Asian shares up, European markets down...AB InBev gets US approval for SABMiller merger...Workers turn up strike at Trump Taj Mahal

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares rose today, but European shares have dipped slightly in early trading. France's CAC 40 inched down 0.1 percent, Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.3 percent and Germany's DAX was little changed today. Wall Street is expected to open lower, with Dow and S&P futures slipping. Investors are watching for a news conference by the European Central Bank governor, Mario Draghi (DRAHG'-ee), to see what he might do to shore up regional growth.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government releases last week's jobless claims today. Freddie Mac releases the weekly mortgage rates and the National Association of Realtors reports the existing home sales number for June. On the business side, General Motors, Southwest Airlines and Union Pacific report quarterly financial results before the market opens. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Starbucks and Visa report earnings after the market closes.

NEW YORK (AP) — Anheuser-Busch InBev says it's reached an agreement with the Justice Department that clears the way for U.S. approval of its acquisition of SABMiller. AB InBev, the maker of Budweiser and Bud Light, will sell SABMiller's entire U.S. business to Molson Coors as previously announced as part of the agreement. That means Budweiser would continue to compete with Miller beer in the United States.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — A strike against the Trump Taj Mahal casino is about to enter its fourth week, and there's no end in sight. Atlantic City's main casino workers union plans to turn up the heat by surrounding the massive gambling hall with 1,000 picketers who'll be taking part in a rally and march this evening. The union walked off the job July 1 against the Taj, which remains open. Three other casinos were given a negotiation extension by the union and were not threatened with a strike.

TOKYO (AP) — Is Honda's walking robot Asimo marrying Pepper, the chattering robot from SoftBank? Automaker Honda and internet company SoftBank say they'll work together on artificial intelligence to develop products with sensors and cameras that can talk with drivers. Major automakers and technology companies are interested in robotics to improve driving safety and comfort.

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