housing
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 for the year were in
justice
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
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
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
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
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
S.C. Senate's abortion bill fails in a subcommittee meeting
Virginia governor's race
Many across the country still awaiting SNAP benefits
SNAP lapse
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 while the Texas Hill Country recovers from recent flooding.