Episode Details

STREAMING MAKING OF THE JBS, FEATURING JEFF BLISS AND MICHAEL VLAHOS, 5-1-2026.
1905 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, LA

California's high-speed rail project is a primary subject of controversy, with projected costs ballooning from $128 billion to $231 billion, potentially reaching half a trillion dollars. The project has been scaled back to a single-track system originally described as connecting a prison town to a cemetery. Because it will likely use existing heavy and light rail tracks, the "high-speed" trains will be forced to travel at lower speeds, making an LA-to-San Francisco trip take eight hours or more. Additionally, planned stations have been reduced to mere platforms with very limited daily capacity.

In state politics, the gubernatorial race to succeed Gavin Newsom features Republican Steve Hilton as the current leader. Other notable contenders include Xavier Becerra, billionaire Tom Steyer, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. A central issue is homelessness, with reports indicating that $24 billion in state funding for the crisis is "missing" and unaccounted for.

The Los Angeles mayoral race sees incumbent Karen Bass slipping in polls against Spencer Pratt, a reality TV figure gaining traction with a message of government accountability. He is competing alongside Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist who has faced backlash from constituents over her handling of local crime and encampments.

In the corporate sector, Disney has appointed Josh D'Amaro as its new boss. While a veteran of the company, his tenure begins as patrons face staggering costs for park entry and amenities.