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Tesla asks court to throw out big damage award in crash by arguing comments about Musk misled jury

Tesla asks court to throw out big damage award in crash by arguing comments about Musk misled jury

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By BERNARD CONDON

NEW YORK (AP) — The car company run by Elon Musk asked a federal court Friday to dismiss massive damages awarded to victims of a deadly crash, arguing that their lawyers had misled the jury by improperly bringing up the billionaire during the trial.

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The filing in Miami federal court seeks to overturn the $243 million award after a 22-year old student out stargazing was flung through the air to her death by a runaway Tesla equipped with Autopilot features that Musk had talked up for years. A jury earlier this month found that the speeding Tesla driver was mostly to blame but Tesla was also responsible because of faulty technology. read more

Cruise industry sues to challenge Hawaii’s tourism tax designed to deal with climate change issues

Cruise industry sues to challenge Hawaii’s tourism tax designed to deal with climate change issues

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By JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER

HONOLULU (AP) — A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Hawaii imposing a tourist tax to deal with consequences of climate change seeks to stop officials from enforcing the new law on cruise ship passengers.

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In the nation’s first such levy to help cope with a warming planet, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed legislation in May that raises tax revenue to deal with eroding shorelines, wildfires and other climate problems. Officials estimate the tax will generate nearly $100 million annually.

The levy increases rates on hotel room and vacation rental stays but also imposes a new 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship’s passengers, starting next year, prorated for the number of days the vessels are in Hawaii ports. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. court in Honolulu this week, notes the law authorizes counties to collect an additional 3% surcharge, bringing the total to 14% of prorated fares. read more

California lawmakers reach deal with Uber, Lyft that would allow drivers to unionize

California lawmakers reach deal with Uber, Lyft that would allow drivers to unionize

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By JAIMIE DING and TRÂN NGUYỄN

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers have struck a deal with rideshare companies Uber and Lyft to allow drivers to join a union and bargain collectively for better wages and benefits.

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The agreement includes a bill for collective bargaining backed by the Service Employees International Union along with a measure sponsored by Uber and Lyft that would significantly reduce the companies’ insurance requirements for accidents caused by underinsured drivers, would ultimately reduce costs for passengers. read more

Spirit Airlines again files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Spirit Airlines again files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

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Discount carrier Spirit Airlines, overwhelmed with continuing financial difficulty, returned to bankruptcy court in a second bid to rehabilitate its business reorganization under Chapter 11 protection from creditors, the company announced Friday.

“Today, Spirit took a proactive step to build a stronger foundation and future for our company,” the company said in a letter to customers made public Friday afternoon. “We have voluntarily entered the Chapter 11 restructuring process to ensure the long-term success of our airline.”

“The most important thing to know is that Spirit continues to operate and offer high-value travel options,” the letter added.

It also told travelers the following:

  • Flights will continue to operate normally.
  • Travelers can use tickets, credits and loyalty points.
  • Customers may continue to benefit from the airline’s Free Spirit loyalty program, Saver$ Club perks and credit card terms.
  • Its employees “remain focused on offering you a safe journey, with excellent service and an elevated experience.”

Signs that Spirit might be headed back to court arose amid reports last week that it had retained three consulting and advisory firms to counsel it about how to return to profitability and deal with increasingly aggressive competition. It also continued to retain the law firm that helped guide it through Chapter 11 the first time, when the carrier filed in late November 2024 and emerged this past spring. read more

100 days of Epic Universe: Rave reviews, long waits, speculation

100 days of Epic Universe: Rave reviews, long waits, speculation

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Orlando is marking the 100th day of the Epic Universe era. Universal Orlando’s new theme park, which debuted May 22, burst onto the scene during a very hot summer with positive reviews for its detailed design and elaborate attractions.

But international sociopolitical issues clouded the blue skies, and operational delays tempered the happy talk for some visitors, experts say.

“There’s stuff that you can control, and there’s stuff that you can’t control,” said Len Testa, owner of Touring Plans, a vacation-planning site.

“I think in the overall context of what we’re seeing in leisure travel around the United States, Epic did as good as it could possibly do,” he said. “Las Vegas would take Epic’s numbers right now.”

Those who go to Epic have upbeat responses, Testa said. Its restaurants are well-regarded and, according to surveys, the rides are rated higher than the ones at sister park Universal Studios Florida, he said.

“We can tell from our app that people seem to be spending more time in Epic than the other Universal parks,” Testa said. “So, those are all good signs. It means that the stuff that they built is resonating with fans.” read more