West

Building starts on high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Los Angeles area

Published

2 years ago

April 24, 2024

Building starts on high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Los Angeles area

Railway Labor Unions reach deal

President Joe Biden’s administration has set a tentative deal to stop a railway strike that could have devastated the U.S. economy.

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday on a $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line from Las Vegas to the Los Angeles area.
The rail line is expected to board millions of passengers by 2028, according to officials.
Brightline West aims to have trains operational by the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

Work is set to begin Monday on a $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area, with officials projecting millions of ticket-buyers will be boarding trains by 2028.

Brightline West, whose sister company already operates a fast train between Miami and Orlando in Florida, aims to lay 218 miles of new track between a terminal to be built just south of the Las Vegas Strip and another new facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Almost the full distance is to be built in the median of Interstate 15, with a station stop in San Bernardino County’s Victorville area.

In a statement, Brightline Holdings founder and Chairperson Wes Edens called the moment “the foundation for a new industry.”

US TO AWARD $3 BILLION TO LAS VEGAS HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT

Brightline aims to link other U.S. cities that are too near to each other for flying between them to make sense and too far for people to drive the distance, Edens said.

A Brightline train is seen at a station in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Jan. 11, 2018. Work is set to begin on Monday on a $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area, with officials projecting millions of ticket-buyers will be boarding trains by 2028. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

CEO Mike Reininger has said the goal is to have trains operating in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is scheduled to take part in Monday’s groundbreaking. Brightline received $6.5 billion in backing from the Biden administration, including a $3 billion grant from federal infrastructure funds and approval to sell another $2.5 billion in tax-exempt bonds. The company won federal authorization in 2020 to sell $1 billion in similar bonds.

The project is touted as the first true high-speed passenger rail line in the nation, designed to reach speeds of 186 mph, comparable to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains.

The route between Vegas and L.A. is largely open space, with no convenient alternate to I-15. Brightline’s Southern California terminal will be at a commuter rail connection to downtown Los Angeles.

The project outline says electric-powered trains will cut the four-hour trip across the Mojave Desert to a little more than two hours. Forecasts are for 11 million one-way passengers per year, or some 30,000 per day, with fares well below airline travel costs. The trains will offer rest rooms, Wi-Fi, food and beverage sales and the option to check luggage.

Las Vegas is a popular driving destination for Southern Californians. Officials hope the train line will relieve congestion on I-15, where motorists often sit in miles of crawling traffic while returning home from a Las Vegas weekend.

The Las Vegas area, now approaching 3 million residents, draws more than 40 million visitors per year. Passenger traffic at the city’s Harry Reid International Airport set a record of 57.6 million people in 2023. An average of more than 44,000 automobiles per day crossed the California-Nevada state line on I-15 in 2023, according to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority data.

Florida-based Brightline Holdings already operates the Miami-to-Orlando line with trains reaching speeds up to 125 mph. It launched service in 2018 and expanded service to Orlando International Airport last September. It offers 16 round-trips per day, with one-way tickets for the 235-mile distance costing about $80.

Other fast trains in the U.S. include Amtrak’s Acela, which can top 150 mph while sharing tracks with freight and commuter service between Boston and Washington, D.C.

Ideas for connecting other U.S. cities with high-speed passenger trains have been floated in recent years, including Dallas to Houston; Atlanta to Charlotte, North Carolina; and Chicago to St. Louis. Most have faced delays.

In California, voters in 2008 approved a proposed 500-mile (805-kilometer) rail line linking Los Angeles and San Francisco, but the plan has been beset by rising costs and routing disputes. A 2022 business plan by the California High-Speed Rail Authority projected the cost had more than tripled to $105 billion.

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San Francisco, CA

New cell tower being built in San Francisco neighborhood despite pushback

Published

2 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Press Room

New cell tower being built in San Francisco neighborhood despite pushback

A controversial AT&T cell tower is coming to the San Francisco Diamond Heights neighborhood, despite community pushback.

Daniel Shereck, a resident and member of the Diamond Heights Community Association, helped lead the charge against its construction.

“Their proposal says they’ve got a large brown tower just about 10 stories tall,” Shereck said.

AT&T will install a 104-foot macro cell tower in the heart of the neighborhood, next to the San Francisco police academy, a local playground and nearby homes.

“It’s going to be enormous,” Shereck said.

The city approved the tower, despite opposition from Shereck and members of the Diamond Heights Community Association, who told CBS News Bay Area the tower is an unnecessary eyesore that poses wildfire and pollution risks.

“We’re really just asking AT&T to follow the alternatives that they have done elsewhere,” Shereck said.

But in a tense hearing before the Board of Supervisors, Cami Blackstone, director of external affairs for AT&T, argued there’s a significant need for the tower. She also says there is no evidence of wildfire or health risks, despite residents’ claims.

“I was very dispirited. I’m really concerned about the future of San Francisco,” Shereck said.

Shereck says the neighborhood will try to find some middle ground.

“Given what we can suggest at this point would probably be considering the color of the tower, covering up exposed wires, trying to make the antenna somewhat less obvious in the community,” Shereck said.

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Denver, CO

Daily Horoscope for April 29, 2026

Published

2 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Press Room

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in LIBRA.

Happy Birthday for Wednesday, April 29, 2026:

You’re confident and determined in your approach to work. You’re reliable, optimistic, incisive and independent. This is a year of learning and teaching. Take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. Explore meditation, prayer or introspection. Study philosophies that give you a better self-awareness of your own potential.

ARIES

(March 21-April 19)
★★★
Today there’s a tendency to jump to conclusions – definitely something to be aware of. In particular, you might experience this when talking with family members, spouses or partners. Take a breath and create some space in the conversation. Go gently. Tonight: Genuinely listen.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20)
★★★★
Be patient with co-workers today. Likewise, resist the tendency to think something is better than it is. Nevertheless, this is a productive day for you and you can get a lot done, especially privately or working alone behind the scenes. Get busy. Tonight: Get organized.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20)
★★★
Parents must be patient with their kids today. Likewise, romantic partners must be patient with each other. If you’re involved in social outings and fun escapades (including sports) be careful of excess or going overboard. You might be too quick to jump the gun. Tonight: Socialize!

CANCER

(June 21-July 22)
★★★★
Keep the peace at home today even though dealings with parents and older family members might become challenging. In part, this might be because you’re ambitious and keen to get a lot done. In fact, you want things done your way and won’t hesitate to say so. Tonight: Relax.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22)
★★★
On the whole, this is a friendly, upbeat day. Nevertheless, you might get involved in an argument about politics, religion or racial issues. Steer clear of controversy, for your own peace of mind. Instead, enjoy relations with friends and groups. They will be friendly and supportive. Tonight: Learn and discuss.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
★★★★
Steer clear of disputes about money and possessions today, because this is basically a pleasant, friendly day. Others might ask for your advice about how to make something look better or be more attractive. Discussions about further education and travel will intrigue you. Tonight: Check your possessions.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
★★★
The Moon is in your sign today at odds with Jupiter and Mars, which can make you jump too quickly in the wrong direction or make an assumption that is off the mark. Be aware of this and refrain from doing so, if you can. Do something different today. This will please you. Tonight: You’re in charge.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
★★★
You’re very keen to work hard now and accomplish as much as possible. Unfortunately, you need more sleep. Be aware of this and do your best to balance your desire to work with your need for rest. Romance is passionate now. It’s also a favorable time to get favors and money from others. Ka-ching! Tonight: Privacy.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
★★★
Friendships are important to you today. However, be careful, because today the Moon is challenged by your own ruler Jupiter, which is why you might be tempted to promise more than you can deliver, especially to a friend, group or organization. Be sensible. Tonight: Friends.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
★★★
People notice you today. Be aware of this, especially because some people will know personal details about your private life. Perhaps this is because a public argument might take place. Also be aware that it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew. Don’t volunteer for anything. Tonight: Show respect.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
★★★★
Today is full of excitement and high energy. You want to do something different! You want to kick things up a notch. Travel, learning, new places and new faces will satisfy your search for adventure. Steer clear of controversy to avoid arguments. Tonight: Explore and learn.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20)
★★★★
It’s fortunate that you’re particularly skilled with your communications this month because this will allow you to dance delicately around any difficult situation that could turn into an argument, especially about money, shared costs or shared property. Instead, redecorate or entertain at home. Tonight: Check your finances.

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Seattle, WA

WEST SEATTLE ART: Pre-World Cup mural

Published

3 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Press Room

We haven’t been through The Junction in a few days so we don’t know how long this has been up, but this mural on the east side of the California/Erskine 7-Eleven caught our eye this evening, so we pulled over for a quick through-the-windshield pic. It bears both the Coca-Cola and 7-Eleven logos, so we’re pretty sure it’s official, though probably not part of the major Seattle World Cup mural project. (Seen other signs of World Cup mania-to-come in West Seattle? Let us know – thank you!)

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