Host Cristina Mendonsa introduces a talkback clip: Bill Maher says older generations grew up believing “America is good,” while kids today are often taught the country is fundamentally flawed-and Peggy Noonan warns that lack of optimism especially hurts kids from difficult backgrounds. Anchor Bethany Crouch brings us the latest news with California legislators of both parties are pushing forward a measure to ban the use of smartphones in schools. This is the second hour of KFBK morning news from April 17th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa brings the listeners a Talkback clip to think about: Assemblywoman Mia Bonta is backing a bill to pay for taxpayer provided legal services for those here illegally-but when Assemblyman David Tangipa pressed whether that includes people accused of serious crimes, the answer was reluctantly....yes. Leaving questions for the listeners: This is Assembly bill 2600. Should taxpayer-funded legal aid have limits, or is everyone entitled to that support regardless of the charges? Anchor Bethany Crouch gives listeners the latest on more than 40 thousand University of California workers, including custodians, food service staff, and healthcare employees, who may go on strike next month. This is the fourth hour of KFBK morning news from April 17th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa discusses an intriguing Talkback clip this hour: Political analyst Mark Halperin says Tom Steyer has big money, a strong climate message, and grassroots support-but still isn’t breaking through with voters…in a way that gets him a guaranteed win. Anchor Bethany Crouch brings us the latest news as parents, school leaders and law enforcement are pushing for more school resource officers after last week’s deadly shooting at Natomas High School. This is the third hour of KFBK morning news from April 17th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa discusses an intriguing Talkback clip: Orange County Columnist Susan Shelley says Los Angeles County is seeing an all-time high in flea-borne typhus-a disease she calls “medieval.” She argues it’s the result of failed policies, pointing to homeless encampments, illegal dumping, and a growing rat population. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest on The Federal Trade Commission is reporting -- identity theft was the largest scam of 2025 -- as nationwide fraud reached more than 15-Billion dollars. To help with that -- Governor Newsom saying -- the Golden State is now stepping up its fight against fraud -- by strengthening security at the DMV. This is the first hour of KFBK morning news from April 16th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa introduces a talkback clip: Author Robert Greene says its boredom-not stress-that will kill you...and that pressure and deadlines can actually sharpen you and make life feel meaningful. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest news with a teacher suing the Sacramento City Unified School District. This is the second hour of KFBK morning news from April 16th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa brings the listeners a Talkback clip to think about: Anthropic says its new model “Mythos” was so powerful it couldn’t be released-after it taught itself to find hidden software flaws, chain cyberattacks together and even break out of its own containment… raising fears it could target critical systems like power grids and banks. Leaving questions for the listeners: so does this feel like a real turning point for AI risk, or a manageable next step? Anchor Mark Demsky gives listeners the latest ON Violence -- tied to the debate -- over artificial intelligence -- is raising new concerns across the country. This is the fourth hour of KFBK morning news from April 16th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa discusses an intriguing Talkback clip this hour: Political analyst Mark Halperin says Tom Steyer has big money, a strong climate message, and grassroots support-but still isn’t breaking through with voters…in a way that gets him a guaranteed win. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest news as Iran will take part in this summer's World Cup in the U.S. This is the third hour of KFBK morning news from April 15th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa discusses an intriguing Talkback clip: Orange County Columnist Susan Shelley says Los Angeles County is seeing an all-time high in flea-borne typhus-a disease she calls “medieval.” She argues it’s the result of failed policies, pointing to homeless encampments, illegal dumping, and a growing rat population. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest on California lawmakers are considering new legislation that could change how the state handles serious crimes committed by minors. This is the first hour of KFBK morning news from April 15th, 2026

Host Cristina Mendonsa introduces a talkback clip: As the race for California governor heats up, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is making waves-not because he’s leading in the polls, but because of what he’s saying. Villaraigosa argues California doesn’t need more finger-pointing at Washington-it needs a “course correction” from within. Anchor Mark Demsky brings us the latest news with the Vallejo City Council has approved a temporary agreement tied to a controversial casino project after hours of intense public debate. This is the second hour of KFBK morning news from April 15th, 2026