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Jacob Margolis
What I cover
I cover science, with a focus on environmental stories and disasters, as well as investigations and accountability.
My background
I created, wrote and hosted the LAist Studios podcasts, The Big One: Your Survival Guide and The Big Burn: How To Survive In The Age of Wildfires. I was part of the team that won the 2021 Investigative Reporters and Editors Audio Journalism Award for the series "Hot Days: Heat’s Mounting Death Toll On Workers In The U.S. "Most recently, I’ve published investigations into large scale illegal dumping in L.A. County and previously unreported heavy metal concentrations in fire retardants.
My goals
To uncover how science, policy, and power intersect — so people have the information they need to hold decision-makers accountable and protect their communities.
Best way to reach me
You can reach me by email: jmargolis@laist.com. Or for encrypted communications, I'm on Signal: @jacobmargolis.1.
Stories by Jacob Margolis
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Scientists from USC and Cal Tech have found that a certain enzyme can greatly speed up the process of transforming carbon dioxide into alkaline water.
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The intimidating, swirling Great Red Spot, has captivated observers for ages. Now, we've got the closest images of it ever.
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All it takes is impact with something the size of a pebble to destroy delicate equipment, so Cassini had to protect herself.
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If the budget passes as is, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory will feel some cuts but gain some additional funds for planetary exploration.
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"If you are in the Coachella Valley, Don’t plan on getting to L.A. anytime after the earthquake, unless you have some way of flying."
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In the summer of 2016, the lake's water clarity declined by nearly a quarter. The culprit? Geoff Schladow says it's climate change
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About 750 million miles away from home, after almost 20 years, one of NASA's oldest spacecrafts is approaching a fiery, but fitting end.
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Medical marijuana dispensaries have been barred from unincorporated L.A. County since 2011, but there's no shortage of them.
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The new law cements the city council's power to regulate the marijuana industry, sets up a new tax structure, promises punishment for violators and more.
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L.A. County on Tuesday signaled it would extend a temporary ban on the cultivation, testing and sale of cannabis and called for a renewed crackdown on illegal dispensaries
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The presidential candidates' third and final debate Wednesday left some students saying they plan to skip the top of the ballot.
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Last year, California's fishing industry took a huge hit when a massive toxic algal bloom made its way up the coast. Could it be back?
