The Full Belmonte, 3/29/2024
5 minutes of horror
Image: The New York Times
“At a televised briefing last night, the NTSB laid out a timeline of the Baltimore crash, assembled from the cargo ship's voyage data recorder (via AP):
Signs of trouble on the Dali came at about 1:25 a.m. Tuesday when numerous alarms sounded. At 1:26 a.m. and 39 seconds, a pilot made a radio call for nearby tug boats.
About the same time, the ship called the Maryland Transportation Authority officer on duty about the blackout.
Just after 1:27 a.m., the pilot commanded the ship to drop anchor and issued added steering commands. 20 seconds later, the pilot issued a radio call reporting that the Dali had lost all power.
The state transportation officer on duty radioed two units, stationed at each end of the bridge because of construction, to close the bridge to traffic.
At 1:29 a.m., when the ship was traveling at about 8 mph, recordings picked up sounds consistent with a collision.
A Transportation Authority camera shows lights on the bridge going out.
At 1:29 a.m. and 39 seconds, the pilot reported to the Coast Guard that the bridge was down.” [Axios]
Sam Bankman-Fried, seated with black hair, in a courtroom sketch of his sentencing hearing in New York on Thursday.
ILLUSTRATION: JANE ROSENBERG/REUTERS
Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison for what prosecutors called one of the largest financial frauds in U.S. history.
“The federal judge said the founder of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX also owes $11 billion in financial penalties ( read for free) and ordered the government to use his seized properties and assets to compensate victims. Bankman-Fried last year was convicted of stealing billions of dollars from FTX customers and defrauding investors and lenders to his crypto investment firm Alameda Research. ‘I’m sorry about what happened at every stage,’ he told the court. ‘At the end of the day, I failed everyone I cared about.’” [Wall Street Journal]
House Republicans moved ahead with their effort to oust Alejandro Mayorkas.
“Speaker Mike Johnson notified the Senate that the chamber will formally transmit the articles of impeachment against the Homeland Security secretary on April 10. The bid to remove Mayorkas from office comes as Republicans highlight their disapproval of President Biden’s record on immigration ahead of this fall’s election. Mayorkas in February became the first sitting cabinet official in U.S. history to be impeached. Meanwhile, three Democratic presidents with a complex past—Biden, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama—are teaming up to defeat Donald Trump. And overseas, Russian troll farms linked to the late Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin will likely continue peddling disinformation to sway opinions on the 2024 U.S. elections and the Ukraine war, according to new research.” [Wall Street Journal]
Three presidents
Photo: Doug Mills/The New York Times. Used by kind permission
“President Biden and former Presidents Obama and Clinton combined their gravitas to woo donors and energize the Democratic base with a massive star-studded fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall last night.
Why it matters: It was a show of Democratic unity and celebrity sizzle for Biden, who's four years older than Clinton. Biden was the alpha on a stage with two of the most gifted politicians of our lifetime.
More than 5,000 people attended the sold-out Manhattan event featuring Mindy Kaling, Stephen Colbert and Lizzo, Axios' Sareen Habeshian writes.
Tickets for the fundraiser ranged from $225 to $500,000. The campaign says it raised an eye-popping $25 million.
The night ended with moderator Stephen Colbert and Biden, Obama and Clinton wearing aviators. Biden said he's a man who ‘loves two things: Ray Ban sunglasses and ice cream.’
The three presidents taped an episode of the "SmartLess" podcast, hosted by comedians Jason Bateman (left), Will Arnett (center) and Sean Hayes. Photo: Biden for President
The mood was electric as Obama praised Biden's willingness to look for common ground and said, "That's the kind of president I want. ‘Clinton said simply of the choices facing voters in 2024: ‘Stay with what works.’
Biden went straight at Donald Trump, saying his expected GOP rival's ideas are ‘a little old and out of shape.’” (AP) [Axios]
Trump's flex
Former President Trump leaves yesterday's wake for slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller in Massapequa, N.Y., on Long Island. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
“As the Biden campaign touted last night's $25 million fundraiser as a political record, word leaked about a Trump event that organizers say will raise even more — at least $33 million.
Former President Trump will host donors April 6 at Mar-a-Lago for a fundraiser hosted by New York hedge fund billionaire John Paulson, who has been floated by Trump as a possible Treasury secretary, AP reports.
Co-chairs include Las Vegas-based businessman Robert Bigelow, casino mogul Steve Wynn and New York grocery billionaire John Catsimatidis.
Admission is $250,000 — or $814,600 to be named a ‘chairman.’
Perks include a personalized copy of "Our Journey Together," Trump's coffee-table book of photos from his administration.
‘The response to our fundraising efforts has been overwhelming, and we've raised over $33 million so far,’ Paulson told the Financial Times.
‘There is massive support amongst a broad spectrum of donors. The dinner is relatively small in nature, and we are almost at our cap.’” [Axios]
John Eastman, architect of Trump’s 2020 election plot, should be disbarred, judge rules
“A California judge on Wednesday recommended the disbarment of John Eastman, calling to revoke the law license of one of Donald Trump’s top allies in his failed last-ditch gambit to subvert the 2020 election.”
Read the latest at POLITICO
Trump's messianic message
Former President Trump in front of St. John's Church near the White House in June 2020. Photo: Patrick Semansky/AP
“President Trump's decision to begin selling $60 Bibles for Holy Week has outraged his critics — but drawn little reaction from evangelical leaders, Axios' Zachary Basu writes.
Why it matters: Trump has developed impunity when it comes to religious messaging — forged through a grand compromise with Christian conservatives who see him as a flawed, but effective, champion.
Trump has long treated Christian imagery as a powerful rhetorical tool, including comparing his legal woes to the persecution of Jesus.
In office, Trump pursued policies that thrilled his white evangelical supporters, including the appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Zoom in: On the 2024 campaign trail, the religious undertones employed by Trump and allies have grown more apocalyptic — even messianic — as his legal troubles have mounted.
In a video shared on Truth Social and played at Trump's rallies, a narrator, imitating Paul Harvey, booms: ‘On June 14, 1946, God looked down on his planned paradise and said: 'I need a caretaker.' So God gave us Trump.’
On the first day of his New York civil fraud trial in October, Trump shared an AI-generated courtroom sketch depicting himself sitting next to Jesus.
This week, Trump posted a message he said he received from a follower: ‘It's ironic that Christ walked through His greatest persecution the very week they are trying to steal your property from you.’
Flashback: Trump was neither a regular churchgoer nor prone to displays of faith before running for president.
His 2016 campaign produced a series of memorable gaffes as he courted the GOP's evangelical base.” [Axios]
South Carolina will proceed with voting map judges previously said ‘exiled’ Black voters rather than wait for Supreme Court decision
“A federal court ruled Thursday that time had run out to draw a new congressional district in South Carolina and said the state could use its existing map this year even though it had earlier determined that map was unconstitutional. The panel of three judges last year concluded that South Carolina’s Republican-led legislature ‘exiled’ 30,000 Black voters from the district to make it safer for a White GOP incumbent, Rep. Nancy Mace. The Supreme Court heard arguments on the case in October but has yet to rule on it.”
Read the story at Washington Post
US changes how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity. It’s the first revision in 27 years
“For the first time in 27 years, the U.S. government is changing how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity, an effort that federal officials believe will more accurately count residents who identify as Hispanic and of Middle Eastern and North African heritage.” Read More at AP News
Maryland governor seeks $60M in quick aid after bridge collapse and warns of ‘very long road ahead’
“‘This work is not going to take hours. This work is not going to take days. This work is not going to take weeks,’ Gov. Wes Moore said. ‘We have a very long road ahead of us.’ Read More at AP News
Palestinian Authority announces a new Cabinet as it faces calls for reform
“President Mahmoud Abbas, who has led the PA for nearly two decades and remains in overall control, announced the new government in a presidential decree on Thursday. None of the incoming ministers is a well-known figure.” Read More at AP News
DOD in early talks to fund a peacekeeping force in Gaza
“Biden administration officials are in preliminary ‘conversations’ about options for stabilizing post-war Gaza, including a proposal for the Pentagon to help fund either a multinational force or a Palestinian peacekeeping team.”
Read the latest at POLITICO
‘We Will Not Be Cowed Into Silence’
Philippine Coast Guard personnel ride a rubber boat past a China Coast Guard vessel during a resupply mission to troops stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on March 5.Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
“Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced plans on Thursday to implement new countermeasures against what he called ‘illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks’ by China’s coast guard in the South China Sea. ‘We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends,’ Marcos wrote on Facebook, ‘but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience.’
Marcos did not specify what the countermeasures would entail, only that they would be ‘proportionate, deliberate, and reasonable’ to Beijing’s attacks. However, two Philippine security officials told The Associated Press that advisors recommended Manila use faster military vessels instead of chartered civilian ships when delivering personnel and supplies to naval forces stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal.
The shoal is a submerged reef in the South China Sea that is hotly contested by both China and the Philippines, among other countries. Since the late 1990s, the Philippines has stationed a small contingent of naval forces on a ship that it intentionally marooned on the shoal to serve as a territorial outpost. In 2016, The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in a case filed by Manila that China’s historic claim to the area has no legal basis. Beijing, however, continues to reject the tribunal’s ruling. China has previously sent coast guard and maritime militia ships to surround the shoal to prevent Philippine resupply boats from reaching the marooned vessel, which remains an actively commissioned Philippine naval ship.
This has led to repeated hostilities between Chinese and Philippine vessels, including last Saturday, when China’s coast guard fired water cannons on a Philippine resupply ship, injuring three crew members. Beijing called the operation a ‘lawful regulation, interception, and expulsion’ of a foreign vessel that ‘tried to forcefully intrude’ into Chinese waters. On Thursday, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian blamed Manila for the two countries’ breakdown in ties and accused the Philippines of spreading ‘misinformation to mislead the international community.’
Foreign governments have condemned China’s recent actions. On Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called Beijing’s operation “dangerous” and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which says the United States and the Philippines will defend each other if one comes under attack, including in the South China Sea.
Unlike Marcos’s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who prioritized economic cooperation with Beijing, Marcos has pursued a harsher China policy and pivoted closer to the United States. Last year, Marcos granted Washington greater access to Philippine military bases and expanded joint exercises over the South China Sea. Regional experts have linked the Philippines’ deteriorating relations with Beijing to its deepening ties with Washington.” [Foreign Policy]
“Colombia-Argentina spat. Bogotá ordered the expulsion of several Argentine diplomats on Wednesday after Argentine President Javier Milei called his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, a ‘murdering terrorist’ during a CNN interview, appearing to reference Petro’s time as a member of the long-disbanded M-19 guerrilla group. Milei’s comments ‘have deteriorated the trust of our nation, in addition to offending the dignity of President Petro, who was democratically elected,’ the Colombian Foreign Ministry said. It did not specify how many diplomats Bogotá would remove.
Milei is known for publicly criticizing world leaders. During the same interview, he called Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador ‘ignorant,’ and last year, Milei described Pope Francis as an ‘imbecile who defends social justice.’ In January, Colombia recalled its ambassador to Argentina after Milei referred to Petro as a ‘murderous communist who is sinking Colombia.’” [Foreign Policy]
“‘Legitimate targets.’ Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Moscow has no plans to attack any NATO country, including Poland, the Baltic states, or the Czech Republic. However, he added that Russian forces will shoot down any F-16 fighters that the West sends to Ukraine. ‘Of course, if they will be used from airfields in third countries, they become for us legitimate targets, wherever they might be located,’ Putin said.
NATO countries have previously suggested various levels of direct engagement with Russia in its war against Ukraine. Last August, the Netherlands and Denmark announced plans to deliver 42 F-16 warplanes to Ukraine, and this February, French President Emmanuel Macron said alliance members should not rule out deploying Western troops to Kyiv.” [Foreign Policy]
“Togo’s parliamentary future. Opposition and clergy leaders in Togo called for mass protests on Wednesday to urge President Faure Gnassingbé not to approve a new constitution. The text, passed by lawmakers on Monday, would give parliament the power to select the president, scrapping direct elections. Under the new constitution, Togo’s president would only serve one six-year term, and a new position similar to a prime minister (known as the president of the council of ministers) would serve for six years with no term limits.
Some critics fear that removing direct elections could result in Gnassingbé being reelected after his mandate expires in 2025, thereby allowing him to extend his rule; he has already served almost 20 years as Togo’s president. Opponents believe Gnassingbé may also cement his hold on power if he seeks the role of president of the council of ministers.” [Foreign Policy]
“Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva are setting the gold standard for friendship goals. During a three-day diplomatic meeting in Brazil this week, the world leaders took time to stage a heartwarming photoshoot, including shots of them traipsing through the rainforest and holding hands on a boat. The pictures went viral on social media after some users wrote that the elated duo looked like they were on a ‘whirlwind honeymoon’ or enjoying a ‘pre-wedding shoot.’” [Foreign Policy]
Wizards, Caps to stay in D.C. for 25 years
Ted Leonsis shakes hands with Mayor Muriel Bowser after a signing ceremony in Capital One Arena yesterday. Photo: Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images
“The Washington Wizards and Capitals will stay in downtown D.C. at Capital One Arena through at least 2050 with a new $515 million investment from the city, Axios' Cuneyt Dil writes.
Why it matters: It's a jaw-dropping pivot by Ted Leonsis, who owns the NBA and NHL teams. In December, he rocked the region by unveiling plans to build a sprawling entertainment district in Alexandria, Va.
The taxpayer-funded plan stalled in Virginia's Democratic-controlled legislature.
It's a huge loss for Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said: ‘We are going to have a state-of-the-art urban arena.’” [Axios]
Men's March Madness highlights: Thursday's Sweet 16 scores, best NCAA Tournament moments
“Men’s March Madness continues Thursday night with the first slate of Sweet 16 games.
Two top seeds were in action. No. 1 UConn routed No. 5 San Diego State, 82-52, in a rematch of last year’s national championship game. North Carolina became the first No. 1 seed to lose this tournament, falling to No. 4 Alabama. Elsewhere, No. 6 Clemson upset No. 2 Arizona and No. 3 Illinois defeated No. 2 Iowa State.
Men's NCAA Tournament games are airing and streaming across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV.
USA TODAY Sports will provide the latest news, scores, analysis and more all day. Follow along.
March Madness Sweet 16 highlights
Alabama upsets North Carolina
FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.
Clemson upsets Arizona
NCAA Tournament scores
Here's the full scoreboard from Thursday's Sweet 16 games.
Men's March Madness NCAA Tournament schedule
Here's the full schedule for Friday's Sweet 16 games.
Men's March Madness scores today
Here is Thursday’s full schedule Sweet 16 schedule and results:
No. 4 Alabama upsets No. 1 North Carolina
LOS ANGELES — Another upset in Los Angeles is complete.
Alabama is headed to the Elite Eight for the second time in team history after it took down No. 1 seed North Carolina 89-87.
North Carolina increased its lead late in the first half, but Alabama controlled the second half en route to the victory. The Crimson Tide outscored the Tar Heels 43-33 in the final 20 minutes as the top seed struggled to shoot the ball. In the second half, North Carolina was 10-for-39 from the field and 2-for-15 from 3-point land.
The star for Alabama was Grant Nelson, who scored 19 of his game-high 24 points in the second half. He scored at critical points with his own 7-0 run late in the game; a massive three-point play in the final minute gave the Crimson Tide the lead for good and he hit his free throws at the end to preserve the lead to send the nation’s top scoring offense on to the next round.
It’s Alabama's first trip to the Elite Eight since 2004 and it will play Clemson on Saturday, with the winner making its first trip to the Final Four. — Jordan Mendoza
No. 3 Illinois holds off No. 2 Iowa State
For a game with no lead changes, No. 2 Iowa State and No. 3 Illinois played an incredibly competitive contest.
Iowa State nearly erased a 10-point halftime deficit and had multiple chances to tie the game in the second half but ultimately fell 72-69 in the final game of Thursday's Sweet 16 play.
Illinois' Terrence Shannon Jr. led all scorers with 29 points on 10 of 19 shooting and was the difference in the game. When Shannon picked up his fourth personal foul midway through the second half, the Illinois offense went cold as Iowa State attempted to shoot itself back into the game. But when Shannon re-emerged with about four minutes to play, he sparked the Illinois offense to victory.
Shannon also became the first Illinois player to have at least three games scoring 25 or more points in a single NCAA Tournament.
Keshon Gilbert scored 13 of his 14 points in the second half, at times singlehandedly keeping Iowa State alive. But missed layups and costly turnovers doomed the Cyclones down the stretch.
Now, Illinois will continue dancing after capitalizing on its first Sweet 16 appearance in almost two decades. It will face No. 1 UConn in the Elite Eight. “— Richard Morin [USA Today]
Sports betting's dark side
Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
“Gambling's sudden takeover of American sports is already racking up predictable consequences, Axios' Sam Baker writes.
The NBA is reportedly investigating Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter in connection with unusual betting activity.
Several people wagered huge sums on bets that Porter would put up below-average numbers of points and rebounds in recent games, ESPN reported. He did, and on both occasions, those bets were the biggest moneymakers of the day in online sportsbooks.
The NCAA is now trying to ban bets on individual player's statistics.
And all of this comes amid the scandal surrounding baseball star Shohei Ohtani, whose longtime translator allegedly stole $4.5 million from him to cover gambling losses.
The specifics in Ohtani's case are different — his translator was betting illegally, not with the online sportsbooks that have become so popular.
But the confluence has been enough to animate Democratic members of Congress who want to more tightly regulate sports betting, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The bottom line: Online sports betting is wildly popular, which is why leagues like the NBA have done an about-face to embrace it. But it's all happened remarkably quickly — so teams, players and league officials will have to grapple with its effects on sports in real time.” [Axios]