Newsmax reports that several of President Obama’s top military and intelligence officials repeatedly advised against a Bergdahl for Taliban 5 swap.  A Taliban commander tells Time that the Bergdahl for the Taliban 5 exchange will encourage more kidnappings in Afghanistan. NBC reports that Taliban spokesmen say they found Bergdahl walking alone and cursing America. And Chuck Todd believes it’s all a smoke-screen to start the process of closing Gitmo.

• The Hill: Bernie Sanders and John McCain Reach Deal on VA Fix Bill
• USA Today: Acting VA Secretary – 18 Vets on Phoenix Waiting List Died
• CNBC: Billionaires Who Could Buy Your Town