Former President Trump got the first big win of 2024.

Trumped

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Former President Trump got the first big win of 2024.

In Iowa?

Yup. Yesterday, tens of thousands of voters stepped out into life-threatening cold temps to caucus — which has the same energy as a neighborhood meeting but more popcorn buckets. Within about a half-hour of the Republican caucuses starting, Trump sailed to first place. He won at least 20 of Iowa's 40 delegates, with more than 50% of the vote. That's the largest margin of victory in Iowa since 1988. Now, Trump says he feels “really invigorated.” 

What about the race for second place?

The nail biter of the night. In the end, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came in a far distant second, earning about 21% of the vote. Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley trailed closely behind with 19% of support. DeSantis’ campaign said calling Trump’s victory early was “absolutely outrageous.” Meanwhile, Haley maintained her campaign is the “best hope of stopping the Trump-Biden nightmare” and set her sights on New Hampshire.

Why New Hampshire?

A week from today, voters there will head to the polls for the GOP’s second presidential primary. Haley could close in on Trump in the state: a recent poll showed his lead narrowed to single digits, with DeSantis trailing far behind. No longer in the running: entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who dropped out of the race after landing in fourth place in Iowa. 

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A win in Iowa typically gives a presidential candidate momentum. In Trump’s case, it only solidified what many already knew: that he seems well on his way to becoming the GOP presidential candidate.

What passed the 100-day threshold…

The Israel-Hamas war. Yesterday, tensions in the Red Sea remained high as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis hit a US-owned ship. The Yemeni group — which controls most of the country — has carried out more than two dozen attacks on commercial ships since November. The Houthis say it's in support of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that runs Gaza and launched the October 7th attack on Israel. Since then, the war has killed more than 1,200 people in Israel and more than 24,000 people in Gaza, according to the latest death tolls. Of the estimated 240 hostages Israel said Hamas has taken, 105 have been released. Yesterday, Hamas released a video showing what appears to be the dead bodies of two Israeli hostages and a third still alive, blaming Israeli strikes — which Israel disputes. The UN has said over 85% of Gaza’s population — up to 1.9 million people — have been displaced.

Who's no longer keeping secrets...

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Yesterday, he was released from the hospital after a two-week stay. Earlier this year, Austin was hospitalized following complications from prostate cancer surgery. For days, he didn’t tell the Biden admin or Congress — leaving US military leadership in question. The Pentagon maintains national security wasn’t at risk. Now, the agency says Austin will be working from home “for a period of time before returning full-time.” Doctors say Austin’s prognosis is “excellent.”

What’s better late than never…

The Emmys. Yesterday, the show went on after a nearly four-month delay due to last year’s writers and actors strike. Anthony Anderson seemed to have a better time hosting than Jo Koy did last week. Pedro Pascal and Kieran Culkin cleared up some unfinished business. Jennifer Coolidge thanked “all the evil gays.” Quinta Brunson became the first Black woman to win best actress in a comedy in more than 40 years. Everyone said ‘yes, chef’ to “The Bear.” Meanwhile, "Beef" ate and the “Succession” theme song played on repeat. Christina Applegate made a surprise appearance. Elton John is officially an EGOT winner. Oh and, a green troll graced the red carpet.

Who’s talking about ‘J Christ’...

Lil Nas X.

Who thinks that joke was a little too mean…

Lindsay Lohan.

Who has a big week ahead…

Taylor Tomlinson.

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