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TOP STORIES:
CONSUMER SPENDING -- An inflation gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve rose in August, boosted mainly by higher gas prices. But measures of underlying inflation slowed in the latest sign that overall price pressures are still moderating. By Christopher Rugaber. SENT: 860 words, photos.
Also:
EUROPE-ECONOMY -- Inflation that has plagued Europeans declined sharply in September to the lowest level in two years, strengthening hopes that consumers will get relief from costlier groceries, vacations and haircuts -- and that the European Central Bank won't have to further restrict the economy by raising interest rates from already-record highs. By David McHugh. SENT: 630 words, photo.
AUTO WORKERS-STRIKES -- The United Auto Workers union says its two-week strike against Detroit automakers will spread to 7,000 more workers at a Ford plant in Chicago and a General Motors assembly factory near Lansing, Michigan. By Tom Krisher and David Koenig. SENT: 620 words, photos, video. UPCOMING: Will be updated.
With:
UAW-STRIKES-EXPLAINER -- The United Auto Workers strike against Detroit automakers has spread to dozens of facilites nationwide. And the walkouts are deepening. SENT: 1,310 words, photos.
FINANCIAL WELLNESS-STUDENT LOANS -- Student loan payments start up again for most borrowers in October, but more than 800,000 people who have been paying for years are having their loans forgiven. A total of $39 billion is being forgiven under a one-time adjustment granted by the Biden administration. By Cora Lewis. SENT: 710 words, photos.
MARKETS & ECONOMY:
FINANCIAL MARKETS --Wall Street is climbing Friday following some encouraging signals on inflation, but it's still likely to close September with its worst month of the year so far. By Stan Choe. SENT: 790 words, photos, audio. UPCOMING: About 800 words by 4:30 p.m., photo.
INDUSTRY:
BIDEN-OFFSHORE DRILLING -- President Joe Biden's administration on Friday proposed up to three oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico but none in Alaska as it tries to navigate between energy companies seeking greater oil and gas production and environmental activists who want Biden to shut down new offshore drilling in the fight against climate change. By Matthew Daly and Matthew Brown. SENT: 920 words, photos.
BLUE APRON-WONDER GROUP -- Wonder Group is buying meal kit company Blue Apron for about $103 million as the company looks to enhance its offerings. By Michelle Chapman. SENT: 300 words.
BIDEN-WORKER TRAINING -- The Biden administration on Friday is expected to release a playbook on best practices for training workers as the low 3.8% unemployment rate and years of underinvestment have left manufacturers, construction firms and other employers with unfilled jobs. By Josh Boak. SENT: 380 words, photo.
TECHNOLOGY & MEDIA:
SUPREME COURT-SOCIAL MEDIA -- The Supreme Court agreed Friday to decide whether state laws that seek to regulate Facebook, TikTok, X and other social media platforms violate the Constitution. By Mark Sherman. SENT: 440 words, photo.
HONG KONG-CRYPTOCURRENCY -- Police in Hong Kong and Macao said Friday they arrested four more people linked to the cryptocurrency platform JPEX, which is suspected to have defrauded more than 2,400 people of almost $200 million. By Zen Soo. SENT: 410 words.
INTERNATIONAL:
CHINA-HOLIDAY TRAVEL -- Many millions of Chinese tourists are expected to travel within their country, splurging on hotels, tours, attractions and meals in a boost to the economy during the 8-day autumn holiday period that began Friday. By Zen Soo. SENT: 670 words, photos.
