California drops high-speed rail lawsuit, ending federal funding fight amid project uncertainty.

California has dropped its lawsuit to regain federal funding for its high-speed rail project, ending a years-long effort amid delays, cost overruns, and shifting priorities. The dismissal leaves the project’s future uncertain as state officials shift focus to other transportation needs. Meanwhile, a Minnesota lawmaker is demanding answers from Governor Tim Walz over allegations of $4 million in improper spending on a state daycare program that reportedly operated without children, sparking concerns about transparency and oversight. In Kern County, California, late December 2025 brought record heat followed by record rainfall in rapid succession, causing hazardous conditions and prompting safety warnings due to extreme weather volatility.