Olivia Cohen covers environmental issues and will be a watchdog for Iowa’s agricultural empire. Before joining Report for America, Cohen has also reported for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Chicago Sun-Times and Gateway Journalism Review, while serving as editor-in-chief of her school newspaper, the Columbia Chronicle. Olivia holds a degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago. She has received awards from the Illinois College Press Association, the Chicago Journalists Association and the College Media Association.
Beat: Energy and environment
Cedar Rapids is no stranger to natural disasters. In 2008, a flood put the city underwater. In 2020, a derecho stripped three-fourths of the city’s tree canopy. This reporter will cover environmental issues like water quality, biodiversity loss and climate change. They provide coverage on energy in a state that leads in wind generation. And will be a watchdog for Iowa’s agricultural empire, dominated by corn, soy, hogs and eggs.