Overview

• A poll released this week reports 62% statewide support for building the project, with much stronger backing among younger voters than older cohorts.
• USDOT rescinded roughly $4 billion in unspent federal grants on July 16, and California has sued to challenge the move.
• The House Oversight Committee, led by Rep. James Comer, has requested a briefing as it probes whether the rail authority misrepresented ridership and financial viability.
• Governor Gavin Newsom says construction in the Central Valley has entered a track‑laying phase, even as long‑term costs have climbed far above early estimates.
• State leaders and labor groups are promoting new financing options, including a proposal to direct about $1 billion per year from cap‑and‑trade revenues.