Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Camp Fire survivors haven’t received promised payouts from PG&E. Where’d the money go?
The Camp Fire ripped through the town of Paradise in November 2018, becoming the most destructive and deadliest fire in state history. The fire was sparked by Pacific Gas and Electric’s faulty equipment.
By Madeleine Brand • • 50m ListenThe Camp Fire ripped through the town of Paradise in November 2018, becoming the most destructive and deadliest fire in state history. The fire was sparked by Pacific Gas and Electric’s faulty equipment. As part of a bankruptcy settlement, PG&E agreed to pay more than $13 billion to victims of the Camp Fire and other recent fires in Northern California. The money was put in a special Fire Victims Trust.
But KQED reveals that nearly all of the victims haven’t seen a dime of that money. Meanwhile, the trust has paid out about $50 million in fees.
In this episode
5 storiesPG&E agreed to pay billions to Camp Fire survivors. But lots of funds have gone to admin costs instead
PG&E agreed to pay more than $13 billion to victims of the Camp Fire and other recent fires in Northern California. The money was put in a special Fire Victims Trust.
Read the story9 minSalton Sea could be a big source of lithium. What does mining it mean for the environment and economy?
Lithium is experiencing a gold rush as the U.S. transitions to electric cars. But most of the lithium mines are catastrophic for the environment, including a massive site next door in Nevada that’s about to become active.
Read the story8 minChina’s 10-ton space rocket is falling uncontrollably. Chances are it won’t hit you
The 23-ton, 10-story long rocket is currently traveling at about 18,000 miles per hour and is expected to fall in what’s called “an uncontrolled re-entry.”
Read the story9 min‘Street Gang’ presses ‘nostalgia buttons’ to show the making of iconic kids’ show ‘Sesame Street,’ says critic
Critics review “Wrath of Man,” director Guy Ritchie’s latest action-thriller starring Jason Statham as a mysterious security guard; “The Story of a Three Day Pass,” a restoration of the 1968 Melvin Van Peebles film about a Black soldier stationed…
Read the story14 minHow to make a luxurious salmon salad at home for Mother’s Day
Kathy Ternay’s Luxurious Salmon Salad recipe features a luxurious upgrade to the common pink fish, plus eggs pickled with beets.
Read the story10 min
