The Bush administration had championed a missile defense system with missiles in Poland and radar in the Czech Republic. But Mr. Obama has decided to change course, because new intelligence suggests Iran is not developing the kind of long-range offensive missiles the system was designed to protect against.
Iran tested its longest-range missiles Monday and warned they can reach any place that threatens the country, including Israel, parts of Europe and U.S. military bases in the Mideast. The launch capped two days of war games and was condemned as a provocation by Western powers, which are demanding Tehran come clean about a newly revealed nuclear facility it has been secretly building.
The tests Sunday and again Monday added urgency to a key meeting this week between Iran and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany — an international front seeking clear answers about the direction of its nuclear program.
President Barack Obama’s decision to fly to Denmark to support Chicago’s Olympics bid elevates the Games to an issue of national importance – and exposes him to political risks as well as rewards at a critical point in his presidency.
Three teenagers have been arrested and charged as adults with first-degree murder in the beating death of 16-year-old Derrion Albert as he walked home from Chicago’s Fenger High School last Thursday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
The three teens were scheduled to be arraigned today.
USA TODAY’s Judy Keen reports from Chicago that people gathered today at the high school to remember the slain honor student and to call for an end to violence.
Albert was beaten to death during a melee between two gangs that broke out on the street.
Several police vehicles were parked outside the school, which was reopened today for the first time since the incident. Ministers and anti-violence activists gathered outside in advance of today’s vigil.
A pot of white flowers stood in front of two posters featuring photos of the slain youth. One poster was covered with handwritten memorials. “Derrion, you will be missed,” one read.
Mary Washington, 69, who lives in the neighborhood, said it has long been plagued by gang violence. “They’re killing our children, our hope for the future,” she said.
SondraK, Lympian Slayer 
