- Freight railroad cutbacks and lack of regulation led to the East Palestine chemical spill, which could derail high-speed rail projects as well due to fear of sharing tracks. (The Guardian). But President Biden has hesitated to push Congress to update rail brake rules (The New Republic) and is siding with Norfolk Southern in a case that would make the company harder to sue (The Lever). Civil penalties are likely instead (Politico).
- Traffic studies are often unreliable, and it's only a matter of time before courts start to question them. (Journal of the American Planning Association)
- Speeding drivers, wide roads, a lack of bike infrastructure and poor lighting are a deadly combination for Los Angeles cyclists. (L.A. Times)
- Inland Empire residents are accusing Caltrans of favoring splashier L.A. transit projects over others that would bring more benefits. (San Gabriel Valley Tribune)
- Candidates for Chicago mayor weigh in on transit, bike infrastructure, traffic enforcement and other issues. (WBEZ)
- Bus drivers in two Northern Virginia counties went on strike, demanding better wages and benefits from the private contractor that employs them. (Washington Post)
- The Detroit suburb of Oakland County is moving ahead with a historic transit expansion. (Oakland Press)
- New York City paid out $247 million in settlements over the last 10 years to victims of crashes involving police. (Curbed)
- Minneapolis is considering clearing sidewalks itself after snowstorms, rather than relying on property owners to do it. (MinnPost)
- Ridership on Valley Metro rail in Phoenix rose 60 percent during Super Bowl weekend. (KTAR)
- Next year the New England Patriots will pay fans to drive and park at the stadium. (CBS News)
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Friday Video: Why The Latest Wave of E-Bike Restrictions Are So Stupid
New Jersey just set a new standard for over-reaction on e-bikes by passing a victim-blaming law. Here's why no state should follow suit.
Friday Video: The Fight to Expand A South Carolina Freeway … For Bikes
Greenville is looking for the good kind of induced demand — by expanding a popular rail-trail.
January 23, 2026
Friday’s Headlines Pollute All They Want
If the courts and Congress won't do it, the EPA under President Trump will just have to repeal itself.
January 23, 2026
Talking Headways Podcast: A Week Without Driving
Anna Zivarts discusses the lessons of her national campaign and yearly event with several politicians who brought it to their communities.
January 22, 2026
Aisle Be Damned: Dems and GOP Unite in Oregon In Bid To Legalize Kei Trucks
Tiny trucks bring people together across the political spectrum — and they could help save lives and budgets.
January 22, 2026
Thursday’s Headlines Are Getting Their Butts Kicked by China
China alone accounted for 72 percent of the new metro and light rail lines that opened last year, more than doubling the rest of the world combined.
January 22, 2026
