The Short List

Sat Mar 30 2024

John Riley | Audience Editor

Investigation continues into what caused the Baltimore bridge disaster, and how it could have been prevented. The upcoming solar eclipse is bringing excitement − but also some safety concerns. And transgender athletes are telling their own stories.

👋Welcome to the weekend! John Riley here. Hope the basketball gods are smiling on you and your favorite team. As you review your bracket, why not take a moment for some of our best stories of the week?

But first: Happy Easter to all who celebrate.⛪ Sunday marks the Christian holiday day of Easter. Here's what the day means, how its date is determined each year, and details on which stores will be open.🐣

Could tugboats have prevented Baltimore bridge disaster?

As investigators study what caused the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key bridge on Tuesday, maritime experts are pointing to a low-tech option that could have stopped it: tugboats. As huge "megaships" proliferate in the commercial transportation industry, experts say more tugboats are needed to keep control over them around vulnerable ports. 🚢 Here's why it may take another disaster for industry to change.

•	Why the bridge collapsed: When ship took out support column, it never had a chance
•	Chronology of a disaster: A power blackout, a mad scramble to stop
•	Graphics: How the deadly bridge collapse unfolded

Solar eclipse: Watch for danger in the sky, on the ground

The April 8 solar eclipse , as exciting and fun as it promises to be, is also coming with a growing number of safety warnings. Eclipse fans should be wary of potentially dangerous fake eclipse glasses, the possibility of increased car crashes around the time of the eclipse and possible air travel headaches due to delayed or cancelled flights. 👓Here's how you can protect yourself.

•	Yes, you can go blind: Staring at eclipse can harm retina
•	Drive carefully: Eclipse could snarl traffic for miles
•	Airports expecting difficulties: What travelers should know

'In their own words': Transgender athletes tell their stories

An increasing number of states are attempting to ban transgender athletes from participating on teams that align with their gender identities. USA TODAY sat down with four trans athletes so they could tell their own stories of hope and self-expression, and share their love for the sports they play. 🏅 Hear their stories, 'In Their Own Words.

•	Powerlifter Angel Flores: 'There's no reason to be scared of me'
•	Swimmer Schuyler Bailar: 'Trans people don't threaten sports. But trying to exclude us does'
•	Runner Cal Calamia: They took on an anti-doping agency − and won
•	Climber Cat Runner: He won HBO's 'The Climb'. Now he wants your attention for another reason