The Presidential Daily Brief

FCC to Embrace ‘Net Neutrality’

No Internet slow lanes, ever. After years of acrimonious debate, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler is expected to propose reclassifying high-speed Internet service as a utility, ensuring that Web content is not blocked. But the road to neutrality will be bumpy. Wheeler, who has the backing of the president, has the delicate task of crafting tough rules that are politically palatable and can thwart potential lawsuits from providers. The proposal is expected to drop this week, with the commission voting on it later this month.

NYT, Politico, WSJ (sub)

Patriots Beat Seahawks in Thrilling Finale

Look who’s deflated now. New England overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the defending champs 28-24 in one of the best Super Bowl matchups in recent memory. Tom Brady connected for four touchdown passes — breaking Joe Montana’s Super Bowl record — and was named MVP. Malcolm Butler’s dramatic goal-line interception halted a late Seahawks rally, handing the Pats their first championship in a decade. Few are asking for a ball check, but many are wondering if Brady will retire on top.

USA Today, NYT

Egypt Releases Australian Journalist

One man walks, two remain jailed. Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste, en route to Australia today after 400 days behind bars, “won’t give up” until his two colleagues are freed. Greste, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed were convicted of aiding the Muslim Brotherhood and sentenced to seven to 10 years. Last month, the sentences were overturned, but a retrial date has yet to be set. Some expect Fahmy, with dual Canadian citizenship, may soon be freed, but concerns remain for Mohamed, an Egyptian without dual nationality.

Al Jazeera, BBC

Japan Plans to Make ISIS Pay

He’s vowing revenge. After the beheading of journalist Kenji Goto — the second ISIS murder of a Japanese hostage in two weeks — Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged increased humanitarian aid for the Middle East and promised “to make the terrorists pay.” It’s tough talk for long-pacifist Japan, raising questions over whether Abe will back his words with military might. So far, a furious Japanese public looks set to battle terror, but some wonder whether the resolve will stick after the shock fades.

NYT, Nagpur Today

Croatia Wipes Out Debts of Its Poorest

To borrow is human, to forgive, historic. Without paying anything, the Croatian government has convinced public and private creditors to cancel the debts of some 60,000 citizens, giving them “a chance for a new start,” according to the country’s deputy premier. Those with with no savings or property, monthly incomes of less than $138 and debts of no more than $5,100 qualify. Officials hope to release some of the 317,000 blocked debtor bank accounts while kick-starting the economy after six years of recession.

Independent, Washington Post

Obama Targets Overseas Cash Hordes

He wants some corporate cash to come home. The president hopes to slap a one-time 14 percent tax on the estimated $2 trillion in profits that U.S. companies have stockpiled abroad, in order to pay for America’s crumbling highways and transit systems. By combining two key priorities with bipartisan support — overhauling the overseas tax code and funding infrastructure — Obama just might be able to find common ground. But the rest of the $4 trillion budget he introduced today will foster stark battle lines.

Washington Post, WSJ (sub)

Consumer Spending Dips, U.S. Mulls Arms for Ukraine

U.S. household purchases dropped by the most in five years. (Bloomberg)

Dominique Strauss-Kahn faces ‘aggravated pimping’ charges. (Euronews)

U.S. considers sending arms to Ukraine as fighting flares. (The Guardian)

Hungarian rally seeks Merkel’s help in face of right-wing governance. (DW)

China executes pair convicted of McDonald’s murder. (CNN)

First large human trials begin for Ebola vaccine in Liberia. (BBC)