
Sizing Up the Economic Impact of the Baltimore Bridge Collapse
The Port of Baltimore is known for handling coal, sugar and specialized vehicles such as tractors and cranes
BALTIMORE, MD, May 13, 2025 – As communities across the United States continue to confront the devastating toll of mass shootings, new research reveals a staggering economic dimension to these tragedies. A study published in the INFORMS journal Marketing Science finds that mass shootings cause an estimated $27 billion in annual lost revenue for U.S. retailers driven by sharp declines in foot traffic, reduced transaction volume and long-term store closures.
BALTIMORE, MD, May 13, 2025 – Researchers who took a close look at loosened concealed carry laws between 2010 and 2017 have found that “Shall Issue” regulations, which remove local authority discretion on the issuance of concealed carry gun permits, contribute to a significant increase in handgun purchases. At the same time, the researchers found that in states that adopted “Permitless Carry” policies, there was no noticeable change in gun purchases.
With sweeping new tariffs on Chinese-made products set to take effect this summer, Americans are being urged to prepare for price hikes on everyday goods. President Donald Trump's reinstated trade policies are expected to affect a wide swath of consumer imports, including electronics, furniture, appliances, and baby gear. Retail experts are advising shoppers to act before the tariffs hit and prices rise.
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The Port of Baltimore is known for handling coal, sugar and specialized vehicles such as tractors and cranes
"The Key Bridge and Port of Baltimore are critical components of our nation’s infrastructure and supply chain,” the American Trucking Association said.
In a major blow to commerce in the region, the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore is partially shut down after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed Tuesday morning when it was struck by a cargo ship.
Business, port and government leaders on Tuesday afternoon were busy trying to address the impact of the bridge's destruction while first responders scoured the waters below the bridge to search for victims.
Until the wee hours of Tuesday morning, the shattered Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore arced across the lanes where shipping traffic headed in and out of port. It was also part of a major interstate highway along the Northeast Corridor.
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