President Joe Biden enters office with multiple challenges that no other president has faced in quite the same way, including an ongoing pandemic and a divided nation. On his first day in office, the President signed a number of executive orders, notably rejoining the Paris Climate Accord and reversing the Muslim travel ban. We look at some of the most pressing issues facing the country under President Biden, where the political parties stand, and Kamala Harris’ history-making day after being sworn in as Vice President. Today's Guests Ken Rudin's Political Junkie podcast host and long time political journalist Ken Rudin with his thoughts on how Inauguration Day unfolded  Republican Strategist and the Lincoln Project Co-Founder Mike Madrid shares his perspective on the new Biden Administration and how the Republican Party moves forward from here San Joaquin County Republican Party Chair Reverend Dwight Williams with a more conservative take on the GOP’s future and what he thinks of former President Trump’s final days in office  Democratic strategist Robin Swanson on how President Biden and Vice President Harris have kicked off their new administration and what that means for both the Democratic Party and California Santa Clara University Ethnic Studies Department Chair and Ethnic Studies & Political Science Professor Anna Sampaio on the significance of diversity in American politics, President Biden's cabinet, and Kamala Harris making history as Vice President 

Insight with Beth Ruyak

Inauguration Day Highlights, Joe Biden’s Presidential Agenda / Kamala Harris Makes History As Vice President

President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration will be like no other, taking place in the shadow of the pandemic and just two weeks after a violent insurrectionist mob stormed the U.S. Capitol; we talk about how COVID-19 and security concerns have shaped Inauguration Day. Plus, with reports that President Trump is preparing to issue around 100 pardons and commutations, we take a closer look at presidential pardons, how it works, and its use by modern presidents. Today's Guests CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd checks-in with an update from the California Capitol after the FBI warned of possible armed protests throughout the country and what we might see on Inauguration Day CapRadio Reno Reporter and Producer Bert Johnson explains the Proud Boys’ involvement in the Capitol insurrection that took place earlier this month Democratic Congresswoman Barbara Lee offers her take on the inauguration of Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President, along with the historic second impeachment of President Trump University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill History Professor Emeritus Richard Kohn on security preparations and what to expect in the U.S. Capitol and around the country ahead of, and on, Inauguration Day Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Professor of Law and Director of the Capital Center for Law & Policy at the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law Leslie Gielow Jacobs navigates the history of presidential pardons, its use by modern presidents, and President Trump’s use to this point 

Inauguration Day Security Concerns, Preparations / Conversation With Congresswoman Barbara Lee / Explaining Presidential Pardons

California has a new plan for COVID-19 vaccine distribution and another way to get in line; CapRadio’s Healthcare Reporter Sammy Caiola has details of the plan and how counties play a role. Transportation in all forms also continues to be significantly impacted by the pandemic, including the state’s high speed rail project; we get updates on what’s needed to save public transit amid COVID-19. Plus, what it’ll take to transition to all-electric vehicles after Governor Newsom set aside some $1.5 billion to help electric and hydrogen vehicles in the new state budget proposal. Today's Guests CapRadio Healthcare Reporter Sammy Caiola checks-in with updates on the plan for COVID-19 vaccine distribution in California, including a new way to get in line California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Brian Kelly updates the status of the state’s high-speed rail project, what to expect next, and answers some of the criticism the state’s largest infrastructure project in history has received over the years, including this week California Transit Association Executive Director Michael Pimentel explains how to save public transit following a major dip in ridership and revenue due to COVID-19 Politico California Transportation Reporter Debra Kahn checks-in with her reporting on the status of Zero-Emission Vehicles in the state Insight recorded parts of today's show on Wednesday but has new reporting from Sammy Caiola on California's vaccine distribution. Wednesday's episode is archived here. It was pre-recorded due to NPR's special coverage on the Trump impeachment. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution, Lifting Pandemic Lockdown / Updates On California High Speed Rail / Saving Public Transit, Zero Emissions Vehicles In State Budget

Transportation touches nearly every aspect of our lives, from the food you eat and the materials your home is made out of, to how you get to and from work. Transit in all forms continues to be significantly impacted by the pandemic, including California’s high-speed rail project. This comes as Governor Newsom releases his new state budget proposal, which has some $1.5 billion set aside to help electric and hydrogen vehicles. Today on Insight, what’s needed to save public transit amid the pandemic, what it’ll take to transition to all-electric vehicles, and a conversation with Hall-of-Fame Basketball Legend Bill Walton on license plates for cars that help bikes. Today's Guests California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Brian Kelly updates the status of the state’s high-speed rail project, what to expect next, and answers some of the criticism the state’s largest infrastructure project in history has received over the years, including this week California Transit Association Executive Director Michael Pimentel explains how to save public transit following a major dip in ridership and revenue due to COVID-19 Politico California Transportation Reporter Debra Kahn checks-in with her reporting on the status of Zero-Emission Vehicles in the state Hall-of-Fame Basketball Legend Bill Walton on his passion for bicycling and why he believes it’s important to launch a new state of California bicycle license plate 

Updates On California’s High-Speed Rail Project / Saving Public Transit Amid Pandemic, Zero Emissions Vehicles In CA Budget / New State License Plates Promoting Bikes

We’re eight days away from President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, and Democratic House members have submitted an article of impeachment against President Trump for “inciting violence against the Government of the United States.” The President could make history as the first to be impeached twice; we’ll explore the implications of the impeachment and California’s role in the process. Plus, after many took to the streets to protest police violence last year, we take a look at how the Black Lives Matter movement has evolved and what to expect in 2021. Many people of color are also often excluded from the environmental movement; the Wild and Scenic Film Festival will showcase a film on how they can be included in the conversation. Today's Guests The Sacramento Bee Reporter Sam Stanton checks-in on how the FBI and Sacramento-area law enforcement are preparing for possible violence at the state Capitol University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law Center for Law & Policy Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Professor of Law and Director Leslie Gielow Jacobs explains the impeachment process and what to expect as we get closer to inauguration day St. Louis University Behavioral Science and Health Education Associated Professor and Institute for Healing, Justice and Equity Co-founder Keon Gilbert discusses how the Black Lives Matter Movement has evolved over time and expectations for 2021 Wild and Scenic Film Festival Director Jess Swigonski on the festival going virtual to keep its viewers safe as we continue to navigate the pandemic "Barriers to Bridges" Filmmaker Robin Bean Crane talks about their film and why they chose to showcase the disparity in the environmental movement 

Implications Of Impeachment, Potential Violence At State Capitol / Black Lives Matter Evolution And 2021 Expectations / How To Include People Of Color In Environmental Movement

Gov. Gavin Newsom last week unveiled a record $227 billion state budget proposal to the California Legislature, a dramatic shift away from fears that the state would head off a financial cliff amid a surging pandemic; we navigate the new budget proposal, including where environmental spending stands as a new Legislative session begins. The Governor’s budget follows Secretary of State Alex Padilla's appointment, who will make history this month as the first Latino from California to serve in the U.S. Senate. Senator Designate Padilla joins the show with thoughts on the current state of California, his appointment, and more. Today's Guests CapRadio Politics Reporter and California State of Mind podcast co-host Nicole Nixon navigates the new state budget proposal as the new Legislative session begins CapRadio Environment Reporter Ezra David Romero checks-in on environmental spending as it pertains to the state budget proposal  U.S. Senator Designate for California and Secretary of State Alex Padilla discusses the current state of California, his plans for 2021 and appointment as the state’s newest Senator, and more POLITICO California Playbook co-writer Jeremy B. White with analysis of U.S. Senator Designate Alex Padilla’s interview and his historic appointment 

California State Budget Proposal Explainer, Environmental Spending / Conversation With U.S. Senator Designate Alex Padilla

Supporters of President Trump breached the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday as Congress debated objections over the electoral college results from the 2020 presidential election; we're joined by California members of Congress who were there when the mayhem broke out. We also take a look at what's next in the Trump Administration's remaining days and leading up to President-Elect Joe Biden's inauguration. Plus, what happened at the State Capitol yesterday after Pro-Trump supporters, Proud Boys and more showed up to protest the electoral college count. Today's Guests Democratic Rep. Ami Bera, Democratic Rep. John Garamendi and Democratic Rep. Josh Harder share their thoughts on Pro-Trump supporters storming the U.S. Capitol building Veteran Political Journalist and Ken Rudin's Political Junkie podcast host Ken Rudin on the breach of the U.S. Capitol and what it means going forward in light of the Democrats sweeping the Georgia runoff elections, thus taking control of the Senate  CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd checks-in on what happened at the California State Capitol yesterday after supporters of President Trump protested the electoral college count CapRadio Race and Equity Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan talks about the difference in policing Black Lives Matter protesters and Trump supporters who have protested the election results and electoral college count 

U.S. Capitol Breached, Conversation With California Members Of Congress Who Were There / Protest At California State Capitol

A number of new California laws take effect this month, including some that could impact your job, compensation, and COVID-19 procedures. We’ll navigate how the legislation affects you, with a closer look at the history and ramifications of the state’s initiative process. A leader of the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and an expert in inclusive democracy also join the show with their perspective on diversity at the statehouse and whether the legislative and initiative processes reflect communities of color. Plus, CapRadio’s new laws series in 2021. Today's Guests Sacramento State Professor of Public Policy & Administration Ted Lascher explains the history and evolution of California’s initiative process  Newly-elected California State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman of Stockton talks about women and LGBTQ representation in the Capitol and what she'd like to see change in the new year Center for Inclusive Democracy Founder and Director Mindy Romero navigates diversity in state lawmaking and whether the legislative and initiative processes properly reflect communities of color CapRadio Managing Editor of Digital Content Chris Hagan checks-in with the 2021 edition of the station's new laws series, including which new changes to state law are generating the most buzz online 

How California’s New Laws Impact You, Explaining The Initiative Process / Diversity At The Statehouse / CapRadio’s New Laws Series In 2021

Plans changed dramatically in 2020 when California issued a stay-at-home order three months into the year in response to a surge in cases of COVID-19; Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis joins the show with more on how political plans changed and what’s on the horizon in the new year as a COVID-19 vaccine is distributed. Sacramento County’s ICU capacity also has yet to meet the threshold to move out of the stay-at-home orders, as another surge is expected after holiday gatherings. The County’s Public Health Officer details what you need to know, and we learn more on why flu numbers have been historically low this season. Today's Guests California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis reflects on 2020 and looks ahead to the new year as the state continues to work on curbing the spread of COVID-19 Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye checks-in with an update on how the County has worked toward getting back on track with ICU capacity, the region's positivity rate, and where the search for a new county public health director stands UC Davis Pediatric Infectious Diseases Chief Dr. Dean Blumberg explains why we’re seeing fewer cases of the flu this season during the pandemic 

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis Reflects On 2020, Looks Ahead To New Year / COVID-19 Updates From Sacramento County / Why Flu Numbers Are Historically Low

The Greater Sacramento region’s stay-at-home order was extended over the weekend as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across the state; we check-in on the surge and the latest happenings in California politics. Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, D-San Diego, joins the show following her historic nomination as secretary of state, and we take a closer look at the significance of diversity in U.S. politics and President-elect Joe Biden’s cabinet. Plus, what to expect from Tuesday’s Senate runoffs in Georgia, the news of President Trump’s attempt to bully a top Georgia GOP official into finding votes to overturn Biden's win in the state, and more. Today's Guests: CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd with updates on COVID-19 in Sacramento and the latest happenings in state politics  Democratic Assemblywoman Shirley Weber discusses being nominated as California’s first African American secretary of state  Associate Professor of American Government Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, Dr. La Trice Washington, on the significance of diversity in high political office and why it matters Longtime political journalist and host of the Political Junkie podcast, Ken Rudin checks-in on Tuesday’s Senate runoffs in Georgia, the news of President Trump’s attempt to bully a top Georgia GOP official into finding votes to overturn Joe Biden's win in the state, and more. 

COVID-19 In The Capitol, California Political Roundup / California Secretary of State Nominee Shirley Weber, Importance Of Diversity In Politics / President Trump’s Call To Georgia, State Runoff Preview

After front line workers at hospitals, who should get the vaccine next?  Many groups are lobbying to get in front of the line, including teachers, but will they? And, was it the placebo, or the real deal? A participant of the Moderna vaccine trial explains what the process was like. This all comes as thousands of doses arrive at UC Davis; we hear from the hospital’s top doctor on the challenges and protocols of delivering the vaccine to who need it most. Plus, songs of the season and the CapRadio Homegrown Holiday Concert. Today's Guests POLITICO Pro California Health Care Reporter Victoria Colliver checks-in on the jockeying for next spots in the state’s vaccine line CapRadio Midday News Host Matt Pacini talks about his experience as a part of Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine trials  UC Davis Health CEO Dr. David Lubarsky on the COVID-19 vaccines that have arrived at UCD and the rollout to the first responders CapRadio Midday Classical Announcer Jennifer Reason with songs of the holiday season and the CapRadio Homegrown Holiday Concert  

Who Gets COVID-19 Vaccine First, State Panel Recommendations / Moderna Vaccine Trial Experience, UC Davis Health CEO On Vaccine Distribution / CapRadio Holiday Concert Highlights

2020 has been a year unlike any other in history. The coronavirus pandemic has shaken up the modern world, historic wildfires ravaged the west, California, and Australia, and the next era of American politics is on the horizon. Now with a vaccine for COVID-19 being distributed, it’s time to look at tools for being a better you in 2021. Today on Insight, a closer look at the first doses of the vaccine and how to get control of your life with more joy and compassion. Today's Guests CalMatters health reporter Ana Ibarra checks-in on her reporting about how state leaders in California believe the rich and influential will have a hard time cutting in line to get the first doses of the vaccine Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and The New York Times Opinion Editor Stuart Thompson navigates his collaborative online ‘place in line’ tool to see when you might get your coronavirus vaccine  CapRadio Midday News Host Matt Pacini on his experience as a part of Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine trials Five Star Bank President and CEO James Beckwith with financial planning tips for small businesses, non-profits, and individuals as we enter yet another period of severe stay-at-home orders Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business Assistant Management Professor Hooria Jazaieri on the emotions of compassion and joy, and tips for working them into our daily lives Dietitian and "My Black Body" podcast co-host Jessica Wilson discusses how to improve your diet in 2021 

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution, Timeline In California / Taking Control Of Your Life, Being A Better You In 2021

The pandemic-driven recession has left many living in fear of losing their homes once the eviction moratorium expires next month; we talk about how this will affect landlords and renters across the state, as lawmakers in California hope to extend protections for renters until next year. Plus, a look at why the real estate market is seeing a huge surge despite the recession. Today's Guests Democratic Assemblymember David Chiu on his push to extend California's eviction moratorium, which would help renters who are hoping for some relief  California Apartment Association State of Government Affairs and Compliance Executive Vice President Debra Carlton on how landlords are affected by the eviction moratorium Democratic California State Senator Scott Wiener discusses his bill that would expedite the building of more apartment complexes The Salinas Californian Reporter Kate Cimini checks-in on the California Divide project and the surging real estate market, which has risen as much as 25 percent in some areas of the state  

Protection Against Evictions, How Landlords Are Affected / Rising Real Estate Market Prices

COVID-19 has hit the arts community particularly hard. Concerts, theaters, shows, museums and other performance venues are canceled or closed, leaving thousands without work. Artists have turned to social media and online platforms to make sure the show goes on, and in Sacramento, nearly 250 Sacramento artists and arts organizations have been selected to receive $14.2 million in grants to help those struggling. Today on Insight, art and culture in the age of COVID-19 and how artists are surviving as the pandemic worsens this holiday season. Today's Guests POLITICO California Playbook co-writer Jeremy B. White with the latest ongoings at the statehouse and COVID-19 in California Sacramento Business Journal Staff Writer Emily Hamann on the news of Sacramento awarding $14.2 million in arts and culture grants, how the arts have been affected by the pandemic, and what to expect heading into winter Verge Center for the Arts Founding Director and Sacramento Alliance for Regional Arts Founding Board Member Liv Moe on the impact COVID-19 has had on the arts in Sacramento and how arts and arts organizations can survive this latest stay-at-home order Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at UC Davis Executive Director Don Roth checks-in on how the Center is managing and the cancellation of its entire 2020-21 season lineup Sacramento-based artist Ana Valentine on her experience during the pandemic, Wide Open Walls, and how her personal work has been affected    

COVID-19 Surge, Vaccine Updates / How The Pandemic Is Impacting The Arts And Culture Community

The Greater Sacramento region will be under California's regional stay-at-home order starting tonight after the area's available intensive care unit capacity dropped below 15%; we get updates today. Sac Police Chief Daniel Hahn addresses the public safety plea from his department after weeks of post-election protests, and a pair of new mayors in Stockton and West Sac check-in on how they resonate with voters. Plus, celebrating books this unique holiday season. Today's Guests CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd checks-in with the latest on the stay-at-home order that goes into effect tonight Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn on the public safety plea from his department after several weeks of post-election protests, the new stay-at-home order, and how his department will enforce the rules Newly-elected West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero talks about how she narrowly defeated longtime West Sac Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, her vision for the River City, and some of the major challenges facing the region Newly-elected Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln discusses his defeat of Michael Tubbs and what he thinks resonated with voters  Morning Edition and CapRadio Reads Host Donna Apidone on celebrating books this holiday season, CapRadio staff recommendations, and more  

Sacramento Stay-At-Home Order Updates, Addressing Post-Election Protests / Conversation With New Stockton, West Sac Mayors / Celebrating Books During The Holidays

A daily, in-depth interview program providing context and background to the issues that face the Sacramento region.

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Insight with Beth Ruyak

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