- 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
Friday Video: The Secret History of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service
...and what it means for new passenger rail service across America.
December 19, 2025
Friday’s Headlines Walk the Line
If you're a capitalist, the market says there's a premium for living in a walkable neighborhood. So why not supply more to meet demand?
December 19, 2025
Talking Headways Podcast: Fighting to Win
Carter Lavin talks with Jeff Wood about the necessity of messy politics in obtaining street safety.
December 18, 2025
Streetsblog’s ‘Car-Free Carolers’ Bring the Joy, Mirth and Ho-Ho-Hope to this Holiday Season
Streetsblog's singers are back, belting out their parody classics to make a serious point: New York's roadways don't have to be dangerous places for kids and lungs, but can be joyous spaces for people to walk around, shop, eat or just ... hang out.
Study: More Protected Bike Lanes = More Micromobility Users
This ought to silence doubters who claim that no one's using that shiny new cycle track.
December 18, 2025
Thursday’s Headlines Are Hot-Blooded, Check It and See
Hopefully the Earth won't have a fever of 103 when judges get done with the Trump administration's proposal to dismantle greenhouse gas regulations.
December 18, 2025
