GRIST

MARCH 5. 2026

The hidden potential of Trump’s critical minerals stockpile

The administration’s rush to secure the components for the military could benefit renewable energy — someday.

Prepping for a disaster? You’ll probably want to pack a little treat.

It’s not just sardines and dried beans. Self-identified preppers are also stashing luxuries like coffee and chocolate.

How electrifying a Bay Area rail system made trains faster, cleaner, and more frequent

A $2.4 billion upgrade to Caltrain is shaving time off trips, boosting ridership, and reducing riders’ exposure to toxic diesel pollution.

MARCH 4. 2026

Arizona’s water is drying up. That’s not stopping the data center rush.

Though tech companies are secretive about water usage, Arizona’s 150-plus data centers and chip factories use a tiny fraction of its supply.

MARCH 3. 2026

Enbridge paid police to protect one pipeline. Now it wants to do it again in Wisconsin.

The Bad River Band is fighting to stop Line 5 and protect its watershed. Meanwhile, local sheriffs are already tallying the cost of riot gear.

After a lawsuit, USDA agrees to share climate risk data with farmers

Now, even if the webpages come down again, the data can remain public.

After a hurricane, extreme heat poses a serious threat to recovery workers

The risk is even higher for crews that travel in from cooler climates.

MARCH 2. 2026

A regional network is racing to save the Midwest’s native seeds

As climate change intensifies wildfires and other extreme weather events, demand for native seeds is surging.

Appalachia’s iconic salamander was slated for federal protection. It’s still in limbo.

As climate change remakes the mountains, the fight to save Appalachia's iconic hellbender salamander is becoming a fight for home.

MARCH 1. 2026

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

In more than half of U. S. states, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would boost adoption of DIY solar systems.

FEBRUARY 28. 2026

FEBRUARY 27. 2026

The culture war is coming for your electricity

Utah Republicans are calling for an energy "divorce" from blue states. A major utility just granted part of their wish.

The Colorado River is nearing collapse. It’s Trump’s problem now.

The Interior Department must force seven bickering states to agree on drastic water cuts — after the driest winter in decades.

FEBRUARY 26. 2026

The beautiful Venetian plant with a secret climate superpower

Not far from the crowds of Venice, sea lavender locks away carbon, builds ecosystems, and could help coastal cities weather a warming world.