Opinion

PHILADELPHIA — A surplus of coins caused in part by fewer cash purchases in the softening economy has led the U.S. Mint to begin layoffs. -more-

SACRAMENTO — California is considering a four-tier system to decide when to warn the public about possible terrorist threats, Gov. Gray Davis’ new security adviser said Tuesday. -more-

SAN FRANCISCO – Middle East studies scholars say the fundamental Islamist movement won’t end with the capture or killing of suspected terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden and his top lieutenants. -more-

After making his way through a packed and sweltering Pauley Ballroom Thursday night to give the Mario Savio Memorial Lecture, Dr. Cornell West was concerned that police might shut the event down because it was too crowded. -more-

LONG BEACH — Although the nation’s largest public university system is turning out a record number of new teachers, a quarter of them don’t believe they are well enough prepared to teach math and English in kindergarten through eighth grade. -more-

Editor: -more-