A symbol of Russia’s occupation of Ukraine has dramatically fallen.

Happening in the World: A powerful blast has damaged a bridge connecting Russia and the Crimean peninsula, causing the road to collapse. Dramatic cell phone and CCTV footage captured the explosion, which caused oil tankers to catch fire. Built under the orders of Vladimir Putin, the 12-mile bridge—which spans the Kerch Strait—is the only crossing from Russia to occupied Crimea. Likewise, it is a critical supply route for Russian forces, and the explosion has boosted morale in Ukraine. (Reuters)

Happening in the US: Ohio’s “fetal heartbeat” law has once again been blocked by judges in the state, granting a temporary victory to pro-choice activists. The law—which prohibited nearly all abortions—was originally passed in 2019, but could only be enforced after the reversal of Roe v. Wade. It quickly faced legal challenges, and will now be indefinitely blocked again after Friday’s ruling while a constitutional challenge in the state continues. (AP)

Happening in NYC: Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency Friday due to the unprecedented wave of migrants being sent from southern border states. Adams said that roughly five or six buses, some paid for by Republican officials in Texas and Arizona, have continued to arrive in the city each day, pushing the already strained shelter systems to their limit. Adams continued to emphasize that New York will always be welcoming and compassionate to immigrants: “Grandchildren… will recall the day their grandparents arrived here in New York city and found compassion, not cruelty, a place to lay their head. A warm meal. A chance at a better future,” he said. (AP)

Happening in Our Community: Columbia’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory will be hosting an open house until 4 pm today, free and open to the public. Visitors can participate in lab tours and discussions with Columbia’s world-renowned researchers. The last bus from Morningside Heights departs at 1:15 pm. Registration for the event is required.

Kerch Bridge via Wikimedia Commons