Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · 2d

Our Fall Lecture 2 weeks away! We’re excited to bring a panel of 3 scientists in seemingly disconnected fields to illuminate the intersection of climate change, public health, and food equity. Today we’re spotlighting Christine Ekenga of @emoryuniversity.bsky.social
web.uri.edu/metcalf/2025...

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · 5d

Our team is excited to get started working with 10 New England newsrooms to coach them on their science and environmental journalism goals! Among this cohort of Climate Ready Newsrooms are two in Maine: @weru-fm.bsky.social and West End News🎙️📰🌎
@amyfrommaine.bsky.social
web.uri.edu/metcalf/loca...

Headshots of WERU Community Radio 89.9 point people: Wilson Haims, Manager of Community Engagement and Resilience, and Amy Browne, News & Public Affairs Manager

WERU Community Radio is a volunteer-powered community radio station located in Blue Hill, Maine. With over 125 contributors currently on the air, WERU prides itself in being “a voice of many voices.”

Headshots of West End News point people: Anthony Zeli, Publisher - Editor, and Nancy English, Freelance Reporter

The West End News (WEN) is a community newspaper published monthly in Portland and surrounding communities in southern Maine. WEN seeks to be a be a trustworthy news source and to strengthen community connection.

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · 13d

If you're a Rhode Island writer with a passion for science and the outdoors, this event is for you! The URI Department of Public and Professional Writing and @dwell-lab.bsky.social are hosting a local Write Out Oct. 16 & 17, 8 AM-5 PM, at North Woods! #uri #writeout
web.uri.edu/dwell/write-...

A photo of a person writing in a journal in the woods. Heading text: Write Out: Awaken the Senses in the North Woods
Smaller text: October 16 & 17, 8am-5pm
Rain dates: October 20 & 21
Join the URI Department of Public and Professional Writing and DWELL Lab for a day of writing and connection outside at North Woods Teaching Forest!

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · 17d

Congratulations to the 10 New England newsrooms chosen for the second cohort of Metcalf Institute’s Climate Ready Newsrooms fellowship! We're excited to help them work toward their climate journalism goals! #ClimateWeek

A blue graphic with the text Climate Ready Newsrooms, showcasing the logos of the following newsrooms chosen for the cohort:

Beacon Media
Connecticut Mirror
Daily Hampshire Gazette
The New Bedford Light
New Hampshire Public Radio
The Providence Eye
Vermont Community Newspaper Group
WBZ | CBS Boston
Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM
The West End News

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · 19d

The #ClimateMatters spotlight continues with reporting on warming trends from @colleen-cronin.bsky.social, a Metcalf alum writing for @ecorinews.bsky.social! Read about temp rise in RI: As They Become More Common, Heat Waves Will Also Be More Destructive @climatecentral.org
ecori.org/as-they-beco...

As They Become More Common, Heat Waves Will Also Be More Destructive - ecoRI News

Rhode Island hasn’t always needed to be ready for the consequences of extreme heat, but that time is coming to end as climate change ramps up.

ecori.org

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · 20d

For #ClimateWeek we're highlighting important journalism from our Metcalf network, with today's focus on extreme weather coverage. AWJ 2025 alum @alereports.bsky.social covered the deadly 4th of July floods for the @texastribune.org:
ow.ly/Egkn50X0j0v
#ClimateMatters @climatecentral.org

History repeated itself when the Guadalupe River swept away Camp Mystic. Why few lessons were learned after the 1987 flood.

The Fourth of July flood bore a striking similarity to the Hill Country flood that killed 10 summer campers in 1987. In the following years, officials took little action to protect against the next st...

ow.ly

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · 24d

Solutions journalism is often rooted in optimism, but how do you tell hopeful stories without glossing over challenges? We’re offering a training with @soljourno.bsky.social on covering marine carbon dioxide removal with @davidho.bsky.social and Jaime Palter Oct. 7!
uri-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

A graphic with photos of Jaime Palter (University of Rhode Island) and David Ho (University of Hawai'i at Manoa)
Balancing Hope with Hurdles: How to Cover Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal
October 7, 2025, 1 PM (EST)
The Metcalf Institute and Solutions Journalism Network present a virtual, moderated training and Q&A to support journalists interested in telling nuanced stories on both the potential and obstacles of ocean-based climate solutions.
Solutions Journalism Network
Metcalf Institute

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Sep 12

Our Assistant Director Erin Edmonds was published alongside the URI @dwell-lab.bsky.social team! The North Woods Project is a blend of AR, GIS mapping, web technologies, and field‑based methods showcasing the area as a vibrant site for learning and SciComm!
kairos.technorhetoric.net/30.1/topoi/j...

Kairos 30.1: Jones et al., North Woods Project: Mobilizing Digital Field Methods and Art-Based Research for Science Communication and Environmental Advocacy

This webtext juxtaposes six exercises in place-based writing, locative, media, and creative methods during the BioBlitz held at one of University of Rhode Island’s natural reserves. Joe Ahart and Madi...

kairos.technorhetoric.net

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Sep 9

It’s not too late to sign up! If you’re attending #ONA2025, grab a spot for Metcalf Institute’s workshop: Is Your News Organization Climate-Ready? This hands-on session helps newsrooms map out a plan for covering the climate crisis. @journalists.org
📆 Sept. 13. 10 AM - 1 PM
tally.so/r/3N9BeN

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Sep 3

We’re looking forward to connecting with our network at #ONA25 September 10-13! Don’t miss sessions with Metcalf staff – see the schedule for details on our Taking Care panel and Attribution Science workshop next Thursday and Friday! @journalists.org
ow.ly/zefN50WPASJ

Graphic with text and headshots of speakers: Join us at ONA 2025!
Taking Care: Facing the Mental Health Challenges of Covering Climate Change
Sept. 11, 2:30-3:30 PM (CDT)
Fara Warner, Metcalf Institute
Yessenia Funes, Atmos Magazine
Laura Hackett, Blue Ridge Public Radio
Rebecca Weston, Climate Psychology Alliance of North America

Graphic with text and headshots of speakers: Join us at ONA 2025!
Attribution Science: Communicating the Link Between Extreme Weather and Climate Change
Sept. 12, 12-1 PM (CDT)
Ethan Brown, Metcalf Institute
Tom Di Liberto, Climate Central
Sönke Dangendorf, Tulane University

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Aug 28

The inaugural Metcalf Ocean Nexus Academy (MONA) took place this summer! Watch the video for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what the fellows learned during the experience! 🌊
@uprootproject.bsky.social @rachelreports.bsky.social @mjoel17.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhTo...

Creating Connections between Science and Journalism: The Metcalf Ocean Nexus Academy

YouTube video by MetcalfInstitute

www.youtube.com

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Aug 27

If you’re attending the Online News Association's annual conference in New Orleans, sign up for Metcalf Institute’s workshop – Is Your News Organization Climate-Ready? – on Saturday, September 13 (10 AM–2 PM CDT)! #ONA2025 @journalists.org
tally.so/r/3N9BeN

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Aug 21

Congrats to Metcalf alum, @mstarling.bsky.social, whose story for @deseret.com.web.brid.gy, “Consider the Condor,” won second place in the @spj-posts.bsky.social 2025 Top of the Rockies excellence in journalism awards for feature writing!
📰: www.deseret.com/magazine/202...
📸: The Peregrine Fund

A photo of Marlowe and an aerial view of two soaring condors accompanies a quote from Marlowe about reporting on this story: “As with most wildlife conservation stories, ‘Consider the Condor’ was as much about people as it was about endangered raptors. I was surprised to learn that lead is still the leading cause of condor deaths in the U.S. – even after decades of campaigns to convince shooters to use alternatives. My primary mission with this magazine feature was to reach Deseret Magazine's audience of West-based readers, many of whom are hunters, ranchers, and shooters themselves. Including those perspectives while telling the story of this species' scrape with extinction was important for establishing trust while having the largest possible impact on my audience.”

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Aug 20

Looking to interview experts on environmental topics? This is the resource for you! The team behind the SciComm Identities Project (SCIP) created a source book of experts for journalists covering climate and environmental topics. 🌎📖

web.uri.edu/metcalf/look...

Looking to Interview Experts On Environmental Topics? Check out SCIP’s New Source Book!

The team behind the SciComm Identities Project (SCIP) has created a source book for journalists covering climate and environmental topics, which provides a more representative range of experts who are...

web.uri.edu

Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Aug 12

This summer, Metcalf partnered with RI NSF EPSCoR to launch a new undergraduate fellowship, The Open Newsroom. Join us Monday, August 18, 5-7 PM at the Providence Public Library for a culminating showcase of students’ work!
web.uri.edu/rinsfepscor/...

Open Newsroom students (left to right): Dylan Brenner, Sara Homma, and Jezell Green

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Aug 6

Deadline extended! New England newsrooms now have until Tuesday, August 19 to apply for Metcalf Institute's second cohort of the Climate Ready Newsrooms fellowship! 📰🌎

Learn more and apply online:
web.uri.edu/metcalf/loca...

Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Jul 31

Calling all Metcalf alumni: we want to share your news and celebrate your accomplishments! Fill out this handy form (as many times as you'd like!) to tell us what’s new in your world, from new jobs to impactful projects.
✍️ form.asana.com?k=j6tAPErgXQ...

A grid of photos features scientists and journalists working together at an oyster hatchery, small farms, and in the field planting trees, along with journalists working in the classroom and on the road for assignments and workshops. Text in the center reads: Metcalf Alumni: We want to hear from you! Share your articles, news, and career updates by filling out our new form.

Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Jul 29

Congrats Metcalf alum Ayurella Horn-Muller! Her book, Devoured: The Extraordinary Story of Kudzu, the Vine That Ate the South, received a James A. Duke Excellence in Botanical Literature Awards honorable mention from the American Botanical Council @lsupress.bsky.social
lsupress.org/978080718239...

A photo of Ayurella and her book, Devoured, with the quote: "Metcalf's fellowship gave me the tools I needed to bolster my research for the book, which required a thorough understanding of the world of scientific research and academia as I dug into questions like: How much land is covered by kudzu in the U.S.? How much money has been invested in mitigating it? And when it comes to tracking the growth, economic impact, and management of invasive species, who is responsible for what? The impact of this fellowship on my book development process, and broader climate journalism career, is difficult to overstate.”

Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Jul 22

Beginning this fall, the second cohort of the Metcalf Institute's Climate Ready Newsrooms fellowship aims to prepare local newsrooms – not just individuals – to report on the science of climate and environmental change!
Apply by August 15 ➡️ web.uri.edu/metcalf/loca...

A graphic describing Metcalf Institute's Climate Ready Newsrooms fellowship, which begins Fall 2025, with up to 10 New England newsrooms chosen. The fellowship includes a $1,000 stipend, and the deadline is August 15.

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Jul 18

After federal agencies skipped standard testing for toxic metals in the soil of burned homes following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, Metcalf alum and @latimes.com reporter Tony Briscoe led a team to collect soil samples and report on the alarming findings.
🎙️: www.youtube.com/watch?v=omXa...

Los Angeles Times reporter and Metcalf alum Tony Briscoe shares, “I can't say enough about how Metcalf Institute helped mold me into a better environmental journalist. The program helped me break down and decipher dense, scientific studies and technical reports. And that's exactly what we needed with our soil testing story. We scoured the methodologies of other government-led soil testing efforts in California and used these as templates to craft our own sampling initiative.”

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Jul 14

If you're a climate journalist and feeling overwhelmed, tune in TOMORROW, July 15, for the free virtual C.A.R.E.S. Climate and Mental Health Training. This collab between Metcalf and @soljourno.bsky.social features speakers @yessfun.com and Rebecca Weston.
Sign up: uri-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Jul 10

In this week’s alumni spotlight: Ashley Miznazi! Ashley was part of our 2025 AWJ fellowship, which focused on food systems. Motivated by a science immersion here in RI, she checked in with lychee growers in South Florida for @miamiherald.com
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/e...
📸: Ashley Miznazi

A photo of Ashley Miznazi, AWJ 2025 Alum, and of a farmer harvesting lychee fruit. A quote from Ashley explains how the Metcalf fellowship inspired a story she pursued for the Miami Herald: "During the Metcalf Fellowship we visited Newport Vineyards and heard how sensitive the grapes were to weather changes from the owner and vineyard manager, Paul Nunes. It's what gave me the idea to ask farmers how the lychee, which are more relevant to [South Florida] than grapes, were doing. I learned grapes and lychees actually share something in common: they both produce fruits with a branched cluster of flowers that bloom in a pyramid shape.”

Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Jul 8

With the help of Ocean Nexus researchers and the Metcalf team, last week MONA fellows @mjoel17.bsky.social, @rachelreports.bsky.social, and Eva Tesfaye identified new stories to pursue with science translation training and expanded content knowledge on ocean equity!
@uprootproject.bsky.social

Participants listen to researchers present on their work during a science translation training session with Metcalf Institute and Ocean Nexus last Wednesday

MONA fellows (front to back): Luis Joel Méndez González, Rachel Ramirez, and Eva Tesfaye

Ocean Nexus Director Yoshi Ota (right) and Deputy Director Wilf Swartz

MONA fellows (left to right) Eva Tesfaye and Rachel Ramirez

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Jul 7

We're teaming up with @soljourno.bsky.social to offer the C.A.R.E.S. Climate and Mental Health Training July 15, exploring what happens inside our bodies when we’re exposed to bad news and strategies for climate journalists, with @yessfun.com and Rebecca Weston. Sign up online!
ow.ly/Bat850WkAlH

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Metcalf Institute @metcalfuri.bsky.social · Jul 2

Metcalf alum @cloelogan.bsky.social hit the road – the ice road – to uncover how climate change, especially increased temperatures caused by the burning of fossil fuels, affects these important transportation routes in northern Canada.
Read the series online: ow.ly/7uom50WjoOH
📸 by Jesse Winter

Ice road photos by Jesse Winter and a photo of Cloe Logan and a quote on producing "Vanishing Lifelines" for Canada's National Observer: “One of the most valuable [Metcalf] workshops I participated in focused on decoding academic research. It included talking directly to researchers, figuring out what questions to ask, and learning how to identify where the most important nuggets of information are in a paper. That helped me gain a deeper understanding of statistics and language often present in climate research, but also made me think differently about the data I seek out for my stories.”

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