Monks & Merrill

More Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (06/27) - Conversations about A.I. is fascinating Merrill. From "world wide web" to "surfing the web" when the digital age was born, will A.I. be called "A.I." forever? A.I. has become so good, teachers can't detect it in schools. Plus, are expiration dates on food accurate? CA has a new bill taking affect on July 1 that would ban the "sell by" dates. Also, have you noticed the amount of prediction mar...

More Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (06/27) - 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, are the needs of MacArthur Park and the plan to close Wilshire Blvd realistic? Monks & Merrill are talking to Scott Cameron, Acting Head of Reclamation, about the Colorado River water supply. Also, autonomous heavy duty trucks may be co...

Hour 1 - A massive warehouse fire in Boyle Heights has been knocked down, but the controversy is just heating up. As investigators examine reports of rotting meat, foul odors, and the site's history of safety concerns, Noah Ropp of Food & Water Watch joins us to discuss why the property had already been under scrutiny before the blaze. Then, attorney Lou Shapiro breaks down the mistrial in the Palisades Fire case and what it me...

Hour 2 California voters are set to weigh in on a controversial billionaire tax proposal this November, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association backs a competing anti-tax measure—setting up a major showdown over the state's financial future. Then, Jordan Harris, CEO of Solar AquaGrid, joins Monks & Merrill to discuss an innovative project that could help solve two of California's biggest challenges at once: water sh...

Hour 3 - An alleged hidden-camera scandal involving a former Orange County State Parks chief has raised disturbing questions about trust and accountability among lifeguards. At the same time, Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles are clashing over control of lifeguard operations and public safety. Plus, the high-profile Palisades Fire arson case ends without a verdict as a jury deadlocks, forcing a mistrial and leaving maj...

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 V...

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 Disc...

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 ...

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 ...

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 Calif...