- The top story: The Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd last year was found guilty on all counts (with the top count being second-degree murder) — an all-too-rare jury finding that held a cop accountable. (NY Times)
- In a case reminiscent of the police killing of Floyd, San Diego's transit agency apologized and will pay $5.5 million to the family of a man who died in 2019 after a security officer knelt on his neck for six minutes. (Associated Press)
- Some people make the argument that intercity rail will never take off in most of this sprawling country unless it's not only faster than driving and cheaper than flying, but competitive timewise with taking a plane. But Vice makes the argument that the U.S. is better off incrementally upgrading service, as Amtrak is proposing, rather than spending decades trying to build out a hugely expensive high-speed rail network.
- A modest annual $20-billion investment in transit operating costs would dramatically improve service in cities nationwide. (Transit Center)
- Contrary to those who are writing off transit due to plunging ridership, the pandemic showed how essential transit really is. (Rice Kinder Institute)
- Urban subways are better at getting people to jobs than suburban commuter rail. (Pedestrian Observations)
- With traffic deaths up during the pandemic, states are starting to prioritize safety over speed. (California Healthline)
- California is falling short of its climate goals, but that doesn't mean progress isn't being made on the transportation front. (San Francisco Chronicle)
- Oakland's "flex streets" program that allows businesses to use public street space previously reserved for cars will expire in June unless the city renews it. (Berkleyside)
- Once a radical idea, Boston mayoral candidates are mow embracing the idea of fare-free transit. (Globe)
- Honolulu is lobbying Congress for another $800 million to finish a light rail line that's already $7 billion over budget and 10 years behind schedule. (Railway Age)
- Tampa isn't ready yet, but it's starting to prepare for a future where electric vehicles are prevalent. (WFLA)
- E-scooters have finally come to New York years after other cities (as Streetsblog reported), but now The New Yorker is sitting up and taking notice.
Streetsblog
Wednesday’s Headlines from All Over
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
OPINION: NYC Has Noise Cameras To Catch Loud Cars. Why Aren’t We Funding It?
The Adams administration is supposed to install 25 of them by the end of September. What's going on?
Advocates Beg DOT Sec. Duffy to Give Up Space and Fix Transit On Earth
Transportation Secretary/acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy wants to put a nuclear reactor on the moon. But a lot of Americans just want the bus to come on time.
August 20, 2025
Wednesday’s Headlines Make Our Own Rules
For almost 100 years, speed limits have been set based on some of the fastest drivers. Now cities are starting to realize that's not a great idea.
August 20, 2025
OPINION: What Do You Call a Cyclist Who’s Been Hit By an E-Biker?
Much as our contributor hates to admit it, she thinks twice every time she gets on her bike since being hit by an e-bike.
Tuesday’s Headlines Open Their Wallets
State and local governments shouldn't have to scrounge around for transit funding, according to Transportation for America.
August 19, 2025
Opinion: Too-Fast Riders Could Be The Downfall of E-Bike Culture
Out-of-class e-bikes are getting faster and more dangerous. How will it impact the image of slow-speed, pedal-assist vehicles — or even the faster riders who are responsibly sharing the road with cars?
August 19, 2025
