NATIONAL BRIEFS

COLORADO: Suspect's dad tells of erratic actions

The man accused of wounding two middle school students in a community still haunted by the Columbine massacre had become increasingly erratic in recent weeks, yelling at imaginary friends and complaining that eating macaroni and cheese made too much noise, his father said Wednesday. Investigators are looking into the bizarre behavior of Bruco Strong Eagle Eastwood, 32, as they try to figure out why the unemployed ranchhand allegedly showed up at his old school Tuesday and fired at students in the parking lot before being tackled by a math teacher.

WASHINGTON: Obama courts business leaders

President Barack Obama asked business leaders to support his agenda, from tax credits for hiring to an overhaul of financial regulations, saying government and businesses must work together on economic growth. Addressing about 100 corporate executives and staff members gathered for a meeting of the Business Roundtable in Washington on Wednesday, Obama said that while businesses are "the engines of economic growth in this country," government must oversee the marketplace and build the infrastructure needed to keep the United States competitive. MasterCard Inc. chief executive Robert Selander said later that Obama made a positive impression.

Marine commandant testifies

The Marine Corps commandant said Wednesday the ability of U.S. troops to fight and win wars must trump other concerns as the nation considers whether to let gays serve openly in the military. Gen. James Conway told the House Armed Services Committee he supports a Pentagon assessment to determine how to lift the ban. Conway is seen as the most resistant among the service chiefs to efforts under way in Congress and the Pentagon to repeal the 1993 "don't ask, don't tell" law. But his testimony indicates that he won't stand in the way as Defense Secretary Robert Gates undertakes a comprehensive study on how to lift the ban.

MARYLAND: Recognizing same-sex marriages

State Attorney General Douglas Gansler said Wednesday that effective immediately and until challenged in court, the state recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere and that Maryland agencies should begin affording out-of-state gay couples all the rights they have been awarded in other places. The issue will soon become far less abstract in Maryland, with the District of Columbia expected to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples this spring.