- A New York Times deep dive shows how often traffic stops for minor offenses can turn deadly. Police have killed more than 400 unarmed drivers over the past five years, often simply for "contempt of cop." They almost always get away with it, although cities pay out millions in wrongful death lawsuits. One reason why is that officers' training overemphasizes the danger of traffic stops.
- More than 20,000 people died in car crashes in the first half of 2021, an 18% increase, the largest six-month spike ever recorded by the U.S. DOT. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called it a "crisis."
- House Democrats' latest version of the reconciliation bill tackling climate change includes $10 billion for high-speed rail, $10 billion for transit-oriented development and $4 billion for complete streets (Bloomberg). It also includes a fee on oil and gas producers that emit the greenhouse gas methane (Reuters).
- Meanwhile, with the bipartisan infrastructure bill still awaiting a House vote, lawmakers passed another short-term transportation funding bill. (The Hill)
- A Consumer Reports investigation found that U.S. auto loan debt has reached a record $1.4 trillion. Even drivers with good credit are being pushed into subprime loans, and one in four are spending more on car payments than they can afford.
- The head of the National Transportation Safety Board said Elon Musk fans are attacking a newly appointed advisor who's been critical of Tesla deliberately to distract from an investigation into the company's self-driving technology. (CNN)
- Building out the charging infrastructure necessary for a widespread switch to electric vehicles is harder than you think. (Slate)
- The Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is planning a $300 million bus rapid transit project in suburban Clayton County. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
- A Denver developer who specialized in dense, relatively affordable housing near transit now says he's switching to million-dollar homes because there are too many hoops to jump through. (Denverite)
- The Tucson streetcar has experienced record ridership since going fare-free during the pandemic. (KOLD)
- Buffalo transit advocates continue to push for light rail, although the Federal Transit Administration wants the city to consider expanding bus service instead. (WBFO)
- A Little Rock regional planning group is hiring a transit coordinator. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)
Streetsblog
Monday’s Headlines Have a License to Kill
By Blake Aued
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Talking Headways Podcast: The Powerless Brokers
Colin Parent of Circulate San Diego on why California can't build transit.
August 15, 2025
Friday’s Free-Range Headlines
Bad drivers and giant trucks are ruining our children's childhoods, and more parents are speaking out.
August 15, 2025
‘A Tombstone’: Abandoned Bicycles Outside Federal Courthouse Are a Symbol of U.S. War on Immigrants
At least four bicycles and one moped are chained up and seemingly abandoned outside NYC's federal courthouse. They are symbols of America's war on immigrants.
Friday Video: The Ingredients of a Truly Great Street
This short film offers a recipe for a great right of way, and a wealth of inspiration for communities to design for people.
August 15, 2025
No, Washington Post, Driver’s Ed Isn’t The ‘Main Cause’ of Our Road Violence Crisis
A recent Washington Post article blamed bad driver's ed for America's dismal roadway safety stats — and gets a lot of facts wildly wrong.
August 14, 2025
Thursday’s Headlines Cross That Bridge
But you shouldn't have to if you're on foot. Plus, Amtrak's 2021 expansion plan faces grim prospects under President Trump.
August 14, 2025
