Uber

Light, the minimalist phone that has long promised a device used only when necessary, has just added a direct rideshare feature. Owners of the Light Phone III or the forthcoming Light Flip can now use the phone’s new Rideshare tool to locate pick‑up and drop‑off points, view fare estimates and estimated times of arrival, and choose from multiple trip options or frequently used saved locations. After selecting a ride, the user can book it, receive driver details and an updated ETA, and even call the driver if needed. The feature is an early preview of LightOS’s “tool library” SDK, which will let third‑party developers add more functions to the phone’s limited interface. The move keeps Light’s core philosophy intact while giving users a practical way to request rides without a full‑featured smartphone.

Uber announced a reduction of about 3,300 positions, roughly 10% of its global workforce, in a memo from CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. The same email also declared that all employees except those in the top 1% will no longer work from home. Remaining staff are required to relocate to an office near their team, with a three‑day hybrid schedule that Uber will enforce. The company will concentrate its global teams in New York and San Francisco, while the hybrid policy remains unchanged. The layoffs and shift to in‑office work reflect Uber’s effort to streamline operations and reinforce team collaboration across its remaining workforce.

Travis Kalanick's company, Atoms, is reportedly exploring the robotaxi business. This move aligns with Kalanick's statement that Atoms will enable him to complete 'unfinished business'. The exact nature and scope of Atoms' involvement in robotaxis remain unclear. Kalanick, the co-founder of Uber, has been involved in various ventures since leaving the ride-hailing company. Atoms' potential entry into the robotaxi market may indicate a shift towards autonomous transportation solutions.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has denied that airport policies forced Uber to withdraw its services from the country. In a statement, FAAN said Uber’s departure was a business decision made by the company, not a result of regulatory actions. The authority also highlighted passenger safety concerns as a factor in Uber’s exit. The clarification comes amid speculation that airport rules may have pressured the ride‑hailing firm. By attributing the move to Uber’s own strategy, FAAN aims to preserve its reputation as a neutral regulator and to reassure airlines and other transport operators that policy changes are not being used to target specific companies.

Uber has launched the UK's first autonomous ride service in London, allowing passengers to hail an autonomous electric vehicle for the first time. The service is now available in the city, marking a significant milestone in the development of autonomous transportation. According to Electrek, passengers can expect to see an autonomous EV when ordering an Uber in London. The launch is a result of Uber's ongoing efforts to integrate autonomous technology into its platform. While the service is now live, it's unclear how widespread the adoption of autonomous vehicles will be in the short term.

A former Uber driver in South Australia has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after being found guilty of indecently assaulting a female passenger. The case highlights the legal accountability for ride‑share drivers who commit sexual offences. The conviction follows a court ruling that the driver’s actions violated state assault laws, and the sentence serves as a deterrent to others in the industry. The case is part of ongoing efforts to protect passengers and maintain trust in ride‑share services.

Uber has launched the United Kingdom’s first robotaxi service, combining autonomous driving technology with a human driver on board. The rollout began on Thursday, with BBC journalist Zoe Kleinman taking a test ride in the new vehicle. The service marks a milestone for Uber’s autonomous vehicle strategy, demonstrating the company’s approach to blending self‑driving systems with traditional safety measures. The launch is expected to pave the way for wider deployment of robotaxis across the UK, offering a new transportation option that balances automation with human oversight.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Danboskid has publicly announced his struggle to rebuild his life after the show. He is looking for financial and community support to fund a planned movie, launch an accessories brand, and start an Uber driving business. Danboskid’s appeal highlights the difficulties many reality‑TV alumni face in transitioning to post‑show careers. By seeking help, he hopes to secure the resources needed to turn his new projects into sustainable income streams and regain stability. The move underscores the need for structured support systems for former reality‑TV participants.

Uber has become the first company to launch a commercial robotaxi service in London, using autonomous driving technology from UK startup Wayve. The fleet will operate with safety drivers in the wheel during the initial rollout. The move follows years of planning by Uber to enter the UK market with Wayve’s system. By beating Waymo to the launch, Uber positions itself as the benchmark for robotaxi experience in the city, offering thousands of Londoners a new way to travel. The service also serves as an early test of demand for driverless ride‑hailing outside the United States and China, where most robotaxi operations currently exist.

Uber has announced a restructuring that will see 3,300 employees let go, including a 20% reduction in management positions. The company says the move does not alter its product lineup but will sharpen its focus on core operations. The layoffs target non‑core roles, with the company aiming to streamline decision‑making and reduce overhead. Uber’s leadership emphasized that the reorganization will allow the company to allocate resources more efficiently to its primary services. Employees affected will be notified through internal channels, and the company will provide severance and outplacement support as per its policy.

Uber has announced the dismissal of roughly 3,300 employees, representing about 10% of its worldwide staff. The move aims to trim management layers and reallocate resources toward its core ride‑sharing, delivery, and robotaxi businesses. Executives said the restructuring will streamline decision‑making and strengthen investment in these key growth areas. The layoffs will affect teams across multiple regions, with the company emphasizing a focus on operational efficiency and long‑term service expansion.

Three Points Guy staffers raced from JFK to the Empire State Building using AirTrain+LIRR, Blade helicopter, and Uber. The helicopter arrived first, the train was close behind and the cheapest, while Uber lagged due to rush‑hour traffic. All three paid retail rates, but each mode has ways to cut costs or earn rewards. The train trip can trigger a $300 annual travel credit on Chase Sapphire Reserve cards and bonus points on several travel‑focused cards. Blade flights can be offset with Bilt Cash or free rides for elite members. Uber rides can earn Uber Cash from American Express cards and points through partner programs such as Delta SkyMiles, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors.

The Dutch Data Protection Authority has imposed a €825 million fine on Uber for violations related to automated driver suspensions. This penalty is the second largest ever issued under Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The fine underscores the regulatory scrutiny faced by ride‑hailing platforms when deploying automated systems that affect driver status and earnings. Uber’s compliance and data‑handling practices will now be under heightened examination as the company seeks to address the authority’s concerns and prevent future infractions.

Alphabet’s Waymo has increased its lobbying budget to more than $1 million for the period from April to June, doubling the amount it spent a year earlier. The surge places Waymo’s federal lobbying outlay close to that of Uber and well ahead of other autonomous‑vehicle contenders such as Amazon’s Zoox and Tesla. The move comes as Waymo pushes for a rapid transition to fully driverless commercial taxi services, while Uber advocates a phased rollout that would keep human drivers on the road alongside robotaxis. The heightened lobbying effort reflects the intensifying regulatory battle over the future of ride‑hailing technology.

In a landmark move for autonomous transportation, Nevada’s Clark County—home to Las Vegas—has granted Tesla, Waymo, and Uber the authority to begin charging for robotaxi rides. The approval marks the first time the state has cleared a commercial autonomous vehicle service for paid passenger use, opening the door to thousands of potential robotaxi trips across the county. While all three firms now have the regulatory green light, Tesla is noted as having a competitive edge in the market. The decision represents a significant regulatory milestone that could accelerate the broader rollout of self‑driving ride services in the region.

Nevada regulators have granted operating permits to Tesla, Uber and Waymo, allowing the three companies to deploy up to 8,000 robotaxis within the state over the next 12 months. The approvals mark a significant milestone for autonomous vehicle testing and commercial deployment, giving the firms a large fleet capacity to expand their services in a regulated environment. The permits underscore Nevada’s role as a testing ground for advanced mobility solutions and provide a framework for scaling robotaxi operations while ensuring safety and compliance with state regulations. The move is expected to accelerate the rollout of driverless ridesharing services across the region.

The American Express Gold Card has been refreshed with a new welcome offer of up to 100,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. This offer is worth up to $2,000, based on The Points Guy's August 2026 valuations. Cardmembers also receive ongoing perks, including statement credits for dining, Uber, and Resy, as well as Hertz Five Star status. With lucrative bonus-earning categories and transferable points, the Amex Gold is a valuable addition to any frequent traveler's wallet.

Uber Technologies and Chinese autonomous‑driving startup Pony. ai have announced a partnership to introduce 2,000 robotaxis to Europe. The initiative, which began in Zagreb, Croatia, will now expand to four additional European cities, bringing the total to five. The move marks a significant scaling effort for autonomous vehicle deployment in the region, aiming to provide a new, driver‑less transportation option to urban commuters. While specific city names and timelines have not yet been disclosed, the partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to expanding their autonomous fleet beyond the United States.

The American Express® Gold Card sits between entry‑level and premium travel cards, charging a $325 annual fee while offering generous rewards for food and travel. Cardholders earn 5 points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, 4 points on U.S. supermarket purchases up to $25,000 a year, 4 points on dining worldwide up to $50,000 a year, 3 points on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel, and 2 points on car rentals and cruises booked through the same portal. In addition, the card delivers up to $424 in annual statement credits, including $10 per month for select restaurants, Uber Cash, Resy dining credits, and a Dunkin’ Donuts credit of up to $84 a year. For diners, the 4‑point rate and dining credits can translate to an 8% return before the $50,000 cap, making the Gold one of the best cards for eating out. Grocery shoppers also benefit from the 4‑point supermarket rate, the highest available on a consumer rewards card. Flights earn 3 points, a solid rate for those without a higher‑tier travel card, but frequent flyers may find a Platinum or other premium card more rewarding. Outside of these categories, the Gold earns only 1 point per dollar, so pairing it with a card that rewards everyday spending—such as the Capital One Venture X or Chase Freedom Unlimited—helps maximize every purchase. The card’s welcome offer of up to 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 spent in six months can be worth roughly $2,000, but eligibility varies. Cardholders should enroll in the available dining credits to capture the full value of the Gold.