Restoration work on the White House North Portico appears to be nearing completion before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the United States in late September. Scaffolding was being taken down Tuesday after workers over the Labor Day weekend removed shrouds that obscured the work. The Executive Mansion’s front columns had been covered since July. The work was ordered by President Donald Trump and began in June. The portico was first completed in 1830 during Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Administration officials previously said stonework and plaster were being refurbished because of routine damage from age and weather exposure.

It's never been more expensive in the U.S. to fill up the tank and take one last summer trip over the Labor Day weekend.

The origins of Labor Day date back to the late 19th century, when activists first sought to establish a day that would pay tribute to workers. While many workers have the day off, most big consumer-facing businesses are open, with many offering promotional sales to lure customers. Here’s what is open and closed this year on Labor Day, and some tips for those who are traveling on the long holiday weekend.

SEATTLE (AP) — A pulp mill in Washington state where 11 workers died after a chemical tank collapsed in May had a history of safety complaints…