SpaceX ‘pinky promises’ no bad impacts for Louisiana locals — then forced to backtrack

In a tense meeting, SpaceX managers told locals the massive spaceport won’t affect them at all. Then locals pressed for specifics.

Delaney Nolan, The Lens Oct 13, 2026

Agriculture

Aging farmers and the government want to save farms, but for many the cost is too high

A federal program promises to pay for farmland preservation. Few landowners are taking advantage.

Jana Rose Schleis, KBIA Oct 8, 2026

Community

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

Illan Ireland

Illan Ireland joined the Desk in 2024 as a Report for America corps member. Before joining the Mississippi Free Press, he completed a fellowship at The Futuro Media Group in New York City, taking on projects related to public health, climate change and housing insecurity. Working with Futuro’s investigative unit, he helped uncover significant disparities in mortgage outcomes between white and Latino homebuyers in New Jersey. Ireland holds a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and a master’s degree from the Columbia Journalism School. He’s a native Spanish speaker and proud Mexican American.