Grist establishes local distribution networks to ensure that the stories our reporters produce are widely shared among local outlets in each state or region, often appearing in a dozen or more publications. While many local news organizations lack dedicated climate reporters, our network enables those outlets to publish important local climate stories at no cost. This model allows a single piece of reporting to reach many diverse audiences through trusted sources in their communities. As seen in the maps above, of Georgia (left) and Michigan (right), each pin represents a different local outlet republishing Grist.
At Grist, we believe the messenger matters just as much as the message. That’s why we created our Local News Initiative. This program embeds Grist journalists at trusted, local media outlets across the country, bringing high-quality climate media to thousands of people who might not otherwise get it. Together, we’re increasing understanding – and driving action – on local climate issues.
Our Distribution Model
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Georgia
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Is your state becoming uninsurable? We have the latest data.
Home insurance is buckling under climate risk and construction trends. Find out how your state fares.
Jake Bittle, Emily Jones, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Vivian La, Anila Yoganathan, Katie Myers, & Clayton Aldern March 18, 2026 -
Georgia farmers’ long wait for Helene relief is ending
The state’s biggest crops needed a special program to cover “once-in-a-generation” losses — for the second time in a decade.
Emily Jones March 17, 2026 -
Ocean speed limits protect endangered right whales. Trump wants to weaken them.
NOAA wants to replace a longstanding rule with technology scientists say is unproven.
Emily Jones March 10, 2026
Illinois
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Can replacing Illinois’ toxic lead pipes lead to a workforce boon?
Illinois has nearly 1.5 million lead service lines. A new report estimates replacing the unsafe plumbing could generate 90,000 jobs.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco March 23, 2026 -
The Great Lakes are ideal for wind energy. So where is it?
Bureaucratic hurdles and high costs have prevented the offshore wind industry from developing the Great Lakes’ abundant wind resources.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco March 19, 2026 -
Is your state becoming uninsurable? We have the latest data.
Home insurance is buckling under climate risk and construction trends. Find out how your state fares.
Jake Bittle, Emily Jones, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Vivian La, Anila Yoganathan, Katie Myers, & Clayton Aldern March 18, 2026
Louisiana
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The biomass industry promised these Southern towns prosperity. So why are they still dying?
States gave Drax millions in tax breaks in the hopes of boosting jobs.
Tristan Baurick January 30, 2026 -
Europe gets ‘green energy.’ These Southern towns get dirty air.
In Louisiana and Mississippi, people living near wood pellet mills say they’re getting sick.
Tristan Baurick January 23, 2026 -
20 years after Katrina, New Orleans’ levees are sinking and short on money
The city’s $14 billion flood system faces new threats from climate change, land subsidence, and Trump budget cuts.
Jake Bittle August 27, 2025
Michigan
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Is your state becoming uninsurable? We have the latest data.
Home insurance is buckling under climate risk and construction trends. Find out how your state fares.
Jake Bittle, Emily Jones, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Vivian La, Anila Yoganathan, Katie Myers, & Clayton Aldern March 18, 2026 -
Energy projects across the country are in limbo after Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
Community groups, businesses, and consumers say projects face an uncertain future after Republicans slashed renewable energy tax credits.
Emily Jones, Katie Myers, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, & Izzy Ross August 8, 2025 -
One senator’s lonely quest to make the farm bill more sustainable
For years, Debbie Stabenow fought for environmentally friendly agricultural policy. She retired with mixed results.
Frida Garza & Izzy Ross February 27, 2025
Nebraska
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A look behind the scenes of what could be Google’s biggest test of carbon capture
Documents indicate that the tech company may be planning a massive natural gas-powered data center project in Nebraska — but it could hinge on one piece of legislation.
Anila Yoganathan March 24, 2026 -
Is your state becoming uninsurable? We have the latest data.
Home insurance is buckling under climate risk and construction trends. Find out how your state fares.
Jake Bittle, Emily Jones, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Vivian La, Anila Yoganathan, Katie Myers, & Clayton Aldern March 18, 2026 -
A Nebraska utility says that its coal plant poses no ‘significant’ health threat
North Omaha residents, health experts, and two of the utility’s board members aren’t buying it.
Anila Yoganathan January 29, 2026
North Carolina (Southern Appalachia)
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Is your state becoming uninsurable? We have the latest data.
Home insurance is buckling under climate risk and construction trends. Find out how your state fares.
Jake Bittle, Emily Jones, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Vivian La, Anila Yoganathan, Katie Myers, & Clayton Aldern March 18, 2026 -
Trump raised $8 million for Hurricane Helene survivors. Where did it all go?
The presidential campaign bad-mouthed FEMA while using crowdfunding to donate to evangelical nonprofits.
Katie Myers September 24, 2025 -
How to track disaster spending in your community
As rising global temperatures fuel more intense weather, and disaster recovery budgets skyrocket, this accountability work has never been more important.
Lyndsey Gilpin & Katie Myers September 24, 2025
Utah
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Utah Republicans see storing nuclear waste as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’
Some think a Trump administration plan is a chance to boost communities that hemorrhaged jobs after coal plants closed.
Leia Larsen & Matt Ward March 24, 2026 -
To power Utah’s data center boom, companies are turning to fossil fuels
The rush to meet AI’s energy needs is sure to rely on natural gas, raising worries about air pollution in the state’s urban corridor.
Leia Larsen February 24, 2026 -
Can you build data centers in a desert without draining the water supply? Utah is finding out.
Politicians are pushing for one of the driest states to become a haven for data centers.
Leia Larsen & Addy Baird January 21, 2026
Support Grist’s Local News Initiative
For more information on Grist’s Local News Initiative, please contact Nicole Foster, Senior Major Gifts Manager.