Grist is pleased to announce it is launching a new partnership with Montana Free Press and Mountain Journal to cover how climate change is reshaping ecosystems, economies, infrastructure, and governance across the Greater Yellowstone area. The position marks the eighth in Grist’s Local News Initiative and is being supported by Report for America.
The reporter will produce in-depth, contextual stories that deepen understanding of climate science and policy in Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as well as efforts to adapt to, mitigate the effects of, and develop solutions to climate change. In addition, the reporter’s stories will be distributed to local outlets across Montana and beyond to republish for free. Grist will also adapt the new hire’s reporting for a national audience. (The role is one of two that Report for America awarded Montana Free Press and Mountain Journal; the other is a partnership with High Country News.)
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Montana Free Press, Mountain Journal, and Report for America on this initiative,” said Katherine Bagley, Grist’s editor-in-chief. “The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a fascinating region from which to report on climate change, with opportunities to explore how a warming planet intersects with land use, wildlife, water systems, and rural economies.”
“We’re honored to have been selected to host not just one but two reporting fellowships through Report for America,” said Joseph T. O’Connor, Mountain Journal’s managing editor. “The fact that we have a chance to partner with our friends at Grist and High Country News for these collaborations is an incredible opportunity to further cover the complex environmental issues in Greater Yellowstone and beyond.”
Qualified journalists interested in this role should apply here by February 16, 2026, with references due by February 23, 2026.
Report for America is a two-year program (with an option for a third year) that delivers a wide range of benefits to its corps members. In addition to paying up to half of the journalists’ salaries, it provides ongoing training and mentorship by leading journalists, peer networking, and memberships to select professional media organizations.
“We’re thrilled to be working with partners who are bringing new programming, depth, and scale to local news,” said Kim Kleman, executive director of Report for America. “I’m especially excited that our partnerships have the potential to expand to many more communities.”
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