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

STATE OF EMERGENCY UPDATE: Road Travel Ban Begins at 9 P.M. On Sunday, LIRR Suspended

No travel on roads after 9 p.m., though Streetsblog's Emergency Weather Desk is now predicting 12 to 14 inches as of 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Check back for updates.

February 22, 2026

Gov. Hochul Just Says ‘Way-No’ to Driverless Cabs Across NYS

The governor made the shocking choice to reverse her budget proposal that allowed companies like Waymo to expand throughout the state.

February 20, 2026

Friday Video: How Many ‘Better Billion’ Plans Are There?

Apparently, there are lots of better ways to spend $1 billion.

February 20, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: You’ve Gov To See It For Yourself Edition

South Bronx anti-highway advocates want Gov. Hochul to come see the site of her proposed Cross Bronx widening for herself. Plus more news.

February 20, 2026

SEE IT: Placard Corruption at Antonio Reynoso’s Brooklyn Borough Hall

The progressive darling promised to end the rampant practice of illegal parking around Borough Hall — but has continued to issue unofficial placards that enable it.

February 19, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: Set Our Calendar Edition

The next four weeks are setting up to be the World Cup tournament of the livable streets movement. Plus other news.

February 19, 2026
See all posts