Downtown Sacramento’s Future | Local Impact of USAID | Sacramento Fashion Week | ‘In a Nutshell’ Storytelling Series

City leaders explore downtown Sacramento’s future. Also, the local impact of USAID funding. Plus, Sacramento Fashion Week kicks off this weekend. Finally, the storytelling series “In a Nutshell” at the Sofia.

 

Downtown Sacramento’s Future City leaders explored Sacramento’s future this week. The annual State of Downtown event highlighted new developments, the Athletics' forthcoming season and reflected on the accomplishments of the city’s core over the past decade. CapRadio reporters Keyshawn Davis and Tony Rodriguez join Insight with more on the big changes coming to the heart of the Capital City, and the potential impact on the surrounding region.

Local Impact of USAID The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was formed more than 60 years ago as a tool in foreign policy, with the goal of ending extreme poverty and supporting democratic societies - while spreading American influence across the world. But many government links to USAID have been scrubbed and, as of this morning, the homepage has been reduced to a notice for employees to pick up their personal belongings. Shortly after the inauguration, the Trump Administration gutted the federal agency and paused USAID funding to thousands of aid projects. As a legal battle continues, there are local impacts. Keith David Watenpaugh is a professor and Director of Human Rights Studies at UC Davis, which received USAID funding. He joins Insight with more on how these federal grants support the broader interests of the United States, as well as its long-term safety and security.

Sacramento Fashion Week For two nights this weekend, Sacramento’s premiere designers and models will come together to celebrate the area’s eclectic fashion scene. Sacramento Fashion Week is back and the runway is set for sustainable strutting at the Crocker Art Museum Friday and Saturday. The annual showcase is organized by DMR Productions, which was started 20 years ago by Duane Ram. He talks about the genesis of Sac Fashion Week and how the industry has changed since his first show.

‘In a Nutshell’ Storytelling Series Sometimes it’s the most unlikely of pairings that make something great, like Girl Scout Cookies and craft beer or Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. “Strange Bedfellows” will take center stage at the topic of this month’s storytelling showcase In a Nutshell at the Sofia on Friday. Kate Willett and JP Frary join us today to talk about telling stories about odd couplings and strange partnerships.