Monks & Merrill

Hour 1 - From struggling businesses in Downtown L.A. to debates over public safety and homelessness, today's episode explores the issues driving conversation across the city. Michael Monks and Chris Merrill unpack why business owners are demanding action, what's behind a controversial proposal for an armed enforcement unit, concerns surrounding a new tiny home village, and the environmental impact...

Hour 2 - Congressman Lou Correa joins Monks & Merrill to discuss psychedelic therapy legislation in Orange County. Then, Heather Brooker breaks down Democrats’ push to regulate AI-generated election ads ahead of 2027. Plus, a mountain lion sighting in Santa Monica has residents told to stay indoors, and we explore “whale finder” tools and how people are tracking marine life a...

Hour 3 - Shrey Parikh takes home the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee title after a dramatic spell-off finish, while Los Angeles Metro prepares for new leadership as the board unanimously appoints Karen Bass as Chair for Fiscal Year 2026–27. Maya Pagod joins Monks & Merrill to break down Metro’s new rapid bus line and touchless app rollout. Meanwhile, a state worker union is test...

The political temperature in California hits a boiling point. Could new DHS threats against sanctuary cities disrupt international travel at LAX? Governor Gavin Newsom vows a massive tax retaliation over what he calls Trump’s $1.8 billion “slush fund,” while California moves to block federal involvement in state election procedures. Plus, the Justice Department sues UCL...

Gubernatorial candidate Sam Sandak joins us to discuss his run for California governor and the issues driving his campaign. Plus, we break down the explosive $400 million clash between billionaire sports owner Stan Kroenke and the City of Inglewood, why 2026 World Cup ticket prices are suddenly dropping just weeks before kickoff, and the growing outrage from Angels fans demanding owner Arte Moreno...

The race for Los Angeles mayor is tightening fast. New polling shows Karen Bass, Nithya Raman, and Spencer Pratt locked in a razor-close battle just days before Tuesday’s primary — and now Governor Gavin Newsom is jumping in with a late endorsement of Bass. Meanwhile, City Hall is exploring whether Angelenos could soon pay more for basic city services, while the L.A. City Council delay...

Hour 1 - A wild day across Southern California — from emergency evacuations in South L.A. after a massive illegal fireworks discovery to the tense chemical tank scare in Garden Grove that thankfully ended without disaster. Plus, new reporting reveals industry insiders knew for years about the dangerous “runaway” chemical reactions behind Orange County’s near-catastrophe. &n...

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...

Hour 3 - Homelessness and housing collide in a city under pressure. Guest Louis Abramson joins us to break down a new RAND study as vendors are pushed out near MacArthur Park with temporary fencing and rough sleeping in L.A. hits a four-year high. Plus, reality TV star Spencer Pratt sparks backlash with claims his policies would drive homeless residents out of Los Angeles entirely. And as the cris...

Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are covering money and the governor's race. There appears to be a cash flood. PLUS, e-bikes are at the top of pediatric emergency room visits, and the solution may be in labeling e-bikes differently. We get into all of it on KFIAM-640.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Monk and Merrill are covering the Garden Grove chemical crisis with OC District Attorney Tom Spitzer. PLUS, we are talking about Hollywood and politics. How does the Hollywood crisis impact the mayor's race? We break it all down on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3- Crime is down in LA and Monks and Merrill are covering the why. PLUS money money money! $15 million to hire 510 LAPD officers, CA FAIR plan on raising their rates, and Edison has paid $175 million to Eaton Fire claimants, but is that enough? We get into all of it on KFIAM-640!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Memorial Day, Monks and Merrill reflect on the sacrifices of those who served. Featuring Iraq War veteran and author Jason Rumbaugh and actor and veteran advocate Gary Sinise, the episode explores the emotional and physical toll of war, the challenges veterans face after returning home, and the importance of honoring and supporting those who served. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

More Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (05/23) - Can you get back into society after being in the adult film business? Some sports athletes are turning to OnlyFans due to the shortage in what they are earning. Plus, it seems the kids are not going out as much... but parents are worried? Plus, more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (05/23) - Is Monks a wanted criminal from fleeing the scene after allegedly bumping into a car?! Plus, a lack of public defenders. Author of "Torched" joins the show. Plus, more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are covering everything you need to know for this Memorial Day weekend. They are talking gas prices, the best way to travel in SoCal, and a high-speed bus. All that and more on KFIAM-640! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Monks and Merrill are covering a PATH employee who was arrested for Fentanyl and a LA being a magnet for the unhoused. PLUS it's graduation season and Monks and Merrill are giving the best grad advice they got and we're playing your advice on the Talkbacks. It's all on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3- Monks and Merrill cover the chemical spill in Garden Grove and the massive evacuation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - State lawmakers are raising concerns over federal funding and financial accountability for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while the sports world debates whether drug-enhanced competition is the future or a complete “clown show.” Plus, Monks running away from the scene of a crime.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - Orange County reports a decline in homelessness, while debate intensifies in Los Angeles after Mayor Karen Bass criticized Spencer Pratt for referring to homeless people as “zombies.” Meanwhile, Pratt’s growing political spotlight — including praise from Donald Trump and rumored backing from Hollywood insiders — is fueling conversation as IATSE officiall...

Hour 3 - Assemblymember Nick Schultz joins the show to discuss California’s growing public defender crisis and a new bill aimed at forcing the state to address it. Plus, resistance builds over the future of Oceanwide Plaza, Heal the Bay releases its rankings of Southern California’s cleanest and dirtiest beaches — including troubling news for the Santa Monica Pier — and San...

Hour 1 - A major backroom deal delays the $30 minimum wage for L.A. hotel and airport workers while protecting the city’s tax revenue — and possibly reshaping local politics. Plus, KFI’s Heather Brooker joins the show to discuss how drones disrupted firefighting efforts at the Bain Fire in Riverside County, and why L.A. County is finally ending its rent gouging ban 16 months afte...

Hour 2 - Insurance commissioner candidate Stacy Korsgaden joins the show as California faces mounting concerns over coverage and costs. Plus, heightened security at local mosques follows the deadly San Diego Islamic Center shooting now being investigated as a possible hate crime. ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone breaks down the latest developments, and the LA City Council expands anti-camping zon...

Hour 3 - CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti discusses his explosive new book Torched, a gripping firsthand look at the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the failures that intensified the disaster, and the fierce fight over rebuilding Southern California. Plus, the latest on the wildfires currently burning across the region, the threat to critically endangered trees on Santa Rosa Island, and how r...

Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are covering the Elon Musk case against open AI. We talk to Legal Analyst and attorney Lou Shapiro about why Elon didn't prevail. PLUS we're eating today. We are talking to Richard Gomeztrejo about Wraps-To-GOmeztrejo about his home kitchen operation. It's all on KFIAM-640.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.