Judge stops DOT action against New York congestion pricing

A federal court judge issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Department of Transportation from imposing punitive actions as a deadline passed for New York to end its tolling program.

Updated May 28, 2025

With AI, post-tornado assessments could be ‘near-instantaneous’

Texas A&M researchers have developed a model that delivers comprehensive damage maps and recovery forecasts within hours of a storm.

Making energy affordable again: The role of cities, states and utilities in enhancing the energy safety net

Even as the U.S. pursues an energy agenda centered on achieving affordability through abundance, utilities and local governments have tools to help families navigate energy insecurities.

Cities sue Colorado over housing reform laws

Similar legal challenges over housing policy and development autonomy are unfolding in California and Massachusetts, potentially reshaping state-local power dynamics.

As robotaxis proliferate, safety, sustainability, traffic congestion concerns grow

Federal legislators and administrators want autonomous vehicle legislation to enable greater innovation; Uber, Tesla and other companies see opportunity. 

CenterPoint completes critical Houston grid upgrades ahead of hurricane season

The utility has bolstered its power grid and communications systems since Hurricane Beryl left almost 2.3 million Houston-areas customers without power last summer.

California high-speed rail project seeks outside investors

Facing possible loss of federal grants, the authority leading the $128 billion project looks for new funding sources.

DOJ dismisses lawsuits against Minneapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, police departments

Mayors in these cities, where high-profile police killings occurred, vow to continue reforms.

Federal grantees reckon with loss of ‘generational’ recycling funding under Trump

The administration has canceled or limited grant awardees’ ability to access federal funding, changing how plastics and organics recyclers view the federal government.

DOJ opens investigation after Chicago mayor touts Black hires

The department took issue with comments the mayor made at a public event Sunday, in which he identified six high-level positions held by Black workers.

Boston unveils new path to first-time homeownership

A groundbreaking program lets families team up to buy multi-unit homes under a single mortgage, making ownership possible in an increasingly unaffordable market.

Public transit ridership hits post-pandemic high: APTA report

U.S. transit ridership hit 85% of pre-pandemic levels in early 2025 despite still-low office occupancy, the American Public Transportation Association reports.

Reimagining ‘managed retreat’ in a new reality

As federal disaster support evaporates and climate risks intensify, officials and experts say cities should lead with community-centered, forward-looking solutions.

Washington governor signs laws regulating landfills, expanding organics service and more

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed five laws, including ones that affected renewable natural gas, PFAS in biosolids and plastic bags.

Archer Aviation named official air taxi of 2028 LA Olympics

Archer’s air mobility network, which will include vertiports near sport stadiums and other venues, could help Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ push for a “no-car Games.”

Supreme Court narrows police immunity in use-of-force cases

In rejecting the “moment of threat” defense, the court opens the door to greater officer accountability — though how the ruling will shape policing on the ground is still uncertain.

How states are thinking about organic waste policy

Panelists from Divert, CalRecycle and NRDC discussed lessons that can be learned from a rising number of state organic waste policies in California and elsewhere.

US DOT opens $1.5B funding round for transit buses and bus facilities

This year’s funding round, part of the 2021 infrastructure law, drops equity- and sustainability-related requirements.

Thermal energy networks need municipal participation: report

Cities and other entities can develop neighborhood-scale thermal networks to lower greenhouse gas emissions, clean energy consultants say.

DoorDash, Wing bring drone delivery to Charlotte

Panera is among a handful of restaurants now offering drone delivery from a shopping center in the North Carolina city.

NYC launches ‘microhub’ pilot to reduce truck delivery congestion, pollution

Dedicated spaces for delivery trucks allow last-mile deliveries to be made by cargo bikes, pushcarts and zero-emission vehicles.

Federal safety agency asks Tesla for details of its planned robotaxis

Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously announced plans to launch driverless ride-hailing services in Austin, Texas, and the San Francisco Bay Area this year.

Congress could soon revoke California’s vehicle emissions standards

State and local authority over air quality will be jeopardized if Congress revokes California’s auto emissions limits, experts say.

EPA rolls back part of PFAS drinking water standards

The agency will continue regulating PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, but will extend compliance timelines. It has rescinded rules for four other PFAS chemicals.

16 cities and counties fast-track sustainability through national initiative

The U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Cities program helps local leaders embed climate resilience and green infrastructure into city planning.