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ASC's Intersections Newsletter — September 12th, 2025

Nora’s Note

Cue the dramatic music. Just before summer ended, a squad of ASC interns called a surprise meeting. I walked in expecting a quick update—only to discover they’d been secretly plotting something big: an ASC podcast. And not just an idea scribbled on a napkin. They had already been scripting, interviewing, and editing, racing against the clock to get it ready for handoff to the incoming fall interns for the grand finale. By day, they tackled climate strategy and civic planning. By night (okay, maybe just afternoons), they became podcast producers—learning the craft of storytelling, building an editorial playbook, and mastering the fine art of audience engagement. From the first brainstorm, they proved what happens when curiosity meets collaboration. Skills gained? Communication, creativity, problem-solving—and maybe just a little sound-engineering swagger. Roll credits: Grace Ding, Layla Pluhowski, Zoe Spinelli Schellenberg, Alessandro Procaccino, and Sophia Jiang, a team of interns who didn’t just learn about innovation—they lived it. And we couldn’t be prouder. 

Transportation

Ridership on regional Amtrak trains out of Chicago Union Station grew by 8% last year, making it the fastest-growing intercity rail hub in the U.S. Much of the demand comes from travelers avoiding airlines for short trips, with over 1.8 million riders using state-supported routes under 750 miles between October 2024 and June 2025. Learn more about how state partnerships, new routes like the Borealis, and sustainable train technology are shaping the future of Midwest rail.

Climate

Colorado leads in solar and wind projects before tax credits vanish. Colorado is racing to approve clean energy projects across the state after a new federal law shortened the timeline for solar and wind developments to qualify for tax credits. Key energy stakeholders in Colorado have formally requested faster project approvals, which could potentially unlock 4 gigawatts of renewable power and save customers $5 billion over the next 20 years, according to a major utility in the state. Learn more about Colorado’s race for more clean energy here.

Economic Development

Governor Hochul unveils $200 million to boost downtown revitalization in New York State. The funding splits evenly between Round 9 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and Round 4 of the NY Forward program, building on the $1.2 billion already awarded across 151 communities. The DRI has already transformed cities throughout the state, including Poughkeepsie. Since its founding 10 years ago, the initiative utilizes a plan-then-act strategy. Applications are open via the state’s CFA portal and are due November 7, 2025 (October 31 for NYC applicants). Read more to see how your community could transform main street vibrancy and economic potential.

Digital

Digital literacy offers a promising path to healthier food access. A recent NYU study found that text reminders and video tutorials helped SNAP participants become more comfortable shopping digitally. Many were unaware they could buy groceries online. The results show the reminders and tutorials increased produce purchases and lowered food‑insecurity scores. Learn more to see how these low‑cost, scalable tools can support nutritious choices and inform policymakers’ next steps.

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September 12, 2025 • My Project Name

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