Tesla is unveiling its long-awaited robotaxi amid doubts about the technology it runs on
DETROIT (AP) — Expectations are high for Tesla’s long-awaited robotaxi unveiling at a Hollywood studio Thursday night. Too high for some analysts and investors. The company began selling software it calls “Full Self-Driving” nine years ago that still can’t drive itself. Yet it’s expected to show off the so-called “Cybercab,” vehicle, which may not have a steering wheel or pedals. The unveiling comes as CEO Elon Musk tries to persuade investors that his company is more about artificial intelligence and robotics as it struggles to sell its core products, an aging lineup of once-cutting-edge electric vehicles. But some analysts say Musk has yet to demonstrate that Tesla’s system can travel safely without a human driver ready to step in to prevent crashes.
22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will retire from tennis after next month’s Davis Cup finals
MADRID (AP) — Rafael Nadal is retiring from professional tennis at age 38 after winning 22 Grand Slam titles — 14 at the French Open — during an unprecedented era he shared with rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. He made the announcement on Thursday. Nadal has competed infrequently the past two seasons because of injuries and said next month’s Davis Cup finals will mark his farewell to the sport. He had hip surgery in 2023 and entered just two of the past eight major tournaments. Nadal’s unrelenting, physical style of play made him one of the greats of the game and the unquestioned King of Clay, the slow, red surface on which he claimed his record 14 French Open championships.
Company recalls nearly 10 million pounds of meat and poultry dishes for listeria contamination
A company is recalling nearly 10 million pounds of meat and poultry made at an Oklahoma plant because the products may be contaminated with listeria bacteria. BrucePac recalled the ready-to-eat products this week after U.S. Agriculture Department officials detected listeria in foods during routine testing. The foods were made at the company’s plant in Durant, Oklahoma, between June 19 and Oct. 8 and shipped to restaurants, food service vendors and other sites nationwide. Eating foods contaminated with listeria can cause serious illness and death.
Minnesota Twins owners considering selling the team after 40 years in the Pohlad family
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Pohlad family says it’s exploring a sale of the Minnesota Twins after 40 years of ownership. The Pohlads said they decided during the summer to explore a sale. The family has hired New York investment bank Allen & Company to direct the process. The Twins won World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. They finally broke an 18-game postseason losing streak last year. Family patriarch Carl Pohlad bought the Twins in 1984 for $44 million. His son Jim Pohlad succeeded him as chairman. His grandson Joe Pohlad took over the team two years ago.
Milton spares Daytona Beach, Florida, factory that’s a critical supplier of IV fluids
A Florida factory that makes IV fluids critical to hospitals nationwide will restart after shutting down while Hurricane Milton tore through the state. A company spokesperson says B. Braun Medical’s manufacturing site and distribution center in Daytona Beach were not seriously impacted by the hurricane and will restart production Friday morning. No injuries to employees have been reported. The company, with help from the federal government, had moved more than 60 truckloads of IV solutions inventory north of Florida before the storm that’ll be returned to the distribution site.
Ratan Tata, an Indian industry legend and business icon dies aged 86
NEW DELHI (AP) — Ratan Tata, one of India’s most influential business leaders, has been cremated after a state funeral in the country’s financial capital. The veteran industrialist, former chairman of a $100 billion conglomerate Tata Group, died at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday night at the age of 86. India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, officials of the Tata Group and the local government, and Tata’s relatives were present at the funeral, where the Mumbai police honored him with a ceremonial gun salute. He was later cremated in an electric crematorium. Earlier Thursday, thousands of people including industrialists, state officials and some of India’s top celebrities lined up to pay their final respects to a man, seen by many as an industry legend and icon.
Cambodian fishermen turn to raising eels as Tonle Sap lake runs out of fish
KAMPONG PHLUK, Cambodia (AP) — Fishermen in Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater fishery, the Tonle Sap lake, hope that raising eels will help them adapt to new realities stemming from climate change and environmental damage. The great lake is running out of fish and floating villages on the shallow expanse known as the beating heart of the Mekong River are struggling to get by. Farming eels, considered a delicacy in places like China, Japan and South Korea, is profitable but risky. The government hopes that raising eels and other fish will boost Cambodia’s exports and improve incomes of millions of people who rely on fishing.
Twin boys born conjoined celebrate 1st birthday after separation surgery
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Twin brothers who were born conjoined recently celebrated their first birthday after undergoing successful separation surgery. Amari and Javar Ruffin, whose family lives in Philadelphia, were born via cesarean section in September 2023. The brothers shared part of their sternum, diaphragm, abdominal wall and liver. They weighed a combined 6 pounds. On Aug. 21, a surgical team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with more than two dozen specialists operated for eight hours to separate the boys. Their abdomens were closed and rebuilt using layers of mesh and plastic surgery techniques. The boys went home Tuesday.
Honda recalls nearly 1.7 million vehicles for steering problem that could lead to crashes
Honda Motor Co. is recalling close to 1.7 million vehicles due to a manufacturing issue that could make it difficult to steer the vehicles and lead to crashes. Honda reported the recall last week to government regulators, who issued the recall order on Tuesday. The safety recall order from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, potentially causing “excessive internal friction” that could make the vehicle difficult to steer and increase the likelihood of a crash. The vehicles were from model years 2022 to 2025 and include certain Acura Integras, Honda Civics, Honda CR-Vs and Honda HR-Vs.
A rare comet brightens the night skies in October
NEW YORK (AP) — A rare, bright comet will be visible in October, clear skies permitting. The comet will make its closest approach to Earth on Saturday. Astronomers say it should be bright enough to see with the naked eye. Telescopes and binoculars will give a better view. Those hoping to spot it should venture outside soon after sunset and look to the west. Several comets are discovered every year, but many burn up near the sun or linger too far away to be visible without special equipment. After its Earth flyby, the comet will head once again toward the solar system’s outer fringes.
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