The Overhead Wire
@theoverheadwire.com
Jeff Wood is the host of the Talking Headways podcast and the publisher of The Overhead Wire daily newsletter. http://theoverheadwire.com
Sign up for our 19 year old daily newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/theoverheadwire/trial
Sign up for our 19 year old daily newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/theoverheadwire/trial
Pinned
The Overhead Wire
@theoverheadwire.com
· Nov 20
How to Use The Overhead Wire Archive
YouTube video by TheOverheadWire
www.youtube.com
I put together a video explainer about how to use our news link archive! We've collected and categorized over 100,000 items since 2013 and I hope folks get a chance to check it out. www.youtube.com/watch?v=arUe...
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
you know what's better for orcas? If we don't fill the Sound with microplastics. you know what generates microplastics? car tires. you know how you stop people from commuting so much? BY BUILDING DENSER HOUSING
Birds Connect Seattle, Thornton Creek Alliance, and the Orca Conservancy are among a lengthy list of groups trying to send City of Seattle back to the drawing board on its housing growth plan through a judicial appeal in state court.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/27/c...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/27/c...
Conservation Groups Join Push Against Seattle Growth Plan » The Urbanist
# Birds Connect Seattle, Thornton Creek Alliance, and the Orca Conservancy are among the groups trying to send the City of Seattle back to the drawing board on its housing growth plan. They're pushing...
www.theurbanist.org
January 27, 2026 at 11:06 PM
you know what's better for orcas? If we don't fill the Sound with microplastics. you know what generates microplastics? car tires. you know how you stop people from commuting so much? BY BUILDING DENSER HOUSING
Tuesday's Most Read # 1 - Why Most Dangerous/Safest Cities Rankings Are Bunk link.theoverheadwire.com/m9ykc Jeff-alytics
Why Most Dangerous/Safest Cities Rankings Are Bunk
A new whine for a new list.
link.theoverheadwire.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:23 AM
Tuesday's Most Read # 1 - Why Most Dangerous/Safest Cities Rankings Are Bunk link.theoverheadwire.com/m9ykc Jeff-alytics
Tuesday's Most Read # 2 - Trump Administration Plans to Write Transportation Regulations Using Artificial Intelligence link.theoverheadwire.com/bpuj3 @propublica.org
Government by AI? Trump Administration Plans to Write Regulations Using Artificial Intelligence
The Transportation Department, which oversees the safety of airplanes, cars and pipelines, plans to use Google Gemini to draft new regulations. “We don’t need the perfect rule,” said DOT’s top lawyer....
link.theoverheadwire.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Tuesday's Most Read # 2 - Trump Administration Plans to Write Transportation Regulations Using Artificial Intelligence link.theoverheadwire.com/bpuj3 @propublica.org
Tuesday's Most Read # 3 - How Architecture Works in Greenland’s Extreme Climate link.theoverheadwire.com/yu7kj Parametric Architecture
How Architecture Works in Greenland’s Extreme Climate
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is largely covered by a permanent ice sheet, challenging the built environment at the edge of ice, wind, and isolation.
link.theoverheadwire.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:20 AM
Tuesday's Most Read # 3 - How Architecture Works in Greenland’s Extreme Climate link.theoverheadwire.com/yu7kj Parametric Architecture
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
It's on the move. HB 2134 is scheduled for a vote TOMORROW in the House Transportation Committee!
HB 2134 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Transportation Committee on January 19th at 4:00pm! Mandate that DOT's reduce pollution and vehicle miles traveled.
Let's goooo‼️ HB 2134 has had its first reading and has been referred to the House Transportation Committee.
January 27, 2026 at 10:34 PM
It's on the move. HB 2134 is scheduled for a vote TOMORROW in the House Transportation Committee!
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
I am. But there are three things at play here regarding ICE collecting private data. Quick rundown on the issue, why you should be paying attention, and what I'm doing about it:
So which politician is calling for the dismantling of the probably illegal database that ice & this government is collecting biometric data of protesters?
January 27, 2026 at 9:28 PM
I am. But there are three things at play here regarding ICE collecting private data. Quick rundown on the issue, why you should be paying attention, and what I'm doing about it:
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
Probably the most successful piece of legislation in US history, measured by social benefit generated per dollar spent. Also wildly popular, across demographics.
Without any public discussion or consultation of Congress, the Trump administration has effectively killed it.
Without any public discussion or consultation of Congress, the Trump administration has effectively killed it.
The Trump administration has “virtually stopped enforcing the Clean Air Act,” lodging just one consent decree in a relatively small case since Trump’s inauguration, compared with 26 in the first year of Trump's first term, & 22 in Biden’s first year. peer.org/under-epas-z... 1/
Under EPA’s Zeldin, Pollution Enforcement Dying a Quick Death
Department of Justice Civil Pollution Settlements Plummet to Record Lows
peer.org
January 27, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Probably the most successful piece of legislation in US history, measured by social benefit generated per dollar spent. Also wildly popular, across demographics.
Without any public discussion or consultation of Congress, the Trump administration has effectively killed it.
Without any public discussion or consultation of Congress, the Trump administration has effectively killed it.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
Satellite and ground data showing big air quality benefits in California from EVs:
“…on average, for every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels.”
www.theautopian.com/one-state-ha...
“…on average, for every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels.”
www.theautopian.com/one-state-ha...
One State Has Purchased Enough Electric Cars To Make The Air Measurably Cleaner: Study - The Autopian
A study released by USC that used satellite imaging shows that the adoption of electric cars has lead to a decrease in air pollution.
www.theautopian.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:03 AM
Satellite and ground data showing big air quality benefits in California from EVs:
“…on average, for every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels.”
www.theautopian.com/one-state-ha...
“…on average, for every 200 zero-emission vehicles added to each neighborhood, that area saw a 1.1% decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels.”
www.theautopian.com/one-state-ha...
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
This report by @enotrans.bsky.social applies similar principles to our #AgainstPatchworkFunding report to the federal level. Federal funding, like state funding, is deeply uncertain, and also adds additional requirements that can cause costly delays
calelectricrail.org/against-patc...
calelectricrail.org/against-patc...
January 27, 2026 at 9:02 PM
This report by @enotrans.bsky.social applies similar principles to our #AgainstPatchworkFunding report to the federal level. Federal funding, like state funding, is deeply uncertain, and also adds additional requirements that can cause costly delays
calelectricrail.org/against-patc...
calelectricrail.org/against-patc...
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
Magnificent paragraph on Minnesota by @adamserwer.bsky.social www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
January 27, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Magnificent paragraph on Minnesota by @adamserwer.bsky.social www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
While we are waiting for the verdict and for tire manufacturers to reformulate to remove the chemical, we should all drive less. The tire crumbs wouldn't be going into waterways if we didn't drive so much, and in such big vehicles
A chemical additive in car tires is leaching into rivers and other waterways, killing protected fish species. A judge will decide if tire manufacturers are violating the Endangered Species Act by harming protected and endangered fish species. #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/27/c...
COURTHOUSE NEWS: Trial begins in tire chemical runoff case against tire manufacturers
Conservationists say that a chemical used by car tire manufacturers in the U.S. is leaching into waterways and killing protected fish species. By Margaret Attridge, Courthouse News Service A chemical ...
mavensnotebook.com
January 27, 2026 at 6:22 PM
While we are waiting for the verdict and for tire manufacturers to reformulate to remove the chemical, we should all drive less. The tire crumbs wouldn't be going into waterways if we didn't drive so much, and in such big vehicles
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
The Trump admin is scrambling because the secret police it sends out for kidnappings and rioting has been killing people on video then brazenly lying about it, but Schumer's instinct is to whip his caucus into taking a position *more conservative* than that held by the median voter.
He's got to go.
He's got to go.
Majority of the country now wants to abolish and/or dismantle ICE and yet Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. told the caucus the message had to be to “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”
Once again it looks like Schumer is about to choke after getting a massive opportunity.
So pathetic and weak.
Once again it looks like Schumer is about to choke after getting a massive opportunity.
So pathetic and weak.
Senate Democrats plot strategy as DHS standoff deepens heading into shutdown week
Two sources who were on a Democratic caucus strategy call Sunday said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told the group the message must be to “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”
www.nbcnews.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:48 AM
The Trump admin is scrambling because the secret police it sends out for kidnappings and rioting has been killing people on video then brazenly lying about it, but Schumer's instinct is to whip his caucus into taking a position *more conservative* than that held by the median voter.
He's got to go.
He's got to go.
Monday's Most Read # 1 - There Are No Safe Streets under Fascist Occupation link.theoverheadwire.com/ndbvy Streets.mn
There Are No Safe Streets under Fascist Occupation
ICE surveillance and “occupation” are hollowing out Twin Cities’ cultural corridors.
link.theoverheadwire.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:46 AM
Monday's Most Read # 1 - There Are No Safe Streets under Fascist Occupation link.theoverheadwire.com/ndbvy Streets.mn
Monday's Most Read # 2 - Colorado bills take ‘big swing’ at state’s housing shortage link.theoverheadwire.com/386xy Smart Cities Dive
Colorado bills take ‘big swing’ at state’s housing shortage
As the state pushes to ramp up development, a lawsuit from several municipalities accuses it of overstepping its authority.
link.theoverheadwire.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:45 AM
Monday's Most Read # 2 - Colorado bills take ‘big swing’ at state’s housing shortage link.theoverheadwire.com/386xy Smart Cities Dive
Monday's Most Read # 3 - Inside the Plan to Demolish and Rebuild a Swath of Trump’s Washington link.theoverheadwire.com/kuymv Bloomberg CityLab
Inside the Plan to Demolish and Rebuild Trump’s Washington
When President Donald Trump demolished the East Wing in October, it came as a public shock. But the White House likely won’t be the last historic DC building to face a wrecking ball.
link.theoverheadwire.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:44 AM
Monday's Most Read # 3 - Inside the Plan to Demolish and Rebuild a Swath of Trump’s Washington link.theoverheadwire.com/kuymv Bloomberg CityLab
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
Big reason I love @theoverheadwire.com’s Talking Headways is that it gives space for topics that rarely make the highlight reel of urbanist talks.
This ep focuses on light in urban spaces. Treating night as its own space entirely is a fascinating idea.
The Castro even gets discussed! 🌈
This ep focuses on light in urban spaces. Treating night as its own space entirely is a fascinating idea.
The Castro even gets discussed! 🌈
Episode 379: Outdoor Lighting for Pedestrians
open.spotify.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:42 AM
Big reason I love @theoverheadwire.com’s Talking Headways is that it gives space for topics that rarely make the highlight reel of urbanist talks.
This ep focuses on light in urban spaces. Treating night as its own space entirely is a fascinating idea.
The Castro even gets discussed! 🌈
This ep focuses on light in urban spaces. Treating night as its own space entirely is a fascinating idea.
The Castro even gets discussed! 🌈
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
On Pangea, tunneling, and a subway to Alcatraz
garbagecityfc.beehiiv.com/p/build-the-...
garbagecityfc.beehiiv.com/p/build-the-...
Build the T-Tourist
Remember the First Rule of Tunneling Machines?
garbagecityfc.beehiiv.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:08 PM
On Pangea, tunneling, and a subway to Alcatraz
garbagecityfc.beehiiv.com/p/build-the-...
garbagecityfc.beehiiv.com/p/build-the-...
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
One of the hardest things to do is bring campaign-level communications to the work of governance, and snowstorms are notoriously one of the biggest litmus tests that less-engaged voters use to judge mayoral administrations. This is an excellent way to communicate.
January 25, 2026 at 4:39 PM
One of the hardest things to do is bring campaign-level communications to the work of governance, and snowstorms are notoriously one of the biggest litmus tests that less-engaged voters use to judge mayoral administrations. This is an excellent way to communicate.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
What strips this operation of any legitimate pretense is that it has made no gesture of regret or even restraint after twice killing random people.
After murdering Renee Good, they went to Roosevelt just hours later to fight with students. After murdering Alex Pretti, there is no evident pullback.
After murdering Renee Good, they went to Roosevelt just hours later to fight with students. After murdering Alex Pretti, there is no evident pullback.
Even as the National Guard is deployed in a perimeter around half my neighborhood to try to prevent ICE’s campaign of violence from boiling over, ICE continues to send lurking cars of armed feds on patrol around the city and stage shows of force around the region. Insane. Unthinkable
January 25, 2026 at 3:17 AM
What strips this operation of any legitimate pretense is that it has made no gesture of regret or even restraint after twice killing random people.
After murdering Renee Good, they went to Roosevelt just hours later to fight with students. After murdering Alex Pretti, there is no evident pullback.
After murdering Renee Good, they went to Roosevelt just hours later to fight with students. After murdering Alex Pretti, there is no evident pullback.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
2. years. old.
Violation of court orders to detain a 2-year old is beyond the abilities of "reform" here. There should be nothing left of this decrepit agency and everybody involved should stand trial.
Violation of court orders to detain a 2-year old is beyond the abilities of "reform" here. There should be nothing left of this decrepit agency and everybody involved should stand trial.
ICE detained a 2-year-old girl in Minneapolis and put the child on a flight to a detention center in Texas, despite a court ordering her release: www.startribune.com/agents-detai...
January 24, 2026 at 12:32 AM
2. years. old.
Violation of court orders to detain a 2-year old is beyond the abilities of "reform" here. There should be nothing left of this decrepit agency and everybody involved should stand trial.
Violation of court orders to detain a 2-year old is beyond the abilities of "reform" here. There should be nothing left of this decrepit agency and everybody involved should stand trial.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
The 2 Line full cross-lake opening is March 28. Boardmember Balducci just pulled back the curtain.
January 23, 2026 at 6:28 PM
The 2 Line full cross-lake opening is March 28. Boardmember Balducci just pulled back the curtain.
Reposted by The Overhead Wire
Talking Headways Podcast: A Week Without Driving - usa.streetsblog.org/2026/01/22/t... via @usa.streetsblog.org, @theoverheadwire.com, and @nondriver.bsky.social
Talking Headways Podcast: A Week Without Driving — Streetsblog USA
Anna Zivarts discusses the lessons of last year's Week Without Driving with several politicians who brought it to their communities.
usa.streetsblog.org
January 23, 2026 at 3:26 AM
Talking Headways Podcast: A Week Without Driving - usa.streetsblog.org/2026/01/22/t... via @usa.streetsblog.org, @theoverheadwire.com, and @nondriver.bsky.social
New #TalkingHeadways podcast! Anna Zivarts @nondriver.bsky.social hosts this week featuring a panel of excellent advocates and elected officials discussing the Week Without Driving. link.theoverheadwire.com/jq9wv @usa.streetsblog.org
Talking Headways Podcast: A Week Without Driving — Streetsblog USA
Anna Zivarts discusses the lessons of last year's Week Without Driving with several politicians who brought it to their communities.
link.theoverheadwire.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:23 PM
New #TalkingHeadways podcast! Anna Zivarts @nondriver.bsky.social hosts this week featuring a panel of excellent advocates and elected officials discussing the Week Without Driving. link.theoverheadwire.com/jq9wv @usa.streetsblog.org