More Monks and Merrill: Race for Facial Hair + Gubernatorial Candidate Sam Sandak + Psychedelics + Crime Is Down

California Primary Shake-Up

Hour 1 - The 2026 California primary is reshaping key races across the state. Heather Brooker joins Merrill to break down who’s advancing to the November runoff, Sonja Shaw’s surprising lead for state superintendent, Governor Newsom’s proposed education power shift, and the latest drama in Los Angeles’ city attorney race. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Smoke, Insurance & Homelessness

Hour 2 - From a chemical removal operation raising odor concerns in Garden Grove to a wildfire insurance battle that could change coverage statewide, Merrill tackle the issues impacting Southern Californians. Plus, Dr. Jana Lord of Sycamores explains California’s evolving mental health crisis response, and why the next mayor of Los Angeles may face homelessness with fewer tools than voters expect. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Business Behind California’s Energy Future

Hour 3 - California voters weigh in on the growing impact of data centers as AI fuels an unprecedented demand for energy. USC energy expert Shon Hiatt joins Merrill to discuss why electricity is becoming one of America’s hottest commodities. Plus, labor tensions rise at SoFi Stadium ahead of the World Cup, and fans face sticker shock not only for tickets—but for parking, too. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

New Political Battles Emerge

Hour 1 - KFI Reporter and Host Heather Brooker joins the program to share firsthand insights from Hilton headquarters as Rick Hilton takes an early lead in the governor's race while Karen Bass advances in the Los Angeles mayoral contest. Plus, a look at the uphill comeback efforts facing Tom Steyer and Nithya Raman, and the latest developments surrounding reports that L.A. Congressman Jimmy Gomez is facing a House investigation over sexual misconduct allegations. Stay tuned for analysis, reaction, and what it all means for California voters. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

California Voters Reshape the Future

Hour 2 - California voters send a strong message as Monterey Park moves closer to becoming the first city in the state to ban data centers. Huntington Beach Mayor Casey McKeon joins the show to discuss the city’s ongoing housing dispute with the state and whether a concession is on the horizon. Plus, a look at Robert Garcia’s commanding lead in the newly drawn CA-42 race, the latest on the dramatic Bakersfield bank hostage standoff that ended with hostages freed and the suspect dead, and Chris Merrill breaks down the 2026 Heavy Hundred rankings of America’s most influential talk show hosts while reflecting on this year’s Golden Mike Awards. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.