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Dental Hygienist Shortage Exposes Wide Gaps Across the Sun Belt
The Sun Belt’s dental hygienist workforce is growing but unevenly spread. Many counties lack providers, while planned retirements add pressure. These shortages risk limiting…
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Sun Belt
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Community Voice
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Heavy-Equipment Technician Shortage Opens a Career Path Across the Sun Belt
A shortage of heavy-equipment technicians in the Sun Belt is creating career opportunities in construction and farm equipment repair. Apprenticeships and technical training provide…
Migration Wave Reached Beyond Big Cities to Smaller Sun Belt Communities
A recent migration wave is reaching smaller Sun Belt cities such as Knoxville, Tennessee, bringing diverse newcomers and new challenges for schools and housing…
Amazon Pledges $1 Billion for Communities Hosting Data Centers
Amazon announced a $1 billion investment plan for communities hosting its data centers. The initiative will support education, job training, and energy-efficiency projects across…
How Much Does the Sun Belt Borrow From Libraries? The Gap Is Huge
Library borrowing in the Sun Belt varies markedly, with North Carolina approaching national averages and Mississippi near the bottom, while Texas leads in total…
Sun Belt Home Prices Are Flattening. Buyers Still Can’t Afford Them
Home price growth has slowed across the Sun Belt states, but higher mortgage rates and local expenses keep housing affordability low. Georgia’s home prices…
How 4.5 Million Border Migrants Reshaped the Sun Belt’s Population Map
Millions of border migrants settled across the Sun Belt, not just in familiar hubs. Florida leads, but new migration corridors extend to Georgia, Texas,…
Gas Prices Near $4.50 as Sun Belt Drivers Face a Costly Fall
Gas prices have climbed near $4.50 a gallon across the Sun Belt, rising steadily over the past month and adding to household budgets. Diesel…
Hispanic America Has Reached 70 Million, and the Sun Belt Is Helping Redraw the Map
The Hispanic population in the U.S. surpassed 70 million, significantly changing demographics and communities across the Sun Belt, including Georgia and Texas.
Sun Belt Home Prices Are Softening, but Mortgage Rates Are Taking Back the Savings
Home prices are declining in key Sun Belt markets including Tampa and Phoenix, but rising mortgage rates are limiting affordability gains for buyers.
Home Insurance Is at a Record High. Greenville Just Saw the Nation’s Biggest Increase
Home insurance costs in Greenville surged nearly 16%, the top increase nationally, reflecting rising housing expenses even inland. Weather risks and rebuilding costs push…
Barnes & Noble Is Opening Bookstores Again — and the Sun Belt Is Helping Drive the Comeback
Barnes & Noble is opening more stores in fast-growing Sun Belt markets such as Texas and Florida. The chain now emphasizes local control of…