They expected an Olympic boon. But some Paris businesses are experiencing a bust

PARIS (AP) — On a typical summer day, tourists flock to the historic Marais district of Paris, wandering its charming medieval streets dotted with ultra-chic boutiques, gazing at stunning private mansions, strolling through the elegant 17th-century square Place des Vosges, and filling humming...

Philippines plans to siphon off oil cargo from sunken tanker to avert 'environmental catastrophe'

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — There is no indication that a big cargo of industrial fuel oil stored in a tanker that sank in stormy weather in Manila Bay has started to leak, the Philippine coast guard said Friday, and plans are being firmed up to try to siphon off the highly toxic shipment to...

Venice officials defend day-tripper tax, but delay the decision on extending it

MILAN (AP) — Venice city officials said Friday that the day-tripper tax netted 2.4 million euros ($2.6 million) during a test phase this summer, and that decisions on how to proceed would be made in the fall after a full analysis of the data. According to the city, the 5-euro tax...

Outside the RNC, small Milwaukee businesses and their regulars tried to salvage a sluggish week

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jay Nelson was standing outside the convenience store he manages in downtown Milwaukee when one of his regular customers walked by on her daily stroll around the neighborhood. “I've been telling people to come and buy even just a bottle of wine,” she said,...

Everton's proposed sale to Texas-based Friedkin Group has fallen through

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — The proposed sale of Premier League club Everton to the Texas-based Friedkin Group has fallen through, both parties said in a joint statement on Friday. The Friedkin Group, which has a portfolio of companies in the automotive, entertainment, hospitality,...

The last cards have been dealt as the iconic Mirage closes its doors on the Las Vegas Strip

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A final blast from The Mirage's signature volcano marked the passage Wednesday of an aging Las Vegas resort that wowed crowds when it opened in 1989 and went on to revolutionize the casino resort industry and reshape Las Vegas as a tourist destination. “What...

Darden Restaurants buys Tex-Mex chain Chuy's for $605 million

Darden Restaurants is adding Tex-Mex to the menu. The parent company of Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House and other chains, said Wednesday it's buying Chuy's for approximately $605 million. Darden said it will acquire all outstanding shares of Chuy’s for...

Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' wrapped at this Georgia hotel. Soon, it'll be open for business

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. (AP) — Two years ago, Francis Ford Coppola stopped at Georgia Film Academy on the hunt for apprentices for his upcoming film, " Megalopolis." Jordan Holifield, then a 23-year-old student, did a double-take when he saw one of the application questions — did he...

Bank of England faces dilemma after potential Taylor Swift upside impact on UK inflation

LONDON (AP) — The Bank of England is facing a dilemma about whether to cut interest rates next month after official figures Wednesday showed inflation holding steady at its target against expectations of a modest decline, possibly as a result of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. The Office...

Autopsies on the 6 Bangkok hotel guests who died mysteriously confirm they had traces of cyanide in their blood