The government Is open. Now it needs to get America moving — literally

President Trump is now threatening federal transit funding — which could hit small urban and rural transit agencies hardest.

by LeeAnn Hall
OtherWords

Despite the government reopening, Americans are still suffering from the chaos of an administration that is out of touch with the needs of the people.

Though federal workers are back on the job and agencies are resuming their work, countless essential programs are stalled or at risk, costing all of us by failing to invest in the services we need, like health care, housing, and transit.

Photo provided

LeeAnn Hall

Reopening the government is not the same as restarting the economy — and if Congress and the White House want to turn relief into momentum, they need to put real investment behind one of the strongest engines of growth we have: public transportation.

Public transportation is one of the best economic investments a government can make. Every $1 billion invested in public transit creates and supports more than 50,000 jobs, according to the American Public Transportation Association.

Strong transit networks attract businesses, get people to their jobs, and revitalize downtowns. Cities like Denver, Dallas, and Seattle have already seen how modern transit systems can spur billions in investment around new rail lines and stations.

Transportation also lies at the heart of our affordability crisis. It’s the second highest cost burden for most American households, just below housing.

But instead of addressing this head on, the administration is reneging on its funding obligations for projects of all types and threatening to further deplete investments that would give us more affordable options to get around. Across the country, bus lines are being cut, subway systems are aging, and commuter rail projects are stalled because federal funding remains uncertain or insufficient.

Which is why it is so troubling that the Trump administration is threatening to take the unprecedented step of gutting federal transit funding altogether in the next funding fight.

While this move may have the politically motivated goal of impacting larger transit systems in cities like New York and Los Angeles, what the administration does not realize is that the communities that would suffer the most are those with transit agencies who rely the most heavily on federal funding:.

These include small urban and rural agencies like the ones you’ll find in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Flagstaff, Arizona, or Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where students rely on transit to get to class, warehouse workers rely on transit to get to work, and older adults rely on transit to remain independent and stay connected to their communities.

Washington’s next move should be clear: reject Trump’s plan to gut transit funding and pass a long-term, fully funded transit package.

That means investing in operating funding, supporting maintenance and modernization, and putting resources towards expansion, so that local and state partners aren’t left to carry the burden alone. The return on that investment isn’t abstract — it’s faster commutes, stronger local economies, and cleaner air.

But this will require political will from our leaders. It means resisting the easy allure of short-term fixes like formula funding for highway expansion and narrow discretionary grants for transit, and instead delivering the long-term funding for the infrastructure that makes cities thrive.

Federal and state governments must prioritize sustained, predictable funding for local transit agencies. At the local level, cities should redesign streets for buses, bikes, and pedestrians — not just cars.

The government is open again. Good. Now let’s keep the country moving — literally.

A nation that invests in its people’s ability to move freely and affordably is a nation that’s investing in its own growth. And we need that more than ever.

LeeAnn Hall is the Executive Director of the National Campaign for Transit Justice. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

The Return of the King: Bald Eagles make a comeback to the Upper Mississippi

Photo by Alan Look Photography

by Alan Look
Best Look Magazine

A Conservation Victory and a Photographer's Paradise

There are few sights in nature more stirring than the white head of an American Bald Eagle gleaming against the slate-grey winter sky of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. For decades, this sight was nearly lost to us. Today, however, thanks to one of the most successful conservation efforts in history, the "King of Skies" has returned to the Heartland, reclaiming its throne along the icy waters of the Mississippi—specifically around the engineering marvels of the locks and dams.

This is the story of their comeback, and your guide to witnessing it firsthand near Gladstone, Illinois.

From Silence to Soaring: The Comeback Story

In the mid-20th century, the American Bald Eagle was teetering on the brink of extinction. The widespread use of DDT, a pesticide that caused eggshells to become dangerously thin, decimated populations across the lower 48 states. By 1963, there were only an estimated 417 nesting pairs left.

The road to recovery began with the banning of DDT in 1972 and the protections afforded by the Endangered Species Act. It was a slow, steady climb, but nature is resilient. In 2007, the bald eagle was officially removed from the endangered species list—a monumental victory for conservationists.

Today, the Upper Mississippi River acts as a critical wintering corridor. As northern waters freeze, thousands of eagles migrate south, seeking open water to hunt. This migration funnel brings them directly to our backyards in Illinois.

Why Locks and Dams? The Dinner Bell

You might wonder why these majestic raptors congregate around industrial structures like Lock and Dam 18. The answer is simple: it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The turbulence created by the roller and Tainter gates prevents the water from freezing, even in the dead of winter. This provides eagles with constant access to the river.

As fish pass through the dam's gates, they often become disoriented or stunned by the pressure changes and turbulence. They float near the surface, making them easy pickings for the eagles waiting in the cottonwood trees lining the banks.

Destination: Gladstone, Illinois (Lock and Dam 18)

While many flock to larger cities for eagle watching, the area around Gladstone, Illinois, offers a more intimate, rugged experience. Located just north of Burlington, Iowa, Gladstone serves as the gateway to Lock and Dam 18.

Unlike the crowded festivals in larger Quad Cities locations, the Gladstone area is often quieter, allowing for a more reflective experience with nature.

The lock is situated roughly in the middle of the river, accessible via long embankments. During peak migration (December through February), it is not uncommon to see dozens—sometimes hundreds—of eagles roosting in the tall trees or riding the ice floes.

The best viewing is often from the Illinois side, where the "Great River Road" offers scenic pull-offs. The earthen embankments provide elevation, giving you a near eye-level view of eagles soaring over the river.

Capturing the soul of the heartland, photo tips for the amateur

For those looking to document this spectacle, the Upper Mississippi offers a masterclass in wildlife photography. The interplay of industrial steel, flowing water, and wild biology creates a unique visual narrative.

Bring the Reach: A 300mm lens or longer is standard. Eagles are large, but they respect their distance.

Watch the Exposure: The white head of an eagle can easily "blow out" (lose detail) against a dark background. Underexpose slightly to preserve those feathers.

Patience is Key: Wait for the "stoop"—the moment an eagle dives from its perch to snatch a fish.

Tips for planning your trip ~

Best Time: Mid-January to early February.
Time of Day: Early morning (active feeding) or late afternoon (roosting).
Gear: Binoculars, warm layers (wind chill on the river is unforgiving), and a camera.

The return of the bald eagle to Gladstone and the Upper Mississippi is more than a biological success; it is a symbol of hope. It is proof that with care and effort, we can restore the soul of our wild places.

For over 25 years, Alan Look has documented the soul of the Midwest — from Friday night lights to roaring chrome, from agricultural grit to locomotive legends. See more of more thoughts and photos from Alan Look on his blog at Best Look Magazine.

Tags: American Eagle comeback, Gladstone IL eagle viewing, Lock and Damn #18, Upper Mississippi River eagle watching, tips for shooting photos of bald eagles