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California drops suit against Trump’s high-speed rail funding revocation

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California drops suit against Trump’s high-speed rail funding revocation


  • California High-Speed Rail Authority cites lack of federal trustworthiness
  • State plans to proceed without federal funding, seeks private investors by 2026
  • Project costs rise to $89-$128 billion, completion expected by 2033
WASHINGTON, Dec 26 (Reuters) – California has dropped a lawsuit challenging the decision by the administration of President Donald Trump to cancel more than $4 billion in federal grants for the state’s high-speed rail project, the state said late on Friday.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority, which filed the suit in July, said the decision to abandon it on Tuesday reflected the state’s “assessment that the federal government is not a reliable, constructive, or trustworthy partner in advancing high-speed rail in California.”

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The agency said it plans to move forward without federal funding, adding that only 18% of program expenditures for the long-delayed project have come from federal funds. A judge this month rejected a bid to dismiss the lawsuit.

The U.S. Transportation Department and White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

LATEST HEADACHE FOR PROJECT PLAGUED BY DELAY, COST OVERRUNS

Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said in July that termination of the grants by the administration of Republican President Donald Trump amounted to “petty, political retribution, motivated by President Trump’s personal animus toward California and the high-speed rail project, not the facts on the ground.”

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The funding cuts are the latest hurdle in the 16-year effort to link Los Angeles and San Francisco by a three-hour train ride, a project that would deliver the fastest passenger rail service in the United States.

Originally planned for completion by 2020 at a cost of $33 billion, the project is now forecast to cost between $89 billion and $128 billion, with service now expected to start by 2033.

The rail system, whose first bond issue was approved by California voters in 2008, has built more than 50 major railway structures, including bridges, overpasses, undercrossings and viaducts, and completed nearly 80 miles (130 km) of guideway for the project.

The Transportation Department in August canceled another $175 million for four projects that are part of the high-speed rail program, following the cancellation of $4 billion in federal grants.

The California agency said this week it was beginning a process to attract private investors and developers by summer 2026. The agency said on Friday the loss of federal funding will not derail the project and construction, adding it was making progress.

“Rather than continuing to spend time and money challenging the termination, the state is moving forward without them,” the agency said, noting legislation signed in September secures $1 billion for the program annually through 2045.

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The Federal Railroad Administration issued a 315-page report in June finding the project was plagued by missed deadlines, budget shortfalls and questionable ridership projections.

During his first term, Trump revoked $929 million in federal grants, a move challenged by the state, leading to a settlement in 2021 under Democratic President Joe Biden restoring the full amount.

Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab



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More SoCal rallies for and against military action in Iran expected on Sunday and Monday

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More SoCal rallies for and against military action in Iran expected on Sunday and Monday


LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Worshippers across Los Angeles were met with an increased law enforcement presence on Sunday as police and sheriff’s deputies stepped up patrols outside mosques, synagogues and cultural landmarks following the strikes on Iran.

Local officials said there are no credible threats to Southern California, but the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department heightened visibility as a precaution to ensure communities stay safe.

More demonstrations tied to the attack on Iran are expected Sunday and Monday. Several protests were held across Southern California on Saturday.

READ MORE | Rallies for and against military action in Iran draw demonstrators across Southern California

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While Iranian-Americans celebrated in Westwood, protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles to oppose the Trump administration’s attacks against Iran.

While some groups gathered in downtown Los Angeles to protest the strikes, others assembled in Westwood to celebrate “the fall of the Ayotollah,” according to organizers.

Authorities said they will continue monitoring events as the region prepares for additional gatherings in the days ahead.

This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.

Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan officially announce run for California governor

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan officially announce run for California governor




San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan officially announce run for California governor – CBS San Francisco

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has officially entered the 2026 California gubernatorial race.

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Six planets to align in “planetary parade” above California. Here’s how to see it.

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Six planets to align in “planetary parade” above California. Here’s how to see it.


A rare celestial event will be taking place in the sky above California on Saturday night, as six planets are expected to be visible in what is being called a “planetary parade.”

Look towards the western horizon 30-60 minutes after sunset. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will all be lined up along an arc, visible to the naked eye creating a literal parade of planets.

The alignment only occurs every few years, with the next one not until 2028.

Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are frequently seen in the night sky, but the addition of Venus and Mercury make this planet lineup particularly noteworthy.

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In the San Francisco Bay Area, there will be some cloud coverage Saturday evening, but it should be in the high levels of the atmosphere so hopefully the horizon remains clear. In Los Angeles and San Diego, the forecast is expected to be clear.

Meanwhile, the planetary parade may not be visible in the northern part of the state, with cloudy conditions expected Saturday night in Sacramento, and possible showers and thunderstorms in Eureka and Redding.

People with telescopes and binoculars will also be able to see Uranus and Neptune as well.

For amateur astronomers, this also would be a fun time to test out your telescope skills by checking out Jupiter’s many moons or Saturn’s rings.

Please note that if your view is obscured by buildings, trees or hills, you won’t see the parade because it will appear very low on the horizon.

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The nontechnical term is Parade of Planets, but the technical term is planetary alignment. Basically, it’s just the name for what happens when the planets and sun line up in the sky, these happen during events called oppositions and conjunctions.

Opposition is the term for when a planet is directly opposite the Earth from the Sun. Meanwhile, conjunction is when they are aligned with each other and is when we get the best views of the planets. 



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