Korean Missile Launch Not Imminent

Despite threats, the U.S. doesn’t see any signs that North Korea is prepared to test-launch a long-range ballistic missile capable of landing near the Hawaiian Islands, officials say. While they don’t rule out the possibility that the communist nation could fire short- and medium-range missiles capable of reaching Japanese waters, they assure that Hawaiians' Independence Day celebrations are safe. The assessment of North Korea's current situation contrasts with evidence seen earlier this year, before the country's failed April 5 launch: At that time, commercial and intelligence satellites tracked preparations to assemble and fuel a three-stage Taepodong-2 missile, the officials said.