U.S. launches unarmed missile from California in test run

The United States Air Force on Wednesday successfully launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from California. The 30th Space Wing said the missile launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, some 130 miles northwest of Los Angeles. An Air Force statement said the military was testing the missile’s effectiveness, readiness, and accuracy. The launch, which is the fourth this year, comes as North Korea develops its own ICBMs. The country last week tested a missile that analysts concluded was within the range of the mainland United States, including Chicago and Los Angeles.