Today’s top headlines will have important repercussions for mass transit both nationwide and in our very own backyard.

Happening in the World: On Monday, Russia launched a full-scale offensive to take control of eastern Ukraine, attacking across 300 miles with a focus on the Donbas. The Donbas is an industrial region in Eastern Ukraine that has been the site of fighting between Moscow-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces over the past eight years. In recent weeks, Russia has identified capturing the Donbas as its main objective of the war after failing to storm Kyiv. (AP)

Happening in the US: Yesterday, a federal judge struck down the federal mask requirements on airplanes, trains, buses, and other modes of public transportation, less than a week after the CDC extended the requirements through May 3. Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle voided the mandate on several grounds, including that the agency had exceeded its legal authority. This ruling left it to individual airlines and local transit agencies to decide how to proceed—by late Monday night, the nation’s largest airlines dropped their mask requirements for domestic flights. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams announced that he would be considering three types of metal detectors to add a layer of security to the subway system in the wake of last week’s mass shooting in Brooklyn. Mayor Adams had few details on the cost of the metal detectors, who will monitor them, and where they will be placed. Phil Banks, deputy mayor for public safety, will be tasked with researching the best type of metal detector. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Today from 4:30 to 6 pm, join the Center on Global Policy for a roundtable discussion with Diego Mesa Puyo, Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy. In this special roundtable, Minister Mesa will discuss Colombia’s energy transition and climate policy goals, then engage in conversation with Columbia University students and faculty. Registration is required for this in-person event.

Subway via Bwog Archives