Journalism & Media

EPA Enforcement Falls to Record Low Under Trump 2.0

The enforcement of environmental laws suffered a dramatic collapse during the Trump administration’s first year, several studies have found. Even the most serious violations, typically referred to the Department of Justice, are left unpursued because of DOJ staffing declines. The latest Backgrounder has the details, a look at the administration’s rationale for the decline and the implications for the environment and public health.

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"Groups Sue Over Trump Effort To ‘Erase’ History, Science In National Parks"

"A coalition of scientific, preservation and historical groups on Tuesday sued the Trump administration, arguing that the removal of information about civil rights, climate change and other topics at multiple national parks amounts to illegal censorship."

Source: Washington Post, 02/18/2026

"'We Will Not Be Erased': Stonewall Pride Flag Raised In Defiance"

"In defiance of a Trump administration edict, New York City officials and activists have raised the rainbow pride flag again at the Stonewall National Monument, the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, after it was removed by the National Park Service."

Source: USA TODAY, 02/17/2026

Beyond the Fires and Floods — Comprehensively Covering Disasters

Reporting on extreme-weather disasters is complicated, challenging work. Besides covering immediate impacts, there’s the broader context to consider, from climate change to social and political dynamics — all while looking out for your personal safety and well-being. Environmental journalist Colleen Hagerty draws on her own and others’ front-line experiences as she shares insights and advice for telling these high-stakes stories.

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Is Disaster Aid Backlog Becoming a (Blue State) Disaster?

A critical logjam is emerging for post-disaster aid to U.S. states, $11 billion or more, according to some calculations. At the same time, FEMA, which dispenses much of it, is in the Trump administration’s crosshairs. TipSheet explores how this looks on the ground and how politics play into the backlog, plus offers 10 story ideas and resources for local reporting.

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"RFK Jr. Pledged More Transparency. Here’s What The Public Doesn’t Know Anymore"

"A year ago, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he wanted to rebuild trust in federal health agencies, and vowed to employ “radical transparency” to do it. But many types of health information that steadily flowed from the government for years or decades has been delayed, deleted and in some cases stopped all together."

Source: AP, 02/13/2026

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