Monks & Merrill

World Cup Fever Hits SoCal

Hour 1 - The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially arrived, but the road to the games comes with plenty of twists. Michael Monks and Chris Merrill break down FIFA's ban on vuvuzelas, the cheapest ways to get to SoFi Stadium without paying hundreds for parking, and why the FIFA Fan Festival may be the best bargain in town. Plus, scorching summer temperatures could turn the tournament into a test of endurance for players and fans alike, while LA28 unveils new details on its next Olympic ticket sales phase. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

FBI Raids Chemical Scare Site, Questions Over County Spending & A Deputy's Fatal Dog Shooting

Hour 2 - FBI executed a search warrant at the site of the Garden Grove chemical meltdown scare, as frustrated neighbors demand answers. The hosts also examine a new Orange County Grand Jury report questioning why county supervisors control millions in discretionary funds. Plus, the search for a missing girl ends after an intense 24-hour effort amid dangerous surf conditions. Later, attorney Tim Scott joins the show to discuss his client's claims that a San Bernardino County deputy entered a homeowner's yard without a warrant and fatally shot the family's dog, raising questions about law enforcement procedures, property rights, and accountability. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Ballot Backlash, Higher Taxes, Rodeo Wars & a Drug Bust Crackdown

Hour 3 - FBI Raids Chemical Scare Site, Questions Over County Spending & A Deputy's Fatal Dog Shooting Controversy surrounding potentially offensive statements appearing in California voter guides and what it could mean for future elections. The hosts also break down the passage of Measure ER, which will raise Los Angeles County sales taxes to help fund public health care services. Then, a heated battle erupts at Los Angeles City Hall over a proposed rodeo ban, pitting animal welfare advocates against cultural tradition. Plus, the DEA announces another wave of arrests and illegal drug seizures at MacArthur Park as federal authorities intensify their crackdown on crime and narcotics activity in the area. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

California's Wildfire Future at Risk

Hour 1 - A pivotal day in California’s wildfire crisis: jury selection begins for the man accused of sparking the Palisades Fire, new evidence points to an idle Edison power line as the cause of the Eaton Fire, and Mayor Karen Bass’ brother sues the city after losing his home. Plus, U.S. Forest Service meteorologist Kristen Stewart joins Monks and Merrill to break down summer wildfire risks, dangerous weather conditions ahead, the rise of “wildfire deductibles” for homeowners, and how looming funding cuts could impact California’s fire prevention efforts. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

E-Bike Anarchy & California’s Housing Showdown

Hour 2 - From viral chaos to a housing revolution, Monks and Merrill tackle two stories reshaping California communities. Orange County deputies respond after teens on e-bikes allegedly wreak havoc inside a Walmart, fueling concerns over a growing trend some are calling California’s "new Hells Angels." Then, housing expert Jesse Zwick joins the show to break down Measure ULA’s transfer tax and a new state law aimed at cutting through NIMBY opposition that could pave the way for up to a million new apartments and condos across California. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.