Trump names

Saphier

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’s nominating former Fox News Channel contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier for surgeon general after Dr. Casey Means’ path forward stalled in the Senate. In a social media post Thursday, Trump said Saphier is “a STAR physician who has spent her career guiding women facing breast cancer through their diagnosis and treatment.”

Senators of both major political parties grilled Means on her vaccine stance and other health topics during a tense confirmation hearing, deepening doubts about her ability to secure the votes she needs for the position. Saphier in at least one case has pushed back on Trump’s medical messaging.

Camp Mystic

won’t reopen

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Camp Mystic officials have withdrawn their application for a license to operate this summer, a year after devastating floods tore through the river-side camp site, killing 25 young campers and two teenage counselors.

Thursday’s decision follows months of outrage by Texas lawmakers and the families of the girls who died in flood over the July 4 weekend last year. The camp’s owner, Dick Eastland, was also killed by the deluge. A spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed the camp withdrew its application.

The decision was praised by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has opposed reopening the camp while investigations continue.

David Allan Coe

dies at 86

(AP) — Outlaw country singer-songwriter David Allan Coe, who wrote the blue-collar anthem “Take This Job and Shove It” and created a singing career after a stint in prison, has died.

He was 86.

A statement to People said he died Wednesday. The cause was not disclosed. Coe had a cult following based on his raw, often obscene lyrics and a checkered, somewhat mysterious past.

His hits included “You Never Even Call Me by My Name” in 1975 and “The Ride” in 1983. He was also the first country singer to record “Tennessee Whiskey,” which has since become a genre standard.