Pray that God would help you find times for rest in Him to increase your long-term spiritual endurance.

Ask most pastors about their career aspirations, and you’ll likely hear familiar themes: lead a thriving congregation, preach life-changing sermons, cast a vision that transforms communities. Yet in churches around the world, some of the most profound kingdom influence comes not from those standing in the spotlight but from those serving in the shadows. The role of associate pastor—often viewed as a transitional position to “real” leadership—may be the strategic key to unlocking a church’s true potential. Those of us who serve as associate pastors occupy a unique and strategically vital position in church leadership—one that requires strength and humility, wisdom and submission. The art of being “second” isn’t merely about accepting a subordinate role; it’s about embracing a divine calling that, when executed well, multiplies the effectiveness of our churches’ leadership teams. Biblical Examples The role of associate pastor may be the strategic key to unlocking a church’s true potential. We see this throughout Scripture, with God establishing partnerships where supporting leaders played crucial roles. For example, the relationship between Moses and Aaron provides a compelling partnership model. When Moses felt inadequate about his speaking abilities, God provided Aaron as his mouthpiece (Ex. 4:14–16). This arrangement demonstrates a fundamental principle: Supporting roles often fill critical gaps that enable the overall mission to succeed. Moses and Aaron’s partnership set a pattern that would be repeated throughout biblical history. This pattern found its New Testament expression in Paul and Timothy’s relationship. Paul referred to Timothy as his “true child in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2), demonstrating how supporting roles can evolve into deep, mutually enriching relationships that advance both the mission and the development of future leaders. Timothy’s willingness to learn and serve under Paul’s leadership not only advanced the gospel but also prepared Timothy for his future ministry. Their relationship reveals that being second isn’t about being secondary but about being strategic. Theology of Second Place Before exploring the practical aspects of associate ministry, let’s establish a theological foundation for understanding the role of being second. The concept ultimately finds its deepest meaning in Christ himself, who “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:6–7). This profound truth establishes the fundamental paradigm for Christian leadership. Jesus demonstrated that true greatness lies not in position but in purposeful service. The incarnation exemplifies this divine pattern. The eternal Son of God, through whom all things were made (John 1:3), voluntarily subjected himself to earthly authorities—submitting to his earthly parents, paying taxes to Caesar, and ultimately surrendering to the Father’s will in Gethsemane with his declaration “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). This pattern of submission reached its apex at the cross, where Christ became “obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8). Jesus reinforced this understanding through his teaching ministry. When his disciples argued about greatness or sought prominent positions, he consistently redirected their ambition toward service. He taught, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43–44). This radical redefinition of greatness transforms our understanding of associate ministry roles. Being second isn’t about being secondary but about being strategic. Our role thus transcends mere administrative structure—it reflects Jesus’s pattern of sacrificial service. When we grasp that the Son of God himself chose the path of submission and service, it elevates our perspective on supporting positions. We’re not just filling a role in an organizational chart; we’re participating in a divine pattern that God consistently uses to carry out his mission. When we view our position through this theological lens, contentment replaces ambition, and intentional service replaces passive waiting. Cultivate a Heart for Support With this theological foundation in place, we can turn to the essential internal work required for effective supporting leadership. It begins with internal transformation. The apostle Paul instructs us to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than [ourselves]” (Phil. 2:3). Yet cultivating such a heart requires deliberate spiritual discipline and consistent practice. Here are five suggestions. 1. Examine yourself honestly. We must confront our natural inclinations toward competition, recognition, and personal advancement. King Saul’s relationship with David provides a sobering example of how unchecked ambition and insecurity can poison leadership relationships (1 Sam. 18:6–9). In contrast, the support of David by Saul’s son Jonathan—even at the cost of his own claim to the throne—demonstrates the transformative power of choosing kingdom priorities over personal advancement (23:17). 2. Pray daily. Regular, specific intercession for your senior pastor accomplishes multiple purposes simultaneously. When you intercede for his ministry, you invest spiritually in his effectiveness. This practice aligns your heart with God’s purposes and helps overcome any temptation toward rivalry or resentment. Consider establishing a daily prayer routine that includes specific petitions for your senior pastor’s wisdom, protection, family, and ministry influence. As you consistently lift him before God, your heart will be shaped toward genuine support. 3. Know and use your complementary ministerial abilities. God never intended for one person to possess all the gifts and abilities necessary for church leadership. That’s why the body of Christ functions most effectively when each member contributes his or her unique strengths and abilities (1 Cor. 12:12–27). As Aaron’s spokesperson role complemented Moses’s struggle with public speaking (Ex. 4:10–16), your distinct professional capabilities can fill crucial gaps in the leadership team. This requires both careful assessment of your senior pastor’s areas of need and honest evaluation of your skills. Take time to observe your senior pastor’s ministry patterns, noting areas where additional support would enhance the church’s effectiveness – whether that’s administration, teaching, counseling, or other ministry functions. 4. Cultivate spiritual maturity and integrity. While professional competence is essential, your moral character and spiritual development are foundational to effective ministry partnership. Barnabas exemplified this through his deep spiritual qualities. He was known as the “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36) because his character naturally lifted others up. His integrity and standing in the Jerusalem church enabled him to advocate for Paul when others were suspicious (9:27). Later, his spiritual discernment led him to seek out Paul in Tarsus and bring him to Antioch (11:25–26). This shows how true leadership support flows from a foundation of personal integrity, wisdom, and genuine concern for God’s kingdom rather than just technical capability. 5. Look to the right reward. Developing a truly supportive spirit involves cultivating resilience in the face of misunderstanding or lack of recognition. There will be times when your contributions remain behind the scenes or credit goes to others. Remember that your ultimate audience is Christ, who sees in secret and rewards faithfully (Matt. 6:4). Let your satisfaction come from knowing your support enables more effective ministry and advances God’s kingdom purposes. When we cultivate a genuine heart for support and align our service with biblical principles, we create the foundation necessary for faithful leadership from a supporting role. Yet understanding these principles is only the beginning. The challenge lies in translating them into practical, day-to-day leadership that strengthens both our senior pastors and our churches.

In his 2010 book, The Shallows, Nicholas Carr prophetically claimed, “Our use of the Net will only grow, and its impact on us will only strengthen, as it becomes ever more present in our lives.” A decade before 91 percent of Americans had the internet in their pockets, Carr’s concern with the internet as a “tool of the mind” was that it numbed “the most intimate, the most human, of our natural capacities—those for reason, perception, memory, emotion.” In his latest book, Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart, Carr, an American journalist, traces the history of how our communication technologies got to where they are today, and more importantly, the effect of what we might call the industrialization of communication. Carr shows that contemporary communication technologies transform “how we talk, how we see other people, how we experience the world” (78). Of grave concern for Carr is that the technologies promising to fuel more personal connections are making it harder to form healthy relationships. They’re like the ultraprocessed foods of human relations. Yet his proposed solution is encouraging as he calls for a return to an embodied experience of the world. Ultraprocessed Communication I love Watermelon Sour Patch Kids. These fruit-shaped gobs of goodness are the definition of an ultraprocessed food, a food-like substance alchemized from the liquefied version of a real food (like high-fructose corn syrup) and industrial chemicals (like titanium dioxide). I don’t like Sour Patch Kids because they’re good for me but because they taste good to me. And that’s exactly the point. Ultraprocessed foods are engineered to be hyperconsumable and hyperpalatable; no nutrients, all pleasure. Like food, communication has undergone its own industrialization process. Like food, communication has undergone its own industrialization process. For much of history, communication moved only as fast as humans and their modes of transport—on foot or horseback, by boat or train. The invention of the telegraph was revolutionary, enabling messages to travel over electrical wires at speeds far beyond human capability. To achieve such efficiency, messages were reduced to simple codes, laying the groundwork for their eventual reduction into binary—1s and 0s, the building blocks of digital information. Once messages are translated to the language of the machine, they lose all their human “nutrients.” The tone, the pace, and the quirky facial expression are all liquefied down into a metaphorical corn syrup of digital bits. The congratulatory message from grandma, the video of a terrorist attack, and the latest cat meme are flattened into the category of “content.” Stripped of their humanness, messages can more easily be subjected to the industrial imperatives of optimization and efficiency. Feeding Our Addiction After the telegraph reduced messages and replaced humans as message carriers, the next human inefficiency targeted for optimization was the editorial function. Enter the algorithmic news feed, whose sole purpose is maximizing engagement. These algorithms deliver “whatever patterns of 0s and 1s [are] calculated to have the highest probability of grabbing and holding people’s attention” (64). When machines become editors, messages are prioritized for engagement metrics over meaning. Much like Sour Patch Kids are engineered to evoke exaggerated pleasure, industrialized communication is designed to manipulate human responses. Carr warns, “Whether we realize it or not, social media churns out information that’s been highly processed to stimulate not just engagement but dependency” (77). In the industrialization process, the machine became the carrier and the curator. The last and final step to reduce inefficiencies is for the machine to become the creator as well. Carr writes, “Once we’ve compressed language as far as it can go, the only way to gain greater conversational efficiency is to automate speech, letting prediction algorithms and chatbots choose our words” (191). The internet giant Meta has already rolled out AI profiles to a chorus of mockery. However, if engagement—positive or negative—with the bots increases, their survival is guaranteed. We like ultraprocessed communication even though it isn’t good for us, because it tastes good. Some of us may criticize what has become of human communication, but at the end of the day, we kind of like it. Corruption at Light Speed We contribute to our corruption. As Carr notes, It’s important to be honest about our own complicity. We’re not being manipulated to act in opposition to our desires. We’re not hostages with Stockholm syndrome. We’re being given what we want, in quantities so generous we can’t resist gorging ourselves. The manipulation is secondary to and dependent on the pleasure. (216) Thus social media—perhaps the most ultraprocessed communication form—doesn’t create the worst desires in us like anger, division, lust, pride, gossip, slander, and approval-seeking. It simply feeds the sin nature that’s within us already and publishes it on our feeds for all to see (see Rom. 7:13–25). It’s not that good desires are never revealed online but that the lesser desires are revealed quicker and typically go further, faster. Videos of disaster relief efforts can’t compete with road-rage highlights. The worst elements of our nature are encouraged before we can think about the consequences. Efficient, industrialized communication allows desire to be conceived and sin to be birthed at the speed of a retweet. It’s tough to resist the corrupting effects of this ultraprocessed communication because it comes at us so fast. As Carr notes, “The computer is so quick to sense and fulfill our desires that it never allows us the opportunity to examine our desires, to ask ourselves whether what we choose, or what is chosen for us, is worthy of the choosing” (231–32). We need to figure out a way to overcome this high-speed challenge. Return to Embodiment Most of Carr’s book focuses on the problem, but in the final pages, we find the rough outline of a path forward. For Carr, the only way to escape the “[prison of] the hyperreal” is by embracing the one quality that distinguishes humans from machines: worldliness, by which he means physical embodiment. He writes, “Despite our love of or at least infatuation with the easy stimulations of the virtual, we can never make a true home there, at least not without sacrificing the qualities of sense and sensibility that make us most ourselves” (231). We need to spend more time in the real, physical world than online. Though Carr makes no claim to be a Christian, his argument should come as no surprise to us. Our understanding of reality is tied to Christ’s incarnation. As words become more inhuman, the way out is to follow the path of the Word who became human. The incarnate Word made us more fully human, so we must make our speech more human through incarnate words. This is why tweets to 10,000 followers around the globe don’t satiate like a sermon given to the 100 congregants you pastor. It’s why a check-in text rings hollow compared to a bedside hospital visit. As words become more inhuman, the way out is to follow the path of the Word who became human. If we’re going to avoid the effects of ultraprocessed communication, we’re going to have to choose to be embodied with others. We needn’t abandon the virtual world entirely, but, as Carr argues, we must find a place “beyond the reach of its liquefying force” (232). That may put us on the world’s margins in some ways, but there’s little benefit for us to gain the digital world at the expense of our souls (Matt. 16:26). At times alarming, Superbloom is a profound reminder of what’s at stake if we consume only ultraprocessed communication at the expense of real, embodied community.

Many today claim Christianity is toxic, bigoted, patriarchal, Western, imperialist, and repressive. However, the biblical teaching that every human being is made in God’s image is the foundation for our regard for human dignity and freedom. In this breakout session from TGCW24, Sharon James explores the profound ways Christians have influenced the world for the better in areas such as justice, philanthropy, health care, education, and the dignity of women. She discusses the following: The story of Sarah Martin The influence of Christianity on human rights and freedom Justice and the rule of law Protection of life and the sanctity of human dignity Relief of human need and philanthropy Education and women’s empowerment The dignity of women and Christian ethics The role of Christianity in modern society

Usher Raymond IV, a multi-faceted performer from Chattanooga, Tennessee, transformed the landscape of contemporary R&B with his soulful voice, electrifying stage presence, and groundbreaking hits. Born on October 14, 1978, Usher’s musical journey began after his family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where his mother, Jonetta Patton, nurtured his burgeoning talent. Recognizing his potential, Usher joined a local singing group, NuBeginnings, but soon embarked on a solo career that would cement him as one of the most successful artists in modern music history. Usher’s career took off in 1993 when he signed with LaFace Records after impressing L.A. Reid during an The post Complete List Of Usher Songs From A to Z appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

Winter’s frosty charm has its time, but spring is fast approaching. With longer days and rising temperatures, spring is indeed the perfect moment to refresh your home. Even better, early spring offers an opportunity to create a brighter and more inviting space. Early spring decor lets you transition your home from dreary winter tones to the new season’s vibrant energy. Let’s explore practical and delightful ideas to make your home bloom with spring’s charm. Refresh Your Home for Early Spring The transition from winter to spring is the perfect time to give your home a refreshing makeover. Simple, thoughtful updates can create a space that feels bright, inviting, and full of life. From lighter fabrics to vibrant greenery, these ideas will help you welcome the new season in style. Discover how small changes can make a big impact as you prepare your home for early spring. Swap Heavy Fabrics for Light, Airy Layers Early spring calls for lighter textiles. These subtle changes can brighten your home without much effort. Replace Blankets and Throws: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Pastel or neutral tones also work beautifully. Update Pillow Covers: Swap dark pillowcases for cheerful ones with floral patterns or light, refreshing colors like mint. Switch Curtains: Use sheer or semi-sheer panels to let sunlight flood your space. These updates will make your home feel open and ready for the new season. Add Greenery and Fresh Flowers Fresh blooms and greenery are essential for early spring decor. They add life, color, and warmth to your rooms. Use Seasonal Flowers: Place tulips, daffodils, or peonies in vases for vibrant color. Add Indoor Plants: Choose low-maintenance options like pothos or ferns for year-round greenery. Display Budding Branches: Use forsythia or cherry blossoms for natural and dramatic decor. These simple floral touches immediately connect your home to nature. For lovely flower arrangement tips, check out The Spruce. Brighten Your Palette with Cheerful Colors Spring colors can uplift your everyday mood and the surrounding space. Even small additions make a big impact. Soft Pastels: Lavender, sage green, or baby blue create a soothing atmosphere. Vibrant Pops: Incorporate coral or sunny yellow in candles or decorative bowls. Neutral Base: Balance bright accents with beige or cream tones. These colorful changes make your home feel more lively and harmonious. Declutter and Deep Clean for a Fresh Start A clean and tidy home sets the stage for seasonal updates. Get those brooms out and those boxes ready! Pack Away Winter Decor: Store heavy blankets and seasonal knick-knacks. Clean Thoroughly: Dust surfaces, vacuum rugs, and polish windows for a fresh look. Rearrange Furniture: Move pieces, create a new layout, and devise a better flow. Add Seasonal Scents to Elevate the Mood Spring scents evoke freshness and joy that helps create a vibrant and welcoming environment. Use Candles: Opt for fragrances like lavender or citrus. Diffusers: Essential oils such as eucalyptus or mint work well in filling your home with natural scents. DIY Simmer Pot: Boil lemon slices, rosemary, and vanilla for an all-natural aroma around the house. These pleasant olfactory additions will ensure your home smells as good as it looks. Blend Indoor and Outdoor Elements Early spring decor blends indoor coziness with outdoor freshness. Natural Materials: Use woven baskets or wooden trays to provide texture and warmth. Herb Gardens: Plant herbs like basil or mint on your windowsill to create a practical and pretty foliage. Seasonal Wreaths: Swap winter wreaths for new decorations made of dried flowers or greenery. For more information on air-purifying plants, explore NASA’s Clean Air Study. Layer Lighting for Cozy Evenings Spring evenings are cool, so adding thoughtful lighting keeps spaces cozy. String Lights: Add a whimsical glow with fairy lights. Soft Lamps: Choose muted shades for a gentle ambiance. Install Dimmers: Adjust lighting for warmth and flexibility. These choices make your home feel inviting even after the sun sets. Prepare Your Home for Spring with These Decor Tips Spring represents renewal, so your home should mirror that change. Embracing early spring decor such as lighter fabrics, fresh greenery, and cheerful colors, creates a lively and inviting home. Adding scents and natural accents enhances this transformation and makes your space reflect Spring’s charm. What are your favorite ways to decorate for spring? Share your tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you celebrate the season! FAQs What is early spring decor? It’s a way to refresh your home for the season. It includes lighter fabrics, fresh flowers, and vibrant colors. When should I start decorating? Begin in late February or early March when winter starts to fade. What colors are ideal for spring? Use soft pastels like lavender and sage green, or vibrant pops like coral. Can I reuse winter decor? Yes! Items like white candles or woven baskets transition easily with a spring twist. What lighting works best? Layered lighting with string lights, table lamps, and dimmers adds warmth and flexibility.

With President Trump back in office, the hostile media have gone back to showing interest in presidential assertions made “without evidence”. This Trump coverage classic made its return as the media melted down over Trump calling out hiring practices at the FAA that placed a heavy emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In so doing, the media actually ignored a ton of evidence. Most emblematic of this coverage is the most Trump-hostile network newscast, ABC World News Tonight (click “expand” to view full transcript): ABC WORLD NEWS TONIGHT 1/30/25 6:47 PM DAVID MUIR: Meantime tonight, President Trump coming before the cameras in The White House briefing room today, calling for a moment of silence. And then moments later, the president implying that DEI policies, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, may have contributed to the crash. Mary Bruce was in the briefing room. MARY BRUCE: Tonight, with the recovery effort under way and the investigation only just beginning President Trump, without any evidence, blaming the diversity policies of his predecessors for the deadly crash. DONALD TRUMP: A group within the FAA, another story, determined that the workforce was too white, that they had concerted efforts to get the administration to change that, and to change it immediately. BRUCE: The president accusing the previous administrations of hiring air traffic controllers based on diversity goals, not qualifications.  Are you saying this crash was somehow caused and the result of diversity hiring? And what evidence have you seen to support these claims? TRUMP: It just could have been. We have a high standard. We've had a much higher standard than anybody else. And there are things where you have to go by brain power. BRUCE: But Trump also acknowledged he wasn't sure if the air traffic controllers made any mistakes. Former President Biden's Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responding, "Despicable," saying, "As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls. grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch." And David, tonight, President Trump is doubling down on these claims that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are to blame for this tragedy, saying it's, quote, “because I have common sense.” But again, he's presented no evidence and this investigation is only just beginning. David? MUIR: Mary Bruce in the Briefing Room today. Mary, thank you. So enamored was Muir of his line about Trump offering a moment of silence before going into the DEI stuff that he said it twice before even getting to the report. Muir tosses to Chief Biden Apple Polishing Correspondent Mary Bruce, who restored the “without evidence” line to White House coverage from its four-year sabbatical. The new CBS Evening News didn’t do a report on the Trump press conference, but CBS News 24/7 Daily Report did, and here’s how anchor Linsey Reiser introduced Nancy Cordes for her dispatch from The White House: REISER: CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Nancy Cordes joins me now from The White House. Nancy, can you help put into perspective these claims that the president is making, without evidence, regarding DEI and why he’s making these declarations based on what he is calling common sense? NBC Nightly News went the same route: LESTER HOLT: Back now with the new backlash after President Trump asserted today, without providing evidence, that Democrats' diversity programs may have played a role in the midair crash. Garrett Haake now with that story. … GARRETT HAAKE: Suggesting, without evidence, that Democratic DEI policies at the FAA and military, which President Trump ended last week with an executive order, may have contributed to the midair collision. The problem with “without evidence” is that it is an invitation to ignore evidence already on the record. Over the course of monitoring the network newscasts, we found six different mentions of air traffic controller shortages or of air traffic controllers being tasked with performing two roles simultaneously.  With Trump mentioning the DEI stuff front and center, the media have an excuse with which to mention staffing issues at the FAA- but in a manner that is adversarial to Trump: by Trumpwashing this story and making it about Trump’s remarks rather than the context of what was said. The truth is that there is a body of evidence to suggest there may, in fact, be something to what Trump is saying- evidence that was in the public domain long before Trump said what he said. In fact, multiple conservative publications reported on this well before the crash. The Disastrous Initiative to Hire Air Traffic Controllers Based on Diversity, Not Talent, reported The Daily Signal on June 27th, 2018, detailing the beginnings of the imposition of diversity hiring in the FAA. Walter E. Williams wrote: In 2013, President Barack Obama-appointed FAA Administrator Michael Huerta deemed that these hiring standards had not produced a pleasing mix of air traffic controllers when it came to race and sex. He announced plans to “transform the [FAA] into a more diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects, understands, and relates to the diverse customers” it serves. The FAA discarded its longtime use of the difficult cognitive assessment test and implemented instead a new, unmonitored take-home personality test—a biographical questionnaire. Among the questions asked are: “The number of high school sports I participated in was … ” “How would you describe your ideal job?” “What has been the major cause of your failures?” “More classmates would remember me as humble or dominant?” In other words, the FAA opened air traffic control training to “off-the-street hires”—any English-speaking citizen with a high school diploma—despite the fact that most high school diplomas are fraudulent documents. Biden FAA Pushing Diversity Hiring As Air Traffic Control System Falls Into Total Disarray, reported Daily Caller on October 27th of 2023. This embedded Truth from Gregg Re eerily prescient: two private planes just collided on takeoff at a major international airport in Houston (hobby). not a "near miss," an actual collision. pilot claims catastrophic ATC error. we are heading towards a major disaster. in positive news, FTC just announced plan to 'diversify' ATC pic.twitter.com/khyafe46hb — Gregg Re (@gregg_re) October 25, 2023 Is DEI risking air traffic control safety?, reported UnHerd on January 14th, 2024. Laurel Duggan wrote: Air traffic controllers are badly understaffed and overworked. As of June, 77% of ATC centres are understaffed, and it’s common for controllers to have mandatory overtime, 10-hour shifts and 6-day workweeks. Controllers are manning multiple frequencies at once and often don’t have the bandwidth to monitor runways as effectively as one would hope.  Diversity in the Skies: FAA’s Controversial Shift in Air Traffic Controller Hiring, published View from the Wing on January 29th, 2024. The report lists several Obama administration changes to criteria that prioritized diversity. There is an entire body of reporting that could be reasonably described as evidence in support of statements asserting that the primacy of DEI as a hiring criteria at the Federal Aviation Administration undermined national air travel long before the crash. The media willfully ignored this body of work in order to rush to score their cheap “without evidence” hit against Trump.  Some might even say they did so…without evidence. Click “expand” to view the full transcripts of the aforementioned reports as aired on their respective networks on Thursday, January 30th, 2025: CBS NEWS 24/7 DAILY REPORT 1/30/25 7:17 PM LINDSEY REISER: President Trump Thursday took aim at diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to suggest, without evidence, they could be responsible for the deadly plane crash near Washington. DONALD TRUMP: The initiative is part of the FAA's diversity, equity, and inclusion hiring plan which says diversity is integral to achieving FAA's mission of ensuring safe and effective travel. I don’t think so. I don’t think so. I think it’s just the opposite. REISER: CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Nancy Cordes joins me now from The White House. Nancy, can you help put into perspective these claims that the president is making, without evidence, regarding DEI and why he’s making these declarations based on what he is calling common sense? NANCY CORDES: Sure, Lindsey. So he claimed repeatedly in that press conference, and then later, in the Oval Office, that he had increased the standards at the FAA for air-traffic controllers, when he was president during his first term, but that they were much lower during the Obama years, and that Biden then lowered them again. We have been asking The White House all day for any proof that that is actually the case- that he somehow raised the standards, because other officials we have been speaking to say that isn’t the case. The White House provided us with a link to a class action lawsuit that was filed back in 2016, by some individuals who said that the Obama FAA had changed the entry test for air-traffic controllers, to make it more difficult for white people to get accepted into the pool. I don't know the status and validity of that lawsuit, but what I can tell you, is that they weren’t able to provide us with any actual direct evidence that he had overhauled the standards for air-traffic controllers, when he was president, and if that had actually happened, that would be something that is pretty easy to do. What experts tell me is that actually, the standards for air-traffic controllers have always been quite high, Lindsay, and it requires 2 to 4 years of training. About half of the individuals who start the program end up dropping out along the way… REISER: Hmmmm. CORDES:  …and so the biggest challenge when it comes to air-traffic controllers usually hasn’t been the standards, it has been a shortage, trying to find enough people willing to go through all of that training. REISER: Following the collision, President Trump announced a new acting FAA administrator. What do we know about who he chose and what their job will be? CORDES: Right. His name is Chris Rocheleau. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran, he actually worked at the FAA for 20 years, so he’s got a lot of experience there, and they had to move quickly because there was something of a leadership vacuum at the FAA. The former administrator actually stepped down on the same day that President Trump was inaugurated, last Monday. He had several more years left on his term, but he had come under fire in recent months by a close Trump ally, Elon Musk, so he probably saw the writing on the wall, assumed that Trump would remove him once he came into office, so he beat him to the punch and left, but that meant that at the top of the FAA, you really had no clear line of command, and obviously, the FAA is going to be quite busy in the coming days and weeks. REISER: And we know that this is Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's second day. What will he be tasked with? CORDES: Well, he is getting a lot of feedback from Members of Congress, from The White House, about things that people are concerned about, that they think may have contributed to this accident, that he will likely have to examine, including the possibility of congestion at Reagan National Airport, the possibility that he may have to work with the Pentagon to revamp the rules for helicopters in the vicinity of Reagan National, all of this at a time when he is still figuring out how to get to his office, and who the people are who are surrounding him because, as you pointed out, he’s been on the job less than 48 hours.  REISER: Nancy Cordes, thank you. NBC NIGHTLY NEWS 1/30/25 6:46 PM LESTER HOLT: Back now with the new backlash after President Trump asserted today, without providing evidence, that Democrats' diversity programs may have played a role in the midair crash. Garrett Haake now with that story. GARRETT HAAKE: Tonight in a White House news conference that began with a somber moment of silence, President Trump pivoting from prayer -- DONALD TRUMP: I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for our nation. HAAKE: To politics. TRUMP: I put safety first. Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first. HAAKE: Suggesting, without evidence, that Democratic DEI policies at the FAA and military, which President Trump ended last week with an executive order, may have contributed to the midair collision. TRUMP: We have to have our smartest people. It doesn't matter what they look like, how they speak. Who they are. What matters- intellect, talent. HAAKE: At one point, going after Biden Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. TRUMP: He's got a good line of bullshit. He's run it right into the ground with his diversity. HAAKE: But reporters pressing the president. What evidence did he have that diversity hiring caused the crash? TRUMP: It just could have been. HAAKE: And later, as he signed an order to review FAA hiring decisions the last four years. REPORTER: Are you saying race or gender played a role in this tragedy? TRUMP: It may have. I don't know. Incompetence may have played a role. We'll let you know that. HAAKE: The President echoed by the Vice President and the Defense Secretary. JD VANCE: We want the best people at Air Traffic Control. PETE HEGSETH: The era of DEI is gone at the Defense Department. HAAKE: But the comment sparking fierce backlash. Buttigieg posting, “Despicable. As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first.” The top Senate Democrat responding. CHUCK SCHUMER: For the President of the United States to throw out idle speculation as bodies are still being recovered and families still being notified, it just turns your stomach. HAAKE: The president also naming a new acting FAA administrator today. That position had been vacant since Inauguration Day. Lester. HOLT: All right. Garrett Haake. Thanks.    

Communist News Network: Jim Acosta Debuts Sad Substack Show with Prominent Socialist Symbolism

Sen. Josh Hawley Says Tulsi Gabbard's Confirmation for Director of National Intelligence is in Jeopardy