Businesses have doled out up to $4 million to send ships through the Panama Canal while trying to avoid the Iran war's risks and effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Passage through the canal usually comes at a flat rate via reservations. But companies without bookings can pay more to cross through an auction that awards slots to the highest bidder. The average price to cross the canal ranges between $300,000 and $400,000 depending on the vessel. Businesses that wanted earlier crossings previously paid an additional $250,000 to $300,000. In a number of cases recently, companies have paid big money to jump the line. The canal's administrator says one paid an extra $4 million.

On Sept. 7, 1940, Nazi Germany began an intense bombing campaign of Britain during World War II with an air attack on London; known as The Blitz, the eight-month campaign resulted in more than 40,000 civilian deaths.

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Today in history: On Sept. 7, 1940, Nazi Germany began an intense bombing campaign of Britain during World War II with an air attack on London; known as The Blitz, the eight-month campaign resulted in more than 40,000 civilian deaths.

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On June 16, 2015, real estate mogul Donald Trump launched his successful campaign to become president of the United States with a speech at Trump Tower in Manhattan.

Today is Monday, Feb. 26, the 57th day of 2018. There are 308 days left in the year.

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In 1892, James J. Corbett knocked out John L. Sullivan to win the world heavyweight crown in New Orleans in a fight conducted under the Marque…

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Today is Monday, Sept. 7, the 250th day of 2015. There are 115 days left in the year. This is Labor Day.