“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.
“Judge Dismissed Georgia Election Interference Case against Trump” from The New York Times (November 26, 2025)
“In his 22-page filing, Mr. [Pete] Skandalakis, a career prosecutor who ran for office early in his career as a Democrat but later as a Republican, shredded the case originally brought by Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, taking it apart charge by charge. He asserted that ‘it is not illegal to question or challenge election results.'”
“Measles exposure reported at four Upstate schools” from WYFF-TV (December 2, 2025)
“Health officials also reported Tuesday that there are 14 new cases of measles in the state since Friday, bringing the total number of cases in South Carolina related to the Upstate outbreak to 76 and the total number reported to DPH this year to 79.”
“Florida communities warn lawmakers about property tax cuts” from the Tallahassee Democrat (December 2, 2025)
“Of the bills that passed, HJR 201, which would put a measure on the 2026 general election ballot to eliminate non-school property taxes for homestead properties, would cause the biggest hit to local governments’ coffers and save the most for homeowners who are permanent Florida residents.
“State economists project the measure – if approved by 60% of voters – would cut taxes by $14.1 billion in the 2027–28 budget year, and $18 billion in future years.”
“Tennessee to restrict sugary foods, drinks in SNAP purchases as demand at food bank grows” from Chattanooga’s News Channel 9 (December 12, 2025)
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture has given Tennessee a green light to implement a SNAP food choice waiver that excludes certain unhealthy items from being purchased with food benefits. Tennessee is one of six states with similar waivers, which aim to encourage more nutritious choices among SNAP participants.”
“10 new laws taking effect Jan. 1 in North Carolina” from Axios Raleigh (December 17, 2025)
“The start of 2026 will see some wide-ranging new laws take effect in North Carolina.
“Why it matters: The legislation dips into the culture war over sex and gender, creates new workforce pipelines and seeks to rein in prescription prices.”
“Legislation Taking Effect January 1st” from the Arkansas House of Representatives (December 22, 2025)
“One of the most significant laws taking effect on January 1 is the elimination of the state sales tax on groceries. Because groceries are a recurring expense for every household, removing the state tax provides ongoing relief that can make a real difference in monthly budgets, particularly for working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and those most sensitive to rising food prices. Local sales taxes on groceries will remain in place, but the change represents a major reduction in the overall tax burden on essential items.”
“Louisiana National Guard deploys in New Orleans” from United Press International (December 25, 2025)
“The troops will be tasked with ensuring safety in the French Quarter during New Year’s celebrations and during the Sugar Bowl and Mardi Gras.
“‘We know how to make cities safe, and the National Guard complements cities that are experiencing high crime,’ Landry said during an appearance on The Will Cain Show.
“Lane Kiffin, eat your heart out. Mississippi beats Georgia in CFP with Pete Golding” from USA Today (January 1, 2026)
“Kiffin’s still never won a playoff game. Too bad. Golding’s won two.”
“Homeschooling, religious exemptions on the rise in Virginia: VDOE” from WRIC (ABC-8) (January 4, 2026)
“For the 2024-25 school year, there was a 4.34% increase in at-home instructed students across all grade levels, totaling 56,008. This reflects an increase from 53,680 in the previous school year.
“Religious exemptions also increased by 4.83% over the school year, from 6,444 for the 2023-2024 school year to 6,755 the following school year.”
“New Alabama EBTY card restrictions aim to stop out-of-state fraud” from WAFF-48 (January 16, 2026)
“The Alabama DHR told WAFF 48 criminals across the country were using a variety of methods to steal people’s personal information.”
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