- The Senate confirmed Sean Duffy as transportation secretary, but he didn't breeze through quite as easily as it looked like he would after President Trump issued a broad and confusing order halting all federal grants. Twenty-two Democrats voted against Duffy. (New York Times)
- A judge quickly stayed the order until February 3rd, which would have likely affected billions in funding for Amtrak and other rail programs. (Trains)
- Other Trump executive orders have targeted electric vehicles, but they're unlikely to stop the auto industry from transitioning to EVs, according to the CEO of Rivian. (Business Insider)
- Is it our phones? Is it all the cars? David Zipper wonders why people are increasingly rushing through public spaces rather than using them to hang out. (CityLab)
- With a vehicle-miles fee, those who benefit from the U.S. highway system the most — truckers — would pay their fair share. (RealClearMarkets)
- More states are charging fees on EVs because their owners don't pay gas taxes, but in red states those fees can be so high that they become punitive. (NYT)
- Fare free transit helps riders access medical care, in addition to saving them money. (Reasons to Be Cheerful)
- Cities that cap freeways shouldn't forget to provide activities, in addition to greenspace. (Planetizen)
- A Pennsylvania woman was charged with aggravated assault after driving onto a sidewalk and injuring several people celebrating the Eagles' playoff win on Sunday night. (10 Philadelphia)
- After decades of neglect, Louisville's transit agency is facing a choice between a growth plan that would require $50 million in new funding or cutting bus service in half. (Courier-Journal)
- St. Petersburg has decided not charge fares for a popular beach shuttle. (Tampa Bay Times)
- AI could help the New Jersey Port Authority fit more buses into the Lincoln Tunnel. (NJ.com)
- Savannah officials are frustrated with its Vision Zero initiative as crashes involving pedestrians rose 11 percent last year, and pedestrian deaths have doubled since 2022. (Morning News)
- Construction has started on an Oklahoma City plan to build 35 new sidewalks by 2031. (News 9)
- Transit consultant Jarrett Walker tried Elon Musk's Las Vegas Tesla tunnel and came away unimpressed. (Human Transit)
Today's Headlines
Wednesday’s Headlines Backlash Has Begun
The Sean Duffy era has arrived at the DOT, although more Trump executive order chaos nearly threw a last-minute wrench into his confirmation.
By Blake Aued
Read More:
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Thursday’s Headlines Are Charged Up for the Fourth
The Republican megabill is bad for the electric vehicle industry, but it could be worse.
July 3, 2025
Why is the Secretary of Transportation Begging Americans to Take More Road Trips?
Instead of making America easier to see on all modes, the US Department of Transportation is encouraging U.S. residents to just get in their cars and drive.
July 3, 2025
Wednesday’s Headlines Are for the Children
From mothers with babies in strollers to preteens on bikes, much of the U.S. is hostile to families just trying to get around without a car.
July 2, 2025
Trump Priorities Spark Sudden Reorganization of Key Transportation Research Body
"It's [an] unprecedented overreach into science."
July 2, 2025
Trump’s DOT Secretary Wants You to Drive to Midwest Landmarks; Here Are Some Car-Free Alternatives
Planning a summer trip? Here are a few Amtrak-accessible destinations.
Ambulance Data Reveals That Boston Drivers Are 4 Times More Likely to Run Over Pedestrians From Black Neighborhoods
"Overall, residents of predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods are about four times more likely than residents of predominantly white neighborhoods to be struck as a pedestrian."
