A catastrophe over the Potomac
A catastrophe over the Potomac
A horrific aircraft collision killed more than 60 people near the nation's capital. President Donald Trump's contentious secretary picks faced questions from lawmakers. And big names in music are holding a benefit concert for L.A. after devastating fires.
👋 Hello friends. Rebecca Morin here. It's a heavy news day. But let's get through this Thursday, together.
But first: It's like finding treasure. 🛍️ Thrifting has seen a resurgence among Gen Zs (a trend I've been doing for quite some time...)
Deadly air tragedy in DC
An American Airlines passenger plane and an Army helicopter collided near Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., late Wednesday evening – the first U.S. passenger plane crash since 2009. The collision, which left no survivors, triggered a massive recovery effort to search for bodies in the freezing Potomac River.
What we know: American Airlines flight 5342, coming from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington D.C., collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter just before 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday. The plane, as well as the helicopter, fell into the icy Potomac.
Helicopter on training flight: The Army helicopter was on an 'annual proficiency training flight' when it crashed, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Thursday morning. Hegseth called the crew 'fairly experienced.'
No survivors: There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Airlines plane. There were three soldiers on the helicopter. As of Thursday morning, 28 bodies had been pulled from the river, said John Donnelly, the chief of Washington's fire department. 👉 Follow today's updates
Figure skaters, family and union members
'Highly-talented kid.' 'Role-model parents.' Union members. While information about the 64 people on American Airlines flight 5342 is still being released, multiple figure skaters, their families, friends, and coaches were confirmed to have been onboard, according to a statement from the International Skating Union.
Boston skaters: Doug Zeghibe, the CEO and executive director of the Skating Club of Boston, said six members of the club were aboard the plane: Skater Spencer Lane, his mother Christine Lane, skater Jinna Han, her mother Jin Han, and coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Zeghibe praised Spencer as a 'highly-talented kid' and Jinna as 'a wonderful kid' and great athlete. He praised both of their mothers as 'role-model parents.'
Russian figure skaters: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also confirmed that Shishkova and Naumov, Russian figure skaters who won the world championships in pairs in 1994, as well as other Russian nationals were also onboard the plane.
DC-area union members: The United Association said that four members of UA Steamfitters Local 602, which represents workers in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and piping in the Washington, D.C., area, were among those who died. They did not immediately identify the deceased members. 👉 What to know about the passengers.
Real Quick
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High-stakes confirmation hearings
Three of President Donald Trump's most polarizing secretary picks faced tough questions during high-stakes confirmation hearings on Thursday. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Tulsi Gabbard, the pick for director of national intelligence, and Kash Patel, the nominee to lead the FBI, faced contentious hearings as senators continue to weigh their confirmation.
Day 2 for RFK Jr.: Kennedy faced his second day of questioning, where he was asked an array of questions from vaccines to whether Wi-Fi causes cancer. He repeated false claims that vaccines are to blame for rising autism diagnoses. 👉 Highlights from the hearings.
RFK Jr.'s misinformation on antidepressants matters. Here's what to know.
A-listers hold LA fire benefit concert
From pop stars to rock legends to even grunge bands, some of music's biggest names are raising money to rebuild the Los Angeles area after it was devastated by fires. The FireAid benefit concerts, which will be held Thursday evening at the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum, will include performances from artists like Billie Eilish, Earth, Wind & Fire, Green Day and Stevie Nicks. The benefit will also be streamed live across many platforms. 🎵 How to watch
LiveAid to One Love: See photos of some of the highest-grossing benefit concerts
A break from the news
Rebecca Morin is a senior national news reporter at USA TODAY. Got thoughts or feedback? Reach out to her at rdmorin@usatoday.com.
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Politico
37 minutes ago
- Politico
Israel Fights Also for Us
When a society can no longer distinguish between good and evil, between victim and perpetrator, it gives up. This dynamic is one of the great constants of human history. It is a lesson people in free societies — and people in totalitarian societies who yearn to be free — should keep in mind during the climactic showdown underway in the Middle East. Israel has struck a blow to prevent Iran from developing nuclear bombs — weapons that it might credibly use toward its stated goal of removing Israel from the planet. Make no mistake: This is not simply a matter of regional security. Nor should it be a proxy for whether one supports or opposes the current Israeli government's policy on Gaza or other subjects. This conflict is a central front in a global contest in which the forces of tyranny and violence in recent years have been gaining ground against the forces of freedom, which too often are demoralized and divided. In a world full of bad actors, Iran is the most aggressive and dangerous totalitarian force of our time. Its leaders seek to weaken and destroy free society, democracy and human rights with Russian and Chinese support. In Iran, women are systematically oppressed and abused. Homosexuals are murdered. Those who think differently are imprisoned and tortured. In Tehran, the cynical abuse of the civilian population in Gaza as human shields is also cold-bloodedly conceived and financed. According to official state doctrine, the primary goal of the mullahs in Tehran is the annihilation of the State of Israel. Ayatollah Khamenei has described Israel as a 'cancerous tumor.' And clocks in the streets of Tehran celebrate countdowns to the 'destruction of Israel.' But Israel is only the first target. Once Israel falls, Europe and America will be the focus. Radical Sunni and Shiite Islamism has been preparing for this for decades. The fatwa against Salman Rushdie, 9/11, the attacks in Paris, the caliphate of ISIS — each event was a warning sign. Only those who did not want to see the signs are surprised today. The attacks are directed against our values, our way of life. It is therefore surprising that Israel is not being celebrated worldwide for its historic, extremely precise and necessary strike against Iranian nuclear weapons facilities and for the targeted killing of leading terrorists, but that the public response is dominated by anti-Israel propaganda. The intelligence and precision of Israel's actions are not admired but are instead used here and there to perpetuate blatantly antisemitic stereotypes. This attitude is characterized not only by racist undertones, but also by a strange self-forgetfulness. If the perpetrator-victim reversal that has been repeatedly observed since Oct. 7 applies even in the most obvious case — Iran — then this can only be interpreted to mean that we are in the process of losing the culture war, which in reality has long since become a war of civilizations. And we seem to have no problem with that. It is what Michel Houellebecq called 'submission' in his visionary novel 10 years ago. As someone who has 40 years' experience as a journalist and publishing executive, I believe every government should be questioned critically about all the details of its policies — above all on matters of war and its consequences. But those details should not be allowed to obscure larger historical truths. Perhaps a German of my generation has a useful vantage point. Born in 1963, I grew up in a country and continent still shadowed by World War II and its crimes, including an effort by Germany to eradicate Jews across Europe. The first half of my journalism career saw freedom on the march. The Soviet Union collapsed, authoritarian governments across Eastern Europe were routed, Germany was reunited under democracy. The second half of my career, however, with authoritarianism on the rise in all directions — with governments hostile to the very idea of journalism, as well as democracy, pluralism, rule of law and basic standards of decency. These unwelcome developments highlighted how fragile the triumphs of the late 20th century may be in the 21st. The contest between free societies and murderous tyrants is enduring. That's why warnings of dangerous escalation that can be heard from politicians in the West are particularly misplaced. The argument is as stale as it is false. Those warning of escalation are to blame for Vladimir Putin being on the verge of winning his terrible war of conquest in Ukraine. And those warning of escalation are to blame for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. This could have been prevented with decisive resistance from the West in the first days of the attack. Dictators decide for themselves when to escalate. Usually when they do not encounter enough strength and resistance. This also applies to Iran. If Israel does not achieve its goals — destruction of the nuclear facilities, maximum weakening of the terrorist regime and, ideally, the removal of the mullahs — the world will quickly look very different. China will seize this historic opportunity to annex Taiwan sooner than expected. Largely without resistance. The moment is favorable. Because America and Europe cannot win a three-front war and therefore cannot fight it. But if the anti-democratic triangle — China, Russia, Iran — succeeds in this coup, a different, non-democratic world order will prevail. That is why America and Europe, in their own interests alone, must stand united with Israel and do everything in their power to ensure that this historic liberation is achieved. This morning, my son asked me a question: 'In the near future, will Israel become more like us, living in peace, or will we become more like Israel?' It depends. It depends on us.
Washington Post
43 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Trump watches the parade of his dreams
President Donald Trump got the parade he always wanted Saturday — a grand demonstration of military might and patriotic zeal that took place along the National Mall on his 79th birthday. But it fell on an overcast day that capped one of the most tumultuous weeks of his presidency — with troops deployed on the streets of the country's second largest city, bombs launched in the Middle East and, less than 24 hours before the parade began, a targeted killing of a state lawmaker and her spouse in Minnesota. Amid all that domestic and foreign turmoil, the procession of weapons, like so much else in America's politics, was subject to divergent interpretation. Supporters saw a celebration of stability and order while Trump's detractors saw the promotion of violence and authoritarian power. Trump got the parade started after being greeted by a 21-gun salute and the strains of 'Hail to the Chief' as he took his seat in a reviewing stand. A group nearby began singing 'Happy Birthday,' marking either his 79th or the Army's 250th — it was unclear. But the cheering for the president was not quite the overwhelming celebration that occurs at his political rallies. He looked on as troops dressed in historical uniforms passed on horses, bombers did flyovers overhead, and members of the Golden Knights parachute team fell from the sky. He applauded at moments, rose and saluted the troops passing by at others. Later in the evening, he was expected to deliver a speech and swear in recruits. Parade-goers leaned on metal barricades and sprawled onto the grass, although crowds along the parade route by the Washington Monument were relatively thin. Even bleacher seating for VIP guests, positioned directly across from a riser for news cameras, remained half-empty throughout the program. Americans' differing reactions were evident even before the troops began marching, tanks began rolling and helicopters flew overhead — with deep divisions over whether any of it was a good idea. Paul Brown, a 57-year-old Army veteran, traveled two days earlier from Adams County, Ohio, and spent the day on the National Mall dressed in an Afghanistan war veteran hat and a T-shirt featuring a photo of the president that read 'Jesus is my savior, Trump is my president.' 'We absolutely got somebody in there who gives a s--- about the military,' Brown said of Trump being in office. 'These parades should have been going on for years.' Around the country, protesters were out, including at spots that have been important to Trump, including his Trump Tower in New York and his Mar-a-Lago vacation home in Palm Beach, Florida. 'I feel the erosion of democracy. I feel taken away from due process,' Debbie Ziev, a 79-year-old attending her first protest, said on the historic boardwalk in Atlantic City, where Trump built hotels and casinos. 'I felt strongly about Vietnam, but I think I feel more strongly about [Trump] going forward, with my children and grandchildren, because he's ruining the country. He's dividing us. He's causing people not to talk to each other.' Nearly two-thirds of American adults, 64 percent, said they opposed using government funds to throw the military parade, according to a new poll from NBC News Decision Desk powered by SurveyMonkey. The results tracked along party lines, with most Democrats and independents — 88 percent and 72 percent, respectively — opposing the use of government funds for the parade and 65 percent of Republicans supporting it. The parade was designed to compete with the grandeur that Trump witnessed in foreign countries and carry the muscular showmanship he's cultivated over the years. He craves the pomp, loves the circumstance, and revels in the attention. 'We want to show off a little bit,' he said Tuesday. Throughout the week leading up to the parade, the military has been at the center of almost everything. Even the musical Trump watched at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday night, 'Les Misérables,' featured a political uprising and armed rebellion, with Trump openly unsure of which side's main character he most identified. It was a week where he oversaw the militarization of parts of the country and the politicization of parts of the military. And it came on a day with clashes of culture, as streets and squares around the country were filled for a 'No Kings' day of protest, and hours after a new spasm of political violence, in which a gunman fatally shot the top Democrat in the Minnesota House in what Gov. Tim Walz (D) called a 'politically motivated assassination.' Throughout the day, Trump remained in the White House and held a call from Russian President Vladimir Putin, where over an hour, Trump later said, he received birthday wishes and spoke about the conflict between Israel and Iran. On the National Mall, there were displays of military equipment and fitness competitions among soldiers, all staged as part of the 250th anniversary of the Army. But elsewhere, both in the Washington area and around the country, demonstrators were flocking into public spaces and holding 'No Kings' signs to denounce what they view as Trump's authoritarian tactics and his disregard for the Constitution. The military parade Saturday night was done with direct input from Trump. He had specifically requested aircraft and other equipment, aiming to capture the full might of the armed forces, according to White House officials. The event was set to be one of the grandest since he took office for his second term, a spectacle that federal government and military officials have spent months attempting to fulfill an ambitious and grandiose vision for celebrating the country and its military. His inauguration was moved indoors due to cold weather, and he was returning to the National Mall for the first time in years. His viewing stand was near the Ellipse, not far from the event held on Jan. 6, 2021. It fulfilled a desire that he initially expressed more than eight years ago when he was taking office the first time. 'We're going to show the people as we build up our military,' Trump said in an interview with The Washington Post before his first inauguration in January 2017. 'That military may come marching down Pennsylvania Avenue. That military may be flying over New York City and Washington, D.C., for parades. I mean, we're going to be showing our military.' But he was largely rebuffed by past military leaders, who worried about costs and said it ran against an American tradition of avoiding public displays of martial strength. Those kinds of displays, they pointed out, were more common in authoritarian regimes, such as the former Soviet Union's Red Square celebrations or North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's missile processions. The year-long planning effort, which grew significantly in ambition over the past few months, culminated one week after Trump's decision to send in National Guard troops in California to quell protests over his immigration policies. Earlier in the week, he threatened to deploy the military elsewhere in the country if additional anti-ICE protests erupted. Trump also traveled to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on Tuesday for an event that was meant to kick off the week's celebration of the Army's birthday, with military demonstrations and flyovers. But it turned into a political rally that some military officials later said made them uncomfortable and concerned. With a crowd of camouflaged soldiers behind him, Trump said that those who burn the U.S. flag should be jailed, even though that runs afoul of First Amendment protections established by the Supreme Court. He taunted the news media and he ridiculed his political opponents, triggering boos of agreement from the crowd. 'You think this crowd would have showed up for Biden?' Trump said at one point, to laughter and boos. 'I don't think so.' The event at Fort Bragg was organized by America250, the same group overseeing the parade, and Saturday night was the next opportunity to see whether anything had been learned from earlier in the week. Elahe Izadi in Atlantic City contributed to this report.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Army's 250th Anniversary Parade in Pictures
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump presided over a sweeping military parade in the nation's capital Saturday evening to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, with tanks, troops, and air displays unfolding under a looming threat of thunderstorms and amid major protests across the country. The parade, which began 30 minutes early due to the weather forecast, was held along Constitution Avenue and featured approximately 6,600 soldiers, 84 military vehicles including 28 M1 Abrams tanks, and more than 60 aircraft overhead. Why It Matters Saturday's military parade was the first in Washington since about 8,000 troops marched through the capital in 1991 to mark the victory of an American-led coalition over Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the Gulf War. The event has also sparked controversy, with supporters arguing it will boost recruitment for the U.S. military, while critics point to the cost and Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky warns it could look like "images you saw of the Soviet Union and North Korea." President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attend a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attend a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson What To Know The event coincided with Trump's 79th birthday and was timed to project strength and tradition on Flag Day. "How great our country is, very simple, and how strong our military is," Trump said when asked what he hoped people would take away from the event. "We have the strongest military in the world." US President Donald Trump (3L) and US First Lady Melania Trump attend the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly... US President Donald Trump (3L) and US First Lady Melania Trump attend the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through the capital in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army. More Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images Crowds gathered on both sides of the barricaded avenue, many waving flags and dressed in patriotic colors, while others came simply to watch the rare full-scale military procession unfold through the capital's historic core. People watch the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through... People watch the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through the capital in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army. More Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images Rain began falling before the parade started. Trump left the White House nearly 45 minutes early to beat the weather and was greeted by chants of "USA! USA!" as he arrived at the reviewing stand with First Lady Melania Trump. The National Anthem is performed as President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. The National Anthem is performed as President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson The president beamed as he took the stage. He stood and clapped as the National Anthem was performed and the U.S. Army Band and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps were introduced. The parade started slightly ahead of schedule. Rain continued to fall intermittently, but lightning held off, allowing the event to proceed. Heavy armor led the way, including M1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. The roar of engines echoed across the Potomac as units crossed the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington. A tank rolls past during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and... A tank rolls past during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through the capital in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army. More Photo by ANNABELLE GORDON / AFP) (Photo by ANNABELLE GORDON/AFP via Getty Images Military units began arriving, kicking off the parade with Revolutionary War reenactors and period-dressed soldiers from World War I. The 82nd Airborne Division, which dates to 1917, led that section. Nicknamed the "All-Americans," it was originally composed of troops from all 48 states. Soldiers dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms march at the start of the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution... Soldiers dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms march at the start of the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution Avenue that includes roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. More Photo byRevolutionary War-era soldiers marched first, followed by Civil War reenactors and troops from World War I and World War II. Sherman tanks and WW II Jeeps rolled past Constitution Avenue. Six restored Jeeps and dozens of troops in 1940s garb highlighted the Army's role in the Allied victory. U.S Army vehicles from various eras cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge during the parade down Constitution Avenue marking the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is... U.S Army vehicles from various eras cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge during the parade down Constitution Avenue marking the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th birthday with a military parade including roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. More Photo byTrump stood to salute passing troops, often returning their gestures. Though seated much of the time, he repeatedly rose to acknowledge marching units. Soldiers dressed in World War I uniforms march in the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution Avenue that... Soldiers dressed in World War I uniforms march in the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution Avenue that includes roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. More Photo bySoon after, WWII-era aircraft flew overhead. These included P-51 Mustangs, B-25 Mitchell bombers, and a C-47 Skytrain — all planes integral to the U.S. air campaign during the war. Their flyover coincided with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions on the ground. President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson Vietnam-era helicopters buzzed the parade route in tribute to the "Helicopter War." The Huey, Cobra, and Loach were among those that soared over the capital. Soldiers from the Army 82nd Airborne Division, dressed in World War I era uniforms, march past the reviewing stand and President Donald Trump during a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his... Soldiers from the Army 82nd Airborne Division, dressed in World War I era uniforms, march past the reviewing stand and President Donald Trump during a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. More AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson As the armored columns passed, the U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team glided toward the Ellipse, trailing red smoke. Their appearance was moved up because of the weather. Members of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights make their landing during an event to honor the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. Members of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights make their landing during an event to honor the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein Trump then administered the oath of enlistment to 250 new and reenlisting soldiers as the crowd looked on. Vendors outside sold Army memorabilia and Trump-themed merchandise, including MAGA hats and novelty dolls. Inside the festival area, celebrity chefs Robert Irvine and Andre Rush mingled with troops. Though protests were reported in other parts of Washington and across the country, the parade route remained tightly secured. The National Mall was heavily policed, and streets were reinforced to handle the 60-ton tanks. What People Are Saying U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, speaking before the House Armed Services Committee: "I believe very specifically that telling that story will directly lead to a recruiting boom that will fill up our pipeline for the coming years." Senator Bernie Sanders, on X, formerly Twitter: "We all like to enjoy a nice birthday party. But most of us don't celebrate with a $45 million taxpayer-funded military parade. What Happens Next The parade, according to senior defense officials, is estimated to have cost between $25 million and $45 million — a figure that includes logistics, security, transportation of heavy equipment, and air operations. That total makes it one of the most expensive single-day ceremonial military events in U.S. history.
