SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:55 P.M. ET: 

SORDID – FROM FOX:  The two firms responsible for building Florida International University’s "instant bridge," which suddenly collapsed Thursday and left six people dead, are coming under increased scrutiny as details emerge of past engineering failures and inspection fines -- including a recent accusation that one hired “unskilled” and “careless” workers.  The $14.2-million pedestrian bridge was supposed to open next year to help students cross a busy road adjacent to the campus. It was an accelerated, joint construction effort by two Florida companies: MCM Construction, a Miami-based contractor, and Figg Bridge Design, based in Tallahassee, who both have worked on dozens of projects nationwide, ranging from military facilities to schools.  A full investigation is required.  Who hired these firms?  On what basis?  This didn't look like a very complicated project.

SANITY TRIUMPHS, THIS TIME – FROM IJR.COM:   The New York Police Department (NYPD) reversed its decision to remove armed officers from three schools after it received backlash from parents and the community.  In the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, the NYPD pulled the remainder of its armed school officers as part of Mayor Bill De Blasio's new community policing units.  While unarmed school safety agents would remain at schools, the move was received with backlash from the community.  Francis Lewis High School Parent Teacher Association co-president Linda Lovett told the New York Post:  “It’s ridiculous. All over the country they are telling you ‘arm the teachers, get an officer in your school.’ New York City had a designated officer and they are actually cutting the program ... they are making us less secure."  Rarely do we see a story reporting a sane decision in New York City.  This is a solemn moment.

NO HEAVYWEIGHTS NEED APPLY – FROM THE POLITICO:   The hiring stage of the 2020 shadow primary is underway.  At least a dozen possible Democratic presidential candidates have begun bolstering their teams by adding aides with campaign experience to their Senate staffs, personal offices or 2018 reelection payrolls.  The hires are never explicitly advertised or designed to be about 2020. But the behind-the-scenes shuffle is a long-overdue stage in the traditional precampaign scramble. Potential candidates who have run before — like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden — largely have their core teams in place.  Yet in many other cases, chiefs of staff and senior strategists are now actively looking for new talent after receiving clear instructions from their bosses: I don’t know whether I’m going to run for president, but do everything you need to do to get me in position, just in case.  There isn't a star in the lot.  The Democratic field has many names, but no depth. 

March 18, 2018