- 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
Wednesday’s Headlines Have Consequences
The Trump administration's actions on climate change have consequences for future generations. Industries might not like what they get in return.
February 18, 2026
Trump’s Canada Bridge Tantrum Could Be Bad News For An International Bike Trail
A multi-use trail along the Gordie Howe Bridge would be a key component of an epic cross-continental trail route — if Trump doesn't prevent the entire structure from opening.
February 17, 2026
Disturbing Utah ‘Bikelash’ Bill Takes Aim at Salt Lake City Traffic Calming
Utah state legislators aren't traffic engineers — so why are they writing laws that would force the review of specific bike lanes already on the roads in their capitol, and preemptively stop Salt Lake from building more?
February 17, 2026
The Explainer: How Big Tech Push For Cheap Car Insurance Hurts Victims
In New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul is distorting the notion of "affordability" to do Big Tech's bidding.
Tuesday’s Headlines Let Kids Be Kids
Cops should not be arresting parents for letting their kids walk or bike around the neighborhood.
February 17, 2026
Monday’s Headlines Slow Down
Cities have proven measures they can put into place to slow down speeding drivers and save lives.
February 16, 2026
