The recent decision by California’s governor to scale back the state’s high-speed rail network has prompted deeper questions about the country’s ability to think big and work together on complex public works projects.

The need for infrastructure investment has been one of America’s few remaining bipartisan issues. Yet when it comes to spending — and actually getting things built — little progress has been made.

Here’s what else is happening

Standoff in Venezuela: The opposition appears to have little in the way of a Plan B after failing to deliver humanitarian aid over the weekend, our correspondents write in a news analysis. In a visit to Colombia today, Vice President Mike Pence is expected to announce measures to further pressure President Nicolás Maduro to step down.

Vatican abuse meeting: Pope Francis, at the close of a landmark meeting on clerical sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church, called for “an all-out battle against the abuse of minors.” But he did not offer any concrete policies.

Afghanistan peace talks: A new round of negotiations between U.S. and Taliban officials is to begin today in Qatar. The Taliban’s deputy leader will be participating.

Election violence in Nigeria: Vote-counting was scheduled to begin today after an 18-hour delay, following Election Day violence that was said to have left dozens dead. President Muhammadu Buhari is vying for a second term against more than 70 challengers.

R. Kelly charges: The R&B singer was ordered held on $1 million bond over the weekend after being charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The charges involve four women, three of whom were minors at the time.