With just over six weeks to go until pandemic unemployment aid expires, Democratic lawmakers are working on plans to bypass Senate Republicans if they won’t back President Biden’s $1.9 trillion economic relief bill. CBS News congressional correspondent Kris Van Cleave, CBS News Radio White House correspondent Steven Portnoy and Boston Globe deputy Washington bureau chief Liz Goodwin spoke to “Red and Blue” host Elaine Quijano about where the process heads next. Source

A faster-spreading variant of the coronavirus that was first identified in South Africa has now been found in two people in South Carolina. Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious disease physician at the Medical University of South Carolina, joins CBSN’s “Red & Blue” host Elaine Quinano to discuss the dangers posed by the new strains reaching the United States. Source

The money will be split between seven Vermont based charities. Source

Here’s what some top doctors say you should know about common side effects. Source

The Biden administration has repealed the so-called “Mexico City Policy,” freeing up U.S. funding for agencies overseas that assist in family planning, including providing birth control and abortions. Former President Trump put the policy into effect in 2017, cutting off funding for several international programs, including the United Nations Population Fund. The fund’s executive director, Dr. Natalia Kanem, spoke to CBSN about what the new funding will be used for and its impact on the agency’s mission. Source

The mittens Senator Bernie Sanders wore to the presidential inauguration did more than just keep him warm and spark a viral meme. Over the past few days, they have raised more than $1.8 million for charities in Vermont. Tanya Rivero has more. Source

The doses were hours from expiration and the health workers in southern Oregon didn’t want to waste them. Source

The decision has sparked fierce backlash from users and lawmakers. Source

Adam Krauthamer, president of Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians in New York, said most of the musicians his union represents have not worked on a regular basis since coronavirus restrictions went into place. He worries that the lack of live entertainment and performing arts will lead to a “cultural depression” in cities across the country. He discussed what people can do to help local musicians and entertainers and why he thinks the federal government needs to do more to help save these jobs and performance venues. Source

Save America, the former president’s leadership PAC, said Mr. Trump and McCarthy discussed efforts for Republicans to reclaim the House majority in 2022. Source