Host Cristina Mendonsa discusses an intriguing Talkback clip: State Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares, Republican, says California’s Democratic supermajority has spent years telling refineries and oil companies, “We don’t want you here.” She says they listened and left or are leaving. Now she warns the state may pay a catastrophic price for those environmental policies that pushed energy producers out. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest on Blizzard conditions in the remote Sierra Nevada backcountry -- near Truckee -- are hindering the recovery of eight skiers who died in an avalanche of snow. This is the second hour of KFBK morning news from February 19th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa asks the listeners a question regarding a talkback clip on AI pioneer Yann LeCun saying artificial intelligence will not replace doctors - because medicine isn’t just about data. It’s about residency training, physically examining a patient, recognizing subtle differences after seeing thousands of cases, and using sensory perception that goes far beyond text on a screen.. Asking the question:If AI can read millions of medical studies in seconds, but can’t feel a pulse or see fear in your eyes - which matters more when your life is on the line? Anchor Mark Demsky gives listeners the latest on the city of Malibu -- is suing California -- and the city and county of Los Angeles -- over the Palisades Fire. This is the fourth hour of KFBK morning news from February 19th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa introduces a talkback clip where this weekend, the president holds his governors meeting and Governor Gavin Newsom will be there. Who will be there next year for California? The latest poll in California shows republican Steve Hilton in the lead right now. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest news on E. & J. Gallo Winery has announced it will close its Ranch Winery in St. Helena -- and lay off nearly 100 workers across multiple California facilities. This is the third hour of KFBK morning news from February 19th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa discusses an intriguing Talkback clip: Democratic megadonor John Morgan says Gavin Newsom looks great on paper - but his confrontational style and what Morgan calls “wokeness” could sink him nationally. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest on the search continues for nine skiers missing after an avalanche at a popular backcountry skiing area near Truckee, California. This is the first hour of KFBK morning news from February 18th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa discusses an intriguing Talkback clip: Best-selling author David Baldacci - who’s written more than 50 novels - says AI isn’t just coming for writers’ jobs… it could bankrupt publishing companies and flood the market with books no one actually wants to read. Amazon has already limited how many books a single author can upload in a day because of AI volume. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest on Honeybee detectives helping out California's almond growers. This is the second hour of KFBK morning news from February 18th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa asks the listeners a question regarding a talkback clip on Florida where the offers teachers a $3,000 bonus to complete its “Civics Seal of Excellence” - a state-run training program designed to strengthen civics and government instruction in K-12 classrooms. Governor Ron DeSantis says it’s about improving civic literacy and making sure students understand the Constitution and how government works. Asking the question: Should states incentivize teachers to take civics training like this? And who decides what “good” civics education actually looks like? Anchor Mark Demsky gives listeners the latest news segment of Sacramento in Progress involving Downtown Sacramento and their new partnership set to roll out its new 10‑year strategic vision at the State of Downtown breakfast in less than a week This is the fourth hour of KFBK morning news from February 18th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa introduces a talkback clip where RFK Jr. is pushing the FDA to overhaul something called the GRAS system - “Generally Recognized As Safe” - which allows food companies to determine the safety of certain ingredients without mandatory FDA approval. Secretary Kennedy argues that this loophole has fueled the rise of highly processed, addictive foods contributing to obesity. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest news on Two West Hollywood City Council members -- are demanding that Casey Wasserman step down as head of the Los Angeles Olympic organizing committee. This is the third hour of KFBK morning news from February 18th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa discusses an intriguing Talkback clip: Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith says he’s considering a run for president and was recently asked whether racism would affect a national campaign. His response? He believes most voters today are more focused on their own economic and personal concerns - and that racism, while still present, has largely given way to ambivalence. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest on a deadly shooting at an ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island -- during a high school hockey game. This is the first hour of KFBK morning news from February 17th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa discusses an intriguing Talkback clip: As Governor Gavin Newsom continues raising his national profile ahead of 2028, California Congressman Kevin Kiley, a Republican, says Newsom’s campaign is “over before it starts.” Kiley points to a series of non-partisan audits of California government agencies that have uncovered what he calls massive fraud, waste, and mismanagement - and he’s now calling for deeper investigations into programs overseen by the governor. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest on the partial government shutdown that is proving to be -- a real burden for thousands of workers in the Department of Homeland Security. This is the second hour of KFBK morning news from February 17th, 2026