Biden’s motorcade: Police in Wilmington, Delaware, are investigating last night’s incident in which a car crashed into a Secret Service vehicle being used to protect President Biden’s motorcade. The president and Mrs. Biden were visiting the Biden campaign headquarters in Wilmington. The car crash occurred while Biden was walking from the campaign office to his armored limousine that was lined up in the motorcade. Mrs. Biden already was in the limousine. After hitting the Secret Service vehicle, the intruding car tried to continue toward the motorcade but was surrounded and stopped. The driver got out with his hands up and surrendered. His identify and further details had not been released as of this morning.
Rainstorm: More than nine inches of rain fell on parts of South Carolina yesterday from the intense rainstorm that moved up the coast and into the Northeast overnight. More than 31,000 customers were reported without power in South Carolina, 14,000 in North Carolina and more than 11,000 without power in Florida. Up to five inches of rain fell in Florida, causing extensive flooding. Forecasts called for from two to four inches of rain over New York state.
Vatican policy: The Vatican this morning released a document in which Pope Francis says it is permissible for priests to bless same-sex couples. The document does not change the church’s view that marriage is only between a man and a woman. It does allow blessings to be conferred on any couple seeking a better relationship with God and looking for God’s love and mercy.
Austin in Israel: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in Israel to put more pressure on the Israelis to adopt a targeted approach in military attacks on Gaza. Austin was expected to tell Israeli officials that they must stop the widespread bombing and instead carefully select smaller targets that will focus on hitting Hamas leaders, destroying Hamas tunnels and freeing hostages. Israel has opened up its main cargo crossing point into Gaza to allow more aid to reach civilians.
Steel deal: Japan’s Nippon Steel Corporation today announced that it is acquiring U.S. Steel in a transaction valued at $14.5 billion. U. S. Steel manufactures in the United States and Europe and distributes steel sheets for automotive use, home appliances, construction materials, and tubular steel for the energy industry. U. S. Steel’s annual crude steel production capacity is approximately 20 million tons. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2024.
Southwest fined: The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced it is fining Southwest Airlines $140 million for the airline’s meltdown of service during last year’s holiday travel season. Southwest already had agreed to pay about $600 million in refunds and reimbursements to customers who were inconvenienced. The airline had canceled almost 17,000 flights and stranded more than two million passengers.
