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US

Myanmar special envoy to the UN

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Sanctions on Myanmar’s military need to get tougher as the regime escalates violence on the ground, the country’s special envoy to the United Nations told CNBC this week.

“We need immediately international targeted, coordinated, tougher sanctions, both economically and diplomatically,” said Dr. Sasa.

Beyond punishing sanctions, the UN Security Council also needs to send a “unified and strong message” to stop this “crime against humanity” in Myanmar, he said.

The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military seized power from a democratically elected government on Feb. 1. Thousands have taken to the streets to protest against the coup for weeks, and more than 500 have died, according to advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

What they are doing is terrorizing 54 million … people of Myanmar every day, every moment, every second.

Dr. Sasa

Special envoy to the United Nations

Countries around the world have condemned the violence, while the U.S. and Europe have sanctioned individuals or companies related to the military.

‘Shame’ on the international community

Sasa also called on Russia and China to halt arms sales to Myanmar’s army.

“It’s very clear they should stop selling the weapons to Burmese military generals,” he told CNBC’s “Street Signs Asia” on Tuesday.

“What they are doing is terrorizing 54 million … people of Myanmar every day, every moment, every second,” he said.

He said Moscow and Beijing, which have close ties with the junta, have the power to stop the violence.

“It’s for them to decide right now,” Sasa said. Otherwise, it is a “shame” for the two countries, the international community and the UN Security Council, he said.

MANDALAY, MYANMAR – MARCH 27: People gather to continue their protest against military coup and detention of elected government members in Mandalay, Myanmar on March 27, 2021.

Anadolu Agency | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

China and Russia, along with India and Vietnam, have helped to soften the UNSC’s criticism of the military regime. They requested that a UNSC statement remove references to a coup and the threat of further action.

“History will judge us harshly, there’s no doubt,” he added. “They have to make decisions. They will have to live with the decision that they make.”

The council is meeting on Wednesday to discuss the situation.

Economic pressure

Asked why he believes the military would cave to pressure, Sasa said international sanctions would help cut off income.

He said the military is taking money from national companies to buy bullets and weapons, and economic restrictions would mean less money, fewer weapons and fewer deaths of civilians.

Sasa also said a national unity government will be formed in the coming days and “will not rest” until democracy and freedom is restored in Myanmar.

“We will work hard bilaterally. We will be working very closely with our friends and our (allies) around the world,” he said, adding that there will be “no future” for the military generals when the country achieves democracy.

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Entertainment

WWE Fastlane results: Powell’s live review of Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Universal Championship with Edge as special enforcer, Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus in a No Holds Barred match, Big E vs. Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental Title, Randy Orton vs. Alexa Bliss

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By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)

WWE Fastlane
Aired March 21, 2021 live on WWE Network and pay-per-view
Tampa, Florida at Tropicana Field

Kickoff Show Result: Riddle defeated Mustafa Ali in 9:16 to retain the U.S. Championship.

A video package opened the show and focused on the top matches while touting the event as the final stop on the road to WrestleMania… Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed viewers from ringside…

1. Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax (w/Reginald) vs. Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair for the WWE Women’s Tag Titles. Cole and Graves were on commentary for the match. Baszler hit Belair with a knee to the side of the face during the first couple of minutes. Jax tagged herself into the match, which upset Baszler.

Later, Belair performed a 450 splash and had Baszler beat, but Reginald created a distraction. Banks tagged in and put Baszler in the Bank Statement. Belair ran in to cut off Jax, who shoved Belair onto Banks and Baszler to break up the submission hold. Banks was upset. She called Belair rookie, said she was about to win, and called her a rookie. Moments later, Baszler rolled up and pinned a distracted Banks.

Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax beat Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair in 9:45 to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Titles.

After the match, Banks told Belair that it was all her fault. Belair tried to defend herself. Banks slapped Belair across the face and knocked her down. Banks left the ring. Belair got up and pointed at the WrestleMania sign while Banks posed on the stage…

Powell’s POV: Banks is clearly working as the heel in this program, but they can walk it back if she and Belair shake hands after their match at WrestleMania. It will be interesting to see if Jax and Baszler continue to have issues or if all is forgotten now that they are seemingly finished feuding with Banks and Belair.

After some advertising, the broadcast team hyped WrestleMania tickets… The broadcast team showed the image of Shane McMahon holding his leg in pain while telling the story that he suffered an injury in training…

Shane was shown walking backstage while using a crutch and he had his knee wrapped. Elias and Jaxson Ryker showed up. Elias made a pitch to Shane about WrestleMania. Shane wasn’t interested at first, but then he told him that he had an idea…

A video package set up the Intercontinental Championship match…

2. Big E vs. Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental Championship. Cole and Graves called the match. Big E speared Crews off the apron during the opening minute. “Is this what you wanted?” Big E asked. Back inside the ring, Big E performed multiple suplexes while talking trash. Big E charged at Crews, who moved, and E crashed into the corner.

Crews performed a series of suplexes. Crews performed a top rope frogsplash and got a two count. A short time later, Big E set up for his finisher, but Crews avoided it and put E in an inside cradle. Big E reversed it and got the pin.

Big E defeated Apollo Crews in 5:45 to retain the Intercontinental Championship.

After the match, Crews performed multiple suplexes on Big E and then stood over him and jawed at him. Crews slapped Big E several times, then picked him up and suplexed him again…

Powell’s POV: The finish looked a little clunky and was not replayed. I assume they kept this short because they intend to have a WrestleMania rematch.

One of the ads included a deodorant spot that included R-Truth dropping the WWE 24/7 Championship to some spokesman dude, then pinning him to regain it. Akira Tozawa showed up and yelled at the spokesman…

The Raw broadcast team of Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, and Samoa Joe checked in and recapped the story of Shane McMahon suffering an injury…

Shane McMahon introduced Elias, who was in the ring with him and Jaxson Ryker. Shane called for a preview of Elias’s performance at WrestleMania. Elias started playing, but Shane interrupted him and said that Elias would replace him in his match. Shane left the ring and then Braun Strowman made his entrance…

3. Braun Strowman vs. Elias (w/Jaxson Ryker). Ryker tried to create an early distraction, but Strowman still dominated Elias, who rolled to ringside. Strowman pulled him back onto the apron and ran him into both ring posts. They went to ringside where Ryker ducked at running shoulder block, only to have Strowman hit Elias with it.

Back inside the ring, Elias clipped the knee of Strowman and took offensive control briefly. Strowman came back and hit his running power slam for the win…

Braun Strowman defeated Elias in 3:50.

Powell’s POV: Bait and switch. I feel so bad for the millions and millions of Shane McMahon fans who ordered Peacock thinking they would be able to see him wrestle. Okay, maybe not. Obviously, they decided to save Strowman vs. Shane for WrestleMania so they gave us this Raw match instead.

The WrestleMania video aired. We are 20 days away… Tom Phillips hyped the move to Peacock and encouraged viewers to sign up. The broadcast team recapped Riddle beating Mustafa Ali on the Kickoff Show, followed by T-Bar and Mace performing a double chokeslam on Ali afterward…

Riddle and Shinsuke Nakamura had a chat backstage. Riddle tried to talk Nakamura into going into business with him. Riddle started telling a story about his cousin Skeeter the skater. When he turned around, Nakamura was gone. Once Riddle left, Nakamura returned and started warming up for his match…

4. Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura. Cole and Graves called the match. Rollins applied a headlock to start and barked at Nakamura about disrespecting him. Nakamura broke free and went on the offensive, which included a kick to the chest that led to a two count. Rollins regrouped and tossed Nakamura to ringside, then hit him with a flying knee from the ring apron.

Rollins dominated the next few minutes of the match and complained about Cesaro giving him The Swing. When Rollins turned his attention back to the match, Nakamura caught him in an armbar. Nakamura had Rollins over the apron and hit him with a knee to the head.

Rollins eventually came back and performed a springboard flying knee. Rollins followed up with a sling blade clothesline and covered Nakamura for a two count. A short time later, Nakamura caught Rollins with a kick and performed his sliding German suplex with Rollins in the ropes.

Nakamura set up for his finisher, but Rollins caught him and powered him up for a Buckle Bomb. Rollins followed up with a falcon arrow for a two count. Rollins showed frustration over not getting the pin. Rollins went for a Stomp, but Nakamura cut him off and performed a falcon arrow of his own for a near fall.

Nakamura set up for his finisher, but Rollins stepped aside and rolled him up. Rollins hit Nakamura with a shot to the back of the neck, then performed a unique kick. Rollins followed up with a Stomp and scored the pin. Afterward, Rollins looked to the stage and said “respect” multiple times…

Seth Rollins beat Shinsuke Nakamura in 12:55.

Powell’s POV: What was once a dream match for many fans was just a good, yet forgettable match in this case. In fairness, I think we’ve passed the point where most fans dream of matches involving Nakamura in WWE, so this was fine for what it was.

After some ads, a video package hyped Rhea Ripley’s debut for Monday’s Raw… A video package recapped the Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus feud…

5. Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus in a No Holds Barred match. Phillips, Saxton, and Joe called the match. McIntyre wore blue and white face paint. McIntyre was all over Sheamus to start. They ended up at ringside where Sheamus introduced a kendo stick. McIntyre whipped Sheamus into the ring steps, which sent the top piece of the steps flying. McIntyre stomped Sheamus’s head onto the bottom piece.

Back inside the ring, Sheamus hit McIntyre repeatedly with a kendo stick (because the damn things just won’t go away). McIntyre bounced back and picked up a kendo stick, then stared at Sheamus until he got back to his feet. McIntyre blasted Sheamus with kendo stick shots, then performed a Russian leg sweep with it. McIntyre jabbed an end of the stick into the eye of Sheamus. McIntyre hit Sheamus with another kendo stick shot that sent him to ringside.

Both men ended up on a broadcast table and blocked moves until McIntyre threw Sheamus off the table and into the timekeepers area. McIntyre followed and fish hooked Sehamus. They fought behind the barricade and traded some stiff shots. Sheamus suplexed McIntyre onto the exposed floor. They fought onto one of the virtual screen platforms where Sheamus performed a rolling senton.

McIntyre slammed Sheamus into the virtual screens, then threw him through a barricade and onto some equipment, which led to some pyro going off. McIntyre brought Sheamus back to the main floor level and suplexed him on the the floor behind the ringside barricades. McIntyre hoisted Sheamus up and carried him back to ringside, but Sheamus raked his eyes and slipped off his shoulders. Sheamus delivered a Brogue Kick that sent McIntyre over the barricade.

Sheamus picked up McIntyre while standing on the barricade and gave him White Noise through the broadcast table. Sheamus held his hip or lower back, which he did on and off during the match, then rolled McIntyre back inside the ring. Sheamus grabbed a piece of the broadcast table and brought it inside the ring with him. Sheamus punched McIntyre, who fought back. Sheamus set up for an Alabama Slam over the piece from the broadcast table, but McIntyre countered into a Future Shock DDT. McIntyre followed up with a Claymore Kick and scored the pin…

Drew McIntyre defeated Sheamus in 19:40 in a No Holds Barred match.

Powell’s POV: Another war between McIntyre and Sheamus. They did a hell of a job and this was easily the match of the night thus far. I hope there’s a plan to keep Sheamus relevant if this was the end of the road for his feud with McIntyre.

A video package recapped the Randy Orton madness story involving The Fiend and Alexa Bliss…

Randy Orton made his entrance. He stood on the rope and struck his pose, then clutched his stomach and started spitting up the black goo again.

Powell’s POV: Orton has to stop eating those damn convenience store burritos before his matches.

Orton went to ringside and wiped his face with a towel, then returned to the ring and called for Bliss, who made her entrance to a warped version of the Firefly Funhouse theme…

6. Randy Orton vs. Alexa Bliss. Phillips, Saxton, and Joe called the match (poor guys). The referee called for the bell. Orton walked toward Bliss, but fire shot up in his face. Orton backed away into the corner, then charged at Bliss, who moved, causing Orton to tumble to the floor. They went to ringside. Bliss looked up and some lights fell between her and Orton.

Bliss laughed maniacally. Orton watched her walk to the other side of the ring where she ended up sitting on the bottom rope. Orton climbed onto the apron and looked up, then apprehensively entered the ring. Bliss blew him a kiss. Orton walked toward her and she shot another fireball at him. The broadcast team agreed that Orton blocked the fireball with his hand.

Bliss sat on the top rope. A burnt hand tore through the ring and grabbed Orton’s foot. Orton got away and then fire and smoke shot out of the hole. A toasted version of The Fiend climbed through the hole and into the ring. Bliss shoved Orton at The Fiend, who dropped him with Sister Abigail. Bliss covered Orton and got the win…

Alexa Bliss defeated Randy Orton in 4:45.

Powell’s POV: Hey, the veteran put over the younger wrestler just like so many of us wanted, right? A 24-star classic. Match of the decade. Or something. If you’ve enjoyed this ridiculous storyline more than I have, then you probably enjoyed this a lot more than I did.

Cole and Graves hyped Hulk Hogan and Titus O’Neil as the co-hosts of WrestleMania. They ran through the previously announced matches for the two-night event… A portion of Paul Heyman’s promo from Talking Smack aired… A video package set up the main event…

Edge made his entrance and stood at ringside dressed in regular clothes. Daniel Bryan was out next followed by Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman. Ring announcer Greg Hamilton delivered in-ring introductions for the championship match…

7. Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship with Edge as the special enforcer. Cole and Graves called the match. Cole noted that Reigns had held the title for 203 days. Early in the match, Bryan hooked Roman’s arm, then used his foot to push it to the mat. A short time later, Reigns slammed Bryan to the mat and covered him for a two count. Reigns smeared Bryan’s face into the mat.

Reigns got the better of Bryan with some slow paced offense. Reigns knocked Bryan off the apron with a punch and then taunted Edge before running Bryan into the barricade. Bryan came back with some kicks to the body, but Reigns ran him into the ring post and then threw him back inside the ring where he covered him for a two count.

Later, Bryan caught Reigns with a kick. Reigns charged at Bryan, who moved and sent Reigns to ringside, but Reigns landed on his feet. Bryan dove at Reigns, who was supposed to catch him, but fell to the ground. Reigns powered Bryan up, but Bryan slipped out and shoved him into the ring post. Bryan went to hte apron and threw a flying knee at Reigns and then rolled him back inside the ring.

Bryan went up top and performed another flying knee. Bryan followed up with a missile dropkick. Bryan took some time to cover Reigns, who kicked out right away. Bryan threw a series of kicks to the chest of Reigns, who ended up blocking one. Reigns backed Bryan into the corner and hit him with an uppercut. Reigns raked his glove over the face of Bryan, then threw knees at him.

Bryan went for a takedown, but Reigns stuffed it. Reigns powered up Bryan for a powerbomb, but Bryan countered into a huracanrana and then blasted Reigns with a kick to the head. Bryan covered Reigns for a near fall. Heyman expressed concern while watching from ringside. Bryan told Reigns that he was about to be broken. Bryan grabbed the arms of Reigns and then stomped his face with his foot.

Bryan applied crossface, then gave it up to reposition into the Yes Lock. Reigns powered out and threw shots at Bryan, then hoisted him up and powerbombed him for a near fall. Bryan caught Reigns with a kick, then charged at him with a running knee, but Reigns moved and Bryan took out the referee. REF BUMP!!! Reigns speared Bryan and made the cover. Edge entered the ring and made the count, but Bryan kicked out at two.

Reigns jawed at Edge, who told him to take care of his business and he would take care of his own. Reigns threw punches at Bryan, who caught him in a triangle submission hold. Reigns powered him up. Bryan threw punches at the head of Reigns, who fell back to the mat while Bryan locked in a cross face. Bryan threw forearm shots to the head of Reigns and then applied the hold again.

Jey Uso showed up and superkicked Edge and then Bryan, which broke the hold. Uso went to ringside and grabbed a chair, which he brought back to the ring. Uso ran Edge through the ropes and into the ring post. Uso tried to hit Bryan with the chair, but Bryan ducked it and then drilled Uso with a running knee. Bryan picked up the chair and slammed it over the back of Uso repeatedly.

Bryan tried to hit Reigns with the chair, but Reigns moved and Bryan accidentally took out Edge. Reigns clocked Bryan with a Superman Punch. Reigns went for the spear, but Bryan countered into the Yes Lock. Graves pointed out that Reigns appeared to be fading and was on the verge of tapping out. Reigns lightly tapped his hand, which the broadcast team pointed out, but Edge slammed a chair over the back of Bryan. Edge hit Reigns and then Bryan with the chair, then yelled, “This is mine. Mine!” Edge left the ring while both men were down. A new referee came out. Reigns put his arm over Bryan and the referee made the three count.

Roman Reigns defeated Daniel Bryan in 30:00 to retain the WWE Universal Championship.

Powell’s POV: They saved the best for last. McIntyre vs. Sheamus was a great brawl, but I enjoyed the more traditional main event event slightly more. The main event finish was creative with Reigns lightly tapping out just before Edge went crazy. The finish was done in a way where they could turn the WWE Universal Championship match into a Triple Threat, but they could also save Bryan to be a post WrestleMania opponent for both men. For whatever it’s worth, Cole acted like everything was now set with Reigns vs. Edge at WrestleMania.

Overall, there was some good wrestling on the show, most notably in the two aforementioned matches. The outcomes felt highly predictable throughout the show. I’m happy they didn’t do anything too crazy when they are so close to WrestleMania, but I really hope the company will seriously consider moving the Royal Rumble to February and then go with either Elimination Chamber or Fastlane in March. They just don’t need to have two events between the Rumble and WrestleMania. I will have a lot more to say later tonight when Jake Barnett joins me to co-host our Dot Net Members’ exclusive audio review of Fastlane. Let me know what you thought of the show by voting in our polls below.

Listen to “11/18 Pro Wrestling Boom Podcast With Jason Powell (Episode 136): Court Bauer on the MLW restart, pandemic precautions, and more” on Spreaker.



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US

Julia Letlow, widow of Louisiana congressman-elect, wins special election to succeed him 

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Republican Julia Letlow easily won a special election for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District on Saturday, following the death of her husband Luke Letlow in December.

Luke Letlow, a Republican, was elected in a special race in December but died weeks later due to complications from the coronavirus before he was able to take office.

Julia Letlow beat out 11 other candidates for the U.S. House seat.

“This is an incredible moment, and it is truly hard to put into words,” Letlow said in a statement after her victory was announced. “What was born out of the terrible tragedy of losing my husband, Luke, has become my mission in his honor to carry the torch and serve the good people of Louisiana’s 5th District.”

TRUMP BOOSTS JULIA LETLOW IN LOUISIANA HOUSE RACE 

Julia Letlow, widow of Republican U.S. Rep.-elect Luke Letlow, speaks to members of the press in Baton Rouge, La., Jan. 21, 2021.  (Associated Press)

Letlow is the first Republican congresswoman from Louisiana.

Former President Trump endorsed Julia Letlow – who ran on agricultural issues and conservative values similar to her husband’s campaign –  earlier this month and reiterated his support Saturday.

“Julia Letlow is outstanding and so necessary to help save our Second Amendment, at the border, and for our military and vets,” Trump said. “Louisiana, get out and vote today — she will never disappoint! Julia has my complete and total endorsement.”

She was also endorsed by the state GOP and raised more money than all her competitors combined. It was the first bid for elected office by the higher education administrator who lives in the small town of Start in Richland Parish.

Luke Letlow is seen in Baton Rouge, La., July 22, 2020. Letlow won a U.S. House seat last year but died of COVID-19 before he could take office. (Associated Press)

Luke Letlow died suddenly on Dec. 29, 2020, at age 41 from complications of COVID-19. He was to be sworn in Jan. 3.

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., congratulated Letlow on her win, saying in a statement she “offered a message that united Louisiana voters and defied predictions by winning this special election outright with a clear majority — a remarkable accomplishment among a field of 12 candidates.
 
“As Julia succeeds her late husband and our friend, Luke, we look forward to welcoming her to Congress, where her expertise in higher education will help us continue to deliver solutions for America.”

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, also lauded her on what he said must be a proud but bittersweet day.

LUKE LETLOW, 41-YEAR-OLD CONGRESSMAN-ELECT, DIES WITH COVID-19

“She has continued to exemplify strength, determination and tenacity in the wake of a terrible tragedy. I know that these same characteristics that got her through the last few months will make her an excellent advocate for Louisiana in Washington, D.C.,” the Democratic governor said in a statement.

Letlow won 65% of the vote with Democrat Sandra “Candy” Christophe getting about 27% of the vote. Her husband won by a similar margin in December. 

The late Luke Letlow is seen with Julia Letlow and their children in an undated photo.

Letlow announced her candidacy in January, a move that sidelined other high-profile Republicans who had expressed interest in the seat.

She raised more than $680,000 for the race, according to data filed with the Federal Election Commission. Her closest fundraising competitor, Christophe, brought in $75,000. Christophe is a social worker from Alexandria who also ran unsuccessfully against Luke Letlow.

The 5th District covers all or part of 24 parishes, including the cities of Alexandria and Monroe.

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In Louisiana, all candidates regardless of party compete against each other in the primary. If no candidate tops 50% of the vote, a runoff election is held between the top two vote-getters.

Along with his wife, Letlow left behind two children.

The race for the deep blue 2nd District, also held Saturday, will go to an April runoff to replace Democrat Cedric Richmond who left Congress to become a White House adviser to President Biden. 

Democrats Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter will face off April 24. 

Fox News’ Marisa Schultz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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US

Governor calls special session in 2 weeks

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Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Saturday in the roundhouse there will be a special session called. in an effort to get recreational marijuana legalized. “My hope is that we’ll be back together on March 31,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. After many debates and amendments to House Bill 12, which would legalize adult-use cannabis, the timer ran out.It didn’t make it to the Senate floor in the last 24 hours. “It’s not really goodbye. It’s take a rest, and I’ll see you soon,” said the governor. This announcement comes at a post-legislative conference inside the chamber. The governor said she feels that the adult use of cannabis measure in House Bill 12 is ready and she feels “very confident” on getting it passed. However, this comes at a cost to taxpayers.”It costs 200 bucks a day for every legislator, and then on top of that our staff, ” Republican Senator Cliff Pirtle said.” Those are things the taxpayer will have to pay for that that we could’ve avoided.”He added something monumental like recreational cannabis needs to get done the right way.”Hopefully we come up with a piece of legislation that the legislature can come up, convene, introduce it and get in and out in at least one or two days,” Sen. Pirtle said.

SANTA FE, N.M. —

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Saturday in the roundhouse there will be a special session called. in an effort to get recreational marijuana legalized.

“My hope is that we’ll be back together on March 31,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said.

After many debates and amendments to House Bill 12, which would legalize adult-use cannabis, the timer ran out.

It didn’t make it to the Senate floor in the last 24 hours.

“It’s not really goodbye. It’s take a rest, and I’ll see you soon,” said the governor.

This announcement comes at a post-legislative conference inside the chamber. The governor said she feels that the adult use of cannabis measure in House Bill 12 is ready and she feels “very confident” on getting it passed.

However, this comes at a cost to taxpayers.

“It costs 200 bucks a day for every legislator, and then on top of that our staff, ” Republican Senator Cliff Pirtle said.” Those are things the taxpayer will have to pay for that that we could’ve avoided.”

He added something monumental like recreational cannabis needs to get done the right way.

“Hopefully we come up with a piece of legislation that the legislature can come up, convene, introduce it and get in and out in at least one or two days,” Sen. Pirtle said.

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US

Julia Letlow wins Louisiana’s 5th District special election while 2nd District goes to runoff, CNN projects

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Letlow will take the seat that her late husband Luke, who won last year’s election but died in December after being diagnosed with Covid-19, was never able to hold.

She will make history as the first Republican woman to represent the state in Congress.

A number of prominent Republicans rallied behind her after she announced her campaign for the seat. Former President Donald Trump, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and Louisiana GOP Rep. Steve Scalise — the No. 2 House Republican — all endorsed her out of the nine Republicans running for the seat.

Letlow, a first-time candidate, will avoid a runoff because she secured a majority among the 12-person field.

Runoff in 2nd District

Democrats Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson will advance to an April 24 runoff in the special election for Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, CNN projects.

The winner of the runoff will fill the seat vacated by Democrat Cedric Richmond, who resigned in January to join the Biden administration.

Carter and Carter Peterson, who are not related, are both Louisiana state senators representing New Orleans.

Carter is the senate minority leader and received Richmond’s endorsement before he resigned from Congress. Carter Peterson served in the Louisiana House for a decade before joining the Senate in 2010 and has also served as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Carter Peterson finished with the second-most votes, receiving about 1,400 more votes than Democrat Gary Chambers, Jr., as of late Saturday night.

This story has been updated with a projection for the 2nd District.

CNN’s Tina Paul contributed to this report.

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Entertainment

Hilaria Baldwin thanks ‘special angels’ who brought newborn daughter into world

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Hilaria Baldwin opened up on social media about the birth of her sixth child, a daughter named María Lucia.

On Thursday, the 37-year-old fitness instructor penned a lengthy message about the newborn, who arrived five months after she and husband Alec Baldwin welcomed their fifth child, a son named Eduardo “Edu” Pao Lucas.

“Our hearts are filled with so much gratitude. The Baldwinitos craved so much to have a little sister,” Baldwin wrote. “Many of you may remember the loss of their sister at 4 months in the end of 2019. There isn’t a day that goes by where we don’t ache for our daughter. When I found out our baby had died, I told our children that their sister was going to come, just not at that time.”

“Nothing will ever replace her, but two wonderful souls have come into our lives, and we are humbled to know them,” she added.

HILARIA AND ALEC BALDWIN WELCOME THEIR SIXTH CHILD TOGETHER

The wellness expert explained how Edu is their rainbow baby, while “special angels … helped bring Lucia the world.”

“María Lucía Victoria and Eduardo Pau Lucas: our babies who bring light into our lives — almost like twins, we love you so much.” Lucia was reportedly born via surrogate. 

Hilaria Baldwin and Alec Baldwin welcomed their sixth child, a daughter named María Lucía Victoria.
(Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

The Baldwins also share daughter Carmen Gabriela, 7½, and sons Romeo Alejandro David, 2½, Leonardo Ángel Charles, 4, and Rafael Thomas, 5½.

HILARIA BALDWIN REVEALS NAME OF BABY: ‘WE ARE SO IN LOVE’

The “30 Rock” star is also a father to his 25-year-old daughter Ireland from his previous relationship to Kim Basinger. 

In the past few months, the famous couple has made headlines not for any kind of pregnancy announcement, but rather for a scandal that saw the wellness expert taken to task for allegedly exaggerating her Spanish heritage. Although she denied ever lying about being born in the United States, Baldwin issued an apology on Instagram earlier this month. 

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“I’ve spent the last month listening, reflecting, and asking myself how I can learn and grow. My parents raised my brother and me with two cultures, American and Spanish, and I feel a true sense of belonging to both,” she wrote in part.

Baldwin was put on blast in December when it was discovered she wasn’t actually born in Spain — as she had implied — and instead was born and raised in Boston, Mass. Baldwin was also criticized for allegedly faking a Spanish accent. The bilingual mother of six’s accent noticeably fluctuated over the years when she made appearances on TV. 

Fox News’ Sasha Savitsky contributed to this report.



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Cuomo reverses course, calls for special investigator amid sexual harassment allegations

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Facing mounting political pressure over allegations of sexual harassment, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said Sunday that he would support the appointment of an independent special investigator to examine the claims against him. Cuomo also issued a number of statements on Sunday, including one in the evening apologizing and saying he “never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm.”

Cuomo, a Democrat, initially called on the state attorney general and the chief judge of the New York State Court of Appeals to jointly appoint “an independent and qualified lawyer” to “conduct a thorough review of the matter and issue a public report.” 

After he backtracked on his initial request for the investigation, Attorney General Letitia James issued a statement that her office will “will hire a law firm, deputize them as attorneys of our office, and oversee a rigorous and independent investigation.”

James, a onetime Cuomo ally, rejected the governor’s initial proposal, saying she alone has the authority to investigate the allegations once the governor formally refers the matter to her office.

“While I have deep respect for Chief Judge DiFiore, I am the duly elected attorney general and it is my responsibility to carry out this task, per Executive Law,” James said, referring to the chief judge. “The governor must provide this referral so an independent investigation with subpoena power can be conducted.”

Earlier Sunday, James said she she “stood ready” to oversee an investigation and “make any appointments necessary.”

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo seen on September 8, 2020.

Spencer Platt / Getty


Cuomo’s support for an independent investigation is a reversal, after his special counsel said on Saturday night that a judge selected by the governor’s office would investigate the allegations, an arrangement that was widely condemned as inadequate by elected officials across the state.

In a story published Saturday, a former aide told The New York Times that Cuomo had harassed her at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The woman, Charlotte Bennett, told the Times that Cuomo had asked her if she was open to a relationship with an older man — an encounter she interpreted as having sexual overtones. Bennett, 25, told the Times that when she told Cuomo’s chief of staff about the encounter, she was transferred to another job on the other side of the state capitol.

Cuomo responded with a statement on Saturday night that he believed he was acting as a mentor and he “never made advances toward Ms. Bennett, nor did I ever intend to act in any way that was inappropriate.”

In an updated statement Sunday evening, Cuomo said he “never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm. I spend most of my life at work and colleagues are often also personal friends.” 

“At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny,” Cuomo said. “I do, on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good natured way. I do it in public and in private. You have seen me do it at briefings hundreds of times. I have teased people about their personal lives, their relationships, about getting married or not getting married. I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business.”

He contended that his actions may have been “misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that.”

The allegations came in the same week that another ex-aide, former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to the governor Lindsey Boylan, accused him of subjecting her to an unwanted kiss and inappropriate comments. Cuomo has denied those allegations.

The furor also comes as the governor is fighting off another scandal, with federal authorities investigating how his administration handled nursing home patients in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, Cuomo and his administration have been forced to admit the COVID-19 death toll for nursing home residents is nearly 15,000, almost double the previous number. The 15,000 figure includes patients in long-term care facilities and those who died after being taken to a hospital. 

While the Trump administration opened up an investigation into Cuomo’s handling of the nursing home data, criticism intensified after a top aide admitted she was concerned that the data was “going to be used against us.”

While some Republicans and Democrats have begun to call for Cuomo to step down amid the allegations, others, including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, have called for him to be stripped of the emergency governing powers that he was given at the height of the pandemic.

Cuomo is currently in his third term as governor, which is set to end in 2022.

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Entertainment

Emmanuel Acho will host ‘The Bachelor: After the Final Rose Special,’ replacing Chris Harrison

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Acho, the host of the YouTube series “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” announced on Saturday he would host the one-hour special for the 25th season.

“I’ve accepted the Rose & am honored to be hosting the @bachelorabc After the Final Rose this year,” Acho tweeted. “It’s been a pivotal season & this episode will be one of the most storied shows in its history. Empathy is needed and change is coming. See y’all then!”
Harrison announced on February 13 he was “stepping aside” from the show “for a period of time” after defending a frontrunner on the current season who came under scrutiny for social media photos from her past.
Harrison apologized after speaking out on behalf of Rachael Kirkconnell, a contestant who was reportedly photographed at an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018.

It is unclear how long Harrison will be stepping aside.

This is the 25th season of ABC’s enormously popular reality dating franchise and the first in which ABC cast a Black man, Matt James, as the show’s star.

During the episode, Acho “will sit down with Bachelor Matt James to discuss his season, his final decision and where he is now, as well as cover the current events about the franchise,” ABC said in a press release.

The on-air personality and bestselling author will also speak to the season’s final three women: Kirkconnell, Michelle Young and Bri Springs.

The special episode will air on Monday, March 15, immediately after the season finale of “The Bachelor.”

CNN’s Marianne Garvey contributed to this report.



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Technology

Pokémon GO Tour Kanto Special Research Tasks and Rewards

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Shiny Ditto Special Research Tasks and Rewards

Trainers can complete the Kanto Tour Special Research in order to encounter a shiny Ditto and unlock the Masterwork Research. This special research questline is only available to ticket holders. Some rewards are based on the ticket version you selected.

You don’t need to complete this Special Research during the Kanto Tour event. Players with tickets will still be able to access the Special Research after it is over as long as they sign in and take an in-game action during the time period (Saturday, February 20, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. local time) to collect the Special Research.

Tasks and Rewards

Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto (1/8)

  • Claim Reward! – 10 PokéBall
  • Claim Reward! – 3 Razz Berry
  • Claim Reward! – 3 Potion
  • Rewards: 150 XP, Charmander / Bulbasaur encounter, 3 Incense

Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto (2/8)

  • Use an Incense – 50 PokéBall
  • Catch 30 Pokémon – Tangela encounter
  • Take a snapshot of Charmander / Bulbasaur – 1 Poffin
  • Rewards: 25 Charmander / Bulbasaur Candy, Chansey encounter, 50 PokéBall

Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto (3/8)

  • Earn 3 hearts with your Buddy – 300 Stardust
  • Catch 30 Pokémon – 500 XP
  • Evolve a Charmander / Bulbasaur – 25 Charmander / Bulbasaur Candy
  • Rewards: 2 Incense, Cubone encounter, 25 Ultra Ball

Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto (4/8)

  • Use an Incense – 1 Incubator
  • Send 3 Gifts to friends – 5 Pinap Berry
  • Trade 3 Pokémon with a friend – 25 Charmander / Bulbasaur Candy
  • Rewards: 500 Stardust, Lickitung encounter, 25 Cubone candy

Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto (5/8)

  • Make 3 Nice Throws in a row – Aerodactyl
  • Catch 10 different species of Pokémon – 1 Star Piece
  • Use 20 Berris to help catch Pokémon – 25 Charmander / Bulbasaur Candy
  • Rewards: 1 Premium Raid Pass, Snorlax encounter, 25 Cubone Candy

Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto (6/8)

  • Power up Pokémon 5 times – 25 Charmander / Bulbasaur Candy
  • Battle in 3 raids – 20 Mewtwo Candy
  • Evolve a Pokémon – Red or Green version avatar hat
  • Rewards: 1 Fast TM, 1 Charge TM, Lapras encounter

Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto (7/8)

  • Catch 30 Pokémon – 3000 XP
  • Catch 15 different species of Pokémon – 3 Rare Candy
  • Transfer 20 Pokémon – 3000 XP
  • Rewards: 1 Incense, Shiny Ditto encounter, 1 Lucky Egg

Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto (8/8)

  • Claim Reward! – 3000 XP
  • Claim Reward! – 3000 Stardust
  • Claim Reward! – 3000 XP
  • Rewards: 20 Ditto Candy, 20 Mew Candy, 10 Ditto Stickers

Pokémon encounters and rewards

You will encounter the following Pokémon in this quest line:

Antonio started the Hub in July 2016 and hasn’t had much sleep since. Software developer. Discord username: Zeroghan. 29 years old.

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Business

Man Says United Removed Him From Flight to Super Bowl for Wearing Special Mask

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A New Jersey man said that he was kicked off a flight bound for Tampa, Florida, where the Super Bowl will be played on Sunday, because he wore a mask that United Airlines considered non-compliant.

In an interview with NBC local affiliate WNBC, Robert Joseph said he purchased an $85 face covering that looked like a gas mask. That mask contained a face shield and breath filter. He was scheduled to fly from Newark, New Jersey, to Tampa as part of his job performing security duties at Super Bowl LV.

“Going into the airport, I felt safe wearing [the mask], like my own little bubble around my face to keep it protected,” he explained.

According to Joseph, when he boarded his flight, he was given a different mask because the one he brought with him was against company policy. After an exchange, Joseph said he opted to put on another mask and carry the other mask, but was then told to leave. He maintained he did nothing wrong.

“At that point they turned to me and said it’s not allowed on the plane, if you’re not happy with our policies, you can leave,” Joseph told WNBC. “I said no, I’m fine, I’m going to go sit down, you don’t have to hear another word from me. At that point they said no, we already told you to leave, get off. That’s when it spiraled out of control.”

After he was taken off his original flight, Joseph said that he had to wait for his next plane for several hours.

United declined to comment when Newsweek reach out to the airline, but in a statement to WNBC, the company said the mask that Joseph brought with him was not permitted because “it could potentially create certain impediments in emergency scenarios, such as preventing clear communication between customers and crew-members.”

Joseph said that the husband of his wife’s cousin died due to the coronavirus, a situation he described as a “wake-up call” to people to take the pandemic seriously. He added that his experience left him considering traveling back home on an another airline.

Incidents of passengers refusing to wear a mask on flights have been an issue for airlines since early in the pandemic. Earlier this week, the TSA announced it would carry out President Joe Biden’s executive order that masks must be worn while at airports as well as in transportation systems. The TSA further added that face covers are mandatory at airport security checkpoints effective February 2 through May 11. Those who violate the security directive will be fined starting at $250 and then $1,500 for repeat offenses.

In a press release, Darby LaJoye, senior official performing the duties of the TSA Administrator, said: “TSA will fully comply with the President’s Executive Orders, CDC guidance and the DHS National Emergency determination to ensure healthy and secure travel across all transportation sectors. This will help prevent further spread of COVID-19 and encourage a unified government response. As we continue to experience impacts from this pandemic, we are committed to this measure as the right thing to do for the TSA workforce, for our industry stakeholders and for passengers.”

A United Airlines airplane is towed to a gate in front of the skyline of lower Manhattan in New York City at Newark Liberty Airport on April 12, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.
Gary Hershorn/Getty Images/Getty

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