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Austin fire chief flags Cybercab's lack of steering wheel as safety risk

Austin Fire Department Chief Matthew McElearney told NBC that Tesla's Cybercab, which relies on a touchscreen instead of a steering wheel for manual control, could hinder first responders trying to move the vehicle during emergencies. He noted the touchscreen requires power, training, and precision, which may not be feasible if responders are wearing gloves, covered in dust or sweat, or if the car is damaged.

Essay Reflects on How Political Litmus Tests Have Reshaped Neighborly Life

A personal essay recounts two childhood neighbors, Bob and Van, whose kindness and generosity defined the relationship without either ever revealing political views. The author contrasts that era with today's climate, where knowing a neighbor's politics can determine whether association with them is socially acceptable.

Kanazawa fire department asks residents not to rearrange paramedics' shoes

The fire department in Kanazawa, Japan has released an Instagram video asking people to leave paramedics' removed shoes exactly where they were placed, rather than tidying them as is customary. Officials explained that crews position their footwear deliberately so three stretcher bearers can step in quickly without jostling a patient or dislodging an oxygen mask, and rearranging them can cost about 30 seconds during an emergency.

NYC Congestion Pricing Cuts Ambulance Travel Times, NBER Study Finds

A new NBER working paper examines how New York City's congestion relief zone, launched January 5, 2025, affected emergency medical service response near the toll boundary at 60th Street. Using half a million EMS dispatch records and traffic camera data, researchers found hospital transport times fell by 54-59 seconds and total EMS travel time dropped by roughly 63-70 seconds within a 5-kilometer band around the zone's edge.