Sacramento Kings trade longtime point guard De’Aaron Fox. Also, the consequences of not teaching cursive in schools. Finally, a CapRadio goodbye to the SacramenKnow newsletter’s Clarie Morgan. 

Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox Trade

Rumors swirled and it’s now official. A longtime player of the Sacramento Kings is officially gone. De’Aaron Fox has been traded to the San Antonio Spurs. The star point guard has been with the Kings for eight years and in a post on social media said in part, “Coming in as a 19-year-old kid and leaving as a 27-year-old man, I'm grateful I got to spend the beginning of my young adulthood here. The love for the city is unmatched.” ABC10 Sports Reporter Matt George, who hosts the Locked on Kings podcast, talks about what’s next for the Kings this season.

Losing Cursive in Schools

Cursive writing began to fade away in K-12 education in 2010, back when Common Core began to focus more on keyboard skills for students. California recently passed a law requiring cursive instruction during first through sixth grade. But historians are worried that an entire generation cannot read or interpret historical documents, which are often written in cursive script. Sacramento State Archivist and instructor Julie Thomas joins Insight to talk about the threat to learning factual information about the past, and the value of reintroducing it in the classroom.

Farewell to SacramenKnow’s Claire Morgan

Almost two years ago, CapRadio debuted its signature SacramenKnow newsletter, bringing readers closer to community events, “local legends,” and unique stories throughout the Sacramento region twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Today, we bid farewell to the newsletter’s co-creator. CapRadio Assignment Manager Claire Morgan takes a trip down memory lane to talk about how she developed SacramenKnow’s style and voice, and reminisces about some of her most memorable moments.

An update on winter storms across Northern California. Also, a queer-owned book and coffee shop in Elk Grove called “A Seat at the Table.” Finally, drag queen Sasha Velour. 

Winter Storm Forecast

After a dry start to the year, a powerful mix of snow and rain moved across our area this weekend - including a flood watch across the Sacramento Valley and the Delta, coupled with a winter weather advisory in the Cascades and the Sierra. And that’s just the first of back-to-back systems in the span of a week. FOX40 Chief Meteorologist Adam Epstein joins Insight with precipitation totals and the latest on the conditions.

Queer-Owned Bookstore ‘A Seat at the Table’

For the past several years, A Seat at the Table Books in Elk Grove has been offering an inclusive and safe space for the queer community in the Sacramento region. Last month, the queer-owned book and coffee shop also experienced harassment after a protestor showed up to a Drag Storytime event. Owner Emily Autenrieth, and Jonathan Lopez, a youth outreach coordinator and author who performs as the drag queen Hellen Heels, talk about the importance of queer-friendly spaces for the larger community.

Drag Queen Sasha Velour

If you’re a fan of drag or reality TV or fabulous personalities, you’ve no doubt come across Sasha Velour. The scene stealer won season nine of Rupaul’s Drag Race in 2017. She’s also been chronicling the power, beauty and purpose of drag - along with her partner Johnny Velour - through Velour, the Drag Magazine since 2014. In 2023, she released her memoir “The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag” and is now touring with her stage show. She joins us today to  talk about the colorful history of drag and her role documenting it ahead of her event The Big Reveal: Why Drag Matters Now and Forever at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 at the Mondavi Center in Davis.
The Mondavi Center is a financial supporter of CapRadio.

Why investor-owned California utilities include profits for shareholders in electricity bills. Also, how the state’s wine industry is responding to new alcohol guidelines. Finally, the philosophy and vibe behind Sacramento’s “Butterscotch Den.”

CA Electricity Bills Include Profits for Shareholders

CalMatters Business Reporter Malena Carollo shares her recent reporting explaining one reason behind California’s electricity bills - a baked-in profit for shareholders. Called a “return on equity,” the amount is meant to compensate investor-owned utilities, like PG&E, for the risk of doing business. It pays back shareholders for their investment in the companies and helps utilities maintain a higher credit rating to attract better loan rates for future projects. 
CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state.

How the Wine Industry is Responding to New Alcohol Guidelines

A modern trend to start the new year is “Dry January,” when people abstain from drinking alcohol as a way to feel healthier and save money. This idea has gained steam in recent years, as the effects of alcohol on the body have received increasing attention from health officials. Insight’s wine expert Rick Kushman talks about the changing attitudes and nuances toward drinking, as well as how California’s wine industry is shifting to meet these tastes.

The Escapism of ‘Butterscotch Den’

For the past several years, a lounge in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood has offered visitors a form of escapism to the 1960s and 70s - grilling their own steaks, enjoying a cocktail and listening to local live music. Lindsay Nader and Trevor Easter are the owners of Butterscotch Den and join Insight to talk about the philosophy behind the restaurant’s vibe.

How President Trump’s executive orders impact California water. Also, a conversation with Congressman Ami Bera. Finally, the Pulitzer-Prize winning play “English” at Capital Stage.

Executive Orders and California Water

In his first two weeks in office, President Donald Trump has taken several actions that could have major impacts on how California manages its water supply. A presidential action issued on Inauguration Day would shift more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Southern California and the Central Valley. And over the weekend, President Trump issued an executive order that would allow the federal government to bypass state water laws and environmental regulation. Jeffrey Mount is a Senior Fellow with the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California and joins Insight to talk about the impact and feasibility of these federal actions.

Congressman Ami Bera

Congressman Ami Bera is back in his district. The Democrat represents the northern part of Sacramento County and has been in Congress for more than a decade, spanning four presidents - including President Trump twice. Rep. Bera discussed how a second Trump presidency is shaping the work he does here at home and in D.C.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play ‘English’ at Capital Stage

Another Pulitzer Prize-winning play is making its Sacramento premiere at Capital Stage in Sacramento. English, written by Sanaz Toossi, is the 2023 Pulitzer Prize Winning Play for Drama. It’s about four Iranians who come together three times a week to learn English. But while embracing the possibility of a new language, they are also coming to terms with what they might lose in the process. We’ll learn more about the production from Director Torange Yeghiazarian and hear a short scene from actors Sofia Ahmad and Fatemeh Mehraban. English opens tonight and runs through March 2.

Gov. Newsom’s first-in-the-nation plan to produce cheaper insulin is behind schedule. Also, how President Trump’s immigration policy is impacting Sacramento and the Central Valley. Finally, the NPR Student Podcast Challenge is now underway.

CA Insulin Production Behind Schedule

It’s been almost five years since Governor Newsom first introduced a plan for California to produce cheaper insulin. The medication is vital for those with diabetes and the costs - even with insurance - have been difficult for many to pay. Newsom’s first-in-the-nation plan to partner with a drugmaker to produce cheaper insulin was one attempt to curb prices. It has yet to deliver. Kristen Hwang is a health reporter for CalMatters and she’s been following this story since it first developed. She joins us today to explain what the hold up is when it comes to insulin production in the state.
CalMatters is a nonprofit newsroom that partners with public media stations across the state. 

Immigration Enforcement in California

President Donald Trump delivered on his campaign promise to crack down on immigration, putting in place executive actions to close the border, shut down asylum protections, and potentially expel undocumented residents. We’ll learn how the initial days of the Trump Administration are impacting Sacramento and the Central Valley. KVPR Reporter Joshua Yeager shares his reporting on U.S. Border Patrol raids in the Central Valley ahead of President Trump’s inauguration. We’re also joined by Autumn Gonzalez, a volunteer attorney with NorCal Resist, a Sacramento-based nonprofit organization focused on mutual aid, community resources, and immigration justice. And Jessie Mabry is the CEO of Opening Doors, a nonprofit that supports immigrants, refugees, and survivors of trafficking. 

NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge

It’s time to become a podcast nerd. That is if you’re a kid between fourth and 12th grade. The 2025 NPR Student Podcast Challenge is now underway, with all submissions due by May 2. Steve Drummond and Janet Woojeong Lee are the editor and producer behind this incredibly popular competition and they join us today to talk about why it happens and how young people get involved.

A conversation with new state Senator Christopher Cabaldon. Also, how President Trump’s gender and DEI policy changes will impact California. Finally, Placer County uses birds of prey to address pest control at local parks.

New State Sen. Christopher Cabaldon

We are spending the first weeks of 2025 getting to know the new lawmakers representing our area. Today, State Senator Christopher Cabaldon joins Insight. The Democrat was West Sacramento’s mayor for two decades. We’ll learn about his priorities in office - with a district that spans Yolo County, the Delta, Sacramento Valley and Wine Country.

Gender and DEI Under President Trump

Today, we’re going to dive into President Donald Trump’s executive order surrounding gender, and that the federal government will only recognize sexes assigned at birth - male and female. Under the Biden Administration, a person could select their gender identity on federal documents, like passports and social security cards - even allowing people to select “X” if someone uses they/them pronouns, for example. Under the Trump Administration, that comes to an end. However states like California still allow gender identity in state documents, like a driver’s license. We’re going to spend time understanding how this impacts trans and nonbinary people in our community. Joining Insight is CapRadio Reporter Srishti Prabha, who uses they/them pronouns, Alexis Sanchez, Director of Advocacy and Training at the Sacramento LGBT Center, and Larry Levine, the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, who will also weigh in on Trump’s executive actions rolling back federal DEI policies.

Placer County’s Raptor Pest Solution

Placer County started a new natural pest control program at some of its local parks. The county set up raptor perches at Doyle Ranch Park and Glenn Willow Park in Roseville for birds of prey to hunt voles, and keep them from causing property damage. Matt Williams is the Trails and Open Spaces Supervisor for Placer County, and he talks about this environmentally-friendly way to keep local wildlife at bay.

Why former Sacramento City Manager Howard Chan returned after resigning. Also, KCRA’s extended version of its Holocaust documentary “Always Remember Your Name.” Finally, the monthly storytelling series “In A Nutshell” launches at The SOFIA.

Former City Manager Howard Chan Returns

Earlier this month the Sacramento City Council appointed Leyne Milstein to serve as the interim city manager after Howard Chan - who drew criticism, in part, due to a high salary - resigned from the position after the city council voted not to extend his contract. However, just hours after the City Council approved Milstein’s contract, Chan announced that he’d be starting a new position - special advisor to the city manager, with a similar salary. CapRadio reporters Tony Rodriguez and Gerardo Zavala join Insight to explain how this was possible, as the City Council continues its nationwide search for a permanent replacement.

Holocaust Documentary ‘Always Remember Your Name’

Monday marks a powerful milestone during the Holocaust. Jan. 27 is the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. It is the site where more than one million people were murdered - most of whom were Jewish. In honor of this moment in history, KCRA will be airing an extended version of its documentary Always Remember Your Name which chronicles the life of a Holocaust survivor who now calls Sacramento home. You can watch the 90 minute version on KCRA on Sunday Jan. 26 at 7pm and on MY58 on Monday Jan. 27 at 8pm. KCRA Anchor and reporter Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Special Projects Producer Dave Manoucheri, and Photojournalist Victor Nieto join us about bringing this documentary to life.

‘In A Nutshell’ Storytelling Series

Our need to tell stories can be traced back to ancient cave paintings. The best stories are engaging, entertaining and informative. A new show premiering Jan. 31 at The SOFIA Home of The B Street  in Sacramento aims to capture that magic live. In a Nutshell - Mostly True Stories is a monthly storytelling show hosted by comedian Keith Lowell Jensen, who is known for telling a pretty good tale himself. Jensen teamed up with fellow Sacramento writers Amy Bee and Aaron Carnes to curate a show featuring four different storytellers each month. Jensen joins us, along with Beau Ryder Davis, who has appeared on The Moth podcast (you can listen here) to talk about why stories are so important to the human experience.

Small rural schools are battling for a federal crucial funding source for rural schools that was stalled by the Congress. Also, CapRadio Education Reporter Srishti Prabha joins us for Insight’s monthly “Chalk Talk.” Finally, the Sacramento History Museum’s TikTok fame.

Congress Slashes Rural Ed Funding

Small rural schools in California and across the nation may have to make do with far less money this year. A funding source that has been a lifeline for more than a century was eliminated by Republican lawmakers in Congress, and its future remains in limbo. Carolyn Jones is the K-12 education reporter for the nonprofit newsroom CalMatters and joins Insight to discuss the consequences to cuts to the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which has been approved almost continuously since 1908.   

CalMatters partners with public media stations across the state.

‘Chalk Talk’ with Srishti Prabha

CapRadio Education Reporter Srishti Prabha joins us for Insight’s monthly Chalk Talk discussing the mental health of students following natural disasters, number crunching the latest state budget proposal and how public education fits in, as well as breaking down the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) that is being challenged as not benefitting the students it’s meant to serve.

Sac History Museum’s TikTok Fame

A Sacramento museum has become a TikTok sensation, introducing millions of viewers to history and old-fashioned printing with Howard the Printer. Jared Jones is the Social Media Manager for the Sacramento History Museum and talks about how their social media fame started during the pandemic, what the impact has been on visitors and fans, and how they responded to TikTok’s brief shutdown and subsequent return.

How President Trump’s first executive orders will impact California. Also, the wide ranging impact of wildfires on Latino communities in the state. Finally, AcademySTAY is a new Sacramento space for young adults who have aged out of foster care.

Inauguration Through a California Lens

It’s official. President Donald Trump was sworn into office, and during his inauguration made promises that can change the national framework. Dustin Gardiner is co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and joins us with the early decisions that can impact the Golden State. Kevin Johnson is a Professor of Law and Chicanx Studies at UC Davis and explains what California can expect of President Trump’s policy changes and response to immigration. 

Wildfire Impact on Latino Communities

The wildfires in Los Angeles County have had wide-ranging economic and social impacts on the surrounding area, where nearly half of residents identify as Latino according to the latest census data. Dr. Michael Méndez is an assistant professor of Environmental Policy and Urban Planning at UC Irvine who has studied the impact of disasters on Latino communities. He joins Insight to talk about the wildfires can exacerbate vulnerabilities that face LA’s largest ethnic group, and what rebuilding after this disaster could look like.
Dr. Mendez is affiliated with the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute, which recently released a report on the impact of wildfires on Latino communities.

New Space for Transitional Foster Youth

Children in foster care are at high risk of falling into homelessness once they age out of the system. A new nonprofit is not only providing housing but offering financial education, mental health counseling and mentorship. Jenny Davidson is the founder and CEO of AcademySTAY and explains how they are helping foster youth transition into independent adults.
AcademySTAY is a financial supporter of CapRadio.

Local Jewish and Palestinian-Americans respond to a potential ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas. Also, a feline behavior scientist's new book, “Play with your Cat!” Finally, jazz-hip hop fusion band Lab Rats hosts wildfire benefit shows.

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

This week marked a major breakthrough in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Yesterday, the U.S. announced a ceasefire had been reached, and with it, carried the hope that Israeli hostages held since Oct. 7, 2023 would be released and that 15 months of fighting in Gaza, that has claimed at least 45,000 Palestinians, would come to an end. But roughly 24 hours later, that ceasefire is in limbo. As of this morning, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed a vote on a peace deal, which was scheduled to take effect on Sunday. As international politics play out, there are Jewish and Palestinian communities here at home who are hanging on to each development. We are going to listen to some of them today. Here on Insight, we create a space to listen to the diverse voices and viewpoints in our community. We want to acknowledge that while our guests are part of a larger conversation, they do not represent all the viewpoints that are taking place. First we are joined by Dan Weitzman, a current board member of the Shalom School and recent board member for the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region. The second part of the conversation is with Dr. Yousef Khelfa. The Stockton-based hematologist oncologist is the co-founder of the Palestinian American Medical Association.

Book 'Play with Your Cat'

Roughly one in three U.S. households own a cat. But these popular pets are often misunderstood and that can create health and behavior problems. A cat behavior consultant in Sacramento has spent her career researching felines and poured what she learned into a fun, comprehensive guide. Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado is an animal behavior scientist and joins us with her book Play with your Cat! which is described as a fun, comprehensive guide to the key to feline happiness.

Lab Rats Wildfire Concert

Sacramento’s LabRats are dedicated to making good music and a positive difference in our community. The versatile jazz-hip hop fusion band hosts Sunday Sessions, a weekly event where musicians and creatives can come together to perform, support each other and give back. The band chooses a different charitable cause to support each month and the next few sessions will be devoted to raising money to help the victims of the wildfires in Los Angeles. Jacob Swedlow joins us in the studio to explain why this is an important part of the band’s mission. We’ll also hear some music recorded at CapRadio.

Sunday Sessions is from 8 to 11 p.m. Sundays at The Torch Club, 904 15th St., Sacramento.