NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON : Strike Halts Classes for 300,000 Youths

Teachers wanting more school funding from the state walked off the job, halting classes for more than 300,000 youngsters in 36 western Washington cities and towns. Those involved in the dispute saw little hope for a quick solution. The strike, the largest for teachers in state history, was called by the 50,000-member Washington Education Assn. The group wants more money to boost pay, cut class size, fix aging buildings, replace old textbooks and make other improvements. About 21,000 WEA members are participating in the strike. The class shutdowns affected Puget Sound communities, including Seattle, Belevue and Tacoma.