Road safety officials are launching an investigation into Tesla's full self-driving system following reports of four crashes, including one fatal incident involving a pedestrian. The crashes occurred under low visibility conditions, such as fog and sun glare. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will examine the vehicle's capability to detect and respond appropriately in these challenging conditions. This probe will encompass over 2 million Tesla vehicles from model years 2016 to 2024. Tesla has reiterated that its system does not operate autonomously and that human drivers must remain prepared to intervene at all times.

In Italy, auto workers staged their first national strike in two decades, with tens of thousands participating in demonstrations across Rome. The workers, represented by the country's three main unions, are demanding government action to secure more jobs amid a significant slowdown in auto production. Stellantis, Italy's largest car manufacturer, has reduced its output by nearly 70% over the past two decades, leading to claims from employees that there is insufficient work available. The company has warned of potential layoffs and buyouts due to expected annual losses of up to $11 billion.

Cuba is grappling with a nationwide power outage following a failure at a plant near Havana. This blackout comes just a day after the government emphasized the need for energy conservation amid ongoing fuel shortages. The head of Cuba's energy utility attributed the shortages to increased demand from businesses and private air conditioning use. The outage exacerbates the challenges faced by millions of Cubans already dealing with shortages of food, fuel, and medicine amid a deepening economic crisis.

On Wall Street, stocks experienced modest gains, marking the sixth consecutive week of increases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 36 points, achieving a new all-time high, while the Nasdaq gained over 100 points. The S&P 500 also closed the week at a record level.

In North Carolina, communities are still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck over three weeks ago, resulting in over 90 fatalities and many residents unaccounted for. The storm caused extensive flooding and landslides, particularly in Asheville, where many families are without power or potable water. Local officials, including Asheville's mayor, have expressed concerns about misinformation complicating recovery efforts. Volunteers continue to assist those affected, providing essential supplies and support as the region begins to navigate the long road to recovery.