Business briefing: Beyond Meat will next partner with KFC

Beyond Meat has another high-profile fast-food partner — KFC — to help the faux meat maker tackle a plant-based substitute for a different major protein source: chicken. KFC, owned by Yum Brands Inc., will test plant-based nuggets and boneless wings at one of its Atlanta restaurants on Aug. 27. The location will offer complimentary samples to customers who purchase other items. Beyond Meat is rapidly appearing on restaurant menus across the U.S. and Canada as plant-based meat substitutes rise in popularity and chains like Dunkin', Tim Hortons and Carl's Jr. seek to lure in new diners.

More than 20,000 AT&T workers in nine Southern states went on strike over the weekend, saying that the telecommunications company isn't bargaining in good faith over a new contract. The union, the Communications Workers of America, said AT&T isn't sending negotiators who have the authority to make decisions. When asked if there will be service interruptions for customers, AT&T said that it's prepared for a strike. The workers who have walked off are technicians and customer service representatives for AT&T's "wireline" home and business internet and phone division. The AT&T workers are on strike in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta has flagged off the country's first export shipment of oil, more than 200,000 barrels of crude. Kenyatta said Monday the oil exports begin an era of greater prosperity for Kenyans. The oil was purchased by a British-based Chinese company, according to a Kenyan government announcement. The shipment is an accumulation of oil produced since Kenya began pumping in June 2018 at up to 2,000 barrels a day. The oil was trucked from Kenya's north to the coast in the Early Oil Pilot Scheme. A pipeline is being constructed to move the oil to Mombasa port. Kenya expects to start commercial oil production in 2024.