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California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom support legislation allowing gig drivers to unionize as independent contractors. The bills aim to empower drivers with collective bargaining rights and reduce insurance costs, potentially lowering fares. The legislation still needs legislative approval amid ongoing industry disputes.
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Zoox, an Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company, has launched a free robotaxi service in Las Vegas, limited to five designated locations on the Strip. The service is a test phase, with plans to expand and eventually charge fares comparable to traditional taxis. The launch marks Zoox's entry into a competitive market with Waymo and others.
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Waymo has launched 'Waymo for Business,' a new service allowing companies to manage autonomous robotaxi rides for employees and clients in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Nashville. The service offers corporate control over ride programs, with plans to expand further in 2026.
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California has enacted new laws allowing Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize while reducing insurance requirements. The legislation aims to improve driver rights and lower costs for riders, amid ongoing safety concerns and legal challenges following a high-profile assault case. The laws are part of a broader industry and political deal.
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Nevada regulators allege The Boring Company committed nearly 800 violations, including unauthorized digging and water dumping, since 2019. The company disputes some allegations, but regulators reduced potential fines to $242,800. Meanwhile, Tesla faces investigations over delayed claims and its Full Self-Driving software. The story highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of tech and infrastructure firms.
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On Monday, 20 October 2025, Amazon Web Services (AWS) experienced a significant outage in its US-EAST-1 region, causing widespread disruptions to numerous popular websites and apps including Perplexity AI, Robinhood, Snapchat, Fortnite, and Amazon's own services. AWS engineers are actively working to resolve the issue and restore normal operations.
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Adria Kester, Iowa's chief judge of the Second Judicial District, was arrested for operating while intoxicated after her vehicle drifted into oncoming traffic. She was found heavily intoxicated, unsteady, and with bloodshot eyes. She has pleaded not guilty and is cooperating with authorities.
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Uber is advancing its autonomous vehicle plans, deploying Lucid-based robotaxis in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2026, and developing AI training gigs for drivers. The company emphasizes safety, profitability, and new job opportunities amid industry shifts toward automation.
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Recent developments include proposed enforceable standards for gig workers in Australia, such as minimum hourly pay and accident insurance, and legal actions against Uber's AI-driven pay systems in Europe. These moves aim to improve worker conditions amid market shifts and regulatory scrutiny.