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Dear ,
The summer solstice is this weekend, things are heating up and the seasonal reset is kicking in. The Desk is no exception. We are saying farewell to old reporters and welcoming new recruits — such as myself.
My name is Dominique. I am the Desk’s new social media producer, and I am so excited to join such an amazing team of editors, reporters, photographers and other individuals dedicated to covering important environmental topics across the basin.
One such topic being disasters and the ultimate impact on communities. Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee are a few notable states that have been impacted by significant weather events. Desk reporters have been on the ground covering the effect of these storms on communities and looking to the upcoming hurricane season.
These four stories show how states are handling the aftermath, relief and future preparation within the Mississippi River basin.
Mississippi Governor Requests Major Disaster Declaration for Five Counties after May Storms, Tornadoes
By Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press
Gov. Tate Reeves requested a major disaster declaration from the White House to address severe storm damage in Southwestern Mississippi and the Pine Belt after seven tornadoes struck the area between May 6 and 7. If approved by Trump, residents of five counties would be eligible for individual assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA payouts for Tennesseans affected by winter storm surpass $36 million
By Cassandra Stephenson, Tennessee Lookout
Since January’s severe winter storm and President Trump’s individual assistance approval in April, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has obligated over $36 million in disaster assistance to Tennesseans. Twenty-nine affected counties are still eligible to apply for assistance programs.
Mississippi Launches Emergency Loan Program for Municipalities Struggling After Winter Storm Fern
By Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press
Mississippi officials launched the long-awaited Local Government Disaster Recovery Emergency Loan program, which offers temporary assistance to municipalities struggling with weather-related expenses. This comes just a few months after Winter Storm Fern caused widespread damage with ice and freezing rain.
State climatologist: Hurricane season 2026 looks average, but don’t shrug it off
By Elise Plunk, Louisiana Illuminator
While El Niño predictions call for less storm activity, Louisiana’s state climatologist Jay Grymes warns officials and residents to remain vigilant. He says there is rising potential for rapidly intensifying hurricanes and multiple storm impacts in a single season.
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In the coming weeks, we’ll have more coverage on how these communities in the basin are recovering. Thanks for reading!
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