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VOL. 45 | NO. 39 | Friday, September 24, 2021

Is the gym worth the risk?

Wary clients slow to return, even as facilities go to great lengths to ensure safety

The name of his strength and conditioning gym is Competitive Edge, so it’s no wonder that owner Mark Johnson is a bit, well, competitive when it comes to the cleanliness of his facility during this COVID pandemic that seemingly won’t go away.

JOE ROGERS: MY TAKE

TV was easier when there were fewer choices

I used to be a professional TV viewer, as a critic for a daily newspaper. I thought it would be a dream job. It was not. Turned out that a lot of the stuff I had to watch was bad.

RICHARD COURTNEY: REALTY CHECK

A torrent of opinions on federal flood insurance

For those who have grown weary of debating vaccinations, insurrections and recent elections, I offer a new subject for debate – flood insurance.

Local Weather
Currently
Nashville, TN
41.0°F
Overcast
Wind: Southwest at 4.6 mph
Humidity: 47%

EVENTS

Chamber North: The Business of Sports. Some of Nashville’s top sports professionals will discuss “The Business of Sports” and their team’s contribution to making Nashville a top-rated sports town. Panelists: Taylor Fisher, director of sales, Nashville Sounds, Adam Nuse, VP of business operations, Titans, Bill Wickett, chief marketing officer, Nashville Predators, and Mary Cavarra, executive VP & chief financial officer, Ingram Industries Inc. First Tennessee Park, 19 Junior Gilliam Way. A light breakfast will be served. Free to Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce members, $10 for non-members. Wednesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Information

more events »

REAL ESTATE

US long-term mortgage rates up slightly; 30-year at 2.88%

WASHINGTON (AP) — Average long-term mortgage rates rose slightly this week continuing a months-long trend of little movement. They remained under 3%.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Titans can’t slip Sunday vs. Colts with control of AFC South at stake

Two weeks in, the Tennessee Titans’ best friend thus far this season might be the fact that they play in the AFC South.

Offensive line at its best with backs against the wall

Adversity seems to bring out the best in the Tennessee Titans.

Titans vs. Colts: What to watch

It’s Colts week in Tennessee, and here’s what the Titans must do to take control of the AFC South.

Titans' Lewan set to return agianst Colts

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee left tackle Taylor Lewan practiced fully all week and is set to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts after being scratched for the Titans' win in Seattle.

Titans and Hall of Famers to honor the late Bum Phillips

The late Bum Phillips, a Texas coaching legend who worked wearing a cowboy hat, is being honored by the team he led to two AFC championship game appearances.

NEWSMAKERS

Menzie named president of Cumberland Trust

Cumberland Trust, an independent trust company, has named Jennie Menzie president and elected her to its board of directors. Menzie will serve as president, chief operating officer and corporate counsel.

BRIEFS

Pinnacles rates No. 6 on women’s workplace list

Nashville’s Pinnacle Financial Partners remains one of the nation’s Best Large Workplaces for Women, earning the No. 6 spot on the latest list from Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Hot hatch showdown: Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Hyundai Veloster

Volkswagen’s redesigned 2022 Golf GTI will be arriving at dealerships this fall, the latest generation of the car that pioneered the hot hatch segment when it launched in the U.S. for the 1983 model year. Nearly four decades later, the GTI still stands as a benchmark for sporty performance and everyday practicality on a budget.

PERSONAL FINANCE

Don’t let Social Security workers steer you wrong

Few retirement decisions are as critical, or as easy to get wrong, as when and how to take your Social Security benefits. The rules can be so convoluted that many people rely on what they’re told by Social Security employees, but that could prove to be an expensive mistake.

CAREER CORNER

Keep your mouth shut as the door closes on old job

Leaving your current employer for a new career opportunity is a big decision, similar to the breakup of a romantic relationship. The process can be sad and painful – and you might never again see co-workers you once saw daily – but it’s a necessary step of growth.

MILLENNIAL MONEY

5 steps to level up your side hustle

The pandemic isn't crushing the entrepreneurial spirit. It's fueling it.

PREDATORS

Predators say changes mean a reset not rebuild for franchise

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Nashville Predators believe general manager David Poile has found the right combination that means a reset and not a complete rebuild for the franchise.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Titans put pair of outside linebackers on injured reserve

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have put outside linebackers Rashad Weaver and Derick Roberson on injured reserve.

COURTS

Appeals are mounting in Purdue Pharma bankruptcy settlement

Objections to a historic settlement with Purdue Pharma are mounting in the form of appeals, with Rhode Island's attorney general saying Wednesday the plan doesn't hold the OxyContin maker or its owners accountable for its role in sparking the opioid crisis.

Supreme Court Justice Cornelia Clark to lie in state

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Cornelia Clark, who died last week, will lie in state at the State Capitol on Wednesday.

High court could add more contentious cases to busy lineup

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court term that begins next week is already full of contentious cases, including fights over abortion and guns. But the justices still have a lot of blank space on their calendar, with four more months of arguments left to fill.

REGION

TVA workers have until Nov. 22 for COVID shots

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Valley Authority is requiring its workers to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 22.

ENVIRONMENT

US says ivory-billed woodpecker, 22 other species extinct

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Death's come knocking a last time for the splendid ivory-billed woodpecker and 22 more birds, fish and other species: The U.S. government on Wednesday declared them extinct.

AUTO INDUSTRY

Small towns brace for change, prosperity with Ford's arrival

STANTON (AP) — Lesa Tard expects to serve up more hot wings and cheeseburgers when the clean energy revolution comes to Stanton with Ford's plans to build a factory to produce electric pickups. So she's making plans to expand along with the tiny West Tennessee town.

Beshear: Kentucky to become electric vehicle leader

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Ford's selection of Kentucky to build twin battery plants will vault the state into a global leadership role in the electric vehicle market, Gov. Andy Beshear said Tuesday in celebrating the state's single largest-ever economic development project.

Japan prosecutors close case against Nissan executive

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese prosecutors demanded two years in prison for former Nissan executive Greg Kelly and accused him of joining a "conspiracy" to pay his former boss Carlos Ghosn illicitly in closing arguments Wednesday in a yearlong trial.

TECHNOLOGY

Amazon unveils 'Jetsons'-like roaming robot for the home

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon's new robot can hear, see and follow you around the the home, but its no Rosey the Robot.

MEDIA

Fighting wave of misinfo, YouTube bans false vaccine claims

YouTube is wiping vaccine misinformation and conspiracy theories from its popular video-sharing platform.

VIRUS OUTBREAK

Pfizer vaccine for kids may not be available until November

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer has submitted research to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine in children but the shots may not be available until November.

COVID-related attacks prompt hospital to issue panic buttons

Nurses and hundreds of other staff members will soon begin wearing panic buttons at a Missouri hospital where assaults on workers tripled after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

S&P 500 clings to a modest gain as other indexes end mixed

Wall Street capped a wobbly day of trading Wednesday with a mixed finish for the major stock indexes, as technology and communication companies weighed on the market for a second straight day.

Powell defends Fed policies, says inflation might persist

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday defended the ultra-low interest rate policies he has pursued since the pandemic decimated the economy more than 18 months ago.

A potential Powell renomination for Fed faces some dissent

WASHINGTON (AP) — Resistance to the potential renomination of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell intensified this week, with Sen. Elizabeth Warren becoming the first senator to publicly oppose him and many progressive groups pushing for some alternative leader at the Fed.

GM CEO Barra to lead the Business Roundtable

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mary Barra, who became the first top executive of a big three auto company when she took over at General Motors, will become the first female chair of the Business Roundtable, an organization that represents some of the nation's most powerful companies.

From paints to plastics, a chemical shortage ignites prices

In an economy upended by the coronavirus, shortages and price spikes have hit everything from lumber to computer chips. Not even toilet paper escaped.

Trade, tech talks between US and EU open in Pittsburgh

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken and a number of other senior Biden administration officials are kicking off two days of trade and technology talks with European Union counterparts in Pittsburgh.

Troubled Chinese airline group proposes paying 40% of debts

BEIJING (AP) — HNA Group, a Chinese airline operator that ran into financial trouble after a global acquisition spree, has proposed a plan to settle $61 billion in debts owed to thousands of creditors by paying 40% of the total.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Senate parliamentarian deals fresh immigration blow to Dems

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate parliamentarian told Democrats on Wednesday that their newest proposal for helping millions of immigrants stay in the U.S. permanently could not be included in their $3.5 trillion social and environment bill, the party's latest setback on the issue.

US general: Afghan collapse rooted in 2020 deal with Taliban

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senior Pentagon officials said Wednesday the collapse of the Afghan government and its security forces in August could be traced to a 2020 U.S. agreement with the Taliban that promised a complete U.S. troop withdrawal.

Joint Chiefs chairman calls Afghan war a 'strategic failure'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top U.S. military officer called the 20-year war in Afghanistan a "strategic failure" and acknowledged to Congress that he had favored keeping several thousand troops in the country to prevent a collapse of the U.S.-supported Kabul government and a rapid takeover by the Taliban.

Biden's plan: 'Too big to fail' can be too big to describe

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's plan for a massive expansion of social programs is being framed by supporters as such a high-stakes endeavor that it's "too big to fail." It also may be too big to describe.

Sign of progress, Biden digs in to strike deal on $3.5T plan

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pressure mounting but with signs of progress, President Joe Biden will hunker down at the White House to try to strike a deal and win over two holdout Democratic senators whose support is needed for his potentially historic $3.5 trillion government overhaul.

Capitol Police chief sees rising threats

WASHINGTON (AP) — The newly installed chief of the U.S. Capitol Police says the force, still struggling six months after an insurrection that left its officers battled, bloodied and bruised, "cannot afford to be complacent." The risk to lawmakers is higher than ever. And the threat from lone-wolf attackers is only growing.

Biden caught between allies, critics on border policy

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is caught between a hard place and an even harder one when it comes to immigration.


TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
SPORTS

Belmont leaving OVC for Missouri Valley Conference on July 1

NASHVILLE (AP) — Belmont is joining the Missouri Valley Conference on July 1 as that league's 11th member, leaving the Ohio Valley Conference after nine years.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Fresh off back-to-back wins, Titans have some issues to fix

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans are 2-1 despite not making anything easy on themselves.

ENVIRONMENT

On climate change, Biden $3.5T plan making up for lost time

WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Joe Biden visited one disaster site after another this summer — from California wildfires to hurricane-induced flooding in Louisiana and New York — he said climate change is "everybody's crisis" and America must get serious about the "code red" danger posed by global warming.

New deal expands conserved property in Cumberland Plateau

JAMESTOWN (AP) — A nonprofit organization and two Tennessee state agencies have expanded protection of conserved property in the Cumberland Plateau by more than 11,700 acres (4,734 hectares).

Laurene Powell Jobs to invest $3.5B in climate group

Philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple founder Steve Jobs, will invest $3.5 billion within the next 10 years to address the climate crisis, a spokesperson for Emerson Collective, Jobs' organization, said on Monday.

AUTO INDUSTRY

Gov. Lee: $500 million incentive package for Ford factory

MEMPHIS (AP) — Tennessee offered $500 million in incentives for the creation of a $5.6 billion campus where Ford Motor Co. plans to build electric F-Series pickup trucks at the Memphis Regional Megasite industrial complex, Gov. Bill Lee said Tuesday.

Green energy takes hold in unlikely places with Ford project

GLENDALE, Ky. (AP) — When Ford revealed plans to ramp up its commitment to the fledgling electric vehicle sector, the automaker chose to create thousands of jobs and pump billions in investments into two states where Republican leaders have vilified the push for green energy and defended fossil fuels.

Ford to add 10,800 jobs in Tennessee, Kentucky for electrics

GLENDALE, Ky. (AP) — Ford and a partner company say they plan to build three major electric-vehicle battery factories and an auto assembly plant by 2025 — a dramatic investment in the future of EV technology that will create an estimated 10,800 jobs and shift the automaker's future manufacturing footprint toward the South.

Toyota banks on mobility technology for future growth

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automaker Toyota is revving up acquisitions in mobility technology, adding Renovo Motors Inc., a Silicon Valley software developer, to its Woven Planet team, which is working on automated driving.

TECHNOLOGY

China plans to unveil drones, moon rocket at air show

ZHUHAI, China (AP) — A military drone whose manufacturer says it can cruise for 20 hours at 15,000 meters (50,000 feet) was among Chinese warplanes, missiles and other weapons technology shown in public for the first time Tuesday at the opening of the country's biggest air show.

REAL ESTATE

Record July jump in US home prices sidelines more buyers

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. home prices soared in July by a record amount from a year earlier as buyers desperate for homes bid up prices amid a limited supply.

COURTS

Biden nominates 9 candidates for federal prosecutor posts

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is nominating nine lawyers to run U.S. attorney's offices across the country, a diverse group of candidates in the latest round of picks for the top law enforcement positions.

Jan. 6 trials slowed by mounting evidence in US Capitol riot

In the nearly nine months since Jan. 6, federal agents have tracked down and arrested more than 600 people across the United States believed to have joined in the riot at the U.S. Capitol.

VIRUS OUTBREAK

Japan to lift all coronavirus emergency steps nationwide

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's government announced Tuesday that the coronavirus state of emergency will end this week to help rejuvenate the economy as infections slow.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Spike in bond yields spooks investors, deflates tech stocks

Technology companies led a broad slide in stocks on Wall Street Tuesday as investors reacted to a surge in U.S. government bond yields.

Yellen says infrastructure overhaul will US boost economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Tuesday that President Joe Biden's spending proposals will address long-overdue U.S. infrastructure needs and prepare the country to meet future challenges.

Yellen warns delay in raising debt limit will slow economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen sounded an urgent call Tuesday for Congress to raise the government's borrowing limit, a day after Senate Republicans blocked consideration  of a bill that would have done so.

US consumer confidence slides for third consecutive month

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence declined for the third straight month in September amid ongoing worries about the rapidly-spreading delta variant of the coronavirus.

Lagarde: European Central Bank won't overreact to fleeting inflation

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Europe's current burst of inflation is temporary and won't lead the European Central Bank to "overreact" by withdrawing stimulus or raising interest rates, ECB President Christine Lagarde said Tuesday.

OPEC long-term outlook with crude at 3-year highs: rosy

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — While acknowledging the inevitable advance of alternative energy sources and technology, OPEC said that oil would be the leading energy source for decades to come as crude prices reached three-year highs Tuesday.

Yellen: Oct. 18 is point-of-no-return to deal with US debt

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is telling Congress that the Treasury Department will likely exhaust all of its "extraordinary measures" to avoid an unprecedented default on the government's obligations by Oct. 18.

Powell says spike in inflation lasting longer than expected

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is preparing to tell Congress that the current spike in U.S. inflation has proven to be larger and more long-lasting than expected.

California 1st to require hourly wages in garment industry

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday approved what he termed a "nation-leading" law requiring the garment industry to pay workers by the hour instead of for each piece of clothing they produce.

2 top Fed officials retire in wake of trading disclosures

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a rare moment of ethical controversy for the Federal Reserve, two top officials resigned Monday in the wake of revelations about their financial trading that exposed potential shortcomings in the Fed's rules on investments.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Milley defends calls to Chinese at end of Trump presidency

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top U.S. military officer told Congress that he knew former President Donald Trump wasn't planning to attack China and that it was his job to reassure the Chinese of this in the phone calls that have triggered outrage from some lawmakers.

Manchin, Sinema to meet with Biden in talks to trim $3.5T

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two key Democratic senators are expected to meet Tuesday with President Joe Biden at the White House as the party works to narrow his $3.5 trillion legislative package and momentum builds to close the deal with centrist and progressive lawmakers.

EXPLAINER: Drama, deadlines as Congress weighs Biden agenda

WASHINGTON (AP) — The drama and deadlines driving action on Capitol Hill right now can be disorienting. Democrats are trying to pass more than $4 trillion in infrastructure and social programs at the center of President Joe Biden's agenda — and at the same time avert a government shutdown and prevent a federal default that could send financial markets crashing.


MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
TENNESSEE TITANS

Tannehill throws 3 TDs as Titans hold off Colts 25-16

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans know it's almost impossible to win a game turning the ball over three times.

NASHVILLE SC

Chicago holds Nashville SC to scoreless draw

CHICAGO (AP) — Young goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina picked up his second clean sheet, helping the Chicago Fire earn a 0-0 draw with high-power Nashville on Sunday.

STATE GOVERNMENT

State senator acquitted on 15 charges in federal theft case

MEMPHIS (AP) — A Tennessee state senator charged with stealing $600,000 in federal grant money from a health care school she operated has been acquitted on 15 of 20 charges, according to court records.

COURTS

Google in court to appeal EU's 2018 Android antitrust case

LONDON (AP) — Google headed to a top European Union court Monday to appeal a record EU antitrust penalty imposed for stifling competition through the dominance of its Android operating system.

TECHNOLOGY

States at disadvantage in race to recruit cybersecurity pros

CHICAGO (AP) — Austin Moody wanted to apply his cybersecurity skills in his home state of Michigan, teaming up with investigators for the State Police to analyze evidence and track down criminals.

VIRUS OUTBREAK

Biden gets COVID-19 booster shot after authorization

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden joked about his age Monday as he rolled up his sleeve for a COVID-19 booster shot, encouraging Americans to get vaccinated against the virus that has killed 688,000 in the U.S. and for those authorized to get their booster doses for more enduring protection.

Glass leading COVID-19 military support at UT Medical Center

KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee's assistant adjutant general-air will lead the Defense Department's COVID-19 support at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, the National Guard announced.

Rowdy celebrations erupt in Norway as COVID restrictions end

HELSINKI (AP) — Police in Norway on Sunday reported dozens of disturbances and violent clashes including mass brawls in the Nordic country's big cities after streets, bars, restaurants and nightclubs were filled with people celebrating the end of COVID-19 restrictions that lasted for more than a year.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Stocks end mixed as losses for Big Tech weigh on market

Stocks wound up a mixed bag on Wall Street Monday as losses for several Big Tech companies checked gains elsewhere in the market.

EXPLAINER: Why coffee could cost more at groceries, cafes

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — As if a cup of coffee wasn't expensive enough, a confluence of factors is driving up farmers' costs to grow the beans and it could begin filtering down to your local cafe before the end of the year.

UK gas stations run dry as trucker shortage sparks hoarding

LONDON (AP) — Thousands of British gas stations ran dry Sunday, an industry group said, as motorists scrambled to fill up amid a supply disruption due to a shortage of truck drivers.

China's factories, households grapple with power cuts

BEIJING (AP) — Global shoppers face possible shortages of smartphones and other goods ahead of Christmas after power cuts to meet official energy use targets forced Chinese factories to shut down and left some households in the dark.

Nebraska billionaire, philanthropist Walter Scott dies at 90

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Billionaire Walter Scott, the past top executive of Peter Kiewit Sons Inc. construction firm who helped oversee Warren Buffett's conglomerate and donated to various causes, particularly construction projects around Omaha, has died. He was 90.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Biden rule to shield 'Dreamers' seeks to bypass Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Monday renewed efforts to shield hundreds of thousands of immigrants who came to the United States as young children from deportation, the latest maneuver in a long-running drama over the policy's legality.

Crucial time for Biden's huge government-reshaping bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Free pre-kindergarten and child care subsidies for families with small children. Dental care and hearing aids for seniors with Medicare. Infrastructure improvements in every state.

What's the price of Biden's plan? Democrats drive for zero

WASHINGTON (AP) — What will it cost to enact President Joe Biden's massive expansion of social programs?

Biden plan seeks to expand education, from pre-K to college

WASHINGTON (AP) — As Democrats push ahead with President Joe Biden's $3.5 trillion rebuilding plan, they're promising historic investments across the arc of an education — from early childhood to college and beyond — in what advocates describe as the most comprehensive package of its kind in decades.

Liz Cheney: `I was wrong' in opposing gay marriage in past

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Liz Cheney says she was wrong to oppose gay marriage in the past, a stand that once split her family.


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
COURTS

Second Tennessee judge blocks Gov. Lee's mask opt-out

NASHVILLE (AP) — A federal judge on Friday handed down a second blow to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee's contentious order allowing parents to opt out of school mask requirements, ruling that Knox County Schools must implement a mask mandate to help protect children with health problems amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Cornelia Clark dies

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Cornelia Clark has died at the age of 71, the court announced Friday. She had been diagnosed with cancer.

US court revives suit against Facebook over TV host's image

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal appeals court has revived a Philadelphia newscaster's lawsuit against Facebook over the unauthorized use of her image in advertisements for dating sites and sex-related products that ran on the site.

Justice Dept: Huawei exec poised to resolve criminal charges

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. prosecutors are prepared to resolve criminal charges against the chief financial officer of Chinese communications giant Huawei Technologies, the Justice Department disclosed Friday in a letter to a federal judge in New York.

REAL ESTATE

New homes sales rise for second straight month in August

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — Sales of new homes in the U.S. rose modestly in August as rising prices continue to sideline potential buyers.

ENVIRONMENT

Companies, activists push to speed zero-emission truck sales

BOSTON (AP) — Officials from companies with fleets of trucks are urging governors across the country to embrace a rule meant to speed the adoption of zero-emission trucks and reduce a potent source of greenhouse gases spewed from the large commercial vehicles.

TRANSPORTATION

United Airlines fined $1.9 million for long ground delays

WASHINGTON (AP) — United Airlines has been fined $1.9 million over 25 flights in which the plane sat on the ground for several hours, the largest fine imposed by the government for such long delays.

US: Number of unruly air travelers lower, still too high

WASHINGTON (AP) — The rate of unruly passengers on airline flights is down sharply from early this year but is mostly unchanged over the past three months and remains more than twice the level seen in late 2020, according to government figures.

VIRUS OUTBREAK

US booster shots start, even as millions remain unprotected

The U.S. launched a campaign to offer boosters of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to millions of Americans on Friday even as federal health officials stressed the real problem remains getting first shots to the unvaccinated.

CDC endorses COVID booster for millions of older Americans

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday endorsed booster shots for millions of older or otherwise vulnerable Americans, opening a major new phase in the U.S vaccination drive against COVID-19.

NY hospitals fear staff shortage as vaccine deadline looms

NEW YORK (AP) — Hospitals and nursing homes in New York are bracing for the possibility that a statewide COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers could lead to staff shortages when it takes effect Monday.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Powell meets a changed economy: Fewer workers, higher prices

WASHINGTON (AP) — Restaurant and hotel owners struggling to fill jobs. Supply-chain delays forcing up prices for small businesses. Unemployed Americans unable to find work even with job openings at a record high.

Stocks end mixed on Wall Street, S&P 500 manages weekly gain

Stocks ended a wobbly day with mixed results on Wall Street Friday as the market cooled off following a two-day rally.

Chinese banks try to calm fears about developer's debts

BEIJING (AP) — Trying to dispel investor fears, some Chinese banks are disclosing what they are owed by a real estate developer that is struggling under $310 billion in debt and say they can cope with a potential default.

Shortages cause 'bottleneck recession' for German industry

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Shortages of semiconductor chips and other raw materials are continuing to hit Germany's manufacturers, as bottlenecks leave companies struggling to fill orders from a rebounding global economy.

Drive for Britain! UK scrambles for truckers amid supply woe

LONDON (AP) — British energy firms are rationing supplies of gasoline and closing some petrol pumps — the latest in a string of shortages that have seen McDonald's take milkshakes off the menu, KFC run short of chicken and gaps appear on supermarket shelves.

Probe: Michaels, Minnesota cops violated Black teen's rights

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The manager of a suburban Minneapolis Michaels store called police on a teenager looking for a job simply because he is Black, and officers then used unreasonable force against him because of his race, a state agency that investigates civil rights abuses said in findings released Thursday.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Biden: Budget talks hit 'stalemate,' $3.5T might take a while

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Friday that talks over his $3.5 trillion rebuilding plan have hit a "stalemate" in Congress as he made the case for his expansive effort to recast the nation's tax and spending programs and make what he sees as sweeping, overdue investments.

The closer: Biden in familiar role, to unite party on $3.5T

WASHINGTON (AP) — The time has come for President Joe Biden to close the deal — bring progressive and centrist Democratic coalitions together in Congress — if he has any hope of delivering on his domestic policy ambitions.

Biden hosts Indo-Pacific leaders as China concerns grow

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday is meeting with leaders of an Indo-Pacific alliance known as "the Quad" as he wraps up a difficult week of diplomacy in which he faced criticism from both allies and adversaries.

House Jan. 6 panel subpoenas Trump advisers, associates

WASHINGTON (AP) — A House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol has issued its first subpoenas, demanding records and testimony from four of former President Donald Trump's close advisers and associates, including those who were in contact with him before the attack or on the day of it.

Biden has say in whether Trump's 1/6 records go to Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration will have a big say in whether the government releases information to Congress on the actions of former President Donald Trump and his aides on Jan. 6. But there could be a lengthy court battle before any details come out.

House votes to protect abortion rights amid state challenges

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed legislation Friday that would guarantee a woman's right to an abortion, an effort by Democrats to circumvent a new Texas law that has placed that access under threat.


THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
TENNESSEE TITANS

Ball security early, rare issue for Titans QB Ryan Tannehill

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans led the NFL in 2020 with a plus-11 turnover margin thanks in part to how well they took care of the ball.

VANDERBILT SPORTS

Georgia QB feeling better every day with Vanderbilt up next

NASHVILLE (AP) — JT Daniels is feeling better every day, a health update that bodes very well for second-ranked Georgia.

NASHVILLE SC

Mukhtar scores 2 goals, Nashville beats Miami 5-1

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Hany Mukhtar scored two goals to reach 12 on the season and Nashville beat Inter Miami 5-1 on Wednesday night.

MIDSTATE

Florim USA to expand operations in Clarksville

CLARKSVILLE (AP) — Tennessee officials say Florim USA will expand its operations at its facility in Clarksville, investing roughly $35 million and creating more than 30 jobs.

TECHNOLOGY

One to charge them all: EU demands single plug for phones

LONDON (AP) — The European Union unveiled plans Thursday that would require smartphone makers to adopt a single charging method for mobile devices.

AUTO INDUSTRY

EU legal adviser says VW software is banned 'defeat device'

BRUSSELS (AP) — A top European Union legal adviser said Thursday that software installed in Volkswagen cars to alter the amount of pollutants coming out of their exhaust pipes in hot or cold weather and at high altitude doesn't conform to the 27-nation bloc's laws.

ENVIRONMENT

EPA completes rule to phase out gases used as refrigerants

WASHINGTON (AP) — In what officials call a key step to combat climate change, the Environmental Protection Agency is sharply limiting domestic production and use of hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners.

MEDIA

Facebook tech chief Mike Schroepfer to step down

Facebook's Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer is stepping down from the social media company, taking on a part-time role while longtime executive Andrew Bosworth will replace him next year.

RELIGION

Boy Scouts' bankruptcy creates rift with religious partners

NEW YORK (AP) — Amid the Boy Scouts of America's complex bankruptcy case, there is worsening friction between the BSA and the major religious groups that help it run thousands of scout units. At issue: the churches' fears that an eventual settlement — while protecting the BSA from future sex-abuse lawsuits — could leave many churches unprotected.

VIRUS OUTBREAK

Is the delta variant of the coronavirus worse for kids?

Is the delta variant of the coronavirus worse for kids? No, experts say there's no strong evidence yet that it makes children and teens sicker than earlier versions of the virus, although delta has led to a surge in infections among kids because it's more contagious.

FDA backs Pfizer COVID-19 boosters for seniors, high-risk

The U.S. moved a step closer Wednesday to offering booster doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to senior citizens and others at high risk from the virus as the Food and Drug Administration signed off on the targeted use of extra shots.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Another rally on Wall Street erases losses for the week

Stocks rose broadly for a second day in a row on Wall Street Thursday, reversing the market's losses for the week just three days after the S&P 500 had its biggest skid since May.

US jobless claims tick up from near a pandemic low

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid rose last week for a second straight week to 351,000, a sign that the delta variant of the coronavirus may be disrupting the job market's recovery, at least temporarily.

Bank of England keeps rates on hold, warns over inflation

LONDON (AP) — The Bank of England kept its main interest rate at the record low of 0.1% while warning Thursday that inflation is set to be double its target rate by the end of this year, largely due to a sharp spike in energy prices.

California first to set quota limits for retailers like Amazon

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California on Wednesday became the first state to bar mega-retailers from firing warehouse workers for missing quotas that interfere with bathroom and rest breaks under a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that grew from Amazon's drive to speed goods to consumers more quickly.

Fears of global shockwaves from Chinese builder's debts ease

BEIJING (AP) — Fears that a Chinese real estate developer's possible default on multibillion-dollar debts might send shockwaves through global financial markets appeared to ease Thursday as creditors waited to see how much they might recover.

Under pressure, Powell says Fed to revamp its trading rules

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the central bank will overhaul its financial ethics policies in response to growing questions about investing and trading decisions by high-ranking Fed officials that raise potential conflicts of interest.

Taiwan asks to join trade group, says China might interfere

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan announced Thursday it has applied to join an 11-nation Pacific trade group, setting up a potential clash with rival Beijing over the status of the island democracy.

Business group: China's tech self-reliance plans hurt growth

BEIJING (AP) — The ruling Communist Party's campaign to tighten control over China's industries and use less foreign technology is slashing economic growth, a foreign business group warned Thursday.

China's Ant Group shares credit data with central bank

BEIJING (AP) — China's central bank will soon have access to private credit information of hundreds of millions of users of Ant Group's online credit service, in a move signaling more regulatory oversight of the financial technology sector.

Bank of England keeps rates on hold, warns over inflation

LONDON (AP) — The Bank of England kept its main interest rate at the record low of 0.1% while warning Thursday that inflation is set to be double its target rate by the end of his year largely as a result of a sharp spike in energy prices.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

House OKs $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome defense system

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House overwhelming passed a bill Thursday to provide $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system as Democrats moved to quash criticism from Republicans that their party is wavering in support of Israel.

Top Dems: We have framework to pay for $3.5T bill; no detail

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House and congressional Democrats have agreed to a "framework" of options to pay for their huge, emerging social and environment bill, top Democrats said Thursday, but they offered no details and the significance was unclear.

Senators: Bipartisan police overhaul talks end with no deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bipartisan congressional talks on overhauling policing practices have ended without an agreement, top bargainers from both parties said, marking the collapse of an effort that began after killings of unarmed Black people by officers sparked protests across the U.S.

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