California Today: Trump Says His Administration ‘Is Not Going to Pay’ for California High-Speed Rail

May 7, 2025, 9:31 a.m. Eastern time

Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California.

Today’s Top Story

Ian C. Bates for The New York Times

Trump Says His Administration ‘Is Not Going to Pay’ for California High-Speed Rail

The government was already investigating how the state was spending a federal grant on the train project to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco.

2 United Airlines Jets Clip Wings at San Francisco Airport

No one was injured in the incident, which occurred as the Boeing 777 jets were leaving the gate area early on Tuesday. The airline canceled both trans-Pacific flights.

Smokey Robinson Accused of Sexual Assault by Former Housekeepers

The four women said the Motown legend abused them multiple times while they worked cleaning his home. His wife, they said, created a hostile work environment.

5 Charged After Deadly Migrant Boat Incident in California

The five people, all Mexican nationals, were arrested after a vessel carrying migrants capsized and killed at least three people near San Diego, the authorities said.

Why 35 House Democrats Joined Republicans Against a Major Climate Policy

Some said they worried that California’s planned ban on gas-powered vehicles would raise the price of cars. Another cited “intense and misleading lobbying” by the oil industry.

Trump Is Picking New Climate Fights With States. Here’s Why.

The White House has begun a new effort to sue individual states over their climate initiatives and to stop lawsuits against fossil fuel companies.

Philip Sunshine, 94, Dies; Pioneer in Treatment of Premature Babies

A founder of neonatology, he helped revolutionize the care of preterm and critically ill newborns. “We were able to keep babies alive that would not have survived,” he said.

Alcatraz as a Prison? Tourists Say Trump Is on His Own Island.

At the beloved attraction in San Francisco Bay, visitors could scarcely believe President Trump had suggested turning Alcatraz back into a penitentiary.

Trump Called for Movie Tariffs. Newsom Proposes a Tax Credit Instead.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said that he wanted to team up with the Trump administration to craft a $7.5 billion federal film tax credit.

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Today's Recipe

Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell.

French Toast Casserole

By Lidey Heuck

1,262

1 hour 25 minutes

Makes 8 servings

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