The Friday Flyover Replay : Helicopter Crash, USAF’s Frankenjet, and the Museum of BBQ

Presented by Russell Sherrard.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Our Hosts are Christopher and Jenny.

THE FLYOVER REPLAY.

Friday, April 11, 2025.

Good Morning! On this day in 1970, Apollo 13 was launched with astronauts James A. Lovell, John L. Swigert, and Fred W. Haise. An oxygen tank explosion aborted the mission, prompting improvised efforts by the crew and NASA that ultimately brought the astronauts safely back to Earth.

Yesterday, we asked readers how they call their cattle after sharing a mesmerizing video of the Swedish cattle call known as kulning—and many of you replied with a charming Midwestern call: “Come Boss!” (which we loved).

Today, we’re writing about something equally sensory: the brand-new Museum of BBQ opening this weekend in Kansas City, where you can dive into a giant bean pit and smell the spices that make barbecue magic.

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF.

6 Killed in Lower Manhattan Helicopter Crash.

All six people aboard a tourist helicopter, including three children, were killed when it crashed into the Hudson River near Lower Manhattan late Thursday afternoon.

The helicopter, a Bell 206 operated by New York Helicopter Tours, was found upside down in the river. The cause is still under investigation, but aviation experts say a catastrophic rotor failure may have caused it to break apart mid-air.

The victims were a tourist family from Spain who had been in the air for about 15 minutes before the helicopter went down. Witnesses reported seeing parts of the aircraft fall off before it plunged into the water.

House Passes Citizenship Proof Bill for Voting.

The House passed the Republican-led SAVE Act in a 220-208 vote, requiring people to present proof of U.S. citizenship—such as a passport or birth certificate—to register to vote in federal elections.

Four Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the bill, which also mandates that states remove Illegal immigrants from voter rolls and allows citizens to sue officials who don’t enforce the requirements.

Supporters argue it protects election integrity, while critics say it could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain path forward.

Social Security Scraps In-Person ID Mandate.

The Social Security Administration has reversed a planned policy that would have forced some elderly and disabled recipients to verify their identities in person starting April 14.

The change follows significant public backlash, with critics warning the policy would burden millions—especially those with mobility issues or who live far from SSA offices.

Instead, beneficiaries will now be allowed to verify their identities over the phone, thanks in part to new anti-fraud software that can flag suspicious claims.

The agency receives roughly 4.5 million phone claims annually, with about 70,000 flagged for potential fraud.

POLITICS.

House Republicans narrowly approved President Trump’s budget blueprint on Thursday in a 216-214 vote.

President Trump signed an executive order Wednesday to roll back Obama-era rules limiting water flow from multi-nozzle showerheads, saying he wants to “make America’s showers great again.”

A federal judge has allowed the Trump administration to enforce a rule requiring all illegal immigrants in the U.S. to register with the government or face penalties.

Ksenia Karelina, a U.S.-Russian dual citizen and ballet dancer, was released from a Russian prison in a surprise overnight prisoner exchange, the White House confirmed Thursday.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was unexpectedly brought into the Oval Office during President Trump’s signing of executive orders this week, prompting her office to clarify that her presence was not an endorsement.

After a word from one of our sponsors Jenny will be Narrating the last half of the news.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors.

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Thanks Christopher.

Now, back to the News.

SPORTS.

Scottie Scheffler hit an impressive 62-foot putt to earn a birdie on No. 4 at the Masters, giving him at least one career birdie on every single hole at the tournament.

Pittsburgh Penguins legend Sidney Crosby drilled a football throw for $1 million during Pat McAfee’s Big Night AHT variety show on Wednesday night.

The NFL has relegated three officials to college football—the first time the league has ever reassigned officials to another level instead of outright firing them.

FINANCE.

Big Stock Move: Harmony Gold Mining’s stock jumped 10.55% Thursday, driven by rising gold prices, strong earnings, and increased investor demand for safe-haven assets.

The Dow Jones Index fell 1,000 points Thursday, wiping out some of Wednesday’s historic rally as the market tumbled across all the major indexes.

Inflation cooled more than expected in March, with the Consumer Price Index down 0.1% and annual inflation easing to 2.4%. Core inflation also fell to 2.8%, the lowest since March 2021.

Prada announced on Thursday that it will acquire Versace from Capri Holdings for $1.4 billion, with the deal expected to close in the second half of 2025.

SCIENCE AND TECH.

The U.S. Air Force has officially declared the “Frankenjet,” an F-35A fighter built from parts of two wrecked jets, fully operational after more than two years of work.

Skywatchers can catch April’s full Pink Moon rising on Saturday—the smallest full moon of 2025, known as a “micromoon.”

Purple isn’t a real color on the light spectrum—it’s an illusion your brain creates by blending red and blue wavelengths from opposite ends, researchers say.

THE ROTATOR.
ENTERTAINMENT.

Martha Stewart, 83, posted a sultry new mirror selfie on Instagram that had fans wondering if she had taken a dip in the fountain of youth.

The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville will open an exhibit in May exploring the life of country legend Dolly Parton, featuring clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, musical instruments, and more.

Looking for something to watch this weekend that doesn’t involve golfers at the Masters Tournament? Here’s a guide to TV shows debuting in April across streaming services.

ET CETERA.

Jillian Shriner, wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner, was shot and wounded by LAPD officers after allegedly pointing a 9mm handgun at them during a response to a hit-and-run investigation.

Michelle Obama has publicly dismissed rumors that she and former President Obama are heading for divorce.

The Museum of BBQ, set to open Saturday in Kansas City, explores American barbecue traditions through hands-on exhibits, including a giant “bean pit” and sensory stations where visitors can sample spices and feel different smoking woods.

LeBron James has become the first professional male athlete to be honored with his own Ken doll, which Mattel unveiled as part of its new Kenbassador series.

Daily Quote.

“She has endured a nightmare for 15 months, and I cannot wait to hold her. Our dog, Boots, is also eagerly awaiting her return.”

— Chris van Heerden, the fiancé of U.S.-Russian dual citizen Ksenia Karelina, who was released from a Russian prison in a prisoner exchange.

And thats the news for today.

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