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U.S. NEWS

Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Investigations continue following the collapse of a Baltimore bridge. 

A Sri Lanka-bound container ship alerted authorities that it lost power shortly after departing from the Port of Baltimore. As it neared Francis Scott Key Bridge, the ship issued a “mayday,” preventing more traffic from crossing before it collided with the bridge, collapsing it within seconds.

Multiple vehicles entered the water, though it’s unknown if they had occupants. At least one body was recovered yesterday afternoon as rescuers searched for missing construction workers. A crew repairing potholes was present when the bridge plunged 185 feet into the 47-degree Patapsco River. Two workers were rescued, and six others are presumed dead. All of the ship’s crew were safe. 

Authorities say the bridge was “up to code” and have called the incident an accident.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
As rescue efforts continue, pray not only for protection and success—temporary blessings—but also for Christ’s light to shine through his compassionate, bold followers on the ground. The blessings of the gospel are eternal. 

“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade… In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”
1 Peter 1:3-4, 6

WORLD NEWS

Canceled Visit

Relations between the U.S. and Israel have turned rocky.

Prime Minister Netanyahu abruptly canceled a diplomatic visit of senior Israeli advisors to Washington D.C. after the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza during Ramadan (which ends in roughly two weeks) and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. 

While the U.S. had vetoed some previous cease-fire resolutions, it abstained from voting this time, allowing the resolution to pass 14-0. Secretary of State Blinken said that Uncle Sam couldn’t outrightly support it because the resolution didn’t condemn Hamas.

Still, the Israel-U.S. relationship hasn’t completely soured. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Israel’s minister of defense yesterday at the Pentagon to discuss ways to defeat Hamas without a ground invasion of the city of Rafah.

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Verse to consider when tensions and tempers are high… “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”
James 1:19-20

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U.S. NEWS

Controversies in Court

 The courts remain as busy as ever.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard arguments on the accessibility of the common abortion pill mifepristone. The Supremes will weigh whether the FDA’s decisions to widen access to the drug by making it available via mail and extending its use through ten gestational weeks were lawful.

The Justices may dodge making a decision, as many seemed skeptical that the plaintiffs (four medical associations and four pro-life doctors) have legal standing to bring the case at all. A ruling is expected in June.

Something else likely to end up before a judge: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law banning social media use for kids under 14 (and requiring parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds). It’ll go into effect January 1, 2025, but is expected to face First Amendment lawsuits.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
We are called to love everyone always. That means loving and caring for the unborn, single mothers, women who have received abortions, and people who passionately disagree with you on this topic.

“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8

Boeing is making some changes to the company cockpit. The American aircraft builder announced Monday that its CEO will leave by year’s end, the chairman won’t seek reelection, and the head of commercial airplanes will retire. The leadership shakeup is a response to safety and quality concerns after a panel blew off a 737 Max 9 plane in midair in January.
 

Federal agents raided properties owned by rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami on Monday as part of a sex trafficking investigation, though it’s unclear whether the Grammy-winning artist and producer is the investigation’s target. Combs is facing multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, which he has adamantly denied. 
 

A New York appeals court gave former President Trump a ten-day extension and substantially reduced the bond required ($175M down from $454M) in his New York civil fraud judgment. Meanwhile, Trump Media stock jumped as much as 50% on its first day of trading under the ticker DJT.
 

The NFL is changing things up this fall. The “hip-drop tackle” (grabbing an opponent then “swiveling,” sometimes pinning their legs at an odd angle) is now banned, though many worry it’ll be hard to officiate. Kickoffs will also look different (more like scrimmages or the XFL) following a number of rule changes to incentivize returns while reducing high-speed collisions.
 

Independent presidential candidate RFK Jr. – who is polling around 12% – has named his running mate: Nicole Shanahan. The 38-year-old is a wealthy entrepreneur, attorney, filmmaker, and philanthropist who was married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin from 2018-2022 and is largely unknown outside of tech circles. She was an early supporter of RFK’s campaign and has never held public office.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Do you like optical illusions…?

How We’re Surfing
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What We’re Listening To
The Bible in the Dwell App*

I made it through Leviticus last month thanks to my secret weapon: Dwell. 

Every morning, as I brush my teeth, start the coffee, take the dog outside… I’m listening to Dwell’s audio Bible at 1.15x speed, read to me by Gregory in the ESV with instrumental hymns in the background. My Bible reading plan is integrated with Dwell, so I can track my progress right in the app. 

Dwell has been the most doable way for me to spend prolonged time in the Word. If you, too, want to build a habit of immersing yourself in the Bible, I highly recommend Dwell. 

Steph Juliot | Staff Writer