Michael Monks Reports on the latest news and trending topics happening in Souther California on KFI AM 640 Los Angeles, live anywhere you are on the...Full Bio
@MicMonksLA Reports: LA’s Budget Crisis Deepens: Layoffs, Downgrades, and Public Outrage
@MicMonksLA Reports: Schiff Talks: California’s Economy, Housing Crisis, and Hollywood’s Fight to Survive
Senator Adam Schiff joins Michael Monks to break down California’s complicated future. Despite the state now ranking as the fourth-largest economy in the world, Schiff explains why a booming economy hasn't solved California’s worsening housing crisis or protected its signature industry, Hollywood. They also tackle the fallout from immigration policies, national security concerns at the Pentagon, and Schiff’s push for new legislation to keep California competitive. Plus, Michael sits down with KFI News Anchor, actress, and Emmy-winning journalist Heather Brooker to discuss the urgent challenges facing California’s film industry. They explore the state's efforts to expand tax incentives, the growing global competition, and why protecting local production is critical for California’s economic future.
@MicMonksLA Reports: 100 Days After the Fires — Still Waiting for Help
Michael Monks opens the show with a local sports update before diving into a sobering look at life in Los Angeles 100 days after the devastating fires. He contrasts Mayor Bass’s optimistic public comments with growing frustration from Palisades residents who feel left behind. Michael investigates the $10 million contract with Hagerty Consulting that’s yielded little visible recovery progress and speaks with resident David Howard about the city’s red tape and broken promises. Plus, a new survey shows Angelenos are overwhelmingly unhappy with their quality of life.
@MicMonksLA Reports: Layoffs Loom, Homeless Fires Surge & LAPD Turns to YouTube
Michael Monks breaks down Mayor Karen Bass’s latest announcement: layoffs are officially on the table as LA stares down a $1 billion budget deficit. He then tackles the alarming 475% spike in homeless-related fires across the city and the broader toll the homeless crisis is taking on quality of life. Plus, with LAPD recruitment numbers lagging, the department is betting big on a new YouTube ad campaign—and Michael wraps the hour with a look at why Canadian tourism to California is tanking.
@MicMonksLA Reports: LA’s Late-Night Shift, Convention Center Expansion, and Homelessness Fraud Crackdown
Michael Monks opens the show with updates on LA sports and shares his personal take on grocery store reorganizations. He then delves into a proposed California bill aiming to create "hospitality zones," allowing bars to serve alcohol until 4 a.m.. Through City Hall audio, Michael discusses the LA City Council's vote to continue plans for the Convention Center expansion, despite challenges posed by recent wildfires. Finally, he revisits highlights from Bill Essayli’s appearance on The John Kobylt Show, focusing on the announcement of a criminal task force to investigate fraud and corruption involving homelessness funds.
@MicMonksLA Reports: Bernie & AOC Ignite LA, Olympic Gender Shift & Fast-Food Wage Fallout
Michael Monks breaks down Bernie Sanders and AOC’s explosive "Fight the Oligarchy" rally that brought approximately 30,000 energized supporters to downtown LA. He also spotlights the historic LA28 Olympics, where women athletes will outnumber men for the first time ever, and explores how LA's rising minimum wage is unexpectedly hurting fast-food jobs. Plus, a Dodgers game gone wrong, and Huntington Beach struggles with a massive washed-up whale.
@MicMonksLA Reports: LA's Billion-Dollar Budget Crisis & Parking Enforcement Debacle
Michael Monks breaks down the alarming $1 billion budget deficit haunting the city of Los Angeles, exploring exactly how city officials got it so wrong. With revealing clips from Mayor Bass and city administrators, Michael revisits the warnings and promises that didn’t add up. Plus, how is LA spending tens of millions more on parking enforcement than it brings in? Michael investigates the costly mismanagement behind LA’s parking problem.
@MicMonksLAReports: Homeless Spending Under Scrutiny, Olympic Visa Drama, and LA's Decade-a-Day Bus Delay!
Michael dives into LA's new effort to oversee homelessness spending after audits exposed transparency issues—Councilwoman Nithya Raman weighs in. Meanwhile, LA28 Olympic Chair Casey Wasserman reassures global leaders that U.S. politics won't block athletes' entry into the 2028 Games. Plus, Michael reveals a shocking report: LA Metro buses are cumulatively delayed by a full decade every single day, costing riders valuable time and money. And if you're hoping to buy a home in SoCal, brace yourself—the market just set another record.
@MicMonksLA Reports: Inside LA's Budget Crisis: Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez Speaks Out
Michael Monks kicks off the show with an overview of his week covering City Hall, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion with LA City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. They delve into the city's financial turmoil and the council's recent decision to explore seizing control of LAHSA spending, addressing concerns over mismanagement and lack of transparency. The conversation sheds light on the factors contributing to Los Angeles' budget crisis and potential solutions. Later, Michael examines the council's initiative to enforce decorum during meetings by cracking down on the use of offensive language.
@MicMonksLA Reports: Governor Newsom's Podcast Revelations, DA Hochman on Death Penalty, and LA's New Immigration Protections
Michael Monks delves into Governor Gavin Newsom's candid discussion with Ezra Klein on California's high-speed rail challenges and housing crisis. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman joins to explain his decision to reinstate the death penalty in select cases. Michael also examines LA City Council's expanded protections for undocumented immigrants, featuring insights from Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez. The hour wraps up with a heartwarming story of a couple celebrating their honeymoon at the Dodgers' home opener, sharing theirs and his hopes for the team's season.