Thursday’s Headlines Turn Up the Heat

Whether you realize it or not, climate change is here, and not just in the form of natural disasters.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EDT on April 18, 2024

Climate change is already happening, and it's crippling and killing us — particularly low-income people and people of color. (New York Times)
The e-scooter landscape seems to be changing from a Wild West libertarian attitude to one of sustainability as the industry matures. But safety concerns remain, even if they pale in comparison to the threat posed by cars. (Grist)
Density — or rather, proximity — is a better way to help people reach their destination faster than increased speeds. (Planetizen)
Tesla owners are quite displeased that the company's so-called "full self-driving" feature keeps ramming their cars into curbs and popping their tires. (Jalopnik)
The Charlotte Area Transit System is aiming to reduce light-rail headways to 12 minutes. (Axios)
Phoenix's Valley Metro is considering extending the Tempe streetcar line from the Arizona State campus to Mesa. (12 News)
The Kansas City streetcar is experiencing a surge in ridership leading to calls for additional service. (KCTV 5)
After abandoning a previous proposal, Orange County, Florida Mayor Jerry Demmings says he'll put a sales tax for transit on the ballot in 2026. (Orlando Sentinel)
Philadelphia transit agency SEPTA is focusing on cleanliness and safety in its 2025 budget requests. (Voice)
Citing broken promises, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is making a move to take over the state's independent transit agency. (Colorado Public Radio)
A San Jose "turbo roundabout" has actually resulted in more crashes, but officials insist it will be safer once drivers get used to it. (Mercury News)
Minnesota is offering a rebate program for e-bike purchases. (CBS News)
A Toronto bakery is facing blowback after going off on bike lanes on social media. (blog TO)
Guerilla urbanism is nothing new. The Guardian has the story of mostly female masked avengers who saved British historical landmarks from destruction.
...and CNU has an essay on why the term "guerrilla" urbanism is controversial. (Public Square)