AP National News

By RAF CASERT Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union says the massive spike in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks is threatening the bloc’s recovery from the deep economic slump caused by last year’s onset of the pandemic. And medical experts said the situation could get much worse. EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said

By DAMIAN J. TROISE AP Business Writer Stocks fell in morning trading on Wall Street Wednesday as the market continues an unsettled period of trading ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. The S&P 500 fell 0.5%. The benchmark index, which set a record high last Thursday, was weighed down by losses in technology

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Authorities in Cyprus say they will deny access to indoor areas such as shopping malls, restaurants and supermarkets to anyone who hasn’t received a third booster shot seven months after being vaccinated against COVID-19. The health minister said Wednesday the measure will take effect on Dec. 18 as the east Mediterranean

By RUSS BYNUM Associated Press BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — The jury is deliberating for a second day in the trial of three white men charged with the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in coastal Georgia. The mostly white jury returned to the courtroom to re-watch cellphone video of Arbery’s shooting soon after resuming its deliberations Wednesday

By PAUL WISEMAN AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. sales of new homes edged up 0.4% last month, coming in below expectations as housing prices continued to climb. The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that sales of new single-family homes rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 745,000 last month from 742,000 in September.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Milton Andrew Munson’s obituary recalled his life as an Air Force veteran, a pharmacist, husband and father, and as a Nebraska football fan. That was evident in one line in the obit, which reads: “In lieu of flowers, please place an irresponsibly large wager on Nebraska beating Iowa.” The Lincoln Journal

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer spending rebound in October, rising by a a solid 1.3%, but inflation was up as well, rising over the past year at the fastest pace in more than three decades. The jump in consumer spending last month was double the 0.6% gain in September,

By MIKE SILVERMAN Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — This Met Opera season alone has been an impressive run of roles for Ryan Speedo Green, whose bass-baritone voice and charismatic stage presence unfailingly impress critics and audiences. He opened the season in Terence Blanchard’s “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” and the next night was

By ALEXANDRA JAFFE Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has invited Taiwan to its upcoming Summit for Democracy, prompting sharp criticism from China, which considers the self-ruled island as its territory. The invitation list features 110 countries, including Taiwan, but does not include China or Russia. The inclusion of Taiwan comes as tensions

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE and ALEXANDRA JAFFE Associated Press NANTUCKET, Mass. (AP) — President Joe Biden is nominating Shalanda Young to head the Office of Management and Budget. He’s also nominating Nani Coloretti to serve as Young’s deputy. Biden made the announcement in a video released Wednesday by the White House. It would be the first

By KRISHAN FRANCIS Associated Press COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s government has lifted a ban on imports of agrochemicals that it said was aimed at encouraging organic cultivation. The agriculture minister announced the revocation of the ban, which took effect in April. But he said government subsidies, price guarantees for produce and technical

LONDON (AP) — Ireland’s government says Ethiopia has ordered four of six Irish diplomats working in Addis Ababa to leave the country because of Ireland’s outspoken stance over the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia. The Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday that Ethiopia’s government informed the Irish Embassy in the Ethiopian capital that the four diplomats

The Associated Press Stocks are opening lower on Wall Street as the market continues an unsettled period of trading ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. The S&P 500 gave back 0.3% in the early going Wednesday. The benchmark index, which set a record high last Thursday, was weighed down by losses in technology

By GEIR MOULSON and FRANK JORDANS Associated Press BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s would-be governing parties are vowing to modernize Europe’s biggest economy and step up efforts against climate change. They announced an agreement Wednesday that leaves center-left leader Olaf Scholz poised to replace longtime Chancellor Angela Merkel within weeks. The coalition will shift Germany’s leadership

DARLENE SUPERVILLE and ALEXANDRA JAFFE Associated Press NANTUCKET, Mass. (AP) — President Joe Biden is nominating Shalanda Young to head the Office of Management and Budget. He’s also nominating Nani Coloretti to serve as Young’s deputy. Biden made the announcement in a video released Wednesday by the White House. It would be the first time

By RUSS BYNUM Associated Press BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — The jury is deliberating for a second day in the trial of three white man charged with the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in coastal Georgia. The mostly white jury resumed its deliberations Wednesday morning. It spent about six hours deliberating Tuesday before adjourning without a verdict.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The island kingdom of Bahrain has announced plans for over $30 billion in spending to spur investment and build up infrastructure over the next several years. The plans include creating five brand-new cities on man-made islands. The project detailed Wednesday signals the government’s efforts to drive growth after the

By ZEKE MILLER and COLLEEN LONG Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for millions of federal workers seems to be working, with no apparent disruption to law enforcement, intelligence-gathering or holiday travel. The White House says 92% of the 3.5 million federal workers covered by Biden’s mandate reported to the government

By GEOFF MULVIHILL and JOHN SEEWER Associated Press CLEVELAND (AP) — Pharmacies have lost in a groundbreaking trial in Ohio over the toll of opioids, but there’s no assurance the results will hold up on appeal. Tuesday’s verdict was the first in a wave of opioid lawsuits involving pharmacies and the first to be decided