South

The U.S. population aged 45-64 declined by 3.2% from 2020 to 2025, with the Northeast experiencing the largest drop at 7.1%. This shrinking demographic, part of Generation X and younger baby boomers, raises concerns about fewer experienced adults to mentor workers and care for aging populations. The decline is attributed to aging, migration, and housing shortages in certain regions.

House prices increased slightly in the past month, with the North outperforming the South in regional growth. The disparity highlights regional differences in housing market performance.

Heat and humidity will end the holiday weekend, followed by storms moving south overnight. Meteorologist Hannah Gard reports the weather changes.

High primary turnout among Black voters in the South has given some in the party hope for upset wins in the region. Resisting Trump has galvanized Black Democrats as the midterms approach.

Andy Burnham, incoming PM, announced plans for a new tax on households in a speech today, vowing to govern from Manchester while declaring war on the South.

The article discusses potential tax increases targeting wealthier individuals in the south under Andy Burnham’s first Budget. It highlights concerns about how these measures might affect better-off Britons.

Following the African Democratic Congress' presidential primary, Atiku Abubakar was selected as the candidate and Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi as his running mate. Atiku is set to be a candidate for the second time in a row.

Andy Burnham is proposing a wealth tax targeting shares and second homes, causing concern among Labour MPs over his left-wing policies affecting the South.

America's under-18 population decreased by 1.8 million from 2020 to 2025, with the South being the only region to see growth, adding 303,969 children, while the West experienced the largest decline of 1,015,068. The South's overall population grew 6%, nearly double the national 3.1%, driven by migration and births, impacting political and economic dynamics for Black and Latino families.

Severe weather, including hail in Minnesota and potential tornadoes in the South, threatened multiple U.S. regions. Thunderstorms and tornado risks were reported on Saturday, with hail impacting the Twin Cities on Friday night. CBS Philadelphia meteorologist Tammie Souza provided updates.

Realtor.com ranked US states based on housing affordability and new-home construction, with Midwest and South states performing best and West/New England states worst. Indiana led due to high income relative to home prices, but faced future affordability risks from low construction. Joel Berner highlighted homebuilding as critical for long-term affordability.

El Niño is forming in the Western Pacific, potentially causing strong storms in Southern California and the South while increasing wildfire risks in the West. The article features an interview with author Kevin Trenberth by Jenni Doering from Living on Earth.

Deadly Tropical Storm Arthur caused severe flooding in the South with '1-in-200-year rainfall,' leading to roads being submerged and families becoming stranded.

Housing starts in May fell to pandemic levels, reaching an annual rate of 1.17 million, an 8.5% drop since May 2025. Builder confidence has declined due to higher material and financing costs, with significant declines in the South and West, while the Northeast and Midwest saw increases. Housing completions also dropped 14.2% from May 2025, and new permits showed mixed results across regions.

Dangerous weather, including tornadoes in the Midwest that caused building damage and toppled trees, and flash floods in the South leading to stranded homes and vehicles, was reported. Jason Allen covered water rescues, and Rob Marciano provided the weather forecast.

May housing starts in the U.S. fell to their lowest level since the pandemic, with an annual rate of 1.17 million, an 8.5% drop from May 2025. Builder confidence has declined due to higher material and financing costs, threatening housing progress and worsening shortages, particularly in the South and West.

A new book by Nicole Carr, 'The Price of Exclusion,' examines how Black physicians established medical facilities in the South a century ago, only to have them dismantled by policy, segregation, and an influential report, with ongoing consequences today.

May housing starts fell to the lowest level since the pandemic, with an annual rate of 1.17 million units, an 8.5% drop from May 2025. Builder confidence declined due to higher material and financing costs, with significant regional declines in the South and West.

U.S. housing starts fell to pandemic levels in May, with an annual rate of 1.17 million units, driven by higher material and financing costs. Regional declines were steepest in the South and West, while the Northeast saw a 19% increase. The drop threatens to worsen housing shortages and slow progress in addressing demand.

Housing starts in May fell to the lowest level since the pandemic, with an annual rate of 1.17 million units, driven by higher material and financing costs. The decline was most severe in the South and West, though the Northeast saw a 19% increase. The drop threatens to worsen housing shortages and disrupt progress in meeting housing demand.

Midwest and South regions lead in housing report card grades, with 12 of the 13 highest-rated states located in these regions. Six states failed the housing report card assessment, and no state received an A+ grade.

A new SmartAsset report named four Tennessee cities—Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, and Knoxville—as part of America’s top 75 'boomtowns' based on housing, labor force, and GDP growth over five years. The report highlights regional trends, with the South and West leading in boomtown growth, and Florida and Texas having the most cities on the list.

The article discusses the South's growing influence on national criminal justice and political issues, highlighting recent efforts to redraw Congressional districts in Southern states to dilute Black voting power following the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais decision. It emphasizes the region's demographic significance and role in shaping national legal and political debates, such as Dobbs v. Jackson and voting rights.

U.S. homebuilder sentiment fell in June 2026 due to soft buyer demand, high mortgage rates, and rising construction costs, with the South experiencing the largest drop. AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are driving higher revenue for retailers, with AI-referred shoppers generating 53% more revenue per visit. The UK announced a ban on social media for users under 16, affecting platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, with tech companies criticizing the enforcement challenges.

Lebanon will intensify efforts to secure a full Israeli withdrawal from its lands and the release of prisoners, as stated by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The government is also working to return displaced residents to their homes in southern Lebanon and advance reconstruction efforts.

Local governments in Tennessee have paused data center development amid resident opposition, with moratoria passed in McMinnville and Coffee County. Residents, including Kai Sage, argue companies target rural areas with cheap land and lax regulations, while data center growth is accelerating nationwide, particularly in the South.

Consumer price inflation rose to 4.2% in May, the highest in three years, driven by energy price spikes linked to the Iran war. Core inflation (excluding food and fuel) was 2.9%, with significant increases in apparel (4.8%) and transportation services (4.1%). The report dampened hopes for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes surged in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.17 million units, the fastest pace since December, despite rising mortgage rates. The National Association of Realtors reported a 3.2% monthly increase and a 3.2% annual rise, with home prices climbing 1.3% year-over-year to $429,300.

Nigeria's President Tinubu faces 15 presidential candidates in an upcoming election, with 13 opponents from the South and 2 from the North. The article highlights the regional distribution of candidates challenging the current president.

IDF struck Beirut’s Dahiyeh following Hezbollah’s rocket fire into northern Israel. Lebanese media reported 2 killed and 11 wounded. The strike was reportedly coordinated with the US, and Netanyahu stated Hezbollah is 'in retreat' amid an IDF offensive in the south.

Median down payments for homebuyers reached their lowest level in four years, dropping 19% year-over-year to $23,400 in Q1 2026. Mortgage rates declined from a year prior, and government-backed loans like FHA and VA accounted for a third of purchase mortgages, easing affordability pressures.

District lines in the South are shifting rapidly, causing voter concern. A recent march in Selma, Alabama, highlighted efforts to advocate for voters' rights, with participants gathering at Tabernacle Baptist Church and concluding at the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Heavy rains threaten floods across the South, putting millions at risk. Strong stationary thunderstorms have already impacted the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex on Memorial Day.

Destructive tornadoes tore through parts of the South overnight, causing thousands to lose power and downing trees. A tornado crushed mobile homes about an hour south of Jackson, Mississippi. The storm system left significant damage in its wake.

Tornadoes and massive hail have caused significant damage across the South and Midwest regions of the United States. The severe weather events are disrupting communities and posing safety risks.

Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz following President Trump's extension of a ceasefire. A historic drought is exacerbating wildfires in the South.

Israel has established a 'yellow line' in the south as tensions remain high under a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, according to Al Jazeera's Zeina Khod.