Severe storms are threatening millions across the central U.S. this week with flash flooding, destructive hail, damaging winds and possible tornadoes. Flood watches remain in effect in several states as forecasters also warn of dangerous heat from Minnesota to Texas.
Posts tagged as “Baltimore”
The 151st Preakness Stakes moves to Laurel Park with a 14-horse field, excluding Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo. Iron Honor leads the morning-line odds as the race offers a $2 million purse.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended a comprehensive evaluation of 68 bridges across 19 states to assess their risk of collapse due to vessel strikes, following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last year. This initiative highlights the importance of conducting vulnerability assessments for older bridges, particularly those constructed before 1991, which currently lack updated evaluations. The NTSB's recommendations involve collaboration between bridge owners and federal officials to ensure the structural integrity and safety of notable structures, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge, to prevent future incidents.
The NTSB has underscored the necessity of conducting vulnerability assessments for bridges following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which occurred after a cargo ship struck one of its pillars. In response, the NTSB has recommended that 30 bridge owners across 19 states assess 68 bridges for risks associated with vessel collisions to prevent similar incidents. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance infrastructure safety by proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks, thereby safeguarding public safety and ensuring the longevity of critical transportation links.
Former Baltimore state's attorney Marilyn Mosby was convicted of two counts of perjury by a federal jury on Thursday, stemming from her alleged misuse of retirement funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mosby had been indicted by a federal grand jury and is accused of lying about the finances of a side business to improperly access retirement funds, which she used to buy two Florida homes. The jury reached a verdict on Thursday after a trial beginning on Monday, and Mosby awaits sentencing for the perjury charges.
Israel has imposed a full-scale siege on the Gaza Strip, cutting off food, water, electricity, and fuel to its 2.3 million residents in response to deadly attacks by Hamas. This has caused a humanitarian crisis in the overcrowded, impoverished enclave, with the death toll from the war rising to nearly 1,600 on both sides. In retaliation, Hamas has pledged to kill captured Israelis if attacks targeted civilians without warnings, leading to further unrest and fear in the region. The international community is calling for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to address the unsustainable humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
On Tuesday night, a shooting occurred on the campus of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, resulting in multiple people being shot. The Baltimore Police Department declared an active shooter situation and asked everyone to shelter in place, but later announced on social media that the incident was no longer considered an active shooting. The BPD is continuing to investigate the incident and is asking anyone with information to contact them, while the university has yet to release a statement.
Baltimore police have arrested 32-year-old Jason Billingsley, wanted on a first-degree murder warrant for the death of tech entrepreneur Pava LaPere. Police plan to reveal details of the capture in a news conference Thursday morning, and no further details were released. LaPere was found dead in her home in Mount Vernon on April 28, and the arrest of Billingsley brings closure to the case.