New York

U.S., Israel plan to develop jetliner defense systems

Israel and the United States have struck a deal to develop a missile- defense system for passenger jetliners, according to Israeli media reports.

Officials started considering an anti-missile system in the aftermath of a botched air attack Nov. 28 on an Israeli airliner carrying 271 tourists.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon approved the program with the United States in a Wednesday meeting with Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, Israel Radio said.

Military jets, smaller and more maneuverable than commercial airliners, have long been equipped with missile-deflection systems.

Florida

Homeless couple charged with stealing from benefactor

A homeless couple taken in by a stranger on Christmas Eve stole the man’s van, presents and groceries while he slept, sheriff’s deputies said.

Earnest L. Green saw James and Venus Dixon Tuesday on a rainy street in Clearwater, about 20 miles west of Tampa. He offered them a ride to his home to dry off, eat a hot meal and spend Christmas Eve.

Green, 45, told deputies he awoke Christmas morning to find the Dixons, his van, his presents, frozen food and $80 cash gone. The van was returned later that morning, missing its stereo and CD player.

James Dixon, 48, was charged with burglary and auto theft. He told deputies he left his wife at a nearby gasoline station, where she was found pushing a shopping cart containing the stolen goods.

Venus Dixon, 43, was charged with burglary, auto theft, possession of cocaine, resisting arrest and possession of a crack pipe. Police said she tried to swallow crack as she was arrested.

New York

Hillary Rodham Clinton tapped to give radio response

Democrats have chosen Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to give the party’s response to President Bush’s weekly radio address Saturday.

It’s a first for the former first lady, and a step back to the national stage. Since her election two years ago, Clinton has focused on issues affecting her New York constituents and on developing relationships with Senate colleagues.

Clinton will urge Congress to extend federal unemployment benefits to more than 800,000 people due to lose them Saturday, said Ranit Schmelzer, spokeswoman for Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, who tapped Clinton for the role.

Connecticut

Visiting Polish priest arrested on sexual abuse charge

A Roman Catholic priest visiting from Poland was arraigned Thursday on charges he sexually assaulted a teenage girl while counseling her about a previous sexual assault.

The Rev. Roman Kramek, 40, who had been serving at Sacred Heart Church in New Britain, is accused of having sex with the 17-year-old on Dec. 18, prosecutors said. Kramek confessed to the crime in a sworn statement to authorities, they said.

Kramek was ordered held on $500,000 bail until his next court appearance Jan. 30.