Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Do preemptive blackouts reduce wildfire risks?
High winds and heat in Northern California recently caused PG&E to shut off power to communities in the Sierra Foothills. That left more than 20,500 people in Butte and Yuba counties without power.
By Barbara Bogaev • • 51m ListenHigh winds and heat in Northern California recently caused PG&E to shut off power to communities in the Sierra Foothills. That left more than 20,500 people in Butte and Yuba counties without power. PG&E hopes this strategy, albeit controversial, will prevent sparks that lead to wildfires.
In this episode
5 storiesAs summer approaches, state utilities try to minimize wildfire risks
High winds and heat in Northern California recently caused PG&E to shut off power to communities in the Sierra Foothills. That left more than 20,500 people in Butte and Yuba counties without power.
Read the story7 minPreview of Supreme Court rulings, and Kamala Harris' challenge to new abortion restrictions
June traditionally brings a slew of Supreme Court decisions. We look at the big cases they will rule on: partisan gerrymandering and the citizenship question on the next Census.
Read the story9 minPolitically motivated violence against women is surging, and one group is tracking the global trend
For the first time ever, a global database is tracking violence directed at women politicians and activists. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project launched the database.
Read the story8 minFormer pro-soccer player on the Women's World Cup
The Women's World Cup is underway in France. The U.S. women are preparing for their first game on Tuesday against Thailand. But two major men’s tournaments have scheduled their final games on the same day as the women’s final.
Read the story12 minYour summer playlist from KCRW DJ Travis Holcombe
We look at new summer music: "Nina" by Crumb, whose hotly anticipated debut album is coming out on June 14; “Do You Love Her Now” by Jai Paul, an UK artist who's back after a long period of quiet; "The Things Themselves” by Holy Hive; “I’m So Tired…
Read the story15 min