Monks & Merrill

Hour 1 - Michael Monks and Chris Merrill examine the aftermath of the Boyle Heights fire and the legal battle unfolding on behalf of impacted residents. Trial attorney William (Will) Sykes of Claggett & Sykes Law joins the show to discuss the victims he represents and what's next in their pursuit of justice. The hosts also cover the latest developments in the Palisades fire arson trial, the devastating earthquakes that rocked Venezuela, and what those quakes could mean for California. Plus, John Vidale, Director of the Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC), explains the recent seismic activity around the world and whether Californians should be paying closer attention.

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Hour 2 - Michael Monks and Chris Merrill tackle the red tape slowing Los Angeles' housing crisis with Nolan Gray, Senior Director of Legislation and Research at California YIMBY, who explains how bureaucracy has turned homebuilding into a waiting game—and what reforms could change that. Then, Hannah Brandt of NewsNation joins the show to discuss the latest push for UFO transparency as experts and lawmakers gather for the Disclosure Forum. Plus, the hosts break down Los Angeles' selection of a new schools superintendent following months of controversy and what the leadership change could mean for the nation's second-largest school district.

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Hour 3 - Michael Monks and Chris Merrill dig into the future of California's troubled high-speed rail project as private investors continue to keep their distance. Herb Morgan, candidate for California State Controller, joins the show to discuss the project's mounting challenges, costs, and what accountability should look like moving forward. The hosts also break down a jury's $6.5 million award to a man beaten by police following the Lakers' 2020 NBA Finals victory, and Missy Coleman joins to preview World Cup traffic impacts, fan zones, and what Southern Californians should expect as the tournament excitement ramps up. 

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Hour 1 - The massive Boyle Heights fire continues to send shockwaves across Los Angeles. Michael Monks and Chris Merrill examine the growing scrutiny surrounding the company at the center of the blaze, the widespread impact of toxic smoke on neighborhoods throughout the region, and the political fallout facing Mayor Karen Bass as comparisons emerge to the Palisades fire response. Plus, former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley takes legal action against the mayor, alleging defamatory campaign remarks and seeking personal accountability.

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Hour 2 - LAUSD adopts one of the nation's toughest screen-time policies for young students while approving a $21 billion budget that spends beyond current revenues and sets the stage for painful future cuts. Meanwhile, district leaders preserve a key Black student equity program amid growing financial pressures. Plus, Los Angeles voters may soon face another tax increase—this time to bolster fire services. 

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Hour 3 - Los Angeles' Measure ULA is generating millions for affordable housing and tenant assistance, but critics say it's also slowing real estate sales, discouraging development, and reducing multifamily housing construction. Then, David Kline, Vice President of Research and Communication for CalTax, joins the show to discuss why California is bracing for one of the largest tax increases in a decade. Plus, reports of a new California exodus are emerging as brokers field a surge of inquiries from residents considering a move, while a state workers union warns that Governor Newsom's return-to-office mandate could accelerate departures from the Golden State.

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Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are covering the latest with the Boyle Heights Fire and we're talking to attorney Lou Shapiro about the Palisades Fire trial. PLUS we are delving into everything World Cup. It's all on KFIAM-640. 

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Hour 2- Monks and Merrill are covering all things taxes. There may be a new tax measure going into effect in November. Is the Billionaire Tax happening? Do higher taxes mean a better life? We're breaking it all and MORE on KFIAM-640.

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Hour 3- Monks and Merrill are talking to Scott Cameron, Acting head of reclamation, about the Colorado River water supply. PLUS CA water vs energy vs AI. Everyone is at odds. AND autonomous heavy duty trucks may be coming to a road near you. We're covering all of it on KFIAM-640.

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Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are covering the latest with the Boyle Heights fire and it's impact on the air quality. PLUS Spencer Pratt is attacking Mayor Karen Bass. It's all on KFIAM-640. 

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