Food Safety
Vast produce supply chain complicates tracking food safety in the Midwest
Texas Catholic churches unite residents over ICE detention center, water concerns; How one man’s Olympic moment brought new life to Jackson, Miss. rugby
housing
Southern, midsized cities lead population gains between 2024 and 2025
By Tim Henderson (Stateline), Published: May 14, 2026 Large, immigrant-rich cities saw population fall back between mid-2024 and mid-2025 after nation-leading increases the year before. Mid-sized cities led the pack in U.S. Census Bureau estimates to be released May 14. The largest numeric increases
justice
Report: Free prison, jail calls linked to better outcomes
Northampton Co., NC residents win 32‑month pause on data centers; xAI now has 46 gas turbines without air permits in Mississippi; Rent Freeze No Sure Thing in First Vote By Mamdani-Majority Board
North Carolina
First frieght train rolls into Asheville since Helene in 2024
NC lawmakers give initial OK to Medicaid bailout bill; VA voters back redistricting; 298 days: Iranian asylum seeker released after judge rules ICE violated his rights; Georgia’s ACA enrollment plunges, raising concerns for rural hospitals
rural healthcare
Federal Rural Health Funding Could Trigger Service Cuts
Mardi Gras clean-up workers paid late once again; Housing program in Massachusetts helps break generational poverty by promoting self-sufficiency; Clean water was a top issue for McDowell County, WV voters in 2024. They’re still waiting for help.
Education
Mississippi school district is addressing its educator shortage
After a Decade of Missteps, a Texas City Careens Toward a Water-Shortage Catastrophe; Only 13 of the nearly 100 known lynching sites in Virginia have historic markers. A new state program seeks to change that
Federal Government
Lawmakers seeking answers following FAA restrictions in El Paso, Texas region
NOLA group works to improve conditions for Mardi Gras clean-up workers, MS senators call for improved disaster response after winter storm, Tribal court hearing for former Swain, NC sheriff delayed
Federal Immigration Raids in North Carolina
Federal Immigration Raids Occur in N.C.
S.C. Senate's abortion bill fails in a subcommittee meeting
Virginia governor's race
Spanberger to become Virginia’s first woman governor
Many across the country still awaiting SNAP benefits
SNAP lapse
States react to SNAP decision; Parents accuse Bonnabel High (in Jefferson Parish, La.) employees of hitting, humiliating special education student
No progress for poor areas despite years of NC tier system designed to spark growth; Family awaits results of independent autopsy on Delta State student Trey Reed
Tropical Depression Chantal
Chantal Wreaks Havoc in North Carolina
Chantal wreaks havoc in North Carolina while the Texas Hill Country recovers from recent flooding.