>> I have also heard it used as a blessing, but much more rarely, usually with the addition of 'little', as in 'bless your little heart'. <<

Ah! That is true. "Little" is often a marker for sympathy or approval.

>> I do know that it is used as a condemnation in Texas, as well. <<

Useful to know, thanks.

>> I feel confidant in saying that, used in this context, most of the newspaper's readership would understand that it is not a blessing. I'm going to edit my notes. <<

I agree, anyone familiar with Southern dialect should be able to parse that as a textual slap upside the head.

>> But it is an interesting phrase, because it can be a blessing and condemnation at the same time, <<

Yep.

>> saying that it would take some kind of miracle for them to become better people. <<

Someone once asked about redeeming Haboob. I said it would take a miracle.

And then realized I had someone in that part of the world who listens to God, so if the prompt comes up, I'm covered.