National / International News

A judge cleared the way for the city of Stockton in California to enter bankruptcy today. That makes the city the largest in the U.S. to do so.

"Obviously the folks who have the most at stake are the bondholders," says Michael Sweet, a bankruptcy lawyer with Fox Rothschild in San Francisco.

But the other 800-pound gorilla in the room? That would be members of the city's pension plan. Stockton promised to what they owed to pensioners but "the judge said he isn't sure that the city could do that and still meet its requirements under the bankruptcy law and get a plan confirmed."

And that's why so many other cities across the country are paying close attention to Stockton today. "There are cities across the country that are suffering what Stockton suffered with revenues going down or at least remaining stagnant at a time when costs are going up for both the pension plan and for health care," said Sweet. Back when the economy was booming, these cities "made promises to their employees for extraordinary pensions and defined benefit programs and now they're having trouble meeting the cost of those promises."

So what's next for the city of Stockton? The city next has to present a bankruptcy plan that would need to be approved by a judge. It would detail how the city will get itself out of bankruptcy. That process could take about six months to a year. But if there is an appeal, the process could drag on for much longer.

A 21-year-old walker escapes with cuts to the head after slipping 1,000ft on a path on Snowdon, while another survives a 300ft fall.

Immediately after previous shootings, polls shifted somewhat — then trended back toward earlier levels. A look at recent polls shows that happening again for the most part.

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A Taggart fan wins an award for the best Scottish-themed tattoo after having actor Mark McManus' face inked on his back, alongside the Finnieston crane.

President Barack Obama has asked the daughter of former President John F Kennedy to be America's ambassador to Japan, US media report.

The prince's dream of reintroducing European bison, or wisent, into Germany's most densely populated state will soon be reality. It will be the first time in nearly 300 years that these creatures will roam Western Europe. But not everyone is as excited as the prince.

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The prince's dream of reintroducing European bison, or wisent, into Germany's most densely populated state will soon be reality. It will be the first time in nearly 300 years that these creatures will roam Western Europe. But not everyone is as excited as the prince.

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Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary donates 200,000 euros to a fund for paralysed jockey JT McNamara.

Some pediatricians are worried that babies who spit up are being misdiagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and that's causing parents to opt for unnecessary prescription medications. Researchers found that using the word "disease" to describe spitting up can have a powerful effect on parents.

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The unlikely location of Kashmir is making a name for itself as one of the worlds top ski destinations.

A suicide attacker blows up a tanker lorry at the police HQ in the Iraqi city of Tikrit, killing at least nine people.

Warrington Wolves put Friday's derby defeat by Widnes Vikings behind them with a 10-try dismantling of London Broncos.

Police vehicles have come under attack from youths throwing stones and other missiles at a dissident republican Easter commemoration in Londonderry.

Paolo Di Canio says he is hurt by his portrayal in the media since being appointed Sunderland manager.

Armed police open fire after a man threatens them with what appears to be a handgun in Shropshire.

The United States has sent two F-22 Raptor fighter jets to take part military drills in South Korea, a move a Pentagon spokesman told the AP is meant to show U.S. commitment to the defense of the region from its North Korean neighbor.

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Liberty Counsel wins the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse at odds of 50-1 for trainer Dot Love and jockey Ben Dalton.

Cardiff City open up a seven-point cushion at the top of the Championship as Blackburn's relegation worries mount.

The daughter of the nation's 35th president has been talked about as a potential envoy to Tokyo. Now, multiple news outlets say they've been told she's President Obama's choice and is being vetted for the job.

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Pirates off Bangladesh are thought to have drowned at least 16 fishermen after tying up their hands and feet and throwing them into the Bay of Bengal.