California's High-Speed Rail: Challenges and New Directions

California's high-speed rail project, initially estimated at $33 billion and intended to connect Los Angeles to San Francisco, has faced significant delays and cost overruns, now exceeding $120 billion. State leaders are proposing changes, focusing on phased development and economic impact studies, amid political disagreements over funding and project viability, especially after federal funding was withdrawn. Construction is ongoing in the Central Valley, but critics argue taxpayer money could be better spent elsewhere.