BEIJING / AP A senior US official urged China to work with the US to close a loophole on North Korean coal imports that Washington believes has been critical to propping up the isolated country’s finances. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Beijing ahead of talks with Chinese officials that Chinese coal imports from North Korea contributed …

  Wellington / AFP Peter Jackson’s “Lord Of The Rings” and “Hobbit” series have proved to be as precious to New Zealand’s economy as any magical ring as millions flock to the country for a glimpse of Middle Earth, making tourism the main driver of growth. For years, coffers have been supplemented mainly by booming sales of dairy products from …

  New York / AFP Low-cost air carriers are spreading their wings across the Atlantic, much to the chagrin of the major airlines now forced to serve new destinations and cut fares. Transatlantic flights operated by Norwegian Air, Iceland’s Wow air, Canada’s WestJet and Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc have multiplied in recent years as jet fuel has grown cheaper. Frequently …