Tropical Depression Fred swirled over West Virginia early Aug. 18 and dumped heavy rain over the northeastern U.S., threatening to unleash mudslides and flash floods in upstate New York after closing interstate highways in the lower Appalachians. Tornado watches remained in effect for mountainous areas of Virginia and the Carolinas.

DETROIT — Stellantis is recalling more than 266,000 pickup trucks mainly in North America because the side air bags can explode without warning and hurl shrapnel into the cabin.

BERLIN — Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk said Aug. 13 that he hopes to start producing cars at its new factory outside Berlin in October.

DENVER, Colo. — Mudslides from heavy rains caused “extreme damage” to Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon, Colo., Aug. 1, and transportation officials closed the road and advised long-distance truckers to detour north onto Interstate 80 through Wyoming.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Authorities on July 31 reopened the Interstate 40 bridge linking Arkansas and Tennessee that had been closed ever since a crack was discovered in the span in May.

WASHINGTON — The Senate voted the night of July 28 to begin work on a nearly $1 trillion national infrastructure plan, acting with sudden speed after weeks of fits and starts once the White House and a bipartisan group of senators agreed on major provisions of the package that’s key to President Joe Biden’s agenda.

A shortage of jet fuel, coupled with supply chain issues and an urgent demand from firefighting aircraft, continues to cause problems at airports around the West.

One of the world’s largest port operators, DP World, said July 1 it had acquired American logistics firm Syncreon Holdings in a $1.2 billion deal, the latest investment as the maritime company pushes to expand farther afield.

DETROIT — The head of Detroit’s big international auto show says it will return to the Motor City next year, but with smaller indoor displays and more emphasis on experiencing vehicles and technology outside.

Ford’s second-quarter outlook is improving, with large numbers of customers making reservations for four of its new vehicles.