“In the News” is published quarterly and provides a sampling of stories, articles, or reviews that reference or relate to beliefs, myths, and narratives in Southern culture since 1970.
“People in Mississippi” from the Pew Research Center’s Religious Landscape Study (March 1, 2025)
This report updates the Center’s 2014 data on the same subject with data from 2023 and 2024. Their research shows at the “Religious Composition” among Mississippians is 77% Christian, while the next highest-ranking group was “Nothing in Particular” with 13%. Any other established faith constituted less than 1% of the state’s residents.
“South Carolina prepares for first firing squad execution, ushering return of rare method” from NBC News (March 2, 2025)
“The overhaul of South Carolina’s death chamber was completed three years ago. Now, a team of sharpshooters is practicing its aim for what is poised to be the first firing squad execution in the state’s history on Friday.”
“Tennessee lawmakers clash over gun violence bill in heated Nashville debate” from WTVC-ABC 9 (March 27, 2025)
“‘59% of Tennesseans disapprove the 2021 bill, and we are continuing to live with the ramifications of the decision of a lackadaisical attitude and legislation related to guns and firearms in the hands of people who should not have them,’ Pearson said.”
“Texas Republicans take aim at public transit on two major cities” from The Texas Tribune (April 7, 2025)
“Texas Republicans have long been wary of investing in public transit, given the state’s cultural ties to oil and gas and automobiles — and have long pursued ways to undercut the state’s urban areas. In the case of Project Connect, lawmakers see state intervention, at least in part, as a way to rein in high property taxes.”
“Is marijuana legal in North Carolina? Cherokee? What to know on 420” from the Asheville Citizen Times (April 19, 2025)
“Marijuana is not legal in N.C. It is decriminalized, however, meaning possession of small amounts intended for personal use rather than illegal sales will generally mean punishments of civil or local infractions rather than state crimes.
“Industrial hemp – marijuana with no THC – is legal in NC. Additionally, a popular loophole in hemp legislation has made it possible to get legally stoned. It is illegal to grow cannabis plants with more than a 0.3% concentration of delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC, however, is not mentioned in the legislation.”
“What to do in Southern Living’s most charming ‘itsy-bitsy, teenie-tiny’ Georgia town” from the Athens Banner Herald (April 20, 2025)
“Helen, Georgia, a town with a population of under 600, has been recognized by Southern Living in its list of 15 ‘itsy-bitsy, teenie-tiny towns in the South with so much charm.'”
“How advocating for a statewide system can transform Alabama’s trail system” from Alabama News Center (April 21, 2025)
“Trails enhance the quality of life, attract businesses and promote tourism. In fact, many major employers consider outdoor amenities essential for attracting talent and families. By improving trail connectivity, [the proposed] Sweet Trails Alabama aims to bolster Alabama’s outdoor recreation economy, showcasing the state as a premier destination for residents and visitors alike.”
“Second case of measles confirmed in Kentucky” from Kentucky Today (April 25, 2025)
“Results from the most recent assessment of kindergarten vaccines for the 2024-2025 school year were released today, which show that immunization coverage has dropped to the lowest rates in over seven years for Kentucky kindergarteners. Coverage among kindergartners for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is effective at preventing diseases, including measles, and is legally required for school attendance in Kentucky, has dropped to 86.9 percent, which is lower than the national average of 93 percent. By comparison, MMR rates for Kentucky kindergartners were at 90.0% for the 2023-2024 school year.”
Nobody's Home 