On Thursday afternoon, a Manhattan trial of his peers found former President Donald Trump guilty on all charges of falsifying business records. The jury deliberated for two days. Shortly after the verdict was announced, Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza sat down with senior writer and columnist for Politico Magazine (and former federal prosecutor) Anku…

POLITICO’s California Playbook updates state politics. CapRadio’s Mid Pacific podcast explores some of the first Asian-American enclaves in California. Finally, a locally-produced documentary about country music will be screened in Sacramento. POLITICO’s California Playbook is the co-author of POLITICO’s California Playbook and provides an update o…

POLITICO’s senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney and legal columnist Ankush Khardori debrief on what happened at the Hush Money trial, how Trump’s team may have hurt its own case, and what their best plan is to win an appeal after Thursday’s massive guilty verdict. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Kyle Cheney is a senior legal a…

The executive director of First 5 California, a state commission which helps children ages 5 and under. Also, how a relationship to food shapes Asian American identity. Finally, the Auburn Trails Alliance. First 5 California A little over two decades ago, California voters approved a proposition to benefit the state’s children. In 1998, Prop 10 add…

Jury deliberations in Trump's hush money case started yesterday, and already there have been a number of interesting developments. Twice during the day, jurors sent notes to the judge. The first asked to review segments of testimony that came out during the trial; the second asked the judge to rehash jury instructions. What, if anything, can this t…

Chronic Wasting Disease in deer has been detected in California for the first time. Also, how our relationships with our parents affect our sense of self. Finally, CalMatters will be hosting its inaugural Ideas Festival in Sacramento. Chronic Wasting Disease in CA Deer Chronic Wasting Disease is considered the most important disease affecting deer …

Jury deliberations for former President Donald Trump's hush money case begin today. Yesterday, attorneys on both sides laid out their closing arguments in what was a nearly 12-hour day in court. But New York isn’t the only place Trump is making legal headlines. In Florida, yet another snafu involving Judge Aileen Cannon is making the likelihood of …

As the end of former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial looms, his future has come into question. Should a jury decide to convict Trump, there are a number of different punishment options on the table. He could, of course, be sentenced to jail time. But, what would that look like? And what else could Judge Juan Merchan have the former presid…

Donald Trump held a large rally in the South Bronx in New York City last night, attended by a diverse array of people — a far cry from the typical MAGA rally crowd. National politics correspondent Meridith McGraw, who was present at the rally, tells Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza about how Trump tailored his message to the Big Apple audience. And ju…

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) joins host and Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to discuss his entry into the Senate GOP leadership race to succeed Mitch McConnell. They discuss why Sen. Scott is running, what Donald Trump told him about his decision, his relationship with key Republicans such as McConnell and Susie Wiles, his policy agenda on foreign aid, a…

Lessons from the 10th anniversary of the Isla Vista shooting. A new immersive opera opens in Sacramento. Finally, tips for growing produce in the high Sierra. Isla Vista Shooting 10th Anniversary Ten years ago, a mass shooting and stabbing spree in the college town of Isla Vista killed six people and injured 14 more. Now the mother of the shooter i…

Today’s legislative theme is voter fraud — or “fraud,” as the case may be. The GOP House majority is gearing up for two votes today aimed at blocking non-citizens from voting — with one vote centering on the District of Columbia and the other taking effect nationwide. Democrats are steamed, both because it’s already illegal for non-citizens to vote…

For the first time since 2008, the president of Kenya will make a visit today, where he is set to receive the whole nine yards of special treatment. There are a few reasons for this: Kenya is celebrating 50 years of independence, and it has become an emerging tech hub. But there is also the fact that President Biden promised to visit the country an…

A new Sacramento mural uplifts the stories of historic Japantown. An upcoming book looks at the growing power of the Latino electorate. Finally, how UC Davis Veterinary Medicine treats animal cancers. Sacramento’s Japantown Mural Sacramento’s Japantown was demolished more than 60 years ago, to make room for the Capitol Mall Redevelopment Project. B…

It is primary day in various states around the country. But if you ask senior political columnist and politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin, it is the race involving the Portland, Oregon, District Attorney that is the most interesting and perhaps important. In one of the most left-leaning cities in the country, the progressive DA is at risk of losi…

Former NBA champion Bill Cartwright talks about his life and career. A new professional baseball team makes its debut in Yolo County. Finally, a new book charts Sacramento Republic FC’s successful first year. Bill Cartwright A five-time NBA Champion was recently honored as an inductee for the 2024 Sacramento Walk of Stars. Bill Cartwright joins Ins…

After roughly a month of testimony and 19 witnesses, the end of the Trump hush money trial may draw to a close by the end of this week. The former president and current GOP frontrunner will either be charged or acquitted of falsifying business records. This week, the jury takes center stage. Plus, could Trump himself still take the stand? Legal aff…

During the last presidential election cycle, Donald Trump said he would never return to Minnesota should he lose. He is slated to break that promise when he keynotes the Lincoln-Reagan dinner this evening. Moreover, Trump’s fixation on the gopher state seems not to have abated but has intensified since 2020. Does he stand any chance of winning a st…

On Wednesday morning, Frank Fahrenkopf received a letter from the Biden presidential campaign that ruined his day. Fahrenkopf is co-chair of the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has produced 33 debates since 1988, the first election year it was in business. He was planning on four more this year: three with Biden and Trump as well as the q…

An update to Sacramento’s city-sanctioned homeless encampment Camp Resolution. Also, President Biden expands Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. Finally, “Bike Fest” along the American River Parkway. Camp Resolution Update One year ago, the city of Sacramento signed a first-of-its-kind lease for those experiencing homelessness, providing cit…

In a dizzying turn of events yesterday, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump agreed to two debates well before the election this November — one on CNN in June, and one on ABC in September. Did Democrats box Trump in, or Biden walk right into a carefully laid trap? White House bureau chief Jonathan Lemire offers Playbook co-author R…

Yolo and Solano counties issue a health advisory about bird flu present in raw milk and raw dairy products. Also, the push to bring back Oak Park’s public library. Finally, the Terra Madre Americas inaugural food festival is in Sacramento. Bird Flu Warning in Raw Milk The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) has been spreading across the United…

When Michael Cohen makes an appearance, it is hard to know whether you will be hearing from a vulgar, bombastic hater or the measured and careful man who took the stand this week. The noticeably restrained Cohen may have delivered a critical blow to his former boss when he alleged Trump specifically approved a plan to pay Stormy Daniels hush money …

How Gov. Newsom wants to close the state’s budget shortfall. Also, upcoming updates to Sacramento International Airport. Finally, the Strawberry Music Festival in Grass Valley. Unpacking California’s May Revise The State Legislature has until June 15 to pass a balanced budget. On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom put forward his revised budget - commonly k…