“DeSantis’ Big Tech Bill Called ‘Empty’ And ‘Weak’ By Conservatives” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – Gov. Ron DeSantis has gone all-in on a legislative measure filed by Florida House Rep. Blaise Ingoglia (R) to penalize Big Tech companies, like Twitter and Facebook, if they “de-platform” a candidate for “statewide” office, but the bill doesn’t appear to protect potential federal candidates like President Donald Trump, Senator Marco Rubio, and Reps. Matt Gaetz Byron Donalds. When Gov. DeSantis first announced his support for the legislative effort to impose a $100,000 a day fine against companies until they reinstate a de-platformed candidate’s account, it was the news that many Republicans wanted to hear after President Trump was completely de-platformed by social media companies that deemed his behavior and rhetoric dangerous, yet refuse to ban the accounts of world leaders and organizations that promote anti-Semitism and global terror. “Under our proposal, if a technology company de-platforms a candidate for elected office in Florida during the election, a company will face a daily fine of $100,000 until the candidate’s access to the platform is restored again,” said DeSantis. “When our legislature convenes next month, it will pass and I will sign, the most ambitious reforms yet proposed for combatting political censorship and de-platforming, for preventing big tech from interfering in our elections, and for safeguarding the privacy of your personal data.”

“City of Coral Cables Primed For April Election” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – This week the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum for the election being held on April 13th. The event featured the mayoral candidates and city commission candidates for Group 2 and Group 3. The virtual forum went off without a hitch but it wasn’t very exciting. Local blogger Ladra, who was in attendance covering this event states that she almost fell asleep. There were some highlights, however, in the race for mayor Vince Lago appeared to be prepared and focused on the issues highlighting his record of being against this current wave of overdevelopment. A recent negative ad sent out to the residents of Coral Gables tries to paint a different picture. His opponent Pat Keon, is in favor of the development taking place and will support the rezoning of Miracle Mile to allow for taller buildings, a position most residents oppose. There was no clear winner in the Group 2 debate but Claudia Miro, Tania Cruz-Gimenez, and Jose Valdes-Fauli delivered respectful performances. Tania Cruz-Gimenez is the daughter-in-law of Congressman and former Miami Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.

“Trump Teases Lara Trump Potential Senatorial Run” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – “I don’t know, you’re running for the Senate?” asked President Donald Trump of Lara Trump, who was in attendance at a dog rescue fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago his past Friday. President Trump’s rare appearance further fueled the speculation that his daughter-in-law Lara was going to run for retiring Senator Richard Burr’s soon-to-be-vacant North Carolina Senate seat. “So, I didn’t exactly prepare for this,” Trump added, saying that he had been walking by and heard people yelling. “But I was walking by and I hear everybody screaming in the ballroom and I said ‘what’s going on?’ and they said ‘we’re going to help dogs’ and that’s OK with me.” “What you’re doing is so important and so great, and so important and I’m with you 100%, and we had many meetings in the White House and the Oval Office, having to do with saving and helping dogs and that’s what we want to do,” Trump said in images and video caught by WPTV reporter T.A. Walker. He said, “tremendous progress had been made.” South Carolina U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R) said that Lara Trump was the overall winner of the recent impeachment trial of the former president after Sen. Burr voted to impeach.

“Rubio On Amazon’s Worker Problem: ‘Let Their Woke Leftist Friends Come To Their Rescue’” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – When Senator Marco Rubio penned a scathing op-ed in the USA Today against Amazon for waging “a war against working-class values” and for using “anticompetitive strategies to crush small business,” he didn’t think purist “Conservatives” in the Republican Party would use his opinion against him, and have now reverted to saying that Rubio was now pro-Union. Amazon has been pushing back against their workers unionizing. Rubio’s op-ed states: For the past several years, Amazon has waged a war against working-class values. The Silicon Valley titan uses anticompetitive strategies to crush small businesses, bans conservative books and blocks traditional charities from participating in its AmazonSmile program. Not surprisingly, it has also bowed to China’s censorship demands. Here’s my standard: When the conflict is between working Americans and a company whose leadership has decided to wage culture war against working-class values, the choice is easy — I support the workers. And that’s why I stand with those at Amazon’s Bessemer warehouse today. Uniquely malicious corporate behavior like Amazon’s justifies a more adversarial approach to labor relations. It is no fault of Amazon’s workers if they feel the only option available to protect themselves against bad faith is to form a union. Today it might be workplace conditions, but tomorrow it might be a requirement that the workers embrace management’s latest “woke” human resources fad.

 

“Scott and Rubio Fight to Keep Cuba on State Sponsor of Terrorism list” by The Floridian’s Jim McCool – Yesterday, Florida Senators Rick Scott (R) and Marco Rubio (R), joined by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), introduced the FORCE Act on the Senate floor. The FORCE Act, also known as the “Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends Act” aims to prevent President Joe Biden (D) or his administration at large from taking Cuba off the U.S. Department of State’s sponsor of Terrorism list. This bill if passed would require such actions to be followed through until the statutes of the LIBERTAD Act are completed. Senator Scott then issued a statement, characterizing Cuba as, “the root of instability we see in Latin America.” The solid GOP Senator then placed the blame on, “Obama-Biden” appeasement policies that made Cuba what it is today claiming that, “The Biden Administration cannot back down in the fight against rogue nations or take any action that will help strengthen the Castro regime.” Senator Ted Cruz, who happens to have Cuban roots claims that his sponsorship of the proposal comes from, “firsthand” experience. “My family knows firsthand the brutality of totalitarian Cuban regimes, and Cuba’s abused have not ceased”, said Cruz.

“FL Pharmacy Groups Fight PBMs with HB 1043” by The Floridian’s Jim McCool – Florida pharmacy advocacy group Small Business Pharmacies Aligned for Reform (SPAR) and national advocacy group Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency (PUTT) counseled with Republican and Democrat state representatives to advocate for HB 1043’s passage. HB 1043, titled, “Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit Savings” would require: “AHCA to select single pharmacy benefit administrator through competitive procurement process by specified date; provides contract requirements; requires agency to calculate amount equal to specified percentage of managed care organization’s net underwriting gain for certain contract year & reduce organization’s contract term payment by such amount.” The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Randy Fine (D-53) claims that with this bill, “there will be losers”, however, “the taxpayer, the recipient, and the local pharmacy will benefit. The people we are here to fight for will benefit.” Dawn Butterfield, the founding member of SPAR, claims that, “We as independent pharmacy owners have been ringing in our state’s Medicaid program for more than three years.” Butterfield continues to have faith in the actions taken through HB 1043, as the bill, “is a step in the right direction for Florida taxpayers, patients and local pharmacies.”

“Fried’s COVID Comment Against DeSantis Called ‘Patently False’” by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) have been at odds regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The feud has only heightened as rumors have begun swirling regarding the possibility of Commissioner Fried challenging DeSantis in his upcoming 2022 reelection. As the Governor has been traveling the state, promoting Florida’s partnership with companies like Publix and Wal-Mart providing vaccines for the elderly, Fried aimed “patently false” verbal jabs at DeSantis during a recent appearance on a podcast with Molly Jong-Fast. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Governor DeSantis has received heavy criticism from Florida Democrats, and one of his biggest critics has been Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D). The Governor has been accused of “quid pro quo” regarding vaccine distribution, and Wasserman Schultz called for an investigation shortly after Fried had called for the FBI to “step in.” “Floridians demand to know the facts,” Wasserman Schultz argued, adding that she has joined other Florida Democrats in calling for “AG Garland to investigate the matter.”

“HR 8 Gun Background Check Vote Could Spell Trouble for Gimenez and Salazar” by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina – This week, Republicans were dealt a crushing blow when H.R.8 was passed. The bill, as Florida Rep. Brian Mast (R) called it, is “a political game” that both sides of the aisle play on in Washington. The measure would “force private businesses to facilitate expanded gun control restrictions” and “jeopardize the privacy of gun owners.” The bill passed with some Republican support, and now some Florida politicos are questioning whether or not this could spell trouble for those Republicans who voted in favor of it and possibly face primary challenges when they’re up for reelection. In a final vote, the bill passed with a 227 to 203 vote. One Democrat voted against the bill, and eight Republicans voted for it. Of the eight that voted in favor of the bill, Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger and Florida Reps. Carlos Gimenez and Ana Maria Salazar are names that stand out because of their relationship with President Donald Trump (R). During his speech at CPAC, many expected President Trump to possibly announce a 2024 run at the presidency, but he remained largely mum on the subject. However, he did mention that he would be active in upcoming elections. Afterward, he noted that he would be campaigning against Republicans that were not pro-Trump, which includes Alaska lawmaker Lisa Murkowski (R). Kinzinger voted to impeach President Trump, and he’s expected to be “primaried” by a pro-Trump candidate. This likelihood has only been exacerbated by his most recent vote for H.R.8.

“Kamala Harris’ Alma Mater Howard University Gets $35 Million In COVID Aid” by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres – The $1.9 Trillion “For The People Act” House COVID-19 stimulus bill has now been signed into law by President Joe Biden, and not one Republican voted in favor of the measure because of all the frivolous spending it contained, including a $35,000,000 appropriation to Vice President Kamala Harris’ alma mater, Howard University. Republicans have outlined all of the non-COVID spending Speaker Nancy Pelosi put in the bill, but no one has brought up the Howard University appropriation. The new law allocates billions of dollars to Education, but no other school aside from Gallaudet University and The National Technical Institute for the Deaf— two schools that work with deaf Americans—receive millions of individual funding, except for Howard University. In TITLE II—COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS Subtitle A—Education Matters PART 1—DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Section 2008 of the “American Rescue Plan Act of 2021,” Howard University is listed on its own. Here is how the law reads: “In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Department of Education for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $35,000,000, to remain available through September 30, 2023, for Howard University to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, including to defray expenses associated with coronavirus (including lost revenue, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, technology costs associated with a transition to distance education, faculty and staff trainings, and payroll) and to provide financial aid grants to students, which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance.

“Florida sheriff sued over program that ‘predicts’ crime” by Associated Press – U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz has called on Florida’s governor to remove a sheriff who was sued this week by four residents claiming an intelligence program run by the top cop’s agency violated their constitutional rights. In a tweet on Thursday, Gaetz, a Republican congressman from the Florida Panhandle, said Gov. Ron DeSantis had the authority to remove Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco and should consider doing so. “I don’t care that this is being done by a GOP Sheriff,” Gaetz said in the tweet. “Its awful to harass citizens because you think they may commit crimes, hoping to make their lives miserable.’ The intelligence program run by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office uses arrest histories and information from police reports to determine which residents are most likely to break the law. Deputies then make repeated visits to those individuals’ homes, even when there is no warrant or evidence of a crime, according to an investigation by the Tampa Bay Times. Four Pasco County residents on Wednesday sued the sheriff, saying they were harassed, fined and even arrested by overzealous deputies who overstepped their bounds. They asked a judge to end the program. “The goal here is to shut this program down and to make sure it stops, both for these clients and everybody in Pasco County,” said Robert Johnson, an attorney for the plaintiffs.

“1st trans woman to run for Florida Senate District 6 explains what Women’s History Month means to her” by News 4 Jax’s Zachery Lashway – During the month of March, News4Jax is highlighting the contributions women have made to history, culture and society. On Sunday, News4Jax sat down with Brooklyn Owen, the first trans woman to run for Florida Senate District 6, to see what Women’s History Month means to her. “It really is the time to empower women,” said Owen, a Jacksonville native. “It means that we should appreciate the trail that has been blazed by women who’ve come before us and whose shoulders we stand on and then continue to push forward to make change.” News4Jax first met Owen, who was born Seth, in 2018. “I was raised in a really conservative Southern Baptist family, and my parents kicked me out after being sent to conversion therapy,” Owen said. “And my college, Georgetown, refused to amend my financial aid package, and so a teacher started a GoFundMe for me, and it went viral and ended up on News4Jax and then later “Ellen,” and that led to a career of activism where I’ve continued to fight for marginalized communities, particularly queer youth of color, who have faced similar situations to the one I did.” Owen founded Unbroken Horizons, a 501(c)(3) that empowers LGBTQ+ students to overcome adversity while furthering their education through scholarships. “I have closeness, proximity to these issues. It wasn’t too many years ago that I was facing homelessness and experiencing what it’s like to study at a Title I high school, and I think those, that proximity to the issues, has prepared me to take it to the Legislature and find solutions that really work for the everyday person,” Owen said.

“Florida Senate weighs legal immunity against COVID lawsuits” by Associated Press – A measure that would shield businesses from COVID-related lawsuits could make it before the Florida Senate later this week, providing another key test for a measure that supporters assert will protect against frivolous lawsuits but that critics worry could give blanket immunity to most business owners, including long-term care facilities, who negligently put the public and their workers in danger during the pandemic. Earlier this month, the House approved liability protections for most businesses and was to later take up another bill specific to health care providers. The version coming before the Senate combines both into a single bill, and would put pressure on the House to follow suit. And it could provide Democrats, who are generally opposed to the bills, with more opportunities to advocate for changes they hope will favor workers and consumers. Gov. Ron DeSantis has urged his allies in the Republican-controlled statehouse to make the COVID liability issue a priority during the 60-day legislative session, which is entering its third week. He argues that a spate of lawsuits could translate to the loss of jobs. Immunity from COVID lawsuits is especially important for long-term care facilities. State health records show that nearly 11,000 residents in those facilities died from the pandemic. In other Senate business, the chamber’s Criminal Justice Committee will again take up a proposal seeking to prevent authorities from arresting children under 7 years old.

“Miami mayor warns Florida is already packed for spring break with too many people on the way: 'We've got a problem'” by Business Insider’s Blake Dodge – History may soon repeat itself in Florida, where some beaches are already packed with spring breakers, according to CNN. "We're seeing too much spring break activity," Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber told CNN on Saturday. "We've got a problem with too many people coming here. We've got a problem with too many people coming here to let loose." "We are concerned," he said. "It's very challenging." Air travel has risen to its highest level in nearly a year, according to The Transportation Security Administration. On Saturday, a spokesperson for the agency said that TSA had screened about 1.4 million people at airport security checkpoints on Friday, the highest number of passengers since March 15, 2020, when about 1.5 million people were screened, Insider reported. This rise in travel coinciding with the beginning of spring breaks and generally warmer weather, making Florida a popular destination for people who could potentially spread COVID-19. "We've come a long way as a community in slowing the spread of the virus," Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said on Twitter. "As you enjoy our city and our wonderful weather this weekend, continue your pandemic precautions."

“Residents face evictions after living for decades at Florida trailer park” by Associated Press – Dozens of residents of a low-income trailer park in South Florida are being forced to leave the place they have lived for years after city officials made a deal to sell the land to developers. Residents of the 15-acre lot owned by Florida City have until Wednesday to leave the trailer park, according to the Miami Herald. City officials are working to close a $6.8 million sale with developers. As part of the deal, all trailers, campers, recreational vehicles and their occupants have to be gone, said Mayor Otis Wallace. “The deal can’t close until the campsite is empty,” said Wallace, who’s been mayor of Florida City since 1984. Because residents aren’t being told to leave because of their inability to pay rent, they aren’t likely to be helped by the federal moratorium on evictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which the Biden administration has extended until the end of the month. Many of the 70 or so residents are elderly and have physical and mental health problems that make it difficult to work. Several residents said they were blindsided by the notice from the city that they needed to move. Located in Miami-Dade County, Florida City is one of Florida’s poorest municipalities. The trailer park has been homes to residents since the 1980s.

“FSU students speak out against HB1 before Florida House of Representatives” by FSU News’ Faith Matson – On Mar. 3, students from Florida State University spoke out against House Bill 1 (HB1) in front of the Florida House Justice Appropriations Committee. HB1 was filed on Jan. 6, the same day as the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, and has received widespread support from Florida Republican political leaders including Gov. Ron DeSantis. If passed as it stands now, HB1 would allow elected officials to file an appeal if their municipality’s governing body reduces the budget for law enforcement. It would also increase penalties on protestors for offenses committed “in furtherance of a riot” and prohibit the defacing or demolition of memorials. “HB1 is problematic because it’s Gov. DeSantis’ politically and racially charged response to the civil unrest that occurred this past summer,” said Victoria Paul, a junior at FSU. Paul is the political education chair for the Black Student Union, director of Power of WE and a member of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Student Leadership Council. Paul and other students believe the bill would discourage protest participation and limit freedom of speech, which is why she and fellow FSU student Emmabella Rudd decided to voice their dissent before the House.

“Voting reform bill could change the way voting takes place in Florida” by WPTV’s Alisson Stegman – A Florida state Senate committee has passed a voting reform bill that could change the way voting takes place in Florida. The latest version of the bill requires voters to request mail ballots every election cycle, instead of every other one. It also limits mail ballot pick-up and drop-off to immediate family as well as eliminates ballot drop boxes. Republicans, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, support the bill saying it helps secure a safer election, but Democrats who oppose it say it creates obstacles for voters. Dr. Kevin Wagner, the chairman of the political science department at FAU, says while Republicans are pushing the changes, it could have unintended effects. "If a group of voters feels targeted, they feel like these laws are intended to prevent them from voting and certain groups are going to feel that way it often motivates them to turn out," Dr. Wagner says. "They often turn out in higher numbers. They are willing to overcome whatever obstacles are put in their way to make sure their vote is heard." Dr. Wagner also pointed out "To The Point" that in previous years, more Republicans voted via mail than Democrats. "I think we need to find ways to not only increase the vote," says Patrick Franklin, President and CEO of the Urban League of Palm Beach County.

“Media ignore the facts on DeSantis and vaccines” by Palm Beach Posts’ Hayden Dublois – Facts are stubborn things — especially for the news media, who find themselves foaming at the mouth whenever they get a chance to pursue the most absurd, clickbait-type leads that paint Florida and its Gov. Ron DeSantis in a poor light. First, they criticized him for not locking down immediately during the epidemic, despite lockdown states having no greater success at controlling COVID-19 — just greater success at destroying small businesses and bankrupting state programs. Then, they criticized him for lifting all restrictions, choosing instead to focus resources and attention on protecting the most vulnerable (the nerve, honestly). They criticized him for letting kids go back to school, despite study after study showing the importance of in-person learning and how safe it is for all involved. Time and time again, DeSantis has been vindicated. But that hasn’t stopped the hit pieces from coming. Now, it’s time for them to unfairly criticize the governor about vaccines. On Feb. 18, NBC published a blatant hit piece falsely alleging that DeSantis was playing politics with COVID-19 vaccinations. Not only was the article riddled with errors — indeed, within a few days, the author had to issue a major correction — but more importantly, it doubled down on the mainstream media’s narrative that Florida has been a failure in its response to COVID-19.

“Florida lawmakers push for permanent daylight saving time once again” by WFLA’s Olivia Steen – All over America, people lost an hour of sleep on Sunday because of daylight saving time. Springing forward is a routine we expect every year, but a group of Florida lawmakers are once again making the case to keep it permanent. “I think it would be a great idea. Give people more opportunity to get out and exercise,” said Gary. “It gives me more daylight for working because I work outside,” said Keith Flagler. Most people told 8 On Your Side’s Olivia Steen they wouldn’t mind a little more fun in the sun, which is why Flagler stands behind the Sunlight Protection Act. “We can play longer. We can visit our friends and fun longer with more daylight.” Florida state lawmakers enacted year-round daylight saving back in 2018, but it must pass the federal level to go into effect. Senator Marco Rubio said there is no need for a yearly switch. “This is dumb. It’s a dumb idea. There’s no rationale and it’s time to end it.” Proponents of the bill say more daylight in the evenings can result in less crime, more energy and fewer car crashes. Justin Herndon, a spokesperson with Allstate Insurance, told 8 On Your Side studies show fatal car wrecks increase 6% within the first week of the time change. “That fatigue is very real. The results are very real. We’re just trying to make sure people understand the data and give themselves a little more time to be alert on the road.”

 

 

National:

“Martial law in parts of Myanmar's main city after deadliest day since coup” by Reuters’ Staff – Myanmar activists planned more anti-coup rallies on Monday, a day after at least 39 people were killed in clashes with security forces in the commercial hub of Yangon where Chinese-financed factories were torched. Security forces killed at least 22 pro-democracy protesters in the Hlaingthaya suburb of Yangon on Sunday, an advocacy group said. A further 16 protesters were killed in other places, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said, as well as one policeman, making it the bloodiest day since the Feb. 1 coup against elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Martial law was imposed in Hlaingthaya and in the Shwepyitha districts of Yangon, state media announced. The Chinese embassy said many Chinese staff were injured and trapped in arson attacks by unidentified assailants on garment factories in Hlaingthaya, and that it had called on Myanmar to protect Chinese property and citizens. China is viewed as being supportive of the military junta that has taken power. As plumes of smoke rose from the industrial area, security forces opened fire on protesters in the suburb that is home to migrants from across Myanmar, media and witnesses said.

“GOP doesn't need election reform to win, Georgia's lieutenant governor says” by Politico’s Maya Parthasarathy – Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan on Sunday said he wants to expand voting, calling many voting reform proposals "solutions in search of a problem." "Republicans don't need election reform to win, we need leadership," he said on NBC's "Meet the Press," disavowing former President Donald Trump's attempts to undermine faith in elections. "I think there’s millions of Republicans waking up around the country that are realizing that Donald Trump's divisive tone and strategy is unwinnable in forward-looking elections," Duncan said. Georgia's state legislature has more than 80 election-related proposed bills this year, and Republicans in many states are pushing to tighten up restrictions on voting. Duncan pointed out that some of Georgia's election bills were written by Democrats or are bipartisan efforts — "There are some good ideas that have been put in place by Democrats and Republicans," he said — but disagreed with some proposed changes, including an end to no-excuse absentee voting. Former Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams on Sunday called the efforts to tighten voting rules "racist." "It is a redux of Jim Crow in a suit and tie," Abrams said on CNN's "State of the Union." She added, "There's a direct correlation between the usage of drop boxes, the usage of in-person early voting, especially on Sundays, and the use of vote by mail, and a direct increase in the number of people of color voting.”

“Biden eyes Gene Sperling to serve as Covid rescue plan czar” by Politico’s Laura Barron-Lopez and Ben White – President Joe Biden is eyeing Gene Sperling for a role to oversee the implementation of the administration’s coronavirus relief plan, according to two sources with knowledge of the plans. The White House could announce the role for Sperling as early as Monday, the sources said. Sperling, who served on the economic teams in both the Obama and Clinton administrations, was under consideration to serve as Biden’s director of the Office of Management and Budget after the president’s first pick, Neera Tanden, failed to secure enough support in the Senate. Instead of that post, he is being strongly considered for a position within the White House where he will be tasked with overseeing the enactment of the recently signed $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill. White House press secretary Jen Psaki noted on Wednesday that Biden himself held a similar role as “point person” on the Obama administration’s implementation of the 2009 stimulus. Sperling declined to comment. The White House also declined to comment. Sperling, who currently lives in Los Angeles with his family, would bring a wealth of experience on economic policy issues to the stimulus czar position. He served as head of the National Economic Council under both Clinton and Obama as well as a top adviser at the Treasury Department under Obama.

“Treasury secretary minimizes risk of inflation caused by Covid relief package” by Politico’s David Cohen – Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Sunday defended the recently enacted Covid relief package, saying the benefits for the economy far outweigh any concerns that the burst of government spending could lead to inflation. Speaking on ABC's "This Week," Yellen said, "We need to defeat the pandemic. This package really does that." President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion relief package into law Thursday. Some economists, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, have raised concerns the measure could lead to rising prices in coming months. Yellen said the greater risk was in not bolstering the economy — saying the federal government needed to assist people who are out of work, who are facing eviction or foreclosure, or who simply don't have enough food to eat. "The most significant risk we face is a workforce that is scarred by a long period of unemployment. People being out of work, not able to find jobs, can have a permanent effect on their well-being. I think that's the most significant risk," Yellen said. "Is there a risk of inflation? I think there's a small risk. And I think it's manageable. " Yellen did say that efforts needed to be made to keep deficits under control. "Of course, we have to make sure that the economy, that the budget is on a sustainable path," she told host George Stephanopoulos, "and this is something that we can afford. In the longer run, we need to get deficits under control."

“Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand Call for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to Resign” by WSJ’s Jimmy Vieldkind – Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand joined 16 Democratic members of the state’s House delegation in calling for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to step down amid mounting accusations of sexual harassment and investigations into his handling of Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes. Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, said earlier Friday that he wouldn’t resign and that it was reckless to cast judgment on him before investigations had been completed. The week marked a stunningly rapid turn for Mr. Cuomo, who just months ago was hailed for leading one of the hardest-hit states through the pandemic. It ended with Mr. Cuomo abandoned by just about every prominent member of his own party in a Democratic state. More than 130 state lawmakers, including state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, have said Mr. Cuomo should leave office. Mr. Cuomo said he would try to ignore his critics and focus on his governmental work, which includes completing a $193 billion state budget that is due March 31. The third-term Democrat again denied he has inappropriately touched anybody and apologized if any of his remarks made people uncomfortable. “New Yorkers know me. Wait for the facts,” Mr. Cuomo said Friday. “An opinion without facts is irresponsible. I’m going to focus on my job because we have real challenges.”

“White House Weighs How to Pay for Long-Term Economic Program” by WSJ’s Kate Davidson – The Biden administration is looking past its $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill and starting to consider how to pay for the next round of programs meant to bolster long-term economic growth with investments in infrastructure, clean energy and education. The challenges are twofold. Officials face a decision over how much of the bill to pay for with tax increases and which policies to finance with more borrowing. In a narrowly divided Congress, they must also craft a bill that can win support from nearly every Democrat. The decision will help determine how much of President Biden’s Build Back Better economic agenda he can advance in his first year in office. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Sunday that the Biden administration hasn’t decided whether to pursue a wealth tax, and that while the administration intends to issue proposals to rein in deficits over time, U.S. borrowing costs are manageable right now. A group of progressive lawmakers including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) recently proposed a so-called ultra-millionaire tax. The legislation would create a 2% annual tax on the net worth of households and trusts between $50 million and $1 billion and an additional 1% surtax on those above $1 billion.

“George Floyd Family Reaches $27 Million Settlement With Minneapolis” by WSJ’s Joe Barrett and Deena Winter – The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a $27 million settlement with the family of George Floyd, whose death in police custody last year sparked a summer of unrest and a racial reckoning over law-enforcement’s treatment of Black suspects. The settlement stems from a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by the family against the city and the four former police officers charged with various counts of murder or aiding and abetting murder in the death of Mr. Floyd, who was under arrest for allegedly passing a forged $20 bill. “I do want to on behalf of the entire City Council, offer my deepest condolences to the family of George Floyd, his friends and all in our community who are mourning his loss,’ said Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender. “No amount of money can ever address the intense pain or trauma caused by this death to George Floyd’s family or to the people of our city.” An attorney for the family hailed the settlement as historic. “George Floyd’s horrific death, witnessed by millions of people around the world, unleashed a deep longing and undeniable demand for justice and change,” said Ben Crump, an attorney for the family. Mr. Crump called it the largest pretrial settlement in a wrongful-death case ever, which he said “sends a powerful message that Black lives do matter and police brutality against people of color must end.” Ms. Bender said that $500,000 of the settlement will be used for the benefit of the community where Mr. Floyd died—part of which has been closed to traffic and become a sort of pilgrimage site for those concerned about the case.

“Stimulus checks are rolling out. Here's what you need to know.” By CNN’s Paul LeBlanc – Some Americans are already seeing the latest round of stimulus payments hit their bank accounts, as the first batch of funds is rolled out. The payments -- worth up to $1,400 per person -- were included in the $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief package just signed by President Joe Biden. If you don't see it yet, don't panic. A Treasury Department official told reporters on a Friday call that checks will continue rolling out in the "coming weeks." Paper checks are coming too. Though not as speedy as direct deposit, paper checks and prepared debit cards will be sent out before the end of the month. Starting Monday, you can check the status of your payment using the IRS Get My Payment tool online. No action is required for most people to receive the money. Social Security recipients and those who receive Veteran Affairs benefits should also receive the money automatically even if they don't file taxes. CNN's own Tami Luhby and Katie Lobosco walk through exactly how much you can expect and when you can expect it on this special CNN Political Briefing podcast. So far, more than 69 million Americans have gotten at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine while more than 36.9 million are fully vaccinated, according to CDC data.

“Navy probe finds contractor charged in Capitol insurrection was well-known Nazi sympathizer” by CNN’s Marshall Cohen – An Army reservist charged with storming the US Capitol was a well-known White supremacist and Nazi sympathizer at the Navy base where he worked as a contractor, and was even rebuked for sporting a distinctive "Hitler mustache," prosecutors said in new court filings. Federal prosecutors revealed Friday that the Navy conducted its own internal investigation into Timothy Hale-Cusanelli that uncovered numerous incidents where he promoted racist and sexist views. The Naval Criminal Investigation Service interviewed 44 of his colleagues and 34 of them said he held "extremist or radical views pertaining to the Jewish people, minorities and women." Hale-Cusanelli, 30, was charged with seven criminal counts, including obstructing congressional proceedings, civil disorder and disorderly conduct in the Capitol. He hasn't yet entered a plea. His defense attorney declined to comment Sunday about the new details of the Navy's probe, but has noted in court filings that Hale-Cusanelli maintains that he isn't a White supremacist. Colleagues told Navy investigators that Hale-Cusanelli made near-daily comments against Jews, advocated for killing newborn babies with disabilities and had "issues with women," according to court filings. Prosecutors said they found racist memes on his phone, including one with the n-word, one that compared Black people to animals, and one insulting George Floyd. A federal magistrate judge in New Jersey ordered his release shortly after he was arrested in January, but the Justice Department convinced a more senior judge in Washington, DC, to block his release pending further review. A detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

“Capitol Police plans to remove outer fence and make other security changes” by CNN’s Whitney Wild – The US Capitol Police intends to reduce perimeter fencing and is considering scaling back the National Guard presence at the Capitol as law enforcement forces examine how to protect against threats amidst a tense political climate and criticism from some lawmakers that the suggestions for long-range security are excessive. The measures, outlined in an internal email, include removing the outer perimeter of the fence along the Capitol grounds within the next two weeks and using bike racks positioned in double rows outside some areas within one week to create a barrier between police and potential threats, giving officers more time to react effectively. Capitol Police still believes they are operating in a heightened threat environment due to the political climate and rise in domestic violent extremism, according to the email. Officials believe an attack from a single person, commonly known as a "lone wolf" attack, poses the biggest risk. Capitol Police maintains there is no known, credible threat to Congress or to the Capitol. The agency said in the email that plans could change if officials learn of new threats. The agency also plans to maintain a presence of National Guard troops at the Capitol in the coming weeks, as CNN previously reported. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin approved a request from Capitol Police to continue providing 2,300 troops through May 23 last week. About two to three weeks after the outer fence is removed, Capitol Police will re-evaluate, and likely scale down National Guard support, the email states.

“Biden breaks his silence on Cuomo sexual harassment scandal, declines to call for his resignation” by Fox News’ Yael Halon – President Joe Biden broke his silence on Gov. Andrew Cuomo's mounting allegations of sexual misconduct on Sunday – but fell short of calling on the embattled New York Democrat to resign. The president and longtime Cuomo acquaintance finally addressed the scandal in an unscheduled question-answer session from the White House South Lawn after several Democrats joined the growing chorus of lawmakers who have demanded the governor's resignation following the seventh allegation of sexual misconduct. When asked whether he agreed with other Democrats calling for Cuomo's immediate resignation, Biden said plainly, "I think the investigation is underway and we should see what it brings us." With the exception of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Biden's wait-and-see approach is not a common sentiment within his own party. New York Democratic Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer joined New York Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jerry Nadler on Friday in calling for their state's governor to leave his position as allegations of inappropriate conduct continue to emerge. Pelosi on Sunday reaffirmed that she has "zero tolerance" for sexual harassment – but refused to echo their calls for his resignation until an investigation is completed. New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating harassment allegations, and Cuomo has said he will "fully cooperate" with her probe, but expressed no plans to resign. A defiant Cuomo addressed the allegations during a press call on Friday afternoon, insisting that he "did not do what has been alleged."

“Biden's 'open border' policies enriching drug cartels as migrant crisis escalates: Gov. Abbott” by Fox News’ Stephen Sorace – President Biden's "open border policies" are not only inviting more illegal immigration to the U.S. but also enriching and empowering drug cartels in Mexico who profit from smuggling migrants across the border, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday. Abbott told "Sunday Morning Futures" anchor Maria Bartiromo that he went to the border last week and met with border patrol officers who said that they warned the Biden administration that its new border policies would lead to a "massive surge" in illegal immigration. He said that officers believe the number of migrants arriving at the border will only increase in the coming months. But the Republican governor emphasized that it’s not just the number of migrants that present a challenge to the state and overall humanitarian crisis. "The Border Patrol officers told me that the Biden administration and policies, they are enriching, they are empowering the drug cartels in Mexico who make money off of the people that they assist in smuggling into the state of Texas," Abbott said. "The cartels make money off of these migrants that you and your viewers see on TV," he told Bartiromo. Abbott also said border officers told him that there have already been about 110,000 apprehensions in the Rio Grande Valley Sector this year, surpassing the 90,000 total in the sector from last year.

“Cornyn: HR1 election bill a 'power grab' aimed at 'permanent partisan majority'” by Fox News’ Angelica Stabile – Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, slammed the H.R. 1 election reform bill as a partisan scheme for Democrats to hold on to power. The House passed the bill, known as the For the People Act, earlier this month in a party-line 220-210 vote. "This is a power grab," he told "Sunday Morning Futures." "It's that simple. They want to install a permanent partisan majority in the United States when it comes to voting in elections." Cornyn described the legislation as a "hijacking of state and local laws" that attempts to roll back voter ID requirements and allow ballot harvesting. The senator said the bill's chance in the Senate rely heavily on Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., who have spoken out against the revisions. "We're going to be fighting this thing with everything we've got in the United States Senate," he said. "And then the courts ... will be the backup plan." Cornyn said that President Biden's first moves in office have all been partisan, including the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. "This was a purely political move," he said. "We still had $600 billion left that was appropriated in December which hadn’t even made its way out the door yet. So they're just flooding the zone while they can for political advantage, and I think they're going to regret it."