Engineering experts noted that the Baltimore bridge had minimal protection and had not been updated for decades. However, it’s still being debated whether or not added protections would have prevented the disaster.
Federal investigators said that the Dali cargo ship that collided with the Baltimore bridge sailed right past a protective concrete piling before slamming into the bridge.
In a news release on Wednesday, May 29, the team of students and faculty stated that they are looking at whether other port bridges could face a similar fate as the one in Baltimore. Researchers want their findings to be used to prioritize the necessary investments in bridge infrastructure.
In an effort to find vulnerabilities in bridges, researchers will build models to see whether a collision with a large vessel could dismantle other bridges. Some engineering experts say that as ships have gotten much bigger, bridges in the U.S. have failed to adapt. The study by Johns Hopkins University aims to figure out what needs to change in terms of updating bridges for the 21st century.
Federal officials are also determining whether other critical bridges in the region needed added pier protection.
Meanwhile, a report released on Wednesday by the Maryland Chamber of Commerce revealed the economic impacts of the Baltimore bridge collapse and called for increased investment in infrastructure.
Plans to replace the Francis Scotty Key Bridge are underway. The total cost is expected to be in the range of $2 billion and is scheduled to be finished by 2028.
Cleanup crews have refloated the Dali involved in the crash in Baltimore. Officials say that they expect to have the main channel at the Port of Baltimore open by June 10.
In total, 21 men remain trapped aboard the vessel. Of those men, 20 are from India while one is a Sri Lankan national. Controlled demolition began on Monday, May 15, giving the men onboard the Dali hope that it signals the beginning of the end of their entrapment.
The crew has been largely without communication to the outside world after the FBI confiscated all members’ phones as part of its investigation.
Two unions representing the crew said that “morale has understandably dipped,” exacerbated by “unfounded fears of personal criminal liability” and the emotional toll of being trapped.
The unions called for the “swift” return of the crew’s phones, citing the impact of losing communication with family members, especially for crew members with children.
The unified command overseeing the response to the ship and the bridge collapse could not give a timeline for when the men may be able to disembark for their home countries. However, the unified command said that the crew’s needs are being tended to, providing examples of having Indian food catered to members in addition to offering religious and emotional support.
The BBC reported that some people have provided donations to the men as well, such as handmade quilts and Indian snacks.
Executive Director Joshua Messick of The Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center has been in contact with the men. The center helps protect the rights of mariners. Messick said he expects to be able to board the ship as soon as it is moved out of the shipping channel. After the ship moves, he believes the sailors will be eligible for shore passes with very restricted movements.
Cohen testifies Trump said ‘just do it’ about payment to Daniels
Michael Cohen, the one-time lawyer for former President Donald Trump, took the stand in the former president’s criminal trial. And a giant billboard collapses in India, killing more than a dozen people and leaving dozens injured. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Cohen testifies Trump said ‘Just do it’ about payment to Daniels
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former attorney, took the stand in New York on Monday, May 13, alleging that the former president not only knew about the $130,000 payment Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels but also authorized it and approved the plan for repayment.
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Cohen alleged that during the final days of the 2016 election, Trump told him, “Just do it,” regarding the payment to Daniels. Cohen said that the payment aimed to prevent Daniels from sharing her alleged affair with Trump in 2006 — a situation Cohen deemed “catastrophic” for Trump’s presidential bid.
According to Cohen, Trump expressed concern about Daniels’ story being published, stating, “Women are going to hate me; guys may think it’s cool. But this is going to be a disaster for the campaign.”
While Cohen maintains that the payment was “all about the campaign,” Trump’s defense suggests it aimed to protect his family from embarrassment. Cohen testified that Trump instructed him to delay paying Daniels until after the election, allegedly saying, “Push it out past the election because if I win, it has no relevance, and if I lose, I don’t really care.”
Trump denies any relationship with Daniels and has pleaded not guilty to charges related to payments made to Cohen. Cohen’s testimony continues today with questioning from the prosecution, followed by cross-examination from Trump’s legal team.
Blinken arrives in Kyiv, meets with Zelenskyy
In an unannounced visit Tuesday, May 14, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv, reassuring Ukraine of America’s continued support as the war with Russia persists.
Blinken emphasized that this aid would “make a real difference” in Ukraine’s fight on the battlefield, with much of it directed toward replenishing the country’s artillery and air defense systems.
I returned to Kyiv today to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine as they defend their freedom against Russian aggression. pic.twitter.com/7ruIw6GgVd
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 14, 2024
This marks Blinken’s fourth trip to the Ukrainian capital since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Biden administration unveils new tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles
The release also highlighted China’s flooding of global markets with artificially low-priced exports.
The new tariffs will take effect over the next three years. Tariffs increasing this year cover goods such as EVs, batteries, solar cells, medical products — including syringes and needles — as well as steel and aluminum. Notably, the tariff rate on EVs will increase from 25% to 100%.
Large billboard collapses, killing at least 14 people in Mumbai
The rain, accompanied by high winds, caused the 100-foot-tall billboard to fall over a gas station in the suburb of Ghatkopar. At least 47 people were rescued late into the night.
Heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate mishap at Ghatkopar today. @MumbaiPolice team is on the spot in the rescue operation. We assure citizens that stringent legal action will be taken against those responsible for this mishap.
India experiences severe floods during the monsoon season, typically from June to September, which is crucial for agriculture but often causes extensive damage.
Largest remaining collapsed Baltimore bridge span demolished
Crews demolished the largest remaining span of a collapsed bridge in Baltimore, clearing the way for the eventual full return of shipping through one of the busiest sea routes in the U.S.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship named the Dali in March, which lost power and veered off course. As a result, a section of the bridge landed on the grounded container ship. Six people were killed in the collision.
The operation was delayed due to bad weather, but the demolition went according to plan Monday, May 13.
Michael Cohen expected to take the stand in Donald Trump’s criminal trial
Michael Cohen, the one-time lawyer of Donald Trump, is set to take the stand in the former president’s criminal trial. And graduates protesting the war in Gaza walk out on Jerry Seinfeld during Duke’s commencement ceremony. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, May 13, 2024.
Michael Cohen expected to take the stand in Donald Trump’s criminal trial
In the fifth week of former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York, prosecutors are expected to call on their star witness: Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen.
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Trump faces charges related to falsifying business records concerning payments he made to Cohen. The former president has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
On Tuesday, May 7, adult film star Stormy Daniels testified that Cohen paid her $130,000 to prevent her story about an alleged relationship with Trump from becoming public before the 2016 election. Trump has consistently denied the existence of any such relationship.
Cohen will be the 19th witness brought to the stand by the prosecution.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office indicates that it may conclude its case this week. Following closing arguments, the case will then be handed over to the jury.
Jury selection scheduled to begin in Sen. Menendez’s corruption trial
Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 13, in the trial of Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J.. The Democratic senator is accused of accepting bribes of gold and cash to benefit three New Jersey businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar.
Menendez will stand trial in Manhattan alongside two real estate developers. All three have pleaded not guilty. A third businessman has pleaded guilty and will testify against the other defendants.
Evidence includes gold bars worth over $100,000 and more than $486,000 in cash found during a raid on Menendez’s New Jersey home.
Menendez’s wife has also been charged, but her trial is postponed until at least July for health reasons.
This is the senator’s second corruption trial in a decade, with the previous one ending in a deadlocked jury in 2017.
Group of students walk out of Duke graduation before Seinfeld’s speech
The unrest at college campuses across the country over the war in Gaza continued this weekend as dozens of students walked out during Duke University’s commencement ceremony.
Roughly 30 students got up from their seats during the May 12 ceremony, some waving Palestinian flags as comedian Jerry Seinfeld was awarded an honorary degree and was set to address the graduating class.
The group of students walking out could be heard chanting, “Free Palestine!” They were met by a mix of boos and cheers with other graduates chanting “Jerry!” in support of the guest speaker.
The protesting students held an alternate makeshift graduation in another part of the North Carolina campus.
Seinfeld, who has two children attending Duke, has been outspoken about his support for Israel since Hamas’ terror attack in October.
In his speech, he touched upon the concept of privilege while telling students not to be shy about utilizing the fact they attended Duke.
“Privilege is a word that has taken quite a beating lately,” Seinfeld said. “Privilege today seems to be the worst thing you can have. I would like to take a moment to defend it. Again, a lot of you are thinking, ‘I can’t believe they invited this guy.’ Too late. I say, use your privilege. I grew up a Jewish boy from New York. That is a privilege, if you want to be a comedian.”
Seinfeld has not yet commented on the walkout.
Francis Scott Key Bridge controlled demolition postponed due to weather
A planned demolition at the site of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse has been rescheduled for Monday, May 13, after being delayed throughout the weekend due to poor weather conditions and lightning in the vicinity.
Engineers are planning to use controlled explosives in the remains of the bridge to remove the stranded container ship from the channel.
The ship collided with the bridge back in March, killing six people and leading to the closure of the Port of Baltimore. The incident remains under investigation.
First person to receive genetically-modified pig kidney transplant dies
Over the weekend, it was announced that the first human recipient of a genetically-modified pig kidney transplant has died. Rick Slayman received the transplant back in March at Massachusetts General Hospital when he was 62 years old.
Slayman, who was battling end-stage kidney disease, underwent the surgery with the intention of providing hope to others in need of a transplant to survive. Last month, a 54-year-old woman in New Jersey became the second person to undergo the same procedure.
Solar storm brings Northern Lights to skies across U.S.
A dazzling light display graced the night sky across America this past weekend, thanks to a rare yet powerful solar storm. The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, typically appears only in areas near the North Pole. However, due to increased solar activity, this captivating phenomenon was visible as far south as Florida.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this was the strongest solar storm to hit Earth since 2003. While the agency issued warnings about potential impacts on power grids, communication networks, and navigation systems, no major outages were reported.
People across the U.S. and around the world had the opportunity to capture photos and witness this extraordinary event in the night sky.
US pauses shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns over Rafah operation
The U.S. paused a shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns over an invasion in Rafah. Stormy Daniels testifies in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, prompting a bid for a mistrial by his legal team. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
US pauses shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns over Rafah operation
The Biden administration confirmed Tuesday, May 7, that it paused ammunition shipments to Israel last week due to concerns about a major ground operation in Rafah, a Gaza border city. U.S. officials said the shipment included 3,500 bombs, some weighing 2,000 pounds, others weighing 500 pounds. This marks the first time the administration has delayed an arms delivery to Israel since the war began following Hamas’ terror attack in October.
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The pause in arms shipments occurred hours after the Israeli military sent tanks into Rafah in what the U.S. and Israel described as a “limited” operation. Israel forces seized control over the crossing with Egypt, a vital corridor for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The U.S. has repeatedly warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against a major offensive in Rafah, where over one million Palestinians have relocated.
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized, R-La., the decision to withhold weapons, stating it does not reflect the “will of Congress” following the passage of the latest foreign aid bill last month.
President Joe Biden, speaking at a Holocaust remembrance ceremony at the Capitol, did not mention the delay but addressed the surge of antisemitism in America and around the world. He reaffirmed America’s support for Israel.
“To the Jewish community, I want you to know,” Biden said. “I see your fear, your hurt and your pain. Let me reassure you. As your president, you’re not alone. You belong. You always have, and you always will. And my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel and its right to exist as an independent Jewish state is ironclad even when we disagree.”
Wednesday, May 8, is the deadline for the State Department to report to Congress on whether Israel’s use of U.S. weapons in Gaza is violating international humanitarian laws. Reuters reports the department is likely to miss this deadline. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is also expected to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee today, where he will likely face questions about the administration’s policies.
Russian airstrikes damage Ukrainian energy facilities
Russian missiles and drones struck nearly a dozen Ukrainian infrastructure sites early Wednesday, May 8, damaging three Soviet-era thermal power plants. Ukrainian officials reported that the strikes injured three people and impacted energy facilities, homes and public transportation across several regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, which occurred on the same day Ukraine celebrates Victory Over Nazism in World War II. He called for global recognition of the threat posed by modern Nazism.
Russia has not immediately responded to these latest strikes.
Judge denies Trump’s motion for mistrial after Stormy Daniels’ testimony
The judge presiding over Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York denied the former president’s legal team’s motion for a mistrial on Tuesday, May 7. Trump’s attorneys called for a mistrial as they argued that testimony by adult film star Stormy Daniels was “extraordinarily prejudicial.”
During her testimony, Daniels detailed an alleged sexual encounter with Trump, leading to numerous objections from the former president’s team. Trump’s attorneys argued her testimony was not relevant to the case, where Trump is accused of falsifying business records to hide hush money payments his former lawyer made to Daniels amid the 2016 presidential election.
While dismissing the motion for a retrial, the judge noted, “It would have been better if some of these things had been left unsaid,” but argued that Trump’s team should have raised more objections. Trump has denied the encounter with Daniels ever happened and has pleaded not guilty in the case.
Daniels is scheduled to return to the stand for further cross-examination on Thursday, May 9, when the trial resumes.
Body of 6th victim in Baltimore bridge collapse recovered
Crews have recovered the body of the final missing worker from the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, as they prepare to demolish the wreckage.
The worker was among six killed when the container ship Dali lost power, struck a support column, and caused the bridge to collapse, halting most maritime traffic through Baltimore’s port.
Panera discontinuing Charged Lemonade following wrongful death lawsuits
Panera Bread announced it will discontinue its Charged Lemonade beverages nationwide following lawsuits linking the drink’s high caffeine content to at least two deaths.
A company spokesperson confirmed the decision on Tuesday, May 7, stating the drink is being discontinued as part of Panera’s “menu transformation,” but did not address the wrongful death lawsuits.
In October, the family of a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition filed a lawsuit alleging she died after consuming the beverage. In December, the family of a Florida man with a chromosomal deficiency disorder also filed a lawsuit after his death, which they claim was caused by the drink.
Following reports of the lawsuits, Panera updated its warnings, advising that the lemonade was not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or people sensitive to caffeine.
Panera has previously stated it stands by the safety of its products.
OpenAI partners with publisher of People magazine
OpenAI has partnered with Dotdash Meredith, the publisher of People magazine, to enhance its ChatGPT system. Dotdash Meredith said the collaboration will incorporate “trusted content” from the company’s array of brands — including “Better Homes and Gardens,” “Food and Wine,” and “InStyle” — providing ChatGPT with access to recipes, health information, entertainment coverage and product reviews.
As part of the licensing agreement, ChatGPT users will soon find links to the publisher’s various sites in relevant responses. Additionally, OpenAI will collaborate with Dotdash Meredith to develop new AI products for its readers and improve its ad-targeting tools.
Cargo ship in Baltimore disaster one of hundreds in US to lose propulsion
Six people died after a cargo ship lost propulsion causing the vessel to slam into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26. Now, it’s being revealed that the incident may be part of a larger problem involving ships losing propulsion in U.S. waterways.
A Washington Post analysis on Tuesday, April 16, revealed that hundreds of incidents involving ships losing propulsion, many near critical infrastructure, have been reported over the past few years.
The latest incident happened less than two weeks after the Baltimore disaster on Friday, April 5. A massive container vessel experienced propulsion failure near a bridge connecting New York and New Jersey.
The APL Qingdao — which stretches more than 1,100 feet — faced engine failure while navigating a narrow passage beneath the Bayonne Bridge, which is used by thousands of commuters each day. Maritime chatter reportedly declared it a “dead ship.” In response, three tugboats were called in to guide the vessel to safety.
The vessel was forced to drop an anchor near another busy bridge, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which carries about 200,000 vehicles per day. Eventually, the ship was able to continue its journey.
The April 5 incident is one of many involving cargo ships losing power near critical bridges and ports over the past few years. The failures put lives at risk, as well as property, as noted by the bridge collapse in Baltimore.
Part of the problem is the increasing size of cargo ships and lack of consistent rules on tugboat escorts. According to experts, without proper guidance, ships are more susceptible to accidents. Experts are calling for clearer rules and more tugboats to escort vessels.
Safety advocates said implementing regulations and guidelines for ship navigation enhances safety, especially for vessels that experience engine failure.
Around Baltimore alone, the Washington Post found that ships lost propulsion nearly two dozen times in the three years before the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
The U.S. Coast Guard also identified several cases of ships hitting objects after losing power, including one ship striking a grain dock in the Lower Mississippi River.
The Washington Post reported that in some cases, poor maintenance, aging or faulty equipment were to blame for engine failure. In other cases, human error was the cause of the problem.
Thousands of Baltimore port workers not getting paid after Key Bridge collapse
Nearly three weeks have passed since a container ship lost power and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Port of Baltimore, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River on March 26. There is extensive work ahead before operations return to normal.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, is actively engaged in clearing the steel and concrete debris from the water.
According to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s office, crews have established two temporary alternate channels, facilitating the passage of 69 vessels through these waterways. However, the majority of the harbor remains inaccessible.
U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Bill McKinstry informed ABC News that divers are contending with murky waters, complicating the salvage operation.
Engineers have set a goal of opening a third limited-access channel for additional vessels by the end of April, with hopes of restoring port capacity to normal levels by the end of May.
Since the collapse of the Key Bridge, nearly 8,000 jobs have been suspended, leaving workers unpaid until cargo ship operations resume.
Scott Cowan, president of the International Longshoremen’s Association at the Port of Baltimore, disclosed to WTOP News that only around 300 workers are engaged in daily maintenance jobs, leaving many others concerned.
In an effort to alleviate the financial strain, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, D, recently signed the Port Act into law. The legislation aims to provide financial assistance to impacted port workers and offers incentives to local businesses to prevent relocation to other ports. However, Cowan noted that the benefits of this legislation have yet to be realized.
Go behind the scenes in the life of a Navy officer: Weapons and Warfare
This episode of Weapons and Warfare features former naval aviator Rob Roy, who is sharing his military experience with host Ryan Robertson one video at a time. Roy takes viewers inside the cockpit of the soon-to-be-retired C-2 Greyhound for an up-close education of what it’s like to work and fly from what’s been called a floating city.
Also featured in this episode:
The Navy is sending specialized equipment able to lift tons to help the recovery efforts in the Port of Baltimore.
The first of a new unit of Triton drones touches down at Naval Air Station Sigonella.
The U.S. Marine Corp is deploying its new Amphibious Combat Vehicle after delays from training issues.
This week’s weapon is an unmanned aircraft system that could be a game changer for the U.S. Navy.
You can subscribe to the Weapons and Warfare podcast on the platform of your choosing here.
Cargo ships critical for supporting US military trapped in Baltimore
Nearly a dozen ships are reportedly stuck at the Port of Baltimore behind the wreckage of the deadly collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Four of the ships stuck are part of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force, which is used to support U.S. military operations overseas.
The U.S. ships that are stuck at the port would not be able to assist if they were called up currently. A Naval expert told the Baltimore Sun that if a conflict like the Gulf War were to occur now, the U.S. military would need to call commercial vessels to assist.
The Ready Reserve vessels behind the wreckage are used to deliver vital cargo to U.S. forces abroad. Two of the ships stuck at the port are also among the fastest cargo ships in the world, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. The other two ships are undergoing repairs, and even if the port were open, one ship may still be in a “reduced readiness state.”
There are currently 48 ships in the Ready Reserve Force, stationed around the United States. The vessels have to be ready within 5-10 days of a call overseas.
However, as the ships age and are sold or repurposed, there are efforts underway to revamp the Ready Reserve Force. A U.S. Maritime Administration official told the Baltimore Sun that he expects new vessels in the fleet soon. He said that there will be 53 ships in the force eventually.
The Ready Reserve Force has not been used much since Desert Storm operations. The vessels reportedly require a lot of individuals and are expensive to operate.
When it comes to the Port of Baltimore, some channels have temporarily reopened but are too small for big ships to pass through. The ships currently stuck will have to wait until more debris is cleared to navigate the Patapsco River.
Storm conditions have delayed cleanup and recovery efforts. Divers searching for the bodies of victims reported the murky water made it difficult to see, and operations had to be halted temporarily.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said that the Port of Baltimore should have temporary one-way navigation capabilities by the end of April. By the end of May, USACE officials said that they expect the port’s channel to be completely reopened.
The ships stuck are carrying items ranging from oil to vehicles.
President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to visit Baltimore on Friday, April 5, has vowed the federal government will pay, but Republicans in Congress stand in his way.
Meanwhile, the owner and manager of the ship that crashed into the bridge are trying to escape some of the costs. They filed jointly using a pre-Civil War provision in maritime law, which limits their liability to the “value of the vessel’s remains.” In total, it would cap their reported expenses at $43.6 million.
However, at least one legal expert said that the provision likely won’t allow the company to escape that much liability. Instead, what the provision does is force all subsequent claims to be filed in one place.
Around 100 insurance companies are reported to be involved in the case. The insurance companies cover everything from cargo on the ship, the ship itself, the bridge, and even the Port of Baltimore. Those insurance companies will likely front the costs eventually, according to a legal analyst.
Once an investigation is complete, and it is determined who is at fault, insurance companies will reportedly sue the responsible party in an attempt to recoup their losses.
The ship’s owner, who is based out of Singapore, argues that they were not previously aware of the vessel’s mechanical issues that led to the crash.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has already approved $60 million to help clear debris and for rebuilding efforts. That’s just a fraction of what’s needed, as costs to repair the bridge alone could be as high as $1.2 billion. The emergency funds that the Biden administration provided are also limited, and Congress would need to approve additional funding for bridge reconstruction.
Many Republicans, including former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich, said it should not be the government’s responsibility to pay; rather, the insurance companies should foot the bill.
As the debate over who should pay continues, efforts to remove the wreckage from the Patapsco River are underway. Sonar images have revealed that there is still debris at the waterway, and divers were swimming in “virtual darkness.” Cranes are also assisting by lifting hundreds of tons of wreckage to clear the channels.
Gov. Wes Moore, D-Md., said efforts will need to include more than just rebuilding the bridge. Moore said that he’s also focused on the victims and the long-term economic impact.
“Our work with these families does not end with recovery,” Moore said. “Both federal and state partners are meeting with families of the victims to offer them support.”
Moore went on to say that this is not just about a bridge but “it’s about our nation’s economy.”