Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Tuesday’s Tragic Headlines

Car crashes kill 1.2 million people a year and cost the global economy five percent of GDP. Why isn't this crisis taken more seriously?

  • Cars claim the lives of 1.2 million people around the world each year, and are the leading cause of death for children and young people. UN and World Health Organization officials compare it to a pandemic that should spark change with the urgency of the search for a vaccine. (The Guardian)
  • Many states are not using federal funds effectively to connect rural communities with big cities by bus, according to the Eno Center for Transportation.
  • The Trump administration is threatening to withdraw $4 billion in funding for California high-speed rail. (Associated Press)
  • Denver became the largest city in the U.S. to commit to fully building out and maintaining its network of sidewalks, rather than rely on property owners to do it themselves. (CityLab)
  • Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers' budget proposal includes a 4 percent boost for transit funding. That would help the Milwaukee County Transit System, which is facing a deficit of up to $18 million. (Urban Milwaukee)
  • The Milwaukee streetcar has repeatedly shut down because snow and salt are affecting its electrical switches. (Journal-Sentinel)
  • The chair of Philadelphia transit agency SEPTA warned of a death spiral if Pennsylvania lawmakers don't come through with more funding. (NBC 10)
  • In May Philadelphia will start using AI cameras mounted on buses and trolleys to ticket drivers who park in bus lanes. (Philly Voice). A similar program is now in place in Sacramento (Cities Today).
  • Charlotte's $20 million Vision Zero program is paying for 10 miles of streetlights and new crosswalk beacons at 50 intersections. (WCNC)
  • Trump administration cuts could threaten the Interstate 35 cap-and-stitch project, as well as other transportation projects. (CBS Austin)
  • Utah Republicans snuck language into a state Senate bill that would prohibit Salt Lake City from making any changes to roads that would impede motor vehicles. (Building Salt Lake)
  • Friends and family held a memorial for an Indianapolis man who was killed by a driver while biking earlier this month. (WTHR)
  • The Urbanist has an easy way for Seattle to meet its 30 percent tree canopy goal: Tear up 1,000 acres of pavement used for street parking and plant trees there.
  • Phoenix offers several free shuttle buses, and carless residents can access up to six free Lyft rides per month. (Arizona Republic)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Streetsblog Joins Campaign for Public Financing of Non-Profit Media

New York provides tax credits to for-profit newsrooms. Now, non-profit digital outlets, public broadcasters and public access channels are seeking equal treatment. Doing so would strengthen our democracy.

December 26, 2025

Opinion: Why Urbanists Should Support Plant-Forward Policies 

Your plate is political, just like your choice to pedal instead of drive. And often, transportation and food politics have powerful intersections.

December 26, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Merry Christmas Edition

We're off today, and we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2025

Don’t Believe the Hype: NJ Turnpike Widening Still Happening

Gov. Murphy's late revision will just move the problem around, advocates say.

December 24, 2025

Opinion: Can AI Help Stop Car Crashes Before They Happen?

Proactive safety planning can save more lives than waiting until after crashes kill. But what's the proper role of technology in identifying future hot spots?

December 24, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Have a Clean Background

Uber isn't doing everything it can to keep violent felons out of the driver's seat, according to the New York Times.

December 24, 2025
See all posts