Environmental Politics

Walkability Index Helps Journalists Highlight Planning Issues

Many local government decisions come down to a key factor: walkability. And that’s not just a question of transportation infrastructure. As the latest Reporter’s Toolbox notes, walkability is also an environmental consideration. To turn that simple truth into stories about the built environment, here’s a high-quality, mappable walkability index. How to use the database smartly, plus questions to ask that will get your reporting started.

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"Fat Bear Week Is Coming. Prepare To Binge On Bear Cams."

"Fat Bear Week, an online vote conducted via a single-elimination bracket, will take place from Sept. 23 to 30, the National Park Service announced Thursday."

Source: Washington Post, 09/08/2025

"Tracing The Brutal Paths Enslaved Took For Freedom In America"

"Leaving their farmhouse hideout at night, a band of wannabe saviors brimming with revolt made their way to a West Virginia hamlet one early October morning. But their plans soon went awry. Instead of seizing a federal weapons cache and inciting a massive resistance, the band wound up captured or killed by the U.S. government."

Source: National Parks Traveler, 09/08/2025

"Trump Wants Mining. Federal Mine Safety Workers Are On The Chopping Block."

"Federal scientists and engineers working to prevent deadly disasters and the spread of disease in miners could soon lose their jobs, even as President Donald Trump moves to supercharge U.S. production of coal and critical minerals."

Source: E&E News, 09/08/2025

"Florida’s Fix For Its Struggling Insurance Market Hurt Homeowners, Data Shows"

"In March 2023, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law meant to curb “frivolous lawsuits” that he said were raising insurance rates for consumers while enriching predatory lawyers and scaring off insurance carriers. But a new analysis suggests the law — which has served as a model for other states — may have benefited insurance companies more than it has protected consumers."

Source: Washington Post, 09/08/2025

"Democratic Lawmakers Demand Interior DOGE Leader’s Financial, Ethics Docs"

"Documents obtained by Public Domain raise ethics questions about former oil executive Tyler Hassen's investments." "A day after two Democratic lawmakers sent a letter seeking Tyler Hassen's financial and ethics documents, Hassen was replaced as Interior's Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget."

Source: Public Domain, 09/08/2025

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