eagles green lined Philly’s Broad Street to take in the festivities.

The Eagles’ defense delivered a strong performance, sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes six times and forcing two interceptions en route to a 40-22 victory Sunday in New Orleans.

Five days later, supporters got a chance to cheer on the team in their hometown.

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley lifts the Lombardi Trophy during the Super Bowl championship parade and rally in Philadelphia Feb. 14, 2025. (Caean Couto/Imagn Images)

The scene appeared to leave star running back Saquon Barkley in awe.

“You can’t use words to describe this,” Barkley told a reporter as he rode an open-top bus in the parade.

SAQUON BARKLEY PROCLAIMS NEXT GOAL AFTER DREAM EAGLES SEASON: ‘WHY NOT WIN ANOTHER SUPER BOWL?’

Barkley then spoke about the enjoyment he was experiencing.

“Every time I think Philly can’t take it to another level, it takes it to a whole ‘nother level. Me and my family are just happy and honored to be a part of this organization, be a part of this city. This city deserves it all and here we are.

“I might be having too much fun.”

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley celebrates during the Super Bowl championship parade and rally in Philadelphia Feb. 14, 2025. (Caean Couto/Imagn Images)

The three-time Pro Bowler then declared Eagles fans the “best fans in the world.”

“It definitely exceeded expectations. I saw a little clip on it the other day [from] 2017 when they won the first Super Bowl. We got the best fans in the world,” he said when asked whether the celebration surpassed his expectations.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, center, holds the Vince Lombardi trophy during the Eagles’ Super Bowl championship parade Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Damian Giletto/Delaware News Journal/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Philadelphia is known for having some of country’s most passionate fans, but those supporters have had a limited number of championships to celebrate over the past few decades.

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The Eagles’s latest Super Bowl title is the third pro championship in Philly in the last 40 years. The Phillies won the World Series in 2008, and the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in the 2018 Super Bowl.

“You get a little greedy and start thinking about the future and this brings you back to the moment,” said Barkley.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 15, 2025
Trump’s Gaza relocation proposal sparks heated debate among Palestinians: ‘no life left here’

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President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Palestinians should leave Gaza to rebuild their lives after months of war has triggered a wave of reactions, exposing deep divisions within the enclave and across the Arab world.

Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House last week, Trump outlined his vision for Gaza’s future, describing it as “the Riviera of the Middle East.” His proposal to relocate 1.8 million Palestinians sparked outrage among Palestinian leaders and drew mixed reactions from Gazans.

While some Gazans have rejected emigration, others see it as their only hope.

“I’m asking Donald Trump himself to relocate us as he suggested. And I’ll be the first one to go,” one young man told the Center for Peace Communications team in Gaza during a camera interview. The man described his bleak reality, saying, “I want to leave because there’s no life left here. Life here is gone. I mean, just look around you.”

THE HISTORY OF GAZA AMID TRUMP’S PLAN TO REBUILD ENCLAVE

A view of the widespread destruction in Gaza, Jabalia, on February 5, 2025. (YOUSSEF ALZANOUN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Another Gazan called on neighboring Arab countries to provide an escape route. “To our brotherly Egyptian and Jordanian people and King Abdullah—we hope they open the crossing for the youth who are leaving, for the wounded, for the sick, and the elderly who need treatment.”

Jordan’s King Abdullah is set to meet with President Trump on Tuesday, having rejected his plan for annexing Gaza and displacing Palestinians, Reuters reported.

Jordanian King Abdullah meets President Trump on Tuesday having already rejected his plan for Gaza. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research poll conducted before the October 7 terror attacks found that 31% of Gazans were already considering emigration—44% among young people. The most popular countries were Turkey, followed by Germany, Canada, the United States and Qatar.

The poll’s authors said, “The main drivers seem economic, political, educational, security and concerns about corruption.”

Displaced Palestinians arrive in central Gaza after fleeing from the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Joseph Braude, founder and president of the Center for Peace Communications, told Fox News Digital that the number has grown significantly due to the ongoing devastation. “Through our daily contact with Gazans from all walks of life across the coastal strip, we have seen that proportion grow, amid the destruction of the present war, to a substantial majority of the population.”

Ayman Khaled, a Palestinian journalist, echoed similar sentiments, pointing to the grim prospects for rebuilding Gaza after months of relentless Israeli bombardment. “Gaza will need to go through a very long period of reconstruction. In that long period of time, where will the youth go? Where will the wounded go? We have more than 100,000 wounded. Even before the last war, a stream of people were leaving Gaza—workers, students, business people. That’s how it looked then. Now, those trends will double. There is no hope for the reconstruction of Gaza, not in a year nor 10 nor 15.”

‘LEVEL IT’: TRUMP SAYS US WILL ‘TAKE OVER’ GAZA STRIP, REBUILD IT TO STABILIZE MIDDLE EAST

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet at the White House in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2025. (REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz)

He also warned that as long as Hamas remains in power, cycles of violence will continue, pushing more people to flee. “If Hamas remains on the scene, this will keep happening. Every day, we’ll have new killings. After every battle, they say they are victorious—but what is this victory? If we don’t seriously address the issue of Hamas leaving the political scene, we cannot talk about anything else. If Hamas remains, people will emigrate, whether willingly or unwillingly.”

Hamas described Trump’s plan as a “recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region,” and for many Gazans, leaving is unthinkable. Speaking to The Associated Press, Mustafa al-Gazzar, a displaced Gazan, dismissed the idea of leaving. “You think you’ll expel me abroad and bring other people in my place? I would rather live in my tent, under rubble. I won’t leave. Put that in your brain.”

Amna Omar, 71, who has been sheltering in central Gaza, was equally defiant. “Gaza is our land, our home. We as Gazans… I don’t want to die in Egypt.”

Another woman in Deir al-Balah told Israeli news agency TPS-IL, “We clung to our destroyed homes and we clung to the soil of Palestine.” While voluntary emigration has been quietly discussed for years, Trump’s endorsement has turned it into a divisive issue. Arab governments, wary of being seen as complicit in Palestinian displacement, have been quick to condemn it.

Smoke rises during an Israeli strike in the vicinity of the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on March 28, 2024 amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists. (AFP via Getty Images)

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However, with Gaza in ruins and no reconstruction in sight, the debate over emigration is no longer theoretical. The question is not whether Gazans want to leave, but whether they will have the opportunity to do so.

A Gazan man interviewed on-camera by the Center for Peace Communications said “In the end, people will accept reality. They’ll emigrate because they want to live. They want to live in a country that protects and supports them. A country where you can hold your head up high. If our country isn’t looking out for us, where should we go?”

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this article.

February 11, 2025
Speaker Johnson says House will match Trump’s pace as Democrats are left ‘flailing’

House Speaker Mike Johnson poked fun at “flailing” Democrats on Sunday and vowed that the House of Representatives would be just as aggressive in pushing legislation as President Donald Trump has been with executive orders.

Johnson made the statement during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday” with host Shannon Bream. Johnson said House Republicans are working to compile the massive legislative package Trump has requested.

“We’re going to secure the border, we’re going to make sure that American communities are safe. We’re going to get American energy dominance going again in the economy and restore common sense,” Johnson said.

“But to do all that in one big bill takes a little bit of time. So we’re working through that process very productively. We’ve been building on this for a year, Shannon. All through last year, we had our committees of jurisdiction working on the ideas to put it together,” he added.

SCOOP: KEY CONSERVATIVE CAUCUS DRAWS RED LINE ON HOUSE BUDGET PLAN

House Speaker Mike Johnson says his Democratic colleagues are “flailing.” (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

“We were going to do a budget committee markup next week. We might push it a little bit further because the details really matter. Remember that I have the smallest margin in history, about a two vote margin currently. So I’ve got to make sure everyone agrees before we bring the project forward, that final product, and we’ve got a few more boxes to check, but we’re getting very, very close,” he continued.

NONCITIZEN VOTER CRACKDOWN LED BY GOP AHEAD OF 2026 MIDTERMS

The budget bill process has not been without its share of in-fighting, however. Republican spending hawks are pushing leaders to include at least $2.5 trillion in spending cuts in the massive legislative package.

President Donald Trump is pushing Congress to move forward with a massive legislative package. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

One GOP lawmaker said that tension bubbled up in a closed-door meeting last week with several “heated exchanges,” with conservatives demanding a concrete plan and minimum spending cuts at significantly higher levels than what was initially proposed.

“I think there’s a lot of frustration right now,” the lawmaker told Fox News Digital. “They’ve been trying to be inclusive, but not every open forum they’ve offered is giving members the ability to say, ‘I feel like people are listening to me,’ because I don’t know that’s the case right now.”

Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. (Getty Images)

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Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., two conservative members of the House Budget Committee, both told reporters they wanted to see the baseline for spending cuts set at roughly $2.5 trillion.

Fox News’ Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to [email protected], or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

February 9, 2025
Parents of American murdered by Hamas ask Trump to get 76 hostages left home

The parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American kidnapped from Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and murdered by Hamas terrorists after surviving 11 months in captivity, made a video plea to President Donald Trump after the latest hostage release.

In a video message shared on Instagram, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin reacted to the release of civilians Eli Sharabi, 52; Or Levy, 34, and Ohad Ben Ami, 56. They were among the 250 people who were taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The three gaunt, frail-looking Israeli hostages were forced to speak during a Hamas handover ceremony, igniting outrage, as Israel in turn released nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday.

“We received the wonderful news that Eli, Or and Ohad we released today,” Rachel Goldberg-Polin said in a video shared to the “Bring.Hersh.Home” account, which has garnered more than 173,000 followers. “We also felt this real connection to Or and his family because Or and Hersh were both kidnapped together from the same bomb shelter on the same pickup truck on Oct. 7. And in fact, Or’s brother, Mikha’el, contacted us right after Shabbat today to tell us that one of Or’s first questions he asked his brother this morning was ‘how is Hersh doing?’ Because he had assumed that Hersh had been released long ago, and his brother had to explain to him that Hersh had been murdered five months ago.”

Jon Polin then addressed Trump, as well as U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, imploring them to secure the release of the remaining 76 hostages this week.

HAMAS FREES 3 MORE HOSTAGES AS PART OF CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT WITH ISRAEL

Israeli captives, from left to the right, Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi and Or Levy, who have been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, are escorted by Hamas before being handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Feb. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

“Seeing the condition of these three hostages, hearing that Or had no idea what happened to Hersh, that Eli was unaware of the fate of his wife and his daughters, is just a gut punch to all of us that we need to do more,” Jon Polin said. “And I’m turning directly to President Trump and to Mr. Witkoff, you have shown that you are the only ones who are able to get this situation moving, moving forward, and my plea to you, our plea to you right now is – now that you’ve done the hard part in getting movement, getting a deal started, let’s not think about Phase 1 and Phase 2 and Phase 3 in many months. Let’s think bigger and faster. All 76 hostages out this week. End of war. Who benefits from dragging it out for so long? Not the people of this region. Let’s get it done right now. Thank you.”

“Godspeed,” Rachel Goldberg-Polin added.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages were murdered by Hamas terrorists last August shortly before Israeli troops reached the tunnel where they were being held in southern Gaza. Israeli troops recovered the six bodies from the tunnel, and Israeli forensic experts said they had been shot at close range after surviving nearly a year in captivity.

Israeli captive Or Levy, who has been held hostage in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, is escorted by Hamas before being handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Feb. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Goldberg-Polin, a native of Berkeley, California, was attending a music festival when Hamas-led terrorists stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage. He lost part of his left arm to a grenade blast during the attack. In April, a Hamas-issued video showed him speaking under duress with his left hand missing, sparking new protests in Israel.

TRUMP UNVEILS SANCTIONS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT FOR NETANYAHU ARREST WARRANT

In their first hours as free men, the three Israeli hostages released on Saturday were beginning to confront the tragic realities to which they returned

Sharabi returned to Israel after 16 months of captivity. He was told only after his return that his wife and two daughters had been killed in the Oct. 7 attack, according to reports in Israeli media.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin was murdered by Hamas. (Israel’s Minister of Defense)

Levy “was not sure” what happened to his wife on that day, his mother, Geula, told Israeli media on Saturday, adding that he was not exposed to media reports while in Gaza. Levy was taken from a bomb shelter near the Nova music festival in southern Israel and his wife, Einav, was killed in the attack. His mother said he also asked about Goldberg-Polin, who was abducted from the same bomb shelter. Levy was reunited Saturday with his 3-year-old son.

A third released hostage, Ben Ami, sat huddled with his wife and three daughters in a hospital corridor. He told them: “I have a lot of things to catch up on.” Ben Ami is a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri, one of the hardest hit communities on Oct. 7. “I need to get answers to a lot of things, and I know some of them will be difficult answers,” he said in footage released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office. “I need to know what happened on that day.”

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It was the fifth swap of hostages for prisoners since the current Israel-Hamas ceasefire began on Jan. 19.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Danielle Wallace is a breaking news and politics reporter at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on X: @danimwallace.

February 9, 2025
Noem reveals 2nd flight of ‘dangerous criminal aliens’ left for Gitmo ahead of her visit

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Friday that a second flight to Guantanamo Bay carrying “dangerous criminal aliens” had departed a day earlier – just as she is heading to the site where up to 30,000 migrants could eventually be held.

“A second flight of dangerous criminal aliens took off for Guantanamo Bay yesterday. ALL are known gang members from Venezuela,” she said on X.

She said that those on board included an immigrant who confessed to homicide and another wanted in Venezuela for escaping jail and for aggravated robbery with a weapon/intent to commit homicide.

FIRST 10 ‘HIGH THREAT’ ILLEGALS TO ARRIVE TO GUANTANAMO BAY ARE ALL TREN DE ARAGUA MEMBERS

This image shows migrants boarding a military flight to Guantanamo Bay. (Department of Homeland Security)

Other crimes said to be committed by passengers include weapons trafficking, robbery, drug distribution, assault and impersonation fraud.

Fox News reported Thursday that DHS had said there were 13 Venezuelan men on the plane, some of whom are suspected members of Tren de Aragua.

The Thursday flight was the second after a similar flight on Tuesday. Noem will visit the Guantanamo Bay facility on Friday, when she will see the detention and processing center and have tours and briefings on the site.

President Donald Trump announced last week that he was instructing the Pentagon to prepare to hold 30,000 nationals at the military base.

MEXICAN TROOPS BEGIN ARRIVING AT US-MEXICO BORDER FOLLOWING DEAL MADE TO PAUSE TRUMP-APPROVED TARIFFS

Homeland Security Kristi Noem joins an ICE raid in New York City on Tuesday. Noem said communities will be safer because of targeted raids that go after criminal illegal immigrants. (Department of Homeland Security)

About 380 service members are supporting the holding operations at Naval Station Guantanamo, U.S. Southern Command said Tuesday, adding that the number of service members will continue to fluctuate based on DHS requirements.

The Department of Defense (DOD) stated that these migrant criminals are being housed in vacant detention facilities. The DOD said that is only a temporary arrangement being made to “ensure the safe and secure detention of these individuals until they can be transported to their country of origin or other appropriate destination.”

DHS clarified that the Guantánamo Bay prison will be used to house only “the worst of the worst” criminals.

It is part of a broader mass deportation operation launched by the Trump administration on day one in office. President Trump declared a national emergency at the border and deployed the military to the border as part of a rapid-fire series of measures to crack down on illegal immigration.

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DHS has since taken a number of measures to free up ICE agents to arrest and deport illegal immigrants, and officers are frequently arresting over 1,000 a day.

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Fox News Digital reported on Thursday that any releases of illegal immigrants from ICE custody will now need the signature of the acting director, while the agency has also requested an apportionment of around $575 million from the Office of Management and Budget as an advance of its funding for the year in order to be able to work quicker and get another step closer to a reported target of 100,000 beds and 1 million removals a year.

Fox News’ Alexis McAdams, Peter Pinedo and Bill Melugin contributed to this report.

Adam Shaw is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, primarily covering immigration and border security.

He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter.

February 7, 2025
Father of ex-LSU star left disabled after brain tumor surgery says he hasn’t heard from Brian Kelly, school

A year and a half ago, Greg Brooks Jr. was a potential NFL prospect, captaining LSU’s football team. Today, he is wheelchair bound and hardly able to speak.

In September 2023, Brooks said he was feeling dizzy and vomited at practice. He said the team diagnosed him with vertigo, but the symptoms never subsided.

It was not until over a month later that Brooks was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent emergency surgery.

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LSU Tigers safety Greg Brooks Jr., #3, during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl between the LSU Tigers and the Purdue Boilermakers on Jan. 2, 2023 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

However, during the surgery, Brooks said he suffered from several strokes, and he is now relearning to eat, walk and write because of the operation.

“He’s at LSU, one of the best colleges in the United States. Would I have ever thought that his best interests wouldn’t be at heart? No,” Brooks’ father, Greg Sr., said in a recent interview with “Good Morning America.”

“Honestly, I thought it was fake. Like, I was in disbelief. Like a nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from,” “Little Greg” said.

However, Greg Sr. added that he has not heard from anyone at the school, “specifically [head coach] Brian Kelly,” since October 2023, around the time when Little Greg was diagnosed.

“My son almost lost his life, Coach. Where were you? Forget about football. Pick up the phone and say you love the kid, man,” Greg Sr. said.

LSU Tigers safety Greg Brooks Jr., #3, celebrates with teammates Jay Ward, #5, and West Weeks, #33, after intercepting a pass against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Jan. 2, 2023 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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The Brooks family filed a lawsuit against LSU last August for negligence, saying the school did not handle the situation properly, nor were doctors who operated on Brooks Jr. qualified to do so.

The suit also alleged LSU staff told Brooks to play football despite feeling sick, and they threatened to take his starting spot away if he did not.

“Greg will likely need care for the rest of his life for the injuries he sustained as a result of his providers’ malpractice,” the lawsuit says. “Obviously, Greg will also never be able to play football again, and he will likely never be able to work and/or care for himself without the assistance of others.”

LSU set up a donation fund at the time, but the suit says the funds were never transferred.

Brooks’ lawsuit names Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, where he had his surgery, as a defendant.

“Due to patient privacy laws and pending litigation, we can’t comment on specific individuals or situations,” the hospital said in a statement at the time. “The neurosurgical team at Our Lady of the Lake is among the most experienced in Louisiana and they give our patients the best opportunity for a positive outcome in any circumstance.”

“While LSU cannot comment on ongoing litigation, Greg Brooks remains in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to work through the rehabilitation process,” the university said last October.

Fox News Digital reached out to LSU for comment but has not heard back.

LSU Tigers safety Greg Brooks Jr., #3, intercepts the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Jan. 2, 2023 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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He played in LSU’s first two games of the 2023 season after suiting up in all of LSU’s 14 games in 2022. The Tigers lost the SEC title to Georgia in 2022 but won the Citrus Bowl over Purdue. Brooks had a career-high 66 tackles in 2022.

Brooks transferred to LSU after the 2021 season after spending three seasons at the University of Arkansas. If all went as originally hoped, he’d likely have just wrapped up his NFL rookie season.

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February 5, 2025
Wife of Delaware skating coach killed in DC plane crash left devastated by tragedy: ‘I lost everything’

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The wife of a Delaware skating coach says she has “lost everything” after learning that her husband was one of the victims killed when an American Airlines plane collided midair with an Army helicopter in Washington, D.C., late Wednesday night.

Natalya Gudin told WPVI that she and her husband, Alexandr “Sasha” Kirsanov, were both skating coaches in Delaware. She recalled the now heartbreaking decision that she and her husband made that Kirsanov would travel to Wichita, Kansas, for a development camp.

Rescuers on boats work as the sun rises at the site of the crash after a Black Hawk helicopter collided with American Eagle Flight 5342, which was approaching Reagan Washington National Airport, and crashed into the Potomac River, outside of Washington, D.C., on Jan. 30, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

“We are husband and wife,” she told the station. “We decided who’s going, who’s staying home,” she said. “We decided he would go to the development camp.”

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Kirsanov, 46, was one of 67 people killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided near Reagan Washington National Airport at around 9 p.m. local time.

What began as a search and rescue effort turned to a recovery operation after officials said they believed there were no survivors.

Among the victims included several members of the figure skating community. U.S. Figure Skating released a statement confirming that the victims were returning home from a development camp being held after the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, which concluded on Sunday.

“I lost everything. I lost my husband. I lost my students. I lost my friends,” Gudin told the station.

University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis released a statement Thursday confirming that Kirsanov, a former figure skating coach with the university, was one of the victims in Wednesday’s crash.

Photos of victims following the collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter. (Getty Images)

OLYMPIC FIGURE SKATER TONYA HARDING CALLS LOSS IN AIRLINE COLLISION ‘ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATING’

“I am incredibly saddened to share the news that several members of the figure skating community connected to the University of Delaware were among those who tragically lost their lives in an aircraft collision last night in Washington, DC,” his statement read.

“Kirsanov and the skaters trained at the University’s High Performance Training Center, which uses UD ice rink facilities and has been the training home for many years of multiple world-class skating champions and competitors. The figure skating community is tight-knit, and many of our students and coaches have trained and competed alongside those who were lost.”

Assanis also confirmed that Kirsanov was with “two young skaters” on the flight. He identified them only as members of the UD Figure Skating Club, but Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., later identified them as Sean Kay and Angela Yang.

“I’m devastated to hear the news that at least three Delawareans died during last night’s air collision. Sasha Kirsanov, Sean Kay, and Angela Yang went to Wichita to pursue their passion for figure skating. It is a tragedy that none of them returned home to our state,” his post on X read.

Part of the wreckage is seen as rescue boats search the waters of the Potomac River after a plane on approach to Reagan National Airport crashed into the river near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 30, 2025. (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

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“Delaware is a state of neighbors, and tonight we hold all of our neighbors a little closer. My heart goes out to Sasha’s wife Natalia, the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club, and every other Delawarean touched by the three of them.”

Kirsanov’s daughter, Nicole, also posted a tribute on social media following the loss of her father.

“I miss you Dad, I would do anything to bring you back and tell you that I loved you one more time,” she wrote in a post on Instagram.

Kirsanov was an eight-time national coach and a three-time international junior world coach with nearly a decade of experience.

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January 31, 2025
Ramadan 2025 Date in India: How Many Days Are Left for Ramzan? As Countdown Begins, Check Tentative Dates for 1st Day of Fasting

Mumbai, January 31: Ramadan 2025 is coming closer with each passing day. In India, Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, will be observed in March. The exact date for the start of Ramadan 2025 will be determined following the moon sighting ritual. Muslims across the world eagerly wait for the arrival of Ramadan, which is considered one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. If you are searching for “Ramadan 2025 date in India”, we have tentative dates here for you.

For those who don’t know or remember, Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle. It means each Islamic month lasts for either 29 or 30 days. Muslims look for the crescent moon on the evening of 29th day of each month. If the moon is sighted, the ongoing month ends and a new month begins from the next day. If the moon is not sighted, a new month starts after the ongoing month completes 30 days. Ramadan 2025 Date in Saudi Arabia: When Is Ramzan Starting in KSA? Check Tentative Dates.

Ramadan 2025 Date in India

Shabaan or Shaban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. It comes before Ramadan. In India, the month of Shabaan commenced from January 31. Accordingly, 29th of Shabaan shall fall on February 28. Therefore, Muslims will look for the Ramadan moon on the evening of February 28. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan 2025 in India would begin from March 1. If the moon remains invisible, Shabaan shall complete 30 days on March 1. Subsequently, Ramadan would begin from March 2.

Ramadan Significance

Muslims believe Ramadan is one of the holiest months of Islamic calendar. They are of the belief that the holy Quran was revealed to prophet Muhammad during the Ramadan month. In addition to this, fasting in Ramadan is one of five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for all adult Muslims, unless they are sick, travelling, are having their menstrual cycle, are pregnant, diabetic or elderly. Ramadan Fasting Tips: From Staying Hydrated to Mindful Eating, Things That Can Help You With Fasting in the Holiest Islamic Month.

During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims are obligated to fast every day from dawn to sunset. They abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs. Fasting is intended to help Muslims learn self-discipline and self-restraint. Ramadan ends with Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr or Eid Ul Fitr. Observed on the first day of Shawwal month that follows right after Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is one of the two festivals celebrated by Muslims across countries.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 31, 2025 11:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

January 31, 2025
Heat suspend Jimmy Butler indefinitely after disgruntled star left shootaround: report

The latest update in the Jimmy Butler-Miami Heat saga isn’t a good one for fans.

Butler has been suspended for a third time by the organization, and this time, it’s indefinite, according to ESPN.

This comes after he was expected to return to the Heat on Monday night ahead of their matchup with the Orlando Magic. And the reason for this suspension revolves around how Miami planned to bring him back.

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Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives to the basket past Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (5) during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

The Heat were looking to use Butler off the bench moving forward, but he wasn’t fond of that news when discussed at the team’s morning shootaround.

ESPN reported that Butler walked out of the shootaround after learning his team’s plan, which ultimately led the organization to suspend him indefinitely.

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This strained relationship has led to Butler missing nine of the last 12 Heat games heading into Monday. The first suspension Butler faced was worth seven games due to conduct detrimental to the team.

Butler would return and play three games, but his second suspension came after missing a team flight for a road trip last Wednesday, resulting in another two games being docked.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)

While his team was facing the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets on the quick road trip, Butler was spotted at the Reserve Cup padel series in Miami, hanging out with National Baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, comedian Andrew Schulz and more.

Butler is not happy with his role on the Heat, and he has requested a trade from the organization. At first, team president Pat Riley said the organization wouldn’t be taking calls on Butler. However, that mindset has changed in recent weeks.

The NBA trade deadline is coming up soon, though, as Feb. 6 will be the final day any trade can be made for this season across the NBA.

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Butler is in the second year of his three-year, $146.4 million deal with the Heat, all of which is guaranteed. He has a player option for next season worth $52.4 million against the Heat’s cap.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 27, 2025