By Jill Nolin | Editor
“That constant experience of not being seen as a human being is magnified yet again when people are forced to use the facilities outside because there is no place for them to go. The lack of restroom facilities is just another way that people are just seen as less than human.” — Brad Schweers, executive director of Intown Cares.
In times of need, a clean and safe restroom is a welcome sight. But getting to one in Atlanta can be a challenge, a Georgia State University study finds, and the lack of restrooms exacerbates the challenges of homelessness. Getty Images
HOUSING
By Ross Williams
Whether you’re a big shot wheeler and dealer or just trying to scrape by, everyone needs to make a trip to the restroom every now and then.
But a new study from Georgia State University’s School of Public Health finds that clean restrooms can be hard to come by in Atlanta – more than half of the 262 publicly available restrooms recently visited by researchers for the study were not actually open to the public.
DACA supporters rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court in 2019. (Photo by Robin Bravender/States Newsroom)
GUEST COMMENTARY
By Elsa Sanchez
I came to the United States from Mexico at the age of four, and I have lived in Atlanta, Georgia, for as long as I can remember. Every two years since 2012, I have followed the recommendation of the U.S. government to submit my renewal 120 days before the expiration date. For the last three renewals, they were approved within a week or two, but now it is a very different story.
Security stands outside ICE headquarters while the Congressional Hispanic Caucus rallies on Feb. 3, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)
IMMIGRATION
By Ariana Figueroa
The Department of Homeland Security Tuesday ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to cease vehicle-related enforcement stops, following the deadly shootings of two men in their vehicles, according to multiple media reports.
A DHS spokesperson did not respond directly to States Newsroom’s question about what was characterized in some reports as a new nationwide order.
“We are always evaluating our procedures to keep our officers safe and criminals off our streets,” the spokesperson said. “We will not disclose or discuss law enforcement tactics.”
U.S. Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan, left, and Amy Coney Barrett testify before the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
COURTS
By Jennifer Shutt
Members of Congress from both parties indicated Tuesday they will support additional security funding for the U.S. Supreme Court after two justices testified about a sharp rise in threats.
Associate Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett told lawmakers on the House panel that writes the court’s annual funding bill an increase is needed to ensure around-the-clock security wherever they go and for upgrades to the building.
“Maybe I lack imagination, but I didn’t expect that performing this service was going to put me in the position of explaining to my children what a bulletproof vest was and why I had to wear one,” Barrett said.
The U.S. Capitol on the evening of Sept. 30, 2025. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
CONGRESS
By Amelia Twyman
The U.S. House voted Tuesday to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide in a bipartisan move that pushes the country one step closer to ending the long-contested ritual of semiannual clock changes.
The House passed the measure, called the Sunshine Protection Act, 308-117. Its future in the Senate is uncertain.
Introduced by Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida, the Sunshine Protection Act passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee 48-1 in May and carries strong support from President Donald Trump.
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ICYMI FROM THE RECORDER
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