Get caught up on this morning’s news: The American Airlines crash victims, an L.A. fire benefit concert and more in today’s edition of The Yodel newsletter Read More World News
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NEED TO KNOW
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
Who were the American Airlines crash victims?
As authorities began investigating the cause of the midair collision yesterday between the American Airlines plane and Army helicopter, new details about the people aboard the two aircraft came to light.
The latest: An initial report by the FAA reportedly found that staffing in the air traffic control tower at the time of the collision was “not normal.” By last night, authorities had recovered at least 40 bodies from the Potomac River. [Yahoo News]
Mourning those lost: The victims included a pilot soon to be married, steamfitters union members, friends on a hunting trip and several young figure skaters and their coaches and family members. The helicopter crew were described as “fairly experienced.” [Yahoo News]
The investigation: Authorities are examining one black box recovered from the plane. Their investigations will likely cover the aircrafts’ collision avoidance systems and staffing, among other things. The NTSB will issue a preliminary report in about 30 days. [USA Today/NBC News]
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
❤️🩹 FireAid inspires hope
Billie Eilish joined Greenday, Nirvana (kind of) reunited, and Lady Gaga debuted a new song that she wrote with her fiancé at yesterday’s FireAid benefit concert in Los Angeles. It was six hours long, but you can still watch the entire show. [USA Today]
🏛️ Senate confirmation hearings
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was grilled again on his vaccine views, FBI director nominee Kash Patel was pressed over his comments about the Jan. 6, 2021, riots, and CIA director nominee Tulsi Gabbard faced tough questions from Democrats and Republicans. [The Hill]
🇺🇲 Trump’s tariffs
President Trump yesterday repeated his warnings that, as soon as tomorrow, he would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada over issues including migration and drug trafficking. [Yahoo Finance]
🩺 A newly approved painkiller
For the first time in 20 years, the FDA approved a non-opioid drug to treat moderate to severe acute pain: Journavx, which is also nonaddictive. More than 80% of clinical trial patients rated the drug as a good-to-excellent pain med. [ABC News]
🏀 Bronny James for … MVP?
After helping the L.A. Lakers build a strong lead in their win over the Washington Wizards, LeBron James handed the reins to son Bronny James, who scored a career-high five points. The crowd chanted “MVP” as he closed out the game. [AP]
WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
🎬 In theaters: Love Me, which critics called “daring and weird,” and Companion, starring Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher, are now playing. [Yahoo Entertainment/Entertainment Weekly]
📺 Now streaming: Vietnam: The War That Changed America, a six-part docuseries narrated by Ethan Hawke, is out on Apple TV+. [People]
🎵 New in music: Hurry Up Tomorrow,the Weeknd’s new album — possibly his last under the “Weeknd” name — just dropped. [Billboard]
🏀 On the court, the Celtics hope to pick up an easy win when they face the Pelicans at 8 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass. [Celtics Wire]
🥤An end-of-January treat: 7-Eleven is giving out free Slurpees as a reward for “making it through the longest month of the year.” We’ll take it. [Today]
☀️ And don’t forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the Crossword. Check the forecast in your area.
TODAY IN HISTORY
Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Bettmann Archive via Getty Images
In 1958, the United States entered the Space Age with the launch of Explorer 1 from Cape Canaveral in Florida. [AP]
3 QUESTIONS
The Grammys are on Sunday. I asked Yahoo Entertainment reporter Taryn Ryder, who’s attending the event for the third time, what to expect.
Divya: First things first: How have the wildfires impacted this year’s awards?
Taryn: It’s a somber feel across L.A. The pre-parties have either been canceled or turned into fundraising events, and while there will still be a red carpet, the ceremony will highlight wildfire relief efforts. I think it’ll be more subdued than flashy, except when it comes to fashion.
Divya: What are the big nomination storylines this year?
Taryn: 2024 was a great year for music. Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and newcomers like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter were all nominated in top categories — rightfully so. For me, the question is if Beyoncé, who has the most Grammy nominations ever but has never won album of the year, will finally get her due.
Divya: What’s something you’re excited to see when you’re there?
Taryn: I’m looking forward to seeing which artists find each other during the commercial breaks. Will Beyoncé and Taylor give the internet the photo op we deserve? Here’s hoping. I’ll report back!
Who’s performing at the Grammys? Here’s the full lineup.
FEEL-GOOD MOMENT
Sara Velush
Sarah Velush recently went viral for her over-the-top toilet decor, which included items like a furry toilet seat, plates of berries and cookies, speakers and more. “Even your poo process deserves attention,” she joked after admitting that it was all just a video setup for TikTok. [People]
Have a great weekend. See you Monday!
💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Want to keep your phone secure? Restarting it once a week is one of a few steps that’ll go a long way. [USA Today]
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