Pennsylvania
State Police identify trooper killed in ambush
BLOOMING GROVE, Pa. – A late-night ambush outside a state police barracks in Pennsylvania’s rural northeastern corner left one trooper dead and another critically wounded, and authorities scoured the densely wooded countryside and beyond Saturday looking for the shooter or shooters.
State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said a “very dangerous, armed criminal” eluded quick capture.
The dead lawman was identified as Cpl. Bryon Dickson of Dunmore, a seven-year veteran. Trooper Alex Douglass underwent surgery and was in critical but stable condition, Noonan said.
He provided few details about the shooting but said the attack was directed at state police. Law-enforcement installations throughout eastern Pennsylvania were put on high alert.
California
Crews battle wildfire amid intense heat wave
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Hundreds of firefighters battled both flames and triple-digit temperatures Saturday as they sought to contain a wildfire that forced people to flee about 30 homes near Southern California’s Cleveland National Forest.
The fire, which burned through about 2½ square miles of dry canyon brush, was only about 10 percent contained Saturday, said Deanne Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Emergency Operations Center.
Meanwhile, both heat and smoke advisories were in effect for the area, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 105 degrees between Saturday and Tuesday.
Rescuers end search for Navy fighter pilot
LEMOORE, Calif. – Rescuers Saturday called off their search of the Pacific Ocean for a Navy fighter pilot whose jet was one of two that crashed west of Wake Island.
The Navy said Saturday that it presumes the pilot is dead after failing to find him during a 36-hour search. The Navy declined to release the pilot’s name, pending notification of his family. The Navy said the crash is under investigation and didn’t release any more details.
The two F/A-18C Hornets crashed about 250 miles west of Wake Island. The island is 2,300 miles west of Honolulu.
The other pilot safely ejected, was rescued from the ocean by helicopter and was treated and released from medical facilities aboard the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson.
Maine
‘LOVE’ artist Indiana a no-show at celebration
VINALHAVEN, Maine – Reclusive artist Robert Indiana was expected make an appearance outside his island residence Saturday to take part in a celebration of his art around the world on his 86th birthday, but he didn’t emerge from his home, disappointing dozens of fans.
The event was called International HOPE Day and took place in cities across the world. Indiana was expected to make a public appearance outside his home and studio on Vinalhaven Island, where dozens of fans had hoped to get his autograph on commemorative prints they purchased from event organizers outside his home.
Kathleen Rogers, Indiana’s publicist, said he’s in very poor health and isn’t used to being around large groups of people.
The artist is best known for his “LOVE” image, in which the L and a leaning O sit atop the V and the E. His “HOPE” image is similar in theme.
Associated Press
