California Today: Trump Administration Questions Funding for California High-Speed Rail

February 21, 2025, 9:31 a.m. Eastern time

Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California and the region, selected for you by Times editors.

Today’s Top Story

Ryan Christopher Jones for The New York Times

Trump Administration Questions Funding for California High-Speed Rail

The transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, said the government would conduct a “compliance review” on a $3.1 billion grant, potentially threatening the viability of the troubled project.

Trump’s Latest Target: A Nancy Pelosi Achievement in San Francisco

President Trump seeks to significantly pare back the Presidio Trust, which oversees a signature park near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Why Did It Take a Fire for the World to Learn of Altadena’s Black Arts Legacy?

As Frieze Los Angeles shines a spotlight on art in the city, one community, long facing institutional apathy, calls for marking its memories in the public mind.

Former N.F.L. Player Is Arrested After Protest Over MAGA Plaque

Chris Kluwe, a former punter for the Vikings, was arrested after speaking at a City Council meeting in Huntington Beach, Calif.

Does Elon Musk Still Care About Selling Cars?

Mr. Musk, one of President Trump’s main advisers, has not outlined a plan to reverse falling sales at the electric car company of which he is chief executive.

Universal’s Theme Parks, Long in Disney’s Shadow, Expand at Dizzying Pace

Universal is going after Disney, the industry leader, with new parks in Florida and Texas: “We want people to think of us first.”

A.I. Is Changing How Silicon Valley Builds Start-Ups

Tech start-ups typically raised huge sums to hire armies of workers and grow fast. Now artificial intelligence tools are making workers more productive and spurring tales of “tiny team” success.

Harris Has Scrambled the California Governor’s Race Without Entering It

The possibility of a run by the 2024 Democratic flag-bearer looms over the race for California’s top job.

A Slow-Moving California Landslide Suddenly Speeds Up

A new map shows where land movement is accelerating, buckling roads and collapsing homes.

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