‘ DEMOCRACY AND UNITY’

U. S. FINISHING PLANS TO REVAMP CYBER COMMAND

The Trump administration is completing plans to revamp the nation’s military command for defensive and offensive cyber operations in hopes of intensifying America’s ability to wage cyber war against the Islamic State group and other foes, according to U. S. officials.

Under the plans, U. S. Cyber Command eventually would be split off from the intelligence- focused National Security Agency. Details are still being worked out, but officials say they expect a decision and announcement in the coming weeks.

GIRLS ROBOTICS TEAM FROM AFGHANISTAN ARRIVES

Twice rejected for U. S. visas, an all- girls robotics team from Afghanistan arrived in Washington early Saturday after an extraordinary, last- minute intervention by President Trump.

The six- girl team and their chaperone completed their journey just after midnight from their hometown of Herat, Afghanistan, to enter their ball- sorting robot in the three- day high school competition starting Sunday in the U. S. capital.

Their visa applications were denied twice before Trump intervened.

FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL INVESTORS TARGET TEXAS

Texas has led the nation over the last 10 years in foreign purchases of its agricultural land, raising food security fears.

Data obtained by the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting found foreign companies and individuals have bought 1.7 million acres of agricultural land land in Texas over the last decade, far more than in any other state, the Austin American- Statesman reported Saturday.

MCCAIN HAS SURGERY FOR BLOOD CLOT ABOVE EYE

U. S. Sen. John McCain on Friday underwent a medical procedure at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix to remove a blood clot from above his left eye, the 80year- old Arizona Republican’s office announced Saturday.

McCain’s recovery from the procedure will cause him to be absent from the Senate next week, forcing an unexpected delay in Senate Republicans’ efforts to pass their controversial healthcare legislation.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Saturday that while McCain “is recovering, the Senate will ... defer consideration of the Better Care Act.”

OZAN KOSE, AFP/ GETTY IMAGES Turkey marked one year since the defeat of the coup aimed at ousting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seeking to showcase national unity and his grip on power in an increasingly polarized society. July 15 was declared an annual national holiday of...