Financial literacy is making a comeback in Southern California classrooms, and the Golden State will soon require high-school students to take personal finance courses to graduate — turns out framing math around money gets kids hooked. Meanwhile, school lunch prices are climbing: Bread up about 3%, fruit around 5%, plus pricier bologna, peanut butter and juice, so parents are turning to AI for cheaper lunch hacks.  

It was 49 years ago today that Elvis Presley died at 42, and a viral video is making the rounds about how access to grandma’s house can make you feel rich in this affordability crisis. Lou notes that the wealthy teach their kids financial literacy, poorer families teach them not to waste money, while the middle class often gets neither — and he argues against inheritance taxes since heirs tend to blow it anyway. British thinker Rory Sutherland also weighed in on how the double-income household went from optional in the 1960s to basically mandatory. 

Financial literacy is making a comeback in Southern California classrooms, and&nbsp;the Golden State&nbsp;will soon require high-school students to take personal finance courses to graduate &mdash; turns out framing math around money gets kids hooked. Meanwhile, school lunch prices are&nbsp;climbing:&nbsp;Bread up about 3%, fruit around 5%, plus pricier bologna, peanut&nbsp;butter&nbsp;and juice, so parents are turning to AI for cheaper lunch hacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;
It was 49 years ago today that Elvis Presley died at 42, and a viral video is making the rounds about how access to grandma&rsquo;s house can make you feel rich in this affordability crisis. Lou notes that the wealthy teach their kids financial&nbsp;literacy,&nbsp;poorer families teach them not to waste money, while the middle class often gets neither &mdash;&nbsp;and&nbsp;he argues against inheritance taxes since heirs tend to blow it anyway. British thinker Rory Sutherland also weighed in on how the double-income household went from optional in the 1960s to&nbsp;basically mandatory.&nbsp;

What’s On the School Menu: Financial Literacy or Bologna?

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It’s called a “sleep divorce” — when perfectly happy married couples ditch the shared bed and sleep in separate bedrooms over snoring, light sleeping, or one partner running too hot under the covers, and the trend is catching on.  

Meanwhile, people are begging hotels to slap QR codes on the nightstands so guests can tip housekeepers, room service, and valet staff since almost no one carries cash anymore — but Lou still says cash is king on vacation.  

Stevie Nicks, the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice (Fleetwood Mac and solo), opened up on a podcast about meeting her idol Janis Joplin as a young singer at a San Francisco festival — and it did not go well. 

Lou’s also peeved that Big Bear, where he Airbnbs his cabin, won’t get even a single feather from the late famous bald eagle Jackie, while McDonald’s sales keep sliding — and it might not just be the economy, but the chain overcomplicating its menu with endless new launches. 

It&rsquo;s called a &ldquo;sleep divorce&rdquo; &mdash; when perfectly happy&nbsp;married&nbsp;couples ditch the shared bed and sleep in separate bedrooms over snoring, light sleeping, or one partner running too hot under the covers, and the trend is catching on.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Meanwhile, people are begging hotels to slap QR codes on the nightstands so guests can tip housekeepers, room service, and valet staff since almost no one carries cash anymore &mdash; but Lou still says cash is king on vacation.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Stevie Nicks, the first woman inducted into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame twice (Fleetwood Mac and solo), opened up on a podcast about meeting her idol Janis Joplin as a young singer at a San Francisco festival&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;and it did&nbsp;not&nbsp;go well.&nbsp;
Lou&rsquo;s also peeved that Big Bear, where he Airbnbs his cabin, won&rsquo;t get even a single feather from the late famous bald eagle Jackie, while McDonald&rsquo;s sales keep sliding &mdash; and it might not just be the economy, but the chain overcomplicating its menu with endless new launches.&nbsp;

Hey Snorer, Be Like the Costanza’s and Try Out That Sleep Divorce!

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Jackie’s remains will head to the National Eagle Repository to be distributed to enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes for religious and cultural purposes — but the Big Bear community where she lived gets nothing. Animal communicator Lori Cowen claims she spoke with Jackie’s partner Shadow (who may already have a new romantic bird interest) before Jackie’s death, and later had a similar conversation with Jackie herself while she was at the Ojai Raptor Center.  

Listeners are split on whether Lori is completely cuckoo or just cleverly monetizing the emotions people feel toward beloved animals. Lou, for his part, does not want Jackie taxidermized, and the hour revisits the teary end of Lori’s chat with Jackie, who reportedly gave permission to share the conversation knowing there’d be plenty of unfriendly comments. Finally, 7UP is changing its formula to be more lime-forward than lemony — which Lou points out will only make it even better in a margarita. 

Jackie&rsquo;s remains will head to the National Eagle Repository to be distributed to enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes for religious and cultural purposes &mdash; but the Big Bear community where she lived gets nothing. Animal communicator Lori Cowen claims she spoke with Jackie&rsquo;s partner Shadow (who may already have a new romantic bird interest) before Jackie&rsquo;s death, and later had a similar conversation with Jackie herself while she was at the Ojai Raptor Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Listeners are split on whether Lori is completely cuckoo or just cleverly monetizing the emotions people feel toward beloved animals. Lou, for his part, does not want Jackie&nbsp;taxidermized, and the hour revisits the teary end of Lori&rsquo;s chat with Jackie, who&nbsp;reportedly gave&nbsp;permission to share the conversation knowing&nbsp;there&rsquo;d&nbsp;be plenty of unfriendly comments. Finally, 7UP is changing its formula to be more lime-forward than lemony &mdash; which Lou points out will only make it even better in a margarita.&nbsp;

‘Our Instincts Overpower Our Emotions’ – Shadow the Bald Eagle, 2026. Apparently

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Back-to-school shopping is already in full swing in early August, and Lou is not alone in wondering when September stopped being the start of the school year. Some Arizona kids reported back as early as July 15. Meanwhile, LAUSD is rolling out a new lunch menu this year that looks award-worthy on paper — Lou reads it out and delivers his official verdict.  

Grocery prices have jumped about 30% over the past five years, leaving shoppers in sticker shock. Coffee and eggs have cooled off, but produce is still through the roof, and more people are putting food on credit cards or dipping into savings just to eat.  

In insurance news, single Californians are still paying higher car rates than married ones after the state Supreme Court upheld the practice. And in earthquake news that’s a little too close for comfort, stress on the San Andreas Fault is now higher than it’s been in a thousand years. Are we ready for the Big One? 

Back-to-school shopping is already in full swing in early August, and Lou is not alone in wondering when September stopped being the start of the school year. Some Arizona kids reported back as early as July 15. Meanwhile, LAUSD is rolling out a new lunch menu this year that looks award-worthy on paper &mdash; Lou reads it out and delivers his official verdict.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Grocery prices have jumped about 30% over the past five years, leaving shoppers in sticker shock. Coffee and eggs have cooled off, but produce is still through the roof, and more people are putting food on credit cards or dipping into savings just to eat.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In insurance news, single Californians are still paying higher car rates than married ones after the state Supreme Court upheld the practice. And in earthquake news&nbsp;that&rsquo;s&nbsp;a little too close for comfort, stress on the San Andreas Fault is now higher than&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;been in a thousand years. Are we ready for the Big One?&nbsp;

The Booty Call is Upstairs, And That’s Why Marrieds Pay Less For Car Insurance

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People are falling in love with their AI companions, and Lou predicts that human-robot marriage is coming — and it’ll eventually land in the Supreme Court. China is already cracking down on AI boyfriends and girlfriends to fight loneliness and emotional dependence on chatbots.  

Daily cannabis use has now officially overtaken daily alcohol consumption in the US, but with so many Southern Californians on GLP-1s, will the weight-loss drugs put a dent in local weed sales? Speaking of herbal highs, a woman offered Lou a toke of coca leaves this week — that’s proto-cocaine, people.  

It’s peak ice cream season, but the fancy gelato shops have gone so over-the-top with creative flavor names that lines are out the door while everyone demands a taste before committing. Whatever happened to simple bubblegum from Baskin-Robbins?  

Finally, genetically modified hypoallergenic dogs are becoming a real thing for allergy sufferers. 

People are falling in love with their AI companions, and Lou predicts that human-robot marriage is coming &mdash; and it&rsquo;ll eventually land in the Supreme Court. China is already cracking down on AI boyfriends and girlfriends to fight loneliness and emotional dependence on chatbots.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Daily cannabis use has now officially overtaken daily alcohol consumption in the US, but with so many Southern Californians on GLP-1s, will the weight-loss drugs put a dent in local weed sales? Speaking of herbal highs, a woman offered Lou a toke of coca leaves this week &mdash; that&rsquo;s proto-cocaine, people.&nbsp;&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s peak ice cream season, but the fancy gelato shops have gone so over-the-top with creative flavor names that lines are out the door while everyone demands a taste before committing. Whatever happened to simple bubblegum from Baskin-Robbins?&nbsp;&nbsp;
Finally, genetically modified hypoallergenic dogs are becoming a real thing for allergy sufferers.&nbsp;

It’s Ice Cream Season! Bad for the GLP-1s, Great for Cannabis Consumers

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Even when money’s tight, some things are still worth the splurge. Financial expert Rachel Cruze says she’ll always pay for Instacart and Costco runs, airport valet, quality jewelry she can pass down, a solid financial team, and a good face serum. Lou’s personal luxury list? A top-tier washer and dryer, high-end vodka, and expensive bedding.  

After Taco Bell’s shredded-lettuce disaster, Chipotle and Qdoba are now dealing with a salmonella outbreak tied to tainted jalapeños linked to a California distributor that imported them from Mexico — the illness has already hit 27 states.  

In South Florida, C.L.A.S.S. Soiree Steakhouse is offering a private dining experience with one strict rule: you have to be naked. Listeners immediately want to know how they sanitize the seats. And Lou reminds everyone that the old Palm Springs Suns minor-league team used to welcome nudists to the ballpark — because that’s just how they do it in the desert. 

Even when money&rsquo;s tight, some things are still worth the splurge. Financial expert Rachel Cruze says she&rsquo;ll always pay for Instacart and Costco runs, airport valet, quality jewelry she can pass down, a solid financial team, and a good face serum. Lou&rsquo;s personal luxury list? A top-tier washer and dryer, high-end vodka, and expensive bedding.&nbsp;&nbsp;
After Taco Bell&rsquo;s shredded-lettuce disaster, Chipotle and Qdoba are now dealing with a salmonella outbreak tied to tainted jalape&ntilde;os linked to a California distributor that imported them from Mexico &mdash; the illness has already hit 27 states.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In South Florida, C.L.A.S.S. Soiree Steakhouse is offering a private dining experience with one strict rule: you&nbsp;have to&nbsp;be naked. Listeners&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;want to know how they sanitize the seats. And Lou reminds everyone that the old Palm Springs Suns minor-league team used to welcome nudists to the ballpark &mdash; because&nbsp;that&rsquo;s&nbsp;just how they do it in the desert.&nbsp;

How Do You Luxuriate, And Why Isn’t It Like Lou with His Beloved Washer and Dryer?

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They still can’t keep the kids from cliff-jumping at San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs. One teenager took a running leap this week, cracked his tailbone on the edge in an eyewatering wipeout, and the viral video hasn’t slowed anyone down — is this the new form of aura farming?  

Over in Santa Cruz, 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams pulled a 10-year-old boy from drowning, and the grateful dad is singing his praises. Ryder credits his training and fellow guards. Lou’s listeners jump in with their own lifesaving stories, including Ronald Reagan’s record of more than 70 saves as a young lifeguard, plus Lou’s own near-miss falling through the ice on New York’s Lake George as a kid.  

Meanwhile, while everyone else races toward AI, Chili’s is staying old-school — the chain tried robot servers, declared it a flop, and is doubling down on real people instead. 

They still&nbsp;can&rsquo;t&nbsp;keep the kids from cliff-jumping at San Diego&rsquo;s Sunset Cliffs. One teenager took a running leap this week, cracked his tailbone on the edge in an eyewatering wipeout, and the viral video&nbsp;hasn&rsquo;t&nbsp;slowed anyone down &mdash; is this the new form of aura farming?&nbsp;&nbsp;
Over in Santa Cruz, 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams pulled a 10-year-old boy from drowning, and the grateful&nbsp;dad&nbsp;is singing his praises. Ryder credits his training and fellow guards. Lou&rsquo;s listeners jump in with their own lifesaving stories, including Ronald Reagan&rsquo;s record of more than 70 saves as a young lifeguard, plus Lou&rsquo;s own near-miss falling through the ice on New York&rsquo;s Lake George as a kid.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Meanwhile, while everyone else races toward AI, Chili&rsquo;s is staying old-school &mdash; the chain tried robot servers, declared it a flop, and is doubling down on real people instead.&nbsp;

I Saw the Sign — And I Still Went Cliff Jumping Just So I Could Aura Farm!

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Best Foods (the folks behind Hellmann’s mayo) is running a summer campaign asking America to name its ultimate sandwich — and the regional opinions are flying. Is it a BLT? A turkey club? Grilled cheese? Bologna and cheese on Wonder Bread? Classic PB&J? Or the legendary leftover Thanksgiving sandwich? Bonus debate: If the turkey had been the national bird instead of the bald eagle, would we still be eating it so enthusiastically?  

In happier news, Minnesota seniors scored a big win. 82-year-old Anita LeBrun successfully fought for the “Grandparents Happy Hour” bill, so residents in assisted living can now legally enjoy a pinot grigio (or whatever they prefer) with friends. Cheers, Anita!  

MTV just marked its 45th anniversary, the network that turned the music video into an art form. And Carly Simon, 83, has shared a health update: she’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. One lingering question remains — did she really write “You’re So Vain” about Warren Beatty? 

Best Foods (the folks behind Hellmann&rsquo;s mayo) is running a summer campaign asking America to name its ultimate sandwich &mdash; and the regional opinions are flying. Is it a BLT? A turkey club? Grilled cheese? Bologna and cheese on Wonder Bread? Classic PB&amp;J? Or the legendary leftover Thanksgiving sandwich? Bonus debate:&nbsp;If the turkey had been the national bird instead of the bald eagle, would we still be eating it so enthusiastically?&nbsp;&nbsp;
In happier news, Minnesota seniors scored a big win. 82-year-old Anita LeBrun successfully fought for the &ldquo;Grandparents Happy Hour&rdquo; bill, so residents in assisted living can now legally enjoy a pinot grigio (or whatever they prefer) with friends. Cheers, Anita!&nbsp;&nbsp;
MTV just marked its 45th anniversary, the network that turned the music video into an art form. And Carly Simon, 83, has shared a health update:&nbsp;she&rsquo;s&nbsp;been diagnosed with Parkinson&rsquo;s disease. One lingering question&nbsp;remains&nbsp;&mdash; did she really write &ldquo;You&rsquo;re So Vain&rdquo; about Warren Beatty?&nbsp;

The Ultimate American Sandwich: A Debate, A Fight, A Saga

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Happy 45th birthday, MTV! The channel launched August 1, 1981, and Lou was there from the start, calling in requests and soaking up the golden age of music videos. His personal favorite? Mötley Crüe’s “Home Sweet Home,” with anything Van Halen running a close second. MTV also served up plenty of Pat Benatar and way too much “Video Killed the Radio Star.” And remember when Billy Squier’s super-artsy video allegedly sank his career overnight? 

Lou also revisits “The Real World” (how real was it once they kicked Puck out?) and shares the story of Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson tossing a guy who was harassing a woman at a show.  

It’s not just MTV’s birthday — “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” turned 55 this weekend, too.  

Taco Bell is still recovering from the shredded-lettuce parasite nightmare that caused explosive diarrhea and is fighting back with one-day $1 deals to boost sales. Lou then discusses the concept of “airport divorce” — splitting up at the terminal to avoid a pre-flight fight. Lou, ever the romantic, is not a fan. 

Happy 45th birthday, MTV! The channel launched August 1, 1981, and Lou was there from the start, calling in requests and soaking up the golden age of music videos. His personal favorite? M&ouml;tley Cr&uuml;e&rsquo;s &ldquo;Home Sweet Home,&rdquo; with anything Van Halen running a close second. MTV also served up plenty of Pat Benatar and way too much &ldquo;Video Killed the Radio Star.&rdquo; And remember when Billy Squier&rsquo;s super-artsy video allegedly sank his career overnight?&nbsp;
Lou also revisits&nbsp;&ldquo;The Real World&rdquo;&nbsp;(how real was it once they kicked Puck out?) and shares the story of Iron Maiden&rsquo;s Bruce Dickinson tossing a guy who was harassing a woman at a show.&nbsp;&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s not just MTV&rsquo;s birthday &mdash;&nbsp;&ldquo;The Sonny &amp; Cher Comedy Hour&rdquo;&nbsp;turned 55 this weekend,&nbsp;too.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Taco Bell is still recovering from the shredded-lettuce parasite nightmare that caused explosive diarrhea and is fighting back with one-day $1 deals to boost sales. Lou then&nbsp;discusses&nbsp;the concept of &ldquo;airport divorce&rdquo; &mdash; splitting up at the terminal to avoid a pre-flight fight. Lou, ever the romantic, is not a fan.&nbsp;

I Want My MTV — But Only If They Bring Back Puck on ‘The Real World’ 

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Comic-Con is going off in Lou’s hometown of San Diego. This year’s crowd feels different — more kids and families thanks to a new ticketing setup, plus tons of free outdoor events, including Green Day playing on top of an ice-cream van.  

Pickpocketing is spiking during events like San Diego Pride, with phones getting lifted left and right. One thief learned the hard way not to mess with the ladies at lesbian bar Gossip Grill.  

It’s shaping up to be a sharky summer as warmer waters off Santa Monica Pier push great whites closer to swimmers. Lou’s advice if you meet one face-to-face? Stare it down and punch it in the nose. Good news for Taco Bell fans — the shredded-lettuce diarrhea scare is over, and for one day only the classic ’70s Enchirito was back on the menu for a buck. And in political heat, California gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton traded an awkward slap over street tacos versus licensed Mexican restaurants. 

Comic-Con is going off in&nbsp;Lou&rsquo;s&nbsp;hometown of San Diego. This year&rsquo;s crowd feels different &mdash; more kids and families thanks to a new ticketing setup, plus tons of free outdoor events, including Green Day playing on top of an ice-cream van.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Pickpocketing is spiking during events like San Diego Pride, with phones getting lifted left and right. One thief learned the hard way not to mess with the ladies at lesbian bar Gossip Grill.&nbsp;&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s&nbsp;shaping up to be a sharky summer as warmer waters off Santa Monica Pier push great whites closer to swimmers. Lou&rsquo;s advice if you meet one face-to-face? Stare it down and punch it in the nose. Good news for Taco Bell fans &mdash; the shredded-lettuce diarrhea scare is over, and for one day only the classic &rsquo;70s&nbsp;Enchirito&nbsp;was back on the menu for a&nbsp;buck. And in political heat, California gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton traded an awkward slap over street tacos versus licensed Mexican restaurants.&nbsp;

Lines to Get in Line?! Say It Ain’t So, Comic-Con Nerds!

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Lou Penrose on KFI

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