They’re big. They’re colorful. But Joro spiders aren’t nightmare fodder
Joro spiders — invasive, brightly colored, orb-weaving arachnids that have been spreading in the U.S. for the past several years — have captured the public’s interest and horror once again. But spider experts say the jury’s still out on the impact the spider will have, when it will reach different parts of the country, and whether this creature warrants picking up a can of Raid. Instead, they worry more that invasive species are getting harder to manage as a result of global trade and climate change — and that less flashy species can do more damage to crops and forests.
Nvidia’s stock market value surpasses $3 trillion. How it rose to AI prominence, by the numbers
Nvidia’s stock price has more than doubled this year after more than tripling in 2023 and it’s now the third most valuable company in the S&P 500. The stock rose again Wednesday to surpass $3 trillion in market value. The chipmaker has seen soaring demand for its semiconductors and revenue more than tripled in the most recent quarter. Nvidia is also about to undergo a stock split that will give each of its investors nine additional shares for every one that they already own. The move is aimed at making the stock more affordable.
Salmonella outbreak may be linked to recalled cucumbers, CDC says
Cucumbers contaminated with salmonella bacteria may have sickened and hospitalized dozens of people in at least 25 states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that at least 162 people were sickened and 54 were hospitalized. Testing detected salmonella bacteria in a cucumber that led to a recall of whole cucumbers last week by Fresh Start Produce of Delray Beach, Florida. Further testing is underway to see if that strain of salmonella is causing the outbreak. Salmonella can cause severe illness in young children, older people and those with weakened immune systems.
Governor halts plan to charge most drivers entering Manhattan $15 for transit and traffic fixes
NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has halted a plan to charge motorists big tolls to enter the core of Manhattan. Just weeks before the nation’s first “congestion pricing” system was set to launch, she says it risks “too many unintended consequences at this time.” The Democrat says “a $15 charge puts a squeeze on the very people who make this city go.” Wednesday’s announcement deals a stunning blow to a program years in the making. The tolls were meant to raise billions of dollars for New York’s beleaguered subways and commuter rails and reduce pollution on the city’s streets.
Boeing launches NASA astronauts for the first time after years of delays
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Boeing has launched astronauts for the first time after years of delays. Two NASA test pilots blasted off aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday. They’re headed to the International Space Station for a weeklong stay. It was their third launch attempt, coming after a pair of rocket-related delays. Starliner’s first test flight without a crew in 2019 failed to reach the space station, so Boeing had to repeat it. Then the company had to fix a slew of capsule problems. SpaceX has been launching astronauts since 2020, but NASA wants a backup taxi service.
Disney set to invest up to $17B in Florida parks now that fight with DeSantis appointees has ended
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Months after Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees agreed to end their legal fight, the two sides are set to approve an agreement that could result in the company investing up to $17 billion into its Florida resort. It will also open the door for a fifth major theme park there. The five DeSantis-appointed supervisors who oversee the Disney World district on Wednesday gave initial approval to the development agreement that both sides had agreed to negotiate after a March settlement ended their state court lawsuits. The agreement would last for the next 15 years. A final vote is set for next week.
Big Mac battle: McDonald’s loses European Union trademark fight with Irish rival Supermac’s
LONDON (AP) — A top European Union court ruled that McDonald’s has lost its Big Mac trademark in the 27-nation bloc, ruling in favor of Irish fast food rival Supermac’s in a long-running legal battle. The EU General Court’s ruling said in its judgement Wednesday that the U.S. fast food giant failed to prove that it was genuinely using the Big Mac name over a five-year period for chicken sandwiches, poultry products or restaurants. The Big Mac is a hamburger made of two beef patties, cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles and Big Mac sauce, according to the company’s website. The decision is about more than burger names. The dispute erupted after Galway-based Supermac’s started eyeing up European expansion plans and applied to register its company name in the EU.
Walmart offers new perks for workers, from a new bonus plan to opportunities in skilled trade jobs
NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart is offering new perks for its hourly workers. They include a new bonus plan as well as opportunities to move into skilled trade jobs within the company. The perks program announced on Wednesday comes as the nation’s largest private employer is seeing a decline in worker turnover. But Walmart, like other companies, faces a still-competitive labor market and increasing demands from its workers. The retailer’s new bonus plan for eligible part-time and full-time store workers is based on a store’s performance. The maximum bonus potential also is tied to years of experience. The training program is expected to start with 100 workers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Japan’s birth rate falls to a record low as the number of marriages also drops
TOKYO (AP) — The Japanese government data shows the country’s birth rate fell to a new low for the eighth straight year in 2023. A government official described the situation as critical and urged authorities to do everything they can to reverse the trend. The data released on Wednesday by the Health ministry underscores Japan’s long-standing issues of a rapidly aging and shrinking population, which has serious implications for the country’s economy and national security — especially against the backdrop of China’s increasingly assertive presence in the region. According to the latest statistics, the fertility rate — the average number of children a woman gives birth in her life time — was 1.2
Online marketplace eBay to drop American Express, citing fees, and says customers have other options
NEW YORK (AP) — Online marketplace behemoth eBay said it plans to no longer accept American Express, citing what the company says are “unacceptably high fees” and that customers have other payment options to shop online. It’s a notable blow to American Express, whose customers are often the most attractive among merchants and spend the most money per month on their cards. But it’s not the first time merchants have voiced opposition to AmEx’s business practices by walking away, most notably warehouse chain Costco nearly a decade ago.
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