Chicago-area transit agencies face fiscal and federal threats

The Northern Illinois transportation authority that oversees bus, train and commuter rail services warned of a $770 million funding gap.

Updated March 25, 2025

Trump ends California vehicle emissions waivers

Clean vehicle advocates say air quality and public health will suffer; auto and petroleum industry lobbyists supported the move to end California’s authority under the Clean Air Act.

Updated June 13, 2025

Archer Aviation begins piloted air taxi test flights

“Everything responded exactly as we trained for,” Archer’s test pilot said. The company plans to begin carrying passengers as soon as 2026.

Drone as First Responder program set for takeoff following Trump executive order

Under pressure from the White House, the FAA is streamlining approvals for law enforcement drone programs, enabling rapid deployment in cities nationwide.

Tiny apartments a big deal in many US cities

In Seattle and Boston, over half of the new units underway measure less than 441 square feet.

US mayors: Keep troops out of our cities

Declaring that “law enforcement is a local responsibility,” a bipartisan coalition of mayors calls for federal troops to leave Los Angeles.

Updated June 11, 2025

Seattle outlines 7 priorities for autonomous vehicle adoption

Robotaxi policies should factor in equity, workforce training, safety and environmental concerns, diverse city residents said.

Walmart to expand drone delivery to 5 more cities

Customers in Atlanta, Houston and more will be able to tap into the technology by next year as part of the retailer's deepening collaboration with Wing.

Why sanctuary cities say they won’t back down

Maintaining resident trust outweighs federal pressure to participate in immigration enforcement, some city officials say.

$5.4B in federal funds available for bridge construction, repair, maintenance

The Trump administration changed the criteria for these grant programs to eliminate requirements related to equity, climate and inclusive economic development.

$1.34B Phoenix light rail expansion opens

The 5.5-mile South Central Extension is expected to add 8,000 riders per day on Valley Metro's light rail lines. The project overcame construction delays and a ballot measure from opponents.

How the Texas DOT uses AI

Artificial intelligence is helping traffic incident response and promises much more, department leaders said.

Apartment rents begin to recover in high-supply metro areas

Western and Sun Belt markets have posted month-over-month gains following long-term declines.

5 takeaways from Trump’s proposed 2026 budget for rail and public transit

Amtrak would be spared budget cuts, while public transit could get a 1.5% funding boost.

Local leaders warn U.S. Senate not to pull the plug on clean energy credits

Bipartisan coalition says proposed cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would threaten jobs and local investments, raise energy costs and create economic uncertainty.

W.C. Smith to pay $1M in DC apartment pricing suit

The settlement also requires the firm to reform its business practices in order to resolve allegations that it conspired with other District landlords via RealPage’s software.

Dallas hires Turner, AECOM for convention center renovation

The project, worth $3.7 billion overall, will expand the current facility to more than 2 million square feet.

Can California high-speed rail survive without federal funds?

While the California High-Speed Rail Authority looks for a path forward, some believe additional state or private funding will be hard to find.

New York bets big on green economy with Brooklyn climate innovation hub

NYC and LA nonprofits expect BATWorks to nurture 150 cleantech startups, generate $2.6B in economic impact and create more than 600 green jobs.

NYC’s congestion pricing could be halted, but the data says it’s working

TomTom data shows a significant shift in traffic patterns, with congestion levels dropping considerably across the city, a company expert says.

Is your city prepared to weather the storm without FEMA?

Local officials must act now to build emergency networks for community-based disaster resilience as federal support evaporates, experts say.

Mayors call for action amid rising antisemitism

As attacks targeting Jews and Jewish institutions surge across the U.S., one security expert demands a “coordinated, unapologetic and immediate” response.

Updated June 3, 2025

Alstom opens new passenger rail car manufacturing plant in New York

The $75 million facility reshores production of stainless steel car body shells from Brazil and creates or retains nearly 650 jobs.

Private construction pullback drags down overall spending

Nearly 22% of contractors have reported project delays or cancellations due to tariff-related impacts, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.

Trump administration deletes ‘sanctuary city’ list after backlash

The list was taken down after sheriffs, mayors and officials from listed jurisdictions pushed back, but DHS maintains the information remains valid for enforcement purposes.