Gov. Gavin Newsom released new guidelines Thursday for beginning to reopen parts of California, both for businesses wanting to expand operations and for counties looking to loosen restrictions on residents.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference at the Bloom Energy on Mar. 28, 2020. Bloom Energy is a fuel cell generator company that has switched over to refurbishing ventilators as more patients experience respiratory issues due to COVID-19 - Beth LaBerge/KQED)

Yuba and Sutter Counties have one health officer and are now the first counties to reopen their economies ahead of the state's schedule.

Story by Bob Moffitt.

(Photo: A nail salon in the Yuba Sutter Mall does brisk business with a line out the door as the two counties defy state orders and open more "non-essential" businesses -  Bob Moffitt/CapRadio)

California is projecting a $54.3 billion deficit — a landmark budget shortfall due to the COVID-19 crisis that will reverberate for years to come. How does this compare with the Great Recession and where will cuts come from?

Story by Chris Nichols.

(Photo: California Gov. Gavin Newsom presents his proposed 2020-2021 budget Jan. 10, 2020 - Andrew Nixon / CapRadio)