California Experiencing Record-High Spike in COVID Cases

California has shattered previous records for new daily coronavirus cases this week and the state’s test positivity rate is higher than its been. In most places around the state, hospitalizations remain much lower than earlier surges, thanks to vaccinations and a milder variant. 

Reporter: Kevin Stark, KQED

With the state legislature back in session in Sacramento, Republicans are aiming to get some of their agenda items passed this year, even if they're in the clear minority in both the Assembly and Senate.

Guest: Scott Wilk, California State Senate Minority Leader

State water officials are asking Californians to cut back on unnecessary water use, or face fines. Water regulators have asked for 15% water cutbacks, but Californians are saving less than half of that.  

Reporter: Ezra David Romero, KQED 

CalFire investigators have determined that a Pacific Gas & Electric power line sparked last summer's destructive Dixie Fire in the northern Sierra. A tree came into contact with the line in the Feather River Canyon. 

Reporter: Dan Brekke, KQED

Hotel workers in the city of West Hollywood now earn the highest minimum wages in the country. That’s thanks to a new local law.  

Reporter: Benjamin Gottlieb, KCRW

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