Today is all about presidents. Choosing one in Myanmar. Pressuring one in Syria. Freestylin’ with one in the U.S. It’s Tuesday and here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and Out the Door.
SYRIA
Pullout or pulling a fast one?: One thing about Putin: The man likes to keep us on our toes. Six months ago, he suddenly sent his troops into Syria. Now, just as suddenly, he’s announced he’s bringing his boys back home. This could mean one of two things: Putin’s now confident in the Syrian regime’s ability to go it alone in crushing the rebels. Or he wants to pressure Syrian Prez Assad into negotiating in peace talks. Or both. There could be a third reason: Russia’s economy is in the crapper, thanks to falling oil prices and now’s not the time for expensive war games. This doesn’t mean curtains for Assad. He still has the support of the Iranians and Hezbollah. Plus Russia’s keeping an air base in Syria.
SUPER TUESDAY
Here we go again: Remember the good ol’ days, when there was just one Super Tuesday? Now, we’re up to three. Seriously, the primaries are giving “Fast & Furious” a run for its money. What’s at stake today? The very soul of the GOP. For Republicans dead set on stopping The Donald, its the final chance to block his path to the party nomination. But not if he wins Ohio and Florida. Ditto for Hillz, who can gut Bernie by winning the same two states. Who’s gone when the curtain comes up? The fat lady is clearing her throat for Mr. Rubio. Here’s your guide to Super Tuesday 3.
MYANMAR
Tin Jaw: That’s how you pronounce the name of Myanmar’s new President. Learn it. The country’s parliament has chosen Htin Kyaw as the new leader, bringing to decades of military rule to a close. So why not Aung San Suu Kyi? Because, thanks to a clause in the constitution put in place by the junta in 2008, no one with kids who’re citizens of another country can be president. (Her sons are Brits). No biggie. Suu Kyi says she’ll be “above the president.” Game, set, match.
OFFICERS SHOT
It’s a dangerous job: The Maryland cop killed in an unprovoked attack on a police station wasn’t shot by the suspects. It was friendly fire that took his life. A fellow officer “inadvertently shot” Jacai Colson during the firefight in Prince George’s County over the weekend. What we don’t know is why Michael Ford launched the ambush while his brothers shot video. In a separate incident last night, three Chicago cops took bullets in a run-in with a narcotics suspect. All three will survive. Across the nation, more than 100 officers were shot last year. Forty two were killed.
HULK HOGAN
Say what?: Former Gawker editor A.J. Daulerio who posted portions of Hulk Hogan’s sex tape says he was merely practicing journalism. That’s his defense in Double-H’s $100 million invasion of privacy lawsuit. “It can come off as pretty callous … but that is the job of a journalist to put information out there that’s fair and accurate,” he testified yesterday. This is the same guy who said in his deposition that he’d refuse a sex tape only if it was of a 4-year-old child. Sheesh, no wonder people despise reporters!
BREAKFAST BROWSE
People are talking about these. Read up. Join in.
Number of the Day: $101 million
A million here, a million there. Pretty soon you’re talkin’ real money. Bangladesh’s central bank lost a big chunk of change in a series of high tech heists.
Grande pay cut
The E.coli outbreak took a big bite out of the salaries of Chipotle’s two big enchiladas. No tears, please. They still eked out $13 million each last year.
Love a llama
Feeling on the edge? Need to chill a bit? Hug a llama, it’s all the rage in pet therapy.
Celebrity lookalike
There’s a woman who’s convinced she’s a dead ringer for “The Late Late Show” host James Corden. Her knee looks just like him. And we just found Jesus on a piece of toast.
Rose Garden Freestyle
“Hamilton” star Lin-Manuel Miranda can freestyle like nobody’s business. You try keepin’ it real when the President’s throwing words like Constitution and NASA at you.
Clean your plate
Forget those words mama told you growing up. It’s not going to kill you not to eat every last green bean. In fact, it’s going to help you live longer.
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH
Here’s what’s happening today.
Faces of Syria
They’ve been through hell, but still there’s hope. This is what Syrians around the world want you to know five years into the war. And it’s today’s must-read.
AND FINALLY …
Sup dawg?
Wilson the Bulldog’s sitter goes whole hog when his humans are on vacay. Not only does Wilson get great care, his mom and dad get daily video updates. Oh, and they’re in character too. We give it two paws up.