Researchers, patients optimistic in fight against alpha-gal syndrome

A support group and a lab in the St. Louis area provide resources for people with the allergy to mammal products — and evidence that its effects can be reversed.

Rose LaForest, Nine PBS Oct 1, 2026

Water

Far offshore, scientists find fresh evidence of human harm to reefs

The Gulf’s Flower Garden Banks has been viewed as healthy, but a new study shows signs of damage.

Elise Plunk, Louisiana Illuminator Sep 21, 2026

Data Centers

Mississippi River mayors help cities navigate rising data center interest

More than three-quarters of member cities in a Mississippi River coalition have been approached to host AI infrastructure.

Héctor Alejandro Arzate, Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk Sep 17, 2026

Estefanía Pinto Ruiz

Estefanía Pinto Ruiz worked with the Desk as a Report for America corps member from 2024-2026. She previously interned as a culture reporter in Colombia’s most widely read newspaper, EL TIEMPO. She holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Florida and worked as an editor at WUFT News, focusing on their Spanish content. She also mentored students in reporting Latin American news in Spanish. She is a proud Colombian, so she is always looking for Colombian food and hosting a listening club for her favorite podcast, Radio Ambulante, to speak her native language to stay connected to her roots.