Durable goods orders decline
WASHINGTON — Orders for long-lasting manufactured goods fell in April amid weaker demand for aircraft. But a key category that tracks business investment rose after sliding in March — a sign of health for American industry.
The Commerce Department says U.S. orders for durable goods — manufactured items meant to last at least three years — fell 1.7 percent from March.
Fiat Chrysler warns about cruise control
DETROIT — Fiat Chrysler is recalling more than 5.3 million vehicles in the U.S., Canada and elsewhere because in rare but terrifying circumstances, drivers may not be able to turn off the cruise control.
The company is warning owners not to use cruise control until the cars, SUVs and trucks can be fixed with a software update. The recall includes 15 Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram models from six model years with gasoline engines and automatic transmissions.
Hotel tops out near NRG stadium
Houston-based Moody National Cos. has reached a construction milestone with the topping out of the 16-story Residence Inn Medical Center near NRG Stadium.
Seven months after breaking ground, Arch-Con Construction reached final height on the hotel, which is on target to open in February in time for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The hotel is at 7807 Kirby, just south of Main Street, around the corner from another Residence Inn which is expected to remain open.
Guns are protested at grocery stores
PARKLAND, Fla. — Survivors of the Parkland school shooting lay down in “die ins” at two Publix supermarkets Friday to protest the chain's support for a gubernatorial candidate aligned with the National Rifle Association, as the company announced a suspension of political contributions.
The students from Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shouted “USA, not NRA!” and caused brief delays at the checkout as customers navigated carts around them on the floor. Pro-NRA counter-protesters also showed up at one store, and two men almost came to blows before police intervened.
Publix has been criticized by the students for supporting Agriculture Commissioner and gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam, a Republican who has called himself a “proud NRA sellout.” The activists have called for a boycott of the supermarket.
Publix announced earlier this week that it would “reevaluate” its donations amid the outcry. In another statement Friday, the company said it would halt its contributions for now as it continues that re-evaluation.
Yellowstone gold plan has setback
BILLINGS, Mont. — A gold exploration proposal just north of Yellowstone National Park has suffered a significant setback with a court ruling that says Montana officials understated mining's potential harm to land, water and wildlife.
State Judge Brenda Gilbert said in a ruling released Friday that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality should have conducted a more extensive review of the proposal from Lucky Minerals. She says state officials gave too much deference to the company.
Bering shipping routes approved
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The International Maritime Organization has approved the first two-way shipping routes into the Arctic Ocean.
The IMO accepted routes proposed by the United States and Russia for safe navigation through the Bering Strait between Alaska and Russia's Chukotskiy Peninsula. The routes create lanes for northbound and southbound traffic and take effect Dec. 1. The designation was hailed by environmental groups that pushed for safe shipping measures.
Truckers strike across Brazil
RIO DE JANEIRO — A nationwide strike by thousands of truckers brought much of Latin America's largest nation to a halt on Friday, prompting Brazilian President Michel Temer to authorize the military to use force in removing drivers and their parked vehicles from highways and other roads.
Truckers angry over rising diesel prices began the strike on Monday and continued it Friday despite an announced deal between the government and transportation unions late Thursday.
Temer, a lame duck leader who is deeply unpopular, said in a national address Friday that a “radical faction” of holdout truckers was keeping the country from getting back to business. He said the armed forces were being activated, though he did not provide specifics.
British economy barely grows
LONDON — A day after the Bank of England’s governor warned about the damaging consequences of a “disorderly” Brexit, official figures Friday confirmed that the British economy barely grew in the first three months of the year.
The Office for National Statistics said the economy expanded by a quarterly rate of just 0.1 percent amid weak household spending and business investment.