State Coronavirus Numbers Up Slightly, But Positivity Rate Remains Low

California counties find themselves on very different paths when it comes to reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday San Francisco learned it is moving into the yellow tier of the state’s framework on restrictions as Shasta and Riverside counties are being downgraded to purple after a spike in cases.

$100 Million Scholarship Fund Supports Community College Students

Students often quit California's community colleges before graduating. It's long been a pain point for the state. This week, college leaders are celebrating a $100 million dollar donation meant to help students finish their degrees.

Reporter: Vanessa Rancaño, KQED

Universities Sue Over Skilled-Worker Visa Restrictions

Caltech and the University of Southern California are among the plaintiffs suing the federal government for placing new restrictions on hiring highly skilled foreign workers.

Reporter: Caroline Champlin KPCC

Investigation Finds Human Error Caused Tragic Boat Fire

A federal investigation into a deadly boat fire off the Santa Barbara coast a year ago has found human error mostly to blame. The fire aboard the Conception killed 34 people. It's the deadliest maritime disaster in modern state history.

Reporter: Matt Guilhem, KCRW

San Francisco Bans Racist Non-Emergency 911 Calls

San Francisco supervisors have unanimously approved new legislation which makes it a hate crime to make racist, non-emergency calls to the police. It’s called the CAREN legislation, a nod to the privileged white woman meme.

Purdue Pharma Pleads Guilty in Opioid Investigation

The Department of Justice says it’s reached an $8 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma, the maker of the prescription painkiller OxyContin. Officials say the company will plead guilty to three counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States. It does not release members of the Sackler family from criminal liability.

Guest: Anand Giridharadas, Author, Winners Take All

Advocates Work to Mobilize California's Unlikely Voters

We are less than two weeks away from Election Day, but nearly four million Californians have already cast their ballots by mail. Those robust early returns are causing excitement among groups dedicated to increasing voter turnout, but there's a catch. 

Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED

Satirist and Math Professor Puts Work in Public Domain

Legendary Satirist Tom Lehrer is also a distinguished emeritus professor of mathematics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. the 92-year-old has just put much of his intellectual property in the public domain so that others can use it freely. 

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