Executive department steering U.S. transport policy
Judicial ruling has halted the funding freeze on the Gateway Tunnel Project, with the court finding the Trump administration’s suspension unlawful. Construction resumes as states press their case and contractors resume work. The decision cites federal discrimination concerns and political motives in the delay.
Canada has opened the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor and Detroit after a Canada-only ribbon cutting. The opening has occurred while the US has imposed 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods and the two countries remain in talks over how toll revenue and other terms will be shared.
John Merrone has pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court to five counts, admitting to spiking a cadet’s drink and raping her aboard the Liberty Glory in 2019. Prosecutors say additional accusers are to testify; sentencing is set for December and could reach life in prison.
Lebanese President Aoun has travelled to Washington to present a written plan to disarm Hezbollah and secure Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon under a US-backed framework. Trump has pledged support for Lebanon and its army as talks aim to curb Hezbollah and stabilise the border, with pilot zones showing tentative progress amid ongoing Israeli strikes.
Tesla has reported weak Q2 profits and heavy capital spending on AI, robotaxis and humanoid robots, turning free cash flow negative and sending its shares sharply lower. SpaceX has fallen since its IPO and heavy short interest is piling up. Investors are demanding clearer timelines for robotaxi, Optimus and Tesla–SpaceX collaboration as capital needs rise.
The United States has announced that direct flights to Lebanon will resume, following a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The announcement marks a shift from decades-long restrictions tied to the 1985 TWA 847 hijacking. Officials warn that actual flight schedules remain uncertain amid ongoing regional conflict and security concerns.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has directed Amtrak to consider renaming New York Penn Station as part of a major overhaul funded by federal dollars. While the secretary has not specified a new name, he has publicly floated the idea of honoring President Trump. Lawmakers raise questions about funding and the project’s price tag, with critics warning against a “vanity project.”
The Federal Railroad Administration has proposed a rule to strengthen certification standards for safe train operations. Unions welcome the move; UP and CPKC are silent as inspectors flagged English-language issues in several yards.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has directed a federal review of ablution facilities at Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston’s George Bush airports, arguing they amount to unlawful religious discrimination. DFW has paused plans to install washing stations after a state-led review, while IAH already hosts a washing facility. The moves come amid broader concerns about government-funded facilities accommodating religious practices.
The Army’s Janus program has selected five companies to develop microreactors, aiming to deliver reliable baseload power to installations and spur civilian adoption. Antares Nuclear leads the first deployment at Fort Bragg, with projects across Fort Drum and other sites; approvals and regulatory steps are being aligned to support rapid deployment.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has raised national-security concerns about Ford’s ties to Chinese battery tech and plans with Geely in Spain, prompting political and regulatory scrutiny. Ford defends its approach, while lawmakers press for clarity on independence from Chinese tech.