In rural communities, fears amplified by ‘AI slop’ and social media hamper solar boom

By: Delaney Nolan

Outlets: Tennessee Lookout

Published: August 11, 2026

Words: 2,726

Last Updated: 1 week ago

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This story was reported with the help of a grant from Grist.

NEW IBERIA, La. — Into a clear blue sky, the sweet-smelling smoke billows and spreads. Farmers have been burning and harvesting sugarcane this way for generations, but the practice creates ash fallout and hazardous air pollutants. Every year, farmers plan and coordinate the fires, to clear out pests like snakes and clear leaves, leaving behind only the stalks where the sugar …

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