KFI Featured Segments

In this hour of the Chris Merrill Show, Chris delves into the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, exploring the details of their passing and the ongoing investigations. Shifting to a more uplifting note, Chris highlights Steve Carell's generous gesture of providing free prom tickets to students affected by the recent Eaton Fire, emphasizing the positive impact on the community. The hour also includes an update on Pope Francis's health, as the world watches and waits during his recovery. Chris concludes with a discussion on the rise of 'toxic masculinity' and the growing concerns among young women today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Riesmeyer opens with discussions on the recent 4.1 magnitude earthquake near Westlake Village and shares listener experiences. He also highlights the hatching of Jackie and Shadow's third eaglet in Big Bear, noting some unsettling aspects of their feeding habits. As Daylight Saving Time begins, Andy reflects on the collective feeling of being an hour behind. Dr. Lucy Jones from the Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society provides an official earthquake update, followed by a conversation about celebrity sightings in LA and what defines an "Angeleno." Andy then interviews Jeff Strauss, owner of the popular OyBar, who expresses frustration over being featured on Eater's list of 38 essential LA restaurants while facing eviction due to developer pressures, despite having a two-year lease.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy delves into Mayor Karen Bass's controversial use of an auto-delete feature for text messages, especially concerning communications during the recent Palisades Fire and her trip to Ghana. City attorney David Michaelson stated that Bass's phone is set to auto-delete messages and has been for at least two years. Later, Andy is joined by KTLA's Samantha Cortese, Robert Puente, and Bobby Gonzalez for a lively discussion about the latest happenings at the network and in Los Angeles. They share their appreciation for the iHeart radio app and give shout-outs to fellow broadcasters Tim Conway Jr and Gary and Shannon. The conversation continues with listener interactions, updates on the eagle pair Jackie and Shadow, and wraps up with a fun news quiz to determine the most knowledgeable KTLA team member.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Monks kicks off the hour with a recap of UCLA’s victory over USC to close out the Big Ten regular season before diving into Los Angeles’ deepening financial crisis. City Controller Kenneth Mejia joins to break down the city’s massive budget shortfall, overspending, and the alarming cycle of debt that could leave LA struggling to stay afloat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Monks opens the hour with a deep dive into a scathing audit revealing LA’s failure to track billions in homelessness funding—while LA County residents brace for a sales tax hike to fund these programs. Then, UCLA economist Jerry Nickelsburg joins to discuss economic uncertainty fueled by shifting tariffs, inflation concerns, and the impact of potential mass deportations on California’s workforce. Finally, Michael shifts gears to wildlife, sharing his thoughts on Jackie & Shadow’s newest eaglet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiffany Hobbs kicks off the show celebrating International Women’s Day with a special shoutout to her mom and the incredible women of KFI. She then discusses Former Chief Crowley’s new role and how LA homeowners are rebuilding smarter with fire-resistant homes, including the innovative ‘superadobe’ structures. Tiffany also covers a proposed bill that could change how lethal force is used in home burglaries. Later, Dr. Neal Patel joins to discuss the shocking deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, linked to hantavirus, diving into what the virus is and how it spreads. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiffany Hobbs breaks down the future of the Department of Education under President Trump and what changes could be on the horizon. She examines the legal hurdles he may face in trying to dismantle the department and what that could mean for student debt, especially for those who thought they were in the clear. Later, Tiffany dives into the shocking case of an ex-Olympian tied to a SoCal drug ring who has landed on the 10 ‘most wanted’ list with a $10 million reward. The hour wraps with a look at the dreaded Spring Forward time change and how it might mess with your sleep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – Mark Rahner’s review of Warner Bros. Pictures new sci-fi dark comedy ‘Mickey 17’ from Director Bong Joon-ho in ‘The Rahner Report’ - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – A conversation with Emmy and NAACP Award-winning host, actress, author, social media star and food personality Tabitha Brown AKA “America’s Mom” to introduce her first ever children’s book, ‘Hello There Sunshine’; a book inspired by Tabitha’s “childhood adventures, paying homage to the community and neighborhood that influenced who she is today” - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – ‘Friday Nights’ with L.A. Radio Legend Nautica De La Cruz checking out The Nethercutt Museum’s “stunning showcase of functional fine art, where automotive history and engineering excellence converge in a breathtaking display” AND highlighting today’s Hidden Gem, the Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary and their mission to “to protect the health and safety of animals by providing charitable assistance in their no-kill shelter for all” - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IT’S FOODIE FRIDAY! Food enthusiast and host of ‘The Fork Report’ on KFI Neil Saavedra joins Bill to talk about Shake Shack’s first ever combo meal, corned beef pastrami combo packs at Costco, and Milano caramel Café Au Lait cookies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The House Whisperer Dean Sharp is back on Wake Up Call for another edition of ‘Waking Up with the House Whisperer!’ Today, Dean talks about about where you can get the most space for the least amount of money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – A look at some alternatives to use when Skype goes away AND the value of utilizing alternative cellular providers on ‘Tech Thursday’ with regular guest contributor; (author, podcast host, and technology pundit) Marsha Collier - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host of ‘How to Money’ Joel Larsgaard joins the show to discuss the tariffs leading to 'doom spending.', student loan borrowers aren't doing so hot right now as the SAVE Plan has been in legal limbo, and we’re getting an affordability czar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy talks with with The Birthday Party Project Founder and CEO Paige Chenault Lohoefer about throwing the best birthday party for kids who missed their birthdays because of the Los Angeles wildfires.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy talks with Media Relations Specialist for Disaster Operations Division at FEMA La Tanga Hopes about FEMA deadlines approaching for LA wildfire victims.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – An in-depth analysis of the most viral stories of the week in “The Viral Load” with regular guest contributor Tiffany Hobbs weighing in on everything from a new scam wherein, you receive a ring in the mail that you didn’t order AND a classroom rebellion sparked by a teacher’s “banned words list” that’s gone viral - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shannon talks about all of the shows and movies she’s watching and ask Debra Mark to share some of the current shows she is watching.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jim Keany, Chief Medical Officer at Dignity Health St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, joins The Bill Handel Show for 'Medical News'! Dr. Keany talks with Bill about different styles of... death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KFI Tech Reporter Rich DeMuro joins Wake Up Call for ‘Wired Wednesday’! Rich talks about Google’s new privacy tool, new iPads from Apple, and Sony Honda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KTLA & KFI tech reporter Rich DeMuro joins the show for ‘Tech Tuesday.’ Today, Rich talks about Google’s New Privacy Tool, Solar-Powered Laptop, and the newly announced Crypto ReserveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy talks with the host of ‘How to Money’ Joel Larsgaard about doom spending, national cryptocurrency reserve, and DOGE dividends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow are proud parents again! Amy talks with Sandy Steers from Friends of Big Bear Valley and Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam about the newly hatched eaglets. WATCH LIVE: Big Bear Bald Eagle Live Nest - Cam See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – ‘Beyond the Box Score’ with regular guest contributor Jackie Rae; Long Beach Post/WNBA Reporter and host of ‘The Jackie Rae Show,’ weighing in on President Trump pardoning legendary MLB star Pete Rose for taxes, NOT for gambling AND Major League Baseball’s new “automated ball-strike challenge system” - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABC7 investigative reporter Kevin Ozebek obtained text messages to and from Crowley in the moments leading up to the Palisades Fire through a public records request. Following the LA wildfires, efforts were renewed to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom over his handling of the fires. Actor Mel Gibson is now joining in on that effort after having lost his Malibu home. The Law Makers, Law Breakers and times that there oughta be a law. Huntington Park City Hall, mayor's house raided over alleged corruption, questions surrounding $14M projectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The drilling of holes in western San Bernardino County signals another step toward the coming bullet train from Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas. A much-ballyhooed release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case devolved into anger and disappointment Thursday, with conservative figures and even Attorney General Pam Bondi alleging FBI agents were hiding the full case files. The Catholic world is gripped with uncertainty as Pope Francis, 88, remains in a Rome hospital because of a complex lung infection and other serious ailments. The Vatican said on Sunday morning that after a peaceful night, Francis had drunk coffee and read newspapers. Americans have a sinking feeling that inflation will come roaring back, according to this month's update of the University of Michigan's long-running consumer sentiment index.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News of note from Tinsel Town and beyond. Stories that make you say “Hmmmm?” that didn’t fit neatly into any other spot on the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Van Nortwick, founder of Vinylly, a dating app that matches people based on music compatibility, to discuss how AI is reshaping the online dating experience—reducing ghosting, improving compatibility, and helping singles form real connections beyond just a profile picture. AI-driven matchmaking is offering a smarter, more personalized approach to finding love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introduction + Few quick + fun talkers from the week. Storms if anything, mention Topanga Cyn closed indefinitely /// Zelenskyy and TRUMP.... Worst Parking Lots in LA (call to action for listeners). Guest: Mike Capes, interview with filmmaker / director / actor -- gives Oscars Preview/ State of Hollywood. Guest: Mike Capes continued/ L.A. Treehouse Update See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy takes caller’s calls & chats with his co-worker Sam from KTLA 5! PCH: Before & After: Homes Too Toxic To Clear ? Do Newsom's wildfire "fact checks" align with the facts? A breakdown + LAFD did not alert DWP to more than 1,000 fire hydrants needing repair. Evan Lovett (LA In a Minute Guy) got burgled Friday night! Listener reacts or other talkers from the week/ Cross with Chris MerrillSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael dives into the controversy surrounding the firing of LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, and the heated appeal process with Mayor Karen Bass at the center of it all. He replays a key moment from January 7th and breaks down the critical elements of Crowley’s upcoming hearing—including a recap of the fire-event timeline and Mayor Bass’s trip to Ghana. Michael also examines a new PPIC survey revealing California’s political divergence from the rest of the country, and he wraps up by discussing a FilmLA report that signals Hollywood’s declining role as a hub for film content creation as tax incentives lure opportunities to other states. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Monks delves into how film and TV production, the lifeblood of LA, is undergoing seismic shifts—explaining why “Hollywood” isn’t making “Hollywood” anymore. He explores the hidden impact of the recent fire on producers, writers, and industry professionals who are now focused on personal recovery, before sitting down with State Senator Ben Allen to discuss strategies for rehabilitating the local film industry and preventing a talent exodus. Michael also highlights a new UCLA report revealing a drop in diversity in films and TV in 2024, and he wraps up with an Oscars preview and a look ahead to his plans for tomorrow night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kristin Crowley appeals dismissal as LAFD chief to LA City Council/LA Fire Union speaks out. Group of teen bicyclists seen beating man in Mid-Wilshire/Update - 2 arrested and the victim speaks out. Organized crews behind recent rash of burglaries in western San Fernando Valley. interview with former The Simpsons series producer, Rick Polizzi- says city is making him tear down massive treehouse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview with Judie Mancuso of Social Compassion in Legislation. Deeper Dives: What is the "fentanyl fold"? Here’s why fentanyl users are bent over, and the optics as LA moves closer to the Olympics, etc. The Good, The Bad, and the Downright Weird. Couple forced to sit next to dead body for 4 hours after woman dies mid-flight. What Happens If Someone Dies On A Plane? Parting Fun Fact: Cross with Monks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – Mark Rahner’s review of the 45th Razzie Awards, acknowledging the absolute WORST films of the year in ‘The Rahner Report’ - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – ‘Friday Nights’ with L.A. Radio Legend Nautica De La Cruz checking out “Stories Books & Cafe” in the heart of Echo Park AND highlighting today’s Hidden Gem, 501c(3) ‘Meals in Motion’ and their mission to “empower families in the fight against food insecurity by providing FREE education on healthy food choices, budgeting, food safety and more” - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents –An in-depth look at how you've been celebrating BHM all month/year long and you had no idea - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ON Friday’s, Gary and Shannon bring you a stack of stories that have slipped through the cracks. These stories are called the #NineNewsNuggetsYouNeedToKnow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IT’S FOODIE FRIDAY! Food enthusiast and host of ‘The Fork Report’ on KFI Neil Saavedra joins Bill to talk about Subway bringing back $6.99 any footlongs, $1 egg McMuffins, Jack in the Box's Lucky Mint Trio, and Wendy's Frosty mix-ins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The House Whisperer Dean Sharp is back on Wake Up Call for another edition of ‘Waking Up with the House Whisperer!’ Today, Dean talks about the BEST of the 2025 International Builders Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy talks with the Associate Administrator for the NASA Science Mission Directorate Nicky Fox about two moon deliveries with NASA instruments only days away from landing and what we expect to learnSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – An in-depth conversation with LA City Council President, and proud representative of the 8th District, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who joins the program to discuss ALL things Los Angeles City Council, from the Palisades/Eaton wildfire recovery efforts and the firing of LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley, to the LACC role in the fight to end homelessness & establish comprehensive rent control measures and MORE - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – A look at everything from Amazon Alexa gets an AI upgrade, to Gmail switching from SMS to QR codes more on ‘Tech Thursday’ with regular guest contributor; (author, podcast host, and technology pundit) Marsha Collier - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary and Shannon bring you a couple of odd, science stories every Thursday for their segment called, #StrangeScience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary and Shannon bring on tech guru Marc Saltzman for #TechTalk to discuss Amazon’s new smart personalized assistant driven by AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host of ‘How to Money’ Joel Larsgaard joins the show to discuss a new report highlighting some of the worst places to go when you need a loan, DOGE’s potential dividend, and why being a ‘loyal’ traveler doesn’t mean you’re savingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy talks with Founder and CEO of Loyal Celine Halioua about her biotech startup company that specializes in developing drugs to extend dog lifespan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – An in-depth analysis of the most viral stories of the week in ‘The Viral Load’ with regular guest contributor Tiffany Hobbs weighing in on everything from the Man caught trying to smuggle $10,000 worth of cocaine onto a plane under his toupee; to a viral video demonstrating the proper way for a woman to pick up and item that she has dropped and MORE - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICYMI: ‘Later, with Mo’Kelly’ Presents – ‘Wellness Wednesday’ with wife, mother, fitness expert, masterful storyteller & regular guest contributor Claudine Cooper AKA “The Nice Exercise Lady” weighing in on all the ways that exercise helps colon cancer survivors live longer - on KFI AM 640…Live everywhere on the iHeartRadio appSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary and Shannon talk about everything they are watching during #WhatchaWatchinWednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.