Major bridge collapses in Baltimore after ship collision; search and rescue underway

A major bridge collapses in Baltimore after being struck by a ship — sending multiple people into the water. And, Homeland Security raids the homes of hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs as part of an ongoing investigation. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

Major bridge collapses in Baltimore, Maryland after ship collision

Rescue crews are searching for survivors after a major bridge collapsed in the early morning of Tuesday, March 26, in Baltimore, Maryland, following a collision with a large cargo ship, causing several vehicles to plunge into the water.

Officials reported that a Singapore-flagged cargo ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge just before 1:30 a.m., resulting in part of the bridge falling into the Patapsco River.

The Baltimore City Fire Department has confirmed that multiple people fell into the water, with rescue efforts underway for at least seven and potentially as many as twenty individuals. In a morning press conference, authorities confirmed two people had been rescued, with one in very serious condition.

The owners of the cargo ship have stated all crew members on board have been accounted for.

MAJOR BALTIMORE TRAFFIC ALERT: AVOID I-695 southeast corridor. I-695 Key Bridge collapse due to ship strike. Active scene. Use I-95 or I-895. #baltraffic #mdtraffic

— MDTA (@TheMDTA) March 26, 2024

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced on social media that emergency personnel were responding to the incident.

The Maryland Transportation Authority has issued a “major traffic alert,” advising drivers to avoid the area.

The 1.6-mile-long bridge, named after the author of the national anthem, first opened in 1977.

Supreme Court to hear arguments in mifepristone case

The abortion debate will return to the Supreme Court today as justices hear arguments in a case involving the abortion pill mifepristone. This marks the high court’s first abortion-related case since it overturned Roe v. Wade nearly two years ago.

Supreme Court to decide fate of access to abortion pill mifepristone https://t.co/BZClBDgnwV

— TIME (@TIME) March 25, 2024

The Supreme Court will review whether the Food and Drug Administration overlooked safety issues when it initially approved the medication and later made it more accessible, including permitting the pill to be sent by mail.

The group suing the FDA alleges the drug has led to “tens of thousands” of “emergency complications.” However, the FDA counters those claims, arguing the pill has a lower complication rate than Tylenol.

Medication abortions, primarily using mifepristone, represent nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S., with over 5 million women having used the drug since its approval in 2000.

A decision in the case is expected by the end of June.

Truth Social starts publicly trading under ‘DJT’ ticker

Former President Donald Trump’s venture into social media is set to go public. The platform, Truth Social, will begin trading under the ticker DJT Tuesday, March 26.

Truth Social is entering the stock market by merging with Digital World Acquisition Corp. The merger, approved last week, allows Truth Social to become a publicly traded company without the traditional initial public offering process. The former president will own at least 58% of the combined company.

Following the announcement, Digital World Acquisition’s stock price surged 23%. Investors are optimistic, valuing Trump Media & Technology Group at more than $5 billion.

On Monday, Trump commended Truth Social’s performance, stating, “Truth Social is doing very well. It’s hot as a pistol and doing great.”

However, Securities and Exchange Commission filings reveal that Truth Social has lost nearly $58 million since 2021.

Homeland Security raids homes of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Homeland Security agents raided multiple homes owned by hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs on Monday, March 25. Several news outlets have reported that the searches are part of a sex-trafficking investigation.

Three separate lawsuits filed in recent months have accused the rapper of sex trafficking, allegations he has previously denied. Back in December, Combs released a statement on social media saying he did not do any of the “awful things being alleged.”

Armed Homeland Security agents conducted raids at homes in Los Angeles and Miami.

Several outlets also reported seeing individuals in handcuffs outside his California property, but there was no sign of Combs himself. He has yet to comment on the raids.

Florida Governor signs bill restricting social media for kids

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that sets age limits for social media use in the state. Under the new law, children under 14 are prohibited from creating social media accounts, and those aged 14 and 15 will need parental consent to join platforms.

The law requires social media companies to delete accounts belonging to users under 14. If they fail to comply, they can be sued, and children may receive up to $10,000 in damages.

Companies could also face fines of $50,000 for each violation.

The bill, expected to face legal challenges, is set to take effect in 2025.

Auction of iconic movie props collects more than $15.6 million

Film enthusiasts had the opportunity to own a piece of Hollywood history during a recent auction of movie props. Heritage Auctions announced that its “Treasures from Planet Hollywood” auction garnered over $15 million.

Highlights of the auction included the whip from “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” which sold for $500,000, and the axe used by Jack Nicholson in “The Shining,” fetching $125,000.

Treasures from Planet Hollywood bring in more than $15.6 Million.

“The extraordinary success of this auction proves what I’ve known all along: The interest in and appetite for modern-movie props and costumes — all of which were once displayed in Planet Hollywoods worldwide or… pic.twitter.com/nohp0tbCDe

— Heritage Auctions (@HeritageAuction) March 25, 2024

The top-selling item was a wood panel from the movie “Titanic,” often referred to as the “floating door,” which sold for more than $700,000. Additionally, a prototype of the “floating door” sold for $125,000.