Author: Reporter

Parents are turning to ride-hailing apps now that schools are cutting bus service for children

Ismael El-Amin was driving his daughter to school when a chance encounter gave him an idea for a new way to carpool. On the way across Chicago, El-Amin’s daughter spotted a classmate riding with her own dad as they drove to their selective public school on the city’s North Side. For 40 minutes, they rode along the same congested highway. “They’re waving to each other in the back. I’m looking at the dad. The dad’s looking at me. And I was like, parents can definitely be a resource to parents,” said El-Amin, who went on to found Piggyback Network,...

Read More

Buckle Up: Vehicles will be required to sound alarms by 2027 if rear passengers do not fasten seat belts

Starting in September of 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers do not buckle up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that it finalized the rule, which also requires enhanced warnings when front seat belts are not fastened. The agency estimates that the new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries when fully in effect, according to a statement. The new rule will apply to passenger cars, trucks, buses except for school buses, and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds. Before the...

Read More

How to decide between a certified pre-owned vehicle and a regular used car based on risk and reliability

When shopping for a used car, many buyers struggle to know if paying extra for a certified pre-owned one is worth it. Buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, commonly called a CPO vehicle, has benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your budget, priorities and desire for peace of mind. Here Edmunds editors take an in-depth look at the benefits, limitations and considerations for each. WHAT IS A CPO VEHICLE? Certified pre-owned vehicles are used vehicles that have been inspected and refurbished by a dealership to meet specific quality standards determined...

Read More

Blue States scramble to divert road funding into transit and bike projects as Federal cuts deepen

Hundreds of bicycle advocates were at an annual summit in Washington DC, when their cellphones lit up over breakfast with an urgent email warning that President Donald Trump’s transportation department had just halted federal grant funding for bike lanes. As the administration targets green energy projects championed by former President Joe Biden that boosted transit, recreational trails and bicycle infrastructure, several states are banding together to advance those priorities on their own. California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania joined forces for a national organizing effort dubbed the Clean Rides Network. The group gained momentum in various...

Read More

Arbitrary cuts by DOGE has reduced critical weather forecasting data as states endure tornado season

With massive job cuts, the National Weather Service is eliminating or reducing vital weather balloon launches in eight northern locations, which meteorologists and former agency leaders said will degrade the accuracy of forecasts just as severe weather season kicks in. The normally twice-daily launches of weather balloons in about 100 locations provide information that forecasters and computer models use to figure out what the weather will be and how dangerous it can get, so cutting back is a mistake, said eight different scientists, meteorologists and former top officials at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — the weather service’s parent...

Read More

Tornado season: Experts share safety tips and how to prepare for severe storms and high winds

When severe weather hits the United States, there are ways people across the country can prepare for the potential impact of hail, rain, damaging wind, and more. Tornadoes can take down power for thousands of people, cause catastrophic property damage and kill. The U.S. sees about 1,200 tornadoes each year. Experts say watching forecasts and knowing the meaning of different stages of warnings are key to safety. Here is what to know about the causes for these storms, and the alerts for watches, warnings and emergencies. WHAT CAN CAUSE A TORNADO? The large areas of low atmospheric pressure that...

Read More