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
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Georgia’s PSC elections have become a referendum on energy prices
Democrats won big in last year’s election. This year, they’re aiming to win a majority on the commission.
Emily Jones May 21, 2026 -
Energy bills keep rising. These candidates in Georgia say they can help.
With the state’s energy future hanging in the balance, 10 people are vying for two seats on the powerful utility commission.
Emily Jones May 15, 2026 -
What’s driving the catastrophic wildfires in Georgia
Drought conditions have been worsening for months in the Southeast. Now tens of thousands of acres are burning, displacing people and destroying dozens of homes.
Emily Jones April 22, 2026
Illinois
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Biden’s clean drinking water plan is being rebranded as MAHA
The EPA is distributing billions authorized under the Biden administration while reducing overall funding levels and promoting the work as part of the Make America Healthy Again initiative.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco June 3, 2026 -
Illinois is feuding with itself over endangered species protections
The state Department of Transportation has sidestepped endangered species protections in 11 cases, according to public records.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco April 29, 2026 -
Trump and the Illinois governor keep feuding over an invasive fish
After accusing Illinois of being an “unreliable partner,” the Trump administration is handing control of a billion-dollar carp barrier to Michigan.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco April 15, 2026
Louisiana
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Louisiana lawmakers rush to support an industry they ‘do not know a lot about’
A bill to boost a wood-pellet industry plagued by pollution violations sailed through the Legislature.
Tristan Baurick June 9, 2026 -
New Orleans wants to fix its Mardi Gras mess. So why is the trash pile still growing?
This year’s Carnival resulted in 1.4 tons of beads, beer cans, and other trash along the city’s parade routes — the highest total on record.
Tristan Baurick May 11, 2026 -
This Supreme Court ‘victory’ for oil giants is not what it seems
A recent ruling puts $745 million to restore Louisiana’s coastline in doubt. But the effort to get Chevron and other oil majors to pay is far from over.
Rebecca Egan McCarthy April 28, 2026
Michigan
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Close calls at Michigan’s dams are a climate warning to America
Record flooding pushed Michigan’s dams to the brink of disaster. The near miss reflects the national problem of infrastructure that is not suited to the challenges of a warming world.
Vivian La May 7, 2026 -
Michigan wins key legal battle over Line 5 pipeline
A unanimous Supreme Court ruling clears the way for state court proceedings in the decades-long dispute over the pipeline crossing between Lakes Michigan and Huron.
Vivian La April 27, 2026 -
What’s geologic hydrogen? What to know about the clean energy source buried under Michigan.
Research shows the state may be a hotspot for the resource, prompting a scramble to understand its potential.
Vivian La February 17, 2026
Nebraska
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Nuclear in my backyard: A Nebraska utility is skirting the public backlash that plagues wind and solar
Across the state, nuclear is getting a warm welcome in communities that typically oppose large-scale clean energy projects.
Anila Yoganathan June 12, 2026 -
Nebraskans are taking a hard look at data centers
Residents and officials are finding ways to slow down the development rush.
Anila Yoganathan June 3, 2026 -
Nebraska wonders which is riskier: The fires it starts, or the fires it fights
Fires have burned nearly a million acres in Nebraska this year. Are even more the solution?
Anila Yoganathan May 15, 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, Vivian La, Anila Yoganathan, Katie Myers, Clayton Aldern, & Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco 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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The world’s largest data center was supposed to run on 100% natural gas. Utah’s Republican governor says ‘never.’
Governor Spencer Cox says nuclear, geothermal, and solar power should help fuel the colossal Stratos Project.
Leia Larsen May 28, 2026 -
Utah’s fragile desert could feel like the Sahara if America’s biggest data center gets built
The Great Salt Lake is drying up. What happens when a data center as large as a city sits next to it?
Leia Larsen May 18, 2026 -
How deep-red Utah helped launch a portable plug-in solar movement
Since Utah passed a law last year, 30 more states and the District of Columbia have drafted similar bills.
Leia Larsen April 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.