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Rep. Jasmine Crockett Announces U.S. Senate Run Amid Waymo Self-Driving Car Controversy

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Announces U.S. Senate Run Amid Waymo Self-Driving Car Controversy

Rep. Jasmine Crockett has announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, marking a significant political development. This announcement comes at a time when Waymo, a company specializing in self-driving cars, is facing controversy. The controversy revolves around the safety and regulatory challenges associated with autonomous vehicles, which have been a topic of debate among lawmakers and the public. Additionally, parts of the U.S. are experiencing bitter winter cold, adding to the challenges faced by residents and infrastructure. These developments were highlighted in the ABC News Live Prime broadcast on December 9, 2025.
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Eastern Shipbuilding Group Completes Conversion of HOS Rocinante for Offshore Operations

Eastern Shipbuilding Group Completes Conversion of HOS Rocinante for Offshore Operations

Eastern Shipbuilding Group Completes Conversion of HOS Rocinante for Offshore Operations
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Federal Reserve's Policy Decision Looms as Data Shows Economic Strain on Lower-Income Households

Federal Reserve's Policy Decision Looms as Data Shows Economic Strain on Lower-Income Households

Federal Reserve's Policy Decision Looms as Data Shows Economic Strain on Lower-Income Households
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Amazon's Zoox to Charge for Robotaxi Rides in 2026, Focusing on Urban Transport

Amazon's Zoox to Charge for Robotaxi Rides in 2026, Focusing on Urban Transport

Amazon's Zoox to Charge for Robotaxi Rides in 2026, Focusing on Urban Transport
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Waymo Issues Voluntary Recall After Self-Driving Vehicle Incidents in Texas

Waymo Issues Voluntary Recall After Self-Driving Vehicle Incidents in Texas

Waymo Issues Voluntary Recall After Self-Driving Vehicle Incidents in Texas
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Facial Recognition Technology Drives Passport Photo Guidelines Against Smiling

Facial Recognition Technology Drives Passport Photo Guidelines Against Smiling

The U.S. State Department's guidelines for passport photos require a neutral facial expression, which means no smiling. This rule is primarily due to the use of facial recognition technology at airports and border control checkpoints. The technology requires a clear and consistent facial structure to accurately identify individuals, and smiling can alter facial proportions, making it difficult for the software to match faces with passport photos. While the guidelines do not explicitly ban smiling, they emphasize a neutral expression to ensure the effectiveness of biometric systems. This approach aligns with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
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Supreme Court Considers Expanding Presidential Powers in FTC Case

Supreme Court Considers Expanding Presidential Powers in FTC Case

The U.S. Supreme Court is currently deliberating a case that could significantly expand presidential powers, specifically regarding the ability to dismiss a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioner. This case, discussed in a recent hearing, involves the president's authority to remove commissioners from independent regulatory agencies, a decision that could redefine executive power boundaries. Amy Howe, co-founder of SCOTUS blog, provided insights into the implications of this case during an interview with NPR's A Martinez.
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Waymo Plans Expansion of Self-Driving Car Services in Baltimore

Waymo Plans Expansion of Self-Driving Car Services in Baltimore

Waymo Plans Expansion of Self-Driving Car Services in Baltimore
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Waymo Recalls Software After Self-Driving Cars Illegally Pass Stopped School Buses

Waymo Recalls Software After Self-Driving Cars Illegally Pass Stopped School Buses

Waymo Recalls Software After Self-Driving Cars Illegally Pass Stopped School Buses
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Realtor.com Analysis Predicts Sharp Home Price Declines in Select U.S. Cities by 2026

Realtor.com Analysis Predicts Sharp Home Price Declines in Select U.S. Cities by 2026

Realtor.com Analysis Predicts Sharp Home Price Declines in Select U.S. Cities by 2026
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Waymo to Launch Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service in Central Florida by 2026

Waymo to Launch Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service in Central Florida by 2026

Waymo, a subsidiary of Google, is set to introduce its autonomous ride-hailing service in Central Florida by 2026. This expansion will allow residents and visitors in Orlando to access driverless robo-taxis, adding to the regions where Waymo already operates, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. The initiative is part of a broader trend towards autonomous vehicles (AVs) aimed at reducing congestion and improving road safety. However, the rollout of AVs has sparked debates over safety and job security, with labor unions expressing concerns about the potential loss of jobs for professional drivers. Despite these concerns, Florida has positioned itself as an AV-friendly state, with legislation that supports the deployment of these technologies.
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Stellantis and Bolt Collaborate on Level 4 Autonomous Vehicles for Europe

Stellantis and Bolt Collaborate on Level 4 Autonomous Vehicles for Europe

Stellantis and Bolt have announced a partnership to develop Level 4 autonomous vehicles for Bolt's ride-hailing network, with trials beginning in Europe in 2026. The collaboration will utilize Stellantis' AV-Ready Platforms, including the eK0 medium-size van and STLA Small platforms, to integrate into Bolt's existing mobility network. This initiative aims to deploy 100,000 autonomous vehicles by 2035, contributing to a shared and optimized mobility system that reduces congestion and emissions. The partnership will proceed through a phased approach, from prototypes to industrial scale-up, while working with European regulators for testing and certification.