SUMMARY: At Biloxi High School, the documentary “Hope in High Water — A People’s Recovery 20 Years After Hurricane Katrina” premiered, highlighting community strength and recovery two decades post-Katrina. Created by journalist Trymaine Lee, it shares stories from individuals and organizations impacted by the storm, including Kimberly Merchant of the Mississippi Center for Justice, which aided survivors by organizing legal support. The event featured performances, panel discussions, and opportunities for attendees to honor helpers and share experiences. Emphasizing resilience, the documentary shifts focus from loss to the enduring spirit and collective healing of Gulf Coast communities after the disaster.

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SUMMARY: Over 180 current and former FEMA employees warned Congress that severe budget cuts and poor management threaten disaster response, risking failures akin to Hurricane Katrina. Their letter, coinciding with Katrina’s 20th anniversary, criticizes policies such as requiring Homeland Security approval for large expenditures, staff cuts, and reassignment of FEMA workers to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Recent leadership upheaval and FEMA’s criticized response to Texas floods highlight the agency’s weakened capacity. The letter urges Congress to establish FEMA as an independent cabinet-level agency, mirroring a bipartisan bill. Many signatories remain anonymous, fearing retaliation amid the administration’s punitive stance on critics.

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SUMMARY: Mississippi State University, in partnership with West Side Funds Inc., has unveiled a master plan for the 15-acre Crossroads District between campus and the Cotton District in Starkville. Anchored by the upcoming 122-room boutique Hotel Madelon, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel opening in summer 2027, the district will feature restaurants, retail, residential spaces, and cultural landmarks including the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library. A pedestrian bridge will improve connectivity, while innovation hubs will foster research and startups. The project aims to create a vibrant, walkable community blending university spirit, local culture, and economic growth, serving students, residents, and visitors alike.

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