SEOUL, South Korea — The U.S. strike that killed Iran’s top military commander may have had an indirect casualty: a diplomatic solution to denuclearizing North Korea. Experts say the escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran will diminish already fading hopes for such an outcome and inspire North Korea’s decision-makers...
US Watching North Korea for 'Christmas Gift' Missile Launch
WASHINGTON — The U.S. is closely watching North Korea for signs of a possible missile launch or nuclear test in the coming days that officials are referring to as a “Christmas surprise.” A significant launch or test would mean the end of North Korea's self-imposed moratorium and raise tensions in...
Walters: Will Schools Get More State Aid?
To the denizens of the state Capitol, the onset of the holiday season also marks the beginning of the state budget cycle. Gov. Gavin Newsom and his budget staff will soon decide the hundreds of individual appropriations that will make up the 2020-21 budget he will propose in early January,...
Boris Johnson: UK Is Offering Brexit 'Compromise' to EU
MANCHESTER, England — The U.K. offered the European Union a proposed last-minute Brexit deal on Wednesday that it said represents a realistic compromise for both sides, as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the bloc to hold “rapid negotiations towards a solution” after years of wrangling. With Britain due to...
Fresno Unified, Teachers Agree on Historic 3-Year Contract
The Fresno Teachers Association and Fresno Unified School District have reached tentative agreement on a three-year contract that runs through June 2022. Superintendent Bob Nelson announced the agreement at Wednesday night's board of trustees meeting. Nelson: Agreement Grounded in Today's Finances "We looked through all the records going back as...
Will Fresno Unified Labor Peace End or Continue?
Since dramatically avoiding a strike at the last minute early in 2018, Fresno Unified leaders and the teachers union have gone to great lengths to keep their public comments positive. But as the final scheduled Board of Trustees meeting before the summer break approaches, there are signs their lovefest is...
Trade Battle: China Raises Tariffs on $60 Billion in U.S. Goods
BEIJING — Deepening its trade battle with the U.S. and sending financial markets spinning, China announced tariff hikes Monday on $60 billion of American goods in retaliation for President Donald Trump's latest penalties on Chinese products. Punitive charges of 5% to 25% on thousands of American products including batteries, spinach...
Sears Staves Off Liquidation, Stores to Remain Open
NEW YORK — Sears will live on — at least for now. The company's chairman and largest shareholder, Eddie Lampert, won a bankruptcy auction for Sears, averting liquidation of the iconic chain, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The person agreed to speak on condition of anonymity because...
LA Teachers Go on Strike in 2nd-Largest US School District
LOS ANGELES — Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers went on strike Monday after contentious contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district. "Students, we are striking for you," teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl told a cheering crowd of teachers marching in pouring rain. Members of United Teachers...
Trump: Shutdown Could Last 'Months or Even Years'
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump declared Friday he could keep parts of the government shut down for "months or even years" as he and Democratic leaders failed in a second closed-door meeting to resolve his demand for billions of dollars for a border wall with Mexico. They did agree to...