A quarter of German long-distance trains ran behind schedule, and they're not likely to improve soon.

German passenger trains, particularly those operated by Deutsche Bahn, are running late. The Economist points out that austere government spending means the system has not had the investment to maintain a high level of service. "The rail network has not kept pace with the long-term population shift to cities or the increase in freight traffic from ports," The Economist reports. Pension cuts have lead to the service losing many of its more experienced staff to retirement.
Deutsche Bahn's defenders point out that their have been improvements to facilities. "Train travel remains affordable, regional services are efficient, and this year passengers should be mollified by new rolling stock and renovated stations," The Economist writes.
FULL STORY: The travails of Germany’s rail passengers

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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