When Metro’s very own Maisie Spackman penned that she wanted Carla Connor to fall for a woman after spotting electrifying chemistry between the knicker queen and tough detective Lisa Swain, little did we all know where we’d end up just over two years later!

Coronation Street icons Alison King and Vicky Myers had been coy about where the relationship might head in the early days as fans more and more latched on to the hope that something might be explored.

Eventually it exploded, and the Swarla fandom continues to grow, with social media in the UK and across the pond being dominated by viral clips, interviews and insights around the representative couple.

Several hostage situations, a car pile-up, and an abusive dead-but-not-dead ex later, Carla and Lisa have come through more than your average couple to finally make it to their wedding.

Given that Carla’s middle name is ‘trauma’ and Lisa spends her time arresting the wrong people and accidentally shooting her own daughter, the assumption would be that Corrie would not be able resist bringing carnage and angst to their wedding day.

Cue a welcome curveball – joining Metro for a chat after the screening of the joyful half hour, Ali was very quick to promise that there are no hitches, with Vicky promising quite literal fireworks for the couple after some seriously moving and funny moments from Swarla and pals.

From very special vows and an impeccable Roy moment through to a wildly drunken guest and Sally the Ally at her best, a lot is packed in.

But of course, it can’t ALL go smooth sailing. Initially it seems like there might not be a big day at all, after the wedding venue is flooded.

‘Carla feels absolutely devastated, or as she might put it, ‘well knarked’’. This is supposed to be the best day of her life, and now it’s all ruined,’ Ali said. ‘She is not happy, and it’s everybody’s fault, even though it’s not. She throws her toys out of the pram. She’s really angry!’

But Lisa spies an opportunity to turn the tables and, while Carla is not usually a fan of surprises, Ali admits that for once, she actually loves the unexpected when Lisa solves the issue.

‘Lisa is a bit more pragmatic about it,’ Vicky shared. ‘I mean, obviously, she’s devastated, but that presents itself in a completely different way. Part of the reason why it works between them is because while there are some similarities, a lot of the time they react to things very differently.

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‘It’s something that Ryan says, that Carla had said to him. It’s basically about how Carla just wants to marry Lisa. Any hour, any venue will do! And that sets something off in Lisa.

‘She realises, well, we don’t need all of this big fuss, which Carla didn’t particularly want anyway. It was more about the intimacy between the two of them.

‘Plus, she’s got Sally on the case. Sally’s been a pivotal part of it because it was really a last-minute attempt to get this ceremony up and also for everybody that they know and love. How could they possibly manage to organise that in such a short space of time?

‘There was a lot for Lisa to be nervous about, but I think the crux of it is, and the most important thing of it was, to her, was to get married to Carla.’ 

The ceremony itself is indeed a very close and family oriented event, with Ali adding: ‘She loves that part of Lisa that can fix things and will let her take a step back because Peter Barlow wasn’t very good at things like that. So it’s quite nice to have somebody that has foresight and does nice things for her, takes on the mental load.’ 

It is indeed a very different day to what Ali is used to filming when it comes to Carla’s wedding – and the popular actress couldn’t be happier with the end result.

‘I was relieved it wasn’t that, no big dress for Carla this time! The surprise reception at Underworld is Carla’s favourite bit. She likes to feel that even though she shouts at everybody, they still love her – all the workforce.

‘And she likes that, she likes being part of it, because she’s always, always been left out in the whole Connor clan. She was always the one that was taken the mickey out of. So she likes to be part of something. Those factory workers are Carla’s family. It is her safe place.’

And for Lisa, the marriage also represents a new chapter after a toxic former relationship with she who shall not be named.

‘She wants to be married to this woman who she’s fallen madly in love with, who feels like home to her. The complete antithesis of the relationship she’d had before,’ Vicky said. ‘It’s not just about the wedding day, it’s about the marriage itself, and she can’t wait to start that.’

Ahead of the big day, the couple do have to say goodbye to baby Connie, who is taken back after some time in their care. Both actresses have enjoyed the chance to explore that side of their characters and the relationship.

Vicky mused: ‘I think as a viewer of the show, that’s something that’s been fundamental in its 65-year history. It’s about family. It’s about community. It’s about those quiet moments, those conversations. And blended families, dysfunctional families so I think it is important for us to get the opportunity to see this family making it work.’

As part of this, Carla was forced to confront an agony from her past in which she suffered the loss of a baby. Vicky agrees that seeing this vulnerable and honest side to Carla really ‘galvanised and strengthened’ their relationship.

Ali added: ‘Yeah, it was nice to touch on that because we have not really discussed it much. But it was  important to bring that up when Connie came into their lives.

‘I think Carla came on leaps and bounds with that baby, she really enjoyed having her in their lives and we enjoyed having her around.’ 

So what is it that Carla and Lisa love most about each other?

Ali: ‘Carla loves Lisa Swain because she’s like sweet and sour. And she sees that side in herself as well, so she likes the vulnerable side, and the fact that Lisa has shown that to her. But obviously when they met, they were both at loggerheads. I think for Carla, it’s a lot of respect. 

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‘And also, Lisa was a huge kind of turning point for her. The fact that she liked her, like that, is everything, really. It was the person, not the gender, that didn’t come into it. They don’t need each other. They chose to be together.’

Vicky: ‘I think there’s so much. There was something instantly between the two of them. Lisa respects Carla, she respects her as a businesswoman and as a woman in general. The loyalty she has to her family and friends. And the way that even on the first conversation that they had, Carla was interested in Lisa’s own daughter.

‘She listened to Lisa, and she will always, she has always listened to Lisa, even when Lisa didn’t listen to her. I think there’s that quote: “if you’ve got a friend like Carla Connor, you know you’re doing alright.”

‘They trust each other and they talk. They talk through everything, even if it takes time to get there. They’ve got similarities, they enjoy things, they enjoy a drink. They look out for each other and they will stand by each other.’

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We can’t avoid addressing the elephant in the room that the day WILL end in murder. But Ali reassures that it doesn’t mar the day for Swarla – they are totally unaware of what is going on while they celebrate with each other.

Vick smiled: ‘The fact that they think the scream is a fox and just carry on watching the fireworks, it just ends nicely. They are oblivious but it’s a great hook.

‘And also it’s a trial for them at the start of married life as Betsy is the one who found the body so they have got something difficult to deal with from day one of married life. As a family, after what they have been through I think they feel very equipped now to be able to deal with things as a team.’

So what would they like the future to hold long term?

Ali pondered before replying: ‘I like the domesticity about it. I like those quiet conversations, the daily routine. I love the comedy and the scenes with Ryan and with Betsy. I’d like more of that. But it may not last long. They love to torture us!’

Well, fellow fans, let’s not focus on the torture – the wedding is incoming and I reckon it will be everything you hoped for and more. With it also happening in Lesbian Visibility Week, the cast and crew have acknowledged the importance and thrown all their passion and hearts to it.

Closing off the chat, Vicky reflected: ‘Soaps are extremely powerful mediums, and this wedding is a significant event to celebrate. The power of this storyline, centering on two women falling in love, despite surrounding circumstances, and becoming each other’s safe space, can spark essential conversations. 

‘It’s particularly impactful that this happens during Lesbian Visibility Week. This relationship promotes understanding and change, especially considering the persistent issue of homophobia and the current gradual retraction of rights despite past progress. 

‘To champion this couple, their family unit, and their commitment by having them marry on Coronation Street is an honour and a truly beautiful, history-making moment. Their sexuality doesn’t define them, but they are proud of who they are.

‘They offer crucial visibility by confidently showing public affection, their life is not kept behind closed doors. Their frequent presence on screen holds the power to prompt lasting change.’

You can see more video footage from Swarla’s chats and other cast by following our TikTok account. More of the chat – and other details from Corrie – will be exclusively in our free soaps newsletter which you can sign up for here.

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Police arrested the five occupants of a vehicle following a pursuit

Five people were arrested in connection with fuel thefts, a robbery and weapon possession following a police chase involving a suspected drink driver in Co Tyrone.

The incident took place on Sunday, April 12, after police attempted to stop a vehicle in the Omagh area that was believed to be involved in four fuel thefts in the town. The vehicle fled from the officers who managed to stop it after a short pursuit where police a police vehicle was rammed.

Following a search of the vehicle, “multiple large knives” were found by officers.

READ MORE: Ulster Farmers’ Union statement ahead of ‘planned fuel protests’READ MORE: Warning after ‘lives put at risk’ by arson attack in West Belfast

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Yesterday, Omagh and Enniskillen Road Policing Interceptors where involved in a short pursuit of a wanted vehicle which failed to stop for Police. This vehicle was sought in relation to 4 fuel thefts in the Omagh area. During the incident, this vehicle deliberately collided with the Police vehicle in an attempt to get away.

“Pre-emptive tactics were used to safely bring it to a stop.“The driver then provided a roadside breath test reading of over twice the legal limit.“Police had also received a report of a robbery in Omagh shortly beforehand, with the occupants of this vehicle believed to have been involved.“Along with colleagues with from Omagh C Section Local Policing Team, all 5 individuals onboard were arrested for multiple offences.“In the vehicle multiple large knives were safely recovered and will be destroyed.”

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An Emmy Award-winning show has been labelled as an “absolute watch for people of all walks of life!”.

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An “utterly superb” series has secured an extraordinary three-season recommission ahead of its series five launch.

Emmy Award-winning documentary series Welcome To Wrexham returns for its fifth season next month on Friday, 15 May, but there’s even better news preceding its arrival.

Disney+ has announced that Welcome to Wrexham has received a substantial three-season renewal, extending the programme through to Season 8, anticipated to air in 2029.

Responding to the announcement, Wrexham AFC co-chairmen Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds stated: “A three-season order for a TV series is nearly unheard of and is only possible through the ground-breaking work of our Emmy-winning documentary team and the relentless rise of Wrexham AFC and all those working so hard to make sports history.

“We are forever grateful to our equally fearless and tireless partners at FX for being with us every step of the way.

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“We are so happy we get to keep telling the Wrexham story for years to come.”

Boasting an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s hardly surprising Welcome to Wrexham is continuing for three additional runs.

Praising the show on the review aggregator platform, one fan commented: “Utterly superb. “Emotional, exciting, uplifting and above all, respectful to the football club and town of Wrexham in Wales.”

Another viewer agreed: “First watched as a fan of Ryan and Rob and was curious about the Wrexham story but absolutely fell in love with the series and now addicted.

“Everything about the series is brilliantly organised, its not just Hollywood glamour, the show also has a big heart.”

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Another viewer commented: “This really draws you into the lives of the people on the show. You won’t regret watching”, while a further fan remarked: “An absolute watch for people of all walks of life.”

Welcome to Wrexham documents the surprising acquisition of Wrexham AFC by Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney, now known as Rob Mac, and Ryan Reynolds.

The fifth series, launching with its opening two episodes on 15 May before transitioning to weekly instalments, will follow the club’s pursuit of Premier League promotion.

This follows three successive promotions, a “feat that has never been achieved in English Football League history”.

Welcome to Wrexham is available to watch on Disney+.

SPRING, Texas (AP) — The man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI founder Sam Altman’s home in San Francisco was opposed to artificial intelligence and had list of other AI tech executives, according to court documents.

Authorities allege Daniel Moreno-Gama threw the incendiary device about 4 a.m. Friday, setting an exterior gate at Altman’s home alight before fleeing on foot, police said. Less than an hour later, Moreno-Gama allegedly went to OpenAI’s headquarters and reportedly threatened to burn down the building.

On Monday morning, FBI agents went to Moreno-Gama’s home in Spring, Texas, a suburb of Houston, where they spent several hours before leaving. He has been charged with possession of an unregistered firearm and damage and destruction of property by means of explosives.

When Moreno-Gama was arrested Friday, officials found a document on him in which he “identified views opposed to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the executives of various AI companies,” court documents say.

Moreno-Gama wrote of AI’s purported risk to humanity and “our impending extinction,” according to the criminal complaint.

Advocacy groups that have issued grave warnings about AI’s risks to society condemned the violence.

Anthony Aguirre, president and CEO of the Future of Life Institute, said in a written statement Friday that “violence and intimidation of any kind have no place in the conversation about the future of AI.”

Hours after the attack on his house, Altman posted a photo of his husband and their toddler in a blog post addressing the threats against him.

“Normally we try to be pretty private, but in this case I am sharing a photo in the hopes that it might dissuade the next person from throwing a Molotov cocktail at our house, no matter what they think about me,” Altman wrote.

He added that “fear and anxiety about AI is justified” but it was important to “de-escalate the rhetoric and tactics and try to have fewer explosions in fewer homes, figuratively and literally.”

___

Associated Press journalist Matt O’Brien contributed to this story from Providence, Rhode Island.

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President Trump has become entangled in a very public row with Pope Leo XIV, who has been critical of the US war with Iran. The US president has slammed the pope for being “weak” on crime and “terrible” at foreign policy, whilst also posting a picture of himself as Jesus (this post has been taken down from social media since we recorded the episode). Sarah, Anthony and Marianna join Matt Chorley to discuss the Pope’s response, and where this leaves the US president and those who voted for him. Also, how will Trump’s criticism of the pontiff affect his standing with the wider American public?
We also answer your questions on Melania Trip’s surprise statement about the disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, why the Trump administration will be disappointed by the ousting of Viktor Orban in Hungary’s elections, the legality of a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump’s huge rant against some of America’s biggest MAGA influencers.

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• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent
• Matt Chorley, 5 Live Presenter

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• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

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The Knavesmire Coffee Shop, on the corner of the Clock Tower Enclosure, has been renovated to include indoor seating space and service area for visitors to enjoy year-round.

It comes after two bespoke shipping containers were converted and installed at the site by Coopers Marquees on behalf of The Little Yorkshire Coffee Company – a joint investor of the shop with York Racecourse.

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Speaking about this, director of The Little Yorkshire Coffee Company (Event Mobiles Ltd), Jason Greenwood, said: “What started as a simple solution during a challenging time quickly became something much more meaningful.

“This renovation allows us to build on that foundation, improving the experience, expanding our menu and continuing to serve the community that has supported us from day one.”

Located on the corner of the Clock Tower Enclosure, the coffee shop hopes to attract regular visitors (Image: The Knavesmire Coffee Shop)

Knavesmire Coffee Shop was first established during Covid-19 and quickly became a hub for outdoor socialising and connection.

Facilities manager at York Racecourse, Gavin Pattison, described it as a “special place” for both visitors and the local community.

He added: “We’re delighted to support its development and ensure it remains a welcoming space for people to enjoy throughout the year.”

Visitors old and new, including dogs, are welcome (Image: The Knavesmire Coffee Shop)

Aside from coffee, the business is serving an expanded menu, featuring pizzas, paninis, breakfast rolls, ice cream and tray bakes.

Customers old and new have welcomed its re-opening, and it has already proved a hit with park runners and local dog walkers.

A representative for the company said: “With its improved facilities and continued focus on quality and community, it is set to remain a cherished destination on the Knavesmire for years to come.”

The coffee shop is open from Monday to Friday from 9am till 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am till 5pm.

With its sweeping views, hardy sheep farming and dramatic weather, the farm has become a destination many fans would love to see for themselves. But can you actually visit Ravenseat?

Is Ravenseat Open to the Public?

The short answer is no, Ravenseat is not currently open to visitors.

For several years, the farm welcomed members of the public.

Visitors could stop by for cream teas, homemade refreshments and even pre-booked stays, giving fans a rare opportunity to experience life in the Yorkshire Dales first-hand.

Amanda, Clive and Kids altogether outside Anty John’s (Image: MORE 4)

However, in 2022, Ravenseat closed its doors to public access.

It has since operated solely as a private, working family farm and is no longer open for drop-in visits or tourism.

There is no visitor centre, café or official tour experience currently running at the site.

Can You Walk Near the Farm?

While the farmhouse and its immediate grounds are private, the wider landscape around Ravenseat sits within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is criss-crossed by public footpaths.

Ravenseat lies along the Pennine Way and is close to Alfred Wainwright’s famous Coast-to-Coast Walk.

Walkers passing through Upper Swaledale may find themselves in the surrounding area, enjoying the same dramatic views seen on television.

However, it is important to respect that Ravenseat itself is private property.

Visitors should stick strictly to designated public rights of way, follow countryside guidance and avoid trespassing.

Where Is Ravenseat?

Ravenseat is located at the head of Whitsun Dale in Upper Swaledale, North Yorkshire, around three and a half miles west of the small village of Keld.

The area is known for its remoteness, with narrow roads, limited facilities and challenging weather conditions, particularly in winter.

Anyone planning to explore the area should prepare carefully, as petrol stations, shops and mobile signal can be limited in the upper dales.

While you can no longer visit Ravenseat itself, fans can still experience the spectacular landscapes that made Our Yorkshire Farm such a hit.

The rolling hills, stone barns and winding valleys of Swaledale remain open to walkers and visitors, just not the farmhouse at the heart of the show.

For now, the best way to step inside Ravenseat is still through the screen it seems.

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Today, an inquiry has found the Southport murders “could have been prevented” if the killer’s parents and authorities had done more in the years leading up to the attack.

The inquiry’s report lists factors such as a “misunderstanding of autism” and “failure in information sharing” as examples of the “systematic failures”. Adam is joined by Judith Moritz, special correspondent and Daniel Sandford home Affairs correspondent who have been covering the story.

Adam also catches up with Americast host and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher after President Trump announcing a blockade of Iranian ports after the talks in Pakistan didn’t end up in a deal. This comes as President Trump has been publicly arguing with an unusual opponent… the Pope.

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Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Shiler Mahmoudi and Anna Harris. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Gareth Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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President Donald Trump took in-person delivery of his McDonald’s lunch order at the White House Monday — and that odd moment marked the most normal thing in Trumpworld the last 72 hours.

While holding his bags of cheeseburgers, fries and whatever else, Trump kept the delivery driver at his side while she weighed in on his no-tax-on-tips measure and he addressed reporters on a wide range of issues including the Iran war. The truly bizarre stunt played out as the U.S. began a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the president was embroiled in a simmering controversy over his posting an AI image of himself as Jesus Christ on Truth Social.

The publicly unscheduled but clearly staged press event played out just after noon as the press pool was ushered to the front door of the Oval Office to watch the president of the United States grin and receive two large bags of McDonalds from a delivery driver who then turned to reporters and praised the GOP’s move to end taxes on tipped wages in 2025.

“McDonalds!” the red-clad woman said in a tone clearly only audible to reporters outside the Oval as she rapped quickly on the door. Trump, a second later, opens the door: “Oh, nice to see you!”

“Nice to meet you,” the woman replied. The two began a banter about how the “No Tax On Tips” policy Trump championed during the 2024 election was now helping her as part of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” passed into law last year.

In a moment of self awareness, Trump quipped to Simmons sarcastically: “This doesn’t look staged.”

Trump then addressed reporters and began a full press conference, the president standing side-by-side with the delivery woman in her red DoorDash polo shirt, and issued his newest threats against Iran and even spoke about his conflict with the Pope. His first question came from a reporter who asked about an AI-generated image the president posted and then deleted which depicted him as Jesus Christ.

“I thought it was me as a doctor,” Trump claimed of the image that portrayed him robed, holding his hand to a man’s forehead and healing him with a glowing white light. “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better.” The president did not explain why he deleted the image, which drew criticism from some conservatives and Christians.

He also responded to a question about the current state of U.S.-Iran negotiations, and confirmed once again that the “sticking point” in the talks centered around Iran’s future nuclear ambitions. Trump had previously insisted that Iran had agreed to give up plans of developing nuclear weapons in the future as he insisted that his war with the country was already won, but over the weekend changed his story to admit that Tehran’s refusal to agree to U.S. demands regarding its nuclear program was the reason for the conflict continuing.

“[The sticking point] was over nuclear, yeah […] Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters. “And we agreed to a lot of things but they didn’t agree to that. And I think they will agree to it, I’m almost sure of it. In fact I am sure of it, if they don’t agree there’s no deal, there will never be a deal. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. And we’ll get the dust back. We’ll get it back either way; we’ll get it back from them, or we’ll take it.”

Trump’s reference to “the dust” refers to Iran’s remaining supply of enriched uranium, much or all of which is believed to be buried under rock and earth as a result of damaging U.S. strikes at Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow, three sites tied to the Iranian nuclear program hit by U.S. strikes last summer. Among the U.S.’s demands include the transfer of any remaining material to American hands.

In one more embarrassing moment, as the woman identified as “Sharon” stood beside him, Trump turned from attacking Democrats to the camera and posed a question to the DoorDash driver who was still awkwardly standing there regarding her views on “men in women’s sports”, the president and Republicans’ shorthand for the right of transgender girls and women to participate in sporting leagues corresponding to their preferred gender.

She sheepishly replied: “I really don’t have an opinion on that. No, no, I’m here on no tax on tips,” as the president pressed her.

The Independent reached out to the White House for more details about the event and the president’s order.

White House spokesman Steven Cheung later posted a photo of a half-eaten burger he declared he’d “had to dig in” to.

Simmons is no stranger to Washington and previously testified before the House Ways and Means Committee for a hearing aimed at touting the “No Tax On Tips” legislation included as part of the GOP’s budget reconciliation package last year. The populist provision was part of a reconciliation package that included a massive surge of funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and also extended the 2017 Republican tax cuts passed under the president’s first term.

“This moment represents something bigger than a single delivery. It’s about the millions of Dashers across the country who are now able to keep more of what they earn when filing their taxes this year. With No Tax on Tips, Dashers across the U.S. saved hundreds of millions of dollars last year. DoorDash is proud to advocate on behalf of Dashers like Sharon and push for policies like No Tax on Tips because they deliver real impact to so many hardworking people and their families,” DoorDash said in a statement regarding Monday’s event.

According to information provided to USA Today by DoorDash, Simmons has completed nearly 12,000 deliveries on the DoorDash platform, according to her congressional testimony in July of last year.

“In early 2025, my husband was diagnosed with cancer and the toll that radiation & chemotherapy took on him forced him to reduce his hours at his job. Because DoorDash provides me with a truly flexible work schedule, I was able to drive him to and from his treatments. During that time, every extra dollar I earned mattered more than ever,” she told Congress last year.