Companies pledge millions in fed effort to stem road deaths
WASHINGTON — (AP) — Nearly 50 businesses and nonprofits — including rideshare companies Uber and Lyft, industrial giant 3M and automaker Honda — are pledging millions of dollars in initiatives to stem a crisis in road fatalities under a new federal effort announced Friday. Traffic fatalities are near historic highs after a surge of dangerous driving during the coronavirus pandemic. After a record spike in 2021, the number of U.S. traffic deaths dipped slightly during the first nine months of 2022, but pedestrian and cyclist deaths continued to rise. “We’re looking at road deaths coming in year after year in a similar proportion to gun deaths. The Transportation Department said it was issuing an open call for pledges, and more companies were expected to join in the coming weeks.
wftv.comBrightline partners with Uber to add rideshare to tickets
ORLANDO, Fla. — People looking to travel between Orlando and Miami will have a new way to get to and from Brightline stations in South Florida. Read: Brightline reveals first look at new Orlando station at OIABrighline announced Friday that it would partner with Brightline+ and Uber to offer rideshare assistance in the Brighline+ app. Watch: Central Florida Spotlight: BrightlineThe rideshare option will help travelers avoid highway traffic and make it easier to get to and from the five Brightline stations. The company said this would help customers and already facilitate airport shuttles, event shuttles, and electric golf carts. Read: EXCLUSIVE: Brightline on track to bring passengers to Orlando 2023Guests can add a private or shared Uber ride along with their Brightline train ticket.
wftv.comWoman charged with murder after body found burning outside house in Missouri
— A woman has been charged with murder after a body was reportedly found burning outside a house in Columbia, Missouri. Emma Adams, 20, was reportedly asleep in the house at Bentley Court but woke up and let investigators inside, according to KMIZ. When investigators went into the backyard, they reportedly found human remains burning in a fire pit and could smell the burning flesh. Investigators reportedly found blood on a car at the scene, inside the house, and in the backyard. (1) On Jan. 10 at approximately 5:30 p.m. officers with the University of Missouri Police Department were dispatched for a welfare check at Hudson Hall on the University of Missouri campus.
wftv.comWoman dropped off on side of I-25 by rideshare driver killed in hit-and-run: 'something that a normal human being just doesn't do'
Police have said the rideshare driver has no criminal liability in the woman's death, but personal injury lawyers, other rideshare drivers and the public are shocked.
cbsnews.comCentral Florida man arrested after choking Uber driver; steals his car, deputies say
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard man was arrested after he assaulted an Uber driver and attempted to steal his car, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. According to the arrest report, the sheriff’s office received a call from the driver who said a man choked and kicked him out of his red Jeep. The driver, unable to breathe, pulled over to the Chili’s parking lot and was able to get free, exit the car and call 911. Read: Three people shot in overnight shooting in Daytona Beach, police sayStrang was taken into custody at the Brevard County Jail and charged with carjacking with a firearm or weapon. Brevard County deputies are still investigating what led to the assault.
wftv.comFlorida restaurant offers breathalyzers, free Uber rides to its customers
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — One Florida restaurant and bar is making sure its patrons get home safe. The restaurant is offering breathalyzers and free Uber rides to its customers. Photos: Florida restaurant offers breathalyzers, free Uber rides to its customersExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 Florida restaurant offers breathalyzers, free Uber rides to its customersRead: How to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Central FloridaThe general manager of Archie’s Seabreeze in Fort Pierce said she just wants to make sure their guests get home safe. Read: Walt Disney World to close Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ride for refurbishmentShe also said while most people will take them up on the offer, some are harder to get on board. Read: These were Central Florida’s biggest stories in 2022Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comSheriff: Suspect murdered Uber driver because ‘he wanted to kill someone’
Detectives said that a suspect accused of murdering his Uber driver confessed to detectives and uploaded a video of the attack to social media. Dillion was working as a driver for the ridesharing service Uber on Dec. 9 when she was stabbed repeatedly, Lopinto said. “When your child leaves in the morning, you expect to see them come back,” Dillion’s mother, Edna, told WWL-TV. Edna told the outlet that she had been concerned about her daughter’s safety working for Uber. “I tried to get her to stop,” Edna told NOLA.com.
wftv.comNew Orleans police employee murder: Uber passenger accused of stabbing driver posted video of bloody aftermath
New Orleans police employee Yolanda Dillion was moonlighting for Uber when she was allegedly fatally stabbed by passenger Brandon Jacobs, accused of posting video of bloody aftermath.
foxnews.comMan gets jail for joining Capitol riot after Tinder date
A Delaware business owner has been sentenced to 30 days of incarceration for storming the U.S. Capitol after seeing the riot erupt on a Tinder date's television and taking an Uber ride to join the mob's attack, court records show. U.S. District Judge Thomas Hogan also on Friday ordered Jeffrey Schaefer to pay a $2,000 fine and $500 in restitution for his participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot in Washington. The next day, he decided to take an Uber ride to the Capitol after seeing the riot unfold on TV at his date's home in Alexandria. He posted several images of the riot on Facebook, including one showing a pile of destroyed media equipment. ___For full coverage of the Capitol riot, go to https://www.apnews.com/capitol-siegeCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comLabor proposal could upend rules for gig workers, companies
The 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
SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — The former chief security officer for Uber was convicted Wednesday of trying to cover up a 2016 data breach in which hackers accessed tens of millions of customer records from the ride-hailing service. A federal jury in San Francisco convicted Joseph Sullivan of obstructing justice and concealing knowledge that a federal felony had been committed, federal prosecutors said. He also never mentioned the breach to Uber lawyers who were involved with the FTC's inquiry, prosecutors said. The company announced last month that all its services were operational following what security professionals called a major data breach, claiming there was no evidence the hacker got access to sensitive user data. Screenshots the hacker shared with security researchers indicate they obtained full access to the cloud-based systems where Uber stores sensitive customer and financial data.
wftv.comSerious breach at Uber spotlights hacker social deception
The potential damage was serious: Screenshots the hacker shared with security researchers indicate they obtained full access to the cloud-based systems where Uber stores sensitive customer and financial data. It's awful,” said Corbin Leo, one of the researchers who chatted with the hacker online. The cybersecurity community's online reaction — Uber also suffered a serious 2016 breach — was harsh. Also widely circulating online: The hacker announcing the breach Thursday on Uber's internal Slack collaboration system. It said all its services — including Uber Eats and Uber Freight — were operational and that it had notified law enforcement.
wftv.comAfter serious breach, Uber says services operational
The ride-hailing service Uber said Friday that all its services are operational following what security professionals were calling a major data breach. What appeared to be a lone hacker announced the breach on Thursday after apparently tricking an Uber employee into providing credentials. Among them was one in which the hacker announced the breach on Uber's internal Slack collaboration ssytem. It said all its services — including Uber Eats and Uber Freight — were operational. Ultimately, the employee caved and provided a two-factor authentication code the hacker used to log in.
wftv.comHacker claims to breach Uber, security researcher says
Uber said Thursday that it reached out to law enforcement after a hacker apparently breached its network. “It seems like they’ve compromised a lot of stuff,” said Sam Curry, an engineer with Yuga Labs who communicated with the hacker. Curry said he spoke to several Uber employees who said they were “working to lock down everything internally” to restrict the hacker’s access. The Associated Press attempted to contact the hacker at the Telegram account where Curry and the other researchers chatted with them. The Times said the hacker reported being 18 years old and saying they broke in because the company had weak security.
wftv.comHacker claims to breach Uber, security researcher says
Uber said Thursday that it reached out to law enforcement after a hacker apparently breached its network. A security engineer said the intruder had provided evidence of obtaining access to crucial cloud systems at the ride-hailing service. “It seems like they've compromised a lot of stuff,” said Sam Curry, an engineer with Yuga Labs who communicated with the hacker. That includes obtaining complete access to the Amazon and Google-hosted cloud environments where Uber stores its source code and customer data, he said. The Associated Press attempted to contact the hacker at the Telegram account where Curry and the other researchers chatted with them.
wftv.comUber responding to unspecified 'cybersecurity incident'
SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — Uber says it is responding to an unspecified “cybersecurity incident.”The San Francisco-based ride-hailing service said on Twitter Thursday night that it is in touch with law enforcement and will have updates as soon as they are available. The company confirmed in an email to The Associated Press Thursday night that the tweet is authentic. It did not answer questions about what exactly was breached or whether the ride-hailing platform was affected. The email said that updates would be posted on its Uber Comms twitter feed. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comVolusia investigators waiting on Uber’s cooperation as more fraud victims come forward
The 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
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 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
Uber 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
Delivery 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
The 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
In 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
Records 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
FILE - 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
The 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
This 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
The 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
FILE - 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?
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
Uber'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
Uber, 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
FILE - 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
The 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
To 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
LAKE 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.