Some airline fees up by more than 50%

Airline fees are steadily increasing — some by more than 50% since a year ago, a USA TODAY analysis shows.

Lord Ashcroft ‘avoided £3.4m in tax’ ahead of rule change

Lord Ashcroft, the Conservative donor and outgoing deputy party chairman, has been accused of avoiding more than £3m in tax by engaging in a financial manoeuvre the day before new legislation would have forced him to pay tax on all his income.

Eight arrested in China over fake rabies vaccines

Eight people have been arrested in southern China for producing and selling fake rabies vaccines that were used by local clinics and led to the death of a four-year-old boy, state media said Monday.

China slaps anti-dumping duties on US chicken imports

China will levy anti-dumping duties of up to 105 percent on imports of US chicken products, the government said on Sunday, in a move likely to ratchet up trade tensions between the two nations.

China toughens customs clearance for Japan shipments

China has toughened customs clearance procedures to delay shipments to and from Japan in the wake of a territorial dispute that continues to fray relations between the two, a report said Monday.

Twelve Polish tourists killed in German bus crash

The dead were those of Polish families en-route to the German border city of Frankfurt-Oder and several children were reported to be among the victims. The accident happened when the coach collided with the supports of a bridge spanning the motorway at Potsdam.

Challenge for Chavez as Venezuela votes

Venezuelans came out in force Sunday to vote in a key test for leftist President Hugo Chavez, as the opposition fought for a strong return to the National Assembly after boycotting the last elections.

Israeli settlement freeze ends

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fended off intense international pressure, allowing a settlement freeze to expire at midnight, but urged Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas not to abandon peace talks in protest.

Jet Li’s charity fighting for its life

Jet Li revealed in a CCTV interview this week that his charity, One Foundation, is having difficulties registering as an independent organization and that it may have to cease operating.

Cab cameras cause unease among passengers

Cab passengers in Wuhu, Anhui Province, are feeling uneasy these days as their every word and action are being recorded on camera.