Biden heads abroad, farmer Bill Gates and a chocolate treat takes flight

Wednesday, June 9, 2021 Good morning, NBC News readers.     President Joe Biden is heading to Europe for his first trip as diplomat-in-chief, Bill Gates' role as one of the nation's largest farmland owners comes under scrutiny and a new chocolate delight that is ... flying off shelves.    Here's what we're watching this Wednesday morning. Biden heads to Europe to meet Putin, a pandemic and skeptical allies President Joe Biden will touch down in Europe on Wednesday looking to repair relations with America's closest allies in an effort to counter the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as growing threats from China and Russia, in his first big moment on the world stage since taking office.   The president is expected to get an overwhelmingly warm welcome from allies, who for four years tried to manage his predecessor's often undiplomatic diplomacy style.   But Biden will still have to convince skeptical allies that the U.S. is a partner they can trust again amid concerns any international agreements they are able to reach with the U.S. over the next four years will only be undone by the next president, as the Paris climate agreement and Iran nuclear deal were upended by Trump. Wednesday's top stories McDonald's french fries, carrots, onions: All of the foods that come from Bill Gates farmland By April Glaser | Read more  Gates is deeply invested in American agriculture and owns more than a quarter of a million acres of farmland across 18 states. But the tech billionaire known for his philanthropic work does not see his farmland investments as part of his broader plans to save the planet. Biden quietly moves to start closing Guantánamo ahead of 20th anniversary of 9/11 By Carol E. Lee and Courtney Kube | Read more  The administration is using an under-the-radar approach to minimize political blowback and to try to make at least some progress in resolving a long-standing legal and human rights morass before the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.  Richest Americans pay almost no federal income taxes, report finds By Cyrus Farivar | Read more  The report from ProPublica illustrates how wealthy people in the U.S. are able to avoid income taxes by keeping the bulk of their wealth in investments that have little or no taxes. It has reignited debate about the tax code.  OPINION Democrats need to understand Joe Manchin, not attack him By Lauren Harper | Read more  The Democratic Party entertains a level of self-criticism and accountability that makes it more diverse, welcoming and stronger. Manchin is a vital part of that, writes the co-founder of The Welcome Party.  'Incredibly problematic': Legal experts call out judge who reversed assault weapons ban   By Erik Ortiz | Read more A federal judge whose ruling last week to strike down California's three-decade-old assault weapons ban garnered swift backlash is drawing more criticism over his claims about Covid-19 vaccines, firearm injuries and other subjects. BETTER 'Wear sunscreen! SPF 1000 for me!': Actor urges fans to go to the dermatologist after skin cancer scare By Kerry Breen | Read more  Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson shared an important health reminder after having a "bit of skin cancer" removed.   Want to receive the Morning Rundown in your inbox? Sign up here. Also in the news ... Tens of thousands of Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine doses may go to waste  Outreach workers go door to door, looking for separated families Florida Covid whistleblower Rebekah Jones to challenge Rep. Matt Gaetz  Mansion that was once home to Robert E. Lee reopens with new focus on the enslaved L.A. nun to plead guilty to stealing $800,000 from school to pay for gambling habit 10 killed in 'heinous' attack on mine-clearing charity in Afghanistan 'The cast is the cast': 'Friends' reunion director addresses lack of diversity in the special  SHOPPING Offering an alternative to watches and apps, a new form of wearable running technology — smart insoles — track metrics to help you reach your fitness goals.  One fun thing As far as culinary treats go, this one might not be for the faint of heart.    Chocolatier Sarah Dwyer has introduced a new line of chocolate-covered cicadas at her store in Bethesda, Maryland, that she says is flying off the shelves.   Watch the video here. Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown.    If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send me an email at: petra@nbcuni.com   If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.    Thanks, Petra Cahill Download the NBC News App Follow NBC News Privacy | Unsubscribe | More NBC Newsletters | Contact View in browser