Spelling Bee Glory, Metro Shakeups & California Politics Collide

The Challenges Facing SoCal Right Now

Hour 1 - From struggling businesses in Downtown L.A. to debates over public safety and homelessness, today's episode explores the issues driving conversation across the city. Michael Monks and Chris Merrill unpack why business owners are demanding action, what's behind a controversial proposal for an armed enforcement unit, concerns surrounding a new tiny home village, and the environmental impact of an East L.A. oil spill that has prompted a major wildlife rescue operation. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Psychedelics, AI Crackdowns & Wildlife on the Move

Hour 2 - Congressman Lou Correa joins Monks & Merrill to discuss psychedelic therapy legislation in Orange County. Then, Heather Brooker breaks down Democrats’ push to regulate AI-generated election ads ahead of 2027. Plus, a mountain lion sighting in Santa Monica has residents told to stay indoors, and we explore “whale finder” tools and how people are tracking marine life across Southern California neighborhoods. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Spelling Bee Glory, Metro Shakeups & California Politics Collide

Hour 3 - Shrey Parikh takes home the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee title after a dramatic spell-off finish, while Los Angeles Metro prepares for new leadership as the board unanimously appoints Karen Bass as Chair for Fiscal Year 2026–27. Maya Pagod joins Monks & Merrill to break down Metro’s new rapid bus line and touchless app rollout. Meanwhile, a state worker union is testing a new legal strategy to challenge Governor Gavin Newsom’s return-to-office order, and new polling shows Xavier Becerra leading the governor’s race, with Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer close behind.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Border Battles, Election Wars & Campus Chaos: California vs. Washington

The political temperature in California hits a boiling point. Could new DHS threats against sanctuary cities disrupt international travel at LAX? Governor Gavin Newsom vows a massive tax retaliation over what he calls Trump’s $1.8 billion “slush fund,” while California moves to block federal involvement in state election procedures. Plus, the Justice Department sues UCLA yet again, alleging antisemitism against Jewish students. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Power, Politics & Panic in the Stands: California’s Big Money Showdowns

Gubernatorial candidate Sam Sandak joins us to discuss his run for California governor and the issues driving his campaign. Plus, we break down the explosive $400 million clash between billionaire sports owner Stan Kroenke and the City of Inglewood, why 2026 World Cup ticket prices are suddenly dropping just weeks before kickoff, and the growing outrage from Angels fans demanding owner Arte Moreno sell the team  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.