Monks & Merrill

Monks and Merrill talk homelessness on Skid Row and its impact on both people and animals. After touching on a recent food safety story making headlines, they explore the delayed homeless count, the challenges facing local agencies, and what it will take to create meaningful change. 

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Monks and Merrill tackle two stories that spark bigger questions about safety, responsibility, and public policy. They examine controversial comments about meth use among people experiencing homelessness and discuss new research showing that speeding saves little time while wasting fuel and money. The conversation also explores the growing use of AI-powered traffic cameras, weighing the tradeoffs between privacy, enforcement, and safer roads.

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Monks and Merrill unpack the military's proposal to test service members' testosterone levels, with guest Dr. Jim offering medical insight into the benefits, risks, and misconceptions surrounding testosterone treatment. They also explore the broader cultural questions raised by the policy before shifting to California's push to reduce plastic packaging and the growing use of facial recognition technology in retail.

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Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are diving right into the LADWP trunk line that ruptured and caused flooding and a sinkhole in WeHo. How often does LADWP replace their equipment? We get into it.  PLUS Metro recorded a $26.2 million increase but there are some contributing factors that we get into. AND LAX 2.25 mile automation train is still in the testing phase after 7 years and $3.3billlion. It's all on KFIAM-640. 

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Hour 2- Monks and Merrill are diving into AB311 which would allow insurers monitor a driver's activity through their phone. Will it be voluntary or will it impose on out privacy? We break it down. PLUS what behavior triggered the DMV test retake and why are they being so hush hush about it? Not only does it overcrowd the DMV, but it also makes us question credibility. We get into all of it on KFIAM-640.

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Hour 3- Officials have given Boyle Heights 45 days to clean up the mess from the Boyle Heights fire. But when will the odors end? We break it down on Monks and Merrill. PLUS we are breaking down the latest with Yusef Robb and Karen Bass. No law was broken evidently, but trust has been broken. AND the latest in the Ramen vs Bass drama. It's all on KFIAM-640. 

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A warehouse fire in Boyle Heights left behind more than smoke—it sparked a public health concern, political scrutiny, and unanswered questions. In this episode, we break down the city's response, the ongoing odor affecting residents, the companies at the center of the crisis, and what accountability could look like. Is Los Angeles moving fast enough, or just managing the optics? 

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Monks and Merrill unpack the latest examples of government dysfunction. This episode examines Los Angeles' flawed street sweeping enforcement, the millions paid in legal settlements, and growing controversy surrounding the FCC's role in the proposed Paramount-Skydance merger. The hosts break down the politics, accountability, and what these stories reveal about how government serves—or fails—the public.

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Monks & Merrill examine the growing homelessness crisis in Southern California, from Los Angeles' ongoing struggles to San Bernardino County's emerging approach. Featuring an interview with Derek Armstrong, the conversation explores accountability, affordability, mental health, and the policies shaping outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. Plus, updates on the Santa Clarita wildfire and the latest developments surrounding LASA's funding.

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Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are talking to John R. Johnson,  Curator Emeritus of Anthropology at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and an adjunct anthropology professor at UCSB about the bones off of the California coast that could change history. PLUS we need to read and author of Attention Span, Gloria Mark is here to help. AND Anime gets a huge discount on rent. Are the benefits worth it. Monks and Merrill break it all down on KFIAM-640. 

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