Biden emerges from isolation again after 2nd negative virus test
President Joe Biden left isolation Sunday morning after a weeklong rebound case of COVID-19, heading to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware for a short getaway before resuming official travel. Biden appeared in good spirits as he emerged from the White House and headed to Marine One for the flight. “I’m feeling good,” he told reporters. The White House said Biden had tested negative for the coronavirus for a second consecutive day. He is scheduled to hold Rose Garden ceremonies Tuesday and Wednesday to sign legislation investing in the domestic semiconductor industry and expanding medical care for veterans exposed to toxic substances from burning trash pits on military bases.
A first: African American Marine promoted to 4-star general
The Marine Corps has its first African American four-star general. Gen. Michael E. Langley was promoted during a ceremony Saturday at Marine Corps Barracks Washington. Langley was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marines in 1985. He credits his father with telling him to “aim high” and predicts that his promotion to four-star rank will have an impact on younger people. The Marine Corps traces its roots to 1775, but the Marines rejected accepting Black men in their ranks until World War II. Langley’s rank comes with the assignment to lead U.S. Africa Command, based in Stuttgart, Germany.
More human remains discovered as drought dries Lake Mead
Authorities say more human remains have been found at drought-stricken Lake Mead National Recreation Area east of Las Vegas. It’s the fourth time since May 1 that remains have been uncovered as the lake’s shoreline retreats at the shrinking reservoir between Nevada and Arizona. National Park Service officials say rangers were called Saturday morning after skeletal remains were discovered at Swim Beach. Rangers and a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police dive team went to retrieve the remains. Park Service officials say the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office will try to determine how and when the person died as investigators review records of missing people.
Israel and Palestinian militants reach cease-fire
Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza agreed to a cease-fire late Sunday night, in a move that was expected to end a three-day conflict that killed dozens of Palestinians, including militant commanders. The conflict, which began Friday afternoon when Israel launched airstrikes to foil what it said was an imminent attack from Gaza, paralyzed parts of southern Israel and resulted in the destruction of several residential buildings and militant bases in Gaza. Forty-four Palestinians, including 15 children, were killed in the fighting, according to Palestinian health officials. The central dynamics of the conflict, including a 15-year blockade of Gaza, nevertheless remain in place.
Shift in war’s front seen as grain leaves Ukraine; plant hit
Six more ships carrying agricultural cargo held up by the war in Ukraine have received authorization to leave the country’s Black Sea ports. The body that oversees an international deal intended to get 20 million tons of grain out of Ukraine to feed people around the world said the loaded vessels were cleared to depart on Sunday. Meanwhile analysts warn that Russia is moving troops and equipment in the direction of the ports to stave off a Ukrainian counteroffensive. A large nuclear power plant in Ukraine’s southeast came under fire on Saturday night. Both sides accused each other of the attack.
After China’s military spectacle, options narrow for winning Over Taiwan
China’s 72-hour spectacle of missiles, warships and jet fighters swarming Taiwan was designed to create a firewall — a made-for-television warning against what Beijing sees as stubborn defiance, backed by Washington, of its claims to the island. Even if China’s display of military might, which was expected to end Sunday, discourages other Western politicians from emulating U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who enraged Beijing by visiting Taiwan, it also narrows hopes for winning over the island through negotiations. Beijing’s tactics may deepen skepticism in Taiwan that it can ever reach a peaceful settlement with the Chinese Communist Party, especially under Xi Jinping as its leader.
Firefighters battle big blaze at Cuba tank farm for 2nd day
Cuban firefighters are working with special teams sent by Mexico and Venezuela as they battle for a second day to control a fire blazing at a big oil tank farm. The area’s governor says efforts Sunday are focusing on preventing the flames from spreading further. Authorities say one firefighter is dead and others are missing since lightning struck a storage tank Friday night, setting off a fire that spread to a second tank early Saturday and triggered a series of explosions. A total of 122 people have been treated for injuries, including five in critical condition.
Ex-rebel takes oath as Colombian president in historic shift
Colombia’s first leftist president has been sworn into office, promising to fight inequality and bring peace to a country long haunted by bloody feuds between the government, drug traffickers and rebel groups. Gustavo Petro, a former member of Colombia’s M-19 guerrilla group, won the presidential election in June by beating conservative parties that offered moderate changes to the market-friendly economy, but failed to connect with voters frustrated by rising poverty and violence. On Sunday, Petro said Colombia was getting a “second chance” to tackle violence and poverty, and called on Washington to change its drug policies.
