LIVE UPDATES
Quick reads — PG&E warns of possible North State power shutoffs as fire weather returns
National Weather Service issues red-flag warning for the Sacramento Valley from Wednesday to Thursday
PG&E says parts of Colusa, Glenn, Sutter and Tehama counties could have their power shut off later this week as fire weather returns to the Sacramento Valley.
The utility’s Public Safety Power Shutoff forecast shows elevated risk in those counties from Wednesday through Friday. The shutoffs are meant to reduce the chance of power lines sparking wildfires during dangerous weather.
The possible shutoffs come as the National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a red-flag warning from late Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon for parts of the valley.
Forecasters expect dry north winds of 15 to 25 miles an hour, with gusts up to 40 miles an hour. Humidities could drop as low as 9%.
The weather service says the highest fire risk will be along and west of Interstate 5. Any fires that start could spread quickly.
PG&E says customers should check their address through the utility’s outage center to see whether their home or business could be affected.
California gas prices dip, but relief may be slow to reach drivers
California drivers are paying a little less at the pump.
According to AAA, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has fallen to $5.99, about two cents lower than a week ago.
Prices are lower in Butte and Shasta counties, where regular gas is averaging about $5.83 per gallon. But drivers in some rural northern counties are paying more. In Trinity County, the average price is $6.22 a gallon, due in part to higher transportation costs.
CBS News reports gas prices are expected to remain elevated until oil begins flowing through the Strait of Hormuz again. Even then, analysts say it could take several months before consumers see significant additional relief at the pump.
Huffman moves toward November election in newly redrawn District 2
Democratic Congressman Jared Huffman is projected to advance to the November general election in California’s 2nd Congressional District, according to The Associated Press.
Unofficial election returns show Republican Robin Littau leading the remaining candidates in the race for the second spot on the November ballot.
The contest has drawn added attention in the North State because California's redrawn congressional map expanded the district eastward into Shasta, Siskiyou and Modoc counties. The changes brought more conservative inland voters into a district long anchored along the North Coast.
Election results remain unofficial and additional ballots are still being counted.
Gallagher on track to win special election, advance to November
Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher appears on track to win the special election to complete the late Doug LaMalfa’s term in Congress, according to a projection from The Associated Press.
Speaking with NSPR at his election night watch party in Chico on Tuesday, Gallagher said his priorities in Washington would include advancing the proposed Sites Reservoir project, supporting efforts to reopen Glenn Medical Center in Willows and lowering energy costs.
In the regular primary for California’s newly redrawn 1st Congressional District, Gallagher also appears likely to advance to the November general election alongside Democratic state Sen. Mike McGuire, according to the AP projection. McGuire declined an interview request from NSPR on election night.
Meanwhile, Chico Democrat Audrey Denney told NSPR she is grateful for the support she received during her three campaigns for Congress. Denney said elected leaders should remain focused on the people affected by their decisions.
Ballots are still being counted, and election results remain unofficial.