Monks & Merrill

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 delays planned minimum wage increases for tourism workers. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  One Southern California city just ranked the 3rd best place in America to raise a family… even as California’s affordability crisis makes that dream harder than ever.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 finish it on time and on budget, as California mayors' revolt over proposals that could stick local taxpayers with a staggering $231 billion bill.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 crisis deepens, California’s median home price just hit another record high in April.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 information.

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.