Laura Bliss

Laura Bliss is a prominent journalist and writer based in San Francisco, currently serving as an editor and reporter at Bloomberg News. She specializes in covering cities, science, and the environment, contributing to various platforms including Bloomberg CityLab and the MapLab newsletter, which focuses on the intersection of maps and news.135

Career Highlights

• Bloomberg News: Laura has been instrumental in reporting on urban policy and environmental issues. Her work includes significant stories such as the impact of private equity on water resources and the recovery of Paradise, California, from wildfires. She also reported on the influence of QAnon in local opioid debates, which inspired her podcast "Bedrock, USA"—a finalist for both a Webby Award and an Online Journalism Award.123
• Knight Science Journalism Fellowship: From 2022 to 2023, she was a fellow at MIT, where she explored new scientific interests and engaged in research related to invasive species. This fellowship allowed her to audit classes at MIT and Harvard, enhancing her journalistic perspective.2
• Publications: Laura edited The Quarantine Atlas, a compilation of maps and essays that reflect how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped urban life globally. This project was part of a broader engagement initiative at Bloomberg CityLab.12

Education

Laura graduated from Wesleyan University, where she began her journey into journalism. Despite not following a traditional path into the field, she has built a successful career over nearly a decade in major newsrooms.4

Contributions

Her articles have appeared in respected outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, MIT Technology Review, and others. Laura is recognized for her ability to weave data and maps into compelling narratives that engage readers with complex urban issues.15

Overall, Laura Bliss stands out as a dedicated journalist committed to illuminating critical issues affecting cities and their environments through insightful storytelling and rigorous research.