» Subscribe Today!
The Power of Information
Home
The Ledger - EST. 1978 - Nashville Edition
X
Skip Navigation LinksHome
VOL. 44 | NO. 47 | Friday, November 20, 2020

A new Tune for Music City flyers

Airport rebuilding bigger, better after $90M in tornado damage

Airplane pilots routinely fly above storms to avoid danger and damage. On the ground, however, their craft can suffer the same fate as houses, cars and anything else when bad weather hits.

Roach takes on John C. Tune at turbulent time

Nothing like starting a job when things are peaceful and quiet. That isn’t the case for Jeff Roach, who was recently named executive director of operations and management at John C. Tune Airport.

Tips for cooking (and saving) a smaller Thanksgiving feast

If you’re planning a smaller Thanksgiving gathering this year because of social distancing, you don’t have to give up the turkey, stuffing, pie and other traditional fare.

RICHARD COURTNEY: REALTY CHECK

Something in the water has Nashville homeowners hot

As buyers are considering purchasing properties, they often ask the owners to provide utility bills so they can budget for their life in their new abodes. Often, sellers are flabbergasted to learn what they are paying for their water.

Local Weather
Currently
Nashville, TN
41.0°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind: Southwest at 4.6 mph
Humidity: 45%

EVENTS

Virtual Members Connect Leads Exchange. A Williamson Chamber casual networking opportunity to develop and further member relationships. Free, registration required. Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Information

more events »

REAL ESTATE

Top Davidson County commercial sales for October 2020

Top commercial real estate sales, October 2020, for Davidson County, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

US mortgage rates fall to new lows; 30-year loan at 2.72%

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. long-term mortgage rates fell this week, reaching record lows for the 13th time this year amid fresh signs of weakness in the pandemic-ravaged economy.

Existing home sales up 4.3% in October, fifth monthly gain

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Sales of existing homes rose for a fifth straight month in October, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday, reaching a level not seen since before the housing bubble popped 14 years ago.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Big Titans receivers love 50/50 ball

Some of it comes from the basketball court – boxing out, if you will – creating space like a power forward going for a rebound.

Rebounding vs. Ravens requires some quick fixes

First down: What the heck is up on special teams? The Titans have used three punters in three weeks, thanks mostly to Brett Kern’s injury. But why deactivate Ryan Allen and go with Trevor Daniel?

NEWSMAKERS

Airport Authority CFO named finance ‘Trailblazer’

Marge Basrai, chief financial officer of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, has been selected as one of The Bond Buyer’s “2020 Trailblazing Women in Finance” for her commitment to public finance and contributions made to the public sector. She is one of six public sector finance professionals recognized nationwide for the award.

BRIEFS

Chartis buys Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock

Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, Inc., a Nashville-based communications and change management firm serving the health care industry, has been acquired by The Chartis Group of Chicago, a leading health care advisory and analytics firm.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Minivan showdown: Toyota Sienna vs. Honda Odyssey

Edmunds’ experts have ranked the Honda Odyssey as their No. 1 minivan since the 2018 model year. It has the expansive utility you expect from a family hauler plus a refined driving experience other minivans can’t match.

PERSONAL FINANCE

Here’s how small businesses can help workers save

Donna Skemp of Bend, Oregon, struggled to save before she signed up for an automatic savings plan offered by her employer’s payroll services company. Now, some of her pay goes into a federally insured, interest-paying savings account that she can access any time with a debit card.

MILLENNIAL MONEY

‘Hustle worship’ isn’t a viable financial strategy

When I hear financial tips that are unrealistic or shame-inducing, I cringe. Any advice that makes complicated money moves seem like an easy path to profit is downright dangerous.

CAREER CORNER

Even while home, draw line between work, personal time

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance has always been important. Unfortunately, it has become harder to achieve.

NASHVILLE SC

Nashville SC upsets 2019 runner-up Toronto FC 1-0

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Daniel Ríos scored in the 108th minute and Nashville beat the defending Eastern Conference champion Toronto FC 1-0 on Tuesday night, becoming the first expansion team to win two MLS Cup playoff games.

STATEWIDE

Agriculture department encourages Tennesseans to shop local

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is encouraging Tennesseans to patronize the state's family farms and other agricultural producers on Small Business Saturday this year.

UT agriculture gets $250K grant to study biomass as jet fuel

KNOXVILLE (AP) — The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has landed a $250,000 federal grant to study the possible use of certain farming biomass in the production of jet fuel.

COURTS

Biden seeks swift Cabinet votes, but GOP Senate stays silent

WASHINGTON (AP) — As President-elect Joe Biden started rolling out his administrative team, one voice has been notably silent: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Fox News, family of slain DNC staffer Seth Rich settle suit

NEW YORK (AP) — Fox News has reached a settlement with slain Democratic National Committee employee Seth Rich's parents, who alleged in a lawsuit that the cable news company exploited their son's death in stories and commentary.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

'America is back': Biden pushes past Trump era with nominees

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Declaring "America is back," President-elect Joe Biden introduced his national security team, his first substantive offering of how he'll shift from Trump-era "America First" policies by relying on experts from the Democratic establishment to be some of his most important advisers.

Analysis: Biden prioritizes experience with Cabinet picks

NEW YORK (AP) — Competence is making a comeback.

With US in COVID-19 panic, Georgia Sen. Perdue saw stock opportunity

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the ravages of the novel coronavirus forced millions of people out of work, shuttered businesses and shrank the value of retirement accounts, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged to a three-year low.


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24
SPORTS

SEC shuffles games, pushes back UT-Vandy, Arkansas-Missouri

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The Southeastern Conference has shuffled its schedule, pushing back the Arkansas-Missouri and Tennessee-Vanderbilt games that had been set for Saturday.

STATE GOVERNMENT

Lee appoints interim commissioner to Human Services agency

NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Lee on Monday announced a new interim commissioner to oversee the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

COURTS

OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma pleads guilty in criminal case

Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty Tuesday to three criminal charges, formally taking responsibility for its part in an opioid epidemic that has contributed to hundreds of thousands of deaths but also angering critics who want to see individuals held accountable, in addition to the company.

AUTO INDUSTRY

Tennessee OKs $35M incentives for GM electric vehicle plant

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee panel has approved $35 million in economic incentives for General Motor's plan to convert its Spring Hill assembly plant to build future electric vehicles.

REAL ESTATE

US home price gains accelerate as pandemic shakes up housing

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. home prices jumped in September as strong demand, low interest rates and the smallest number of available homes on record combined to push up housing costs.

TRANSPORTATION

As virus cases spike, financial outlook for airlines dims

With coronavirus cases spiking in the U.S. and Europe, the financial outlook of the world's airlines is getting worse.

European regulator moves to clear Boeing 737 for flight

BERLIN (AP) — European regulators on Tuesday took a step closer to letting the Boeing 737 Max fly again, publishing a proposed airworthiness directive that could see the aircraft cleared within weeks after being grounded for nearly two years over deadly crashes.

VIRUS OUTBREAK

Restaurant workers out of work again as virus surges anew

Waiters and bartenders are being thrown out of work – again – as governors and local officials shut down indoor dining and drinking establishments to combat the nationwide surge in coronavirus infections that is overwhelming hospitals and dashing hopes for a quick economic recovery.

Keep the mask: A vaccine won't end the US crisis right away

NEW YORK (AP) — Don't even think of putting the mask away anytime soon.

Los Angeles to consider stay-home order as COVID cases rise

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Officials in the nation's largest county will discuss a possible stay-home order just days before Thanksgiving after a spike of coronavirus cases surpassed a threshold set by Los Angeles public health officials to trigger one.

Thanksgiving could make or break US coronavirus response

In Pennsylvania, if you're having friends over to socialize, you're supposed to wear a mask — and so are your friends. That's the rule, but Barb Chestnut has no intention of following it.

Are dining tents a safe way to eat out during the pandemic?

Are dining tents a safe way to eat out during the pandemic? Health experts say outdoor dining tents are generally safer than dining inside, but caution that they're not all equal.

Virus outbreak delays production at world's top glove maker

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia's Top Glove Corp., the world's largest maker of rubber gloves, said Tuesday it expects a two to four week delay in deliveries after more than 2,000 workers at its factories were infected by the coronavirus, raising the possibility of supply disruptions during the pandemic.

EU seals 6th vaccine deal, secures 160 million Moderna shots

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union's executive said Tuesday it will sign a contract for up to 160 million doses of the experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by Moderna.

International flyers may soon need to get virus vaccinations

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — International air travel could come booming back next year but with a new rule: Travelers to certain countries must be vaccinated against the coronavirus before they can fly.

For holiday travel, England uses tests to reduce quarantines

LONDON (AP) — In a boost to holiday travel that will be cheered by families and businesses, the British government has laid out a plan to reduce England's 14-day quarantine requirement for travelers from destinations not deemed safe to as little as five days if they test negative for COVID-19.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Dow crests 30,000 points on vaccine hopes, Biden transition

The Dow Jones Industrial Average broke through 30,000 points Tuesday as investors were encouraged by the latest progress on developing coronavirus vaccines and news that the transition of power in the U.S. to President-elect Joe Biden will finally begin. Traders were also encouraged to see that Biden had selected Janet Yellen, a widely respected former Federal Reserve chair, as treasury secretary. The Dow rose 454 points, or 1.5%, to close at 30,046. The S&P 500 index, which has a far greater impact on 401(k) accounts than the Dow does, rose 1.6%. Treasury yields rose as investors became more optimistic about the economy.

EXPLAINER: Why the Dow topped 30,000 for the first time

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street busted through its latest milestone Tuesday, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 30,000 for the first time.

Dow 30,000: Other times the Dow has crossed milestones

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 30,000 points for the first time Tuesday. Here are other times the Dow first closed above 1,000-point milestones.

Left for dead, twice, RadioShack gets another shot online

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — RadioShack, a fixture at the mall for decades, has been pulled from brink of death, again.

Best Buy reports 3Q results that exceed Wall Street views

NEW YORK (AP) — Best Buy Co. reported fiscal third-quarter results that blew through analysts' expectations as the nation's largest consumer electronics retailer enjoyed surging demand for items like home theater and appliances that help people learn, cook, work and connect in their homes during the pandemic.

US consumer confidence drops to 96.1 as virus spreads

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence fell to a reading of 96.1 in November as rising coronavirus cases pushed American optimism down to the lowest level since August.

Awaiting Yellen at Treasury: Yet another daunting crisis

WASHINGTON (AP) — Janet Yellen is in line for another top economic policy job — just in time to confront yet another crisis.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

'America is back': Biden pushes past Trump era with nominees

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Declaring "America is back," President-elect Joe Biden introduced his national security team on Tuesday, his first substantive offering of how he'll shift from Trump-era "America First" policies by relying on experts from the Democratic establishment to be some of his most important advisers.

Biden transition OK'd to start as Trump runs out of options

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government recognized President-elect Joe Biden as the "apparent winner" of the Nov. 3 election, formally starting the transition of power after President Donald Trump spent weeks testing the boundaries of American democracy. Trump relented after suffering yet more legal and procedural defeats in his seemingly futile effort to overturn the election with baseless claims of fraud.

Trump signs off on giving Biden intel briefings

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed off on giving his successor access to the nation's most secure secrets.

Approval for transition gives Biden team access to resources

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government is set to begin working with President-elect Joe Biden's transition team now that the head of the General Services Administration has "ascertained" that he is the apparent winner of this month's presidential election.

Biden set to formally introduce his national security team

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is set to formally introduce his national security team to the nation, building out a team of Obama administration alumni that signals his shift away from the Trump administration's "America First" policies and a return to U.S. engagement on the global stage.

Europe hopes for reset, 'damage control' under Biden

BERLIN (AP) — German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Tuesday he hopes a reset of U.S.-European relations under the Biden administration can end years in which Europe was mainly concerned with "damage control."

ELECTION 2020

Trump vents about election as agencies aid Biden transition

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump insisted Tuesday that he is not giving up his fight to overturn the election results, but across the federal government, preparations were beginning in earnest to support President-elect Joe Biden's incoming administration.

AP FACT CHECK: Trump still uses distortion in hopeless quest

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump isn't giving up on his false accusations of a rigged election now that his administration is making room for President-elect Joe Biden to proceed with the transition of power.


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23
MUSIC INDUSTRY

Swift wins top prize at AMAs, says she's re-recording music

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift won her third consecutive artist of the year prize at the American Music Awards, but she missed the show for a good reason: She said she's busy re-recording her early music after her catalog was sold.

UT SPORTS

UT's Barnes, players, staff test positive for COVID-19

Tennessee has paused activities in the men’s basketball program with head coach Rick Barnes among staff, players and other personnel that have tested positive for COVID-19.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Titans remember what they do best before AFC South rematch

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans think they got back to what they do best, and that's just finding a way to win.

Henry's TD run in OT lifts Titans over skidding Ravens 30-24

BALTIMORE (AP) — For three quarters, the undermanned Ravens put the clamps on Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans.

MIDSTATE

Clarksville cemetery among 6 added to historic register

NASHVILLE (AP) — A cemetery, a church and an old post office are among six properties in Tennessee that have been named to the National Register of Historic Places.

MEDIA

Google faces UK scrutiny over new advertising data revamp

LONDON (AP) — Google faces fresh regulatory scrutiny in Britain over plans to revamp its ad data system, after a group of competitors complained to regulators that the changes would cement the U.S. tech giant's online dominance.

AUTO INDUSTRY

GM to recall 7M vehicles globally to replace Takata air bags

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors will recall about 7 million big pickup trucks and SUVs worldwide to replace potentially dangerous Takata air bag inflators.

GM flips to California's side in pollution fight with Trump

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors says it will no longer support the Trump administration in legal efforts to end California's right to set its own clean-air standards.

Rights experts: Japan's handling of Nissan's Ghosn was wrong

GENEVA (AP) — A panel of human rights experts working with the United Nations said Monday that former Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn was wrongly detained in Japan and has urged "compensation" for him from the Japanese government.

EDUCATION

US Rhodes Scholars chosen virtually for the 1st time

The U.S. Rhodes Scholars for 2021 were elected virtually this year for the first time as the coronavirus pandemic swept across the globe, though that didn't extinguish enthusiasm among the 32 students who won scholarships to Oxford University.

ENVIRONMENT

Biden picks John Kerry for climate change role

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden is filling out his administration with key picks for his national security and foreign policy teams.

VIRUS OUTBREAK

DC boosts limits on restaurants, gatherings amid virus spike

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's capital is tightening its public COVID-19 restrictions in the face of spiraling virus numbers locally and around the country.

Shops, gyms to reopen in England under new COVID-19 plan

LONDON (AP) — Haircuts, shopping trips and visits to the pub will be back on the agenda for millions of people when a four-week lockdown in England comes to an end next week, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday.

White House still planning holiday parties, despite warnings

WASHINGTON (AP) — Public health officials are sounding alarms and urging Americans not to travel and limit gatherings this holiday season amid a new surge in coronavirus cases.

3rd major COVID-19 vaccine shown to be effective, cheaper

LONDON (AP) — Drugmaker AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective, buoying the prospects of a relatively cheap, easy-to-store product that may become the vaccine of choice for the developing world.

AstraZeneca: COVID-19 vaccine shown to be 'highly effective'

LONDON (AP) — AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its coronavirus vaccine was up to 90% effective, giving public health officials hope they may soon have access to a vaccine that is cheaper and easier to distribute than some of its rivals.

Millions stick to Thanksgiving travel plans despite warnings

About 1 million Americans a day packed airports and planes over the weekend even as coronavirus deaths surged across the U.S. and public health experts begged people to stay home and avoid big Thanksgiving gatherings.

China tests millions after coronavirus flare-ups in 3 cities

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese authorities are testing millions of people, imposing lockdowns and shutting down schools after multiple locally transmitted coronavirus cases were discovered in three cities across the country last week.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Stocks rise on Wall Street on latest hopes for virus vaccine

More encouraging news on the development of coronavirus vaccines and treatments helped power stocks higher on Wall Street Monday, as the market clawed back most of its losses from last week.

Retail trade group sees solid holiday sales despite pandemic

NEW YORK (AP) — The National Retail Federation, the nation's largest retail trade group, expects that holiday sales could actually exceed growth seen in prior seasons, despite all the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.

Pandemic has taken a bite out of seafood trade, consumption

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has hurt the U.S. seafood industry due to a precipitous fall in imports and exports and a drop in catch of some species.

UAE eases limits on foreign ownership to attract investors

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates has relaxed and removed a range of limits on foreign ownership of companies, state-run media reported Monday, in the country's latest bid to boost its global status and attract foreign investors.

Alibaba chairman says China's antitrust rules 'necessary'

HONG KONG (AP) — The chairman and CEO of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group praised Chinese regulators Monday in a possible attempt to repair ties after the stock market debut of its former financial services arm was suspended following criticism of them by billionaire Alibaba founder Jack Ma.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Biden signals shift from Trump with national security picks

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden on Monday tapped Obama administration veterans for top national security positions, signaling a stark shift from the Trump administration's "America First" policies that disparaged international alliances, career diplomats and other veteran government officials.

Biden taps ex-Fed chair Yellen to lead treasury

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has chosen former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen to serve as treasury secretary, a pivotal role in which she would help shape and direct his economic policies, according to a person familiar with the transition plans.

Ex-Homeland Security official Mayorkas returns under Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is turning to a veteran of the Department of Homeland Security to lead the agency created after the Sept. 11 attacks, but reshaped by President Donald Trump to carry out his hardline immigration and law enforcement agenda.

EU invites Biden to patch up trans-Atlantic ties

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union chief Charles Michel is inviting Joe Biden once he is U.S. president to come visit and patch up trans-Atlantic relations that have suffered over the past four years under President Donald Trump.

Gun-toting congresswoman-elect may carry Glock at Capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — A firearms-toting congresswoman-elect who owns a gun-themed restaurant in Rifle, Colorado, has already asked Capitol Police about carrying her weapon on Capitol grounds, her office has acknowledged. If she does so, she apparently won't be alone.

Trump aims to box in Biden abroad, but it may not work

WASHINGTON (AP) — On its way out the door, the Trump administration is enacting new rules, regulations and orders that it hopes will box in President-elect Joe Biden's administration on numerous foreign policy matters and cement President Donald Trump's "America First" legacy in international affairs.

ELECTION 2020

GOP senator, business leaders urge prompt Biden transition

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pressure is increasing on a Trump administration official to authorize a formal transition process for President-elect Joe Biden.

Trump campaign legal team distances itself from Powell

WASHINGTON (AP) — Perhaps Sidney Powell has gone too far for even Rudy Giuliani this time.


FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20
UT SPORTS

Tennessee AD Fulmer, Miami coach Diaz isolating for virus

Tennessee athletic director and former Volunteers football coach Phillip Fulmer said Friday he is in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. And Miami's Manny Diaz became the latest active coach to announce he has contracted the virus.

STATE GOVERNMENT

Tennessee bill would expand coronavirus vaccine exemptions

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee would no longer prohibit parents from refusing vaccinations of their children under a proposal that's been filed as COVID-19 cases continue to rise ahead of the GOP-dominant Statehouse's upcoming legislative session.

After COVID, Tennessee rep gets pancreatic cancer diagnosis

NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee state lawmaker who was hospitalized with COVID-19 in August has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Senate GOP reelects legislative leadership team

NASHVILLE (AP) — Senate Republicans unanimously voted on Thursday to renominate Senate Speaker Randy McNally to a third term in the top legislative leadership position.

AUTO INDUSTRY

US safety agency seeks input on autonomous vehicle rules

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government's road safety agency is asking for public comment on how it should regulate safe deployment of self-driving vehicles.

COURTS

Justices put off case over access to Russia probe grand jury

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is putting off upcoming arguments about whether Congress should have access to secret grand jury testimony from special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.

HEALTH CARE

Trump makes late-term bid to lower prescription drug costs

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trying to close out major unfinished business, the Trump administration issued regulations Friday that could lower the prices Americans pay for many prescription drugs.

VIRUS OUTBREAK

Daily COVID-19 deaths in US reach highest level since May

The surging coronavirus is taking an increasingly dire toll across the U.S. just as a vaccine appears at hand, with the country now averaging over 1,300 COVID-19 deaths per day — the highest since the calamitous spring in and around New York City.

Heading home for the holiday? Get a virus test, colleges say

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — As college students prepare to go home for the holidays, some schools are quickly ramping up COVID-19 testing to try to keep infections from spreading further as the coronavirus surges across the U.S.

Pfizer, BioNTech seek emergency use of COVID-19 shots in US

Pfizer formally asked U.S. regulators Friday to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine, starting the clock on a process that could bring limited first shots as early as next month and eventually an end to the pandemic -- but not until after a long, hard winter.

What does emergency use for a COVID-19 vaccine mean?

What does emergency use of a COVID-19 vaccine mean?

Health experts clash over use of certain drugs for COVID-19

Health officials around the world are clashing over the use of certain drugs for COVID-19, leading to different treatment options for patients depending on where they live.

India virus cases pass 9M; capital's hospitals under strain

NEW DELHI (AP) — Intensive care wards in New Delhi's hospitals are nearly at capacity, and the city's main crematorium is packed, as the coronavirus has surged in the Indian capital and the country hit a grim milestone Friday, recording 9 million infections.

Mexico tops 100,000 COVID-19 deaths, 4th country to do so

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico passed the 100,000 mark in COVID-19 deaths, becoming only the fourth country to do so amid concerns about the lingering physical and psychological scars on survivors.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Wall Street slips amid worries about worsening pandemic

Stocks closed broadly lower on Wall Street Friday following another choppy day of trading as worries about the worsening pandemic undercut growing optimism about a coming coronavirus vaccine.

'No more room for delay': Biden wants emergency COVID-19 aid

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is calling on Congress to enact billions of dollars in emergency COVID-19 assistance before the year's end, according to a senior adviser who warned Friday that "there's no more room for delay."

McConnell proposes shifting funds to COVID aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is proposing that Congress funnel $455 billion of unspent small business lending funds toward a new COVID-19 aid package.

APEC leaders, including Trump, begin virtual meeting

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Leaders from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum began a virtual meeting on Friday to seek ways to revive their coronavirus-battered economies, with U.S. President Donald Trump participating for the first time since 2017.

France looks to postpone 'Black Friday' to help small shops

PARIS (AP) — France's government was working Friday to get supermarket chains and e-commerce platforms like Amazon to agree to postpone "Black Friday" promotions, responding to concerns that shops shuttered by the nation's coronavirus lockdown are hemorrhaging business and could be hurt further if they miss out on the consumer splurge.

EU gives upbeat assessment of state of Brexit trade talks

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union on Friday issued one of its most upbeat assessments of the state of post-Brexit trade negotiations, as the talks face an ever tighter deadline for a deal to enter into force for the start of the new year.

Report: Millions of full-time US workers get government aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of Americans who are working full-time jobs still rely on federal health care and food assistance programs because of low wages, a bipartisan congressional watchdog says.

Mnuchin denies trying to hinder incoming administration

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin denied that he is attempting to limit the choices President-elect Joe Biden will have to promote an economic recovery by ending several emergency loan programs being run by the Federal Reserve.

Japan, New Zealand press for open markets to boost recovery

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Leaders from Japan and New Zealand on Friday warned countries against the temptation of retreating into trade protectionism, saying that keeping markets open is the way to restore a global economy battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Alexander: Trump admin should aid in Biden transition

NASHVILLE (AP) — U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander said Friday that President Donald Trump's administration should aid President-elect Joe Biden in his transition, saying the Democrat has a "very good chance" of becoming the next president.

Trump tries to leverage power of office to subvert Biden win

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump sought to leverage the power of the Oval Office on Friday in an extraordinary attempt to block President-elect Joe Biden's victory as criticism mounted that his futile efforts to subvert the results of the 2020 election could do long-lasting damage to democratic traditions.

Biden adds Obama administration veterans to top staff

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is adding four Obama-Biden administration veterans to his top ranks as he continues to build out his White House team.

Criminal probe, legal fights await Trump after White House

A few miles south of the namesake tower where Donald Trump began his run for president, New York prosecutors are grinding away at an investigation into his business dealings that could shadow him long after he leaves office in January.

Birthday time: Biden turns 78, will be oldest U.S. president

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden turned 78 on Friday. In two months, he'll take the reins of a politically fractured nation facing the worst public health crisis in a century, high unemployment and a reckoning on racial injustice.

Military pay raise at risk in dispute over Confederate bases

WASHINGTON (AP) — An annual defense policy measure that has passed Congress every year since the Kennedy administration is in danger of cratering next month over a move by Democrats to rename military bases, such as Fort Benning, that are named after Confederate officers.

Biden says he's decided on treasury secretary nomination

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden said Thursday that he has decided whom to nominate as his secretary of the Treasury Department.

ELECTION 2020

Trump, allies make frantic steps to overturn Biden victory

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and his allies are taking increasingly frantic steps to subvert the results of the 2020 election, including summoning state legislators to the White House as part of a longshot bid to overturn Joe Biden's victory.

Romney slams Trump efforts as 'undemocratic'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Republican senators are criticizing President Donald Trump and his team for their efforts to pressure state and local election officials to overturn President-elect Joe Biden's victories in several closely contested states.

Joe Biden wins Georgia, flipping the state for Democrats

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden has won Georgia and its 16 electoral votes, an extraordinary victory for Democrats who pushed to expand their electoral map through the Sun Belt.


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19
VANDERBILT SPORTS

No. 6 Florida focused on much more than just Vanderbilt

NASHVILLE (AP) — Dan Mullen sees no reason for sixth-ranked Florida to overlook winless Vanderbilt, not with what is on the line for the Gators this season.

NASHVILLE AREA

Nashville limits gatherings to 8 people amid virus surge

NASHVILLE (AP) — Nashville is tightening restrictions to fight the surging coronavirus by limiting gatherings to eight people, Mayor John Cooper announced Thursday.

AUTO INDUSTRY

GM: New batteries cut electric car costs, increase range

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors says a pending breakthrough in battery chemistry will cut the price of its electric vehicles so they equal those powered by gasoline within five years. The technology also will increase the range per charge to as much as 450 miles.

Mazda No. 1 in Consumer Reports 2020 auto reliability survey

DETROIT (AP) — Mazda beat traditional winners Lexus and Toyota to win top honors as the most dependable auto brand in Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey.

ENVIRONMENT

UN climate chief: Pledges by big polluters boost Paris hopes

BERLIN (AP) — The U.N.'s climate chief says deadlines set by some of the world's top polluters to end greenhouse gas emissions, along with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's pledge to take Washington back into the Paris accord, have boosted hopes of meeting the pact's ambitious goals.

MEDIA

BuzzFeed buying HuffPost from Verizon for undisclosed price

BuzzFeed is buying HuffPost from Verizon as part of a bigger deal that has the wireless giant investing in the digital-media company.

HEALTH CARE

Coalition seizes on pandemic to boost 'Obamacare' sign-ups

WASHINGTON (AP) — As COVID-19 spreads uncontrolled in many places, a coalition of states, health care groups and activists is striving to drum up "Obamacare" sign-ups among a growing number of Americans uninsured in perilous times.

VIRUS OUTBREAK

CDC begs Americans not to travel for Thanksgiving

NEW YORK (AP) — With the coronavirus surging out of control, the nation's top public health agency pleaded with Americans on Thursday not to travel for Thanksgiving and not to spend the holiday with people from outside their household.

Biden tells governors he'll help states overcome coronavirus

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — In a meeting with governors, Joe Biden expressed concern Thursday that President Donald Trump's unprecedented attempt to block the peaceful transition of power at the White House has hindered the flow of information about programs to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine.

Tyson suspends Iowa plant managers amid virus betting claim

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Tyson Foods suspended top officials at its largest pork plant on Thursday and launched an investigation into allegations that they bet on how many workers would get infected during a widespread coronavirus outbreak.

Heading into holidays, US COVID-19 testing strained again

NEW YORK (AP) — With coronavirus cases surging and families hoping to gather safely for Thanksgiving, long lines to get tested have reappeared across the U.S. — a reminder that the nation's strained testing system remains unable to keep pace with the virus.

WHO: Slight slowing of virus cases in Europe

LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization's Europe director says there is a "small signal" the latest resurgence of coronavirus cases in the region is slowing.

African continent hits 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Africa has surpassed 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases as the continent's top public health official warned Thursday that "we are inevitably edging toward a second wave" of infections.

Not just COVID: Nursing home neglect deaths surge in shadows

When COVID-19 tore through Donald Wallace's nursing home, he was one of the lucky few to avoid infection.

Oxford scientists expect COVID-19 vaccine data by Christmas

LONDON (AP) — University of Oxford scientists expect to report results from the late-stage trials of their COVID-19 vaccine by Christmas, a key researcher said Thursday as he discussed the team's latest findings.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

IMF director: virus could disrupt global recovery

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the International Monetary Fund said Thursday that the while the United States and other major economies turned in better-than-expected economic performances in the third quarter, the world now faces slower momentum with a resurgence in coronavirus cases.

Macy's loses money in 3Q; virus surges into holiday season

NEW YORK (AP) — Macy's swung to a quarterly loss and sales tumbled 22% as the department store chain struggled to bring shoppers back to stores during a pandemic.

US jobless claims rise to 742,000; millions to lose aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week to 742,000, the first increase in five weeks and a sign that the resurgent viral outbreak is likely slowing the economy and forcing more companies to cut jobs.

Brexit trade talks suspended because of COVID-19 case

BRUSSELS (AP) — As if the Brexit trade negotiations were not tortuous enough, the coronavirus added a twist at a crucial stage on Thursday when top-level talks had to be suspended because an EU negotiator tested positive for COVID-19.

EU auditors: Antitrust probes too slow to curb tech giants

LONDON (AP) — The EU's efforts to rein in the power of big tech companies such as Google and Facebook through antitrust investigations have taken too long, dulling their effectiveness, a report said Thursday.

EU leaders try to solve political fight blocking big budget

BRUSSELS (AP) — EU leaders will on Thursday try to find ways to resolve a diplomatic dispute with members Poland and Hungary to unlock a 1.8 trillion-euro ($2.1 trillion) budget and recovery package aimed at putting the economy back on track after the pandemic.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Justice Dept.'s China focus likely to continue under Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has identified China as the country's biggest foe and the Justice Department mirrored that emphasis over the last four years with a drumbeat of cases against defendants ranging from hackers accused of targeting intellectual property to professors charged with grant fraud.

ELECTION 2020

Trump targets vote certification in late bid to block Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) — Getting nowhere in the courts, President Donald Trump's scattershot effort to overturn President-elect Joe Biden's victory is shifting toward obscure election boards that certify the vote as Trump and his allies seek to upend the electoral process, sow chaos and perpetuate unsubstantiated doubts about the count.

GOP increasingly accepts Trump's defeat — but not in public

WASHINGTON (AP) — When Kamala Harris returned to the Senate this week for the first time as vice president-elect, her Republican colleagues offered their congratulations and Sen. Lindsey Graham greeted her with a fist bump.

Analysis: For Trump, sowing post-election chaos is the goal

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is trying to turn America's free and fair election into a muddled mess of misinformation, specious legal claims and baseless attacks on the underpinnings of the nation's democracy.

STATE GOVERNMENT

Tennessee House GOP closes off its meetings, keeps leaders

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee House Republicans have voted to close off their caucus meetings to the public and the media and keep their current slate of legislative leaders in place.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & RSS:
Sign-Up For Our FREE email edition
Get the news first with our free weekly email
Name
Email
TNLedger.com Knoxville Editon
RECORD TOTALS DAY WEEK YEAR
PROPERTY SALES 0 0 0
MORTGAGES 0 0 0
FORECLOSURE NOTICES 0 0 0
BUILDING PERMITS 0 0 0
BANKRUPTCIES 0 0 0
BUSINESS LICENSES 0 0 0
UTILITY CONNECTIONS 0 0 0
MARRIAGE LICENSES 0 0 0