Month: February 2022

By COLLEEN BARRY AP Fashion Writer MILAN (AP) — The Italian fashion world has opened a Milan Fashion Week that brought the return of Russian buyers after two years and the easing of pandemic travel restrictions. An agreement with the government brokered by the Italian National Fashion Chamber allowed Russians who were vaccinated with the

By DAVID SHARP Associated Press The U.S. Postal Service says it has cleared the final regulatory hurdle to placing orders for next-generation mail vehicles. That keeps the Postal Service on track for taking delivery of the first of the electric- and gas-powered delivery vehicles next year. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said Wednesday that the completion

By MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press HARDIN, Mont. (AP) — Economists say the costs of climate change are growing as global warming happens more quickly than expected and its impacts become better understood — from crop losses due to drought, to lessened worker productivity because of the heat. The Biden administration wants to put a price

By LORNE COOK Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union has agreed to slap sanctions on Russia’s defense minister and a top presidential adviser. The measures also target companies, banks and hundreds of Russian lawmakers who voted to recognize the independence of separatist parts of Ukraine. Wednesday’s sanctions will freeze the assets of those

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Several hundred people opposing COVID-19 mandates have staged a protest rally in Bulgaria’s capital. They waved national flags and banners of the nationalist Revival party which organized the protest. The demonstrator chanted “Resignation” and ”Freedom” and called on the government to step down over its “failure to handle the health crisis.”

By JILL LAWLESS Associated Press LONDON (AP) — Britain promised to hit Russia with “powerful” sanctions over its military confrontation with Ukraine. But the slim sheaf of measures announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson has disappointed allies and critics alike. The U.K. has slapped asset freezes and travel bans on three wealthy Russians and sanctioned

By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Lowe’s Cos., the nation’s second-largest home improvement chain, offered an upbeat annual outlook after reporting strong fiscal fourth-quarter results that showed a still sizzling housing market. The report follows a robust report from larger rival Home Depot. Lowe’s, based in Mooresville, North Carolina, said that

By WAYNE PARRY Associated Press ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — A new report predicts that banning smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos could cost 2,500 jobs and nearly 11% of casino revenue. The Casino Association of New Jersey released a report Wednesday from an independent gambling research firm supporting the casinos’ longstanding contention that eliminating smoking

By NICK YEKIKIAN Edmunds It isn’t hard to see that the writing is on the wall for the V8-powered performance coupe. Tightening fuel economy and emissions standards, rising gas prices and the arrival of performance-oriented electric vehicles all point to the end of this famous automotive recipe. Whether it’s their distinctive rumbly soundtrack or sleek

Automotive parts maker Tenneco is being taken private by funds managed by affiliates of private equity firm Apollo in an all-cash deal valued at about $7.1 billion. The transaction includes the assumption of Tenneco’s debt. Apollo will pay $20 per Tenneco Inc. share. Tenneco will continue to operate under its name and brand. The deal

By CHALIDA EKVITTHAYAVECHNUKUL Associated Press BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand will ease some entry requirements for foreign visitors as it balances a rising number of coronavirus cases with the need to rebuild its pandemic-damaged economy. Beginning March 1, fully vaccinated visitors must take a RT-PCR test on arrival and spend their first night at an approved

BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s Cabinet has approved a plan to lift the country’s minimum wage to 12 euros ($13.60) per hour in October. The increase was a key pledge in Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s election campaign last year. Germany has had a national minimum wage since 2015. It started off at 8.50 euros per hour but

By ANDY ROSEN of NerdWallet As the income tax filing deadline approaches, taxpayers will be facing unexpected tax situations brought about by the turbulent events of last year. Some taxpayers might get refunds and breaks they didn’t anticipate, while others could be paying more than they set aside. Whether you were part of the Great