Uber is expanding its role in the robotaxi industry through a new partnership with Rivian, the Irvine-based electric-vehicle maker.

Uber and Rivian announced a partnership Thursday that could bring up to 50,000 self-driving R2 vehicles to cities across the U.S., Canada and Europe by 2031.

The Rivian robotaxis would be available exclusively through Uber’s ride-hailing app.

The partnership will begin with Uber’s purchase of 10,000 fully autonomous R2s, with the option to purchase 40,000 more in 2030. Uber’s investment is subject to the achievement of autonomous performance milestones, the companies said in a news release.

Uber could invest as much as $1.25 billion in Rivian through 2031. It already has committed to spending $300 million on the effort.

The first robotaxi deployments are planned for San Francisco and Miami in 2028, followed by 23 more cities, the release said.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with Uber,” Rivian Chief Executive RJ Scaringe said in a statement. “It will help accelerate our path to level 4 autonomy to create one of the safest and most convenient autonomous platforms in the world.”

The R2 is Rivian’s highly anticipated lower-priced SUV, starting at $48,490 for consumers in 2027. Investors hope the more affordable model will boost sales amid declining federal support for electric vehicles.

The company impressed investors with better than expected yearly earnings last month, but has laid off hundreds of employees over the last year.

Rivian is just the latest robotaxi partnership for Uber, which has established itself as a key player in the burgeoning market of self-driving cars.

Last month, Uber announced a set of services known as Uber Autonomous Solutions to offer robotaxi ventures access to its customers, data and software.

Uber is partnering with Volkswagen to bring self-driving ID. Buzz minivans to Los Angeles this year. It’s also teamed up with Silicon Valley-based EV maker Lucid to launch robotaxis later this year and has partnered with robotaxi leader Waymo in Austin and Atlanta.

Rivian announced its third-generation autonomy platform in December, which will launch in the R2 in late 2026. It includes 11 cameras, five radars and one lidar, a laser-based radar.

Rivian robotaxis will compete against Waymo, which operates in 10 major cities, and Elon Musk’s Tesla.

Amazon-backed Zoox also is serving the public in San Francisco and Las Vegas in purpose-built, pill-shaped autonomous vehicles with no steering wheel or gas pedal.

Uber shares, which have slid around 8% this year, gave up around 2% on Thursday, closing at $75.34. Rivian shares, which have fallen 18% this year, rose nearly 4% to $16.12.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Thousands of people in California are diagnosed with tuberculosis each year. Health leaders in Central California say they continue monitoring cases closely across the region.

State health data show that in 2025, more than 2,100 people were infected with tuberculosis statewide.

“Tuberculosis is highly contagious. It can be transferred from one person to another simply by talking, singing, coughing or sneezing. This bacteria can be transmitted from one person to another,” said Leticia Berber, a health education specialist with the Fresno County Department of Public Health.

Tuberculosis typically affects the lungs and appears in two forms: active and inactive, also known as latent TB.

“The latent is often referred to as like bacteria that are asleep in your body, and so you can’t get sick from it. You can’t spread it to others,” said Dr. Ignacio Santana, Merced County health officer. “Active TB, on the other hand, which is a second form, the bacteria are awake and they’re making people sick.”

Health leaders in Central California say they are consistently testing and treating latent cases of tuberculosis.

According to the California Department of Public Health, Fresno County reported 50 cases of tuberculosis in 2025, while Merced County reported five cases. In 2024, Fresno County recorded 52 cases and Merced County reported 11.

Santana said health officials remain vigilant, adding that many tuberculosis cases originate outside the United States.

“80% of the TB cases in the US are due to people who are born in a high-incidence country,” he said.

Berber said Fresno County has documented 15 tuberculosis cases so far this year. Health leaders say tuberculosis can be treated, particularly when diagnosed early.

“If we have a latent TB, this individual can take medication for up to three months. Every day, there is a pill to take. This treatment can take up to three to 12 months, depending on the individual’s health status,” Berber said.

Active tuberculosis cases require more aggressive treatment.

Health officials say recognizing symptoms early, wearing masks and undergoing screening remain the most effective ways to prevent the spread of tuberculosis.

For news updates, follow Ana Torrea on Facebook, X and Instagram.

California Love is displayed throughout the NCAA men’s basketball tournament this year, with UCLA leading the way.

However, there are some surprising California sleepers experts predict can have a Cinderella run and bust brackets along the way. California Baptist, Santa Clara and Saint Mary’s College have all earned bids to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The California Baptist Lancers are going to the big dance for the first time. The Santa Clara Broncos are going for the first time in a long time; their last NCAA Tournament appearance was in 1996, when they were led by Steve Nash.

For the Saint Mary’s Gaels, it’s their fifth straight appearance, but they have been a first- or second-round exit each year since 2022.

All three hope to make this the year of unpredictability. Here’s what the experts think of their chances in the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

More NCAA: March Madness bracket predictions, from hot takes to upsets to Final Four picks