Demolition experts used explosives Monday to blast a collapsed bridge in Baltimore and free a cargo ship that has been trapped since it ran into the structure in March. The demolition will eventually allow workers to remove the nearly 1,000-foot Dali container vessel, which has almost entirely blocked access to one of America's biggest ports for the past six weeks. President Joe Biden promised last month to "move heaven and earth" to rebuild the bridge, pledging federal funds and saying a new channel for shipping traffic would open by the end of May.

SEE THE PROGRESS BEING MADE BY BRIDGE CLEANUP CREWS

Israel battled Hamas in Gaza on Monday despite US warnings against a full-scale invasion of the crowded city of Rafah and of the threat of post-war "anarchy" across the Palestinian territory. Clashes also raged in northern and central areas of the besieged Gaza Strip, as Israel marked a somber Independence Day, beginning Monday night, more than seven months into the war sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack.

BIDEN'S POLICY DRAWING ENEMIES ON BOTH SIDES OF AISLE

Philanthropist Melinda French Gates announced Monday she was leaving the nonprofit foundation she established with her ex-husband Bill Gates, an organization that has become one of the most influential in the world. The announcement from the 59-year-old comes three years after her divorce from the 68-year-old Microsoft co-founder. She reportedly plan to take $12.5 billion to go toward her own charities.

HER DEAL WITH BILL GIVES HER $12.5 BILLION CASH TO SPEND

What's Melinda French Gates' net worth compared to ex-husband Bill's?

Monday's answer: The formation of the political action committee (PAC) was the CIO-PAC in 1943. It was established after the U.S. Congress prohibited unions from giving direct contributions to political candidates.