The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it is partnering with Turning Point USA and more than 40 organizations to promote civics education to young people.Partners in the American 250 Civics Education Coalition include conservative groups such as PragerU, Hillsdale College, Moms for Liberty and the America First Policy Institute.The Department of Education called it a "landmark initiative" that is "dedicated to renewing patriotism, strengthening civic knowledge and advancing a shared understanding of Americas founding principles in schools across the nation."As the Trump administration anticipates its celebration of Americas 250th anniversary next year, the initiative was unveiled on "Constitution Day."TURNING POINT USA EXPANDS ITS MERCHANDISE COLLECTION WITH ITEMS COMMEMORATING CHARLIE KIRKWith oversight from Education Secretary Linda E. McMahon, the initiative aims to foster conversations about citizenship and Americas values.McMahon said Wednesday that young Americans need to be equipped with an understanding of American history and values."As America approaches 250 years since its founding, we are proud to announce this coalition to ensure every young American understands the beauty of our nation and is equipped with the civic knowledge required to contribute meaningfully to its future."TURNING POINT USA SAYS CAMPUS CHAPTER REQUESTS SURGE TO OVER 32,000 AFTER KIRK'S ASSASSINATION"A country cannot survive if its values are forgotten by its people. More than ever, we need to restore the vitality of the American spirit, and this coalition will take bold steps to educate, inspire, and mobilize youth toward active and informed citizenship."One partner, Turning Point USA, is working with its education branch, Turning Point Education."Turning Point USA, which includes Turning Point Education, is more resolved than ever to advance God-centered, virtuous education for students flourishing across our nation," said Dr. Hutz H. Hertzberg, Chief Education Officer of Turning Point Education.Turning Point USA has been all over the news for tragic reasons this month, in light of its founder Charlie Kirks assassination at Utah Valley University.Kirks wife, Erika, has been named the new CEO and chair of the board for Turning Point USA, the organization announced on Thursday.Since the assassination, the group says it has received more than 60,000 new requests to start high school and college chapters.AMERICANS' PRIDE IN THEIR COUNTRY IS DECLINING, NEW GALLUP POLL SHOWSCLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

If Jimmy Kimmel is curious about what his future holds, he should consider the fate of another obstinate jerk who insisted on insulting half the country during his television heyday: Keith Olbermann.Kimmel is in hot water, and out of a job for now, because he clearly intimated that the alleged murderer of Charlie Kirk was a pro-MAGA conservative, a disgusting lie that not only insults conservative Americans, but insinuates that Kirk's murder was in some way his own fault.HOLDING ABC'S JIMMY KIMMEL ACCOUNTABLE ISN'T 'CANCEL CULTURE' IT'S BASIC FAIRNESSMuch to the chagrin of Democrats, it now turns out that Kimmel wasnt suspended owing to any supposed threats from Federal Communications Chairman Brendan Carr, but rather because when his bosses at ABC told him to apologize for lying on air, he flatly refused.Kimmel's pride and abject hatred of President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement are clearly more important to him than respecting his audience, much less keeping his estimated $15 million salary. And that is where the Keith Olbermann cautionary tale comes in.Olbermann was once a beloved sportscaster who decided to switch to doing news commentary on MSNBC. It worked for a while, but at some point his unrelenting bitterness and sarcasm turned off the viewers, and that turned off the folks who signed his paycheck. Now, Olbermann posts unhinged social media screeds that are so full of vitriol you want to send a wellness check over to his Central Park pad.This is basically what Jimmy Kimmel has turned his one-time comedy show into. It is little more than an extended anti-Trump TV ad. His audience rarely laughs, but dutifully claps at his statements. They are really applauding themselves, for being good anti-Trump people.Kimmels schtick at this point, if you can even call it that, has turned into being a one-note, Trump-hating angry clown. And now that his show has been pulled, he has become something even more pathetic, a sad clown. Operas have been written about such characters.Like Olbermann, Kimmel is now very disappointed and depressed about the fact that, by insulting half the country, he lost his gig. Apparently, it is those of us who make up that half that he is so disappointed in.Kimmel should take some time and check out the X feed of Olbermann, who is now arguably the most pathetic poster on the platform. Is this really where Kimmel wants his career to land, as a bitter old man screaming at clouds?How hard would it be for Kimmel to do his show on Monday and just say, "Hey, I made it look like I was saying Charlie Kirks assassin was pro-MAGA. Thats my bad. I worded it poorly and I apologize?"That is probably all it would take for him to get his job back, even if he continued to use it as an anti-Trump platform. But for Kimmel and his ilk, attacking Trump is worth it even though it does Trump no harm.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONObsession is a dangerous thing, especially, it seems, when it comes to Trump. Look at Liz Cheney, who threw away being the third most powerful Republican in the House of Representatives, and for what? To publicly insult Trump and his voters? Why?Like Olbermann, Cheney could still be an important voice in our discourse if only she could have shown the slightest bit of respect for the millions of voters who put Trump in office.It may not be too late for Kimmel to turn this disaster around, and honestly, it could be very good for the country if he did. It might help to give permission to his most loyal and liberal fans to take it easy on their Republican friends and family. To remember we are all Americans.Unfortunately, Kimmel is getting bad advice from the people in his industry who are rallying around him as if he is a martyr. This is all the more galling because Charlie Kirk, the object of his mirth and scorn, actually was martyred, for real.Just apologize Jimmy. Dont fall into oblivion by becoming the next Keith Olbermann. Just apologize, otherwise the only joke left to tell will be:Knock, knock.Who's there?Not Jimmy Kimmel.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DAVID MARCUS

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro told ESPN host Stephen A. Smith that former Vice President Kamala Harris is "going to have to answer" for why she never raised any concerns to the public over former President Joe Biden's health in the lead-up to the 2024 election.Smith, on his "Straight Shooter" podcast on Thursday, asked Shapiro why Harris didn't share her concerns over Biden's health before revealing them in her new book "107 Days.""I haven't read the former vice president's book, and she's going to have to answer to how she was in the room and yet never said anything publicly," Shapiro told Smith.KAMALA HARRIS REVEALS WHAT BIDEN TOLD HER JUST BEFORE CRUCIAL DEBATE WITH TRUMP THAT LEFT HER 'ANGRY'Shapiro said he was "extremely vocal" about Bidens fitness to run again and argued that Bidens staff failed to fully brief him on his dwindling chances of victory."I can tell you that I tried to speak to them candidly about it and to do so in a constructive manner. I believe in talking directly to the individuals, not running around and talking to the media," Shapiro said. "I don't mean that disrespectfully, but I think in that moment, you've got to be direct, and I was."Smith then asked Shapiro whether he plans on running for president in 2028, and if so, what he believed needs to be done to get the country back on the right track.KAMALA HARRIS HAD PROFANE MESSAGE FOR GOVERNORS UNEASY ABOUT SUPPORTING BIDENFox News Digital reached out to representatives of former Vice President Harris for comment.Before addressing whether he plans to run for president, Shapiro explained how humbled and honored he is to be the governor of Pennsylvania, and that he does not take his current job for granted."I also love this country, and I really believe, for the many of the reasons as you and I were talking about at the beginning of this conversation, we are at an inflection point, and I am troubled by what I'm seeing in this country, and I'm concerned about what I'm seeing in my party and I know that I have a voice that needs to be heard in that process," he detailed. "How that voice ultimately gets heard, how it manifests itself, what I ultimately do, well we'll see. I don't think that's a decision that one can make sitting here right now."Shapiro emphasized his deep love for the country and his party, adding that he wants to help steer both in a more "common sense direction."CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREThe book, "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America," by journalists Josh Dawsey of The Wall Street Journal, Tyler Pager of The New York Times, and Isaac Arnsdor of The Washington Post, described a vetting process that came down to three finalists: Walz, Shapiro, and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.While most political experts felt Shapiro, governor of a key swing state, was the most logical choice, the book states that the interview with Harris and Shapiro "revealed the two were not a perfect match.""He came across as overly ambitious, pushing Harris to define what his role would be. He also conceded it would not be natural for him to serve as someones number two, leaving Harris with a bad impression," the book states.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFox News' Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.

The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their 13th consecutive playoff berth in the final regular-season home game of franchise legend Clayton Kershaws career.The Dodgers beat the San Francisco Giants 6-3 on Friday night at Dodger Stadiumto tie the New York Yankees (1995-2007) for the second-longest playoff streak in major league history.Only the Atlanta Braves' streak of 14 straight appearances (1991-2005) is longer.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"Quite the accomplishment," manager Dave Roberts said. "It never gets old, you never take it for granted. It takes a lot of hard work to get there."Kershaw had a no-decision in the win as he pitched 4.1 innings, giving up two earned runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six batters. The 37-year-old announced on Thursday that he would retire at the end of the season."I wanted to make sure that we raised a glass to Clayton on this day, his career and kind of acknowledge what weve accomplished to get to the postseason," Roberts said. "That's one step. The next step is to win this division, so we still got some work to do. Once we do that, then we can focus on the postseason."FORMER MLB PITCHER ADAM WAINWRIGHT DISCUSSES WHAT HE 'MISSES' ABOUT BASEBALL AMID NEW ERA OF THE SPORTKershaw will make one more regular-season start when the team plays the Seattle Mariners next week, but there is no guarantee the future Hall of Famer will be a starter in the playoffs.With Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell in the Dodgers' vaunted rotation, Kershaw knows his opportunity to pitch in the postseason might be limited."I'm excited for what the next five or six weeks could look like," Kershaw said. "Our team is honestly stacked with pitching right now. I can do the math. I know theres only so many spots, so Im just going to continue to try and pitch well and well see what happens.""Were going to try and win the World Series. Im ready and willing to do whatever I can to help."While the Dodgers clinched a playoff berth, they have not yet clinched the National League West.The Dodgers lead the second-place San Diego Padres by four games in the NL West race, and their magic number is four to win the division. Los Angeles is trying to win its 12th division title in the last 13 years and needs three more wins to reach 90 for the 12th consecutive year.The Dodgers (87-67) take on the Giants (76-78) in the second game of their three-game series on Saturday at 9:10 p.m. ET.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Country music hitmaker Brett James, the man behind Carrie Underwood's iconic "Jesus, Take the Wheel," died Thursday in a plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57.The plane, owned by James, carried two additional passengers who were also pronounced dead at the scene. As new information about the crash comes to light, it's been revealed that those two passengers were his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, and his stepdaughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to Fox News Digital that the plane was registered to James under his legal name, Brett James Cornelius. He appeared to have been piloting the plane.BRETT JAMES, JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL SONGWRITER, DIES IN NORTH CAROLINA PLANE CRASH"A Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field in Franklin, , around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 18. Three people were on board," the FAA shared in a statement.Just months before his untimely death, James shared a heartfelt moment with his loved ones. On June 16, he was all smiles as he posted a family photo."Such an amazing Fathers Day!!" James captioned the Instagram post.APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW POSTSeveral days before his family post, the country songwriter shared a selfie of himself and his wife Melody on the beach."So much fun with my love in the Bahamas," he captioned the photo.The plane crash occurred just days after James stepdaughter, Meryl, celebrated her 28th birthday.APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW POSTOn Instagram, Melody had posted a heartfelt tribute to her daughter, filled with throwback photos of Meryl over the years."Happy Birthday my Love!! How Blessed am I to be your Momma!" she proudly wrote in the social media caption."Youre the MOST BEAUTIFUL AMAZING HUMAN inside and out! Im humbled and grateful everyday for your shining presence in my life! God has already used you for His Kingdom in so many ways and so much more to come! No words can express what a gift you are to me and everyone that KNOWS YOU."The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the incident.The plane took off from Nashvilles John C. Tune Airport before crashing under still-undetermined circumstances in the woods of Franklin. Authorities have yet to release additional details regarding the cause of the crash.James illustrious career spanned decades, as he became one of the most successful and beloved songwriters in Nashville.He worked on more than 500 songs recorded by artists like Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban and Meghan Trainor.As the investigation into the plane crash continues, the country music world grieved the loss of a musical legend.The country songwriter was best known for his work on "Jesus, Take the Wheel", which not only earned Underwood a Grammy, but also became an anthem of modern country music.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERUnderwood shared an emotional tribute to her longtime friend, as she admitted James' death is "unfathomable.""The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words," she wrote on Instagram.She added in her tribute, "Bretts passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear wont ever go away. It will forever be a reminder that this life is but a momentwe have to make the most of each day were given here on earth. Each day is a gift Love you, man. Ill see you again someday."James additionally co-wrote "Blessed" for Martina McBride and "Out Last Night" for Kenny Chesney, among numerous other chart-toppers.In 2020, James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani lost the endorsement of a longtime state party leader despite having the backing of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.New York State Democratic Committee (NYSDC) Chairman Jay Jacobs announced this week that he will not back Mamdani for mayor despite Democratic voters selecting the Democratic socialist as the partys nominee."Mr. Mamdani and I are in agreement that Americas greatest problem is the continued growth of income disparity in our nation," Jacobs said in a statement to The Hill. "On how to address it we fundamentally disagree."EX-MAYOR DE BLASIO TOUTS SOCIALIST MAMDANI AS NEW YORK CITY'S ANSWER TO TRUMP POLICIESThe Hill reported that the NYSDC leader said that he disagreed with Mamdanis stance on Israel.Mamdani has been a vocal critic of Israels actions throughout the war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza. His stance on the issue has become a major topic of the campaign cycle, particularly when he refused to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada," which some view as a call for violence against Jews. Mamdani has since distanced himself from the phrase, saying he would discourage his supporters from using it.While he would not back Mamdani for mayor, Jacobs dismissed "fearmongering" surrounding the self-described Democratic socialists campaign as "a gross over-reaction."MAMDANI APPEALS TO NON-DEMOCRATS WITH GENERAL ELECTION PUSH, VOWS GOVERNMENT CAN MEET VOTERS' 'MATERIAL NEEDS'It remains unclear how the loss of Jacobs endorsement will affect Mamdanis campaign.However, it could have an impact on Jacobs position as a leader of the party. According to Politico, Jacobs said he would resign from his post if Hochul were to request it."If the governor should ever ask any state chair to resign, they should resign," Jacobs told Politico.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHochul announced her endorsement of Mamdani in an opinion piece in The New York Times on Sept. 14.She shared the article on X and captioned the post, "New York City deserves a mayor who will stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers. Thats [Zohran Mamdani]."A recent Quinnipiac University survey showed Mamdani garnering 45% support among likely New York City voters. He was followed by former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at 23%, Guardian Angels co-founder Curtis Sliwa at 15%, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams at 12%. Cuomo and Adams are running as independents, while Sliwa is running as a Republican.Fox News Digital reached out to Jacobs, Mamdani and Hochul but did not immediately hear back.

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoons 25-year friendship has reached a new level.The longtime Hollywood friends answered personal questions about one another, and what was meant to be a playful game quickly turned into a moment of revelation.Witherspoon, 49, asked Aniston, 56, a "tricky" question on LADbibles rapid-fire quiz, "Do You Even Know Me?"REESE WITHERSPOON FLAUNTS SUMMER ROMANCE WITH HER MAN DURING SUN-SOAKED GETAWAYThe "Legally Blonde" star challenged Aniston to guess her "real middle name," offering up three options: Jane, Jeanne or Joan.The "Friends" star guessed "Jane," but she was quickly corrected by Witherspoon, who explained, "Its Jeanne."Things took a turn when Witherspoon dropped a bombshell on Aniston her first name isnt "Reese.""Thats confusing. Im Laura Jeanne," she said.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS"Laura Jeanne?" Aniston asked, as she blinked in disbelief."Thats my real name, yeah," Witherspoon confirmed.As the two long-time friends laughed together, Aniston remained stunned.JENNIFER ANISTON SHARES THE SURPRISING SECRET THAT KEEPS HER LOOKING YOUTHFUL AT 56"Whos Laura? What? Who the hells Laura? Wait, Laura Jeanne, like Im not calling you that from now on," she exclaimed.Witherspoon adopted "Reese" her mothers maiden name before launching her career in 1991 in the film "The Man in the Moon." She also confirmed "Reese" is technically her middle name."Oh, like Norma Jeanne?" Aniston asked, referencing Marilyn Monroes birth name, Norma Jeane Mortenson."Yeah," Witherspoon replied. "Like Laura Jeanne Reese."And the revelations didnt stop there.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERWitherspoon fired back with, "I dont know your middle name.""Joanna," Aniston said."What?!" Witherspoon said as she sat back in her chair in shock. "I was today years old when I learned that," she admitted."Does anybody call you J.J.?" she asked. Aniston responded, "No.""Well, I do now," Witherspoon joked, as she sealed her new nickname for the "Friends" icon.The Hollywood stars friendship dates back to 2000 when the "Big Little Lies" star landed a guest role on "Friends."At the time, Aniston played the beloved Rachel Green. Witherspoon joined the cast for two episodes as Rachels younger sister, Jill Green.

Recently ousted MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd lamented on Katie Courics podcast that people are publicly mourning the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" but not his own firing.Kimmel's show was suspendedby ABC this week after the host's controversial remarks about the alleged killer of Charlie Kirk that suggested he was a MAGA supporter rather than a leftist. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr hinted the FCC could take action before two major local ABC affiliate owners announced they were preempting Kimmel's program."All the shows are talking about how, like, This is awful for America that Jimmy Kimmel was, you know, indefinitely suspended and isn't this awful for America and it's a chilling thing for the First Amendment and they're saying that on every platform," Dowd complained to Couric on Friday, in a clip flagged by The Daily Caller's Jason Cohen. "Not one person has said anything about me."HOLDING ABC'S JIMMY KIMMEL ACCOUNTABLE ISN'T 'CANCEL CULTURE' IT'S BASIC FAIRNESSDowd, a former Republican strategist who became an independent and is now a Democrat, was booted from MSNBC after his controversial response to the shooting of Kirk on Sept. 10. Dowd slammed him as "one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions."He went on to argue, "You cant stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have, and then saying these awful words, and not expect awful actions to take place."The network was quick to denounce him, declaring his words were "inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable," before firing him that same evening.On Friday, Dowd complained that "not one person on that network" has spoken in his defense since he was ousted, but "they've all gone out of their way to say, Isn't this horrible what happened to Jimmy Kimmel?"JIMMY KIMMEL CANCELLATION SPARKS FIERCE CELEBRITY SPLIT IN HOLLYWOODHe also criticized "Morning Joe" co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, saying they "went after me after the show, basically saying they were glad I was terminated, and now today they're talking about how awful it is for our country that somebody like Jimmy Kimmel can't say what he said, and he is indefinitely suspended, and not an iota about what their employer just did to an employee."Fox News Digital reached out to MSNBC for comment and did not receive an immediate reply.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

Oklahoma State fans let their displeasure be heard as the team lost to Tulsa at home for the first time in 74 years.Tulsa beat Oklahoma State 19-12 on Friday at Boone Pickens Stadium, prompting Cowboys fans to call for head coach Mike Gundy to be fired throughout the game.Tulsa took a 16-3 lead into halftime, and fans chanted "Fire Gundy" before the first half ended. The chants continued with four minutes left in the fourth quarter with Tulsa leading 19-12 as the vociferous crowd was heard on the ESPN broadcast.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe loss for Oklahoma State dropped the Cowboys to 1-2. Oklahoma State beat UT Martin 27-7 in its first game but was demolished by Oregon last week, as the No. 6 team in the country beat them, 69-3.The 58-year-old head coach praised the "awesome" fans after the game, despite the calls for his job."They were awesome tonight, they really were," Gundy said via the New York Post. "The stadium was full, and they were fired up, and they were awesome."COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER DIES AFTER GAME IN MISSISSIPPIGundy was asked what his message would be to fans who want him fired immediately."Those arent decisions that I make," Gundy said. "My decision is to do exactly what I mentioned earlier and get these guys and keep on moving forward and go on down the road, and thats what you do."Over 21 years and 260 games at Oklahoma State, Gundy has a 170-90 record. However, the team had its worst season in the Gundy era last season, when they went 3-9.Oklahoma State will try to turn it around when they play the Baylor Bears, who are currently 2-1, next week at home.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

You can now hitch a free ride around the Las Vegas Strip, and you don't have to worry about tipping the driver because there won't be one.Amazon is offering free trips to five locations on the Strip Resorts World, AREA15, Topgolf, the Luxor hotel and the New York-New York hotel as part of the launch of its new robotaxi service, Zoox.The Vegas debut of Zooxs ride-hailing service, which began on Sept. 10, comes after roughly two years of testing the boxy vehicles, which some have described as looking like a "toaster on wheels."LAS VEGAS BECOMING 'PLAYGROUND FOR THE AFFLUENT' AS 'EVERYDAY TRAVELER' LEFT BEHINDThe rides are electric and have opposing bench seats, so that passengers face each other, according to Autoweek magazine.The robotaxis were first available to company employees in Las Vegas before gradually expanding to friends and family members. Now anyone with the Zoox app can request a free ride, which will carry up to four passengers for trips of about three miles.The promotion is expected to run for the first few months while the company awaits regulatory approval. When Zoox does start charging, prices are expected to be in line with Uber and Lyft.LAS VEGAS CASINOS DITCH LIVE DEALERS FOR ELECTRONIC GAMES AMID ONGOING TOURISM DECLINEUntil then, Zoox is collecting rider feedback, testing its user interface, refining its pickup and drop-off infrastructure and working to gain the public's trust in driverless transportation.For now, Zoox is betting that Vegas tourists and locals will be willing to gamble on a ride without a human driver."The autonomous vehicle industry has made remarkable strides this year, bringing us closer to a future of safer, more accessible mobility," Zoox CEO Aicha Evans said in a statement. "With the launch of our fully driverless ride-hailing service using a purposefully designed robotaxi, we're thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking journey."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTEREvans added that the company has conducted more than a decade of research and testing and is "incredibly excited to finally bring that vision to the public."Like other ride-hailing services, the Zoox vehicles license plate number will be displayed in the app, along with estimated pickup times, arrival updates and post-ride summaries with feedback options, according to the company. If riders need help before, during or after their ride, they can contact a member of a remote support team through the app or by pushing a "help" button located on a rider screen within the robotaxi.Amazon bought Zoox for $1.2 billion five years ago and now the company is racing to catch up with robotaxi leader Waymo, which is owned by Google's parent company Alphabet and already provides driverless rides in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Atlanta and Austin.Waymo began offering commercial driverless rides in 2020 and earlier this year announced it surpassed 10 million paid rides.MORE FROM FOX NEWS LIFESTYLEMeanwhile in Texas, Tesla is still in the testing phase of a robotaxi service.Zoox is already testing its robotaxis on the streets of San Francisco, with plans to expand service there to the public next year before reportedly moving into cities including Austin and Miami.The company currently operates about 50 vehicles between Las Vegas and San Francisco, and riders can now sign up for a waitlist to be among the first to experience the service in the Bay Area.Fox News Digital has reached out to Zoox for comment.The Associated Press contributed to this report.