Hour 2 - California politics takes a bizarre turn as the race for governor becomes a battle over facial hair. Gavin Newsom’s controversial final budget moves — including a $33K portrait and a proposed $20 million governors tribute project — while the high-speed rail fight explodes statewide. Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra says he’d overhaul the rail plan to finish it on time and on budget, as California mayors' revolt over proposals that could stick local taxpayers with a staggering $231 billion bill.

More Monks and Merrill: Military Training + Hollywood Today + Data Centers
33:56

More Monks and Merrill: LADWP Police Force + Homelessness + Tracy Park + SoFi ICE Strikes
31:30

405 Shutdown, Military Drills & Election Count Chaos
38:14