Newsom Defends Mask Deals That Fell Through

900+ Inmates Test Positive for COVID-19 at Lompoc Prison The largest cluster of coronavirus cases in the entire federal prison system is centered at the prison complex in Lompoc along California’s Central Coast. More than 900 inmates there have now tested positive for COVID-19. That’s more than three-quarters of the prison's population of inmates. Reporter: Matt Guilhem, KCRW Newsom Defends Mask Deals That Fell Through Governor Gavin’s Newsom’s administration is defending several unsuccessful deals it made to buy medical masks and face shields that help protect against COVID-19. In an Assembly oversight hearing at the state Capitol Monday afternoon, officials stressed no taxpayer money was actually lost in the deals. Reporter: Katie Orr, KQED Politics Oil and Gas Industry Wants Help, and Less Regulation, Amid Crisis Several weeks ago, an oil and gas group representing hundreds of companies that drill in California asked the state for help to prevent a collapse of their industry and the loss of jobs. California regulators say they’re prepared to give a break to oil and gas producers dealing with severe drops in fuel demand because of the COVID-19 crisis. Reporter: Ted Goldberg, KQED Tallying Lost Income for CSU System The COVID-19 pandemic is costing universities across the state millions, as key sources of revenue have disappeared. In the Cal State system, officials say the final tally of lost income could end up topping $300 million. Reporter: Shannon Lin, KQED Work Sharing Provides Business with Flexibility, Workers with Benefits One out of every five workers in the state has filed for unemployment since the coronavirus hit California. And economists say for many companies, there’s a better way. It’s called Work Sharing, a lesser-known program that lets employers cut hours and use unemployment benefits to make up for lost wages. But employers say California’s Work Sharing application process is outdated. Long waits have been discouraging for their workers. Reporter: David Wagner, KPCC Why All Eyes Are on California's 25th Congressional District Today, voters in one of Southern California’s most hotly contested congressional districts decide who will replace Democrat Katie Hill. Hill resigned six months ago after affair allegations. Some of her private photos were leaked. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices