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

Wednesday’s Headlines: Smoke Everywhere Edition

Our bike rides into work Tuesday were beset by smoke blown in from Canadian wildfires, and the forecasters say we're in for a similarly ashen commute on Wednesday. Plus other news.

Manhattan’s smoke-filled skyline on Tuesday. Photo: David Meyer

Our bike rides into work were beset by smoke blown in from Canadian wildfires on Tuesday, and forecasters told the New York Post that we're in for a similarly ashen commute on Wednesday.

City and state officials have urged New Yorkers to stay indoors — warning that the bad air could cause shortness of breath, irritated eyes, or worse, Gothamist reported. Missing were calls for New Yorkers to drive less.

Transportation is a top source of greenhouse gas emissions on a good day, but local pols are apparently loathe to bite the bullet and suggest drivers consider alternatives — even when doing so has potential health benefits for everyone. Each additional car trip makes the air quality that much worse.

Many New Yorkers will choose to brave the smog-infested air on two wheels, including for work or because there isn't an alternative; we salute them, even if their doctors do not. It's a good thing we always carry a mask.

In other news:

  • A 26-year-old Queens man was held on $300,000 bail after killing one pedestrian, injuring four others near Gramercy Park on Sunday after a day of boozing in Manhattan. (NY Daily News, NY Post)
  • Pete Davidson has some regrets about buying that Staten Island Ferry boat. (ET Online)
  • All aboard the bike bus! (NY Times)
  • An MTA bus driver was assaulted and doused in lighter fluid in Brooklyn. (CBS New York, ABC 7 NY, NBC New York)
  • The NYPD continues its assault on everything that makes living in a city special and good. (Hell Gate)
  • Nick Offerman, welcome to the war on cars. Literally. (The War on Cars)
  • Amtrak ridership is approaching pre-pandemic levels. (Reuters, CNN)
  • Another local new channel gets in on the Fordham Road fracas. (CBS New York)
  • More eyes on the MTA's incursion into the debate over the future of MSG. (NY Daily News)
  • Check in on upcoming District Attorney primaries in Bronx and Queens. (The City)
  • "UWS parents" love themselves some housing crisis. (NY Post)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Streetsies 2025 (And Friday Video!): Vote for Your Favorite Clips of the Year

A New York Met, the birth of "No Kings," and Cuomo running a stop sign are just some of the best things we caught on camera this year.

December 26, 2025

Memo to Mamdani: Support the QueensLink for Better Mass Transit

The Rockaways needs the transit benefits of QueensLink. Our contributor hopes the new mayor puts his weight behind the concept.

December 26, 2025

How Mamdani Can Deliver a Bigger Dream for Buses

To truly upgrade the New York City's bus system, the Mamdani administration needs to think even bigger than "fast and free."

December 26, 2025

Streetsies 2025: The Worst From Albany

Albany had its fair share of screw ups in 2025. Take a gander at the worst to come out of state government this year.

December 26, 2025

Streetsies 2025: The Best from Albany

It's that time of year again! Albany often disappoints, but state officials got a few things right, we guess...

December 26, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Boxing Day Edition

Yesterday was Christmas, but we still have a full news digest for you today.

December 26, 2025
See all posts