Plane Crash Shocks The Country 1.30.25 Ally Sammarco Jan 31 Remnants of the plane that crashed into the Potomac River last night. (Credit: NPR) Good Thursday evening and welcome back to Today’s American News, your source for news and analysis on the circus that is American politics and entertainment. Nation in shock as army helicopter and passenger airliner collide, leaving no survivors… Our deepest condolences go out to all who lost loved ones in the devastating mid-air collision near Washington, D.C. The capital area has some of the most complex air traffic in the world, with government, military, and commercial aircraft navigating very sensitive space. The crash of a U.S. Army blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet carrying 64 passengers marks a national tragedy unthinkable with modern technology and training. President Trump said in a press conference today that “it just could have been [DEI]” that caused the plane and helicopter to collide. There is no evidence of that being true. An investigation is currently underway. Read CNN’s developing coverage here. President Trump addresses the nation about the American Airlines crash. (Credit: NPR) Gabbard fails to woo skeptics of her loyalty to America… Trump intel nominee Tulsi Gabbard faced skeptical Senators on both sides of the aisle during her confirmation hearing today, and her responses to the intelligence committee members’ inquiries raised even more questions about Gabbard’s fitness to serve as the nation’s top spy. Gabbard repeatedly defended Edward Snowden, a former military contractor who divulged classified information and jeopardized national security before defecting to Russia. Senators skeptical of her coziness with ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and her penchant for repeating Kremlin propaganda remained unconvinced. Also unimpressive to members: her combativeness in attacking those who rightly question whether someone with her record is fit for the role. Tulsi Gabbard at her confirmation hearing. (Credit: NPR) Escalating purge, Trump issues ultimatums to career FBI personnel… NBC News reports, “Several top FBI executives promoted by former Director Christopher Wray were told Thursday to resign or retire and that they will be demoted or reassigned if they don’t leave, according to one current and three former bureau officials. The purge of senior officials includes about a half-dozen ‘executive assistant directors,’ who are some of the bureau’s top managers overseeing criminal, national security and cyber investigations. They are career civil servants, meaning they can't be fired without cause.” Wray, appointed by Trump, resigned at the end of the Biden presidency. RFK Jr. called out for rhetoric on medications for mental health… It’s no surprise that RFK Jr., Trump’s embattled nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has no medical training. Millions of Americans’ lives are better because of advancements in anti-depressant medication, but RFK Jr. is skeptical about these medications and contributes to stigma rather than focusing on undeniable science. No, antidepressants are not as addictive as heroin, and anyone who says as much is harming American lives. NPR breaks it all down here. Photo by James Yarema on Unsplash Today’s Buzz SNL plans major concert celebration for Feb 14… “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” will air on Peacock Feb 14 from Radio City Music Hall. Hosted by former SNL star and late-night host Jimmy Fallon, the event will pay tribute to the show’s musical legacy. Already confirmed are (in alpha order): Arcade Fire, The B-52s, Backstreet Boys, Bad Bunny, David Byrne, Brandi Carlile, Miley Cyrus, DEVO, Brittany Howard, Jelly Roll, Lady Gaga, Chris Martin, Mumford & Sons, Post Malone, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Bonnie Raitt, Robyn, The Roots, Eddie Vedder and Jack White. Thanks for reading Today’s American News and check back in tomorrow evening as we again break down the chaos.