New chapter in U.S.- Saudi relations, California’s grim Covid toll and Gov. Cuomo accused of harassment

February 24, 2021 Good morning, NBC News readers.     We are changing the look of the Morning Rundown a little to make it more streamlined, but hopefully give you the same punchy take on everything you need to know as you start your day. As always, please send along your comments and let us know what you think.   Now to today's news, with the Biden administration set to make a bold move to show there is a new sheriff in town when it comes to U.S.-Saudi relations.    Here's the latest on that and everything else we're watching this Thursday morning. U.S. to release intel report that points finger squarely at Saudi crown prince for Khashoggi killing  The Biden administration will release an intelligence report Thursday that concludes that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, three U.S. officials familiar with the matter tell NBC News' Andrea Mitchell and Ken Dilanian.    The intelligence assessment, based largely on work by the CIA, is not new. But its public release will mark a significant new chapter in U.S.-Saudi Arabia relations and a clear break by President Joe Biden with former President Donald Trump's policy of equivocating about the Saudi state's role in the brutal murder.   Khashoggi, 59, was a Saudi citizen working as a Washington Post columnist when he was lured to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018, and killed by a team of intelligence operatives with close ties to the crown prince. His body was dismembered in part with a bone saw, American officials have said, and the remains have never been found.    During the 2020 election campaign, Biden promised to make the Saudis "pay the price" for human rights abuses.   So far, Biden has ended American support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, but he has not moved to cut off military aid to the important Middle East ally and counterterrorism partner.   "The president's intention, as is the intention of this government, is to recalibrate our engagement with Saudi Arabia," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Wednesday. Thursday's top stories California is first state to pass 50,000 Covid deaths By Phil Helsel and Colin Sheeley  | Read more The most populous state in the nation is the first to reach the bleak milestone, surpassing New York and Texas.  'Partisan by design': Proposal for 9/11-style commission to probe Capitol attack mired in politics By Leigh Ann Caldwell |Read more Republicans object to the makeup and scope of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's proposed commission, while Democrats say they are open to changes. Former Cuomo adviser says governor 'kissed me on the lips' By Dareh Gregorian | Read more A former aide to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he subjected her to "pervasive harassment" and inappropriate comments when she worked for him. OPINION How to fight the far-right and Covid at the same time By Sen. Sherrod Brown | Read more The best chance for our democracy lies not with the vain hope that Republican leaders will grow spines, but with Democrats' ability to show Americans that they do not have to settle, the senior U.S. senator from Ohio writes.  BETTER 3 morning stretches that release tension and boost energy By Stephanie Mansour | Read more Jumping right out of bed and into the chaos of your life can be jarring. Ease into the day with these simple movements. Want to receive the Morning Rundown in your inbox? Sign up here. Also in the news ... 'It's up to you': Sweeping new ad campaign will encourage vaccinations Tiger Woods' injuries make another comeback a long shot LAPD investigating Koreatown assault on Air Force vet as possible hate crime At least 160 Confederate symbols came down in 2020, the Southern Poverty Law Center says One fun thing Doorbell camera videos usually go viral for showing packages being stolen or critters running amok.    But a front porch video from Florida last week has been widely shared for capturing the heartwarming moment when a good Samaritan returned a lost wallet.   The owner of the wallet, Debra Crosby, was incredibly touched that a complete stranger would go out of his way to help her.    "I have three sons of my own, and I would hope that they do the exact same thing," she said.  SHOPPING Here are the best snow boots to consider this winter, including highly-rated snow shoes and winter boots boasting some fashion sense. Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown.    If you have any comments on the new format — or anything else — send me an email at: petra@nbcuni.com   If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.    Thanks, Petra Cahill Download the NBC News App Follow NBC News Privacy | Unsubscribe | More NBC Newsletters | Contact View in browser