A former Napa third-grade teacher has been arrested on misdemeanor sexual abuse charges involving four of his students.

The 13-year-old Napa girl who drowned on Labor Day weekend at Lake Berryessa died of the combined effects of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by boat engine fumes and consumption of alcohol, according to the Napa County Coroner’s Office.

LOS ANGELES — The jury in record producer Phil Spector’s murder trial completed its fourth day of deliberations Thursday and went home without announcing a verdict.

After spending the past half year going through budget hell, chagrined Napa officials report that city coffers have millions more dollars than anticipated.

Every health facility in the nation has had to deal with a shortage of nurses in recent years, but the Veterans Home of California at Yountville has faced a double whammy: The high cost of Napa Valley living and low state salaries for nurses.

In spite of some hard knocks and a humble beginning, Community Health Clinic Ole — a nonprofit organization serving the health needs of low income Napa Valley residents — celebrates its 35th anniversary this month.

Two teenage girls were arrested Thursday afternoon on suspicion of trying to steal items from Mervyns department store in downtown Napa.

NAPA — A small fire is burning in the 1000 block of Wyatt Avenue east of Sliverado Trail in Napa, according to fire officials.

America may have its “Most Wanted,” but it doesn’t have anything on Napa County. 

Rejecting calls to leave Iraq, President Bush on Thursday ordered gradual U.S. troop reductions from their highest level of the war and said more forces can come home as progress is made.

In his darkest moments, Jack Whittaker has sometimes wondered if winning the nearly $315 million Powerball game was really worth it.

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s main political parties are deadlocked over a key oil law and the legislation has been sent back to party leaders to see if they can salvage it, an official involved in the talks said Thursday.

SACRAMENTO — The youngest drivers in California will have to put down the cell phone and keep their hands on the wheel after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill banning use of such devices for those under 18.

LAS VEGAS — Investigators questioned O.J. Simpson and named him a suspect Friday in a break-in at a casino hotel room involving sports memorabilia.