Monks & Merrill

Monks & Merrill Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are getting to the bottom of the fake LA mayoral poll and what challenges it added. PLUS the Newsom may veto an "absolutely essential" bill for the train bullet project. We break it down on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Monks and Merrill are talking to Glen Melnick, a USC Professor of Healthcare Finance, about Health premium costs. PLUS CA schools are closing and enrollment is plummeting across the state. AND lawmakers want to make meaningful alternatives to online-centric childhoods. We also talk Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, author of The Digital Delusion :How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning—and How to Help Them Thrive Again. It's all on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3- Monks and Merrill are getting political. We are covering the 12 designated anti-camping zones that were voted out by LA City Council, Dems winning Florida, and we are talking to Candidate for CD CA 34, Angela Gonzalez Torres. It's all on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monks & Merrill Hour 1 -  California’s ambitious green-energy push is facing some serious questions. Hydrogen is losing momentum as a fuel source, while the state is reconsidering its nuclear power exit—even as solar generated more than half of California’s electricity in May. Guillermo Bautista Alderete of the California Independent System Operator joins us to break down California’s record-setting solar power and the state’s evolving energy grid. Plus, Susan Shelley of the Southern California News Group weighs in on whether California’s green-energy agenda is leaving residents in the dark.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monks & Merrill Hour 2 - L.A. and Orange County residents could be facing another painful hit to their wallets as a proposed 30% water-bill increase highlights the growing cost of maintaining California’s water system. Meanwhile, wildfire survivors are struggling with massive rebuilding costs, while new financing efforts aim to bridge the gap. We’ll also look at the controversy surrounding online gamblers betting on how much the L.A. fires would destroy—and a new wildfire-risk analysis ranking Los Angeles among the California cities most exposed to future fires.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monks & Merrill Hour 3 - California’s housing crisis is getting squeezed from all sides. Older Californians are staying in their longtime homes, limiting the supply of properties for younger buyers, while home prices and sales continue to decline across Los Angeles and Orange counties. Plus, Jayson Campadonia, KFI’s news director joins to discuss the new California regulations could restrict the replacement tires you’re allowed to buy for your car, and the House Ethics Committee launches a sexual misconduct investigation into Rep. Jimmy Gomez.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1- Monks and Merrill want to know if the El Nino is hurting or helping? We break it down. PLUS we talk to Councilmember John Lee about his view on LA space guidelines. AND the latest on street takeovers and AutoZone raids. It's all on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Law and Order on Monks and Merrill today. We are delving into the latest with the Jonathan Rinderknecht case and we talk to Attorney, Lou Shapiro all about the Palisades Trial. PLUS Nick Reiner wants his trust fund because he hasn't been convicted for the murders and he needs some of that money to fight in this trial. We explain all that and MORE on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3- Karen Bass vs the potholes and Monks and Merrill thinks Bass is losing. LA isn't New York. We have the audio. PLUS will the old LA World Trade Center turn into affordable housing? We have some answers. AND Andrew Do directed millions to organizations associated with his daughter. This calls for a reform? Or is a rebrand? All this and MORE on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the weekend! Monks and Merrill talk about the ups and downs of buying a new electric vehicle.  The fellas discuss the troubles of keeping a small town newspaper afloat. Is AI helping or hindering the human experience? AI may be taking over the travel agent industry. Generative AI images are seeping into mainstream media and threatening jobs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Saturday! Monks and Merrill disagree about the usefulness of FLOCK camera surveillance. Is it worth while to record EVRYONE when looking for a handful of suspects? The fellas talk to Professor Robert White about stores using AI pricing. Monks and Merrill talk to Fraidy Reiss, Founder of at Last Pro Bill about overturning legal child marriage. California Senate is voting on a bill to combat child marriages. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - Officials say Lineage is set to miss a major warehouse cleanup deadline—but the company insists the city has the date wrong. Plus, two state lawmakers unveil responses to the Boyle Heights fire, pedal boats prepare to return to MacArthur Park despite concerns about the water, and a federal judge blocks the Trump administration’s attempt to take control of Los Angeles’ homelessness programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - Mayor Karen Bass pushes for free public transit as Metro estimates the plan could cost more than $1 billion. We’ll also examine California’s bullet train, which may run out of cash by 2027, and speak with research director Jared Schachner about why L.A. County’s housing shortage persists despite modest progress. Plus, as fire danger intensifies, Malibu declares an emergency to rapidly clear homeless encampments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - Flash Shelton—star of A&E’s new docuseries Squatters—joins us to explain how he helps homeowners remove squatters and navigate the legal hassle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - The Lakers’ blockbuster ownership change raises questions about a possible criminal investigation, while an obscure financial maneuver is at the center of a probe involving Dodgers ownership. Plus, new Lakers co-owner Joshua Kushner’s political background, California lawmakers push the “Anaheim Angels” bill forward, and L.A. reaches a cost-recovery deal for the 2028 Olympics amid growing concerns over financial risk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - Privacy concerns are growing across party lines as communities debate the rise of surveillance technology. Plus, economics professor Roger White breaks down “surveillance pricing” and whether consumers are being legally gouged. And in L.A. politics, low-income tenants face eviction tied to a $133 million affordable housing project as Nithya Raman faces a new political fight over retaliation allegations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - Councilmember Monica Rodriguez joins Monks & Merrill to discuss the latest Housing & Homelessness and Budget & Finance Committee reports. Plus, Chris Duff of the Greater Los Angeles Association of Realtors breaks down why Californians become homeowners later than residents in other states. We also look at California’s frozen housing market and record-high ADU construction as L.A. County continues to battle its housing shortage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are covering the latest with LA28, the suspension of LAHSA from federal grant activity, and an accounting glitch that caused LA's increase in the homeless count. PLUS Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez wants to revoke 12 special enforcement zones. We explain why and what all this means on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Monks and Merrill are getting to the bottom Paramount possibly moving headquarters out of California if the settlement can't proceed. PLUS the Lakers are being sold again, and we talk to the Duke of Sports, Eric Sklar about it. AND an Atlanta family faced child neglect investigation for letting their 6 year old do something most of us did growing up. The times have changed and we get into it on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3- Monks and Merrill talk to Fraidy Reiss, Founder of at Last Pro Bill about overturning legal child marriage. PLUS PETA will be using the Boyle Heights incident as a promotion for why you shouldn't eat meat. AND Lineage has found no widespread contamination from the Lineage warehouse fire. It's all on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - The homelessness crisis faces renewed scrutiny as an accounting glitch is blamed for nearly half of the city’s reported increase in homelessness. Meanwhile, a new village of 200 tiny homes is opening as officials look for solutions, while political changes reshape the city’s homelessness leadership. Plus, an L.A. councilmember is ordered to stand trial on 12 corruption felony charges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - The County District Attorney faces backlash after charging an LAPD officer who recorded colleagues’ racist remarks. Plus, county supervisors consider creating an Office of Gender Equity, LAUSD confronts a severe budget crisis, and a long-promised L.A. River bike path hits a billion-dollar roadblock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - Netflix says it’s doubling down on Los Angeles even as it expands its footprint in New Jersey, while Paramount’s David Ellison threatens to pull the company out of California if states refuse to negotiate an antitrust settlement. Plus, wildfire survivor advocate Joy Cheg discusses criticism of California utility companies’ ad campaign, and National Union of Healthcare Workers’ Benjamin Eichert weighs in on the growing debate over AI “therapists” and new proposed guardrails.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - Two more violent street takeovers took place in Los Angeles today, yet despite the ransacking of a nearby AutoZone and a vehicle being set ablaze, no arrests were reported in either case, authorities said. No injuries or arrests were reported. A couple hours later, another large takeover was reported in the Gramercy Park community of South Los Angeles. In the days since he charged a Los Angeles police officer with a crime for capturing evidence of his co-workers’ racist remarks, Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman has been the subject of withering criticism from Mayor Karen Bass, former cops and even some of his own prosecutors. Rich McHugh joins the show to talk about a California mom's fight to strengthen DUI laws. Plus, Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, has passed away.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - Monks and Merrill continue to talk about the passing of Big Bear bald eagle Jackie, and share reactions from KFI listeners on the iHeartRadio app talkback feature. A recent report from Feeding America shows food insecurity increased year over year between 2022 and 2024. Advocates say today’s reality could be much worse. The report published last week showed that about 1 in 6 kids in Orange County experienced food insecurity in 2024 — that’s up 27% from the year before. For some advocates, the report published last week was not surprising. Friday’s Café LA Menu Tasting Event, hosted by newly minted LAUSD Superintendent Andrés E. Chait, featured popular TV chef Nyesha “The Ninja” Arrington, who helped mentor the students who created some of the tasty new selections, and LAUSD’s Manish Singh, Executive Director of the district’s Food Services Division.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - In 2017, Hollywood’s Sunset Square was named a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone, solidifying its place in L.A.’s architectural history. Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt spent just under $71,000 on hotels for himself, his campaign staff and his fundraising operation, mostly at the Hotel Bel-Air and the Four Seasons Hotel in New York, according to recently released campaign finance filings in the mayoral race. Pratt had AI-designed billboards placed across the city. Bass removed 6,200 people off the streets. Burbank mogs Downtown LA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a crackdown on AI political influencer campaigns. It's expensive to be single in California. Cal Tech says fewer than 4% of applicants get accepted. Just say no to drugs kids!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pedestrian tunnels in Los Angeles are being overrun with homeless people. Joy Chen comes on the show to talk about SoCal Edison electrical arching sparked the Eaton Fire in Altadena in January 2025 and a possible bailout that is in the works for SCE. Metro says there are more seats available now because homelessness is down. Meg James comes on the show to talk about Hollywood being worried about the Paramount/Warner merger.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - Waymo robotaxis frustrate Los Angeles residents by taking parking spaces and blocking traffic. Guests' Sarah Jepson from SCAF's Chief Planning Office and Patrick Chandler from Metro join the show to discuss Metro offering up to $600 to drive less to expand driving reduction program. KFI's Heather Brooker also joins the show to discuss LAPD crackdown on hate crimes, as well as to talk about the mystery surrounding ex-Marine's possible motives and movements at Trump golf course.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - Experts warn strong El Niño could bring record sea levels to California coast with flooding concerns. LA County to conduct earthquake preparedness review. South Coast AQMD approves modified abatement order against Lineage. Plus, California's Cyclosporiasis cases are higher than expected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - Airbnb, the LAPD Union, and landlord giant - where the money's coming from in LA's race for mayor. Beautiful Downtown Burbank isn't a punchline; the city is booming while Downtown LA struggles. Plus, California has smallest share of 'underwater' mortgages in U.S. Also, SpaceX millionaires are coming for LA homes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - Los Angeles County’s proposed grant to keep indie films local and what Paramount’s blockbuster deal—now cleared by British regulators—means for Hollywood’s future. L.A. Times staff writer Meg James joins to discuss David Ellison’s claim that critics “don’t get his politics,” and ABC’s Jordana Miller reports on a possible Strait of Hormuz agreement amid a major attack in Yemen. Tune in for news, context, and sharp conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - Day 1 of the Lineage warehouse fire hearing, including Mayor Karen Bass and other officials pressing Lineage to fund long-term aid for affected residents. Plus: a gutting look at LA’s surge in dog euthanasia and the heartbreaking faces on the “kill list,” and why a nearly $1 million Runyon Canyon restroom is still closed months past its expected opening. Tune in for local accountability, human stories, and what comes next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - Santa Ana’s move to test speed cameras in racing hotspots, and the growing debate in Sacramento and Washington over license-plate reader surveillance. We’ll also examine a scandalous $1.6M payout to an L.A. homeless provider CEO who lives in Hawaii, and how a county program for people with serious mental illness is finally gaining traction. Tune in for accountability, policy clashes, and the human stories behind the headlines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - This episode unpacks the arrest of an armed man at Trump’s golf club—earpiece in, camera out—probing what it signals about modern security. The hosts sift through explosive letters revealing the internal threats that hastened Alberto Carvalho’s LAUSD departure. They break down how, after the Lineage fire, LA County Supervisors are boosting penalties for public health violations to better protect residents. And they head to Boyle Heights, where a proposed street-cleaning tax becomes a flashpoint in a broader gentrification fight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - Orange County faces a potential legal reckoning as two dozen parents may be criminally charged after children rode e-bikes and e-motorcycles illegally, while L.A. City Council members push new restrictions on e-bikes citywide. The show also breaks down the LA Council’s approval of funding to hire a consultant for a revamped homelessness plan and explores LA Metro’s report that homelessness on public transit has dropped 57% since 2024—what’s driving that decline and what it means for broader policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - Southern California cities grapple with the aftermath of July 4 mayhem—one city issued $240,000 in fines during a fireworks crackdown—and Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman joins the show to explain why city staff are asking for new curfews and mass‑gathering rules after the chaos. The hosts break down a looming LA voter decision on whether Palisades homeowners will get relief from the city’s so‑called “mansion tax,” and discuss USC’s new maps showing lead contamination across the county following the Palisades and Eaton firesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - Monks and Merrill unpack the findings that linked the Eaton Fire to a Southern California Edison transmission tower, examine a proposed utility bailout and its impact on fire survivors, and explore how new regulations could make wildfire prevention more difficult. Plus, goat grazing expert Tim Arrowsmith explains why changes to wage rules could threaten one of California’s most effective fire mitigation tools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - They break down the region’s housing affordability crisis, from soaring home prices and rising rents to the growing number of young adults who can’t afford to stay. They also unpack the debate over billionaire taxes, what supporters and critics say, and whether policies like these can make a meaningful difference in addressing California’s cost-of-living challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - As President Trump visits Los Angeles for a Republican fundraiser, Monks and Merrill discuss the political backdrop before diving into the California Voter Foundation's recommendations to speed up ballot counting. They explore practical election reforms, why accuracy and transparency matter, and how simple changes could strengthen public confidence in California's election process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are deep diving into the raid in Lancaster. We're there Chinese influences? It raised more questions that remain unanswered. We break it down. PLUS we talk to Rich Frankel about the latest with the In N Out shooting in Idaho on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Monks and Merrill covering a good intention that attracted undesirables. There is a pedestrian tunnel that has proven to be an attraction for crime and now Councilmember Ysabel Jurado wants to close it permanently. We break it down. PLUS over 300 residents have filed lawsuits for the Boyle Heights fire, a safe place for LGBTQ+ community, and the Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubai. We get into all of it on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3- CA schools are facing a decline just as UC has accepted a record number of Californians. We break it down on Monks and Merrill. PLUS an officer has been charged with violating privacy for recording his collegues making egregious remarks. We explain right here on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Saturday! Daniel Blumstein, UCLA professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, joins the show to discuss why some California researchers are turning to OnlyFans and other unconventional platforms as traditional research funding dries up. KFI’s Mark Rahner joins Michael Monks and Chris Merrill to break down the skyrocketing cost of vehicles — with new cars nearing $50,000 and used cars climbing above $27,000. Venice wants Ghost Town Consultants to handle the homeless encampments and Monks and Merrill are breaking it down. AND we talk to Gisele Halualani, President of Malibu coast surf lifesaving association and CA state park ocean lifeguard about passing SCR 192. PLUS what is expected from Metro regarding LA28 on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the weekend! Would you chose to live to 150? Are armed drones the way to prevent gun violence? Fewer and fewer families with children are moving to LA. We dare you to guess the minimum age for marriage in California. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are covering the latest on the Boyle Heights fiasco. Nithya Raman is using the Boyle Heights fire as a way to point out Mayor Bass' wrongs, but the mayor is putting the pressure on Lineage. We explain. PLUS there is litterbug named Lexi and the social media detectives are determined to find her, but they aren't doing a very good job. AND cyclospora is still causing explosive diarrhea. All this and MORE on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Is this the hottest July you have ever experienced? Well, it really may be the hottest one measured to date. We break it down on Monks and Merrill. AND we talk to Gisele Halualani, President of Malibu coast surf lifesaving association and CA state park ocean lifeguard about passing SCR 192. PLUS what is expected from Metro regarding LA28 on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3- Monks and Merrill are getting to the bottom of Nicholas Cage's Fortitude vs Netflix. A simple "mistake" could cost Netflix $105 million. PLUS, Anaheim dropped a proposed 10% rideshare tax. AND Proposition 40 is no longer popular. We break it all down on KFIAM-640 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are SoCal has another heatwave heading it's way this weekend which won't help the smell of Boyle Heights. We get the latest from KFI reporter and host Heather Brooker. PLUS the California reservoir has issues and we check in with Jack Schmidt, Director at Utah State University Center about the latest. AND MORE on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Venice wants Ghost Town Consultants to handle the homeless encampments and Monks and Merrill are breaking it down. We are talking the creative director Hayes Davenport. PLUS some cities are embracing aggressive harm-reduction policies. We explain all that and MORE on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.