No Survivors After Deadly DC Plane Crash; Black Boxes Recovered

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US News

No Survivors After Deadly DC Plane Crash; Black Boxes Recovered

What's going on: Officials say there are no survivors after a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet collided in Washington, DC, Wednesday night. All 67 people on board died, making it the deadliest US crash since 2001. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is leading the investigation, said the plane’s black boxes have been recovered. The agency expects to issue a preliminary report within 30 days. Preliminary findings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) show staffing at Reagan National Airport’s air traffic control tower was “not normal” for the volume of traffic before the collision. Two people were doing the job of four people at the time of the crash, The Washington Post reports. One day earlier, another plane aborted its landing because of a nearby helicopter. Still, analysts warn against early speculation, saying it could hinder the investigation.

Tell me more: During a press conference yesterday, President Donald Trump (with no evidence) blamed DEI policies for the deadly collision. Analysts (and politicians on both sides of the aisle) say he and some members of his administration were politicizing the tragedy while first responders were still recovering bodies from the Potomac, showing little regard for the grieving families. The father of one of the pilots told FOX 5 Atlanta: "This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life.” Among the victims were athletes returning home from a national figure skating training camp in Wichita, Kansas, including two teenage skaters, their mothers, and former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. One of the last things they did was watch their son, Maxim, skate (Maxim went home on an earlier flight).

Related: Congress Approved More DC Airport Flights Despite Warnings It Would Be ‘Flirting With Disaster’ (NYT Gift Link)

Politics

Trump's Contentious Nominees Kept Senators Busy

Three of President Donald Trump’s most controversial cabinet picks faced tough lines of questioning during their Senate confirmation hearings yesterday. Let’s just say, it was a hot seat kind of day.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Trump’s health secretary nominee spent his second hearing defending his anti-vaccine track record. The environmental lawyer dodged questions on vaccine studies, clashed with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) over his claims linking vaccines to autism, and faced scrutiny for suggesting Black people should follow a different vaccine schedule. While his confirmation was initially thought of as an easy layup, the champion of MAHA is now facing an uphill battle. Assuming all Democrats vote against him, Kennedy can only afford to lose three Republican votes and a few have vocalized their concerns. It's unclear when the committees will hold a vote.

Kash Patel: Trump’s pick to lead the FBI downplayed his past embrace of right-wing conspiracy theories and what some see as excessive loyalty to the president. Normally, a nominated director will have extensive law-enforcement experience — but Patel’s resume has been called “thin” and his nomination “preposterous." Patel refused to acknowledge Trump’s 2020 election loss, dodged questions on whether he’d resign over an unethical or unconstitutional order (though he did break with Trump on Jan. 6 clemency), and denied publishing an “enemies list” in his book Government Gangsters, as Democrats claim. Despite the scrutiny, Patel appears to have full Republican support.

Tulsi Gabbard: The nominee for director of national intelligence dodged tough questions on her past support for Edward Snowden, her unorthodox views on Russia and Syria, and allegations — which she denies — that she previously met with a terrorist organization. She vowed to end the “politicization” and weaponization of intelligence, echoing Trump’s attacks on the so-called “deep state.” A committee vote on advancing her nomination is expected in the coming days. A handful of Republicans, including Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) — who voted against Pete Hegseth — could decide her fate.

Related: Donald Trump Revives the Idea of a Star Wars-like Missile Shield (The Economist)

Business

Why Starbucks Might Be Getting Rid Of Your Favorite Drink

What's going on: Sorry to all of the venti iced latte, light ice, double sweet, non-fat milk with cold foam drinkers out there — Starbucks is going simple. The chain’s menu has become “overly complex” according to CEO Brian Niccol, and has caused customer confusion and long lines. To combat this, Niccol revealed that there will be a 30% reduction to the food and drink menu. While he didn’t mention any specific items (please, save the brown sugar shaken espresso) the brand has already nixed olive oil drinks and iced energy drinks from their offerings. Niccol added that less selection will help Starbucks “be more responsive and tuned in to cultural moments.” Dubai Chocolate Matcha drink, anyone?

What it means: After four consecutive quarters of declining sales, this is more than just a menu change — it’s a vibe shift. Starbucks plans to invest in more efficient coffee machines, bringing back milk and sugar stations, and offering free refills. In an effort to infuse a more classic, cozy coffeehouse feel to its stores, Niccol says ceramic mugs will be offered, and baristas will add personal handwritten notes to paper cups. However, there’s one change that loyal Starbies drinkers probably won’t love a latte: Niccol has drastically reduced the number of deals, resulting in a 40% decline in discounted transactions. The brand’s open-door policy has also recently been reversed, meaning people will no longer be allowed to use the restrooms, hang out, or get water without buying something. You win some, you brew some.

Related: Chocolate Recall Now Classified As Potentially Deadly (Delish)

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Settle This

Rolling Stone says Beyoncé should take home Album of the Year at the Grammys this weekend, but Taylor Swift likely will. Who gets your vote?

Game Time

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