Monks & Merrill

Homelessness Showdown: Federal Funds Frozen, Empty Apartments Exposed & DEA Cracks Down

Hour 1 - The homelessness debate in Los Angeles reaches a boiling point. NewsNation reporter Rich McHugh joins the show to discuss the Trump administration's move to block federal homelessness funding in Los Angeles. Plus, the DEA announces new arrests and major drug seizures at MacArthur Park, questions grow over California's homelessness spending priorities, and a report reveals more than 250 taxpayer-funded LA apartments remain vacant under a key homelessness initiative championed by Mayor Bass. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Trillion-Dollar Dreams & Classroom Reality

Hour 2 - The financial empire behind SpaceX and what an eventual IPO could mean for investors and employees. Guest Miriam Gottfried of The Wall Street Journal joins the program to discuss how SpaceX workers are getting a crash course in managing newfound wealth. Plus, one year after cellphone bans hit classrooms, educators report calmer schools and stronger student engagement, while more than 1,000 Los Angeles school employees face layoffs as districts grapple with shrinking budgets and difficult decisions. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

World Cup, Budget Crises & a Billion-Dollar Bombshell

Hour 3 -The L.A. County District Attorney says as many as four out of five claims tied to a $4 billion sex abuse settlement could be fraudulent, raising serious questions about accountability and taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, county health officials are warning of potential cuts to medical services as they seek emergency funding from the state. Plus, why aren't hotels filling up despite the World Cup's arrival, and what does that mean for Los Angeles businesses? And in a surprising political crossover, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Governor Gavin Newsom are set to share a VIP box at a U.S. World Cup match. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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.