CBS News
American Samoa splits delegates in Democratic caucuses between Biden, Jason Palmer
Washington — Jason Palmer, an entrepreneur with almost no name recognition, won half the delegates in American Samoa’s caucuses, with the other half going to President Biden, the party announced on Wednesday.
Of the 91 ballots that were cast, Palmer received 51 and Mr. Biden received 40, according to the American Samoa Democratic Party. Each ended up receiving three delegates.
The American Samoa Democratic Party sent the results on Wednesday, correcting results they had sent the night before that was an “error,” the party said. The initial, incorrect results said Palmer had four delegates and Biden two, the party said.
The split, surprise results came amid a series of wins for Mr. Biden on Super Tuesday, as he and former President Donald Trump all but cement their status as the party nominees heading toward November’s general election.
Palmer, 52, has pitched himself as a candidate who can offer a “fresh perspective” to voters.
Andre Seale/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
“America needs an upgrade,” Palmer said in a video announcing his White House bid in November. “I’m entering the 2024 presidential race because I believe we can do better for you and future generations.”
American Samoa has a history of breaking the mold: Michael Bloomberg won the caucuses in the territory in 2020, with a strong campaign presence in the territory. It was his sole win in the election cycle.
Mr. Biden won all of the other Democratic races on Super Tuesday, and Rep. Dean Phillips, who had been challenging him for the nomination, dropped out of the race on Wednesday.
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CBS News
$100 million in federal funds released for North Carolina to rebuild roads, bridges damaged by Helene
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation released $100 million in emergency funds on Saturday for North Carolina to rebuild its roads and bridges damaged by Helene.
“We are providing this initial round of funding so there’s no delay getting roads repaired and reopened, and re-establishing critical routes,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement. “The Biden-Harris administration will be with North Carolina every step of the way, and today’s emergency funding to help get transportation networks back up and running safely will be followed by additional federal resources.”
The storm caused rampant flooding that has devastated several towns and killed more than 225 people – with CBS News confirming at least 114 people killed in North Carolina. There was more than 8 inches of rain across the western North Carolina mountains, with some areas seeing more than a foot.
Hundreds of roads across Western North Carolina remain closed, leading to an increase in air traffic as teams scour the region for survivors by air. Air traffic over Western North Carolina has increased by 300% due to relief efforts since the storm cleared, the Federal Aviation Administration and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Mudslides blocked Interstate 40 and other highways in North Carolina and about 400 roads were closed due to damage from Helene. Interstate 40 was damaged at several locations, the Department of Transportation said.
President Biden visited the Carolinas on Wednesday, surveying the flood damage by air from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. Mr. Biden announced the federal government would cover “100%” of all debris removal and emergency protective measure costs in North Carolina for six months.
The Department of Transportation said these relief funds will allow the North Carolina Department of Transportation to act more quickly to fund eligible repairs to their damaged facilities.
Li Cohen and
contributed to this report.
CBS News
Tropical Storm Milton forms in Gulf; forecast to strengthen into hurricane headed toward Florida
Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane headed toward Florida with possible impacts to its western coast, the National Hurricane Center said on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are expected to be at 40 mph with higher gusts and Milton is currently moving north-northeast, NHC said in an advisory.
Milton is forecast to undergo a period of rapid intensification before it makes landfall as a Category 2 hurricane across Florida’s west coast, CBS News Miami reported.
The forecast comes a little more than a week after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida and across the Southeast, killing more than 200 people and causing immense destruction. President Biden on Thursday took an aerial tour of Florida’s Big Bend where Helene struck as a Category 4 storm. Hundreds of people are still missing and Mr. Biden said the work to rebuild will cost “billions of dollars” as communities suffer still without power, running water and passable roads.
NOAA
Milton is forecast to move across the southwestern Gulf of Mexico through Sunday night then across the south-central Gulf on Monday and Tuesday before reaching Florida’s west coast by the middle of the week, NHC said. Heavy rain is possible in the region starting Sunday into Monday, CBS Miami reported, and more rain and heavy winds will most likely arrive on Wednesday. Hurricane and storm surge watches will most likely be required for portions of Florida starting Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said.
Along with the heavy rainfall, the hurricane center said to expect risks of flooding.
Residents in the area should ensure they have a hurricane plan in place, the National Hurricane Center said, follow the advice of local officials and check back for forecast updates.
