In the News

WORLD

TEHRAN, Iran – Determined not to budge under pressure, Iran announced new tests of short-range missiles Sunday.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed criticism that the country’s economy has been hurt by U.N. sanctions imposed for its suspect nuclear program.

The missile tests come as the U.S. Navy is sending a second aircraft carrier to the volatile Persian Gulf.

U.S. officials said the USS John C. Stennis, which arrives in Mid-east waters in a matter of weeks, is meant as a warning to Iran.

The deployment appeared to alarm some in Iran’s leadership, including a member of a powerful cleric-run body who warned last week that Washington plans to attack, possibly by striking Iranian nuclear facilities.

U.S. officials have long refused to rule out any options in the face-off with Tehran, but say military action would be a last resort.

NATION

WASHINGTON – New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson took the first step Sunday toward an expected White House run in 2008.

In a video posted on his Web site, the Democrat spoke of “a clear intention of declaring my candidacy for president in the very near future.”

Richardson is a high-profile state chief who promoted his extensive experience in Washington and the world stage as he seeks to become the first Hispanic president.

“What this country needs is bipartisanship and to bring back civility,” Richardson said. “I’ve had Cabinet experience. I’ve been U.N. ambassador. I’ve actually done what a lot of candidates give speeches on.”

STATE & LOCAL

KEOKUK, Iowa – One of three students accused of plotting a deadly attack at a southeastern high school has asked the court to remove him from his family’s care, so he can be treated for mental illness.

Stephen Copeland, 16, of Donnellson, was arrested last month for conspiracy to commit a forcible felony after he informed school officials of a plan to kill staff and students at Central Lee High School in Donnellson.

Dalton Bird, 17, of Franklin, and Jacob Schulte, 15, of Keokuk, are charged with the same crime.

Copeland appeared this week in juvenile court in Keokuk where he filed a child-in-need-of-assistance request, which was granted. In Copeland’s case, the teen asked the court to remove him from the care of his family because he suffers from a mental illness, according to the Lee County attorney’s office.

“There are some allegations this kid needs help,” Lee County prosecutor Bruce McDonald said.

Copeland also entered a denial of delinquency to the conspiracy charge. McDonald said a final determination has not been made whether the criminal charge against Copeland will be dropped for alerting authorities of the attack.

The teens were arrested Dec. 19, after Copeland allegedly backed out of the plan and informed a teacher and police.

RADFORD, Va. – Health officials said Saturday the highly contagious norovirus was what has caused dozens of students to get sick at Radford University since Friday.

Nearly 70 students sought hospital treatment after experiencing symptoms that included vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever, officials said.

The virus spreads easily, said Bobby Parker of the Virginia Department of Health.

“Anything that people touch and someone else touches can transmit the virus,” he said. Medical officials recommended frequent hand washing to prevent the virus from spreading.