Monday, March 2

á           The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak claimed its first two fatalities in the United States in Kirkland, a Seattle suburb in Washington State.

á           The New York Times reported on efforts within the Interior Department to insert misleading or misrepresentative language about climate change into at least nine scientific reports, going so far as to claim that rising carbon dioxide levels are beneficial to the environment.

á           The Supreme Court rejected hearing a case challenging the federal ban on bump stocks, which have been prohibited since the 2017 Las Vegas shooting.

Tuesday, March 3

á           Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders came out as frontrunners in the Democratic primary race on Super Tuesday. Biden won in states across the South as well as Texas, gaining the lead in delegates. Sanders followed close behind, winning Vermont, Utah, Colorado and California.

Wednesday, March 4

á           The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifted all restrictions on testing for the coronavirus at Vice President Mike PenceÕs order.

á           The House overwhelmingly approved $8.3 billion in emergency aid to combat COVID-19, including $7.8 billion in funds for the agencies in charge of dealing with the virus and $500 million toward Medicare telehealth services.

á           Following bipartisan backlash, the White House reversed course on a change to the Rural and Low-Income School Program that would have drastically cut federal funding for rural schools.

Thursday, March 5

á           Sen. Elizabeth Warren dropped out of the Democratic primary race following a disappointing turnout on Super Tuesday.

á           A federal court temporarily barred F.B.I. officials involved in the wiretapping of former Trump campaign advisor Carter Page, an operation heavily criticized by the inspector general, from appearing in court.

á           The International Criminal Court moved to open an investigation into allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan committed by Americans. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters this was Òtruly breathtaking action by an unaccountable, political institution masquerading as a legal body.Ó The prosecutor said it had enough information to prove that the U.S. military was responsible for Òtorture, cruel treatment, outrages upon personal dignity, rape and sexual violenceÓ during the height of the war in Afghanistan.

Friday, March 6

á           An amicus brief for a union representing 700 U.S. asylum and refugee officers said that the White HouseÕs Òsafe third countryÓ policy of sending migrants at the southwestern border to Guatemala is unlawful, as it relocates vulnerable people to a country Òin which their lives and freedom are directly threatened.Ó

á           While visiting the C.D.C., President Donald Trump downplayed the risk from the coronavirus and said he would not cancel his travels except to areas facing a severe outbreak.

á           Trump forced out acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and replaced him with conservative ally Rep. Mark Meadows.

Saturday, March 7

á           The C.D.C. announced over 100 new cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.

á           The federal government sent contradictory messages on coronavirus testing. Trump claimed that Òanyone who wants a test can get a test,Ó but Alex Azar, health and human services secretary, warned that people may not be able to be tested unless prescribed by a doctor or public health official.

á           The American Conservative Union said an attendee of its annual Conservative Political Action Conference, at which Trump and Pence spoke, tested positive for the coronavirus. Two members of Congress including Sen. Ted Cruz announced they would self-quarantine after interacting with the attendee.

Sunday, March 8

á           The State Department advised U.S. citizens against using cruise ships as they present a high risk of coronavirus infection and may get entangled in international travel restrictions like quarantines.