INSIDER
🛣️ The most dangerous roads during Thanksgiving
Read full article: 🛣️ The most dangerous roads during ThanksgivingLast year, more than 49 million Americans hit the road for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, according to the National Safety Council, it's one of the most dangerous driving holidays in the United States.
Waymo's robotaxis now open to anyone who wants a driverless ride in Los Angeles
Read full article: Waymo's robotaxis now open to anyone who wants a driverless ride in Los AngelesWaymo on Tuesday opened its robotaxi service to anyone who wants a ride around Los Angeles, marking another milestone in the evolution of self-driving car technology since the company began as a secret project at Google 15 years ago.
Alcaraz clinches Laver Cup for Team Europe in 13-11 victory over Team World
Read full article: Alcaraz clinches Laver Cup for Team Europe in 13-11 victory over Team WorldFour-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame Taylor Fritz in the deciding match as Team Europe rallied to beat Team World 13-11 and win the Laver Cup.
Laver Cup is 2-2 after Fritz and Shelton win doubles from Alcaraz and Zverev
Read full article: Laver Cup is 2-2 after Fritz and Shelton win doubles from Alcaraz and ZverevAmerican pair Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton have edged Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev in doubles to tie the Laver Cup after the first day in Berlin.
Uber to dispatch Waymo's robotaxis in Austin and Atlanta next year
Read full article: Uber to dispatch Waymo's robotaxis in Austin and Atlanta next yearRide-hailing leader Uber on Friday announced it will dispatch robotaxis built by driverless technology pioneer Waymo beginning next year in Austin, Texas, and Atlanta in a deal that deepens the bond between once-bitter rivals.
Dutch watchdog fines Uber $324 million for alleged inadequate protection of drivers' data
Read full article: Dutch watchdog fines Uber $324 million for alleged inadequate protection of drivers' dataThe Dutch data protection watchdog has slapped a 290 million euro ($324 million) fine on ride-hailing service Uber for allegedly transferring personal details of European drivers to the United States without adequate protection.
Cruise will dispatch some of its trouble-ridden robotaxis to join Uber's ride-hailing service
Read full article: Cruise will dispatch some of its trouble-ridden robotaxis to join Uber's ride-hailing serviceCruise’s trouble-ridden robotaxis are on the road to joining Uber’s ride-hailing service next year as part of a multiyear partnership bringing together two companies that once appeared poised to compete for passengers.
Uber, China's BYD, form partnership to deploy 100,000 EVs in EU and Latin America
Read full article: Uber, China's BYD, form partnership to deploy 100,000 EVs in EU and Latin AmericaThe ride sharing giant Uber and Chinese automaker BYD say they have agreed on a partnership to introduce 100,000 BYD model EVs on the Uber platform in Europe and Latin America.
Long wait for an Uber at Orlando International Airport? Drivers are also waiting
Read full article: Long wait for an Uber at Orlando International Airport? Drivers are also waitingDuring the busiest times of the year at the Orlando International Airport, passengers seeking a rideshare pickup often wait longer than usual.
Uber and Lyft agree to pay drivers $32.50 per hour in Massachusetts settlement
Read full article: Uber and Lyft agree to pay drivers $32.50 per hour in Massachusetts settlementMassachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell says drivers for Uber and Lyft will earn a minimum pay standard of $32.50 per hour under a settlement.
Uber and Lyft say they won't leave Minnesota after all — and drivers are getting a raise
Read full article: Uber and Lyft say they won't leave Minnesota after all — and drivers are getting a raiseUber and Lyft announced they will keep operating in Minnesota, now that state lawmakers have passed a measure that will increase driver pay to a level the companies can accept.
Uber is helping investigators look into account that sent driver to Ohio home where she was killed
Read full article: Uber is helping investigators look into account that sent driver to Ohio home where she was killedThe ride-hailing company Uber says it's banned an account that sent a driver to the Ohio home where an 81-year-old man allegedly shot the woman to death.
Ohio man fatally shot Uber driver after scam phone calls targeted both of them, authorities say
Read full article: Ohio man fatally shot Uber driver after scam phone calls targeted both of them, authorities sayAn Ohio man who authorities say fatally shot an Uber driver he thought was trying to rob him after scam phone calls deceived them both has been indicted on a murder charge.
Here’s what we know about Uber and Lyft’s planned exit from Minneapolis in May
Read full article: Here’s what we know about Uber and Lyft’s planned exit from Minneapolis in MayThe future of Uber and Lyft in Minneapolis has garnered concern and debate in recent weeks after the City Council voted last month to require that ride-hailing companies pay drivers a higher rate while they are within city limits.
Failed Australian rideshare app accuses Uber of illegally operating service to gain unfair advantage
Read full article: Failed Australian rideshare app accuses Uber of illegally operating service to gain unfair advantageA failed Australian taxi-industry disruptor has told a court that Uber began illegally operating its ridesharing service in Australia a decade ago to gain an unfair advantage over competitors.
Things to know about Uber and Lyft saying they will halt ride-hailing services in Minneapolis
Read full article: Things to know about Uber and Lyft saying they will halt ride-hailing services in MinneapolisLyft and Uber have said they will halt operations in Minneapolis because of a new city ordinance that increases wages for app-based drivers.
Lyft and Uber say they will leave Minneapolis after city council forces them to pay drivers more
Read full article: Lyft and Uber say they will leave Minneapolis after city council forces them to pay drivers moreLyft and Uber say they will cease operations in Minneapolis after the city’s council voted Thursday to override a mayoral veto and require ride-hailing services to increase driver wages to the equivalent of the local hourly minimum wage of $15.57.
Florida Uber driver sold mushrooms, LSD to undercover investigators, deputies say
Read full article: Florida Uber driver sold mushrooms, LSD to undercover investigators, deputies sayAn Uber driver in Florida is facing charges after he tried to sell mushrooms and LSD to undercover narcotics investigators attending a conference, according to a news release.
Insider extra: See how News 6 investigated Uber, Lyft drivers using bike racks to dodge tolls
Read full article: Insider extra: See how News 6 investigated Uber, Lyft drivers using bike racks to dodge tollsRideshare drivers working for Uber and Lyft may be evading tolls on Central Florida expressways by blocking their vehicles’ license plates with rear-mounted bicycle racks, a News 6 investigation revealed.
Uber, Lyft drivers dodge tolls using bike racks
Read full article: Uber, Lyft drivers dodge tolls using bike racksRideshare drivers working for Uber and Lyft may be evading tolls on Central Florida expressways by blocking their vehicles’ license plates with rear-mounted bicycle racks, a News 6 investigation revealed.
Your Florida Daily: Woman accused of ramming through Space Force gate, rideshare drivers plan lunchtime strike
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Woman accused of ramming through Space Force gate, rideshare drivers plan lunchtime strikeKrishna Janosky rammed the gate at the base last week, according to an arrest report.
Uber, Lyft drivers plan to park at Orlando International Airport during strike
Read full article: Uber, Lyft drivers plan to park at Orlando International Airport during strikeThousands of U.S. ride-hailing workers plan to park their cars and picket at major airports, including Orlando International Airport.
Date night strike: Thousands of US, UK delivery, ride-hailing drivers stop work on Valentine's Day
Read full article: Date night strike: Thousands of US, UK delivery, ride-hailing drivers stop work on Valentine's DayThousands of ride-hailing and delivery workers in the U.S. and the U.K. went on strike on Valentine's Day in an effort to win better pay.
New rule tightens worker classification standards; Uber, Lyft say their drivers won't be affected
Read full article: New rule tightens worker classification standards; Uber, Lyft say their drivers won't be affectedThe Biden administration has enacted a new labor rule that aims to prevent the misclassification of workers as “independent contractors,” a step that could bolster both legal protections and compensation for millions in the U.S. workforce.
Ride share change at Orlando airport causing ‘absolute pandemonium’ for passengers, drivers
Read full article: Ride share change at Orlando airport causing ‘absolute pandemonium’ for passengers, driversIf you're counting on Uber for a ride home from the Orlando International Airport over the holidays, you may have to wait for a pickup — longer than at any other airport in Florida, according to Uber.
‘She was everything:’ $5K reward offered in Orlando hit-and-run crash that killed 5-year-old girl
Read full article: ‘She was everything:’ $5K reward offered in Orlando hit-and-run crash that killed 5-year-old girlA $5,000 reward is being offered for information in an Orlando hit-and-run crash that killed a 5-year-old girl, according to police.
5-year-old girl killed in Orlando hit-and-run crash was traveling in Uber with family, attorney says
Read full article: 5-year-old girl killed in Orlando hit-and-run crash was traveling in Uber with family, attorney saysA 5-year-old girl killed in a hit-and-run crash in Orlando was traveling in an Uber with her aunt and sisters, according to her family's attorney.
Uber and Lyft to pay $328 million to settle dispute over taxes and fees paid by New York drivers
Read full article: Uber and Lyft to pay $328 million to settle dispute over taxes and fees paid by New York driversRide-hailing companies Uber and Lyft will pay a combined $328 million to settle complaints that they improperly saddled their New York drivers with taxes and fees that should have been been paid by passengers.
Florida Uber driver kept stolen rental car running for 3 weeks to avoid payments, deputies say
Read full article: Florida Uber driver kept stolen rental car running for 3 weeks to avoid payments, deputies sayAn Uber driver in Florida was arrested Tuesday night, accused of using a rental car that he wasn’t paying for to pick up passengers, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Man accused of carjacking Uber driver, crashing car into Oviedo woods
Read full article: Man accused of carjacking Uber driver, crashing car into Oviedo woodsThe Uber driver explained that she had driven two passengers — Kyron Peterson, 19, and his friend — back to an apartment complex earlier that evening, a report shows.
Apple says it will fix software problems blamed for making iPhone 15 models too hot to handle
Read full article: Apple says it will fix software problems blamed for making iPhone 15 models too hot to handleApple is blaming a software bug and other issues tied to popular apps such as Instagram and Uber for causing its recently released iPhone 15 models to heat up and spark complaints about becoming too hot to handle.
The backup driver in the 1st death by a fully autonomous car pleads guilty to endangerment
Read full article: The backup driver in the 1st death by a fully autonomous car pleads guilty to endangermentThe backup Uber driver involved in the first death involving a fully autonomous vehicle has pleaded guilty to endangerment.
A woman fatally shot an Uber driver. Police say she wrongly thought she was being kidnapped
Read full article: A woman fatally shot an Uber driver. Police say she wrongly thought she was being kidnappedA Kentucky woman is accused of fatally shooting her West Texas Uber driver after mistakenly believing she was being kidnapped and taken to Mexico.
Minnesota governor vetoes Uber/Lyft driver pay raise bill, citing cost and service concerns
Read full article: Minnesota governor vetoes Uber/Lyft driver pay raise bill, citing cost and service concernsGov. Tim Walz has vetoed a bill that would have mandated higher pay and job security for Lyft and Uber drivers in Minnesota.
Waymo, Uber set aside past rift over self-driving car technology to team up on robotaxis in Phoenix
Read full article: Waymo, Uber set aside past rift over self-driving car technology to team up on robotaxis in PhoenixSelf-driving car pioneer Waymo is teaming up with ride-hailing leader Uber in the Phoenix area to transport passengers and deliver food in robotic cars that triggered a bitter technological dispute between the two companies.
Ex-Uber security chief sentenced for data-breach cover-up
Read full article: Ex-Uber security chief sentenced for data-breach cover-upThe former chief security officer for Uber has been sentenced to probation for trying to cover up a 2016 data breach in which hackers accessed tens of millions of customer records from the ride-hailing service.
Lyft to pick up new CEO amid deepening post-pandemic losses
Read full article: Lyft to pick up new CEO amid deepening post-pandemic lossesLyft co-founders Logan Green and John Zimmer are relinquishing their leadership roles to make way for a former Amazon executive as the ride-hailing service struggles to recover from the pandemic while long-time rival Uber has been regaining its momentum.
Companies pledge millions in fed effort to stem road deaths
Read full article: Companies pledge millions in fed effort to stem road deathsNearly 50 businesses and nonprofits including rideshare companies Uber and Lyft and industrial giant 3M are pledging millions of dollars in initiatives to stem a crisis in road fatalities under a new federal effort.
Kissimmee man accused of using stolen identities to rip off Uber faces federal charges
Read full article: Kissimmee man accused of using stolen identities to rip off Uber faces federal chargesA Kissimmee man has been indicted on federal charges after prosecutors said he used stolen identities as part of a scheme to ripoff the ride-sharing company Uber.
Labor proposal could upend rules for gig workers, companies
Read full article: Labor proposal could upend rules for gig workers, companiesThe U.S. Department of Labor is publishing a new proposal on how workers should be classified saying that thousands of people have been incorrectly labeled as contractors rather than employees, potentially curtailing access to benefits and protections they rightfully deserve.
Former Uber security chief guilty of data breach coverup
Read full article: Former Uber security chief guilty of data breach coverupThe former chief security officer for Uber has been convicted of trying to cover up a 2016 data breach in which hackers accessed millions of customer records from the ride-hailing service.
No-confidence vote fails in France; shows divided parliament
Read full article: No-confidence vote fails in France; shows divided parliamentFrench lawmakers have failed to pass a no-confidence motion requested by a leftist coalition to symbolically mark their opposition to President Emmanuel Macron’s government and economic policies.
Report: Uber lobbied, used 'stealth' tech to block scrutiny
Read full article: Report: Uber lobbied, used 'stealth' tech to block scrutinyAs Uber pushed into markets around the world, the ride-sharing service lobbied political leaders to relax labor and taxi laws and used a “kill switch″ to thwart regulators and law enforcement.
Uber driver recounts shooting man accused of hitting girlfriend in Orange County
Read full article: Uber driver recounts shooting man accused of hitting girlfriend in Orange CountyAn Uber driver who shot a man accused of hitting his girlfriend during a ride to their hotel in Orange County is sharing what happened leading up to the altercation.
Uber helping detectives solve Florida ‘grandparent scams’
Read full article: Uber helping detectives solve Florida ‘grandparent scams’Detectives in Tampa are asking Uber to help solve a “grandparent scam” that conned $10,000 from a 75-year-old man who was told his granddaughter needed the money to get out of jail.
EU plan to boost gig economy workers is latest blow to apps
Read full article: EU plan to boost gig economy workers is latest blow to appsA new European Union plan to improve conditions for the growing number of gig economy workers could mean millions more of them are classified as employees entitled to benefits.
82-year-old Florida woman loses over $700,000 in ‘grandparent scam’
Read full article: 82-year-old Florida woman loses over $700,000 in ‘grandparent scam’Investigators are asking Uber for records as they investigate the theft of more than $700,000 from an 82-year-old Florida woman who apparently fell for a “grandparent scam.”.
US sues Uber, saying wait fees discriminate against disabled
Read full article: US sues Uber, saying wait fees discriminate against disabledThe federal government is suing Uber saying it discriminates against disabled people by charging fees when drivers have to wait for passengers to board their vehicles.
Judge: California ride-hailing law is unconstitutional
Read full article: Judge: California ride-hailing law is unconstitutionalA judge has struck down California’s ballot measure that exempted Uber and other companies from a state law requiring their drivers to be classified as employees eligible for benefits and job protections.
A new reason to swipe right? Dating apps adding vax badges
Read full article: A new reason to swipe right? Dating apps adding vax badgesThe White House is pushing a new reason to swipe right: Dating apps are starting to offer vaccination badges and “super swipes” for people who've gotten their coronavirus shots.
Florida woman accused of biting, choking Uber driver during unprovoked attack
Read full article: Florida woman accused of biting, choking Uber driver during unprovoked attackA Florida woman lunged from the back seat and attacked her Uber driver, biting, choking and scratching the man, leaving him bloodied, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Volusia investigators waiting on Uber’s cooperation as more fraud victims come forward
Read full article: Volusia investigators waiting on Uber’s cooperation as more fraud victims come forwardThe Volusia County sheriff said his office is now investigating five cases in what they’re calling a bizarre scam. The sheriff said schemers are using Uber drivers to collect money from victims and bring it to them.
Uber to give UK drivers minimum wage, pension, holiday pay
Read full article: Uber to give UK drivers minimum wage, pension, holiday payUber is giving its U.K. drivers the minimum wage, pensions and holiday pay, following a recent court ruling that said they should be classified as workers and entitled to such benefits, the company announced Tuesday, March 16, 2021. And they said the company can't decide by itself the expense base for calculating the minimum wage, which should be based on a collective agreement. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)LONDON – Uber is giving its U.K. drivers the minimum wage, pensions and holiday pay, following a recent court ruling that said they should be classified as workers and entitled to such benefits. The ride hailing giant's announcement Tuesday comes after it lost an appeal last month at the U.K. Supreme Court following a yearslong court battle. And they said the company can't decide by itself the expense base for calculating the minimum wage, which should be based on a collective agreement.
Uber, Lyft team up on database to expose abusive drivers
Read full article: Uber, Lyft team up on database to expose abusive driversUber and Lyft have teamed up to create a database of drivers ousted from their ride-hailing services for complaints about sexual assault and other crimes that have raised passenger-safety concerns for years. The clearinghouse unveiled Thursday, March 11, will initially list drivers expelled by the ride-hailing rivals in the U.S. Michael Wolfe, a Uber driver who also leads a Washington state group representing about 2,000 other drivers, praised both ride-hailing services for trying to weed out the abuses in the industry. AdIt could also help appease U.S. lawmakers, who have criticized Uber and Lyft in the past for inadequate safety protections for their riders. After Uber rebuffed the request to protect the victims' privacy, the agency slapped the company with a $59 million fine.
Gig economy shifts: Spain makes delivery riders employees
Read full article: Gig economy shifts: Spain makes delivery riders employeesDelivery riders protest outside the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Wednesday March 3, 2021.The Spanish government announced on Thursday March 11, 2021, legislation that classifies food delivery riders as employees of the digital platforms they work for, not self-employed. (AP Photo/Paul White)MADRID – The Spanish government on Thursday announced legislation that classifies food delivery riders as employees of the digital platforms they work for, not self-employed, in a legal change that could have far-reaching consequences for Spanish businesses. She described the rule on disclosing how the digital systems work as “epic,” saying it “neutralizes algorithmic punishments.”AdThe legal changes are the latest affecting companies and workers in the gig economy. The Spanish government agreed on the new law with the country’s main business groups and trade union confederations. AdThe legislation was drawn up after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled last September that food delivery riders are employees, not self-employed workers, in a case brought by a former rider for Glovo.
UK top court gives Uber drivers benefits in landmark ruling
Read full article: UK top court gives Uber drivers benefits in landmark rulingThe U.K. Supreme Court ruled Friday that Uber drivers should be classed as workers and not self employed. The ruling that the drivers should be classed as “workers” and not self-employed is a big defeat for the ride-hailing giant. The seven Supreme Court judges who heard the case unanimously rejected Uber's appeal against an employment tribunal ruling that two Uber drivers were “workers" under British law. AdSan Francisco-based Uber, which has 65,000 active drivers and 5 million regular users in the U.K., had argued that Aslam and Farrar were independent contractors. AdThe British judges on Friday cited a number of factors in their decision: Uber sets fares and contract terms and penalizes drivers who reject or cancel rides.
Uber's 4Q loss narrows, raising hopes for pandemic recovery
Read full article: Uber's 4Q loss narrows, raising hopes for pandemic recoveryIn 2020, the ride-hailing service was forced to rely more heavily on its food-delivery service. But analysts believe Uber’s pioneering ride-hailing service will also eventually bounce back as more people are vaccinated against COVID-19. He also predicted that Uber's losses may evaporate by the end of this year. The company’s ride-hailing service brought in revenue of $1.48 billion in the quarter, a 52% drop from the prior year. Meanwhile, revenue in Uber's food-delivery service more than tripled from the previous year to $1.37 billion.
Man with Florida tattooed on his forehead accused of calling 911 to ask for ride home
Read full article: Man with Florida tattooed on his forehead accused of calling 911 to ask for ride homeRecords show 22-year-old Matthew Leatham, of Hudson, called 911 four times between 3:17 a.m. and 4:22 a.m. Sunday to ask for a ride home. [TRENDING: How to get a vaccine in Fla. | Wanted: Man accused of shooting at detective | Cops: Fla. man decapitated hamster]Ad“I’m trying to find a ride home. I (expletive) up, I’m trying to find a (expletive) ride home,” Leatham said in the first call. It’s only letting me call this number so I figured (expletive) I’ll call this number and I’ll pick up a Lyft,” Leatham said. I ain’t able to call a taxi, I’m trying to call a taxi,” Leatham said.
California court rejects lawsuit challenging ride-share vote
Read full article: California court rejects lawsuit challenging ride-share voteFILE - In this Jan. 12, 2016, file photo, a ride-share car displays Lyft and Uber stickers on its front windshield in downtown Los Angeles. The California Supreme Court has rejected a challenge to the ballot measure that kept app-based ride-hailing and delivery drivers independent contractors instead of employees eligible for benefits and job protections. The court on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, declined to hear the case brought by drivers and unions who had opposed the measure. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)LOS ANGELES – The California Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit Wednesday that sought to overturn a ballot measure that makes app-based ride-hailing and delivery drivers independent contractors instead of employees eligible for benefits and job protections. “We’re thankful, but not surprised, that the California Supreme Court has rejected this meritless lawsuit,” said Jim Pyatt, a Modesto retiree who drives for Uber, in a statement from a group that supports Proposition 22.
Uber will bring the booze after acquiring Drizly for $1.1B
Read full article: Uber will bring the booze after acquiring Drizly for $1.1BThe mobile ride-hailing company said Tuesday that it is acquiring the alcohol-delivery platform Drizly for $1.1 billion in stock and cash. Uber expects more than 90% of the sum to be paid to Drizly stockholders in shares of Uber common stock and the remainder paid in cash. Shares in San Francisco-based Uber jumped 7% in afternoon trading, to $56.42. U.S. alcohol online sales jumped 553% in April, according to NielsenIQ. AdThe acquisition gives Uber access to an established player in that space, which could be a leg up in the fiercely competitive food delivery market.
Maine company successfully launches prototype rocket
Read full article: Maine company successfully launches prototype rocketThis Jan. 31, 2021 image provided by bluShift Aerospace shows The Knack Factory in Limestone, Maine, where an unmanned rocket lifts off in a test run. It was the first commercial rocket launch in Maine history. (bluShift Aerospace via AP)BRUNSWICK, Maine – A Maine company that’s developing a rocket to propel small satellites into space passed its first major test on Sunday. It’s carbon neutral.”AdThe goal is to create a small rocket that could launch a 30-kilogram (66-pound) payload into low-Earth orbit, more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) above Earth's surface. An attempted test launch in Limestone earlier in January was postponed because of weather.
Some Uber, Lyft drivers sue over California ballot measure
Read full article: Some Uber, Lyft drivers sue over California ballot measureThe measure, which was passed in November with 58% support, was the most expensive in state history with Uber, Lyft and other services pouring $200 million in support of it. “Generally speaking, courts in California don't like to overturn the will of the people,” Moylan said. There are instances where the California courts have come in and said ... it's nice that this is what the people wanted to do, but our constitution doesn't permit the people to do this." The law expanded a California Supreme Court ruling that limited businesses from classifying certain workers as independent contractors. Another claim in the lawsuit alleges the measure violates a rule limiting ballot measures to a single subject.
Uber offers free rides for people to go get COVID-19 vaccination
Read full article: Uber offers free rides for people to go get COVID-19 vaccinationFILE - This Wednesday, June 21, 2017, file photo shows the building that houses the headquarters of Uber, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)Uber will offer people free and discounted rides if their destination is a COVID-19 vaccination. The ride-share company says it’s all in an effort to ensure people get vaccinated, especially those who face challenges with transportation. Uber is offering 10 million free or discounted rides to and from their destination for the COVID-19 shot. Uber says the organizations are all tied to communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Are public transportation, ride hailing services safe during coronavirus pandemic?
Read full article: Are public transportation, ride hailing services safe during coronavirus pandemic?If you need to hire a car or hail a cab during the pandemic, consider a few safety steps. Masks are mandatory for drivers and riders using Lyft and Uber. Lyft instituted a health safety program, requiring everyone to agree to ride only if symptom free, to keep vehicles clean, ride in the back seat, and open windows when possible. “But of course, the big answer to that is wear your mask.”Joe Allen directs the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard University. Both Uber and Lyft suspended shared ride options in March, so you won’t be riding with any strangers in the back seat.
Uber's food delivery business outshines core rides service
Read full article: Uber's food delivery business outshines core rides serviceUber's food delivery business brought in more money during the third quarter than its signature rides business, showing just how much consumer behavior has changed — and how far the company has adapted — since the pandemic struck. Uber brought in $3.13 billion in revenue, down 18% from the same time last year. Despite the decline, the rides business showed improvement from the second quarter, when it brought in just $790 million. Uber’s food delivery business also brought in more revenue than its rides business in the second quarter, when demand for rides was even lower due to the pandemic. However, its rides business was more profitable than delivery.
Ride-hailing, delivery giants win fight against labor law
Read full article: Ride-hailing, delivery giants win fight against labor lawUber, Lyft, Doordash, Instacart and others sought to get out of those requirements, and after failing in court, succeeded in convincing voters to give them an exemption from most of the year-old law’s provisions. A record $200 million spending spree by the companies and their supporters helped them win the vote. The investment yielded a huge return for Uber and Lyft, whose combined market value climbed by $10 billion on Wednesday. Uber told its drivers the company would let drivers know how to enroll in benefits in the next few weeks. “It’s not really fair that Uber, Lyft etc.
Uber, Lyft spend big, win in California vote about drivers
Read full article: Uber, Lyft spend big, win in California vote about driversFILE - In this Aug. 20, 2020, file photo travelers request an Uber ride at Los Angeles International Airport's LAX-it pick up terminal. A California ballot measure that would exempt Uber, Lyft and other app-based delivery drivers from being classified as company employees eligible for benefits and job protections led Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, in early vote counts. San Francisco-based Uber and Lyft had threatened to pull out of California if they lost. Opponents said the companies exploit drivers to keep profits high and the ballot measure would deprive workers of rights like overtime pay and workers’ compensation. Supporters said the measure would allow drivers to maintain the freedom to work hours they choose and would provide other benefits.
Asia tracks Wall St rally as markets shrug at election limbo
Read full article: Asia tracks Wall St rally as markets shrug at election limboThe benchmark index had gained 3.5% before the market lost some of its momentum toward the end of the day. The Shanghai Composite index rose 0.6% to 3,297.34. But after a tumultuous overnight session in global markets where Trump prematurely declared victory, markets acted as if the occupant of the White House might be secondary. It may take days for a winner of the White House to emerge, and professional investors say they’re bracing for sharp market swings in the meantime. Stocks tend to rise regardless of which party controls the White House.
Across the country: 5 noteworthy ballot measures that deserve some attention
Read full article: Across the country: 5 noteworthy ballot measures that deserve some attentionTo see what exactly the ballot measures are in each state, click or tap here. Below are five noteworthy initiatives we thought we’d mention from across the country. Mississippi’s flag redesignThe state Legislature in June eliminated the old state flag that had the Confederate battle emblem, which was widely thought of as racist. California’s app-based driving proposalThis initiative will decide whether app-based transportation and delivery drivers are classified as independent contractors or as employees. Colorado’s abortion banThis is a ballot initiative that will likely draw a lot of attention across the nation.
Suspected carjacker shot, killed after lunging at Florida deputies, sheriff says
Read full article: Suspected carjacker shot, killed after lunging at Florida deputies, sheriff saysLAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. – Sheriff’s deputies fatally shot a suspected carjacker who came at deputies with a filet knife during a traffic stop Tuesday night in Palm Beach County, the sheriff said in a late night news conference. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the white man in his 20s had carjacked and stabbed an Uber driver earlier Tuesday evening in neighboring Broward County. Deputies stopped the vehicle around 8 p.m. and the man got out holding the knife, Bradshaw said. The sheriff did not identify or say how many deputies fired at the man. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office will investigate.
Need help getting to polls? Hertz offering free rental on election day
Read full article: Need help getting to polls? Hertz offering free rental on election dayHertz is trying to help you get to the polls this election season. The rental car company says on Nov. 2 or 3 it will give away one free day when customers reserve a car for two days. Hertz says this will make it easier for people to perform their civic duty. [TRENDING: ‘Smell of rotting flesh’ leads to body in trunk | How to celebrate Halloween during pandemic | 98 ‘murder hornets’ removed]Other transportation companies are also running deals on election day. Both Uber and Lyft are offering discounts rides to the polls.
California court says Uber, Lyft drivers are employees
Read full article: California court says Uber, Lyft drivers are employeesSAN FRANCISCO – A California appeals court on Thursday upheld an order requiring Uber and Lyft to treat their California drivers as employees instead of independent contractors, less than two weeks before voters will be asked to exempt the ride-hailing giants from the state's gig economy law. Uber and Lyft — who along with DoorDash have heavily bankrolled the ballot measure — had appealed an August preliminary injunction by a San Francisco judge. Uber and Lyft issued statements noting that the ruling doesn't take immediate affect and urging voters to approve Prop. Treating Uber and Lyft drivers as employees instead of independent contractors would guarantee benefits such as overtime, sick leave and expense reimbursement for workers who make up much of the freewheeling gig economy. Lawyers for Uber and Lyft say drivers are not fundamental to the business, arguing the companies are “multi-sided platforms” whose activities encompass much more than transportation.
Clermont man accused of rape faces sexual battery charge
Read full article: Clermont man accused of rape faces sexual battery chargeCLERMONT, Fla. – A Clermont man is charged with sexual battery after Lake County deputies say he is accused of raping a woman. The victim made plans Monday evening to meet a friend at a restaurant on West Osceola Street in Clermont, according to the arrest report. Details in the report say Gonzalez began to flirt with her and make sexual advances, the woman told him she was involved with someone else. The Sheriff’s Office says the victim completed a rape kit in which nurses noted she suffered injuries consistent with a sexual battery. Gonzalez is now facing a sexual battery charge.
Uber, Lyft look to kill California law on app-based drivers
Read full article: Uber, Lyft look to kill California law on app-based driversVoters are being asked to decide via Proposition 22 whether to create an exemption to a new state law aimed at providing wage and benefit protections to Uber, Lyft and other app-based drivers. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)LOS ANGELES – Californians are being asked to decide if Uber, Lyft and other app-based drivers should remain independent contractors or be eligible for the benefits that come with being company employees. Voters are weighing whether to create an exemption to a new state law aimed at providing wage and benefit protections to drivers. The landmark labor law known known as AB5 threatens to upend the app-based business model, which offers great flexibility to drivers who can work whenever they choose. Uber and Lyft have maintained that their drivers meet the criteria to be independent contractors, not employees.