The field is set for the first 2024 Republican primary debate, and rescuers rushed to help a group of children dangling from a cable car. These stories and more highlight the Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.
First 2024 Republican primary debate set for Wednesday night
Eight Republican candidates vying to become the next president of the United States are set to take part in the first Republican primary debate of the 2024 cycle Wednesday night. Those confirmed by the Republican National Committee (RNC) to be on the stage in Milwaukee include:
- Gov. Ron Desantis (R-FL)
- Tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy
- Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)
- Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley
- Former Vice President Mike Pence
- Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND)
- Former Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ)
- Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-AR)
The candidates all met the RNC’s polling and donor requirements to qualify for the debate. They all received at least 1% in three national polls, or a mix of national and early state polls. They also accrued a minimum of 40,000 donors, with 200 in 20 or more states.
Upon verification of those requirements, each candidate had to sign the GOP loyalty pledge expressing their commitment to the eventual Republican nominee. Four candidates were disqualified from participating based on these requirements, including:
- Michigan businessman Perry Johnson
- Conservative talk radio host Larry Elder
- Miami Mayor Francis Suarez
- Former Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX)
Each of these candidates have voiced their disagreement with the RNC’s decision, with Johnson posting to X “the debate process has been corrupted, plain and simple.” Johnson and Elder have said they plan to sue the RNC over being left off the stage.
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner, chose to sit out the debate. He has reportedly recorded a sit-down interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. The interview was set to air as counterprogramming, with the debate being broadcast on Carlson’s former network.
Former President Trump has said he does not need to be part of the debate given his massive lead in recent polls. Trump is expected to turn himself into authorities in Georgia on Thursday, Aug. 24 on charges of attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state.
U.S. secretary of commerce to visit China
Another top U.S. official is headed to China to discuss the two countries’ commercial relationship. Both countries confirmed Tuesday, Aug. 22 that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo will visit China from Aug. 27-30. While China said the trip was at the invitation of the Chinese minister of commerce, the U.S. has not confirmed if that was the case.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Raimondo’s trip will be an opportunity for the U.S. to explain President Joe Biden’s recent executive order putting investment restrictions on some Chinese tech industries. Other U.S. officials who have traveled to China in the summer of 2023 include Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
UPS workers ratify new contract agreement
UPS workers have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new five-year contract agreement. The proposed new workers contracts were first reported in late July of 2023.
The tentative deal avoided a significant strike. It includes significant pay increases over the lifetime of the contract, with a 48% increase for its part-time employees and a push to add more full-time workers.
Passengers rescued from suspended cable car in Pakistan
Cameras caught the terrifying moments as eight people, including six children, were left dangling inside a cable car nearly 1,000 feet above a river after one of its cables snapped. Rescuers were able to save all of those on board, despite a helicopter above producing high winds that threatened the rescue mission.
One child was airlifted to safety before officials suspended use of the helicopter. Hours later, officials were able to deploy a zipline to the car and pull everyone to safety.
These makeshift cable cars are meant to make transportation easier, especially for students heading to school. However, the cars are often made from scrap metal and can lack proper maintenance.
Study: Daily aspirin prevents second heart attack
Research shows taking a daily aspirin can prevent a heart attack in adults who have survived an earlier heart attack or stroke. But a new study suggests only about 40% of people worldwide who have previously suffered a heart attack are taking aspirin.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Because of this, the study recommends people with a history of problems to take aspirin as “secondary prevention” – reducing the risk of an additional heart attack or stroke.
Available research has showed the benefits far outweigh the risks, according to the study’s authors. Some countries have far less access, with only 16 percent of people with prior heart attacks taking aspirin in low-income countries. In the U.S., the percentage is closer to 65%, meeting the goal of the World Health Organization.
StubHub: College football ticket sales through the roof
Ticket exchange company StubHub has released its college football preview, with a list of the most in-demand teams and games for the 2023 season. Alabama, Michigan and Notre Dame round out the top three in-demand teams. The most in-demand game is a Sept. 23 meeting between Notre Dame and Ohio State.
Nationally, college football ticket sales are up over 50% compared to 2022. Penn State football ticket sales are up 150% compared to 2022.
