Welcome back to our weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at what’s getting our team talking. Let us know what you think at [email protected].

Seeding change

Since last month’s fires in Los Angeles, we have been thinking more than ever about what it means to rebuild — and replant — after major wildfires. (In fact, we’ve got a story in the works on the subject; stay tuned.) This week, RTBC Executive Editor Will Doig was drawn to Grist’s reporting on what it takes to regrow a community after wildfire.

Will says:

Becoming a fire-resistant neighborhood doesn’t necessarily mean everything needs to turn beige. Grist looks at how Altadena, California might restore its lush, green landscape with less combustible plants.

Taking flight

RTBC has reported on how drones are streamlining emergency medical deliveries, from Rwanda to Sweden. Now, for the first time, England’s National Health Service (NHS) has begun transporting urgent blood samples between London hospitals by drone. According to a story shared by Audience Engagement Manager Sophie Pitt from British newspaper The Times, these drone flights have cut journey times down from 30 minutes to just two minutes. 

Sophie says:

Last week NHS London posted this video of the drones in action. The pilot is said to have had “fantastic success,” making patient care “safer and more productive.”

What else we’re reading

🦭 Are There Plenty of Fish in the Sea? Ask an Elephant Seal — shared by Editorial Director Rebecca Worby from bioGraphic

💼 Politicians who deliberately lie could be forced from office in Wales — shared by Contributing Editor Michaela Haas from the Guardian

🚒 A smoldering coal seam fire in Boulder is finally out, thanks to federal infrastructure dollars — shared by Rebecca Worby from Colorado Public Radio

In other news…

Exciting things are on the way for the other major project of our parent nonprofit, the Arbutus Foundation: Theater of the Mind, an immersive journey created by RTBC founder David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar, is heading to Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. Head to the Goodman’s website to learn more.