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VOL. 43 | NO. 22 | Friday, May 31, 2019

Get out! Want to avoid the CMA Fest invasion? We’ve got some great short-drive getaways

It’s been just five weeks since the record-breaking NFL Draft and its horde of fans – 600,000 strong over three days – took control of downtown Nashville.

Outta-sight sites: You’ve seen the signs but never turned in. Now’s your chance

Nothing against Dolly and Elvis, but you can have Dollywood and Graceland. I’ll take paths less trampled, within a day’s round-trip drive of Nashville, Knoxville or Chattanooga.

JOE ROGERS: MY TAKE

All our ex’s helped make Texas what it is today

Texans stand second to none in their (often vocal) appreciation for their home state, but if it weren’t for Tennesseans, they’d be bragging in Spanish.

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

EVENTS

Transportation Summit Business Luncheon. Learn how transit is being addressed in Middle Tennessee through the South Corridor Study and how similar communities are working to combat this issue. Guest Speaker: Mayor Jackie Millet, Lone Tree, Colorado, will discuss her city’s transit initiatives. Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, 700 Cool Springs Blvd. Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fee: Members $55, Nonmembers $75. Information

more events »

RICHARD COURTNEY: REALTY CHECK

Want to keep some fixtures? Don’t let buyers see them

Sellers often have precious possessions attached to their walls and ceilings they would like to take with them as they transition into their new homes. “The chandelier is an heirloom and does not convey,” the listing description specifies.

REAL ESTATE

US long-term mortgage rates fall; 30-year average below 4%

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. long-term mortgage rates fell for the fifth consecutive week, tipping the key 30-year loan average below 4% for the first time in nearly a year and a half.

VANDERBILT SPORTS

5 reasons why VU is on track for World Series

Vanderbilt baseball is sitting pretty for the postseason, ranked No. 2 in the nation, coming off the SEC regular season and tournament championships and hosting one of the 16 NCAA regionals beginning Friday.

Things to know about NCAA baseball regionals

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The NCAA baseball tournament opens Friday with play in 16 double-elimination regionals. Regional winners advance to best-of-three super regionals next week, and the final eight go to the College World Series in Omaha beginning June 15. Some of the top story lines:

UT SPORTS

Stallings’ value to UT felt beyond the diamond

Garrett Stallings spotted the little boy in the orange Tennessee shirt as he was walking off the field.

NEWSMAKERS

Heritage Medical Associates names CEO

Heritage Medical Associates has hired James Shill as CEO. Shill brings more than 25 years of health care leadership experience to his new role.

BRIEFS

OpenTable picks House of Cards for night out

Nashville’s House of Cards has been named to a list featuring 100 Best Restaurants in America for a Big Night Out.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Need a new car? This summer’s best car deals are used cars

Although summer doesn’t officially begin until late June, many people see Memorial Day weekend as the de facto start of summer. That’s certainly true of car dealers, who take the opportunity to kick off summer car shopping with plenty of promotions and American flags.

PERSONAL FINANCE

Want to work past 65? You’ve got some serious work to do

Many people plan to work past normal retirement age, by choice or necessity. But most aren’t taking the steps that could increase the odds they’ll be able to do so.

CAREER CORNER

Seeking digital natives. Really?

I’ve noticed on job postings lately that companies are seeking “digital natives.”

STATE GOVERNMENT

Lee appoints members to criminal justice task force

NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Lee has appointed members to a task force dedicated to addressing and improving Tennessee's criminal justice system.

MUSIC INDUSTRY

Carrie Underwood wins at CMT Awards, Tanya Tucker performs

Carrie Underwood extended her run as the most decorated act in the history of the CMT Music Awards with her 20th win Wednesday night.

EDUCATION

University of Tennessee eyes tuition increases at 3 campuses

KNOXVILLE (AP) — The University of Tennessee is considering tuition increases at its Knoxville, Martin and Chattanooga campuses.

AUTO INDUSTRY

Fiat Chrysler-Renault deal collapsed over Nissan role

MILAN (AP) — Fiat Chrysler's surprise decision to withdraw a merger offer with French carmaker Renault stunned the industry, collapsing Thursday on fundamental differences over when Renault's long-time alliance partner, Nissan, would be brought in.

Ford to close 'unsustainable' Wales plant that employs 1,700

LONDON (AP) — A Ford engine plant in Wales that employs 1,700 people is "economically unsustainable" and will close next year, the carmaker announced Thursday.

Sales chief alleges Fiat Chrysler violated whistleblower law

DETROIT (AP) — Fiat Chrysler's U.S. sales chief is suing the company, alleging that it withheld 90% of his pay package because he testified in a government inquiry of sales reporting practices.

COURTS

Opioid maker agrees to pay $225M to settle federal probes

WASHINGTON (AP) — An opioid manufacturer has agreed to pay $225 million to resolve federal investigations into allegations that it paid kickbacks and used other illegal marketing tactics to sell a powerful fentanyl spray, authorities said Wednesday.

Hong Kong court: Denying same-sex spousal benefits unlawful

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal said Thursday the government cannot deny spousal employment benefits to same-sex couples, in a ruling hailed as a major step forward for same-sex equality in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

TECHNOLOGY

Regulators give phone companies new tools to fight robocalls

NEW YORK (AP) — Federal regulators are giving phone companies the right to block unwanted calls without getting customers' permission first.

Google to acquire data firm Looker for $2.6 billion

NEW YORK (AP) — Google is acquiring data analytics firm Looker for $2.6 billion cash in an effort to expand its Google Cloud business.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Poll: Some younger workers not happy with graying workforce

CHICAGO (AP) — A rising share of older Americans is forgoing the concept of a traditional retirement at the age of 65, a trend that some younger workers aren't particularly thrilled to see.

US trade deficit smaller in April, but gap with China grew

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. trade deficit shrank in April, but the politically sensitive deficit with China moved higher.

US productivity grew at solid 3.4% rate in first quarter

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. productivity grew at a strong 3.4% rate in the January-March quarter, the best showing in more than four years, the Labor Department reported Thursday. It was an encouraging sign that productivity may finally be improving after a long stretch of weakness.

'Sell By' or what? US pushes for clarity on expiration dates

NEW YORK (AP) — If milk is a few days past its "Sell By" date, is it safe to drink?

Talks resume as Trump's Mexico tariff deadline looms

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. and Mexican officials headed into a second day of talks Thursday, working to avert import tariffs that President Donald Trump in threatening to impose as he tries to strong-arm Mexico into stemming the flood of Central American migrants at America's southern border.

China says list of 'unreliable' foreign firms coming soon

BEIJING (AP) — China's Commerce Ministry will release a list of "unreliable" foreign companies in the near future, a spokesman said Thursday, without giving a specific date.

After Fed, Europe also helps economy cope with trade war

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — The European Central Bank has taken action to support the economy in the 19-country eurozone, joining other major central banks like the U.S. Federal Reserve in responding to fears about global growth.

Should Amazon be broken up? 'No,' says Amazon executive

LAS VEGAS (AP) — An Amazon executive said Wednesday that the online shopping giant isn't too big and shouldn't be broken up, but added that large companies deserve to be examined.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Much to disagree on as Trump, Macron meet on D-Day

CAEN, France (AP) — France wants the D-Day commemoration to showcase its long friendship with the United States, but relations are strained as President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron prepare to meet Thursday on the sidelines of the 75th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy that helped free Europe from Nazi occupation.


WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
MUSIC INDUSTRY

Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan to perform at CMT Music Awards

Carrie Underwood is the queen of the CMT Music Awards with the most wins in the show's history: 18. And she could take home more trophies Wednesday night.

TOURISM

Tennessee tries 'laugh trackers' to rate top kids' destinations

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee tourism officials say they've counted kids' laughs to help parents weigh their trip options.

REGION

Jack Daniel's, parent company takes hit from Trump tariffs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Led by strong sales for its whiskey and tequila brands, Brown-Forman Corp. reported higher fourth-quarter net income Wednesday despite taking a hit from the Trump administration's tariff fight.

COURTS

Appeals court ruling favorable to Memphis in monuments case

MEMPHIS (AP) — Appeals judges in Tennessee are backing another court's decision related to Memphis' removal of statues of Confederate leaders Nathan Bedford Forrest and Jefferson Davis from two parks.

Couple accused of defrauding military seek separate trials

NASHVILLE (AP) — Separate trials are being sought by a Tennessee couple accused of defrauding the U.S. military out of $65 million in a scheme involving prescriptions for pain and scar cream.

Ex-Tennessee college worker charged with student loan fraud

NASHVILLE (AP) — A former Tennessee State University admissions worker is charged with diverting student federal aid into his bank accounts in 2014-15.

AUTO INDUSTRY

GM adds trickier roads to its semi-autonomous driving system

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is adding 70,000 miles (113,000 kilometers) of roads across the U.S. and Canada to the area where its Cadillac Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system can run, including some with cross traffic similar to those that have confused Tesla's Autopilot system.

Germany: no layoffs at Volkswagen brand through 2029

BERLIN (AP) — Automaker Volkswagen is ruling out compulsory layoffs at its core brand's German plants for the next 10 years even as it looks to cut costs and adapts to increasing digitalization.

French government: No rush for Renault-Fiat Chrysler merger

PARIS (AP) — France's finance minister says Renault and Fiat Chrysler shouldn't rush into a merger.

TECHNOLOGY

Amazon says it will be delivering by drones 'in months'

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Amazon said Wednesday that it plans to use self-driving drones to deliver packages to shoppers' home in the coming months

YouTube updates hate speech guidelines to prohibit videos

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — YouTube updated its hate speech policies Wednesday to prohibit videos with white supremacy and neo-Nazi viewpoints.

Is there finally more help in the fight against robocalls?

NEW YORK (AP) — New tools are coming to fight robocalls, but don't expect unwanted calls to disappear.

MEDIA

Americans think fake news is big problem, blame politicians

NEW YORK (AP) — Half of U.S. adults consider fake news a major problem, and they mostly blame politicians and activists for it, according to a new survey.

HEALTH CARE

Trump ending fetal tissue research by federal scientists

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration said Wednesday it is ending medical research by government scientists that uses human fetal tissue, overriding the advice of scientists who say it has led to life-saving medical advances and handing abortion opponents a major victory.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Tech companies lead US stocks broadly higher; oil slumps

Stocks closed higher on Wall Street for the second straight day Wednesday, extending Tuesday's strong gains as investors bet an interest rate cut could be ahead.

Fed says economic gains tempered by trade worries

WASHINGTON (AP) — Most areas of the country saw a slight improvement in economic activity in the spring, but those gains were tempered by concerns over rising trade tensions, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday.

Cuba restrictions hit cruise lines at the start of summer

MIAMI (AP) — The Trump administration's new restrictions on travel to Cuba will hit hardest at the cruise industry, taking away a new and increasingly popular destination at the start of the critical summer vacation season.

Survey: Companies add fewest jobs in 9 years in May

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. companies added the fewest jobs in nine years, a private survey found, as manufacturers, construction firms and mining companies cut workers.

US services company grew at faster pace in May

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. service companies expanded at stronger pace in May, driven in part by an increase in employment and business activity.

SEC moving to require brokers to reveal conflicts for advice

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal regulators are moving to require that brokers provide their customers with detailed disclosures of their potential conflicts of interest when dispensing advice for retirement planning and other investments.

Amid trade war, China's Xi talks up economy, heads to Moscow

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping is talking up the Chinese economy's resilience as he heads to Moscow for a state visit affirming increasingly close ties between the former Cold War rivals.

Koch tackles poverty by coaching nonprofits on business

SEATTLE (AP) — If a billionaire's approach to philanthropy is a reflection of himself, Charles Koch's latest initiative tackling poverty embodies both the wealthy industrialist's business acumen and his distaste for big government.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Senators launch bipartisan bid to block Saudi arms sales

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans and Democrats are banding together to try and stop the Trump administration's sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia.

Mexican officials try to stave off tariffs at White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mexican and U.S. officials met late into the day Tuesday at the White House trying to stave off President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs on all Mexican goods flowing into the United States.


TUESDAY, JUNE 4
STATE GOVERNMENT

Casada to resign in August

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's embattled House speaker announced Tuesday that he'll resign from his leadership position on Aug. 2 after a vote of no confidence by his Republican caucus amid a scandal over explicit text messages.

State wants suit over Tennessee voter signup law dismissed

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's attorney general wants a judge to dismiss a federal lawsuit over a new law that allows fines and potentially jail time for voter registration workers who don't follow new rules.

REGION

Tennessee, Mississippi await ruling in water rights dispute

NASHVILLE (AP) — A specially-appointed judge will make a recommendation to the U.S. Supreme Court in a water rights dispute between Tennessee and Mississippi.

Appalachian Trail attack leads to revised safety website

ROANOKE, Va. (AP) — A fatal stabbing on the Appalachian Trail has led the nonprofit that manages the trail to revise its website for reporting safety issues and suspicious incidents.

VANDERBILT SPORTS

Rutschman goes 1st, VU's Bleday 3rd in MLB draft

SECAUCUS, N.J. (AP) — Adley Rutschman heard the chatter for months that he'd be the No. 1 pick in the Major League Baseball draft.

AUTO INDUSTRY

Renault, Nissan urge legal action against for Ghosn expenses

PARIS (AP) — Renault says an internal audit with partner Nissan found 11 million euros in questionable expenses at their Dutch-based holding linked to ousted chief Carlos Ghosn.

Nissan questions future of alliance with Renault

PARIS (AP) — Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa is casting doubt on whether his company will be involved if alliance partner Renault and Fiat Chrysler move forward with a merger proposal.

Renault delays decision on Fiat Chrysler marriage proposal

PARIS (AP) — Renault has delayed a decision on whether to merge with Fiat Chrysler, a deal that could reshape the global auto industry as carmakers race to make electric and autonomous vehicles for the masses.

Renault's FCA merger move leaves partner Nissan in the cold

TOKYO (AP) — Some Japanese are using an old expression to describe how Nissan was left out of talks that led to the proposed merger between its French alliance partner Renault and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: "kaya no soto."

ENVIRONMENT

Joe Biden's $5T climate plan: Net zero emissions by 2050

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is pitching a $5 trillion-plus climate proposal that he says would lead the U.S. to net zero emission of carbon pollution by 2050.

TECHNOLOGY

EU legal expert says online defamation enforceable worldwide

BRUSSELS (AP) — A top European Union legal adviser said Tuesday that social media networks like Facebook could be ordered to take down anywhere in the world any text, photo or other media ruled to be defamatory by a court.

HEALTH CARE

At stores and online, health care moves closer to customers

Health care is moving closer to patients.

More states sue opioid maker alleging deceptive marketing

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California, Hawaii, Maine and the District of Columbia filed lawsuits Monday against the maker of OxyContin and the company's former president, alleging the firm falsely promoted the drug by downplaying the risk of addiction while it emerged as one of the most widely abused opioids in the U.S.

CVS announces further expansion into health care services

CVS Health is pushing deeper into health services with plans to add dietitians, medical equipment and space for the occasional yoga class to 1,500 stores over the next few years.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

World Bank downgrades its forecast for global economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — The World Bank on Tuesday downgraded its forecast for the global economy in light of trade conflicts, financial strains and unexpectedly sharp slowdowns in wealthier countries.

Dow jumps over 500 points amid hopes of Fed rate cut

The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped more than 500 points Tuesday as investors welcomed signs that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates to help buttress U.S. economic growth in the face of escalating trade wars.

Poor Americans likely to be hit hardest by new US tariffs

PHOENIX (AP) — The biggest victims of President Donald Trump's tariffs won't necessarily be Mexicans or Chinese or young urbanites who will have to pay more for avocado toast.

In Michigan, Warren touts plan to boost US manufacturing

DETROIT (AP) — Elizabeth Warren launched her first tour of Michigan as a Democratic presidential candidate on Tuesday with a proposal to boost domestic manufacturing, including the creation of a Cabinet-level department charged with "creating and defending" American jobs.

Powell hints Fed will cut rates if needed over trade wars

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chairman Jerome Powell said Tuesday that the Federal Reserve is prepared to respond if it decides the Trump administration's trade conflicts are threatening the U.S. economy. Investors read his remarks as a signal that the Fed will likely cut interest rates later this year.

Trump administration halts cruises to Cuba under new rules

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Tuesday imposed major new travel restrictions on visits to Cuba by U.S. citizens, banning stops by cruise ships and ending a heavily used form of educational travel as it seeks to further isolate the communist government.

Trump says GOP would be 'foolish' to block Mexico tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that fellow Republicans would be "foolish" to block the tariffs he's threatening on Mexican imports, but GOP senators fearing a new trade war were considering action and grilling his administration lawyers behind closed doors.

Trump turns from pomp to business in UK visit

LONDON (AP) — Moving from pageantry to policy during his state visit to Britain, President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged embattled Prime Minister Theresa May to "stick around" to complete a U.S.-U.K. trade deal, adding to this recent chapter of uncertainty in the allies' storied relationship.

China issues travel alerts, slams US 'interference'

BEIJING (AP) — China issued a pair of travel warnings for the U.S. on Tuesday and slammed what it called "interference" in its internal affairs.

Walmart extends debt-free college benefits to high schoolers

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart is extending its debt-free college benefits to high schoolers as a way to attract and retain workers in a tight labor market.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

White House tells 2 ex-aides to defy congressional subpoena

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is again directing former employees not to cooperate with a congressional investigation, this time instructing former aides Hope Hicks and Annie Donaldson to defy subpoenas and refuse to provide documents to the House Judiciary Committee.

Congress launches Big Tech antitrust probe

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The federal government may be warming up its antitrust enforcement machine and pointing it at Big Tech.

Hotel investor: Trump evaded taxes in Panama

NEW YORK (AP) — The majority owner of a former Trump-branded hotel in Panama alleged in a court filing on Monday that the U.S. president's company misrepresented finances of the building to evade taxes in the country.


MONDAY, JUNE 3
NASHVILLE AREA

TV personalities will pitch in for Nashville Habitat build

More than 100 Discovery, Inc. volunteers will join Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville for a June 10-12 build.

STATEWIDE

Sethi launches Republican bid for open Tennessee Senate seat

NASHVILLE (AP) — Trauma surgeon Manny Sethi said Monday that he's running for a U.S. Senate seat opening in Tennessee.

STATE GOVERNMENT

Casada aide calls public schools 'satanic'

NASHVILLE (AP) — A legislative appointee of Republican Tennessee House speaker Glen Casada says public education is a "satanic system" and calls President Donald Trump and Pope Francis "anti-Christs."

MUSIC INDUSTRY

Police act to stop man's death, bomb threat against Bonnaroo

MANCHESTER (AP) — Police in Tennessee say they've minimized a threat posted by a man against the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. The post mentioned a bomb and said, "I might kill such people."

REAL ESTATE

US construction spending was flat in April as housing fell

WASHINGTON (AP) — Spending on U.S. construction projects was unchanged in April as another decline in home construction was offset by a big gain in government spending on projects like highways and hospitals.

HEALTH CARE

List of troubled nursing homes – 11 in TN – revealed by senators

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government for years has kept under wraps the names of hundreds of nursing homes around the country found by inspectors to have serious ongoing health, safety or sanitary problems.

Nashville-based pediatric group to pay workers $92K in back wages

NASHVILLE (AP) — Federal officials say a Tennessee pediatric clinic group will pay 31 employees $92,510 in back wages for labor violations.

US aims to help more cancer patients try experimental drugs

CHICAGO (AP) — Sally Atwater's doctor spent two months on calls, messages and paperwork to get her an experimental drug he thinks can fight the lung cancer that has spread to her brain and spine.

FDA food sampling finds contamination by 'forever chemicals'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration's first broad testing of food for a worrisome class of nonstick, stain-resistant industrial compounds found substantial levels in some grocery store meats and seafood and in off-the-shelf chocolate cake, according to unreleased findings FDA researchers presented at a scientific conference in Europe.

VANDERBILT SPORTS

VU's Bleday looks to go early in tonight's MLB draft

NEW YORK (AP) — Adley Rutschman has been a powerful presence at the plate and a formidable force behind it for Oregon State.

Vandy advances to super regional with 12-1 win

NASHVILLE (AP) — Julian Infante hit two home runs and Ty Duvall added a grand slam as Vanderbilt advanced to its third straight super regional by beating Indiana State 12-1 on Sunday night to clinch the Nashville Regional.

UT SPORTS

UNC beats Tennessee 5-2, advances to super regionals

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Austin Bergner struck out eight, and North Carolina beat Tennessee 5-2 on Sunday night to advance to the super regionals of the NCAA Tournament.

TECHNOLOGY

Report: FTC to lead possible Facebook antitrust probe

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Facebook's stock is plunging following a Wall Street Journal is report that the Federal Trade Commission will lead any antitrust investigation into the company as part of an arrangement that would give the Justice Department oversight of Google.

Apple previews new software as it diversifies beyond iPhones

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Apple CEO Tim Cook kicked off a keynote Monday that previewed upcoming changes to the company's phone and computer software, some intended to help it diversify to offset eroding sales of its bedrock product, the iPhone.

Tech group eases stance on Huawei as Beijing lashes back

BEIJING (AP) — The world's largest association of technology professionals backed away from barring from some of its activities employees of Chinese tech giant Huawei, the company at the center of a roiling trade dispute between Washington and Beijing.

Russia requires Tinder to provide data on its users

MOSCOW (AP) — Dating app Tinder is now required to provide user data to Russian intelligence agencies, the country's communications regulator said Monday.

TRANSPORTATION

Airlines downgrade 2019 forecast amid trade spats, fuel hike

BERLIN (AP) — The International Air Transport Association is lowering its 2019 profit forecast for the airline industry amid rising fuel prices and weakening world trade.

COURTS

Supreme Court won't get involved in Prophet Muhammad ad case

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is declining to get involved in a dispute that began when a group tried to have Washington transit officials display an ad with a provocative cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad.

ENVIRONMENT

Carnival to pay $20M for cruise pollution

MIAMI (AP) — Carnival Corp. has reached a settlement with federal prosecutors in which the world's largest cruise line agreed to pay a $20 million penalty for its ships continuing to pollute the oceans despite promising years ago to stop.

Poland Spring to use 100% recycled plastic for bottles

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Poland Spring announced Monday a plan to use 100% recycled plastic for all its noncarbonated water containers, a move that comes amid growing concern about plastic pollution.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

US stock indexes end mixed; Nasdaq slumps on big tech slide

Major U.S. stock indexes ended mostly lower Monday amid signs that the Trump administration is laying the groundwork to ratchet up scrutiny on some of the market's biggest names: Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Google.

Market for small businesses appears waning, survey says

NEW YORK (AP) — The boom market in small businesses appears to have reached its peak and is now waning.

Survey: US manufacturing growth slowed in May

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. manufacturers grew at a slower pace in May, as production levels fell slightly.

US, Mexico officials to begin talks over tariffs, border

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mexico launched a counteroffensive Monday against the threat of U.S. tariffs, warning not only that it would hurt the economies of both countries but also could cause a quarter-million more Central Americans to migrate North.

China blames US for trade dispute, but doesn't escalate

BEIJING (AP) — China fired back at the U.S. Sunday over the two nations' trade dispute, issuing a report that blamed the conflict on the Trump administration but refrained from escalating the trade war.

Sephora to close US stores on June 5 for inclusion workshops

NEW YORK (AP) — Sephora says it will close all its U.S. stores on the morning of June 5 to host "inclusion workshops" for its employees. The move comes just over a month after the cosmetics company caught the internet's eye, when singer SZA said she had security called on her while shopping at a California store.

Book sales are steady, but tariffs are on publishers' minds

NEW YORK (AP) — Publishers poured champagne and toasted the picture book "Summer," a children's book that is the first American release to come out of a long partnership between MacMillan and China's 21st Century Publishing Group, on the floor of the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City last week.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

House panel set to hold Barr, Ross in contempt of Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Oversight Committee is moving to hold Attorney General William Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with subpoenas for documents related to the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census.

Trump, in tussle with CNN, suggests boycott of parent AT&T

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Monday to reiterate his complaints about CNN and suggest a boycott of its parent company, AT&T.

Trump says top White House economist Kevin Hassett leaving

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says the White House's top economist is leaving soon.

Trump, first lady meet with queen at Buckingham Palace

LONDON (AP) — President Donald Trump met with Queen Elizabeth II Monday during two-day visit to Britain that's meant to strengthen ties between the two nations, although the trip was immediately at risk of being overshadowed by Brexit turmoil and a political feud with London's mayor.

Trump: UK should be ready to leave EU without a deal

LONDON (AP) — President Donald Trump has waded into the most contentious issue in British politics by urging the U.K. government to leave the European Union without a deal if it can't get better terms from EU leaders.

AP FACT CHECK: Trump's dig at McCain skews facts on vet care

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is making up facts about a veterans' health care program in his latest dig at late Sen. John McCain.

Pentagon tells White House to stop politicizing military

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The Pentagon has told the White House to stop politicizing the military, amid a furor over a Trump administration order to have the Navy ship named for the late U.S. Sen. John McCain hidden from view during President Donald Trump's recent visit to Japan.

Trump says top White House economist Kevin Hassett leaving

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says the White House's top economist is leaving soon.


FRIDAY, MAY 31
STATE GOVERNMENT

Tennessee House creates new ethics attorney role

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee House is creating a new ethics attorney role.

NASHVILLE AREA

Trump to award Medal of Freedom to Nashville's Laffer

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is set award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Nashville-based economist Arthur Laffer.

Audit: Leaks found at new $160M Tennessee state museum

NASHVILLE (AP) — State auditors have found water leaks at Tennessee's new $160 million state museum.

Music Row added to list of 'Most Endangered Historic Places'

NASHVILLE (AP) — The National Trust for Historic Preservation says it has named Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee, to its 2019 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

MIDSTATE

Paxton Media Group buys Lebanon Democrat

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — A Kentucky-based media company has bought daily newspapers in Grand Haven, Michigan, and Lebanon.

MUSIC INDUSTRY

Kenny Rogers admitted to hospital, treated for dehydration

NASHVILLE (AP) — Entertainer Kenny Rogers has been admitted to a Georgia hospital for dehydration, according to his official Twitter account.

SPORTS

Cheers! SEC to allow sale of beer, wine at sporting events

DESTIN, Fla. (AP) — Bottoms up, Southeastern Conference. The powerhouse league bellied up to the bar Friday and voted to allow the sale of beer and wine at sporting events.

EDUCATION

UT-Knoxville program aims to promote diversity in teaching

KNOXVILLE (AP) — A new program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville aims to increase diversity among the state's teachers.

HEALTH CARE

Companies report progress on blood tests to detect cancer

A California company says its experimental blood test was able to detect many types of cancer at an early stage and gave very few false alarms in a study that included people with and without the disease.

AUTO INDUSTRY

Renault board to vote next week on merger with Fiat Chrysler

PARIS (AP) — French automaker Renault says its board will meet on Tuesday to vote on a possible merger with Fiat Chrysler.

German government expands electric car incentive program

BERLIN (AP) — The German government is extending a system of incentives to buy electric cars by 18 months until the end of 2020.

Lee against union vote at Volkswagen plant

CHATTANOOGA (AP) — Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee says he opposes a push by the United Auto Workers union to organize Volkswagen's lone U.S. plant in the state.

REAL ESTATE

US pending home sales fell 1.5% in April

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fewer Americans signed contracts on homes in April compared with the prior month, potentially signaling that rising prices have outweighed recent declines in mortgage rates.

TRANSPORTATION

Waymo bringing self-driving trucks to Phoenix area freeways

PHOENIX (AP) — Google's self-driving vehicle division says it's bringing autonomous trucks to the Phoenix area.

ENVIRONMENT

Energy secretary says US can make oil, gas, coal cleaner

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Trump administration is committed to making fossil fuels cleaner rather than imposing "draconian" regulations on oil, gas and coal, U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry said Thursday.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Stocks end rocky month lower as Trump widens trade war

Wall Street is no fan of Tariff Man. The stock market stumbled Friday to its first losing month of 2019 in May, primarily due to President Donald Trump's decision to broadly wield his tariff powers, first against China over trade and then against Mexico over immigration.

IRS proposes update to Form W-4 to increase accuracy

The IRS has proposed an update to the Form W-4 that it says will increase its accuracy, reduce its complexity and help avoid surprises at tax time.

Trump gets pushback on promise of new Mexican tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a surprise announcement that could derail a major trade deal, President Donald Trump says he is placing a 5% tariff on all Mexican imports, effective June 10, to pressure the country to do more to crack down on the surge of Central American migrants trying to cross the U.S. border.

US consumer spending slows to 0.3% gain in April

WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumer spending slowed in April while inflation was up, but still far below the target set by the Federal Reserve.

US companies are in line of fire of tariffs aimed at Mexico

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's surprise threat to impose escalating tariffs on Mexican imports jolted industry leaders throughout the U.S. economy Friday, sparked opposition even from usual Trump allies and set the stage for American consumers to face higher prices.

FT: Huawei cuts meetings with US, sends US workers home

BEIJING (AP) — The Financial Times reported Friday that tech giant Huawei has ordered its employees to cancel technical meetings with American contacts and has sent home numerous U.S. employees working at its Chinese headquarters.

Trump administration takes step toward replacing NAFTA

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Thursday triggered the process for submitting a bill to Congress that would implement the president's new trade deal with Canada and Mexico.

China tells Canada of 'consequences' of helping US

BEIJING (AP) — China warned Canada on Friday that it needs to be aware of the consequences of aiding the U.S. in a case involving the Chinese tech giant Huawei that is believed to have sparked the detentions of two Canadians in China.

US stocks muster slight gains after listless day of trading

Major U.S. stock indexes capped a day of listless trading with modest gains Thursday, snapping the market's two-day losing streak.

FedEx to deliver 7 days a week to satisfy online shoppers

FedEx plans to deliver packages seven days a week starting next January as it tries to keep up with the continuing boom in online shopping.

US-China trade dispute weighing on retail sector

NEW YORK (AP) — Pressure from the trade dispute between the U.S. and China continues to weigh on the retail sector.

The bond market is getting another whiff of a recession

NEW YORK (AP) — The scent of a possible recession is wafting through the bond market again.

US economy grew at solid 3.1% rate in Q1

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew at a solid 3.1% rate in the first three months of the year, but much of that gain was based on temporary factors that will likely fade, leaving growth much slower in the current quarter.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Transcript of Trump lawyer message in Flynn case is released

WASHINGTON (AP) — Prosecutors have released a full transcript of a voicemail from a former Trump lawyer that former national security adviser Michael Flynn said was an attempt to influence his cooperation in the Russia probe.

Ex-Roger Stone aide testifies on WikiLeaks before grand jury

WASHINGTON (AP) — A former aide to Trump confidant Roger Stone testified about WikiLeaks before a federal grand jury Friday in an investigation related to special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe.

Barr declines to agree on treason claim

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump and special counsel Robert Mueller (all times local):

Is it 'molecules of freedom' or just natural gas?

It's hard to generate interest in a news release about liquefied natural gas exports, but a high-ranking Trump administration official succeeded by calling the stuff "molecules of U.S. freedom."

GOP again blocks disaster aid bill in House

WASHINGTON (AP) — Another attempt to pass a $19 billion disaster aid bill in the House has failed after Republican John Rose of Tennessee stepped in to block it during Thursday's pro forma session.

Barr: Mueller could have decided on obstruction

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General William Barr says special counsel Robert Mueller could have reached a decision on whether President Donald Trump obstructed justice.

Republican redistricting expert linked to census question

NEW YORK (AP) — A longtime Republican redistricting expert played a key role in adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census, according to court papers filed Thursday by opponents of the move.

Trump says if Iran wants to talk he's available

JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — President Donald Trump says that if Iran wants to talk, he's available.

Trump's feud with McCain continues, ship kept out of view

President Donald Trump and his acting defense secretary distanced themselves from an order to keep a warship rededicated in honor of the late Sen. John McCain, a frequent critic of Trump , out of sight during the commander in chief's recent visit to Japan.

Trump attacks Mueller, denies that Russia helped him win

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump angrily assailed special counsel Robert Mueller's motives on Thursday, a day after Mueller bluntly rebuffed Trump's repeated claims that the Russia investigation had cleared him of obstructing justice.

Former US Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi dies at 81

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Former U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, who served 45 years in Washington and used seniority to steer billions of dollars to his home state of Mississippi, has died. He was 81.

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