What we’re reading: Super Tuesday, record-breaking wildfires in Texas and more

By Paxton Crews, Staff Writer

Published Mar 4, 2024

FILE – In this Nov. 5, 2018 file photo, people line up to vote on the last day of early voting at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

What to know about ‘Super Tuesday’ primary voting

15 states will hold primary elections Tuesday, a day widely referred to as “Super Tuesday.”

This phase of the primaries offers an opportunity for voters to decide on a presidential nominee and nominees for other positions in both chambers of Congress.

According to NBC News, five candidates are vying for the seat formerly held by Texas representative Kay Granger, who retired earlier this year.

29-year-old man dead after shooting in Fort Worth’s entertainment district

In the late hours on Saturday, March 2nd, law enforcement was called to the 2900 block of Crockett Street, responding to an altercation. When investigators arrived, they found the victim, 29-year-old Bryson Rodgers, but no shooter.

Rodgers was taken to the hospital for treatment and did not survive. Police have yet to take anyone into custody and are still following leads.

Police arrive on the scene of a deadly shooting late Monday, July 3, 2023 in Forth Worth, Texas. Authorities say gunfire erupted following a local festival in the Como neighborhood in the city’s southwest. (WFAA via AP) (AP)

In January, the city of Fort Worth announced plans to ensure better safety in the West 7th entertainment district. This plan came after the shooting death of TCU student Wes Smith in September.

The new program introduced ambassadors to patrol the area at night, provide assistance and alert police if there are concerns, according to CBS News.

Kamala Harris rebukes Israel over ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in Gaza

On Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris called out Israel at an event in Selma, Alabama, saying, “People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act. The Israeli government must do more to increase the flow of aid significantly. No excuses.”

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the annual Bloody Sunday bridge crossing jubilee in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 3, 2024. (Jake Crandall/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

Harris continued by saying that Israel must open new border crossing, work to restore essential services, promote order, not impose “unnecessary restrictions” and protect humanitarian personnel and convey.

Washington has insisted that a ceasefire deal is close and has been urging a truce.

According to The Guardian, Harris is expected to meet with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz Monday at the White House.

Texas wildfire continues to grow as the cause remains under investigation

This Sunday, the largest wildfire recorded in Texas history continues to blaze across the panhandle. These fires are threatening more buildings, cattle, and livelihoods across the state as it continues to move.

As of Sunday morning, the fire has become five times the size of New York, according to USA Today.

Smoke is seen outside of Canadian, Texas, from the Smokehouse Creek Fire, Monday, March 4, 2024. (Annie Rice/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal via AP) (AP)

Due to dry winds and high temperatures, more than 1.1 million acres have been burned in the span of a week. Many Texans are returning home to sift through the ashes of what used to be their homes.

The National Weather Service expects a cold front to move across the panhandle early Monday in hopes that it will aid in the eradication of these fires.

Many ranchers across the panhandle have experienced significant cattle loss. “Over 85% of the state’s cattle population is located on ranches in the panhandle,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “There are millions of cattle out there, with some towns comprising more cattle than people. The losses could be catastrophic for those counties.”