Mark Larson is in for the Sheriff today, tackling the back-and-forth on a potential U.S.-Iran peace deal, diving into patriotism in America, and chatting with journalist Miranda Devine.

Today, John gets into voting in California and hears directly from listeners, then catches up with Steve Hilton about winning the second spot in the race for governor.

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.