Opinion Columnist
Represents the opinion of the author who is either a paid columnist or an unpaid guest columnist.
US filings for jobless benefits hits 211,000 as the war in Iran drags on, clouding economic forecast
The number of Americans filing for unemployment rose last week but remains low despite the economic uncertainty caused by the Iran war.
Retail sales up 0.5% in April from March as higher gas prices leave less room for nonessential items
Shoppers pulled back on spending in April as higher gas prices fueled by the Iran war meant less money left over for nonessential goods.
Russia hammers Ukraine for a 3rd straight day, flattening a Kyiv apartment block and killing 5
Authorities say a massive Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine demolished an apartment block in Kyiv, killing 5 and wounding dozens.
France allows asymptomatic passengers off new cruise ship struck by stomach bug outbreak
Passengers unaffected by the norovirus illness outbreak on a British cruise ship have been allowed off the ship in Bordeaux.
Neo-Nazi leader gets 15 years for recruiting violent attacks, including a Santa poison plot
The leader of a neo-Nazi group was sentenced to 15 years in prison for trying to recruit others to commit violent acts against minorities.
UC and AFSCME reach contract deal to avert strike by 40,000 workers
The union representing nearly 40,000 service and technical patient care workers at University of California medical centers and campuses statewide canceled an open-ended strike scheduled to begin early Thursday after…
China’s Xi warns Trump that differences over Taiwan could lead to conflict
China’s Xi Jinping has warned President Donald Trump that the two countries could clash over Taiwan if the issue was not handled properly.
Ship is reported seized off the coast of the UAE and is heading toward Iran
The British military says a ship anchored off the east coast of the United Arab Emirates has been seized and is heading toward Iran waters.
Northwood boys, Santa Margarita girls aiming to defend CIF State swimming titles
Northwood and Santa Margarita are among several contenders for the boys title while Santa Margarita's girls could duel Campolindo.
Sparks can’t keep pace with Caitlin Clark and the Fever
The Sparks get 25 points from Kelsey Plum and trim a 21-point deficit to seven with 1:23 left, but they can’t get any closer in an 87-78 defeat. Clark (24…