Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Tuesday’s Headlines: A Pretty Normal Commute Edition

Join us, Sean Duffy, as we ride on the "Shithole Express." Plus other news.

The normal commute.

You may have read our report yesterday about how the Secretary of Transportation called New York City's subway system a "shithole," though Hell Gate had the only-in-New-York take: "Hey, who the hell are you to call our subway a 'shithole?' Only we can do that!"

The thing is, with crime down dramatically, this crotchety New Yorker has been having trouble seeing the subway for the shithole that Sean Duffy thinks it is.

But maybe my eyes are going, so in an attempt to try to understand where our Wisconsin-native U.S. DOT Secretary was coming from, I headed downstairs and decided to share my commute with him. Here are my notes from underground:

In other news:

  • Hey, President Trump, your opposition to congestion pricing is "sloppy..." (Washington Post)
  • ...Unless you don't like hit shows, I suppose. (amNY)
  • In any event, the revenue from congestion pricing continues to be above projection. (NYDN, amNY, Gothamist)
  • ...And why do we need that money? Because basic accessibility is failing. (amNY)
  • Also, the MTA will do some of its capital work in-house instead of contracting it out. (NYDN)
  • The New Republic is looking at the immigration threats affecting delivery workers ... and the silence of their tech masters.
  • The threats don't just come from bad actors, but also from bad pavement: A 61-year-old delivery worker was killed when he plunged into a pothole, fell off his bike and struck his head. (East Side Feed)
  • The mayor can try to defend it, but the City Council says the administration's policy of involuntarily hospitalizing the homeless isn't working. (amNY)
  • Did you notice the Times's car industry reporter is more of a bike guy? (Times Insider)
  • Speaking of which, you know car culture is weakening when the former host of "Top Gear" says driving in urban London is idiotic. (The Standard)
  • We love Hell Gate's interactive "diner map," but we think it needs to be beefed up in Manhattan and The Bronx.
  • Speaking of which, Paris continues to dine out ... on our lunch. (Reuters)
  • And, finally, mayoral hopeful and former Assembly Member Michael Blake signed the pledge to finish the McGuinness Boulevard redesign. His John Hancock follows fellow candidates Brad Lander and Zohran Mamdani. Scott Stringer is up next apparently:
Assembly Member Michael Blake flanked by safety supporters on Monday in Greenpoint.Photo courtesy of Make McGuinness Safe

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Friday Video: Who Ruined Outdoor Dining?

We sent our own video team to find out.

May 9, 2025

Live from Albany: Hochul’s ‘Safety’ Measures Stripped from Budget

Lawmakers dropped three initiatives that Gov. Hochul said would have made roadways safer (though, as we'll see, that's very much in question). Let's review them.

May 9, 2025

Anatomy of an Operation: How Cops Target Cyclists for New Criminal Summonses

Streetsblog brings you inside what's happening on the street.

May 8, 2025

Decision 2025: Mayoral Hopefuls Discuss the High Cost of ‘Free’ Parking

Question 5: Drivers often complain that there is not enough "parking" in their neighborhoods. Should the city care?

Budget Passes in Albany, But First, GOP Whines About Congestion Pricing

State legislators from the suburbs are sore losers when it comes to congestion pricing. But on the plus side, the budget has started passing.

May 8, 2025
See all posts