Rural Economy

As Congress considers a rural housing bill aimed at expanding access to home loans, a Branson tiny home community is preparing to welcome residents who have struggled to find stable, affordable housing, many of whom have been living in extended-stay motels.

In February, ICE agents detained three people in Milan, a town of about 1,800 people in north-central Missouri. The sudden disappearances of the community members has pushed several households to consider leaving town, which could spell doom for businesses that rely on Hispanic customers.