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Uber and Lyft delayed plans to pull their businesses out of Minneapolis on May 1 after the city council pushed back an effective date to increase the minimum wage by two months.

Minneapolis City Council unanimously passed the extension to July 1 for the increased minimum hourly wage during a Thursday meeting, according to CNN.

The delay gives lawmakers time to hash out a compromise with Uber and Lyft, which said they were going to end operations in Minneapolis if the drivers’ wages were lifted to the equivalent of the local minimum wage of $15.57 an hour.

Uber said in a statement to CNN Thursday that the councils action paves the way for all stakeholders to work with [Minnesota] leaders on a statewide solution that raises pay at the state level, protects flexibility, and keeps rides affordable.

Lyft said that it’s “willing to support the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry studys recommended $0.89 per mile and $0.487 per minute rates, which would increase current driver earnings by 17% while allowing us to continue to operate within the city. This is the way we can balance the needs of riders, drivers and our community as a whole.”

That study was also a key reason Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, said he opposed the new bill despite supporting a minimum wage for ride-share drivers.

Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance that amends its regulations for ridesharing employees last summer in a 7-5 vote, which included establishing a minimum wage that says drivers should be paid at least $1.40 per miles and $0.51 per minute — or $5 per ride, whichever is greater — excluding tips.

Without Frey’s support, some council members now want to amend the ordinance and lower the per-mile rate to $1.21, but maintain the proposed per-minute rate of $0.51, CNN reported.

The San Francisco-based ride-hailing service confirmed that it will keep operating in the city until July. Lyft, also based in San Francisco, has said it too will continue operating until July 1.

Uber added in a statement to The Post: “We are encouraged the Council is recognizing the flaws in their incredibly damaging ordinance.”

“However, the fundamental facts remain the same: this ordinance will make rides too expensive for most riders, meaning drivers will ultimately earn less. This is unsustainable for our customers and would force us to shut down operations in Minneapolis when the ordinance does inevitably take effect.”

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Council President Elliott Payne and Council Members Katie Cashman and Aurin Chowdhury told CNN affiliate KARE-TV: Leadership in decision-making entails gathering information, consulting stakeholders and making informed choices, while also embracing uncertainty and adapting to new information.”

Our goals have and continue to be to ensure fair wages for drivers, stability for drivers and riders, and a healthy, competitive market. With this amendment, we can accomplish those goals.

Critics of the increased wage requirement have argued that costs will likely spike for everyone, including people with low incomes and people with disabilities who rely on ride-hailing services.

Supporters, on the other hand, say the services have relied on drivers who are often people of color and immigrants for cheap labor.

Representatives for Uber did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

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UK

Train company LNER ‘extremely proud’ of rail worker in critical condition after mass stabbing as family call him ‘hero’

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Train company LNER 'extremely proud' of rail worker in critical condition after mass stabbing as family call him 'hero'

The “extraordinary bravery” of the LNER worker who intervened during a mass stabbing on a train on Saturday has been hailed by his company.

Samir Zitouni, 48, also known as Sam, was last night fighting for his life after trying to stop a knife attacker who targeted passengers on a busy train.

He was injured while trying to protect passengers during the mass stabbing on Saturday’s 6.25pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.

Deputy Chief Constable of British Transport Police (BTP), Stuart Cundy, said CCTV from the train showed the man’s actions “were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives”.

The train operator said he has been a “valued member” of staff for over 20 years, working on board as a customer experience host.

David Horne, managing director at LNER, said: “In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him.

“His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sam and his family. We will continue to support them and wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

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His family also shared a message, thanking those who had shown the “overwhelming support” they have received and calling him a “hero”.

They said: “We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Sam, and by the many well wishes for his recovery.

“The care provided by the hospital and the support from his colleagues at LNER has been incredible. We are immensely proud of Sam and his courage. The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us – he’s always been a hero.”

Forensic investigators at Huntingdon train station in Cambridgeshire
Image:
Forensic investigators at Huntingdon train station in Cambridgeshire

Police investigation

A man, Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode, has been charged with 11 counts of attempted murder over the mass stabbing and another attack earlier at an east London station.

British Transport Police (BTP) said Williams had been charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in connection with an incident on a Docklands Light Railway train in the early hours of 1 November.

A victim suffered facial injuries after being attacked with a knife on a train at Pontoon Dock station, the force added.

Read more:
Train stabbing victim ‘didn’t have much choice’ but to fight back
Police reviewing three further incidents after train knife attack

The suspect left the location before police arrived.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said police in Cambridgeshire were investigating whether the same man committed “further offences” before.

British Transport Police are also investigating three other incidents which they believe are linked to the train attack and London stabbing.

Those incidents, which took place on Friday and Saturday, are:

• 7.10pm, Friday: The stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Peterborough city centre. The teenager was taken to hospital with minor injuries and has since been discharged

• Around 7.10pm, Friday: A man with a knife entered a barbers in the Fletton area of Peterborough. This was not reported to the police until two hours later

• 9.25am, Saturday: A man was seen with a knife again at the Fletton barbers. The police were called while the man was at the scene and officers arrived within 18 minutes but were unable to find the man.

Williams was remanded in custody on Monday when he appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court.

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Science

Meteorite May Have Hit Moving Car in Australia, Scientists Investigate

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A South Australian man’s car windshield was struck and melted by a mysterious object, prompting an investigation by the South Australian Museum. If confirmed as a meteorite, it would be the first known instance of one hitting a moving vehicle. Experts say only lab analyses can determine whether it was a rock or space debris.

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Science

Keio University Team Measures Ancient Cosmic Temperature, Confirming Big Bang Prediction

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Using ALMA, Keio University scientists measured a 5.13 K cosmic background temperature from 7 billion years ago—matching Big Bang predictions of universal cooling. This precise reading, based on quasar absorption data, is the most accurate at that epoch and offers strong confirmation of how the Universe’s temperature decreases over time.

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