Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
DOT

Wednesday’s Headlines: A Wild Day in New York Edition

Click here to read Part III of our stunning series on temp tag fraud. Illustration: Martin Schapiro
Click the logo to read Part III of our stunning series on temp tag fraud. Illustration: Martin Schapiro
Click here to read our stunning series on temp tag fraud. Illustration: Martin Schapiro

Yes, Tuesday was a wild day in Lower Manhattan, but we prefer to look forward ... to the third and final part of Jesse Coburn's three-part series on temporary plate fraud that has turned the city into a Wild West of ghost cars.

Today's edition focuses on the buyers of illegal temps, many of whom are unlicensed drivers who can't get legit plates because they've driven too recklessly or can't get or afford insurance. And they're often the worst drivers on the road: According to the NYPD, 25 people were killed in crashes involving cars with temporary license plates in New York City in 2021 and 2022 — and at least 10 of those plates, perhaps far more, were fraudulent.

And beyond Coburn's exceptional journalism is a newly designed website by Angel Mendoza that is a pleasure to browse. So read it: click here to see Parts I and II. You will not regret it (though New Jersey and Georgia officials certainly will).

In other news:

    • Despite the Trump arraignment and the Coburn investigation (or perhaps because of them), the day began with a huge bombshell: Mayor Adams swatted Monday's Council budget proposal with a counter-proposal: a 4-percent across-the-board cut, initially reported by the Daily News, then followed by the Post, the Times. To her credit, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, head of the Council's Transportation Committee, issued a damning statement, calling the cuts "irresponsible and manufactured" that will "only make it harder for agencies like the Department of Transportation to deliver the protected bus lanes, bike lanes, street redesigns, and other essential services required by law. ... The Mayor’s budget cuts have already put New Yorkers in danger this year by significantly slowing down the street safety infrastructure work needed to protect New Yorkers from preventable traffic violence." Amen.
    • Speaking of the above, Gothamist took a little extra time to report on the Council's bid to expand Fair Fares, which we had a day earlier.
    • Crain's looked at Gov. Hochul's environmental shenanigans that are delaying the budget.
    • It was a rough day for LIRR commuters. (NY Post)
    • Here's a deep dive into the mystery of co-named streets. (Gothamist)
    • Beyond that, it was a slow news day, so why not enjoy a solid Streetsfilms primer on why we and other outlets are calling for the end of parking mandates:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Friday’s Headlines: Ingrid’s Side Gig Edition

The mayor's former top adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, thought she'd gotten a big acting break. But it was the beginning of the end. Plus other news.

August 22, 2025

‘Classic Bribery’: How a Powerful Brooklyn Family Crashed and Burned Over a Simple Bike Lane

Imagine destroying everything you've spent decades building to stop the city from building a bike lane. Welcome to Gina and Tony Argento's world.

August 22, 2025

Katie Wilson’s Success in Seattle Shows Again that Urbanism Is A Winning Campaign Issue

The advocate's strong early performance in Seattle's mayoral primary — following Zohran Mamdani's similar triumph — shows what you can do when you focus on transit.

August 22, 2025

Friday Video: How to Gear Up For Your Fall Bike Commute

The only must-haves for a cycling commute are a bike and a place you feel safe riding — but a few accessories don't hurt, either.

August 22, 2025

READ IT: The Argentos Bribed Lewis-Martin to Halt McGuinness Bike Lane, DA Says

Two members of a powerful Brooklyn theatrical production family bribed Mayor Adams's chief adviser to block the safety redesign of McGuinness Boulevard, court papers show.

August 21, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: The Chips Fall Edition

So much corruption, so little time. Plus other news.

August 21, 2025
See all posts