Chicago teachers strike

Teachers in Chicago have gone on strike for the first time in 25 years, over a contract dispute with Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

The strike was called after all-day talks yesterday broke down.

Officials say they had offered a 16 per cent pay increase.

Reports say as many as 26,000 teachers are expected to stay away from the classrooms.

Meanwhile, the mayor has described the strike action as unnecessary, avoidable and wrong.