National (U.S.)

Beach Nourishment Offers Challenging Local Environmental Stories

It’s peak beach season around much of the United States, with its timeless traditions of sunbathing, beach reads, swimming and beachcombing. But nature has its own ideas about shorelines, stripping some beaches and growing others. Humans, too, have their own beach engineering enterprises, with their own environmental impacts. The latest TipSheet helps you cover your local beach scene, with questions to ask, story ideas and reporting resources.

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September 10, 2024

DEADLINE: CASW New Horizons Travel Fellowships

The Council for the Advancement of Science Writing offers fellowships, up to $1,200 each, to cover the costs of attending the annual New Horizons in Science Briefing for Journalists/Science Writers meeting, taking place this year Nov 8-11 in Raleigh, N.C. Apply by Sep 10.

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Topics on the Beat: 

"How The World’s Last Wild Red Wolves Are Avoiding Extinction"

"ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, N.C. — In April, the latest glimmer of hope appeared here in the only spot on Earth where endangered red wolves remain in the wild. Five pups were born to a pair of wolves — a female known as 2413, and a male known as 2444 — marking the third year in a row that at least one new litter began life in this corner of coastal North Carolina."

Source: Washington Post, 08/16/2024

"Wind Beat Coal Two Months in a Row for U.S. Electricity Generation"

"Wind turbines generated more electricity than coal-burning power plants across the United States in March and April, outstripping the dirtiest fuel for two consecutive months for the first time, according to the Energy Information Administration."

Source: NYTimes, 08/16/2024

As Millions of Acres Burn, Firefighters Say USFS Has Left Them With Shortages

"The agency recently said that it had reached 101% of its firefighter hiring goal for 2024, but those on the front lines say the agency is understating how badly depleted their ranks are, especially for experienced firefighters."

Source: ProPublica, 08/16/2024

When Is “Recyclable” Not Really Recyclable? Don't Ask the Plastics Industry

"Companies whose futures depend on plastic production are trying to persuade the federal government to allow them to put the label “recyclable” on plastic shopping bags and other items virtually guaranteed to end up in landfills and incinerators."

Source: ProPublica, 08/16/2024

California Cuts Safety Enforcement As Farmworkers Toil In Extreme Heat

"California has sharply cut its enforcement of heat-protection laws for outdoor laborers while extreme heat has intensified in recent years — endangering farmworkers, construction workers and others who toil in scorching temperatures — an investigation by the Los Angeles Times and Capital & Main has found."

Source: LA Times, 08/16/2024

"Shell Oil Non-Profit Donated To Anti-Climate Groups Behind Project 2025"

"A US foundation associated with the oil company Shell has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to religious right and conservative organizations, many of which deny that climate change is a crisis, tax records reveal."

Source: Guardian, 08/16/2024

Protecting Ecologically Rich Alabama Delta From Development, Climate Change

"The Mobile-Tensaw Delta — a lush, vibrant and surprisingly intact over 400-square-mile (1,036-square-kilometer) expanse of cypress swamps, oxbow lakes, marshland, hardwood stands and rivers — is teeming with more aquatic species than almost anywhere in North America."

Source: AP, 08/15/2024

UK Firm Violating Toxic Pollutant Limits At Louisiana Wood Pellet Facilities

"British energy giant Drax Global, already under scrutiny for running afoul of environmental laws in multiple states, has disclosed to the state of Louisiana that its wood pellet production facilities emit hazardous air pollutants above their permitted limits."

Source: AP, 08/15/2024

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