California tops 1,000 coronavirus deaths as economy tumbles

LOS ANGELES (AP) California surpassed 1,000 deaths from the coronavirus as the pandemic pushed the state into recession.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday named a task force of former governors, billionaires and corporate leaders to help the state recover economically after he begins easing restrictions that have shuttered many businesses.

The state has recorded 1,021 deaths and had its highest total in one day, hitting 95 deaths Thursday, well above the previous high of 71.

Newsom says the state is approaching a landmark it hoped it would never see. He says efforts are being made to increase testing.