SE (AL AR FL GA KY LA MS NC PR SC TN)

(AL AR FL GA KY LA MS NC PR SC TN)

December 1, 2025

DEADLINE: Freedomways Reporting Fellowship

Press On's fellowship program runs Mar-Oct 2026. Six reporters and storytellers from the U.S. South will receive support from experienced mentors and participate in a virtual program rooted in the principles of movement journalism. $8,000 stipend. Deadline: Dec 1, 2025.

Visibility: 
Topics on the Beat: 

Trump Country Coal Miners With Black Lung Say Government Is Suffocating Them

"Lisa Emery loves to talk about her “boys.” With each word, the respiratory therapist’s face softens and shines with pride. But keep her talking, and it doesn’t take long for that passion to switch to hurt. She knows the names, ages, families and the intimate stories of each one’s scarred lungs. She worries about a whole community of West Virginia coal miners — including a growing number in their 30s and 40s — who come to her for help while getting sicker and sicker from what used to be considered an old-timer’s disease: black lung."

Source: AP, 11/10/2025

How Powerful Alabama Power Kept Bills Up and Opposition Out

"In one of the poorest states in America, the local utility earns massive profits producing dirty energy with almost no pushback from state regulators."

Source: Inside Climate News, 11/04/2025

Citizen Pollution Monitoring Persists In Louisiana, Despite Law That Limits It

"Communities around Louisiana, in a bid to get more information about the environmental and health impacts of industrial pollution, are taking data collection into their own hands — despite a law restricting how their research findings can be used to enforce state regulations. "

Source: Louisiana Illuminator, 11/04/2025

"Melissa Dissipates, Leaves Destruction And At Least 50 Dead In Caribbean"

"Melissa, one of the strongest storms on record to make landfall in the Caribbean, began to dissipate on Friday after sowing devastation across much of Jamaica, cutting off communities in Cuba, drenching Haiti and leaving at least 50 dead."

Source: Reuters, 11/03/2025

2025 David Stolberg Meritorious Service Award Winner: Mark Schleifstein

This annual award recognizes an SEJ member for their exceptional volunteer work. The 2025 Stolberg award goes to Mark Schleifstein (pictured, left), a founding member of the Society of Environmental Journalists and a retired, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate.

Topics on the Beat: 
Visibility: 

Climate Change Made Hurricane Melissa Four Times More Likely: Study

"Fueled by unusually warm waters, Hurricane Melissa this week turned into one of the strongest Atlantic storms ever recorded. Now a new rapid attribution study suggests human-induced climate change made the deadly tropical cyclone four times more likely."

Source: Inside Climate News, 10/31/2025

"Hurricane Melissa Leaves Trail Of Destruction Across Cuba, Haiti And Jamaica"

"Hurricane Melissa left at least dozens dead and caused widespread destruction across Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, where roofless homes, toppled utility poles and water-logged furniture dominated the landscape Wednesday."

Source: AP, 10/30/2025

EPA Pushes Asheboro, N.C., To Control Toxic Discharges Into Drinking Supply

"The EPA wants the city of 28,000 to rein in an industrial solvent, 1,4-Dioxane, from its wastewater discharges. So far, Asheboro has refused."

Source: Inside Climate News, 10/29/2025

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