THE COLLAPSED Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore (NTSB photo).

Sixty million dollars in immediate federal aid has been given to Maryland in the wake of the collapse and loss of the busy Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

“A very long road ahead” was predicted by Gov. Wes Moore, speaking of the impact on commerce and travel in the state.

The largest crane on the Atlantic Coast is on its way to help clear the wreckage of the  bridge, which collapsed when struck by an out-of-control cargo ship.

The bodies of two men working on bridge have been recovered; four others are presumed to be dead.

Putin pledges no war with NATO, but …

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin

Russia has no plans to invade any of the North American Treaty Organization countries, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, calling the idea “complete nonsense.”

But he did warn that if F-16 fighter jets soon to enter the fray on Ukraine’s behalf came from airfields in other countries, those bases would be fair game to Russian attackers.

Also on Thursday, Russia vetoed a resolution extending UN oversight of sanctions intended to curb North Korea’s nuclear program.

Angels lose big, Dodgers sail to win

Halo fans expecting a new era in 2024 got something else on Thursday: a lop-sided loss on Opening Day.

The Angels fell 11-3 in Baltimore to the Orioles. Mike Trout get the team off to a 1-0 start with a first inning home run, but it was all downhill after that.

The home team battered Angels starter Patrick Sandoval for six hits and three earned runs in 1.2 innings. The next two Halo hurlers did worse, so after four innings  the score was 7-1 and would reach 11-1 until the Angels rallied for two runs in the eighth.

The Angels ended up with just two hits overall.

Back at Chavez Ravine, it was business as usual as the Dodgers (2-1) handled the St. Louis Cardinals 7-1. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman each homered. Shohei Ohtani was 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

Tyler Glasgow was solid, working six innings while yielding just two hits and one run. He struck out five and walked one.

Weather:  Headed toward some rain

We in our West Orange County area are headed for some wet weather this weekend. On Friday we’ll have partly cloudy skies with a daytime high of 63 and an overtime low of 57. The wet stuff will start on Saturday with a daytime high of 59 and a low of 53. Sunday is expected to be 60 (50) with more rain,