Cautions while writing non-specialist/lay versions of scientific articles I would like to write engaging summaries/discussions of research papers in my field for non-specialists. These summaries/discussions would be posted on my personal website. The original article, authors, and journal would be transparently and prominently cited.
The objectives are two-fold:
(1) To improve my communication skills, specifically the effective communication of complex ideas.
(2) To develop more traction for my own work in specific and my area of work in general [I am an early career researcher].
Is this an acceptable and encouraged practice? Specifically, are there any cautions I should take to avoid copyright violations or ruffling feathers?
This is certainly acceptable. It is  probably a good way to practice your communication skills.
Unless it is really  well done and turns out to be useful for others
I think it unlikely that it will develop much traction for your own work.
The only downside might be using too much of your time on this instead of that work.
If you carefully cite all the sources you use and don't cut and paste large chunks of words you are   unlikely to ruffle feathers or encounter copyright problems. You should ask before reproducing images.