• As the Taliban continue to combat 14,000 U.S. ground troops in Afghanistan, former U.S. ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad is leading U.S. efforts for peace talks to end the 17-year long Afghan war. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has dramatically stepped up airstrikes, dropping more than 5,200 bombs and munitions in the first nine months of 2018.
(“Trump Administration Presses to Prepare for Peace Deal in Afghanistan by April, but Prospects Appear Dim,” LA Times, Dec. 7, 2018)
• Chicago charter school teachers went on strike Dec. 4, in the first charter school strike in the U.S. The four-day labor action targeted the politically connected Acero charter network. Five hundred striking teachers won a tentative deal for better pay, smaller class size and sanctuary protections for immigrant students. Members will be voting to approve the four-year contract in coming weeks.
(“Charter School Teachers to Return to Work After Tentative Agreement Reached,” Chicago Tribune, Dec. 10, 2018; “With Tentative Deal Struck in Chicago Charter School Strike, Acero Students Set to Return to Class,” Chalkbeat, Dec. 9, 2018)
• The incoming House Democratic majority plan to push for strong gun control regulations in the new year. Universal background checks are a top agenda item for Democratic leaders and gun safety groups. Currently private sales of guns and sales at gun shows are exempt from federal gun background checks. Mother Jones magazine reports that 22 percent of nationwide gun sales take place without any background check.
(“House Dems Will Push for Background Check on Every Gun Sale,” Christian Science Monitor, Dec. 5, 2018)
This week’s News Summary was narrated by Elaine Osowski.
