Regulators identify type of Tennessee bird flu
The virus that led to the outbreak of bird flu in Lincoln County, Tenn., has been identified by federal regulators and is not the type that affected China and caused deaths in humans, officials said Tuesday.
The Lincoln County virus is H7N9 of North American wild bird lineage, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Also, officials said no additional poultry within the surveillance area that's about two hours west of Chattanooga have shown signs of illness. Some 73,500 birds had to be culled over the weekend from the farm that produces chickens for Tyson Foods.
As a result of the outbreak, South Korea's agriculture ministry already banned shipments of poultry and eggs from the U.S. unless they've been heat treated. Canada and Japan also have placed restrictions on shipments.
Chattanooga airport plans mock drill today
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport and law enforcement and emergency agencies will conduct a mock disaster drill today.
Key representatives from the airport, Hamilton County Emergency Services, Chattanooga Police Department and the Chattanooga Fire Department will take part.
Saudis keep close eye on U.S. oil producers
The Saudi energy minister said OPEC production cuts are working so far, but he's watching how U.S. producers respond to higher crude prices. Strong U.S. production would undercut OPEC.
Khalid Al-Falih said his country will look at oil supply and the support of other OPEC members before deciding whether to extend production cuts beyond this summer.
Trade deficit jumps to five-year high
The U.S. trade deficit jumped in January to the highest level in nearly five years as a flood of mobile phones and other consumer products widened America's trade gap with China. The result underscores the challenges facing President Donald Trump in fulfilling a campaign pledge to reduce America's trade deficits.
The deficit in January rose 9.6 percent to $48.5 billion, up from a December deficit of $44.3 billion, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday. It was the largest monthly gap since a deficit of $50.2 billion in March 2012.
U.S. exports edged up a slight 0.6 percent to $192.1 billion, helped by stronger auto sales. But that was swamped by a 2.3 percent surge in imports to $240.6 billion, led by mobile phones, oil and foreign-made cars.
Trump to roll back fuel-economy rules
The Trump administration is moving to roll back federal fuel-economy requirements that would have forced automakers to significantly increase the efficiency of new cars and trucks. The rules were a key part of former President Barack Obama's strategy to combat global warming.
The Environmental Protection Agency is close to announcing a reversal on a decision made in the waning days of the Obama administration to lock in strict gas mileage requirements for cars and light trucks through 2025.
Uber hires Kalaick to help embattled CEO
Embattled Uber CEO Travis Kalanick says the company will hire a chief operating officer who can partner with him to write its "next chapter."
The ride-hailing company has been hit by a series of controversies, including allegations that it routinely ignores sexual harassment, and a video of Kalanick profanely berating a driver who confronted him about steep cuts in Uber's rates for a premium version of its service.
After the video surfaced, Kalanick apologized and said he needs "leadership help." The 40-year-old executive also said he needs to "grow up."