Welcome back to State of Emergency, a newsletter that delves into how disasters shape our politics. I’m Jake Bittle, a reporter at Grist, and I’m joined by my colleague, Zoya Teirstein. While it’s often said that disasters can lead to positive change, the reality is that most places don’t change for the better after experiencing a flood or wildfire. However, the Boulder, Colorado suburbs impacted by the Marshall Fire in 2021 are an exception. In the aftermath, young council member Kyle Brown seized the opportunity to push for changes that would protect fire survivors and prevent future wildfires. Through his efforts and the advocacy of groups like Marshall Together, Colorado has become a national leader in fire resilience. This success story highlights how extreme weather events can reshape relationships between people and their government for the better. Join us as we explore more stories like this in upcoming newsletters.
For a deeper dive into the impactful legislation following the Marshall Fire, check out our full story on Kyle Brown’s efforts to drive change in Colorado. And don’t miss these other interesting reads on climate-related news from around the country.
Should Biden do more to address extreme heat? U.S. Representative Rubén Gallego thinks so, and he’s calling on the administration to take more action. Learn more about his concerns.
Wildfires in Oregon are heating up the political climate as a challenger criticizes incumbent Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer for her stance on wildfire funding. Dive into the details.
Florida is facing double trouble as Hurricane Debby hits areas previously impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Read about the storm’s aftermath and its impact on local elections.
Hot weather is taking a toll on voter turnout in Tennessee. Find out how high temperatures are affecting the primary election in Shelby County.
Minnesota governor Tim Walz is making waves in the climate action arena, despite his state being spared from major disasters. Learn more about his green initiatives.
Stay informed and engaged with State of Emergency, and don’t forget to follow us for more updates and stories on how disasters are reshaping our world.
