Brickbat: Perks of the Job

Source Scout · Reason reports: Charles Oliver | 10.22.2026 4:00 AM The California High-Speed Rail Authority's board voted 7–2 to strip CEO Ian Choudri of his authority to independently approve and manage contracts worth less than $25 million after an investigation uncovered questionable taxpayer-funded expenses by four consulting firms. An audit found that $593,000 in travel expenses lacked proper justification or violated state rules, including premium airline tickets and rideshare trips to places like a cigar lounge and an escape room. Consultants also billed taxpayers for rides to and from Choudri's home, sometimes late at night.

Missing media or need the complete publisher report? Open Source Scout · Reason ↗