- Blinken offers plan to bolster Afghan peace process, report indicates (Politico) – His letter calls for a conference facilitated by the United Nations.
- Afghanistan conflict: US warns of new Taliban ‘spring offensive’ (Politico) – In a letter to the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Mr Blinken called for a 90-day reduction in violence and a transitional government formed from both sides.
- US and South Korea agree on new cost-sharing deal for troops (Associated Press) – The State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs said Sunday the deal includes a “negotiated increase” in Seoul’s share of the cost.
- Manchin Expresses Openness to Making Filibuster Harder to Use (New York Times) – The moderate Democrat said he would not support killing off the procedural tool that requires bipartisan support for most bills, but signaled a willingness to advance some party-line votes.
- French politician Olivier Dassault dies in helicopter crash (CNN) – “Captain of industry, deputy, local elected official, reserve commander in the air force: during his life, he never ceased to serve our country, to enhance its assets,” said French president Macron.
- What happens next with the Covid relief bill (and when you could see another stimulus check) (CNN) – People could start seeing the $1,400 stimulus payments hit their bank accounts within days of Biden signing the bill — which is expected to happen soon after the House votes on Tuesday.
- Opinion: Biden’s historic victory for America — no thanks to GOP (CNN) – Given the scale and scope of this measure, it is an accomplishment that will cement Biden’s historic role in overseeing the country’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
- New York State Senate Leader Calls For Cuomo’s Resignation (NPR) – The top Democratic lawmaker in New York, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, called for the resignation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
- How Trump and Obama’s continued campaigning is changing the post-presidency (Deseret News) – After leaving the White House, most recent ex-presidents hang up the stump speech, but Trump and Obama are staying involved.
