Broke On: Thursday, 16 May 2024
Two major incidents occurred in Baltimore's harbor on March 26, 2024: the container ship Dali experienced power outages, and the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed. The causes of both events remain under investigation by various authorities. Preliminary reports suggest no involvement of alcohol or drugs. The NTSB and FBI are investigating potential cybersecurity risks related to the Dali's power outages, while 21 crew members remain trapped on board due to ongoing investigations and visa restrictions.
Broke On: Friday, 17 May 2024
At least four people died and over 1.5 million power customers were left without electricity after severe thunderstorms hit southeastern Texas and Louisiana on Thursday. The storm brought destructive winds up to 100 mph, causing widespread damage to buildings, power lines, and trees in Houston. At least four fatalities were reported in Harris County due to falling trees and mobile home fires. Power outages affected over 800,000 customers in Harris County alone and could take several days to be fully restored.
Broke On: Thursday, 16 May 2024
Russia's offensive into Ukraine's Kharkiv region has put significant pressure on Ukraine to stabilize the front line and prevent a major Russian breakthrough. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had to cancel international trips due to the rapid advancement of Russian forces, who are applying pressure near Kupiansk and may target Sumy and Chernihiv next. Despite challenges, Ukraine remains resilient in its war with Russia, prioritizing front line stabilization and relying on NATO-supplied weaponry.
Broke On: Wednesday, 15 May 2024
On March 26, 2024, the cargo ship Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore after experiencing multiple power blackouts. The first two occurred while docked at Seagirt Marine Terminal due to crew error and insufficient fuel pressure. Despite these issues, the Dali left port and suffered two more blackouts before crashing into the bridge. The NTSB is investigating the cause of the blackouts, which may have contributed to the collision that severely damaged the bridge, causing a four-year repair process and significant traffic disruptions. The Singapore-based Dali had been in port for over eight months prior to this incident.
Broke On: Wednesday, 08 May 2024
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sets agenda for a peace summit on Ukraine's 10-point formula in Switzerland next month, focusing on nuclear safety, grain exports, and prisoner exchanges. Despite progress in Ukrainian grain exports and diplomatic efforts, Russian aggression continues. The summit aims for minimal goals to ensure attendance of skeptical Global South nations.
Broke On: Wednesday, 15 May 2024
A barge collided with the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston, Texas on May 15, causing damage, power interruptions, and temporary waterway closures. The incident involved a tugboat pushing two barges, one of which lost control and hit the bridge pillar. This comes after another recent bridge collapse in Baltimore due to a container ship strike.
Broke On: Wednesday, 15 May 2024
Baobab trees, known for their enormous size and long history with human settlements, likely originated in Madagascar around 21 million years ago. New research suggests that six out of eight baobab species have a limited range in Madagascar, making conservation crucial for three critically endangered or endangered Malagasy species.
Broke On: Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Last summer, identified as the hottest in at least 2,000 years based on new research, was 2.2 degrees Celsius warmer than average Northern Hemisphere summer temperatures from 1 to 1890. Scientists attribute this extreme heat to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions and other factors like El Niño and reduced sulfur dioxide aerosol pollution. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming below 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius), but the Northern Hemisphere has already surpassed this threshold.
Broke On: Tuesday, 14 May 2024
A subpopulation of killer whales, known as 'Gladis', have been targeting boats off the Atlantic coasts of Portugal and Spain since May 2020. One such incident occurred on May 14, 2024, when orcas attacked and sank the sailing yacht Alboran Cognac in Moroccan waters near the Strait of Gibraltar. The exact number of orcas involved is unknown, but theories suggest a female orca named White Gladis may be experiencing a 'critical moment of agony' contributing to her aggressive behavior. Sailors are urged to take necessary precautions when navigating in the region.
Broke On: Monday, 13 May 2024
Thousands evacuated in Canada as wildfires rage, filling skies with smoke; BC and Alberta hit hardest, climate change a factor, air quality alerts issued in US states.