Utilities Urge Conservation During Upcoming Labor Day Heat Wave

Poll Reveals Ethnic and Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Death Rates The coronavirus has killed more than 13,000 people in our state since the pandemic began. According to a new poll 20% of Californians know someone who’s died of COVID-19, but that number is much higher in some communities.   Reporter: Nina Sparling, KQED California Sees Declines in COVID-19 Positivity Rates and Hospitalizations California is seeing positive numbers in the fight against coronavirus. Governor Gavin Newsom says there's been a 23% decline in both COVID-19 related hospitalizations and patients admitted into ICUs in the past two weeks. Latino Task Force Tackles COVID-19 in Central Valley And as COVID-19 continues to take a disproportionate toll on Latinos, the Kern County Health Department is creating a first of its kind task force to address the issue. Reporter: Madi Bolaños, Valley Public Radio Utilities Urge Conservation During Upcoming Labor Day Heat Wave Much of California is expected to face record breaking high temperatures this Labor Day weekend. Utilities are urging energy conservation to avoid energy shortages as temperatures soar. Reporter: Jacob Margolis, KQED California Takes Action to Protect Post Office Ahead of Elections California wants the US Postal Service to roll back changes that have led to mail delays. Those changes include removing mail sorting machines and limiting employee overtime. California is joining a group of states to file a preliminary injunction to reverse the changes. Tobacco Industry Pushes Back Against Flavored Product Ban Last week, Governor Newsom signed into law a ban on flavored tobacco sales in retail stores, which begins in January. Advocates say the law is a huge win for public health, but the tobacco industry is pushing back. Congressional Races Heat Up as Election Day Approaches With election day approaching, congressional races are heating up across the state. Challengers to house incumbents, who might have little name recognition, need to overcome the difficulties of campaigning during a pandemic. That's the task that faces Democrat Phil Arballo who's challenging well-known incumbent and Trump loyalist Devin Nunes in the Central Valley. Guest: Phil Arballo, Democratic Candidate for CA District 22 Chico Students Ordered Out of Dorms Following Campus Outbreak Students in the dorms at California State University, Chico have until Sunday to find a new place to live. This comes after an outbreak of the coronavirus on campus. One student is wondering if staying at the university for online classes is worth it.  Reporter: Michelle Wiley, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices