With Super Tuesday just one day away, both Donald Trump and Nikki Haley emerge from the weekend with victories. And, a powerful blizzard in California shuts down parts of a major highway. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, March 4, 2024.
Trump wins 3 caucuses, Haley wins first primary
With Super Tuesday just a day away, both former President Donald Trump and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley are highlighting their recent victories. Over the weekend, Trump, the GOP frontrunner, secured caucus wins in Missouri and Idaho, along with a Republican convention in Michigan. Meanwhile, Haley notched her first win of the election cycle in the Washington D.C. primary on Sunday.
Despite trailing Trump significantly in delegates, Haley has indicated she will remain in the race for now but has not committed to continuing her campaign beyond Super Tuesday. This pivotal day will see voters in 16 states casting their ballots.
In a pre-DC primary interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Haley did not confirm whether she would endorse Trump if he secures the nomination, despite having signed an endorsement pledge as part of the Republican National Committee’s debate rules.
As Super Tuesday approaches, Trump and Haley are set to compete in North Dakota’s caucuses this evening.
Vice President Harris calls for ‘immediate cease-fire,’ urges Israel to increase aid
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to meet with Benny Gantz, a key figure in Israel’s war cabinet, at the White House Monday, March 4. A White House official stated Harris intends to affirm U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense while emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard civilians in Gaza.
This meeting follows Harris’ comments in Selma, Alabama, where she advocated for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, calling on Hamas to agree to a halt in hostilities and to release hostages from the October 7th attacks. According to the White House, Israel has agreed to the framework of a cease-fire deal, waiting for Hamas’ response.
In her Selma speech, Harris also criticized the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, urging the Israeli government to enhance aid distribution, stating, “People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act…and the Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses.”
Harris’ call for increased Israeli aid to Gaza came shortly after the U.S. airdropped assistance into the area and days following an incident where over 100 people were killed while approaching an aid convoy. Palestinian authorities accuse Israeli forces of firing on the crowd, while Israel claims the deaths were due to a stampede.
Supreme Court could issue ruling on Trump ballot eligibility
The Supreme Court may deliver its ruling today on whether Colorado can exclude former President Donald Trump from its ballot, based on the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause. The Court has announced it will release one or more opinions today.
During last month’s proceedings, the majority of justices appeared skeptical of Colorado’s argument to remove Trump from its primary ballot. This decision is critical as Colorado, among other states, prepares for Super Tuesday’s primaries tomorrow.
Currently, Trump’s name remains on the ballot, but the impending Supreme Court ruling will decide if votes for him will be counted.
Congressional leaders release 6 bills to avert government shutdown
As a new week begins, Congress is once again working to prevent a partial government shutdown, with the deadline looming on Friday, March 8. This follows a stopgap bill that averted last week’s potential shutdown.
On Sunday, March 3, congressional leaders unveiled the first six funding bills set for votes this week. These bills aim to finance agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, and Transportation through September 30.
However, consensus is still required on the remaining six bills, which encompass spending for critical departments such as Defense and Health and Human Services. The funding for these agencies is set to expire on March 22.
California blizzard shuts down roads, ski resorts in Sierra Nevada
Extreme blizzard and whiteout conditions struck Northern California over the weekend, forcing the closure of a nearly 70-mile stretch of Interstate 80 near the Nevada border.
The severe storm caused major traffic delays, leaving vehicles stranded, ski resorts shut down, and tens of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity.
The National Weather Service reported that more than 7 feet of snow has accumulated since Friday, with winter storm warnings in effect for the region and an additional foot of snow anticipated.
The California Highway Patrol is advising against travel in the affected area due to the hazardous conditions.
Caitlin Clark becomes all-time NCAA Division 1 leading scorer
Caitlin Clark has set a new milestone, becoming the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division One history, a record she clinched from the free-throw line.
On Sunday, March 3, the Iowa guard surpassed Pete Maravich’s 54-year-old record with two successful foul shots during a game against Ohio State. Clark finished the game with 35 points, bringing her total to 3,685.
Now, Clark is shifting her focus to leading her team through the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments. The Iowa standout has also announced her intention to enter the 2024 WNBA Draft.