Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Oroville dam and fixing infrastructure in California
Recent storms have put extra pressure on Northern California’s Oroville Dam. Two of the channels that drain the dam are damaged and nearly 200,000 people living downstream have been evacuated. Workers are trying to come up with a fix before more storms move in. We also look at the infrastructure of dams throughout California and some necessary improvements.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenPicture courtesy; A damaged spillway with eroded hillside is seen in an aerial photo taken over the Oroville Dam in Oroville, California, U.S. February 11, 2017. California Department of Water (Resources/William Croyle/Reuters)
In this episode
5 storiesMass evacuations in the shadow of America's tallest dam
Two of the channels that drain the Oroville dam -- near Sacramento -- are damaged. Workers are trying to come up with a fix before a new set of storms move in later this week. In the meantime, nearly 200,000 people have been evacuated.
Read the story8 minRethinking how dams are designed and built in California
Oroville isn’t the only dam with faulty spillways. California has about 1400 dams, and many of them have structural problems.
Read the story9 minRecent immigration crackdowns sow fear under Trump
Around 160 people were arrested in an immigration crackdown in Southern California this past week. Officials say the operation was planned before President Trump took office, but many fear a harsher environment for immigrants under the new administration.
Read the story9 minChange through kindness: Why a black musician befriends the KKK
African-American musician Daryl Davis has made it his life’s mission to become friends with KKK members. He says it’s the best way to change them, but some black activists think it’s the wrong approach. Davis is the subject of the documentary “Accidental Courtesy,” which airs February 13 on PBS.
Read the story14 minAre the Grammys still relevant?
#Grammyssowhite? Frank Ocean didn’t submit for the Grammys and stayed home. Adele, who won five awards, including Album of the Year, said Beyoncé was more deserving.
Read the story8 min
