18 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Andrew J. Hawkins

Andrew J. Hawkins

Transportation editor

Transportation editor

    More From Andrew J. Hawkins

    Andrew J. Hawkins
    Andrew J. Hawkins
    Tesla settles another lawsuit stemming from a fatal FSD crash.

    The terms of the settlement weren’t disclosed, but the lawsuit concerned a 71-year-old woman who was killed by a Tesla Model Y driver using Full Self-Driving. It was the first known pedestrian fatality linked to FSD, Bloomberg reports. The news comes as Tesla faces another lawsuit from the family of a Texas woman who was killed in her home by a speeding Tesla driver.

    Andrew J. Hawkins
    Andrew J. Hawkins
    Waymo opens it up to everyone in Nashville.

    The Alphabet-owned company was previously only giving rides to people on its interest list. Now it will be open to anyone who downloads the Waymo app. The robotaxi operator says its also testing out rides to Nashville International Airport, and hopes to begin offering service soon. And coming later this year, Waymo will be an option in the Lyft app in Nashville.

    Andrew J. Hawkins
    Andrew J. Hawkins
    Brake pedals may no longer be required in autonomous vehicles.

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration kicked off a new rulemaking aimed at eliminating the requirement for brake pedals as long as the vehicle is fully automated. If it passes, it would be a gift to companies like Zoox that make purpose-built AVs without traditional controls. Safety advocates have expressed concerns about these moves, arguing that its premature to eliminate the requirement for manual controls and could pose a safety risk.

    Andrew J. Hawkins
    Andrew J. Hawkins
    Rivian discontinues its cheapest R1 vehicles.

    The Dual Standard variants had smaller batteries and less range than some of the other trims. But they also had some of the less expensive starting prices: $76,990 (before fees) for the Dual Standard R1S and $72,990 for the Dual Standard R1T. The move to simplify the R1 lineup comes as Rivian is ramping up production of the crucial R2, which initially starts at $57,990.

    Andrew J. Hawkins
    Andrew J. Hawkins
    Was this Tesla driver using Autopilot when he crashed through a brick wall?

    That’s what investigators in Harris County, Texas, aim to find out after Michael Butler’s Model 3 smashed into the home of a 76-year-old woman, killing her in her own living room. Tesla’s driver assist system has been linked to thousands of crashes and dozens of fatalities, and yet the company claims its tech makes driving safer.

    Electric air taxis are stuck in the courtroom

    Legal wrangling between leading eVTOL companies Joby, Archer, and Vertical threatens the future of the industry.

    Andrew J. Hawkins