News & Updates The Desk welcomes new assistant editorial director and data journalist Two new additions to the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk bring expertise in science journalism. Ag & Water Desk Aug 25, 2026
Louisiana Illuminator Whooping cranes are on the cusp of a comeback story. Could a Trump policy change the ending? A program in Louisiana aims to be a model for endangered species preservation as protections for habitats are scaled back. Elise Plunk Louisiana Illuminator Aug 20, 2026
Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk Scientists find smaller ‘dead zone’ in the Gulf than initially expected this summer At approximately 1,332 square miles, the low oxygen area is the second-smallest in four decades of measurement Héctor Alejandro Arzate Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk Aug 13, 2026
The Cedar Rapids Gazette Novice farmers face big challenges making it in today’s ag sector Consolidation in ag, higher input prices, land access issues and other obstacles are making it hard for young farmers to gain a foothold in U.S. agriculture Olivia Cohen, Cassandra Stephenson The Cedar Rapids Gazette Tennessee Lookout Feb 9, 2026
