Baltimore bridge catastrophe
Good morning, Daily Briefing readers! Apologies this newsletter is getting to you later than usual — typical Tuesday tech issues. Now let's get to what you came here for. Here are today's top stories.
A major bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday after it was struck by a large cargo ship. Also in the news: A major abortion case is back in the Supreme Court on Tuesday with implications for the approval of medications in the United States. Dodgers' star Shohei Ohtani says he was unaware his close friend and manager was taking his money to place sports bets.
🙋🏼♀️ I'm Nicole Fallert, Daily Briefing author. These are the shows I can't wait to stream this spring.
Baltimore bridge collapses after cargo ship crash
A massive emergency response is underway after a large cargo ship collided with one of the pillars of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. Authorities described the situation as a "mass casualty incident" and two people have been rescued so far from the Patapsco River, one unharmed and the other remains in "very serious condition," officials said. Responders are still looking for at least seven other people. Several vehicles plunged into the water and there were construction workers on the bridge, officials said. This story is developing. Read live updates here.
SCOTUS hearing on an abortion pill could have broad impact on medications
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments Tuesday in a case experts say could significantly reduce access to the abortion pill mifepristone and have far-reaching consequences for other medications and the authority of the Food and Drug Administration.
The case: The justices agreed late last year to review a federal appeals court decision to impose significant restrictions on mifepristone. The lower court ruled the FDA overstepped its authority by making it easier to obtain the drug, including allowing it to be sent by mail. The Supreme Court allowed full access to the drug to continue while the legal battle plays out.
The mifepristone case TLDR: In November 2022, a conservative legal advocacy organization argued mifepristone should be pulled from the market. U.S. district Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk sided with the organization in April and effectively invalidated the FDA's 23-year-old approval of the drug. But the Biden administration appealed in September and the Supreme Court agreed to review the decision.
Experts say the upcoming ruling could have a long-term impact on the FDA’s ability to make decisions about the safety of all drugs. Any medication could be subject to similarly non-medical, political hearings, medical and legal advocates say.
Decades of medical evidence supports mifepristone's safety and efficacy. The justices could restrict access to mifepristone in a way that would make it more difficult for millions of women to end a pregnancy in states where abortion is legal.
Related: Here's how the Supreme Court case on the abortion drug mifepristone could affect the 2024 election.
More news to know now
BREAKING: WikiLeaks' Julian Assange may get a shot at freedom.
Boeing's CEO is leaving: What does that mean for the plane manufacturer?
The feds charged Chinese hackers in a plot targeting U.S. politicians, national security and journalists.
Will Trump's election fraud trial come before the election?
Putin admitted "radical Islamists" were behind the Moscow massacre, but still blames Ukraine.
On today's The Excerpt podcast, what to know about pharmacy unionizing. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your smart speaker.
What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.
Trump's Truth Social begins trading Tuesday
Donald Trump's struggling social media platform − founded after he was booted from the major social media following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot − is set to begin trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange Tuesday under the ticker that bears his initials. Truth Social's parent company will have a market value of approximately $5.5 billion when it starts trading and Trump's stake will be worth about $3 billion. Experts say that trading in the stock could be volatile as Trump supporters buy and sell shares. Read more
US allows for Gaza cease-fire resolution to clear UN
The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution Monday demanding an immediate cease-fire in Israel's war in Gaza during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the unconditional release of all hostages from Gaza after the U.S. abstained from voting. The U.S., a steadfast ally of Israel, allowed the resolution to move forward by abstaining, making it the first cease-fire resolution to pass the council since the Israel-Hamas war began. Read more
Keep scrolling
Sean "Diddy" Combs' homes in Los Angeles, Miami were raided as part of a federal investigation.
Princess Kate is getting "preventive chemotherapy." What is that?
The "Quiet on Set" documentary exposes the high price of kids on TV.
Here's a break down of the men's and women's NCAA tournament schedules this week.
A target of "Are We Dating the Same Guy" posts sued women, claiming they've defamed him.
A coalition of America's Black mayors will look for answers to public safety in Memphis.
Shohei Ohtani says he was duped by his ex-interpreter
Major League Baseball’s biggest star Shohei Ohtani insisted in a Monday press conference that that he had zero knowledge, zero inkling and absolutely zero involvement in his interpreter’s gambling addiction, racking up at least $4.5 million in sports wagering with an alleged illegal bookmaker. Ohtani said he had no idea that Mizuhara had a gambling addiction or withdrew money out his account until Mizuhara informed the Dodgers organization and players last week in a team meeting. Read more
Photo of the day: 'Bachelorette' announces first Asian American lead in franchise history
After Joey Graziadei's final choice was revealed during Monday night's finale, it was revealed that Jenn Tran, a 26-year-old physician assistant student from Miami, Florida, will be the next "Bachelorette" lead. Being the franchise's first Asian lead feels "honestly incredible," she said. Tran is Vietnamese American and is bilingual. Read more about Tran here and find out who Bachelor Joey picked here.
Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com or follow along with her musings on Twitter. Support journalism like this – subscribe to USA TODAY here.
Associated Press contributed reporting.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Daily Briefing: Baltimore bridge catastrophe
