Monks & Merrill

KFI AM 640 (KFI-AM)
  • 4.5 (2)
  • DAILY NEWS
  • UPDATED DAILY

Monks & Merrill, with Michael Monks and Chris Merrill.

  1. 8H AGO

    Heat Wave Warning, “Godzilla El Niño,” and Soaring Gas Prices — California Braces for Impact

    Hour 1 - A record-breaking March heat wave is set to scorch California, with experts calling it potentially one of the most extraordinary events in history. KTLA meteorologist Vera Jimenez joins Monks & Merrill to break down the alarming “Godzilla El Niño” and what it could mean for the state in the coming months. Plus, Kandace Redd from the Automobile Club of Southern California explains why gas prices in Los Angeles are climbing to their highest levels since late 2023—and what drivers can expect next. We also dig into the political battle over energy, from proposals to suspend the gas tax to renewed oil activity off the California coast and legal threats over offshore drilling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min

  2. 8H AGO

    From Playground Politics to Governor’s Race: Antonio Villaraigosa Gets Personal and Political

    Hour 2 - Former Los Angeles Mayor and current gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa joins Monks & Merrill for a wide-ranging conversation—from personal stories about being picked last at recess to his vision for California’s future. Villaraigosa weighs in on the state’s regulatory challenges, environmental concerns, and infrastructure struggles in L.A. County, while also breaking down his election strategy as he campaigns for governor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min

  3. 8H AGO

    Big Tech on Trial: Instagram Addiction, AI Dangers, and the Legal Fight Reshaping Social Media

    Hour 3 - A landmark social media trial is putting platform design under the microscope, questioning whether addictive features could trigger product liability. As the legal battle unfolds, new lawsuits raise serious concerns about AI safety—teens allege that Elon Musk’s xAI chatbot Grok generated explicit images involving minors, fueling a broader debate about accountability in emerging tech. The case goes beyond individual harm, spotlighting whether companies are releasing powerful tools without adequate safeguards—and treating real-world consequences as bugs instead of foreseeable risks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min

  4. 1D AGO

    LA28 Under Fire: Advocates Demand Human Rights Plan as Pressure Mounts

    Hour 1 - Concerned advocates say Los Angeles officials still haven’t reviewed a critical plan addressing homelessness and human trafficking tied to the upcoming Olympics. On the Monks and Merrill Show, Stephanie Richard of Loyola Law School discusses a coalition of 50 leaders and organizations calling on the LA City Council to release human rights protections for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. Meanwhile, political pressure intensifies as the council urges an investigation into LA28 chair Casey Wasserman, Mayor Karen Bass calls for his resignation, and the LA28 CEO publicly backs the embattled leader. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min

  5. 1D AGO

    California Political Spotlight: Debate Diversity Backlash, Villaraigosa’s Comeback Stalls, and Power Moves in L.A.

    Hour 2 - Controversy surrounds an upcoming gubernatorial debate hosted by USC and ABC7 after critics point out the absence of candidates of color. The conversation also looks at Antonio Villaraigosa’s latest political setback, new insights from the PPIC survey on Californians’ views of government, and the growing influence of Los Angeles County’s powerful chief executive role. Plus, the city prepares cooling centers for extreme heat while Rick Caruso explains why he’s stepping away from another political run to focus on family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min

  6. 1D AGO

    L.A.’s $200M Budget Gap, Parade Policing Costs & March Madness Mania

    Hour 3 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they discuss the financial struggles of the City of Los Angeles. City Controller Kenneth Mejia joins the show to break down the city's $200 million budget deficit and the potential consequences of overspending. They explore the city's plan to increase revenue through hotel taxes and taxing unlicensed cannabis businesses, sparking a debate about the effectiveness of these measures. The conversation also touches on the city's financial mismanagement and the impact on its residents. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min

  7. 3D AGO

    More Monks & Merrill: LA’s Work Ethic Debate

    Saturday Hour 1 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they discuss the concept of hard work and its perception in Los Angeles. They dive into a WalletHub study that ranked the city's work ethic, sparking a conversation about what it means to be a hard worker. Monks shares his personal experience of moving to LA and the city's indifferent attitude towards its residents. The hosts also discuss the decline of department stores and the impact of luxury brands moving online. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min

  8. 3D AGO

    More Monks & Merrill: Are We Volunteering for Surveillance?

    Saturday Hour 2 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they explore the intersection of technology and responsibility. They discuss how companies are using data collected from apps like Pokémon Go to create visual positioning systems, which are being used in automated systems like delivery robots. The hosts question whether we're volunteering for self-surveillance and what the consequences are. They also delve into a case in Orange County where a father is charged with child endangerment for modifying an e-bike to go 60 miles per hour, and talk to Orange County DA about the case and the need for regulations on e-bikes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Monks & Merrill, with Michael Monks and Chris Merrill.

Information

  • Creator
    KFI AM 640 (KFI-AM)
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Monks & Merrill

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