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California High-Speed Rail: $800M Wasted, Transparency at Risk

2/17/2026

50 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

California's High-Speed Rail project faces criticism for waste and fraud, with over $800 million paid for delays and no track laid in 16 years.
Critics say Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, has failed to deliver as costs rise from $33 billion to over $100 billion.
A new state bill would restrict public access to project information, raising transparency concerns.

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Story summary

California's High-Speed Rail project faces criticism for waste and fraud, with over $800 million paid for delays and no track laid in 16 years.
Critics say Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, has failed to deliver as costs rise from $33 billion to over $100 billion.
A new state bill would restrict public access to project information, raising transparency concerns.