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
Coming Soon
Georgia
More Stories →-
Democrats take control of Georgia’s powerful utility regulator
Swept in on the blue wave, new commissioners plan to tackle power bills, clean energy, and data center accountability.
Emily Jones November 6, 2026 -
Why Google is paying to upgrade nuclear power plants
In the race to power data centers, could tech company cash help carbon-free energy win out?
Emily Jones October 13, 2026 -
The never-ending struggle to protect Georgia’s most popular beach
The sea at Tybee Island is rising half an inch a year. Now, the Army Corps of Engineers is trying a new approach to limit erosion.
Emily Jones October 7, 2026
Illinois
More Stories →-
Magic: The Gathering draws a bad hand with El Niño
El Niño-related shipping delays have left fans waiting for the game’s latest release.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco October 15, 2026 -
Illinois passed the nation’s first climate migration law. The effort has languished since.
More than a year after the law was signed, the state has made little progress and appears poised to miss a December deadline for a required report.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco September 28, 2026 -
Even meteorologists are baffled by the Midwestern tornado season
More than 200 tornadoes have hit Illinois this year. Here’s how the twisters form, and how climate change might be influencing them.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco & Matt Simon August 24, 2026
Louisiana
More Stories →-
Louisiana’s accidental blueprint for restoring its coast
In 2002, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stumbled on a way to create new land. Now the state wants to do it on purpose.
Tristan Baurick November 3, 2026 -
The Louisiana wind industry’s plan for survival: Outlast Trump
Trump brought offshore wind development to a near standstill. Louisiana companies plan to “wait for the clock to run out” in 2029.
Tristan Baurick October 9, 2026 -
On Louisiana’s disappearing coast, a natural gas terminal is poised to become the largest in the US
Fast-tracked by the Trump administration, the $18 billion expansion would more than double the size of Plaquemines LNG.
Tristan Baurick August 27, 2026
Michigan
More Stories →-
High power bills, blackouts land Michigan utilities on the ballot
A ballot measure could test the limits of how states can curb corporate influence in politics.
Austin Corona & Vivian La October 27, 2026 -
The Michigan climate candidate courting opponents of Big Solar
Sunrise Movement co-founder William Lawrence is navigating backlash against data centers — and clean energy — in his bid for Congress.
Jake Bittle October 26, 2026 -
In Michigan, 3 tribes are on a mission to bring back a fish that disappeared 100 years ago
Tribal nations across the country are trying to restore culturally important species, like the Arctic grayling, while grappling with climate change.
Vivian La October 21, 2026
Montana
More Stories →-
Trump administration advances a plan to open national forests to development
The proposal would repeal the roadless rule, opening up nearly 45 million acres of national land to roadbuilding and logging, despite widespread opposition from scientists and the public.
Ellis Juhlin August 19, 2026 -
As Montana warms, Missoula’s first heat map reveals hidden hotspots
The mapping effort is uncovering unexpected patterns, with some undeveloped and heavily forested areas holding more heat than researchers anticipated.
Ellis Juhlin August 13, 2026 -
In Montana, a controversial $2B pipeline hits a speed bump
After an environmental group filed a complaint on behalf of two Montana residents, state regulators rescinded a crucial waiver.
Ellis Juhlin August 7, 2026
Nebraska
More Stories →-
As Nebraska seeks to grow, Omaha’s energy capacity is a major hurdle
One of the state’s largest utilities needs more power to fuel the region’s economic ambitions.
Anila Yoganathan November 4, 2026 -
Nebraskans couldn’t escape the heat this summer — not even at night
Minimum temperatures have shot up, presenting an overlooked threat to people, livestock, and crops.
Anila Yoganathan September 30, 2026 -
Some Nebraska communities are cashing in on renewables. Others are being left behind.
More than 88 percent of the taxes on wind and solar went to just 10 of the state’s 93 counties.
Anila Yoganathan August 12, 2026
North Carolina (Southern Appalachia)
More Stories →-
Hurricane Helene haunts the midterms in North Carolina
Two years after the deadly storm, voters are frustrated with a slow recovery — and that could carry a political price.
Katie Myers October 28, 2026 -
Two years after Hurricane Helene, survivors are taking lessons for the future
Western North Carolina residents are turning what they learned into solar microgrids, practical skills, and accessible spaces designed to help them weather the next disaster.
Katie Myers & Laura Hackett October 5, 2026 -
America’s houseplants come at a steep price for greenhouse workers
The people who grow houseplants aren’t often thought of as agricultural workers, but they face many of the same hardships — especially in extreme heat.
Frida Garza & Katie Myers September 11, 2026
Utah
More Stories →-
Powering data centers on nuclear? That’s a tough sell in Utah’s coal country.
To power two new data centers, Carbon County is getting a giant gas plant and 456 small nuclear reactors. Locals are pushing back.
Leia Larsen October 7, 2026 -
After Trump opened Bears Ears land to business, prospectors swooped in
All the claims on the 1.2 million acres appear to have been filed by small-scale miners in Utah with an interest in uranium.
Leia Larsen September 28, 2026 -
Mining executives bought stock in their own firm days before Trump shrank Bears Ears
House Democrats have opened an investigation for insider trading.
Leia Larsen August 17, 2026
Support Grist’s Local News Initiative
For more information on Grist’s Local News Initiative, please contact Nicole Foster, Senior Major Gifts Manager.
