David Stone
Founder & Euro Editor
Navigating Apps with Changes in Memory: Join Our Study
December 2, 2025
Weill Cornell Medicine seeks older adults with mild memory loss for a study on improving navigation apps. Participation is valuable,...
Due in October, MTA’s Next Big-Build Roadmap on Shaky Ground
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to delay congestion pricing may jeopardize the state transit agency’s 2025-2029 capital plan, facing a potential $25 billion funding shortfall. The pause will impact station renovations, elevator installations, new trains, and signal modernization. Experts warn of a funding crisis, with uncertainties heightened by the upcoming presidential election.
MTA Board Votes to Confirm Hochul’s Congestion Pricing Pause, Scales Back Future Plans
Major projects to improve transit in New York City are on hold as Governor Hochul halted the Manhattan tolling plan, redirecting funds from expansion and accessibility to essential maintenance. The move sparked outrage and concerns about the impact on future transit plans. The MTA is now facing significant funding challenges and uncertainties.
Poll: Hochul, Biden, favorability hit rock bottom in New York
New independent poll shows Gov. Kathy Hochul’s favorability at all-time low, with ratings dropping to 38-49%. Even among Democrats her rating is low, and Republicans and independents disapprove of her job as governor. Meanwhile, the poll also found President Biden’s favorability at 42%, and leading Trump by single digits. Voters support Hochul’s decision to halt congestion pricing.
Red Signals Ahead for First MTA Board Meeting Since Hochul Derailed Toll Plan
The MTA board was caught off guard by the governor’s decision to halt congestion pricing. This move jeopardizes major transit projects and leaves the agency with a $15 billion funding gap. The focus is now on essential maintenance work, and the future of important projects like the Second Avenue Subway Phase II is uncertain. Governor Hochul is seeking alternative funding sources, but the fallout from her decision is expected to be grim.
Hochul signs bills banning ‘addictive’ social media algorithms for minors
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed two bills to protect New York teens from harmful social media effects, becoming the latest state to do so. The laws aim to limit algorithmic content and notifications without parental consent. Despite opposition, Hochul and advocates champion the move as a precedent for other states and Congress to prioritize youth wellbeing over Big Tech profits.
Officials, Advocates Float Legal Action Over Congestion Pricing Pause
Governor Kathy Hochul’s abrupt halt to congestion pricing has triggered potential lawsuits from a coalition of environmentalists, disability rights advocates, and businesses in Manhattan, aiming to reinstate the tolling plan by its initial June 30 rollout date. The sudden reversal has stalled essential transit upgrades, impacting accessibility and financial commitments, while sparking legal uncertainties.
Congestion Pricing Cash Crunch Could Give MTA an Out on Pact to Make Subway Stations Accessible
The 2022 legal settlement required the MTA to make subway stations ADA-compliant by 2055. However, with the pause on congestion pricing, the MTA may struggle to fulfill its commitment due to funding shortages. The agency’s chairman acknowledged the potential delay in accessibility upgrades and reassigned a chief officer to prioritize accessibility work.
Hochul’s Congestion Pricing Pause Leaves MTA’s Grand Ambitions in Shambles
Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to pause the Central Business District Tolling Plan has left the MTA facing a $15 billion funding gap for essential transit system upgrades. The pause may hinder accessibility improvements, signal overhauls, and expansion projects, with no clear alternative plan in sight. The delay also affects pending contracts and ongoing capital construction projects, potentially stalling critical improvements.
Governor Hochul’s Decision Sparks Outcry – Statement From Senator Liz Krueger
Governor Kathy Hochul’s last-minute decision to indefinitely delay congestion pricing has sparked criticism from Senator Liz Krueger. The senator contends that this move not only jeopardizes New York City’s financial and fiduciary stability but also contradicts climate legislation and voters’ constitutional rights. She emphasizes the benefits of congestion pricing and condemns the decision as politically driven.
Business Leaders ‘Furious’ at Hochul Reversal on Manhattan Congestion Charge
Business leaders are angered by Governor Hochul’s decision to delay congestion pricing in Manhattan. They fear potential payroll tax hikes to make up for lost transit funding. The proposal would raise $15 billion in bonds for MTA projects and charge vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. The delay may result in higher taxes, causing concern and opposition from business leaders.
David Stone
Founder & Euro Editor