Gas Prices Sting US Workers Who Depend On Their Cars
Millions of Americans who rely on their cars for work are changing their habits, signing up for carpools or even ditching their cars for bicycles as gas prices recently hit $5 per gallon for the first time ever. This week, it's averaging...
detroit.cbslocal.comFilipino lawyer gunned down inside Uber vehicle in Philadelphia dies
A Filipino lawyer has died a day after being shot while on his way to an airport in Philadelphia. John Albert “Jal” Laylo, a Philippines government attorney on vacation in the city, was sharing an Uber vehicle with his mother Leah when their car was attacked by still unknown suspects at 4:06 a.m. on Saturday. The suspects then pulled over to the Uber driver’s side and fired more rounds before fleeing the scene.
news.yahoo.com‘We need to take care of ourselves’: Ride-share, delivery drivers learn about wellness, self-care as stress of the job increases
The surge in people choosing to drive for a living for rideshare and delivery companies was met with a pandemic of viral infections but also more crime on the roads, and drivers are struggling to balance the pros of the job, like flexible schedules, with the reality of the risks of being on the road.
chicagotribune.comAn Uber driver helped a stranded TikTok influencer after she was robbed during Coachella. In return, she raised over $240,000 for his family.
"It hit $1,000 in one hour and then $100,000 in 24 hours," Becca Moore said of the fundraiser that now has over $240,000. "I still can't believe it."
news.yahoo.comCalifornia woman flew to Michigan, rented Airbnb to meet 15-year-old boy, police say
NOVI, MI – A 33-year-old California woman was arrested after she flew to Michigan, rented an Airbnb and sent an Uber to pick up a teenage boy she had been talking to for more than a year. Sin is charged with child sexually abusive activity and using a computer to commit a crime. Novi police told Fox 2 in Detroit that Sin met the boy on an app when he was 14 years old. The conversation then moved from the app to texts and got progressively more explicit, according to the TV station. This led to Sin booking an Airbnb in Royal Oak for a month, as well as the planned meeting, Fox 2 reported.
mlive.comCost of Uber rides, Uber Eats delivery to rise as gas prices climb
Uber is now charging an extra fee to help offset the high cost of gas, the Associated Press reported. Riders will pay an extra 45 cents or 55 cents for each Uber trip, depending on location, the company announced last week. Want to order your favorite food delivery via Uber Eats? Expect to pay an extra 35 cents or 45 cents, depending on where you live, AP said. The temporary surcharge is expected to take effect on Wednesday, March 16, and last 60 days, after which Uber said it will assess the situation.
mlive.comUber 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.
Detroit man charged with 1st degree murder in shooting death of Uber driver
DETROIT – A Detroit man has been charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm in the death of an Uber driver in January. According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, 25-year-old Carlous Skipper Jr. is accused of killing 43-year-old Yousef Al-Gabri. Prosecutors said that Skipper allegedly used a phone under a different name to call for an Uber. Officials alleged that when the driver arrived, Skipper shot him multiple times, fatally wounding him. On March 9, an investigation led to the identification and arrest of Skipper, who was arraigned Thursday.
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.
Ridesharing services linked to increase in binge drinking, study says
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Ridesharing services are believed to decrease drunk driving crashes and deaths but they also are associated with an increase in binge drinking, according to a new study. Then they compared that data with information about alcohol consumption and population density from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems Annual Survey. Binge drinking is defined as having at least four drinks if you’re female and at least five drinks if you’re male. Researchers found that binge drinking increased by 4 percent in high-density markets after Uber became available. “Clearly there are health benefits in the reduction of drunk driving, but we are also getting an increase in binge drinking,” McCullough said.
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.
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.
Nightside Report Jan. 29, 2021: Teens charged with 1st degree murder in death of Uber driver in Detroit, 100 Metro Detroit Holocaust survivors receive COVID-19 vaccine
Teens charged with 1st degree murder in death of Uber driver in DetroitDETROIT – Two Detroit teenagers have been charged as adults with first-degree murder after an Uber driver was found in an alley with fatal injuries from a hammer and knife attack, officials said. Prosecutors said Devin McKee, 16, and Lanyah Brady, 15, order the Uber ride with every intention of robbing the driver. Police found Perkins in an alley near the intersection of Elmer and Lawrence streets with multiple stab wounds to his head, back and torso. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died from his stab injuries, officials said. AdMichigan officials considering resuming high school winter sports sooner than plannedThe Michigan High School Athletic Association is pushing for high school sports to resume before the current Feb. 21 deadline.
Teens charged with 1st degree murder in death of Uber driver in Detroit
DETROIT – Two Detroit teenagers have been charged as adults with first-degree murder after an Uber driver was found in an alley with fatal injuries from a hammer and knife attack, officials said. Prosecutors said Devin McKee, 16, and Lanyah Brady, 15, order the Uber ride with every intention of robbing the driver. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died from his stab injuries, officials said. The teens were charged with first-degree felony murder, carjacking and armed robbery causing serious injury. RELATED: 2 Detroit teens charged with murdering Uber driver who was attacked with hammer, knife, police sayMore: Detroit crime news
Local 4 News at 5 -- Jan. 29, 2021
Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 5:2 teens charged as adults in murder of rideshare driverTwo teenagers, 15 and 16 years old, have been charged as adults with first-degree murder in the death of a 60-year-old Uber driver. Prosecutor’s said the pair ordered the Uber ride with every intention of robbing the driver.
2 Detroit teens charged with murdering Uber driver who was attacked with hammer, knife, police say
DETROIT – Two Detroit teenagers have been charged with first-degree murder after an Uber driver was found in an alley with fatal injuries from a hammer and knife attack, officials said. Devin Delon McKee, 16, and Lanyah Quan Brady, 15, both of Detroit, are accused of killing Timothy Marcus Perkins, a 60-year-old Uber driver from Southfield, according to authorities. Detroit investigators recovered Perkins’ stolen car and identified McKee and Brady as suspects in the case, police said. Officials accuse McKee and Brady of calling for an Uber driver for the purpose of robbing him. When they were inside Perkins’ car, McKee robbed and carjacked him by attacking him with a hammer and stabbing him with a knife, according to authorities.
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'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 $8 billion on Wednesday. Uber, Lyft and, DoorDash, Instacart and their supporters accounted for roughly $200 million that amount, underscoring how badly the companies wanted to preserve their business model. “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.
California court says Uber, Lyft drivers are employees
SAN 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.
Uber, Lyft look to kill California law on app-based drivers
Voters 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.
Uber gets 18-month London license after winning court appeal
LONDON – Uber can keep operating in London for another year and a half after winning its appeal of a decision by the British capital's transit regulator not to renew its license. The San Francisco-based ride-hailing company had challenged Transport for London’s decision in late 2019 not to renew its operating license over safety concerns involving impostor drivers. Uber’s London license has been revoked twice since 2017 but the company has been able to continue operating while it appealed. In the latest case, Transport for London rejected Uber’s application in November 2019 for a new license, citing several breaches that placed passengers at risk. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that while Uber has made improvements to get its license back, the company will still be closely scrutinized.
Asian stocks mixed after Wall St rally ahead of US debate
Asian stocks were mixed Tuesday after Wall Street recovered some of this month's losses as investors looked ahead to a debate between President Donald Trump and his challenger in the November election, former Vice President Joe Biden. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)TOKYO – Asian stocks were mixed Tuesday after Wall Street recovered some of this month's losses as investors looked ahead to a debate between President Donald Trump and his challenger in the November election, former Vice President Joe Biden. Overnight, Wall Street's benchmark S&P 500 index gained 1.6%, led by big tech stocks. “With a reasonable polling lead, one could argue that Joe Biden has more to lose here than President Trump,” said Carnell. He said with some potential for gaffes or other colorful moments, the debate might be “cringe-worthy but unlikely to deliver an electoral car-crash for either side.”On Wall Street, the S&P 500 rose to 3,351.60.
Uber will require riders to prove they’re wearing a mask if they neglected to wear one during past rides
If a driver reports to Uber that a rider wasn’t wearing a mask, that rider will be required to take a selfie with their face covered before they can take another trip with Uber. “We believe accountability is a two-way street and have implemented policies and built technology to promote shared accountability and mutual respect. In May, we announced that all users (riders, drivers and delivery people) are required to wear a mask or face cover during a trip,” said Navideh Forghani, with Uber. Uber officials said more than 1,250 riders have had their access to the Uber app removed after multiple reports from drivers that they hadn’t been wearing a mask. Since May, drivers and delivery people have been required to take a selfie to verify that they’re wearing a mask before they can start using the app to drive.
Ready to vote but need a ride? This company says it’s stepping in to help
And just like every election year, it’s of the utmost importance that citizens cast their ballot in this year’s election. If you’ve registered but are already concerned about how you will make it to a polling station, the ride-sharing company Uber wants to step in and lend a hand. As Election Day approaches, and as part of its “Get Out the Vote” campaign, the company aims to help people find their polling location, as well as offer discounted rides to and from the poll during early voting. “As we look ahead to this year’s election, we are committed to doing our part to make sure every citizen has access to vote,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said. Uber officials said as Election Day nears, people will begin to have access to important information in the app.
Uber to require that passengers provide face-mask selfies
SAN FRANCISCO Mask slackers will now have to provide photographic proof they're wearing a face covering before boarding an Uber. The mask verification rule expands upon a similar requirement that Uber imposed on its drivers in May to help reassure passengers worried about being exposed to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that has upended society. The requirement will roll out in the U.S. and Canada later this month before coming to other parts of the world. The additional safety measures are part of Uber's ongoing efforts to rebuild a service that has seen ridership plunge this year. The adverse conditions caused the number of trips on Uber during its most recent quarter to plunge by 56% from the previous year.
California judge rules Uber, Lyft drivers are employees
FILE- In this Jan. 31, 2018, file photo, a Lyft logo is installed on a Lyft driver's car next to an Uber sticker in Pittsburgh. On Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, a California judge ordered ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft to treat their drivers as employees, not contractors. 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. Uber said it did not anticipate any immediate disruptions because of the ruling for its more than 100,000 drivers in California. "Ultimately, we believe this issue will be decided by California voters and that they will side with drivers, Lyft spokesperson Julie Wood said.
Tornado, virus, protests rattle Nashville rideshare economy
Then came what she calls Nashvilles quadruple-whammy: a tornado, coronavirus closures, protests that rocked downtown, then more closures. Bicknese says business has gone from dismal to tolerable, but only because so many drivers have voluntarily stayed home. Bicknese chose to keep driving because she didn't think she could make her car and insurance payments on unemployment. Then what happened is so many drivers filed for unemployment and stopped driving that demand came back," she said. Instead of well-heeled tourists, Bicknese finds herself driving people on unemployment, factory workers and patients travelling to medical appointments.
Uber buys Postmates in $2.65 billion all-stock deal
Uber finally got its food delivery company, acquiring Postmates in a $2.65 billion all-stock deal, the ride-hailing giant confirmed Monday. Uber and its Uber Eats food-delivery division will gain ground against DoorDash, which controls about 37% of the U.S. food delivery market. That's compared with Uber Eats' 20% share before the Postmates deal. But Amsterdam-based Just Eat Takeaway.com ended up nabbing Chicago's Grubhub in a $7.3 billion deal. Uber was reportedly seeking to team Grubhub with its Uber Eats business.
Here are all the companies giving free food, products to health care workers
Right about now is a great time to say thank-you to all the health care workers and people keeping us safe during this novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic. pic.twitter.com/e7Z8aRCtMt — Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) March 26, 2020People who identify as frontline workers in the health care industry can get a free tall brewed coffee. UberUber Health will provide transportation for front-line health care workers, both to and from patients’ homes, as well as between health care facilities, according to this news release. “In Europe and Latin America, we are working with public authorities to offer rides for health care workers to hospitals and their homes. KFCThis deal is for health care workers and normal people alike: free delivery!
Uber safety report reveals widespread sexual assault problem
Uber released a safety report detailing the number of sexual abuse complaints made to the company both in 2017 and 2018. The 84-page report shows the rideshare company received 5,981 reports of sexual abuse, with 235 reports of rape in 2018 and 229 in 2017. “So this is not just a one-sided problem, we have to keep in mind that both drivers and riders are victims,” West said. Uber does not contact law enforcement when notified of a sexual assault unless directed by the victim, according to company policy. In addition to sexual assault reports, the company revealed 107 deaths caused by crashes in the last two years.