» Subscribe Today!
The Power of Information
Home
The Ledger - EST. 1978 - Nashville Edition
X
Skip Navigation LinksHome
VOL. 43 | NO. 49 | Friday, December 6, 2019

It's getting late early for Predators

NHL history unkind to teams that misfire in 1st quarter of season

Do you have a copy of NHL 20 the video game? You might want to pick one up as the winter holidays approach because that might be the only chance you’ll get to see this year’s Predators in the Stanley Cup Final.

Preds coach has franchise history on his side

The St. Louis Blues fired their coach in November 2018. The team then rallied from last place, made the playoffs and defeated the Boston Bruins to capture the franchise’s first Stanley Cup.

Community Foundation announces grant recipients

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has announced $2,397,870 in grants to be awarded to 365 local nonprofit organizations as part of the 2019 annual grant-making process.

JOE ROGERS: MY TAKE

Nashville a mural hotbed despite lack of support

We’re Music City, sure. But Nashville’s increasingly becoming a Mural City, too, with examples splayed all over town.

Local Weather
Currently
Nashville, TN
44.1°F
Overcast
Wind: North at 10.4 mph
Humidity: 68%

EVENTS

Downtown Connect Quarterly Networking Coffee. A special presentation on near-term transportation solutions. Speakers: Mark Cleveland, co-founder and chairman, Hytch Rewards; Kacy Stern, special projects manager, Nashville Downtown Partnership. Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Center, One Symphony Place. Thursday, 8-9:30 a.m. Free, but advanced registration is required. Information

more events »

RICHARD COURTNEY: REALTY CHECK

Don’t make holiday buyers climb down the chimney

With Thanksgiving in the taillights and a plethora of religious holidays on the horizon, anyone owning a home should be extremely grateful they are not forced to experience the homebuying process during this frenetic market.

REAL ESTATE

November real estate trends: $1M-plus sales jump 47% in Davidson

Home sales activity was down 3% in the Nashville area and across Davidson County this November with 1,247 home sales recorded compared to 1,280 sales recorded in November of last year.

US long-term mortgage rates steady; 30-year loan at 3.68%

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. long-term mortgage rates held steady this week amid mixed signs in the housing market. Rates remain at historically low levels as a lure to prospective homebuyers. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was unchanged from the previous week at 3.68%. By contrast, the benchmark rate stood at 4.75% a year ago.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Castoffs becoming heroes for Titans

NFL stands for Not For Long, the old adage states with regard to the average length of a player’s career.

Key for Titans at Oakland: More of same

The Tennessee Titans find themselves in the midst of the AFC playoff chase with four games remaining, and they must take advantage of opportunities when games are played against other teams in the chase.

Week 13 Predictions: Titans should win on West Coast

Titans 23, Raiders 19: The Titans stay alive in the playoff race by going out to Oakland and downing a young, but talented Raiders team. If the offensive line does its work by opening holes for Derrick Henry and protecting Ryan Tannehill, the Titans should be able to take care of business.

UT SPORTS

Meeting after Florida game helped turn Vols’ season

Even the most optimistic Tennessee football fan would have been hard-pressed in early October to predict a seasonal resurrection.

NEWSMAKERS

Kottkamp joins Waller’s health care department

Nathan Kottkamp has joined Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis LLP in the firm’s health care department.

BRIEFS

Housing ‘silver tsunami’ will see smaller impact here

A newly released analysis by Zillow predicts a flood of homes will come on the market in the next 20 years as Baby Boomers age, creating a ‘silver tsunami’ of available houses.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Must-have car features when shopping for a new car

The average person owns a vehicle for about six and a half years. When it’s time to buy a new one, chances are there’s a lot of new technology to catch up on.

PERSONAL FINANCE

It’s time to let go of shame over your debt

Many of us feel bad about our debt. Most of us probably shouldn’t.

CAREER CORNER

Holidays are no time to put job search on vacation

Now’s the time to get started on your resolution to find a new job in the New Year. The holidays are the perfect time to begin your search. Yes, many human resources departments are on vacation, and hiring appears to halt. But, it’s a great time for you to lay the foundation to stand out in 2020.

MILLENNIAL MONEY

How to give back without busting your budget

It might not come as a surprise that millennials are passionate about giving back.

COURTS

10 ex-NFL players charged with defrauding health care program

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ten former NFL players have been charged with defrauding the league's health care benefit program, the Justice Department said Thursday.

Tennessee officials see 'no issue' with latest electrocution

FRANKLIN (AP) — Tennessee's top correctional official said Wednesday that there was "no issue" during the state's latest electrocution after witnesses reported seeing smoke above the inmate's head during the execution.

Execution on hold in Tennessee after racism argument raised

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's pending execution of a black inmate was put on hold Wednesday after he raised accusations that racism tainted the jury selection at his trial.

STATEWIDE

No paper trail by Super Tuesday for 2nd big Tennessee county

NASHVILLE (AP) — A second big county in Tennessee won't have paper-trail producing voting equipment that experts consider crucial for election integrity in place by the March 3 presidential primary.

AUTO INDUSTRY

Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz to retire after 38 years

DETROIT (AP) — He was the face of Toyota in the U.S. during the automaker's unintended-acceleration crisis. He steered it through the Great Recession, started and closed the youth-oriented Scion brand and reorganized the company's North American operations.

HEALTH CARE

Pelosi drug bill up for House vote reflects a Trump idea

WASHINGTON (AP) — Candidate Donald Trump said he could save Medicare billions by negotiating prescription drug prices. Thursday the House will vote on a bill by Speaker Nancy Pelosi that would deliver that and much more.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Wholesale prices unchanged in November as energy prices cool

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. wholesale prices were unchanged in November as the rise in energy costs slowed following a big gain in the previous month.

European Central Bank chief sees slowdown bottoming out

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Central banks in the United States and Europe say they've done their part to help the economy for now. The European Central Bank on Thursday decided to leave it stimulus programs unchanged as its new president highlighted signs that the economy has steadied after a period of weaker growth.

Happy contrails ... Delta sees strong 2020 profit, revenue

Delta Air Lines, the most profitable U.S. carrier, expects profits and revenue to increase next year on sustained demand for air travel and stable prices for jet fuel.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Trump criticizes teen climate activist after magazine honor

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump lashed out at 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg on Thursday, a day after she was named by Time as its Person of the Year, calling her selection "ridiculous."

Judiciary panel takes its 1st steps toward impeachment vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Judiciary Committee has taken the first steps toward voting on articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, beginning a marathon two-day session to consider the historic charges with a lively prime-time hearing at the Capitol.

Beyond the hearings: What to watch on Trump impeachment

WASHINGTON (AP) — Impeachment is moving beyond the hearing room.

Impeachment trial: Trump wants drama, but GOP wants it over

Washington (AP) — Donald Trump wants more than acquittal. He wants vindication.


WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11
STATEWIDE

Tennessee Valley Authority addresses coal ash leaks

CUMBERLAND CITY (AP) — Coal ash is leaking from a dump complex at the largest coal-fired plant owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority and the utility is monitoring whether it's affecting public water supplies.

MUSIC INDUSTRY

Tennessee music producer indicted on child sex charges

FRANKLIN (AP) — A Tennessee music producer has been arrested and accused of sexually assaulting two children.

PREDATORS

Saros makes 24 saves, Predators beat skidding Sharks 3-1

NASHVILLE (AP) — Juuse Saros made sure San Jose's losing streak continued.

ENVIRONMENT

Climate activist Greta Thunberg is Time 'person of the year'

NEW YORK (AP) — Teen activist Greta Thunberg says she was "a bit surprised" to be named Time's Person of the Year, despite becoming the figurehead of a global youth movement pressing for faster action climate change.

Thunberg accuses leaders of 'creative PR' at climate talks

MADRID (AP) — Activist Greta Thunberg accused the business and political leaders of misleading the public by holding climate talks that are not achieving real action against what she called the world's "climate emergency."

EU to offer billions to help poorer EU nations cut emissions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to put up 100 billion euros ($130 billion) to help EU nations that still heavily rely on fossil fuels to transition to lower emissions.

AUTO INDUSTRY

UAW workers ratify new contract with Fiat Chrysler

DETROIT (AP) — Unionized workers at Fiat Chrysler have voted overwhelmingly to approve a new four-year contract with the company.

Amid climate change concern, GM rolls out big new Chevy SUVs

MILFORD, Mich. (AP) — Global concerns about climate change are not stopping General Motors from making large SUVs for U.S. drivers.

TECHNOLOGY

Meet the scholar who diagnosed 'surveillance capitalism'

A year ago, Shoshana Zuboff dropped an intellectual bomb on the technology industry. She hasn't stood still since.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

US budget deficit rises to $209 billion in November

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. budget deficit rose by 2% last month to $209 billion, another step in a journey back toward $1 trillion-a-year budget shortfalls.

Saudi stock offering creates world's most valuable company

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco surpassed Apple as the world's most valuable public company Wednesday when its shares made their debut on the Saudi stock exchange, part of an ambitious shift away from the very fossil fuels the country's economy depends on.

Fed leaves low rates alone, foresees no moves in 2020

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate alone Wednesday and signaled that it expects to keep low rates unchanged through next year.

US stocks notch modest gains as Fed leaves rates unchanged

Wall Street capped a wobbly day Wednesday with modest gains for stocks, snapping a two-day losing streak for the S&P 500.

Indie booksellers persevere despite Amazon, rising costs

NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Mulvihill has felt optimistic enough about selling books that he bought a third bookstore within the past two months.

November US consumer prices up 0.3% on rising energy costs

WASHINGTON (AP) — Higher energy prices lifted U.S. overall consumer prices in November.

US Federal Reserve could signal no rate hike through 2020

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is set to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday and will likely signal that it expects rates to remain low well into next year despite a robust job market.

Chevron will write down assets by at least $10 billion

SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP) — Chevron Corp. said Tuesday it will book a charge of at least $10 billion because lower long-term prices for oil and natural gas will reduce the value of its assets.

Airbus beats Boeing again in aircraft orders and deliveries

Boeing's grounded 737 Max got a boost from two orders in November, but the American aircraft company continues to trail Europe's Airbus in both orders and deliveries of airline planes.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

GOP, Democrats push 1970s' Equal Rights Amendment in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — One of South Carolina's most liberal lawmakers and one of its most conservative are joining together to revive the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

House leaders racing the clock on government spending bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate's top Republican issued a downbeat assessment of talks on a government spending bill Wednesday, warning that it will require a "laser focus from both parties and both chambers" to meet next week's deadline and avert a federal shutdown.

US considers leaving smaller number of troops in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is considering several options to reduce the number of troops in Afghanistan, including one that would shift to a narrower counterterrorism mission, the top U.S. military officer told Congress on Wednesday.

Watchdog: 'Basic and fundamental errors' in Russia probe

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department's internal watchdog told Congress on Wednesday that he is concerned that "so many basic and fundamental errors" were made by the FBI as it investigated ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Democrats agree to North America trade pact: What's in it?

WASHINGTON (AP) — After months of political wrangling, House Democrats agreed Tuesday to President Donald Trump's revamped version of a 25-year-old North American free trade agreement. But they pried some concessions out of the Trump administration before saying they'd go along.

US hits Iran with new sanctions, hopes for prisoner dialogue

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Wednesday hit Iran with new sanctions that target several transportation firms as it continues its "maximum pressure campaign" against the Islamic Republic over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Democrats' divide: Free college for all or for some?

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Buttigieg's latest ad on college affordability was a relatively quiet one: The presidential candidate is seen explaining his plan for free public college tuition for some to a small group of nodding middle-aged voters, his measured tone hardly shifting as he takes an indirect swipe at his Democratic rivals.

Trump, allies aim to delegitimize impeachment from the start

WASHINGTON (AP) — They're calling it a circus, a farce and even zany.

Democrats' impeachment charges say Trump betrayed the nation

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats announced two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, declaring he "betrayed the nation" with his actions toward Ukraine as they pushed toward historic proceedings that are certain to help define his presidency and shape the 2020 election.


TUESDAY, DEC. 10
NASHVILLE AREA

Employees fired after Tennessee juvenile detention escape

NASHVILLE (AP) — Four employees at a Tennessee juvenile detention center where four teenagers escaped on Nov. 30 are being fired, according to Nashville's juvenile court administrator.

MIDSTATE

Authorities: Someone illegally shot Luke Bryan's red stag

COLUMBIA (AP) — An exotic red stag owned by country music singer Luke Bryan was shot and killed on his private property outside of Nashville last week, Tennessee wildlife officials confirmed.

COURTS

Pentagon to probe legality of using troops on US border

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon's independent investigations office says it will evaluate the legality of the Trump administration's use of the military at the U.S. southwestern border.

World trade without rules? US shuts down WTO appeals court

GENEVA (AP) — Global commerce will lose its ultimate umpire Tuesday, leaving countries unable to reach a final resolution of disputes at the World Trade Organization and instead facing what critics call "the law of the jungle.''

Justices seem to favor insurers' Obamacare claims for $12B

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court appeared likely Tuesday to rule that insurance companies can collect $12 billion from the federal government to cover their losses in the early years of the health care law championed by President Barack Obama.

Exxon Mobil prevails in climate regulations lawsuit

NEW YORK (AP) — Exxon Mobil prevailed Tuesday in a lawsuit accusing the energy giant of downplaying the toll that climate change regulations could take on its business, with a judge saying the state attorney general's case didn't prove the company deceived investors — but also didn't excuse it of any accountability for global warming.

24 states asking for better online protections for children

NASHVILLE (AP) — Two dozen state attorneys general are asking a federal agency to implement better online protections for children.

EDUCATION

Tennessee Board of Regents to discuss budgets, new programs

NASHVILLE (AP) — Budget revisions and new student training programs are on the agenda for the next Tennessee Board of Regents meeting.

AUTO INDUSTRY

Japanese regulators recommend $22 million fine on Nissan

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese securities regulators are recommending that automaker Nissan be fined 2.4 billion yen ($22 million) for under-reporting compensation for its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn.

China's electric car sales slump, squeezing automakers

BEIJING (AP) — Looking for a new car, Yang Zhibo considered an electric but balked at prices that are thousands of dollars higher after Beijing wound down multibillion-dollar subsidies that made China the biggest market for the technology.

TECHNOLOGY

Facebook rebuffs US AG over access to encrypted messages

Facebook is rebuffing efforts by U.S. Attorney General William Barr to give authorities a way to read encrypted messages.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Stocks close lower on Wall Street ahead of tariff deadline

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are closing slightly lower on Wall Street following reports that the U.S. may delay a new round of tariffs on Chinese goods.

U of Phoenix agrees to $50M settlement over false ad claims

The University of Phoenix and its parent company have agreed to pay $50 million in cash and cancel $141 million in student debt to settle allegations of deceptive advertisement brought by the Federal Trade Commission.

Europe's new central bank chief faces slow growth, dissent

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Mario Draghi took over as head of the European Central Bank eight years ago amid market speculation that the euro currency union might break up. Christine Lagarde succeeds him with a little more breathing room - but facing serious challenges from a weak economy, policy differences among her own officials, and questions about how much more central banks can do to help.

US productivity edges down 0.2% in third quarter

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. productivity fell in the summer, the first decline in nearly four years, underscoring the struggles companies are facing in boosting worker efficiency.

Cambodia dismayed over US sanctions for corruption, logging

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — The Cambodian government expressed "strong dismay" Tuesday over a U.S. Treasury decision to sanction two businessmen suspected of corruption and illegal logging.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Democrats unveil impeachment charges; Trump left 'no choice'

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats announced two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on Tuesday, declaring his actions toward Ukraine "betrayed the nation" as they pushed toward historic proceedings that are certain to help define his presidency and shape the 2020 election.

AP Analysis: Trump faces narrow but consequential charges

WASHINGTON (AP) — The articles of impeachment offered up Tuesday against President Donald Trump are narrow, but consequential. They are also likely to be approved by Democrats alone.

AP FACT CHECK: How Trump's Russia claims line up with report

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has railed for years against the FBI's investigation into his campaign, making incendiary — and sometimes easily disprovable — allegations.

Pelosi announces agreement on North American trade pact

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday announced agreement on a modified North American trade pact, handing President Donald Trump a major Capitol Hill win on the same day that Democrats announced their impeachment charges against him.

Democrats agree to North America trade pact: What's in it?

WASHINGTON (AP) — After months of political wrangling, House Democrats agreed Tuesday to President Donald Trump's revamped version of a 25-year-old North American free trade agreement. But they pried some concessions out of the Trump administration before saying they'd go along.

Pompeo: Foreign interference in US elections 'unacceptable'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that any foreign interference in American elections is "unacceptable" and warned Russia and others that the Trump administration will protect the integrity of the vote.

Arms control on tap for Trump, Pompeo's meeting with Lavrov

WASHINGTON (AP) — Arms control, Ukraine and Syria are headlining President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's meetings Tuesday with Russia's foreign minister, who is making his first trip to Washington since May 2017.

DOJ watchdog report takeaways: Nuance, no total absolution

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department's internal watchdog released a report that found the FBI had a legitimate reason to open up one of the most politically sensitive investigations ever, the Russia probe that began in secret during Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign that eventually was taken over by special counsel Robert Mueller. But the report, issued Monday, also documented errors during the investigation that Trump and his supporters could seize on as vindication. It had been highly anticipated, in Washington anyway, but the conclusions were nuanced — and as so many other key moments over the past few years — that made it difficult for any side to claim total absolution.

A free pass for Trump? GOP presses edge in key battlegrounds

WASHINGTON (AP) — A full year before Election Day 2020, Republicans quietly executed a "dry run" of President Donald Trump's massive reelection machine.


MONDAY, DEC. 9
TENNESSEE TITANS

Titans win 4th consecutive, 42-21 against Raiders

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The way the Tennessee Titans offense is rolling under Ryan Tannehill, an early interception proved to be an easy obstacle to overcome.

SPORTS

Mississippi State to play Louisville in Music City Bowl

Mississippi State (6-6, SEC) vs. Louisville (7-5, ACC), Dec. 30, 4 p.m. ET

Lipscomb pulls away from scrappy Trevecca Nazarene 96-72

NASHVILLE (AP) — Ahsan Asadullah and KJ Johnson each scored 21 points and Lipscomb beat Division II-member Trevecca Nazarene 96-72 on Sunday.

MEDIA

Gannett: 'Frontline' reporting jobs will be last to get cut

NEW YORK (AP) — In November, newspaper publisher GateHouse completed its acquisition of USA Today owner Gannett, creating the largest newspaper publisher in the U.S. Executives behind the merger, which was funded in part by a high-interest, $1.8 billion loan from a private equity firm, have pledged significant cost cuts, but say they are aiming to shield reporting jobs as much as possible.

AUTO INDUSTRY

GM lending $40M to startup company buying closed Ohio plant

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — General Motors has agreed to loan $40 million to a newly formed company that wants to make electric pickup trucks at a massive Ohio assembly plant GM shut down earlier this year.

EU approves state aid to develop car batteries industry

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union has approved 3.2 billion euros ($3.5 billion) in subsidies from seven member countries that want to develop the electric battery industry and challenge China's supremacy.

COURTS

Supreme Court leaves Kentucky's ultrasound law in place

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday left in place a Kentucky law requiring doctors to perform ultrasounds and show fetal images to patients before abortions.

HEALTH CARE

White House backs emerging deal on consumer health costs

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House endorsed an emerging bipartisan agreement Monday on legislation aimed at curbing rising health care costs, including taking steps to limit "surprise" medical bills that can plague patients treated in emergency rooms.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

World trade without rules? US shuts down WTO appeals court

GENEVA (AP) — Global commerce will lose its ultimate umpire Tuesday, leaving countries unable to reach a final resolution of disputes at the World Trade Organization and instead facing what critics call "the law of the jungle.''

Stocks close broadly lower on Wall Street; trade in focus

Stocks closed modestly lower on Wall Street Monday as losses in technology, health care and financial companies outweighed gains elsewhere in the market.

Fed is likely to reinforce a message of continued low rates

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is expected to send a clear message when its latest policy meeting ends Wednesday: Interest rates will likely stay ultra-low for the foreseeable future.

Small business hiring slow, likely to remain so, reports states

NEW YORK (AP) — Two reports last week show that small business hiring still lags behind the strong job growth reported at larger companies, and that owners are unlikely to increase their staffs significantly in 2020.

Business economists see US slowing but avoiding recession

Washington (AP) — The nation's business economists expect U.S. economic growth to decelerate this year and next but for the economy to avoid stumbling into recession, extending a record-breaking expansion already in its 11th year.

Amazon says Trump's 'improper pressure' doomed Pentagon bid

Amazon says President Donald Trump's "improper pressure" and behind-the-scenes attacks harmed its chances of winning a $10 billion Pentagon contract.

Trump, Dems in tentative deal on North American trade pact

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats have reached a tentative agreement with labor leaders and the White House over a rewrite of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal that has been a top priority for President Donald Trump.

Saudi prince's ambitions hinge on triumphant Aramco sale

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia is expected to set a new record for the largest stock flotation in history on Wednesday with the sale of part of Aramco, the state-owned oil company valued at $1.7 trillion.

Official: China hopes for US trade pact as tariff hike nears

BEIJING (AP) — A Chinese official says Beijing wants a prompt settlement of its trade war with Washington.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

House impeachment hearing gets rancorous as lawyers testify

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top House lawyers sparred with lawmakers and each other in an acrimonious hearing Monday over the impeachment case against President Donald Trump as Democrats prepare formal charges.

AP FACT CHECK: Impeachment hearing draws too-simple answers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Debating the grounds for impeachment, Republicans said there's nothing here. Democrats said it's a slam dunk.

HHS defends Trump health appointee over lost jewelry claim

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government on Monday defended a top Trump administration health official who sought a reimbursement from taxpayers of $47,000, reportedly including a $5,900 Ivanka Trump-brand pendant, for items stolen during a work-related trip.

What's next in impeachment: Articles, and committee vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is rapidly headed toward the real work of impeachment this week, with articles expected to be introduced and voted on in the House Judiciary Committee.

Watchdog report: FBI's Russia probe justified, no bias found

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI was justified in opening its investigation into ties between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia  and did not act with political bias, the Justice Department's internal watchdog declared Monday, undercutting President Donald Trump's repeated claims that he has merely been the target of a "witch hunt."

AP FACT CHECK: Trump, GOP misfires on Ukraine, Mueller probe

WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing almost-certain impeachment, President Donald Trump and his GOP allies are blasting the House inquiry into whether he abused his office as illegal and declaring him completely free of taint on Ukraine and in the Russia investigation.


FRIDAY, DEC. 6
HEALTH CARE

Senators urge Medicare to allow seniors a drug plan do-over

WASHINGTON (AP) — Leading senators are urging Medicare to allow seniors concerned about their drug plan pick for next year to switch if they received inaccurate information due to changes the agency made this sign-up season.

COURTS

Trump asks Supreme Court to shield banking records for now

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and three of his children asked the Supreme Court on Friday to shield records held by Deutsche Bank and Capital One from House Democrats.

Tennessee high court rules against paper in defamation case

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that a newspaper cannot use the state's fair report privilege law as a shield against a defamation lawsuit for a story that was based on a one-on-one interview with a police detective.

Blind inmate executed in Tennessee for woman's 1991 killing

NASHVILLE (AP) — A blind prisoner convicted of killing his estranged girlfriend by setting her on fire in her car was put to death Thursday in Tennessee's electric chair, becoming only the second inmate without sight to be executed in the U.S. since the reinstatement of the nation's death penalty in 1976.

TECHNOLOGY

NATO researchers: Social media failing to stop manipulation

LONDON (AP) — Social media companies are failing to stop manipulated activity, according to a report Friday by NATO-affiliated researchers who said they were easily able to buy tens of thousands of likes, comments and views on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Hiring gains send stock indexes higher

NEW YORK (AP) — Major stock indexes are ending a choppy week with solid gains after the government reported that hiring in the U.S. jumped last month to the highest level since January.

Consumer borrowing increases with higher credit card use

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumers ramped up their credit card spending in October.

Uber reports more than 3,000 sexual assaults on 2018 rides

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Uber, as part of a long anticipated safety report, revealed that more than 3,000 sexual assaults were reported during its U.S. rides in 2018.

Cannabis stocks' 2019 skid showing few signs of easing

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When it comes to investing in cannabis stocks, the marijuana bud's faded bloom has shown few signs of returning this year.

Where's my Amazon package? It may be late

NEW YORK (AP) — It's just a week into the holiday shopping season, and Amazon is already having trouble getting packages to shoppers' doorsteps on time.

US gains a robust 266,000 jobs; unemployment falls to 3.5%

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hiring in the United States jumped last month to its highest level since January as U.S. employers shrugged off global trade conflicts and added 266,000 jobs.

China waiving tariff hikes on US soybeans, pork

China is waiving punitive tariffs on U.S. soybeans and pork while the two sides negotiate a trade deal, the Ministry of Finance said Friday.

OPEC nations, Russia look to cut oil output to lift prices

The OPEC oil-producing countries and ally Russia said Friday they have agreed to cut their crude production by an extra 500,000 barrels a day as they try to support global energy prices.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

House passes bill to restore key parts of Voting Rights Act

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic-controlled House has approved a bill that would restore key sections of the Voting Rights Act that once required officials in all or parts of 15 states to receive federal approval before making changes to the voting process.

As Dems zero in on White House, Trump racks up court losses

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump knows he has fierce Democratic adversaries in Congress. But there is also powerful sentiment against him from the Judiciary branch, where black-robed judges who sit in courtrooms just blocks from the Capitol and in New York City have repudiated his view of executive power.

Articles of impeachment: Explaining what's next in the House

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that Democrats will draft articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, a crucial step toward a vote of the full House.

Trump on likely impeachment: 'Do it now, fast'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Just get on with it. After months of fighting the House impeachment inquiry, blocking witnesses and ignoring subpoenas, the White House is now publicly embracing a strategy it has privately signaled for weeks: It will accept the reality that President Donald Trump will likely be impeached by the House and focus instead on a made-for-TV trial on friendlier turf in the Republican-controlled Senate.


THURSDAY, DEC. 5
NASHVILLE AREA

Tennesseans invited for holiday tour of governor's mansion

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennesseans are invited to visit the governor's mansion this holiday season for self-guided tours.

COURTS

Trump asks Supreme Court to void financial records subpoena

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to void a subpoena from the House of Representatives that seeks the president's financial records from his accounting firm.

Blind inmate faces execution tonight

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee is set to carry out what is expected to be only the second execution of a blind prisoner in the United States since the nation reinstated the death penalty in 1976.

TOURISM

Airbnb introduces new rules to rein in parties, nuisances

Airbnb is taking more steps to crack down on parties and nuisance guests in the wake of a Halloween shooting at an Airbnb rental in a San Francisco suburb.

AUTO INDUSTRY

Nissan gives workers 2 unpaid days off as US sales slump

FRANKLIN (AP) — Nissan Motor Co. is making its U.S. factory and office employees take two days off without pay amid slumping sales.

GM, Korea's LG Chem in venture to build factory in Ohio

WARREN, Mich. (AP) — General Motors and Korea's LG Chem have formed a joint venture to build an electric vehicle battery cell factory near Lordstown, Ohio, east of Cleveland.

TECHNOLOGY

2 Russians charged in multimillion-dollar malware scheme

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department unsealed charges Thursday against the alleged leader and an administrator of a Russian cyber-criminal gang that U.S. officials say developed and distributed malware used to steal at least $100 million from banks and other financial institutions in more than 40 countries over the past decade.

HEALTH CARE

US report: Prescription drug prices down slightly last year

WASHINGTON (AP) — Prices for prescription drugs edged down by 1% last year, a rare result driven by declines for generics and slow, low growth in the cost of brand-name medications, the government said Thursday.

New details emerge on drug that may slow Alzheimer's disease

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A company that claims to have the first drug to slow mental decline from Alzheimer's disease made its case to scientists Thursday, disclosing more results that may help explain why one study of the experimental medicine succeeded and another failed.

Pelosi sets showdown vote on Medicare drug negotiations

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House will hold a showdown vote next week on Speaker Nancy Pelosi's bill empowering Medicare to negotiate prices for costly prescription drugs, her office announced Thursday.

ENVIRONMENT

US feels the heat as Trump pulls out of global climate pact

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is aiming to make the annual U.N.-sponsored climate talks underway in Madrid the last ones for full participation by the United States, which is the world's No. 1 economy and the second-biggest carbon emitter.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Stocks end wobbly day with slight gains ahead of jobs report

Wall Street capped a wobbly day of trading Thursday with slight gains for the major stock indexes as technology companies and banks outweighed declines elsewhere in the market.

Saudi Aramco plans $25.6B share sale in biggest ever IPO

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company Aramco on Thursday set a share price for its IPO — expected to be the biggest ever — that puts the value of the company at $1.7 trillion, more than Apple or Microsoft.

US trade gap narrows 7.6% to $47.2 billion in October

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in October as imports fell faster than exports. The politically sensitive trade gap with China dropped.

France shuts down: Mass strike hits trains, Eiffel Tower

PARIS (AP) — The Eiffel Tower shut down, France's vaunted high-speed trains stood still and several thousand people protested in Paris as unions launched open-ended, nationwide strikes Thursday over the government's plan to overhaul the retirement system.

OPEC debates deeper production cuts to push up oil price

VIENNA (AP) — The countries that make up the OPEC oil-producing cartel are meeting Thursday to decide whether to cut down on their production and push up prices of fuel and energy around the world.

Huawei asks court to throw out US telecom funds ban

SHENZHEN, China (AP) — Chinese tech giant Huawei is asking a U.S. federal court to throw out a rule that bars rural phone carriers from using government money to purchase its equipment on security grounds.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

US considers sending several thousand more troops to Mideast

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is considering sending several thousand additional troops to the Middle East to help deter Iranian aggression, amid reports of escalating violence in Iran and continued meddling by Tehran in Iraq, Syria and other parts of the region.

Democrats take big new step toward impeaching Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. House is pressing forward to draft articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday.

Across Capitol Hill, impeachment saga shifts

WASHINGTON (AP) — A different chairman. A committee twice the size. A shift from evidence to law.

Board finds border agents broke rules in shooting at cars

WASHINGTON (AP) — Four Border Patrol agents didn't follow department rules when they opened fire in two separate incidents along the U.S.-Mexico Border, both involving agents shooting at drivers who were trying to speed away, a review board has found.

Amazon blaming Trump over Pentagon contract loss, judge says

WASHINGTON (AP) — Amazon is arguing in a court case that President Donald Trump's bias against the company harmed its chances at winning a $10 billion Pentagon contract.

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