Biden ends South Korea visit with continued emphasis on economic, security cooperation
President Joe Biden on Sunday touted Hyundai’s recently announced decision to build a $5.5 billion electric vehicle plant in Georgia, a move he said shows how the US and South Korea together can shape the direction of the world for the better while also creating more than 8,000 American jobs. Biden ended the South Korean portion of his five-day Asia trip continuing to emphasize the joint themes of expanded economic and security cooperation that have predominated since he arrived Friday. Biden began his Asia trip with a visit to a Samsung semiconductor plant, a stop meant to demonstrate the growing cooperation between the US and South Korea on technology and other issues. Biden told reporters he is not concerned about the US intelligence assessment that North Korea could conduct a missile or nuclear test during his trip.
Biden signs $40B Ukraine aid bill; officials take stock of destroyed infrastructure
The US will send an additional $40 billion in support to Ukraine after President Joe Biden signed a bill Saturday while traveling in Asia. The money is intended to get Ukraine through September as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is contending that Russia should be financially responsible for the destruction it has inflicted during its invasion. Zelenskyy also said in his nightly address Saturday that nearly 2,000 educational institutions had been destroyed by Russian forces. Ukrainian lawmakers on Sunday extended by 90 days both the general mobilization of forces and a decree of martial law.
Early Voting holds off Epicenter to win Preakness Stakes
Early Voting held off hard-charging favorite Epicenter to win the Preakness on Saturday, rewarding trainer Chad Brown and owner Seth Klarman for their patience. In the Preakness Stakes that was run without the Kentucky Derby winner because Rich Strike’s owner felt he needed more time off after his 80-1 upset victory, Early Voting validated a gutsy decision to skip the Derby and aim for the second leg of the Triple Crown . Early Voting stalked the leader for much of the race before moving into first around the final turn and finished 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Epicenter, who was second just like in the Derby. Early Voting won the race in 1:54.54 and paid $13.40, $4.60 and $3.60. Epicenter paid $2.80 and $2.40 for place and show, and Creative Minister was third and paid $4.20 to show.
RealQuick:
What’s going on with monkeypox?
A little-known disease called monkeypox – a virus related to smallpox but less severe – has been reported in the US, Canada, and other nations, health officials say. President Joe Biden on Sunday said an outbreak of the rare disease is a concern because “if it were to spread it would be consequential.” Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, told reporters the US has vaccines “available to be deployed.”
Nearly a dozen countries are investigating “atypical” outbreaks of monkeypox. The US has recorded two cases — in Massachusetts and in New York City. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the number of reported cases is above normal, but “the general public should not be concerned that they are at immediate risk for monkeypox.” And though the outbreak is considered serious, monkeypox won’t cause a national epidemic like COVID-19.
At least 2 killed, dozens injured after tornado tears through northern Michigan town
rare tornado topping at maximum winds of 140 mph barreled through northern Michigan Friday, killing at least two people and injuring dozens. At least 44 people were treated at nearby hospitals for their injuries after the tornado touched down in Gaylord and tore through the Michigan town of 3,600 residents about 230 miles northwest of Detroit. Two people were killed in the storm, according to Michigan State Police. The roof of a Hobby Lobby was ripped off. Traffic lights stopped working. Photos showed damage to an Aldi Grocery Store, with debris crowding a crushed entranceway. The town was flooded with downed power lines and trees. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency Friday in Otsego County, making available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the area.
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This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Contributing: Associated Press.
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George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism