National

A California judge on Wednesday dismissed all criminal charges against Pacific Gas & Electric in the deadly Zogg Fire and PG&E agreed to a $50 million civil settlement with Shasta County officials over the matter.

The big picture: The utility was charged with manslaughter and other crimes in connection with the Northern California wildfire that killed four people, including an 8-year-old girl, and burned hundreds of homes in 2020 after investigators found the blaze was sparked by a tree that fell onto a PG&E transmission line.

However, a Shasta Superior Court judge in a tentative ruling found there wasn't enough evidence to show that PG&E had committed criminal conduct or that the tree was a known risk before the Zogg Fire ignited and dismissed the charges, per the Sacramento Bee, which obtained a copy of the ruling.

Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett said in a statement Wednesday that due to the ruling, she moved to secure an agreement with PG&E that protects the community.

Details: As part of the resolution, PG&E has agreed to pay $45 million to support organizations dedicated to rebuilding and assisting communities affected by the fire, according to statements from the Shasta County D.A. and PG&E.

It has also agreed to a $5 million penalty to Shasta County.

And the utility committed to projects to reduce wildfire risks, including installing new weather monitoring stations and removing abandoned power lines.

What they're saying: Bridgett said at a news conference Wednesday that the agreement doesn't make her happy as her goal was "taking PG&E to trial and holding them criminally responsible."

The resolution "doesn't bring back the people who lost their lives" nor the homes lost to the fire, she said.

But Bridgett added that she and her office wanted to do all they could to "keep our community safe and to prevent any future fire and get the needed services into our community to do just that, and that is exactly what this resolution does."

Meanwhile, PG&E CEO Patti Poppe said in a statement the agreement "reflects our continuing commitment" to making the situation right and safe. 

"We stand behind our thousands of trained and experienced coworkers and contractors working every day to keep Californians safe," Poppe said. "We feel strongly that those good-faith judgments are not criminal."

PG&E reaches $50M settlement in fatal 2020 fire as charges dismissed

An 8-year-old girl was among 4 people killed in the Zogg Fire in Northern California.

Firefighters work to prevent the fire from spreading during the Zogg fire near the town of Igo in Shasta County, California, U.S., on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. 

Firefighters work to prevent fire from spreading during the Zogg Fire near the town of Igo in Shasta County, California, in September 2020. Photo: Go Nakamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)

Extreme weather

A California judge on Wednesday dismissed all criminal charges against Pacific Gas &amp; Electric in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deadly Zogg Fire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2020/09/29/california-wildfires-thousands-evacuated" data-vars-content-id="246ed293-14db-4d09-aa86-b749bab483c0" data-vars-headline="PG&amp;E reaches $50M settlement in fatal 2020 fire as charges dismissed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2020/09/29/california-wildfires-thousands-evacuated" target="_self">deadly Zogg Fire</a> and PG&amp;E agreed to a $50 million civil settlement with Shasta County officials over the matter.The big picture: The utility was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="charged with manslaughter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/09/24/pacific-gas-electric-manslaughter-2020-california-wildfire" data-vars-content-id="246ed293-14db-4d09-aa86-b749bab483c0" data-vars-headline="PG&amp;E reaches $50M settlement in fatal 2020 fire as charges dismissed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/09/24/pacific-gas-electric-manslaughter-2020-california-wildfire" target="_self">charged with manslaughter</a> and other crimes in connection with the Northern California wildfire that killed four people, including an 8-year-old girl, and burned hundreds of homes in 2020 after investigators found the blaze was sparked by a tree that fell onto a PG&amp;E transmission line.

After a record economic expansion, the coronavirus pandemic sent the U.S. economy into a recession as unemployment soared to staggering heights. The country now faces urgent questions about how much stimulus is needed for reeling consumers and businesses, and what a recovery might look like.

Economy & Business

A look at the scientific breakthroughs changing the world, explorations in space and in worlds beyond our own and the threats posed to us by our own planet, both out of our control and of our own making.

Science

Ominous forecasts about the impact of climate change serve as the backdrop for the world — led by U.S. lawmakers and companies — to debate big action on the problem, which could upend energy systems and our way of life.

Energy & Environment

Plumes of smoke from wildfires scorching southeastern Canada's Nova Scotia province are drifting across the Northeastern U.S. and prompting air quality alerts in several cities through Wednesday.

The big picture: Fires have been burning in Canada for weeks, as much of the country experiences above-average temperatures and while it's not unusual for Canadian wildfire smoke to reach the U.S., it's normally Northwestern states that are affected.

A screenshot of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Nova Scotia photo tweet showing a smoke-filled road lined by forest trees.

Road closures are in effect related to the Shelburne County forest fire near Barrington Lake, Nova Scotia, per the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia. Photo: RCMP Nova Scotia/Twitter

Studies show climate change is leading to larger, more intense and frequent wildfires, and smoke from these fires can be hazardous to people's health due to its harmful microscopic particles.

Threat level: Smoke reached New York, Maine and Connecticut, but the worst affected areas Tuesday were Rhode Island and Massachusetts, where air quality alerts were issued. 

Some people in Boston reported they could "smell burning" from the Halifax fire that's razed over 150 homes and forced nearly 16,500 residents to evacuate.

Air quality alerts have been issued for parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania through Wednesday and the National Weather Service said on Tuesday night that winds could "bring some of this smoke into the Mid-Atlantic region."

"Don't be surprised if you smell smoke while outdoors," the NWS Baltimore-Washington office said.

Meanwhile, as thick smoke from the Halifax fire chokes the Canadian city, officials reported a rise in respiratory distress calls from the poor air quality and urged vulnerable people to take precautions.

A screenshot of a tweet from NWS Gray saying: "You might notice some haze in the sky tonight at sunset as smoke from wildfires in Nova Scotia is brought over the area.  While we avoided most impacts from the smoke today, the smoke will continue to stay over the area tomorrow."

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Canada wildfire smoke triggers air quality alerts in Northeastern U.S.

"Don't be surprised if you smell smoke while outdoors," the NWS said as it warned smoke could reach the Mid-Atlantic region tonight.

A view of hazy sky which wildfires in Canada impacts and reduces air quality in New York, United States on May 30.

A view of a hazy sky in New York City on Tuesday impacted by wildfires in Canada. Photo: Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Wildfires

Climate change

Plumes of smoke from wildfires <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scorching southeastern Canada&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/30/canada-wildfire-evacuations-halifax-nova-scotia" data-vars-content-id="7ea8519c-6778-40e6-854f-4a69c4116214" data-vars-headline="Canada wildfire smoke triggers air quality alerts in Northeastern U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/30/canada-wildfire-evacuations-halifax-nova-scotia" target="_self">scorching southeastern Canada&#x27;s</a> Nova Scotia province are drifting across the Northeastern U.S. and prompting air quality alerts in several cities through Wednesday.The big picture: Fires have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burning in Canada" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/08/canada-wildfires-evacuations-alberta-british-columbia" data-vars-content-id="7ea8519c-6778-40e6-854f-4a69c4116214" data-vars-headline="Canada wildfire smoke triggers air quality alerts in Northeastern U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/08/canada-wildfires-evacuations-alberta-british-columbia" target="_self">burning in Canada</a> for weeks, as much of the country experiences <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="above-average temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/16/pacific-northwest-heat-canada-wildfires-climate" data-vars-content-id="7ea8519c-6778-40e6-854f-4a69c4116214" data-vars-headline="Canada wildfire smoke triggers air quality alerts in Northeastern U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/16/pacific-northwest-heat-canada-wildfires-climate" target="_self">above-average temperatures</a> and while it&#x27;s not unusual for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Canadian wildfire smoke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/21/canada-wildfire-smoke-hits-air-quality-us-states" data-vars-content-id="7ea8519c-6778-40e6-854f-4a69c4116214" data-vars-headline="Canada wildfire smoke triggers air quality alerts in Northeastern U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/21/canada-wildfire-smoke-hits-air-quality-us-states" target="_self">Canadian wildfire smoke</a> to reach the U.S., it&#x27;s normally Northwestern states that are affected.

China is becoming the most formidable rival America has faced, and the risk of confrontation with Russia, North Korea or Iran still looms. Authoritarians are rising, the chaotic Afghanistan exit revealed the limits of U.S. power, and the pandemic, climate change and other critical challenges continue to pose grave threats.

World

Solomon Peña, an unsuccessful New Mexico Republican candidate accused of shootings at Democratic officials' homes in the state, now faces federal charges.

Driving the news: Prosecutors accuse the 40-year-old Peña of organizing the shootings at the homes of two Bernalillo County commissioners and two New Mexico state legislators following his November state House election loss, per a Department of Justice indictment that was unsealed Wednesday.

"The shootings, one of which involved a machine gun, were carried out between Dec. 4, 2022, and Jan. 3, with assistance from co-conspirators" including Demetrio Trujillo, 41, and Jose Trujillo, 22, who also face charges, according to a DOJ statement.

"Before the shootings, Peña visited the homes of at least three Bernalillo County commissioners and allegedly urged them not to certify the election results, claiming that the election had been 'rigged' against him," the DOJ added.

"Following the Bernalillo County board of commissioners' certification of the vote, Peña allegedly hired others to conduct the shootings and carried out at least one of the shootings himself. At least three of the shootings occurred while children and other relatives of the victims were at home."

Zoom out: The incidents occurred amid a surge in reported attacks and threats that targeted elected officials.

Zoom in: The shootings did not injure anyone, but the Albuquerque Journal notes that bullets "pierced" the bedroom window of the 10-year-old daughter of state Sen. Linda Lopez as she slept.

Peña has been in pretrial detention since his arrest in January on state charges.

Now, Peña, Demetrio Trujillo, and Jose Trujillo have been charged with conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities and several firearms offenses, including the use of a machine gun.

Jose Trujillo was also charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and firearms offenses, including possession of a machine gun.

What we're watching: If convicted, Peña faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 years in prison.

What they're saying: "In America, the integrity of our voting system is sacrosanct," said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez for the District of New Mexico. "These charges strike at the heart of our democracy."

"Voters, candidates, and election officials must be free to exercise their rights and do their jobs safely and free from fear, intimidation, or influence, and with confidence that law enforcement and prosecuting offices will lead the charge when someone tries to silence the will of the people," he added.

"To those who try to sow division, chaos, and fear into our democratic process, these charges should send a message that we are unified, organized, and undaunted."

Failed candidate charged in New Mexico shooting spree at Democrats' homes

"Peña allegedly hired others to conduct the shootings and carried out at least one of the shootings himself," prosecutors allege.

Albuquerque SWAT officers take Solomon Peña into custody Monday, Jan. 16, in Southwest Albuquerque. Photo: Roberto E. Rosales/Albuquerque Journal

New Mexico

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Solomon Peña" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/17/solomon-pena-new-mexico-democrats-shootings" data-vars-content-id="8c3b12a7-fa8d-45b0-a859-f52cde29d383" data-vars-headline="Failed candidate charged in New Mexico shooting spree at Democrats&#x27; homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/17/solomon-pena-new-mexico-democrats-shootings" target="_self">Solomon Peña</a>, an unsuccessful New Mexico Republican candidate accused of shootings at Democratic officials&#x27; homes in the state, now faces federal charges.Driving the news: Prosecutors accuse the 40-year-old Peña of organizing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the shootings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/06/new-mexico-shootings-democrats-homes" data-vars-content-id="8c3b12a7-fa8d-45b0-a859-f52cde29d383" data-vars-headline="Failed candidate charged in New Mexico shooting spree at Democrats&#x27; homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/06/new-mexico-shootings-democrats-homes" target="_self">the shootings</a> at the homes of two Bernalillo County commissioners and two New Mexico state legislators following his November state House election loss, per a Department of Justice indictment that was unsealed Wednesday.

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Politics & Policy

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz is retiring next month after serving in various roles with the agency for 32 years, officials announced Tuesday.

The big picture: The career official has in recent years helped navigate historic numbers of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border amid a wider global humanitarian crisis and, more recently, the end of the pandemic-era Title 42 immigration policy.

There were concerns about a rush on the border once the policy that made it easier for authorities to turn people away there ended earlier this month, but Biden officials have instead reported a decline in crossings.

However, Axios' Stef Kight notes that the people American officials have been tracking in northern Mexico as poised to enter the U.S. "haven't turned back — they're just marking time south of the border."

What they're saying: "I leave at ease, knowing we have a tremendous uniformed and professional workforce, strong relationships with our union partners, and outstanding leaders who will continue to tirelessly advocate for you each day," Ortiz said in a memo obtained by outlets including NewsNation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Acting Commissioner Troy Miller in a statement said he had "benefitted greatly" from the "partnership, expertise, wise counsel, and friendship" of Ortiz, whom he called a true leader.

"Every single day, he champions the men and women of the Border Patrol and has worked tirelessly to ensure that they have the tools, resources, and support they need to do their jobs. He has numerous accolades and awards from his tenure in the Border Patrol, but the highest compliment we can bestow on him is that he is a great agent." 

Of note: Ortiz has headed up Border Patrol since August 2021, when he replaced Rodney Scott, who backed the Trump administration's policies including the border wall.

What we're watching: His retirement is effective June 30.

It was not immediately clear who'll replace Ortiz and CBP representatives did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

U.S. Border Patrol chief to retire after end of Title 42 immigration policy

The career official has in recent years helped navigate historic numbers of migrants at the southern border.

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz attends a press conference on May 5, 2023 in Brownsville, Texas. 

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz in Brownsville, Texas, earlier this month. Photo: Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images

Border patrol

Immigration

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Border Patrol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/11/biden-embraces-tough-policies-southwest-border" data-vars-content-id="8fc6d8cc-724c-4ff4-9069-15d476fd7e1c" data-vars-headline="U.S. Border Patrol chief to retire after end of Title 42 immigration policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/11/biden-embraces-tough-policies-southwest-border" target="_self">U.S. Border Patrol</a> Chief Raul Ortiz is retiring next month after serving in various roles with the agency for 32 years, officials announced Tuesday.The big picture: The career official has in recent years helped <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="navigate historic numbers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/19/border-apprehensions-may-migrants" data-vars-content-id="8fc6d8cc-724c-4ff4-9069-15d476fd7e1c" data-vars-headline="U.S. Border Patrol chief to retire after end of Title 42 immigration policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/19/border-apprehensions-may-migrants" target="_self">navigate historic numbers</a> of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wider global humanitarian crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/10/scenes-from-border-chaos-desperation" data-vars-content-id="8fc6d8cc-724c-4ff4-9069-15d476fd7e1c" data-vars-headline="U.S. Border Patrol chief to retire after end of Title 42 immigration policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/10/scenes-from-border-chaos-desperation" target="_self">wider global humanitarian crisis</a> and, more recently, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the end" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/11/title-42-mexico-border" data-vars-content-id="8fc6d8cc-724c-4ff4-9069-15d476fd7e1c" data-vars-headline="U.S. Border Patrol chief to retire after end of Title 42 immigration policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/11/title-42-mexico-border" target="_self">the end</a> of the pandemic-era Title 42 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" data-vars-content-id="8fc6d8cc-724c-4ff4-9069-15d476fd7e1c" data-vars-headline="U.S. Border Patrol chief to retire after end of Title 42 immigration policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" target="_self">immigration</a> policy.

The man accused of attacking Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) in the elevator of her D.C. apartment building in February pleaded guilty to assault charges on Thursday.

Driving the news: Kendrid Khalil Hamlin, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to one count of assault on a member of Congress and two of assault on a law enforcement officer in connection to the incident, per a Department of Justice statement.

The 26-year-old has admitted to willfully assaulting a member of the House of Representatives, causing personal injury, the DOJ said.

"Hamlin also admitted that he assaulted a detective and a police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department that same day," per the Justice Department.

What they're saying: Hamlin's public defenders have said he has a history of experiencing homelessness and mental illness.

Hamlin's attorney Katie Guevara told the Washington Post she's "hopeful that all parties can work together to finally provide Mr. Hamlin with the opportunity to get mental health support and treatment, as well as stable housing upon his release."

What's next: U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg has scheduled a sentencing hearing for Sept. 15.

Zoom out: While officials have said the attack on Craig didn't appear to be politically motivated, it occurred amid a surge in reported threats against and attacks on federal lawmakers and elected officials.

Representatives for Craig did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

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D.C. Man pleads guilty to assaulting Rep. Angie Craig in elevator

Officials have said the attack on Craig didn't appear to be politically motivated.

Rep. Angie Craig at the U.S. Capitol in 2021. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

House Democrats

The man accused of attacking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Angie Craig" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/10/rep-angie-craig-assault-update" data-vars-content-id="f0e606e2-b2fd-472a-a94b-394d9e4797c8" data-vars-headline="D.C. Man pleads guilty to assaulting Rep. Angie Craig in elevator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/10/rep-angie-craig-assault-update" target="_self">Rep. Angie Craig</a> (D-Minn.) in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elevator of her D.C. apartment building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/09/rep-angie-craig-assaulted-apartment" data-vars-content-id="f0e606e2-b2fd-472a-a94b-394d9e4797c8" data-vars-headline="D.C. Man pleads guilty to assaulting Rep. Angie Craig in elevator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/09/rep-angie-craig-assaulted-apartment" target="_self">elevator of her D.C. apartment building</a> in February pleaded guilty to assault charges on Thursday.Driving the news: Kendrid Khalil Hamlin, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to one count of assault on a member of Congress and two of assault on a law enforcement officer in connection to the incident, per a Department of Justice <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/dc-man-pleads-guilty-assaulting-member-congress-and-law-enforcement-officers" data-vars-content-id="f0e606e2-b2fd-472a-a94b-394d9e4797c8" data-vars-headline="D.C. Man pleads guilty to assaulting Rep. Angie Craig in elevator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/dc-man-pleads-guilty-assaulting-member-congress-and-law-enforcement-officers" target="_blank">statement</a>.

Rebecca Falconer

Stories

D.C. Man pleads guilty to assaulting Rep. Angie Craig in elevator

PG&E reaches $50M settlement in fatal 2020 fire as charges dismissed

Failed candidate charged in New Mexico shooting spree at Democrats' homes

Canada wildfire smoke triggers air quality alerts in Northeastern U.S.

U.S. Border Patrol chief to retire after end of Title 42 immigration policy