Air Force nominates nuclear force head

WASHINGTON – The Air Force has for the first time nominated a four-star general to lead the organization responsible for its nuclear missile corps and strategic bomber fleet.

It said Thursday that the nominee is Gen. Robin Rand, a career fighter pilot who has never served in the nuclear missile corps or the bomber force.

House GOP agrees to back funding bill

WASHINGTON – Sounding retreat, House Republicans agreed Thursday to push short-term funding to prevent a partial shutdown at the Homeland Security Department while leaving in place Obama administration immigration policies they have vowed to repeal.

“The speaker’s pretty adamant that he’s not going to shut down Homeland Security, especially in light of the Mall of America and in light of what’s happened in New York,” said Rep. Dennis Ross., R-Fla., emerging from a closed-door strategy session with the Republican rank-and-file.

Troops pull back in Ukraine war zone

KIEV, Ukraine – Warring parties in Ukraine took a major stride toward quelling unrest in the country’s east Thursday with the declared start of a supervised withdrawal of heavy weapons from the front line.

Ukrainian and separatist officials have noted a sharp decline in violence, although the chances of a long-lasting settlement remain clouded by lingering suspicions.

While announcing the pullback, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry warned that it would revise arms withdrawal plans in the event of any attacks.

The pullback was supposed to have started over a week ago under a cease-fire plan.

Associated Press