Wednesday’s Headlines: Summer Fun Edition
We're teeing up some big events coming up later this month. Plus providing you lots of other news.
12:01 AM EDT on July 8, 2026
It’s time for one of our periodic “Set Your Calendars” intros to the daily headlines because there are lots of events you’re going to want to attend:
- The top event is hosted by our friends at Open Plans. On Friday, July 31, head for the livable streets group’s festive rooftop to party with your urbanist friends. There will be food, drinks, games and great people (who, us?) committed to vibrant, people-centered streets and public spaces. Best of all: Pay what you wish. RSVP here before the limited slots are gone.
- But before that, set aside some space on Tuesday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. for another “future of Penn Station” thing, this time hosted by Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. Former DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and Tom Wright of RPA will be there to discuss through-running. Click here for info.
- And on Sunday, July 19 at 12:15 p.m. as Miser, of Reddit fame, hosts a ride to celebrate the city’s great redesign on 31st Street in Queens. Click here for info.
Ain’t urbanism grand? You’re never alone when you’re in(to) cities.
In other news:
- The big story yesterday was the panic over the old Pfizer building getting all shakey in Midtown (or, as the Post called it, “Tower of Terror”). There were great pics on social, but all the papers had it. The Times even went full live blog. (Additional coverage: NYDN, amNY, Gothamist, The City Reporter)
- Like Streetsblog, Gothamist covered the good news on ambulance response rates after the beginning of congestion pricing.
- And speaking of congestion pricing, the toll is providing money for MTA elevators. (amNY)
- Gothamist followed our story yesterday about a teen who was injured in a crash with a police vehicle, and reporter Charles Lane added solid details, including the victim’s name.
- The Department of Transportation’s good work on improving bus speeds on Madison Avenue is completed. (amNY)
- It’s once again time to talk transit contracts. (amNY)
- It’s also time for the perennial “NYC in Transit” film series at Film Forum. (amNY)
- Told ya so: Injuries are way down on Court Street after the Brooklyn mini-speedway was tamed with a road diet and bike lane. (Reddit)
Tabloid legend Gersh Kuntzman has been with New York newspapers since 1989, including stints at the New York Daily News, the Post, the Brooklyn Paper and even a cup of coffee with the Times. He's also the writer and producer of "Murder at the Food Coop," which was a hit at the NYC Fringe Festival in 2016, and “SUV: The Musical” in 2007. He also writes the Cycle of Rage column, which is archived here.
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