KFBK Morning News

Pat reveals "The Cher Effect" - autotune! - and shares his favorite Cher songs as we celebrate her 80th birthday!

Host Cristina Mendonsa reports on a tense on-camera exchange that is sparking renewed debate over how politicians handle tough interviews. During a KTLA appearance, California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra appeared visibly uneasy, questioning whether the segment would be a straightforward profile or a “gotcha piece,” highlighting the delicate balance between journalism and political messaging. Meanwhile, Anchor Mark Demsky notes that the Sacramento City Council is grappling with a significant $66 million budget deficit, underscoring the pressing financial challenges discussed in the first hour of KFBK Morning News on May 13th, 2026.

Host Cristina Mendonsa reports on growing concerns that college campuses are becoming increasingly fragile when it comes to handling debate and differing viewpoints. The discussion highlights how emotional responses may be overshadowing open dialogue, raising questions about the future of constructive disagreement in academic settings. Meanwhile, Anchor Mark Demsky notes that a new complaint filed with California's political watchdog agency is targeting a candidate in the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors race, as covered in the second hour of KFBK Morning News on May 13th, 2026.

Host Cristina Mendonsa reports on a new CNN poll that is raising doubts about whether Democrats are truly gaining political momentum as the midterm elections approach. The findings suggest a more uncertain political landscape, challenging assumptions about shifts in voter support. Meanwhile, Anchor Mark Demsky highlights that Sacramento International Airport is gearing up for what could be another record-breaking summer travel season, even as major construction projects continue at SMF, as heard during the third hour of KFBK Morning News on May 13th, 2026.

Host Cristina Mendonsa explores the growing debate over artificial intelligence in entertainment, questioning whether it should be embraced as an innovative tool or feared as a threat to human creativity. The discussion reflects broader concerns across the industry about how emerging technology may reshape storytelling and artistic expression. Meanwhile, Anchor Mark Demsky reports that new state data shows California's population dipped to around 40 million last year, with officials citing stricter federal immigration policies and changes to humanitarian programs as key factors behind a loss of roughly 54,000 residents, as heard during the fourth hour of KFBK Morning News on May 13th, 2026.

Amanda Blackwood fills in for the Sheriff and speaks with Tab Berg, founder of TAB Communications and former Political Director and Chief of Staff for two California legislators. They discuss how millions are spent to influence voters.

The third hour of KFBK Morning News on May 4, 2026 begins with host Cristina Mendonsa revisiting a March 2022 warning from the California State Auditor that raised serious concerns about widespread hospice fraud across the state. The hour also covers the sudden shutdown of Spirit Airlines, examining what led to the no frills carrier closing its doors and what ticket holders need to know next. National correspondent Rory O'Neill rounds out the hour with an update on how the markets are performing today.

The fourth hour of KFBK Morning News on May 4, 2026 features host Cristina Mendonsa breaking down what was meant to be a friendly sit down but turned pointed when Bill Maher challenged Governor Gavin Newsom on California's biggest pain points, including sky high gas prices, crushing rents, and the state's $231 billion high speed rail project—at one point saying, “You've got to let the train go.” Anchor Mark Demsky follows with a report on a major infrastructure effort in the Central Valley, where the South San Joaquin Irrigation District is moving forward with a $192 million water plan. The project is aimed at protecting long term water supplies for local agriculture and more than 215,000 residents across the South County region.

The prediction market app Kalshi is in the spotlight after supervisors said they suspended accounts belonging to three congressional candidates accused of betting on their own races. Host Cristina Mendonsa asks listeners what they think about the ban and the potential complications it could create for U.S. elections. Then, anchor Mark Demsky reports on a state bill aimed at reforming California's Elder Parole process that failed to advance out of a State Senate committee. This is the second hour of KFBK Morning News from April 23, 2026.

Host Cristina Mendonsa welcomes nonpartisan political analyst Gary Dietrich to discuss the California governor's debate, Eric Swalwell's ongoing challenges, and the future of Proposition 13. Then, anchor Mark Demsky reports that the Department of Homeland Security is still not fully funded, despite the Senate passing a funding resolution for ICE and Border Patrol, with House action still required. This is the third hour of KFBK Morning News from April 23, 2026.

Host Cristina Mendonsa explores a growing debate over support for the College Athlete Economic Freedom Act, part of a broader effort to regulate Name, Image, and Likeness deals, stabilize athletic department finances, and address concerns that major football revenue is crowding out Olympic and non revenue sports. Meanwhile, anchor Mark Demsky tracks last night's governor's debate in San Francisco, where candidates focused on housing, affordability, and Governor Gavin Newsom's job performance. This is the fourth hour of KFBK Morning News from April 23, 2026.

Happy St. Patrick's day. Gary Dietrich joins the show. Scott Robinson joins the show. Oscars.

Today, Amanda Blackwood fills in for the Sheriff and chats with Debra and Steve Layton about oil. Debra Layton is the Vice President of Government Affairs for Signal Hill Petroleum, Inc. Steve Layton is the President for E&B Natural Resources Management.

More on Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Underrated rock songs. Caller's share their favorites.

The Mayor of Arcadia, Eileen Wang is under fire after her alleged former fiancé is convicted for being a Chinese spy. The late Jessie Jackson once read Dr. Suess's Green Eggs In Ham on Saturday Night Live.

Today, John discusses abolishing ICE, why local law enforcement should aid immigration enforcement, and the legal jurisdiction of federal agents.

Music. Greatest guitarist. Callers share their thoughts.

Pat Walsh steps in to host The Shane Reaction, bringing his sharp perspective to the mic. The conversation dives into Charlie Kirk's controversial use of cameras during courtroom hearings, explores the enduring mystery of chemtrail conspiracies, and reflects on the eerie, lingering fog blanketing the Valley.

Pat Walsh takes the reins on The Shane Reaction, steering the conversation into thought-provoking territory. From the lingering debate over chemtrails to nostalgic tales of life in Central California, the episode blends mystery with memory. Rounding it out, we examine Governor Newsom's surging approval ratings.

Pat Walsh steps in on The Shane Reaction with a lineup that sparks curiosity and conversation. We tackle a surprising poll asking listeners if they've ever stolen from a self-checkout register, dive into the news of Budweiser's Fairfield brewery shutting down and assess the current state of California's reservoirs.

An AI Country Song and Revoking California Driver Licenses

Through ADDE's Law, California becomes the first state to require restaurants with more than 20 locations to disclose if items contain any of the top 9 allergens. Here's how the bill came together due to the concern of a local parent turned advocate...

The passing of Dick Cheney. Breaking news regarding New York's new mayor and California's Prop 50.

Baseball. No kings protest. Music.

Texas Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne has introduced legislation that would allow money used to fund protests to be tracked by the government. Victor Davis Hanson, a fellow at the Hoover Institution says that John Bolton has never denied the allegation that he has taken 1000s of classified documents.

Jimmy Kimmel. Sports. Baseball playoffs. The passing of Jane Goodall.

Charlie Kirk. People are getting fired from their jobs for comments about Charlie Kirk on social media.

More on Charlie Kirk and peoples responses on social media.

Governor Newsom announced that he is deploying CA Highway Patrol officers to major cities in order to crack down on crime. Kevin McCarthy believes that Jerome Powell is on his way out of the Federal Reserve. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser welcomes the National Guard into the district.

Legislators from both sides of the aisle talk about their strategies to either get a yes or a no vote on Prop 50. Border Czar Tom Homan vows to remove Kilmar Abrego Garcia from the US. Where did the money from the FireAid benefit concert go? It was intended to help the victims of the LA fires.

Governor Newsom claims that Prop 50 will be both transparent and temporary. CDC Director Susan Monarez has been fired in what RFK Jr. says is just the beginning of cleaning out the agency.

BC takes over today's show. Sac facts. Burning man.

Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan representative, says that the Democrat Party is ready for young new blood and bold ideas like those proposed by Zohran Mamdani a candidate for NY Mayor.

More on Evel Knievel. Your own little town.

Gary Dietrich joins the show. The State Fair. Music talk.

Investing in the stock market is an important function of creating wealth and balance in your retirement plans. This week host Jay King walks us through the pros and cons of speculating in the market to profit with low cost investments. The Jay King Show.

In this episode of the John McGinness Show, John discusses immigration raids, kids illegally exploring a pot farm, and ICE raid protests. Plus, Juhn brings on a very special guest, district attorney Vern Pierson, to discuss the ongoing case of Matthew Muller.

Media headlines. Do you feel proud to be American?

Carl Damaio says that California is headed towards a gas crises that could cause gas prices to go up to $8 a gallon. 

Host Cristina Mendonsa discusses the gas prices going up on July 1st, but no one knows how much, which leaves a question for all the listeners on if an unelected board should have the power to hit your wallet without clear answers or accountability? Anchor Mark Demksy brings you the latest on this week's conviction of Matthew Muller, and goes in depth on the Athletics' latest homestead. This is the 4th hour of the KFBK Morning News from June 20th, 2025.

The unrest in Los Angeles continues to grow as the city implements a curfew. President Trump has activated the National Guard and US Marines to quell the violence. Governor Newsom says the ICE raids are targeting working migrants not just criminals and that President Trump is escalating the violence.

The Sacramento City Council has moved forward on the Railyards development project with the unanimous approved a new soccer stadium.

Gary Dietrich joins the show to talk about President Trump's rising favorability when it comes to immigration. The legal battles between Governor Newsom and President Trump may be headed to the Supreme Court.

In this episode of the Pat Walsh Show, Pat covers the hot topic of the Trump vs. Musk quarrel and engages with callers who share their opinions on the matter.

Can AI speed up aspects of the scientific process? Microsoft thinks so. At its recent Build Conference, the company announced Microsoft Discovery, an AI that discovered a new chemical in 200 hours instead of years. Lisa Martin joins us to share more about this breakthrough technology.

U.S. Energy Secretary, Chris Wright — along with OpenAI co-founder and president Greg Brockman — recently hosted an event across 9 U.S. national laboratories with the goal that America continues to lead the world when it comes to artificial intelligence. KFBK's Mark Demsky with more.

The growing struggle many older adults face to maintain their homes is a crucial, but often overlooked, aspect of senior health care. KFBK's Mark Demsky explains. Get involved here: jbbrownfund.org

With AI developing rapidly and becoming more integrated into our society's foundational functions it has started to beg the question - how and when can AI aid in speeding up processes at the federal governmental level? Our tech expert Lisa Martin is here to speak about and how the FDA might be looking to use AI in the drug approval process.

Stress is not only common -- but often times it is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it is our jobs, our finances — maybe what our kids are going through — the first part of stress management -- according to Dr. Nicole Stetler with Blue Shield of California is understanding our minds capacity.

Charlie Barret was an accomplished California rock climber and guidebook author, revered in the rock climbing world. But he also had a dark side... Ryan Martinez is community outreach for an event called "Never Solo" which will raise awareness about sexual violence in the climbing community and beyond.

You may not be aware of it – but several big health breakthroughs were announced this past week. Futurist Kevin Cirilli is giving us the details on these medical breakthroughs.