Good morning. Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Rubio Makes Unprecedented Bid to Keep Delegates
Despite suspending his campaign, Marco Rubio is attempting to keep every delegate he won while running for president. He is personally asking state parties in 21 states and territories to refrain from releasing any of the 172 delegates he won while campaigning this year, MSNBC has learned. Rubio aide Alex Burgos told MSNBC that while the Florida senator is "no longer a candidate," he "wants to give voters a chance to stop Trump." Read more in POLITICS.
2. Trump, Cruz Back Away From GOP Nominee Pledge
GOP presidential candidates Donald Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz had always begrudgingly agreed on one thing: to support the GOP nominee no matter who would represent the party come November. But on Tuesday, Trump pulled out on that promise. Read more in POLITICS.
3. Meet the Top Trump Staffer Charged With Battery
An incident involving campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, who was charged Tuesday with battery against a reporter, has significantly raised the profile of the operative who's directing a presidential campaign that encourages Trump to go full tilt. Read more in POLITICS.
4. 18 Million Face Severe Weather Amid Tornado Alerts
Spring was expected to move across the central United States like a lion Wednesday, with more than 18 million people potentially facing severe weather. Blizzard conditions, high winds, flash flooding, large hail and tornadoes are among the hazards. Read more in NEWS.
5. Looming Tie Leads to Rare Move From SCOTUS
In a highly unusual move that could be designed to head off a 4-4 tie, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked new questions in one of the term's most contentious cases — the contraceptive requirements of Obamacare. Read more in NEWS.
6. Hostage Reveals Passenger Plane Hijacking Drama
Noha Saleh was on the EgyptAir jet that was hijacked on Tuesday, and told NBC News that she knew something was wrong when the plane looked off course on the in-flight map. She said the crew remained "very professional" throughout the confusion, and upon landing, "they explained to us that there is someone on the plane kidnapping us." Read more in NEWS.
7. Alumni Allege Sex Abuse at Elite New Jersey Prep School
The Pingry School said Tuesday it was investigating allegations that a former teacher sexually abused students in the 1970s. The school said it also had hired an "independent firm" to conduct a "thorough investigation," and reportedly urged former students and faculty to come forward with any relevant information. Read more in NEWS.
8. Americans Don’t Know Much About Zika: Poll
Harvard researchers polled over 1,000 American adults and found some gaping awareness about the spreading virus. Here's what to know about Zika, which is linked to various health issues such as birth defects. Read more in HEALTH.
