Bill Clinton defends Obama’s economic efforts

Bill Clinton defends Obama’s economic efforts

INDIANAPOLIS — Former President Bill Clinton rallied Democrats on Saturday with a vigorous defense of President Barack Obama, saying that Obama has done what was needed to spark the economy.

Clinton said he believed Obama had acted correctly in pushing through his $787 billion economic stimulus package and the rescue plan for General Motors and Chrysler even though the federal budget deficit could reach a record $1.85 trillion.

Clinton spoke at a fundraising dinner for the Indiana Democratic Party in his return to a state where he made dozens of campaign stops last year on behalf of his wife Hillary as she faced Obama in the presidential primary.

Obama went on to became the first Democratic presidential candidate to win Indiana since 1964, which Clinton told the 1,500 people at Saturday’s dinner meant they had a great responsibility to help Obama succeed.

2 men injured in shooting

HARRISBURG — Police in Harrisburg say two men have been injured in a shooting, the third in the central Pennsylvania city in the last four days.

Harrisburg Police Chief Charles Kellar says officers were called to a possible shooting Saturday and started pursuing a car fleeing the scene. Police say one of the suspects fired at the pursuing officers during the pursuit, shattering the windshield of a cruiser and sending a bullet through the window of a drug-treatment center.

Kellar says one person fled the vehicle and ran into an alley, where he was found shot in the head. Initial reports said the man was dead, but Mayor Stephen R. Reed says in a statement the man is hospitalized with a life-threatening wound to the head. A second person was shot in the leg, and two people were taken into custody.

Authorities eye suspect in 2007 Nevada wildfire

RENO, Nev. — Two years after a wildfire ripped through a thickly forested ravine and destroyed 254 homes near South Lake Tahoe, investigators have a “person of interest” but, so far, no arrests.

Bill Dillard, an investigator with California’s El Dorado County district attorney’s office, said the case remains a high priority and he continues to follow up leads.

“The fact that the tips have not panned out makes me more confident about the person of interest I have,” he said, declining to provide any details about the person.

Wednesday marks the two-year anniversary of the blaze that caused $140 million in property damage and scorched 3,100 acres. Investigators think the fire was caused by sparking embers from a campfire at a popular party spot near South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

When crossing the street, wave an orange flag

LEMOYNE, Pa. — How do you make sure drivers see pedestrians when they cross the street?

A central Pennsylvania borough thinks it has the answer: Have them wave flags.

The borough of Lemoyne has placed plastic bins filled with bright orange flags at two of its busiest intersections. A sign posted above each container says “Use Flags While Crossing.” Officials say people are supposed to take the flag, cross the street, and deposit it in the bin on the opposite side. The program, which cost less than $250, is inspired by a similar effort in Kirkland, Wash.

Lemoyne council member John Judson says the program is intended to make pedestrians more visible and to remind drivers that walkers have the right of way.

Hawaii is ready this time

HONOLULU — Comforted by the U.S. military’s missile defense systems, Hawaii residents doubt a North Korean missile would light up the clear island sky like fireworks on the Fourth of July.

But that doesn’t mean the islands’ laid-back beach-goers aren’t worried that a long-range missile could be launched in the direction of Hawaii’s emerald mountains and white sand beaches around Independence Day.

Japanese media have reported the North Koreans appear to be preparing for a long-range test near July 4. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has ordered additional protections for Hawaii in case a missile is launched over the Pacific Ocean.

On Wednesday, a military radar system — shaped like a giant golf ball — slowly disappeared from Hawaii’s coast as it headed out to sea. The 28-story missile X-Band defense radar is designed to work with ground-based missile interceptors on the island of Kauai to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles during their final phase of flight.

Associated Press